Welll... this took me too long to finish, that's for sure. But for some reason I had no inspiration on how to finish it anymore, And it didn't help that I wasn't as comfortable with the characters back then as I am now, having written them longer. So I kinda forgot about the story and just let it be. But I read through it again a few weeks ago, and suddenly I had inspiration to finish it again! So don't worry for the ones that had followed this story, I will finish this sooner or later (And I hope sooner) but for now, please enjoy the chapter!

November 11th, 2011. 8:26

"We can go anywhere you like. Bats granted me access to the zeta tubes, and I know they just installed a few more around Europe and Asia. It's your choice" Iris whispers, rubbing Wally's back in a comforting matter. Wally looks up slowly, green eyes meeting green eyes.

"No thanks, I'm good" He mutters, running a hand over his face.

"Wally" Iris whispered softly, cupping his chin to force him to look at her again. "It's your birthday, you can't just.. turn away from everyone. You already turned down going to the cave, you turned down Dick's invitation, please don't shut me out too" She plead but Wally growled low in his throat, standing up.

He looked helpless, staring at his aunt with furious yet lost eyes. "Please don't make me… not today." He grinds out, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

"Wally, I know what you're going through" Iris tries again, but that only seemed to anger Wally even more.

"No you don't!" He screamed, crying out and tears started leaking from his eyes. "You don't know what it's like aunt Iris!" He continued before suddenly reeling back, eyes widening. Iris didn't dare to say anything as Wally slowly started to vibrate on the spot out of fear, trembling as he took a step backwards.

Carefully Iris stood up as well, pushing away the words that lingered in her ears. You don't know what it's like. She did, she truly did. And at the same time she didn't, her nephew, her son, took the hardest hit when Barry died. They both lost someone dear to them, a husband and a father.

But Wally lost one of the two people who rescued him from an abusive household, Wally lost his mentor, and his childhood when he realised he had to take over the mantle of the Flash. He lost the team, gained a league of adults, more problems and criticism that he could handle.

And more fame than Barry or Jay had ever gotten in their lives. But he wasn't famous, he was infamous right now.

"I'm sorry" Wally whispered, taking another step backwards until his back his the wall, and he slid down, hiding his face in his hands.

"Don't apologize Wally, I get it" Iris says, sitting down next to her nephew. Wally looks at her, tears streaming down his face and his eyes red.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you, I know you .. lost someone as well" He says and Iris nods with a sad smile on her face, reaching out and brushing the tears on Wally's face away with her thumbs. Wally looked slightly startled at the action but allows his aunt to do so, trusting her no matter what.

"I know Barry's death hit you harder, and I shouldn't have pressured you on your birthday. Especially since this was your day" Iris spoke softly but Wally shook his head roughly. It was true, his birthday had always been his and Barry's day, as Barry and him had always visited a country of choice.

Just him and Barry, two speedsters travelling to a country instead of travelling through it for once. As a way to show Wally that having a father-figure in his life wasn't that bad, that Rudy wasn't an example, or the norm.

"No I'm glad you did. Mom never cared for my birthday like you.. it reminds me.." He didn't finish the sentence but Iris understood nevertheless, carefully wrapping her arms around her nephew. Wally silently cried in Iris' shoulder, the two holding onto each other as if they would physically break if they didn't.

Both mourning the death of Barry.

YJ

November 11th, 2011. 16:45

"You weren't invited Wally" Batman spoke with a stern voice but Wally glared behind his cowl, sitting down on the chair.

"It's Flash" He shot back but contained his anger as he knew Batman's only reason for trying to send him away was to protect him. Bruce has had a soft spot for the younger speedster ever since he was introduced, and that only grew immensely after enduring torture to protect Dick's identity 4 years ago now.

But Wally wasn't going to let Batman send him away from a meeting because of that. Like hell he would. It was a meeting with the founding members of the Justice League, and that included Flash. Even if it was a copy.

"Wa- Flash.." Diana spoke with a low voice, reaching out for him. Wally didn't have the heart to pull away from her. "What Bruce is trying to say is that you don't need to be here"

"But the Flash does" Wally shoots back, reeling back almost immediately at the hurt expression that crosses Diana's features and he looks down in shame before looking away completely. He could feel all the other founding members look at him with worry but he didn't dare to look up again, scowling slightly.

The suit he was wearing suddenly felt too small, too restricting. He glanced down at the suit, swallowing thickly. The red felt wrong, he wanted to see the yellow again, wanted to have his hair out in the open again. But most importantly, more important than the other suit, he wanted to have Barry next to him.

"Let's start Bruce" Ollie interrupted softly, and Wally looks up for a moment but Ollie didn't look at him, only focused on Batman. He wasn't treating him any differently right now, and he was glad for that. But Wally also knew that it was because of Roy, Ollie had already been through something similar.

A former partner stubbornly trying to fit in with the big league.

"Green Lantern has informed us that the planet Dominion has not stopped expanding their army, Thanar is requesting our help" Martian Manhunter spoke in a stern voice. "To uphold our alliance with Thanar and allied planets, it is important that we give into this request and aid Thanar"

Wally frowned slightly, knowing about the numerous planets the justice league was either at war with, or allies with. Thanar was one of the planets that Superman had allied Earth with as a shield from Dominion, an enemy of earth. Thanar had once deflected an attack from Dominion on earth once.

And right now it was obvious that Thanar expected the help of Earth, the Justice League, this time.

"I agree, but we should not let our world go unprotected" Diana spoke up and Batman nods, looking at Wally instead.

"Flash will stay on earth, including others, newer members of the league. Thanar will expect us to show up" Us to show up. Us.

Wally glared slightly at the implication, us, not him. Off-worlds, they knew about Flash's death, so they wouldn't expect Flash to show up in the first place. But politics on Thanar was all about representation. They would rather have a Superman without powers than have 10 unknown heroes who would be more effective than Superman.

"And if earth is attacked?" Ollie asks, and Wally turns away with a scowl at the concerned gaze Ollie was giving him.

"Highly unlikely, Thanar holds more value to them because of resources" Aquaman counters but Wally shakes his head.

"Not necessarily, having earth as their possession they will have Thanar surrounded.." Wally spoke up, causing everyone to look at him. "It's why Germany wanted to conquer France before Russia could attack them during the first world war, they knew they could not fight a war on two fronts"

"And they lost when they couldn't conquer France within 6 weeks" Ollie interrupted and Wally nods, a small smile on his face when all the other members seemed to consider what Wally just said. They really seemed to listen to him.

"The forces of Dominion are not big enough to pose a war at two fronts at the same time. If anything, they will try to attack Thanar first before turning to earth" Superman spoke up, a look of determination on his face. He, along with every member of the league and the team, wanted to avoid a war at all costs.

But it did ran a bit deeper with Superman, as he too was an alien and had helped Thanar rebuild and establish themselves years ago. He held a personal relationship with the population, and was hell bent on helping the planet out. Not just because Thanar had helped Earth, but also because of that personal relationship.

"I agree with Superman, we should focus on Thanar first" Wonder Woman spoke.

"I don't know Diana, Wally does have a point" Ollie still tries but it was less convinced than last time.

"Perhaps we should take a vote on this?" Martian Manhunter spoke up, earning 6 nods from the other members in the room. "Anyone in favour of focusing on Thanar?" Eventually, everyone but Wally had put up his hand, more out of defeat than resistance. He already knew that it was pointless to raise his hand or not.

Even Ollie had raised his hand, but it wasn't like Wally could and did actually blame him.

"Then it is decided, we will all, except Flash, go to Thanar. Green Lantern will meet us there. Doctor Fate and Captain Marvel will stay in the watchtower, Black Canary and Red Tornado will as always watch the team"

Wally could, again, feel the eyes on him. The team, his old team in other words. But he purposely didn't look at them, only focused on the spot just in front of Batman where his hands rested, not meeting anyone's eye. He didn't want to be reminded of his old team, didn't need the stares.

He decided to leave them after all, to take over the mantle of his uncle when he died.

But most importantly, he had decided to abandon them and shut them out because of him having to carry that burden.

He couldn't stand being around them anymore, it only reminded them what and who he had lost.

YJ

November 12th, 2011. 8:16

"Be safe out there" Wally said and Ollie, now dressed in his Green Arrow outfit, chuckles at the sentence.

"Roy said the exact same thing, and I will kiddo" He told the speedster, who in turn frowned slightly but didn't comment on it, merely nodding before taking a few steps backwards. All 6 founding members, excluding the Flash and GL of course, were standing on the transportation platform, ready to beam them to Thanar.

Wally caught Batman's gaze for a moment, before the heroes disappeared, leaving him alone with only Black Canary.

"How are they?" Wally asks after a tense few seconds, and he can see Black Canary look at him through the corner of his eyes.

"You are still allowed to see them Wally" Black Canary spoke but Wally shook his head, taking a deep breath. He didn't want to blow up on Dinah, he really didn't, but he just felt so on edge lately, and he felt like snapping, at someone, for anything. It didn't really matter what they'd do.

But he didn't want it, especially not at Black Canary.

"That wasn't the question" He mutters, looking down before finally raising his gaze and focusing on Dinah. Her face was soft and filled with sorrow and pity.

"They're okay, missing you" Dinah spoke and Wally scowls slightly, knowing what Dinah was hinting at. "Wally, you should visit again, Dick will especially appreciate it. All of them would, especially before their mission"

"Mission?" Wally asks, ignoring the rest of Dinah's request. He knew that the team missed him, and it made him feel good and bad at the same time. Good because it meant the team cared, but bad because he had abandoned them. And he knew Dick was missing him the most, they were best friends after all.

Brothers almost.

"Batman sent them on a mission in Australia, he has reason to believe a new criminal operation is building and he is sending the team to investigate it." Dinah explains. "They're leaving this night so if you still want to visit them." Dinah stopped the sentence, but the implication was all too clear.

"I will think about it" Wally says, the venomous tone in his voice gone. But he didn't stay to wait for Dinah's answer, turning around and speeding out of the room, out of the watchtower and running straight home.

He didn't have any school today, figuring it was Saturday, so it was the perfect opportunity to finish his homework and the assignments he had slacked off with lately. And finish that before going on patrol in the evening.

"So no goodbye kiss?" A new voice suddenly entered Wally's room, and he immediately whipped his head around, looking at the window with wide eyes.

"Dick?" He asks, frowning in confusion as the boy swiftly climbed through the window and landing in his room. He was wearing his casual clothing, and had already taken off his shades before Wally could even question them.

"Canary told you, and you didn't come to the cave?" He asks, a hint of hurt in his voice and Wally winces.

"I'm busy" He said, gesturing to the homework he was still working on. But Dick frowns, shaking his head.

"Avoiding us is more like it" He said, sitting down on his bed in a cross-legged position.

"Don't do this again Dick, not today" Wally mutters, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"When Wally? You never want to talk, you've been avoiding us ever since.. it happened" Dick shouts, stopping short at the last sentence, Wally wincing. "This isn't healthy Wally, you're shutting us out, you haven't been visiting the cave ever since the accident with the school-"

"No need to remind me" Wally snaps bitterly, whirling around angrily and glaring at his friend, who happily glared right back just to prove a point.

"That wasn't your fault Wally"

"But it was!" Wally snaps, throwing his hands in the air. "I could've saved them… Barry could've saved them, he was faster than I ever was. I could've saved them if I was faster." The last sentence was muttered, Wally hanging his head as a sign of defeat.

"Would you have blamed me for not saving them?" Dick asks softly but Wally shakes his head with a frown.

"Don't finish that thought Dick, I know where you're going with that. I'm supposed to be the fastest kid alive, I should've saved them. If I'm not fast enough, am I even allowed to call myself a hero? The Flash?"

"Maybe not" Dick muttered, looking up. "Not if you continue associating The Flash with Barry, you're your own Flash Wally, not Barry's" He spoke but Wally frowned, throat closing up slightly.

"You're not making any sense" Wally states and Dick shrugs slightly with a smirk.

"I always thought I'd be Batman in the future, carry on his legacy just like you do. But ever since the failsafe disaster.. I realised that I don't want to be the Batman" Dick spoke. "If Bruce would ever.. y'know, I wouldn't be his Batman, I would make my own Batman."

"No offense dude, but Batman doesn't cackle" Wally spoke up and Dick snickered, shrugging again as if he wanted Wally to try to stop him once he became Batman, but both Wally and Dick prayed that didn't happen any time soon. "Either way, I can't do that, I can't just.. change who the Flash is"

"And why not?" Dick challenges him but Wally frowned once again.

"Because the Flash is supposed to be fast. That's like having an Aquaman that can't swim, or a Black Canary that has no Canary Cry. You may as well pick another name" Wally said angrily.

"Please don't pick another name, you're not really creative" Dick tried to joke, an obvious nod to Kid Flash, but Wally didn't laugh, averting his head and shaking lightly.

"They hate me Dick, they want Barry back" Wally whispers, burying his face in his face. Immediately Dick's face falls, jumping up and walking over to Wally.

"Walls that's not true" He whispers back but Wally shakes his head, not looking at the ebony boy.

"They do! They said so on the news, Facebook, Youtube comments-"

"Stop Wally" Dick frowns. "Don't read those, don't listen to them" He orders, placing his hands on either shoulder.

"They hate me" Wally mutters again. "They want.. I want him back Dick, I miss him" He whimpers, finally looking up. His green eyes were tinted red, tears streaming down his face. Immediately Dick leaned forwards, wrapping his arms around the young speedster and tightening his hold.

Wally tensed for a moment before he buried his face in Dick's shoulder, crying his heart out.

YJ

November 12th, 2011. 20:26

"You better be safe" Wally spoke with a frown as he placed Dick on the ground, steadying the boy as he tried to regain his senses after being carried by the speedster.

"Aren't I always" Dick grinned weakly, coughing a few times before straightening up. "You sure you're not coming to the cave?" Dick asks, a hopeful expression on his face but Wally shakes his head.

"Sorry, but I gotto go on patrol" He speaks up and Dick frowns slightly, walking over to the booth but not yet opening it.

"Next time, think of a better excuse, or just tell the truth" He mutters, stepping into the booth. "Be safe out there and stay whelmed"

"You too" Wally mutters, a bit shocked at Dick's reaction. "Tell the team I said hi" Dick nods at that, before activating the booth and transporting to the cave. Wally sighs, suddenly feeling very vulnerable at his spot. He shook his head, turning around before speeding off and heading towards the city centre.

Wally's red figure blurred through the streets, too fast for any human to see him. But it was enough to let them know that the Flash was still out there. They had no idea Barry had died, but they knew he had been replaced. It was pretty obvious to the public that Kid Flash had taken over the mantle.

As Kid Flash had vanished the moment a new Flash showed up, a different and much slower Flash.

Who couldn't save the kids at that school.

If you liked the chapter, please lett me know with a review! :D It would mean the world to me.