Disclaimer: I do not own 'Young Justice'

'Wonderstruck'

Chapter Three: Part I

by Songsix

.*.*. One Year Ago .*.*.

After one year and exactly forty-eight physicals, Batman and Flash had come to a conclusion that they knew would grow to be something of a problem in the future. The tests he had to undergo showed clear signs of something Barry had not developed himself getting his powers as a full grown adult. His levels of cortisol was steadily growing. The efficiency of his body metabolizing glucose accelerated at unhealthy rates. While other people didn't produce enough Carnitine palmitoyltransferase, he was making too much. His body was deteriorating each time he engaged his powers. In latent terms:

He was sick with a disease.

But that was something he wouldn't have to worry about for awhile. Now, he had other problems to deal with. Wally had always known there would be more issues with his own body due to the imbalance of hormones as he was going through puberty and getting super powers. He was more concerned with how as of late his parents have started to suspect something queer happening, literally. He was sure they did, I mean, why else would they insist he quit the Flash fan club and go to Youth Group…five times a week. Then there was that embarrassing mess with Linda. He still liked girls, don't get him wrong, but he realized quickly he only ever wanted to be just friends. Of course, his mother would have 'none of that nonsense' and forced them onto an awkward double date with Chunk and Tina. This happened shortly after Wally and Tina had just broken up, because his mother forced them into a relationship, once again. To get Mary off his back, Wally ended up dating a girl he'd known for years, but recently it ended…and in disaster. Then, to make matters worse, he could never go anywhere without telling them where he was at all times, which was difficult being a superhero. Sometimes there were details they couldn't know, but it didn't matter to them if either twin city were to burn to the ground or if the Mayor was kidnapped. If they didn't know where he was going, he was not moving an inch according to his dad. Needless to say:

He was sick of his parents.

The worst part of it all was that he still couldn't shake those thoughts from his head. Every time he closed his eyes, he could still see it clear in his mind: That confidence stance, that cocky smirk, bright blue shining with fearlessness. It felt so real he was still holding his breath wondering how that boy could do something so brave. He wanted to forget, he wanted to move on. However, he couldn't. He knew it was weird that he would feel this way; nonetheless, about a boy, but everything he knew about risking life and limb for the thrill came from the ideas ignited in him by that boy. Barry would always be his hero, and everything he wanted to be, and was the one who inspired him to be a hero. Nonetheless, that boy inspired him to not be scared of anything, and to go through life like a nonstop adventure. If it weren't any more obvious:

He was sick in love.

At least, he thought he could be. He couldn't be too sure. He knew he was too young to understand 'feelings'. Quite frankly, most days he really didn't care about things like relationships or dating. But it was an idea that was forever etched into the back of his mind; and it continuously inched its way into his thoughts, his dreams, and his everyday life. If only he could he would just shut it all away into the darkest corner of his mind, but how could he when his best friend was driving him nuts? Reminding him he liked boys. Reminding him of that boy. The poor kid probably had no idea of what he was doing to him, but Wally could only take on so much when that guy had to keep smiling at him that way almost as if he just knew what he was doing. Then again, it was like what the kid always said: Batman and Robin always knew everything.

Who could have thought that after exactly three months and twelve physicals, they would become bros? Who could have seen that after six months and twenty-four appointments, they would be best friends? Who could have guessed after one year and forty-eight visits to Gotham, Wally would start to have mixed feelings about Robin?

It was hard not to, and he really didn't want to. The guy was a guy for goodness' sake, and he was still trying to fight the feelings he had for that boy so his parents could finally stop worrying. He wanted to feel normal and like only girls again, yet here Robin had to come out of nowhere and make his heart race faster than he could run. He wasn't sure when it started, if he had to be honest it was probably after their first run-in together. There was something comfortable and simply magical about being around him, he couldn't deny it. Plus, it didn't matter if he could just accept his attraction. Just because he liked Robin, it didn't mean that the other boy would ever like–

Wally shook his head, taking in quick breaths trying to calm himself. He forced his focus to go onto the road in front of him, while adjusting the goggles around his head. He and Barry were on their way to the nearest zeta beam in Keystone, and they had to get there soon before they were late. They already spent an extra hour training and patrolling, so he was already getting tired trying to keep up with Flash. But it was already enough he could only break the sound barrier. No way was he was going to make the man take a pit stop for him to stop and eat a candy bar, even if Barry told him he should if he had to. He didn't care what it did to his health.

"Why does Aquaman need a sidekick? To protect the coral reefs of Australia? Isn't that what toxins from sea urchins are for?" He joked in between breaths, as they made their way to meet this sidekick in subject.

Flash shook his head, chuckling in amusement, "There's danger everywhere Kiddo."

"This is such a lame trip. We're acting as chaperones all day for just some guy who wants to be 'a part of our world'? Ariel was fine on her own." Kid Flash moaned on, still concentrated on the concrete and asphalt in front of them. There was a hint of spite in his voice, something Barry did not fail to miss.

"Aqualad is unfamiliar with the land; it's good for him to have friends." Flash grinned in response to his partner's 'witty humor'.

"You mean other than Flounder and Sebastian?"

"Behave. Besides, last time we had a 'lame' outing you ended up making a good friend." Flash pointed out, earning a glare from the young teen.

"Not til after he stopped being a brat later." Kid Flash muttered, glaring into the path before them.

"And you stopped being stubborn," Flash added in, "Kaldur'ahm is a good kid."

Kid Flash scoffed, "Doesn't make him all that great."

"He's been a hero just as long as you have; he just does most of his crime-fighting in the sea." The other speedster continued, but all it did was make the teen glare even harder while clenching his fists. Sometimes –more like most times actually–Wally could be so transparent with his feelings. The boy needed to learn how to develop some sort of poker face.

"Tch, still don't care."

Flash sighed, shaking his head at the young teen's immaturity, "are you still making a fit over the fact he and Robin already know each other?" He asked, as he came to a stop digging his heels into the ground. The sand and mud around his feet splattered around him, small specks flying into the giant body of water. The same body of water Kid Flash almost fell into as he slipped and slid around the goopy texture, distracted by his Uncle's accusation. He waved his arms in a flurry trying to regain his balance. If this had been a year ago he would have been soaked and filthy by now. He's been getting good practice in with better breaking.

When he finally got a good footing in the sand, Kid Flash threw his arms behind his head trying to catch his breath. By spreading his arms above his head, he could expand his lungs allowing more oxygen to pass through. It wasn't something he learned in gym class though – Robin taught him. "How could Rob not tell me? He's my best friend!" Wally complained in between huffs and puffs. His face had flourished into a bright pink. When he first started, Wally's face used to look like a giant tomato. Now that's he's gotten used to running the color has died down. That's why Barry couldn't tell if the kid was just tired, or if he was turning pink for other obvious reasons.

"You know what bud? If I didn't know any better I'd say you were jealous." His money was on the latter.

Kid Flash froze for the slightest second, and if you looked away you would have missed it: the twitch in his brow, the firm line of his mouth, the bob of his Adam's apple, and, of course, the fact his face went a hundred shades darker at the suggestion. Before Barry could even react, he turned his face away towards the water refusing to make eye contact. "Whatever."

Before he had the chance to yell at his uncle for being so nosy, a black gloved hand spun him around to face a giant set of white teeth in a huge grin. "KF! You made it Dude." Robin greeted, with his fist out. Wally swung out his arm, pressing curled fingers against the pre-teen's hand.

"Wouldn't miss it."

"Not what you were saying on the run over here." Flash not so discreetly whispered aloud, completely amused. Wally growled under his breath resisting the urge to back sass the older speedster.

"What does he mean by that?" Robin questioned, rubbing his chin with one raised eyebrow.

"M.Y.O.B." Kid Flash dismissed, annoying the other boy by walking away. Wally didn't need the kid to be asking too many questions or knowing anything. He actually had no clue why his Uncle Barry would insist on making things so awkward for him. It was actions like that that made him believe there was a possibility he knew, but how could he? Wally just got out of a relationship, and with a girl! Then again, Barry was in forensic science. But what does that say about the Boy Wonder with the world's greatest detective as his mentor? Did he suspect anything?

"I work with the Batman if you haven't forgotten, everything is our business." Robin reminded him.

"You sound like a gossip columnist." Kid Flash bit back, but he didn't mean for it to come out that way. He's just been…frustrated.

Robin's mouth went into a firm line, he was worried. "And you sound defensive. What's up Dude?" He asked, but Kid Flash wouldn't meet eyes with him. Instead, he just placed his hands on his hips and looked out to the water waiting for their guests as if he didn't have anything on his mind.

"Nothing." But that was a lie.

Robin rubbed his chin once more, before shrugging his shoulders and giving up, "alright."

Kid Flash was flabbergasted, "What? You're just gonna accept that?" he exasperated, insulted by the young boy's lack of curiosity.

"If you say it's nothing than it's nothing unless it's actually something than you say something than it wouldn't be nothing." Kid Flash was gaping at this point.

"…Dude."

"What?"

"Guys, look sharp. The King has arrived." Flash told them, bringing them back to the world, "Both of you better behave; I don't need Batman locking me in a freezer."

"Again?"

"Yes Robin…again."

"He locked you in a freezer?" Kid Flash gasped, hugging his body at the mere thought. Note to self, never ever challenge The Batman, "where is this zeta beam coming in from anyways?" He wondered, looking out to the water still, while Flash, oddly, had his back to the body.

Flash smirked at this question, "the portal potty."

"Doesn't he mean port-a-potty?" Kid Flash whispered to Robin, nudging him in the shoulder. After he got over the shock of royalty arriving in a not so…sanitized entrance.

"Nope." Was Robin's only response.

The plastic portal shook as a beam of white light outlined the entrance of the door. An electronic voice of recognition signaled their arrival as their bodies materialized on the other side of the door. Kid Flash couldn't help but giggle at the scene before him. Sometimes superheroes had the wackiest and puniest ideas ever…

As soon as the door of the port-a-potty swung open, the king stepped out, and Flash ran up to him eagerly shaking his hand, "Aquaman, is it good to see you or what?" Behind him with his hands behind his back standing high and properly, was a teenager that appeared to be a bit older than Wally. He had dark skin, short blonde hair, and icy green eyes. This surely must have been Aquaman's sidekick.

"I am happy to see you as well Flash." Arthur greeted, smiling charmingly, "ah, Robin, you have not changed since I last saw you." He noted, patting the boy on the head emphasizing the fact he was still as short as he was the last time they saw each other. Robin did his best not to comment on the fact the man still hadn't shaved that 'gross hairy beard' of his.

"Probably 'cause the kid hasn't hit puber–OW!" Robin rammed his elbow into Wally's rib cage before he could even finish, sending sharp shooting pain and tickles up his body. He hated when the Boy Wonder did that.

"Kid Flash! I can already tell you are just like your own mentor." Arthur laughed heartily.

Flash narrowed his eyes at the King crossing his arms in a huff, "what's that supposed to mean?"

Kid Flash crossed his arms glaring at his uncle, "what's that supposed to mean?"

Instead of answering, Aquaman signaled to his partner to step forward and present himself. There was an instant air of seriousness emitting from him, but at the same time, Wally could sense some sort of friendly openness from him. "Aqualad, this is Kid Flash. You already know Robin and Flash of course." Arthur introduced, earning a twitch to Wally's eye at the mention of Robin and Aqualad already have met prior.

"It is a pleasure to meet you. My friends normally call me Kaldur." The older teen bowed his head in politeness.

Just as Wally was about to introduce himself, he couldn't help but notice the markings wrapped around his arms. "Are those tattoos? Awesome!" Kid Flash exclaimed with excitement poking at the other teen's arms. Kaldur smiled awkwardly as the speedster entered his space bubble. Yep, he was most definitely the Flash's sidekick.

"Don't get too excited, they're for the mystical arts." Flash explained with folded arms and a worried expression. He knew where Wally was going to go with this…

"But even you said you got one as a teenager." Kid Flash whined, green eyes begging.

Flash shook his head. Ever since the teen found out about his more 'reckless teenage years' he's been begging to get his own tattoo. Mary and Rudolph weren't too happy with Barry after that, and now it's his duty to dissuade the boy not to do anything stupid, "Kid, don't put me in a position where both your parents and your Aunt have rights to kill me." Flash pleaded in a groan.

"Flash is correct. I utilize these markings in order to generate electricity." Kaldur explained, whipping out the water bearers from behind his back. Receiving a nod of approval from his king, he began to demonstrate by digging them into the ground and sending an electric shock into the dirt; so that Kid Flash may see without anyone getting hurt.

Kid Flash whooped at the sight, clearly impressed, "what else can you do?"

Aqualad scratched the back of his neck bashfully. "I have the ability to manipulate water for when the situations calls for it – hydrokinesis."

"Dude! That's like, totally one of the coolest things I've ever heard. You're like that Avatar." Kid Flash praised, swinging arm around Kaldur's shoulders and bouncing in his spot. He had only been in the superhero business for about a year, so he hasn't been exposed to too many types of superpowers. Something like water manipulation intrigued him even more than Superman being able to knock a building down with one punch. Probably only because he was still butt hurt over the fact Superman was still faster than any superhero. But maybe someday he'll luck out, be even faster than Barry, and become the fastest man alive?...Nah!

"Except that's just a cartoon." Robin chimed in, smirking and almost shoving himself between the other two boys.

"I assume Aqualad is in good hands?" Arthur asked, watching the three teenagers interact from afar with the other man. They seemed to be getting along, but Aqualad seemed to be having personal space issues with Kid Flash, as did Robin. It was a very interesting sight to observe.

"Of course, you don't have to worry about a thing." Flash assured, with a huge smile plastered across his face. He even gave the king a thumbs-up, but that only made Arthur worry even more for his partner.

Even after Robin had successfully yanked the speedster off of Aqualad, Kid Flash still continued to fawn over the older teen. "Being able to shape shift water is wild. There must be a lot of science involved." He commented, back to probing at his tattoos.

Kaldur held a sheepish expression as he tried to correct the speedster, "actually they are magical abil–"

"Do you seriously have to keep ogling over him?" Robin groaned in irritation, creating an instant awkward tension. Aqualad then decided this was probably the best time for him to step away from the conversation.

"Yeah, do you realize how unique his powers are?" Kid Flash questioned, getting annoyed himself at Robin's tone of voice. He crossed his arms staring down into his domino mask getting into a stance. The Boy Wonder did the same.

"A lot of Atlanteans can do what he does." Robin argued, not taking into any consideration Kaldur's feelings, but the other teen did not mind. He already saw what type of argument this was turning into now. He knew Robin pretty well, and his first impression of Kid Flash already told him this sort of thing was probably not new.

Aquaman gave Aqualad a pat on the back. "I will be taking my leave. Act respectfully." He ordered.

"I shall, my King." Kaldur responded with the bow of his head.

"But are they as young as this guy? Don't think so." Kid Flash countered, jabbing his thumb into Aqualad's direction.

You couldn't see it, but Robin rolled his eyes before snorting. "Are you forgetting that not only have I been doing this longer, but I'm younger than both of you?" He scoffed, kicking the sand around their feet.

"Big whoop, you beat us by a couple years. Want a lollipop?"

"I dunno Kid Fat, are you always carrying snacks around?" Robin mocked, poking the other boy in the belly for emphasis.

"Dude! You know I have to. And everyone gains a little weight when they get older. Of course, you wouldn't know because, once again, you still haven't hit puber–OW! Hey! You wanna fight?" Kid Flash challenged after Robin jabbed in the ribs again. They inched towards each closer, puffing their chests and getting into each other's face.

"Is that even a question?" Just when the two were about to go at it, a pair of strong hands pushed both of their bodies away from each other.

"Stop this at once." Kaldur scolded, "We are under the responsibility of Flash. Therefore, we must act respectfully as our mentors would have wished. Is this understood?' His voice was rich, and demanding. He couldn't be ignored. Both of the younger teens gulped and immediately relaxed.

"Yes." Aqualad smiled in accomplishment.

Flash sighed in relief, happy that the boys' argument was easily dismantled. Normally, either he or Batman would intervene, but they would still be angry by the end of it. "I'm glad to have you around. Alright, so who wants to fight alongside the Flash?" He asked, with a sparkling smile. Today, he would be taking all three boys out to go fight crime together. It would be good for them to get an idea of each other's fighting style. He actually originally suggested to the League this idea, and also included they could try working on their own. Of course, this idea was immediately scrapped. It was ridiculous to believe they could fight on their own without a League member on the watch. They weren't ready, and they were too young. Plus, who knows what kind of trouble Robin, Aqualad, and Kid Flash could get into on their own? They might start an enormous fire, ignite a nuclear war, or worse…accidentally free some whack job experiment! The possible disasters were endless, and if they were to get into trouble on their own no way would the boys ever think to call. So here he was keeping watch and leading the battle.

"No offense Flash, but I've fought alongside Superman." Robin commented, shrugging his shoulders.

"Right, of course you have…" Flash muttered.

"I would be honored to work by your side." Kaldur comforted, seeing the man's discontent.

Flash brightened up once more, happy to hear somebody wanted to fight alongside him, "thankyou, now this is the attitude everyone should have!" Kid Flash openly rolled his eyes. Hey, he was really excited at first too. Up until he got the chance to help him and Wonder Woman. MmmHmm, Wonder Woman, "come on, let's get moving."

An engine revved, and feet paddled along as they made their way back to Keystone City; speedsters on their feet with Aqualad and Robin on the R-Cycle. All the while they made their way back, green eyes continuously darted back and forth at dark arms wrapped around the Boy Wonder's waist.

"Alright boys, welcome to Keystone City. Home of 1,395,600 people!" Announced Flash, standing at the very top of a grassy hill that gave them a fantastic view of the city. Roofs of deco buildings scraped the sky. The smells of exhaust reached their noses. Beeps, honks, and screaming could be heard from the streets…wait, screaming?

"Great Gatsby!" Exclaimed Robin, pointing towards the city, as what appeared to be a rig was rampaging through the streets leaving trails of debris everywhere. There didn't seem to be a sane person driving inside. It was crushing everything in sight shattering glass, bending metal, and ripping concrete.

"Someone's attacking the city. Let's go investigate. Follow and stay right where I can see you. Is that clear?" Flash commanded, his gaze never leaving the source of the destruction – it was not the rig. He inwardly gulped not expecting to have had to deal with a meta. Originally, he thought it'd be pretty easy, and they could just stop a couple robbers together. Now that's all changed, and he would have to make sure they all came out safe and also concoct a plan. But these boys have dealt with super powered beings before, they'd be fine…

"Crystal."

"Loud and clear."

"Affirmative."

…if Aquaman or Batman had anything to say about it, they must be; or worse, Iris just may have his head as well. But handling one teenage boy in battle wasn't so bad, Wally was a good kid. He was sure he could trust Aqualad and Robin to follow instructions, and he trusted his own powers to keep them safe.

They approached the scene from afar. Glass pieces rested against his domino mask, as Robin used his binoculars searching for who could be behind the plot of destroying the city. He could see a girl floating in mid-air as she flailed her arms all over in all directions. Her hair was a strange tint of lavender, and her hands emitted some unusual glow. Robin had never heard of this villain before, at least she was not yet archived in Batman's files anyways. "There's some girl that seems to be controlling the rig." He described, frowning deeply as he watched the girl take the speeding truck and drive it through a playground. Sand and woodchips flew all around, as children ran to the safety of their parents. Luckily for them, no one was hurt. Lucky her too, had she hurt one of those kids she would have made it personal.

"It is similar to some sort of telekinetic magic?"Asked Aqualad, as he stood nearby, examining the scene with arms crossed. He held a mildly calm front, but in icy eyes there was a slight shock. Flash looked at him with a bit concern, since they just might be the first time he's ever fought on land. He wasn't one hundred percent sure. However, it was Kid Flash he should have been worrying about. The young speedster barely moved an inch, nor did he vibrate in his spot as he normally did. His eyes were downcast to the ground, and his chest felt hollow as a bile bubbled in his stomach. He recognized these powers from anywhere. He should have known.

"No…" Kid Flash uttered his tone far more grave than he usually spoke, causing both his mentor and his best friend to turn to him with worry. He never got this serious. "It's Franny." Even saying her name brought a weight that tugged down on his shoulders. Flash shook his head and sighed as he rubbed his temples.

Their reactions caused Robin to let down his guard, for just a split second, "who?"

Kid Flash finally brought his eyes back to the scene, and he grabbed his belly as the bile begun to grow stronger. "Magenta, I've known her since we were seven." He muttered, his frown deepening as he said this. Regret laced his words, and Robin couldn't understand why.

"She seems mighty upset." Observed the Boy Wonder bringing the binoculars back to his eyes.

"What are her abilities?" Aqualad question, hoping for an answer they could work with easily, but saving the day was never quite that simple.

Kid Flash closed his eyes as memories in his mind surfaced clear as day: the paper clip she flung at him for pulling at her hair, only to find it wouldn't leave her hand…"Magnetism. Since the day I met her, her powers have only grown stronger."…the poster of Haley's circus that she gave to him to cheer him up after he read the headline on the newspaper that one April morning…

"Is she powerful?"…the daisy he plucked from the schoolyard and tucked behind her ear when she told him about her powers and felt like an outcast…

"She can be, when she wants to be. The angrier she is, the more powerful she is. "…the brilliant smile of gratitude she gave him when he assured her she wouldn't go through it alone…"She can control anything that had even the smallest amount of metal, ranging from skyscrapers miles high even down to the iron in your bloodstream."

"Does she have any weaknesses?"…the broken pencils and ripped papers from every time he insisted on practicing controlling her abilities…

"Just one. Because of her powers, it altered her mind and gave her bi-polarity, but it's more similar to multiple personalities disorder. So she doesn't always have complete control with her emotions."…the screech in her voice trying so hard to make it all go away…

"You know a lot about her."…the once blonde strands that hung in her face as she begged him to say it wasn't true…

"I dated her." …the wet blue eyes that cried as he held her face in his hands…"It ended pretty recently, actually."

…and broke her heart.

"You must still care for her. I am sorry." Lamented Aqualad, as he laid a gentle hand on Wally's shoulder. He pulled away turning his head towards the destruction, refusing to look at anyone – especially not Robin.

"Yeah well…it is my fault she's this way." He confessed, his voice low and sorrowful.

Flash's eyes widened in surprised, not sure if he wanted to know what his sidekick had meant. With a worried tone he asked, "Kiddo, what do you mean?"

Kid Flash inhaled deeply through his nostrils before explaining, "Flash…I never told you this but…I used to try and help her use her powers." He started, and by the tone of his voice Flash had already regretted asking.

"And?"

There was a long silence as icy green eyes watched the two in confusion, and a domino mask consistently remained passive to the conversation. Eventually, Kid Flash finally sputtered out, "I tried to convince her to be a superhero–"

"Somebody help us! Please!" A woman screamed out from far away, reaching their ears. Flash, Aqualad, and Robin all stood up with straight spines reacting. Kid Flash fisted his hands, bowing his head in shame.

"–she ended up becoming a villain instead."

Author's Note: Thankyou for reading! Please review and let me know what you think, I am very interested in hearing what you have to say. I apologize if I have not replied to your message/review yet if you have contacted me but I do my best to reply. I know it's been awhile, but I've been busy and that's not really going to stop. But it's been a whole month, so I wanted to update so no one would think I've quit. I hope you're interested to read what happens next in the second part of this chapter. See ya later!

P.S. Magenta is not an OC. I avoid doing those. If you wish to find out more about where she came from feel free to use wikipedia! And I will repeat this, as always, please listen to 'Enchanted' by Taylor Swift. Some parts of the story will make more sense and the song is super cute in itself.