Justice League 1. Chapter 1: A Lantern's Light

**Brightest Day, Blackest Night**

**Random one shot drabbles about Hal and Kyle. Mainly fatherly/son fluff. Set in same universe as my Bat Bro series, Second Chances, and Arrow Family.**

**Rated T for language and sexual references.**

**I do not own Green Lantern or anything related to DC.**

**Chapter 1: A Lantern's Light**

**Kyle's POV**

"What do you think?" I asked, showing my work to my assistant, Terry Berg.

"Kyle, it's amazing!" he exclaimed as I smiled.

"Thanks, man… I guess that's it for tonight."

"Yeah. I need to be getting home anyway." He replied as I flipped the lights off and locked the door. "Bye Kyle!" he called.

"Bye Terry!" I called as we headed off in separate directions.

I pulled my hoodie a little closer to my face as I headed out into the night air.

I nearly fell flat on my face as something magically appeared before me… Holy shit! Is that an alien! Oh my God!

The creature pressed something into my hand before muttering, "You will have to do."

I stared at the… ring? What? I looked back up to find the creature to have disappeared. What just happened? I'm so confused right now.

"Oh man... I think my life just got a lot more complicated."

**Hal's POV**

I quickly pulled my shirt on. Carol will kill me if I'm late for another date.

"Hal."

I nearly jumped as I turned to find John Stewart standing directly behind me.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ganthet made another ring." He stated.

"And that matters to me because?"

"Because, you have been chosen to train the boy."

"What!" I exclaimed as he moved towards the door and opened it to reveal a teenager, fidgeting nervously.

"This is Kyle Rayner. He was chosen by Ganthet. You shall be his mentor and train him."

"What! But, John. You're in charge-"

"I'm needed elsewhere. Everything's already been setup. The boy is yours to train. Unfortunately, you're the only one available." He replied before turning to the kid. "Kyle, this is your new mentor. Meet Hal Jordan."

"John, I can't-"

"It's already been decided. Here." He said, thrusting several papers into my hand. "If anyone asks, you're his guardian."

"Guardian!"

"It's only temporary… Bring him to Oa in a few days." He ordered before turning back to the kid. "Kyle, be good, listen to what Hal tells you. I'll see you in a few days." He said before leaving the two of us alone.

"Come on. I'll show you to your room."

He followed me to my spare bedroom.

"Well, this is the guest room, I guess. I normally don't get too many visitors." I said, showing the kid inside as he dropped his gear onto the bed.

"So… Kyle, how old are you?" I asked as the teen awkwardly took a seat on the bed and looked up at me.

"Sixteen."

"Okay… Do you need to call your parents and tell them you're okay?"

His gaze dropped to the carpet before whispering, "I don't have any."

"Sorry… Who takes care of you?"

"No one. My dad walked out on us when I was three and my mom… she passed away right before I turned seventeen."

"Then how did you-"

"I got a fake id and occasionally stay with friends. But, I do have a job."

"Where do you work?"

"I work for Feast Magazine. I'm a graphic artist."

Uh huh. He likes art, so he makes no money and has no real career. "That's cool… I'm a test pilot."

"Flying's cool, I guess."

"You've never flown before?" I asked as he shook his head.

"Why did he pick me? I never asked for this." The kid whispered.

"Technically, none of us actually choose this life… it choses us."

"But, why?"

"You were thought to be worthy of it… Just remember one thing."

"What?"

"Fear is your greatest enemy and your greatest weakness. Now, I have a date that you've already made me late for."

**********Break**********

"Carol, I just can't-"

"Hal, I think it's a good thing."

"I can't take care of a kid. I hate kids." I whined.

"It'll be good for you. It'll teach you responsibility. Maybe you'll start thinking about someone other than yourself."

"But-"

"It's not like it's permanent. He's leaving the moment you're done training him, right?"

"Yeah, but-" I replied as she sighed.

"Then I see no problem. It's just for a little while. Besides, it's probably for the best." She replied.

"Fine. it's not like it's permanent. The moment he's finished training, I never have to deal with him again."

"Your choice." She replied before straddling my waist. "Now, let's talk about something else."

Gently pushing her off of me, I climbed on top of her. "Let's not talk at all."

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"Remember, you're ring belongs to you. You have the power to call it back." Hal stated as he held my ring in his hand. "Call it back."

"What? I just say here ringy ringy?"

He sighed before saying, "Use your mind."

I concentrated as the ring flew from his outstretched palm and slid onto my finger.

"It worked!" I exclaimed.

"Now put it on and do what I do...In brightest day, in blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power...Green Lantern's light!"

I watched in amazement as Hal transformed. This is freaking awesome!

"Now you."

"Um… In lightest day, something night-"

"Start over."

"Can you say it one more time?"

"You need to take this seriously!"

"I'm trying! I just… I just need a break, okay?"

Pushing past him, I walked outside and took a seat on the steps. It wasn't about half a minute before he sat down beside me.

"You're afraid, aren't you?"

I looked down at the ring on my finger. "A Green Lantern's supposed to be fearless… I just don't know if I can." I whispered.

He sighed before saying, "When I was given my ring, I didn't think I could do it either."

I looked up at him. "Really?"

"Yeah. It wasn't until someone very close to me gave me the courage I needed. Long story short, you can do this."

"How do you know?"

"Because, I did it… Come on, we're taking a break."

"Where are we going?"

"To meet some friends of mine from Oa."

"You have friends?" I asked in surprise.

**********Break**********

"Welcome to Oa." Hal stated as we landed on the planet.

I stared in awe at the sight of aliens, futuristic buildings, and Green Lanterns.

"What is this place?" I asked.

"It lies in the center of the galaxy. The Guardians are in charge here and we use it as our headquarters… Over there is the meeting hall and that's the central power battery-"

"Does it supply power to all the Lanterns?"

"No, we use it as a flashlight." He sarcastically replied before continuing. "Down there is the foundry. It's where the rings and the lanterns are made from willpower. That's Memorial Hall; where tribute is paid to those that have fallen-"

"What's that over there?" I asked, pointing to a dome like structure.

"The Inner Sanctuary. Unless, they call for you, you won't be going in there. But, we will be going to the Hazard Simulation Facility."

"What's that for?"

"Training." He replied as we approached the course.

I looked around in amazement at the training courses.

"Okay. You stay here and Kilowog will be here soon." Hal stated.

"Where are you going?" I asked as he turned to leave.

"Relax kid. I'll catch up with you later." He replied before leaving.

I looked up at the enormous alien approaching me.

"You must be the new kid." It stated as I nodded.

"I'm Kilowog, your drill sergeant."

"I'm Kyle." I replied.

"Ready to get started?"

"Um, okay?"

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

Walking into the dining hall, I could see John Stewart, Alan Scott, and Guy Gardner.

"How's Kyle?" John asked as I walked up to them.

"He's fine." I replied.

"Lose him already, Hal?" Guy scoffed as I crossed my arms.

"No. He's with Kilowog." I replied as they stood.

"Then let's see what you've managed to show him." Guy smirked.

The four of us headed to the Hazard Simulation Facility and arrived just in time to see Kilowog and Kyle finishing up.

"How was he?" I asked as Kilowog shrugged.

"Not bad, poozer. Not bad at all." He responded, slapping Kyle on the back as the kid nearly fell over from the force.

"Good… Kyle, this is Alan Scott, Guy Gardner and you already know John."

**Kyle's POV**

"It's nice to meet you all." I stated.

Soon, Alan, John, and Hal were talking as Guy walked over to me.

"So kid, it's too bad that we didn't get to see you in action… So, how about have a little friendly one on one battle?"

"I don't know. Hal said-"

"What? Did he tell you to brush your teeth every night before bedtime and not to talk to strangers?"

"No, but-"

"Then what? You too much of a wimp to fight?"

"No, but-"

"Then let's go. I'm not gonna hurt you… much."

** Hal's POV**

Alan, John, and I stood on the observation deck and watched as Kyle and Guy faced each other. Come on, kid.

"Hey kid, you ever seen Red Dawn?" Guy yelled.

"Yeah, why?"

"Cause… Wolverines!" he yelled, unleashing a pack of the green beasts.

Kyle quickly put up an energy shield and managed to block Guy's attack. Guy called off his wolverines as Kyle unleashed his attack.

We all watched in amazement as he conjured the Batmobile and sent it crashing through Guy's defenses and came to stop right on top of Guy.

John and Alan broke the silence as they busted out laughing. "Kyle ran Guy over with the Batmobile!"

Batman? Seriously? Yet, I couldn't help but to smile.

"Rayner, the Guardians have called for you." Kilowog stated, flying over to us.

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

I walked into a circular room with the Guardians all sitting on these enormous pedestal structures.

"Lantern Rayner, welcome." one of them stated as I turned to face him.

immediately, I recognized him as the one who gave me the ring.

"Um, hi?" I replied as they swapped glances and began murmuring.

"Ganthet, you chose a child?" one of them scoffed.

"No. He will be the greatest of them all. Young Rayner is destined for greatness." Ganthet stated.

Me? Greatness? What?

*********Break**********

"Psst, Kyle."

"What Terry?" I asked, looking up from my design.

"Um, there's a guy here to see you and he's so hot. He looks like Ryan Reynolds." He stated dreamily as I raised an eyebrow.

"Okay?" I replied as Hal walked through the door.

"Kyle, I need to talk to you."

"Okay… Terry, this is… um, my... um, guardian?"

I watched as Terry shook Hal's hand and smiled. God, help me.

"Terry, can you give us a minute?" I asked as Terry excused himself and left, making sure to check out Hal's ass on the way out.

"Hal, what are you doing here?"

"I have a limited amount of time to train you and we need to get started."

"But, I'm working."

"You were supposed to have left forty-seven minutes ago." He sharply replied as I rolled my eyes.

"I wasn't finished with my design."

"You can color tomorrow, Kyle. Get up. We're leaving." He ordered as he headed for the door.

"You're not the boss of me." I muttered under my breath as he sharply turned around.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." I growled, grabbing my jacket.

"See you tomorrow, Terry." I called as he waved.

I locked the door behind me before falling into step beside Hal.

"So, is that boy your… well, um-"

"He's my assistant and friend… I'm not gay. I have a girlfriend."

"Just asking… So, who are you dating?"

"Her name's Alex. She's a photographer. We've been together for a while."

"That's nice… Do I really look like Ryan Reynolds?"

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"Kyle-" I stated, opening the door to his room as he quickly hid something beneath the sheets.

"What are you hiding?" I asked.

"Nothing! And can you please knock!"

I quickly pulled a Batman comic book out from under his sheets.

"Really? You're reading about that vampire?"

"Batman's awesome!"

"You're supposed to be learning your ring!"

"Five more minutes?" he pleaded, reaching for the comic as I rolled my eyes.

"Fine. But, you'd better be working on your ring when I come back in here." I ordered as he flipped the book back open.

"Will you take me to meet the Justice League?"

"No. You have four minutes left."

As I left, I heard mutter something about me being a "fun sucker."

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"Kyle, can we talk for a minute?" Terry asked as I locked the door to the office.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"David and I had a fight… Is something wrong with me?" he whispered as I shook my head.

"Come on Terry. Don't think like that. Just give it time. David will come around."

"You think so?" he asked as I nodded.

"Yeah, man. You're a great guy. David's lucky to have you." I replied as he smiled.

"Thanks Kyle. You're a great guy… even if your butt's not that great."

I looked at him in shock before saying, "You wound me, sir. I have a magnificent tuckus!"

He laughed as we continued walking down the alley. We stopped as five thugs from a local gang stepped in our path.

"Aww, aren't the little faggots so cute together?" one of them asked as Terry took a step closer to me.

"Back off!" I threatened as they laughed.

"Start with the blonde." The leader ordered as I was slammed into the alley wall by two of them.

"Get off him!" I screamed as they started beating Terry.

I watched as they landed blow after blow on him as Terry started screaing in pain… I have to do something!

I struggled against the two holding me before looking at the ring and muttering, "In brightest day, in blackest-"

I stopped as a green flash of light removed the thugs holding me down and the ones on Terry. The gang quickly scattered as Hal gave me a pissed look before picking Terry up.

"Go home!" he ordered.

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"Is Terry going to be okay?" I asked as Hal entered the apartment.

"He'll live… What in the Hell we're you planning on doing!" Hal shouted.

"I had to do something! We were jumped and they were hurting him! I could have used the ring-"

"I've told you that the ring is not a toy!"

"I know that! I couldn't just stand there and do nothing!" I yelled.

"Do you want everyone to learn your identity! Do you even realize that someone might have been watching you! Your stupid ass could have been killed!"

"I didn't know! I couldn't let them hurt Terry! It's wrong!"

"It's not your job, Kyle! The ring is not your toy and it gives you no right to use it just because some gay kid's getting picked on!"

"If I can't use it to help people then what's the point of even having it!" I yelled back at him. "I didn't ask for this! If your so damn perfect then you keep it!" I screamed as I threw the ring across the room before heading for the door.

"Where the Hell do you think you're going!"

"Away from you!" I screamed, slamming the door behind me.

I let out a scream of frustration as I walked away from the apartment. Who does he think he is? He's not the boss of me.

"It must be hard to be a teenager these days." A dark voice stated.

My eyes widened as a yellow light snaked its way around my body, pinning my arms to my sides and binding my hands behind my back.

"Hal! He-" I screamed before a pink hand covered my mouth.

"Silence!" he ordered. "So this is the new Lantern chosen by Ganthet… Why would he choose you? Why would he choose a child? What kind of Lantern throws his ring away? No matter, let's see what you're made of."

My eyes grew wide as he opened a wormhole and forced me inside. He released me as my body collided with hard concrete. I clenched my teeth to stop a painful yelp from coming out. I could see that we were in an airplane hangar? Lady Carol was written on the side of the plane. Getting to my feet, I looked up to find a pink alien in a yellow uniform hovering over me.

"Sinestro!"

"So, you have heard of me?" he asked.

"You're supposed to be in the Sciencells."

He rolled his eyes as he replied, "I escaped."

"The Green Lanterns are going to stop you and put you back where you belong!" I shouted as he laughed.

"They can try." He growled before slamming me into the wall of the hangar with an energy beam.

I gasped for breath as I fell to the ground. I could feel blood trickling down the side of my face as I tried to stand.

"I am not afraid of you!" I yelled.

"You should be."

Another yellow energy beam shot out and wrapped itself around my waist before dragging me over to him. My hair was yanked back as I was pressed against him. A glowing yellow knife appeared at my throat.

"I know you're here, Jordan." Sinestro growled as Hal appeared.

"Let the kid go, Sinestro!"

"Hand over your ring."

"Don't!" I yelled, only to have the knife press deeper into the throat, drawing blood.

"Sinestro! Stop!" Hal yelled as he took a step closer.

I could see two rings on Hal's finger… that means one of them is mine. Slowly I lifted my hand as I closed my eyes. Concentrate, Kyle. Concentrate.

"In brightest day, in blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power...Green Lantern's light!"

I elbowed him in the ribs as the ring appeared on my finger. He released me as Hal shot an energy beam at him and succeeded in knocking him into a wall. I quickly moved until I was beside Hal and raised my ring, creating a shield as Sinestro shot energy beams at us.

It wasn't long before we were joined by Alan Scott, John Stewart, and Guy Gardner. We quickly formed a circle around Sinestro as he started laughing.

"Nowhere to go! Surrender now!" John called out as he shook his head.

"In blackest day, in brightest night, beware your fears made into light. Let those who try to stop what's right, burn like his powers, Sinestro's might!" he screamed as a bright yellow light engulfed the room.

When we were finally able to see, he was gone.

"We'll report back to the Guardians." John stated before he, Alan, and Guy left us alone.

I walked over to Hal as he glared at me through his mask. Before we could speak, the hangar doors opened and a woman stepped inside.

"What the Hell happened to my plane!" she screamed as Hal paled.

I quickly shot a glance at the smoking, charred remains of the plane. Uh oh.

"Carol… I can replace it?" he responded as she shot him a death glare.

"You couldn't afford it! I know! I sign your paycheck!" she yelled as I watched them before she turned to me. "This the kid?"

"Yeah, this is Kyle. Kyle, this is Carol, my girlfriend/boss."

I waved as she groaned.

"Do I want to know what happened?" she asked as we shook our heads.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

He winced as I cleaned out his cuts. At least the cut on his neck's not that bad.

"You sure you're okay?"

"I'm okay… I'm sorry, Hal."

"For what?"

"I left my ring here. I got kidnapped. I almost got us killed. Sinestro got away. I got you into trouble with your girlfriend." He glumly replied.

"Kyle, you're probably not going to believe me when I tell you, but you did good today. You held your own without the ring. You didn't let fear in. You did good today kid… I'm proud of you."

"Really?" He asked in shock.

I nodded as a small smile tugged at his lips.

"It's late. You'd better go to bed."

"Um, could we just stay up for a little bit longer?"

"I guess." I replied, flicking the TV on.

About an hour later, I could barely keep my eyes open. Something soon hit my shoulder. I glanced over to see Kyle asleep with his head on my shoulder. I rolled my eyes before lifting his slumbering frame into my arms. I carried him to his room and pulled the sheets over him.

"Goodnight, kid." I whispered, heading towards the door.

"Night Dad." a sleepy voice replied as I froze.

Dad? Dad! I am not that old!

**********Break***********

**Kyle's POV**

"Hey Hal?" I called as we sat down for breakfast.

"What?" he replied, sliding a plate of burnt toast across the table.

"What happens to me when we're done training?" I softly asked as he shrugged.

"Guardians will assign you where they want you."

"I kinda like it here."

"You don't have much of a choice, kid."

"But, I haven't even finished school yet." I replied as he put a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

"Sorry."

"And I like staying with you." I whispered as he transferred his attention from his plate to me.

He groaned as he got up and left the kitchen. Did I say something wrong? I stabbed at my greasy sausage in silence until a sheet of paper was dropped in front me.

"What's this?" I asked as he shrugged.

"Adoption papers…Well, I thought that you could stay with me and… Never mind. It's a stupid idea and you'll eighteen in like two years." He mumbled as he reached across the table.

I quickly pulled the paper out of his grasp. We stared at each other for a while before he returned his attention back to his breakfast. I slid the paper that now held my signature over to him. He looked at me as I smiled.

"Does this mean I get to call you Dad now?" I smirked as he rolled his eyes.

"No. You can call me Hal."

"What about Father?"

"No."

"Daddy?"

"No."

"What about Pops? Do you like Pops?"

"Kyle-"

"Ha! That wasn't a no!"


	2. Chapter 2: Flight

**Chapter 2: Flight**

**Kyle's POV**

"Where are we going?" I asked as we climbed into his Dodge Challenger.

"Ferris Air." He replied.

"Um… You don't work at night." I pointed out as he rolled his eyes.

"And they said Batman was the greatest detective." He muttered.

"Seriously, where are we going?"

"I already told you."

We sat in silence for the rest of the trip and sure enough Hal pulled into Ferris Air.

"Isn't it illegal to break in here?"

"Relax, kid. I work here. Besides, I already cleared it with Carol." He smirked, parking the car.

I followed him inside of a hangar and he stopped in front of a locker. He grabbed one of his flight suits and tossed it to me as I gave him a questioning look. He ignored me as he started changing into one.

"Put it on, kid. It'll be a little big on you, but it'll work."

"Wait a minute… This is it. This is why we're here. You wanna take me for a flight?" I asked as I changed into the suit.

"What gave it away?"

Ignoring him, I continued, "But, Hal. I can fly with the ring. I don't understand. What's the big deal?"

"You've never flown with me." he replied before holding out his hand. "Ring. Now."

I frowned before handing it over. He removed his own and set them in the locker. He then tossed me a helmet and… an oxygen mask!

"Get in the jet."

As I strap myself in the back seat, I watch as he straps himself in and starts hitting random switches.

"Ready?" he asks.

"Yeah." I reply.

**Hal's POV**

I smirk as Kyle is thrown against his seat as the engine starts up. He starts coughing on the fumes as we pull out of the hanger.

"You okay, kid?"

"Uh huh."

Immediately, he grips the seat as we travel down the runway. Faster and faster until we're airborne as he holds his breath. Hitting an air pocket, he is forced to breathe again. Faster and faster, higher and higher we go as he finally lets go of his seat.

"Yeah! This is freaking awesome!" he yells as he shouts it to the stars.

**********Break**********

"Thanks for taking me tonight." Kyle said as we changed back into our clothes.

"No problem, kid."

"Am I the only one you've taken flying?"

"Well, you're the second… Carol's the only other person I've taken."

"Hey Hal? Why did you take me flying with you?"

I shrugged. "I don't know… I guess, because it's something my dad did with me once."

"What happened to him?"

"He died… The jet malfunctioned and he crashed right out there." I solemnly stated as I pointed to the runway.

"I'm sorry, Hal… How old were you?"

"Eight… I saw him die. He died right in front of me." I whispered as Kyle came to stand beside me.

"I didn't really know my dad either… But, I have you now, right?"

I put my hand on his shoulder and replied, "Yeah, kid. You've got me now."


	3. Chapter 3: Sick Day

**Chapter 3: Sick Day**

**Hal's POV**

"Kyle! Get up! You've slept in enough already!" I yelled.

I groaned as I slammed the door to his room open and found him still lying in bed. Shaking his shoulder, he slowly rolled over to look up at me with red and puffy eyes. Dried shot coated his nose as liquid dripped from his nostrils. His face was flushed as heat radiated off of his body.

"Wow, kid. You look like shit."

"I don't feel so good." He murmured as I rolled my eyes.

Just my luck. I get to play nurse to a sick kid on my day off.

"Just stay in bed and sleep or something." I ordered before leaving his infected room.

**********Break**********

Sitting at my computer, I looked up "how to take care of sick kids."

Step number one: check temperature and look for symptoms.

"Hey kid, what's your temperature!" I yelled as he gave me a muffled response.

I sighed before entering his germ infested room.

"Kyle, what's your temperature?"

"Dunno."

"You enjoy making my life difficult, don't you?" I asked before shoving a thermometer into his mouth.

Pulling the stick from his mouth, I read, "101… Well, according to Google, you're sick."

He looked at me as if I was an idiot as I shrugged.

I tossed a bottle of Tylenol at him and said, "Take two of these and I'll bring you some soup."

**********Break**********

Plopping down on the couch, I started flipping through TV channels. I paused as I heard shuffling behind me. I looked up to see Kyle shuffling towards me with a blanket wrapped around him.

"Didn't I tell you stay in bed?" I asked as Kyle sat down right beside me, invading my personal space.

"I don't feel good." He muttered as his head fell against my shoulder.

"So you decided to infect me?" I scoffed as I felt his head. "Damn. You're still burning up."

"Cold." He muttered as a shiver traveled up his spine.

I draped another blanket over him as he continued to lean against me. Great, now he's going to make me sick. I looked down at him to find him asleep. Sighing, I carded my fingers through his hair before pulling the blanket more securely around him.

"Hal?"

I looked up to see Carol glaring at me with her arms crossed as my apartment door slammed shut. I suddenly regret giving her a key.

"Shhhh! You'll wake him up!" I hissed as she walked over to us.

"Is he sick?"

"What gave it away?"

She rolled her eyes before laying her hand on his forehead. Kyle's eyes opened slowly as he looked up at her.

"How're you feeling?" she asked as he shook his head.

"Not good."

She frowned before turning to me. "Why didn't you heal him?"

I nearly kicked myself. Shit. I could have healed him with the ring.

"Maybe I just wanted to see him suffer." I retorted as she rolled her eyes.

"You forgot didn't you?"

"Carol, I never forget things."

"I don't understand." Kyle whispered, sitting up.

"Have you taught him anything?" Carol asked before turning to the kid. "Kyle, you can use your ring to heal you." she replied as Kyle glared at me.

"Why didn't you tell me I could do that? You're like the worst mentor ever!"

"Watch it kid! I'm the best Green Lantern that ever lived! It says so on my plaque!"


	4. Chapter 4: Taken

**Chapter 4: Taken**

**Carol's POV**

"Miss Ferris, someone's here to see you." My secretary stated as I nodded.

I looked up from my paperwork as my mouth nearly fell open. Jason Belmore. My ex-fiancé? What is he doing here?

"Carol, you look stunning." He stated as he took a seat in front of me.

"Thank you… What are you doing here?"

"I don't even get a hello?"

"Hello. What are you doing here?"

"Well, darling, I was in the neighborhood and I've come to make you two offers."

"Oh really?" I replied.

"Carol, I still love you… I still want you. I want-"

"You can go on ahead and skip to the next offer." I replied, still smiling as he frowned.

"You're still with Jordan, aren't you?"

"Yes."

Anger flashed across his face as he tried to control his emotions. He hissed, "Carol, that ingrate doesn't deserve you. He'll never ask to marry you. He's only with you for your money… You'd never have to worry about any of that if we were together again. I can give you-"

"Nothing. There is nothing you can give me that I don't already have." I growled as his eyes narrowed. "Your second offer?

"I want to buy Ferris Air from you."

"No."

"Carol, I can make you-"

"Mr. Belmore, I am perfectly happy here. No amount of money will ever change my mind. This company has always been in my family and it will stay in my family." I firmly replied as I stood and stared him down.

"Carol-"

"It's Miss Ferris to you, Mr. Belmore. I suggest you leave now. My secretary will show you out… Whatever was between us is gone. You'll never be half the man Hal is."

**********Break*********

**Kyle's POV**

"I'm sorry, but you've just missed him. He went out for a test flight about five minutes ago."

I entered the hanger to find Hal's mechanic and best friend, Tom Kalmaku talking to a couple of random guys in suits. Two of them were about the size of mountains and they wore sunglasses as they stood silently behind the shorter guy. Are they packing? Well, that's not sketchy at all…

"How soon will Jordan be back?" the shorter one asked.

"I don't know… An hour?" Tom replied as I walked up to them.

"Hey Kyle." Tom greeted before turning back to the suits. "Mr. Belmore, this is Kyle. Kyle, this is Mr. Jason Belmore."

"Nice to meet you." He greeted extending his hand as I shook it.

"Nice to meet you too." I replied.

"How old are you exactly? You look a little young to be working here."

"Actually, Mr. Belmore, I'm sixteen and I don't work here. But, my dad does."

"And who is your father?"

"Hal Jordan." I replied as a creepy look flashed across his face, making me inch closer to Tom.

We swapped glances as Belmore turned to his men and said, "Bring the boy and kill the witness."

Before I could even move, a gun was drawn and Tom was shot in the chest. He fell to the ground as blood flowed from the open wound in his chest. I ran towards him, but was stopped as I was grabbed by one of them.

"Tom! Get off me! Let me go! Tom!" I screamed as one of them wrestled me to the ground.

I struggled as I was pinned beneath the huge man. His hand covered my mouth as the other man fished a role of duct tape out of a toolbox in the hanger. Seconds later, an old grease rag was shoved into my mouth before tape was forced over my lips. I squirmed as my wrists were taped together behind my back. I managed to kick one of them before my legs were taped together.

"Keep him under." Belmore ordered as a needle was plunged into my neck.

Slowly, my eyes began to close as I was thrown over someone's shoulder. Blood was the last thing I saw before plunging into the darkness.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"Pieface, this is High Ball coming in. Do you copy?" I stated over my com link.

I received no reply.

"Tom! It's Hal! Get your ass out here! I'm landing!"

I sighed angrily as I landed. Ripping my helmet off, I climbed out of the jet. He'd better have a damn good excuse for not answering!

"Tom!" I yelled as I entered the hanger and froze when I saw him lying on the ground and bleeding.

"Shit! Tom!" I yelled as I knelt beside him and checked his pulse.

Good. He's still breathing. Slipping the ring on, I placed my hand over his wound and waited as the energy beam pulled a bullet out of his chest and clotted the blood flow before sealing the opening in his chest. I withdrew my hand and waited. He groaned as his eyes opened slowly.

"You're lucky the shot wasn't fatal. Are you okay?" I stated, helping him into a sitting position.

"Yeah." He muttered.

"Tom, what happened?"

"Jason Belmore-"

"Carol's ex-fiancé? What did that bastard want?"

"You. He wanted to talk to you. Then Kyle showed up-" He stated before suddenly stopping as his eyes grew wide. "Hal, they took Kyle."

***********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

Blinking rapidly, I waited for the fuzziness to clear. As my vision cleared, the first thing I noticed was… my boxers? The second thing I noticed was blood dripping down my chest. I nearly freaked when I noticed my ring missing… That was when I realized I was sitting upright with my wrists bound to the headboard of a bed, my ankles tethered to the footboard and I'm gagged… Okay not good. Wait… Why is there blood on my chest?

"Comfortable?"

I looked up as Belmore took a seat on the bed and looked me over. I glared at him as he plastered a look of amusement on his face. Hal's gonna kick his ass.

"You know, you are very photogenic." He mocked as he held out a picture of me unconscious, gagged, and bound to the bed with the words 'Help me' carved into my chest.

"Don't worry; I didn't have my men cut to deep. It's merely a scratch… But, the end result should be very effective… I was originally going to take Daddy, but you showed up instead." He brightly replied as I tugged at my restraints. "And I always get what I want… If your Daddy loves my fiancé so much, he can have her. That just means I get to keep you." He stated as he placed his hand on my thigh.

I shivered at his touch and squirmed before he reached out and backhanded me.

"Stop squirming, brat! You're not going anywhere!" he yelled as he grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. "Until, Carol and I are back together and I gain control of her company, you belong to me."

"Mr. Belmore, we should leave." One of his men stated as he opened the door.

"Very well, Siros… Did you bring me what I asked?"

"Yes sir." The man replied, handing him a syringe.

I watched as he uncapped it. Not good.

"Don't worry. It's only a little GHB. You'll be out for most of the night… and day." He smirked before plunging it into my neck.

**********Break*********

**Hal's POV**

Yanking the door to my apartment open, I practically ran for the bedroom to charge my ring. I stopped as I noticed someone sitting on my couch. Belmore.

"Sit down, Jordan. I would like a word with you."

"Where's Kyle?" I hissed as I felt a heavy hand on my shoulder, forcing me into a chair.

I glanced up to see an incredibly tall asshole in a suit and sunglasses and definitely packing.

"You're brat is fine… for now." He smirked.

"What do you want?" I hissed.

He leaned forward and dropped a picture onto the table along with Kyle's ring. After slipping the ring into my pocket, I picked up the picture and completely lost it. Lunging across the table I grabbed onto the scruff of his suit collar and practically pulled him across the damn thing.

"You son of a bitch! If you as so much as laid a hand on my kid-" I threatened before his bodyguard pulled me away from him and forced me back into my chair as he kept his hand firmly planted on my shoulder.

"I'd keep my temper if I were you, Jordan. I'd just hate to have to punish the boy because of your actions."

I fell silent as I continued to glare at him.

"Now, here's what I want you to do for me."

**********Break**********

**Carol's POV**

"Hello?" I said as I answered my phone.

"Carol-"

"Hal?"

"Carol, I can't be with you anymore."

"What the Hell are you talking about?"

"It's over… I need more than you could ever give me. Let's face it, I'm selfish… I need a new star. I need a new sapphire. I just don't need you coming over to my place anymore. Goodbye Carol." He spat before hanging up the phone.

That son of a bitch! See if I-

Wait a minute… Star. Sapphire. My place.

Damn it, Hal! I'm retired!

"For hearts long lost and full of fright, for those alone in Blackest Night, accept our ring and join our fight. Love conquers all... With Violet Light!"

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"I did what you asked! Now give me Kyle!" I yelled as the asshole merely laughed.

"Come now, Jordan. I'm not finished with you yet. You're going to go down for the stolen money and faulty planes from Ferris air." He replied before standing.

"I've stolen nothing! There's nothing wrong with the planes!"

"Not yet there isn't… We'll be in touch."

They left as I ran to my bedroom to charge my ring as the glass from my window shattered.

"Hal!"

Transforming into Green Lantern, I turned to face her.

"Better late than never… And you're paying for my window."

"What the hell was with that phone call?" she demanded.

"Tell you on the way."

"On the way to what?"

"You're ex kidnapped Kyle!" I hissed.

"What? Why?" she asked, flying right beside me as we left my apartment.

"You tell me. Didn't he come to see you today?"

"Well, yes. But, I didn't know he was-"

"I know… Where does he live?"

"There." She said as she pointed to an enormous mansion below us.

"Belmore is mine." I hissed as she nodded.

"Just leave something for me when you're done."

Smashing through his roof, I snarled as I came face to face with him. Before he could move, I had already created a chain out of the energy as the green beam wrapped around his neck and pulled him directly into my grasp.

"You have one chance to tell me where the boy is if you want to live." I hissed as his eyes widened.

"He's just through that door! He's fine! I swear! We only gave him a little GHB-"

"You gave him a date rape drug?" I growled, tightening my grip on his neck. "Did you touch him?" I hissed as he shook his head.

"No! I swear! I… My employees, they might have-"

"Might have what?" I growled, pulling his fearful face directly up to my face.

"I… I-"

"If anything's happened to that boy or if I ever see your face again … I will find you and when I'm done with you, you'll wish you were dead. Do I make myself clear?" I asked.

"Y-yes." He whispered, right before I threw him through a wall.

Carol gave me a pissed look as the asshole went through the wall and landed outside in his pool. I shrugged at her before throwing the doors to the bedroom open.

A part of wanted to go back and destroy Belmore when I saw Kyle. He was still gagged, his wrists were still tied to the headboard, and his feet were still tethered to the footboard. Dried blood coated the message carved into his chest. But, the scariest thing was that he was only wearing his boxers… That asshole is dead if he touched my kid.

"Kyle?" I whispered as I peeled the tape away from his lips and pulled a soaking wet rag that smelled like gasoline and grease from his mouth. "Come on, kid. Wake up. You're safe now."

I could make out a few needle marks on his neck as I cut the ropes away from his wrists and ankles. As soon as he was free, he slumped against me. I carded my fingers through his dark hair for a moment before gathering him into my arms. I created a blanket around him and stood up with him in my arms.

"It's going to be okay, kid. You're safe now… Daddy's here." I whispered as his head lulled against my shoulder.

**********Break**********

**Carol's POV**

"Let me take a look at his chest first." I ordered as Hal laid Kyle down on his bed.

I ran my hand over his chest and the marks soon disappeared. It just needed a woman's touch.

"I don't suppose you could get the drugs out of system?" Hal asked as I shook my head.

"He'll have to work through it on his own." I replied, stepping back as Hal began tucking Kyle beneath the covers.

"I'm surprised you didn't kill Belmore."

"Green Lanterns don't kill."

"No… They only throw people through walls and off mansions."

"He landed in the pool, didn't he?" Hal snapped.

"H-hal?"

We both looked down to see Kyle opening his eyes as Hal nearly pushed me out of the way.

"Hey, kid… You okay?" he gently asked.

"I… I don't know." He muttered. "Carol's purple and half naked."

I smiled before pulling my ring off. "Do I look better now?" I asked as he slowly nodded.

"I'll go get you something to eat." I stated before leaving the room.

**Hal's POV**

"Do you remember what happened?" I asked, taking a seat on his bed.

"No… I don't feel so good."

"You were drugged, Kyle. There's so much shit pumping through your veins right now."

"Oh… I think I remember this man pushing a needle into my neck and Tom… Tom! Hal, they-"

"I know, kid. I know. Tom's fine. They're lousy shots."

"Oh."

"Why didn't you use your ring?" I asked.

"You said not to reveal my identity." He replied.

"Yeah, I guess I did say that… Kyle, did they touch you?"

"No! I'm… I'm still a virgin." He muttered, blushing.

"Kyle, if they did anything to you, I need to know-"

"They cut me, but that was it. I promise."

I stood up and replied, "Alright. Carol already took care of your wounds… I'll be right-"

"No!" he yelled, sitting up and latching onto my hand. "Don't go!"

"Kyle, you're not scared, are you?" I asked, sitting back down.

"I'm a Green Lantern. We're not afraid of anything… Besides, I knew you were coming for me."

I smiled at his answer as he let go of my hand.

"If you can, try to go back to sleep."

"Okay… But, you'll stay, right?"

"Yeah, kid. I'll be right here."


	5. Chapter 5: Our Baby Boy

**Chapter 5: Our Baby Boy**

**Hal's POV**

"What!" I yelled as Guy shrugged his shoulders.

"It's not my fault that you didn't teach the kid how to dodge better. When someone shoots something at you, you duck."

"Guy… he's still in training! You were supposed to be watching him!" I yelled.

"Hal."

We both turned to see Soranik coming towards us.

"What exactly happened out there?" she asked, looking at Guy.

"Well… we were assigned to work together for this mission and he was not properly trained how to avoid an attack." Guy replied, glaring at me.

"How is he?" I asked.

"He'll recover eventually, but there's something you should know." Soranik responded as she opened the door to Kyle's room.

My eyes grew wide as I walked in. A baby that couldn't be more than a year old was lying in the bed. Jet black hair covered his dark green eyes… Kyle's a baby!

"Soranik! He's a baby!"

"Shhh! Do you want him to start crying?" she hissed.

"How long will it last?"

"I don't know."

**********Break**********

"I will pay you to stop crying!" I hissed as he continued to cry and scream.

"Kyle! Stop!"

He only screamed louder.

"Hal! You moron! Stop yelling at him!"

I looked up to see Carol coming towards us. Carol! Thank God!

"Poor baby. Left alone with this idiot." She whispered as she picked him up and started bouncing him. "Hal… he's wet. Did you change his diaper?"

"How was I supposed to know that's what he wanted?"

"You're an idiot… Oh, and I bought some stuff for him. It's in my car. Go unload it." she ordered, carrying him into the bathroom.

After I finished unloading her car, I found them sitting on the couch. Kyle was in Carol's lap as she placed her hand over her eyes. She removed her hands and yelled, "Peekaboo!"

Kyle immediately started cooing and smiling as I rolled my eyes.

"Hal, let's have kids one day."

"What! No! Carol, you can play with the kid in your lap! In fact, you can take him home with you."

"We'll see." She hissed before pushing Kyle into my arms. "He's your responsibility. I left some instructions for you. Try not to kill him. I'll be back in the morning." She replied before looking down at Kyle and smiling. "Bye. Bye." She said as she gave him a little wave.

He cooed as he shook his fist. He looked up at me as she left.

"What are you looking at?"

He laughed as he seized a fistful of my hair and pulled.

"Stop that! Carol's the only one allowed to pull my hair… and that's only when we're in bed."

I carried him into my bedroom. He placed both of tiny hands on my face and smiled as I sat down on my bed.

"Yeah. That's my face. Be careful kid. Don't break it. I happen to like it… I've been told that I look like a certain actor."

He babbled as I laid down with him on my chest.

"Shhh. Go to sleep." I ordered.

**********Break**********

He bounced excitedly as I set him in the highchair that Carol made me assemble. I rolled my eyes as I poured his milk into a Sippy cup and reached for a jar of baby food.

"Alright kid, open up." I ordered as I held out a spoon of baby food for him.

He firmly shut his mouth as he knocked the spoon out of my hand.

"Stop that! I'm the one that has to clean it up!" I yelled as he smiled.

He pointed to my coffee cup.

"Point all you want, but you can't have. Seriously, I need it more than you. Now, open your mouth." I ordered as he shook his head. "You're enjoying this aren't you? Please open your mouth."

I sighed as he refused to eat. Spoiled brat… I groaned as I slipped my ring on. I created a tiny plane and placed some of the food inside it. He clapped his hands and opened his mouth as the plane dissolved once it reached his mouth.

"Goody. I don't even have to make airplane noises."

**********Break*********

He giggled excitedly as he pushed the toy plane on the floor. I sat down beside him as he crawled into my lap.

"Kyle, you're doing it wrong. It goes in the air like this." I said as I pushed the toy around the room with an energy beam.

He clapped his hands as he pointed at the toy.

"You like that, don't you?" I asked as he smiled.

"You know, I think I like you better this way." I stated as he pushed the plane over my chest.

**********Break**********

"Hello, sweetheart." Carol stated as she picked Kyle up off of the floor.

He babbled as she smiled.

"Did you take good care of him?" she asked as I shrugged.

"He's alive, isn't he?" I replied as she rolled her eyes.

She set him down and he toddled over to me. I looked down at him as he raised his arms up to me and smiled… Does he ever stop smiling?

I picked him up and he wrapped his arms around my neck.

"Dada." He babbled as my eyes widened in shock.

"Hal, he just called you Dada." Carol whispered as Kyle's little hand touched my face.

**********Break*********

I sat him down on the floor and he started scribbling with crayons on the coloring book. Carol curled up beside me on the couch as we watched him attempt to color.

"Change your mind about having children?" she asked.

"One's enough." I replied.

"But, it never lasts forever… Speaking of which, when is he supposed to be back to normal?"

"Tomorrow."

"Mama." Kyle babbled as he held out a scribbled picture to her.

She picked him up and kissed his forehead as she settled him into her lap. Carol then turned to me.

"That's it. He's not allowed to go back." she ordered.

* * *

**Thanks for all of the reviews, follows, and favorites! I'm now taking requests for this story! Message me or comment your requests!**


	6. Chapter 6: School

**Kenzi600's request for Kyle to go to school. (Hope you like it!)**

**Chapter 6: School**

**Kyle's POV**

I crossed my arms and glared at him before saying, "I'm not going."

"You're going."

"I'm sixteen! I don't have to go! I can drop-"

"Don't argue with me! You're going!" Hal hissed.

"It's not fair! I have a job! I'm a Green Lantern! I don't need to finish school!" I yelled.

"Tough shit. You're going."

"No!"

He sighed before saying, "Tell you what, you don't have to go to school."

"Really?" I skeptically asked as he nodded.

"If you can convince Carol that dropping out is a good idea... And just so you know, it was her idea to have you go back to school."

"What time does school start?"

**********Break**********

"Please don't make me do this." I pleaded as Hal rolled his eyes.

"You'll be fine… Now get out of my car." He ordered as I reluctantly climbed out and looked at the prison before me.

"Have fun, kid." He smirked as I glared at him.

"I hate you." I hissed.

"I love you more! And make sure you apply have your skin cream! I'd hate for you to have another rash down there!" Hal yelled loudly as a group of girls passed by and immediately started laughing as my face turned bright red.

Lugging my backpack over my shoulder, I ran for the safety of the building. As I pushed the door open, I immediately ran into the principal who had a cup of coffee in his hands… Oh shit.

My eyes widened in horror as the steaming hot liquid traveled down his shirt.

"My. Office. Now." Principal Hackman hissed.

"Yes sir." I mumbled

**********Break**********

After I was finally released from the principal's office, I finally found my first class… thirty minutes after the bell rang. I slipped into an empty desk as my teacher glared at me.

"I do not tolerate tardiness in my classes." Miss Tomkey snarled as I nodded.

"Sorry, but I-"

"I do not want to hear excuses either." She stiffly replied as I nodded and shrunk further and further into my desk.

"Now class, we're going to have a test over our summer reading materials."

Summer reading?

*********Break**********

"Dammit!" I hissed, yanking on the lock to my locker for the thousandth time.

"Kyle?"

I turned to find Terry watching me with an amused look.

"What are you doing here?" Terry asked as I shrugged.

"Hunting elephants." I sarcastically replied.

"I though you graduated." he stated.

"I kinda lied about that." I muttered. "But, I'm here now."

"Do you need any help?" he asked as I nodded.

"Please."

He pushed his glasses up before turning the knob to the left and the lock clicked open.

"Thanks man." I said as I grabbed my stuff for my next class.

"You're welcome… What's your next class?"

"Computer science." I replied.

"Me too! Come on, I'll show you how to get there." Terry cheerfully replied.

I followed him as he led me to our class.

"How about a double date this weekend? You and Alex can meet me and David at the movies or something."

"Sounds good." I replied.

"You get a new boyfriend, Berg?" some random guy in a football jersey sneered as he knocked Terry's books out of his arms.

"Leave him alone!" I yelled as the guy turned to me.

"Who do you think you are?"

"Kyle Rayner and you do not talk to my friend like that."

**********Break**********

It wasn't ten minutes later before the three of us ended up in the principal's office.

"Kyle Rayner, this is the second time that you've ended up in my office today." Principal Hackman stated.

"The first time was an accident, sir... But, Terry was being bullied, which is illegal." I added.

"Nonsense, Arnold Red is our star football player and model citizen." Hackman stated as the bully nodded politely.

"Honestly, sir. I'd never make fun of another student for being gay. It's just horrible the way-"

"You're lying!" I insisted, standing up.

"Sit down, Rayner!" Hackman yelled as I quickly took my seat. "Fighting is strictly against the rules as Coastal High, Mr. Rayner. You'll be serving detention every day after school starting on Monday and I'll be notifying your guardian. Consider this your first and final warning."

"Yes sir." I muttered.

"You both may go."

"You'd better watch your back." the bully hissed before pushing past me.

I glared at his retreating form as Terry walked up to me.

"Sorry, you got into trouble." He whispered as I sighed.

"I've had worse, Terry."

"Thank you."

"What are friends for?"

*********Break**********

I followed Terry as we moved down the lunch line.

"Um, what is that?" I whispered as the lunch lady spooned some mysterious substance onto my tray.

"I don't really know." He whispered back.

"Great." I replied, following him to a table.

Crossing the lunchroom floor, I found myself lying facedown on the floor with the mysterious substance in my hair as the entire lunchroom busted out laughing. Damn shoelaces!

"Kyle! Are you okay?" Terry asked.

"I hate this place."

**********Break*********

Finally! I eagerly watched the clock count the last seconds down. Come on. Come on.

I leapt up as the bell rang and threw the door open, only to have the door collide with a passing teacher. She went down and was knocked completely out as I looked at her in horror.

"Kyle Rayner! In my office now!" Principal Hackman yelled.

"Again? Seriously?"


	7. Chapter 7: Everything is Awesome

**Chapter 7: Everything is Awesome**

**Hal's POV**

"You have got to be shitting me." I stated as the main menu popped up.

"You did say I could pick the movie." Kyle smirked.

"The Lego Movie! You picked the Lego Movie!"

"It's a great movie! Besides, it's rated PG… Therefore I need a parent or guardian to watch it with me."

"Ask Carol!"

"No way, she'd think I was weird or something."

"I am not watching this." I growled.

"No! You have to!" Kyle yelled as I tried to wrestle the remote away from him.

"Do you realize how stupid this movie makes me look?"

"It doesn't say which Green Lantern it is! It could be John for all we know."

"Kyle! He's black!" I yelled.

"Well you don't have to be racist about it." he muttered as I glared at him. "What?"

"John is black. Guy is a redhead. Alan is blonde. You're half Hispanic. That leaves me! And I am not racist!"

"Sorry. I forgot that you just hated everyone… You should be happy you made it into the movie." he replied.

"We're not watching this. I forbid it. Nothing you can do or say will change my mind."

**********Break**********

"Everything is awesome! Everything is cool when you're part of a team! Everything is awesome when we're living our dream!" Kyle sang loudly as I glared at him.

"This is so stupid."

"Everything is better when we stick together! Side by side, you and I gonna win forever,

let's party forever! We're the same, I'm like you, you're like me, we're all working in harmony!"

"I'm going to have this damn song stuck in my head."

"Everything is awesome! Everything is cool when you're part of a team! Everything is awesome when we're living our dream!"

"I could return you." I threatened.

**********Break*********

"Isn't Batman just amazing in this movie?" Kyle asked as I pushed him off of the couch.

"No he isn't!"

**********Break*********

"Will you take me to Lego Land?" Kyle asked.

"As soon as they make me look awesome."

"But, that doesn't happen." He pointed out.

"Oh well. Guess you're not going."

**********Break***********

I sighed with relief as the credits started to role. It's finally over!

"Did you like the movie?" Kyle asked.

"No."

"What!"

"It was stupid!"

"Yet, you liked Green Lantern!" he yelled.

"That was a great movie! Ryan Reynolds was perfect!"

"You look just like him! Of course he was perfect!"

"You're just jealous, kid." I smirked as he rolled his eyes.

"Whatever… We should the Dark Knight next!"

* * *

**Thanks for all the reviews and requests! **

**For those of you that have submitted requests, Thank You! However, I'm still working on them. I could also use some more ideas. Comment or message me your ideas :)**


	8. Chapter 8: Shelby

**Chapter 8: Shelby**

**Kyle's POV**

"Hey Hal? Can I borrow the car?" I asked.

"You want to borrow my 1971 Dodge Challenger?" he replied as I nodded.

He busted out laughing as I frowned.

"What's so funny?"

"The thought of you driving my baby."

"Come on! It's not like I'm going to wreck-"

"No." Hal sternly replied.

"But, I wanna take Alex out!" I whined as he rolled his eyes.

"Then buy your own car."

"With what money?"

"You have a job."

"But-"

"Do I look like I'm made of money?"

"No, but-"

"Sorry, kid. But, I'm not helping you."

**********Break**********

"Hey Carol. Can I come in?" I asked, pushing the door to her office open.

"Of course. What can I do for you?" she asked.

"I was wondering if I can ask you something."

"What did Hal do wrong now?" she asked.

"Well… He won't buy me a car and-"

"And you want money from me." She finished.

"Just a little."

"Uh huh… And how much is a little?"

"Well, you know. It's just a few thousand dollars and-" I began before she started laughing.

"Kyle, that sounds like a lot to me."

"Come on, Carol! I'll pay you back." I pleaded as she raised an eyebrow.

"With what money?"

**********Break**********

"Look, Terry. It's perfect." I sighed as I ran my hand over the sleek and shiny body of the cherry red Mustang.

"It's okay." He shrugged.

"Okay? Okay! Terry, this is the car that dreams are made of!" I yelled as he shrugged.

"But, David has a Camaro."

"Well, I'm so happy your boyfriend has a Camaro." I muttered before turning my attention back to the incredible piece of machinery.

"Can I help you boys with anything?" a salesman asked, coming up behind us as we both turned to look at him.

"No thank you. We were just looking." Terry replied as the salesman opened the door of the Mustang. "You know, if you're in love with this car now, just wait until you get behind the wheel."

**********Break**********

"I cannot believe you took that Mustang for a test drive. You don't even have a license." Terry scolded as I rolled my eyes.

"I have to have it." I whined.

"With what money?"

"That was mean."

"Mean, but true."

"I hate being poor."

**********Break**********

Hal was sitting on the couch watching TV. I took a deep breath before waltzing over to him. I took a seat right in his lap and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"What the hell are you doing?" he asked in surprise.

"Daddy, I love you."

"Get off me!"

"Nooooooo." I whined.

"What do you want?"

"Well, Christmas is only twenty-four days away and I-"

"I already know you want that comic book and that doll."

"Action figure! Action figure!" I exclaimed as he rolled his eyes. "But, that's not what I'm trying to tell you! I want a car!"

"A car for your doll or for you?"

"It's not a doll! It's a limited edition action Darth Vader action figure! And I want a Mustang!"

"Do I look like I'm freaking Santa Claus? Get off me."

I groaned in response.

***********Break**********

I lovingly stared at the cherry red mustang. I will name her Shelby. Why can't I have her? She wants me to drive her.

"Back again?" the salesman asked as I nodded. "How about another test drive?"

I slid behind the wheel and he got into the passenger seat. We buckled our seatbelts and I eased out of the lot. I looked both ways before pulling out into traffic, but I should have paid more attention to the F-150 that was pulling into the car lot.

***********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"Hello?" I answered my cellphone.

"Hal Jordan?"

"Yes? Who is this?"

"This is Tom Jones with Coastal City Ford-"

"Not interested. I like Dodge."

"You might, but your boy prefers Ford."

"My boy?"

"Kyle Rayner… You are his legal guardian, aren't you?" the man replied.

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

I cringed under Hal's glare as he entered the office of the used Ford dealer. I am so dead.

"Mr. Jordan." Jones greeted as he offered his hand.

"What did he do?" Hal asked as he took the man's hand before taking a seat beside me.

"He took a 2008 Mustang GT for a test drive, using a fake id. Upon pulling out of the lot, he hit an F-150… However, the other driver decided not to press charges considering the fact that his car was unharmed and no one was hurt… except for the Mustang… And the police haven't been notifying about the false license… yet."

"Uh huh." Hal groaned, knowing what was coming next. "How much is this going to cost me?"

"Just under twenty thousand."

**********Break**********

I tried giving Hal my most pitiful expression as we got into his Challenger.

"Don't look at me like that! I cannot believe you! You're lucky they didn't call the cops! What the hell were you thinking!"

"I was thinking that I'd get away with it and we wouldn't be having this discussion."

"Dammit, Kyle! Do you know how much money you just cost me! Do you know how much money it's going to cost me to fix that car!"

"I'm sorry."

"You're going to be sorry! You're not going anywhere for the next six months!"

"What!"

"You heard me! And you can kiss your chances of getting that doll for Christmas goodbye!"

"It's an action figure!"


	9. Chapter 9: All I Want For Christmas

**Chapter 9: All I Want For Christmas**

**Kyle's POV**

"I hate people." Hal muttered as we walked towards the Queen's mansion for their annual Christmas party.

"Come on, Hal. Christmas is my favorite holiday."

"I know! We did have to buy that stupid tree!"

"You love our tree. I know it."

He merely rolled his eyes as we entered their home. The party was practically the same as it always is. The adults get drunk and we play party games. Towards the end, we were all gathered around to do our Secret Santa gifts.

I'd drawn Donna. So, Alex helped me pick out some perfume to give to her. Thankfully, Donna seemed to like her gift. I also found out that Jason had gotten me.

"Whadya get me?" I asked as Jason rolled his eyes.

"Well, since I don't shop at comic book stores or play with dolls-"

"Action figures. They're action figures. And I collect them." I pointed out.

"Whatever." He replied as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled a checkbook out. He wrote down some stuff and signed his name before ripping the check out and handing it to me.

My mouth fell open as I glanced down at the check written for thirty-five thousand dollars. Thirty-five thousand dollars. Thirty-five thousand dollars!

"Huh? Jay, this is a lotta money."

"Twenty thousand for the mustang and about fifteen thousand for damages… Besides, my father's a billionaire. Bruce was totally cool with it." He replied as I wrapped my arms around him.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is like the best present ever! Oh my gosh! I can finally get my baby fixed! Jay, you're like the best Secret Santa ever!"

"You're welcome… Now, get the hell off me before I run you over with my sleigh!"

**********Break**********

"Thanks for coming with me, Carol." I said as she parked in the parking garage for the mall.

"You're welcome, Kyle. Do you know what you want to get Alex?"

"I was hoping you had some ideas. I mean, you are a girl."

"Thanks for noticing." She sarcastically replied before adding, "What about jewelry?"

"Jewelry? Like what?"

"A bracelet, some earrings, a necklace, a ring-"

"Ring? But, I'm only seventeen!"

"A promise ring, Kyle." She casually explained as we headed for the jewelry store. "You know, I received my first promise ring when I was eight years old."

"Really?"

"Yes, Hal's mother and my mother had gone out to lunch together and they had taken Hal and me along with them. You see, Hal's father worked for my father, I'd practically grown up with Hal. Anyway, we had gotten pizza and Hal gave me a promise ring he bought for a quarter out of the vending machine… I actually still have it."

"Really?" I asked as she nodded.

"Really. He can be just so sweet."

"Uh huh." I replied as we walked into the jewelry store.

"Can I help you?" a saleswoman named Shirley asked.

"Yes, we'd like to look at promise rings." Carol replied as the woman led us over to a glass case and pulled out a few things.

"Oh look, Kyle. This one's beautiful. Your girlfriend would just love it." Carol exclaimed.

"Yeah, it's really pretty." I replied, taking a look at the two hundred dollar ring plus tax. "I think I'll take that one."

"I'll ring it up for you." The saleswoman replied as Carol longing looked at the case with engagement rings.

"That one's absolutely breathtaking." She sighed, pointing at the diamond ring.

"I guess so… Don't worry. I'm sure Hal will-"

"I've waited years for him to ask me." She huffed.

"But, Hal loves you! He looks at you kinda like how I look at Alex."

***********Break**********

"Merry Christmas, Alex." I whispered as I held out the ring box to her.

"Oh, Kyle! You shouldn't have!" she exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me.

"Glad you like it." I blushed.

"I love it! I can't believe you got me a promise ring!" she exclaimed.

"Well, I love you. And Carol said that the ring's a promise that nothing can tear us apart."

**********Break**********

"You know, we have gotta stop waiting until Christmas Eve to buy gifts." I said as Hal rolled his eyes.

"Kyle, I clearly have better things to do than to buy stuff for people. Besides, Carol does all my shopping for me."

"Uh huh, except for her present."

"That's why we're at the mall. Besides, I bet you haven't even gotten anything for Alex."

"Actually, I bought it two days ago and gave it to her yesterday, so ha!"

He cuffed me on the back of my neck as I yelled, "Ow! Child abuse!"

"Keep shouting and I'll give you something to yell about." He threatened as a few shoppers glanced over at him.

I rolled my eyes and followed him into the jewelry store that was overcrowded with men.

"Hey, what's the cheapest thing in the store?" Hal asked a salesman.

"Gift wrapping, sir." He huffed before turning back to another customer.

"Hey Hal! What about this for Carol?" I asked as he came over to see what I was pointing at in the case.

"Kyle, you idiot! That's a ring! And it's twenty thousand dollars! And it's an engagement ring!"

"I know. I can read… Don't you think it's time to get me a mommy?" I smirked as he glared at me.

"No."

"Come on! Besides, it's the one Carol picked out."

"Picked out? What the hell were you doing shopping with Carol?"

"Well, I asked her to help me pick out a gift for Alex. Cause, she's a girl and all."

"And what did she help you pick out?"

"A promise ring."

He rolled his eyes before looking back down at the diamond ring.

"Besides, I'm not ready to commit to marriage… And I couldn't afford it." He muttered.

"Get a better job."

"Great idea! I'll get one as soon as I'm done paying for a totaled Mustang!"

"Do you have to play that card every time?"

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"It's Christmas! It's Christmas!"

I wearily cracked an eye and glanced at my alarm clock and groaned.

4:30 A.M.

"Hal, control your son." Carol muttered.

"No. He's your son for today." I groaned before my bedroom door flew open and Kyle ran in the room and jumped on the bed.

"It's Christmas! It's Christmas!"

"Stop bouncing on my bed! We're trying to sleep!" I snapped as he crawled in-between us.

"But, it's Christmas." He whispered, giving me his defeated puppy look.

"Really? I had no idea." I sarcastically replied before rolling onto my side.

"Hal. Hal. Hal… Dad. Dad. Da-"

"What!"

"It's Christmas. You gotta get up so you can give me my presents." He said as he poked me in the back.

"Hey Kyle, Carol and I had sex in the very spot where you're sitting last night." I said as a look of pure horror flashed across his face.

Not a second had passed before he was out of our room and I heard the shower running.

"But, Hal, we didn't have sex last night." Carol pointed out.

"I know."

************Break************

About an hour and a half later, I yawned as I sat on the couch with Carol beside me. Kyle was on the floor opening his presents.

"It's the comic books I wanted and you got me the action figure I wanted too!" he exclaimed, making me wonder if I'd adopted a seven year old instead of a seventeen year old.

"You're welcome, kid." I yawned as he handed me and Carol two packages.

I pulled the wrapping paper away and opened the box. Inside of the box was a painting of a jet flying in the night sky. I looked over to see that Carol had a painting done of the three of us.

"Kyle, did you make these?" I asked as he nodded.

"Yeah. Yours is when you took me flying at night that one time and I made Carol the one of us, cause she's always complaining about how we never sit still for pictures… Do you like them?"

Carol leaned over and kissed the kid's cheek and said, "Of course we do, sweetheart. I'm at a loss for words. I just don't know what to say."

Kyle blushed before I added, "Yeah, kid. They're really good… Thank you."

"You're welcome." He replied as I tossed him another present.

"What's this?" he asked.

"Open it." I replied as he tore into the present to reveal a tube of superglue.

"Uh… this is superglue."

"I know. It's so you can glue your damn ring to your finger, so I can stop worrying about you losing it!"

"I've only lost it like thirty times!" he pointed out as Carol merely rolled her eyes.

"My point exactly! So, the next time you get kidnapped-"

"I've only gotten kidnapped three times, thank you very much!"

"Boys. Enough." Carol warned before she handed Kyle another present.

He quickly tore into the gift. A set of car keys was revealed.

"Hal and I got your Mustang fixed. Hal's going to take you to get your license next week."

"You didn't need to do that. It's a lot of money." The kid hesitantly replied.

"Well, it's a little late for that." I said.

"But, Jason gave me the money to get my car fixed and to pay for it." He pointed out.

"Then I guess you'd better hang on to it for when you wreck your car again." Carol said as Kyle gave us a smile in return before hugging us.

"Thanks Mom. Thanks Dad."

**********Break**********

"You know, you never opened my present." I whispered into Carol's neck as she finished frying the last of the bacon.

She pushed the skillet off of the hot burner before turning around and wrapping her arms around my neck.

"And just what did you get me?" she asked as I presented the tiny box containing earrings.

She raised her eyebrows before opening the box and gasped.

"Oh Hal! Yes! I will! I just expected you to get down on one knee and ask me properly… But, yes!" she practically screamed.

"Carol, what are you talking-" I began before she put the engagement ring on her finger.

What the freaking hell! I bought freaking earrings!

Her arms wrapped around my neck as I looked over to see Kyle standing in the corner of the kitchen trying to look innocent… I'm going to kill him!


	10. Chapter 10: Pumped Up Kicks

**For a close friend that really needs to get a Fanfiction account and actually leave reviews instead of texting me! R, I hope you like it and sorry it took like three months to write. Remember, life is never as bad as it seems. We are all given the lives we have because we are strong enough to live them. God would never put anything in our paths that we couldn't handle. **

**Chapter 10: Pumped Up Kicks**

**Kyle's POV**

"Thanks for bringing me to school." Terry said as I pulled into the student parking lot.

"No problem." I replied, parking my Mustang in the back of the parking lot.

"Uh… Why are we in East Egypt? There are plenty of spots in the front."

"Dude, I don't want Shelby to get scratched." I replied patting her hood before we headed for the building.

I saw Terry's boyfriend, David, by his black Camaro surrounded by his fellow football players and cheerleaders.

"Why didn't you get a ride from David this morning? I mean, he is your boyfriend."

"Kyle, David hasn't told anyone about us yet. They all think he's straight. Besides, he's the quarterback and-"

"Terry, the football team bullies you! And David doesn't do anything to help you! That's not right! He can't just date you and pretend you don't exist."

"Kyle, don't! Just drop it okay!"

"Whatever." I mumbled as we tried to move towards the entrance, only to be stopped by a couple of the players.

"Hey faggot!" one of them yelled.

"You're gonna burn in Hell, fag!" another one yells as David looks away and does nothing.

"Why don't you just go ahead and kill yourself! The world would be a better place without you!"

"No one wants you here, queer!"

"Be careful around Rainbow Boy, guys! One wrong move and he'll start raining skittles!"

"Leave him alone!" I finally yelled as tears started to form in the corners of Terry's eyes. "He did nothing to any of you!"

"He? I thought it was a pussy!" one of them laughed.

Terry finally broke free of them and ran for the safety of the building as I ran after him.

As he ran into the boy's bathroom, I yelled, "Terry! Wait!"

I pushed open the door and found him shoved up against the bathroom wall.

"This bathroom is for boys only."

"Let him go, Arnold." I threatened as the football player glanced over his shoulder at me.

"Stay out of this, Rayner."

Before I could reply a hand gently pushed me out of the way. David pushed past me and said, "Arnie, put him down. We have to get to practice before Coach gets pissed... Just deal with the fag later."

Arnold let go of Terry and practically slammed me into the wall on his way out.

"I'm right behind you." David called after his teammate before moving closer to Terry. "Leave Kyle. We need to talk alone."

**********Break**********

"What's wrong with you?" Hal asked as I picked at my Chinese takeout.

"Nothing." I mumbled.

"Then eat." He ordered, stuffing his mouth with a forkful of mushu pork.

"Not hungry."

"Kid, what's wrong?"

I sighed before replying, "It's about my friend Terry."

"The kid who you work with?"

"Yeah… Well, you know how he's gay-"

"He is! Is that why he stares at my ass every time I see him?"

"He thinks you look like Ryan Reynolds."

Hal contemplated the idea before replying, "A lot of people say that."

"Hal! Focus!"

"Right. What's wrong with your friend?"

"He's being bullied a lot. Alex and I are like the only ones who stand up for him. She even got suspended for punching one of the football players that was harassing Terry. Even his boyfriend won't do anything to-" I began before there was a knock on the apartment door.

Hal got up to answer the door.

"Terry?"

"Mr. Jordan, is Kyle here?" Terry asked on the verge of tears.

"Yeah. Come on in."

"Kyle, can we talk alone?" Terry asked as he swiped at his eyes.

"Yeah, man. What's up? You okay? I mean, you missed lunch. Did something happen?" I asked.

"David broke up with me." He sniffed as Hal retreated to his bedroom with his takeout.

"What? Why?"

"Because, he's afraid that people will find out about us. He said he didn't want to go through what I go through. He said it's because he's the quarterback and being gay will ruin his image!"

"I'm so sorry, Te-"

"But, that's not the worst part! My parents found out!"

"I guess they didn't take it well."

"My mom's in denial. She keeps telling me that I'm a late bloomer. And my dad said that I wasn't his son anymore. He told me to get out." Terry cried.

"Terry, I'm so sorry."

"What's wrong with me?" he whispered.

"Terry, there is nothing wrong with you! Absolutely nothing!"

"But, I'm gay… I just want to be me and no one will accept me. My parents hate me. The others at school hate me… David hates me." He choked.

"That's not true! You're my best friend, Terry. I accept you. People will come around. Who cares if you're gay or straight? I don't. You're still my best friend."

"Thanks... I have to go. There's something I need to do." He mumbled.

"I'll go with you."

"No! I need to do this alone!"

"Terry-" I began as he headed for the door and walked out.

**********Break**********

"Hey Kyle." Alex said as I closed the door to my locker.

"Hey. I see you're no longer suspended." I smirked as she rolled her eyes.

"How's Terry?"

"Not so good... I'm worried about him, Alex. He's going through some bad stuff right now."

"I know… especially with what happened with David. Just wait until I get my hands on that asshole." She growled as I took her hand.

"Calm down, Alex. You don't want to get suspended again, do you?"

"No." she huffed as we walked down the hallway.

We headed towards the atrium. Everyone was either standing around talking or trying to get to their next class. I paused when I noticed Terry standing in the dead center. My eyes grew wide as I caught a glimpse of the cold metal in his hands.

"Kyle?" Alex said as I let go of her hand.

"Terry! Don't!" I screamed, running towards him.

Time seemed to stop as I shoved countless numbers of students out of my way. There wasn't a single trace of emotion on his face as he rubbed his index finger over the trigger of the pistol. The gun went off and the bullet embedded itself into a nearby locker as I slammed into him… That's when all hell broke loose.

People were running. People were screaming. People were crying. Chaos erupted.

I knocked the gun away from us. Terry was crying and screaming as I held him.

"I just want it to be over!" he screamed.

"It's okay, Terry. It's okay."

Only seconds had passed before the atrium was cleared with the exception of three people. I was on the floor in the center with Terry clinging to me. I looked up to see David staring at us in shock as he stood over the freshly fired gun. We could hear footsteps approaching as David stooped down and picked up the gun. Teachers, the principal, our school cop, and other administers showed up only seconds later. All eyes were on David and the gun.

"Sorry… I guess I just wanted it to be over with." David muttered before dropping the weapon and allowing himself to be handcuffed.

Terry and I stared at him in shock.

"David, don't-" Terry began.

"Don't Terry! Just shut up! It's not your fault I brought a gun to school!" he snarled as Terry quickly shut up.

Oh my God… David's taking the fall.

**********Break**********

Terry's parents arrived before Hal did. He started crying as he was squished between his mom and dad… Actually all three of them were crying… Then again, so was the entire school.

"Kyle!"

I looked up see Hal. I got up from the chair I was sitting in. Before I could open my mouth to tell him I was okay, I found myself crushed against him. He awkwardly hugged me for like five minutes before finally releasing his death grip, but he still gripped my shoulders.

"Dammit, kid. I just… You okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Good… Carol's on the way."

"You told Carol. She's gonna freak out!" I whined.

"Kyle, your school was involved in a shooting by some kid named David something! Everyone's freaked out!"

"Yeah… David." I muttered, glancing over at Terry who was still crying.

"Dammit kid, if you got hurt, I... There's no telling who'd the Guardians would stick me with. What if it was Guy Gardner? Do you not understand how miserable I'd be stuck with him as a sector partner?"

"Yeah... You would be miserable... And I love you too."

**********Break**********

Two weeks later everything seemed to have calmed down. I sat next to Alex at lunch and Terry sat across from us. I poked at my mysterious lunch as Alex tried to break the silence.

"So Terry… I saw you at the movies with your parents last night." She said as he nodded.

"Yeah… The incident two weeks ago really freaked them out. They've been clingy, but I think they finally accepted me for who I am."

"That's great!" she exclaimed.

"Oh my God." I whispered, looking up at the entrance to the cafeteria.

Time once again seemed to freeze as David walked in. Everyone stared at him… How is he not arrested? How is he not expelled? What is he doing here?

David crossed the cafeteria with everyone's eyes were glued to the senior, 6'2 tall, muscular, football quarterback with tanned skin, brown eyes and hair. He came to a stop beside Terry. The scrawny, 5'5, blonde haired and blued eyed boy looked up at David with his mouth slightly hanging open.

David's lips were soon locked onto Terry's as the entire student body stared in shock. David pulled back and whispered, "I'm so sorry, baby. Are you okay?"

"Uh huh." Terry squeaked.

"Terry, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done what I did to you." David apologized as Terry finally closed his mouth.

"David... you took the fall for me."

"I did it because I love you."

"Holy shit! You're gay!" one of David's teammates cried out as David narrowed his eyes at him.

"You got a problem with that?" he hissed as the kid quickly shook his head.

"What are you doing here?" Terry asked as David sat down beside him.

"I go here, babe."

"But… You… I don't understand. How are you here?"

"It's a need to know. None of you need to know." He muttered.

Alex cleared her throat and tried to change the subject by saying, "So anyway. About that math test-"


	11. Chapter 11: K-9

**Chapter 11: K-9**

**Kyle's POV**

"Be careful, kid. You never know what dangers are lurking around." Hal stated as we explored Planet 52.

"Do they even know what was disturbing it?" I asked.

"Well, if they knew what was causing a disturbance, we wouldn't be here investigating!"

"It was just a question." I mumbled.

"You know the rules, kid. We protect sector 2814."

"I know, but I'd rather not protect the creepy parts." I muttered as he ignored me.

"You take that direction." He ordered as I nodded.

"But-"

"You have a ring. You'll be fine alone." He replied before flying off.

I sighed before heading off to explore my sector of the uninhabited planet. No one even lives here and we're called to investigate! I froze as a sudden movement caught my eye.

**Hal's POV**

"Hal! Hal!"

"Kyle!" I yelled back and quickly flew over to his location.

I could see him on the ground laughing as a four legged green dog thing licked his face.

"Dammit Kyle! I've told you a thousand times to stop playing with space creatures! They could kill you!"

"I think he likes me." Kyle replied, petting the creature.

"I'm so happy for you… Get up. We have to take it in."

He frowned before replying, "I'd rather not… Can I keep him?"

"Sure."

"Really?" he asked excitedly.

"No."

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

My heart broke as the poor creature was placed into a cell. He whined as I practically cried along with him.

"Hal, what's gonna happen to him?"

"The thing caused a disturbance. We don't know what kind of alien it is. We-"

"Will the Guardians kill him?"

"I don't know, kid."

I nodded and watched as Hal went to discuss something with one of the guards. I returned my attention back to the dogish thing in the cell.

"I'm sure the Guardians wouldn't notice if you went missing."

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"Hal, what did you do with the creature that was causing havoc earlier?" John asked.

"I left it in a cell. Why?"

"It's gone."

"Uh huh." I mumbled, scanning the area for Kyle.

"Do you have any idea what happened?"

"I'll let you know if I see something." I replied as he nodded.

I'm going to kill that kid.

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"You know, you remind me of that dog off of Looney Tunes… You know the dog that the little Martian had… K-9! The dog's name was K-9!"

He licked my hand as I petted him.

"I mean, it's perfect! You both have green fur and floppy ears and-"

"Kyle!"

"Oh shit. I'm screwed." I whispered before shoving my new dog under my bed.

I sat down in front of him and blocked him from view before grabbing a comic book. As my door opened, an angry looking Hal walked in.

"Did you need something?" I innocently asked as he rolled his eyes.

"You can't keep it."

"Can't keep what?"

"The alien you took."

I gasped at his accusation. "Me? Steal a poor space-"

"I can see a green tail wagging under your bed!"

"Um… No you can't?"

"Kyle-" he began before I jumped up and hugged him.

"Please! I'll never ask you for anything again! I'll take care of him! I promise!" I begged as he sighed.

"Sorry kid, but rules are rules." He replied pushing me off of him.

I watched helplessly as Hal dragged the Great Dane sized alien out from underneath my bed. I was on the verge of tears as he dragged my dog out of my room.

"No! You can't! I won't let you!" I yelled as I blocked Hal's path.

"Kyle, you cannot keep it. You don't even know what it is!"

"But, I already named him! We've bonded!"

"Stop naming aliens! And it's been like twenty minutes! You haven't bonded with anything! Besides, you always want to keep everything we find!"

"It's not fair! You never let me keep anything! You won't even let me get a goldfish!"

"Fine! I'll buy you a damn fish!"

"I don't want a fish! I want my dog!"

"It's not even a dog!"

"I don't care!"

"Stop acting like a five year old! You can't keep it and that's final!"

**Hal's POV**

I could see tears dripping down the side of his face as he looked away from me… Damn. He's crying… But, Kyle doesn't cry… He needs to stop making me feel like a bad person.

"Kyle, I know you want to keep it, but you can't. The Guardians have ordered that the creature be brought in to study." I said softly.

"But, we've bonded." He sniffed.

"I know, kid and I'm sorry."

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

I wiped my eyes on my sleeve as Hal left with my dog. It's not fair!

"Meow."

I looked down to see Fluffy, Carol's cat, rubbing against my leg. We were catsitting for Carol while she went on some business trip. I pulled the fuzzy, white ball of fur onto my lap as she purred.

"I know, Fluffy. At least you love me, right?" I asked.

"Meow."

"Yeah. I bet Carol would have let me keep K-9."

She stopped purring and hissed at something over my shoulder. I glanced behind me as I felt a pink hand closing around my throat.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"Like I said before, I found it hiding in Gardner's room."

John gave me his "I'm not freaking stupid" look.

"So I see, you expect me to believe that my sector partner stole the creature?"

"Yeah… Guy's an idiot. I mean, it makes perfect sense that-" I rambled before he interrupted me by saying, "Next time, tell your kid to stop stealing aliens before we process them."

"Right." I muttered as the creature was placed into the examination chamber. "How long before you know what it is?"

"I'm not sure… But, in the meantime I'm starved. You hungry?" He replied.

"Not right now... I'll catch up with you later." I responded as he walked away.

I studied the green, floppy eared, four legged dog that was pacing the chamber… Maybe I'll get the kid a hamster or something. They only need like food and air, right? Nah, I'll just get him a fish. They just swim around.

I turned as a voice behind me called out, "Human! Stop!"

I froze and slowly turned to the creature in the examination chamber behind me.

"You can talk?"

"Now is not the time for questions. The boy is in danger." The thing responded.

"What boy?"

It shook his head before muttering, "Humans possess hardly any intelligence."

"What are you?"

"I am the last of the Acknash… The one in yellow seeks me as a weapon. He is with the boy. You must release me now if you want the child to live."

"Look, I have my- Wait, did you say the one in yellow?"

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"The Acknash. Now!" Sinestro ordered.

I gasped for breath as I tried to pry his fingers away from my neck, while slowly reaching for my ring in the pocket of my jeans. I stopped short as he slammed me into the wall and tightened his grip. The ring fell from my grasp as I clawed at his fingers.

"C-can't b-breathe!"

"Go for that ring again and I'll snap your neck. Give me what I desire and I shall let you live."

Black spots began forming around my vision. I couldn't breathe. He's going to kill me. I barely registered a hissing noise as the pressure was released all of a sudden. I looked up to see Fluffy clawing the crap out of Sinestro as I struggled to catch my breath.

I scrambled towards my ring and slipped it on… and nothing happened… What the freak? Why isn't- Oh crap! I didn't charge it!

I gulped as I looked up see Sinestro looking incredibly pissed with claw mark running down his face as he flung Fluffy down at me. The poor cat meowed in agony as I noticed the singed patches of fur on her.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"Why should I believe you?" I asked the creature.

The thing sighed before replying, "Once I have made contact with another being, I am able to see their past as well as their present… I am afraid we are too late. The child has been taken to Korugar."

"Yeah. Okay. Sure. Whatever." I muttered as my ring flashed.

I opened the video call to see Kyle.

"Hal!" he screamed as Sinestro appeared beside him and knocked the kid to the floor.

"Really Jordan, have you managed to teach your pupil anything? Even the proper usage of charging a ring is important." He sneered before pulling Kyle up by his hair, making the kid cry out.

"Take your hands off him!" I growled.

"Keep your mouth shut for once, Jordan if you want your brat to remain breathing!" he ordered as I stayed silent.

"You have something I want and I have something you want. I propose a trade. The Acknash for the boy."

"No! Hal! Don't!" Kyle screamed before Sinestro roughly struck the back of his head.

"Kyle!" I screamed as the kid crumpled to the floor.

"He's unavailable for a conversation at this point in time… Now about our trade?"

"When and where?"

He smiled before replying, "The creature will lead you to the boy."

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

I groaned as I sat up. My head hurts. I rubbed my eyes and jumped as I noticed I was some creepy, yellow, glowing vortex-thingy. Where am I?

"Meow."

"Fluffy?" I whispered as she sat, staring at me.

She sat in my lap as I stroked her fur. I winced at the missing patches of fur. Carol is not going to be happy. Oh well. I'll just tell her it was Hal's fault.

"It's okay, Fluffy… Hal will be here soon and he'll kick Sinestro's ass and then he'll yell at me for not charging my ring and then he'll feel bad about yelling at me, so he might actually get me a pet… Not that you're not great. Because you are… And your missing fur is barely noticeable." I whispered before the creepy, yellow, glowing vortex-thingy slowly disintegrated and Sinestro appeared.

"Seriously! You have an unhealthy obsession with kidnapping me and innocent kitty cats!"

"You will be silent, boy!" he ordered before latching onto the back of my sweater and literally began dragging me across the floor with Fluffy clutched in my arms.

"You cannot just kidnap me for the second time and expect me to be quiet! And you singed the hair on Fluffy! Carol's not going to be happy! Do you know what it's like to deal with an angry Star Safire?" I complained before a yellow knife appeared at my throat. "Or I could just stop talking… That works too."

He walked a few more steps, dragging me as I caught a glimpse of some weird looking alien city. I gazed around before I was yanked to my feet and a wormhole opened before me.

"Get in, boy!" he ordered.

"Let me go!" I screamed as a stream of green light in the shape of a jet struck Sinestro.

The portal began to close as I found myself being sucked into it as he was blasted away from me. I then found myself in Hal's arms as he flew a safe distance away from it. I could see John and Guy battling it out with Sinestro from over Hal's shoulder. He put me down and felt the back of my head where Sinestro had hit me before asking, "Are you hurt?"

"No."

"Where's your damn ring?"

"I… um… I'm wearing it." I sheepishly mumbled as his eyes narrowed behind his mask.

"Is it charged?"

"I cannot confirm that information at this time."

"We will talk about this later. Don't move." He hissed before flying off to help Guy and John.

It was at that moment, I realized I'd dropped Fluffy.

**Hal's POV**

Sinestro released a yellow beam that struck Guy and sent him crashing into John. My concentration was broken momentarily as I noticed Kyle run right past us towards the damn cat. Sinestro took advantage of the situation as I found myself trapped in one of his prison constructs.

"Kyle!" I screamed as a yellow energy beam was aimed at the kid trying to console a damned cat.

It didn't hit its target. It hit the creature that had jumped in its path.

"No!" Sinestro roared before glaring at me. "You cost me the last Acknash, Jordan. I'd kill you, but then you would be unable to serve your purpose."

"What the hell are you talking about?" I growled as he blocked an attack used by John.

"You shall see soon enough." He replied before disappearing as I was released from his construct.

I landed beside the others as they all stood around the creature and Kyle who was crying over it. I hauled him up and dragged him away from the others.

"What the hell were you thinking! I told you not to move! When I tell you to do something you do it!"

"I'm sorry." He sniffed as tears slid down his face.

Feeling bad for yelling at him, I pulled him into my arms as he cried.

"Shhh. It's okay, Kyle."

"Hal! It's still breathing!" John yelled as we both looked over at it.

**********Break**********

"So basically what you're telling me is that when the creature was hit by Sinestro, it's connection it had to be able to see everything was severed?" I asked as Soranik nodded.

"The Acknash was once sought after as a weapon. The creature could see every single moment in anyone's past, present, and future. One simple touch was all it needed to be able to see everything."

"And now that power has been destroyed?"

"Yes… Apparently, the creature saw something in Kyle that he'd sacrifice himself for."

"I told you we bonded." Kyle called from the examination table where he sat with the creature and the cat beside him.

We ignored him and I asked, "So what happens now? The things pretty useless to the Guardians now.'

"That is also correct. The Acknash is basically what you'd humans call a dog." Soranik replied as Ganthet slowly floated into the room and strode directly over to Kyle as we swapped glances.

Great. Now the Guardians are going to chew the kid out.

**********Break**********

"Wasn't it nice of the Guardians to let us keep K-9?" Kyle asked as I rolled my eyes.

"Just wonderful. Especially the part where they chewed my ass out instead of yours." I muttered as he shrugged.

"I'm still cute. I can get away with things. You can't." He smirked before getting into the bed as the alien settled down in his dog bed beside Kyle's bed.

"Sure you are… Did you charge your ring?"

"Uh… Maybe?"

"Do it now." I growled as he charge it.

"Happy now?" he asked as I flipped off his lights.

"Ecstatic." I replied before shutting his door and heading towards my bedroom.

I flipped on the TV and yawned as I saw K-9 trotting into my room.

"Nope. You gotta go. You're Kyle's mutt, not mine." I growled as it continued to stare at me as I sighed. "Alright… Thanks for saving my kid. I don't know what exactly you saw in him that was so important, but it means a lot to me… He means a lot to me. Happy now?"

The thing just merely laid down and closed its eyes as I rolled mine.

"Whatever." I muttered before flipping off the lights and the TV.

"I saved him because I saw the kindness and greatness inside of him… Unlike you. All I see is death and destruction."

My eyes opened wide as I turned the lights back on and found the dog gone. I scrambled out of bed and ran to Kyle's room and flung the door open to see the dog in its bed and Kyle sleeping in his.

"Am I dreaming?"

**********Break**********

I woke up the next morning and shuffled towards the kitchen. I saw Kyle on the couch watching cartoons and stuffing his face with cereal as the dog laid at his feet.

I continued to the kitchen. I opened the fridge and grabbed the milk. I shut the fridge and jumped as I came face to face with Carol standing behind me with murder in her eyes and her balding cat in her arms.

"What. Did. You. Do. To. Fluffy?"


	12. Chapter 12: The Way You Lie

**Chapter 12: The Way You Lie**

**Kyle's POV**

"What did you get for number seven?" I asked as Alex rolled her eyes.

"Kyle, we just did number seven." Terry whined.

I sighed as I leaned back against the couch. Me, Alex, David, and Terry were in my apartment trying to study.

"Sorry, but math is so stupid." I whined as their eyes suddenly grew wide. "You guys okay?"

"Is that dog green?" David asked as I looked behind me to see K-9 standing there and wagging his tail with his leash in his mouth.

"No! He's brown! I um… accidently dyed his fur to… um, match my eyes!" I shouted before jumping up and dragging him back into my bedroom.

"No K-9. No walkies right now… I'll take you as soon as they leave." I promised as he got in his dog bed and glared at me. "Sorry, but they seriously do not need to know about aliens and stuff."

He huffed before turning his butt to me.

"The silent treatment? Really?" I asked before shutting the door to my room behind me.

I joined them back in the living room and raised an eyebrow as I noticed the three of them examining something. I moved closer and found them staring at my power battery. I quickly snatched it up and yelled, "Um… that's my nightlight! The dark's scary!"

I shoved the battery into my room as they stared at me before there was a knock on the door. I opened it to find Jason Todd, Tom Bronson, and Zach Zatara.

"You guys cannot be here right now!" I hissed.

"Why not?"

"The last thing I need is a magician, a werecat, and a trigger-happy idiot!"

"Your point? We have a scheduled meeting." Jason said before pushing past me as the other two followed him.

Alex and Terry both screamed as they entered. Next thing I know, the two of them were all over Jason… What the heck is going on?

"Oh my God! It's Richard Wayne's little brother!" Alex squealed before she latched onto Jason and took a selfie, while Terry grabbed his other arm and took a selfie.

"Your brother's so hot!"

"Is his ass as nice as it is in the pictures!"

"Can I have his number!"

"Is he still single!"

"What's he like!"

"Does he want a new girlfriend!"

"Does he want a boyfriend!"

They bombarded him with questions as David tried to pry his boyfriend off of Jason. Zach levitated the bowl of popcorn off of the floor and into his arms, while Tom used his claws to rip the top of off one of Hal's beers.

"Tom! You can't drink! You're nineteen! And you'd better not smoke either!"

"Chill man. You wanna beer?"

"I'm under aged! And so are you!"

"Whatever." He shrugged before plopping down on the couch beside Zach.

About ten minutes later, I finally got Terry and Alex off of Jason. Jason was on the couch with Zach and Tom beside him. David and Terry were in the loveseat. I was in the chair with Alex partially crushing me with her butt.

"Kyle, you never told me you were friends with Bruce Wayne's son/ Richard Wayne's brother." Alex said as Jason rolled his eyes.

"Yeah well… Hal was their pilot for something… I met Jason… And here we are now." I lied.

"Remind me to teach you how to lie." Zach scoffed before crossing his arms.

"Anyway-" I began before Tom starting sniffing the couch.

"Tom! No!" I yelled as his eyes briefly flashed gold.

"His eyes changed!" David yelled.

"Um… No they didn't! It's color changing contacts!" I screamed as I briefly caught a glimpse of his fangs.

"I smell dog." The werepanther growled.

"Dude. Chill." Jason hissed before elbowing him.

"Kyle, did you know that someone was murdered right where you're sitting?" Zach asked as Alex quickly jumped up and screamed, "What!"

"Alex, chill. He's kidding… Right Zach?" I pleaded as he raised an eyebrow.

"No."

"Zach, stop talking to dead people." I growled as he smiled at me.

Fluffy then ran into the room and jumped in Tom's lap. She meowed at him as he meowed back.

This is just fantastic! Tom's talking to the cat! Zach's talking to dead people! And Jason's… For once, he's acting normal.

"Uh… Kyle, how do you know um… your other friends?" David asked.

"Oh um… I… They're my cousins!"

"I thought you were Mexican?" Terry muttered.

"I'm half Hispanic! There's a difference!"

"So anyway, can I have your brother's number?" Alex asked Jason.

Suddenly, the door flew open to reveal Hal in his Green Lantern form and Carol in her Star Safire form wrapped around each other and making out… Oh my God. Hal nearly dropped Carol as he noticed everyone staring at them.

"Oh shit… Wrong apartment!" he yelled before dragging Carol out and slamming the door behind him.

"Can anything else go wrong?" I muttered as K-9 rounded the corner as Tom literally hissed at the dog. "It got worse."

**********Break**********

I closed the door behind them as they all left. I sank to the floor and groaned. That was horrible. Hopefully, no one suspects anything. I groaned as someone knocked on the door. I opened it to see Terry.

"Kyle, are you a Green Lantern?"

"Um, no I'm not… Bye!" I stuttered before trying to push him out.

"Kyle! Stop!" he yelled before saying, "It's okay… I won't tell anyone."

"Terry-"

"I won't. I promise… But, you have got to get someone to teach you how to lie."

* * *

**Thanks for all the awesome comments, favorites, and follows!**

**I could really use some new ideas for this story. Comment or PM me requests :)**


	13. Chapter 13:Brightest Day, Darkest Knight

**Chapter 13: Brightest Day, Darkest Knight**

**Hal's POV**

"I can't believe you're taking me to the Justice League!" Kyle squealed.

I rolled my eyes before replying, "First of all, I'm taking you to the Watchtower to meet the Justice League."

"Oh right. Got it."

"Don't embarrass me, okay?"

"Come on, Hal. I'd never do anything embarrassing."

"That's what I'm afraid of." I muttered as we entered.

He awed and pointed at random shit as we walked through rooms at the Watchtower. We eventually arrived at the meeting room. I pushed open the door.

"This is Kyle Rayner, my new protégé." I announced.

"I have all of your action figures!"

They stared at him as I nearly facepalmed. Why do I let him leave the apartment?

"Welcome. Let me know if you need anything." Superman stated as I sank into my chair with Kyle bouncing over me like an idiot. "Anyway, let's get started with the meeting."

He kept droning on and on in his hillbilly accent.

"For our next mission. We'll go in partners. The comets are too dangerous to take on alone. Batman, Nightwing, and the Green Lanterns will take the route to the left of the comet-" Superman started barking out instructions.

Wait a minute did he just say me and Batman? No way! That is not happening!

**********Break*********

**Kyle's POV**

"You're going the wrong way, Vampire!"

"I am not! Don't tell me how to drive my own Batship!"

"Then go the right way! And we wouldn't even need a spaceship if you could fly!"

I sighed as Red Hood groaned. It's been like this the entire way up here. They won't stop arguing. It's so annoying. And Red Hood and I aren't even in the League. He's just filling in for his brother and I'm here… Why am I here again?

"Will you two please-" He began before something slammed into the ship, knocking me onto the floor.

Alarms started to scream as the lights shut off. What's happening?

"Everyone, hold on!"

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

I opened my eyes to find that I was laying on… grass? What the Hell? What happened?

I slowly sat up and looked around. Grass, trees, flowers. I could see that the Vampire's spacecraft had been destroyed. Oh well. It's not like he can't afford to- Kyle! Wait! Where's Kyle?

Batman groaned beside me.

"Oh good. The Vampire's awake."

"Where are we?" he asked, slowly standing up.

"Your guess is as good as mine. But, one thing I know for sure is that Kyle and Jason aren't with us."

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

I shook Jason's shoulder and said, "Jason, come on man, wake up."

"What happened?" he murmured as he slowly opened his eyes.

"I don't know. We have to find our mentors."

"Where are we?" he asked.

"I don't know, but it's weird. I don't think we're on Earth."

I offered him my hand as he stared at it.

"Kyle, are you missing something?"

That was when I noticed I was in jeans, a light jacket, sneakers, and a t-shirt and no ring. Oh come on! This is like the thousandth time!

"Oh shit. Hal's going to kill me."

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"I can't get a signal for Red Hood's tracker." Batman growled.

"Then I guess it's a good thing I can keep better track of my protégé. I can track him through his ring." I smirked as he glared at me.

"I don't think you'll need to look too far to find his ring." he replied, pointing to something lying in the grass.

That is his ring… You have got to be kidding me! This is like the thirtieth time!

"I'm going to kill him."

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"Can you shoot?" Jason asked.

"Wait what?"

"Can you shoot a gun?" He asked as he pulled a spare out of his jacket.

No. "Of course." I replied, taking the weapon.

"You're holding it the wrong way and the safety's on, Genius."

"Okay, normally I don't have to worry about it!"

"Uh huh… How long have you been a Lantern?"

"About two weeks."

"And that's what happens when you get stuck with Hal Jordan."

"Don't talk about my mentor like that! You don't know him like I do! And you have nothing to say! You were raised by a vampire!" I yelled as I invaded his personal space.

"Don't talk about my father like that!" He yelled back as his eyes narrowed.

"Yeah, well a Green Lantern can do anything! You're only human! You can't do anything!"

"Except, shut up or remember to keep their damn rings with them!"

"Yeah, well-" I began before a deafening roar was heard followed by the shaking of trees.

What was that?

"Run!" he yelled seconds before something ran out of the trees.

Oh my God! Either that's a dinosaur or we're in Jurassic World!

We ran as fast as possible, stopping only when we reached a cliff. That's a long drop. I could see the water rushing below us. Jump or be eaten?

"Jump!"

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"This will take all day, we still don't know where we are, Kyle is still missing-" I began before I was body slammed by the Dark Knight into a shrub.

"Quiet!" he harshly whispered as I glared at him.

"What?"

"Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?" I asked.

A low growl rumbled through the trees and rattled the earth.

"That."

We waited a couple of minutes before moving. An enormous roar shook the Earth as a dinosaur appeared… A dinosaur!

"Stay here! You'll just get in the way!" I ordered, flying to meet the creature as he stupidly followed after me on that zip line thing of his.

I ignored him and shot an energy construct of green chains at the beast. The dinosaur quickly became entangled in them.

"Ha! Not so tough now are you!"

"Watch out!" Batman yelled.

Seconds later, the creature's tail slammed into me, breaking my concentration.

I went down with the creature's powerful jaws following. At the last second a cable came out of nowhere and looped itself around the creature's snout and pulled the thing away from me.

"Concentrate! And help me!" He yelled as I got back up and shot wires towards the beast.

Seconds later, the wires were alive with electricity. The beast was down on the ground unconscious in the matter of seconds. We moved closer.

"Where the hell are we?" I asked.

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"You okay?" I asked as we dragged ourselves out of the water.

"Yeah. You?"

"I'm fine."

"So, you want the good news or the bad news?" He asked as I shrugged.

"Good news is that we're alive. Bad news is that it's getting dark. There are freaking dinosaurs here! And we're separated from our mentors."

"What do we do?"

"First, we find shelter and something to eat."

"What about a cave?"

"That'll work."

As the sun started to disappear, we had gathered firewood and fish and water. Jason pulled a lighter and a box of cigarettes out of his jacket pocket. He lit the fire and a cigarette.

"Smoke?"

"Uh, no thanks."

An awkward moment of silence passed as we both gazed at the flames.

"So… how old are you?" He asked, trying to break the silence.

"Sixteen. I'll be seventeen soon… You?"

"Eighteen… So, how did you get the ring?"

"An alien named Ganthet gave it to me. He just showed up out of nowhere and gave it to me."

"Musta been a shock for your parents." He added as my face fell.

"Actually, my mom died earlier this year and my dad walked out on us a long time ago."

He sighed before adding, "My mom died when I was seven. And my dad walked out on us when I was five."

"But, I though Batman was-"

"I'm adopted. Well, me and my brothers all are… except for Damian."

"How many brothers do you have?"

"Three. I'm the second eldest… Do you even watch TV?"

"Sometimes. But we live on completely different sides of the U.S. I mean, I'm from Coast City, California. You're from Gotham City, New York. The Waynes aren't exactly talked about as much."

"True… So what's the deal with your mentor?" he asked as he grinded his cigarette against the stone flooring of the cave.

"Hal's probably the closest thing to a father I have. He's not perfect, but still…"

"If you weren't so easy to like, I'd probably give you some smartass comment about what's wrong with your mentor." he smirked.

"Then I'd have to give you a comment about your bloodsucker of a dad."

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"Get up." The deep voice growled.

"What time is it?" I muttered as I stretched and yawned.

"Dawn."

"I thought you were the Dark Knight, not the Day Knight!"

"We're wasting time. My son is still out there." he hissed as I climbed to my feet.

"Then it's a good thing he's with Kyle."

"You're student is powerless at this moment and I'm positive you've taught him only the basics of the ring and not how to survive without it. He's lucky to be with Jason."

"My kid could kick your kid's ass with or without the ring!"

"Hell would have to freeze over first!"

"You'd know all about Hell wouldn't you, Vampire!"

"You-" he began before the sound of gunfire was heard.

Gunfire? Doesn't his trigger-happy kid use guns?

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"Jason, come on. Wake up. It's dawn."

He growled as I shook his shoulder.

"We have to find our mentors. Come on. Up."

He reluctantly got up and followed me out of the cave. He yawned as he dipped his hand into the water of the stream outside of the small cave. I glanced around to see a shadow hovering beside him.

"Jason! Look out!"

He looked up just in time to have a spiked tail slam into him and throw him into the wall of the canyon. The creature roared causing part of the wall to come down on top of him. He cried out as the thing approached him.

The thing was nearly as tall as a skyscraper with spikes all over its body. Its movements shook the trees and its roar was enough to make your ears bleed.

"Leave him alone!" I screamed, taking a shot with Jason's gun to try and scare it.

Okay… I think I made it mad. I barely scrambled out of the way as it lunged at me with its teeth. I ran to where Jason was pinned down. His leg had been caught by part of the rocks. We began pushing on the rock that held his leg prisoner.

"What are you doing? Go!" He yelled.

"I'm not leaving without you!"

"That thing is coming! Go!"

"No way!" I yelled, straining against the rock.

The creature ran straight for us as it opened its enormous and ugly jaws filled with rows of razor sharp teeth. Before it could reach us, a cable shot out, wiring the beast's jaws shut. A black figure soon appeared accompanied by a green blur, slamming into the dinosaur.

Holy crap! Batman and Green Lantern are working together! Huh, miracles can happen.

We watched as the dinosaur went down. That was freaking awesome! We were then approached by our mentors as Hal lifted the rock off of Jason with his ring.

"Thanks." he mumbled as Batman wrapped his leg and made sure his son was okay while Hal approached me.

"I'm fine." I said as he completely ignored my statement.

"Damn it Kyle! How many times do I have to tell you that your ring is not a toy! You're to keep it with you at all-" he stopped as my face fell.

"I'm sorry."

He sighed before reaching out and squeezing my shoulder. "You okay, kid? You're not hurt or anything, are you?"

"I'm okay." I responded as he gave me a small smile.

"Good… You did good, kid."

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

I noticed the Bat scowling as Kyle lifted Jason up. He probably thinks Kyle will drop his brat.

"Relax, Vampire. If Kyle drops your kid it'll be on accident. If I drop you it'll be on purpose. Now, you be a good little nonflying bat and come leap into my arms." I smirked as he glared at me.

I really hate that man. When we get back, the first thing I'm going to do is stab Clark for making me work with him.


	14. Chapter 14: I Promise

**Chapter 14: I Promise**

**Hal's POV**

There is nothing better than payday… even if it means waiting in a freaking long line to cash a check.

I checked my watch for the thousandth time as the line for the teller slowly moved forward. What felt like hours later I finally made it to the cashier.

"Can I have a hundred of that in twenties and the rest for depos-" I began before the doors to the bank were thrown open and few people in ski masks stormed in.

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"And that is how Carl Jung came to classify-" Mrs. Eddalee began before her desk phone rang. She sighed before picking it up as I turned in my desk to face Alex.

"Hey, do you wanna do something tonight since it's Friday?"

"I'd love to but I can't. I already told you about the photography seminar I'm attending tonight." She replied.

"Guess I forgot about that."

"You forget about everything." She sighed.

"Do not."

"When's my birthday?"

"Um… A day of the year?"

"My point exactly." She sighed before our teacher recaptured our attention by obnoxiously snapping.

"Settle down class. Kyle, you're being signed out." She announced as Alex looked at me.

I shrugged before shoving my notebook in my backpack and heading out of the room.

When I got to the front of the school I could see Carol standing up in the front office.

"Carol, what are you doing here? Where's Hal? Is something wrong?"

"Kyle… There's been an accident."

**********Break***********

**Carol's POV**

I'd never seen him sit so still or be so quiet… Then again, I'd never seen him be still or quiet at all.

Kyle sat perfectly still in the hospital chair with his knees tucked into his chest and his arms crossed over them. His eyes glossed over as the stared at nothing in particular. I couldn't even hear him breathing and I was sitting beside him.

I reached over and squeezed his shoulder before gently saying, "Kyle, it's alright. He's going to be fine."

"He's in surgery."

"I know… He'll make it out okay and-"

"He was shot! Twice!"

"I know, Kyle. He wasn't the only one that was shot. Luckily, no one died."

"Yet."

"He'll make it. Just relax. Hal's had worse."

He shook his head and wiped at his eyes before getting up and walking outside. About ten minutes later, I was approached by the surgeon.

"Miss Ferris?"

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"Hal?"

I opened my eyes to see Carol staring at me from a chair beside the hospital bed. Her fingers were intertwined with mine.

"How're you feeling?"

"Like shit."

She groaned before shaking her head. "Hal, this is serious. You were shot in the shoulder and chest."

"I know. I was there."

She let go of my hand and smacked my injured arm and narrowed her eyes at me.

"Hey! I'm injured!"

"And you're about to be put into a full body cast if you don't knock it off."

"Okay. Okay. I'll behave."

"Good… You scared me."

"Sorry. I'll try not to deposit my check next time there's a bank robbery."

"That's not funny. And Kyle-" she began before the door was opened by said teenager.

His face was flushed and his green eyes held a red tint from crying. He just stared at me as he quietly shut the door behind him.

"Kyle, you okay?" I asked before he crossed the room and climbed into the cramped hospital bed.

I could've sworn the metal railing punctured my side as he somehow maneuvered his way into the midget bed so that we ended up lying side by side… Well, he was on his side and I was on my back with my left side being practically impaled by the metal bed railing. I grunted as his bony arms wrapped around my waist. My left arm awkwardly rested over his shoulders and his head was buried under my chin. I attempted to smooth his long, dark hair down so I wouldn't end up eating it.

I glanced over at Carol who just shrugged and looked extremely surprised. I returned my attention back to Kyle and asked, "Kid? You okay?"

"I… I th-thought-" he began as I felt my hospital gown soaking up his tears. "The f-first time I w-went to the h-hospital was because my g-grandparents were in a c-car wreck and they didn't m-make it. L-last time I was in a h-hospital was b-because my m-mom was dying… I… I didn't w-want to lose you too."

"It's okay, kid. You're not going to lose me." I whispered, brushing my fingers through his shaggy hair.

"You promise?"

"Yeah. I promise."

"Kay." He muttered against my neck.

He gave no sign of moving anytime soon. I glanced over at Carol for help only to see her taking pictures on her phone. I rolled my eyes before refocusing my attention on Kyle.

"If you're gonna stay in the bed with me… scoot over before I end up with the hospital bed embedded into my back."

* * *

**Sorry I haven't updated in a while. My schedule is hectic and I've had a touch of writer's block with this story. I haven't abandoned it though... Although, I could use some more requests. And thank you to those of you who send in requests. I shall publish them as soon as I'm finished with them :)**


	15. Character List

**Goosefeather52 asked for a list of characters and team affiliations in my DC Family Universe. This list will be constantly updated. Let me know if I'm missing someone.**

***Characters must have appeared or be mentioned in order to make the list.**

**Justice Society**

**Original members:**** The Atom (Ray Palmer), Black Canary (Dinah Drake), Flash (Jay Garrick), Green Lantern (Alan Scott), Wildcat (Ted Grant), and Zatara (John Zatara).**

**Honorary members:**** Jonathan Kent and Alfred Pennyworth**

**Justice League**

**Original members:**** Aquaman (Arthur Curry), Batman (Bruce Wayne),** **Black Canary (Dinah Lance), Flash (Barry Allen), Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Superman (Clark Kent), Wonder Woman (Diana Prince), and** **Zatanna (Zatanna Zatara).**

**Later members:**** Aquaman (Arthur Curry), Batman (Bruce Wayne), Black Canary (Dinah Lance), Flash (Barry Allen), Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Nightwing (Dick Grayson), Red Arrow (Roy Harper),** **Supergirl (Kara Kent), Superman (Clark Kent), Tempest (Garth), Wonder Woman (Diana Prince), and Zatanna (Zatanna Zatara).**

**Ever After members:**** Aquaman (Arthur Curry), Black Canary (Dinah Lance), Batman (Bruce Wayne and Damian Wayne), Flash (Wally West), Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), Ion (Kyle Rayner), Nightwing (Dick Grayson), Supergirl (Kara Kent), Superman (Clark Kent), Tempest (Garth), Troia (Donna Troy), Zatanna (Zatanna Zatara), and Wonder Woman (Diana Prince).**

**Outsiders**

**Original members:**** Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), Red Hood (Jason Todd), Tomcat (Tom Bronson), and Zatara (Zachary Zatara).**

**Outlaws**

**Original members:**** Arsenal (Roy Harper), Red Hood (Jason Todd), and Starfire (Koriander). **

**Teen Titans**

**Original Titan members: Aqualad (Garth), Kid Flash (Wally West), Robin (Dick Grayson), Supergirl (Kara Kent),**** Speedy (Roy Harper) and ****Wondergirl (Donna Troy). **

**Dick's later members:**** Aquagirl (Tula),** **Kid Flash (Wally West), Nightwing (Dick Grayson), ****Raven, ****Robin (Jason Todd), Speedy (Connor Hawk), Superboy (Chris Kent), Supergirl (Kara Kent), Starfire (Kori), and Wonder Girl (Donna Troy). **

**Tim's members:**** Artemis (Artemis Queen), Aqualad (Kaldur), Kid Flash (Bart Allen), Red Robin (Tim Drake), Superboy (Conner Kent), and Wondergirl (Cassie).**

**Damian's future members:**** Abuse (Colin Wilkes), Aqualad (Arthur Curry Jr.), Artemis (Artemis Queen), Kid Flash (Bart Allen), Red Robin (Tim Drake), Robin (Damian Wayne), Speedy (Mia Queen), Superboy (Conner Kent), and Wondergirl (Cassie Sandsmark).**

**Ever After future members:**** Aquagirl (Mareena), Aqualad (Cerdian), Batgirl (Jackie Wayne), Blue Bird (Jamie Grayson-Wayne), Green Lantern (Simon Baz), Hunter (Dean Wesson), Impulse (Jai West), Kid Flash (Irey West), Mon-El (Lar Gand-Kent), Nightstar (Mar'i Grayson-Wayne), Red Arrow (Lian Harper), Red Bird (Johnny Grayson-Wayne), Robin (Terry Wayne), Sin (Sin Queen), and Superboy (Jon Kent).**

**Young Justice**

**Original members:**** Abuse (Colin Wilkes), Aquababy (Arthur Curry Jr.) Robin (Damian Wayne), Speedy (Mia Queen), and Wildcat (Yolanda Mendez).**

**Animals**

**Ace:**** aka the Bathound. German Shepherd. Owned by Dick Grayson.**

**Alfred****: Cat. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Baby:**_** Horse. Owned by Jason Wayne.**

**Bat-Cow****: Cow. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Buttermilk:**_** Cat. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Buttons**_**:**** Cat. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Demon**_**: Cat. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Fang**_**:**** German Shepherd. Owned by Dick Grayson.**

_**Fluffy**_**:**** Cat. Owned by Carol Ferris.**

_**Fluffy**_**:**** Cat. Owned by Damian Wayne. **

_**Franklin**__**:**_** Turkey. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Katanna:**_** Horse. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Knight**_**:**** Friesian. Owned by Bruce Wayne. **

**Krypto****: Kryptonian dog. Owned by Clark and Conner Kent.**

_**K-9**__**:**_** Alien. Owned by Kyle Rayner. **

_**Licorice**_**: Bat. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Magic**_**: Cat. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Nightmare**_**: Horse. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Oreo**_**:**** Cat. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Pancake**_**:**** Cat. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Peter**_**:**** Cat. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Saber**_**:**** Horse. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

**Streaky: ****Kryptonian cat. Owned by Kara Kent.**

_**Swimmy:**_** Great White Shark. Owned by AJ.**

**Titus:**** Great Dane. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

_**Thumper**_**: Rabbit. Owned by Damian Wayne.**

**Topo:**** Octopus. Serves Aquaman.**

_**Tornado**_**: Friesian. Owned by Dick Grayson.**

**Tusky****: Walrus. Owned by Garth.**

**Main Characters**

**Michael Gabriel Abaddon:**** Real identity not yet revealed. Human. Assassin. Templar. Adopted by Tim and Stephanie Wayne.**

**Bartholomew "Barry" Henry Allen:**** aka second Flash. Metahuman. Forensic scientist. Surrogate son of Jay Garrick. Married to Iris West. Uncle/guardian of Wally West. Grandfather/guardian of Bart Allen. Surrogate grandfather of Irey and Jai West.**

**Bartholomew "Bart" Henry Allen:**** aka original Impulse. Metahuman. Grandson of Barry Allen. **

**Iris West Allen: ****Reporter. Human. Wife of Barry Allen.**

**Thomas "Tom" Grant Bronson:**** aka Tomcat. Werepanther/metahuman. Son of Ted Grant.**

**Arthur Curry:**** aka Aquaman. Aka Orion.**** Atlantean. **** King of Atlantis. Father of Garth, Tula, Kaldur, AJ, and Mareena. **

**Arthur "AJ" Curry Jr.****: aka Aquababy. Later third Aqualad.**** Atlantean.**** Prince of Atlantis.**

**Garth****: aka original Aqualad. Later Tempest. ****Atlantean. ****Enchanter. Prince of Atlantis. King of Shayeris. **

**Theodore "Ted" Grant:**** aka original Wildcat. Boxer. Metahuman. Trainer of superheroes. Father of Tom Bronson and godfather of Yolanda Mendez.**

**Roy William Harper Jr.:**** aka original Speedy. Later Red Arrow. Later Arsenal. Hitman. Assassin. Archer. Adopted son of Oliver Queen. Father of Lian Harper. **

**Connor Hawke****: aka second Speedy. Human. Archer. Son of Oliver Queen and Sandra Hawke. **

**Carol Ferris Jordan:**** aka Queen of Star Sapphires. Human. Head of Ferris Air. Wife of Hal Jordan. Mother of Martin Jordan. **

**Harold "Hal" Jordan:**** aka Green Lantern. Consumed by Parallex. Later Spectre. Human. Pilot for Ferris Air. Former Air Force pilot. Father of Martin Jordan and Kyle Rayner. Husband of Carol Ferris. **

**Christopher "Chris" Kent aka Lor-Zod:**** aka original Superboy. Later Nightbird. Kyrptonian. Biological son of General Zod. Adopted son of Lois and Clark. Guardian of Mon-El. **

**Clark Joseph Kent aka Kal-El:**** aka Superman. Reporter** **Daily Planet. Kyrptonian. Son of Jonathan and Martha Kent. Married to Lois Lane. Adoptive/biological father of Chris Kent, and Conner Kent. Cousin of Kara Kent. Grandfather of Lar Gand and Jon Kent.**

**Conner Joseph Kent aka Kon-El****: aka second Superboy. Clone of Clark Kent. Half human and half Kyrptonian. Married to Cassie Sandsmark in Ever After. Father of Jon Kent.**

**Lois Lane Kent:**** Human. Reporter** **Daily Planet. Wife of Clark Kent.**

**Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth:**** Human. Butler. Former MI6. Surrogate father to Bruce Wayne. Married to Leslie Tompkins in Ever After. **

**Artemis Crock Queen****: aka Artemis. Human. Archer. Daughter of Oliver and Dinah.**

**Dinah Lance Queen:**** aka second Black Canary. Metahuman. Florist. Wife of Oliver Queen. Adoptive mother of Roy, Connor, Artemis, and Mia. **

**Mia Dearden Queen****: aka third Speedy. Human. Archer. Daughter of Oliver and Dinah. Later married to Damian Wayne.**

**Oliver "Ollie" Queen:**** aka Green Arrow. Human. Billionaire. Head of Queen Enterprises. Husband of Dinah Lance. Adoptive/biological father of Roy, Connor, Artemis, Mia, and Robert.**

**Kyle Aaron Rayner:**** aka Green Lantern. Later Ion. Human. Artist. Adopted son and protégé of Hal Jordan. Brother/guardian to Martin Jordan. Mentor to Simon Baz. Love interest of Alex Dewitt, Jennifer Hayden, and Donna Troy.**

**Bruce Thomas Wayne:**** aka original Batman. Human. Billionaire, playboy, adoptive/biological father of Dick, Jason, Tim, Damian, Terry, and Matt. **

**Damian Al Ghul Wayne:**** aka fourth Robin. Second Batman. Human. Assassin. Heir to League of Shadows. Son of Bruce Wayne and Talia Al Ghul. Married to Mia Queen in Ever After. Betrothed to Cassandra Cain. **

_**Jaqueline Lee Wayne**_**: aka Batgirl. Human. Daughter of Stephanie and Tim Wayne. **

**Stephanie Brown Wayne:**** Human. Wife of Tim Wayne. **

**Timothy Jackson Drake-Wayne:**** aka third Robin. Later Red Robin. Later Joker Junior. Human. Billionaire. Head of Drake Enterprises in Ever After. Third son of Bruce Wayne. Married to Stephanie Brown. Adopted father of Jackie and Michael. **

**Barbara Gordon Grayson-Wayne:**** Human. Librarian. Hacker. Daughter of Jim Gordon. Wife of Dick Grayson.**

**Richard John Grayson-Wayne:**** aka original Robin. Later Nightwing. Human. Detective for GCPD in Ever After. Acrobat. Eldest son of Bruce Wayne. Married to Barbara Gordon. Father of Johnny, Jamie, Mar'i, and Mary.**

_**James "Jamie" Alfred Grayson-Wayne**_**: aka Blue Bird. Human. Son of Dick and Barbara. **

_**John "Johnny" Bruce Grayson-Wayne**_**:**** aka Red Bird. Human. Son of Dick and Barbara.**

**Mar'i Grayson-Wayne: ****aka Nightstar. Half human and half Tamaranean. Daughter of Dick and Kori. **

_**Mary Barbara Grayson-Wayne**_**:**** Human. Daughter of Dick and Barbara. **

**Matthew "Matt" McGinnis-Wayne:**** Human. Youngest son of Bruce Wayne. **

**Terrence "Terry" McGinnis-Wayne:**** aka fifth Robin. Third Batman. Human. Fifth son of Bruce Wayne. Boyfriend of Dana Tan.**

**Jason Peter Todd-Wayne:**** aka second Robin. Later Red Hood. Human. Crime lord. Hitman. Second son of Bruce Wayne. Adoptive father of Dean and Sam. Engaged to Isabel Ardila. **

_**Dean Wesson**_**:**** aka Hunter. Human. Later second Red Hood. Adopted son of Jason Wayne. Biological brother of Sam. Boyfriend of Lian Harper. **

_**Samuel "Sam" Wesson**_**:**** Adopted son of Jason Wayne. Human. Biological brother of Dean.**

**Wallace "Wally" West:**** aka original Kid Flash. Third Flash. Metahuman. Nephew of Iris and Barry Allen. Husband of Linda Park. Father of Irey and Jai. **

**Supporting Non-vigilante Characters**

**Isabel Ardila:**** Human. Airline stewardess. Fiancé of Jason Wayne. **

**Terry Berg:**** Human. Friend of Kyle Rayner. Boyfriend to David Richman.**

**Berra:**** Atlantean. Queen of Shayeris. Mother of Garth.**

**Marilyn Bronson****: Metahuman. Werepanther. Bank teller. Mother of Tom Bronson.**

**Alexandra "Alex" Dewitt:**** Human. Photographer. Love interest of Kyle Rayner. **

**David:**** Human. Friend of Kyle Rayner. Boyfriend to Terry Berg.**

**Dolphin:****Atlantean. ****Wife of Garth. Mother of Cerdian. Queen of Shayeris.**

**Jack Drake:**** Human. Biological father of Tim Wayne. Abusive to son.**

**Janet Drake****: Human. Biological mother of Tim Wayne. Abusive to son.**

**Roger Elliot****: Human. Father of Tommy Elliot. Abused wife and son. Murdered by son.**

**Marla Elliot****: Human. Mother of Tommy Elliot. Abused by husband. Murdered by son.**

**Joan Garrick****: Human. Wife of Jay Garrick.**

**John Grayson:**** Human. Acrobat. Father of Dick Grayson. Died in front of son.**

**Mary Grayson:**** Human. Acrobat. Mother of Dick Grayson. Died in front of son.**

**Sandra Hawke:**** Human. Love interest of Oliver Queen. Mother of Connor Hawke.**

**Hippolyta****: Amazon. Queen of the Amazons. Warrior. Mother of Diana, Donna, and Cassie.**

**James "Jim" Gordon****: Human. Commissioner of Gotham City. Ally of Bat Family. Father of Barbara Gordon.**

**Jack Jordan****: Human. Older brother of Hal Jordan. District attorney of Coast City. **

**James "Jim" Jordan****: Human. Younger brother of Hal Jordan.**

**Martin Jordan:**** Human. Father of Jack, Hal, and Jim Jordan. Died in front of Hal.**

**Martin "Marty" Harold Jordan****: Human. Son of Hal and Carol Jordan. Brother of Kyle Rayner. **

**Martha Kent:**** Human. Adoptive mother of Clark Kent.**

**Jonathan Kent****: Human. Adoptive father of Clark Kent.**

**Robert Long****: Human. Son of Donna Troy and Terry Long.**

**Terry Long****: Human. Ex-husband of Donna Troy.**

**Letitia Luthor****: Human. Mother of Lex Luthor. Died of cancer.**

**Lionel Luthor****: Human. Father of Lex Luthor. Murdered by son.**

**Mera****: ****Atlantean. ****Enchantress. Queen of Atlantis. Wife of Aquaman. Adoptive/biological mother of Garth, Tula, Kaldur, AJ, and Mareena.**

**James "Jimmy" Olsen:**** Human. Intern for Daily Planet. Later reporter. **

**Leslie Thompkins Pennyworth:**** Human. Waynes' family doctor. Surrogate mother to Bruce Wayne. Wife of Alfred. **

**Moira Queen****: Human. Mother of Oliver Queen. Mauled to death by lions in front of son.**

**Robert Queen****: Human. Father of Oliver Queen. Head of Queen Enterprises. Mauled to death by lions in front of son.**

**Dana Tan****: Human. Love interest of Terry Wayne.**

**Thar:**** Atlantean. Father of Garth. King of Shayeris. **

**Catherine Todd:**** Human. Mother of Jason Todd. Died from heroin overdose.**

**Willis Todd****: Human. Father of Jason Todd. Criminal. Murdered by Two Face.**

**Robert Tomanago****: Human. Son of Oliver Queen and Shado. **

**Martha Wayne****: Human. Mother of Bruce Wayne. Murdered by Joe Chill.**

**Thomas Wayne****: to Bruce Wayne. Murdered by Joe Chill.**

**Linda Park West****: Human. Reporter. Wife of Wally West.**

**Supporting Vigilante Characters**

**Andrew Bennet****: Vampire. Vampire hunter. **

**Cassandra Cain:**** Human. Assassin. Daughter of David Cain and Lady Shiva.**

**Cerdian:**** aka fourth Aqualad. ****Atlantean. ****Son of Garth and Dolphin. Prince of Shayeris.**

**Dinah Drake:**** aka original Black Canary. Human. Mother of Dinah Lance. **

**Guy Gardner:**** aka Green Lantern. Human.**

**Jason "Jay" Peter Garrick:**** aka original Flash. Metahuman. Surrogate father/mentor to Barry Allen. Married to Joan Garrick. **

**Lian Harper:**** aka second Red Arrow. Human. Daughter of Roy Harper and Jade ****Nguyen.**

**Jennifer Lynn Hayden:**** aka Jade. Green Lantern. Metahuman. Sister of Obsidian. Daughter of Alan Scott. Love interest of Kyle Rayner. **

**Kaldur'ahm "Kaldur": ****aka second Aqualad. Atlantean. Prince of Atlantis. **

**Kilowog:**** aka Green Lantern. Alien.**

**Komand'r:**** aka Blackfire.**** Tamaranean queen. Older sister of Koriand'r.**

**Koriand'r:**** aka Starfire. Aka Kori Anders. Super model. Tamaranean Princess. Love interest of Dick Wayne, Jason Wayne, and Roy Harper.**

**Selena Kyle:**** aka Catwoman. Human. Love interest of Bruce Wayne.**

**Mareena:**** aka second Aquagirl. Atlantean. Daughter of Aquaman. Princess of Atlantis.**

**Yolanda Mendez****: aka second Wildcat. Metahuman/Werepanther. Goddaughter of Ted Grant.**

**Ray Palmer:**** aka The Atom. Metahuman.**

**Diana Prince****: Wonder Woman. Amazon Princess. Love interest of Bruce Wayne.**

**Todd Rice:**** aka Obsidian. Metahuman. Brother of Jade. Son of Alan Scott. **

**Ryand'r****: aka Darkfire. Tamaranean Prince. Younger brother of Koriand'r.**

**Sasha:**** aka Scarlet. Human. Former partner of the Red Hood. Love interest of the Red Hood.**

**Cassandra "Cassie" Sandsmark:**** aka second Wonder Girl. Amazon Princess. Wife of Conner Kent.**

**Alan Scott:**** aka Green Lantern. Human. Father of Jennifer Lynn Hayden and Todd Rice. **

**John Stewart:**** aka Green Lantern. Human. Former Marine.**

**Soranik:**** aka Green Lantern. Alien. Daughter of Sinestro. **

**Donna Troy****: aka original Wonder Girl. Later Troia. Amazon princess. Love interest of Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Kyle Rayner, and Roy Harper. Divorced wife of Terry Long. Mother of Robert Long. **

**Tula****: aka original Aquagirl. ****Atlantean. ****Adopted daughter of Arthur and Mera. Princess of Atlantis. Love interest of Garth and Jason Wayne. Murdered by General Zod.**

**Colin Wilkes:**** aka Abuse. Metahuman due to experimentation by Scarecrow.**

**Giovani "John" Zatara:**** aka riginal Zatara. Human. Magician. **

**Zachary "Zach" Zatara:**** aka Zatara. Human. Magician. Nephew of Giovani. **

**Zatanna Zatara:**** aka Zatanna. Magician. Human. Daughter of Giovani. Love interest of Batman. **

**Crossover Characters**

**Derek Hale:**** Werewolf from Teen Wolf. Cameo in BB, LW, BB, and MB.**

**Damon Salvator:**** Vampire from Vampire Diaries. Cameo in BB, LW, BB, and MB.**

**Stephen Salvator:**** Vampire from Vampire Diaries. Cameo in BB, LW, BB, and MB.**

**Stiles Stilenski:**** Human from Teen Wolf. Cameo in BB, LW, BB, and MB.**

**Dean Winchester:**** Hunter from Supernatural. Crossover in BB, LW, BB, and MB.**

**Sam Winchester:**** Hunter from Supernatural. Crossover in BB, LW, BB, and MB.**

**Villains**

**Ra's Al Ghul:**** aka The Demon's Head. Human. Assassin. League of Shadows. Father of Talia. Grandfather of Damian.**

**Talia Al Ghul:**** aka Daughter of the Demon. Human. Assassin. League of Shadows. Love interest of Bruce Wayne. Mother of Damian Wayne. **

**David Cain:**** aka David Cain. Human. Assassin. Hitman. Father of Cassandra Cain. **

**Dru-Zod:**** aka General Zod. Kryptonian. **

**Oswald Cobblepot:**** aka Penguin. Human. Mobster.**

**Jonathan Crane:**** aka Scarecrow. Human. Criminal.**

**Harvey Dent****: aka Two Face. Human. Mobster.**

**Thomas "Tommy" Elliot:**** aka Hush. Human. Serial killer. **

**Carrie Hartnell:**** aka Cupid. Human. Hitman. **

**Pamela Isley:**** aka Poison Ivy. Metahuman. Criminal. **

**Robert Kirkland "Kirk" Langstrom:**** aka Man-Bat. Criminal.**

**Oswald Loomis:**** aka Prankster. Human. Criminal.**

**Alexander "Lex" Joseph Luthor:**** aka Lex Luthor. Human. Criminal. **

**Garfield Lynns:**** aka Firefly. Human. Arsonist.**

**Lonnie Machin:**** aka Anarky. Human. Criminal. Hacker. Mobster.**

**Jade Nguyen:**** Cheshire. Human. Love interest of Roy Harper.**

**Parallex:**** ?**

**Harleen Quinzel****: aka Harley Quinn. Human. Criminal.**

**Sinestro:**** aka former Green Lantern. Later Yellow Lantern. Alien. Former mentor to Hal Jordan. Sinestro Corps leader. **

**Roman Sionis****:**** aka Black Mask. Human. Crime lord.**

**Slizzath****: aka Slizzath. Atlantean. Enchanter. Brother of Thar. **

**Hugo Strange:**** aka Hugo Strange. Human. Criminal.**

**Jervis Tetch:**** aka Mad Hatter. Human. Serial killer.**

**Unknown identity****: aka Bane. **

**Unknown identity:**** aka The Joker. Human. Serial killer.**

**Unknown identity****: aka Shado. Human. Assassin. **

**Unknown identity:**** Spectre. Needs a human host. Can take on any form. **

**Ursa:**** aka Ursa. Kryptonian. **

**Uxas****: aka Darkseid. **

**Lazlo Valentin:**** aka Professor Pyg. Human. **

**Slade Wilson:**** aka Deathstroke. Human. Hitman.**

**Sandra Wu-San:**** aka Lady Shiva. Human. Assassin.**

**Anthony "Tony" Zucco:**** aka Boss Zucco. Human. Mobster.**

**Victor Zsas:**** aka Mister Zsas. Human. Serial killer.**

**OC's**

**Any character that is **_**indented**_** or not on a list is an OC. **


	16. Chapter 16: Thanksgiving

**Chapter 16: Thanksgiving**

**Hal's POV**

I sighed happily as I collided with my bed. Must have sleep.

"Hal? Are you asleep?"

If I'm quiet, he'll go away. I barely breathed as Kyle came to stand beside me.

"Are you sleeping?" he asked as he shook my arm.

"What. Do. You. Want?" I hissed, rolling over.

"Who's Jim?"

"What?" I asked.

"Someone named Jim called earlier today and left you a message about coming to Thanksgiving dinner."

I groaned before rolling back over.

"Hal, who's Jim?"

"My brother." I mumbled into the pillow.

"Wait! You have a brother!" he shouted.

"I have two."

"Why don't you ever talk about them?" he asked as I shrugged. "Do they even know you're a Lantern?"

"Kid, I'm the black sheep of the family. We don't exactly get along. There's no way I'd ever tell them about the Lantern Corps."

"But, they're still your family… We're going right?"

I laughed and rolled back over so our eyes met.

"No."

"But, they're your family… They love you… I never had any siblings and my dad walked out on us when I was three and my mom died earlier this year… Unless I count you and Carol, I don't have any family left. You shouldn't take yours for granted," he sadly responded as I groaned.

"Will you shut up and leave me alone if we go?"

"Yes."

"Fine."

**********Break**********

Carol and Kyle stood beside me as I rang the doorbell. I put on my best fake smile as Janice opened the door.

"Hal! You came! It's good to see you again!" She exclaimed, hugging me before turning to Carol. "Carol, it's wonderful to see you again. I absolutely love your dress. We'll have to go shopping… And who do we have here?"

"Janice this is Kyle. Kyle, this is my brother Jack's wife, Janice," I introduced as they shook hands.

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Kyle," She smiled.

"It's nice to meet you too."

"Wait, isn't your brother the district attorney?" he whispered as we followed Janice.

"Don't remind me," I muttered as we were led into the living room.

Janice took a seat beside Jack as their twins, Jason **(As if there weren't enough people named Jason in the DCU)** and Jennifer, played some board game on the floor with Jim's kids Howie and Jane. Jim and his pregnant wife, Sue sat across from them.

"Hal! You're here!" Jim exclaimed as he jumped up to hug me.

"Good to see you too," I replied as he released me and turned to look at Kyle.

"This is Kyle, he's my… um… well… he's-"

The word you're looking for can be used to describe the big, shiny, yellow thing in the sky," Kyle hissed in my ear as I rolled my eyes.

"He's my kid," I finished as they nodded.

"That was unexpected. You're too selfish to have kids, Hallie," Jack sneered as I glared at him.

"Don't. Call. Me. That," I hissed as Kyle started laughing.

"Yeah, Hallie," Kyle snorted as I glared at him.

"Kyle, how old are you?" Jim asked, trying to ease the tension.

"I'm sixteen," he replied.

"So who'd you knock up to get him?" Jack asked.

"He's adopted," I muttered sinking into a loveseat with Carol beside me as Kyle plopped down on the floor with the other kids and asked if he could join their game.

"And why would you do that? You've never cared for children before."

"Jack, Hal is thirty-four. He's been making his own decisions since he was eighteen. Just leave him alone," Jim muttered before adding, "Anyway, Jason and Jennifer are both twelve. Howie is seven and Jane is four and we're expecting."

"Congratulations," I mumbled before Carol elbowed me in the ribs.

"Carol, is that an engagement ring?" Sue asked as she tried to ease the tension.

"It is. Hal proposed on Christmas," She replied as she squeezed my hand.

"How romantic!" Sue squealed before Jason asked if they could show Kyle their treehouse.

Eventually, all of the kids were outside. Sue, Carol, and Janice disappeared into the kitchen and the three of us were left alone.

"I see you're still wearing Dad's old bomber jacket and flying," Jack commented.

"He gave it to me that night. And you have no right-"

"Jack. Hal. Can we just not do this right now? Mom wouldn't have wanted you two to fight."

"You're right. She wouldn't have wanted us to fight just like she wouldn't have wanted her son to run away and join the damned Air Force!"

"I was eighteen! I made my own decision! I didn't run away!"

"You walked out on our family! You killed our mother! She's dead because of you!"

Jack and I were both in each other's face with Jim trying to squeeze between us and keep us separated and shouting, "Jack! Hal! Stop it!"

"She had cancer! It wasn't my fault!" I yelled.

"That's enough! The two of you always have to do this! Why can't you just get along for one freaking day!" Jim screamed.

Carol, Janice, and Sue eventually came in with all of the kids to investigate all the noise. Janice suggested that the kids go back outside and play before she dragged her husband into the kitchen. I stomped out the front door with Carol nagging me to calm down.

"Hal, calm down. What's wrong? Why are you and your brothers"

"We shouldn't have come! It's always been like this, Carol! Jack hates me! He's always kept me away from Jim and he blames me for what happened to Mom! She had freaking cancer! It wasn't my fault! I-"

"Hal! Calm down. It's okay. It's not your fault, alright? Let's just go back inside and-"

"No! I'm not going back in there! Go get Kyle and tell him we're leaving."

"Hal, stop. Your brother loves you… The two of you probably just have some differences and-"

"You don't understand, Carol. You haven't had to live with them. You don't know what it's like-"

"Hal, they're still your family. I lost my family a few years ago. Kyle lost his mother earlier this year. Don't take them for granted. I know your older brother is an asshole but he's still your brother. You won't have-"

"Carol-"

"She's right, Hal," Kyle said as he suddenly popped up.

"We're you eavesdropping?"

"I was trying to go down the slide of the treehouse when I heard you yelling."

"Good. Then you know we're leaving."

"Hal, what your older brother said was wrong. But he's still your brother. You should really talk to him… I'm also hungry and we don't have time to go home and have Carol fix a turkey."

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

Hal eventually relented and went back inside to talk to his brothers. Jack even somewhat apologized. They still were at each other's' throats but they managed to hold it together and only glare at each other from across the table when we all sat down to eat. It wasn't perfect but holidays never are. Families are never perfect. But that's life and life is never perfect.

* * *

**Sorry I haven't updated in a while but school and life really get in the way. Thanks for all the reviews, follows, and favorites! Happy Thanksgiving!**


	17. Chapter 17: Last Update?

**PLEASE READ!**

**This might be my last update.**

**I'm an agricultural education major. It's required that I take a power equipment class. Long story short, I got hurt in a freak accident in wielding. I accidently got flash burned. Basically, I could either go temporary blind or permanently blind within the next 48 hours. Thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. **

**I'm sorry that I don't have a lot of time to write anymore. College and life get in the way. I'll try to update soon… if I still have that option. If I do go blind, I'm not sure I can ever write again. Thank you to those of you that have reviewed, followed, and favorited my stories. I'm sorry if I never get the opportunity to finish anything. **


	18. Chapter 18: I'm Okay!

**I'm Okay!**

I'm okay, guys! I deeply appreciate all of your touching reviews and messages! I legit almost cried (I still lack the ability to produce tears) after logging on today and seeing what everyone had said. Thank you so much for all of your concern. Yall will never know how much it means to me. Hopefully, I answered all of you back. And thank you to M, Saiyufan, Nightwingsass, Adventure time, Temporary-lah, Judy, Michi, Wrenny, Kagomeo4, OllielovesDinah, TimDrake, and all of my other guests who commented. (Sorry if I missed anyone)

For those of you who want to know whether or not I went blind, the answer is yes. Apparently, I was extremely lucky. I only briefly lost my vision. The doctor said that it was a freaking miracle. Nonetheless, briefly being unable to see is probably the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. It's hit at like two in the morning. Your eyes feel as if they're on fire and someone is trying to cut them out with a dull knife. Yet, you see nothing. You're practically helpless and you don't know what's happening. It's horrifying. I didn't even have my family with me. Both my parents and my younger sister all had the flu so they couldn't even be with me. I was just glad I had my roommate and a few of my school friends. I'd never wish this fate upon anyone. It's that bad. But, I'm lucky and so blessed that God allowed me to keep my vision.

Unfortunately, I am still experiencing side effects like having to wear sunglasses all day, the inability to produce tears, not being able to look at a computer screen, TV, or phone for more than ten minutes, not having direct eye contact with direct light, headaches, and blurry vision. But, I survived! Yay!

And yall are probably going to get a few chapters about some of the characters going blind. I'll try to update all of my stories asap!


	19. Chapter 19: Nyctophobia

**Chapter 19: ****Nyctophobia**

**Kyle's POV**

Hal, John, Guy, and I floated in front of some random planet.

John asked, "What are we looking at?"

"A planet," I snickered before Hal smacked me in the back of the head.

"Not what I meant, Smartass," John huffed as Guy reached over and high-fived me.

Hal responded, "We're not looking for anything. We're just checking to make sure everything's normal. Kyle and I will take this half of the sector and the two of you can look elsewhere."

Guy muttered to John, "This is what happens when we get stuck as honor guards. We end up pulling all the weight while Jordan doesn't do shit."

Hal apparently heard him and moved to say something. Wanting to avoid a fight, I grabbed Hal's arm and pulled him towards the planet.

"Slow down, kid. There are Vorare on this planet."

"There are what?"

"Vorare are flesh-eating creatures that tunnel below the surface. They fear light of any kind. They're poisonous to humans."

"Good to know."

I followed Hal as we stepped onto the foreign planet. Red dust flew in every direction with every step we took. The more steps we took the colder the atmosphere seemed to grow. There was no sign of life anywhere.

I asked, "You sure something lives here?"

"They live underground."

We eventually split into two separate directions. I paused and bent down to investigate some kind of crack in the ground. Soil steadily poured down into the hole as I leaned in closer. I could see something shiny inside of the crack. I reached down to grab it. My fist clenched the object just as a body collided with my own.

"Kyle! No!" Hal screamed as the ground buckled beneath us.

** ********Break**********

I groaned as I slowly woke up. I could taste dusty soil on my tongue. Panic and confusion sank in. What the hell happened? I opened my mouth only to end up coughing and choking. I opened my eyes and tried to blink away the soil in them. Burning tears helped wash away the dirt. When I finally opened my eyes, I could see nothing but blackness. I blinked rapidly as I looked around to see nothing but the darkness. I could barely make out the outline of a body lying near me.

"Hal," I croaked as I felt the dust settling in my lungs.

I tried to sit up but quickly stopped the second I cried out in pain. I felt a giant boulder of some sort on top of my right arm pinning me to the earth… Oh shit. That's the hand my ring's on.

"Hal!" I screamed. "Wake up! Help me! I'm hurt!"

There was no sound of movement whatsoever. He didn't even stir. What if he's-

"Hal! Get up!" I yelled before whispering, "Please."

He remained motionless. Clenching my teeth together, I tried shifting the large rock off my arm from the awkward position. Yet, I only ended up causing myself more pain. A hiss of pain slipped past my lips as I tried again. I froze as some kid of clicking sound filled the atmosphere.

What was that?

Glancing around, I hopelessly realized that I still couldn't see anything. I waited a couple of minutes for the sound to stop before trying to move the rock again. A whimper fell from my lips as the clicking sounds started back up again.

"H-hal! H-help!" I desperately screamed, shoving against the boulder, as the sounds came closer.

The clicking grew louder and louder as I finally managed to get the rock off of my arm at the last second. Tears from the pain slid down my face as I slipped the ring onto the finger of my good hand. A construct of a giant hamster ball surrounded Hal and I. I flooded the darkness with green light revealing at least a thousand black centipede-like creatures with rows of fangs and scales. Hating the light, the things buried themselves back into the soil as I crawled over to Hal.

"Hal?"

I shook his shoulder before I noticed the blood caked on the back of his head. The only sign that he was alive was the somewhat steady rise and fall of his chest.

"Warning. Power Level is approaching 0%."

My eyes widened as I stared at my ring. Oh shit. There's only enough time to do one thing. I can't get us out of here.

"Get help!" I yelled just as my construct deteriorated.

My suit evaporated, leaving me in a light jacket, a Nine Inch Nails T-shirt, high-tops, and paint splattered jeans. We were plunged into darkness as the clicking noises started back up again.

"Hal, wake up," I whimpered, shaking him.

I could see the green light glowing in the darkness from his ring. I tried to pull it off his hand but failed. The rings are programmed not to be removed from their hosts if they're in a life-threatening situation. In other words, Hal might be dying and his ring's the only thing keeping him alive.

The clicking noises stopped suddenly as I held my breath. It was as if they were watching us and waiting. I scooted closer to Hal as the temperature suddenly seemed to decrease. Releasing the breath I'd been holding, a cloud of carbon dioxide briefly appeared from my mouth. That's definitely not good. I drew my legs up into my chest and wrapped my arm around my updrawn knees. Cradling my injured arm, I shivered as the temperature steadily seemed to drop.

"Please wake up."

Sticking my hands into my jackets pockets, my eyes widened when I grasped a familiar tube. Oil paint. Before we left, I'd been by the art supply store and I bought a couple of tubes of oil paint. Oh my God. Oil paint is flammable. But how do I lite it?

Shoving my hands back into my pockets, I pulled out a pack of gum, my wallet, and my phone. Great. My phone's at 2%. Do I ever charge anything? I turned on the flashlight on my screen and screamed. One of the creatures was sitting on Hal's chest. The thing quickly fled as it came into contact with the light.

"Hal!"

Hundreds of thousands of eyes stared at us before quickly fleeing as I shining the light around the room. There are too many. We're going to die as soon as my phone dies.

I laid the phone down between us and rolled one of the paint tubes around in my hand as I stared down at Hal. What are we going to do? He's hurt, my ring's dead, my phone's on its last life, I'm probably going to die from hypothermia, we're going to be eaten alive, and there's no way to get light.

I looked back at the random crap lying in front of me. Wait a minute… Didn't Jason once use a piece of gum wrapper and his cellphone battery to light a cigarette when he forgot his lighter? He did. But, he had two hands.

Peeling the paper away from the foil part of a wrapper is the first step. Next, open paint tube. Third, draw a circle of paint around us. Fourth, pull battery out of phone. Fifth, attach foil to battery over paint and try not to get eaten by aliens.

Seconds passed as the clicking sound returned as I desperately tried to get the paint to lite. Damn Jason. He made this look so easy. The creatures were nearly on top of us as a tiny spark suddenly flew from the battery and landed in the paint. A circle of fire surrounded us. I started laughing to keep myself from crying as I scooted back over to Hal and curled up beside him.

"I just saved us and you missed it… This isn't going to last long. You have to wake up. I… I need you."

** ********Break**********

I rolled over as I tried to find a comfier position to sleep in. I felt something brush against my side and absentmindedly swiped at it. My eyes shot open as I heard the clicking sounds and felt something crawling over me.

The fire had died, leaving the two of us covered in the flesh-eating creatures. I screamed as I frantically knocked them off of us before hastily trying to light the last tube of paint. I finally got the thing lit and sat the candle down. I checked Hal for any bite marks before sitting back down beside him. I rubbed the sleepiness out of my eyes and pulled my knees into my chest and rocked back and forth, trying to stay awake.

Glancing back down at Hal, I whispered, "Everything's going to be okay. I'll protect you."

************Break**********

Still rocking back and forth, I watched the last as the fire grew dimmer. In a mere matter of minutes, it would die and so would we. I instantly stopped when I heard something. I practically held my breath as I strained my ears.

That sounds like…"Guy! John!"

"Kyle! Is that you, kid?" John's voice answered from somewhere above me.

Scrambling to my feet and cupping my hands around my mouth, I shouted, "Help! Please! There are Vorare down here! I think we're underneath you!"

John calmly responded, "Calm down, son. Guy and Kilowog are with me. We're going to get you out. Where's Jordan?"

"He's down here too! He's hurt bad! Hurry!"

"We just have to find a way to get them out safely without causing harm to the-" John began before a hole was punched into the earth by Kilowog.

I dropped down and shielded Hal as dust and dirt rained down over us. I coughed as I tried to clear the dust out of my lungs. The Vorare had disappeared by the time the three of them had made their way down.

Guy knelt down beside me while Kiowog and John looked at Hal. John immediately left Kiowog in charge of Hal while he flew off to get a room ready at the medical bay and find Soranik. 

Carefully dusting me off, Guy asked, "Is there anything broken?"

"I can't move my arm."

"Alright. Can you walk?"

"I…I don't think so."

I felt him wrap one arm around my shoulders before an arm went under my knees.

"No! Hal's-"

"He'll be right behind you. Kilowog's got him and I've got you. Calm down, kiddo. You'll be fine."

"Hal," I whimpered as Kilowog carefully stood with his limp form in his arms.

**********Break**********

** Hal's POV**

I could hear voices as I slowly drifted back into consciousness. Opening my eyes, I blinked away the bleariness as I found John and Soranik staring down at me.

"Hal Jordan, can you hear me?" Soranik asked, laying her hand on my shoulder.

"W-what happened?" I asked.

"You hit your head harder than you normally do," John smirked.

Soranik added, "Your ring put you into a coma to avoid swelling of the brain. It's probably the only thing that saved your life."

"That and your stubborn ass," John added.

I flicked him off and Soranik shook her head at us before mumbling something about humans. "I'll be right back. Make sure he doesn't get up," she added, looking at John.

He nodded before she left. We were left staring at each other.

"Do you remember what happened?"

"We were-" I broke off as it dawned on me. "Where's Kyle!"

John immediately intercepted my attempts to get out of the hospital bed. he pushed me back down and ordered, "Just take it easy. You've been-"

"I don't give a shit! I want to see my kid! Where is he!"

"Calm down. He's fine. His surgery went fine and-"

"What surgery!"

"He broke his arm, he had a slight concussion, a touch of hypothermia, and he was completely delirious. Don't worry though. The boy is fine. Guy's been-"

"He's hurt and you left him alone with Guy! What the-"

"Calm down or I'll have Soranik sedate you!" he shouted before calmly stating, "The boy is fine. Kilowog is also with him. Besides, Guy likes the kid. Hell, we all like Kyle. You're the one we can live without."

I eventually gave up and allowed John to shove me back down into the bed. He went to get Soranik while I just laid there and pouted. I fingered the wires shooting into my arms before eventually pulling them out. I swung myself out of the bed and almost face-planted. Steadily trying to balance myself, I slowly moved towards the door. I reached for the handle just as the door swung open to reveal Guy and Kyle with his arm hanging in a sling.

The next second, my waist had a teenager's arm wrapped around it. He buried his face against my collarbone as I let my arm fall over his shoulders. I awkwardly patted his back as I glared at the annoying kissy faces Gardner was making.

**********Break*********

A few days later we were both released from the med bay at Oa. As soon as we got home, I sent him to his room to catch up on homework. I called Carol, who immediately wanted to know how the kid was doing.

"Calm down, Carol. Kid's fine. He's got a broken arm and a few cuts and bruises but he's fine. He also hasn't really said anything, which is weird considering he normally won't shut up. But, he's fine."

"Good. Are you okay, Hal?"

"So now you care about me?"

She huffed, "Don't be an ass."

"I'm fine… Although, I'm going to need a few more days off and I have to come up with fake paperwork for him since he's missed a few days of school."

"Do you ever show up for work? Regarding the paperwork, ask Batman. He can-"

"Hell no."

"Okay. Do whatever you want… I have to go. I'll stop by later to check on Kyle."

Hanging up the phone, I ran a hand over my face and sagged back into the sofa. Work's taken care of but what am I going to do for the kid? It's not like I can just bring in paperwork from aliens and expect them to buy it… Well… No. Definitely not a good idea.

Transferring my attention to the kitchen, I stared at the fridge. Yeah. Definitely not cooking. Pizza? Why not?

"Hey Kyle! You want pizza for dinner?"

He didn't answer.

I groaned as I moved off of the couch and headed for his room. I found him face down on his desk drooling over his homework. I closed the door behind me and went to order the pizza. He can eat when he wakes up.

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"Let me out!" I yelled, pounding against the walls of the tiny cell encased in darkness.

Panic and fear flooded my senses as I was left encased in total darkness. My heart pounded against my chest as the lid of the box was ripped open. I screamed as Hal was revealed holding the lid. Hundreds of the tiny flesh-eating aliens covered every inch of him as they chewed off bits and pieces.

"You failed! This is your fault! You're next!"

"N-no!" I cried as the things started crawling onto me and started to bite.

I woke up screaming.

** ********Break***********

** Hal's POV**

I walked back into the apartment and set the pizza box on the kitchen table. I walked into Kyle's room and found him sitting wide-eyed at his desk staring at nothing.

"Kyle, you okay?"

He swallowed before turning to look at me with a small and fake smile. He said, "Y-yeah. Just homework."

"Okay. I got pizza."

"I'm not hungry."

"You have to eat something."

Okay… Can I just eat in my room? I have a lot of homework."

"Alright," I replied before closing the door behind me.

Something's wrong.

***********Break***********

**Kyle's POV**

The next morning, I managed to avoid Hal and skip breakfast before heading out the door for school. If he knew that I spent the entire night awake with the lights on or if he saw the bags under my eyes, he'd know something was up. He'd bench me from my ring. If he found out that I'm scared of something, he'd probably take it away permanently.

I don't even remember driving to school or sitting through half my classes. Did I even eat lunch? I really need sleep but I can't. I have to stay awake.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

Coming in from my first day back to work, I found Kyle halfway asleep at his desk. A mountain of homework was piled up in front of him.

"Did you eat dinner?"

"Um… Yeah."

Did he just lie to me?

"Okay. You look a little tired. You might want to go to bed when you finish."

"Okay."

I shut the door behind me and paused when I felt my phone ring. I answered it and found one of Kyle's teacher's calling.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Mr. Jordan. This is Mrs. Macree, your son's biology teacher. I was just checking to make sure he was okay. He nearly fell asleep several times in nearly all of his classes and he's behind on his assignments. I also noticed that he didn't eat lunch. Is everything alright?"

I don't even know anymore.

**********Break**********

I was pulled from sleep by the sound of screaming in the room next to mine. Scrambling out of bed, I ran towards his room. Yanking open his door, I found him sitting up in bed with his arms around himself and all the lights on.

I asked, "You okay? What happened?"

"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up… Bad dream."

"It's fine. Not your fault… You okay now?"

He nodded before getting out of bed. "Yeah… I think I'll take the dog for a walk for a minute and-"

"No. It's three in the morning. Go back to sleep. You have school in the morning."

**Kyle's POV**

The second Hal left, I flipped on the lights and leaned against the wall. I can't go to sleep. I have to stay awake.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

The next morning, I caught Kyle trying to sneak out while I cooked pancakes in the kitchen.

"Kyle, sit down at the table."

He froze with his hand on the doorknob. He made some lame excuse about not wanting to be late for school.

Checking my watch, I responded, "You won't be. Sit down."

Pulling the last of the pancakes off the griddle and putting them into a plate, I turned and said, "How'd you-" I stopped as he plopped down at the kitchen table. I could see the bags forming under his bloodshot green eyes. "Kyle, are you alright?"

"Fine," he mumbled as I placed a plate of pancakes in front of him.

"You sure?"

"Uh huh. I'm just not hungry."

"Well, you're going to eat something… You sure there's nothing else you want to tell me?"

"No," he grunted as he began to drown his pancakes in syrup.

I stared at him as he cut a piece and lifted it towards his mouth. His head slowly fell against his chest. His fork was frozen halfway between his plate and his mouth. Syrup slowly dripped from the pancake on the fork onto the table.

"Kyle!"

His head shot up as his eyes widened. The fork clattered to the table. He quickly snatched it up.

"Kid, I think you need to stay home today. You're too tired to do anything. You need to-"

"No!" he yelled as he jumped up. "I… "I have to go!"

"I think you need to-"

"I can't! I…um… I have a test."

I studied his panicked expression. Something's wrong and it sure as hell ain't a test. I just nodded and replied, "Alright… I want you to come home the second school's over."

"I will."

"Good… Call me when you get home. I won't get off until probably ten-"

He interrupted, "You want me to stay alone at night!"

"I need to run some night tests…That a problem?"

"No… Of course not… I gotta go," he muttered before getting up and hurrying out the door.

I was left alone with his untouched plate.

**********Break**********

"Pieface, this is High Ball coming in. Do you copy?" I stated over my com link as I guided the jet towards the runway.

"You're clear for landing," Tom responded.

I landed perfectly. I exited the jet and was met by Tom's crew. I made my way to the hangar to find him. I found him coming out of the employee's lounge. He stopped when he saw me and motioned me over. He pointed over to the couch inside the lounge. I looked to see Kyle fast asleep on the couch.

"He showed up about ten minutes ago," Tom shrugged.

"But it's only half past four… I told him to go home," I muttered.

"Teenagers never listen… Anyway, is the kid okay? He looks like death warmed over. Looks like he's lost weight too as if he could've gotten any skinnier. And what happened to his arm?"

"We were in an accident with the Corps, Tom. He broke his arm but I don't know what's wrong… Just check the jet over while I talk to him," I sighed.

"Maybe you should just let him sleep."

He's probably right. Kid could use some sleep.

"Fine. I'll take the next jet out… Just let me know if he-"

"Relax. I'll keep an eye on him."

I nodded in response before slipping my jacket off and draping it over Kyle. Tom opened his mouth to make some smartass comment but I shut him up with a glare.

A few minutes later, I took one of the jets out for a test flight. I hadn't even been out for five minutes before Tom radioed me saying that something was wrong with Kyle. I returned to the hangar as fast as possible. As I moved towards Kyle, Tom grabbed my arm and said, "There is seriously something wrong with that kid. He started screaming in his sleep. He practically had a panic attack, Hal."

"I… I don't know what's wrong with him."

"Figure it out. He's just a kid."

I nodded and he let go of me. I moved over to where Kyle sat on the couch, arms wrapped around his updrawn knees, dark haired head pillowed in his arms. I could see my jacket clutched in his fists as he tried to collect himself. I sat down beside him and laid my hand on his shoulder, ignoring how he flinched at the contact.

"You okay, kid?"

"Fine."

"You sure?"

"Don't you have a plane to fly!" he snapped.

"Yeah. But, you're kinda wrinkling my jacket and-"

He shoved it over at me before I even finished my sentence. I massaged my temple before looking over at Tom. He shrugged as I glanced back over at Kyle.

"Tom, tell Carol something came up. I'll finish the tests tomorrow," I said before dragging Kyle off the couch by his good arm.

"Wait! My keys are-"

"We'll get your car later. You sure as hell aren't driving."

The ride home was in complete silence. He kept his eyes on anything but me. I tried to talk to him but I couldn't get anything out of him. I eventually gave up and said, "When we get home, you are to shower and get in the bed. And you're going to eat something too."

"I'm not hungry."

"I don't care."

"I have homework."

"It's Friday. You can do it later."

"I have plans-"

"Correction. You had plans."

**********Break**********

Kyle sulked the rest of the night. He practically glared at me the entire time as I forced him to eat dinner.

I finally broke the silence and said, "You going to talk to me about what's bothering you or what?"

"Nothing's wrong," he muttered, shoving his practically full plate away from me.

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Then why haven't you been eating? Why haven't you been sleeping? Why are you behind in school? Why-"

"I don't know! I'm fine! I just… I just need to go to bed. Can we just talk about this later?"

"Fine. We'll talk about it in the morning."

I was left alone at the table with Kyle's mutt looking up at me. He cocked his head to side and whined.

"Yeah, I know. Teenagers."

I eventually cleaned up the kitchen and watched some TV before checking on Kyle. For once, he was actually asleep in his bed. But, he'd left the lights on. I moved to turn them off and stopped short when he screamed.

I moved towards him and paused when I noticed the sweat slicked across his forehead and he thrashed around in the bed as if he was trying to get something off of him.

"Kyle, wake up," I ordered, laying my hand on his shoulder.

That was probably the worst thing to do.

As soon as my hand made contact with him, his eyes snapped open and he pulled away from me, smacking into the wall. He sat up and gasped for air as he trembled slightly. Not really sure what to do, I just took a seat on the edge of his bed and waited for the kid to collect himself. Laying my hand on his shoulder, I opened my mouth to ask if he was okay but stopped when I saw tears start to fall from his eyes.

"Kyle?"

Not even a second had passed before he threw himself at me and started crying. Oh shit. What do I do? What am I supposed to say?

He clung to me in a death grip as I slowly repositioned my arms around him.

"It's alright. You're okay. It was just a bad dream."

For a while we just sat there and held onto each other. He trembled as I held him and combed my fingers through his dark hair. I waited for the sobbing and shaking to stop before pushing him back slightly.

"Kyle, this has to stop. You have to tell me what's going on," I insisted as he suddenly jerked back out of my grip completely.

"I'm fine. There's nothing-"

"Don't lie to me. I want the truth now… I can't help you if you won't let me."

Kyle just shook his head and swiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. He kept his gaze on the sheets and refused to meet my eyes. We sat in total silence unless you counted the occasional sniffle coming from him.

"You know, it was just a bad dream-"

"It wasn't a dream! It happened!" he snapped.

"What are you talking about?"

He hung his head and muttered, "Every time I close my eyes, we're trapped on that planet with the Vorare…You die, Hal... I can't protect you. It's all my fault. Every time I close my eyes, I watch them eat you alive. You're dying or dead and I'm next. I'm completely alone and I don't know what to do… I can't save you."

"Kyle, I'm not dead. I'm here. You're here-"

"I can't be a Green Lantern anymore. Don't you understand that?" he cried.

"No. I don't understand. Why can't you be a-"

"Because I'm scared!" he yelled before he started crying and curled back into himself.

"And you think I don't get scared sometimes?"

"What?" he asked as he stared at me in shock.

I pulled a few tissues out of the box on his nightstand and gave them to him before continuing, "Kyle, just because we're Green Lanterns doesn't mean we're fearless. I get scared. John gets scared. You know Gardner is a crybaby anyway-"

"But-"

"Kid, everyone is afraid of something… including us. No one is completely fearless. Becoming a Green Lantern doesn't make you fearless. Being a Green Lantern means being scared to death but having enough courage to rise above your fear."

He nodded and seemed to think it over. He eventually met my gaze again and said, "I guess. I shouldn't have gotten so freaked out. Nothing even happened to us and I just-"

"We were down there for two days. I was unconscious and I couldn't help you. You were injured and practically alone. Your ring was dying. We were surrounded by flesh-eating aliens underground that could have killed us at any second... You had a right to be afraid and it's okay. We made it out alive because of you. You saved us, Kyle."

"So you're not disappointed in me?"

"No. I've never been disappointed in you… I'm so proud of you."

Kyle looked up in shock as he squeaked, "You are?"

"I am. Always have been. I always will be proud of you… I just wish you would've told me what was going on sooner."

"I'm sorry. I just didn't want you to think that I was weak… You already know that I'm not like you or John or Guy or the others. My ring didn't choose me. Ganthet just showed up and gave it to me. I wasn't chosen. I'm not someone that overcome great fear or whatever," he muttered before dropping his head back onto his knees, hiding his face.

I squeezed his shoulder and said, "Fighting from one end of the universe to the other, risking your life to help others that have been ruled out as lost causes, facing Sinestro one-on-one and living to tell about it, saving my life, standing up to those that bully your gay best friend, managing to survive a test flight with me and only passing out once, kicking ass and taking names with your friends in the Outsiders… What do you think you've been doing all this time, Kyle? Hiding under your drawing board?"

He lifted his head to see me giving him a half smile. He gave me one in return. I stood up and ruffled his hair for a brief second before moving towards the door. I paused for a second and said, "Kid, you're anything but weak."

"Thanks, Hal."

***********Break**********

The next morning, I looked up from my cup of coffee as Carol came in. There are days when I regret giving her a key but today is not one of them.

"Coffee?" I asked.

"Not right now. Where's Kyle?" she asked as she joined me at the table.

"Sleeping."

"Still? It's nearly eleven."

"Let him sleep. Kid's exhausted."

"You sure he's okay?"

"I think so."

We moved onto the couch and turned on the TV. She eventually moved onto my lap. I wrapped my arms around her. We stopped as Kyle popped up out of nowhere and cleared his throat.

"Am I interrupting anything?"

"What do you think?" I muttered before Carol relocated back to the couch.

"You're fine. Did you sleep okay?" she asked as he nodded.

"I did… No nightmares. But, I'm kinda hungry now."


	20. Chapter 20: Father's Day

**Chapter 20: Father's Day**

**Kyle's POV**

I took a deep breath before pushing the door to Carol's office open. She was going through some paperwork. I awkwardly hovered near the door and waited for her to finish whatever she was doing. She eventually looked up and beckoned me forward. I took a seat across from her.

"How can I help you?"

"I... Um... Father's Day is this weekend. It's the first one with Hal and... I just... Well... I was wondering... Do you think he'd be okay with me getting him something?"

"Yes, if you consider Hal your father figure."

"Yeah but what if he doesn't want me as his son?"

She shook her head and said, "Believe me; Hal loves you as much as any father loves their own child."

I smiled a little before asking her what I should do.

**********Break**********

I followed behind Terry and David as they stood in line at the store to pay for the ties they'd picked out.

"Don't you always get your dads a tie?" I asked as they shrugged.

David replied, "Yeah. It is Father's Day not that you'd know with your dad running out on you and your mom when you were a baby. And that your current guardian probably doesn't think of you as his son or whatever."

Terry's mouth dropped open a little before he shoved David's arm. David realized what he said and tried to apologize.

"Look, Kyle, I'm sorry, man. I didn't mean it like it was your fault-"

"You told him!" I yelled as Terry winced.

"Sorry," he muttered. "David just wanted to know where your real dad was since you have Hal and I told him about you saying it was probably your fault your dad left-"

"You said you wouldn't tell anyone!" I yelled before walking away from them.

"Kyle! Wait! We're sorry okay!"

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

I heated up a can of chili on the stove before throwing a couple of hotdogs in the microwave. I yelled for Kyle. He eventually showed up and slumped down into his chair at the table. Dropping a plate containing a chili dog and chips in front of him, I took a seat across from him.

"Kyle, eat. It'll get cold," I ordered as he continued to push his food around his plate.

"Not hungry," he mumbled.

"Then go do your homework or go to work or something."

"Hal, you know I don't work on the weekends and it's summer."

I sighed before pushing my empty plate away. Damn teenagers.

"Alright, kid. Let's have it. What's wrong?"

He shrugged as we sat in silence. Seconds passed before his eyes met mine. He whispered, "What did I do wrong? Why did my dad walk out on me? Why didn't he want me?"

I was taken back by his question. Um… okay?

"Kyle, you didn't do anything wrong-"

"Then why did he leave?"

"I don't know…Is it really that important?"

"I just wish I knew what happened. I just want to talk to him once. I just want to ask him why. Why did he run out on me and mom? Why did he stop loving us?" he muttered.

I groaned as I shoved my plate away and stood up. Damn teenagers.

"Hal, where are you going?"

"To call a vampire," I growled, dialing Bruce Wayne's number and walking away from the table.

"How did you get this number?" the gruff voice growled over the line.

"Your boyfriend gave it to me."

"Clark is not my boyfriend!" he hissed as I smirked.

"Who said anything about Clark?"

"What do you want, Jordan?" he growled, completely ignoring my statement.

"I need you to find someone for me… for Kyle."

**********Break**********

**Carol's POV**

I stared at Hal as if he was crazy.

"Hal, I don't think this is a good idea."

He simply shrugged before saying, "What kid wouldn't want to see their father?"

I placed my hand on his shoulder and asked if he'd talked to the kid about it first. Hal refused and said it would be a surprise. I merely nodded in response as he asked me to watch the dog for a few days and make plane reservations.

This will not turn out well.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

"Kyle! Hurry up!" I yelled, checking my watch.

"I'm almost done!" he yelled back.

A couple of minutes later, he came out of his room, dragging a suitcase behind him. He had a duffle bag draped over his shoulder and a backpack on his backpack.

"What the hell did you pack?"

"You wouldn't tell me where we were going so I didn't know what to pack. If we're going somewhere cold I'll need my jacket. If it's really cold then I'll need a coat. I might wanna go swimming so I had to get my swimsuit. I need my hairdryer or else my hair won't be flippy or comb over the right way. I didn't know if I need to do homework since I'm skipping class today. You never know if you need a blanket or a pillow or-"

"Kyle! I told you to grab a shirt and throw some underwear in a bag."

"Well excuse me. But one of us has to pack. If it was up to you, we'd just wash our clothes in the sink or something."

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

He just rolled his eyes as I grabbed his duffel bag and headed out the door. He followed behind me and tossed his suitcase into the trunk before climbing into the passenger seat. I slid behind the wheel and started the car.

"Hal?"

"What?"

"Do you think K-9 will be fine?"

I sighed, "Yes. Carol will take good care of your dog while we're gone."

"Okay… Can you please tell me where we're going now?"

"No," I replied as I headed in the direction of the airport.

"But Hal!"

***********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

"This is such bullshit," Hal muttered.

"Calm down, Hal. It's not that bad."

Hal merely glared as he was forced to take his watch, shoes, aviators, bomber jacket, belt, cellphone, wallet, and keys off and lay them on the conveyor belt. He tried to step through the scanner only for a security guard to ask him to go back.

"Are you kidding me? Look, I'm clearly not a terrorist."

"Step to the side, sir," the guard calmly stated.

"Seriously? My shit just went through there and I need it."

I groaned and hid my head in my hands as they pulled Hal out of line.

"Kyle! Get my crap before a real terrorist gets it!"

After about an hour of me pretending not to know Hal, we finally ended up on the plane. I plopped down onto the window seat as he shoved his luggage overhead before sitting down beside me.

"Hal, my headphones are in my backpack."

"I just sat down," he muttered before standing back up.

"And can you grab my sketchbook and pencils while you're up?" I asked as he dug around my backpack.

He handed me my stuff before asking, "Anything else?"

"I think I'm good," I replied as he pulled out my headphones and paused. He looked up and asked, "Kyle, where's your cellphone charger?"

"We have to go back!"

"Too late. I doubt you'll even need it this weekend."

**********Break**********

I immediately flipped my sketchbook closed as Hal leaned over. He frowned at me as I glared at him.

He asked, "I can't look?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Cause," I muttered as the stewardess appeared with drinks.

"Would you like anything to drink, sirs?" our flight attendant asked as Hal's tongue nearly fell out of his mouth as he stared at the hot, busty woman.

"Yes, I'll have a beer and junior will take a coke," he responded, flashing his award winning, pretty boy smile at her.

She handed us our drinks and moved down the aisle of the plane as Hal checked out her butt.

"It's amazing Carol's still with you."

He turned to me and gave me a questioning look and asked, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"She's engaged to marry you and you're like a dog that barks at every woman you look at and you're a jerk and you only care about yourself."

"Kyle, if that last statement was true, your ass wouldn't be sitting next to me."

"Whatever," I replied before crossing my arms and looking out at the clouds. "And you shouldn't have gotten alcohol. You know you can't use the ring under the influence of alcohol or drugs," I whispered as he rolled his eyes.

"I've only had a few sips, I'll be fine," he retorted.

"And you still haven't told me why we're flying to South America," I pointed out as he leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

"I'll tell you when we get there. Just shut up and enjoy the flight."

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

Kyle followed behind me as we exited the plane. We headed towards the luggage claim as he asked, "What are we doing here? I don't even speak Spanish."

"That's sad considering the fact that you're half Hispanic!" I hissed as he shrugged.

"My mom was Irish and she was the one the raised me."

After grabbing our luggage, we exited the airport and rented a Jeep before making the three hour trek to our hotel. I frowned as the old, rundown structure came into view.

"Hal, can we go home now?"

"No. I told you we're on vacation."

"We never go on vacation!"

"Well, we're on one now so shut up."

He trudged behind me as I checked us in. I don't think Kyle had ever stood so close to me before as he warily kept notice of the sketchy guests and employees. We eventually made our way up to our room.

Walking into the room, Kyle immediately said, "Hal… There's only one bed."

Flicking a roach off a pillow, I muttered, "So I see."

"Well, this is awkward."

**********Break**********

"Stay. On. Your. Side." I growled as Kyle snuggled up to my back for like the tenth time.

I rolled over and shoved him back to his side before rolling over to face the wall again. He was pressed against me like three seconds later.

"Your ass is about to be in the floor," I threatened.

It went on like this for hours. I barely got any sleep with Kyle acting like some clingy octopus. Every time I shoved him over, he'd just come back like a boomerang. I eventually gave up and got out of bed. Checking the time, I decided it was early enough to do what I came here to do.

I called Bruce to get the information I needed.

**********Break**********

**Kyle's POV**

I woke up alone. I yawned and stretched before realizing that I was on Hal's side of the bed. How'd I get over here? I looked around before catching a glimpse of myself in the old, cracked mirror. There was a sticky note on my forehead.

I peeled it off and read aloud, "Went to get breakfast. Stay in the room."

I stretched again before getting out of bed. I opened the window and looked outside to see two men trading cash for some powder. They both looked up to see me watching them. I quickly slammed the window shut and backed away.

"Okay… That was creepy and now I really have to pee."

Like two hours later, Hal finally came back.

"Where were you? You were gone forever," I asked, shutting my sketchbook.

He tossed a taco thingy at me, sank down into the bed and said, "Just thought I'd see the town."

"You do realize there are drug dealers outside, right?"

He just shrugged as I crawled over the bed to sit next to him to eat. I eventually finished eating and got dressed.

"Hal, why are we here? For real this time. I know we're not on vacation."

He sighed before saying, "I'll tell you in a little while. If you're ready, we'll go."

The two of us left the hotel. Hal led the way before I suddenly stopped. He looked back at me and asked what the holdup was.

"I'm not taking one more step until you tell me what's going on."

"We're here to see your father."

I just stared at him for a minute before running. I was vaguely aware of Hal running after me yelling at me to stop. I didn't slop until he practically tackled me in the street. I immediately started crying.

"Y-you c-can't!" I sobbed.

"I can't what, kid? What's wrong? Don't you want to see your father?"

I kept crying. Hal doesn't want me anymore. He's giving me up. But he can't! The Guardians assigned me to him. He can't go anywhere until we're done with training! But what if he's done?

"Kyle!" he snapped, shaking my shoulders.

"Y-you c-could have just s-said you d-didn't want m-me."

"What are you talking about? Who said I didn't want you?"

"Y-you d-did!"

He didn't respond. He just pulled me against him as I cried. Hal just held me until I'd calmed down enough to explain, "Kid, no one's making you go anywhere. We're sector partners and you're my responsibility. I still want you to stay with me, okay?"

"Then why are we here?"

"Remember how I told you my father died in front of me when I was eight?" he asked as I nodded. He continued, "Well, I would have given anything to see him one last time and I… I just figured you'd feel the same way. I'm sorry, kid. I just thought it would have made you happy. I didn't think-"

I stopped listening to him ramble after a while. I don't think I even want to see my father. He left me when I was three. He walked out on me and Mom. What father walks out on their kid? A part of me never wants to see him again. The other wants to ask him why. Besides, Hal spent a lot of time and money that we don't have.

I interrupted him by saying, "I'll see him."

"You sure? We can just go home and-"

"No. I want to."

Hal nodded, standing up and pulling me up with him. He kept an arm around my shoulders probably in case I decided to run again. Together, we headed for the rental Jeep.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

Aaron Rayner wasn't at the mechanic shop where he was supposed to be. Kyle's disappointment level increased as we headed over to the cantina to grab lunch. He took a seat beside me at a table in the back. I opened my mouth to try to comfort him or whatever but stopped as my phone rang.

"I have to take this. Stay here. I'll be right back."

Kyle nodded and slumped back in his seat, crossing his arms. I walked outside and answered the call.

I asked, "What is it, Bruce?"

"Where are you?"

"Some cantina thing across from Aaron Rayner's shop."

He urged, "Get out now."

"What?"

"Aaron Rayner doesn't exist. Gabriel Vasquez does."

"What are you talking about?"

"Gabriel Vasquez is a Mexican-American undercover agent for the U.S. government. Years ago, he was working under the codename of Aaron Rayner in Ireland. He was compromised and therefore no longer valuable to his agency. So he married a woman, brought her back to the states, and had a kid. Four years later, Vasquez was reinstated. He abandoned his wife and child."

"Oh my God… But that means… Is he still a spy or whatever?"

"Yes. He's on a drug dealing case. Investigation of Cortez Cartagena a dealer that owns the cantina you're in. Get out now."

I ended the call and hurried back inside. My mouth nearly fell open as I found Kyle screaming at some man sitting across from another. I knew immediately that the man was Kyle's father. The resemblance was uncanny except for their eyes. Kyle had his mother's eyes. Everyone in the room was watching the scene unfold. That's when I noticed that every single one of the patrons was packing. Oh shit.

I didn't even have the chance to move before all chaos broke loose. I dropped to the floor as bullets rang out. Kicking over a table to use as a shield, I hid and slipped my ring on. I peeked out to see the man that was sitting with Kyle's father using the kid as a human shield. With his arm around Kyle's neck and a gun to his head, he dragged the kid out the back door with Kyle's father following him.

I created several snake constructs with my ring and sent them out towards what I assumed to be U.S. operatives and the drug cartel. The constructs wrapped themselves around the limbs of the two opposing sides and slammed the men head first into the floor, knocking all of them unconscious. I ran for the back door.

Slowly pushing it open, I found Kyle still being used as a human shield. Kyle's father had his gun pointed at Kyle.

"Drop your weapon or the kid dies!"

"We don't negotiate with terrorists," he replied before pulling the trigger twice.

"Kyle!"

**Gabriel's POV**

One bullet hit the kid in the shoulder. The other hit Cartagena. I moved over to Cartagena and cuffed him before knocking him out. I looked back over to see some random guy propping the kid up into a sitting position.

Tears slid down the boy's face as the man repeatedly told him to hold on and that everything was going to be alright as he peeled away the boy's shirt away from the wound. He sucked in a deep breath as he stared at the blood pouring from the wound. I knew immediately that the bullet had probably clipped an artery as the kid started to go into shock.

The man ripped part of T-shirt off and used it to make a makeshift bandage for the wound before wrapping one arm around his back and the other under his knees. Lifting the boy into his arms, he turned to me and barked, "Don't just stand there! Get a damn doctor!"

"The closest hospital is two hours. He won't make it."

"This kid is your son!"

"I have no son."

"Oh yeah? Well, I do and he's going to die unless he gets to a hospital!"

"It's out of my hands… You should have never of put his life at risk by bringing him here."

"Listen, this kid is your son. Kyle Aaron Rayner. He's sixteen.** (For those of you who haven't noticed, I've de-aged Kyle from 17 to 16.)** You're his father-"

"I told you. I don't-"

"Look at him!" the man screamed.

I looked down at the boy in his arms, struggling to stay awake. I inhaled before exhaling slowly.

"There is a chopper a mile from here but-"

"Where?"

**********Break***********

"We're two minutes away," I stated calmly before looking back to see how the boy was doing.

He was lying very still on the bench in the back with his head in the man's lap. I could see that the blood dripping through the makeshift bandage onto the old bomber jacket that was draped over him. The man patted his cheek and urged him to stay awake for a little while longer.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

I paced around in the tiny waiting room of the "hospital." This isn't even a real hospital. It's just a place where criminals get medical care without attracting the law. The doctors aren't even licensed.

"I want answers."

I turned to see Kyle's father watching me. I moved over to him and glared down at him. He was a head shorter than me.

"How do you know who I am?"

"Google."

He frowned before saying, "I know who you are, Mr. Jordan."

"Well good for you."

"Why did you bring the boy here?"

"It was all a mistake to come here."

"Maura's dead," he added after a while.

"She died over a year ago."

The man began to circle me like a shark circling its prey. "Tell me, Mr. Jordan, you barely make enough to get by. Why go to the financial trouble of adopting a teenager?"

"I have my reasons."

He paused his pacing and added, "I'm sure you do. Why bring him here?"

"How about you tell me why you left him first?"

"Maura was just a cover. She was to help get some of the heat off my back. She was never supposed to have gotten pregnant. They never meant anything to me. It was just a cover."

I didn't respond as a woman approached us. She rattled something off in Spanish.

I asked, "What did she say?"

"Kid is AB- and they don't have anything to match his blood type. He'll die without a transfusion."

"You're his father. You have the same blood type."

The man nearly shook his head before adding, "There's a market-"

"No. There is no way in hell that I'm going to risk him getting HIV or AIDS or whatever. I'm a universal donor. Tell her that I'll donate mine."

He translated and the woman nodded. She took my arm and began to lead me away. I paused when he called out, "We aren't finished here, Mr. Jordan."

"We are now."

**********Break*********

**Gabriel's POV**

I picked the lock to the room the two were staying in. Closing the door behind me, I began searching through their belongings. I found nothing out of the ordinary.

I groaned in frustration before putting the room back together the way I'd found it. I moved towards the door and pause when I noticed a backpack sticking out from under the bed. pulling it out, I unzipped it and pulled out some kind of notebook.

"What the-" I muttered, flipping through the hand drawn pictures of creatures not from this world. "What is this?"

I continued to flip through the book before coming to a stop on the half-way finished image of Green Lantern and the Kid Lantern that had showed up a few months ago. I read the inscription on the bottom right aloud, "Happy Father's Day."

I ripped the drawing out and stuffed it into my pocket before shoving the sketchbook back into the bag. After replacing the backpack, I made my way back to the "hospital" and headed for the room the boy'd been assigned.

I peered through the window of the door to see the boy lying very still on the makeshift stretcher with his guardian slumped over in a chair beside him. Wires and tubing stuck out from all angles of the boy's arm. Jordan was extremely pale and sluggish in his movements. He'd certainly given more than the regular amount of blood.

Watching the man brush a sweaty lock of hair from the boy's face, speaking softly to the boy as he began to wake, I couldn't help but notice the pair of matching emerald rings the two wore. I nearly smirked to myself at my discovery.

I pushed open the door and walked in. I flashed the kid a smile before his guardian used the wall to help him stand and steady himself. He very slowly moved towards me and asked what I wanted.

"I'm here to visit my son."

Before Jordan could even respond, the small voice behind him said, "Then you're in the wrong room."

We both looked over at the kid as he softly stated, "You left me and Mom when I was three. Every year on my birthday I would wish for you to come home. Every Christmas I would ask Santa for my dad. Every year was just another disappointment. I was wishing for something that didn't exist. Aaron Rayner doesn't exist. Never has. It was all just a lie. You were just using us."

I didn't say anything. Jordan stayed quiet as well. The boy looked down at the ring on his finger and said, "Dad, I wanna go home."

I began, "Look, boy-"

"I wasn't talking to you," he snapped before transferring his gaze to Jordan. "Can we go home now?"

"We will. Just as soon as you can walk out of here on your own," the man promised, moving back to his kid's side.

I just nodded before leaving them alone. I pulled the drawing out of my pocket and stared at it as a tear rolled down my cheek. Memories of being with Maura and Kyle flooded my mind as I was caught between wanting to hold my child and wanting to inform my superiors of what I'd discovered. But, Kyle has a new father now.

I looked back at the room where I could hear faint crying and soothing words being offered before looking back down at the paper. I clenched my teeth together before shoving the thing back into my pocket. No one needs to decide anything right now.

**********Break**********

**Hal's POV**

Kyle had barely said more than a few words after the confrontation with his father. I shoved our luggage up overhead before taking a seat next to him on the plane. He had his face turned towards the window so he could ignore me.

"How's the shoulder?" I asked.

"Hurts but better."

"Good."

"It was my fault I got shot," he whispered after a while.

"Kyle-"

"You told me no sit still and not to move. I couldn't help it once I saw him. I just got so angry and I just wanted to know why he left me. I confronted him and I called him out and then… Well, you know what happened."

I laid my hand on his arm and squeezed it softly. He swiped at his eyes with his sleeve before turning to look at me. "You know, I used to blame myself for him leaving. I always thought it was because I did something wrong. I always thought I made him leave."

"Nothing was or is your fault, Kyle. Absolutely nothing. It wasn't your mother's fault either. You know what… Screw him. He might be your biological father but he's not your dad. A real father doesn't walk out on their three year old baby and wife. A real father doesn't sacrifice his only son for the good of the country or whatever. A real father doesn't shoot his son in a hostage situation. Aaron Rayner doesn't exist. He never did… I'm just so sorry I let him hurt you. I shouldn't have brought you here. I just thought that you needed to see him. I'm so sorry Kyle."

He murmured, "Not your fault."

The two of us didn't say anything after a while. The plane eventually took off. Kyle resumed his staring off into the window at nothing. I basically sat there and tried to think of something to say.

"Hal?"

"Yeah?" I asked, looking over at him.

He flipped open his sketchbook to a marked page and instantly started to panic.

"What's wrong?"

"It's not here!" he shouted as a few passengers began to look over in our direction.

"Kyle-" I began before he slammed the book shut in defeat.

He looked so utterly defeated as he whispered, "I'm sorry. I don't know what happened to it."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your Father's Day present. I drew you something because I didn't have enough money to buy you anything but I didn't finish it. I don't know what happened to it. I'm so sorry. It's your first Father's Day and I ruined it."

"Kyle, you didn't ruin anything. You probably just misplaced it. We'll find it after the plane lands. I'm sure it's just as amazing as all your other drawings are," I replied, giving him a one armed hug.

He just shrugged as I ruffled his hair. I gave him a small smile as I lifted his chin up with one hand and said, "Kyle, you already gave me a wonderful Father's Day present."

"I did?"

"Yeah. You just being yourself here with me."

He rolled his eyes, shrugged out of my grip and muttered, "That doesn't count."

"Yes it does."

"No it doesn't."

"Yes it does. Besides, we still have another five hours till we land. I'm sure you can come up with something in that amount of time."

He flipped his sketchbook open to a clean sheet. He pulled a pencil out of the case before looking at me and warning, "No peeking."

"Yeah. Sure. Whatever."

"I mean it, Hal!" he snipped as I leaned back over to ruffle his hair.

"Yeah. Sure. Whatever."

* * *

**Happy Father's Day to all the great dads out there :)**


End file.

Justice League, Family