Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans. Damn it all.
Chapter 1: Wolves in Sheep's Clothing
"Mister Wilson! Is it true that you experiment on humans?"
"Are you really planning on introducing a new species of 'metahumans' into our society?"
"Mister Wilson, what do you want to prove by mutating ordinary adolescents into these 'metahuman' creations?"
"How did you get permission in order to conduct these experiments?"
"Who's funding these projects?"
Nicholas Galtry took to the podium clearing his throat as Slade Wilson stepped aside allowing his partner control of the press conference. He waited with baited breath for the reporters to quiet down before addressing them. "We thank the community of Jump City for being so interested in our affairs! As my partner and I have stated so many times before through emails, phone calls, the media…" Gazing around, he studied each face taking in their looks of wonderment. "Our research takes a lot of our time and efforts so it's easy to lose track of time. We want to thank you for your patience and we hope you continue supporting us. As promised, here is a little view of what we have discovered so far with your generous donations! On behalf of all of our hard work, and the people who help every day with our research, we would like to present one of our many projects: Kole!"
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Raven shut off the TV disgusted at the sight and the revulsion of how the damned city could willingly donate or show any interest in that company. Testing on children and for what? Oh that's right to eradicate disease, to better the human immune system. To make it better and stronger so humans couldn't be taken out by tiny, feeble microorganisms.
How many kids had died in their labs? How many were abused, poked and prodded every day or every hour? How did Jump City think this was okay? None of it was remotely tolerable. Damn the Wilson Enterprises & Co. She stood from the couch tossing the pillow from her lap. Her hands were sweaty, and she felt jittery.
"Friend, are you the alright?"
"Just saw that lovely press conference all over the TV," Raven replied dryly.
Kori eyed the girl confusion written all over her face. "What press conference?" Dick moved around her and cut in, "That one where the city pretty much says they support human experimenting." Kori frowned touching her lips thoughtfully.
"So I'm guessing you were watching it too," Raven wanted to debate and usually Dick was worked up enough to do it. She paced in the kitchen too irritated to get ready for class.
Dick grunted opening the fridge intent on making his and Kori's lunches. "Yeah let's just say I could only get through the first sentence of Galtry's speech." Spreading mayo on his sandwich, he moved onto Kori's meal next. "He's just lucky that he can sweet talk any one in a five mile radius."
Leaning against the counter next to Dick, Raven couldn't help but rub at her temples. "It just blows my mind that people actually believe that they're doing these experiments to make our bodies better and stronger." She responded putting air quotes around the words: better and stronger.
The fridge door slammed shut, and Dick placed the finished meals in his backpack. "I swear people are just too trusting these days."
"Friends, please let us not talk of this anymore. It is making the both of you very angry." Kori stepped into the kitchen grabbing a hold of Dick's shoulder. His hand covered her's almost immediately.
"Sorry. We'll save it for later."
Kori smiled at the promise. "Oh pleasant news, let us get going shall we?" She asked offering a hand out to Raven.
Rolling her eyes, Raven grasped onto it letting herself be forced back to her room to finish getting ready.
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Loud banging crashed against his door waking him from his slumber. He sat still waiting for the person to go away. He wouldn't go. No way in hell was he going through with whatever they had planned for the day.
"Greg!* Get out here this instant, you retched little animal!"
"Nah, I figured I'd just nap for now considering all the exciting things happening today," he countered swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and stood.
1…2…3…
The door unlocking stilled his movement. Here it comes.
Galtry's face was bright red, but he composed himself for a few moments. "If you were so content in staying in bed, why are you up?"
He could see the sweat form between his furrowed brows.
"What? Not going to answer now that we're face to face? Where's all that confidence?" Galtry sneered stalking forward and grabbed a collar from his belt. "You just don't want to be punished do you?" Clicking the collar into place, he grabbed the boy by his shirt and dragged him out of the room. "Unfortunately, you have no choice in the matter."
Did he ever?
After a few minutes of walking down endless hallways and corridors they finally reached their destination. The laboratory room door slid open beckoning them through. Bustling scientists moved about the room collecting papers, typing on tablets, measuring liquids and talking among themselves. The door closed shut catching their attention, all eyes on them.
"Ah, busy as usual," Galtry stated moving through the chaos eventually making his way to a tall, blond standing near the observing window. He patted him on the back in greeting, and pointed below.
"Garfield, are you prepared today?" Someone asked, resting their hand on his shoulder.
The boy in question regarded Slade silently. The man glanced down at him waiting for an answer. "You're testing that mutated gene today aren't you?"
Slade moved his hand from Garfield's shoulder to his neck, gripping it. A move that riled his inner beasts, it was meant to show dominance, and yet it also answered his question. Slade removed his hand soon after and spoke to a scientist called Barbara.
"Get him ready, and grab our guest please." She nodded with excitement and adjusted her glasses. Garfield followed the short and stubby scientist studying her physique. Escaping from her would be easy since she probably never worked out a day in her life. Then there was the issue of a stabilizing collar around his neck.
They stepped into the elevator while Barbara tossed skintight black pants and a long sleeved shirt into his awaiting arms. He changed just in time tossing his other clothes to the ground as the elevator doors reopened, and stepped through. Flexing his fingers, he studied the small area where Barbara would take residence and watch his every move, documenting everything little detail of what was to come.
He had no idea what to expect nor did he want to. Better to be surprised right?
"Are you nervous?" Barbara inquired switching on her equipment. Machines roared to life, buttons colored the room and computer screens bursted awake.
"Should I be?"
She turned adjusting her glasses again. The twinkle in her eyes was answer enough. Pressing a yellow button next to the door, she spoke into it with coded words. A response came shortly after. She spun back around and stepped up to remove the collar. "You won't need this," she stated placing it on a hook next to the door. "It'll just get in the way."
His heart pounded in his ears as he studied the door which led to the arena where up above Galtry, Slade, Jericho and the rest of their team would be watching. What the hell did they have planned to test this mutated gene? Running his hands through his grassy hair, Garfield struggled to breath. Damn it all.
That's when he heard it. A roar that sounded eerily close to the very thing he feared of becoming. Garfield whipped his head to Barbara.
"You didn't," he whispered eyes widening as she beamed. "How could you-"
"They wanted a rousing test. Well here it is." She turned his attention to the door waving him to it. "Just for you… make them proud."
An automated voice counted down giving only 15 seconds to walk through. They wanted a show, and these scientists were crazy enough to go to the lengths to give it to them. Garfield silently prayed to anyone listening. He didn't want to hurt anyone, but deep down he could feel it thrashing.
This was his territory. His domain and it would go to great heights to maintain his rights over what he possessed. His skin crawled with excitement and energy.
6…5…4…3…
His hand rested on the button not daring enough to push it just yet. Those claws at the end of his fingers were going to rip into someone. Someone, who he hoped, he didn't know. Please let it be a blank face, or a robot. Just don't be a human experiment gone wrong.
2…1…0…
The next thing Garfield knew, Barbara had pushed the button. She shoved him through and hastily shut the door afterwards. He couldn't look up. Dear god, he couldn't.
Trembling at the mere smell of the intruder was already breaking his will. It was just like him. Not the same color, stature or smell. But it was once a human.
Garfield counted in his head, whispered a lullaby… anything to keep himself focused. They were watching- no hoping for a good show. Not yet don't look up. But he could already feel it sniffing at his head and shoulders. Saliva dripped from its fangs- dropping onto his clothes and skin. It growled pressing its shoulder into his. It was begging for a fight, and it would at any sign of movement or protest.
Not yet don't look up.
Eye contact would definitely set it off. It was a sign of dominance. Just like the cold gloved hand that belonged to Slade as it would rest on his shoulder or grip his neck.
The beast knocked him belly first to the ground and pressed its fangs against his back and neck- using enough pressure to threaten bloodshed. Garfield muffled the sharp pain, and chose to stay still. Peeking up at the window above the arena, he could make out their forms. By their posture, they were ready to throttle him for not responding especially Galtry.
Just last a little bit longer. Prove that you're in control not them.
His head throbbed, his chest felt tight, and he had no idea how much longer he could hold it back. The beast rolled him onto his back pressing its weight upon him. Finally, Garfield closed his eyes letting loose his inner beast.
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"Yo Raven!"
She turned at the sound of her name cursing under her breath. "Yes Victor?"
He came to a stop shifting his backpack to his other shoulder. The hum of his prosthetic arm as it moved his backpack distracted her for a moment. Her eyes trailed from his right arm to his two prosthetic legs. As if sensing her interest, Victor modeled them off for her.
"Like what you see, eh?"
Raven frowned flashing him a disapproving look. "Your father has put in quite the work with those things."
Victor blanched. "Hey! He wasn't the only one who worked on this!" He pounded his chest looking quite smug. "I came up with most of the interior and exterior designs."
A small smile tugged at her lips as she crossed her arms. "Right and they look very cool. I'm very impressed that's all."
"Why thank you little lady. I approve of your compliment." He was quick to pat her on the shoulder. "Now let me guess you're going to check out the little protest going on over there," he stated pointing in the building's general direction. "You gonna join em'?"
Raven couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Right," she huffed. "You know me I just love myself a good protest."
Victor laughed jostling her shoulder. "I just know you so well."
"I'll have to work on that." She quickly changed the subject intending to end their banter. "Will you be working again tonight?"
His shoulders slumped. "Oh yeah, gotta love my work hours. I'm just glad I get to miss Kori's cooking tonight."
"You're pretty lucky, but I'm sure Dick will step in and save the day," she mused gazing pointedly over his shoulder. "Well my class it going to be starting in an hour and I haven't studied for our test yet." She gave Victor a polite smile and waved him off.
Making sure he was a safe distance away, Raven turned towards the university's main gates. It would only take twenty minutes to get to Wilson Enterprises & Co. In fact, she felt inclined to go but couldn't think of a reason as to why. It was like a magnetic pull, and it all started this morning after watching their stupid press conference. Some part of her wanted to watch the rest of it just to see them boost their latest project.
She was curious, and it disgusted her.
The light turned green allowing Raven and the other pedestrians to stroll across the street. She grabbed onto her hood, pulling it up and over her head. It was a stupid habit. Being in pubic always made her skin crawl with uneasiness- like she didn't belong in her own skin. Having friends helped tremendously. They made her feel comfortable and needed.
Without realizing it, Raven made it to her destination. The sounds of the protesters carried over to her ears, and she watched them parade around with their signs. There were about twenty people, some young and some old- their energy igniting the air.
A noise from the alleyway snapped her out of her trance, and she pivoted towards it. Curiosity gnawed at her bones willing her to move as a hooded figure staggered into view.
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Garfield dislodged the figure's body from his hand, shooting away from the grisly scene. Head to toe, he was covered in blood. It felt sticky and heavy against his skin. Collapsing to his hands and knees, the ground blurred and faded. He was going to be sick.
A few moments later, he heaved all over the ground. Dabbing at his mouth, he used of the sleeve of his forearm to wipe the mess away. Feeling nauseous again, more puke joined the rest.
"My, my I'm very impressed." Slade clutched onto Garfield's hair lifting his head. "Such power and prowess. Good thing we recorded this for later viewing."
Garfield sniffed rubbing at his mouth again and swatted his hand away. Casting a quick glance at the bloodied carcass, he took to his feet stumbling to the exit. Slade made no move to restrain him.
The scent finally made sense about halfway through their fight. It belonged to Adonis, a steroid junkie who desired more than average human power and muscles. They took the runaway in promising everything but not intent of giving any at all- poor soul.
Garfield tripped over his own feet, but was caught by another person. Jericho wrapped one arm around his waist and smiled feebly. His blond curls bounced with impact. With one hand he signed, 'Are you okay?'
Garfield scoffed, face scrunching. "Peachy let me go." The world was beginning to swirl and run like wet paint. Not to mention the smell of copper and iron was really digging under his skin. Jericho respected his request holding up both hands in defeat. Garfield glanced at the blond's neck and punched the yellow button. The doors slid open revealing Barbara typing furiously on a computer paying no attention to his presence.
Rolling his eyes, Garfield marched through the room and to the elevator compartment. He tapped his foot waiting to exit. Much to his dismay once the doors opened, Galtry was waiting for him in the hallway. Flashing a wad of bills, the man pushed off the wall.
"Care to grab a pick me up," he asked leering at his blood soaked clothes. "Of course, you should probably clean up. I don't want you to scare the sellers away."
Garfield held out his hand almost snarling at the request. "Whatever, I need a break." The wad of bills pressed into his hand. It was relatively heavier than last time. Lifting a brow, he observed Galtry. "How much this time?"
Galtry took interest in his watch, and flashed a sickening smile. "Double this time. Make it quick though. I'm on edge." His hands shook showing signs of withdrawal. "Well get going! I don't have all day, Greg!"
Garfield nodded pressing his lips into a firm line. Once in his room, he stripped out of his soiled clothes, cleaned his face and hair, and dressed in a clean set. His clothes were special. It allowed him to shift without showing back up in his birthday suit- it had happened before much to his chagrin. This time however, he made sure to add a pair of gloves, goggles, a handkerchief around his neck, and a hooded jacket.
The money was shoved into a pocket, and he grabbed his phone making sure to keep it on vibrate. One last lingering gaze at the bloodied clothes sent a thrilling yet unsettling feeling through his body. A howling laugh echoed in his ears and he slammed the door shut.
"Garfield, I heard what happened. Is everything okay?"
"It's never going to be okay," he answered leaning his head back to stare at the ceiling. His hands dove deep into his jacket pockets. Meanwhile, her hand touched his shoulder providing comfort.
"You need to talk about it."
"I can't talk about it with you."
"Why not," she probed temper flaring.
Garfield dropped his gaze to her simmering navy eyes. "I've done enough," he replied brushing past her and ending their conversation. "I have an errand to run. I'll be back."
"I forgave you a long time ago. Don't you think you should do the same?"
Looking over his shoulder, he lifted his goggles pinning her to her spot. "It'll be a long time before that, Kole. Go back to your room."
No other protests came so Garfield took his leave. Climbing down a few flight of stairs, he finally made it to the exit that opened to 'Mansfield Alley' as they called it. He paused at the door adjusting his disguise. Another tidal wave of emotions crashed into him. Nausea mixed with anxiety rocked his nerves. He needed to calm down. Protesters wouldn't be out in the alleyway. It was a safe zone. No one would even see him.
Garfield swallowed, and banged his fist against the door.
Everything was going to be okay. No one would see him.
Opening the door, he stumbled over his feet again cursing at his inability to walk. Garfield couldn't help the images gnawing at his head. One last howl, one last breath and Adonis was dead- impaled straight through the chest. He shook his head.
His body connected with another. Out of reflex, he reached out stopping the other person's fall. "Gah sorry I didn't see ya there, dude…." All thoughts vanished from his brain. Why was a girl wandering down this dead-end alley?
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Raven did not see this coming. No, she couldn't predict the future or anything like that, but she didn't think this imbecile would blatantly ignore and crash into her. Wrenching her wrist free from his grip, she glared.
"What are you deaf?"
The man held up his hands stuttering. Why was he wearing gloves?
"How about next time you pay attention, alright?"
He gave a thumbs up and moved to leave- regaining his poise. Raven eyed the stranger as he passed noticing underneath the hood, he wore a pair of goggles and a handkerchief that covered all of his face. She turned her attention to the door that he came out of. Something wasn't sitting well with this.
Turning on her heels, Raven sprinted up behind him and, with all her courage, snatched onto the back of his jacket. He jerked back, losing his footing once again, and crashed onto his butt.
"What the hell," he blurted catching his bearings.
Before he could protest even louder, Raven tugged his hood back. She froze at the sight. Forest green hair swept up at the front along with kiwi green skin greeted her eyes. His ears were pinched at the top like an elf and even though she couldn't exactly see all of him- she was mesmerized and her heart began to race.
Was this one of their experiments they were working on?
Unexpectedly, the green man bolted and ripped out of view- adjusting his hood and jacket as he fled. Raven made no attempt to follow. She had an inkling that this wasn't going to be the last time they saw eachother. In fact, Raven was going to make sure of it.
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*Greg- In the comic books, it's noted that Nicholas Galtry called Garfield by the name 'Craig' but I used my wordy powers of fanfiction to make it Greg. A) because it's close to his real name & B) because it sounded and felt better- so there.
*Koi No Yokan- Premonition of Love; the sense one can have upon first meeting another person that the two of them are going to fall in love. This differs from the idea of 'love of first sight' in that it does not imply that the feeling of love exists, rather it refers to the knowledge that a future love is inevitable.
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My absence of this site was not intended, but it happened and I don't regret a thing. I like to think I've grown a lot, along with my writing- hopefully for the better. I dropped out of a few fandoms and delved into others. Hence my writer's block being fully thrashed. I run a drabble blog on Tumblr, and I have to say it's the best thing I have ever done! I don't have to be committed to one single storyline and I feel comfortable about writing anything and everything that pops into my head. (It's a breath of fresh air.)
So cheers to new stories and hopefully better writing. I have most of this story planned out along with a sequel- dear god. I would also like to extend out a 'help me' sign because I don't trust myself to find all of my mistakes or to get myself out of a rut, so if anyone would like to be a 'beta reader' for me then please get a hold of me either on my Tumblr or on here. It would be immensely appreciated.
Also another side note, I updated my profile. There you can find future stories I have planned after this one is finished. I want to work on one story at a time so don't expect the others any time soon. I update when I can or when I have the drive, so my updates can be fast or slow. It honestly depends on my personal life, work schedule, and especially my university work.
Until next time review below if you like.
