This is my first fic so bear with it. This will be a long fic and it'll take a long time for the plot to develop. Review and tell me what it's like and where I can make changes about my writing style, but the plot I decide by myself. Pairings are what I decide also.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans.
He had been running for some time now. His thin legs were starting to tire and his breathing became ragged. Unable to stop and unable to carry on, he collapsed to the ground, desperately willing himself to move and find cover amongst the trees up ahead. He didn't know where he was, where he was heading but he did know where he had been, a place he didn't want to return to ever again. As fatigue started to set in, he felt himself enveloped in a welcoming darkness and peace. He never knew peace like this before.
Grounding his teeth, he pushed himself up, fighting the comfortable darkness knowing that he fell asleep now he would never get another chance to feel free. Urging every fibre in his body to move he crawled towards the trees. In the distance the faint cries of men and the barking of rabid dogs fuelled his fear and determination.
As he made his way through the sparse forest, his newfound animal instincts led him the rest of the way. Coming to a small stream deep within the forest he could see his green reflection in the water. Not wanting to stay he waded into the shallow water, gasping as the cold water surrounded his shins. He moved further downstream in an attempt to throw the dogs off his scent.
When he decided he far enough downstream, he broke water and made his way further into the eerie calmness of the surrounding fir trees. The occasional bark of a dog was the sound to be as it echoed through the forest. Not long after the barking and shouting stopped, and the only sounds the boy could hear was his own hushed breathing.
He came to an old oak tree with branches low enough to climb. Deciding that sleeping in the trees would be better and safer than resting on the floor, he climbed up. After several failed attempts he managed to successfully reach a small fork in the trees, some twenty feet above the ground. Tired after his labours his eyes slowly shut sending him into a deep sleep with one last wish that he would make it through the night.
¨ ¨ ¨
Beast Boy woke up to the shrill sounds of birdcalls through is open window. He found himself twisted in his blankets, still damp from his sweating. He closed his eyes, his mind racing at a hundred miles an hour as he recalled the dream from last night. Frustrated from the lack of sleep and even more annoyed at the insistent calls emanating from the countless gulls that inhabited the bay, he angrily rose from his bed.
"Shut up!" he cried out to the birds outside on the island below him. Being replied with more cawing he slammed his window shut, creaking the frames.
Walking over to his wardrobe he caught site of himself in the mirror. Two green eyes stared back at him, framed by a green face. He hated his reflection. He tried not to look into mirrors too much, always sickened by what he saw looking back at him. He hated his powers, he hated his green complexion and above all he hated the man who did this to him. He could feel tears welling up in his eyes. Forcing them back he found his costume hidden among other items of clothing, as well as other countless copies of his black and purple suit. Still in his pyjamas from the night before, he stepped cautiously outside of his room.
Finding that he was the only one there, he made his way down the cold corridors of his 'home'. 'This is the only proper home I've ever had' he thought sadly to himself, unable to shake off the dream that had which repeatedly haunted him. Finally reaching the showers he slipped inside quietly. Setting his costume down neatly he once again caught his reflection in the mirror. Turning away quickly he undressed himself, feeling the cold tiles under his feet.
He felt the warm blast of running water on his face, instantly feeling better. The water was so soothing, he thought as he ran his hands through his green hair. After washing himself, he grabbed a small towel and covered his waist with it. The room was filled with steam and felt stuffy. The cold mirrors were misted up from the warm water in the air. Feeling glad that he didn't have to look in them again, he dried off the remaining water on himself. He quickly got dressed, blushing at the thought of one of his teammates seeing him naked, especially Starfire or Raven.
Declaring himself fit for human contact he made his way out of the bathroom. That's a laugh, he mused to himself, when have I been fit for human contact? He knew the answer of course. Before the change, he replied sadly. Pushing these thought's to the back of his mind, his sensitive hearing picked up the sounds of the other Titans voices. Except Raven, he thought, but I know she is there. He stopped at the door separating himself from the Titans in the main room. There is always a door between us, he thought as he looked down to his shoes. Deciding that he should stop wallowing in his own self- pity, he made his way into the main room to join the Titans.
¨ ¨ ¨
Robin sat at the table in the kitchen, eating the remnants of his breakfast. Since his years at the Titans he had become a head strong, fearless leader. He was glad to finally step out of the shadow of his former mentor, the legendary Batman. Here he felt he could stretch his wings and become the man he was destined to be. His loneliness with Batman was substituted with the friends he had made in the Titans. Friends who could help me, he thought to himself numerous times before.
He finished his breakfast just as he heard Beast Boy enter the room. Robin turned to face his green friend, gave him a quick smile and a hello and went in search of Starfire.
¨ ¨ ¨
When Beast Boy entered the main living quarters of the Titans Tower, he was greeted by the usual cheeriness from Starfire and the unintelligible grunt from Cyborg as he played his games. Raven said nothing to him or even acknowledged his presence as she sat down at the end of one of the couches, deeply engrossed in one of her many tomes.
He found his way to the kitchen, trying to get his mind off his troubles. Lately they were on his mind even more now. He was fifteen years old now and he hadn't had any love or any girls show any interest in him. Once again he silently cursed himself and the man who created him like this. He opened the fridge, feeling the cool air on his skin as it wafted out. Hoping that food would ease his troubles he gathered various ingredients to make his breakfast.
He opened the tofu wrapper and put it on a plate, throwing away the wrapping as he did so. Placing it carefully in the microwave he sat down and waited for his food to cook. He stared up at the ceiling, drumming his fingers against the hard wood of the table. Trying to imagine what his day will turn out like, he heard the high-pitched ping of the microwave. Disturbed from his thoughts, he sighed and collected his breakfast.
After three mouthfuls he lost his appetite, feeling full but empty still. Playing around with his food, he day dreamed about meeting some beautiful girl who could love him with his green skin. That'll never happen, he thought angrily to himself. Getting up, he tipped the rest of his tofu down the garbage and fetched a glass from the cupboards. Turning on the faucet he filled the glass with cold water. Drinking it he felt refreshed more than usual, replacing the lost water from his sweat last night. Last night, he thought to himself again.
He placed the glass in the sink and entered the main room, announcing he was going to train downstairs. After receiving a strange glance from Cyborg and an approving look from Robin he made his way down to the training room to hopefully vent his frustration and anger he felt.
¨ ¨ ¨
Thwap! Beast Boy's fist once again made contact with the punching bag. Thwap! Thwap! He threw everything he had at the bag, every muscle tightening as he made contact. Beads of sweat trickled down his face, and he could taste the salty water in his mouth. The trickles of water made their way into his eyes, clouding his vision and breaking his concentration.
The anger is gone, he thought as he looked at his raw knuckles, but the sadness is still here.
"You will never become better if you train that manner Beast Boy…" came a voice from the doorway.
Beast Boy spun around to find Starfire standing there, smiling while staring at Beast Boy slightly puzzled. She walked over to see Beast Boy's raw knuckles.
"Why did you not use the mitts in the cupboard?" she asked, eyeing him strangely "If you are mad about something it is still no reason for self harm like that friend"
"I know Star, just couldn't find the gloves" he lied. Damn I hate lying to her, he thought.
"Okay, do you wish for me to retrieve them for you?" she asked kindly.
"Nah, I'm about done anyway. I don't really want to tire myself out in case we have some trouble later ya know" he replied.
"Okay then I shall leave to get ready to battle wrongdoers" she shouted before spinning on her heels and turning towards the door.
"Star, wait!" Beast Boy cried realizing something "Why did you come down here?"
"Uh, it does not matter now…" she replied, blushing. With that she ran up the stairs and disappeared into the dark corridors.
Beast Boy sighed and turned to the punching bag, throwing one final punch. He flinched as his raw knuckles hit the canvas, drawing blood. Inspecting his cut, he found bandages amongst the medical equipment in the training room. Gazing at his blood, he wrapped the bandages carefully around his now swollen hand. At least my blood is still normal, he mused as he tied the bandage around his palm. Putting his gloves on gingerly he could feel the sharp pain as he tried to move his fingers. They could be broken, he thought.
Suddenly a red light glowed to life and flashed, bathing the basement in a deep red glow. Realizing what it was, he dashed upstairs and down the corridors to the main room.
"Come on BB, we got trouble downtown…" said his mechanical friend. They all rushed to the garage where the T-Car was stowed. It had long been decided that flying to a battle would use up too much energy for the three air-borne Titans.
Beast Boy gripped the car door, gasping in pain. Yes…they're broken, he thought gritting his teeth. He got in to find Robin staring at him from the passenger seat.
"You okay Beast Boy?" he asked, looking at the shape-shifter.
"Yeah dude, I'm fine" Beast Boy responded, buckling up his seat belt.
Feeling the engine roar to life, the deep vibrations calmed him a little. Looking out of the window to see the garage pass by before he was plunged into the daylight of midday. As the car made it's way across town to the impending battlegrounds, he shut his eyes in a vain effort to block out the pain of his suspected broken knuckles.