Author's Note: I've had this idea in my head for the better part of two years now and got bored one night (what else is usual), so I decided to start writing this. I hope you all like it. Read and review if you like. Either way, I'm still writing this cause I want to get it out of my head. Enjoy!
By the way, I'm using Swahili in this story. Translator can be found at the bottom.
Disclaimer: Oh sweet mother of-! Do I really need to say this? You'd think it'd be obvious by now.
Teen Titans © DC, CN, Warn. Bros.
Zareb is a character I made up. That makes him MINE! I own him and this story.
Big thanks to my buddy Reilly for playing Editor for me and going over this. Love you tons!!
Jewel of Africa
Chapter 1: Long Ago
It was a typical day in Africa. At least to the Logan family it was. Having spent a few years in Upper Lamumba, the family had adapted to the tropical weather. Of course, wearing the proper clothing attire helped a great deal for them. Marie Logan was currently busy in the small kitchen of the Research Center making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch. Not necessarily for her or her husband, but for the littlest family member. Her mind kept playing the same scene over and over again. A black mamba snake slithering ever so closer to her, her screams for her son to get back, her fear climbing her body. Next thing she knew, a dark green colored mongoose leapt out of nowhere and attacked the serpent, killing it. She felt like fainting when her savior melted into her beloved son, who ran into her arms, hugging her as if nothing had happened. It had been a couple days since then, but the fear for her son still remained. She knew it was in human nature to predict the worst possible outcome, and she desperately tried to break it, but had little luck. The woman would constantly think about the small boy wearing filthy rags for clothes, a food and water bowl, locked in a cage, being treated like a… well, like an animal (even if he was in human form). A tear rolled down her cheek at the thought of her little boy living like that.
"Argh! Damn!" A voice exclaimed. Forgetting her thought, Marie dropped the jelly stained knife on the counter and ran outside, finding her husband, Mark Logan, working on the family vehicle. She sighed upon looking at him and shook her head. His blonde hair was neatly combed back but a few strands had managed to disobey and fall out of place. He had a clean towel on his left shoulder and was looking at his right hand.
"Mark, what happened?" She had a slight tone of amusement in her voice as she walked over to him, knowing full well what to expect from her life partner.
"Oh, I was just looking at the engine and-"
"Got grease on your hands?" Marie smirked. When it came to cars, Mark wasn't exactly the expert. But give him a test tube and a syringe and the man turned into a medical genius. It was one reason why she loved this man so much. She enjoyed teasing him and deep down, she felt that he enjoyed it as well.
"Ha, ha, very funny Marie." Mark looked up and smiled at his wife. She looked down at the hand he was previously staring at. She was right. There was a grease spot on the back of his hand. She giggled as she saw it. It wasn't big. Quite the contrary; it was no bigger than the size of a quarter. She thought it was funny though how this brilliant man made such a big deal about a little spot.
"Honestly Mark," Marie said as she gently took the towel and began rubbing the oil off her husband's hand, "I sometimes don't know who the bigger child is… Garfield or you."
"I sometimes wonder that myself." He smiled, watching his wife gently rub the spot away.
"You better hope that Gar didn't hear you. You know how I feel about swearing in front of him."
"I know, Marie." Mark stated calmly. "I was just testing out something."
"What?"
"This." He reached into his breast pocket and took out a small vile, holding it between his thumb and index finger. Inside was a grayish-green colored serum. "One drink of this serum and the skin stays clean. No more greasy, oily hands. No more washing and no more worrying about messes. You don't even have to worry about deodorant! Just clean skin. The dirt is supposed to slide right off. Kind of like insect repellent or rain coats."
"Apparently, it doesn't work." She giggled. Mark sighed and looked disappointed.
"I was hoping it would. If it did, it might be able to assist me in developing a serum to remove the green pigmentation in Gar's skin."
"Mark, I'm worried about our son's skin just as much as you are, but he seems happy with the way he looks. Maybe," she paused in thought, "maybe we should just let him be."
"I just don't want people to make fun of him because of the way he looks. I mean, what'll happen when he starts school? All the kids will tease him. They might even beat him up. I don't want him to have a life like that."
"I don't want that either Mark, but Gar doesn't seem to care. He's happy and that's all I want."
"What about his… ability? What happens when word of it gets out? People will twist it into somethi-" he was cut off by Marie's soft finger on his lips.
"Mark, we'll worry about that when it happens." She removed her finger and looked back at her husband's hand. The spot was now a faint stain. Marie smiled and looked back into his blue eyes. "Good enough."
"You know," Mark started, taking Marie's hands in his, "Gar's off playing with Zareb, we're all alone…" he gently kissed the backs of her hands. She instantly got the message.
"Mark, as much as I'd love to," she wrapped her arms around his neck, "I have to make Garfield's lunch."
"He'll be fine. Besides, we won't be long. Ten minutes, at least." He started kissing her neck.
"Ten minutes?" She smiled and closed her eyes, feeling his soft lips on her slender neck.
"What? You don't think I can make it last for ten minutes?" He smiled and looked into her beautiful brown eyes.
"I'm sure you can, Professor Logan." Her voice carried a seductive tone. Mark loved it when she called him that. Her brunette hair gently swaying in the breeze, her soft white skin, brilliant brown eyes… everything about her drove him crazy. His lips moved closer to hers and soon they locked in a loving kiss. They savored the touch, until…
"Mommy! Daddy! I… EWW!" The two instantly broke away as they heard their son's voice. He was covering his eyes.
"Garfield?" Mark questioned, slightly embarrassed that his son had seen them. The topic of girls had not come up between them yet, and to be honest, it was something he was not looking forward to talking about with the young boy. That, and puberty. "Where's Zareb?"
"You are getting very fast for me to keep up with, Gar." A tall, dark skin man with short, black hair came jogging over to the family. His English carried a very think African accent. Since the Logan family came to Africa, Zareb had agreed to become Garfield's baby-sitter while Mark and Marie were busy, and he loved every minute he spent with the young Logan boy. Even after Gar had contracted the life threatening disease, Sakutia, and became green he had never turned his back on the small boy.
"Zareb, tay were kissing!" The green boy exclaimed with a disgusted look on his face, pointing at his mother and father. The taller man just chuckled.
"Gar, there is nothing wrong when mothers and fathers kiss each other. It is a way to show love and affection. Much like the way you kiss your mother and father."
"Oh." Gar said in understanding. He thought hard about it and wondered why his parents didn't kiss him like that. Did they not love him just as much? Was it because of his skin and newly discovered power? Or was just a grown up thing? He shrugged, deciding to ask later.
"Garfield sweetie, let's get you some lunch. There's a peanut butter and jelly sandwich waiting for you in the kitchen." Marie said, watching her son's eyes light up. She took his hand and made their way inside the Research Center. Zareb turned to Mark.
"I hope we did not interrupt anything, Professor Logan."
"Zareb, I've told you many times before." Mark smiled, "Just call me 'Mark.' 'Professor Logan' is what my colleagues call me. Besides, since you're watching our son we consider you family."
"That is very kind of you Mr. Lo- I mean, Mark." Zareb smiled. "I love watching Garfield. He is so much different than the other children here. He is so full of life and spirit."
"That's Garfield." Mark chuckled. "I just hope he isn't too much of a bother for you. I know how much trouble he can get into."
"He is no trouble at all. He is quite the opposite actually. He holds great respect for our people. Even King Tawabe is quite fond of him."
"I wish the other people here were. It seems like everyone in the village is against him." Mark said, worried about his son in the future. Visions of a young man with green skin getting beaten in the streets filled his head. If this continued, Mark was certain that his son would be mistaken for a demon and burned at the stake, or worse.
"They are merely… suspicious of his skin. They are unsure about why he is that way." Zareb explained, trying to choose his words carefully. "The King and I have tried countless times to make them understand what Sakutia has done to the young boy, but they believe his skin to be the work of an evil spirit."
"Evil spirit?" Mark raised an eyebrow and suddenly realized why the people of Lamumba believed that. He sighed with frustration. "Mobu. Why does he hate us so much?"
"I am not sure." Zareb sighed. It wasn't exactly a secret that the village witch doctor hated the Logan family but no one seemed to know why. Since the American family arrived, Mobu had started spreading rumors and casting bad luck spells on them. He was thrilled when Gar contracted the disease and his skin turned green. His celebration was cut short upon hearing that the boy had lived through it. The two stood in silence for a short while before Zareb turned to Mark and smiled. "Before I forget, King Tawabe has asked to see you and your lovely family."
"Why would he want to see us?"
"All he said was that it was an important matter concerning Garfield."
"I don't know." Mark said, deep in his thoughts. Seeing Tawabe was one thing. The family, especially Gar, loved being around him. He was so sweet and understanding, almost like a grandfather. Not to mention, he taught the little green boy how to respect the land and animals. For that, Mark and Marie were thankful. However, going to the village was a whole other story all together. "I… guess we could go, but only for a few minutes. I don't want anyone hurting my family."
"Of course. I will personally make sure that no harm comes to any of you." Zareb smiled. "We must be on our way. The King is eagerly awaiting."
"Marie! Garfield!" Mark called to his family. Within seconds, Marie emerged from the doorway, carrying the small child in her arms, and walked over to him. Mark noticed his son was munching happily on his sandwich. Breadcrumbs and bits of strawberry jelly were smeared all over his mouth. Mark smiled at the sight. "Tawabe wants to see us."
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It wasn't long before the Logan family and Zareb made their way to the village. Walking on the grounds, Mark couldn't help but notice all the other villagers staring at his green son. He sighed in frustration and tried desperately not to show his anger. The young boy didn't seem to notice it however, and soon saw King Tawabe standing outside his small hut. The king was an elder man with dark skin. He was a little shorter than Mark and his face held many wrinkles. His short hair was black and his eyes were a deep brown. A colorful crown of feathers and leaves placed on his head and his elegant, vibrant robes gave him that African royalty appearance.
"Tawabe!" Garfield cried with excitement. He ran towards the man and jumped up into his arms, immediately hugging the elder man.
"Oh, little Garfield! I am so glad to see you!" Tawabe exclaimed in a think accent. "It is never fun here without you, my boy."
"Tawabe, it's good to see you again but what did you want to see us about?" Mark asked.
"I have news of great importance. At least, important to your son." Mark and Marie looked at each other, fear and curiosity evident in their eyes. "Come. I will explain everything on the way to the temple."
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"There is a great, and powerful energy within this temple that we believe is connected to Africa." Tawabe said as the five of them, walked through the large ruin temple.
"Tell me. Have any of you ever heard of the Jewel of Africa?" The two parents shook their heads. Tawabe smiled and continued.
"It is said that during the creation of Africa, a great jewel was formed. This jewel was the pride of Africa. It was Africa. For years it lived undisturbed by mankind, but once it was discovered, man sought to use its powers for his own. The jewel, sensing the greed of men, destroyed everything including itself. It was the only way to protect itself and others. All that remained of it was dust. It fell to the ground and became one with the earth. Months later, an animal, a zebra I've heard, wandered by and ate the grass that grew in the spot. The jewel took the animal's life and was rewarded with only a small amount of its power. A wandering lion soon came along and devoured the fallen zebra, including the jewel. Repeating the process, it killed the lion and gained even more power. The precious stone realized that the souls of the living, though weak as they were, granted it with its own power and because of this it continued with the cycle of spreading from host to host." They walked into a large room where vines hung from the ceiling. Gar took interest in the vines climbing up and down the walls and immediately ran over to play with them.
"This is why many animals are killed today. The power of the jewel is far too great. Man does not wish it to exist. So he has made it his life's work to end the lives of the poor, innocent animals that live amongst us. Normally, my people are able to see the jewel, but it has been lost for many years now and was actually believed to be extinct. Until now." Mark and Marie looked in shock at Tawabe. The King just smiled and turned his attention to the center of the large room. The two biologists looked as well. In the center of the room was a stone pedestal with strange ancient carvings on its sides. Standing on top of it were three identical looking diamonds.
"So, those three diamonds make up the Jewel of Africa?" Marie asked. "They're beautiful."
"Do not let their appearances fool you, my dear. They do not make up the jewel but they are very important to the jewel itself. If I remember correctly from the story, four gems were created to assist the jewel and control its dangerous power. These three were found here, but the final stone was hidden from the world. However, no one ever knew of them and continued their quest for the jewel itself. Supposedly, the more powerful the jewel becomes, the brighter these four gems will glow."
"What do you mean 'glow'?" Mark raised an eyebrow.
"When the four gems were formed, they were not diamonds, but different stones all together. One was a deep sapphire, another a fiery ruby, a luscious amethyst, and a golden yellow amber. I was told that the Jewel itself is a beautiful emerald very similar to Garfield's flesh." Tawabe looked at the small child playing in the vines. The boy looked like a cat chasing a piece of string. He continued in his fun until a vine lightly fell on his head. Startled, Garfield stopped and watched the small portion of the plant that hung in front of his eyes. He giggled and resumed in his playing.
"What colors are on that pedestal?" Mark asked, pointing at the three gems in front of them.
"Unfortunately, I do not know, and it will forever be a mystery. No person has ever gotten close to them before. The only way to approach the stones is to have the last gem in your possession. The power from all four of them combined will summon the Jewel. So the legend goes."
"So, what does all this have to do with my son?" Mark asked, thoroughly confused by the whole subject.
"Your son knows where the jewel of Africa currently resides." Tawabe smiled. The small boy stopped his entertainment to look up at him.
"What! How could my son possibly know the location of some, preposterous, absurd rock?"
"That rock happens to have the power, at this very moment, to destroy not only this village, but both the Kalahari and Sahara Desert combined! Including any living thing within that space!" Both Tawabe and Mark sighed in hopes of cooling their nerves down.
"Forgive me. I did not mean to yell." Tawabe said.
"No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have said that. It's just… I just don't want my son to get hurt." Mark replied.
"I understand, and trust me, no harm will come to your son. I promise."
"Alright, what does he have to do?" Mark asked. Tawabe walked over to Gar and got down one knee so he could talk to the green boy on a more personal level.
"Garfield, tell me. Have you been experiencing any strange sensations when you walk around with mama mzazi, baba mzazi, or Zareb?"
"Yeah." Gar answered sweetly, smiling at the elder man in front of him.
"What does it feel like?"
"Kinda like a… tingling feeling in my body."
"When do you feel it?"
"Whenever I see an aminal."
"An-imal Garfield. Not am-inal." Mark corrected the child, who just gazed at his father.
"That's what I said. Aminal." Gar replied, confused. Mark smiled and shook his head.
"Garfield! Your eyes!" Marie shouted. Mark gasped as he saw as well. Tawabe only stared in amazement. Gar's eyes had changed from their forest green color to an almost bright, lime green. The whites had begun taking on a lighter green hue and his pupils were almost non-existent.
"That only confirms it then. Garfield," Tawabe started, "you share a common quality with the jewel of Africa."
"We're both green?" The child smiled sweetly. The elder man chuckled at the boy's cute innocence.
"Not exactly." He smiled. Garfield thought hard about what it, putting his finger to lips, thinking it would help him to find the answer. A light bulb turned on in his head.
"We're cute?" He made sure to smile his cutest grin while he said it. Tawabe chuckled again.
"You're getting closer. While both are very true, they were not what I was going to say. You see Gar, you and jewel are connected to each other. You are-"
To Be Continued…
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Translator:
Zareb- "guardian"
Mama mzazi- "birth mother"
Baba mzazi- "birth father"
