It's me again. I really hope people like this story. I would love constructive criticism. Please tell me if I spelt something wrong or if my characters are OOC because that was not what I was aiming for.
I do not own the Teen Titans or any other trademarks or copyrights I might mention.
Enjoy!
Prolouge
"Beastboy, it's okay, it wasn't your fault. There was nothing you could have done. Remember, we can't change the truth no matter how much we dislike it." Raven said, trying to soothe her distraught friend.
"No, it's not okay. It was all my fault. I should have done something, anything, I could have saved them. If only I wasn't so weak, I should be stronger, faster, bet-".
"Beastboy. You can't beat yourself up over something that wasn't your fault." Raven's firm yet sympathetic voice interrupted him from reprimanding himself further.
The pale teen slowly and hesitantly wrapped her arms around her green companion, who was in too much shock and grief to respond. Although as soon as the warmth was around him, it was gone leaving him cold. The sound of the Late Night News soon reached their ears as they tried to not hear the harsh words that nobody wanted to hear.
"Earlier tonight, the Ridge-way Mall went up in flames due to a gas leak in the boiler room. It was reported that there were thirty seven victims with severe second degree burns, sixty four with only minor injuries but sadly, there was also two fatalities reported…"
The sound was abruptly cut off when Robin turned the TV off. This was the first time that the Titans had not been able to save someone and they were all taking it very hard, Beastboy especially, as he had witnessed the young woman and her son die from third degree burns and smoke inhalation. He had seen and heard as the woman told her sobbing son that she loved him and that they would be together again soon and to think of the happiest moment in his life and to focus on it. No one had talked on the way back to the tower, not wanting to be the first to break the tension. Beastboy had fled quickly gone to his room and had only come to the common room at the soothing words from Raven.
They all sat on the semi circular couch, avoiding each others' gaze. Robin was the first to break to break the awkward silence that was beginning to settle upon the group like a heavy blanket.
"Okay, so we all know what happened today was something that we all hoped would never happen. But it did and it probably won't be the last time that we lose someone. I know that you all are probably blaming yourselves right now, it's natural to feel this way but we will work through this as a team, as a family. Beastboy, you, we all need to know that this wasn't anyone's fault, it was an accident and accidents happen all the time." The masked boy gave Beastboy a pointed look before saying, "There was nothing you could have done."
The green boy stood up from the couch and practically shouted, "Yes there was! I should have got there faster, but I…I didn't and it's all my fault." The flood gates finally opened and all the pressure that he had kept inside finally came out. He sank to his knees and started to sob into his hands. His friends rushed to his aid and helped him back to the couch.
"BB, that's good, man. Just let it all out. We're all here for you."
Starfire had tears in her eyes as she offered her comforting words. "Friend Cyborg is correct friend Beastboy; we are here to support you."
"Beastboy you can't keep blaming yourself for what happened." Robin said, trying to console his weeping team mate.
After a few more sympathetic words to each other, the other titans eventually drifted off to their own rooms, although they knew they would probably have a sleepless night. Raven and Beastboy were the only ones left in the common room.
"You know Rae, I think all that crying made me feel better." Beastboy attempted a smile, but it turned into a grimace.
"Beastboy cut the crap, I know you still blame yourself, I can read your emotions. Nobody expects you to witness what you saw today and be fine and dandy tomorrow, or in a couple of months, or a year even, but you have to promise me something."
"Of course Rae, anything."
"You have to stop blaming yourself for what happened."
"I promise."
"You know you can come and talk to me when you feel you have to let off steam or even if you just want to talk. I know we might not be the best of friends, but I am still here for you."
"Yeah, I know. Well I best be heading off now. See you tomorrow. G'night." The boy slowly made his way to the exit.
"Good night Beastboy."
-Somewhere in Jump City-
"The Titans will pay dearly." A middle aged man in a white lab coat turned away from the television as the rest of the news was announced by a pretty reporter. He tried vainly to wipe away the never ending stream of tears that rolled down his cheeks. He busied himself with mixing oddly colored and probably highly volatile chemicals in a large beaker while muttering to himself.
When he was happy with his chemical cocktail, he smiled wickedly. "They will pay."
I hope you liked it, I will try to update soon.
Sincerely,
Cuervos Bestia xox
