Okay, I don't own Teen Titans. Would be nice, but DC doesn't like to give up successful franchises for a pitance. So all I have is Klubis the Flesh-eating Zombie. (sigh) No, owww, Klubis that's my head!

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His footsteps were swallowed up by the sounds of the machinery around him. It was never quiet here. Everywhere gears turned, pistons pumped and turbines whirred, causing the very floor beneath him to resonate. He smiled, a brief one not filled with his usual malice. He stood still for a moment, drinking in the sounds, reflecting how very much his home was like him. Or rather, the inside of him. His mind. Always working. Always calculating, determining ways to further his achievements and reach his goals.

He looked about more, almost able to define these goals in the machines around him. There manipulation, here destruction, and another, his favorite, conquest. He smiled again. He hefted the tome again, opening it for his examination by his eye.

He was no longer interested in mere conquest, though. He had had it, only to be defeated. Only to have died. Death had been most unpleasant. But he had become aware of a new power, had wielded it. Only to have it torn from him again with the defeat of the one who granted it to him. And he wanted that power back.

He gradually tuned out all of the surrounding noise, and it became so much ignorable din. He slowly turned the page, gradually drinking in the knowledge that would allow him to again possess the power he had. Looking up, he spoke in a quiet voice that could scarcely be heard above the noise, save for him.

"Soon, very soon, my little bird."

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"Titans, go!" Robin jumped off of the top of the tractor trailer, his forward flip emerging as a two-foot kick at Dr. Light. Unfortunately, his attack met with a light shield and he sprung backwards off it before he could be enveloped in the energy blast that emerged from the criminal's other hand.

"You should be careful: play with light and you might get burned," the Doctor cackled, unleashing a wave of searing laser energy that half melted the various make-shift barricades the Titans had managed to hide behind.

"That's 'fire', Dr. Dim." The Titans half-mechanical member emerged, his right arm already transformed into his trusty sonic cannon. "Now Star!" He leapt onto the smoldering heap of the Volvo he had hid behind and fired as Starfire emerged from her hiding place, emerald energy pouring from her eyes. Their attacks met against the spherical energy field surrounding the doctor and he laughed. Soon they stopped.

"What's the matter Titan's? Starting to see the light of how futile it is to face me?" Cyborg merely grinned, the cannon malforming into his hand again, one that pointed up. Staring along the teen's indicated direction; the doctor nearly fell over in fright at the sight of rows of nine-inch long teeth. The large green Tyrannosaurus Rex hovered over him just long enough to roar before clamping its powerful jaws down on the energy field. The field held and Dr. Light had somewhat recovered from his initial shock, only to receive a whole new one as the massive jaws flexed, causing the field to flicker. It had just died when the criminal held up his hands, sending two streams of energy into the gaping maw and propelling Beast Boy high into the air. With his latest threat defeated, he turned to face the other Titans again, only to meet a bo staff to the face, knocking him out. Robin turned to Raven, who sighed. She stretched out her hand, allowing the dark forces she controlled to envelope Beast Boy before he could become so much red and green paste on the pavement. Robin proceeded to handcuff their prisoner as Starfire flew over to check on their companion, who had tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Friend Beast Boy, are you badly injured?"

"Ee buhnt mah tangue!" He opened his mouth wide and she could see that the wounds to his tongue and roof of his mouth were quite severe.

"Dude, we could have just shown him Raven again," Cyborg said as Starfire ushered her still pained friend back to the group. "That usually works."

"It's not my fault if I have that effect on people," the girl in question responded in a monotone. "Besides, if his injury is so bad then maybe we should bandage it up so he can't use it." She finished her statement with an almost imperceptible smirk beneath her hood. Beast Boy merely stuck out his tongue; tears welled up and he winced as he did so. "Case in point: now he's gone and hurt himself."

"Yuh eval."

"I am part demon," she ceded wryly.

Beast Boy couldn't let her see, but he enjoyed their friendly jabs, even if they were mostly at his expense. But right now he wanted some sympathy. He looked back to find Starfire, the most likely source, helping Robin as the caped Boy Wonder stood guard over their captive until the police arrived. Cyborg was already on his way back to the T-car. He looked back at Raven sheepishly. "Awh, Waven?"

"Yes," she droned.

"Kuwd yuh fix uhp mah tangue? Pahleese?" He knew that Raven despised all things cute and fuzzy (or at least pretended to), so he didn't try 'the Face'. Instead he made his most helpless face, which was made almost comical because that, too, caused him pain. She sighed.

"I know I'm going to regret this." She cupped his face in her hands gently, trying, she told herself, not to cause him further pain. "What is it about me and your tongue anyway," she remarked offhandedly. With her cheeks slightly colored, she quickly added "DON'T answer that." Beast Boy nodded but grinned infuriatingly. As she closed her eyes to chant, she spoke. "Just try not to swallow my shoe this time." She only hoped her hood hid her smile as he laughed and then abruptly cried out in pain. Beginning her chant, she felt her dark energy gather in her hands, and mentally guided it into the mouth of her comrade. Gradually the healing energy she poured into his wounds swirled about his mouth and she ceased chanting, allowing the energy to fade. She stood still a brief moment, realizing how intimately she was holding his face but strangely unable to let him go.

"Uhhh, Raven." His words shook her of her reverie and she quickly dropped her hands. The disappointment he felt was almost tangible to the empath, but his face showed nothing. She turned quickly and walked back towards the T-car, illuminated briefly by alternating red and blue as the police finally arrived. "Thank you." She made no response.

Once the good doctor was handed over the teens quickly piled back into the T-car. Well, most of them.

"I'm just gonna wing it back to the tower," the green hero said as he leaned on the passenger side door.

"You sure? You took a pretty good hit back there." Robin did not dote, but like any good leader, was concerned for the members of his team. Beast boy nodded, casting a brief, unreadable glance towards the darkened back seat. "Okay then. You did good though, Beast boy." Robin was rewarded with a grin and knew that whatever was wrong with the shape shifter, it wouldn't affect his performance. At least not if he was allowed to deal with it. He decided he would keep an eye on his teammate, but let him have his time.

"See ya back at the tower, B," Cyborg said as the lone teen waved. The car moved off and Beast Boy watched until it faded from view.

He put his hands in his pockets and began walking back towards the bay. The world around him was gradually beginning to wind down and turn in for the night. Shops and businesses were closing, save for a few all-night eateries. There weren't many around this area of town but Beast Boy wasn't hungry. He was too lost in thought.

What was that all about? His mind replayed the event with Raven. His cheeks warmed at the thought. He wished he hadn't said anything now, and he idly wondered if they would still be standing there if he hadn't. Naw, Cyborg would have said something. Or maybe Robin. He noted the sudden change in the atmosphere and his acute sense of smell told him that it would rain soon. He chuckled to himself. "You picked a great night for a walk, Garfield." Wondering what animal form he should take to get home quicker, he absent-mindedly walked right into a cart full of flowers. "Oh man, I am so sorry." He felt even worse when a small wrinkled Asian woman teetered out from behind the cart. "I am so sorry, Ma'am. I wasn't watching where I was going and I ran into you and . . . can I help you with that." He gestured into the store. The woman peered up at him and had to readjust her glasses.

"Well, if it isn't one of the young protectors of our city. Thank you so much, but you do so much already, I wouldn't dream of making you help with this." Beast Boy's cheeks turned an interesting dark shade from his blush. He bashfully scratched the back of his head.

"Really, it would be my pleasure." He grinned his trademark grin. She backed away from the cart, thanking him graciously. He pushed on the cart; it didn't move an inch. Wow, this thing is heavy! I wonder what she eats so that she can push this thing. He threw his shoulder into it and was rewarded with it gradually moving forward.

"Oh dear," the woman said as she reached for the cart. However Beast Boy waved her off.

"It's okay Ma'am. Really, I got it." He forced a smile as he strained and it moved at a bit quicker pace towards the door.

"So what is a nice young man like yourself doing out on a dreadful night like this?" As if to accent her words, the sky thundered and began to open up. Beast Boy was thankful that he had the awning over his head.

"Well," he said with obvious strain, "I was just taking a walk to clear my head." He opened his eyes and the seemingly frail lady caught them with hers. He got a brief case of the chills and almost wondered if she could read his mind. After a moment she broke into a wide smile, nodding to herself.

"That's what I thought." He stopped pushing the cart.

"Ummm, what's what you thought?" She suddenly pulled her coat close to her.

"Oh, it's getting cold. Maybe I should just leave the flowers 'til tomorrow." Beast Boy hadn't noticed a temperature change, but he wanted to be nice. And he had already started helping; he wasn't about to quit.

"No, I'll only be a minute." He threw his entire frame into moving the cart and was rewarded when it pushed awkwardly through the door. He pushed it out of the way, allowing the elderly lady entrance also.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Boy." Beast Boy couldn't ever remember being called that; it took every vestige of self-restraint he had not to laugh. He waved off the thanks.

"It was really no problem. And everyone just calls me 'B-B' or 'B' for short." He wasn't about to tell her some of Cyborg's nick-names for him.

"Young man, you are a hero in every since of the word. You are a 'Mister' if ever anyone has earned that title." Despite the woman's diminutive frame and frail voice, her tone seemed to carry enormous authority. Beast Boy gulped heavily. "So Mr. Boy is what I'll call you." Beast Boy simply couldn't help it; he had to smile great big. She mirrored his smile, if not to the same extent. "Oh, and this is for your troubles." She turned to an isle nearby, taking out an elegant violet iris that had barely unfurled and begun to bloom. He looked at it, momentarily awestruck before putting both hands up to decline.

"I couldn't. You don't need to give me anything for helping. Honest, it was fine and it was my fault anyway." One look at her eyes hushed him for a moment. "At least let me pay your for it." He looked down, reaching into his pocket to see if he had any money at all to pay the generous woman with.

"Please don't cheapen my gift with an effort to pay." The authority had returned in her voice full force. "This city owes you a great deal of thanks; even if it is only me, let me thank you for everything you have done for us. Even if you only allow this small gesture." Beast Boy hesitantly took the flower as she ushered him to the door. Beast Boy, maybe for the first time, was speechless. "However, I do hope it helps." He looked at her, slightly puzzled by her comment. "And maybe you could stop by when I am open and we could have a conversation about what it is like to be a hero." He stood outside the door.

"Or I could stop by and help you with your cart again." He smiled brightly despite the weather behind him.

"Perhaps," the old woman conceded contentedly. "but only if you take off the brake next time. Good night, Mr. Boy." The woman chuckled at the look on Beast Boy's face as she slowly locked and shut the door, gradually disappearing from view in a back room. Beast Boy was somewhere between laughing at himself and crying at how foolish he looked. He finally settled on the former rather than the later.

"No wonder she didn't have anyone help her," he cackled merrily. Even the sky didn't dampen his spirits, though he was at a loss as to how best to get his prize home. He abandoned his original intention to swim out the island and settled on something that would fight the weather well if it hindered him. He set his flower gently on the ground and morphed into an eagle. He carefully clutched the flower in a talon, idly wondering if he looked similar to the symbol on American currency. He hopped on one foot and took off, clutching the blossom to him with utmost care. The wind howled around him but did little to slow him as he ascended high above the buildings and rode the storm out towards the bay. Within a short time he was on the roof of the tower: his home. He laid the bud down and morphed over it, trying to shield it from the storm. He sprinted to the door of the roof, keeping the plant covered as he ran and ducked inside. He let the water drip off him as he descended the stairway, being especially careful not to slip. He made his way to his room and cleared off a space on his desk before finally setting the iris down. Content it was in good shape (save for some lingering water that weighed down some petals), he stood for a moment, admiring it. Until his stomach vocalized its need.

"Geesh, alright already," he chuckled. He made his way back to the living room. The monstrous television was on, quietly displaying a documentary to the lone figure on the couch. He greeted the girl. "Hey Star." Her reaction was to turn, eyes and hand glowing. "Star, easy! It's just Beast Boy."

"Oh. It is you, friend Beast Boy. You had frightened me." The glow faded and she shifted something in her arms. "It is most unwise to upset a K'norfka and her bumgorf." Beast Boy sighed.

"Yeah, I guess it is." He sometimes wondered if he was even welcome in his own home. She noticed his dour change of mood and, putting down Silkie, flew to her friend. Hovering near him, she inquired.

"Why have you suddenly become unhappy, friend Beast Boy?" He looked at her a moment before smiling widely, though his eyes did nothing to hide a lifetime of pain.

"Nothing Star." His stomach growled again before she could inquire further. "Just a little hungry is all."

"I have found the most appealing snack, and though I invite you to partake, I do not believe you will."

"It has meat in it, huh?" He didn't begrudge his friends their eating habits; but he wasn't about to partake. But she shook her head.

"No, however it contains the curdling of milk." Not only did Beast Boy only drink soy milk, the idea of curdled milk made him shiver and slightly sicken.

"I'll pass, Star, but don't let me stop you." She flew away contentedly and he shuddered again. He went in the kitchen and took out some tofu dogs. Throwing them in the microwave he quickly nuked them and grabbed some buns, as well as assorted condiments. After doctoring them up so they were hardly recognizable from their original state, he grabbed a plate and soda before making his way into the living room to sit with Starfire. He plopped down on the couch just in time to see the plant on television swallow a fly. Having been said fly on numerous occasions, he swallowed the large bite from his tofu dog and nearly choked.

"Friend Beast Boy, are not the Earth plants most intriguing? This one is similar to the Klorax of Vuulon 4, though I have not seen it consume any bipeds as of yet."

"Yeah Star," he forced himself to take another bite, "it's fascinating. Ummm, hey, can we change the channel."

"Yes, there is also a most interesting show on the television concerning Earth medical practices. It is displaying the technique of the 'boob job', though friend Robin was unable to answer my question as to what that means." Beast Boy almost spit out his soda; he simultaneously blanched, imagined Robin's face at her question, and tried to tell her that the current documentary was fine. Fortunately for him, she was sufficiently distracted by his continuing efforts to breathe to change the channel.

"That's okay, Star. Really. This show is fine," he said. She put the remote down and they both resumed eating, though Beast Boy did raise an eyebrow at her when she took a large bottle of syrup and squirted a healthy amount into a tub of cottage cheese. After mixing a moment Starfire withdrew a large ladle and happily shared with Silkie her new snack. Beast Boy thought he had become immune to her snacks; his stomach quickly informed him he was wrong. He went back to watching the documentary, though he was soon lost to sleep. It wasn't until the show was over that Starfire looked over to see her friend still asleep, drooling on the couch. She looked at Silkie and smiled.

"Shhh, we should not wake our friend." She quietly set the mutant caterpillar down and floated back behind Beast Boy. Easily lifting him underneath his arms, she hauled him through empty hallways into his room. Starfire made a face; Beast Boy's room could be as alien as any planet she had ever been to. She carefully flew to his bed and lay him down, careful to take his shoes off before draping his sheet over him. "Good night, friend Beast Boy," she said quietly. Turning, she saw the small iris on his desk. She picked it up and smiled. I shall put this in a vase for friend Beast Boy. What a pleasant surprise for him as he does the waking in the morning. She floated off down the hall but suddenly stopped, hearing a strange but familiar noise. The flower was temporarily forgotten as it dropped from her hand. She heard the distinct sound of Silkie's loud munching. "My bumgorf!" She hurried off down the hall to reach her pet, unaware of where the iris had fallen, landing blossom side up. Or whose door it lay in front of.

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Elsewhere, a wrinkled, yet familiar face smiled merrily.

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There we go, first chap done. I hope you all enjoyed. It was fun to write. If you like, please review. If you didn't, please flame (and let me know what I did wrong, too, maybe?). Hopefully next chap up soon. BTW, I don't own Volvo either.