A.N. The following is a nonprofit fanfiction. All of these characters are not owned by me. Please support the official release.
Summary: Beast Boy, now named Changeling, has set out to form his own team. He first goes to Star Labs to ask his closest friend Cyborg. While getting to know each other again, an old enemy attacks.
Seven years later
Somewhere in the Sakura Garden, home of the mysterious sorceress Ava, a man with green skin and pointy ears came out from an Edo Period style cabin. The man was and slender, yet muscular. His eyes and hair was a darker shade of green than his skin and he had a shaggy like beard on his chin. Unlike seven years ago, his fang that stuck out from his lower jaw was gone and replaced with a pair of other fangs that came out from his upper jaw, giving him a more wolfish appearance. This man was known as Garfield Logan, formerly known as Beast Boy. Well, one wouldn't take him for a boy anymore at least.
"Man, I can't believe it's been seven years already." He said, staring into the sky.
"When you get older, seven years will feel like a blink of an eye." His trainer and mistress said, walking up to him, along with her trusty servant Baryo. Unlike Garfield, Ava still looked exactly the same as seven years ago. "So, are you ready to go home?"
"Sure am. I wonder how much the world has changed since I've been gone. I wonder how much the others have changed." Garfield replied with a grin.
"Oh, how it saddens me that we must depart like this my love." Ava said as she looked away from Garfield to hide her sorrow from him.
"Mistress, get a hold of yourself." Baryo said with concern.
"Tears aren't going to change my mind, Ava. I'm not going to marry you." Garfield said with a hint of annoyance.
"How dare you, you insolent little…?" Baryo drew his axe and charged at Garfield but the shape shifter appeared in front of the giant man in an instant and punched him right in the gut, making the much larger man fall to the ground face first.
"It's been three years since you last ever beated my beloved Garfield in a fight, Baryo. You can never defeat him again." Ava said, dreamingly.
"Mistress…that's cold." Baryo said in pain, while holding his stomach.
"Well, it's been fun but I wanna go home now." Garfield said.
"Of course. Would you like to go to any place particular?" Ava asked.
"How about you send me to Jump City." Garfield replied.
"Very well. Take care and don't forget to come visit." Ava said as she raised her right hand. Her hand started glowing white and just like that, Garfield disappeared in a flash of light. "Aw, he could've at least given me a farewell kiss." She said in her depression.
"Give it a rest, mistress." Baryo said, getting back on his feet. "Even if he did return your feelings it doesn't change the fact that he's mortal. Whether it's by old age or in combat eventually he will die and you will live on through eternity."
"Even those who are immortal deserve to love too." Ava retorted. "Personal feelings aside, what'd you think of our new generation of Irosaru?"
"There's no denying. They are strongest ones we've ever had. But they are all wild and independent. Especially Garfield, Zach and Li. And don't even get me started on Andreas. That guy is bad news. I think training him was a bad idea."
"I don't care," Ava replied coldly. "For better or worse, the Irosaru will lead the world into the future. And when they do then I'll decide whether or not it was a bad choice or not." She then looked into the sky and spoke to herself. "Garfield, no matter what you decide to do with your life I will support you."
Jump City
"Wow, the city has changed considerably." Garfield said as he looked over Jump City from atop of a building. He looked towards the ocean and saw the Titans Tower was still standing. Only it was nothing but a pile of scrap now. "How nostalgic." He said with a sad smile. "Well, no point in dwelling in the past. Let's head for the library." He said and turned into a hawk and flew for his destination. A few minutes later he was sitting in front of a computer at Jump City's library. "Okay, let's see what I've missed since I've been gone." He said and started searching for old news that dated back seven years ago. He read about the alien invasion that almost destroyed the world and formation of the Justice League. "Huh, Wally get's to fight alongside Superman and Batman? Lucky bastard." He whined, looking over the picture of the founding members and caught sight of Wonder Woman. "Hello. Who's this sexy thing?" He asked while drooling. He went on to read about the many heroics deeds this team of heroes did. All the way to the Thanagarian invasion of earth and how later on the League had taken on more members and became known as the Justice League Unlimited and Darksied's second attempt to invade earth. "Hah. Moron." He mocked. He went on searching about his friends. There was nothing on Starfire. Apparently she was still on Tamaran, even after all these years. Garfield saddened by this and worried. Well, he knows Star is a big girl and can take care of herself so he shook it off. He then found that Robin had switched alias and become Nightwing of Bludhaven. He didn't find any information on Raven though. There hadn't been any sighting of her in the past seven years. Well, that's Raven for you. He then found out that Cyborg had become an employer of Star Labs. "Alright. That's where I'll start." He said with a grin as he jumped out from his chair and dashed towards the entrance, receiving many odd stares from the people around him.
Star Labs, Kansas: Specializing in computer engineering
"Alright, punch it."
"I'm telling ya, Vic, it's not ready yet."
"Now, Jason."
Inside the secret facility of Star Labs, a group of scientists were currently trying out a new type of engine. One that was going to revolutionize jet planes. The lead scientist of the project was none other than former Teen Titan member, Cyborg. Also known for his birth name, Victor Stone. His colleague reluctantly did as he was told and pulled the lever which connected with the engine like machine in the middle of the room.
"Oaky, it looks good." Victor said, keeping an eye on the readings on his computer. "Sarah, try increasing the force by twenty percent."
"You got it, Vic." The dark skinned coworker next to him said with a smile and did as she was told.
"Alright, hold it there for now." Victor said, not taking his eyes of the screen. "We almost got it now." He said with a hint of excitement. But then all of a sudden, the alarm went on. "What the hell!"
"Security breach!" A guard said over the loud speakers. "We have in intruder. Be aware. He has super powers…"
"Sarah, Jason, get behind me." Cyborg told his colleagues as he activated his trusty beam cannon and aimed it at the door. Just in case.
"…also, the intruder has green skin. So keep a look out."
"Hm? Green skin? It couldn't be." Cyborg said while letting his guard down.
"Vic, what's wrong." Sarah asked.
Just outside the room, the intruder was facing the wall. "Alright, here goes," He said and blew his fist before punching the wall. The impact blew a huge hole on the wall, followed by some dust. Inside the room, the other's coughed a little and Cyborg resumed his battle position, aiming his cannon at the hole.
"Who's there?!" He demanded.
"Hehe, you've got a boring expression on your face, Victor. Looks like you didn't have much fun without me." The intruder said while entering the room and Cyborg's eyes widen.
"It-it can't be." He said with astonishment.
"Long time no see, buddy." Garfield said with a goofy grin.
"Victor, do you know this weird fellah?" Jason asked.
"Hey! Who're you calling weird? That's really rude!" Garfield spat.
"Eh, s-sorry." Jason nervously said.
"Garfield, is that really you, grass stain?" Victor asked, still not believing who it is in front of him.
"Will this answer your question? What'd you call it when you're walking on the side? Sidewalk." Garfield said and let out a chuckle. The other's however looked at him like he was stupid and the sound of crickets could be heard in the room.
"Lame!" Victor said, waving his hand in front of his nose as if to wave away a bad smell. "But that confirms it. It's you grass stain!" He said and practically ran over to the green shape shifter. They both embraced each other in a bone crushing hug and let out a few chuckles. "I can't believe it. I thought you were dead."
"You did?"
"Yeah. You just vanished of the face of the earth. Where've you been?"
"Long story."
"Well, tell me all about it. Man, look at you. You're as tall I am. And you're so muscular too. You look nothing like the scrawny little kid from seven years ago."
"Well, that's what pushups, sit ups and plenty of juice will do to you."
Before victor could reply, a security team barged into the room, guns drawn and aiming at Garfield.
"Step away from Dr. Stone, freak!" One of them shouted.
"Easy Ronnie. I know him. He's a friend." Victor assured them.
"Well you're friend just busted into a restricted facility and destroyed Star Labs property." The guy Victor called Ronnie replied, angrily.
"Yeah…why'd you do that, Gar?" Victor asked awkwardly.
"It's a cooler way to make an entrance," Garfield replied with a toothy grin.
"Don't blow a hole in the wall over such a thing!" the two scientists and the security team cried out simultaneously.
"Look, just send me the bill. I'll pay for it." Garfield said, maintaining his grin.
"Okay, but first, GET OUT OF HERE!" Ronnie yelled.
"Huh? Why?" Garfield pouted.
"Ronnie, it's okay. If the boss will have any problem about this, I'll take full responsibility." Victor said, calming the guards down. Reluctantly, Ronnie and the other guards lowered their arms and put away their guns.
"Alright, but if he tries anything suspicious I'm coming for him." Ronnie warned before leaving with the rest of the guards.
"Who put a stick up his ass?" Garfield asked.
"Never mind Ronnie. He just doesn't like strangers. He's actually a lot of fun once you get to know him." Victor replied with a grin.
"Really? Then I hope I get to know him." Garfield said with a grin. "So, what'd ya we get a drink and patch things up." He suggested.
"First, it's eleven in the afternoon and second when did you start drinking?" Victor asked.
"Don't be silly. It's never too early to have a beer and well over the years I've become quite a good drinker." Garfield replied with a proud expression.
"Well, um…I really shouldn't. I still have work to do." Victor replied.
"Huh? Can't you quit early?" Garfield pouted.
"Not really. In fact I've delayed long enough. I really should get back to work." Victor said which disappointed Garfield. Something his expression did not hide. "But hey, my shift ends at seven. You think you can wait that long?"
"Sure," Garfield replied and walked over to lean against a wall and slide down the floor. "Wake me up when you're finished." He said, resting his palms behind his back and immediately fell asleep, giving away a loud snore.
"Hey! Does this look like a hotel to you? This is a work station. Go sleep somewhere else." Jason said with annoyance.
"Don't bother." Victor said. "If he's anything like he was seven years ago there's no way you'll wake him up."
"But Victor…" Sarah started objecting.
"Just ignore him and go back to work. He won't bother us." Victor said and went back to his work station.
"It's impossible," Both Sarah and Jason said as Garfield's echoed throughout the room.
Several hours later
"Man, that was a good nap!" Garfield said cheerfully as he stretched his limbs. At the moment he, Victor and two very annoyed scientists were leaving Star Labs. "Now that I've rested I'll be able to drink till dawn." He said turned to the others. "So, you guys know any good bars around here?"
"Well, to be honest, we don't go out drinking so often but we do have one neat place we like to go to every now and then." Victor replied.
"Lead the way," Garfield said with and exciting grin.
"Eh, you guys have fun." Sarah said.
"Yeah, we're just gonna head back home." Jason said but before they had a chance to leave, Garfield was right between the two of them and wrapped his arms around their shoulders.
"Nonsense!" He said. "Any friend of Victor is a friend of mine. So get ready for a night on the town cause I'm about you rock you…like a hurricane."
"You know you're weird," Jason said.
"So I've been told," Garfield replied with a goofy grin.
"But we really shouldn't get wasted." Sarah said. "We've got more work to do tomorrow and…"
"See, that's the problem with you science geeks. You're all a bunch of stiffs. You gotta learn how to relax and enjoy life a bit." Garfield told them.
"Hey, I'm not a stiff." Jason spat.
"Okay, then prove it," Garfield dared. "Think you've got what it takes to drink me under the table?"
"You're on," Jason replied with determination.
"No Jason. Victor maybe of tomorrow but the two of us can't show up with a hangover." Sarah strictly said.
"Come on. A couple of beers isn't going to…" Jason was cut off when Sarah pulled his ear.
"Now Jason," She said.
"Alright, alright already." Jason said as he was being dragged to the parking lot.
"She can be pretty strict," Garfield said to Victor.
"You have no idea," The half man half machine said, shaking his head.
"Well, in any case, it looks like it'll be just you and me." Garfield said cheerfully and wrapped his arm around Victor's shoulder. "Let's paint this town red!" He cheered.
"The new Garfield's even crazier than the old one." Victor said.
Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by a floating camera, positioned on the rooftop of Star Labs. It was broadcasting to a robotic arm of an old enemy of Cyborg.
"Maybe I'll let him get drunk before I end him. After all every dead man deserves a final drink." The robotic like being said with a n evil smirk.
"CHEERS!" The duo, especially Garfield, cried as they shared a toast before chugging down the alcoholic content in their mugs. Garfield finished his mug in one fell swoop, put the mug down and wiped his mouth with his forearm. "That's the stuff. Hey bartender, keep the beer coming please!"
"Damn. You weren't joking when you said you've become a heavy drinker." Victor said.
"Heavy drinker? Dude, I'm just getting warmed up." Garfield bragged.
"Being a heavy drinker isn't really something to brag about." Victor said.
"So Vic, tell me what I've missed these past few years. Any words from the rest of the gang and the other Titans?" Garfield asked.
"Well Raven has been training her magic. She's become the pupil of this magician called Dr. Fate." Victor started.
"Really? Now I know where to find her." Garfield replied.
"Robin has given up the mantle as the Boy Wonder and taken on a new identity. He's calls himself Nightwing now. He now protects Bludhaven and he occasionally patrols Gotham."
"And what about Star? Has she come back from Tamaran yet?" Garfield asked
"No. in fact there hasn't been a word from her since the Titans disbanded seven years ago." Cyborg replied causing Garfield to worry.
"Well, she's a big girl. I'm sure whatever it is she can handle it." Garfield said with reassurance. "And what of the others. What happened to the Titan East?
"Well, like with us they disbanded. Aqualad went back to Atlantis, Mas and Menos are now the heroes in Mexico, Speedy is a member of the Justice League and Bumblebee is working for Star Labs in Metropolis."
"Oh yeah, you still hearing from Karen? You two were pretty intimate with each other." Garfield asked.
"Actually we kinda drifted apart after the Titans disbanded."
"Oh, that's too bad."
"Don't worry about. We're cool. Besides, I'm too caught up in my work to worry about a relationship right now." Victor assured his old friend. Although Garfield could tell Victor was hiding something. He decided if he didn't want to talk about it wouldn't ask. "And that's pretty much how everything's been for the past seven years." Victor finished and put his mug down on the table and said. "Now, what about you? Where have you've been? You must have been somewhere pretty isolated if you've missed out so much."
"Well, since you gave me a full detailed story of what I've missed, I'll be open and honest with you. I'll give you the short version." Changeling said and straightened himself up, toke a deep breath and started in a fast pace. "I was taken to a parallel dimension ruled by this weird sorceress where I met many other weird people who taught me how to use my powers at a whole new level so now I'm more powerful ever and I plan to form my own team and I want you to join in."
"Uhu," Victor said, looking at Garfield like he was crazy. "How much have you been drinking?"
"Dude, I'm being serious." Garfield insisted. "I'm gonna form my own team and I want you in. What'd ya say?"
"What'd I say? Good luck with that." Was Victor's response as he looked away from Garfield awkwardly, taking another sip from his mug.
"You don't think I can pull if of do you?" Garfield said with annoyance.
"I didn't say that. I'm thinking it, but I'm not saying it." Victor replied.
"I so will make a team. A team whose name will reach the stars. And do you know what you will say when that happens? Do you know what you will say when that day comes?" Garfield said in an over dramatic tone.
"Wake up Gar, you're dreaming." Victor simply replied, containing his mock laughter.
"Cute, Vic." Garfield replied with annoyance. "But just you wait. I might surprise ya."
"That wouldn't be a surprise. It would be a miracle." Victor replied.
"Okay, now you're just being all Raven on me." Garfield scolded.
"I'm sorry, but I've missed that annoyed expression of yours whenever you get pushed down." Victor said with laughter.
"Glad my misery pleases you so much," Garfield said with a glare.
"Oh, lighten up. I'm just playing with ya man. But tell you what. First round's on me." Victor said.
"Really?!" Garfield said with eyes gleaming. "ALRIGHT! Hey bartender! Give us everything you've got!" He shouted towards the counter, causing Cyborg to feel a little embarrassed and nervous.
'Maybe I shouldn't have said that,' He thought.
Outside the bar the same figure from before, along with two others, were standing in front of the bar. He smirked viciously and formed his arm into a canon and aimed at the bar. "Fire in the hole." He said and let lose a laser beam at the wall. The impact resulted with a huge explosion, causing the people inside the bar to scream and panic. The two heroes inside however got into battle position, readying for whatever would come.
"Wow, what just happened?" Garfield asked.
"I don't know," Victor replied, aiming his canon at the hole on the wall.
"Hehehe," A sinister laughter was heard as the villain entered the bar. "It's been a while, hasn't it, human?" The red and yellow colored giant robot said as he entered. The two recognized him right away.
"Dude, it's-it's…" Garfield stammered.
"Atlas!" Cyborg said in his surprise.
"Surprised to see me?" Atlas said with glee. "Don't be. After all, did you really think I would just forget how you humiliated me years ago? I've been doing an upgrade on myself. I'm years apart from what I originally was. And I intend to show you just how much I've been upgraded."
After his speech, all the bystanders started fleeing towards the exit. The only ones left were the two heroes, the villain and his two followers who were robots that resembled him. The only difference was their faces looked more robotic and menacing.
"And what are those?" Cyborg asked, referring to the robots.
"They're my followers. Replacement to the that useless traitorous mechanic." Atlas spat with disgust. "I should have had robots for help right from the start."
"Oh what's the matter? You need a girl squad to help fight your own battle?" Garfield mocked.
"Gar, I don't think you should rile him up. Remember how strong he was seven years ago." Victor warned.
"Don't worry. Like I said, I've gotten a lot stronger too." Garfield said with confidence, squeezing his right hand with his left palm, making some cracking sound.
"I don't know who you are but you're an annoyance. Get rid of him!" Atlas ordered his robots, who did as they were told and jumped at Garfield.
"What? You don't remember me?" The shape shifter said in mock hurt but jumped out of the way of the incoming robots but the impact they made on the floor caused him to fly across the room.
"BB!" Cyborg cried out in worry.
"As if you have time to worry about others!" atlas cried out, charging in on Cyborg, elbowing him in the chest. Cyborg was sent flying across the room right though the wall, ending up outside the building, landing several feet out in the parking lot. "You're a lot lighter now then you were seven years ago." Atlas mocked as he walked out into the parking lot. Cyborg quickly jumped back to his feet, grabbed the nearest car he could find, lifted it and attacked Atlas with it. He swung the car at his opponent but the car was reduced to rubble as Atlas just stood there and took it. He didn't even flinch. "Is that all you've got?" He asked with a grin. Cyborg gritted his teeth and started punching Atlas. His assaults didn't even make a dent in Atlas's armor. The robot got bored and bitch slapped Cyborg across the face, sending him backing a few feet. "How did you ever beat me? I'm ashamed." He continued to mock. Cyborg decided to take out the big gun and aimed his canon at his foe. Atlas didn't give Cyborg a chance to use it and with one hit he punched the canon into pieces. Cyborg cried out in pain and fell to one knee. "Aw, what's the matter? Feeling beaten? Helpless? Humiliated?"
"Damn it," Cyborg hissed as he breathed heavily.
"Don't worry. I'll put you out of your misery." Atlas said and formed his right arm into a canon. "You know, this was so easy I was a little disappointed. But only a little." He said and aimed his canon at Cyborg's face. "I'll be sure to send the rest of the Titans down with you so you won't have to feel lonely wherever it is you're going."
Cyborg felt frustration built up in him. How could Atlas have gotten so strong? How could he have been beaten so easily? And what's worse he intend to go after the others. Damn it. Whit him this strong Cyborg thought that possibly could. And he couldn't do anything to stop him. All he could do was sit there and take it. He closed his eyes and awaited death to come.
Boink! A sound was heard as something hit Atlas's head, taking his attention away from his hated rival. He caught the object in mid air and was surprised to find that it was the head of one of his own robots. He turned his head around his got even more surprised when he saw what he saw. Standing there, on the top of the roof of the burning building, was none other than Garfield, holding the torso of a now destroyed robot.
"Damn, these guys were strong. I could actually feel their punches." He said as he rubbed his sore head. "Now, I hope you'll put up a much better fight."
"Don't take me so lightly, fleshling!" atlas spat, crushing the robot head in his hand and spun around to face his new potential threat. "I'm on a completely different league than those two. You're still nothing!" He spat, aiming his canon at the shape shifter. Garfield didn't make any attempt to move.
"Look out Garfield! This guy's the real deal!" Cyborg shouted, fearing for his friend's life.
Garfield didn't listen and stood perfectly still, making him a sitting duck for the villain. Atlas fired his red laser beam at Garfield's head but to everyone's surprise, he tilted his head to the side just in time for the beam to miss. "Too slow," He said as an explosion could be heard from the building behind him. "I don't like what you've done to my friend. I'm gonna return the favor." He said and turned into a cheetah.
"What'd you intend to do in that form?" Atlas asked. "I can easily follow the speed of a dumb cat!" He bragged but in an instant, Garfield disappeared and reappeared before the giant robot. 'What the…?' He thought. Garfield then toke the shape of a gorilla. 'He's mocking me. I can easily take a blow from a gorill-.' He didn't get to finish that mental sentence as Garfield uppercut Atlas, sending him flying a few feet away.
"In-incredible," Cyborg said with astonishment.
"Damn it!" Atlas hissed. 'What is going on here? A cheetah is not that fat and a gorilla is not that strong. Just what the hell is he?' He thought, glaring at the green gorilla. Atlas jumped to his feet and attempted to punch his opponent. Garfield however swiftly moved out of the way and in an instant turned into a T-Rex. He caught Atlas's arm in his giant mouth and ripped it off. The robot let out a cry. Next, Garfield turned into an Ankylosaurus and swung his clubbed tail into Atlas's side. The impact split Atlas in two. "This…is…impossible!" He managed to gasp out before shutting down.
"Don't touch my friend," Garfield hissed.
"Dude…that was wicked." Cyborg said, awestrucked. Garfield's only response was a goofy grin.
Not long afterwards, the police had shown up to take Atlas's remains away and paramedics were taking care of the wounded. Luckily, no one was that seriously injured. Cyborg's friends from Star Labs had shown up to help with his injuries seeing as they were mostly mechanical.
"Don't worry Vic. We'll fix your arm up as good as new." Sarah said.
"You should count yourself lucky you only lost an arm. That friend of yours is pretty amazing." Jason said.
"I know," Victor said with a smile. He looked over at Garfield and said. "You…have gotten quit strong, BB."
"I know. And my hero name isn't Beast Boy anymore. From now on, call me Changeling." Garfield replied with pride. "So Vic, once you've recovered, what'd you say you join my team? I'd really love it if I had some of my old friends from back in the day along with me."
"Look, Gar…I've seen you've gotten strong and I do believe you've got the potential to be a team leader. I do. I really do." Victor said.
"I sensing a but coming," Garfield said, a little worried.
"But the thing is I've retired from the superhero business. I'm working for Star Labs. I'm sorry man." Victor said with sincerity.
Garfield dropped his head in disappointment and sadness. "Well, you can't win all the time." He said. But then he lifted his head and said. "But hey, if you ever need anything, anything at all, give me a call."
"You got it," Victor said with a wide grin.
"Well, now that that's out of the way, the night is still young and I'm not drunk yet. Are there any other bars around here we can go to. Seeing as this one kind of blew up." Garfield said with a wide smirk.
The other three only looked at him like he was insane.
"Garfield, find a motel and get some rest." Victor told his crazy friend.
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