Nothing Lasts Forever

You're in luck, two chapters in one day. Hope you enjoy it.

(PS: Some of the misspellings are merely to add to Little Gar's charm when he talks.)

Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans. Never have, Never will.

Chapter 7

For many miles, Beast Boy ran through the grasses and trees with Raven on his back. His lion mane became tangled with leaves and it was all he could do to keep the woman on his back safe and comfortable. His steps were carefully placed and he tried to avoid leaping over the forest debris that stood in his way. Yet after traveling so long, the fact that she had stopped moving greatly worried him. His ears were strained to hear some sort of grumble or complaint but all he heard was her shallow breathing. Panicking, the green lion turned his head towards the familiar sounds of a nearby village.

He peered through the long grasses that surrounded the huts and studied the people moving about doing normal household activities. A sudden cry of fear startled Beast Boy and guiltily he knew how alarming he must be looking at the moment. Quickly he transformed back into his human self and held Raven bride style as he went to greet the growing number of villagers.

People who had paid no notice to the blond boy's words looked up in surprise when they say two strangers enter through the forest. Never before had anyone of green skin appeared to them so suddenly. The girl he held was strange looking as well but all eyes were turned towards their Chief and king Tawaba. The elderly man stood next to the center fire, his eyes watching them with mild interest. Dr. Phoenix was at his side and unintelligible words were whispered between the two.

Beast Boy, ignoring their inquiring looks went over to Tawaba and bowed his head respectively. It was not until he finally looked up that surprise lit up in his eyes.

"So you have returned, my friend. I was not expecting such unusual circumstances." Tawaba said calmly.

Beast Boy hesitated for a moment then sighed. "I was not expecting this either sir. It is just my friend...Raven was bit by a snake around nightfall the other day. I don't know what to do. Do you think she has a chance? She hasn't moved since she fell asleep. I think she is dying!"

Alarmed mutterings spread through the crowd. Were these teenagers explorers like Marie and Mark Logan? Perhaps they were some lost missionaries from another village? Gossip spread throughout the entire village and one runner decided to race towards the direction their previous guests had went.

The remaining people watched as Beast Boy carefully held Raven, treating her as if she though she were a delicate flower. As he gently caressed her cheeks and brushed the hair away from her eyes and mouth, a sense of affection became obvious to everyone who witnessed it.

Chief Tawaba merely smiled and gestured importantly towards the crowd. "Take this girl to the main hut. I am sure my good friends will know how to care for her."

A few seconds later, two strong men came forward obediently and began to help Beast Boy carry the sick young woman towards the hut waiting for her. Despite Raven's small frame, Beast Boy was relieved to lessen the burden of carrying her. His arms were sore from carrying his sick friend many miles through the jungle and finally he felt a bit of relief. The people here were kind, he remembered. Chief Tawaba had always looked after him and even when... the bad people came it probably wouldn't happen again. Shuddering at that memory, he continued down the path towards the main hut.

If Beast Boy had turned his head however, he would have recognized Mobu right away even among the crowds of people. The witch doctor was glaring at him with a furious expression on his face. This green boy had made him look like a fool in front of the village! Why couldn't the chief see that with all these strangers, the way of their tribe could be in danger?! With every little 'miracle' they preformed, he was losing face more and more. It was humiliating. To top it all off, the brat was his to babysit while everybody focused on the pale girl.

Glancing down, he could see the little blond boy running around energetically. "Where are they taking those people, Mr Mobu? Are mommy and daddy coming to help them? What about Dr. Phoenix? Mommy said he wasn't a medicine type of doctor but he is still a doctor isn't he? Mr. Mobu? Mr. Mobu are you even listening? MR. MOBU!!!"

"What do you want, you infernal child? Stop whining and leave me in peace. I have...much to think about." Mobu growled angrily.

Gar did not even flinch from Mobu's cruel words and simply smiled cheerfully as he ran off back into the busy life of the villagers. People were finally settling down and as they went back to their daily chores, the little blond boy wandered towards the main hut in the middle of the village. If his babysitter wouldn't tell him what was going on, then he would have to find out himself!

He skillfully avoided the busy people and started skipping towards the center of the village. His mind was full of curiosity as he wondered over the new people. Perhaps they were on a mission of some sorts. That green kid seemed to worried about something. Maybe he and that lady were escaping from something dangerous. Like pirates! Or maybe murderers! Or perhaps....

With a thud, Gar landed against someone's chest. He had been too busy thinking that he didn't realize where he had been going. Looking up with eyes wide, he saw the green dude! What was he doing here? Was he looking for something? Maybe he was going back to retrieve some long lost treasure or something else equally exciting?

"Sorry, little dude. I didn't see you there." Beast Boy said, breaking the younger boy away from his thoughts. "You okay? You seem to be lost. Are you looking for your mom and dad?"

Gar just shrugged. "No, my mommy and daddy are probably still finding more friends for Sakutia. They always seem to be trying to win that noble peas prize, or what ever that thing is called."

Puzzling over that last statement, Beast Boy shrugged and studied the little boy in front of him. With messy blond hair and bright blue eyes, he seemed to be a nice enough kid. Kind of how he looked when he was that age. Perhaps they were long lost cousins or something? Maybe when Raven got better she would explain more about this whole time travel thing. For all he knew this kid could be his ancestor!

His worried thoughts going back to Raven, he glanced back towards the main hut where the frail girl had been placed.

"So...what are you doing Mister?" Gar asked curiously. "Are you looking for something?"

Beast Boy glanced sadly back at the boy. " Right now I'm just waiting for my friend to get better. Raven has been acting so sick lately and I don't know how to help her. She's usually the one that comes up with the brilliant ideas and I...I'm just the annoying jokester. She probably hates me and I care about her so much..."

Gar grinned mischievously. "Oh...So you like like her then!"

"Yeah, I guess I do..." Beast Boy said calmly, then he realized what he said. "Wait...it's not like that! You better not tell her! She would kill me, if she knew!"

Laughing, the little boy ran off towards the main hut. "Someone's got a girlfriend! Someone's got a girlfriend!" He chanted happily.

"Wait, come back here!! It's not like that, okay? Dude!" Beast Boy took off running after him but the little boy was already far ahead. Still, he wasn't giving up. Not by a long shot. If Raven was ever going to find out his feelings, it wouldn't be by some annoying little kid with a big mouth!