Hey thanks for all the comments! It really boosts my confidence in my writing; seriously it makes me feel awesome! So for in return I decided to update a little early. This chapter has taken a few days to write, but it was worth it. For advice on this story I will say to listen to Avatar: "The Bioluminescence of the Night" and "Becoming One of "The People". I do not own these soundtracks, but I used this music and its theme to help write the middle of this story. When the fire is blown out this would be an excellent track to listen to while reading. I also enjoyed listening to the soundtrack of the Disney movie: Dinosaur for this chapter, in which I do not own as well.
Once again I don't own Teen Titans! But I do own this story, so enjoy and leave me a review if you enjoyed it!
Chapter Seven
The fire crackled as bright flames spit into the late evening air, forming shadows all across the cave. The light cast off by the heat bounced around the ceiling and past the entrance where blades of grass stuck up at the edge of the rock. The sun had finally disappeared behind the horizon, the bits of light left cast out a dim shadow across the land. The wind was mild, brushing debris quietly across the terrain. Beast Boy gazed out from beside the small fire inside the cave and stared at the dark hillside with strained eyes. He watched the final bits of the sun suddenly vanish across the sky, darkness blanketing the land. He stared at the black coverage for a moment before turning to gaze at the fire, feeling the heat press against his outstretched legs. He watched the flames shoot up as he flicked a wad of dry grass into the pile. His eyes closed for a moment feeling secure in the cave with the warmth surrounding his tired limbs.
A twinge of pain made him cringe and Beast Boy cracked an eye to inspect the culprit. His eyes followed to his left hand where he had pulled his glove in further to hide the crusted blood on his finger. Beast Boy cast his eyes over toward Raven who sat facing away from him, hood up. Letting one eye linger on Raven's still form he pulled his crumpled glove down farther on his hand and exposed the injured finger. He traced the crusted blood with his other hand and felt the missing nail with a cringe. A trickle of blood started up and he sighed, trying to put pressure on the injury. He noticed movement from Raven on the other side of the fire and he quickly crumpled his glove farther down, squeezing his left hand to hide the injury, covering his hand from sight. Raven turned toward his direction, twisting her body so she faced the fire and let a hand come close to the warm flames. Beast Boy looked up and watched the flames flicker in her violet orbs. A sense of depth laced within her eyes and he stared for a moment before turning to look at the fire himself, keeping his gloved hand close to his lap.
When Raven looked up in his direction Beast Boy glanced up and cracked a smile, without hesitation she looked back into the fire and Beast Boy's smile slowly faded along with the sun. He sighed quietly feeling the heat nip at his shoes. He watched her stare into the fire for a moment; she seemed almost lost in thought. Wonder what she's thinking right now.
For a moment they just sat quietly staring at the mild flames, but the silence was growing and Beast Boy felt a sense of uncertainty nip at him. Grabbing a ragged stick nearby he poked at the fire, bits of burnt grass spit up in response and the flames grew larger. Staring at his work he spoke, the quiet proving to bear too much for him to handle, "Quite a day huh?" He laughed quietly to himself when Raven didn't reply.
Beast Boy coughed slightly then continued, "Hey…I know I probably wasn't supposed to be here and all but look on the bright side. You don't have to be all alone in this dark, spooky cave tonight!" He laughed again and Raven turned away from him, pulling her hood farther across her features, the light bouncing off the dark blue material, creating a blend of colors that danced across her hood.
He bit his lip and let his eyes slip back towards the flames, feeling the heat radiate towards his right hand. He curled his left hand even more close to him for internal comfort than spoke again, more quiet. "Come on Raven, you can't tell me you're still mad at me!" When she didn't answer he continued the silence filing his core. "Come on Rae...Raven, you can't be mad forever…" He looked over at her still form that faced away from him. She moved slightly, brushing one of her strands of hair back behind her ear and he sighed quietly, dropping the stick on the ground with an echo that bounced across the cave. Curling his legs up to his chest he rested his head on top of his knees and glanced outside at the obscured darkness that flickered from the flames inside the cave.
"I'm not mad Beast Boy."
Beast Boy gazed back over towards Raven who still faced the cave wall that swayed with shadows of the fire. A bundle of confusion swarmed within his thoughts. How could she not be mad? He came with her without permission, followed her around Azarath and even had a fight with an old friend. I don't think she's telling the truth… Come on Rae, what's on your mind…you're way more distant than usual.
"What? You're joking right, come on Raven I know you're always mad at me for something!" he laughed, brushing some dirt that was laced over his nose with the back of his right hand. Raven looked over at him for a moment, was that surprise in her eyes?
"That's not true."
Beast Boy let his eyes linger on hers for a moment before she broke the contact and looked down at the edge of her cape, grasping it with her hands.
"Is that what you think Beast Boy?" She suddenly asked.
The changeling was startled by the question; she had never asked something so outright before towards him. Like she actually cared what he thought. He laughed inwardly, Nah…she's just messing with me….but then again…she does seem pretty serious…I guess I can play along. He watched her with careful eyes and thought of the question before answering, "Yeah…sometimes I guess."
She grasped the edge of her cape, as if fighting something internal, contemplating on what to say. He watched her stare at darkness for a moment and a feeling of regret settled deep in his stomach. Maybe he shouldn't have said that, it seemed to almost bother her. A bounty of dust sprinkled off of her cape as she brought the material closer to her body.
"I didn't realize I made you feel that way… I don't always intend to." She said quietly, almost in a whisper as if regretting her words she had to speak them on such a low tone.
Beast Boy felt shock radiate throughout his core, while it was no apology, her words felt sincere and a wave of uncertainty gripped the sorcerous. Was she afraid he wouldn't accept her explanation? Why did this matter to her anyway, she didn't seem to care about what he felt…until now. What's the real reason behind this?
Beast Boy paused, the fire flicking for a moment as if daring to go out. He watched it dance as the wind found its way into the cave then sprout as oxygen seeped into the orange and red flames.
"Is everything alright?" Beast Boy offered, sliding his legs back down on the ground, dust rising in the air.
She was quiet for a minute and Beast Boy was afraid she wouldn't answer, but she glanced at him with a look of uncertainty. Finally she spoke her voice quiet, "Thanks."
Beast Boy stared at Raven as her eyes shot back to her hands, a wad of confusion swarmed inside his head. What is she thanking me for? I don't even know where this is coming from.
"Um…come again?"
Raven flinched then sighed; "I said thanks! What more do you want?"
"No, no I just don't know what you're thanking me for; I mean if you're talking about setting up the fire, I set that up for us both…" Beast Boy trailed off as Raven glanced over at him her eyes speaking quite clearly that wasn't what she had meant. He paused in thought as she replied, "No, I was speaking about earlier in the tunnel, forgot already?"
Beast Boy scoffed himself for his lack of initial thought. Of course that's what she meant. He inwardly laughed at himself at the silly mistake. But as the seconds clocked by he began to wonder why she was having such a hard time with this. Was it some sort of pride issue? Or perhaps he was such a low importance it was almost a disgrace to show gratitude. He pushed aside his thoughts; maybe it was just Raven being Raven. There were many things he didn't know about her. It was just one of the joys being her, a mystery girl.
"Nah, I wouldn't forget that anytime soon…" he paused in thought as she glanced at the flickering fire. "I don't think you need to thank me for that though, I'd do it again in a heartbeat." Raven's eyes flickered back over to him, her emotions concealed, Beast Boy smiled and continued, "You're my teammate, that's what we do, have each other's backs." He paused for a moment, "I'm sure you would've done the same for any of us." Raven nodded in agreeance but didn't respond.
"On a lighter note, check out that pile of dirt that was in my shoes!" Beast Boy pointed to a small pile near the entrance of the cave, Raven cast her gaze towards where he pointed. "I don't think it's all out though, I can still feel it in my socks!" Beast Boy laughed and Raven glanced at her own shoes in thought but didn't reach to take them off.
Suddenly a wind burst in from the outside and the fire was shot out, a quick scream from Beast Boy in return. A rise of smoke billowed to the top of the cave and flowed out to the entrance outside. The changeling blinked his eyes in the dark and let them adjust to the light for a moment, letting his heart rate settle as well.
"Guess it's time to sleep." Raven replied as Beast Boy got into a better sitting position. The sorcerous was obscured in the darkness, he could see barley her outline, but as the seconds went by his animal instincts kicked in and he was able to see her outlined form better than normal human eyesight.
"I guess so." Beast Boy replied with a hesitant laugh. Looking back towards the entrance for security he noticed a flicker of lights and his curiously suddenly spiked high with interest. Getting to his hands and knees he strained forward, trying to get a better look from where he sat. But it was obvious he couldn't see much and with slow effort crawled forward to the opening; his eyes squinted as he reached the edge of the cave.
A sudden bliss of energy came from inside the changeling and a wave of excitement radiated from within his bones. Before him stretched the very same land they had just walked through, and yet a whole new world stretched before his eyes. Getting to a crouch he laid a hand on the side of the cave and let out a quiet... "Whoa…" Before him was a dark world with blots of colors vibrating across the land. Large bioluminescent plants towered all across the area with little white flowers poking their way through the ground. The whole area radiated with life as he watched a bright yellow pack of what seemed to be butterflies trailing across the terrain, swirling in circles farther away.
"Raven come here, you have to see this!" Beast Boy cried out, glancing behind him to see the sorcerous glancing uncertainly toward him. He turned back toward the entrance and stood staring at the nightlife with awe. Two bright pink flowers, the size of a PlayStation were crowded near the side of the cave; he slowly stepped out of the seclusion and reached out with his hand, touching the soft petals. The flower immediately closed shut and sunk back into the ground, causing Beast Boy to jump back in response hitting Raven who stood behind him.
Beast Boy spun around, "Heh, sorry didn't see you there…"
Raven twisted around the changeling and gazed outside with bright violet eyes. They seemed to widen with awe the more she gazed at the lit terrain. Beast Boy looked at her for a moment then let his eyes slide back to the illuminating scenery outside.
"I…I thought I'd never get to see this again." She walked up next to Beast Boy and laid a hand against the side of the cave, her hand curling over cold rock, bits of stone tumbled to the ground with an echo. A few nearby flowers closed in response outside. Beast Boy watched her step outside and kneeled down against the earth, grabbing a handful of dirt and letting it run through her fingers. Looking back up she tapped the small flowers nearby and they popped open, bright pink petals illuminating the night. A small smile suddenly appeared, watching other nearby flowers open from her touch.
Beast Boy stared as a bounty of small pink petals rose to the sky and opened to the light of the moon. He took a step back into the cave as two yellow bulbs opened near his feet. A gust blew from the west and the flowers danced around the grass.
A small, quiet laugh bounced toward his ears and he gazed up to see Raven racing away toward a field of illuminating white flowers, everywhere she stepped the ground lit up from the small flowers protruding from the depths. Beast Boy watched the small pink, white, and yellow petals flutter in the wind and brighten up the fields. Hesitantly he took a step then another; he watched the ground light under his feet and jumped when a flower suddenly came to life.
"Raven, slow down!" Beast Boy shouted from where he stood. Gazing uncertainly at the ground he transformed into a fox and raced toward Raven's moving form down the hillside. His paws seemed to almost light up themselves as he touched the cool, moist ground. He paused for a breath, gazing at the large field in front of his eyes. Everything was bright and it brought a sense of comfort laced within his spirit. Movement caught his eyes and he saw Raven kneeling down in the center of the field. He gazed at her form then padded up to her… his fur brushing against the flowers, causing them to light and sparkled with every paw step. He gazed behind him seeing the trail of paw prints he had left behind and he stared in awe at the lights beating, as if the whole forest was alive, each taking their own breath.
As Beast Boy neared Raven he paused, watching her touch the surrounding florae with the gentlest of hands. His green eyes gazed around the area, seeing the white flowers beat with light. What are they? He wondered, gazing around the field.
Raven let out a breath and gazing at flower, spoke, "I remember these as a child."
Beast Boy looked at her and a sense of sadness suddenly wavered over toward his senses. But the emotion quickly vanished and he wondered if he even sensed it at all. He watched her hunched figure brush the dirt off a flower and confusion suddenly crowed his thoughts. If Azarath was destroyed, then how are these flowers growing? Sitting down, he watched the flowers blow with the wind. I've never seen anything like this before.
Raven smiled and Beast Boy gazed at her with uncertainty, tilting his head to the side he watched her let go of the flower she was holding. "Before everything that happened…this was the most sacred time of our year. They are called the bioluminescent flowers…They come every full moon to replenish their strength." She gazed around her, brushing her hand against the nearby petals, "There would always be ceremonies and dances…everyone would come out to see the night flowers grow."
She touched a flower nearby and picked it from the roots, holding it up to her face she gazed at it with curiosity. "Anyone who had someone close to their heart would pick the brightest of the flowers. Legend has it, the brighter the flower the stronger the love will be." She laughed quietly, "I never believed it." Letting the flower fall she stood up and brushed her cape down of dirt and grass.
Beast Boy transformed back to his original form and touched a nearby illuminated white flower and watched it sparkled from the moon's light with curiosity, he plucked it from the ground and gazed at it with awe. "So, these things came out every full moon? How come they came back? Does it mean Azarath is back to normal?"
Raven gazed at him with thought, but concealed her emotions, "Azarath will never be back to normal." She turned away from him and looked up the hill where the yellow species of butterfly trailed in the distance. Beast Boy stood up pocketing the flower and looked over at her, where the wind whipped at her cape. "Maybe you're wrong."
Raven's formed tensed but didn't reply; after a few seconds went by she spoke, "You will never know the beauty of Azarath. You know nothing about my home." She snapped quietly without turning toward the changeling.
Beast Boy was taken aback by the comment and he rubbed his right arm with uncertainty, gazing at her still form. Looking out toward the land he noticed a stream gurgling in the distance that emptied out in a pond. Taking a few steps he stood next to Raven who gave him a quick side glance.
"You're right. I will never know." He paused, "Maybe you can teach me…" He paused, "I do love stories."
Raven gazed at him, "You want me to tell you about Azarath?"
"Yeah, what's wrong about that?"
"Nothing….I don't' know you were interested in my home..." Raven murmured.
"Are you kidding me? This place is awesome; earth has nothing like this that I know of." He smiled, "If they did I'm sure they would destroy it, like everything else." He laughed bitterly then let out a quiet cough. "But yeah…so…I'm guessing Azarath doesn't have any legends about werewolf's or vampires huh?" He laughed then transformed into a wolf and howled into the night, he gazed at Raven who glared at his canine form.
Suddenly another howl answered him and behind the duo a dark creature stood a few meters away, staring curiously at the two. Beast Boy glanced with his canine eyes and stared at the dark fur that blew in the light wind. It howled again, and he noticed it had two tails and blood red eyes. Another companion padded up next to the first creature and it howled as well. Beast Boy glanced at Raven who caught each other's gaze then turned back to the duo far away and Beast Boy howled in return. The creatures glanced at one another then taking a couple looks around then jumped down into the fields causing a frenzy of lights to illuminate in the area as they travel down toward where Raven and Beast Boy stood.
Suddenly the land came to life and a variety of creatures appeared all across the land. Beast Boy noticed smaller black creatures padding into the light of the fields and little black birds took to the skies. The ground in front of the two titans vibrated and a small dark creature popped out from under the ground, spraying dirt into the air. Beast Boy and Raven both jumped back in surprise, their footing just barely at the edge of the hill. But Beast Boy lost his balance he grabbed Raven's cape with his canine teeth and held for stability. A gust of wind hit the two and Raven lost her balance, sending them tumbling down the hill.
Beast Boy landed first in the pond water, barely reaching the edge. The water splashed across his sides, soaking his dark green wolf fur and letting the cold seep deep into his bones. He noticed that the pond water smelled saltier than usual, like the river before and snorted out the liquid as it entered his nose. Raven tumbled in next to him, the water spraying in his face again, causing ripples to ride across the pond; her cape was twisted and muddy from the fall.
Raven quickly sat up and blew a strand of wet hair out of her eyes, she shot daggers at Beast Boy who transformed back into human and sat up himself. He made eye contact with her and lowered his ears, "Uh…my bad."
"Yeah; definitely your bad."
Beast Boy glanced at her then laughed, watching Raven untangled her cape in the shallow pond water. She glanced up at him with glaring eyes.
"What's so funny?"
"You…you should look at what you look like!"
Raven glared at the green teen then turned toward the pond that lay stretched under her arms. Strands of grass stuck across her face as if she sudden acquired whiskers. She stared at the image for a moment as Beast Boy suddenly cried out, "I didn't know you can transform into animals too Raven!" Taking a handful of water she washed the grass and dirt from her face. Beast Boy watched the grass fall into the pond and swirl farther into the water. Turning toward him she smirked, "You know what is funnier?"
Beast Boy lowered his ears and ceased his laughing; I don't like that look she's giving me… Shit what is she-?
A load of mud from deep within the pond suddenly was dumped above him, covering the changeling head to toe in brown muck. Beast Boy blinked and rubbed his eyes, scrapped away the mud above his green orbs. Squinting he saw Raven smirking, "Now who looks like an animal?" Beast Boy shook his hair and smirked as well, digging his gloved right hand in the dirt he felt the water trace across his wrist.
"Oh, no, Beast Boy don't-!" A wad of mud splattered across her hood and dripped down her eyes and landed in the pond with a loud splash. She narrowed her eyes and Beast Boy quickly stood up and slipped in the mud, waving his hands in the air to catch his balance. But he didn't manage to get anywhere before a pack of dark creatures suddenly crashed from above their right side and raced down, hurtling into the pond water and sending waves of it spraying in the air. Beast Boy tumbled back down into the water in surprise and he saw Raven sitting back watching the herd of dark coated creature's race by. They were the same species of the two they saw earlier, from what Beast Boy could tell they were about the size of a fox, with the features of a wolf. They had two tails, dark black fur and blood red eyes. Five adults raced across their vision then sprinted up the hill, vanishing from their sight. A small yelp cried out and Beast Boy saw a smaller version suddenly appear and tumble into the pond. Scrambling to its paws it shook out mud and cried out, but the rest of the pack had disappeared. When he noticed he was alone he sat down and stared up at the hill with lowered ears, his twin tails in the shallow water.
Beast Boy suddenly had an idea; staring at the form of the creature he noticed its most distinct features and bone structure. After a few seconds he closed his eyes and visualized the form of the dark pelt and small figure. Two fangs protruded from his mouth and Beast Boy could feel the split of a single tail along the spine of his back. Opening his eyes he felt claws grip the mud and he gazed up toward the young creature that sat tiredly in the mud staring at Beast Boy with curious red eyes.
Beast Boy shook his new pelt then padded up to the small creature and looked it over with curiosity, noting how young it looked.
Open its tiny jaws, two long fangs appeared, "hello."
Beast Boy stared at him then leaning down he nudged the young male back on his paws, "Hi…I'm Beast Boy….what's your name?"
It looked at him with utter confusion, as he tried to keep his balance from falling back into the mud, "What is a name?" Suddenly a gust of wind and another creature appeared from the shadows of the hill and glanced at Beast Boy with hurried paw steps, snarling, "Watch your step outsider." He nudged the young creature away who turned to look at Beast Boy with bright red eyes, "Bye stranger."
With helpful pushes the two managed to race away up the hillside and vanished from Beast Boy's sight. He listened to the pack howl before sprinting away farther up the terrain.
Raven had stood up during this ordeal and she watched quietly from a distance. Beast Boy turned toward her and transformed back into his original form, glancing back up the hill where the two had vanished.
"Anything interesting..?" Raven asked, squeezing her hair, the water dripping back into the pond.
"Nah…though they didn't seem to like me being here."
"Not surprised it is their territory." Raven replied as she slowly stepped out of the pond and squeezed some of the water out of her cape. Beast Boy followed her and shook out the mud that crusted in his hair. He paused and glanced back toward where they vanished, curiosity swimming in his mind.
"Do you know what they're called?" Beast boy asked.
"They are night dwellers, but I have long forgotten their true name. It has been awhile since I've seen one." She paused, "I thought they went extinct long ago."
Beast Boy rubbed a pile of mud off his left arm and let it slap onto the grassy terrain. A flock of dark birds suddenly flew overhead and Beast Boy and Raven gazed up watching them before returning to squeezing the pond water out of their clothes.
"You know…this reminds be a lot like Azarath before my father's reign; a time where I could look out the window and see peace throughout the land." She paused in ringing out her cape and sighed, "But everything was destroyed, all hope vanished…. But this…this is unreal; I don't understand why I can see this." She looked up at the clouds that had turned into a crimson red.
"It reminds me of home." She whispered.
Beast Boy watched her gaze at the sky and he too looked up and watched the clouds roll in. "Well…it is beautiful… in a dark and slightly eerie way." He laughed quietly then smiled, "In a good way of course."
Raven looked toward him and her eyes smiled at the comment, she then frowned and looked down at toward Beast Boy's left hand. A wave of concern rolled off her features then it vanished like the sun across the horizon. His eyes knitted in confusion as she walked toward him.
"How come you didn't tell me you were hurt?"
Beast Boy glanced at his left hand and he quickly curled it in attempt to hide the wound, which had reopened and blood welled at the edge and dripped on the ground below.
"Oh, don't worry Rae; it's no big deal really."
Raven glared at him for the use of her nickname, but continued until she was in front of him and using her powers she lifted his left hand to inspect the damage.
Beast Boy jerked his hand away and pulled it against his side along with his right hand, covering the torn fabric. "Its fine Raven, really, I don't need any help."
"Beast Boy, you will always need help… why won't you let me at least look at it? It can get infected if I don't do something."
Beast Boy hesitated but still refused, "No, I don't want you wasting your powers on me. You need to conserve them, especially what happened earlier..."
Raven stared at him for a moment, "I'm going to help you whether you like it or not." She paused and sighed, "I owe you anyway, now come on." She held out her hand and waited with impatient eyes; Beast Boy glanced at her then unwrapped his arms and let his hand rest on top of her own. A spark shot up and his eyes widened in response. What was that? Beast Boy noticed she felt it as well, but she didn't say anything.
Raven gripped his hand and he sighed, unclenching his fist, allowing her to inspect his wound. She flipped his hand over and gazed at the torn fabric with wide violet eyes. Beast Boy gazed away at the sight of two of his fingers exposed. The index had blood oozing from under the skin, the nail absent, the red liquid dripped onto Raven's cape. The other finger exposed had a nail as sharp as a knife, as if the nail was born from a wildcat. Clenching his fist again Beast Boy glanced away from the sorcerous and spoke angrily, "I know… I'm a monster."
Raven glanced at his closed hand then looked toward Beast Boy's hidden features, "You're only a monster if you act like one." Beast Boy glanced at her and she stared at him and continued sternly, "For Azar's sake will you keep your hand open so I can look at the damage?" Beast Boy willingly opened his hand with an apologetic smile. Raven gazed at the wound and closed her eyes chanting her mantra. A cool feeling suddenly wrapped around his hand he watched the blood crust over his finger as a bright blue light covered the wound. He cringed, feeling the weight of his nail suddenly growing and with eyes full of awe he watched his nail slowly grow back into place. Beast Boy bit back a scream and closed his eyes, feeling as if his nail was slowly being ripped out again. It took all his willpower to not rip it away from his teammate. He growled quietly instead, waiting out the pain.
When Raven fell silent, Beast Boy opened his eyes and inspected his sharp nail that aligned with the other. It looked as though nothing had happened, only the crusted blood evidence of her magic.
"Wow…you never cease to amaze me Rae…Raven." He looked up to see Raven swaying before catching her balance, "Whoa, hey you alright?" He reached out toward her, but she batted him away with her right hand.
"I'm fine… just a little dizzy, I don't need any help." She sharply replied.
Beast Boy gazed at her for a minute then clenched his hand and smiled, "You shouldn't have done that."
Raven looked toward him and smirked, "There are lot of things I shouldn't do."
Beast Boy laughed, as a flash of light lit up Raven's face then vanished from sight. Both the titans looked up to see darker red clouds rolling in from the skies and a loud crash of thunder sounded from overhead. The wind picked up and Beast Boy was almost knocked over from the sudden force. Looking around he couldn't remember where the cave was, where is it?
"Where was the cave?" Beast Boy asked his voice rose from the growing wind, rushing across the plain. Raven cast her gaze around the area then pointed up the hill, "It's up there, to the east." Without another word she began to walk uphill, Beast Boy in tow. Beast Boy's hair's stood on end from the thunder that clasped up ahead. Both the titans picked up speed and raced up the hill, the wind slapping in their faces and pulling at their clothes. Once at the top, a torrent of rain and a boom of thunder echoed across the land, and all the flowers at once sunk back into the ground and darkness blanketed the land again.
Rain slapped against his already soaked clothes as he followed Raven toward the outcrop. Racing across the land he felt his shoes hit the rock as they both entered the cave, water dripping from their clothes, shoes squeaking with protest. Darkness obscured his vision, so he transformed into a dog, shaking the water from his pelt. He heard a cried of anger and saw Raven standing nearby, taking in the water he sprayed. Transforming back into human he gave an apologetic smile, "Sorry Rae."
"Ugh, can you do anything right? And for Azar's sake my name is RAVEN!" She screamed, her hair dripping again from the rain and her cape soaked once more. Beast Boy's ears lowered and he gazed at his shoes, "I said I was sorry…"
"Well that's fantastic Beast Boy. But sorry can't get my clothes dry." Raven snapped and sat down with a squish. She sighed and stripped off her cape, letting it fall in a heap to the ground. Beast Boy watched her wrap her arms around her legs and let out a long breath, her head leaning against her legs, staring outside. He too glanced outside and jumped when another crash of thunder came from the distance. Looking to his shoes he took them off and let the water pour out over the pile of sand he built earlier. He watched the sand turn to mud as he dumped his second shoe. He began to wonder if he should start another fire, then it dawned on him it was raining outside, all the wood will be wet. A flash of lightening lit up the cave and his eyes glanced over at Raven who still sat with her arms holding her legs to her chest.
She looked cold sitting by the wall, her hair still damp from the rain and pond water. His initial thought was to comfort her. He knew without good sleep, she would be exhausted when the sun rises. Maybe they should share the heat? A clasp of thunder sounded and he lowered his ears from the loud noise. Glancing back toward Raven he was about to ask but something held him back… What if she took it the wrong way? Beast Boy swallowed a wad of spit and decided against the idea, better to be safe than sorry. He watched her raise her hand and fiddle with something in her hairline. Squinting he noticed white petals and surprise laced within his body. A flower…? I've never seen her wear a flower before.
"Never knew you were into flowers Raven." Beast Boy voiced, letting one leg fall to the ground with ease as another flash of light escaped in the distance.
Raven tensed and brushed the flower behind her hair, concealing the petals once more. "It was a gift."
Beast Boy tilted his head in curiosity but didn't push the topic, she was obviously keeping a secret he didn't want to know about. But if he had to throw in his money, he would guess the gift came from Xian. Maybe it wasn't the right time to push it. She'll tell him when she's ready, if ever. A sense of dread came over him, she didn't' seem to trust him, but he quickly pushed it away noting it was Raven, he can't control that. She will always have her secrets…just like I will always have mine. He slowly let his hand trace the end of his pocket where his own flower lay.
Looking back to the entrance he watched the torrent of rain slap the rock, drenching the grass outside. His thoughts wandered back to the team he had left behind and a sense of wonder grazed his thoughts as the wind swirled around their cave. He began to think of Cyborg, his best friend. Bet he's still trying to beat my last score on Mega Monkeys. Good luck Tin Man! He smiled and thought of the alien princess and the boy wonder; they were most likely watching a late night movie. Tonight was always the night Starfire got to pick the movie, I hope it's that documentary about fungus again. Beast Boy smirked; he could just see the angst of the boy wonder sitting involuntarily on the couch.
His thoughts began to wander toward the two empty slots left in the tower… Wonder who took over our positions… Another wave of uncertainty passed through his thoughts, what if they were better than him? What if Robin decides that it was best for the team to let him go? What if he isn't strong enough or quick enough? He growled and clenched his fists. He better not think that. If he even dares to exile me, I will haunt him the rest of his life. I deserve to be there, I am just as strong!
"Beast Boy…?" Beast Boy jumped at Raven's voice and he stared at her, his angered thoughts slowly dissipating.
"Not that I really care…but you're emotions are giving me a headache, want to talk?"
He glared at her, Oh now you want to be nice. "Why should I bother telling you if you don't give a shit?" Beast Boy growled.
Raven was taken aback, "Beast Boy…that…that doesn't sound like you at all." She shifted her position and glanced at him with confusion laced within her eyes.
Beast Boy halted in his chaotic thoughts and paused glancing at her what am I doing? I'm letting my anger take control again. Beast Boy let out a sigh and a small forced smile appeared on his features, "Sorry, just a lot of things on my mind."
Raven stared at him, the seconds slowly clocked by and Beast Boy let his smile fall as he glanced at his clenched fists. "It's stupid anyway."
Raven continued to gaze at him with concealed emotion, "Obviously it's bothering you enough to change your personality." She paused, "I don't want you to be like this all night; I need some rest, so spill."
Beast Boy glanced at her and sighed, "I'm just worried about the new recruitments, that's all."
Raven gave a confused look, "You do know they're temporary right?"
"Of course I do! It's just I'm afraid-"he growled, "I'm afraid they will be better than...me."
Raven stared at him, "Why would you say that?"
"Robin and I don't exactly get along most of the time." He sighed, "He always mentions how better I can be, and how I need to pick up my pace," he paused, "that's great Beast Boy but you need to do better, he would say." He growled.
"Robin says that to us all Beast Boy."
"Does he tell you that every time we do an obstacle course or after a battle?"
"Well, no…"
"Exactly…" Beast Boy replied and looked back outside at the torrent of rain.
"Robin won't replace you…" Raven replied, Beast Boy's eyes shot back over, "Oh yeah? Says who? Says you? You have no say so in what he thinks. Hell he was damn ready to put me in jail during the incident with the Beast! Who say he won't do it again!"
Raven was going to reply but Beast Boy interrupted, "Look I know you really don't care about my life and it's something I shouldn't be thinking about, but I am. Give me one reason why I should stay on the team; name me one thing, one thing I do that helps the team!" His voice grew until it was almost at a yell.
Raven stared at him with wide eyes then they softened and she gazed at him until he looked toward her, their eyes caught and they stared at one another for a moment.
"Hope." She whispered. Beast Boy knitted his eyes in confusion and she continued, "You give us hope when everything seems lost. In my opinion that is the most important quality in the team. Without you…we may not be together."
He gazed at her, trying to decide whether or not her words were sincere. When she didn't look away he blinked and gazed at the wall nearby her, letting her words sink in.
"Besides…what would we do without your awful jokes?" She bantered quietly.
He cracked a smile, "Of course, you would all just die without those." He laughed at his sarcasm; even Raven let a small smile barley form from the banter. He wiped his hair down, letting the rest of water spray on the ground.
"Guess you're right. I'm just being silly." He paused and continued to laugh, "I'm a hell a lot stronger then what people perceive me to be. Besides what would the team do without a little light?" A flash of lightening lit up the cave and he snickered, "We can't always be wandering in the dark, a spark of hope is always needed in the time most needed." He closed his eyes feeling his inner happiness sink into his bones. I am strong, fast and deserving to be on the team. No one will forget that.
He opened his eyes and watched Raven turn her gaze away from his form and stare at the storm bellowing outside. She leaned against the stone wall and closed her eyes. Beast Boy watched her breath for a moment then smiled, "Thanks…"
Raven didn't reply, so he turned toward his side of the wall and lay down on his back, staring at the ceiling. He heard the crash of thunder and cringed then closed his eyes after casting a side glace toward his teammate; it's going to be a long night for me.
Hey thanks for reading, glad to see you made it through alright! Leave me a review if you loved it, hated it, or thought it was just ok. Let me know what I can do better or what I should leave out. Have a happy thanksgiving everyone!
**Mai
