Minor language warning for a few parts in this chapter. :) I also wanted to say thanks to all my readers who have reviewed and encouraged me on this story. This is by far the most challenging piece to write and I believe this chapter, by far is one of my best. I hope you think so too. I also must apologize for my last chapter...it was a bit embarrassing, because it was written quickly and sloppy in my opinion. But this chapter is to make up for it I hope.

Hope you enjoy the story and like always I only own Xian, Shadow and other characters along the way.

Chapter 10

Something inside him snapped, feeling his bones line up as he kicked off from the ground. His black paws outstretched toward the darkening pathway, almost creating an eerie look. The trees that bore no leaves intertwined with one another up into the skies. There was little light that found its way to the floor; the most that did created patches, as if shining down from the havens. There was no life that he could hear…nothing rustled past as he dug his claws into dirt and nothing raced away from his paws.

The only sound that Beast Boy heard was his sudden spike in breath and the desperate cry from Shadow begging him to slow down. But her scream was nearby; he could hear her voice… Raven's voice, it was to his left…no…to his right. Beast Boy skidded in the crumbled leaf litter that trashed the ground and looked to and fro. Ears perked he heard movement on his right and scampered to the appropriate direction.

Pushing back branches that slapped him in his face and sliding on black rot he pushed through the continuously growing dead growth, the light growing dimmer and dimmer. His breath came to gasps, and the light almost completely vanished, just a patch far away to light up the area. A scream came again, but much closer and Beast Boy skidded in the wet, dark leaves, kicking up dirt to slow himself down. He looked to his left than his right- the light so dim it was hard to see at all.

"Beast Boy…"

Beast Boy turned around, head snapping to his right, the shadows so thick he could barely see the figure that called out to him. But that voice sounded familiar. Something spiked in his heart and he felt his paws turn into cold lead. Padding up closer her tried to see the figures face.

"I missed you Beast Boy…"

Beast Boy stood motionless, seeing a strand of blonde hair fall in front of a bright blue eye, full of tears. His whole world stopped, his breath caught in his throat and he could feel his fur stand on end. Transforming back to his original self he just stood there, staring at the girl he thought was dead all this time.

"Terra…?"

There was a smile in return and Beast Boy took a step closer, but still far enough away to where he couldn't touch her. She moved slightly, rubbing her arm down and something crusted and fell to the floor with a bang. Beast Boy took a hesitant step back in surprise, seeing bits of stone rolling toward his sneakers.

"No…please don't be afraid!" she spoke, raising one of her gloved hands. "I…I have been like this for a long time and I'm so lonely…" there was a sniff, a tear rolling down her check. "I'm not sure what is happening to me Beast Boy…"

Beast Boy felt his mouth go dry and watched the tears roll down her checks, something pinched his heart deep inside and he felt his world begin to turn again. But the forest that surrounded him was beginning to melt, seeing the girl he had fell in love with…standing in front of him…alive.

"Terra…you're alive…and…" he paused tried to get his thoughts in order, but Terra interrupted with a small laugh, "I know…it's hard to understand, I don't get it either…"

There was a silence between them as Beast Boy slowly processed the information, he watched a strand of her hair blow across her eyes and he fought the urge to pull it away and instead stood where he was. Something didn't feel right.

"Can…can I see you, in the light?" Beast Boy asked, choosing his words slowly, glancing at the shaft of light that was a couple steps away from her.

She stared at him for a moment then quietly walked toward the light that poured between entwining brown branches, way above the two titans. Pieces of stone rolled away as she moved and Beast Boy watched them bounce with a clatter.

As the light hit her body he immediately noticed the difference between the Terra he once knew and the one standing in front of him. Across her shoulders and down her arms lays bits of stone that covered her soft skin. They were cracked in many places and he watched a bit on her right shoulder crumble as she moved, falling to the floor. Suddenly he remembered her death…and how she was turned into…

"I'm ugly…I get it, you can stop staring." Terra snapped, glancing at the ground, tears boiling at the edges.

"No…No, that's not it, you're just different from…" He began and stopped feeling his throat choke up and no words came out.

"Different from what you once knew? I'm not that same girl anymore Beast Boy…" She paused and glanced up, her tears no longer in sight.

Her shoulders stiffened and Beast Boy felt his muscles clench, uncertainty flowing through his veins. But yet, staring at those big, blue eyes gave him a longing he hadn't felt in months. That same feeling he felt with her…knowing that someone wanted him…no...Someone wanted to be with him; for him. Not as a titan…not as a teammate. But for someone to just be with, have fun and be himself without judgment. His heart longed for that feeling to return, to have his friend back in his arms. To tell her he would be with her for the good and the bad; to never let go. His heart clenched and he felt his eyes close in pain. Why….why did she have to die?

"Why did you leave me?" Terra suddenly accused and Beast Boy's eyes snapped open and he stared at the anger that flowed in her blue orbs. He was taken aback and felt something die a little inside him.

"I thought it was ok..?" he began. "You told me to leave, I didn't want to, you said-"

"I said? And you didn't once think about what would happen? Did you think I would be happen encased in stone the rest of my life, watching people walk by me, gawking at me until I was released?" Terra cried out, bits of stone crashing to the ground and Beast Boy backed up, taking quick steps to avoid colliding with the speeding bullets by his feet.

"I…um..." Beast Boy started…unable to process anything in his mind.

"No, because deep down you really only cared about yourself and your own skin!" She yelled, throwing her arms in the air, sending rocks cascading in the sky toward him. Beast Boy backed up even more, tripping on a root behind him, causing him to collapse on the ground. He caught himself with the back of his hands, scrapping up his gloves in the process.

"That's not true!" He screamed in response after sitting himself up, tears of anger daring to escape.

"If you really cared you would have stayed or saved me!" She screamed; the whole forest began shaking and Beast Boy stayed on the ground, fearing his would lose his balance if he stood again. He could hear the moan of the branches and he cringed, seeing shadows dance around his eyes. He heard the cracking of the earth under his feet and he crouched down on his knees and covered his ears, drowning out her continual screams of anger and spite toward him.

"Stop it Terra, stop!" He cried out, feeling anger welling deep inside him. It swirled and filled his veins. You don't understand! No one ever understands! Something inside began to stir and he felt his hairs stand from sudden adrenaline. He could feel his muscles strain and his bones cracked from deep inside. His breathing escalated and Beast Boy could feel his control slowly starting to slip away. Where am I…? Who am I…I am…Beast Boy…Titan….I…He could feel the anger pulsing deep in his veins and he let out a growl of warning, fighting to stay in control.

Suddenly the earth stopped shaking and Beast Boy heard the faint tears of the girl he once loved and his thoughts quickly snapped back into place. Glancing up he uncovered his ears, his breathing rough and heart beating a mile a minute. Beast Boy could feel his heart rip apart seeing her knelling against the ground opposite of him, defeated. She glanced up at him, catching each other's eyes she whispered: "I thought you loved me..?"

"Beast Boy..!"

Beast Boy looked up, anger boiling, tears daring to crash onto the ground. His claws clenched forward as he spun around, lashing out at the sudden intruder who had grabbed ahold of his shoulder. Eyes burning with hate he snarled, as if rabid- teeth bared for battle.

There was quick movement and a sudden voice, "Whoa! Friend…not foe; Relax…" there was a pause and Beast Boy shook his head, snarling at the shadow that stood above him, he vaguely heard the voice again, "clear your mind Beast Boy."

Beast Boy took in a breath and closed his eyes, feeling his world suddenly sliding back in place. Opening them again he found himself back in the forest, surrounded by the dense branches that weaved all around the area, forming shadows that dyed the forest black. Glancing up he slowly got to his feet, feeling his mind slowly gaining familiarity once again. There was a figure ahead of him and he knew immediately the face as he skimmed his eyes over the blue hair tossed around his head.

But his interests were directed elsewhere for the time being. Glancing to and fro he tried to catch sight of where Terra had vanished. She was nowhere to be seen, not a trace of her scent left. His heart felt heavy with sadness and a desperate search of his eyes lashed out at every direction. He turned around gazing left and right with no luck.

"Girlfriend issues..?" Xian chuckled behind him and Beast Boy paused in his search, glancing behind him he turned and felt a growl rise in his throat and suppressed it. Daggers were thrown toward the Azarathians direction, feeling anger bubbling under his skin again. Traitor…

"Fuck off." Beast Boy spat and Xian's eye brows rose in curiosity, but didn't rebuttal the comment. He simply gazed around the forest for a moment before landing back on Beast Boys who continued to stare at him, challenging his gaze like a wild cat would for battle.

Xian gave him a confused look before continuing, "Where were you? I thought you were right behind me earlier."

Beast Boy continued the stare, feeling his final deep breath fill his lungs, calming his nerves. Clenching his fists he snarled, "You left me alone in this forsaken forest you twit!"

Xian frowned and gazed at him with a thoughtful look. "Hm..." He began and looked up toward the tops of the branches, vague light managing to find its way to the floor.

"Oh…I understand…" He chuckled again, clapping his hands together with emphasis. Glancing back toward Beast Boy he threw he hand out and moved it to the side, "This forest is…well…not for the weak of heart." He paused, "I believe I had told you that yesterday…did I not?"

Beast Boy frowned but didn't reply and Xian continued, "The shadows are not always what they seem to be. You must have mistaken me for someone… or something else…" he paused glancing at the darkness that surrounded the pair. "Once you fall behind, the shadows will drive you mad…the forest can eat you alive." He smirked, "If you're not careful, the darkness will lead you astray the farther you travel here."

Must be why I felt so strange until I hit that cave…

Beast Boy stared at him then glanced at the shadows that danced around the roots near his sneakers and he lifted them each separately for security. He heard Xian continue, "Good thing I was here. You seemed to be in quite the situation, making such a loud fuss, screaming some girl named Terra from here to kingdom come."

Beast Boy felt something drop inside him, realizing the hard truth he didn't want to hear. Terra isn't alive… he sighed glanced at the shoe laces that were covered in mud. He felt his fist slowly unclench, understanding settling in his heart. I knew it all along…I just don't want to accept it.

He felt Xian's gaze on him and saw his shadow cross his path, closer to him. "You were…close to that girl you were calling for?"

Beast Boy took in a breath closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind of her image that filled his heart.

He felt a pressure on his shoulder and his eyes snapped open to see Xian standing, gazing at him with an expression he couldn't quite read.

"I'm sorry. "

Beast Boy was caught off guard and he gave him a funny look. Xian ignored his expression and continued, "Things are different around here. Things you want to forget are never gone…not here. Do your best to hide it but it will always be uncovered." He sighed as if thinking of something that haunted himself, "You just have to stand up one day and face it. Face the reality." He nodded and released his grip, taking a couple steps back and looking toward the sky, deep in thought.

Beast Boy glanced at him feeling something deep settle deep inside. This place was full of secrets and he has yet to even scratch the surface. Soon his attention was dragged back to the forest. Why did he have that vision…more specifically, why did he see Terra?

"Do you know why I was able to see and hear someone…who I thought was gone forever?"

Xian took in a breath and glanced toward him, his gaze serious, "There are myths about this forest Beast Boy; but no one really knows the true answer." He stretched his arms and looked around the area, "Some of my people call it a curse, others suggest that it is a way for our planet to fight back and we are being punished for our deeds." He chuckled, "then there are those who believe in the afterworld…that Shades of those who have long left this word still roam these woods…preying on any individuals they come in contact with."

Beast Boy scratched his head, looking to his right, feeling chills drive down his spine, "What do you think?"

Xian laughed, "What do I think?" He looked over at the green titan and frowned, looking back toward the cracks between the branches of the trees.

"I think there is something bigger out there. Something we don't yet understand… and probably never will."

Beast Boy hugged his arms, feeling his hairs stand on the thought of the strange mystery of the forest. Suddenly he remembered the reason he was here; that scream. Was that all in his head too? Or did that actually happen..? It was all so confusing he felt as if his brains were going to explode from his head any moment.

"Did you…did you hear anyone scream? Or was that just in my head too?"

Xian had moved to his side, a sharp rock was seen in his right palm and Beast Boy watched him walk toward a nearby leafless tree and slice a sharp line on the side, once up then another across; creating a sloppy X in the bark. Not looking back as he continued toward the next tree he replied, "I didn't hear anything."

After slicing another tree he looked back toward the silent green titan who was watching him with keen eyes and continued, "Why? Did you hear someone? That girl in your dreams perhaps..?"

Beast Boy frowned, realizing that Xian was speaking the truth…if not he was good at covering it up. He really must not have heard it. Raven's scream was in his head as well as the vision of Terra.

Shaking his head he replied, "I thought I heard Raven scream."

Xian paused and lifted an eyebrow, "Yeah?" Beast Boy nodded and Xian smirked, "Not surprised…some of our worst fears and regrets are brought out in this forest."

Beast Boy stared at him, curious at where he was getting at. Why would he be afraid of hearing Raven? Unless it was the prospect of her being injured…tortured…or worse. Perhaps that was a fear too, something he had yet to realize.

I am pretty protective of my friends…it's not like I have a lot anyway…

Beast Boy almost jumped out of his skin, hearing Xian slice another tree in the distance with his sharp tool. Frowning he took a few steps toward him and asked why he was putting an X on some of the trees nearby.

"Leaving a trail, anyone could get turned around in a place like this." He backed up and looked at his handiwork then pocketed the stone, "this way I know I won't be going around in circles." He paused, "How did you make your way here anyway kid?"

Beast Boy shrugged, "Dumb luck I guess." Suddenly the picture of Shadow came to mind and he felt himself mentally face palm.

Crap, I completely left him behind…

Looking behind and around him he didn't see any sight of the little black pup. He felt worry nip at his emotions but quickly pushed them away, he was born here. Shadow would have an easier time finding his way through these woods than he would. Wishing he knew which way he had come from, Beast Boy felt guilt prick deep inside.

I'll find you again, just give me time Shadow…or even better…come find me!

Xian glanced at him, "Well, that's some luck. Surprised you haven't lost your mind yet. Usually only those who are born on Azarath can withstand these woods."

Beast Boy caught eyes with him and shrugged, "Guess you can call me Lucky."

Xian gave him a look as Beast Boy caught up with him, "Where are we exactly?"

Xian smirked then looked around, "We're at the edge of the forest…near Darkness."

"Darkness..?"

Xian smiled, "Yup; where I live…well…used to live." He paused and sighed, "I believe they took Raven here for the time being…it's not quite night yet so I don't expect anything unusual to happen until then."

"So you're saying she's alright?" Beast Boy squeaked in surprise.

Xian raised an eyebrow, "Yeah kid, I'm sure she's fine for now." He squinted his eyes, looking up ahead, "You only have to worry when the sun disappears from the horizon."

He snickered, "That's when the real danger begins."

Beast Boy's eyes widened, "You mean it hasn't begun yet?" He threw his arms in the air defiantly, "Dude; I've ran from large carnivorous birds of prey, and killed a spider that was well over 5 feet and you're telling me that the danger hasn't even started?"

Xian laughed some more, the light bouncing off his clothes as they walked under a light patch, "That's what I said; you'll know what I mean when Darkness comes." He paused in his laughter, "That was just child's play, the real fun is about to begin."

Beast Boy stared at him and felt a ball of spit roll down his throat and he shifted the backpack that bore down on his back.

"So…Why are they after Raven?"

Xian spared him a side glance, "That is not something for just anyone to know Earthling."

Beast Boy felt annoyance crawl up his skin, "Cut the crap Xian, if I'm here to help then I need to know why." Beast Boy growled, tired of hearing him dodging his questions.

"Feistier than you look." He chuckled, "But there is little I can say. I am bound to not tell the secrets of Azarath by my life." He smirked seeing Beast Boy's expression, "Surprised? Don't be. We are all slaves here on this planet, it should be expected young Titan of Earth."

Beast Boy huffed, "So you can't tell me a thing? Not even if Raven was in mortal danger?"

Xian shook his head, "I would know if she was in mortal danger. I may have been exiled from my clan, but I still know their traditions." He smiled, "In fact, tomorrow is a special ceremony for my people, I'm sure you will find their joyous festivities to your liking."

Beast Boy rolled his eyes in doubt and Xian continued, "But I doubt we will be here long enough for that…" There was a break in the shadows and Beast Boy raised his arm to defend himself of the sun blaring in the sky. From a glance it looked to be a little past the afternoon, close to the evening hours.

"How come..?"

"Because, green teen, we're rescuing Raven tonight." Xian declared; pulling back a final branch to reveal a large path of dirt stretched far ahead of the two males.

Beast Boy blinked and gazed at the large patch of land stretched ahead of them. Sections of homes surrounded the large patch of dirt that stretched as wide as a couple football fields. He noted the various trees that stretched across the path- none of which bore any leaves so they resembled more of toothpicks than anything else. Something else also caught his attention right away, the place was completely deserted.

"Where is everyone?" Beast Boy spoke, watching a pile of dirt lift up in the wind and blow away with the breeze.

"Hunting, gathering…the usual…" Xian replied curtly and gazed around, "around this time many of the creatures are tiring down, perfect time for the kill."

Beast Boy gazed at him and didn't reply feeling his animal instincts spike from the word kill that rolled off his tongue.

Glancing back toward the field of dirt he saw something shift near a home that was neatly built out of branches and dirt. Squinting his eyes he saw a figure tied at the bottom of the nearby tree, he immediately recognized the violet hair and smudged blue cloak that hung off her shoulders.

"There…I see her." Beast Boy exclaimed to Xian who knelt nearby against a rock covered in moss.

"Where is she?" Xian asked, looking toward where Beast Boy was gazing.

"Across the way…tied from the looks of it…." He paused, "She doesn't look conscious."

"I see her…" He paused in thought glancing around the area warily, "Shit."

"We need a plan to get past…" Xian continued, but Beast Boy barely heard him, for he was already stepping out from the woods, transforming into a fox and headed toward her direction. Not having to worry about anyone in his line of sight, his transformation was a risk he could take. Honestly he just wanted something quick to reach her.

"Wait, where are you going? We don't have a plan you moron!" Beast Boy vaguely heard before reaching the beginning of the dirt path, the dust flying up on each paw step; growing faster in pace as he trained his eyes on his teammate.

Looking back at Xian he saw his shadow kneel farther in the woods, hiding himself in the bushes, refusing to join him.

We don't have time for a plan, coward!

Turning back around he felt his fur stand on end as a cold chill whipped through his bones and Beast Boy shook his fur to rid of the sudden exposure he felt racing across this barren land.

Stop where you are!

Beast Boy skidded in the dirt, fear pricking in his mind, his paws flailing before coming to a halt. Gazing to his sides he felt the prick of his mind course through his body and expand his senses. The voice came again, and felt his ears cast to the sides in uncertainty.

Come to the left toward the well…come on don't just stand there, hurry up Stranger!

Beast Boy smiled, suddenly recognizing the urgent voice flowing in his head. Looking to his left he spotted the well and quickly scampered toward the water well, dust rising behind him in his hurry.

Keep your head low Stranger…lower!

Beast Boy lowered his head and found himself behind the well, noting the dry crusted mud that covered the outside. It must not have been in use for days.

Shadow! I was hoping to hear you again, I'm sorry for leaving like that I-

It's ok…I'm used to it, the forest is scary sometimes, I run too

Beast Boy smiled, encouraged that he was not angry for his sudden absence back in the woods. Even though he didn't run because he was frightened, the little pup didn't need to know the true answer why.

There. Now wait…five…four…

Shadow! What is it? I don't see anything! Beast Boy exclaimed looked back and forth behind the mud crusted well but he only saw the dust rising from the gentle breeze. Lifting his ears he didn't hear anything either. Perhaps he should transform into something smaller, like a mouse or a fly… Beast Boy lifted his head just a tad above the well and looked over to where Raven sat tied. She was still quite a distance away, perhaps a quarter mile. He would need something faster than a fly to reach her. He couldn't just wait; anything could happen in the next few minutes. He just couldn't take that chance, not with her.

They are Darkness…your eyes aren't trained like mine and your friend…your friend knew, he stayed behind. Follow me Beast Boy and I'll help!

But I don't see you…

There was a ringing laugh of innocence in his head and Beast Boy lowered his ears, his body quivering from the sudden sound.

You don't have to see me…to follow me, here let me share my eyes.

Beast Boy felt a cold sensation travel from his spine across his back and up his skull. His brain felt as though it was contorted as something prickled, like an itch deep inside. He closed his green orbs and saw colors explode under his lids as if a part of a fireworks display back at the Titan's tower. A wave of heat flowed from his head back down to the tip of his paws and he opened his eyes; his vision vastly different from his own. Shadows danced on the side of his eyes while colors exploded in front of him. It was like watching an hd color television with the sides still black and white.

Shaking his head to rid the wave of dizziness that rolled over him he turned to his right to see a small puddle the size of his paw. Glancing down he saw the blood red eyes that stared back up at him. Beast Boy smiled and he suddenly felt fear prick seeing the fangs attached with his new eye color.

He's over there…up ahead to the right, right by one of the hunter's dens.

Beast Boy flicked his ear at his image then glanced up, lifting up again to look across the way toward where the pup had stated. Blinking he saw something dark phasing in and out near a home. It was walking toward an alleyway, carrying some sort of weapon that bounced on its hip. But because of his angle he couldn't get a good look of his front, only seeing the swirling black that flowed across his or her back.

"Hello ugly." Beast Boy chuckled, watching him disappear between the homes not too far from where he sat.

Here's your chance. Move now! Be quick, as if the gates of fire were after you!

Beast Boy flicked his tail and leaped on the edge of the well and jumped to the other side landing in the dirt that dusted his dirty green coat. Taking quick steps he glanced over to where the figure had disappeared from between the homes and saw only darkness. Looking back ahead he raced over toward his teammate.

It took only a minute for him to reach her and when he did he saw her cloak, ragged and dirty, as if it was dragged in the dirt. She was tied similarly to what Xian was earlier, bonded around the bottom of the trunk. Staring at her Beast Boy felt a wave of pity wash over him. Her face held a look of exhaustion, smudged black and brown from the trek across the woods no doubt. Strands of her violet hair had fallen over her closed eyes, head tilted forward from gravity. She looked almost defeated, just sitting there silence in a trance. Transforming back to his original self and eyesight he kneeled down and pulled the hairs away from her face and sighed seeing the bruise laced under her eye.

There was a snap behind him and Beast Boy turned, seeing a little boy with rags standing in the doorway of the nearby home. Beast Boy turned around completely and slowly stood up, hands raised at the curious red eyed stare. The boy looked familiar, rags hug down to his knees, the color brown splattered across the child's flank and feet. Lifting his right hand he put a finger to his lips in hope he would stay quiet. The kid glanced at him, then as if losing interest turned back to a pile of dolls that seemed to be made of straw. Knelling down the child began to play again, his voice soft to his ears.

Feeling a sudden breeze Beast Boy turned to see Xian taking in large breaths, leaning against the mud made homes- he must have ran in one fast sprint.

"Do you have a death wish?" Xian hissed, taking in a final deep breath and exhaling quietly.

Beast Boy shrugged, "Didn't want to waste any time."

"You don't know what's out here; Next time you won't be so lucky." He retorted.

"Hopefully there won't be a next time." Beast Boy replied curtly, turning back to where Raven lay, still tied up and unconscious. The two boy's stood there for a moment, staring at her defenseless form.

"She looks so helpless…I've never seen her like this." Xian commented.

Beast Boy glanced at him, "I have once…" He paused seeing Xian's baffled expression, "I didn't tell you that though." He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, "I mean it was her birthday and all…" he paused seeing Xian's confusion, "Never mind you just had to be there."

Xian blinked, not bothering to ask, "Ok, enough chat, we need to get her to safety."

Beast Boy nodded in agreeance and quickly walked to the back of the tree and untied her, her body falling into a more relaxed state. Beast Boy and Xian stared for a moment before glancing at one another, "Do you-" Beast Boy began. Suddenly his mind was prickled and a yell echoed inside his mind, making him gasp and hold his head with surprise.

Beast Boy get out of there now! Run!

Beast Boy jerked his head up and around the area, fear prickling down his spine. Off in the distance near the homes to his left something seemed to almost catch in the sunlight. But nothing else caught his eyes, glancing at the moving sparkles he felt uncertainty nip at him.

"What is that?" Beast Boy asked, pointing toward the distance.

There was a tug and his attention veered back to Xian who had pulled him closer to him and Raven who still sat unconscious on the ground. He turned his head, a look of annoyance crossed his features, "Damn. Not you again..."

Pulling himself forward he stood slightly in front of Beast Boy, staring at the dust glittering in the air he snapped, "Get Raven out of here, head toward the West, I'll distract this loser." Without waiting for Beast Boy's affirmative, Xian took off toward the direction of the threat; Though Beast Boy had no idea why it was such a threat.

Shadow, I don't understand what I'm seeing…

There was a prick in his mind and Shadow's reply, you are in your human form Stranger, and my eyesight does not work for that species.

Beast Boy cursed under his breath and shifted the backpack on his back and quickly transformed into a tiger, feeling the straps tighten under his arms. Sensing as though it may break he quickly reverted back to his human form and took off the backpack. Reaching toward Raven he lifted her arms and delicately placed the bag back on her back.

Tightening the straps he heard Xian shout, "Come at me if you dare you coward! Let's see who is the strongest on this planet!"

There was a vibrating scream and Beast Boy covered his ears, feeling as though they may bleed from the screech. It sounded as though metal was scraping up against a chalkboard and it made his stomach turn and teeth grind. Wasting no more time he transformed back to his tiger form and kneeled down until lifting Raven up on his back, balancing her with a couple jumps. Looking back toward where Xian was, he watched him run quickly back toward the forest, he could hear the grinding as he was followed from behind.

After a minute passed by and the screams were farther in the forest he took his chance and darted toward the other end of the woods, feeling Raven's weight shift at every leap he took in his wildcat form.

"Shadow! Where are you hiding?" He called out, a cry of a tiger forming his lips.

Realizing he probably couldn't understand him, he let his mind open, where are you Shadow?

Here, here come this way!

There was a darkened pelt that raced past up ahead in the edge of the wooded area and Beast Boy raced toward the moving shadow. Paws digging in the dirt he lifted his shoulders, ensuring Raven was still safely on his back. Reaching the edge of the forest he skidded to a halt and gazed around, spotting a pair of red eyes staring at him from the darkening trees.

I'm in here Beast Boy

Beast Boy smiled and padded forward toward the blood colored orbs. Turning to look around Shadow padded to the side and turned to him, we need to keep moving it's not safe here Stranger.

Beast Boy nodded, I'll follow you...

I know, I know everyone is raving, where's the Beast! Do not fret readers…everything good always comes to those who wait… This story is larger than you think and while seeing his past is emotionally hard…there is something more that will test his will. Something…he may not be capable of controlling…but what is it? :P Is it seeing Raven hurt? Or perhaps it is his own life in danger? Maybe it's neither…

So yeah...this is the longest...most strenuous chapter I have ever made. Period. You better enjoy it, cause I spend a whole week working on this. :P Seriously though let me know how you feel. I really thought about separating these into two chapters but I couldn't find a good enough spot to do it on so I just thought...heck lets just make the longest chapter ever made in history and wallah! Review if ya want they are always appreciated.

Mai is out, peace :)