5
They hook Jason up to a medical bed, Cyborg running in to monitor his vitals. Cyborg checked his pulse as well as his heart rate and blood pressure, proclaiming he was just suffering from extreme exhaustion. "Just let him get some sleep, he'll be fine by tomorrow," said Cyborg, after making final adjustments, the mechanical teen left, leaving both Beastboy and Raven behind in the room.
For awhile neither spoke, until finally Beastboy looked at Raven and asked, "Rae, do you have any idea what's going on with him?" Raven fixed her gaze on Jason, shaking her head.
"No, I honestly don't. I don't know if he's been trained or is just naturally strong, but his mind is shielded and unless I actually try to force my way into his head, I can't see what's going on." Beastboy strode over and leaned against Raven, wrapping his arms around her waist as he laid his head on her shoulder (he hit a growth spurt a year ago, he was no longer the shortest member, if only slightly).
"Rae, aren't you an empath though? Can you get a feel on his emotions at all?" Raven placed a hand on Jason's arm, and whispered her mantra. But a great red beast appeared over Jason, snapping its teeth at Raven. Both Titans jumped back, but the monster didn't move. It prowled around Jason a few times before slowly fading back into him. Jason's vitals were slightly erratic, his head moving side to side as he laid there.
"What the hell dude!" screamed Beastboy, Raven could only shrug. Beastboy stalked over to Jason, eyes roving for any threat. But all he found was Jason, still unconscious. Shaking his head, Beastboy turned back to Raven. "Um, what the hell was that Rae?" Raven carefully approached Jason, her hand out in front of her.
"Azerath Metrion Zinthos." A faint blue glow appeared and moved slowly towards Jason. When the light hit the unconscious energy user, the red beast appeared again, snarling at Raven, but this time it was bound, green chains covering it. The beast, a dragon, now that Raven could see clearly, snapped at the empath, but could not break the glowing green chains. It watched her with baneful eyes as she slowly approached. She laid a hand on Jason's arm, the dragon struggled but couldn't break free of the chains. Then there was a bright flash of light. The dragon hissed as violet light melted it away, only to be replaced by a strange looking woman. She smiled at Raven, then at Beastboy, and nodded coyly to Raven.
"Raven?" asked Beastboy looked confused, and slightly worried. But Jason seemed fine, in fact, his breathing had evened out and it looked like he was really resting. The violet construct held out its hand to Raven, and as Raven went to touch it, another being appeared.
Just like before, Beastboy jumped back, this time his hands coming up into a defensive position as he pointed. "Seriously what is going on?" Raven stumbled back, surprise written on her features. This new one was green, bright emerald green, but it looked, it looked just like Jason. A bit older, a bit bigger, but Jason all the same. The emerald Jason sent the violet woman a harsh look, pointing at Raven, shaking its head. It turned back to Raven, and its features softened. Sending Raven a small smile, and a respectful head bow to Beastboy, the emerald Jason melted into the real Jason, taking the violet construct with him. Beastboy just stood there. "Um, Rae? Raven?" questioned Beastboy.
Raven didn't answer, just stood there, hand hovering over Jason's arm. Finally she stepped back, shaking her head. "I think that's Jason's powers' way of saying leave it alone," whispered Raven.
Beastboy spared the teenager a look before walking over to his girlfriend. "Leave it alone huh? What were those things?"
Raven shrugged; a quizzical look on her face. "They might be something like my emotions in Nevermore. But I don't know."
Beastboy just shook his head. "So do you have any idea what the different colors mean? Like what the heck was that dragon thing?" question Beastboy, his voice rising slightly as he kept talking.
"I don't know, I think that's the representation of Jason's anger." Beastboy shuddered slightly against Raven. If Jason's anger problems were anything like Raven's, then that red dragon was something best left the hell alone.
One thought still confused the green teenager. "Well what was the older green Jason?"
Raven could only shrug. "I don't have the answers Gar, you'd have to ask him." Beastboy shook his head as they watched the sleeping hero.
He started to smirk slightly before speaking. "I'm confused, not suicidal." Raven let out a small smile at that.
"We'll ask him more when he wakes up." Beastboy nodded, even as they stared at the sleeping teenager.
Several hours after Beastboy and Raven left, Jason shot up, knife appearing in his hand. Construct disappearing as Jason shook his head, the energy user looked around, taking in his environment. Realizing he was in med bay, Jason quietly unhooked himself from the monitoring equipment and stood up. Stretching slightly, Jason left med bay. Seeing the moon high in the night told him it was late, but Jason didn't want to sleep. He had strange dreams, where Raven and, surprisingly enough, Beastboy standing over him and protecting him. Shaking his head, Jason made his way to the roof. Staring out at the moon hanging over the Jump City Bay, Jason finally felt himself relax slightly.
"You are unharmed, most wondrous friend." Jason turned his head to see Starfire sitting on the railing near the edge of the roof. Cocking his head to the side slightly, Jason approached the railing. Starfire returned her gaze to the skyline, as if looking for something.
"It's late Star, what are you doing up?"
"Did you know Boyfriend Robin was trained by the greatest detective in the world? His former master, the Batman, taught dear Robin everything he knows about combat and being a hero." Jason nodded as he followed her gaze over the city. Jason had heard that, even if he didn't have a memory, he saw TV and heard the stories from the other sailors.
"So I've heard."
She nodded, not paying attention. "He is most dedicated to his work and, unfortunately, follows in his master's footsteps a little too closely. He does the disappearing at night when he should do the sleep, protecting this place when these humans don't even know he's there."
Jason turned and stared at the girl. "Why are you awake though?" Starfire shrugged; a small smile on her.
"Love is a curious thing yes? I am stronger, faster and more powerful than dear Robin, yet he makes me feel safe. He is a warrior of supreme skill, yet I worry for him. Yes it is most strange."
"You love him, its natural to worry," replied Jason. Starfire nodded, not really paying attention.
"As you love and worry for Friend Raven yes?" Jason stiffened, not saying anything. Starfire turned and looked at the other Titan, confused by his straight posture and tense muscles. "Do you not love Friend Raven?" Jason shook his head.
"No I don't Star."
"But I have seen you; you relax in her presence more than any other. She makes you smile, and your glow becomes so pretty when she is around. In battle you are filled with righteous fury when a villain hits her, and afterwards you watch to make sure she is alright." Jason looked stunned. Did he really do those things?
"I…it doesn't matter if I do Star. Raven is with Beastboy, and I refuse to cause them any problems." Starfire nodded as she looked back to the sky.
"Yes, this is true. It is noble you choose to put others above yourself, but it is sad. Humans are so noble but enforce such harsh rules on themselves." She went to say more when a distinctive engine roar could be heard. Starfire's smile grew a bit brighter. "And another night he returns." Jason sees the distinctive motorcycle, in flight mode, flying towards the tower. "I wish you luck in figuring out the troubles of the heart Friend Jason." Jason nodded slightly, sending the girl a small smile.
"Thanks Star, I'll talk to you tomorrow." Starfire beamed at him, before retiring. Jason stayed awake a bit longer, staring out into the ocean, when he heard something. Tensing himself, not sure who would sneak up on him, Jason tried to look calm. As the person got closer, he spun, energy blade appearing in his hand. Only to see Beastboy. The green teen surprisingly didn't jump at the energy weapon, just stared at Jason.
"You feeling better?" Jason nodded, clearing his voice awkwardly as he made the blade disappear.
"Yea, sorry for the scare." Beastboy shrugged, walking over to the banister next to Jason. "You're up late."
"It's the nocturnal instincts, they don't turn off sometimes." Jason nodded, both slipping into a peaceful silence.
"You know, not that it's my place, but dude, you really need to start adjusting the way you deal with stuff. Going off and nearly killing yourself, probably not the best idea."
Jason let out a small smirk as he nodded. "No probably not." Beastboy sent Jason furtive glances, before finally speaking.
"Rae can help, with your emotions, if you let her. It's better than just bottling everything and blowing up." Jason sent him a blank look and Beastboy almost gulped. "Just a thought, you know dude?"
"Yea, probably should." The two didn't say anything for awhile, Jason letting the peace of the scenery settle him. Beastboy let out a small yawn as he stretched.
"Think I'm gonna turn in." Jason stood up straight and cracked his back.
"Sounds good." The two walked inside, and as Jason passed Raven's door, he swore he saw a flash of violet, but he just shook his head and walked away.
Jason slept in past noon the next day, stumbling into the common room in the afternoon. Everyone was going about their day, sparing Jason a greeting or two as he stumbled towards the kitchen. A green construct maid appeared, cooking up Jason a meal of bacon, eggs and pancakes.
"Anyone else think that's fair?" Jason smirked at Cyborg, who was glaring in jealously.
"Suck it Cy." The mechanical teen flipped the energy user the bird. Beastboy was frantically playing games, trying to beat Cyborg's high score.
"Jason, good you're awake, I need to talk to you." Jason spun his stool around to see Robin coming in. He had a manila folder in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other.
"What's up?" He sat down at the counter, letting out a sigh.
"The Justice League is having a conference, members from every hero team on the planet are going to be there. I usually go by myself, so that the team isn't too understaffed, but since you're here." Jason gave him a confused look even as his food was placed in front of him.
"Why not take Star, or Cy?"
"Cause its boring dawg!" Beastboy laughed with Cyborg. Robin smiled slightly but shook his head.
"The others already had gone at least once, and I feel this is a good way-"
"To introduce me to the super hero community?" Robin nodded. Jason let out a breath, finally nodding. "Sure, why the hell not." Robin smiled.
"Good, get packed, we leave tomorrow." Jason nodded as he ate. Once he was done, the new Titan disappeared. He packed a few sets of clothes (Robin had filled his closest after the ball) as well as making sure he had a few solid constructs. To be on the safe side, Jason spent his time making braces, incase his muscles give out on him. All this took about three hours. Now he sat in his room, trying to figure out what to do before going to work. That's when he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in," he called, expecting it to be Robin with details for the trip.
"So you are going to the conference?" Jason immediately stiffened. And Raven saw it. Forcing himself to relax, Jason nodded slightly.
"Yea, Rob thinks it's a good way to introduce me to the other super heroes." She nodded as she moved to sit down. Jason shot to his feet, trying to keep as much distance as he could. Raven watched him with a quizzical look. "Where's Beastboy?" Raven sighed as she stood up.
"Waiting for me, I…we wanted to know if you wanted to join us for a meditation session?" Letting a slight breath of relief, Jason nodded.
"Sure, sounds good."
Raven tried to keep the surprise off her face at the acceptance. "Ok then, follow me." She hid her face behind her hood so he couldn't see the smile that had bloomed. Ever since their fight at the ball, and the subsequent falling out, Jason had avoided meditating with Raven and Beastboy. Mostly out of the fear his powers would get out of hand. Leading him to the roof, Jason saw Beastboy was already set up with a small incense burner, as well as a cushion for to sit on. Raven made her way over there, gracefully taking the lotus position while floating. Jason followed, assuming is own. He not nearly as graceful or fluid, but he didn't fall flat on his face, like the first time. Beastboy took his own position and all three began to chant.
Soon Jason felt his spirit leave his body behind. This time instead of a three mast ship, he found himself in what seemed like his old monastery. Again his powers were ringed around him, but they were…different somehow. The red beast had taken on a new shape, a dragon, though that's not what caught Jason off guard. Green had taken the shape of Robin, while Blue had changed to look like Starfire. Indigo transformed into Cyborg while Yellow was Slade, and Orange was Seemore. But most shocking of all, was Violet. Violet had split, one being Beastboy, the other Raven. Jason just gaped at the changes.
He couldn't believe how much the Titans had taken over in his mind. Jason collapsed on the sand, staring around him. Surprisingly enough, it was the violet Beastboy and Raven who helped him up.
"What is going on?" Jason spun, stunned, but like before, his powers did not speak, merely gazed. Shaking his head, Jason tried to make them change, to turn into what they were before.
Despite his best efforts they stayed the same. Confused, angry, and slightly ashamed that his own powers had betrayed him, Jason forced his spirit back to the world of the living. He dropped to the ground in his panic, slamming into the ceiling. Startled by the loud noise, both Beastboy and Raven came out of their own trances.
"Jay dude you ok?" Both appeared at his side, trying to help him up. Panicking, Jason threw both of them back, stumbling backwards.
"I, I, I got to…to go!" Jason turned and fled, coat snapping behind him.