Teen Titans copyright DC Comics/Warner Brothers
The Incredible Hulk copyright Marvel Comics
"Baby Mine" and "Beauty and the Beast Prologue" copyright Disney
The Lonely Beast
Chapter 25: The Last Stand
deep within an indian village, Beast Boy and Raven lay fast asleep in their bed
with their now One Year Old son Azari, sleeping in a make-shift crip right next to them.
ever since Galtry's attack in Azarath, the young parents had been pretty "over-protective"
they NEVER let Azari out of their sight, not for ONE MINUTE.
so having him sleep with THEM was essentual (depsite the fact that they hardly got ANY sleep.)
suddenly, Raven shot up screaming.
"NOOOOO!"
this (obviously) woke Beast Boy up.
"Rae, what is it!"
Raven franticly searched around, her scalp covered in sweat.
she looked over at Azari (who was sleeping soundly in his crip)
Raven quickly got out of bed and picked him up as Azari awoke, Raven held him close...almost crying.
"my little boy...your OKAY."
Beast Boy sat up beside Raven, a saddened look on his face.
he finally placed a comforting hand on his girlfriend's shoulder.
"you had the dream again?"
Raven didn't answer him...
she just cried more, rocking her baby in her arms.
"it was...horrible." began Raven, finally
"i saw Trigon...i saw my father.
the world was burning, everyone was gone..."
Raven sobbed, choking a bit.
"and...and, he had him.
Trigon had my son, my little boy...and, he-he..."
Raven broke down in tears, unable to finish.
Beast Boy then hugged Raven, who cried in his chest as she held Azari tight.
"what am i going to do?" said Raven, as she stroked Azari's hair
"it's only been a few months since my sixteenth birthday.
i KNOW Trigon is coming, i KNOW he's going to use my baby for evil..."
Raven shut her eyes tight, tears escaping them.
"and...i STILL have No Idea how to stop this!"
"we're doing all we can, rae." said Beast Boy, trying to be supportive
"we told Karen about this, and the Titans East have already made preperation to protect him for us."
Raven nodded.
"yes, i know...but, will it be ENOUGH?"
Raven finally pulled away and looked at Azari.
the baby looked at his mother with a smile, the cooed at her.
Raven smiled weakly, touching his tiny nose with her finger.
Azari giggled, then grabbed her finger with his tiny hands.
"there was a time where i loved YOU, and nothing else, Garfield..." began Raven
"but, i was wrong: i loved you, AND our son."
Beast Boy looked at Azari and smiled.
"everytime i look at him...i'm reminded of how much i love you.
i remember WHY i left my life as a Teen Titan behind...why i'm HERE with you, in this place."
Raven then smiled as Azari began to suck on her finger.
"Azari is our Greatest Treasure...our GEM.
and, i'd do anything to keep him safe."
Beast Boy nodded.
"so would i, rae."
"he's such a perfect little angel...so sweet and innocent.
how could anyone used him for evil?, who would want to hurt him?"
Azari eventually stopped suckling Raven's finger.
as he looked up at his parents, they smiled at him.
"hey there..." said Raven, in a sweet voice
"mommy loves you."
Beast Boy grinned.
"daddy does, TOO."
Azari began to make some baby noises.
he mumbled, the began to form what sounded like words.
"mmmmm...w-wuuuuv...y-yooou."
Raven and Beast Boy widened their eyes, nearly gasping.
"w-what did you say?" stuttered Raven
Azari looked at his parents and smiled.
"wuv you." said Azari
tears welled up in Raven's eyes, Beast Boy was just stunned.
"he...he said his first word, err...WORDS." said Beast Boy, awestruck
Raven nodded, then smiled.
"and...he said that he...LOVED US."
"you sure he wasn't just repeating what he kept hearing us say?"
Azari finally cuddled up in Raven's arms, resting his small head in her chest.
"wuv you..." said Azari, again
Raven shed tears of joy, then held her son CLOSE.
"no...he meant it, i can tell."
at that moment, the sun began to rise.
as morning light shined thru the window...demonic marking suddenly appeared on Azari's body.
Raven and Beast Boy gasped as the marks glowed faint amber.
"no..." said Raven, in disbelief
both parents hung their heads in grief: Azari was to become Trigon's portal...TODAY.
[Steel City, Afternoon]
Bumblebee tapped her foot impatiently near the front door of Titans Tower.
it had been only half-an-hour since Raven contacted her alerting her that "The Prophecy" was happening TODAY (meaning Azari was in serious danger)
Aqualad had gone to India via the T-Ship to pick them up.
but, every second that Beast Boy and Raven weren't here only made her nervous.
Speedy finally approached Bumblebee, feeling concerned.
"hey..."
Bumblebee looked at the archer.
"you doing alright?"
Bumblebee shrugged.
"i'll feel better once Garth gets back here with BB and Rae."
Bumblebee grumbled to herself.
"i sure hope that "shelter" we built was enough...god help us if it isn't."
Speedy eyes Bumblebee, then approached her.
he then placed his hand on her shoulder.
"what's wrong, Karen?...you can tell me."
Bumblebee frowned, feeling a tear form in her eye.
"i was there when Azari was BORN, "I" help deliver him into this world...
if anything happens to that kid, ANYTHING AT ALL...i-i'm not sure...what i'll-"
Speedy finally embraced Bumblebee, who welcomed the hug.
"it'll be OKAY...trust me."
"i do...more than you'll ever know."
Speedy smiled at her.
THEN, at that moment...the metal doors opened.
Bumblebee and Speedy looked and saw Aqualad walked in, with Beast Boy and Raven close behind.
the two immediatly noticed the "new costumes" that they were wearing.
Beast Boy wore a uniform similair to his old Doom Patrol outfit, only it was WHITE and Purple.
Raven's leotard was now blue (like her cloak) and sported a long loincloth.
she also had Two Jeweled Brouches on her cloak, instead of just one.
Raven was holding a sleeping Azari in her arms who wore a simple brown T-shirt, shorts and little shoes.
Bumblebee and Speedy approached them.
"hey, guys!" said Bumblebee, trying to sound cheerful
Raven was silent, but, Beast Boy just waved.
"hey."
Bumblebee looked at Azari.
"so...how's the little guy?"
"tired." said Raven, in her usual "deadpan" tone
Beast Boy looked at the THREE memebers of Titans East.
"so...where's Mas and Menos?"
Bumblebee sighed sharply.
"off visiting relatives in Brazil...talk about Lousy Timing, huh?"
Raven finally approached Bumblebee.
"i'd like to see the "room" that i requested."
Bumblebee nodded.
"of course, follow me."
Bumblebee turned and walked off, followed closely by the others.
they soon approached a blank wall and stopped there.
Bumblebee glanced back at Raven, then she pressed a hidden panel on the wall.
this activated some hidden electronic device and opened up a hidden doorway.
the group then entered the doorway and walked down a long staircase that led UNDERGROUND.
they then proceeded to walk down a long, metallic corridor that was dimly lit.
Raven noticed some weapons and cameras mounted to the walls and cealing.
currnetly, they were inactive...but, she and Beast Boy figured they WOULD BE soon.
"as you can see, we spared no expense on security..." said Bumblebee, finally
Raven huffed as she held Azari tight.
"a few guns isn't going to stop Trigon's Dark Forces."
"yeah, i know...but, it won't hurt to add them in."
the teens then approached large bulkhead doors.
the doors were sealed TIGHT, and were branded with mystical markings.
"see...just like you asked." begand Bumblebee
"I placed the symbols that you gave me in the places where they'd be most useful."
Raven actually smiled.
"i'm impressed."
Bumblebee grinned as she pressed a button...which opened the doors.
Raven and Beast Boy saw multiple doors opening as thay did, indicating ALOT of bulkhead doors.
Beast Boy whistled.
"wow...you've certainly been a "busy bee."
Bumblebee blushed at the comment/joke.
"i did my best."
the teens continued on their way...
after what felt like a mile or so, they soon reached the end.
before them was a MASSIVE, Mechanical door.
Bumblebee approached the door and punched some numbers rapidly into a nearby console.
the door beeped loudly as it activated.
first an electical energy field deactivated.
THEN, mechanical bolts unlatched from the door.
locks finally pulled from the door and, after a few minutes...it OPENED with a rumbling sound.
Beast Boy and Raven looked inside...and, widened their eyes.
as they all walked inside the room, they found a very "domestic" setting.
the floor had various toys scattered around.
there was a shelf stacked with colorful books.
a small fridge was seen (no doubt keeping some food for both the Baby, AND his parents.)
there was also a bed for two, and a crib with a rocker right next to it.
mounted on the walls and cealing were security cameras which were scanning the entire room like clockwork.
"wow...you really went "all out" with this." said Beast Boy
"well, as long as your all staying here...it might as well be enjoyable." said Bumblebee
Raven exhaled sharply.
"how can i "enjoy" myself...when i know that a maniac is coming after my baby?"
"he WON'T get him...i swear it." said bumblebee, placing her hand on Raven's shoulder
"besides, the whole "portal" thing can only work if the planets are alligned.
so, if we can get through this UNTIL tomorrow...we'll be okay." said Aqualad
Raven exhaled, holding Azari close.
"it's gonna be a LOOOOONG day."
"it'll be FINE, Rae...trust me." began Bumblebee
"this entire place is lined with electronic motion detectors.
so, if anyone comes anywhere near you guys...the guns will blow them away."
"sounds "promising." said Beast Boy
Raven sighed, still unsure about the whole thing.
"i don't know..."
"just leave this to US, Rae...we've got you all covered.
you and BB just stay here, be Good Parents and have faith that things will work out."
Raven looked at Azari...who was still sleeping.
she smiled weakly, then stroked his hair gently.
"yeah...i guess in the End: HOPE, is all we really have."
Raven kissed Azari softly on his head.
Bumblebee nodded, then she and the rest of Titans East left.
the mechanical door then shut tight behind them leaving the young family locked inside...where they were "hopfully" SAFE.
Raven sighed as she approached the bed and sat down on it.
Beast Boy also appoached and sat down right next to her.
he watched as Raven hung her head low, her hood concealing her face.
she held Azari close, keeping her sad eyes trained on HIM.
"rae?"
Raven glanced at Beast Boy...but, kept her eyes on Azari.
Beast Boy placed his hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her.
"rae, it'll be alright...trust me."
Raven remained still...then, finally spoke.
"i do trust you...but, i'm still scared."
a tear fell from her eye as she stroked Azari's hair.
"i have NEVER...been more afraid of ANYTHING...in my entire life."
Beast Boy looked at Raven with concerned eyes.
"so...it's WORSE than the time you watched that monster movie, and your powers made Titans Tower "haunted."
Raven nodded.
"MUCH worse."
Beast Boy finally put his arm around Raven, pulling her close to him.
"it'll be alright rae...i promise.
i won't let Galtry, your dad or anyone else hurt our family."
Raven nodded.
"i know...but, i can't stop worrying."
at that moment, Azari woke up and yawned loudly.
he looked around, then noticed all the toys on the ground.
excited, he began to squeal and flay his arms around.
though Raven hesitated, she let the olive skinned child down.
Azari immediatly ran to the toys and began playing.
Raven and Beast boy smiled warming, leaning against each other as they watched him play.
Azari's giggles seem to only fill their hearts with Joy and Happiness.
for a MOMENT, they forgott about the danger they were in...and, just focused on THIS.
"wow..." began Raven
"i never knew how good it could feel...to me a parent."
Beast Boy nodded.
"yeah...feels GREAT."
Azari giggled, he then morphed into a kitten and starting batting a ball around.
after awhile, Raven finally walked over and picked the light green kitten up.
Azari reverted back to human form and looked at his mother.
Raven pulled back her hood and smiled warmly at him.
"having fun?"
Azari reponded with a happy nod.
"good, now how about a STORY?"
Azari exclaimed happily.
Raven looked at Beast Boy, who immediatly walked over to the bookshelf.
Raven sat down on the bed and waited.
Beast Boy soon returned with a book of fairy tales.
with Azar siting on her lap, she opened the book and turned the pages.
"hmmm...OH!, here's one." said Raven, finding a story
Azari smiled as he looked up at his mommy.
he then looked at the book as Raven read from it.
"Once upon a time...in a far away land.
there was a prince who lived in a shining castle in a forest."
Raven smiled as she glanced back at Azari once or twice.
though she was never really "into" fairy tales...she was willing to swallow her pride for HIM.
she continued reading.
"although he had Everything his heart desired...the prince was Selfish and Unkind.
then, one cold winter's night...an old begger woman came to the castle and, offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the Bitter Cold.
but, the prince was so Vain, that he couldn't see past her "ugly" appearance.
so, he sneared at the simple gift and turned her away."
Raven looked back at Azari, seeing that he was fully interested.
smiling, she returned to the book and continued reading.
"she warned him not to be decieved by "appearances"
because True Beauty is found from within...
but, the prince STILL would not listen and slammed the door in her face.
and, with that...the old woman revealed her true self: a Beautiful Enchantress.
the prince Tried to apologize, but it was already too late.
for the Enchantress had seen that there was NO LOVE in his heart.
as punishment, she transformed him into a Hidious Beast a form she felt suited his "beastly" heart, and cast a powerful spell upon his castle.
ashamed of his monsterous form, he locked himself inside his castle turning it into a prison of his own making, with only a Magic Mirror as his window to the world.
the ROSE the Enchantress had offered...was truely an "enchanted rose"
which would bloom until his Twenty-First year..."
Raven looked at Azari.
"that means until he turned Twenty-One years old."
Azari nodded, Raven then continued reading.
"if he could learn to love another, and earn HER LOVE in return before the last petal fell...THEN, the spell would be broken.
if he failed, then he would be doomed to remain a Beast for ALL TIME.
but, as the years passed...he fell into dispare, and lost all hope.
"for who could EVER learn to love...a BEAST?"
Beast Boy finally smiled, then spoke to Raven.
"i did."
Raven looked at Beast Boy...then, blushed bright red the two parents then noticed that Azari was getting tired again.
"aw, it figures: you tell a kid a story, and they immediatly conk out." joked Beast Boy
Raven smiled as she placed the storybook aside.
she then held Azari in her arms, stood up and began to rock him gently.
Raven began to hum a sweet tune at him.
Beast Boy then KNEW that Raven was about to sing a lulliby.
"baby mine...shut your eyes." began Raven, singing sweetly
"baby mine...close your eyes.
rest your head, close to me heart, never apart...baby of mine."
Raven hummed sweetly as she rocked the now drowsy Azari back-and-forth.
Beast Boy just smiled as he watched this (he always knew that Raven would be a Loving mother.)
Raven then continued singing to Azari
"Little one...when you play.
don't you mind what others say...
let your eyes, sparkle a shine NEVER a tear, my baby of mine..."
Raven finally laid Azari in a cradle.
she hummed as she place the covers over him, sat down and gently rocked his cradle.
she continued to sing to him.
"If they knew, sweet little you...
they'd end up, loving you too...
all those same people that scold you they'll never know, the joy to hold you."
Raven smiled as Azari fell asleep, breathing softly.
despite this, she continued her song...as if she needed to.
"From your head, to your toes...
you not much to them, goodness knows...
but, your precious to ME cute as can be, sweet baby of mine."
Raven reached out her hand and gently stroked Azari's head.
she then leaned over and gave Azari a soft kiss on his cheek.
"i love you, my son...ALWAYS." whispered Raven
Raven pulled away.
she then leaned against Beast Boy, sighing happily.
"thank you, gar."
"for what?" asked Beast Boy, confused
"for giving him to me...you and him have made me So HAPPY."
Beast Boy smiled as he touched Raven's face.
"all i ever wanted...was to make you smile."
Raven smiled, she then kissed him softly on his lips.
"you succeeded."
[Meanwhile, Elsehwere in Titans Tower]
the Titans East stared at the security monitors: both OUTSIDE, and INSIDE.
Bumblebee just sighed forlornly, a happy look on her face as she watched BB and Rae.
"isn't that the sweetest thing you EVER saw?" said Bumblebee, finally
"oh, y-yeah...SWEET." said Speedy, obviously feeling "uneasy"
Bumblebee smiled as she watched Azari sleep on the monitor.
"i wonder what it would be like to have a kid." thought Bumblebee, outloud
Speedy choked at this.
"uhhh...w-well, i-"
"you think "I" would make a good mommy, someday?"
Speedy relaxed, then smiled.
"Bee...you'd make a good mom ANY day."
Bumblebee blushed.
"thanks Speedy."
Speedy smiled.
then, Bumblebee gently nudged him.
"and, YOU would make a good "daddy", too."
at that moment, Speedy blushed REDDER than his costume.
"wa-WHAT!"
Bumblebee snickered at the boy.
"uh-oh..." said Aqualad
Bumblebee and Speedy looked at their teammate.
"what?"
the teen atlantean pointed at the monitor OUTSIDE.
all three looked and gasped at what they saw.
standing right outside their Tower was GALTRY.
and, with him was an army of Fire Demons and Red Robed Humans.
"he's HERE." said Aqualad, darkly
Bumblebee narrowed her eyes, then charged her stingers.
"then, let's give 'em HELL.
cuz' NOBODY is taking Azari ANYWHERE."
Speedy nodded as he drew out his arrows.
"got THAT right."
[Outside The Tower]
Galtry smirked as he looked at the mountainside Tower befor him.
he looked to the Scath Cultsmen and Fire Demons and grinned evily.
"tear this entire place apart if you have to..." began Galtry
"one way or another...that Brat is leaving with US.
then, Trigon will finally cross over and Wipe This World CLEAN."
the cultsmen grinned, while the Demons just growled Galtry then looked up at the sky, and smiled at the sun's approaching "Eclipse."
"ahhh...it's a GOOD DAY, for the "End of the World."
Author Note: For this chapter, I focused MORE on Azari and Beast Boy and Raven's LOVE towards him...
that way, you'll feel BB and Rae's pain once Galtry tries to take him.
yes, I decided to have BB and Rae wear the costumes of their Comic Book Counterparts
(i figured they'd look Cooler in them, and symbolize that they've changed since their days as Robin's Teen Titans)
I also had Bumblebee's version of the "safehouse" be more Lethal as apposed to Cyborg's version from "The End"
my reason being that "Bee" helped to build the H.I.V.E. Academy when she was a Spy
so I figured that when Bumblebee builds a safehouse for Azari...she'll REALLY go all out with the Weapons and Security.
in other words: I think that Bumblebee MAY be Smarter than Cyborg.
I know Mas y Menos are spanish (and, as such: going to Brazil wouldn't make sense)
but, in THIS story: the twins have "distant relatives" that live in Brazil (you figure it out)
yes, the story Raven read to Azari Is INDEED "Beauty and the Beast"
I chose it, because in a weird way...the story parallels the BBxRae relationship a bit
(BB himself explains what I mean by this when he spoke to Raven.)
and, is it POSSIBLE to make a story so heartwarming that it can make the author writing it CRY?
because, I gotta be honest: writing the "baby mine" scene
(based on Dumbo, but "altered" a bit for this story) make my eyes get moist for a moment.
and, YES...I do think that Raven (despite being a dark and morbid character) CAN be a good mother.
Next Chapter will be the actual battle for Azari...who will win?