With two of the Titans set up, it's time to set up another. Everyone please applaud the welcome return of Mr. Garfield Logan! Actually it isn't exactly a pleasant return so don't applaud. Stop it. Stop. I said stop. Aw… What's the point?

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Chapter 9:- The Fate Of Garfield Logan

As it is with schools, the news of Dick and Kori's date spread fast. In four days time, every person in the school knew of it. It was welcome however, as it added a little jollity that was missing due to Gar's absence.

Nearly a week had passed since his departure and everyone was wishing for his return. Raven, in particular, had changed in Gar's absence, and seem to lose her ability to smile. But then again, Gar was the only person who could ever make her smile in the first place.

On the Saturday, Vic had a track meet, and everyone attended. Jinx even became a temporary cheerleader for the event, and cheered for Vic harder than anyone else present. Dick and Kori had made a large sign saying 'GO QUICK VIC!' and hoisted it merrily, and almost everyone, except Raven, forgot about Gar's depressing absence. Vic won every race, except one, where he was beaten by a young boy from Keystone City by the name of Bart Allen.

The track meet ended and the friends were celebrating their friend's brilliant performance, when they were approached by Dr. Samuel Register.

"Excuse me. You are Gar's friends., correct?"

Dick turned and answered. "Yes… Dr. Register? You're not due back for another week and a half… Is Gar back?"

"In a matter of speaking…"

"What?" asked Raven.

"Gar is in the hospital."

Kori and Jinx gasped loudly.

"What?" exclaimed Vic.

"No…" said Dick.

"Gar…" whispered Raven.

"He is infected with a rare disease called Sakutia."

"Is there a cure?" asked Dick.

Dr. Register bowed his head. "No."

"Is there anything you can do?" asked Raven, a tone of anxiousness in her voice.

"I have given him experimental medicine to prevent contagion, but as of yet, no."

"Can we see him?" asked Vic.

"No. I have given him the medication, but he may still be contagious. I can't allow you to see him. I will not risk your lives as well."

"Lives?" added Jinx.

"I'm afraid so."

"What about his parents?" said Dick.

Dr. Register bowed his head again. "Dead. Both of them."

Everyone gasped again.

"What happened? Tell us everything," said Raven anxious.

Dr. Register looked at her, then started. "As you know we were in search of the legendary green ape. In three days, we found it. Gar and his mother, Marie climbed a tree, and set up a video camera, as me and Mark - his father - watched from inside a nearby bush. I don't how it did it. But the ape saw Gar and Marie and leaped towards them with feral hostility. Marie - God bless her soul - was knocked out of the tree trying to protect Gar. She broke her neck as she landed, and she died instantly. The ape attacked Gar, biting him on the waist. It probably would have killed Gar if Mark had not shot it several Dickes with his shotgun. He climbed the tree, and carried Gar down, as his son's body seized out of control.
I administered the pills to Gar immediately, but it was too late, and Mark caught the virus. I brought them both back here to the local hospital, where I treated them myself. Yesterday, Mark died from a colossal seizure and heart failure. It's a wonder Gar has lasted this long."

Everyone stood in shock. Kori was certain she saw a tear trickle down Raven's face.

"I'm sorry," said Dr. Register. "I'm doing everything I can… I just felt you needed to know. You are after all, the closest thing he has to a family now."

Dr. Register was silent momentarily, then turned and walked away. Vic stood in shock, Dick also. Kori put her face in her hands, and Jinx stood in silence as a tear trickled down her face. Raven - her eyes wide and her breath coming in gasps - walked off into the distance.

"Raven?" called Dick and began to move after her until Vic stopped him.

"Don't, dude," he said. "She needs to be alone. Now more than ever." And they stood, in stunned silence as Raven disappeared into the shadows.

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Short and depressing chapter… Yay. Next:- Wrapped In The Raven's Wings