Chapter 1-Living Dead
Four months had passed since his tragedy—both of them really: the Twin Towers, the kidnapping, the betrayal…It was hard to believe that much time could pass so slowly…
The stench of mildew was almost more than he could bear. The smells of the past, of fear, of pain, and of despair followed him like the shadow of death itself. As hard as he tried, sleep would not come. Screams haunted him, silently hunting him down and destroying every morsel of sanity remaining in his mind, pushing him to the brink of falling though the dimension that he once knew as life to the fiery depths of insanity. As he lay in silence, he shed a tear, trying in vain to forget his past; to forget what it was like to be outside, to have friends—to live.
Why haven't they come for me? Why won't they rescue me from this—whatever it is? They haven't even tried to reach me through my com-link. If they had, Slade would've done something to me. As punishment. Even though there's nothing I can do about it. Beast Boy wept silently as he thought. I thought they were my friends. I don't even know how long I've been here; I don't even know what time of day it is. All I want, more than anything, is for my friends, the Titans, to come and save me. But they won't. And Slade—he stopped. He couldn't think of Slade; it was too painful. The burden of the things he knew, the things he saw, what Slade could—and would, for that matter—do…it was more than he could manage.
An alarm sounded urgently throughout the building. Beast Boy sat up on the thing he had called a bed for four months (Note to Self: If you've ever been to Hot Springs, North Carolina and stayed in the cabin resort in that little town, this mattress thingy is like those black things you have to sleep on. Very uncomfortable.) and paused a moment, hesitating before rising slowly to his feet, walked out the door, and down the back hallway towards the largest room in the front of the building. He dreaded to think of the many things that might await him there.
Beast Boy was left in darkness as he entered the large room. All was silent. He could sense another person's presence in the black gloom nearby. He stood, waiting for the chilling voice he new would come all in good time.
His eyes adjusted to the dim light of the room; the scene slowly appeared before him: Slade lying in a crumpled half-conscience daze in the left corner of the room, and the Teen Titans—his friends—standing triumphantly towards the right. Beast Boy stammered, unable to find the words to tell them how happy he was to see them. But before anyone could find these words, Slade spoke.
"Attack," came the simple command.
"But, Slade, I—" Beast Boy said unwillingly.
"Attack!"
Beast Boy sighed, defeatedly, then turned to face the Titans. "Guys, I—I'm sorry…Really…" Beast Boy blinked back tears.
"Beast Boy," Raven spoke gently, although her voice was firm, "come on, we're going home."
"Raven, I—I would, but I—I can't…"
Raven's voice filled with compassion as she pulled her hood down and replied, "Beast Boy—what's going on? Why can't you—"
"Please! I'm begging you—leave while you still can!"
"Beast Boy! I thought I told you to attack! Do as I command!" Slade's gruff order sounded from the corner, startling them and leaving them confused for a moment. Beast Boy turned to look at Slade, his eyes filling with tears. He faced the Titans once more.
He tried to hold the tears back, but it was all in vain. They came anyway. He fell weakly to his knees and sobbed. Raven stared sadly down at him, wishing she could do something as tears welled in her own eyes. She turned away, closing her eyes as she pulled up her hood. Robin put his hand gently on her shoulder.
"Let's go home." Raven told him dryly and continued walking away. The other Titans reluctantly followed, leaving Beast Boy down on his knees, sobbing wildly, and Slade, who was approaching the weeping boy. Beast Boy wished he hadn't started crying, as he knew what was coming.
Author's Note: Second Fic! YAY! My sister niobe10 helped me come up with pieces of this so she deserves some credit. I know BB's parents died in Africa. Who cares? Not me! Hey, it coulda been Cyborg's parents...:P Wait, never mind...PLEASE review! I really want some feedback and Constructive Criticism. Flame it if you want! Don't be short with it either—waist my time! Draw it out but don't beat around the bush with it. Explain and give examples. I want to know what to fix. Hope you enjoyed it! New chapter soon!
Luck Peace Love
Tina
PS Thank you to all of you who have reviewed my stories! I'm glad to hear you guys are enjoying my writing, but wait until Kelly gets on here—she is GOOD, but Cassie's the BEST. She doesn't FanFic though…:( no fun! Oh well…please give detailed reviews so I know what to keep and what to fix! Thank ya! Oh, and my profile's updated too, just so you know!