Disclaimer: I own no part of the Teen Titans or their associated canon nor, any other already copyrighted material.
(A/N): It's the thought that counts. Right?
Chapter 5
Presents
Five days later Beast Boy walked slowly through the tower. A strange sort of routine had set in among the building the last few days. Robin and Starfire seemed relatively normal. Star was as happy as ever and Robin seemed more so. He was relatively sure he knew what they were doing damn near every night. In a small part in the back of his mind it irked him that they could do that all they wanted and he could barely lay a finger on Raven. Well, he knew what he was getting into. It still annoyed him though. He and Raven had spent much of their time together lately. Between the physical training and the emotional training she was working on their days weren't full but they were active.
Cyborg had spent much of his time in his lab and workshop. Doing what was anyone's guess. He was probably analyzing the compound they and found and maybe trying to replicate it. Beast Boy had never had much of a taste for that kind of work and tended to stay clear of him. The daily video game contests though were still a welcome diversion from the elephant in the corner no one seemed to want to talk about.
Beast Boy turned a corner wishing he could turn around. He was headed to Terra's room at Robin's request. Other than meals and the occasional question she had been confined to her room. Robin had required that she be escorted wherever she went and she apparently wished to go somewhere now. He had sent Beast Boy down to keep and eye on her. Reaching her door he punched in the access code and knocked.
"Yes?"
"You wanted to go somewhere?" The door slid open to reveal Terra in sweatpants and T-shirt first looking slightly happy to see him and then sad at the look he wore. Beast Boy imagined his own face was rather passive. What he had once felt for Terra had been superceded by his love for Raven, but he could still feel the slightest hint of something there that even the pain of her betrayal could not destroy. That had very slightly turned his actions from outright hostility to simply tying to treat her as a person. Completely untrustworthy…but a person.
"I…I was wondering if I could use the training room for a little while."
"The training room?"
"Yeah… I've been cooped up in here for days…and I know you won't let me outside. I would like to move around a little though. Please?" Beast Boy considered it for several moments.
"Have any of your powers returned?" She shook her head in response.
"No. I still can't move anything larger than a pebble."
"Very well." He pulled the communicator from his pocket. "Robin? I'm taking Terra to the training room for a little while." There was a pause as Robin considered this.
"Affirmative. Do you want any help?"
"I've got it. Beast Boy out." He slipped the communicator back into his uniform pocket and motioned for her to lead the way. They walked in silence through the halls and down the elevator to the training room. He took a seat on a bench and waited. Unsure of where to begin Terra headed for the mat and began stretching. Even when she had been a member of the Titans she hadn't trained much. He powers had always been sufficient to win. After she had joined Slade…training wasn't much of a priority.
She could still remember surveying the city she had helped conquer. She had said then that she had regretted nothing. And to that point…she hadn't. If had been her own lust to grow stronger, envy at the Titans or some trick of Slade didn't really matter. She had decimated the city and nearly destroyed the titans of her own free will. It had only been in the eleventh hour, when Slade had taken control away from her that she wanted to stop. She had willing destroyed them once at his command…but she would not be used like that. Anger she had been surpressing began to come out as she hit one of the punching bags.
She pounded it as hard as she could, relishing every sting of pain and every time her hands cried out to stop. She had been used and abused all her life. From one person to the next that wanted to study her, or use her powers for their own ends. The only place she had found reprieve had been with the Titans. And she had thrown it all away because she had no idea how to deal with it. It had been easier to hate them and destroy them than it had been to live with them and work along side them. Tears were flowing down her face now and she didn't try to stop them. Her strikes became weakened as her body fell forward against the bag.
Futilely her hands slid down the bag as she fell to her knees and then to her side. Curling into a ball she began sobbing quietly, drowning in her own emotions. She had no idea how long she had been like that when a tissue was pressed into her hand. Blinking tears away she could see Beast Boy leaning over her, hand extended. Trying to control her self she wiped some of the tears away and accepted his help. Reaching her feet he set a strangely comforting arm around her shoulders and led her from the room.
Passing thought the hallways they arrived back at her room. Stepping inside she turned back to him. "Beast Boy…I…I'm sorry." He blinked at her several times, unable to find anything to say. Finally he said kindest thing he could.
"You should be." The door slid closed and she heard it lock. She wanted to say something, anything. If what she had been told was true…a year and a half had passed her by. A year and a half she had been unable to do anything after nearly damning the city and destroying them all. She deserved this, she knew she did. Her hands slammed down on the vanity, knocking a large hand mirror off the side. It cracked and fell apart silently as it hit the carpet. Angry, she began to pick it up and accidentally cut herself on a shard. Checking the wound she became enraptured with the sight of her own blood. She carefully picked up the fragment and stared at its metallic edge.
Beast Boy walked quickly away from Terra's room immediately after the door closed. He wanted to get as far away from her as her could, as fast as he could. When she had collapsed he had been overcome with the desire to help her. He wanted so badly to hate her, a desire that had nearly had lethal consequences twice already, but he couldn't. He knew he could never trust her, and that she was a danger to the world…but he couldn't do it.
He was relatively certain that he knew why too. A few weeks earlier he could have hated her; he could have ended her himself. But now…he knew that that hate could never exist in his heart at the same time as his love for Raven. The two emotions couldn't coexist. He wanted to wring the neck of irony. In essence, Raven was the reason Terra was still alive.
He needed to do something else for a while. Nearing the common room his communicator beeped. He picked up and answered Robin.
"Yeah?"
"Beast Boy, can you come to the common room? Star got a present and she wants us all to watch her open it."
"Be there in two seconds." He closed the device and stepped through the sliding doors. The team was seated around the table, Starfire standing at the end. In front of her was a box roughly a foot cubed tied with a purple bow. Beast Boy took him seat and waited. "So…who's it from?"
"Don't know. Arrived this morning by special courier." Robin was also watching expectantly. With her usual happy demeanor Star took the card that was held under the bow and read. It had a picture of two stars and a crescent moon on the front.
"It says, 'A gift from a friend and admirer.'"
"Admirer?" The tone of Robin's voice was unmistakable.
"Easy there Rob." Cyborg gently set a hand on his shoulder. "Probably just some over eager fan."
Starfire slipped off the ribbon and tore open the brown box. As she did so a rather odd smell of seawater emerged. Acting with more caution she removed several layers of tissue paper. Reaching in her hands emerged with a black bundle. Pushing the box aside with trepidation she set the bundle on the table and began unfolding it. A moment later it showed itself to be a black shirt with some sort of recently killed aquatic life form rolled up within. Starfire backed away, horror painting her face. The shirt looked somehow familiar to Beast Boy.
"Isn't…is that…Blackfire's?" Tears leaking from her eyes Star nodded. Robin was at her side helping her into a chair, kneeling by her side.
"Star…what is it?" Robin held her tightly as she broke out in sobs. For several minutes she sobbed in his arms, as the other stood around, still unable to figure out what was going on. Finally she calmed down just enough to tell them.
"It…it is a message. From the feudal age of my people. It means…Blackfire…now rests with the blortroq. She is…dead." At that revelation she broke into tears once more. Robin carried her from the room as the others stared horrified at the table.
Three days later Starfire had yet to emerge from her room. Robin had been taking her meals and was the only one who had seen her since the horrible present had arrived. He had become very sedate spending so much time with her. Cyborg had disposed of most of the package, and after thoroughly testing the shirt he had cleaned it and left it to wait for Star. He had thrown himself into his work even more, the pressures of life starting to wear on him.
Robin had only just managed to coax Star out of her room this afternoon for lunch. She ate slowly, picking though her meal. It was rather disturbing to see Star so sedate. She trembled occasionally as she ate, and had not the heart to meet the eye of any of her friends. Raven and Beast Boy had kept their distance, letting Robin be there for her. They didn't know how to approach the girl and had decided to wait for her to accept them. Having finished their meal they turned as Cyborg entered the main room…carrying a box a foot cubed tied with a black ribbon. Everyone stared at it apprehensively as he set it on the table and pushed it toward their leader.
"Card says it's for you." Robin's face paled slightly as he looked at the attached card, his name written in the same precise hand Starfire's had been. Squaring his shoulders he picked up the card and read the message within.
"'Something to help you sleep.''' He undid the bow and slipped the top off. As Robin pulled away pieces of tissue paper he suddenly jumped back several inches. Cyborg rounded the table and glanced in the box, also jumping back.
"Dude…is that…" Beast Boy and Raven also glanced in the box, eyes going wide. Within was a black and red mask covering a face that had one dead eye staring out at them, still wide with surprise. Slamming the lid back on Robin pushed the box away. Unfortunately he pushed too hard and the box slid off the table falling to the floor. The top fell off and its contents rolled several feet across the tile, which left Slade's one dead eye staring at them.
Starfire glanced over at the head and rose from her seat. Taking several steps she bent down and picked it up. Staring at the mask for several seconds she removed it to reveal a horribly twisted and scarred face. The right eye socket was empty and had gouge marks around it. Fire, acid or some other horrible experience had mutilated most of the flesh beyond recognition. Replacing the mask she set the head in the box, replaced the top and set it on the table.
Turning she headed for the couch and began absently flipping through channels. It was several moments before anyone could speak. It was Beast Boy who got the nerve first.
"So…Slade's dead?"
"He's been dead before. He came back." Cyborg nodded in agreement.
"But with…Trigon's protection…who could have killed him?" They all looked to Raven.
"The only way would be if Trigon allowed it."
"So…he must have screwed up. Pissed him off or something." Robin shook his head.
"No likely. But if he didn't screw up…"
"Then Trigon had him killed." The implications of Raven's statement began to sink in. Beast Boy spoke slowly, still piecing together the meaning.
"So…Trigon's found someone he would rather have as a servant than Slade?"
"Looks that way. So we're going to have to be even more on guard. Whoever this new guy…or girl is…they're more powerful than Slade…and they're sending us presents. From now on, every package that shows up here gets scanned before it's opened." They nodded as silence descended again. Robin turned and headed for the couch.
Cyborg slowly collected the box and headed off to dispose of it. Raven turned and strode out of the room with Beast Boy at her heels. Making her way to the roof she took a seat on the ledge and stared out over the city. Beast Boy sat beside her.
"Okay…so that was freaky."
"To say the least."
"Anyway…It's been kind of crazy the last few days. I was wondering if you'd like to go out on Friday?"
Raven blinked a few times. She was already going to say yes…but… "What day is it now?" In the hectic happenings of the last few days she had lost track of the days.
"Uh…it's Tuesday." She flipped open her communicator and looked at the small calendar. Checking over the dates her eyes went wide. He turned and saw her go slightly pale as she put the device away. "What?"
"Uh…next…Sunday…is…"
"What Raven? What's Sunday?"
"My birthday." Beast Boy's eyes popped as he mentally counted off the months.
"Well…then…Friday would be a good day to go out." She turned to him, face painted with surprise.
"Are you nuts? You do remember what's suppose to happen, right?"
"Yes I am nuts, about you. And I do remember. That's why we should go out on Friday."
She shook her head in disbelief. "What?"
"Okay…worst case scenario. Everything goes wrong and the world is cast into a thousand years of darkness. It's going to be damn hard to find an open restaurant." She was too befuddled to respond as he continued. "Now…I know what Slade showed you. You told me, remember? But I also know that there is no way that is how it's all going to end. Statues or not we'll find a way to help you stop your father. It's not like you want to destroy everything. We know that. And come what may, we'll be here for you. I'll be here." Her face softened just little as he took her hand. "So…Friday?"
"Friday."
"Cool. Now…if you'll excuse me…I have to hit the training room." He popped to his feet and back flipped to the roof. As he headed for the door she also rose and followed him.
"I'll join you."
Star had started to come around and was talking again. She wasn't herself but she had managed a few small smiles for the others as the days progressed. While helping her recover Robin spent every waking moment not in the training room searching the computer for any information on who their new opponent might be.
Raven was getting more and more anxious every day. The others barely noticed but Beast Boy could see it. After what had happened the previous year, he was apprehensive as well. He had done whatever he could to help her over the last couple days, from aiding in her extra long emotional training sessions to trying to take her mind off of what might be coming, but the shadow was still there.
Cyborg had taken off Wednesday afternoon in the T-car and hadn't come back until late Thursday night. No one knew where he had gone but he had come back looking slightly more together. It was he who brought up another cubic box on Friday morning as the Titans gathered for breakfast.
Terra was also there, having been granted slightly more freedom the last few days. Mostly at Beast Boy's insistence she had been allowed out of her room to a few places in the tower. She wore the tracking bracelet that Cyborg had built and it restricted her movements to a few places such as the training room and the common room.
This package was addressed to both Cyborg and Beast Boy. Unwilling to open it Beast Boy allowed Cy the 'honor.' Robin spoke before the bow was removed.
"Did you scan it?"
"Full series. No organic components. It appears to be mechanical…but not dangerous. It's a computer or something."
"Okay…open it up."
Cyborg nodded and slipped off the teal bow. Taking the card he glanced over it and read. "'Something to pass the time.'" Suspiciously removing the top he pushed aside tissue paper and stared, amazed. "No way." Beast Boy stood to look as well.
"DUDE! It's a Gamestation 5! Those aren't even out in stores yet!" He pulled out he machine and held it for everyone to see. In the blink of an eye he had raced to the TV and hooked up the gaming console. Opening the disk tray he was surprised to find a disk already inside. It was a home burnt DVD labeled 'Presents for the Titans.' The others joined him as he closed the tray and let the movie run.
After a moment of load time a face appeared on screen. Long brown hair framed a tanned face and green eyes. His voice held the same ice-cold confidence that Slade's had though it was slightly higher.
"Good morning Teen Titans. I imagine that right now you are really wondering who I am. Well, let me put you curiosity to rest. My name, is Verge. I am the former apprentice of the one you called Slade. Now, I serve a different master." The mark of Skath appeared on his forehead. "I thought you might enjoy receiving a gift from an opponent instead of a curse for a change.
"Starfire, your sister was in the middle of another coup. I thought I'd spare you and your people the trouble of having to be constantly bothered with her. I know it hurts…but in the end…it's easier this way. Your…ruler said to tell you there would be no funeral, since according to your laws, a failed coup normally results in death. You spared her last time…this time she was dealt with.
"Robin…Slade's favorite…hero. Yes that really was Slade's head in the box. He's gone; you can stop obsessing about him. I also have the assurance of my new master that he won't be coming back. The city you've fought so valiantly to protect is now safe from its second greatest threat.
"Cyborg…and Beast Boy. Your penchant for video games is well documented. I thought you might enjoy the latest and greatest system out there. Ten times as powerful as anything on the market today, graphics will blow you away. I'd advise against playing a thriller with surround sound, give you a heart attack. Also, obviously, plays DVDs. This is the 967th one off the production line. At least that's what the quality control person said. Most people don't lie with a gun in their mouth. Pity she screamed. That brought security and well…you'll hear about it soon enough.
Anyway…I'm getting side tracked…oh, yes. Raven…sorry I couldn't find a present for you. Nothing I saw seemed right. Trust me though, if I do find the right gift, I'll be sure to send it as soon as I can. Well Titans, that's about it for me. I'm sure we'll meet again…real soon. I look forward to finally coming face to face with Jump City's legendary heroes. Until then, Ta-ta." The screen went blank and the disc stopped spinning.
The Titans stared at the screen, stunned. Terra was slowly coming to some sort of conclusion about what they had just seen. The thought of receiving Slade's head and some sort of confirmation on Blackfire must be the reason the others looked so…fucked up. Cyborg stepped up and disconnected the console from the TV. Carrying it across the room he put it back in the box and set the cover over it. "I'm going to take this down to the evidence room." At a small nod from Robin he left.
The death of her sister brought fresh to her mind Star fell to the couch, eyes scrunched closed. Robin sat beside her in contemplation. Beast Boy looked around. "Suddenly…I'm not so hungry. Think I'll hit the training room." He glanced to Raven, who shook her head a tiny bit.
"I'll be on the roof." She took to the air and floated up through the levels.
"Do…do you mind if I join you?" Beast Boy turned to see it was Terra that had asked. He considered the request carefully. He would rather be alone…or with Raven, but there was a hint of pleading in Terra's eyes that his softened heart couldn't ignore.
"Might as well. Come on." He headed out the door, Terra in tow. He was oblivious to her presence as they descended to the training room level. Stepping into the large space he picked up the CD remote and grabbed Meteora. He needed music that would keep his mind clear, at least for a little while. He realized after a moment that this was sort of his way of meditating. Setting himself he hit play.
Terra watched from a bench as Beast Boy tore through the first part of his routine. The music pounded through her head, clearing her mind, allowing her to focus. Closing her eyes she let her powers flow as much as they could. She could feel every piece of earth within a hundred yards. She thought her powers might be returning, but she had had no opportunity to find out. Very close she could feel every impact on the sand filled punching bags. She could feel the small flow of sand that was leaking out of the bottom where repeated strikes had ripped the seam. Opening her eyes she focused her powers.
Her hands became covered in the tell tale glow. Reaching out she began lifting from the growing pile of sand. Using her hand as the conductor's baton she began manipulating the grains in a line. She drew it though the air creating designs and forms. Within moments the entire capacity of the bag was flying around the room in a multitude of motions and shapes. Collecting it together she began to form larger things.
After several minutes of this she slowly realized that the music had stopped and Beast Boy was staring at her from near the treadmill. Surprise cut her powers off and sand rained down in the middle of the room. Beast Boy stared at her still. "So…your powers are back."
"Uh…yeah."
"Would have been nice if you would have told us."
"I…I didn't know. There's nothing to practice on in my room. You made sure of that. And you know now."
"Yes we do. I'll be informing Robin shortly."
"Fine. If I had know I would have told him myself." Beast Boy nodded.
"You could at least clean this up." He motioned to the spilled sand. Somehow a small smile crossed her face.
"As you wish." Picking up the sand she deposited in various garbage cans around the room to spread out the weight. Satisfied Beast Boy turned back to the treadmill. "Beast Boy?" He turned again, more at the pleading underlying her tone than his name.
"Yes?"
"I…I was hoping…we could…talk." Beast Boy stood stalk still for a minute. "Please?" She had played on his compassion, probably without realizing it. He took several steps forward and sat on a weight bench, facing her.
"So…talk." Her mouth worked for several moments before she could respond.
"Uh…thank you."
"For?"
"Since I…arrived you are the only one who has tried to at least treat me like a person."
"I tried to have Cyborg kill you."
"But since then…you've tried to help me. It was a mistake…you can't be judged on one mistake…forever." The light switch clicked and he saw the correlation she was trying to draw.
"Are you comparing what I did…to what you've done? They're not even in the same ballpark."
"No? How much is my life worth to you?"
"You tried to destroy the city! You tried to kill all of us! You betrayed us! You betrayed…me…" She wanted to argue with that…but she couldn't.
"So a city is horrible but one person's okay?"
"I didn't say that!"
"But it's what you implied."
"You're a traitor Terra! Do you have any idea what it did to the team when you joined Slade? It tore my heart out! I wanted so badly to believe it was mind control, you didn't do it yourself…but you did." She was starting to cry now, and he fought not to care. He used every word as a blade to attack her. It wasn't out of hate; it was out of frustration and pain. "We took you in, we made you part of the team, we trusted you! I trusted you! I might have even loved you given a little more time! Why? Why did you do it? We were your friends!"
Terra was sobbing now; she had no clarity to form her normal answers, those that protected her from others. Instead she said what she felt. "Because I'm not worth it! I didn't deserve those things! I didn't know how to handle people be nice to me just because! I had to make you hate me! That I understood, that I could deal with! It's easier for me to be hated than loved! I'm a freak! I can't be treated normal…" She broke down into her hands, emotionally spent.
Realization broke over Beast Boy as she spoke. He finally understood. And he did understand. He was a freak too. But here he had found a home, and friends. He had fit in. Terra had no idea how to adjust to being accepted. It had taken him months…she never had. He could finally fit the pieces of her time as a titan together and see the whole picture. She couldn't accept it…and so…she had turned against them. Involuntarily he kneeled and wrapped his arms around her.
"Christ Terra…we're all freaks here. We never fit in anywhere else. We could have helped you…all you had to do was ask." Terra could feel herself falling into his embrace, wanting to die there. Suddenly she broke out of his arms, popped to her feet and took several steps away from the kneeling changeling.
"No…no…it's a trick…you don't care. You never cared. You were never my friend!" Tears flowing freely from her eyes she turned to the door and ran. Unable to speak as she disappeared through the door Beast Boy's hand rose slowly, reaching for the door.
"Terra…" He rose slowly to his feet and automatically dusted off his knees. Weakness in his legs that he decided to chalk up to hunger hit him. He decided to get something to eat and force it down his throat if need be.
Beast Boy and Raven touched down on the rooftop near midnight. Between the restaurant, movie (he had rented out the entire theater to guarantee some peace) and the last hour in the air they were both tired. Emotionally they were also drained. The whole night they had concentrated on enjoying each other's company as much as possible. The team was never mentioned, Verge, Slade, Terra were all ignored. Her coming birthday was especially avoided. For one evening they let themselves pretend it was just the two of them. Reaching home had caused some of that freedom to dissipate.
Raven stumbled slightly as she touched down, right into Beast Boy. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the back of her neck. She wanted to melt back into him as they melted through the floor into her darkened room. There was barely enough light for either of them to see much…but that didn't matter. He was still teasing her neck as they touched down a second time. "God, Gar…you have no idea how badly I don't want to tell you to stop right now."
"Oh…I think I do." In one swift motion he picked her up across his arms and headed for her bed. Alarms started going off in her head.
"Gar? Gar. Garfield! Stop!" He laid her down on the bed and hovered over her form. She felt one of his hands at her waist. "We…we can't!" She was silenced by a passionate kiss. Several seconds later he pulled back.
"I know." His whole demeanor seemed to slump. His hand slid off her waist to brace himself on the bed. This time his voice held frustration and regret. "I know we can't." Finding a middle ground he spoke again. He began to pull back. "Good night Raven, my love." Her hand struck out and grabbed his wrist as if it was a lifeline. "What?"
"Stay with me?"
"Rae…you know I can't…"
"I…I'm not asking you to make love to me. I…I just don't want to be alone right now." Relenting he moved closer again. Making his way to her other side he tucked both of them in and carefully wrapped his arms around her, just holding her. Raven felt a sort of peace fall over her. There was nothing to worry about, Garfield was there. "I love you Garfield."
"I love you too Raven."
They had woken late the next day and each took a brunch at the table. Whether or not the others realized what tomorrow was they tried to act as normal as possible. Star and Robin were somewhat normal…for Star and Robin. Raven was oddly more outgoing than usual. She was making an effort to talk to the others. Beast Boy merely watched her. If she was right about tomorrow, he wanted to remember every moment of her that he could. Cyborg had appeared late in the evening with a pile of papers and a small clear plastic box containing what appeared to be nicotine patches.
Setting up at the end of the table he drew the attention of the others who soon joined him.
"What do you have there Cyborg?"
"I completed my analysis of the compound I found in Terra's body."
"Really?" Robin took a seat at the table, as did the others. "What did you find out?" Cyborg adopted a rather professional attitude and pulled out an easel and writing pad which he set up to his left illustrating as he spoke to the other four.
"Okay…first I broke down the compound and tried to figure out what it does. In reassembling the pieces it became evident that this is some specialized anti-coagulant cousin. There is no way this occurs naturally. So either someone produced it or Terra did herself. Judging by the distribution in her system I believe that it was someone else. The chemical seemed to be most heavily concentrated here, in her arm. After extensive testing I came to the conclusion that it must have been deliverd a little at a time over a long period. Two days at least. The most obvious way to do this is in patch form.
"So I replicated the chemical and created patches to deliver it. I tested it on a fossil I procured some time ago. After thirteen hours of minimal activity in the specimen it suddenly and violently returned to its previous form as a leaf. I believe that it could have the same effect on other living matter."
"So…so that's how Terra…came back?"
"Yes Robin. And should it happen again, these should bring her back."
"And the loss of her power…and her regaining them?"
"I believe it is a side effect. The chemical seems to be eradicated by the red blood cells, at the cost of themselves, which was probably draining her body of the necessary fuel to use her powers."
"So you believe someone else brought her back?"
"Yes."
"Okay…we should probably discuss this with her. Has anyone seen her today? I just realized I haven't."
"Me neither, dude."
"…No…"
"Been in the lab all day." Star shook her head.
"'Kay…someone should go check on her." The others, save Beast Boy, were silent, not wanting to volunteer.
"I'll do it." He rose and turned from the table.
"Thanks." Beast Boy passed through the doors headed for the elevator. After he left, Raven turned to Cyborg.
"This power suppression ability the chemical has…could you isolate that part of it? Adjust its suppressive time?" Cyborg pondered the question as Robin turned to her.
"Why would we want it to do that?"
"I was just thinking…it could be useful against certain opponents, both in capturing and controlling them."
"You're right. I hadn't thought about that. What do you say Cy?"
"I…might be able to… If I…and then…" He began sketching on the pad and walked off with it still mumbling to himself. They watched for a couple moments as he wandered aimlessly around the room for a couple minutes before making a beeline for the door.
"That was…weird."
"What around here isn't?" Robin shook his head and was suddenly assaulted by a purple and red shape. After a moment Raven realized it was Starfire who had him pinned to the floor and was passionately kissing him. She rose and backed toward the door.
"Right…I'll just go…check on Beast Boy." She turned and bolted from the room, headed to Terra's room.
Robin managed to break away from Star for a second. He could see some of her normal joy returning, as if peace had found her. "Uh…Star? Not that I'm complaining…but what-"
"Tamaranian tradition requires seven days of mourning for a fallen family member followed by the activity enjoy most to end your grief. It is not perfect…but it has been seven days since I was informed."
"Oh…I see. So now it's time for the activity you enjoy most?" She nodded. "And that would be…oh." She smiled her usual broad smile. "Well…I'm not one to argue with tradition."
A few minutes earlier…
Beast Boy knocked again on the door. After still not receiving a response he punched in the override code and stepped in. At first he didn't see her. Then a glint off of something drew his eyes to the bed. His eyes popped as he moved closer. She was unconscious on the bed, a small pool of blood to her side. In her hand was a fragment of glass from a mirror. The other sat in blood. Her wrist was slashed. Sitting on the edge of the bed he carefully removed the shard and set it aside. Tearing a strip from the sheets he did his best to wrap the wrist. As he did her shirt pulled up slightly and he saw something that scared him.
Peeling back the fabric revealed a horrible sight. Her chest and stomach were a crosshatch of scars, all recent. Terrified of what might be there he began to slide down her pants. Her upper legs also had several cuts across her flesh. "God Terra…why?" He cupped her propped up head in his hands. "Terra! Terra! Wake up!" He eyes opened weakly and focused on him.
"Beast Boy…" They looked over his shoulder at the door. He turned quickly to see a blue cloak disappear after its owner left three massive tears in the wall, fusing the door open.
"Raven! Wait!" He wanted to go after her but he was scared Terra might die if he left. Not knowing what to do he pulled out his communicator. "Cyborg! I heed help in Terra's room right now. Bring the first aid kit!"
"On my way!"
"Come on Terra…hang in there…help is on the way. Don't you dare die on me." What seemed like an eternity later Cyborg busted through the broken door and saw what had happened.
"Holy shit!"
"Her wrist! Her wrist is still bleeding!"
"I can't treat this here…we have to get her to the Medical wing. Hold her wrist…I'll carry her." Beast Boy nodded as Cyborg picked her up. Haphazardly they passed through the door and raced down the hall.
Half an hour later Cyborg had her sedated and stabilized. They stood over the bed watching her vitals beep by. "B…you did good. Another five minutes…"
"Yeah…I saved her life. What if it costs me Raven?"
"She saw?
"You couldn't tell?"
"Right…the slashes. You'd better go talk to her. I can take care of this."
"Thanks Cy."
"No problem B." Beast Boy turned and headed out to find Raven.
Raven stormed into her room, two taloned bracers on her hands. She wanted to tear something apart with her hands. Fear shouted in her mind, trying to convince her what she thought she saw was the truth. Love kept saying it must be a misunderstanding. Knowledge told her Beast Boy wouldn't do that. Sorrow wanted to bawl. She reigned all of her emotions in sharply, trying desperately to regain some composure. Anger still simmered just below the surface, but the talons were gone.
Taking several deep breaths she looked around for something to calm her. Her eyes fell on a package on her bed. It was a long flat white box…it looked kind of like a chocolate box. Sitting on the side of her bed she took the envelope tied on top and slit it open. Curiosity ran through her as to who could have left this. The card front was embossed with a golden raven outline. Opening it she read silently. 'I know you don't really want to celebrate but I got you a gift anyway. Beast Boy.' As she read and reread the card her free hand slid the box top off and began searching through it for something.
It made contact with something cool and rounded, like a rod. Wondering what Beast Boy could have gotten her she pulled it free of the tissue paper. As her eyes fell on it they widened in horror. An eighteen-inch long black rod topped with a brass ball surrounded by a brass ring, from which hung smaller rings was what she held.
The worst part was she could feel it pulsing with the power…of her father.
(A/N): If you feel it is warranted feel free to review. I welcome any and all opinions.
