Chapter Nine: Tofu and Roses

Quick Sticky: Thanks for all the reviews. I would have started writing sooner but I've had writer's block for this story. And I haven't been able to update anything for a week so that's why this story stayed at the top of my list for so long. Aw well, it got reviewed like crazy. 14 reviews! Thank you so much! Anyway, this chapter may seem a little odd but Cidgregor pointed out to me that the BB/Rae romance was just "there" with no real explanation. So this chapter is here to explain all that. Thanks Cidgregor, this chapter's for you.

This will be my last update of the summer. WHAAAAHH! School starts tomorrow. I hope everyone had a good summer. Enjoy this new chapter. Thank you for all the reviews.

Kory Anders awoke with a slight start, "Where am I?" she wondered. Then she remembered she was in Nightwing's—Richard Grayson's house. She threw off the blanket and sat up. Dick Grayson walked in the room. He looked at her.

"Are you hungry, Kory?"

"Yes, very," she replied. "But I should be getting back to the station. They will be concerned about me—"

"Don't worry about that, Dee Bowman knows where you are, and he can give Chief Dennis a good explanation your absence."

"You told him?" Kory asked in surprise.

"Only because I was worried about you," Dick Grayson said quietly.

"Richard why did Beast Boy and Raven not tell me the truth about you?" Kory asked.

"Maybe you should ask them, Kory, I'm sure they have their reasons," Dick replied as he took her hand and led her into a vast dining room. Two places were set, both with steaming bowls of hot soup.

They sat down at opposite ends of the width of the table. Kory began to eat slowly, carefully eating the hot soup and trying not to burn her mouth. "So, tell me, how did Raven and Beast Boy become 'an item?'"

"Well that began five years ago, after you filed the divorce, and after Cyborg left; Beast Boy had decided to move to L.A. and Raven moved to Wyoming…" Richard began his tale.

"I don't believe it Raven, after all these years, Nightwing and Cyborg don't even care to see me off as I leave for L.A.? What's with them, anyway?"

"I suppose it's not necessarily about seeing you off as why this happened to us…"

"Well, I don't know Rae, I'm sure they'll work things out, then it'll be like it never happened," Beast Boy, now taking the name of Garfield Logan said.

"I don't know, Beast Boy, I just don't know. I'll tell the other's you said good-bye, I'll be leaving soon myself."

"You're leaving? Why?" Beast Boy asked.

"I have to go, my Mother, Arella asked me to come out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and help her with a ranch she founded to help troubled teenage girls."

"That's great, Rae! Maybe I'll come see you," Beast Boy smiled. A voice blared over the intercom.

"Flight 815 from Jump City to L.A. boarding in five minutes," the voice said, "Repeat, Flight 815 from Jump City to L.A. boarding in five minutes," Beast Boy glanced at his watch.

"That's me," Beast Boy said. "I'm gonna miss you, Rae." He pulled her into a hug.

"Same here, Beast Boy, I'll try to come see you when I can," Raven smiled.

"Thanks," he pulled her in close and quickly kissed her lips. Raven blushed in surprise.

"What was that for?" she asked, a slight blush coming to her cheeks.

"Just a way of saying good-bye," Beast Boy said, letting her go as he turned to board the airplane.

"I'll tell the others you say good-bye!" Raven shouted.

"Thanks; see you later Raven!" Beast Boy shouted, walking away. Garfield Mark Logan sighed as he boarded the plane for L.A. He would be lonely without his friends, especially Raven since Cyborg and Nightwing were still at each other's throats over Starfire's divorce and the apparent breakup of the Teen Titans that resulted from it.

He watched as Jump City shrank beneath him as the plane flew away. He smiled sadly. To think that he was moving away, when he first joined the Teen Titans he thought he would never leave Jump City. Ironic, without the Titans what was the point of staying. He had nothing to lose; he had already lost three of his four friends.

He hoped his experience in L.A. would be a good one, he was going to recreate the Teen Titans, a least that's what he hoped to do when he arrived. He disembarked off the airplane. Looking around at L.A. it reminded him a little of Jump City, sunny, warm, bright and very inviting. Gar Logan sighed, now what was he going to do?

He had to figure out where he was going to live and how to get a job so he could begin reviving the Titans were his main priority. Saying he was going to form a new group of Teen Titans was one thing. Doing it was something else entirely.

Gar Logan looked for a phone booth to find a phonebook so he could look up an apartment so he could have a place to live. He found an apartment near Franklin Place and Las Palmas Ave and drove to the parking lot and walked inside.

"Hey Mister, is this where I can find a place to stay?" he asked the man when he found the apartment manager.

"Sure is, son, you new to L.A.?" the man asked.

"I am, kinda, I used to be in the movies, but they didn't like me very much." Gar admitted.

"I actually think I remember you from somewhere, the man said. "Mind if I ask what show you were in?"

"Ever heard of Warp Trek?" Gar asked.

"Warp Trek? You kidding? I loved that show, dude it was great!" the man said. "Which one were you?"

"I was Tork," Gar said, shaking the man's hand. "Name's Gar Logan."

"Tork, the green shape-shifting alien, I remember you now! You know, I might have some work for you, rumor has it they're reviving the show."

"They are? I thought it was canceled because of accusations of plagiarism," Gar said.

"Well, maybe they did, but they're going to revive it as Warp Trek: 1999," he said. By the way my names Arnold Pace," Arnold shook his hand.

"So Arnold, is there a contract for me to sign or something?" Gar asked. "Since you're the apartment manager and all, I feel I need to sign some kind of contract."

"Oh, that, right. Well," he walked over to the front desk and pulled out a piece of paper, "Here it is, Mr. Logan, just read it and sign it." Gar read it and signed it. "Thank you, Mr. Logan, you're apartment number is 156, second floor." Thank you."

"You're welcome," Gar said as he headed up to his apartment. Arriving at his room he opened the door and walked in. It wasn't much; in fact the rent was outrageously expensive for a place that was ridiculously small.

Gar Logan set down his bags in the living room and began the tedious process of unpacking his meager belongings. He put his clothes away and put his suitcases in a closet. After that was finished, he decided to go down and ask Arnold Pace if he could get a hold of a phone number so he could call around looking for places to work.

"Hey, Gar what's up?" Arnold asked. "Settled in already?"

"Yeah, kinda. Listen, I need to use the phone so I can look for a job," Gar said simply.

"Oh, don't worry about that," Arnold said. "I called my friend already, he said he's heard of your previous work and since you're back in town he decided to hire you."

"Oh really?" Gar asked. "That's great! Thanks. I heard they start shooting tomorrow."

"Arnold, I owe you one," Gar shook his hand.

"Eh, don't mention it," Arnold smiled as he watched Gar walk out the door. When the door shut, Arnold Pace picked up the phone and dialed a number. The phone rang twice, then someone picked up on the other line.

"Gemini," he said. "He's here."

"Who's here? What are you talking about?" the voice demanded.

"Garfield Logan, you know that Beast Boy character you've been looking for?"

"He's here, in L.A.?" Gemini asked. "When did you see him?"

"He just arrived, I let him rent and apartment."

"Good. Go to his room and place surveillance video an audio. I want you to track his every move."

"As you wish, De Mille," Arnold said obediently. "May I ask why?"

"No, let's just say I have a score to settle with this Garfield Logan," Gemini hung up.

Arnold got up from behind his desk and went up to the second floor. He used his keys to open the door to Gar's apartment. He began installing tiny cameras around the room, in the kitchen and in his bedroom. He also installed audio recording devices so he could tap the phone and listen to his conversations.

After he was finished he left the room and locked the door behind him. He went down stairs and called her back. "It's done as you requested."

"Very good," she said satisfied.

"Is there anything else you need me to do?" he asked.

"Just act like you always do, Pace. It's the only thing you're good at," she hung up the phone.

"Well, thanks a lot, Gemini!" he muttered. He had played his little part, now he hoped he would be paid once Gar Logan was dead and in a casket.

Meanwhile, Gar Logan was walking about town, sightseeing. It'd been awhile since he'd been to L.A. and he wanted to see what had changed. He took in all the sights and smells with interest. Being part animal had given him a keen sense of both hearing and smell. He inhaled deeply. Suddenly, he caught a wisp of…was that smoke?

His sensitive ears thought he heard a fire truck racing down one of the streets. Seeing that he couldn't shape shift animal forms in public, he raced down an alleyway and morphed into an eagle, soaring into the sky so he could get a better few of what was going on.

He looked up, his eyes going wide in horror as he spotted a building, flames bursting from the inside. Gar dove right into the midst of the building, looking for survivors. He began scouring the top floor, he didn't find anyone there. He raced down the stairs to the floor below, morphing into a dog, trying to find the scent of anyone who might be in the room.

"Help me!" a voice shouted. "Someone please help me!" he ran towards the voice. He came to a closet, opening it, he saw a nine-year-old girl inside.

"Come on!" he shouted. She looked frightened. She didn't know who he was. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'm gonna get you out of here!" he said. She grabbed his hand. They both turned and ran down a burning hallway.

Suddenly, a part of the ceiling collapsed, blocking their way. Gar turned and saw an open window. He turned to the little girl. "Grab on to my back!" he shouted. She didn't seem to understand what he meant. "Just do it!" he ordered. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hoisted herself onto his back. He ran to the window and at the last second he transformed into an eagle and flew out, a burst of flame following him..

Below him, the people gasped in awe and amazement as he swooped down, changing himself into his human form at the last second. A woman ran over to him. "Mommy!" the girl shouted as the mother and daughter embraced.

"Who are you?" the woman asked. She looked at him. Wait a second, you're that Beast Boy kid aren't you?" he nodded, his trademark goofy grin spread across his face.

"That's me," he smiled. "I'm sorry, but I got to go."

"Thank you," the woman said through her tears. "God bless you Beast Boy, God bless you." He nodded and transforming into an eagle once more, he flew into the sky.

He landed near his apartment, once again in human form, he walked in. "Hey Dude, what's up?" he asked as Arnold pace jumped out of his skin.

"Hey, you scared the crap out of me, don't do that anymore!" he laughed nervously.

"What'd I do?" Gar asked.

"Nothing, nothing, you just made me jump, that's all," He said. "So where've you been?"

"Sightseeing, listen, I'm going up to my apartment, okay dude," Gar said walking away.

"Hey, shooting for that show starts tomorrow," he handed him a piece of paper. "Here are the directions."

"Thanks," Gar said and walked to his apartment. He made his way into his room. Everything seemed okay. But something didn't feel right, some strange smell in the air. Transforming into a blood hound, he began sniffing around. He caught Arnold Pace's scent, but why? When did he come in here? Gar frowned. There was something suspicious going on, but he wasn't sure what it was.

He sighed; he was exhausted; he went into his room, set his alarm for early in the morning, fell onto his bed and drifted into a restless sleep. Meanwhile, someone watched him with interest, his surveillance cameras eyed his sleeping form, but it wasn't Arnold Pace who was watching him this time.

Gemini smiled. Little did the naïve changeling know that his new life was going to be turned upside down before it had even begun… She would have her revenge for what he had done to the Brotherhood of Evil. She would avenge her mother's death…

Garfield awoke abruptly to the blaring alarm, growling angrily, he slapped it off; forcing himself to stay awake. He got out of bed, went into the shower and cleaned himself up. Dressing, he ate a hasty breakfast of Fruit Loops and drove down to where the set was.

Driving quickly towards the set, he spotted out of the corner of his eye Pinks Hot Dog Stand. "At least I can get something to eat later," he thought to himself. Pulling to a stop in front of the set, he got out.

"Hey, is this the set for Warp Trek: 1999?" he asked.

"Sure is, Son," replied a man. "Call me Mr. L."

"Mr. F…" Gar looked at him. "Why Mr. L.?"

"It's a nickname of mine, that's all. People call me Mr. Loreo." The man shook his hand. "You must be Garfield Logan, Arnold told me about you."

"Oh, really? When?" Gar asked. He didn't remember Arnold saying anything about calling anyone about him.

"Uh…Yesterday," Mr. L. said. "Oh, this is my assistant, Ms. Francis, but you can call her Frankie or Ms. F., whichever you prefer."

"Oh, uh hi there," Gar said, extending his hand to shake hers. "It's nice to meet you." She gave him a smile and walked off.

"Here's your script, Gar," Mr. L. handed it o him. Gar began to read it.

"Okay…" Gar frowned. "Either this'll boost my career or make me bomb. He quietly went over his script. "I forgot how ridiculous this character was. He continued reading. He began browsing through the rest of his script. He sighed; Gar guessed this was what he would have to do to support himself.

"Come on Gar," Mr. Loreo shouted. "We don't have all day!"

"I'm comin'!" Gar shouted back.

"Come on, people! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!" Mr. Loreo yelled. "The Cage' Scene 10: Take One." And action!"

Gar remembered his lines. "You've got to trust me on this, alright? Let me go in. I can get them out!" He remembered he was supposed to morph into a mongoose and then a cheetah when he was supposed to. He darted into the set and ran until he reached the marker where he was supposed to stop.

"And CUT!" the director Mr. Loreo shouted. "That was great guys, keep it up!" Gar smiled. Maybe this acting job wouldn't be so bad after all.

Six Months Later…

"I'm sorry Gar, the show's cancelled again," Mr. Loreo said. "They threatened to sue us out of every last penny. I'm sorry."

"That's okay, dude, I can still find other work." Gar turned and left.

Mr. Loreo picked up a cell phone and dialed a number. "Gemini, the stage is set. I assume this is how you wanted everything?"

"Yes, begin phase two. He trusts his newfound friends too much. Find the victim and kill him. You know what to do after that. Garfield's reputation as a good man and as Beast Boy will be ruined forever."

"As you wish," he said.

"And Loathing, don't fail me. It is said you and Fear are the some of the best bounty hunters in this area. Get the job done."

He hung up after this. He dialed another number. "Frankie, she's given us the go ahead."

"You know I hate it when you call me Frankie," the woman's voice said in an irritated tone.

"Sorry, force of habit," Mr. Loreo, now known as the bounty hunter Loathing. "Let's expect a lot of cash from Gemini after this Garfield Logan dies."

"Good, where do want to meet?"

"Meet me at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Dress casual."

"Okay." They both hung up. It was time to put their plan into motion.

Ding dong! The doorbell rang loudly as Garfield Logan continued writing down bits and pieces of his TV show script. He smiled, staring at what he created. "Why wouldn't it work? Who wouldn't want to remember what we did when we were younger?" He felt very satisfied. He had just completed the rough draft of his script for, TEEN TITANS: EPISODE ONE: DIVIDE AND CONQUER. Cyborg and Nightwing would have been proud, it didn't give away identities, it showed them as they were when they were just crazy teenagers defending a city from criminals.

"Makes me miss the old days," he sighed.

He walked into the living room and opened the door. "Raven?" he asked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Just came to visit, I promised I would," she smiled at him. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," he smiled. "I'll get you some herbal tea." He began heating up some water for her and they both sat down. "So have you seen Cyborg or Nightwing?"

"Sometimes," she replied. "Nightwing calls often. I see Cyborg every once and awhile. Now I'm visiting you. Kory, well, I haven't heard from her in a long time."

"It's sad isn't it," Beast Boy sighed. "But what about you? How is that ranch for troubled girls that you told about? You said you were working with your mother."

"It's going great. But I miss the old days," Raven smiled slightly

"Yeah, me too," Beast Boy replied. The tea was finished and they both sat down. "I assume you still drink herbal tea. Your habits grew on me."

"And I assume you still eat tofu, that habit has not grown on me," she laughed. "What about reforming the Titans? Any luck?"

"No, haven't found anyone yet," they both finished their herbal tea and he cleared away the dishes.

"Come on, I want to show you something." He led her to his room. He removed a large stack of papers from his cluttered desks. "Read it. I think it's something you'll really like.

"TEEN TITANS: EPISODE ONE: DIVIDE AND CONQUER. Television play by Garfield Mark Logan. B.B. you shouldn't have!" Raven smiled.

"I had to. It's the only way I could hold onto everyone, in memories."

Raven scanned the pages. "'Cinderblock escaped. No amount of yelling will change that. So stop acting like idiots and let's go home.'" She read in monotone and laughed. "You nailed me to a tee!" She smiled. "Sometimes I wish life wasn't this way…"

"Yeah, but we still live life anyway." Beast Boy smiled. "Since you're here, would you like to join me for dinner?"

"Are you asking me out on a date?" Raven raised an eyebrow.

"Well, Raven…yeah…" he gave a sheepish grin. "You wanna come?"

"What else is there to do?" she grinned back. "Let's hope I have something to wear."

"I have something for you," he went into the closet and pulled out a beautiful, black rose. "I know you aren't one for roses, but I froze it so you wouldn't have to water it." He handed it to her.

"Thank you," she grinned. They prepared to leave for their date.

Gemini watched the scene unfold through the hidden cameras in Garfield Logan's apartment. "The former Titan Raven here in L.A. Interesting." She picked up a communicator. "Fear, Loathing. It's time. Phase One is over. Gar Logan is distracted. He's been here a year and he hasn't done much. He hasn't even resurrected the Teen Titans. Strike now. You may begin Phase Two…"