Last Rites by UndyingShadows
Chapter Four
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Teen Titans or any of the characters locations or objects herein.
Raven
He's...dying?
He can't be! He's lying ot you! How dare he?
BB wouldn't lie 'bout that...he...I...
No...he can't...he's too strong...
Why didn't I see it?...It's all my fault...
I don't know how long I sat there, after he walked away.
It was...a long time. Too long. I'm sure he thinks I wasn't listening.
I just...didn't know how to react.
I wish I could believe that he was lying...exaggerating...anything.
But one look at him told me he was telling the truth.
It's strange to think that he has been through so much and he's still smiling.
I think that he's just grateful that his parents gave him as much time as they could.
That doesn't change things...I know what it's like, to know that you'll die young.
I dealt with it the only way I could - the way I had to. Alone.
Only...you didn't, in the end, did you? You live on, due to the ties that bind you to your team. To those who have become your friends.
Do you think...
No. I do not think you will be able to save him, nor do I believe that you should speak of this to the others.
I have to. I have to tell them, we have to try and save him.
You cannot. He will...pass on...no matter what. Do you not understand why he wishes for you to keep that a secret?
No...I don't...we're his friends...why didn't he tell me sooner? Why won't he tell them?
Consider this. When the day of Trigon's arrival came, you knew. Why did you not tell them?
I...wanted their last day to be happy. I wanted them to be themselves, not to worry...
And?
I was afraid...
Of what?
That they'd treat me differently...like I was weak...
Perhaps now you understand Beast Boy's reasons?
I do...But I want to help him - I can't do it alone!
You gave your oath. Should you break it, and fail to save him, what then? You understand that he will be turned into a test subject, due to the deadline? You understand that if he does not survive his final weeks would have been a nightmare? If you break your word, he may never forgive you.
I don't have a choice...do I?
I am afraid not.
I'm inside now, sitting in the corner with a book in my hand.
I don't know what it is. I haven't looked.
Beast Boy and Cyborg are sitting on the couch, playing one of their games.
All I can do is watch him...and pretend that nothing's wrong.
I want to give him a hug. That's pretty rare, but I think he needs one.
I know that I would, if I was him.
Easy, Raven...Go to your room. Then you can cry.
Beast Boy
I wanted to go straight back upstairs and hide. I didn't want to see them.
I didn't have much of a choice.
Cyborg was cooking when I came inside, and he wasn't about to let me slip past him.
So we ended up playing games - for almost three hours.
So what if I lost every race? At least I managed to convince him that I was just a little sick.
I'm pretty sure, anyway - Cy's pretty clever and he might have noticed something was wrong.
Hopefully not.
Cy went to charge a few minutes ago. I don't want to move...
Raven left - for her room, probably - about two and a half hours ago.
Robin's in the gym - I can hear him punishing the punching bag.
And Starfire...lets go with 'she just walked in the front door, carrying Silkie.'
I flash her a smile and speak.
"Hey, Star, what ya doing?"
Oh, no...that look only ever means one thing.
Pain.
I don't have time to move before she has me trapped in a hug.
"Friend! You have maintained your human state!"
Must...not...cry...
"Star - air!"
She lets me go and backs off, still smiling.
"Forgive me, friend Beast Boy, I am simply overjoyed to see you are well!"
That's Star, alright...least she didn't ask me what i've been doing.
After a minute, I lift myself back onto the couch. Now I hurt even more.
"Thanks, Star...what do you mean 'maintained my human state?'
She looks puzzled, momentarily. Then she beams at me.
"Cyborg suggested that you had contracted the 'chicken pox.' I am pleased to see that he was incorrect, and you remain human."
There's nothing I can do but chuckle at that.
"Yeah, sure do. Don't worry Starfire, even if I do turn into a chicken I can turn right back."
She nods. "That is good, friend - Myself and the others were most worried about you - You must promise you shall never let us believe such bad things have happened to you again!."
Okay...I think I got all that.
"Uh...sure Star,I promise..."
I wish I could keep it, Star...I'm sorry.
"So...what were you and Silkie doin'?"
I have to ask. I just have to.
Her smile still hasn't left her face, and now she looks even more excited.
"I am planning the surprise for the anniversary of friend Raven's day of birth!"
Raven's birthday? Okay, Garfield, don't panic.
"Uh...You sure that's a good idea, Star?"
The puzzled look she gives me is answer enough.
End of chapter four.