The Detritus of Dorian Gray

Terra's statue mysteriously vanishes. Beast Boy thinks Slade's behind it, but when Terra returns with a mysterious young man, things become more and more complicated as Dorian's secrets are revealed…

Rated: PG-13, for violence, flashbacks of murder and romantic yada yada…

Pairings: Terra/Dorian, Robin/Starfire, Beast Boy/Raven

Prologue: The Stranger

"I have wandered the world long enough," said the man, standing on the outskirts of a large, bustling metropolis called Jump City. "The time has come for me to settle down that I may further my own pursuits," he said, talking to the air alone who was his audience. He started towards the city, hoping for a new life there.

His crisp, slightly curly blond hair was combed neatly back. His eyes a lovely pale blue; and his face clean and fresh, one would think him a handsome young man, a lad of twenty. He was strong and vigorous, a fine young man, he appeared to be. And indeed he was, in looks, one could judge. His soul, however, was quite another thing altogether.

He carried with him a great frame, like that intended for holding a portrait. It was covered in a lovely silk cloth, or once lovely should be the better description of it now. It was worn and faded now; apparently, he had had it for many years. Perhaps he was an artist or a painter exhibiting his work at the local art shows around the city. Perhaps he intended to sell the painting for a profit. He passed by many people who smiled and waved in his direction. He did not return their gestures.

He was too deep in thought, so he paid little heed to any attention that was paid to him, if there was any at all. He was headed to a large building with a large neon sign that said JUMP CITY HOTEL. He ignored the curious gaze of onlookers as he entered the building.

A clerk at the Jump City hotel looked up as a young man walked in. "May I help you young man?" he asked. The boy looked to be about twenty. He had a strange air about him, mysteriousness he couldn't quite place his finger on. He was quite the handsome fellow; he looked like a British boy, perhaps a tourist.

"Okay sir, I need you to sign your name here," the clerk said, handing him a form. He looked up hesitantly, unsure only for a moment. He took the pen and signed his name. He handed it back to the clerk and the man frowned. "Sir, this is your real name?" he said skeptically.

"Yes, it is, "the man replied. "Mention nothing of my name to anyone. You will refer to me as Mr. Basil Hallward for your record."

"Yes, of course Mr. Hallward of course," the man said hastily. "Room 111 on the first floor sir," the clerk said. The young man said nothing to him and walked toward the hallway in which his accommodations were to be.

"Sir?" the clerk called after him.

"Yes?" 'Basil Howard' replied.

"The portrait, do you want it to be kept in the safe?"

"No, no. I shall keep it with me. It is safest with me. It shall always stay with me." Basil Hallward said simply as he walked away. He made his way down the hall until he came to his desired location. Standing for a moment outside of the doorway, he sighed. He hoped to begin a new life here. He had wandered around for a long, long time. Now he finally found a place that he could possibly settle down in. He ended his reverie and entered the room.

He used the key to unlock the door and he shut it again behind him. He looked around the small room. It was rather pleasant, and cheerful, brightly decorated curtains attached to a window that held before it and astonishingly beautiful view of the city. He stared out at the lovely view before him, looking but without seeing, observing without becoming involved. Then he noticed a strange abnormality in the landscape. There was a huge whole that appeared to be the entrance to a cave.

He made his way down inside, it was very dark and he found himself stumbling around in the dark. He looked up and saw a small light ahead of him and moved toward it. Then he saw something and it startled him.

It was a statue. Curious, he began to peer closer at it. It seemed strange; it was made of pure, solid rock. Unique, it was a different sight among a few scattered businesses and shops that littered the outskirts of Jump City. He decided to take a closer look. He walked out to the spot and began observing the statue with interest. He couldn't help but be drawn to it. There was something about it that intrigued him.

He stood, watching for awhile until a young man came to stand beside him. The man noticed the boy's strange complexion. He was green from the crown of his head to his feet, but he didn't seem to mind much. "So who is she lad?" he asked.

"You must not be from around here, are you dude?" the boy said. "Her name was Terra, she was a dangerous enemy, and the truest friend I have ever had."

"Dangerous, you say? Why was she dangerous?" he asked.

"She sold her soul to her master Slade in exchange she hoped to gain control of her powers that she had." The boy sighed, "In the end she sacrificed herself to save us, save the city and save herself." The green boy placed flowers at the statue's feet. "She was my best friend. We are still trying to find a cure for her." A beeping began and he said with haste. "I have to go dude, it was nice to meet you, Mr…"

"Gray, Mr. Gray," the man said simply. He watched the boy go. A tortured soul, this girl was, much like himself as he had once been; he had made a wish once and it had cost him much more than anyone could possibly imagine. He let a small smile cross his face. He had found a twin soul perhaps, there was another who had done what he had so foolishly did when he was a boy so long ago it seemed like a dream.

Looking around, he made sure no one was watching. He walked up to the statue and began to inspect the foundation. He found there were a few cracks and he suspected he could remove the statue in its entirety without causing too much damage to the concrete around it. He went away for a few hours and came back with what he needed. He began as quietly as he could, softly, delicately chiseling away at the base of the statue. Soon, he was done, he hoisted it onto his back and slipped off into the shadows, he hid the statue in his room that he might observe it and hopefully discover a cure for the imprisoned soul who resided within.

He had been a good man for many years, well as good as others considered him to be, but it was not always so. He had once been cruel and uncouth, causing pain and suffering to the others surrounding him. He had foolishly wished…no he would not think of that tonight. He would figure out a way to redeem the soul trapped inside the statue, and perhaps redeem his own in the process.

Quick Sticky: If you figure out who my character is, you are very, very smart. Don't say who it is in reviews because that will ruin the fun of the surprise. His last name that I revealed at the end should give you a hint. He's a character from a famous book that I have just finished reading recently. I won't say what it is yet, I'll reveal that in the next sticky note for the next chapter, enjoy! The next chapter will have all the Titans in it and reveal a little more about the stranger 'Basil Hallward' Oh yeah, and for those who were wondering when this takes place, it's post season for which means Terra would be sixteen (I assume that because every season I count as a year in the lives to the Titans. In season one Beast Boy was fourteen, at least in the comics of Titans Go! I heard it somewhere...)…