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Chapter 12
Dear Raven,
I can't believe how long this stupid hut's gonna take me! I've been working on it for two freaking months and I'm still not done! I can't seem to get the stupid sticks to stay up. Could you please send me some info so I can make it? I know you want me to do it on my own but I might be stuck here for the rest of my life. You don't want that, do you? Actually, you probably would. I bet you never want me to come back. Well, fine, if you don't want me to come back, then I won't.
-BB
Dear Beast Boy,
Yeah, I so don't want you to come back. What's wrong with you? Of course I want you to come back. When you're ready, of course. You get so dramatic at times. And, as for helping you with your trial, if you really want me to get you some information and plans then I will. I just feel like you're cheating since none of the other boys got help like this. Are you sure King Tawaba said it was alright? Part of becoming a man is doing things on your own.
-Raven
Dear Raven,
Thanks for the info, I think I know what to do now. And, yeah, he said it was alright. And I was just kidding with all of that 'you don't want me to come back' crap. But, it's nice to know you want me to come back. I always wonder if you guys still miss me or if you forget I was ever there. It's weird being here and knowing you guys are still in Jump City fighting crime. I feel like we live in two different worlds completely. Sometimes, I have dreams that I'm back with you guys and fighting Mumbo or Plasmus. What's weird is that I'm always happy in those dreams, which wasn't what I was feeling when I was actually with you guys. I don't know what it means. Maybe I'll actually rejoin you guys someday. Anyway, thanks for the plans again and I'll talk to you in a week.
-BB
Dear Beast Boy,
Of course we still miss you here. We feel your absence every day. Starfire brings up your name at least once a day. And as soon as you're ready we'll welcome you back onto the team. Robin really wants you to come back. He's getting on his last nerve with all of these young temps. Ugh, listen to me, 'young' temps. Being in the superhero business ages you terribly. I've been contemplating taking a break, myself. It'd be nice to take a vacation from all of this. But, if I dared to leave I know Robin would go into conniptions. The team needs all the help we can get. But, don't feel like I'm trying to guilt you into coming back. I'm just updating you on what's going on. I hope your hut building is going well.
-Raven
Three Months Later
Dear Raven,
You won't believe what happened. My hut's ruined! That damn lion I fought off a while back came back, I know it was him, and challenged me! I tried to draw him away from the village, but instead he ran in and caused absolute chaos! He ripped apart four huts, and one of them was mine. And now I've gotta rebuild the whole damn thing! And, this is the honest to god's truth, I finished it that day. I was going to show it to King Tawaba to get his approval, but the stupid lion showed up. King Tawaba says I have to build the whole thing all over again! I totally need a hug right now. It was perfect, too! I'd made it really big so there'd be room for you guys when you visit, made an actual floor and a bed, and the roof was so tightly woven together that no rain could get it. Of course, I never counted on a lion ripping it to shreds. What do I have such rotten luck? Why me?!
-BB
Dear Beast Boy,
I'm so sorry to hear that. I know you put a lot of time, effort, and heart into it. I don't give hugs, but I'm sure Starfire would hold you until you felt better. At least you know what you're doing now so hopefully it won't take you as long. Do you want to hear something that might cheer you up? Starfire tried to get me to dye my hair. We were at the mall, I've noticed things like this happen whenever we're there, and she dragged me into a salon. She said she wanted to dye her hair blond and that I should do it with her so we matched. Can you believe that? Of course, I'm sure you'd love to see me with blond hair. You'd like anyone who was blond. I'd bet you'd even get a crush on Aiyana. Anyway, I called Robin up, told him it was a code yellow, and he came down and got her out of there before she could even sit down in the chair. She was upset, but we convinced her her hair was beautiful enough already. Anyway, I thought you'd get a chuckle out of that.
-Raven
Dear Raven,
Why do you think I have this obsession with blonds? Sure, most of the girls I've ever had a crush on have been blond, but I don't like all blonds. And it wouldn't matter if Aiyana was blond, redheaded, or even had purple hair; I still wouldn't like her like that. The only good thing about having to rebuild the hut is that Aiyana isn't allowed to bother me. King Tawaba even told her so, because she distracts me, and not in a good way. Oh, and I think you should know, you wouldn't look good blond at all. I can't picture you without purple hair; it definitely suits you the best. Plus, your eyes wouldn't go with blond hair. I bet if you had black hair they'd really stand out. But I still prefer the purple hair.
-BB
Dear Beast Boy
I was just joking about the whole blond thing. I know, Raven telling a joke, it must be the end of the world. I really don't care who you like or what their appearance might be. And I'm glad you're getting some time away from Aiyana. I think it's about time you told her how you feel so she doesn't keep pursuing you. And I'm quite aware that I wouldn't look good with blond hair. Hence the reason I didn't get it. But I'm glad you accept me for the odd color hair I have; not many people would. And black hair? Do you really think it'd bring out my eyes? I guess it might. But I'm still keeping my own hair color.
Three Months Later
Dear Raven,
I can't do this trial. I mean it, I can't. I would rather build my damn hut again a hundred more times. This is completely going against everything I believe in. How can I kill an animal? Not only that, kill something that could feed at least three people?! I don't know what to do. I actually cornered a warthog in the jungle and started to cry. I asked King Tawaba at least seven times if I can do something else, but he says I have to do this or I'll be kicked out of the tribe. I know this has no time limit, but I'm sure it never takes longer than a week for everyone else to do it. I've been stalling for a month now. Any advice?
-BB
Dear Beast Boy,
Of all of the things I've admired you for, it's your commitment to your beliefs. The reason you don't eat meat or kill animals is completely understandable and reasonable. But, are you really willing to give up your place in the tribe for this? After all of the work you've done? You do realize why you're doing this trial, right? It's to prove that you can provide food for you family and the tribe. And if you're able to do this, despite your deep beliefs, I think you'll be respected all the more. Because you're thinking about others and not your self. Animals are killed and eaten, it's part of nature. I suggest distancing yourself as much as you can from the animal you have to kill. Just do what you've got to do, that's my suggestion. I wish I could do it for you just so you wouldn't feel so much pain about this.
-Raven
Dear Raven,
Thanks you so much for the advice. And thanks for wanting to help me so I don't feel guilty about taking the poor animal's life. That really means a lot to me. Well, the dead is done. I killed an antelope two days ago. I don't want to go into it, but just know I did it. I'm sure Cyborg will be happy. I feel so guilty. When it was over I actually cried and I haven't left my hut since. These last few months have been really hard for me, Raven. I just hope I'll finish these damn trials, soon. King Tawaba says that the next trial is that I have to learn a talent that's useful; liking hunting, planting, building, weaving, etc. Which one do you think I should do?
-BB
Dear Beast Boy,
I can't believe you actually did it. I have to say, I really have a new respect for you. I know it was hard but it's over now. I'm sure that was the hardest thing you'll have to do. I really can't think of anything that could put you through so much trauma. And I know these past few months have been hard for you. Just remember that it'll all be worth it in the end. These are all tests to see if you're worthy of being recognized as a man. I, personally, think you already are, but you've got to prove it to the tribe. Just don't give up, okay? I want you to succeed. And I think you should try something simple like planting or weaving. But, do whatever you think you can do best.
-Raven
Four Months Later
Dear Raven,
Can you believe it? I've been here two whole years! I feel like it's been so much longer than that. So, I was thinking that you guys could come and visit me. King Tawaba says that after this trial I've only got one more! So, since I'm only a few days away from harvesting my garden and presenting it to King Tawaba, I thought you guys could come. I'd love to see you all again. I found this place I think you'd really like. It's quiet and beautiful; it immediately reminded me of you. Uh, what I mean is, I thought it'd be a great place for you to meditate. Anyway, ask Robin if you can all take a break and come. I at least want you to come. Because, you know, you said you wanted to take a break a while back and I know you still haven't.
-BB
Dear Beast Boy,
This might surprise you, but Robin thinks it's a great idea. He wants us all to go visit you. He said that he's overwhelmed by all of the newbies and it'd be nice for us to get away and see you again. He's making arrangements as we speak to get some other Titans to take over the city so we can go. I'm sure you didn't expect us so soon, but, if it all works out, we'll be there in two or three days. Get back to me as soon as you can so I can know that this is okay.
-Raven
(Five Minutes Later)
Dear Raven,
Yeah, it's okay! I've got everything ready already, so you guys can come whenever you want. This is gonna be awesome! I haven't been this excited in forever! Oh, uh, I probably should mention I might look… a bit different then when you last saw me. Two years can really change a guy, you know? Anyway, I can't wait!
-BB
p.s. Don't forget to dress in normal clothes! It's hot as Hell here, remember? If you don't I'll force you to wear some clothes the women in the village wear and they leave little to the imagination.
(Ten Minutes Later)
Dear Beast Boy,
That's good to hear. We all really can't wait to see you again. And I'm sure you've changed. I'm going to warn you that we've all changed as well. Like you said, two years can change a person. I'm sure we'll all be surprised at how one another looks. And I'm looking forward to you showing me that nice spot you wrote about. It'd be nice to find a calm, peaceful place to meditate. Even with you gone all these years I still can't get any peace. Maybe it's because you're not here and I feel like everything's off balance. Oh, just so you know, Cyborg's bringing Sarah. I'm sure you don't mind, but I thought I'd let you know. She wanted to see you again, too, and Robin said it'd be alright because she could sit in your usual seat in the T-ship. We should all be there in two days.
-Raven
p.s. Don't worry, I'll wear normal clothes this time. Your little threat about trying to get me into clothes that barely cover anything has convinced me to do some shopping. Just don't let Starfire know that she can wear their clothes or we'll all have to see her walking around in even less than she wears now.