Ch 4

The day of the party had arrived and all Beast boy wanted to do is sleep in as he hid under the covers of his bed. He couldn't help but think about the battle he and the other Titans had with Dr. Light last night. After they defeated him, BB could feel pain course throughout his body like he never felt before. He could feel his body giving up on him. He was angry just thinking about it as he rolled over onto his back.

'After everything I've been through in my life, I'm going to be brought down by the powers that made me who I am today,' he though as he gripped his blanket tightly as tears ran down his face. 'Th—this isn't fair. Please, mom, dad, I don't want to die.'

A knock on the door startled him from his thoughts. "Yo, B I know you're in there. The party's starting and everyone's here but you."

"Uh, just a second Cy," said BB as he rushed to the bathroom, splashed his face, combed his hair, changed into a fresh uniform, and came out smiling at his best friend.

"BB, what did you do, sleep in?"

"Yeah, that battle with Dr. light yesterday kicked my butt but dude if you don't get in there, then Bumblebee is going to kick your butt."

BB watched as Cyborg rushed over to Bumblebee, putting his arms a around her as she kissed him. BB couldn't help but smile. 'At least he'll have someone to care about him. Robin and Star have each other, and Raven will have her family. Everything will be ok when I'm gone.' He took a breath in and then out as he searched for his girlfriend to find her in the kitchen, reading a book.

"Hey," he said softly to her, "enjoying the party?" he asked as he smiled at her.

She closed her book and put it down on the table. "Oh yes, there's nothing I enjoy more than meaningless conversation, and loud, pounding music."

"So dancing is out of the question?" he asked as he took her hand in his.

"I don't dance Beast boy. You should know that by now, but—

"But," he said with excitement.

"I'll dance one dance with you," she smiled.

Her smile made his heart melt. "You're the best Rae," he said as he felt her hand squeeze his when they made their way to the dance floor. His arms went around her waist as hers rested around his neck.

"I guess this isn't so bad," said Raven as they slow danced.

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself Raven," he smiled, "because I am to."

Raven smiled again. "You know I wouldn't do this for anyone else but you Gar."

He looked into her eyes to see deep affection shining through. "Raven, you're—

"Showing more emotion, I know. Ever since I defeated Trigon, I've been able to express them a little bit more freely."

"You're the most amazing person I've ever met, you know that?"

"Yeah, I know," she smiled as he laughed. "I made you laugh."

"Who would of thought you could do such a thing?"

"I think I've come a long way from when we first met."

"Definitely, you've made the most transformation out of all the Titans."

"Speaking of transformation—Raven was interrupted by the titan alarm.

Robin brought the Titans screen up to reveal Slade. "Why hello Titans and Titans East. I hope I didn't interrupt. Hello Garfield Logan, we have a lot to discuss."

"What do you want Slade?" yelled Beast boy.

"So glad you asked but it is not a matter of what I want. It is a matter of what my master wants," said Slade.

"Who are you working for?" demanded Robin.

A familiar, evil laugh filled the room as a red demon came into focus. "No! You're dead. I destroyed you!" Raven yelled.

"So you thought my daughter but I don't need you anymore to get through dimensions. Someone was looking out for me," said Trigon as another familiar figure came into focus.

The man smirked. "Hello again Garfield."

"Galtry, there is no way—

"There are many things you don't know about me Garfield. I am not just a talented scientist, but I know all about the world of magic. It has truly transformed me," said Galtry as he smiled, "and I've had help from Trigon."

"What do you want from me?" asked BB.

"The beast inside you has so much potential and with your power, I will take over the universe," said Trigon, "and with the new abilities that Galtry has created within you, we will be unstoppable."

"What did you do to me? Whatever it is I don't care. You're all going down!"

"My, my don't you just love his spirit," said Slade.

"Don't worry, I'll break him in no time," said Galtry. "Oh and before I forget Garfield, you might want to tell your friends about your life span. Bye for now." The screen went blank.

"Beast boy, what was Galtry talking about?" asked Robin.

Beast boy put some distance between him and the other Titans and tried to prepare himself for what he was about to say. "My condition has always been unstable. Every time I turn into an animal, it's painful. It's not only that, but bones break and muscles build. At some point I'm going to die but it might be sooner than I realized."

"How long?" Robin asked.

He couldn't bear to look at his leader or any of the other Titans. "A year, maybe less. I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I was scared. My initial plan was to go back to Africa and rest in piece where my parents died but then I realized all I have here, and I couldn't bear dying alone."

The room was quiet and all Beast boy wanted to do was run away to him room and cry in darkness. He risked a glance to his girlfriend to see a blank look in her eyes. 'I—I can't tell what she's feeling. Please, I need to know Raven. I need to know, so I can make everything all right somehow.'

'You can't. Nothing is all right. I don't know how you can make this ok.'

'Raven, is that you?' BB asked.

'We'll defeat Trigon, Slade, and Galtry together and then we will deal with this together. Maybe there's something I can do. I'm going to find a way!'

BB was touched by her determination but deep down he wondered if it was all for nothing. He knew turning into the beast might speed the process of his life span, so he hoped all the Titans together could defeat Trigon, Galtry, and Slade. If not, he didn't want to think that far. All he could do now is try to reassure his girlfriend that everything will be ok. 'I love you Rae.'