Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to the Teen Titans or any characters in the DC Universe.

Beast Boy trudged out of the warm and dry ranger station. He had 5 hours of daylight left, if they could be called that in the incessant downpour. He picked up the pace and began to jog towards the canyon's entrance which once was an uphill journey. He was silently grateful for the years of physical training that Robin had demanded of all the Titans, but especially of him as he was able to quickly make the climb to the canyon's rim. It was the spot from where he had seen Terra for the first time, when she easily vanquished the nightmarish monster.

Unlike in his the dream the carcass of the defeated leviathan had long since been removed from the canyon floor by scientists and in its place there was a large pool of water. The canyon floor was impassable in its current soggy state and Beast Boy continued his progress along the rim. As the afternoon wore on he heard Raven's voice in his head.

Are you still alive?

Duh. What's up.

They declared Mumbo unfit to be tried.

Told ya. So what happened?

Dutton dropped the ball. His expert witnesses stunk. He then asked that Mumbo be sent to Arkham in Gotham but that got shot down as well.

So how are you feeling about that?

Lousy. But I did warn Mumbo to never return to Jump City, telepathically of course.

Did you threaten him?

Damn straight I did. I told him to ask Dr. Light what I did to him. He freaked out and the guards laughed at him.

I guess there is some justice in the world. Is that it?

I'm sorry I didn't wait for you to call. How are you?

I'm soaking wet. It won't stop raining. It's gonna be dark soon and I still haven't found a place to set up camp for tonight.

I'd offer to bring you back for the night, but I think I already know your answer.

Don't tempt me Rae. Where did you get such a comfy bed anyway? I slept great last night.

Ask Cyborg, you know he's our quartermaster.

Did I just hear you giggle over the link?

Maybe

OK, moving on, so what did you do today?

I was so bummed out that I let Starfire give me a makeover.

You're joking, right?

No I'm not. She's actually a pretty good at it. It was kind of fun getting my toenails painted.

OK, who are you and have you done with Raven?

Very funny. Anyway, she painted them black, if that makes you feel better.

Oh, I guess I can stop worrying then. Whoa! There they are! I can't believe I found them so soon!

Who's 'they'?

Sorry. Boy Scouts. The rangers told me they were in the canyon. Maybe I'll stay with them tonight. We should sign off now. Oh, but before I go, do you remember that pancake house we saved from muggers a few years ago?

I do actually. A small family owned place by Kit Carson, right?

That's right. I had a late breakfast there today. They remembered us, especially you.

No one forgets creepy Raven, right?

They kind of liked you actually.

Kind of?

Well, they did ask about you. I showed them your picture. But guess what? They've seen Terra, and they said she's living in the canyon!

Forgive me if I'm not thrilled.

I know, well I'd better go. I've almost reached their campsite.

Will you still call me later?

You can count on it. Bye.

Bye.

Raven picked up her book, ready to continue reading, but noticed that Robin was looking at her. They were in the common room and she was sitting on the circular couch. Robin had a puzzled look on his face.

"You OK Raven? You look kind of spaced out."

"I'm fine, I was just lost in thought." She lied to the boy wonder.

"Right. Anyway it's dinner time. And I want us to eat together because there are some issues to discuss."

"You mean Garfield?"

"I'm afraid so. Let's go. Cyborg cooked, so it should be good."

"You mean meaty." She replied as she put her book down and stood up.

Robin grinned as they walked to the kitchen table, which was buried in barbeque ribs, pork, beef and chicken, with a few huge tubs of coleslaw and potato salad.

"Welcome to the picnic of the rainy day!" Starfire beamed as she helped set the table. "Raven, will you be having the aide of lemons or the beer of roots."

Raven sighed silently. Sometimes Starfire's mangled syntax did get to her. She knew the Tamaranian had an IQ of 200, so why couldn't she learn to speak English correctly? She shoved the thought aside, remembering that her past impatience with Beast Boy was one of the reasons he would be sleeping in a cold, wet sleeping bag that night instead of with her in her soft, warm bed.

"Root Beer will be fine." She gently replied as she sat down.

Cyborg knew his barbeque, and the Titans stuffed their faces until it was all gone. As Starfire was handing out little towelettes so that sticky fingers and faces could be wiped clean Robin began the meeting.

"OK Team, what are we going to do about Beast Boy? He left without telling anyone other than Raven and we don't know when he'll be coming back. As far as I'm concerned he's already quit the team."

The other 3 looked at him in shock.

"Robin, you can't be serious." Raven snapped at him.

"I'm sorry Raven, but you can't let your feelings get in the way. He's abandoned us."

"Oh, you mean like how you didn't let your feelings get in the way when Starfire was engaged?" She snarled at him.

"That was different. The marriage was a sham!"

"But you didn't know that when you sent us to investigate, which had nothing to do with your feelings for Starfire, right?"

"Yes, but it was different. I didn't abandon the team!"

"You did when you became Slade's apprentice!"

"I did that to protect you!"

"Please friends! No more fighting. I agree with Raven that we should not do the kicking off the team to Beast Boy."

"Me too!" Cyborg growled. "Now listen hair gel brain, we aren't kicking him off the team until he actually quits, got that?"

Robin frowned, knowing he had lost the argument. He debated whether or not to pull rank on his team, but knew it was pointless. Still, he had his pride to save.

"Fine, but no one can go after him. And if he's not back in 3 months, then he's out."

"Listen bird boy, if he needs help, I'm going, you got that?"

"Why are you being so difficult about this Raven? Do I have to suspend you?"

"Enough!" Cyborg roared. "We'll wait three months, and then we'll reevaluate the situation. End of discussion!"

The table fell silent as Raven stood up and gave Robin a glare before phasing into the floor.

Robin sighed. "What are we going to do with her if he doesn't come back?"

"What if he does come back, but brings Terra with him?" Cyborg added.

"As his mate." Starfire concluded. "Oh friends, it would be terrible. What are we going to do?"

Robin crossed his arms on his chest.

"Now you know why I'm the team jerk." He grumbled. "I'm the one who always has to make the tough choices. Anyway, just so you know, I'm going to start screening for replacements, in case he doesn't come back. Star, would you mind telling Raven when you see her?"

"Yes Robin, I will. She will be most unhappy with the news."

"I know Star, I know."

The bright orange tents stood out in the bleak landscape, like bright coral rising from the sea bed. There was also a large tarp, set up as a canopy over the campground commons, in the middle of the camp. As he approached he could see that they were huddled under the tarp, cooking their dinner on portable propane stoves while the rain poured off the tarp in a threatening torrent. He was halfway into camp before anyone saw him.

"Leave us alone! We don't have anything you want!" The scoutmaster shouted at him.

Garfield raised his hands as he approached the tarp, he identity still shrouded by his hood and the overall lack of light during the stormy twilight hour.

"I'm not a poacher." He reassured them. As he entered the lit, sheltered area he lowered his hood.

"It's Beast Boy!" One of the younger scouts cheered.

The scoutmaster looked skeptical. "Aren't you kind of big to be Beast Boy?"

Everybody wants a show. He grumbled mentally. It's been a while, but what the heck?

Beast Boy put down his back pack and removed his poncho.

I'll be a dog. They always love dogs.

Beast Boy willed himself to become a German Shepherd, but nothing happened.

What are you trying to do Garfield? The Wild Man's voice rang in his head.

What do you think? I'm trying to morph! It's that power that I have. Remember?

I don't advise that Garfield, it's not a good idea.

I don't care what you think. Now get out of the way.

It'll set you back Garfield. You've come so far in becoming a true man, and now you want be an animal again?

Beast Boy ignored the Wild Man's warning and morphed into a green dog. The scout troop huddled around him as they ooh'd and ah'd. What they didn't know was how good he was feeling, he hadn't felt this was since before the day he saved Raven from the water trap. He began to understand why the Wild Man had tried to stop him. He was feeling uninhibited and primal. He took in the scents around him, as each scout smelled different. His sensitive ears detected sounds that escaped him in his human form.

He detected a presence in his mind, one that had been absent for a long time. Turning inward he saw it, the Beast.

Where have you been Beast Boy? I have missed you.

I've been getting to know my human side better.

Why are you seeking the betrayer?

What are you talking about?

You know well who I speak of. The unfaithful one. She only seeks you to use you for her own benefit.

That's a lie.

Is it? Why do you seek her?

Garfield hesitated before answering.

She might be my mate.

The Beast let out a deep, guttural growl,

She is treacherous, unworthy of you. Why did you abandon your mate to seek the traitor?

Raven? No, she's not my mate. She can't be.

Why not?

Beast Boy did not answer.

Why Beast Boy?

Because I'm afraid of her.

That is your human side speaking, your weak side. You must once again become one with your animal self. Then you will know the true answer. And do not listen to the Wild Man, for he will ask you forsake your true self. I will leave you now, but will return soon.

Beast Boy snapped out of his trance to see that the scouts were petting him. He quickly morphed back into his human form.

"I'm sorry I doubted you Beast Boy." The scoutmaster apologized. "I'm Phil Archer, scoutmaster of troop 185 from Ukiah, California." He said as he extended his hand. "Looks like you've been through a growth spurt."

Beast Boy rubbed the back of his neck.

"You could say that."

"So what brings you to the canyon lands? And by yourself? I thought the Titans always worked as a team?"

"We do, but I'm on a personal mission…"

"You're looking for Terra, aren't you?" One of the boys blurted out.

"We've seen her. She floats around on her rocks, just like when she conquered the city." Another scout volunteered.

"Is she still evil Mr. Beast Boy?"

"Why are you looking for her?" A taller, older boy asked. A patch on his shoulder identified him as the Senior Patrol Leader.

Garfield turned to the senior scout.

"I'm not sure. But tell me, where did you see her?"

"We've seen her all over the place, but especially in the eastern canyon. We've seen her there a lot."'

"I wonder why she let you see her so much." Beast Boy wondered out loud. "She's a master of stealth. You only saw her because she wanted you to see her."

"Maybe she wants you to find her." Another boy chipped in.

"No, I don't think so. She's always known where to find me. If she wanted to see me she could have come to the Tower."

"But that's different." Mr. Archer interrupted. "Maybe she wants to know if YOU want to find her."

Beast Boy laughed. "Ok, we're getting too deep here. How does that saying go? 'Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar', who said that anyway?"

"I believe it was Sigmund Freud." Archer replied. "You're probably right Beast Boy. There's probably a simpler explanation for her behavior. Here, let me show you where we saw her most often."

Archer pulled out a map of the canyon lands. Using a highlighter he marked where they had seen Terra with the greatest frequency. It was a place called Bower's Ravine and it was 40 miles away. Beast Boy decided right there and then that he would fly there, the Wild Man be damned.

"Would you like to join us for the night Beast Boy? There's room in my tent and we pitched camp before the storm began, so the floor is dry."

"Thanks Mr. Archer, I'd be honored."

Raven was pacing nervously in her room. The storm outside had abated and it had finally stopped raining, not that she had noticed. It was past 10 PM and he hadn't checked in with her.

She had barricaded herself once again in her room. Starfire has come by earlier to tell her about Robin's plan to begin screening for a replacement for Beast Boy.

"I should just resign right now and go find him." Raven shared with her orange teammate. "And I've had my fill of the Boy Blunder. No offense Starfire, but what do you see in him? He's a jerk!"

"He is not a jerk Raven." She replied defensively. "He cares a great deal about all of us. Have you forgotten how he risked life and limb to rescue you from the pit of Trigon?"

"No, I haven't." She replied apologetically. "But he can still be a jerk sometimes."

"At one time or another we all get to be the jerk."

Raven sighed. "Not you. You're always nice. He doesn't deserve you."

"You are wrong Raven. And please do not speak ill anymore of my beloved."

Raven placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry friend. This hasn't been a good day for me."

Starfire embraced her. "I understand. But do not run away, for it will accomplish nothing. You cannot bring him back, he will return on his own, once he has completed his quest."

Raven wiped away a stray tear. "You seem so certain of that. I'm not. He's always loved her. She's prettier than me, she looks normal, she has a bubbly personality, she's fun, her father isn't a demon who's hell bent on destroying humanity. Need I go on?"

"You forget one thing Raven; she has hurt and betrayed him. She is what we Tamaranians call the 'easy love'. She is fun, but in the end she will not satisfy him. Only you can do that, my sister."

"Thanks Starfire, even if I don't believe you. I need you to leave now, but thanks for being my friend."

"I understand. I will give you the alone time. Rest well my friend."

That had been over two hours ago. Raven was beginning to get worried about Garfield, and decided that even though she had already called him earlier that day that she would do it again.

Gar, are you OK?

Oh hi Rae. Oh crap, it's already ten! I'm sorry, I lost track of time.

So what's going on? Are you alright?

Sure, except maybe for eating too many S'mores I'm fine.

So I take it you're hanging with the scouts?

That's right, and guess what?

Let me guess, they've also seen Terra. Funny how so many people have seen her when Robin and I couldn't find a trace of her. I think she wants you to find her.

Funny you should say so. That's what Phil Archer said.

Who's Phil Archer?

He's the scoutmaster. They think she lives in the east canyon, near a place called Bower's Ravine. I'm going to fly out there tomorrow.

We didn't go that far eastward when we looked for her. Did you just say that you're going to fly there? Are you morphing again?

Yes I am! It's great! But you know what? The Wild Man tried to stop me.

That's not a surprise. So what happened?

After I morphed I met the Beast in my mind.

Really?! What happened?

He spoke to me. He told me not to trust the Wild Man and that I should embrace my animal side.

I knew I always liked the Beast. Then what?

Really, you like him? Why? He's ugly and scary.

I disagree. You saved me more than once as the Beast. I think the Wild Man wouldn't have any problem with pushing me off a curb into traffic. Did anything else happen?

No. He left, but he said that we meet again soon. I'm afraid there's going to be a war in my head Rae. The Wild Man and the Beast hate each other.

Welcome to my world. Did the Beast say anything about me?

Uh, no, not really. He lied feebly.

Not really? What's that supposed to mean?

He said that I was weak around you.

Weak? What the hell is that supposed to mean?

I don't know Rae. He left abruptly before I could ask him. Maybe the next time I see him he can explain.

There was a telepathic silence until Raven broke it.

Gar, are you afraid of me?

He paused, deliberating whether or not to lie to his friend.

Yes, Raven I am. Your powers terrify me Rae, and I do feel weak next to you. Very weak. I'm nothing compared to you, just a feeble weakling.

But Gar, I'm also weak. I'm an emotional basket case. Don't you know that you've been my anchor since we met?

No Rae, you don't get it. Just because I'm your friend doesn't make me strong.

Gar, strength has nothing to do with powers. Had we not met you'd be fine today, because you're strong. I wouldn't have survived. I'd probably be dead today had it not been for you. I would have killed myself before my 16th birthday. But you gave me hope with your never ending cheerfulness and optimism. When I told you who my father was and what my destiny was foretold to be, you stood at my side, you even comforted me. A weakling would have run away. I would have run away.

You don't give yourself enough credit Raven.

And neither do you. Gar, please forget about this quest and come home. I'm yours and I'll love you forever. Please come home.

I can't do that Raven, because I'll spend the rest of my life wondering what might have been. I have to finish this. Would you want to be my mate knowing that I might be thinking of her when I should be thinking about you?

No, of course not. Damn, I hate her.

No you don't. I'll call you tomorrow Rae, I promise I won't forget. But I don't want to talk anymore tonight. I'm sorry.

It's OK. I'll be waiting for you. Good night Gar. Sleep well. I love you.

I love you too Rae. Good night.

Beast Boy rose early the next morning. The storm was long gone and from the campsite near the canyon rim he could see how the storm had ravaged the canyon floor, which was still flooded. Unlike other canyons this one had not been carved by a river, as there was no outlet for the flood. For some odd reason it didn't rain very much in the canyon lands, otherwise it would have been a large lake instead of the wasteland that it was.

The scouts also rose early and prepared a hearty breakfast for their guest. Once again he had pancakes and eschewed the offerings of bacon, sausage and eggs that were offered to him. During the meal he consulted the map Archer had given to him, memorizing the path he would follow which was necessary as he wouldn't have hands to hold it while on pterosaur form.

At 8:00 AM he bid troop 185 farewell and thanked them for their hospitality. He also told them to stop by the Tower and to ask for Raven when they returned to Jump City. Then without further ado he morphed into a winged dinosaur and grabbing his backpack with his talons he leaped off the canyon rim and was soaring over the canyon floor, which was hundreds of feet below.

He paid very close attention to where he was flying as terrain below wasn't always easily recognizable. On more than one occasion he had to back track as he took a wrong turn. His progress, while far faster than it would have been on foot, was still too slow for his taste as he was impatient to arrive at his destination, Bower's Ravine.

Two hours had passed and he could finally see the ravine up ahead. From his lofty perch he began to search for a good location for his base camp when he suddenly felt a hot, searing pain in his right wing. A rifle report echoed throughout the canyon a split second later. Beast Boy had to summon all his will power to keep his wing from collapsing. He was in trouble.

Rae! Can you hear me!

Yes! What's the matter? You're hurt! I can tell.

Someone shot me with a monster rifle. The wound in my wing is huge. I'm losing a lot of blood.

Can you land safely? Starfire and I are already on our way.

I think I can, I'm almost on the ground. Oh it hurts Rae, it really hurts. Ok, I'm on the ground.

Turn on your communicator; you do have it with you?

Yes I have it. Ok it's on. The transponder is working too.

We'll be there in just a few minutes. Starfire is carrying me. Oh Azar, I didn't know she could fly so fast, I can't even open my eyes.

I feel dizzy. I think I'm blacking out.

I brought some of your blood from the infirmary. I'll be there soon Gar, hang in there. Gar can you hear me?

GARFIELD!!

OK, this chapter just leaped out of my head. I hope it doesn't stink.

And please don't make me beg for reviews! Oh wait, I already am. Too late, now you have to write one. You know who you are.