Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to the Teen Titans or any characters in the DC Universe.
Titans East and West, plus Terra and minus Beast Boy and Raven watched from the rooftop as the Batwing and the Kryptonians disappeared over the night time horizon, with John Spivak in tow. Alfred had stayed behind to get the common room back into its original form and would be returning to the eastern seaboard with the Titans East the next day.
"Let's go help Alfred clean up." Robin suggested to the combined team.
"Let us help the Pennyworth with his quest." Starfire agreed as the teen heroes headed to the elevator.
"Terra, wait here with me for a bit." Robin instructed her. "Bumblebee and I want to talk with you."
The blond watched as the rest of the Titans disappeared into the elevator while she waited for Robin to begin his diatribe. Whatever it was, she knew it wasn't going to be good.
"Terra." He began. "You've been back with us in the Tower for a month now and I have to say I am impressed with your performance."
"Really?" She beamed, unable to conceal her surprise.
"Really. You have learned to control your powers and have been absolutely professional in your work as a hero."
"Whoa! Thanks Robin!"
"Bumblebee and I have been discussing this and we both agreed that you should be restored as a member of the Teen Titans."
Terra was elated. "Thanks guys! You have no idea how much this means to me! I can't wait to tell BB! He'll be so excited!"
Robin cleared his throat. "There is one small condition Terra. You have to join Bumblebee's team in Steele City."
"You're sending me to Titans East?!" Terra shouted. "Why?"
Robin and Bumblebee looked at her apologetically.
"Look Terra, it's no secret that you have feelings for Beast Boy, really strong feelings." Robin replied. "I'm amazed that you're taking their marriage so well."
Terra sighed. "I'm not gonna lie and say I'm not bummed out."
Bumblebee jumped in. "All the more reason for you to get out of Jump City girl! And they need their space too you know. That last thing Raven needs now is for you to be shaking your booty in Beast Boy's face."
Aw crap, how am I gonna get out of this one?
"But what about my annulment case? It's going to be handled in Jump City civil court."
"You can come back when you need to Terra. We all know that it's important for you to erase that marriage from the record books." Robin replied. "Just don't get any ideas into your head about Beast Boy if you get that annulment. He belongs to Raven now. Understand?"
"Sure Robin. Clear as water."
"Good." Bumblebee replied. "You're coming back with us tomorrow morning, so you might wanna pack your bags before turning in."
"And don't worry about helping Alfred clean up. You're off the hook on that one."
"Ok guys." Terra replied doing her best to hide her disappointment. "Thanks for letting me back on the team."
Beast Boy was snoring softly, his head resting on Raven's shoulder. He had just fallen asleep and Raven was still awake, still savoring the day. She gazed upon his gentle face and caressed it with her hand.
Today had been a great day for Raven, and not just because she had miraculously married the boy she had harbored a secret crush on since the day she met him. Tomorrow they would be leaving on a 10 day cruise where they could kick back and relax and there would be no super villains to deal with.
But the best thing of all was what Robin told her when he danced with her at the reception: That Terra was being sent off to Titans East. That had been the best wedding present anyone gave them, at least in her mind. And there had been some rather extravagant gifts. Bruce gave them a vacation home in Aspen while the Titans East had pooled their money and gave them a brand new 7 series BMW, and there were countless other gifts. There would be time to write all the thank you notes while on the cruise. Starfire had paid for the cruise and after examining the tickets Raven knew that the Princess had spared no expense: they would be travelling First Class.
Raven finally was beginning to feel sleepy herself and laid her head next to Gar's when she sensed a series of disturbed emotions coming from him. At first she thought he was just dreaming but just like the other time it did not pass.
She tried to wake him, but he didn't respond.
He said he wouldn't bother us anymore.
Raven slipped out of the covers and once again adopted the lotus position and focusing quickly she was soon levitating and projecting her soul self into Beast Boy's mind.
Terra woke up in the middle of an emerald green forest. It was midmorning and the sun was shining brightly and Terra could hear birds singing in the distance. The blond was confused as she had no idea of how she got there. She was lying on the ground as if she had been sleeping and she picked herself up, surveying her surroundings. She looked for her Titans communicator but couldn't find it.
"John! Where are you? I know you're behind this somehow. Did you escape from Superman?" She shouted into the forest. She waited a minute but there was no response. As she strained to hear a response she heard the sound of a stream in the distance. She figured the stream would eventually lead her out of the forest and she summoned a boulder to travel on.
Soon enough she was hovering over a small river, which flowed briskly and began to follow it.
"John, this isn't funny. Why did you bring me here? What do you want from me?" She shouted again without receiving a response.
The river was long and she had travelled dozens of miles as her boulder sped down the river. Soon she came to a tall waterfall which emptied into a lake in a valley. From her high perch she saw what looked like a hut on the lakeshore. She sped down to the hut, ready to confront its occupant.
"You've gone too far this time John." She shouted as she hopped off her stony transport. "And if you've done anything to BB you'll pay. And that's a promise, not a threat!"
Terra walked up the hut's wooden door and pounded on it with her fists.
"Come out John, if you don't I'll smash this stupid shack with a boulder. I swear I will."
Terra then heard the sound of a heavy lock being released and the door slowly began to open. The blond geomancer pushed her way in before recoiling in surprise as she recognized the shack's occupant.
"BB?"
After entering her husband's mind Raven found herself at the entrance to a dimly lit cavern.
"OK, this is different." She said out loud as she began to enter the cave, grabbing a lit torch as she entered.
"Gar, where are you?" She shouted as she walked into the bowels of the cave. There was no answer. She continued exploring as she went in deeper and deeper. She tried to look into the shadows to find a clue or something that would lead her to him.
After what felt like an eternity she heard a rustling off to her right and she ran towards it. Raven gasped as it was the last thing she expected to find in Garfield's mind. It was a replica of herself, except that it was completely green: skin, hair, leotard, cape, everything.
"Follow me." Her green doppelganger instructed her.
"Where's Gar?" Raven asked.
"Follow me." Was the only response she received.
"Is Gar OK?"
"Follow me." It replied as it led her deeper into the cave.
"I see you're the talkative type."
"Follow me."
Raven realized that Beast Boy had constructed the mental homing pigeon and had given it Raven's form. She stopped badgering her escort and followed it deep into the cave. Eventually they entered a large underground room and the escort ran to the far end of the room. Raven followed it and saw her husband, bound and gagged. The escort vanished.
Raven began to untie Beast Boy and soon enough he was free and hugging her tightly. Raven returned his embrace and released him.
"Gar, what happened to you?" She asked.
The tall green man pushed Terra back out into the open.
"Who are you?" Terra asked in shock. "You aren't BB!"
"Isn't it obvious?"
The Geomancer examined the green stranger carefully. His physique reminded her of Beast Boy's temporary god like figure. He had a beard which was unkempt, as was his long hair.
"You're BB's Wild Man!"
"That is correct Terra Markov."
Terra looked confused.
"But how can this be? You exist only in BB's mind."
The Wild Man slammed his spear into the ground.
"I am in Garfield's mind. As are you."
"But how?" She replied. "I don't have powers like Raven's. How did I get in here?"
The Wild Man chuckled. "Interesting that you should mention her name. I borrowed the telepathic powers that she shares with him to bring you here."
Terra suddenly looked alarmed. "Where's BB? Why isn't he here?"
The Wild Man gave Terra an apologetic look.
"It was necessary for us to meet Terra. I had to restrain him."
"You did what?!"
The Wild Man raised his hands in a submissive gesture.
"He is unharmed Terra. Once we are done I will release him. You have my word."
The blond eyed him suspiciously.
"Why did you bring me here?"
The Wild Man paced with a small smile on his face.
"We need to discuss your future Terra. Your future with Garfield."
"What future?" She replied dryly. "You know that he married Raven, right?"
"Do not remind me of his union with that abomination. But we are going to fix this Terra."
"What are you talking about? If you're even suggesting that I do something to Raven you can forget it! I was Slade's apprentice once, but never again. And B would hate me if I hurt her."
"There's no need for that Terra."
"Then what are you talking about?"
The Wild Man walked around Terra before answering her.
"It's quite simple actually and there's no violence involved."
"BB said that you spoke in riddles. Get to the point!"
The Wild Man smiled.
"It has to do with your annulment."
"What are you talking about?"
"Let me explain …"
"What happened to you Gar, why were you tied up?"
Beast Boy frowned. It was obvious that he was upset with his previous condition.
"The Wild Man jumped me."
"Why?" Raven asked. "What could he possibly gain by doing that?"
"He had full control of my body."
"But why Gar? You're sound asleep in our bed. I only woke up because I felt your distress."
"So did it work? I mean the mental projection." He asked as they began to run out of the cave.
"It got my attention, if that's what you're asking. I have to say I'm impressed Gar. I only taught you that trick last week."
The couple emerged from the cave into the bright sunlight.
"So what do we do now Gar?"
"I'm gonna teach that caveman who's the boss!"
Terra gave the Wild Man a skeptical look.
"I don't like your idea." She challenged the green savage. "It could blow up in my face."
"Well, you could wait for them to have a falling out and break up with Raven. Of course that might never happen."
"I don't know…" She replied.
"At least think about it Terra. You are meant to be with him."
"Then why did I lose him? Especially to her. Losing out to a gray witch doesn't exactly build up my self confidence you know!"
The Wild Man paused before answering.
"The truth Terra is you lost him because you are selfish."
Terra became enraged. "Are you saying that I don't love him?!"
The Wild Man shook his head.
"No Terra, what I'm saying is that more often than not you take more than you give."
The blond grimaced at the Wild Man.
"You sure know how to charm a girl."
"I'm sorry Terra, but if we're to get you and Garfield back together you need to know why you failed the first time."
Terra gave the Wild Man a disapproving glare.
"I'll think about it."
The Wild Man looked pleased with himself.
"You must leave now Terra. Garfield has broken free, no doubt with Raven's help, and he's on his way here. He must never know that we had this discussion."
"I won't tell him."
"Another thing, we won't be able to meet again. He and the demoness will no doubt imprison me as punishment for my act of rebellion. Farewell Terra, and do not give up."
Terra awoke in her bed after a blinding flash. She sat up immediately, breathing heavily. She fumbled for her nightstand lamp and switched it on. Her room looked undisturbed, her suitcases were packed and standing by her door, ready for the trip to Steele City.
"Why does all the weird stuff happen to me?" She groaned as she tried to settle in and catch some sleep before morning came.
Beast Boy had once again morphed into a wolf and was blazing through the forest, following the Wild Man's scent. Raven could feel the changeling's fury with his subconscious alter ego.
Gar, remember we're taking him together. Raven contacted him through their telepathic link.
He's gone too far Rae; I need to take him down for good.
Just remember that he's part of you.
Don't remind me Rae. How can something so nasty be part of me?
We all have our inner demons Gar. Just be glad that yours is only a small part of you. Mine is half of me.
The wolf continued to run relentlessly as the gray sorceress flew above him.
That's not true Rae. Rage is only a small part of you. I know. I was there.
The couple emerged from the forest and saw the shack in the valley, with the Wild Man standing in front of it, his stance was clearly defiant and he didn't even flinch as the couple approached him. Beast Boy returned to his human form and leaped at the Wild Man, roaring with rage.
"Gar! Wait!" Raven shouted futilely at him as the green boy knocked over his inner tormentor and began to pummel him.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" He shouted at the Wild Man before Raven pulled him away with her dark energy.
"Dammit Rae! What are you doing? Lemme go!"
Raven drew her husband toward her and wrapped her arms around him.
"I understand how you feel Gar, but beating him won't accomplish anything. You can't hurt him, because he's part of you."
Raven could see the look of frustration forming on his face.
"Then what do I do Rae? How do I stop him?"
Raven continued hugging him as the Wild Man got up and brushed himself clean of the dirt he had rolled in.
"How touching! The Abomination and the Beast!"
Raven felt a growl rumble through Garfield's chest.
"He can't be a part of me! You're not a monster Rae!" He said as his chest heaved. "There can't be a part of me that believes that."
"We all have our inner conflicts Gar. He's a manifestation of every pent up negative feeling you've ever had about me."
Beast Boy stared at her in disbelief.
"So you're saying that I really think you're an abomination?"
She shook her head. "No, you just have a lot of anger against me bottled up inside."
"Rae, that can't be! I'm not angry with you."
Raven hugged him tighter.
"Not on the surface Gar. You've always been good at hiding your negative feelings, your pain, and your anger. The Beast came out when you lost control, when your anger and fury against Adonis came out. But you've never let your anger against me surface, not even when I deserved it. That's why he's so strong Gar. He feeds on every negative feeling that you've ever bottled up."
"I guess that makes sense, but what do I do now? Throw a tantrum?"
"No Gar, you just have to acknowledge that I've hurt you so many times and let me know how I hurt you."
"Don't listen to her Garfield! She'll just use your anger to control you!"
Beast Boy turned towards the Wild Man.
"Shut up! No one's talking to you."
He then turned back to Raven.
"Where do I start Raven?"
"How about Tokyo?" She said timidly.
Beast Boy gasped. "I'm not sure I want to go there Raven. That had to be the lowest point in our friendship. I almost wrote you off back then."
She looked deep into his eyes.
"I know. Why did you want to do that?"
Beast Boy swallowed hard.
"Because you made me feel like crap, like I was worthless and unlovable. You told me I was a freak and you kept hitting me."
"Were you angry?"
"Of course I was! What kind of stupid question is that?"
Raven did not react to his outburst.
"And what did you do about it?"
"I cried when we got home Raven. I cried. You hurt me bad. You made me feel like I was nothing. You're more powerful than me, you're smarter than me, you're wiser than me and everyone on the team respects you while I'm the just the stupid weakling who tells bad jokes! And you rubbed it in my face; you humiliated me in front of our friends."
Beast Boy paused his tirade and saw that Raven was crying.
"I'm sorry Rae, I didn't mean to…"
She covered his mouth with her delicate hand.
"Gar, I deserve to be punished for what I did to you. Go ahead and name it and I will accept whatever punishment you choose."
He looked at her with a shocked look on his face.
"What? Why would I want to do that?"
"Because I deserve it." She answered meekly.
He stared at her dumbfounded unable to find words, until he finally found them.
"No Rae, I can't punish you." He held her tightly. "I'd rather forgive you."
She squeezed him even tighter and began to sob.
"Do you still think I'm better than you?"
He caressed her back as he answered.
"Well, you still are stronger and smarter than me."
She sighed. "Gar, I might be more powerful than you, but you're stronger than me."
Beast Boy looked around. The Wild Man was gone.
"I don't think he'll be bothering us anymore." She said as she buried her face in his chest.
He cupped her face with his hand and smiled.
"Let's go home and wake up."
"You want to wake up?" She asked. "Why?"
He grinned. "We can't make love if we're asleep, can we?"
Ok, I'm going to be busy these next few days, so I slammed this short chapter out. I hope it wasn't too weird.
Some review replies:
"I LOVE THIS STORY! How much do I love it? Well, to quote Raven from crash: "More than life itself." Please continue writing! I'm only on chapter 1" – Titanscat
Thanks, I hope you like the remaining chapters as much as the first one.
"where's my wedding cake?" – Spiritedheart4ever
I'm not sure, but I think Cyborg ate it.
"you should be awarded a gold medal!" -BenP. (AKA Pacman)
Thank you for your many kind words.
"I am always impressed b your ability to churn out chapters with ease" – Novus Ordo Seclorum
Thanks – I have learned that writing stories is a great de-stressor; it's almost as effective as petting a dog.