Chapter 22. Payback

The explosion had been loud and the damage was extent. Mounts of debris were on fire and the smoke rose up high. Most of the mercenaries were already contained. Meliah had Alec trapped thanks to Red X, who had used one of his rubbery exes to bind the man.

A dome of dark energy was visible as the smoke dissipated in the area where Raven and the Beast had been. Inside, the Beast was gone and Beast Boy remained, hands covering Ravens ears, with his face buried in her neck while she held her arms above him to hold the dome which wasn't completely sound proof but it did protected them from the worst of the explosion.

She heard a soft sob by her ear and he slowly lifted his face. He was still on top of her holding her head, not quite covering her ears anymore.

"We seem to keep getting in awkward positions lately" he tried to joke but there was no humor in his voice.

"It doesn't have to be" She said softly. There was a pause before he lifted himself off of her and sat down. While she did the same, the dark dome disappeared and now they could see the damage the bomb had caused. There was smoke everywhere and muffled voices around them. She could also see his eyes red from crying, wet from sweat and the path his tears had made down his cheeks.

"Rae?… before I say anything or do anything with you… there is something Meliah and I have to take care of… I wont be gone for long, its just that… I have to do this." He said softly, not looking at her. He was hoping she would understand.

"Are you still thinking of … revenge?" He saw the worry in her eyes and perhaps, even disappointment. He signed then look in her eyes.

"Don't worry, nothing too drastic. The Beast made me promise not to kill them… even though he knows they deserve it" He frown at his own words.

"What do you mean he made you promise?"

"We understand each other now. He knows that if we kill them, that would upset you and we are both clear that we don't want that" he said while shyly running a finger on her jaw line.

"He doesn't?" she whispered, very aware of his touch, never looking away from his sad green eyes. He shook his head no and whispered back "I think I'm not the only one who has a thing for you"

The words left his lips without a second thought. He dropped his hand and closed his eyes. For a moment it looked like he regretted what he said. She looked down and tried to move away because the disappointment hurt too much. Suddenly, Beast Boy got up and offered her his hand to help her to her feet.

"I have to go. I'll talk to Robin and then we'll be on our way" he said before turning away but she grabbed his arm to stop him. "I can help" she said with pleading eyes.

"Thanks, but only Meliah can help me this time… I'm sorry" Then he came closer and placed a soft kiss on her forehead "Take care"

He turned away and walked briskly towards the others. The sorceress was rooted in her spot, fighting back tears. She saw Meliah run to him and hug him fiercely. He told her something that made Meliah look her way for a brief moment then nodded once at him. Then both of them walked towards Robin and after a few brief words, Robin also nodded once but he didn't look at all happy. He had his arms crossed over his chest and stayed in his spot after the two changelings walked passed him.

Starfire landed next to Raven who quickly wiped her tears. She never liked to be seen in such weak state. "Raven?… is everything.. Ok?" Raven took a shaky breath to steady herself then answered the alien. "Yes Star, everything is fine"

"Then why friend Beast Boy is leaving with Meliah?" Said the alien who was looking to her right side in the direction where Meliah's mom was being tended to by Cyborg with a first aid kit.

"He just doesn't need my help this time" said softly while closing her eyes tight. A tear run down her left cheek and felt a finger under her chin pulling her face to her left. When she opened her eyes, Red X was there and softly wiped her tear with the same finger.

"I'm sure he'll be back in no time. After what I've seen, I can tell there is nothing to keep him away from you for too long"

"I hope you're right" she whispered back.

Across the deck, under the make shift medical tent, Cyborg had Meliah's mom sitting on a crate while he tended to the injuries of her leg. Beast Boy and Meliah approached them and Dr Simmons's face brighten up in such way when she saw him.

"Garfield, is that really you? Your mother would have been so happy if she knew we finally found you" she said while tears run down her face. He kneeled down next to her and hugged her tightly, careful not to upset her leg. She kissed him on his forehead before letting go. "Your mother did survive the accident for a few days and all she wanted was to know if you were ok… we buried her shortly after." she said sniffing and trying to control her tears.

"They have a grave?" He gasped and more tears run down his face.

"Of course my dear boy, they deserved a proper burial and I made sure of that. Meliah knows where the cemetery is, you should go see them. They would be so proud of you. To see how much you've grown and how handsome you are.

"I will, but before that…" he said while she held the lady's hand "Meliah and I have something to take care of… we wont be gone long… our friends will take care of you" he nodded towards Cyborg who smiled back at the doctor in reassurance. She looked from Cyborg to Garfield then Meliah and with a worried look said "You're still thinking of…"

Garfield squeezed her hand softly and said " No, no. I promised Raven we wont, but they still have to answer to us. Don't worry Mrs. Simmons. We'll be back soon" and with that he got up and walked away. Meliah gave her mother a hug "Don't worry, we'll be back in no time" and then went around and gave Cyborg a kiss on the cheek "Thank you" and she run to catch up with Garfield. They both turned into pterodactyls and with their claws grabbed the men. Garfield took Meliah's father while she took Alec and flew away.

Raven, who was still in the same place with Red X and Starfire, saw them take off. The wind their massive wings created dissipated the remaining smoke.

"I hope they don't wake up and give them trouble while flying" said Raven to no one but the thief eased down her worries.

"Don't worry beautiful, they wont. I took care of that. They'll be passed out until either the effects wear off or something really painful happens"

The coastguards had already arrived and taking care of the rest of the crew. The Navy and Marines troops had also showed up. There had been a major human, animal and drug contraband that Alec and Meliah's father had going on. And with all the evidence they found on board, there was no mistaking and they will spend a very long time behind bars probably with no chance of parole. Alec was wanted in many countries and at least two life sentences awaited him. Meliah's father had the same in store. When the Navy officials asked Batman and Robin of the whereabouts of the main suspects, Robin assured them they were already being transported to Arkham Asylum.

"Are you sure that was a wise decision Dick?" Asked Batman after the officers were getting ready to leave.

"Wise or not, I don't think I would have been able to stop them if I didn't agree and quite honestly if I was in his shoes, I would have done the same thing" Batman nodded while Robin looked around for the rest of his team and saw Starfire, Raven and Red X not too far from them.

"You know, he's been very helpful with this mission. He has potential. Have you ever considered …"

"NO!… not happening!"

"Is that all? Or is it your ego speaking?" Batman asked sternly crossing his arms across his chest with a glare.

"Not you too…" Robin said with exasperation and tried to walk away, but his former mentor placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"Is this because he stole your suit or because he's stealing your girl?"

"He's not stealing anything else from me!. And no, he's a thief, he'll always will be. What's not to say he wont betray us in the next chance he has."

"He's been quite loyal to the team. Specially the girls. Perhaps he just needs an incentive"

"That's not gonna happen Bruce, neither Beast Boy not I will allow that … that… smooth talker closer to our girls, besides, he's just been this loyal only because Raven threaten him with torturing him and send him to another dimension "

"Your girls huh? Like you have so openly told Starfire how you feel… or Beast Boy to Raven for that matter? … look Dick, the way I see it, it wont matter whether you let him in the team or not, if Starfire or Raven feel like they're not appreciated as women , they'll go after the one that does, and that for your bad luck, happens to be a thief… just a thought. In the main time we can go back to the cave. We need to rest and Dr Simmons needs medical treatment. Lets go…. And tell Red X to come as well" Robin glared but nodded and turned around and headed where they were.

"Girl's… Red X, we're going back to the cave to rest for the night. Tomorrow we'll leave for Jump City"

"What about Beast Boy" asked Raven. It was the first time he had seen her this upset. Her eyes red from tears and her violet eyes pleading.

"He'll know as soon as he communicates with us… you too Red X, you'll come with us"

"I don't think so kid, my duty here is done"

"Well, suit yourself… lets go ladies, I'm sure you're exhausted" he turned on his heals with a satisfied smile but after a few steps, he realized he was walking alone.

"But friend Robin, how can you just let him go like that after all he's done for us?" Starfire said with a frown.

"He said he didn't want to go, I'm not about to make him" he said crossing his arms over his chest.

"Maybe you're not but we are…" Raven told him with a glare then turned to the thief "X, come with us"

"Yes friend, please… it would be wondrous if you came to celebrate with us" and without an answer Starfire grabbed the thief's hand while Raven grabbed his arm and glared at Robin again.

"Don't mind if I do ladies" the thief said and offered them his arms which they took. Starfire couldn't stop a giggle and Raven turned to Robin while passing next to him. "You see, he just needed to be asked nicely"

Robin's mouth fell open and watched them walk away from him towards Meliah's mother who the alien lifted carefully in the air into one of the T-ship compartments. He made his way towards the main cockpit while Batman, who was already in his own vehicle, just shook his head to him before taking off.

…

…

A few hours later, two big flying figures landed on the roof of an abandoned warehouse dropping two bodies with a thud. After turning back to their human forms, they looked around them. The area was desolated, it was at the outer skirts of Gotham with dark and polluted surroundings.

"M, are you sure we're in the right place?"

"Oh I'm sure. They brought me here right before the factory incident. We should have everything we need down there" she said with an evil smile. Her wild side had taken over again but this time, neither of them minded.

They grabbed the men by the neck and dragged them thru the stair case. Down they rolled and every time they got stuck, either Beast Boy or Meliah would turn into a gorilla and throw them once more. They reached the basement which had been abandoned not too long ago. Apparently the word had gone out faster than expected for not a living soul was there and everything they had been working on was left behind not bothering to take or destroy evidence.

"I'm sure the police will come soon so let's get this done and over with" said Beast Boy feeling uneasy of his surroundings. It looked like the lab of a mad scientist but he got to the conclusion he wasn't far off.

"Wait… there is something that we need to get first" she said with a smirk and turned on the lights of the rest of the place. At the far end, there was a cage just like the one they had been in. she headed towards a countertop that had all kinds of vials and samples. She found latex gloves and put them on, that way her fingerprints wouldn't be found. She finally found what she was looking for and grabbed a pair of syringes.

"Meliah, what are you doing?"

"Its called payback dear Garfield and this one is on me" She said while she stabbed the little vial and then plunged them into each unconscious man.

"Is that the same thing they injected us with? didn't you say that could have kill me?"

"It is, but in their case.. I'm not concerned" she said while injecting them a second time.

"isn't that an overdose? wouldn't that kill them?" there was some panic in his eyes.

"Don't worry Gar, they know the antidote, they just have to… use it… now lets go. We have to drop them off at the Asylum, isn't that what Robin said to do?"

"um, yes… M?…exactly what is the antidote?"

"No, no.. you promised not to ask and I'm not about to tell you"

They left the warehouse and a few minutes later, they arrived at Arkham Asylum. Batman had already given word of their arrival and were expected. Dr Hugo Strange lead them to a holding cell while their paperwork was being filled out and statements taken. At some point during the interview, screams were heard from down the hall. Banging on the reinforced doors and things being thrown around, all was heard from the doctor's office.

The doctor tried to go see what was the commotion but Beast Boy quickly got up and closed the door while Meliah came closer to the doctor and very seductively, took out a bundle of money from her back pocket and with a hand on his shoulder she said while whispering in the doctor's ear "Ten grand, for letting them be, let it run its course …" she said while slipping the bundle in one of his coat's front pocket. Then lifted her hand and Beast Boy gave her another bundle of money and stepped back and watched her slip her hands under the doctor's coat and tuck the second bundle into the front of his pants.

"And another ten grand… and this conversation never happened… got it?" she said while winking at him then came closer and licked his lips once and bit softly into his lower lip. The doctor was so taken aback he made no response to either approach.

"um.. Of… of course… anything else?" he asked nervously after she stepped back.

"yes, I want to see them one last time when they are ready to be transported to their cell"

"Done!… just.. Let me finish this paperwork, it will take me no time" said the doctor and with a shaking hand, put away the bundles of money in a drawer, sat down and scribble a few things on the papers and signed them hastily. Then called the male nurses thru an intercom to get the patients ready. After a few minutes there was another commotion but this time they got out of the doctor's office to watch. Four male nurses, holding Alec with a restraining shirt and spots of blood on his pants. His eyes were wild and was breathing as if he had been running a marathon.

Behind him, other two nurses were carrying her father who had his pants ripped and was dripping blood from somewhere under the sheet that barely covered him. This one being a little weaker and definitely smaller than Alec, tried to walk on trembling legs. His entire frame shaking and sweating, breathing the same way as Alec did and also wearing a restraining shirt. He stumbled on his own feet and fell to his knees. Meliah came forward and crouched before him while the doctor signal the nurses to wait and see what she would do next. He lifted his face with difficulty, his nose was bleeding, had a purple eye and several bruises all over his face.

Meliah smiled in satisfaction and in a low voice just for him to hear she said "Did you enjoy that… daddy… I hope you did …because there is more waiting for you where that came from "

The man opened his eyes wide and tried to unbind his arms that's when the nurses grabbed him again and took him away while he yelled to the top of his lungs "NOOOOO!"