Chapter ten: A Whole New World
Hours later, Beastboy had explored the entirety of the batcave, much to his delight. He had gazed at the batmobile for well over twenty minutes, lost in the beautiful power of its curves and grinning at the thought of Cyborg's face when he heard about it. He had examined the supercomputer for around ten seconds before deciding that yes, it was a large computer. He stayed true to the rules, however and didn't touch a thing, unwilling to incite the wrath of Batman, especially after his discovery.
Beastboy was well aware that he was absolutely right in linking Batman to Bruce Wayne. He never forgot a scent. And he was fairly sure that Batman knew it. What he didn't know was what the heck was going to happen now. Batman wasn't just going to let him head on back to the tower, was he? Maybe he would wipe Beastboy's memory or something, like in 'Men In Black'?
Beastboy had no idea what was going to happen but he wasn't really one to brood and worry, so he had just forgotten about it, figuring that whatever would happen would happen. And so he found himself at seven thirty in the evening (judging by the large clock built into the solid rock) preparing some dinner for himself, not having seen a soul since Batman had left, except a couple of bats.
After searching the extremely large, well-stocked fridge twice, he had been dismayed to discover not a trace of tofu. Batman, it seemed, was not a vegetarian. Avoiding the large amounts of meat (thinking again of how much Cyborg would love it here) He had taken out some tomatoes, a cucumber, lettuce, bell pepper, avocado and some spinach and started making himself a salad.
After awkwardly dicing and cutting his ingredients, half leaning on a single crutch, Beastboy threw them all in a bowl and poured some Greek dressing with lemon juice on top. Then he grabbed a fork and a glass of water and ambled over to the living area which consisted of a sofa, some comfy chairs and a large flat screen TV hanging on the solid rock surface. He fell onto the couch heavily, then remembered where he was and got up into a normal seating position.
He located the remote, turned on the television and started eating, feeling decidedly uncomfortable. 'This is so messed up. I am sitting on Batman's sofa, eating Batman's food and watching Batman's tv.' There was something else though. Beastboy shifted uncertainly on the coach, his eyes surreptitiously scanning the area while his nose sniffed the air. There was a sort of prickling sensation on the back of his neck and a light tenseness around his shoulders. Beastboy was not by nature a suspicious or paranoid person but he could have sworn he was being watched.
However the familiar sounds of television soon eased his mind into some sense of normality and he guessed he was just reacting to the strange new environment. Chewing on some lettuce, Beastboy idly channel surfed, growing slowly frustrated as all he found were 24 hour news channels; dozens of them. Eventually they ended and he and started through the regular ones, feeling some welcome familiarity as he recognised some shows. Lazily, he wondered what would be an appropriate program for the Dark Knight to walk in on him watching. Probably not the Chuck Norris film that was currently playing. Beastboy sighed and reluctantly changed over to a nature documentary, which he enjoyed anyway and settled down to eat.
Concealed in the shadows of the roof of the cave, Batgirl observed the green boy as he ate. She had been watching him for the last hour, as he had finished exploring the extensive training area and gym before making something to eat.
Batgirl had been awakened the previous morning by the sharp sting of smelling salts filling her nose to a pounding headache and egg shaped lump on the back of her head.
Batman had not been sympathetic.
Standing beside her bed in the partially wrecked hospital he had required she explain the events of Beastboy's transformation in detail including his escape and her subsequent incapacitation. She had done so and then asked where he was now, to hear that he was sleeping in cell B and that she was not to go near him until further notice. Batman had volunteered no more information and had left in silence, leaving her to tend herself.
The day had been spent sleeping, eating and training; the three main activities that dominated her sunlit hours. However, she had been unable to stop thinking about what had happened earlier that day and the green boy/monster that now resided in a prison block. After spending the night sleeping instead of out on her usual patrol, Batgirl had awakened in full health and again lost herself in training and the mansion gym, but made sure to watch carefully for any sign of Batman or their green guest.
She had noticed Batman coming back up from the Batcave earlier and had tried to talk to him, but he had brushed her off completely and withdrawn to his bedroom. Curious at what had caused him to adopt such a mood, she reasoned it must have had something to do with the shape shifting boy.
So she had donned her suit, applied her odour-erasing spray and snuck into the batcave through one of the many concealed entrances. Then had grappled up to the ceiling silently and watched the fascinating specimen that had knocked her out the day before; something few people could claim.
To her surprise, he was back in the form she had first found him in early the previous morning, lying broken in a field. He was no longer the huge, snarling animal he had transformed into in the hospital bay. She watched him closely as he cut awkwardly vegetables and limped across to the coach, trying to learn what she could about him. It was difficult though. While she able to quickly discern he was still injured and in considerable pain, that he was right handed and so on, she couldn't make out much else.
People usually gave a lot away about themselves by the way they moved or conducted themselves or held their face. The human body was like a book to Batgirl, detailing much about the individual.
However, it was like this boy's book was written in a different language.
She had never seen anybody twitch an ear before, she hadn't known that were even possible, let alone what it meant. Nor had she observed a person stand so lightly on their feet. From what she could make out, Beastboy was putting remarkably little weight on his heels; instead he rested on the balls of his feet, perpetually balanced, as if ready to move quickly at a moment's notice. She supposed this could be a reaction to the pain in his legs and standing like that was less painful but she didn't think so; the stance looked too natural. Did that say he was paranoid? Judging by the look of relaxation on his face, probably not. However she could detect a faint tightness in his body posture, although that was most likely nerves and unease from his unfamiliar surroundings and recent events. But even that was just guesswork. She had no idea what his body was saying.
It intrigued her.
Her observation continued as he sat of the sofa and started watching a nature documentary. It was then she made the connection. The playing gray wolf cubs drew her attention, the mother flicking her ears as one leapt at her and bounced off the wide flank. Maybe Beastboy twitching his ear was a sign of annoyance. She made a mental note, pleased with her discovery. She had found a translator.
It appeared Beastboy's connection to the animal kingdom reached further than just transforming his body. Some part of him was inherently animalistic. Batgirl made a mental note to research the origin of the green boys powers. Perhaps she would ask Batman later on about him.
As if he had heard her mental mention of him, Batman suddenly swept into the batcave fully costumed, coming in through the main door without a sound. He crossed quickly to the computer system and starting typing. Hearing the sudden sound of typing behind him, Beastboy turned around in his seat, realised who it was and immediately shrunk down into the coach, trying to hide despite the tv still showing a stalking tiger behind him.
Beastboy had no idea what to do. He had slept in the batcave, ate Batman's food and watched his tv and repaid him with finding out his secret identity. Granted, that hadn't really been his fault but it still wasn't much of a thank you. What should he do? Approach and apologise again? Nope, didn't have the courage. Best just to continue watching the tv and pray he healed quickly so he could escape and fly home.
"Batgirl come down."
Beastboy almost fell over in his scramble to turn around. Eventually turning, he peeked over the top of the couch. His eyes widened at what he saw.
Batgirl was airborne. Arms spread wide and one leg pulled up in front of her as she dropped gracefully from the ceiling of the cave. The long, ebony cape flowed behind her elegantly; it's ragged and torn ends flapping chaotically. Beastboy took in the jet black, skin-tight suit that clung to a tall, attractive and muscled frame, a yellow utility belt gripping her slim waist. Glancing up he saw a yellow rimmed bat logo stamped on her ample chest. His jaw dropped open slightly. He then reached her face and recoiled a little. Batgirl's entire head was covered in a bat-eared mask. Beastboy's keen eyes made out thin stitches crisscrossing over her mouth, but failed to see her eyes, hidden behind a dark covering.
'Dayyyum.' Thought Beastboy, 'That is one scarily hot bat.' She landed softly next to Batman and they started talking in low voices, something about the patrol they were going to run. Beastboy retreated back behind the sofa. 'So that's Batgirl. I wonder why Robin never mentioned her? Maybe they once had a thing? I wonder what she looks like under that mask. How old is she? Does she like tofu? I wonder if-'
"Beastboy."
"Dahh!" Beastboy flinched away from the voice directly behind him, falling straight off the couch onto the cold floor as he scrambled to get away. He turned and looked up, seeing Batman standing behind the sofa, watching him intently. Behind him stood Batgirl, unreadable in her mask.
"You appeared to suffer little pain during that well-handled response," The Dark Knight noted drily. "You seem to be continuing to heal at a slightly accelerated rate. How do you feel?
Beastboy blinked, it took a moment for him to find his voice, large green eyes flicking from one bat to the other. "Eh… my legs still hurt and it generally aches all over but apart from that I feel fine."
Batgirl turned and walked away and Beastboy seemed to deflate. He suddenly felt exhausted. "Which bed is mine by the way, I could really use some sleep" he asked in a defeated voice, gesturing to a row of functional bunk beds pushed up against a cold, rock wall.
"You will spend the night in cell B as before. I cannot risk you losing control unrestrained again. I will install a voice activated sensor, allowing you to open the door when you awaken."
Beastboys eyes and head lowered in shame. "I…I understand," he choked out.
"Come with me." Batman turned and walked towards the familiar rock passage. Beastboy sighed shakily, rose from the floor, grabbed his crutches and limped after him. He scanned the room as he went.
Batgirl had vanished.
Confused, he made a special effort and caught up to Batman following behind as they walked through the darkened underground, tunnel. Uncomfortable and nervous, his curiosity fought with his instinct for self-preservation. As always, curiosity won. He decided to just go for it. Albeit in his 'polite' voice.
"E-Excuse me, but have I offended Batgirl in some way?"
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, she sort of ignored me completely. Usually people stop and stare."
"Batgirl is probably still wary of you." Batman said simply,
"Wary of me? Why would she be…?" He breathed out deeply as a thought occurred to him. He swallowed and asked shakily, "She wasn't around yesterday morning, was she?"
"Batgirl was the one who observed your fall, called Alfred and had you taken to the batcave medical bay. She was at your side when you underwent your transformation and administered a tranquiliser before you knocked her unconscious.
"Sshhhhiiiiiiiiiittttt," breathed Beastboy in an uncommon display of swearing. His head dropped as he struggled to stem the influx of self-hatred and guilt flaring in his chest. 'What the hell's wrong with me?' he thought bitterly. "I don't blame her. Sh-she seemed alright though." He suggested hopefully to Batmans back.
"Nothing but a contusion on the rear of her head. You showed her more mercy than me."
Not knowing how to respond to that, Beastboy fell quiet basking in a cocktail of relief, despair and guiltiness, until it got the better of him. "Could you apologise to her for me? I really am sorry. I… I don't know what's wrong with me." He admitted, feeling the hot sting of tears behind his eyes which he blinked away furiously. This entire situation was so screwed up; he should never have even been here.
'But I am. And I can't change that. Suck it up man!' He chastised himself. He would not cry in front of the Batman.
They arrived at the cell. Batman walked over to the door and began to interact with a small computer screen next to it. He turned to Beastboy, "After the beep, say one or two words loudly and clearly. This will be your key to unlocking the cell door from the inside. Your alter ego was not capable of speech so if you do transform there will be no way to activate it." A moment later, a beep sounded.
Beastboy barely looked up, but imagined himself inside the cell trying to get out, what would he say? He spoke, ignoring the tightness in his throat and hating knowing that Batman would notice.
"Let me out."
Batman's lips twitched as he ending the recording phase.
The door slid open and Beastboy immediately entered, head down and body tensed, a strange look on his face. This did not go unnoticed.
"Problem?" Batman said
Beastboy didn't turn around. He took a deep breath and exhaled before answering, "I just don't like cages very much." He said in a tone that suggested he was talking from experience, and Batman noticed the use of the term 'cage.'
Batman considered. He spent had spent most of the day deliberating over the green hero in front of him. His analysis ended and he spoke.
"If I said I might be able to help you, what would you say?"
Beastboy turned slowly, mouth open, a shocked look in his eyes, mixed with hope and sheer disbelief.
"How?" he breathed.
"What would you say?" the Dark Knight repeated, eyes penetrating the titan.
Beastboy thought before answering. A rarity.
"I would say please do. I'll take all the help I can get. I need it."
Batman examined his response, before answering decisively.
"We'll talk tomorrow."
So I'm afraid not much happened in this chapter but more plot and character development to come!
Review Responses:
Shugokage – One good turn deserves another!
EX3451 – Don't like chocolate?! Blasphemy!
Excellent, entertainment is the main goal after all. I toyed with the idea of BB causing a scene and messing some stuff up, but I'm trying to portray him as slightly more mature and given the circumstances I figured him leaving everything alone was a bit more realistic.
FF8cerberus - I think BB uses humour as a defense mechanism like Chandler from 'Friends.' I do have a long character arc planned out for him that reveals what's underneath but for now he's the same person he was in the 'Everything Changes' episode.
Alec33 – Thanks for the comments man, much appreciated. This one definetly has some potential for length, rest assured and I'm sorry that you now have to wait for next chapters. Drives me mad as well!
MarsTwilight – That is fantastic to hear. I'm telling you – evoking any sort of reaction from the reader is every author's goal. I'm glad I accomplished that.
Thanks for reading and as always comments and criticisms alike are appreciated. It's one of the things I like best about this site – you can interact with authors and readers alike and even influence them. More people should make use of it!
Ta ta for now!
CJB