Ch 14
The next morning Robin had woken up all the Titans early for training, Beast boy and Cyborg had complained the entire time as they walked to the gym. Starfire was tired but excited to train with her friends. Raven said nothing, her face emotionless.
"So Rob?" asked Cyborg as they ll made their way into the gym, "why the early training session?"
Robin turned to face his team. "We need to stay in tip top shape. You never know when the next threat is coming."
"I think he means why couldn't we do this when we were more awake and alert," said BB.
"Crime doesn't wait until we wake up to start threatening the city," said Robin.
"Why do I have a feeling there's something else you're not telling us?" asked BB.
"I know Mento had to have taught you how to fight in human form. I don't think you're fighting to your full potential on purpose. I want to know why you're holding back from the team."
"Everyone has their past man. You should know better than anyone that there are some things you don't want to be reminded of. Leave him alone about it Robin," said Cy.
"It's ok Cyborg. You don't have to defend me," he said and then looked to Robin. "You're right, Mento did teach me how to fight in human form. Most days I'd wake up in the hospital barely hanging onto life. Every muscle in my body hurt because of the way he trained me. Sure I'm better for it but just because I know how to fight, doesn't mean I should. Some things, like Cyborg said, you don't want to be reminded of. Also," he smirked, "I don't think you could handle losing to me in a fight. You pride couldn't handle it. I think it's best to keep things the way they are."
"You don't know that Beast boy. You can't possibly know that," said Robin.
"I know. I'm not going to fight you Robin. I have nothing to prove to your or anyone else. I need you to respect my reasons and lets get on with whatever you have planned for training," said BB.
"Is it just me or is BB becoming more mature," said Cy.
"Yes, it is most new to me," said Starfire.
Raven smiled. He was handling himself as a man. She couldn't have been more proud of him. "It's not new Starfire. It's always been inside him."
"Well," Cy smiled. "I guess you would know best."
"I don't know what you're implying by that statement and if you don't wipe that smile off your face, I'm using you as target practice," said Raven as Starfire giggled.
"All right Titans we're running the obstacle course and then go to your individual training," said Robin.
After everyone performed well on the obstacle course, it was time time to go to their own corners and train. Robin was hitting the punching bag, Cyborg was lifting weights with Starfire, Beast boy was running the treadmill, and Raven was doing her yoga exercises to exercise her mind and body.
While BB was running, he couldn't help but think of saying goodbye to the Doom Patrol. He remembered Rita's arms around him, Cliff's encouraging pat on the back, Larry's dry but carrying humor, and Mento. He knew Mento would never be happy that he left the Doom Patrol. He would always think there was more to teach him. He shook his hand, and it felt cold and disappointing. 'Nothing is ever good enough for that man,' he thought. 'I tried to be everything he wanted, but he just pushed me aside like I was NOTHING!'