A/N: Hello all! After a very long hiatus, I am finally back. I apologize for the long wait. I struggled a lot writing this part and it took me a long time to get the motivation to do so. I will try to not take as long to write the next part, but I can't make any promises, because work has been keeping me busy. Thank you all for continuing to support me despite the long wait. I love you all. Please review and let me know what you think. Love, Ellivia22

Trust Me

Part VIII

Beast Boy

"BB STOP!"

My entire body freezes. I recognize that voice immediately. Why is Cyborg here? He should know that I want nothing to do with him after everything I've learned so far. Why did he follow me? I turn my attention away from the S badge that Slade is offering me. My former best friend is standing in the doorway, his cannon out and ready to fire. His cannon isn't aimed at me, but Slade. Slade's robotic army surrounds Cyborg, their weapons drawn.

"Go away, Cyborg," I tell him coldly. "This doesn't concern you."

"That's where you're wrong, Beast Boy," Cyborg says forcefully. "It is my business if you're going to turn against us and join the enemy!"

"Slade may be a villain, but at least he didn't keep secrets from me. He's not a backstabbing liar like you all are!"

"Are you kidding me?" Cyborg asks incredulously. "Have you forgotten what he did to Terra?! Or to you? He almost killed you!"

"Terra was weak!" I shoot back venomously. "She couldn't control her powers. I am fully capable of controlling my animal instincts. I am not weak like she was- like you all think I am!"

"Your head injury is messing with you man, and Slade is taking advantage of that! The Beast Boy I know would never join the villain side. He would rather die-and almost did. Whatever Slade has promised you he won't deliver. Open your eyes man and see the truth before it's too late."

I remain silent as an inner conflict starts to weigh on my emotions. As furious as I am at my former best friend, he does have a point. No matter all the horrible things I've endured in my life there was one thing I was always sure of: that I was given my powers to do good. Maybe he's right.

"The Titans are not the heroes they claim to be," Slade says from beside me. "However, it is your choice, Garfield. You can go back to a group of people who drove you to the brink of suicide. They will hurt you again. I, however, promise that I will not inflict any more pain on you as long as you remain loyal to me. I can give you power and respect. I will treat you the way you deserve."

"Look Slade," Cyborg says, addressing his enemy for the first time since he arrived. His tone surprisingly changes from hatred to almost pleading. "BB has been through enough already, thanks to me-to all of us. If there is any goodness in your heart, which I highly doubt there is, please just let my best friend go. If you need an apprentice so badly then…" Cyborg swallows a large lump in his throat. "…take me instead. I may not be able to ever atone for all the terrible things I did, but I'm willing to sacrifice my life if you agree to spare his."

Slade's expression doesn't change. I can't tell if he's considering Cyborg's offer or not. I stare at Cyborg in shock. After everything he's done to me, all the pain he's caused, he's willing to sacrifice himself for me. Does that mean he meant what he said that he regrets his actions? I want to believe with every inch of my being that he's sincere, but there's still a nagging doubt in the back of my mind. I can't take the risk that I might let my guard down and get hurt again.

"Sacrificing yourself for me isn't going to make me forgive you," I tell him bitterly. "You guys not only betrayed me, but you hid it all from me. Now that I'm starting to gain my memories, I'm starting to remember how none of you guys ever had respect for me. Mark my words, when I join Slade, I'll make you all regret everything you did to me!"

"What about Raven?" Cyborg interjects quickly. "After all she's done for you, this is how you repay her?! She has stuck by your side from the very beginning because she loves you. Or have you forgotten all of that too?!"

I hesitate for a brief moment, thinking about the girl I love with all my heart. It's true that Rachel has been so supportive and sweet since I lost my memories. Her kisses and touch were definitely real and heartfelt. I love her so much and it kills me to even think about hurting her.

I never loved Beast Boy. I only stayed with him so he wouldn't commit suicide

"Raven betrayed me more than the rest of you combined. She lied to me," I mutter bitterly. My body shakes as I attempt to control the anger that is building up fast. "She told me she loved me, but it was all a ruse to keep me from suicide. She means nothing to me now. You all can burn in hell!"

With a swift motion, I yank the black and yellow communicator off from my silver belt. I throw it hard on the ground, smashing it with my purple and black shoe.

SMASH!

"It seems my apprentice has made his decision," Slade tells Cyborg in smug satisfaction. "You can go the way you came."

Slade's henchmen start advancing on Cyborg. The half-robot backs up, shooting his cannon at a rapid speed. I can't take my eyes off him as he struggles to leave the room. "I'm not giving up on you, BB," Cyborg yells loudly over the sounds of laser and his cannon firing. "I know you'll do the right thing!"

Then he disappears out of sight.

"Well done, Apprentice," Slade says. "This belongs to you."

I absently take the badge out of Slade's hands, my eyes still focused on the doorway where Cyborg stood just seconds ago. My heart is pounding hard in my chest and my stomach is starting to hurt. After a few seconds of not breathing, I let out a stressed breath. I feel a sense of loss in my heart that I can't explain. As angry as I am at the Titans for betraying and breaking me, I will still miss the good times that we had-the very few that I remember.

Slade puts his arm around my shoulders. "Now, let's get you a proper uniform. Then we can begin your training."

Silently I follow Slade into the hallway and up the stairs. I struggle to remain strong and brave, but deep down I fear that I might've made a terrible mistake.

I can't take my eyes off my reflection in the mirror in front of me as I get dressed. After Cyborg was chased out of the mansion, Slade took me up the stairs to a small bedroom. There is very little light, just a light above the bed. The walls have light yellow wallpaper and look like some of it is peeling off. There isn't much in the room, just a small dresser and mirror. Judging by the amount of dust and cobwebs that scatter the area, this room hasn't been used in a number of years. Already waiting for me on the black bedspread is a smaller version of Slade's uniform in exactly my size. It has become apparent to me that Slade has been anticipating my arrival.

I'm already finding that I don't like Slade's apprentice uniform at all. Unlike the soft, spandex material that my Doom Patrol uniform was made of, Slade's uniform is a simple brown color and practically all metal. I shouldn't be surprised, but I find the feeling very uncomfortable and so not like me. Hopefully, I'll still be able to morph well in such material.

I reflect on my encounter with Cyborg for the thousandth time. I'm still very angry at him for all the things he and the other Titans did to me and hid it from me. Yet I can't forget the look of devastation in his eyes when I smashed my communicator in front of him. Not to mention the fact that despite everything, he still cares about me enough to come after me. After all that he's done to me, I still can't help but consider him my best friend and it kills me that I hurt him like that.

"Garfield Mark Logan, what are you doing?" I ask myself, attaching the metal belt around my waist with a large 'S' on the front. "This is not who you are. What were you thinking, joining Slade? You'll only end up getting yourself killed-just like Terra."

Stop being weak a voice chastises me in the back of my mind. Joining Slade will make you stronger. It's time you finally got the respect you deserve.

But what if-

Knock Knock

I am pulled out of my troubled thoughts to see Slade standing in the doorway. "Are you settling in all right, Garfield?"

His tone of voice sounds nothing like the Slade I know. Instead of being cold and venomous, he is speaking softer and with care. Either he meant what he said when he said he was going to be kind, or he's manipulating me as Cyborg said. I keep my head bent, choosing to stay quiet.

"I know that you are wary of joining me," the masked man says, entering the room. "Based on our past history, I don't expect you to trust me right away. I meant what I said about things being different this time. Just give me a chance and you'll see that joining me is what's best."

"I don't want to hurt anyone," I say softly, more to myself than to Slade. "I just want people to respect me. I want them to realize that I actually matter."

"Don't worry. I stand by what I said. You will get the respect you deserve. I promise." He turns to leave. "Now come with me. There's something we must do before you begin your training."

I push my worries and doubts aside. There is no going back now. This is the path I have chosen. All I can do now is remain strong and hope that my fate will turn out much better than Terra's did.

Raven

Not again!

I fly quickly in downtown Jump City, searching every inch of the city for Garfield. After I finished packing all my stuff, I went to his room to see if he was ready to begin our journey to Africa. He wasn't there. In fact, he wasn't in the tower at all. At first, I didn't think anything of it. I figured maybe he had some loose ends he had to take care of in the city. Or maybe he went to pick up more tofu for the journey, even though the refrigerator is still full, thanks to Cyborg. Now that it's past dinner time and no sign of my green-skinned boyfriend I'm starting to get really worried.

What if he's hurt somewhere? What if he regained more memories and ran off because he was scared? Worst of all, what if Slade captured him again? His location on my communicator has been turned off so I have no way of tracking him unless I use the locator spell again. I want that to be the last resort.

I enter the mall. The cleaning crew is all around, preparing to shut down the building for the night. The mall closes in half an hour. There is only one citizen in Jump City that I can think of who might possibly know where Garfield is. Hopefully, she hasn't gone home for the evening. Without breaking speed, I fly up the escalator to where the comic book shop is located. I pass by some startled shoppers as I zoom by. I pay them no mind. They don't matter. Only Garfield does.

The shop is almost deserted when I enter, which is not surprising since the mall is about to close. A young man with dark brown hair and brown eyes is behind the counter. I've never seen him before. He looks to be in his late thirties. He's wearing a black T-shirt with what looks like the white Game station console on the front. Apparently, he's a gamer just like Garfield is. "Welcome to DC Comics," he greets. "Can I help you find something?"

I don't waste any time. "Is Liv here?"

The man turns his attention to the door that's slightly ajar behind him. That must be where they keep their supplies. "Babe, someone's here to see you."

A few seconds later Liv emerges from the back, straightening her black T-shirt. Southside Serpents is labeled at the top of her T-shirt in black and white writing with a picture of a green snake. My heart burns. The green snake reminds me strongly of Garfield. She pushes her brown hair out of her face. "Oh, hi Raven," she greets warmly. "It's good to see you. What can I do for you?"

"I...I'm looking for Garfield. Has he been around lately?"

"Garfield?" The young man asks in confusion.

"She's talking about Beast Boy," Liv says to who I assume is her husband. "No, I haven't seen him since I visited him in the hospital. Why? Is he missing?"

I attempt to keep my emotions back and my face blank. The last thing I need to do is let my stress out and blow up the comic book shop. "No. I-I'm sure he's around here somewhere. Thanks anyway."

"Let me know if you need help finding him."

I nod, then exit the shop. Now what?

If Garfield isn't at the tower or the comic book shop, where would he go? The next place that I think of is the pizza parlor. Maybe he went to grab a slice as a last hurrah. If he's there I'm surprised that he went without me. Right as I leave the mall the brooch attached to my cloak goes off, indicating that someone is trying to contact me. My heart rises in hope. It's Garfield. He's trying to get a hold of me.

"Hey, Gar, I'm worried about you," I answer the communicator without looking at it. "Where are you?"

"Raven, it's Robin," the familiar voice of our leader says on the other end. My heart sinks. I don't like the tone of his voice at all. Something's wrong. "You need to come back to the tower A.S.A.P. We have a big problem."

"Is it Beast Boy?" I ask, even though I already know the answer.

"Yes."

"I'll be right there."

Taking a deep breath, I turn into a raven and travel back to the tower. I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something is wrong, terribly wrong. I hope with all my heart that Garfield is all right.

When I arrive back in the tower less than five minutes later, I'm greeted by a very intense scene. Cyborg is sitting on the sofa. When I get closer it looks like Cyborg barely escaped a brutal attack. Several of his robotic parts have laser burns on him and the computer screen on his left arm is completely shattered. Starfire and Robin stand in front of him, looking very upset and worried. The stress between my three friends is so strong it's starting to make me feel physically sick. My stomach churns and it's a struggle to keep myself from vomiting.

"What's happened?" It's a struggle to speak in my usual monotone. "Where's Beast Boy?"

"Raven, you might want to sit down," Robin says in an anxious voice. "You're not going to like what you're about to hear."

I stay standing. "Just tell me. Is Beast Boy okay? And what happened to Cyborg?"

"Beast Boy joined Slade," Robin says bluntly.

My insides turn to ice. Surely, surely, I heard him wrong. "What?!"

Cyborg speaks for the first time. His voice is a monotone that sounds very similar to mine. "I followed him out of the tower a couple of hours ago. I wanted to get him alone so that I could truly apologize for my actions and try to make amends with him. I followed him to Slade's hideout-the same hideout he held BB captive. T-that's when I saw-."

I refuse to believe him. I know Garfield. He's so kind and sweet. He would never wish harm on anyone, even if they hurt him. There is no way he would join the worst villain we've ever faced. "You must've seen things wrong. Beast Boy would never join Slade. He'd rather die, and almost did the last time-."

"I saw him about to take Slade's badge," Cyborg interrupts before I finish my sentence. "I-I tried to talk him out of it, but he refused to listen. He said we all hurt and betrayed him-even you Raven."

This has to be a terrible dream. "I don't understand. I would never betray him. I love him and would die for him."

"I know. That's what I told him. But he said you lied to him."

I rack my brain quickly, trying to think of a time that I lied to Garfield. Is he referring to the fact that I didn't tell him the truth when he first lost his memories? Or is he talking about an incident before we got together? All I can think of is the time we've spent together-how I've been there for him through all that he's suffered. I've supported him through everything and had given him all the love that I knew he needed. I never betrayed him-nor would I ever.

"He said you only pretended to love him to prevent him from committing suicide."

I stare at Cyborg incredulously, unable to believe what I'm hearing. Suddenly I remember when I found Garfield being held captive in Slade's basement. He was hanging by his wrists, bloody, bruised, and barely alive. When he came to after I knocked out Slade's henchmen who were guarding him, Garfield accused me of lying to him.

I know the truth. I know that you only pretended to love me so I wouldn't kill myself!

"Oh no," I whisper as the reality hits me at full force. The lights in the tower start to flicker as my emotions start to unravel.

"What?" Robin asks.

"The night we rescued him from Slade he was unconscious. When I was able to get him to wake up, he accused me of lying to him. I think I know what's going on. He's starting to remember some of his torture from Slade-but not the physical torture. Whatever Slade did to him emotionally has resurfaced and has given him doubts about my love for him."

"What should we do, Robin?" Starfire asks, speaking for the first time.

"We're going to rescue Beast Boy before Slade actually kills him this time," Robin says in fierce determination.

Even though Robin has shown his change of heart since Garfield lost his memory, the masked leader's bold determination catches me off guard. A part of me can't help but wonder what his motives are. I mean it is Slade after all. I remind myself that it doesn't matter. All that matters now is that we are able to save the one that I love.

"Thank you, Robin," I say quietly. He nods in acknowledgment. "So, what's the plan?"

"Gather together team," Robin says. "This is what we're going to do. And with any luck, we'll bring home Beast Boy where he belongs."

After going over Robin's plan as a team, we don't go to Slade's hideout right away. While I wait for Cyborg to get a quick repair I go straight to my room for a quick, yet intense meditation session. I had to make sure that not only I am in complete control of my powers, but to make sure that Brave is ready to be by my side when we confront Slade. Of all my emotions she's the one I trust the most to keep a level head and give me the strength to fight. I just hope she'll be able to fight Garfield if it comes down to that.

By the time we reach Slade's hideout, it's close to midnight. Instead of using the locator spell that I used the first time, we followed Cyborg's coordinates. The entire flight there I struggle to come up with a plan to get Garfield to listen to me. Instead, all I can do is worry about what Slade is doing to him right now. Did Garfield really join Slade willingly as Cyborg said? Or is Slade torturing Garfield as we speak? I feel sick just thinking about it.

The mansion that Slade was hiding out at the last time we met looks exactly as I remember. The building is still run down with broken windows and plant growth on the sides of the building. From all appearances, it looks like the place has been abandoned, except for two of Slade's henchmen who are standing guard in the entrance.

I give a sidewise glance at Starfire who is flying beside me. I give her a firm nod. Her eyes turn green. With a swift motion, she sends two starbolts directly at the guards, knocking them out. We land in front of the entrance as Robin and Cyborg arrive in the T-car and R-cycle.

"All right team," Robin says in a low voice so as to not attract attention. "Remember, the objective of this mission is to get Beast Boy out of here and back to Tower alive and safe. We must not fail."

I swallow hard. I let go of my emotions just enough for Brave to take control. If I have to, I might loosen enough control for Love to take over, just like last time. I'll do whatever I need to be successful in this mission.

Cyborg and Starfire nod. Then Cyborg motions us to follow him into the mansion. The inside isn't any better than the outside. Unlike the last time I was here I have the opportunity to take in my surroundings. The hallway is made of dark stone, just like the outside. There is a staircase with an elegant black railing, which is also covered in cobwebs, leading up to the second level. I notice there are two rooms upstairs. It seems that nobody besides Slade has lived here for years.

My attention is diverted when I hear sounds coming from a room down the hall. There are two large double doors wide open. "This way," Cyborg mouths to the three of us. We creep silently behind him, hoping that nobody will discover us.

When I get close enough to look into the room, I feel my blood turn into ice. The room I'm looking into is like a throne room about twice the size of the common room at the tower. There are candles burning in the corner and a blue rug leading to what looks like a throne chair, where Slade is standing. Countless henchmen surround the area. It's almost like it's some kind of ceremony going on. The reality of what is happening hits me like a slap in the face when I see Garfield standing at the end of the blue rug, clad in a metal uniform-Slade's uniform. His head is lowered as if he is bowing. I think I'm going to be sick.

"From this day forward, will you serve me, and only me?" Slade asks in his usual sinister voice.

"I will," Garfield says without hesitation.

"Will you obey my every command?"

"I will."

I want to say something, anything to stop Garfield from making a big mistake, but I am unable to move, breathe, or take my eyes off the horrible sight.

"Will you fight at my side forever?" Slade asks.

Garfield hesitates for a long second. Then he takes the badge from the black stand beside him. I can't take it anymore. I have to do something. My eyes growing white I wordlessly use my powers to surround the badge in black aura and shatter it into pieces before Garfield can pin it to his armor.

My green boyfriend immediately turns his attention to us. His face loses a shade of color, his expression changes from concentration and fierce determination, to utter shock and anger.

Slade follows Garfield's gaze. "You're too late," he says. "Garfield is mine now."

I start to shake as I feel Rage becoming strong inside me. I have the sudden urge to rip Slade to shreds. I know that if I let her loose, she will do just that. I bite my lip as I struggle to keep her from breaking out.

Robin speaks before I can. "That's what you may think, but we're not leaving until Beast Boy is back home with us. Titans GO!"

Garfield's next words make the reality of what's happening hit me at full force. "Attack," he says coldly to the henchmen surrounding us.

Everything immediately turns into utter chaos. Robin heads straight for Slade, doing his best to avoid the lasers from the weapons being fired at him. Cyborg and Starfire work together to take out all the henchmen as quickly as they can.

I rise high in the air to avoid the laser fire. I fly fast towards Garfield. My eyes grow white. Before he has a chance to transform, I envelop his entire body with my black aura to keep him from moving.

"Garfield, I know what you thought you saw…" I say to him once I get within earshot. I use my powers to lift him to the same level as me. Then I use my powers to envelop the both of us in my aura to keep us safe from harm. I look into his deep jade eyes. They are cold and full of hate. My voice quivers. "…but you have to believe me when I say it's not true. I do love you. I love you more than anything. You are my entire world, and I would be so lost without you. Please, come home."

"You're right, Raven," Garfield says. He struggles hard against my grip, but I hold firm. His tone tells me that he's not agreeing with me at all. It's ice cold. "You've always been right. I have been so stupid. I was so stupid to believe that you guys ever had faith in me; that you cared about me at all. I realize now how much of a thorn in your side I've been. Well, you all don't have to worry about lying to me anymore. I've found where I belong. You all better get out of here before you get hurt."

My powers start to waver as I struggle to keep my emotions under control. I desperately tighten my grip on Garfield. I lower my hood so that he can see the pleading in my eyes. "I understand why you think that all that I've done for you was just a ruse. I have been nothing but cruel and mocking to you since the day we formed the Titans. I treated you in ways you didn't deserve. It is my fault that you don't have faith in us anymore. I want you to know that I never thought you were weak or stupid. Instead, I admired you for being so happy and positive all the time. I was mean and cruel to you to hide my growing feelings for you.

That day….the day you tried to take your own life was the day I truly opened my eyes and saw how much I had been hurting you. I'm sorry, Garfield, for everything I've ever done to you. I love you with all my heart, and I can't live without you."

It becomes clear to me that my passionate words aren't reaching him like the last time. His expression remains cold. "Your apology is too late. I don't love you anymore, Raven, and I will never love you again. Now get the hell out of here before I do something that we'll both regret."

NO!

Love's anguish cry rings in my head, hurting my ears. Everything around us starts exploding all at once. I lose my grip on Garfield, who breaks away, then turns into a bird to get away from me. I attempt to regain control of my powers, but it's no use. The ceiling starts to collapse. I watch as bricks fall, hitting the ground with a loud bang. Some bricks take out remaining henchmen, others coming close to hitting my teammates from below. It's becoming difficult to stay in the air.

A few minutes later it becomes all too much. The last thing I remember is falling into someone's arms before everything goes black…

To be continued...