beastboy's perspective
Another day twisted around, but I wasn't looking forward to it.
My regular routines were fading, like an enchanting sunset being seized by the dark arms of night.
I didn't have the motivation to shower as frequently as usual. Some days, I was lucky enough to manage deodorant and a few spritz of cologne.
Brushing my teeth was also a chore.
I was not eating normally, so that added to the distasteful flavor in my mouth. To freshen up, I relied on packs of mint gum. My green nest of hair was becoming matted, losing its shine. My clothes were beginning to feel looser on me, as a result of my poor eating habits.
No matter how much I slept, my eyes developed bags under them, which only darkened with time.
I didn't care much about anything, because I didn't care about myself... or my life.
Cyborg and Robin were playing video games on the couch, Starfire was cooking a Tamaranean dish, and Raven was probably meditating in her room.
I was sitting at the kitchen island with a blue piece of paper in my hand.
I folded the paper in half, making sure the top and bottom corners connected to form an upside down triangle. To make the edge about halfway down, I folded the top downwards. Then, I turned the paper over and folded the bottom corner upwards.
My hands moved deftly as I pursued my creation. I found it hard to concentrate and stick to the task, despite of my surroundings.
The persistent yelling from Robin and Cyborg, and the noises from Starfire's cooking was no match for the uproar in my mind.
Every movement I made I was not inclined to.
I felt like I no longer owned my body, and was forced to haul it around. I didn't control myself anyway, as I was being manipulated by a dark, pressing feeling inside of me.
The physical and emotional disorientation in my body amassed to one, excruciating hell of a migraine.
"Beastboy, I have made the Custard of Desolation." Starfire established.
"The Custard of Desa-who?" I glanced up at my teammate.
"Desolation, a condition of misery and distress." she turned to me with a bowl in her hand.
I questioned, "And just why would you make that?"
"Because..." the alien's eyes shifted away from mine.
"Because of what, Star? What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong... with me, but you have appeared exceedingly sorrowful for a while. I made this in the hopes of easing your troubles."
"Oh, pfft. Don't be ridiculous, dude." I switched my attention back to the piece of paper.
"My statement is plausible. I cannot remember the last time you have pulled the pranks or told the amusing jokes. Or... asked any of us to watch the movies of fictional science... or ramble on about the glory of the "monkey video games"."
"Tuh, neither can I." a pang rippled through my head.
"I kindly advise you to taste. I added extra sugars and pluthars, a sweet fruit from Tamaran. It is promised that after such a splendid treat, your spirits will feel lighter." she offered the serving to me.
"No thanks, Star. Don't waste your food on me."
She urged, "I am not wasting the food, I am sharing it with you."
"I'll pass on it."
I refused to have to go through the torture of forcing myself to eat.
"Okay," Starfire gave in with a deep sigh, "May I ask what is that you are making?"
"An origami." my tongue was heavy in my mouth.
"Oh."
"It's a paper folding art that's linked with Japanese culture. You can make lotsa stuff like birds, boats, frogs, turtles, and if you're really good, you can manage animals like swans and panthers."
"Interesting. If I recall correctly, there is also a paper shape of the two-winged air crafts. Are those a form of origami?"
"Nah," I chuckled weakly, "Those are called paper airplanes."
"Mm." Starfire nodded, chewing her food.
"Viola, there she is. A pretty lil birdie." I held up the final product, my lips sketching into a soft smile.
"There was one time that I remember seeing a blue bird in the city."
"Blue jays. There's great birds out there, like cardinals, those are red. I mean, I could probably turn into those birds, but the color would do me no justice. Since I'm... ya know, green."
Starfire laughed, "And the ravens, which tend to be black."
"Hehe, yeah."
"The birds in my homeland are rather strange compared to the ones on Earth. Some of them have pink dots and orange ears, and one of them even has one leg."
"You twisted, little bird brain! I told you stop usin' that move on me!" Cyborg yelled.
Robin boastfully replied, "It's almost inevitable. Besides, victory is right around my corner. Your stamina's almost out."
"Oh, just watch. I'm going to round kick your player into the next decade."
"You won't."
"Watch me."
"Beastboy? Beastboy."
"Hm? Yeah, Star?"
"You zoned out, and I've been trying to get your attention." her mouth was bent into a concerned frown.
"Aha, I do that every once in a while, no biggie. Maybe, I should teach you how to make one of these, if you want." I grinned, twirling the paper between my fingers.
"Yes! That sounds delightful. I wish my planet had some fascinating paper arts to create. I don't even think we have paper on Tamaran..."
Suddenly, red light blinked through the Tower, along with the resounding alarm.
"Aw, man! I was starting to make a comeback!" Cyborg whined.
"That's what you think." Robin rushed to the screen, us following behind him.
Raven entered the room, her amethyst gaze finding mine.
Her eyes were usually a vague shade of purple, and hard to read. Just from a glimpse, I was able to read the dreadful shock in her eyes. Her cheeks appeared to be a lighter grey than usual as well.
The dark Titan pulled her hood over her head, looking away.
"Raven, you look pale. Are you alright?" I asked.
"I'm fine, I've been having trouble meditating lately, is all." she rasped in her monotone.
"Johnny Rancid's wrecking up the raceway on the southeast side of the city." Robin declared.
Cyborg sighed, "These guys are clearly running out of ideas, like just stay in jail."
"Titans, go!" our leader chanted.
It was so exhausting, Robin's command.
To put everything I was going through behind the guise of a superhero. To act fearlessly for the sake of my city and the people who lived in it.
To be strong, even when I was sure I didn't have an ounce of strength left in me.