"Yo, Raven. You in there?"
Beast Boy knocked on Raven's door, knowing how much the empath valued her privacy but dinner was almost ready.
"Cy made me promise I wouldn't make Tofu dogs for you."
Something was not right.
Usually Raven would have slid the door open just a few inches to show her face by now. His ears weren't just for show, they allowed him to hear better than a normal human being.
And right now they were telling him that nothing was moving in that room.
No movement.
No breathing.
Not even a heartbeat.
"Raven?" Beast Boy tried one more time. "Are you…still here?"
Something was really not right.
That was when he heard a noise from inside Raven's room. A strange kind of loud humming noise that shook not only the room but the entire hallway.
"RAVEN!" Beast Boy made a mental note to apologize to Raven for opening the door to her room without her permission again just as he flung open the door…
Just in time for a golden hand to grab his face and he immediately blacked out after that.
Xxx
"Perfect."
Van Kleiss could hardly believe his luck but then again with his genius one could hardly call it luck. With Breach's ability to open tears in space and time he not only could establish a connect to any reality but to almost any time in any reality he targeted.
This made acquiring his latest target easy since it was right after he acquired the first target from that reality.
"Why this kid?" Biowulf asked, staring at the capsule that held the unconscious Beast Boy.
"My purpose in choosing him is actually threefold." Van Kleiss held up two fingers. "One, he might be of use to our friends in the Honey Island Swamp project. The ability to shapeshift into any known animal shows remarkable potential."
"And the others?"
Van Kleiss grinned as he turned around and walked over to where the body of his AMAZO android was lying. "Why to possibly create an entirely new being."
He stopped at the main computer and brought up a list of all the powers the android had scanned thanks to his drones.
"Two: with my drones at work AMAZO has already amassed a great deal of potential, mostly from scanning Faunus and Mobians but for every dark cloud there is a silver lining." Van Kleiss stopped at the digital blueprints of the Omnitrix. "AMAZO can not only copy powers but with a little work he can distribute them as well. When I am ready I will hold all the powers but I will need members of our new Pack to be powerful as well. More powerful than any EVO I've ever created."
On the left arm of the android appeared a complete copy of the Omnitrix that later dissolved into a mass of nanites that Van Kleiss placed in a container.
"A shape shifter to go with a device that can transform anyone who uses it into any life form living in this entire universe. How can I pass up the chance to study such a specimen?" Van Kleiss slowly approached Beast Boy's capsule. "Turning him into a mindless EVO is not enough, not after everything I've witnessed from the dimension and so many others. As I ascend I would need to have lieutenants powerful enough that I can rely on against the likes of Sammael, Sebben, and even that oafish reincarnation of a thunder god."
He opened a small compartment and allowed the nanites to enter it, traveling into the capsule and latching onto Beast Boy's arm.
"And three: he can serve as a psychological weapon against the young demoness." Van Kleiss grinned.
As soon as the nanites formed into the Omnitrix around Beast Boy's arm there was a flash of green light. The Omntrix created by AMAZO had duplicated the original one down to not only its very molecules but even to the exact same programming.
Thus, when it attached itself to Beast Boy it scanned his body.
Suitable Subject Found
Warning: Unstable DNA detected
Scanning: Subject DNA has been altered to allow for shapeshifting into various life forms populating the planet Earth.
Subject is possibly capable of merging with DNA strands in the Codon Stream, enhancing shapeshifting abilities
Running Analyses
Omnitrix must stabilize host DNA and ensure host is kept in stasis for duration of DNA modification and fusion
Commencing Biological Merger Sequence
Estimated Time: Twenty Four Earth Hours
Van Kleiss watched as the new Omnitrix fully merged with Beast Boy and observed as there was flash of green light that traveled from the Omnitrix in the form of glowing green lines spreading up his arm and all over his body, outlining his entire nervous system.
Suddenly Beast Boy's eyes shot open and let out an agonized scream as his body began morphing at an extremely fast rate, shattering the capsule he had been placed in. "GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Arms turned into tentacles, changing into claws, legs split into two or more and wings, feathery and bat-like sprouted from his back. Biowulf and Skalamander moved to restrain him but Van Kleiss held them back, wanting to see the spectacle happening before him. Beast Boy then returned to his human form and collapsed back into the remains of the capsule, slipping back into a deep sleep.
Van Kleiss stood over the capsule, grinning. "Excellent. I can only imagine how the rest will handle what I have to offer."
Xxx
Raven suddenly felt something, a quick but familiar feeling that passed through her mind accompanied by a large amount of pain before there was nothing…
'Something is wrong.' Raven looked up at the ceiling of the sparring chamber. 'I know this presence…' Her eyes widened. 'Beast Boy…'
Xxx
"Azarath…Metrion…Zinthos."
Her soul self-left her body and began its journey, following her empathic connection to the one she had sensed.
Beast Boy.
It was surprisingly easy to retrace her steps, following the trail her empathic link with her green friend had given her. Before Trigon was summoned to Earth Raven had left a small amount of power in all of her friends, including Beast Boy which had helped spare them the fate of being turned to stone by Trigon. This left a small link that she could use trace back to the place where she had ended up when Van Kleiss had abducted her.
He took her first.
Now he's taken Beast Boy and she sensed something was happening.
She could not allow this to go on.
She was putting a stop to this.
Xxx
Van Kleiss looked at the readings and they were promising. The green one had gone through several mutations as Biowulf and Skalamander worked to get him into the new containment unit.
Van Kleiss' Log: Day…I think I have stopped counting the days now.
Regardless my work continues in the new subject codenamed: Beast Boy. The Omnitrix I created through my AMAZO android has not only fused with the subject's DNA but is spreading through his body. The few times he shape shifts the device activates, detecting the problem and then repairs, returning him to his human form. These shifts are quick and unpredictable but show signs that not only will the device merge with him but will eliminate the need for a recharge unlike the one currently bonded to the other boy. If so he will be an extraordinary specimen with the DNA combination of over millions of species that not even the Tennyson boy has access to.
All the more perfect when my android scans his complete form with his DNA upgraded and stabilized.
End Log
Once he was finished Van Kleiss leaned back in his chair and considered his options. Right now he had a counter for the hero named Raven as he was sure he would come for him. Due to her powers he wasn't sure he was willing to risk fighting her until his android body was ready.
However she was not the only threat.
There was also the matter of the Legendary Warriors and the Royal Knight Omnimon to consider. He had already failed twice to kill Omnimon.
The first attempt was through General Skarr.
The second was sending the knight's own friend to kill him but he still survived.
He needed a force to act as counter to the small number of Digimon that had appeared, no doubt because of his own dimensional meddling.
Van Kleiss however had an idea who or what kind of counter he could have.
"Breach, time to open another portal for me." He said, facing the girl chained to his portal machine who gave him another nasty glare before screaming as the machine was activated again.
Xxx
"Perfect." Van Kleiss grinned as the new addition fell out of the portal. "AMAZO, stasis field."
The new arrival had no time to even process what had happened as pillar of white light surrounded him.
"Begin repairs on him immediately." Van Kleiss ordered, sitting back in his chair. "We can have a chat when he is all healed up."
As he sat down, a dark shadow phased through the ceiling of his lab and then phased through the floor.
"Hm?"
Xxx
Raven's eyes widened when she saw Beast Boy, or what she thought was Beast Boy in a large glass dome, strapped to a table as his body went through a series of changes.
Tentacles.
Giant muscular arms.
Hooves for feet.
Horns.
Wings.
Tail.
Extra arms.
Extra eyes.
Sometimes just one eye.
Sometimes no eye.
Fangs.
Plant like vines.
And the changes kept on coming until the device on his wrist glowed green and stabilized him again, shifting back to normal. Raven was immediately reminded of what happened when Beast Boy had been dowsed by the chemicals that altered his DNA and created the Beast. She reached out, entering the dome and settling over Beast Boy's head.
'Beast Boy…' Her hands touched his head.
She was overwhelmed by the sudden tidal wave of animal emotions and instincts. As a shapeshifter Beast Boy could take the form of any animal and with them came the animal instincts of any animal he changed into.
Only now she could feel so much more...
The device, it was spreading and altering his body, that much she knew.
But what she did not was how it was affecting his mind.
She reached out to him, connecting herself with his mind…
'Beast Boy, can you hear me?'
What she was a sudden flash of green light as billions of eyes, a few creatures didn't even eyes landed on her and she thought she was going to be swallowed by the endless hoard of creatures surrounding.
Only they did nothing.
"Who are you?"
Standing before her was a small, grey colored amphibian looking creature, staring up at her with eyes full of intelligence.
Raven stared back. "Are you one of the creatures created by the device on my friend?"
"Creatures?" The small one scoffed. "I am Azmuth, the creator of the Omnitrix. We are in your friends subconscious mind while the cheap copy of my Omnitrix is working on modifying your friend's body."
Raven kept her features calm. "Modifying him into what?"
"A curious form of something I never originally conceded when I first created the Omnitrix. The body of your friend, Garfield Logan or as you call him Beast Boy was originally infected with a disease that actually attacks the genetic code of the host it infects and rewrites it. To think a human of all beings would survive such a virus." Azmuth stated, rubbing his chin. "It's what allows him to shapeshift and keep him alive despite his DNA being unstable. Every time he morphs the DNA is broken down but the virus immediately reacts and repairs it as he enters a new form. Of course that says nothing for the serum that originally mutated the virus."
"What are you talking about?" Raven demanded.
"You really don't know your friend do you, Miss Raven?" Azmuth questioned, watching as Raven narrowed her eyes. "Yes, I know your name. Your friend's mind is open to me as I needed to know who was trying to create a copy of my Omnitrix. I learned his life and so I know him even better than you do. But I will humor you this one time."
Raven calmed any negative feelings she was getting from this Azmuth, especially from his attitude.
"You friend's parents spent years studying the virus that gave him his power. It is known in the language of the place it appeared as Sakutia or as you would say in English the Green Fever. As I said it attacks its hosts by genetically altering and attempting to improve their genetic code to such an extent that it proves fatal, well mostly fatal to humans. Animals can survive but their bodies are turned green and they become highly feral." Azmuth stated. "The side effect, no matter who or what is infected is that the hosts will turn completely green, hair, skin and even the eyes. Your friend was exposed to this virus and his parents introduced a serum to weakened it, forced it into dormancy but the side effect of the weakened virus trigged the mutation that allowed him to alter his DNA and mimic the genetic information of the animal life forms the virus had traveled through."
Raven was silent as she digested this information. So Beast Boy's powers had come from a virus that was carried by animals?
Not so much of a stretch considering her origin.
"As for what the Omnitrix copy is doing…It's evolving the virus." Azmuth continued.
Raven's eyes widened slightly. "What?"
"The Omnitrix copy carries the functions and programming of the original, including its ability to repair any form of genetic damage it detects. Only now the programming has recognized the unique but unstable genetic codes within young Garfield Logan and have begun the task of altering his DNA, enhancing and evolving the virus as it merges with him." Azmuth explained.
"Why is it doing this?" Raven questioned.
"Simply put, it is following its programming to repair damaged DNA but if it was doing that the obvious solution would have been to remove the virus and change him back into a human." Azmuth stated. "However since the Omnitrix copy is encoded itself to his DNA simply removing the virus as it merges would run the risk of killing him. So the copy, following the programming I set into the original chose an alternate method by evolving the virus as it merges with his body, allowing it to continue its work of rewriting his DNA and 'upgrading' it for the lack of a better word. It is also keeping him in a coma as it works to spare him from suffering the pain. That is why you cannot connect with his conscious mind."
Raven was now considering what she had learned. Beast Boy's powers came from a virus that the device attached to him was upgrading, forcing it to evolve along with his body.
She stared at Azmuth again. "And what do you want?"
"Me? I want to know who has copied my Omnitrix and what they plan to do." Azmuth answered sternly. "I can only surmise they want to mass produce it to create an army of shapeshifters to use for universal domination."
Raven could sense this Azmuth had no hostile attention so she reluctantly answered. "His name is Van Kleiss…And he wants more than to rule the universe. I think he wants to take over any universe he can get his hands on."
Raven then explained who Van Kleiss was and what he had been doing for the past month.
"Hm…" Azmuth narrowed his eyes when Raven was finished. "This is bad. To able to open portals to other universes but it seems he's learned how to duplicate technologies such as my Omnitrix along the way."
"Can you help?" Raven asked finally. "I don't want Beast Boy to become a puppet to him."
"I normally take no sides in disputes such as this…But I cannot ignore the threat of someone copying and stealing my work either." Azmuth admitted. "I can program the copy so that it will keep any nanites out of his body so that this Van Kleiss can't turn your friend into his pawn. I will also work to make sure Van Kleiss cannot tamper with the copy to take control of it or harm your friend but that is all I am willing to contribute."
"Fine." Raven will take any help that was offered. "My friends and I will be along shortly."
And with that Raven's soul-self left Beast Boy's body, returning to her own.
Xxx
"How interesting." Van Kleiss remarked, having watched the dark energy resembling a raven leave the green subject's body. "I think we will have company soon."
Xxx
"So have you thought at all about my proposal?"
Van Kleiss had been a little busy in his attempt to retrieve Valerie Grey from her failed mission in Japan, but it had given his new guests time to think.
Either join him and become members of his new Pack…
Or risk being sent back to the time and place of their supposed deaths or just the lowest points of their lives.
How lovely.
"Well, it's not like you have given us much choice." Grodd softly retorted. "So, I have to ask what's your real plan, Van Kleiss? Besides trying to strike on your own."
Van Kleiss grinned. "Well, honestly, I'm a man obsessed with power and revenge. I'd like to dominate this world and the world I came from. I'd like revenge on the ones who thwarted me and who have somehow followed me here to this universe."
"Sorry, maybe I should rephrase my question. Why should we put our complete trust in you? Because you just gave one of us superpowers?" Grodd asked, gesturing to Piedmon who opted to remain silent. "Vexus has not even accepted your…Upgrade yet."
Vexus crossed her arms, looking at the machine behind her. "Even if it can do all you say I'm hesitant to accept help…from an organic."
"And there's nothing I can do to earn your trust?" Van Kleiss asked.
"Trust is not a wise idea in our profession." The Green Goblin stated.
"Then perhaps a trade." Van Kleiss proposed, projecting an image onto the table. "Do you recognize this woman?"
The Green Goblin's yellow eyes widened at the sight of…Mary Jane Watson in suspended animation. "Spider-Man's love…"
"I thought this might get your attention. Seeing as how you have suffered humiliation at the hands of your local…hero perhaps instead of just weapons and technology I offer I can even give you the means to exact true revenge." Van Kleiss turned the projector off. "Perhaps I can help you by running some…tests on this one."
Green Goblin snickered. "You are a vicious and cruel man, Van Kleiss…Fine but any modifications I accept will be looked over personally by me and I decide what can be used on dear Mary Jane."
"Good, that's one down." Van Kleiss looked to Vexus. "As for the matter of trusting an organic, I assure my dear while body is flesh I am anything but what a human should be considered. In fact, very soon I will have fully left anything about me that is humanity behind."
"Does this mean you plan on becoming a robot?" Vexus questioned.
"In a way." Before Van Kleiss could say anything else an alarm sounded. "Now what?"
The table monitor projected the image of the domed cell around Beast Boy, showing a blue fire engulfing his form.
"Intruder Alert. Intruder Alert." The computer's synthesized female voice spoke.
"I was hoping for a grand presentation but I suppose time is of the essence." Van Kleiss gestured to his android. "But let me show you."
A.M.A.Z.O.'s eyes flashed and followed by the Upgrade Van Kleiss created for Vexus activating. Vexus spun around just in time to watch as the Upgrade melted into a puddle.
"And what is this supposed to do?" Vexus asked, leaning down to get a better look at the puddle.
"Since you refuse a gift from a human…How about a gift from a machine?" Van Kleiss asked.
Before Vexus or anyone else could do anything the Upgrade puddle latched onto Vexus, spreading across her body. She managed to let out a scream before her head was covered.
"Now let me show the power of a machine meant to become…a god." Van Kleiss gestured and A.M.A.Z.O.'s eyes flashed again.
Vexus was covered head to toe in the black symbiotic form of upgrade which started to glow bright yellow. Underneath the pulsating 'skin' Vexus screamed and struggled to break free but was unable to move as the machine life form bonded with her, changed her physically and downloaded a wealth of knowledge into her computer brain. Once she was completely covered the Upgrade melded with her, her body had changed. Her green and yellow stripped legs were now completely green and more armored with black coverings on her knees and waist.
Her black arms now had green spiked gauntlets with yellow armor covering her torso. Her yellow and green striped 'hair' that resembled the crown of an Egyptian Pharaoh was shorter now, stopping just below her shoulders and her insect shaped wings had changed into six green yellow tipped smaller wings but appeared more sleek and efficient. Vexus stumbled slightly, looking down at herself and examining her new body.
"What did you do to me?" She asked, glaring at Van Kleiss.
"My android's Upgrade was programmed to bond with you as it…for the lack of a better word upgraded you with technology and battle information taken from a dozen other universes. Surely you can tell." He answered softly.
"Yes…I can." Vexus held up a clawed hand and watched as her fingers stretched into sharp lances that she used to cut the table in half. "All of this…I know everything about this new body and what it can do."
With this she could take back control of Cluster Prime easily.
Forget her armies; she could take over her universe by herself!
Still though…
"And what is stopping me from using my new arsenal on you?" Vexus questioned as she stared at Van Kleiss with a grin. "Now that you have given me all of this, I don't see what use I could have left for you."
"Perhaps you should consider focusing on the other problem." Van Kleiss suggested, pointing to the projection of the domed cell as it broke.
Beast Boy emerged, only now he had taken the form of…
A strange creature resembling a humanoid lion with blue glowing eyes.
"That subject was bonded with a device known as the Omnitrix. It allows him to take the form of any species that exists in the known universe. If he were to run amok it would be disastrous." Van Kleiss explained.
"And I should care because?" Vexus asked.
Van Kleiss grinned. "Well, what better way to test your new power than one someone who can become any dangerous creature it wants?" Van Kleiss snapped his fingers and A.M.A.Z.O.'s eyes flashed again.
Before Vexus could do anything, she was teleported out of the briefing room…and right into the chamber Beast Boy was being kept.
She blinked and saw Beast Boy glaring at her, snarling. "So…He wants to test me against you? Fine. I'll see what my new body can do."
Raising her hand, Vexus watched as it morphed into a blast cannon and fired a beam of yellow energy at Beasty Boy who swiftly dodged. Whatever he had become was extremely agile and allowed him dodge as Vexus continued to blast at him with an amused look on her face.
Xxx
Where am I?
All around him there was darkness.
He was sure he'd be scared but he wasn't.
He wasn't sure why but he only knew he didn't have to be afraid.
Looking down at himself he saw he was still the same.
He was still Beas Boy.
"Are you?"
His ears perked up the sound of not one voice…
But many voices.
A red light shown in the dark and suddenly Beast Boy found himself surrounded by animals.
Not just earthly animals.
But millions, perhaps billions of animals and life forms from planets across the universe and maybe more.
Wait, how did he know that?
"Master."
Looking up Beast Boy was shocked to see the Beast standing before him. "You…"
"Do not be afraid, Master." The Beast spoke in a gruff voice, despite his mouth not moving. "What's happening to you right now is you unlocking your true power."
"My true power?" Beast Boy shook his head. "Look, I have no clue what's going on. So please just tell me first then I can get properly confused."
There a chuckle through the animals surrounding him.
"Master, you were taken by the same people who took Mate." The Beast answered and snarled. "They try to experiment on us but they have made a big mistake."
"Mate…You mean…" Beast Boy blushed slightly. "Raven."
The Beast nodded. "They took and then they took us. They attached a device to us and with it came…them."
The Beast gestured to all the new animals around them.
"Are they…aliens?" Beast Boy wondered, looking at all the new animals and seeing there was no way they could be from Earth.
The Beast nodded. "Yes."
"Sweet! Cool!" Beast Boy could not help but smile at all the different animals. "You guys…I can tell you are all aliens."
"Master, the Red."
Beast Boy stopped and looked at the Beast. "The Red."
"The Red, the force that connects all animal life. Your powers come from the Red and your connection was so strong you could transform into anything you knew was connected to it. The device…It's enhanced your connection to the Red and all of them are new forms brought here." The Beast explained. "The person who did this seeks to turn you into a weapon for him."
"Me, a weapon?" Beast Boy frowned. "No way."
The Beast nodded. "Agreed."
"So, what do we do now?" Beast Boy inquired.
"Perhaps we should start with…" The Beast pointed behind its master. "Them."
Beast Boy turned around and saw a fire with four…lion looking dudes sitting around it. "Who are they?"
"They appeared…And helped awaken you. They smell…like the Red." The Beast sniffed at them. "They trespass but they are not enemies."
"You sure about that?" Beast Boy questioned but received no answer. "All right, guess we're doing this."
He walked over to the fire and looked at all of the four aliens. "Hi there. What's up? Um…Mind telling me what you guys are doing in my brain?"
As one all four eyes of the intruders opened their eyes and revealing a shining blue light. They looked at Beast Boy as one, seemingly staring into his soul.
"You are the one we have come for."
"We are the Imakandi."
"We seek to hunt."
Beast Boy was on guard now. "You come to hunt me? Dude, I'm no one's prey."
"Not you." The fire grew and projected an image of a tall man with white and black hair and a golden gauntlet on his right arm. "Him. He steals and abducts beings from other worlds to experiment on and create legions of powerful monsters."
"The one who has requested our aid to save you from becoming his most powerful weapon has offered him and his brood as our next hunt."
"However, if they fail to give us a challenge, we will turn our tights to you and this planet Earth."
Beast Boy wasn't sure how to feel about that. One hand they were seemingly helping him but on the other hand they were probably going to hunt him and a lot of people on Earth.
"How are you helping me?"
"Your mind is overwhelmed by the minds of all the new beings from the device known as the Omnitrix."
The fire was now showing a strange watch like device attached to his left wrist.
"It allows whoever holds access to the forms of thousands of different prey."
Beast Boy looked around, seeing all the animals and alien still with him in the dark void, all staring at him. "So that's where you guys all come from."
Now he understood what was happening.
All these aliens were from that Omni-thingy that was attached to his wrist and with it came all the new aTechno animal forms that his body was still getting used to.
He might not be the brightest but he knew how his own powers worked.
"The device placed you in deep sleep so you would be changed without feeling pain."
"It evolves your body to better handle these new forms."
"Okay, I get what you are saying but what are you doing right now?" Beast Boy asked.
The fire showed him…fighting some robot chick.
"Are you…you guys possessed me?!"
"We are doing this to fully awaken you."
"If you are conscious but not truly prepared in the midst of the device evolving you it will tear you apart."
"And defeat our purpose of liberating you from your captors."
"O…kay." Beast Boy sighed as he sat down. "So how do I get…prepared?"
"Feel the power within you and of the new forms…Feel all of them and you will be ready."
Beast Boy turned around, looking at the Beast. "You've always been with me, haven't you? Even before I got splashed with those chemicals."
The Beast nodded. "I represent all that is primal within you, Master. I am your connection to the Red."
"Then you are where I need to start." Beast Boy said as he stood up and faced the Beast. "So, want to show those guys what we think of them trying to turn us into their new house pet?"
The Beast grinned. "With pleasure."
The four Imakandi watched as the Beast let out a howl and embraced its master. As this happened the blue fire sprang to life and seemingly wrapped itself around them.
"Now show us your power and strength. Show us the power this world can offer us!"
Xxx
"Okay, now I'm getting bored." Vexus grunted as the annoying green thing dodged another barrage of missiles and energy blasts from her. "Are you going to just run around like a scared little mongrel or are you going to fight back?"
That was when Beast Boy suddenly stopped and faced her.
"Oh?" Vexus mused as she aimed her arm cannon at him. "Did I hurt the wittle animal's feelings?"
"Not animal…" Beast Boy suddenly spoke, his voice slowly becoming deeper and gruffer. "…Beast."
Vexus watched with slightly widened eyes as Beast Boy bent over and let out a roar as he changed and grew, changing into his Werebeast form that let out a howl.
Xxx
"This is new." Van Kleiss said, scanners showing him that Beast Boy's body was becoming much more stable suddenly.
His brain wave activity was spiking and his body was breaking apart and immediately coming back together, showing matching DNA for multiple creatures and seemingly continuing to change.
It was like his body was constantly changing, evolving and adapting in a matter of seconds!
"Well, the nanites I left in the Omnitrix shou-" Van Kleiss stopped and watched as the signals from the nanites stopped. "What?!"
"It seems that's boy's immune systems are destroying your nanites." Grodd commented from behind. "His body morphing structure seems to eliminate anything that does not belong in the midst of the changing."
He knew that!
He didn't need some hyper-intelligent gorilla telling him what he already knew!
'Still, if I can't infect him with my nanites I can't make him into an EVO or even repress his memories!' Van Kleiss thought, clenching his fists. 'How is this going so wrong?!'
Xxx
The Werebeast snarled at Vexus who glared back. "Hmph! So bigger and with claws. Just an easier target."
From both hands came yellow glowing swords, electricity running down the blades. She shot forward, rockets bursting to life to from her back and the back of her legs. She shot forward, swinging her swords at the Werebeast who swiftly dodged her strikes. Vexus had been programmed with the ability to make any weapon with her new body and the knowledge of how to use them. Her machine body combined with her enhanced programming allowed her to move faster than the human eye could ever hope to follow.
And yet the Werebeast was keeping up with her.
And it could also fight back.
It suddenly disappeared into thin air…
POW!
CRASH!
And delivered a haymaker right to the face that sent her crashing into the wall.
'What?!'
How did he move so fast she couldn't track him?!
Looking up she saw the Beast charging at her. Raising her arms she formed her wrist cannons and fired. The Beast rolled out of the way and Vexus fired again.
"Hold still!" Vexus shouted as she fired over and over again.
She continued firing at the Beast who ran around the room.
"Vexus stop! You're going to cause a-" Van Kleiss tried to warn her but it was too late.
The room that had been Beast Boy's prison had started to collapse. Vexus grunted as she shook the debris off her and blasted a way out. Once she was out into another section of Van Kleiss' underground complex she spun around, aiming to blast the room and Beast Boy with it.
Only for her to get two large feet in the face, knocking her down.
"AWHOOO!" The Beast howled as it took off.
"Damn you!" Vexus jumped to her feet and shot off after her foe. "No organic makes a fool out of me!"
Xxx
"For such a perfect machine she had quite a hot head." The Green Goblin commented.
Van Kleiss scowled. 'She's going to blow up my entire lab at this rate!'
With his portal machine damaged he needed a new method to get them out.
And he just so happened to have one.
"A.M.A.Z.O., use Breach's power to send them far away from here!" Van Kleiss shouted to his android and its eyes glowed.
Xxx
Just as Vexus chased the Beast into another a room a golden portal opened up in front of them. The Beast stopped just in time, but Vexus plowed right into it and they both tumbled through it.
Xxx
The Beast blinked as it jumped to its feet, looking around to see the green jungle surrounding it.
'I know this place.' Beast Boy's voice spoke deep within the Beast's mind. 'This is Africa.'
The Master was correct as the Beast could recognize the scent of the jungle and the many animals that called it home.
The trees.
The leaves.
The sound of frightened animals nearby.
This was all home to the Beast and it's Master.
And it was being threatened.
"RRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
Spinning around the Beast could Vexus standing up as she faced him with an angry look. "Van Kleiss! Quit sending me through portals!"
They had been sent away to avoid bringing down the coward's cave.
Fine, they would deal with the metal woman first.
Snarling the Beast shot forward, lunging at Vexus who shot up into the air.
"Nice try!" The former Queen of the Cluster laughed arrogantly. "Now that we are out in the open, I am no longer hampered by the lack of space!"
Funny, so was the Beast.
Vexus aimed her cannons down and fired, blasting the ground where the Beast had been. Her sensors worked on overtime, trying to capture sight her target and confirm she had hit him.
SLASH!
"Gah!" Vexus cried out as something slashed at her arms, damaging her cannons.
Spinning around Vexus could see something moving in between the trees. "Make a fool out of me, will you?!"
From her body came multiple whips, glowing with electricity. With an angered shout Vexus spun, her whips cutting through the trees and setting the bark and leaves on fire. Either slashed to bits and electrocuted by her whips or burned alive.
Vexus couldn't tell what she wanted more.
"I'll torch this entire wretched forest if I have to!" Vexus shouted as she continued to spin. "You organics are an infestation anyways!"
Little did she realize that the Beast had already slipped through her defense.
The Beast was just one of Beast Boy's many forms and with his unstable DNA evolving, perfecting the original intent of the virus that had almost killed him Beast Boy was quickly learning he was capable of a lot more than before.
Such as…
"Oh, what does this do? It looks important."
Vexus stopped in mid-air, pausing as she suddenly heard Beast Boy's voice. "Where are you?"
"Me? I'm just in your head, poking around."
"What?!"
Her scanners went into overdrive, alerting her to the fact that her body was suddenly infected by…
Germs?!
The germs were multiplying by the second and clogging up her systems.
"How?! My systems are too advanced! They would be exterminated before they could-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Vexus was cut off as a clawed arm ripped its way out of her chest.
"Sweet! I can morph different parts of myself into whatever animal I think of!" Beast Boy let out a whoop as Vexus could feel him tearing her apart from the inside.
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT OOOOOOOOOOOOOOF MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Vexus howled as she released a volt of electricity through herself, forcing Beast Boy out who changed into an eagle.
Vexus could feel the Upgrade part of her already at work to repair the damage Beast Boy had inflicted on her from the inside. Looking down at the eagle with an expression of pure hate Vexus shot right at the eagle, intent on tearing it to pieces. The whip slashed through the eagle…
And it broke apart into millions of micro sized green colored germs before some came back together and formed into a mass of eagles that flew around Vexus, obscuring her vision as one flew above and morphed into a giant whale. Vexus had no time to react as the whale fell right on top of her and slammed right into the ground, creating a miniature earthquake before once again changing back into the Beast. Seeing Vexus down with her body rushing to repair itself the Beast grabbed Vexus by the leg and slammed her repeatedly into the ground, over and over and over again. Vexus finally regained her senses and tried stab the Beast with sword, managing to cut it shoulder and force it to release her.
The Beast howled in pain as it released her and Vexus jumped up, attempting to cut its head off.
The Beast disappeared again, moving so fast it left only a blur.
BOOM!
'My sensors should be tracking it-' Vexus thought before a sonic boom knocked her back. 'It broke the sound barrier?!'
This was impossible!
POW!
Vexus was too stunned to react as a fist slammed into her face, sending her crashing through several trees.
BOOM!
POW!
BOOM!
POW!
The Beast continued its attack; not allowing Vexus the chance to react as it repeatedly punched her and sent her flying. Its speed was breaking the sound barrier and creating a sonic boom in its place that sent Vexus flying back and forth like a pinball machine. She crashed through several more trees and she was desperately conjuring missiles and energy cannons to try and slow it down.
SLASH!
BOOM!
SLASH!
Only for the Beast to damage each of them and cause a reaction that blew parts of her body away.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Vexus screamed out as she even tried to blast the Beast with laser vision only for the Beast to slash her eyes with its claws.
The finally, the Beast pounced on her to finish the fight. It tore at her body, ripping out the Upgrade skin around her to the point even it could do nothing…
And then all that was left was Vexus, nearly damaged beyond repair and left shaking and trembling in fear.
'How…He's just…An organic…' Vexus could not comprehend how an organic could become so powerful, even if it had been enhanced by Van Kleiss.
It had ripped through her upgrades so easily and left her something she had so rarely felt, even in battle against XJ-9.
Absolute fear.
Xxx
"Summon her back." Van Kleiss quickly ordered his android.
It seemed Man or Beast had triumphed over Machine this time.
Xxx
Before the Beast could finish her Vexus fell into a golden portal underneath her and the Beast jumped away, watching as the portal vanished. The Beast stood still for a moment and then let out a howl as it slowly retreated back into the depths of the Master's mind and allowed the Master to resume control.
And when Beast Boy returned, he was different.
His body was more muscular now, his arms and legs more refined and actually resembling Robin's. His black and purple Doom Patrol uniform had changed into a red and white uniform that lacked sleeves and showed his arms with the Omnitrix still attached to his left wrist and had been so through the entire fight, no matter what form he took. On his hands were red and white fingerless gloves while on her feet were sneakers that were a mix red, white and even black. Even his hair style had changed, slightly longer and was now done in a quiff with side fades. When before he had one fang sticking out of his mouth, he now had two fangs sticking out that appeared sharper than before.
"Wow…" Beast Boy looked at his new form, wondering if those alien dudes had anything to do with it but decided to just roll with it. "Okay, now to find out where I am and get back home!"
He looked down and saw a blue flame in front of him.
The flame showed the face of an Imakandi. "You have proven yourself as a powerful warrior. We are impressed. Our work is done and you are released to find your way home. It is our way, the Imakandi way."
The blue flame vanished, leaving Beast Boy scratching his head. "Well, that was a thing."
With that he took off, deciding to look around a bit before trying to find someone who could help him.
"Run free, Beast Boy. Run free."
Xxx
"Dude!"
Was he dreaming or was Beast Boy where he thought he was?
"Clean air. Hot yet soothing wind. No cities around for miles." Beast Boy inhaled the fresh clean air and took a deep breath while staring over the cliff that showed endless green lands and jungles up ahead. "Oh yeah, I'm in Africa!"
He hadn't been in Africa since he was a little kid.
How did he-
"Oh, yeah. That weird portal must have dumped me here." Beast Boy then looked down at himself, seeing his new physique and uniform. "Wow, not bad. Did I morph into this?"
So many questions were circling around in his mind.
Why was he in Africa?
How did he get here?
And how did…
"Raven. I thought I heard her when I was…" Beast Boy looked at the strange device on his wrist. "Was I abducted?"
While Beast Boy couldn't remember everything, he instinctively knew something had happened to him and he somehow knew that Raven had helped him.
"Raven and those cat guys." Beast Boy sighed, rubbing his face. "Dude, I'm getting a headache trying to figure this all out."
He was so used to Robin, Raven, Cyborg and even Starfire having all the answers whenever something weird was going on.
But here he was on his own…
And Raven was out there, somewhere.
"Guess I better start looking around." Beast Boy then changed into a cheetah and shot off running in the direction of the rising sun.
Xxx
(Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace Begins)
The song opens up with the plains of Africa first shown as the shadows of monsters could be seen rising with the sun. Their red eyes shining in the background before this is a great flash of green light, illuminating the title:
GRIMMFALL: CALL OF THE WILD
(I can't escape this hell)
A metropolis like city is shown, looking peaceful one second before on fire the next.
(So many times I've tried)
Beast Boy in his new form is shown, holding up his Omnitrix. On it appeared the images of many aliens.
(But I'm still caged inside)
Suddenly, Beast Boy found himself in a cage with shadows staring down at him.
(Somebody get me through this nightmare)
Three pairs of slitted eyes appear behind him as he is enveloped in a flash of green light.
(I can't control myself)
Faunus and Mobians suddenly become more animalistic and feral, teeth sharpening and eyes becoming slits.
(So what if you can see the darkest side of me?)
Beast Boy's eyes widened as the Beast stood behind him, snarling loudly.
(No one would ever change this animal I have become)
The symbol of the Satyra is shown as figures gather around a round table. In the center of the table was an orb that showed an image of Beast Boy running.
(Help me believe it's not the real me)
Beast Boy was surrounded by countless animals, all of them staring as he held his head, trying to keep their voices from consuming him.
(Somebody help me tame this animal)
The shadow of a Hyena Mobian is shown now, eyes glinting in the dark as more appear behind it.
(This animal, this animal)
Animals are shown stampeding across the plains of Africa.
(I can't escape myself)
Beast Boy is shown running now, being chased by Hyena Mobians.
((I can't escape myself))
He holds up his Omnitrix and brings his hand down on it.
(So many times I've lied)
Images of Beast Boy's past appear: his parents, the Doom Patrol, the Teen Titans and Terra.
((So many times I've lied))
The jokester Beast Boy is shown before becoming the serious Beast Boy who faced the Brotherhood of Evil when the Doom Patrol called for help.
((But there's still rage inside))
The Beast is shown, fighting against all the aliens that were part of the Omnitrix but the countless aliens held the Beast down.
(Somebody get me through this nightmare)
Beast Boy was holding his head, seemingly screaming in pain.
(I can't control myself)
He began morphing at random.
(So what if you can see the darkest side of me?)
The Beast, snarled and lunged at the screen.
(No one would ever change this animal I have become)
Salamander monks were shown meditating and opened their eyes.
(Help me believe it's not the real me)
Beast Boy found himself face to face with the Beast.
(Somebody help me tame this animal I have become)
He closed his eyes and sat on the ground, cross-legged.
(Help me believe it's not the real me)
He opened his eyes and saw countless aliens, alien animals all surrounding him.
(Somebody help me tame this animal)
A bull Faunus is shown, wielding a club as he rushes forward, a bright aura surrounding him.
(Somebody help me through this nightmare)
The image of Raven flashes in Beast Boy's mind.
(I can't control myself)
Beast Boy and the Beast stand side by side now, facing the hoard of alien animals surrounding them.
(Somebody wake me from this nightmare)
A dark throne is shown with the banner of the Satyra hanging over head, a pair of reptilian eyes staring with intrigue.
(I can't escape this hell)
The figure then points at the screen and more shadowed figures move out from behind the throne.
(So what if you can see the darkest side of me?)
Beast Boy settles into a fighting stance, before changing into the Beast.
(No one will ever change this animal I have become)
The Beast shoots forward, fighting through hoards of Grimm in a burning hallway.
(Help me believe it's not the real me)
The Beast fast and agile as it fights, never faltering and finishing its enemies with quick strikes.
(Somebody help me tame this animal I have become)
The Beast then reaches a pair of doors as the bull Faunus from before stands in its way.
(Help me believe it's not the real me)
The Beast suddenly changes back into Beast Boy who then walks forward…
(Somebody help me tame this animal)
The doors suddenly are blown open, allowing sunlight to shine as Beast Boy steps out…
((This animal I have become))
And stares out at the grassy fields of Africa as the title appears one last time and the song ends:
GRIMMFALL: CALL OF THE WILD
(Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace Ends)