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Chapter Five: The Collar
Beast Boy woke up with his headache and aches all over his body. Looking around he didn't have a clue where he could be.
"Oh man, where am I?"
"Right where you should be Beast Boy, you are now under my control." Beast Boy snapped his head in the direction of the voice, unable to believe what he was hearing.
"Slade, I thought you were dead! I mean I saw you melt in lava no one can survive that!" Beast Boy looked at Slade in horror. This just didn't make sense to him at all, how can a man who was burned alive in lava be standing before him right now.
"Easy answer Beast Boy that was one of my robots. I don't put myself in harm's way if I can help it. You see while you were all fighting my robot I was sitting comfortable here in my lair unharmed by any of you." Beast Boy just looked at him shocked, however, did this mean this was the real Slade in front of him? If it was he needed to get rid of him once and for all.
"So what do you want with me Slade? I'm nobody special on the team unlike Robin."
"On the contrary you are very special Beast Boy. You see I've been watching you for some time. Granted you're a great actor Beast Boy I didn't notice at first all this power and ability you have. Now tell me why hid this from your team mates?" Beast Boy didn't change his facial expression but inside he was shocked.
'Is he bluffing about knowing I'm a way better fighter then I show everyone? What about how smart I really am does he know? He seems to be telling the truth if so I'm royally screwed.'
"What are you talking about Slade? What you see is what you get. I'm nothing compared to the others. I'm just the weak little fool in the group." There maybe he won't notice I'm bluffing now. However, his hopes were dashed when he heard Slade laugh.
"Oh Beast Boy, I've been watching you. Here take a look for yourself." A screen popped on and Beast Boy saw several fights that when the others were not looking he did something amazing that actually won the fight for them. Worst of all it showed Beast Boy pretending to read a comic book when he was reading something far more complex, Shakespeare or even drawing a picture of Raven or the others. "So you see Beast Boy, I know you are better at fighting when you put your mind to it. Your smarter then you act as well." Beast Boy looked back over to Slade. Slade still had not answered his question yet but he had a feeling he knew what the answer was.
"So what do you want with me Slade?"
"I want to teach you to harness your greatest power of all and use it to destroy the titans and take over the city. Oh and Beast Boy your training begins when you change into your new uniform." Beast Boy caught the clothes that were thrown at him. Looking down he saw a black shirt and pants that looked to be tight but still flexible enough to allow great flexibility. On the chest and belt was an orange "S" shape indicating that he was with Slade. To top it all off was a mask that only allowed his eyes to be seen.
"What if I refuse to do this Slade?" Looking up he saw Slade had pulled something out of his pocket.
"Well, I'd simply have to shock you with that wonderful collar around your neck and maybe something else. I was thinking hurting the one you hold closest to you." Beast Boy's eyes widened as he looked back over to the screen. There on the screen was Raven sleeping but looked to be have a restless night.
"Raven, fine I'll do whatever but you can't hurt her." Beast Boy turned and walked to a door that had his name on it. Sighing he walked in and changed into the new clothes, took his old ones and threw them into the trash. He looked around the room before putting the mask on. It was very bland for a room; a hammock was in the corner for a bed, a chair and a desk in the other. The walls and the floor were the same concrete color. A closet opposite the door was full of uniforms just like the one he was wearing. Beast Boy pulled the mask on and walked out the door into the large room where Slade waited.
"Good, now we will begin the training. You will learn to harness your greatest power; you will become one of the greatest villains in the world." Beast Boy looked at him in disgust.
"What is my greatest power then?"
"Come now Beast Boy, you know what I'm talking about. The Beast is your greatest power of all. Now let us begin. First of all, you need a new name and second of all you cannot change into other animals anymore. You must rely on your own fighting style and head for everything now. I expect you to have a new name by the end of our little session." With that said he attacked Beast Boy.
They trained for hours, and Beast Boy was starting to slow down. He had gotten up every time he fell only having to be shocked a couple times in being forced to get back up. Finally he was hit and flew into the wall. He couldn't get back up after that, he laid there hoping that he wouldn't be shocked for not getting up.
"Good, your training is over for the day. You improved throughout the whole session. Good maybe I won't need that long to train you after all. Tomorrow, we'll work on the Beast form. Do you understand?" Beast Boy nodded and received a shock. "You will answer me with 'Yes Sir' do you understand?
"Yes Sir."
"Good, now tell me what have you decided to name yourself?" Beast Boy looked up he hadn't really thought about it, but he knew if he didn't answer and soon he'd be shocked again.
"Mnyama Sir." (Min ya-ma is how you say it) He gave Beast Boy a strange look.
"Good, no one would know it was you then. Now get to your room I'll see you early tomorrow morning and we'll train all day." With that said Slade left the room, Beast Boy could hear the door lock behind him. He turned towards his room and walked into it hoping soon the other would find him.
'I don't know how long I can last here. Raven, god right when we were getting along too. I wanted to tell her so much before I was gone. Now, if I can ever get free she'll never look at me the same way. I'm going to be just like Terra a traitor in her eyes. I wouldn't blame her for it either.' Beast Boy jumped into his hammock and went to sleep.
Meanwhile, back in the tower Raven was tossing in her sleep. She kept seeing strange things in her dreams. She woke with a start breathing heavily looking around her room making sure she was indeed in her room. She looked over to the curtains and saw the sun was just starting to rise above the horizon.
"Oh thank Azar it was just a dream." Raven got out of her bed and started to get her things for a shower. She thought about the strange dreams she had all night long. They were just flashes of of Beast Boy, Slade, or of both of them. She saw Beast Boy fighting Slade blow for blow. At one point it looked like he was winning but then he was being thrown a cross the room hitting walls and furniture. She saw him getting shocked by something around his neck and Beast Boy clawing at it. She hoped none of these images were real. If they were Beast Boy was living his past all over again.
Raven got out of the shower, dressed and went to the common room. There she saw everyone eating something small but looking a bit unnerved.
"Are you all ready for this? I'm ready when you are to try our plan." This seemed to snap them all out of there daze.
"Yeah, were ready what do you want us to do Raven?" Robin took charge like usual it brought a bit of a smile to Ravens face.
"I need you all to watch over my body while I meditate this could take a while I've never sent my soul self out so far from my body." They all nodded and took positions in different areas of the room where they can watch but still be comfortable. Raven started to meditate but before she could get too far into it the alarm when off. This shocked everyone out of there watching positions to the main computer.
"Trouble downtown it looks like. The bank is being robbed again. Everyone I'm sorry but Beast Boy is going to have to wait. We need to protect the city, we'll try again soon I promise." Reluctant they all agreed and rushed to the bank. There they were greeted by several officers who looked a little freaked out but relieved the Titans have arrived.
"What seems to be the issue officer?" The officer looked a Robin and reported.
"We have a hostage situation. About eight people inside as hostages about four are the ones holding them hostage. We have tried to reason with them, find out what we could do to allow them to release the hostages they just ignore us. We have also concluded that the hostages have all been tied up and gaged as well."
"Right then we will handle it from here. Cyborg and Star I want you both to be ready to blast through the doors. Raven I want to you to teleport inside and see what you can gather. Leave the portal open if something goes wrong I want to be able to come in after you or give you a quick escape. Is everyone ready?" They all nodded in agreement and got ready to go. "Titans Go!"
They all started on their tasks. Raven teleported into the building right behind one of the hostages. She looked around leaving the portal open what shocked her most were the kidnappers, they were all manikins.
"No wonder they never answered they are dolls." Raven undid the man she was hiding behind and directed him to the portal.
"Wait you have to know. They left a bomb somewhere in the building." He picked up two little girls and ran through the portal. Ravens eyes widen in fear.
"Oh come on!" She picked up the last five with her powers and pushed them through the portal. Robin called on the communicator telling Raven to get out now. She did as she was told and got out just as the building blew.
"Titans, stay on your toes now." With that a figure punched Robin square in the jaw sending him flying away. "Don't bother to stop us Titans. We will win in the end." Just before he left Starfire stopped him.
"Please, who are you?" The figure turned around and answered before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
"Mnyama."

Chapter six: Realization
The Titans all returned home; it was late and they had looked all over the city for Mnyama. It was an odd name they all agreed.
"Please, is Mnyama a type of food, or perhaps an activity? I have not heard of such an English or Japanese word." Starfire, being able to speak both languages, was quite confused by it all. That's when Raven looked up. She remembered that Beast Boy spoke three languages and the words he had spoken to her all that time ago. She still remembered the words in her mind.
"Kunguru oh tamu kama wewe tu alijua, Como eu te amo tanto." Raven spoke quietly, however; it was loud enough to get the attention of the others.
"What was that Raven?" Robin asked, a little concerned by Raven's uncharacteristic behavior of talking out loud to herself.
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking about what Beast Boy had said a while back. They were odd like Mnyama. Thought that maybe I'd look them up later now that I remembered them." Raven got up and walked out of the common room. They all stared after her wondering if the disappearance of Beast Boy was affecting her that much.
"Please Robin; do you know if Friend Raven has the feelings for Beast Boy?"
"I don't know Star but the more I think about it, it sort of makes sense. I mean they're opposites and fight all the time. But have you ever seen them stay mad at each other more than a couple hours? They seem to be the closest out of all of us. You've seen them in battle; so in sync with each other's movements and needs. They're always there when the other needs them even outside of battle. So maybe there is a bit of hidden love there." They all nodded in agreement; there was definitely something under all the fights, no doubt. The only question was if Raven and Beast Boy see that too.
Raven entered her room and got ready to shower.
'After my shower I'll look up those words. Maybe I'll look up Mnyama too. It's a little weird he left a spelling for us; like he wanted us to look up the name or something.'
Raven got out of the shower and dressed. She had taken a much longer shower then she had planned. She started for her computer but her bed looked too inviting to avoid.
'Maybe just a small nap before I look it all up.' Raven lied on her bed and went to sleep and slept the whole night. She was awoken by the alarm going off; she phased through the floor right to the common room.
"What's going on; Mumbo or some common robber again?"
"No, it's Mnyama." Raven's eyes widened. She had not look up the meaning of the word and was silently scolding herself. "It looks like he's at the bank taking something from a high security vault. Titans Go!" They all rushed out of the room to the garage. Raven jumped in the front seat next to Cyborg and Star got on Robin's R-cycle. They rushed to the bank ready for the fight that was sure to come. As they arrived Mnyama stepped out of the bank holding a microchip.
"Ah Titans, that took a while for you to get here. I made sure to trip the third alarm set in place. What too scared to fight me?" Robin looked up at Mnyama with a scowl.
"You wish Mnyama! Titans Go!" They all rushed forward ready to attack when they saw an opening.
Robin was the first to attack. He came in strong ready for the hand to hand combat he was so well trained in. He jabbed and kicked in every which way trying to land a hit, however; with every turn he was either blocked or dodged. With one last punch to Mnyama he missed and was kicked back hard and into the other wall. This angered Starfire as she launched herself at Mnyama, she too threw punches and kicks at him and she added in starbolts and eyebeams whenever possible. Like he did with Robin before, he just simple dodged and when he was close to a trash can he lifted the lid and shot her own eyebeams back at her causing her to also fly backwards and into a wall.
Cyborg charged his arm cannon and began to shoot at Mnyama. He had a harder time dodging the sonic blasts but he did make it with only a small cut in his uniform. He jumped high over Cyborg and made a swift kick to his back causing him to fall forward. Mnyama jumped upon Cyborg's back and tore open his control panel.
"I'm sorry." Was the last thing he heard before he was shut off.  Mnyama stepped off his back and looked to the only Titan left. "So Raven, why haven't you attacked me yet? Is it because you're scared or is it because you're not sure how to attack me?" When he turned to look at her she saw the most amazing clear blue eyes. Raven walked forward trying to get a better look at his eyes before he shut them. "I won't fight you Raven." With that said he disappeared from her sight.
"Were did he go Raven? Did you get the chip? What happened?" were the frantic cries of her friends as they approached.
"I don't know where he went Robin. I did not get the Chip Star. Cyborg, it was the strangest thing. No it couldn't be. He wouldn't do that." They all looked at her in confusion. They were unsure with this Raven; Raven always had the answers to their problems.
"It's alright team the chip is right here. With a note attached to it. 'Titans you will fail in your quest to stop me. I will take over the city and then I will take over the world. Watch your backs and beware of the night.' What in the world does he mean by that? Beware the night, sounds like a horror movie warning."
They once again searched for any sign of either Beast Boy or Mnyama but came up short again. They returned home defeated and worried.
"It has been four months since we have seen Beast Boy. I fear we may never find him." Star was scared and worried like the rest but only she voiced this concern out load.
"I know Star we all are. I'm sure where ever Beast Boy is he's fine." However, deep down in their hearts they all feared that Beast Boy will never return and may be dead.
"Who wants to play a game with me? I need a racer." Cyborg spoke up hoping to cheer everyone up; it had the opposite effect. They all look towards the door hoping beyond hope that he would walk through the door and take the challenge. It was all too much for Raven, she was weakling she knew it and she knew why. She got up and ran out of the room hiding the tears threating to fall. She stopped outside his door and stared at his name engraved on the metal.
"Please come back, you have to come back. I can't take it anymore." The words in that strange language echoed in her head again and she continued to walk down the hall towards her room. Once inside she let the tears f low down her face as she walked to her computer.
"Kunguru oh tamu kama wewe tu alijua. I think he said that was Swahili. Oh sweet Raven if only you knew." Raven stared at the words they were interesting.
'He called me sweet, and what don't I know? Maybe the next part will give me some answers.'
'Come now Raven, you know this language a little bit it a form of Spanish.'
'I know but I am more fluent in German and French.' Raven continued on and looked up the second sentence of words.
"Como eu te amo tanto. I think this would be Galician language." Raven stared in shock at the sentence. She almost couldn't believe her eyes. "How I love you so." She stared for a while longer before she smiled a true smile before the rest of her cloak turned a brilliant pure white. "Now for that name Mnyama. What does that mean? Well it sounds a bit African I guess." She looked up every language she could think off in African and nothing made sense. Finally she came upon Swahili. "Could it really be this language, the one Beast Boy knows?" She clicked on the link and typed in the name. She stared in shock as the meaning come onto the screen.
Raven ran out of her room to find the other fast. She found Star in the hall walking towards the common room.
"Star where's Robin? If he's not in the common room go get him I have something important that everyone needs to hear." Raven ran off leaving a very confused Starfire behind. However, just as Raven asked Star rushed to the training room and got Robin. Raven got to the common room and saw Cyborg siting on the couch slightly depressed.
"Hey, Raven. Whoa your cloak is all white! Last time I saw that you and Melchior were all about each other." Raven gave him a sharp look but quickly turned towards the computer.
"When the others arrive I'm going to tell you why I'm so excited." Just as she said that Robin and Star walked through the doors.
"What's going on Raven? Star said it was important. Does it have something to do with your cloak?" Raven sighed and wondered why everyone was so interested in her cloak.
"I think I know where Beast Boy is and after I tell you, you are going to flip out. Look at the screen." They all looked up at the screen and stared in shock at the words flashing in front of it.
'Mnyama; Origin: Swahili; Meaning: The Beast.'
"No way, the little Grass Stan is Mnyama! But he's like a freaking second Robin in fighting and he hasn't transformed once. I mean why hasn't he told us who he really is and why has he turned to a life of crime?" Cyborg sounded, looked confused and upset about this whole ordeal.  Robin and Star look much the same way.
"I don't know about you three but I think I'm strong enough to look for him using my soul self now. If you guys still want to try that way of finding him. We may also find out why he is doing this."
"Raven, I think your right. We need to figure this out and fast. Whenever you are ready to do this I am too. What about you guys?" Robin turned to the other two.
"I am ready when you are Robin." Star commented easily.
"If it gets my buddy back and soon I'm all for it right now!"

Chapter Seven: The Plan in Action
The four Titans went and got a little bit of rest, yet they were all restless. Once they felt they had enough they all met in the common room.
"Is everyone ready for this? Remember we have to stay in our stations till Raven is back from her soul trip." Robin ordered.
"Man, if BB was here he would have made a crack about that soul trip comment. But yeah we understand me and Star will stay at the door, you at the window and Raven in the center of the room doing her thing." They all nodded in agreement and went to their posts.
Raven got into her lotus position and started to meditate it seemed a little harder this time to get to the soul version.
'Wonder why it's harder I'm more powerful, though this is not exactly the same form as when I turn into my soul self to take out Plasmas.' Raven started to concentrate harder on what she needed to do but something was missing the last bit of a push she needed to get there.
'Raven, love, love him and look for him. Reach out to his soul!' Raven gasped slightly then her eyes blazed white and a large White Raven outlined in black soared up and away from the Titans. The others look in shock as this happened, they all were starting to wonder if this was actually going to work.
"Well, BOOYA! I don't know about you guys but that was awesome."
"I agree with you friend Cyborg. Robin was that a new soul form. I do not recall her soul self being white instead of black?"
"Yeah I think it was Star, must have come with the change as well."
Raven had never experienced this sort of thing before. It felt totally different then when she reached out to a soul that was close by. Raven soul self was way above the tower looking for the right soul signature.
'Okay below me is a red, pink, and blue soul signature all brilliant in color that's the guys. I want a brilliant green color, but none of the ones I see look right they are all too dull or the wrong shade.' Raven looked all around her trying desperately to find that right soul signature.
'Raven there, the small bright green light in the north! Raven turned a little more to the north and just over the city looked to be the right soul signature. Raven flew over the city awestruck on how many people lived in this part of town. It was a bad part of town, tons of gang symbols over the buildings and streets. Next after she crossed over the last tall building a small rundown neighborhood stood. Just beyond the small neighborhood was a farm. It was brown due to it being fall. The farmer had harvested all the crops for that year. Raven looked for the green light again and saw two lights in a barn against the mountain. One brilliant green and the other a sickly dark red, raven rushed to the barn knowing that Beast Boy was not alone.
Raven entered the barn as her soul self and begin looking for where the light source was coming from. She saw that it came from the back wall, but that didn't make sense. She came up to the wall and like a ghost, she went right through it. However, instead of coming out to a corn field or a mountain wall she came into a cave.
'A cave that's odd, but the lights are brighter now so he must be at the end of the cave.' Raven glided through the cave. She soon came upon an area full of rooms. The rooms had names on them that indicated whose room it was, kind of like the tower. She came to one that had Beast Boys new name Mnyama on it.
'So he stays in this room.' Raven entered the room and saw a very small space with only a bed in it. It was very plain compared to his room back at the tower. She exited and continued down the path. She reached a lab area where she saw many devices that looked like they were used for torture. Raven shuddered hoping none of what she saw was ever used on Beast Boy. However, her hopes were dashed as she saw the calendar where Mnyama was written all over it. Raven went through another door and saw a training area and there in the middle was Beast Boy, staring straight ahead.
Beast Boy stood ahead giving no sign of actually seeing anything.
"Would you just do it already, I hate trying to figure out when it's going to happen!" He yelled out to no one at first. Just as he finished yelling he kneeled over in pain. He looked like he wanted to scream but wouldn't give whoever was hurting him the satisfaction. Raven felt the pain coursing through his body. It was like an electric shock that should have killed any normal human was coursing through him. Raven figured if she was in her true form right now she would shiver with the raw power coursing through the air.
"Mnyama, you fail once again to do as I said. You are either not trying or you are not practicing! I gave you a direct order and you disobeyed! Do it again and she will die! Next time you come across the Titans I want you to kill them. Hold no mercy for them! As for the witch, leave her, I promised I wouldn't harm her if you helped me."
'Witch, is he talking about me?'
"We will then take over Jump city. As this city with our headquarters we will then take out each member of the Justice League one by one." The voice continued to give out his plans when he noticed Beast Boy was no longer listening. He shocked him and Beast Boy doubled over in pain again. Yet, Beast Boy was still able to get out a sarcastic remark.
"How you going to take out the Justice League when you can't even take out a bunch of kids without help?" Raven couldn't help but smile at Beast Boy's courage but knew it was going to get him hurt. Then out of nowhere as Beast Boy still kneeled over in pain he kicked Beast Boy in the chest and sent him flying. The man turned away from Beast Boy and Raven saw him, Slade.
"Shut up Boy, I will defeat the Justice League and then I will take over the world!" He then turned a switch and Beast Boy got off the ground breathing heavily. Beast Boy narrowed his eyes at Slade. "The world will be mine Mnyama. Ready yourself boy, today will be a harsh punishment." Beast Boy took a deep breath and stood up straighter making him taller then what she remembered. Just as Raven was being brought back to her body she saw Slade rush at Beast Boy and start to fight him. As Raven came out of her trance she began to panic.
"Slade! He, I, ROBIN! Slade has Beast Boy. He's forcing him to fight us. Slade wants Beast Boy to kill you three. Then he wants Beast Boy to help take out the Justice League." Raven was breathing heavily and looking around in a panic. Cyborg was holding her down to keep her from hurting herself. Starfire was hugging her trying to calm her down enough to make more sense.
"Raven, its Slade it really is Slade then?" Raven nodded still with a look of panic in her eyes. "Then he is using Beast Boy like he used me. But what does he have over Beast Boy? I mean if he is using Beast Boy to kill us he has to have something way more important over him then us." Robin looked out the window in deep thought; however, Starfire seemed to have the answer.
"I do not recall Raven saying all of us Robin. Raven said that he was to kill us three, indicating that it would be you, Cyborg, and me that he is to kill. I believe what he has over Beast Boy is Raven. Beast Boy, I have noticed for quite some time now has feelings for Raven. However, he hides if for fear of rejection. However, he loves Raven enough to put himself in danger to protect her." She looked round the room for an argument but none came and she continued.
"Raven is this new change in wardrobe in relation to the change in wardrobe from the Dragon?" Raven merely nodded in response trying desperately to stay calm. "So, am I to assume that you too are in LOVE with Beast Boy?!" Raven only nodded in response she wanted to tell Beast Boy first but that seemed like a long way off and besides it wouldn't have been much longer that the Boy Wonder figured it out. "Glorious, we will celebrate when we have Beast Boy safe and home; Raven where can we find Beast Boy and Slade?" Raven had finally calmed down enough to talk to the others and started to explain where and how they were to get to Beast Boy.
Meanwhile, back in the cave Beast Boy felt like he was fighting for his life. He dodged and ducked most if not all hits Slade threw at him.
'It seems to be getting easier to dodge him. Am I getting better or is he going easy on me. No I'm getting better his punches and kicks seem to be getting more desperate.' Beast Boy and Slade continued to fight for what seemed like hours.
"STOP, I grow tired of this child's play. Let us retire to our champers and in six hours we will continue with your training. Or maybe we'll go to the Lab, how does that sound Mnyama?" Beast Boy just started to walk to his room not bothering to answer Slade. He knew he earn a shock for that but it was nothing compared to the torture he will receive later. As if on cue he kneeled over in pain and just as quickly as it started it disappeared. "You will answer me when I ask you a question. Do you understand?"
"Yes Sir, I understand." Beast Boy turned to leave, hopping to get some rest before the torture began. As he entered his room his thoughts were filled with the other Titans.
'I wonder what they are doing right now. Robin is most likely pacing around trying to come up with a plan to stop Mnyama. Star is trying to calm Robin down but also wondering on how to stop him. Cyborg either cooking or playing video games on the game station, maybe he misses me. Raven… Raven is most likely sitting on the couch reading, or meditating because it's finally quite with me gone. Heck she may even be in her room doing who knows what. I wonder if anyone besides Cy or Star would miss me.' Beast Boy continued to think about the others when another thought hit him.
"Raven had a White Clock and Leotard on. What is that all about? Last time she had that she was with that stupid Dragon." Beast Boy's eyes got sad and his ears dropped. "She found someone. Whoever he is, he's made her happy that she is in love with him." Beast Boy stood up and walked to his closet and pulled out his new mask and put it on.
'It's time to be tortured and then to find a way out of this mess.' He turned from his mirror with one last look and walked out the door. He was almost to the Lab when an alarm went off, Beast Boy smiled under his mask as a Voice in his head shouted Titans Go, the voice sounded just like Robin's.
"Wait. That was Robin's voice. Oh no, no please don't be here please." Beast Boy now in uniform as Mnyama ran to the Ops room ready to face any intruder to the Headquarters.
Chapter Eight: The Final Fight
The four remaining Titans rushed into the headquarters ready for any of Slade's minions or even Beast Boy now named Mnyama to attack them. However, none came at them it was quiet almost too quiet for Robins liking.
"Stay close together everyone? We have a better chance of taking out anyone who comes our way if we work together." Everyone nodded and gathered close to Robin. They walked down the hall way staying close and keeping a sharp eye out for any movement. They walked into the room Raven recognized as the torture lab. She looked up at the calendar and gasp. Starfire too looked up and gasped loudly.
"Friends, is that blood on the wall?" They all turned to look at the wall and turned green.
"Yes Star, I believe it is blood. According to my scanners is fairly fresh. Maybe only a couple minutes old." Robin stared at the name across every day of the calendar and felt bad for Beast Boy. It seemed it was just as Raven told him, Beast Boy was tortured often.
"So, Titans how did you find our headquarters? Never mind I'm not too interested in that. I'm just interested in your demise once and for all." The Titans turned around to see a figure dressed in black and masked all except for his blue eyes. "Prepare yourself Titans!" With that said Mnyama launched himself at the Titans again it seemed almost too easy for Mnyama to take them out. One by one they fell to Mnyama's speed and stealth.
"Robin, Robin, Robin. You've gotten sloppy since I've been gone. You've become slow, weak and pathetic." Robin looked up to see Slade and Mnyama walk over to him and stand beside him.
"What do you want Slade? What are you doing to him?" Robin nodded over to Mnyama and Slade chuckled causing everyone to shiver. Raven being uninjured just gaged and hands being tied behind her back stared at Mnyama. Mnyama looked away from her and shifted uncomfortably in the spot. Slade pulled a remote out of his pocket and looked at Mnyama.
"To the wall Mnyama and I want your hands where I can see them. As for you Robin I want you and your little friends dead so I can take over the city and next the World." They all looked at Slade with shock he was really going to kill them when he got the chance. "Mnyama, I must say you did an excellent job tying everyone up. I don't remember teaching you to tie those kind of Knots." Mnyama only grunted in reply waiting for his next orders.
"So Slade how do you plan on taking over the world, when you know the Justice league is waiting for people just like you?" Slade hit Robin hard causing Robin to roll away. Robin didn't move he had been knocked out. Starfire begin to struggle unable to use any of her powers due to the bracelet on her wrist.
"Now listen children, you will sit quietly as I prepare to take over the city. Once my preparations are complete my apprentice here will kill you." They all looked up in horror as Slade said this. They looked to Mnyama whose eyes widened and then closed. Slade left the room with giving one last look at Mnyama. "Do not disobey me or I will start the torture again and I'll add the girl to it as well. Do I make myself clear?" Mnyama looked up at Slade and slowly nodded.
"Yes sir." Slade left the room leaving the Titans in the care of Mnyama. Robin slowly sat up and looked around.
"Why does he want you Beast Boy?" Mnyama turned around so fast it could have given him whiplash. They saw the shock in his eyes for a brief moment before his eyes settled on Raven.
"You figured it out didn't you Rae? I was hoping something I did or said would alert you all to who I was. And Robin the only thing I could think he wants me for is The Beast." Everyone looked on dumbstruck by this declaration. They all remembered The Beast very well. None of them wanted to go against that creature again.
"What does he plan on doing with the Beast do you know?" Beast Boy slowly took off a ring and placed it in a pocket. The eyes faded back to their dark Jade color.
"No Robin I don't, I can only guess. If I had to guess I'd have to say to first kill you guys and then to kill the Justice League. I think he then plans on killing me." Beast Boy looked on sadly towards the others. Cyborg looked at his best friend worried.
"Hey BB, how is he controlling you, and is he and how is he making you change?" Cyborg voice was dripping in concern. Beast Boy turned to the others with his eyes empty of any emotion. It was oddly like Raven when she was in turmoil. Beast Boy reached up to his shirt collar and pulled it down showing another collar this time a shock collar.
"It has enough electrical force to kill me if he wanted to do it. He uses this along with all the equipment you see around you to either just torture me or torture me into changing." They all stared at him in shock. He seemed so out of life so unlike his usual self. This frightened Raven to the point of tears. Raven begin to fight her bindings and gag. "Raven please don't struggle he'll make me hut you guys and it's the last thing I want to do is hurt you." Raven continued to struggle she had to tell him and tell him now before he gave up his will to live fully. Robin had started to find a way out of his bindings and a way to get the others out too.
"Mnyama, when I give you the signal kill out guests. Leave the girl I'll deal with her myself." They all looked towards Beast Boy wondering if he was going to disobey.
"Yes sir." Was the only response he got before it was all silent again.
"Beast Boy I know you don't want to do that. I also know that when you refuse he's going to make you change and then you will without knowing it. We will find a way out of this I promise." Beast Boy turned away from the others, hoping they all had a plan and hoping that if he didn't see it he wouldn't have to report it. Robin rolled towards Raven and slipped out of his bindings and reached for Raven's gag.
"Think you can release the others?" Raven nodded to Robin. "We then need to get that collar off of BB. Do you think you can grab it with your powers and break it?" Again Raven nodded and proceeded to release the others. She then ran to Beast Boy and tackled him in the back and reached for the collar. He twisted around in Ravens grasp and gasped in shock at the emotion emanating off her. The collar was taken off just as the door slammed open. Slade with is lighting fast speed knocked Cyborg and Starfire to the other side of the room, knocking them out upon impact with the wall and each other in the heads. Raven rushed to their sides but before she could reach them Slade pinned Raven to the wall knocking her out as well. Robin looked at Beast Boy seeing the life flicker back on.
"You disobeyed my orders Mnyama. You will pay dearly for disobeying me." Beast Boy just smirked at Slade.
"You can't hurt me know Slade. The collar is gone and I'm no longer under your control. Robin." Robin looked over to Beast Boy understanding exactly what he had in mind. Robin smirked as well.
"Ready for the real end Slade?" Robin and BB attacked Slade at the same time effectively doing a double team. Slade seemed to hold his own for a while before he begins to slip up. Every punch and kick seemed to miss its target only to be countered by the Titans attack. Beast Boy attacked left and high while Robin attacked right and low. Robin and Beast Boy seemed to work as one unit against Slade.
Slade was losing and he knew it he was trying to find any way out of this loss. He looked over and saw Raven stirring and beginning to wake up. He knew once awake he would have to fight her off as well and he would loss very soon. He knew what he had to do. Pulling a gun he took aim and shot. The bang was so loud it caused the boys to flinch. Beast Boy looked in the direction of the shot and saw Raven fall back to the ground. Beast Boy felt the familier loss of control as his body begins to change.
His claws sharpen and lengthen to deadly points just as his fangs do. Fur grows along his whole body and his muscles fill out as The Beast takes over. Robin rushes to Ravens side hoping she isn't dead. As he reaches her he see the bullet only hit her shoulder. Releaved that she would be okay he turned back to the fight. Like all fights with The Beast, there was no holding back on either side. The Beast had the upper hand with the speed and strength it possessed. Robin heard a faint ping as the bullet in Ravens shoulder feel out.
"Good she's healing herself. Now let's hope Beast Boys strength holds out and defeats Slade once and for all."
"Well even if he doesn't kill Slade and just knocks him out I'm sending him to a dimension that has no air, and he'll burn for the rest of the time he's alive." Robin looked down and saw Raven wide awake but weak looking.
"Welcome back Raven." The Beast howl, as they looked over they saw Slade limp in The Beasts claws as he threw whim against the wall twice before throwing him across the room.
Tired The Beast reverted to his original form of Beast Boy. Robin rushed over to Slade to see if he was still alive. Cyborg and Starfire stirred and woke up and looked around. They saw Raven next to Beast Boy checking him over for severe injuries and Robin looking over Slade being extra careful.
"He's not dead but just barely alive. Still want to send him to another dimension Raven?" Raven nodded and lifted her hand up and opened a portal.
"Just push him in. I'm sure where he is going they have something to say to him." They all looked on as Raven gave a weak smile. "Let's go home," looking to Beast Boy "all of us." They all left in silence knowing this time Slade will never return to harm them.
Several days later the Titans were back to normal. The only difference was Bee now joined the Titans electing to be on a team with her new boyfriend and more girls. Robin and Starfire seemed to be even closer. Raven sat on the roof watching as the moon rose above the sea. Most people loved the sunset but Raven loved the moon rise. As she sat on the edge she was joined by a green man.
"So, what's with the new color cloak Rae?" He hoped he sounded innocent but didn't hold much hope in her telling him.
"Simple, I found love."
"Oh Who?" Raven only turned to look at him with love filled eyes
"You." And she kissed him lightly on the lips.

Description
Chapter Five: The Collar
Beast Boy woke up with his headache and aches all over his body. Looking around he didn't have a clue where he could be.
"Oh man, where am I?"
"Right where you should be Beast Boy, you are now under my control." Beast Boy snapped his head in the direction of the voice, unable to believe what he was hearing.
"Slade, I thought you were dead! I mean I saw you melt in lava no one can survive that!" Beast Boy looked at Slade in horror. This just didn't make sense to him at all, how can a man who was burned alive in lava be standing before him right now.
"Easy answer Beast Boy that was one of my robots. I don't put myself in harm's way if I can help it. You see while you were all fighting my robot I was sitting comfortable here in my lair unharmed by any of you." Beast Boy just looked at him shocked, however, did this mean this was the real Slade in front of him? If it was he needed to get rid of him once and for all.
"So what do you want with me Slade? I'm nobody special on the team unlike Robin."
"On the contrary you are very special Beast Boy. You see I've been watching you for some time. Granted you're a great actor Beast Boy I didn't notice at first all this power and ability you have. Now tell me why hid this from your team mates?" Beast Boy didn't change his facial expression but inside he was shocked.
'Is he bluffing about knowing I'm a way better fighter then I show everyone? What about how smart I really am does he know? He seems to be telling the truth if so I'm royally screwed.'
"What are you talking about Slade? What you see is what you get. I'm nothing compared to the others. I'm just the weak little fool in the group." There maybe he won't notice I'm bluffing now. However, his hopes were dashed when he heard Slade laugh.
"Oh Beast Boy, I've been watching you. Here take a look for yourself." A screen popped on and Beast Boy saw several fights that when the others were not looking he did something amazing that actually won the fight for them. Worst of all it showed Beast Boy pretending to read a comic book when he was reading something far more complex, Shakespeare or even drawing a picture of Raven or the others. "So you see Beast Boy, I know you are better at fighting when you put your mind to it. Your smarter then you act as well." Beast Boy looked back over to Slade. Slade still had not answered his question yet but he had a feeling he knew what the answer was.
"So what do you want with me Slade?"
"I want to teach you to harness your greatest power of all and use it to destroy the titans and take over the city. Oh and Beast Boy your training begins when you change into your new uniform." Beast Boy caught the clothes that were thrown at him. Looking down he saw a black shirt and pants that looked to be tight but still flexible enough to allow great flexibility. On the chest and belt was an orange "S" shape indicating that he was with Slade. To top it all off was a mask that only allowed his eyes to be seen.
"What if I refuse to do this Slade?" Looking up he saw Slade had pulled something out of his pocket.
"Well, I'd simply have to shock you with that wonderful collar around your neck and maybe something else. I was thinking hurting the one you hold closest to you." Beast Boy's eyes widened as he looked back over to the screen. There on the screen was Raven sleeping but looked to be have a restless night.
"Raven, fine I'll do whatever but you can't hurt her." Beast Boy turned and walked to a door that had his name on it. Sighing he walked in and changed into the new clothes, took his old ones and threw them into the trash. He looked around the room before putting the mask on. It was very bland for a room; a hammock was in the corner for a bed, a chair and a desk in the other. The walls and the floor were the same concrete color. A closet opposite the door was full of uniforms just like the one he was wearing. Beast Boy pulled the mask on and walked out the door into the large room where Slade waited.
"Good, now we will begin the training. You will learn to harness your greatest power; you will become one of the greatest villains in the world." Beast Boy looked at him in disgust.
"What is my greatest power then?"
"Come now Beast Boy, you know what I'm talking about. The Beast is your greatest power of all. Now let us begin. First of all, you need a new name and second of all you cannot change into other animals anymore. You must rely on your own fighting style and head for everything now. I expect you to have a new name by the end of our little session." With that said he attacked Beast Boy.
They trained for hours, and Beast Boy was starting to slow down. He had gotten up every time he fell only having to be shocked a couple times in being forced to get back up. Finally he was hit and flew into the wall. He couldn't get back up after that, he laid there hoping that he wouldn't be shocked for not getting up.
"Good, your training is over for the day. You improved throughout the whole session. Good maybe I won't need that long to train you after all. Tomorrow, we'll work on the Beast form. Do you understand?" Beast Boy nodded and received a shock. "You will answer me with 'Yes Sir' do you understand?
"Yes Sir."
"Good, now tell me what have you decided to name yourself?" Beast Boy looked up he hadn't really thought about it, but he knew if he didn't answer and soon he'd be shocked again.
"Mnyama Sir." (Min ya-ma is how you say it) He gave Beast Boy a strange look.
"Good, no one would know it was you then. Now get to your room I'll see you early tomorrow morning and we'll train all day." With that said Slade left the room, Beast Boy could hear the door lock behind him. He turned towards his room and walked into it hoping soon the other would find him.
'I don't know how long I can last here. Raven, god right when we were getting along too. I wanted to tell her so much before I was gone. Now, if I can ever get free she'll never look at me the same way. I'm going to be just like Terra a traitor in her eyes. I wouldn't blame her for it either.' Beast Boy jumped into his hammock and went to sleep.
Meanwhile, back in the tower Raven was tossing in her sleep. She kept seeing strange things in her dreams. She woke with a start breathing heavily looking around her room making sure she was indeed in her room. She looked over to the curtains and saw the sun was just starting to rise above the horizon.
"Oh thank Azar it was just a dream." Raven got out of her bed and started to get her things for a shower. She thought about the strange dreams she had all night long. They were just flashes of of Beast Boy, Slade, or of both of them. She saw Beast Boy fighting Slade blow for blow. At one point it looked like he was winning but then he was being thrown a cross the room hitting walls and furniture. She saw him getting shocked by something around his neck and Beast Boy clawing at it. She hoped none of these images were real. If they were Beast Boy was living his past all over again.
Raven got out of the shower, dressed and went to the common room. There she saw everyone eating something small but looking a bit unnerved.
"Are you all ready for this? I'm ready when you are to try our plan." This seemed to snap them all out of there daze.
"Yeah, were ready what do you want us to do Raven?" Robin took charge like usual it brought a bit of a smile to Ravens face.
"I need you all to watch over my body while I meditate this could take a while I've never sent my soul self out so far from my body." They all nodded and took positions in different areas of the room where they can watch but still be comfortable. Raven started to meditate but before she could get too far into it the alarm when off. This shocked everyone out of there watching positions to the main computer.
"Trouble downtown it looks like. The bank is being robbed again. Everyone I'm sorry but Beast Boy is going to have to wait. We need to protect the city, we'll try again soon I promise." Reluctant they all agreed and rushed to the bank. There they were greeted by several officers who looked a little freaked out but relieved the Titans have arrived.
"What seems to be the issue officer?" The officer looked a Robin and reported.
"We have a hostage situation. About eight people inside as hostages about four are the ones holding them hostage. We have tried to reason with them, find out what we could do to allow them to release the hostages they just ignore us. We have also concluded that the hostages have all been tied up and gaged as well."
"Right then we will handle it from here. Cyborg and Star I want you both to be ready to blast through the doors. Raven I want to you to teleport inside and see what you can gather. Leave the portal open if something goes wrong I want to be able to come in after you or give you a quick escape. Is everyone ready?" They all nodded in agreement and got ready to go. "Titans Go!"
They all started on their tasks. Raven teleported into the building right behind one of the hostages. She looked around leaving the portal open what shocked her most were the kidnappers, they were all manikins.
"No wonder they never answered they are dolls." Raven undid the man she was hiding behind and directed him to the portal.
"Wait you have to know. They left a bomb somewhere in the building." He picked up two little girls and ran through the portal. Ravens eyes widen in fear.
"Oh come on!" She picked up the last five with her powers and pushed them through the portal. Robin called on the communicator telling Raven to get out now. She did as she was told and got out just as the building blew.
"Titans, stay on your toes now." With that a figure punched Robin square in the jaw sending him flying away. "Don't bother to stop us Titans. We will win in the end." Just before he left Starfire stopped him.
"Please, who are you?" The figure turned around and answered before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
"Mnyama."

Chapter six: Realization
The Titans all returned home; it was late and they had looked all over the city for Mnyama. It was an odd name they all agreed.
"Please, is Mnyama a type of food, or perhaps an activity? I have not heard of such an English or Japanese word." Starfire, being able to speak both languages, was quite confused by it all. That's when Raven looked up. She remembered that Beast Boy spoke three languages and the words he had spoken to her all that time ago. She still remembered the words in her mind.
"Kunguru oh tamu kama wewe tu alijua, Como eu te amo tanto." Raven spoke quietly, however; it was loud enough to get the attention of the others.
"What was that Raven?" Robin asked, a little concerned by Raven's uncharacteristic behavior of talking out loud to herself.
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking about what Beast Boy had said a while back. They were odd like Mnyama. Thought that maybe I'd look them up later now that I remembered them." Raven got up and walked out of the common room. They all stared after her wondering if the disappearance of Beast Boy was affecting her that much.
"Please Robin; do you know if Friend Raven has the feelings for Beast Boy?"
"I don't know Star but the more I think about it, it sort of makes sense. I mean they're opposites and fight all the time. But have you ever seen them stay mad at each other more than a couple hours? They seem to be the closest out of all of us. You've seen them in battle; so in sync with each other's movements and needs. They're always there when the other needs them even outside of battle. So maybe there is a bit of hidden love there." They all nodded in agreement; there was definitely something under all the fights, no doubt. The only question was if Raven and Beast Boy see that too.
Raven entered her room and got ready to shower.
'After my shower I'll look up those words. Maybe I'll look up Mnyama too. It's a little weird he left a spelling for us; like he wanted us to look up the name or something.'
Raven got out of the shower and dressed. She had taken a much longer shower then she had planned. She started for her computer but her bed looked too inviting to avoid.
'Maybe just a small nap before I look it all up.' Raven lied on her bed and went to sleep and slept the whole night. She was awoken by the alarm going off; she phased through the floor right to the common room.
"What's going on; Mumbo or some common robber again?"
"No, it's Mnyama." Raven's eyes widened. She had not look up the meaning of the word and was silently scolding herself. "It looks like he's at the bank taking something from a high security vault. Titans Go!" They all rushed out of the room to the garage. Raven jumped in the front seat next to Cyborg and Star got on Robin's R-cycle. They rushed to the bank ready for the fight that was sure to come. As they arrived Mnyama stepped out of the bank holding a microchip.
"Ah Titans, that took a while for you to get here. I made sure to trip the third alarm set in place. What too scared to fight me?" Robin looked up at Mnyama with a scowl.
"You wish Mnyama! Titans Go!" They all rushed forward ready to attack when they saw an opening.
Robin was the first to attack. He came in strong ready for the hand to hand combat he was so well trained in. He jabbed and kicked in every which way trying to land a hit, however; with every turn he was either blocked or dodged. With one last punch to Mnyama he missed and was kicked back hard and into the other wall. This angered Starfire as she launched herself at Mnyama, she too threw punches and kicks at him and she added in starbolts and eyebeams whenever possible. Like he did with Robin before, he just simple dodged and when he was close to a trash can he lifted the lid and shot her own eyebeams back at her causing her to also fly backwards and into a wall.
Cyborg charged his arm cannon and began to shoot at Mnyama. He had a harder time dodging the sonic blasts but he did make it with only a small cut in his uniform. He jumped high over Cyborg and made a swift kick to his back causing him to fall forward. Mnyama jumped upon Cyborg's back and tore open his control panel.
"I'm sorry." Was the last thing he heard before he was shut off.  Mnyama stepped off his back and looked to the only Titan left. "So Raven, why haven't you attacked me yet? Is it because you're scared or is it because you're not sure how to attack me?" When he turned to look at her she saw the most amazing clear blue eyes. Raven walked forward trying to get a better look at his eyes before he shut them. "I won't fight you Raven." With that said he disappeared from her sight.
"Were did he go Raven? Did you get the chip? What happened?" were the frantic cries of her friends as they approached.
"I don't know where he went Robin. I did not get the Chip Star. Cyborg, it was the strangest thing. No it couldn't be. He wouldn't do that." They all looked at her in confusion. They were unsure with this Raven; Raven always had the answers to their problems.
"It's alright team the chip is right here. With a note attached to it. 'Titans you will fail in your quest to stop me. I will take over the city and then I will take over the world. Watch your backs and beware of the night.' What in the world does he mean by that? Beware the night, sounds like a horror movie warning."
They once again searched for any sign of either Beast Boy or Mnyama but came up short again. They returned home defeated and worried.
"It has been four months since we have seen Beast Boy. I fear we may never find him." Star was scared and worried like the rest but only she voiced this concern out load.
"I know Star we all are. I'm sure where ever Beast Boy is he's fine." However, deep down in their hearts they all feared that Beast Boy will never return and may be dead.
"Who wants to play a game with me? I need a racer." Cyborg spoke up hoping to cheer everyone up; it had the opposite effect. They all look towards the door hoping beyond hope that he would walk through the door and take the challenge. It was all too much for Raven, she was weakling she knew it and she knew why. She got up and ran out of the room hiding the tears threating to fall. She stopped outside his door and stared at his name engraved on the metal.
"Please come back, you have to come back. I can't take it anymore." The words in that strange language echoed in her head again and she continued to walk down the hall towards her room. Once inside she let the tears f low down her face as she walked to her computer.
"Kunguru oh tamu kama wewe tu alijua. I think he said that was Swahili. Oh sweet Raven if only you knew." Raven stared at the words they were interesting.
'He called me sweet, and what don't I know? Maybe the next part will give me some answers.'
'Come now Raven, you know this language a little bit it a form of Spanish.'
'I know but I am more fluent in German and French.' Raven continued on and looked up the second sentence of words.
"Como eu te amo tanto. I think this would be Galician language." Raven stared in shock at the sentence. She almost couldn't believe her eyes. "How I love you so." She stared for a while longer before she smiled a true smile before the rest of her cloak turned a brilliant pure white. "Now for that name Mnyama. What does that mean? Well it sounds a bit African I guess." She looked up every language she could think off in African and nothing made sense. Finally she came upon Swahili. "Could it really be this language, the one Beast Boy knows?" She clicked on the link and typed in the name. She stared in shock as the meaning come onto the screen.
Raven ran out of her room to find the other fast. She found Star in the hall walking towards the common room.
"Star where's Robin? If he's not in the common room go get him I have something important that everyone needs to hear." Raven ran off leaving a very confused Starfire behind. However, just as Raven asked Star rushed to the training room and got Robin. Raven got to the common room and saw Cyborg siting on the couch slightly depressed.
"Hey, Raven. Whoa your cloak is all white! Last time I saw that you and Melchior were all about each other." Raven gave him a sharp look but quickly turned towards the computer.
"When the others arrive I'm going to tell you why I'm so excited." Just as she said that Robin and Star walked through the doors.
"What's going on Raven? Star said it was important. Does it have something to do with your cloak?" Raven sighed and wondered why everyone was so interested in her cloak.
"I think I know where Beast Boy is and after I tell you, you are going to flip out. Look at the screen." They all looked up at the screen and stared in shock at the words flashing in front of it.
'Mnyama; Origin: Swahili; Meaning: The Beast.'
"No way, the little Grass Stan is Mnyama! But he's like a freaking second Robin in fighting and he hasn't transformed once. I mean why hasn't he told us who he really is and why has he turned to a life of crime?" Cyborg sounded, looked confused and upset about this whole ordeal.  Robin and Star look much the same way.
"I don't know about you three but I think I'm strong enough to look for him using my soul self now. If you guys still want to try that way of finding him. We may also find out why he is doing this."
"Raven, I think your right. We need to figure this out and fast. Whenever you are ready to do this I am too. What about you guys?" Robin turned to the other two.
"I am ready when you are Robin." Star commented easily.
"If it gets my buddy back and soon I'm all for it right now!"

Chapter Seven: The Plan in Action
The four Titans went and got a little bit of rest, yet they were all restless. Once they felt they had enough they all met in the common room.
"Is everyone ready for this? Remember we have to stay in our stations till Raven is back from her soul trip." Robin ordered.
"Man, if BB was here he would have made a crack about that soul trip comment. But yeah we understand me and Star will stay at the door, you at the window and Raven in the center of the room doing her thing." They all nodded in agreement and went to their posts.
Raven got into her lotus position and started to meditate it seemed a little harder this time to get to the soul version.
'Wonder why it's harder I'm more powerful, though this is not exactly the same form as when I turn into my soul self to take out Plasmas.' Raven started to concentrate harder on what she needed to do but something was missing the last bit of a push she needed to get there.
'Raven, love, love him and look for him. Reach out to his soul!' Raven gasped slightly then her eyes blazed white and a large White Raven outlined in black soared up and away from the Titans. The others look in shock as this happened, they all were starting to wonder if this was actually going to work.
"Well, BOOYA! I don't know about you guys but that was awesome."
"I agree with you friend Cyborg. Robin was that a new soul form. I do not recall her soul self being white instead of black?"
"Yeah I think it was Star, must have come with the change as well."
Raven had never experienced this sort of thing before. It felt totally different then when she reached out to a soul that was close by. Raven soul self was way above the tower looking for the right soul signature.
'Okay below me is a red, pink, and blue soul signature all brilliant in color that's the guys. I want a brilliant green color, but none of the ones I see look right they are all too dull or the wrong shade.' Raven looked all around her trying desperately to find that right soul signature.
'Raven there, the small bright green light in the north! Raven turned a little more to the north and just over the city looked to be the right soul signature. Raven flew over the city awestruck on how many people lived in this part of town. It was a bad part of town, tons of gang symbols over the buildings and streets. Next after she crossed over the last tall building a small rundown neighborhood stood. Just beyond the small neighborhood was a farm. It was brown due to it being fall. The farmer had harvested all the crops for that year. Raven looked for the green light again and saw two lights in a barn against the mountain. One brilliant green and the other a sickly dark red, raven rushed to the barn knowing that Beast Boy was not alone.
Raven entered the barn as her soul self and begin looking for where the light source was coming from. She saw that it came from the back wall, but that didn't make sense. She came up to the wall and like a ghost, she went right through it. However, instead of coming out to a corn field or a mountain wall she came into a cave.
'A cave that's odd, but the lights are brighter now so he must be at the end of the cave.' Raven glided through the cave. She soon came upon an area full of rooms. The rooms had names on them that indicated whose room it was, kind of like the tower. She came to one that had Beast Boys new name Mnyama on it.
'So he stays in this room.' Raven entered the room and saw a very small space with only a bed in it. It was very plain compared to his room back at the tower. She exited and continued down the path. She reached a lab area where she saw many devices that looked like they were used for torture. Raven shuddered hoping none of what she saw was ever used on Beast Boy. However, her hopes were dashed as she saw the calendar where Mnyama was written all over it. Raven went through another door and saw a training area and there in the middle was Beast Boy, staring straight ahead.
Beast Boy stood ahead giving no sign of actually seeing anything.
"Would you just do it already, I hate trying to figure out when it's going to happen!" He yelled out to no one at first. Just as he finished yelling he kneeled over in pain. He looked like he wanted to scream but wouldn't give whoever was hurting him the satisfaction. Raven felt the pain coursing through his body. It was like an electric shock that should have killed any normal human was coursing through him. Raven figured if she was in her true form right now she would shiver with the raw power coursing through the air.
"Mnyama, you fail once again to do as I said. You are either not trying or you are not practicing! I gave you a direct order and you disobeyed! Do it again and she will die! Next time you come across the Titans I want you to kill them. Hold no mercy for them! As for the witch, leave her, I promised I wouldn't harm her if you helped me."
'Witch, is he talking about me?'
"We will then take over Jump city. As this city with our headquarters we will then take out each member of the Justice League one by one." The voice continued to give out his plans when he noticed Beast Boy was no longer listening. He shocked him and Beast Boy doubled over in pain again. Yet, Beast Boy was still able to get out a sarcastic remark.
"How you going to take out the Justice League when you can't even take out a bunch of kids without help?" Raven couldn't help but smile at Beast Boy's courage but knew it was going to get him hurt. Then out of nowhere as Beast Boy still kneeled over in pain he kicked Beast Boy in the chest and sent him flying. The man turned away from Beast Boy and Raven saw him, Slade.
"Shut up Boy, I will defeat the Justice League and then I will take over the world!" He then turned a switch and Beast Boy got off the ground breathing heavily. Beast Boy narrowed his eyes at Slade. "The world will be mine Mnyama. Ready yourself boy, today will be a harsh punishment." Beast Boy took a deep breath and stood up straighter making him taller then what she remembered. Just as Raven was being brought back to her body she saw Slade rush at Beast Boy and start to fight him. As Raven came out of her trance she began to panic.
"Slade! He, I, ROBIN! Slade has Beast Boy. He's forcing him to fight us. Slade wants Beast Boy to kill you three. Then he wants Beast Boy to help take out the Justice League." Raven was breathing heavily and looking around in a panic. Cyborg was holding her down to keep her from hurting herself. Starfire was hugging her trying to calm her down enough to make more sense.
"Raven, its Slade it really is Slade then?" Raven nodded still with a look of panic in her eyes. "Then he is using Beast Boy like he used me. But what does he have over Beast Boy? I mean if he is using Beast Boy to kill us he has to have something way more important over him then us." Robin looked out the window in deep thought; however, Starfire seemed to have the answer.
"I do not recall Raven saying all of us Robin. Raven said that he was to kill us three, indicating that it would be you, Cyborg, and me that he is to kill. I believe what he has over Beast Boy is Raven. Beast Boy, I have noticed for quite some time now has feelings for Raven. However, he hides if for fear of rejection. However, he loves Raven enough to put himself in danger to protect her." She looked round the room for an argument but none came and she continued.
"Raven is this new change in wardrobe in relation to the change in wardrobe from the Dragon?" Raven merely nodded in response trying desperately to stay calm. "So, am I to assume that you too are in LOVE with Beast Boy?!" Raven only nodded in response she wanted to tell Beast Boy first but that seemed like a long way off and besides it wouldn't have been much longer that the Boy Wonder figured it out. "Glorious, we will celebrate when we have Beast Boy safe and home; Raven where can we find Beast Boy and Slade?" Raven had finally calmed down enough to talk to the others and started to explain where and how they were to get to Beast Boy.
Meanwhile, back in the cave Beast Boy felt like he was fighting for his life. He dodged and ducked most if not all hits Slade threw at him.
'It seems to be getting easier to dodge him. Am I getting better or is he going easy on me. No I'm getting better his punches and kicks seem to be getting more desperate.' Beast Boy and Slade continued to fight for what seemed like hours.
"STOP, I grow tired of this child's play. Let us retire to our champers and in six hours we will continue with your training. Or maybe we'll go to the Lab, how does that sound Mnyama?" Beast Boy just started to walk to his room not bothering to answer Slade. He knew he earn a shock for that but it was nothing compared to the torture he will receive later. As if on cue he kneeled over in pain and just as quickly as it started it disappeared. "You will answer me when I ask you a question. Do you understand?"
"Yes Sir, I understand." Beast Boy turned to leave, hopping to get some rest before the torture began. As he entered his room his thoughts were filled with the other Titans.
'I wonder what they are doing right now. Robin is most likely pacing around trying to come up with a plan to stop Mnyama. Star is trying to calm Robin down but also wondering on how to stop him. Cyborg either cooking or playing video games on the game station, maybe he misses me. Raven… Raven is most likely sitting on the couch reading, or meditating because it's finally quite with me gone. Heck she may even be in her room doing who knows what. I wonder if anyone besides Cy or Star would miss me.' Beast Boy continued to think about the others when another thought hit him.
"Raven had a White Clock and Leotard on. What is that all about? Last time she had that she was with that stupid Dragon." Beast Boy's eyes got sad and his ears dropped. "She found someone. Whoever he is, he's made her happy that she is in love with him." Beast Boy stood up and walked to his closet and pulled out his new mask and put it on.
'It's time to be tortured and then to find a way out of this mess.' He turned from his mirror with one last look and walked out the door. He was almost to the Lab when an alarm went off, Beast Boy smiled under his mask as a Voice in his head shouted Titans Go, the voice sounded just like Robin's.
"Wait. That was Robin's voice. Oh no, no please don't be here please." Beast Boy now in uniform as Mnyama ran to the Ops room ready to face any intruder to the Headquarters.
Chapter Eight: The Final Fight
The four remaining Titans rushed into the headquarters ready for any of Slade's minions or even Beast Boy now named Mnyama to attack them. However, none came at them it was quiet almost too quiet for Robins liking.
"Stay close together everyone? We have a better chance of taking out anyone who comes our way if we work together." Everyone nodded and gathered close to Robin. They walked down the hall way staying close and keeping a sharp eye out for any movement. They walked into the room Raven recognized as the torture lab. She looked up at the calendar and gasp. Starfire too looked up and gasped loudly.
"Friends, is that blood on the wall?" They all turned to look at the wall and turned green.
"Yes Star, I believe it is blood. According to my scanners is fairly fresh. Maybe only a couple minutes old." Robin stared at the name across every day of the calendar and felt bad for Beast Boy. It seemed it was just as Raven told him, Beast Boy was tortured often.
"So, Titans how did you find our headquarters? Never mind I'm not too interested in that. I'm just interested in your demise once and for all." The Titans turned around to see a figure dressed in black and masked all except for his blue eyes. "Prepare yourself Titans!" With that said Mnyama launched himself at the Titans again it seemed almost too easy for Mnyama to take them out. One by one they fell to Mnyama's speed and stealth.
"Robin, Robin, Robin. You've gotten sloppy since I've been gone. You've become slow, weak and pathetic." Robin looked up to see Slade and Mnyama walk over to him and stand beside him.
"What do you want Slade? What are you doing to him?" Robin nodded over to Mnyama and Slade chuckled causing everyone to shiver. Raven being uninjured just gaged and hands being tied behind her back stared at Mnyama. Mnyama looked away from her and shifted uncomfortably in the spot. Slade pulled a remote out of his pocket and looked at Mnyama.
"To the wall Mnyama and I want your hands where I can see them. As for you Robin I want you and your little friends dead so I can take over the city and next the World." They all looked at Slade with shock he was really going to kill them when he got the chance. "Mnyama, I must say you did an excellent job tying everyone up. I don't remember teaching you to tie those kind of Knots." Mnyama only grunted in reply waiting for his next orders.
"So Slade how do you plan on taking over the world, when you know the Justice league is waiting for people just like you?" Slade hit Robin hard causing Robin to roll away. Robin didn't move he had been knocked out. Starfire begin to struggle unable to use any of her powers due to the bracelet on her wrist.
"Now listen children, you will sit quietly as I prepare to take over the city. Once my preparations are complete my apprentice here will kill you." They all looked up in horror as Slade said this. They looked to Mnyama whose eyes widened and then closed. Slade left the room with giving one last look at Mnyama. "Do not disobey me or I will start the torture again and I'll add the girl to it as well. Do I make myself clear?" Mnyama looked up at Slade and slowly nodded.
"Yes sir." Slade left the room leaving the Titans in the care of Mnyama. Robin slowly sat up and looked around.
"Why does he want you Beast Boy?" Mnyama turned around so fast it could have given him whiplash. They saw the shock in his eyes for a brief moment before his eyes settled on Raven.
"You figured it out didn't you Rae? I was hoping something I did or said would alert you all to who I was. And Robin the only thing I could think he wants me for is The Beast." Everyone looked on dumbstruck by this declaration. They all remembered The Beast very well. None of them wanted to go against that creature again.
"What does he plan on doing with the Beast do you know?" Beast Boy slowly took off a ring and placed it in a pocket. The eyes faded back to their dark Jade color.
"No Robin I don't, I can only guess. If I had to guess I'd have to say to first kill you guys and then to kill the Justice League. I think he then plans on killing me." Beast Boy looked on sadly towards the others. Cyborg looked at his best friend worried.
"Hey BB, how is he controlling you, and is he and how is he making you change?" Cyborg voice was dripping in concern. Beast Boy turned to the others with his eyes empty of any emotion. It was oddly like Raven when she was in turmoil. Beast Boy reached up to his shirt collar and pulled it down showing another collar this time a shock collar.
"It has enough electrical force to kill me if he wanted to do it. He uses this along with all the equipment you see around you to either just torture me or torture me into changing." They all stared at him in shock. He seemed so out of life so unlike his usual self. This frightened Raven to the point of tears. Raven begin to fight her bindings and gag. "Raven please don't struggle he'll make me hut you guys and it's the last thing I want to do is hurt you." Raven continued to struggle she had to tell him and tell him now before he gave up his will to live fully. Robin had started to find a way out of his bindings and a way to get the others out too.
"Mnyama, when I give you the signal kill out guests. Leave the girl I'll deal with her myself." They all looked towards Beast Boy wondering if he was going to disobey.
"Yes sir." Was the only response he got before it was all silent again.
"Beast Boy I know you don't want to do that. I also know that when you refuse he's going to make you change and then you will without knowing it. We will find a way out of this I promise." Beast Boy turned away from the others, hoping they all had a plan and hoping that if he didn't see it he wouldn't have to report it. Robin rolled towards Raven and slipped out of his bindings and reached for Raven's gag.
"Think you can release the others?" Raven nodded to Robin. "We then need to get that collar off of BB. Do you think you can grab it with your powers and break it?" Again Raven nodded and proceeded to release the others. She then ran to Beast Boy and tackled him in the back and reached for the collar. He twisted around in Ravens grasp and gasped in shock at the emotion emanating off her. The collar was taken off just as the door slammed open. Slade with is lighting fast speed knocked Cyborg and Starfire to the other side of the room, knocking them out upon impact with the wall and each other in the heads. Raven rushed to their sides but before she could reach them Slade pinned Raven to the wall knocking her out as well. Robin looked at Beast Boy seeing the life flicker back on.
"You disobeyed my orders Mnyama. You will pay dearly for disobeying me." Beast Boy just smirked at Slade.
"You can't hurt me know Slade. The collar is gone and I'm no longer under your control. Robin." Robin looked over to Beast Boy understanding exactly what he had in mind. Robin smirked as well.
"Ready for the real end Slade?" Robin and BB attacked Slade at the same time effectively doing a double team. Slade seemed to hold his own for a while before he begins to slip up. Every punch and kick seemed to miss its target only to be countered by the Titans attack. Beast Boy attacked left and high while Robin attacked right and low. Robin and Beast Boy seemed to work as one unit against Slade.
Slade was losing and he knew it he was trying to find any way out of this loss. He looked over and saw Raven stirring and beginning to wake up. He knew once awake he would have to fight her off as well and he would loss very soon. He knew what he had to do. Pulling a gun he took aim and shot. The bang was so loud it caused the boys to flinch. Beast Boy looked in the direction of the shot and saw Raven fall back to the ground. Beast Boy felt the familier loss of control as his body begins to change.
His claws sharpen and lengthen to deadly points just as his fangs do. Fur grows along his whole body and his muscles fill out as The Beast takes over. Robin rushes to Ravens side hoping she isn't dead. As he reaches her he see the bullet only hit her shoulder. Releaved that she would be okay he turned back to the fight. Like all fights with The Beast, there was no holding back on either side. The Beast had the upper hand with the speed and strength it possessed. Robin heard a faint ping as the bullet in Ravens shoulder feel out.
"Good she's healing herself. Now let's hope Beast Boys strength holds out and defeats Slade once and for all."
"Well even if he doesn't kill Slade and just knocks him out I'm sending him to a dimension that has no air, and he'll burn for the rest of the time he's alive." Robin looked down and saw Raven wide awake but weak looking.
"Welcome back Raven." The Beast howl, as they looked over they saw Slade limp in The Beasts claws as he threw whim against the wall twice before throwing him across the room.
Tired The Beast reverted to his original form of Beast Boy. Robin rushed over to Slade to see if he was still alive. Cyborg and Starfire stirred and woke up and looked around. They saw Raven next to Beast Boy checking him over for severe injuries and Robin looking over Slade being extra careful.
"He's not dead but just barely alive. Still want to send him to another dimension Raven?" Raven nodded and lifted her hand up and opened a portal.
"Just push him in. I'm sure where he is going they have something to say to him." They all looked on as Raven gave a weak smile. "Let's go home," looking to Beast Boy "all of us." They all left in silence knowing this time Slade will never return to harm them.
Several days later the Titans were back to normal. The only difference was Bee now joined the Titans electing to be on a team with her new boyfriend and more girls. Robin and Starfire seemed to be even closer. Raven sat on the roof watching as the moon rose above the sea. Most people loved the sunset but Raven loved the moon rise. As she sat on the edge she was joined by a green man.
"So, what's with the new color cloak Rae?" He hoped he sounded innocent but didn't hold much hope in her telling him.
"Simple, I found love."
"Oh Who?" Raven only turned to look at him with love filled eyes
"You." And she kissed him lightly on the lips.