Friendship is Failure #3: Beast Boy in Equestriaby DakariKingMykanChaptersChapter 2: Ever Growing PainsChapter 3: Lack of InitiativeChapter 4: Telling OffChapter 5: Broken Heart-BoxChapter 6: A Screaming Shock (Welcome to Equestria)Chapter 7: Questioning QueernessChapter 8: Court of InjusticeChapter 9: Friendship is SillyChapter 10: Getting AlongChapter 11: First ConfrontationChapter 13: Tell me what's wrongChapter 14: Secrets of Beast BoyChapter 15: At a lossChapter 16: Busted!Chapter 17: Decisions and DeadlinessChapter 18: Desperate MissionChapter 19: Bungling BlundersChapter 20: Come Fly with meChapter 21: It's all Mine!Chapter 22: Trust!Chapter 23: Battle Time!Chapter 24: Beast to BeastFinal Chapter: I'll Miss YouChapter 1: DisheartenedChapter 12: Beast Boy and Fluttershy... it looks like itChapter 2: Ever Growing PainsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 3: Lack of InitiativeCHAPTER THREE Applejack was pulling along a cart of apples and Pinkie Pie was walking suspiciously next to her. “For the last time, Sugarcube: There ain’t no thieves hidin’ in my wagon.” “I know that, I’m just looking for one.” said Pinkie. Applejack sighed but as she stopped at a crosswalk, the apples in her cart began to rumble as if something were in fact inside the cart. The two ponies gawked in slight fear, and that’s when Angel the rabbit popped his head out, spilling several apples out of the cart. Fluttershy came fluttering along. “Oh, there you are, Angel. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Were you sneaking around in the apple orchards again?” Angel acted coy and denied it, but Fluttershy gave him a naughty stare trying to psyche him into confessing. “Darn, not the thief I’m looking for.” sighed Pinkie. “Thief…? What thief?” Fluttershy asked, and Pinkie showed her the Wanted Poster of Changeling she had with her, making Fluttershy yelp and take cover under the cart, with her hoofs over her eyes and she was quivering. Applejack pulled the wagon away, “You okay, Fluttershy?” Fluttershy slowly looked up, “I’ve heard stories of Changeling… he’s really nasty.” She explained that she heard stories that not only did Changeling steal things, but he was thought to long for world dominance, hence his lust for power, and he was willing to do absolutely ANYTHING to get what he wanted… even kill others! As frightening as that sounded, Applejack didn’t believe it “Horse feathers. There ain’t been a death since that creep ever first appeared on the most wanted list.” “But… but… don’t you think it’s possible he would… kill… someone?” This Applejack couldn’t deny and was beginning to see the importance of Changeling’s capture. “Well, I hope they find him and haul him in soon.” She simply said and then walked off with her cart “Meanwhile, I gotta get back to my shipment. I can’t let every single scary thing stop me from makin’ a livin’.” The others had no idea how she could act so brave, but Pinkie remained determined to find Changeling. “You’re out there somewhere, but where?” she grumbled to herself. At School, Terra got back her geometry test, and she got a D-Minus. “You’re going to have to work a little bit harder next time.” the teacher said to her. “Yes, sir, I’ll try.” Terra said. Then the teacher gave the two Js their tests, “As for you two… read ‘em and weep.”, both tests were mark with large Fs, much to the girl’s annoyance! “It’s all that green geek’s fault!” Jackie said to Jillian. “Yeah, he distracted us from our studies. Only another thing he’s going to pay for.” added Jillian. Terra didn’t really hear them and just stared down at her marked test. Naturally it would’ve helped if she had studied, but on the test were easy problems she knew and could have solved without studying, yet she answered them incorrectly anyway. Reason: All through the test she was constantly thinking of Beast Boy, and how he asked her to come with him… and what she told him. “Things Change, Beast Boy. The girl you want me to be is just a memory.” Even when she left him to go to class, she still saw that expression he had… the kind you only made when you were super crushed. It seemed almost identical as the expression he had when she bumped into him earlier. She sighed softly, almost as if she were in deep regret of what she had done, but she felt this was for the best for both herself and for Beast Boy. She didn’t want to be tempted to go back to him, to the Titans, or try to become a hero ever again. This was where she belonged… This was where and how she wanted to be… wasn’t it? Her insides were trembling and she clenched her fist softly, making the stone flooring beneath her vibrate ever so softly. She quickly stopped, but the Js saw this though. “What was that?” Jackie softly called over to Terra. “What was what?” Terra asked trying to sound innocent. “We saw that… the ground was shaking.” said Jillian. The teacher cleared his throat and gave the girls a stare, telling them to be quiet during class. Terra sighed softly in relief. She couldn’t let anyone know of her powers. They’d probably regard her as a freak, maybe even cast her out… or worse realize she was Slade’s former apprentice who nearly destroyed the city. For now, all she wanted to do was concentrate and try to keep her mind on the present. The Titans had already arrived on the scene where the First National Bank was being robbed by a group of five robbers. Unfortunately, rather than traditional weapons, these guys were armed with huge exoskeletal armored suit; armed with machine guns, flame throwers, and missiles especially! “Titans, go!” shouted Robin, and the heroes lunged into battle. “Get ‘em, guys!” the lead robber shouted, and his four teammates stomped forward in their suits, shooting their machine guns forcing the titans to scatter. Starfire fired her starbolts at the machines, Cyborg fired his sonic-cannon and Robin threw his disc-bombs, but the machines hardly got scratched. The attacks just weren’t powerful enough. “We’re just getting warmed up.” One of the robbers laughed, and he and his friends fired their flame throwers, forcing Raven to put up a dark wall to shield her and the others. “I can’t get a clear shot at them from here.” shouted Cyborg. “Beast Boy, can you try and knock them over?” said Robin “then maybe they won’t be able to get back up. We’ll distract them.” Beast Boy nodded and changed into a rhino, but he looked a little shaky, on the count of he was still rather tired due to hardly getting any sleep last night. Still, the titans began to launch their attacks at the robbers, distracting them, and this gave Beast Boy the chance to charge. He stampeded forth and rammed one of the bots hard. “HEY!!” shouted the robber in control, as he found himself falling off balance and then falling flat on his back, unable to get back up. “That’s one down.” said Cyborg. “Oh, yeah, try this!” another robber shouted as he and his buddy beside him fired their missiles. “WATCH IT!!” shouted Robin as the four rockets headed straight “Goin’ airborne!” shouted Cyborg, and he leapt up catching two of the missiles under his arms until they ran out of thrust. “BOOYAH!! THAT’S TOUCHDOWN!!” he cried. As for the other two missiles; “Azarath… Metrion… ZINTHOS…!!” Raven blasted them hard in a steam of power, and sent them hurtling back to their senders. “WHOA!” “BAIL OUT!!” The robbers jumped clear just in time as the missiles hit their bots and blew them up. The three robbers were ready to fight the Titans themselves, while the other two decided to split while they could with a large bag of money and some heavy gold. Their bots were also equipped with jet propulsions, and they just took off. “Beast Boy, Starfire, go after them!” Robin shouted “We’ll handle these guys.” “Come, friend…” Starfire called as she took off after the robbers, and Beast Boy followed her as peregrine falcon. The fastest flying creature he could be. The two were able to catch up with the flying bots, due to the bots being slowed down by the heavy gold they were towing with them. “Ditch the money!” the leader shouted. His partner reluctantly agreed, and the two let go of the sacks which fell to the ground. “Beast Boy, save the money… I shall pursue the villains.” said Starfire. Beast Boy agreed and changed into a pterodactyl, and swooped down to catch the sacks. While Starfire fired her eye-lasers at the two bots, shorting out their jets, causing them to lose height and fall, and she chased after them to apprehend the two crooks. Beast Boy, clutched the heavy sacks in his talons and knew he had to get the money back to the bank, unfortunately his weariness finally caught up with him and he could barely hang on, and there he was slowly descending to the ground a few miles from the bank, and he just collapsed to sleep on the sidewalk with the large bags by his side. He was really out cold that he couldn’t notice someone walking up to him. Someone mysterious wearing a black robe and hood. He pulled one of the bags open and his eyes glistened within the shadows of his hood. “Well…” he hissed “What do you know? I just hit me a jackpot and I didn’t have to do a thing.” His gaze then fell upon Beast Boy and silently hissed to himself, “Yes… you’ll do nicely for me.” He was interrupted however by the sound of sirens wailing as the authorities were nearing the area. He had no choice to flee. A soft glow emitted from his neck, and he and the bags of money just vanished without a trace and left Beast Boy lying asleep on the sidewalk. Beast Boy awoke, and he stretched out and yawned, only to find he was back in the tower, and the others were gazing down at him with looks of disappointment. “What’s up?” he asked. Robin then turned on the TV to the news. “In local news, the Teen Titans answered to the robbery of the first national bank which had been broken into by five men in technological suits. Police and the Bank officials insist that approximately two million dollars had been stolen, and while the Titans succeeded in apprehending the criminals and destroying their techno-suits, the money had not been retrieved and is presumed lost.” Robin shut the TV off, and Beast Boy suddenly remembered having collapsed in exhaustion and the money was right near him. “Oh, no…!” he cried. Robin scolded him, “You fell asleep on the job, Beast Boy.” Remorseful and ashamed as Beast Boy felt, he tried to excuse his lack of initiative. “Dude, I was exhausted, I could hardly keep my eyes open.” “Well, why didn’t you just take one of your pep pills?” Cyborg asked. Now Beast Boy felt even more ashamed, knowing he should had taken one of the pills to keep him awake like all the team members were instructed to do so. “I ran into Terra earlier, and I…” The other immediately rolled their eyes; Cyborg smacked his own forehead groaning “Ah, man.” “You failed to follow protocol because you were stalking the girl who resembles our Terra again?” Starfire asked. “I wasn’t stalking her, I just ran into her, and I got a little upset and…” The others felt they had heard enough, and began to walk away. “Guys, hey…! You got the crooks, didn’t you?” “That’s not the point, Beast Boy.” said Robin “You were trusted to bring the money back. Now, because of your lack of initiative, many people have lost their money.” “Well, excuse me!” Beast Boy sneered angrily “None of us is perfect, you know, and I going through a rough time.” “Bottom line, Beast Boy…” Robin said “Is you need to learn to let go, and focus on more important things.” Beast Boy tried to look to the others for sympathy, but they all seemed to agree with Robin. Beast Boy, saying nothing to them, turned and left the lounge to be by himself. The others could only look in the direction he walked, thinking he really had it bad, and they all felt that the sooner he learned to put the past behind him the better. Chapter 4: Telling OffCHAPTER FOUR Beast Boy took a good long nap and woke up at sunset, but he was still feeling miserable, and he was now up on the roof, sulking to himself. He couldn’t believe how inconsiderate his friends were acting towards him instead of being sympathetic or at least trying to understand that he was grieving. “Then again, how could they understand.” he thought to himself “All they care about is moving on, and letting go.” “Hey…” Raven called softly to him. He turned and looked at her grimly as she came and sat down beside him. “I thought you were mad at me.” “Not really… just disappointed.” He sighed, “Oh that makes it better.” he grumbled “Look, I know I screwed up, but I didn’t mean to.” “Beast Boy, it’s not just that... we’re all worried about you. You’re starting to fall apart. You’re not acting like your usual self.” He shrugged his shoulders, “Guess you and Terra were right… Things do Change in life. Guess I was long overdue, besides, you hardly like the way I acted before anyway. You always said my jokes weren’t funny, you gave me a lot of attitude, and you insulted me a lot.” She couldn’t deny this, not at all. “No one’s perfect.” She said, using his own words against him, but he seemed unfazed. Her fingers gave a small twitch as if she wanted to reach over to him. “Beast Boy, I also said that change can be good, and what you’re doing right now isn’t good; not to yourself, and not to the team, but you won’t even tell us what’s really bothering you.” “I already told you guys this…” he said to her “I don’t want to talk about it because you can’t help me. No one can.” “How do you know we can’t?” “I just do.” He didn’t want to tell her the real reason why he wouldn’t tell, feeling she wouldn’t understand and it would make things worse, and he only thought to himself, "Because you and the others are only part of the problem... not the solution. There's no way you can help." She could see this, not what he was really thinking, but knew it was disturbing him. She didn’t like this, and felt her insides starting to quiver. “Beast Boy…” she paused “What if it was possible that you could move on?” As expected, he didn’t react too well, and just slumped. “Why do you keep telling me that?” She hesitated, “Beast Boy, I’m just asking you what if… what if there was someone out there who liked you… as much as Terra did?” “Huh?” he said turning to face her “What are you saying?” but he could see the blushing in her cheeks, and the way she was looking at him, and he was virtually speechless! “Beast Boy… I… I…” she slowly reached her hand to his face, slowly moving her own face closer intent to kiss him… Freaking out, Beast Boy wretched himself away from her. She looked up at him, now with a hint of sadness in her eyes, a side of her he didn’t see very often. “Sorry, Raven… I can’t.” She continued to gawk at him, almost unable to believe this. “Don’t get me wrong, you’re an amazing girl... but you’re just not my type, and frankly I don’t see how you could even like me that way after all the other things you’ve done.” He referred to all the times she insulted him, hit him, and gave him attitude. Very little were of good loving moments. Raven’s sadness began to mix with a slight hint of outrage “Is that all you see me as… just… creepy?” “I didn’t say that. I’m just saying that we’re far too different. We’re not compatible.” “How do you know? You haven’t even tried.” her voice sounding angrier and her features hardening. “Look, I may not be very bright at times, but I do know this much… Love is not something that two people can try to make happen. They either have something very special, or they don’t. And we don’t, Raven. I’m sorry, I just don’t feel it.” Raven got up, and left in a huff. “Raven… I’m really sorry.” All she did was look back at him a stern expression, as if she were mad enough to kill, and then she walked off. Beast Boy smacked his own forehead. He hated to hurt her like that, but he had to be truthful, and right now he needed to get out of the tower, again. Another one of the few places left he had unaffected by the changes was Ben’s Café, the place he and Terra went to on their first and only ever date. It was a little slow that evening, but still upon his arrival, people took one look at him and their features hardened with scorn. All of them were people who had been affected by the loss of money from the bank. Some even whispered bad things. “Look, it’s the super zero.” “I bet he enjoyed his little nap.” “While I have to work two shifts to make up for the money he lost.” Despite the facts, Beast Boy’s patience wearing out, but he didn’t wish to make any more issues. All he wanted to do was drown some of his sorrows away in milkshakes. At least the staff didn’t act mean to him, as he was a paying customer, but it wasn’t like they were nice to him either. After five milkshakes, Beast Boy asked for another. “Haven’t you had enough yet?” the old lady asked. “Just fork it over!” he grumbled as he slammed his money down on counter. Heeding his demands, she gave him another milkshake. “I can’t take this anymore!” he groaned in thought “If I hear one more person say “Things Change” or “Move on” or even “Let it go.” …I think I’m going to blow!” He suddenly felt his bowels gurgling from all those milkshakes, “Actually, I think I’m really going to blow!” and with that he dashed to the little Beast Boy’s room in back of the café. That’s when Terra, looking a bit droopy, came into the café, and sat herself at the bar… right next to Beast Boy’s seat. “Usual please…” she asked as she paid her money. “Seems there’s a lot of gloomy faces around here these days.” the old lady said as she served Terra her usual order, Apple Pie Ala mode. As she looked down at it, she was again reminded of Beast Boy, and the good times they had causing the guilt and shame of what she did back at school to eat away at her. “Why can’t I forget him?!” she groaned softly to herself, “I just want things to be okay, is that so much to ask?” That’s when Beast Boy returned from the washroom, and was about to sit at his stool again, when he spotted her, and she turned and saw him. “Oh, not again!” he groaned. He decided to leave and headed straight for the doors, but Terra, though part of her didn’t really want to, she got up and chased after him. “Beast Boy…!” she called to him as she jogged up the street. He stopped where he was and turned and saw her catching up to him. “What do you want?” he asked deeply. “Look, I really can’t figure this out myself, but… I actually think I need to talk to you again about all this.” He shook his head at her, “Why?” he asked “What could you possibly want to talk with me about, Terra?” “Please, don’t call me that!” she cried. “Why shouldn’t I? It’s who you are… or at least who you used to be!” She didn’t like the tone in his voice, “What’s happening to you? You’re not the Beast Boy I remember.” “Ha!” he scoffed at her “I thought you DIDN’T remember me. Oh, wait… you didn’t WANT to remember me. You wanted to forget it all, everything, including the good times we had, and what good times we could have had.” She stood where she was taking every single one of his words right to her heart. Part of her knew she deserved it, but part of her was growing annoyed. “Look, I know you’re hurting… and I’m sorry. It’s just… well, I… …I couldn’t take it anymore. I did so many horrible things, and I hurt you many times before. I put the whole city in danger, and it wasn’t the first I did it.” She reflected on all the dangers she caused when her powers unstable, and her involvement with Slade and everything that lead up to her turning to stone to save the city from destruction. “…I’m just not cut out for all this stuff anymore. I can’t handle it. Why can’t you understand that I just want to put it all behind me? And I wanted to give us both a better future.” He remained silent for a moment, and then he finally said “…I do understand. You think I don’t wish the same things?” She gawked at him deeply. “But it doesn’t matter… your attitude… the way you handled it… totally inexcusable.” Now she felt shocked, and slightly offended, but when she thought back on it… The fact that she tried to lie to him about having amnesia, brushing him off, not wanting anything to do with him… Especially two clashing memories, from when she was about to turn to stone and embracing Beast Boy one last time. “You were the best friend I ever had.” Right up to that day in the school hall… “You’re my friend! You’re a Teen Titan.” “You’re wrong.” He stopped it there, not having to go on with the other parts. “You wanted the future to be better for us both?” he mocked “No, Terra… the way I see it you were only thinking about yourself.” She seemed very offended by what he had just said, and he turned to walk away. “At least I’m not letting one little thing get me down all the time.” she called to him. He stopped and turned his head to face her, “This isn’t just about us, Terra. It’s about a whole lot more than you know of…” he paused, still not wanting to come clean about what was really bothering him. “Then again, what difference would it make to you? I’ve given you your space. I’ve respected your wishes… So, just leave me alone, like you wanted too.” She remembered how she said that to him… “Things were never the way you remember. Now just leave me alone!” She watched him walk down the street. She was speechless, offended, but most of all she was confused. He really had taken her rejecting him a lot worse than she expected, and now he claimed there was more to it than just what they shared. “If only he could see that moving on isn’t such a bad thing.” she said to herself. Suddenly, she heard a loud crash, followed by a garbage can lid rolling out from an alley, and then followed by the sounds of a fist fight, and Beast Boy shouting “DUDE!!” “Beast Boy!” she cried and dashed up the street. She peered down the alley to see three huge, muscular, street punks badly beating Beast Boy to a pulp. “Dude, what’s your problem!” Beast Boy shouted. “Nothing personal, kid…” “We were hired to do this.” “Yeah, we’re going to beat you until you’re all red!” Then the three punks picked him up and slammed him hard into the wall, much to Terra’s horror, and then she heard the sound of snickering, and she could see Jackie and Jillian watching from on the roof of the very building. “That’ll teach you to mess with us!” Jackie hollered. “Yeah, take that, Booger Boy!” added Jillian. “IT’S BEAST BOY!!” he shouted up to them, but then he got punched hard in the face by one of the punks. Finally taking enough of their abuse, Beast Boy transformed into a T-Rex and roared at the punks, frightening all the tough guy attitude right out of them. The punks started to run, but Beast Boy grabbed them, one in each hand, the last one in his huge jaws by the jacket. The Js saw this and quivered under behind the edge of the building. Beast Boy strung one of the punks up over a traffic light by a hook of his pants. He stuffed another one into a garbage dumpster, and as for the last punk, he simply placed him down on the street, but then ROARED at him really loud, sending the punk in an airwave hurdling backwards and landing, SPLASH, in a fountain. Terra was horrified by what she had seen, but not as horrified as the Js were. “Did you see that?” cried Jackie. “He totally wiped the floor with them. I want my money back!” groaned Jillian. Just then, they heard a whistling sound above them and looked up. Beast Boy, as a seagull was circling around the two bad girls… and he defecated all over them! The girls screamed in disgust, and Beast Boy landed on the roof threatening them, “You two mess with me ever again, and I’ll deck ya!!” Then he flew off leaving the girls sticky, smelly, outraged, and in disgrace. Terra saw him fly away, and though she felt her friends somewhat deserved what they got for what they did, she was still very concerned about Beast Boy. …Not as much as someone else was-- that same hooded stranger whom took the money from Beast Boy had seen everything. “It's time I made my move.” he said to himself. Chapter 5: Broken Heart-BoxCHAPTER FIVE Thanks to his animal shapeshifting, his minor injuries healed quickly. He was feeling rather content for telling Terra off, and for getting back at her nasty friends for tormenting him, but when Beast Boy got back to the tower… a terrible sight met his eyes. The others were in Terra’s room and taking the place all apart-- moving out the furniture, the luxuries, everything. “Dude… what are you guys doing?” he snapped. “What does it look like?” Raven grouched at him as she passed by with a box of stuff. She was still very hurt from rejection. “You can’t dismantle Terra’s room!” “Look, she’s not comin’ back anytime soon.” said Cyborg “So there’s no point in keepin’ a room like this if no one’s gonna use it.” “We plan to change into the room of the studying.” added Starfire. A home office! That was all Beast Boy really didn’t need or want. “Beast Boy, this is the only to help you start to get better.” said Robin “We’re getting rid of everything that Terra ever owned, or is anything to do with her.” Raven came back with a box of things that used to belong to Terra, which Beast Boy recognized all from his room. “Hey! You cleaned out my room?!” Raven said nothing and went back to go get more. “Beast Boy…” Starfire said “We feel it is the time you got with the… program… I think.” “It’s time for you to grow up, Beast Boy.” Robin said. Beast Boy flinched in pain. “You need to let go of the past!” He flinched again. “And realize that no matter how much you want things to be the way they were, in life… Things--” he stopped when Beast Boy covered his mouth with his hand. “Don’t!” he said very deeply, almost in a threatening manner “Don’t you say those words to me! If you do… so help me…!” WHAPP!! In a fit of outrage from being threatened, Robin punched him hard, knocking him back into the coffee table, flinging it like a spring a launching the heart-shaped mirror box way up into the air. Beast Boy and the others could only watch in horror as the beautiful box hit the floor, shattering the mirror glass and breaking the lid off its hinges, and the bottom fell off too, breaking into four bits. Everyone fell totally silent, even Robin. He didn’t want anything broken, just removed, and he also felt very remorseful for punching Beast Boy like that. Beast Boy fell to his knees and felt through he pieces of the most beautiful thing he had ever made for the most beautiful girl he ever loved. “Beast Boy… I…” Robin said trying to find his words, but Beast Boy angrily got up, glaring at him and said “That’s the last straw, Robin.” “What do you mean, Last Straw?” Cyborg asked. “You are not even holding a drink.” added Starfire. Raven came into the room, and saw the mess and how upset Beast Boy looked “Okay, what did I miss?” In his outrage, Beast Boy held out his communicator, and threw it hard to the ground, smashing it to bits. “It was good while it lasted, Titans. Now I know for sure… GET BENT!!” and he changed into a pterodactyl, crashed through the large windows, shattering the glass and flew off into the night. “BEAST BOY…!!” Starfire called out to him, but he was already out of sight. “Let him go.” Robin said “If he can’t face the truth, fine!” “I second that.” Raven said and she went off in a huff. Cyborg swept up the damaged communicator intending to repair it. “Cyborg, are you not the least bit concerned?” cried Starfire. “Eh, he’ll be back when he cools off.” replied Cyborg “At least I hope he will.” He was actually more concerned for Beast Boy than ever, having never seen him this angry, and now that he was out there, who knew what he was capable of doing in his condition? “Dang it, BB..!” Beast Boy had retreated to the beach, where he knew of a small cave at the end where he could crash, but he honestly never felt such heartbreak in his life; unloved, unappreciated, and now practically unwanted by even his teammates; or rather his former team. A very sad and miserable song seemed to play along the air, and someone was singing about exactly how he felt. (Skip to 0:37) In one last desperate attempt he tried to think of a future for himself, one where he could rise up and be a better success and really make a difference somewhere. …Alas, he could think of nothing, and merely sat a rock in the cold cave. His head hung low and he sighed miserably as the song ended. As she stretched out to try and get comfortable, he felt something soft next to him, not like a rock but a big burlap sack. He saw that it was no ordinary sack, but the same sack of money he failed to return to the bank that morning, and judging by how bulgy it was, all the money was still inside it, but there was more… It wasn’t so dark in the cave that he couldn’t see more bags and crates, of jewelry, antiques, even weapons stolen from the history museum. “Dude!” he exclaimed softly. He was rather excited about finding all this, but more concerned. “How did all this get here?” “…It got here because I brought it here,” said a voice. Beast Boy turned round and saw a shadowy figure dressed in a black cloak and a hood standing at the cave entrance. “I was wondering how to get you to come, and much to my surprise… you came by yourself.” “Who are you?” Beast Boy asked sharply. The stranger stepped forth, and removed his hood revealing his face, and much to Beast Boy’s astonishment. “Dude… you… you look just like me!” and he did, the green skin, the green hair, pointy ears, fangs, even the same doom patrol outfit. “Astonishing, isn’t It?” remarked the stranger, “But unlike you, I cannot turn into animals, and I have no need to, thanks to this…” he reached down under his collar and pulled out on a silver strand of beads a golden shiny stone, about the size of a golf ball, with a very unusual marking of a unicorn embedded into it. Beast Boy gawked at the amulet in awe, but then he quickly snapped to his senses. “Wait a minute! You took the money from me and all this stuff too?” The creature sighed “Yes, I believe we’ve already established that, but that’s beside the point and not really any of your concern… not where you’ll be going anyway.” “What are you talking about?” asked Beast Boy. The creature was growing irritable. “I swear, these humans are more lacking of intelligence than I thought.” He grumbled, and then he put it plain and simple “You and I strongly resemble one another. Anyone who is anyone would easily mistake one of us for the other! We… are going… TO SWITCH…OUT!!” His voice echoed along the cave. Before Beast Boy could protest or even say anything, the amulet began to glow along with the strangers eyes in a hypnotic way. “Hey!” cried Beast Boy “What are… you… do… ing… naaaaa….” and he fell out cold. Changeling approached Beast Boy and looked down pitifully at him. “Try to understand, I have no personal feelings against you… but… sometimes you must do what you must do.” He folded his hands and concentrated hard. His amulet glowed brightly, and Beast Boy’s body was enveloped in light as he recited a spell… “From day to night, and night to day, I send you now on your way. Go forth to the place where the magic lives and how, I send you to Equestria… NOW!!” In a bright flash, Beast Boy changed into a glowing yellow light that soared like a speeding comet far, far away across the country, straight into a faraway town… to a high-school called Canterlot High, where broken statue lay situated in the front yard. The light passed right through the statue’s base and was gone. Changeling snickered wickedly and said to himself. “That poor creature... He’s in for a big surprise when he awakens.” Author's Note and now... the real fun begins. Heh-Heh-Heh! Chapter 6: A Screaming Shock (Welcome to Equestria)CHAPTER SIX It wasn’t long after Beast Boy had fled the tower, did the Titans start to receive emergency calls from all over town. Apparently, several locations-- a jewelry store, an antique pawn shop, even the natural history museum-- all had been robbed by a mysterious, yet unexplainable phenomenon. All the security cameras and night guards swore positively that no one had come near the places, nor were any alarms tripped, yet all the merchandise and items that were stolen… just vanished into thin air. The Titans viewed the information sent to them by the places, and were just as baffled. They were viewing the footage of the jewelry store robbery. “Okay, watch again…” said Robin, and he played the footage back in super slow-motion, which showed all the necklaces, rings and everything else neatly in their display cases. “First you see them… and now, you don’t.” “They have gone… the poof.” added Starfire. Cyborg examined the other two tapes of footage from the Pawn Shop and the Museum on the other monitors; it was the same thing. The artifacts and valuables… just vanished. “I think it’s magic.” Raven suggested “I mean there’s nothing else that can explain it.” “Maybe…” said Robin “But magic or not, that doesn’t explain who’s doing this and why. We’re going to patrol the entire city.” “But, what of Beast Boy…?” Starfire asked. The others fell silent, still feeling a bit of regret about what happened. “We can’t worry about him now.” Cyborg said “But maybe while we’re out he’ll show up anyway.” The others didn’t seem too positive on such an idea. Even if they were to find him, the odds were he wouldn’t be too willing to even talk to them. Then again, were they even willing to talk to him? Late that night in Equestria, Twilight and Spike were fast asleep, when a small ray of light shot out through the mirror gateway in the library, and hurdled out across Ponyville and landed in the fields. Nobody noticed a single thing, as practically every pony was sound asleep. Beast Boy finally began to awaken and gazed up at the light of the mid-morning. “I must’ve slept through the night.” He groggily tried to stand up on his two feet, but found he couldn’t keep his balance and he flopped down on the grass, almost as if his bones didn’t want to work that way. The grass was also a strange sight to him, as well as the entire meadow landscape around him. “Wasn’t I in the beach cave?” he wondered softly as he rubbed the side of his face, “Last thing I remember… that guy who looked like me… he…” He paused when he noted the strange feeling of his hand against his face. It didn’t feel like a hand or fingers, but something flat and solid. That’s when he realized his arms were now hooves. “Oh!” He felt along his face, and felt his pointy ears now sticking right up top of his head. “Huh?” Then it got scary as he felt something long and hard sticking out of his head, like a horn. “What the-- What’s going on…?” A small pond of water was right near him. He gazed down at his reflection, and he was shocked!! “Dude…!” he cried. He had taken the form of a green unicorn, almost like an alternate version of himself, and even more astonishingly… he could still speak normally like a human! At first he thought he was going crazy and splashed water from the pond on his face. “Dude…! I’m not dreaming!” he cried, and that maybe he transformed while he was knocked out cold, but he soon discovered not only could he not change back into his normal form, he couldn’t seem to change into any other animal either… but his horn glowed, and he found himself surrounded by a sparkling aura that lifted off the ground like a balloon. “Hey! Whoa… whoa…!!” Suddenly, the magic stopped, and he landed with a splash in the shallow pond. “Ugh’ll!” he groaned as he walked out on all fours, and shook himself dry. “Dude, maybe I’m dead!” he thought aloud, but then he realized how silly and least likely that was. People didn’t turn into unicorns and experience such magical things when they went… …at least he didn’t think so. Suddenly, something soared overhead. He looked up and saw another creature like him; a pony… only instead of a horn it had wings; like a Pegasus. “Unicorns… now Pegasus?” he asked no one in particular as he was all by himself. Since standing around wouldn’t do, he realized he would have to explore and hopefully find someone who could explain. Unable to animal-morph into anything that could fly, and not wanting to try that levitation magic and fall down hard again, he was forced to walk Meanwhile, Spike had woken up and he stretched out and yawned. As he walked down the hallways of the castle, he saw Twilight in the library. She was examining the mirror gate. “Twilight, what’s up?” he asked. “I don’t know how, but this gateway was activated last night while we were sleeping. I can tell because it’s warm, and the systems register positive.” Now Spike was concerned too. Nobody would use their portal without a strong burst of magic to open it, and only Twilight and a select few, her friends from the human world, possessed such powers. “I know it wasn’t Sunset Shimmer or any of the others.” said Twilight “They wrote to me last week, and said they were all on a month long school field-trip to a place called Paris.” “Okay, but… then who used the portal?” “I don’t know.” replied Twilight “I’m not even sure if whether the portal was even used to exit or enter Equestria. Spike, we’ve got a big mystery here.” Spike agreed. Beast Boy continued to wander along the meadow, and he finally came across a town, and what he saw ahead astonished him again. Everywhere he looked he saw not a single human being, but ponies, ponies and more ponies! There were ponies of different colors, shapes, and sizes. There were unicorns, Pegasus, and even just plain ordinary ponies with no horns or wings. Even more interestingly, each and every pony seemed to have a kind of picture tattooed onto their flanks, while sadly his flank was blank. All the ponies were acting like humans, going about daily routines, some even have jobs and kids were walking to school. “Maybe someone there can help me.” He galloped down to the town, but the second he stepped in and called out “Hello… Excuse me!” every single pony stopped and gawked at him as if they had seen a ghost. Some we’re even scared and tembled. Now Beast Boy felt very embarrassed as well as confused “What’s the matter?” he asked, but no one dared speak to him and just kept on staring at him. “Look, what is all this. I just want to know where I am.” Then, not watching where he was going, he bumped into a yellow mare Earth Pony, with an orange mane and carrying a basket of flowers in her teeth, and eating a saddle bag, much like a purse. “Oh, sorry.” He said politely, but the mare then just handed him her saddle bag whimpering, “Take anything you want, just please don’t hurt me.” “What?” snapped Beast Boy, and he politely gave the bag back without taking anything much to the mare’s and everyone else’s confusion. “He gave it back?” “He doesn’t do that.” Already feeling uncomfortable, Beast Boy just walked off confusing all the ponies even more. “Geez… what’s with them?” Beast boy wondered, but strangely everywhere he went, every pony he ran into acted just the same… or worse. They stopped and gawked at him. They would scream and run crying “Help!” and a few more ponies tried to give him their saddle bags or their money pouches, only for him to kindly reject and hand them back without taking a thing. “What are they all acting like; I’m some kind of monster?” Beast Boy was so lost in his thoughts, that he nearly got pushed over by a soaring Pegasus that came zooming by in a rainbow flash. “Whoa!” she groaned “Watch where you’re going, chump!” she grouched at him. “Hey, I’m just walking!” Beast Boy protested “Maybe you should slow down.” The pony looked like she was going to blow up. “Okay! No one tells Rainbow Dash to slow down. Not like that…” she looked ready for a serious argument, when she noticed “Hey, you look familiar.” She then looked at him really hard from head to hoof while flying in slow circles around him making him dizzy. “Eh, I don’t have time for this anyway. I have someplace to be. Later, chump.” then she just flew off, leaving Beast Boy dizzy, confused, and annoyed that he probably made an enemy, but even more so, that was the first pony to not run from him and he could have asked about where he was. His stomach growled, and he realized after all he had been doing he hadn’t eaten breakfast. Fortunately, there were lots of food stands, bakeshops and café’ all over, but unfortunately for him he had no money, and even if he had he was shunned, denied and unwelcomed by the proprietors. “You stay out of here!” “I don’t do deals with the likes of you!” Doors slammed, windows shut, and ponies shook their heads. Other evens picked up their wagons and galloped away very fast. Now his head ached as well as his stomach, but he pressed on hoping to find some help and maybe some answers. He found his way to a tower-like shop called “Carousel Boutique.” “Maybe someone here can help me. Oh, who am I kidding?” still, he knew he had to try or he’d starve. Inside the store, many ponies, mostly mares were admiring the displays of clothes and ensembles all over, when suddenly one of the ponies took one look at him, and you guessed it, she screamed, causing all the other customers to turn, scream and all run out of the store in such a panic. The store was completely deserted, except for one pony-- one very beautiful unicorn pony, hinted light grey with a beautiful purple mane and tail. The owner of the shop-- whom came down the stairs from the upper floor when she head the screaming, “Whatever is going on here?” she asked. Beast Boy thought she looked very beautiful and sounded so melodic, and then he saw her accidently misstep, and she would have tumbled down the last few stairs had he not rushed over to catch her. “Are you okay?” he asked. The pony, breathed heavily, almost overdramatically, in attempt to catch her breathe. “Oh, my… how can I thank you?” she said, but when she took one look up at him, and… she SCREAMED and extremely loud screech! Her screech was so ear-piercing, that Beast Boy fled the store like lightning, stopping in front of a lamppost to catch his breathe. “DUDE!!” he groaned “What the heck is going on here?!” Suddenly, he looked up and saw a Wanted Poster on the lamppost, with a picture of a pony that resembled him in every single detail, and he read the list of charges… -Thievery -Assault -Breaking and Entering -Malicious Mischief -Vandalism -Possible Murder. The more Beast Boy read it, the more livid he became, especially the last line which read:“He is known to be extremely dangerous and is ordered to be reported to the authorities on first sight.” It all made sense to him now, or at least half of it, and yet when he slowly turned round, he saw that he was completely surrounded by a group of angry looking citizens and a lot ponies dressed in police uniforms. “Uh-Oh…!” Chapter 7: Questioning QueernessCHAPTER SEVEN Before Beast Boy knew it, he was sitting in a dark room with a large light shining on him as two burly pony officers interrogated him, but only one of them actually did all the talking. “Well, well… fancy finally catching you, Changeling.” he said sarcastically. “Not so tough now without your fancy amulet and powers.” “Dude, I’m not Changeling. You got the wrong guy.” cried Beast Boy. “That’s what they all say…” said the officer “But you’re going to start saying that you wish you were never born when we get through with you, especially if you don’t tell us where you hid that amulet you stole!” It was vain that Beast Boy tried to convince him that he wasn’t they guy he thought he was, and that he never had the amulet. “I’m telling you the truth. I don’t know how I even got here, or where even here is.” The officer and his partner only laughed at him. “Okay then… this is the world of Equestria, a world inhabited by ponies like us.” “Equestria…?” Beast Boy asked. “That’s right…” mocked the officer “And in Equestria we have jails… and it’s where we put scum like you for all the things you’ve done.” Beast Boy gulped, but made one last attempt to try and convince him, “My name isn’t Changeling. It’s Beast Boy, and just hours ago I was located in Jump City, California on Earth.” The officer sniggered and said “Okay, maybe some time in the slammer will give you some time to think about confessing.” Before Beast Boy knew it he was tossed into a simple jail cell. “See you in about a-hundred years.” The officer mocked and just left him there. Beast Boy wanted to protest, but he knew there was no point. Now, feeling ultimately alone powerless, and afraid, he slumped onto the bench in his cell… and he almost actually felt like crying. Suddenly, he remembered, “That dude… he’s still back in Jump City!” He didn’t want to begin to think of the trouble that creep was up to. Indeed, Changeling was up to many more dirty tricks. He also still wore his cloak and hood so people would still not recognize him, as he resembled Beast Boy too well. He strolled down a district lined with many parking-meters. He walked right up to each meter, with an arm full of empty sacks. Then, a simple touch of his finger and all the coins inside the machine seem to fill up in his sacks until they were so full they were hard to carry. So he teleported the sacks back to his cave where no one would find them. “I love easy money.” he snickered “This is almost too easy for me. I could go for a little amusement.” He walked round a corner and saw a familiar girl--Terra-- sitting alone at café patio. “That’s the girl whom Beast Boy had difficulties with.” he remembered. Suddenly, he was rudely shoved out of the way by two more girls-- Jackie and Jillian-- “Move it, bucko!” Jackie snarled as she and Jillian walked past him. Jillian then shoved him, knocking his hood off. He had not noticed this as he felt quite enraged. Having kept an eye on Beast Boy, he recognized those two troublemakers, and decided he’d maybe have a little fun with them. Using his powers, the girls suddenly froze up. “Hey!” cried Jackie. “I can’t move!” added Jillian. Terra heard their cries and saw them being harassed by the cloaked stranger, and she began to dash straight for them. “Brat Boy?!” snapped Jillian. “Beast Boy!” cried Terra That’s when he finally noticed his hood was off. “Oh, no!” and he quickly replaced it, but the girls had already seen him. Still, not felling much harm could be done, he merely levitated the two bad girls up, up, up, much to their and Terra’s surprise. He then levitated the girls over a dump truck full of manure parked on the side of the street, and then he just let them fall in. The Js screamed in disgust, and Terra was rather livid with him and glared at him, while he glared at her and threatened, “Unless you wish to share the same punishment, get out of my way!” He sounded so fierce, so nasty. Terra felt frightened and just let him walk past her. “Well, that was boring.” Changeling muttered to himself as he walked off. “I think I need to turn things up a bit.” He walked out of sight and was gone. Suddenly, Terra realized as she said to herself, “Wait a minute. Beast Boy can’t levitate things.” But there was no denying what she had just seen. The Js crawled out of the truck in a mucky mess, and they smelled just awful. They angrily marched over to where Terra was standing, wanting to get back at Beast Boy, only to find he had already gone. “He… is so… DEAD…!!” shouted Jackie. “Yeah, bloody murder!” added Jillian. Terra was snapped out of her trance by their attitude and she scorned them, “If you ask me, you two got exactly what you deserved!” The Js were shocked at what she just said. “He just threw us into a pile of… that stuff.” Jackie whined. “And you hired those punks to beat on him. I was there the other night, I saw what happened, and I know you two had something to do with it.” The Js now felt a little awkward. “Well, we only did it for you.” Jillian said “You’ve spent a lot of time thinking about that Bozo Boy.” “His name is BEAST BOY!!” she yelled “And you had no right to do what you did to him.” The Js began to realize the roots between Terra and Beast Boy. “Don’t tell me you actually like that guy?” Jackie asked. Terra did all she could try not to blush or give anything away. “No! I… I don’t.” she said “I hardly even know him.” she lied about that. “I told him to stay away from me, and I can’t help that he shows up wherever I go.” The Js folded their arms at her, and gave her a look of disbelief. “Whatever.” They both said, and they walked off to go and get cleaned up. Now, Terra was on her own again, which she didn’t like being. She felt very frustrated, but deeply confused and concerned to what she had witnessed. “Since when did Beast Boy get such powers?” she wondered, but he was already gone so she couldn’t try to even question him. Then again, that probably wasn’t a good idea anyway. “I gave you your space… now give me mine!” She remembered his words too well, and the attitude he gave her the other night. She hadn’t stopped thinking about it since, and it interfered with her studies and her daily routines. “You were only thinking about yourself, Terra.” That part hurt her the most, and no matter how hard she tried to deny it, she couldn’t fight off what was said to her. It kept on echoing in her mind no matter what she did or where she went. The biggest and most desperate of all that concerned her was that fact that Beast Boy had mentioned that just because she had dumped him was not the only reason he was so miserable. So, what was it that was really bothering him? Did she really want to know? It would mean having to speak with him face-to-face again. Back in Equestria, the Mane six were all gathered at Rainbow Castle. “So, what’s the story, Twilight?” asked Applejack. “Are we going on some super special friendship mission?” added Fluttershy. Rainbow held her hoofs up in hope going, “Please be Wonderbolt Academy! Please be Wonderbolt Academy!” “Actually, it’s a lot more serious than that.” Twilight said, and she showed her friends a letter she had received earlier, which told her that the wicked thief, Changeling, had finally been captured and was now in the Ponyville police-jail. “Ahem…” Rarity said “I may like to point out that it was I who filed the report and alerted the authorities… after that scoundrel had the nerve to step into my boutique!” “Ah, rats!” groaned Pinkie “I wanted to be the one to catch him.” The others didn’t think too much of her greed. “So, what’s up with you?” applejack asked Twilight, and Twilight stammered a bit and tried to put as delicately as she could, but Spike decided to spill it for her. “They’re going to put him on trial in a few days, and they’ve asked Twilight to be on the lead member of the jury, and she’s very nervous about it.” She glared at him sternly, but then sighed, “He’s right. I’ve never been on a jury before. I’m not sure I can go through with this.” The others concurred with her feelings. “Wow… that is big.” said Rainbow “But, it shouldn’t be too bad. I mean, he’s a low-down, crazed pony who stole from so many. I say lock him up and throw away the key.” “I couldn’t agree more with you, Rainbow Dash.” said Rarity. “It’s high time that justice was served to that barbarian!” Fluttershy walked up to Twilight and comforted her “I’m sure it’ll be okay. Think of it just like giving your royal public speeches; you know in front of so many ponies… having to make a very important decision… maybe… even.” She suddenly felt her own nerves going, and her knees began to quake. Twilight sighed again. “Maybe you’re all right. He has done so many awful things.” “Buck up, girl.” said Applejack “If you need us there for moral support, you got it.” The others all nodded in agreement, promising to be there, the day of the trial. Twilight felt ever so flattered. “Thanks, you guys. You’re really the best friends a pony could have.” Chapter 8: Court of InjusticeCHAPTER EIGHT A few days had passed, and more and more robberies had hit the city. Pay-meters and pay-phones were emptied out and not by the collectors. Not a coin was left in their collection plates. More antique valuables had been stolen, not just from stores, but from five-star hotels, restaurants, even from people’s homes, all reported to have just vanished without a trace. The authorities were totally stumped and hadn’t a clue to go by. No one seen or caught on camera, no finger prints, footprints, not anything left behind to lead to a potential suspect. The city was now beginning to suffer serious financial and moral decline, and people were starting to panic and grow suspicious of everyone, even going as far as to lockdown their stores, setting up traps, only to wind up catching the innocent. Even the banks now had armed swat teams on round-the-clock standby and suspected anyone who tried to come in. Of course, the titans were non-too thrilled with all that was happening. “Man, I don’t believe all this!” groaned Cyborg “all the greatest security systems money can buy and the completely flop to catch this guy.” “Oh, and to think the people of our city tremble and suffer so.” said Starfire. Robin had thought it good and hard, and there was only solution left, “…We’re going to set a trap. It may just be the only way we can even get a look at whoever’s responsible.” “But how are we supposed to do that?” asked Raven “We don’t even know where they’re bound to strike next.” “Not quite…” said robin, and he showed everyone a map with a red dot indicating all the banks, stores and various other places that were robbed. There were also some green dots, not many, which resembled a few banks and places that hadn’t been touched yet. “We’ll setup a little trap around the Second National Bank. It seems to have the richest quantity of the lot, and I’m sure that’s where our suspect will head next, and we’ll even convince the security to make it look like the defenses are down.” The others fell silent for a moment. “Well, it can’t hurt to try.” said Cyborg. The girls agreed as well. “Okay then… we go at it tonight.” said Robin. The trial was ready to commence. Twilight had taken her place on the jury stand along with eleven other ponies, all seeming irate and bored with the fact they had to sit through a trial for a pony that was already more than guilty as anyone knew. Her friends and Spike sat in the front row, and Pinkie cheered for Twilight, only to be reprimanded by the others. “Pinkie Pie, keep quiet.” said Rarity. “Yeah, this is a court of justice, not some circus performance.” added Applejack. Twilight still felt a little nervous. The doors flung open and Beast Boy was marched out, in cuffs, by two bailiff ponies, but all the court gawked at him and whispered concern and expressions back and forth. “It’s him!” “That’s Changeling.” “I hope he goes to jail for a-hundred years.” “I hope they cut his head off!” Rainbow recognized him as, “It’s the chump I ran into the other day. I can’t believe, all this time…” Soon the court was in session, and the prosecutor began his opening statements. “Citizens of Ponyville…” he called out “As you are no doubt aware, for the past several months, citizens, businesses and even whole banks across Equestria have been senselessly robbed. The accused is charged not only with endangering our financial ways of life, but our very lives themselves as he is believed to be alleged murderer of the first degree.” He held up one of the Wanted Posters for all to see, right next to Beast Boy. “As you can no doubt see, this pony here stands guilty as charged. It is highly recommended to punish Changeling as soon as possible.” There was an outbreak of chatter in the courthouse, but the judge banged her hoof like a gavel shouting “Order, Order!” she called. Everyone quieted down. Then the Judge reviewed the case files containing quite a few lists of charges, and she spoke deeply to Beast Boy. “Mr. Changeling, have you anything to say for yourself.” “Yes…” Beast Boy said “For the last time, I am not Changeling!” There was uproar of gasps, and exchanges of confusion and outrage. “Not Changeling?” Twilight muttered. “Order!” called the Judge as she banged her hoof, silencing the courtroom. “Yes, I have read the reports. You claim that you not only not Changeling, but you also claim that you are not originally from our world.” More exchanges of concern, especially from Twilight, and she suddenly remembered about the mirror portal. “It’s the truth!” cried Beast Boy. “Truth or not…” remarked the judge “The fact remains that you have no substantial proof to verify your claims, and you have been positively identified by eye-witnesses and victims of the crimes you are charged with.” Beast Boy tried in vain to explain things, but no one seemed interested in what he had to say, many of the ponies booed and hissed at him, even Rainbow and Rarity did, but their friends were starting to have second thoughts. Surely someone on trial would not make sudden outbursts like this-- claiming to be someone else, and not of their world-- not to mention the kind of reputation that Changeling had, one would think he wouldn’t act so frightened, so desperate. Fluttershy felt this the most as she looked over and Changeling. Normally she’d be afraid of such a scary and evil criminal, but seeing the look in his eyes-- the look of fear, loss, and even a tad of lonesome-- “What if he’s telling the truth?” she whispered to her friends. “Come to think of it... he did get kinda captured way to easy.” said Applejack “And he hasn’t put up a strong fight or anythin’.” Pinkie Pie’s mind was arguing back and forth, “She’s right. But what if she’s not? What if she is? What if she isn’t!” back and forth, making her dizzy. Twilight thought about all this the most, but still there was no proof, there was no evidence, and it also seemed that none of the other ponies on the jury seemed to share her concern, still convinced Beast Boy was guilty. The judge believed she had heard enough, and announced “The Jury will now retire and return with a verdict.” One of the jurors raised her hoof, “Um… is this really necessary. He’s clearly guilty.” Though it was against normal procedures, the judge asked “Do all other jurors feel the same way?” One-by-one each juror raised their hoof to show their agreement in judging Beast Boy guilty as charged until it was down to Twilight, and she seemed pretty hesitant. She felt every single eye in the courtroom fixated on her. Rarity and Rainbow were still convinced of the guilt and gave her gestures saying “Do it!” while all the others remained as hesitant as she was. Of course Twilight knew she had to make a choice, but exactly which… She didn’t feel it would be right to just vote guilty off the bat, but then again without any evidence to back it up and none to be obtained, she couldn’t just vote not-guilty either. Ponies everywhere seemed so convinced of the guilt that voting against it would have negative impacts on her reputation, but she had to make her choice… Now! “I… I…” Beast Boy gazed at her desperately as if he was trying to tell her not to vote him guilty. Twilight was sweating bullets, and trembling nervously, “I vote--” Suddenly, the courtroom doors flung wide open. “Stop everything!” called a voice everyone recognized at once. They all turned and gasped in soft shock and awe. Beast Boy gazed in near awe at the two elegant ponies standing at the doorway. “Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!” cried Twilight. The two sisters walked through the courtroom, and all gathered bowed as they passed. Finally, they reached the stands and Celestia pointed at Beast Boy and proclaimed “This is not Changeling.” The courtroom echoed with gasps. “Begging your majesty’s pardon, I presume you have evidence?” asked the judge. “We do.” replied Celestia “Princess Luna…” Her sister cleared her throat, “A few days ago, Princess Twilight Sparkle had written to us expressing concern of the magical gateway that is connected to the other world from our own; that it was suddenly activated through no known explanation. “We only then had been sent reports claiming that the master thief, Changeling, had been apprehended, however, despite the physical resemblance, and that one would confuse this individual as the affirmed criminal, you can note the many differences… -He has not the magic amulet with him -He is missing is cloak and hood -Though he has been identified, spotted by many of the townsfolk of Ponyville, has he committed any crimes which he has been charged with before you?” These made every pony including the witnesses realize that he hadn’t done any such things. He even refused people handing him their money and saddlebags and all else, and he acted as though he were really lost. Still, this was not really enough evidence to suggest otherwise. Celestia then approached Beast Boy, and he backed away from her, slumping deeper into his seat. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.” she closed her eyes, and concentrated hard, until her horn and her mane were glowing brightly. Twilight recognized this spell; she had been trying to perfect it herself but hadn’t succeeded. “The spell of seeking purity.” she said “She’s feeling for the goodness and pureness within him. The brighter she glows, the more pure the subject is or capable of.” Everyone could tell by this point that this pony was definitely not Changeling. How would there possibly be that much good for a criminal reputed to be that horrid. Celestia stopped glowing and opened her eyes. More than convinced she declared “This pony is found innocent of all charges, and is free to go.” She then used her magic to vanish the shackles round Beast Boy. The judge agreed, and officially banged her hoof dismissing everyone. Many ponies began to clear the courtroom. Some were ashamed and felt guilty for having accused the wrong pony and others were worried and upset knowing the real thief was still at large. Only the princesses, the Mane six and Spike remained, but Beast Boy, he was virtually speechless. “I… I don’t know what to say.” Celestia smiled at him and lifted his chin by her hoof “It’s alright; you have nothing to fear now.” Never before had he seen such honesty, and from such a gorgeous creature. He felt like he was literally being touched by an angel. He began to cry softly, and Celestia hugged him warmly to soften him and ultimately prove she meant no harm. “You’ll be alright.” she whispered to him. Chapter 9: Friendship is SillyCHAPTER NINE Beast Boy was invited back to Rainbow Castle, and all the ponies wished to make it up to him for all the trouble he had just suffered. He was treated to a good banquet, though he requested vegetarian dishes. He even ate a dandelion salad with oats and fodder, which seemed to taste great to him as he was a pony. Rarity even gave him a little bit of a new look, but trimming and restyling his mane shorter, and cropping his tail so other ponies would not confuse him as Changeling. “I really wish I could do more for you.” she said “Can you ever forgive me?” Beast Boy thought about it deeply, “Well, sure… considering I’m in a strange world, surrounded by talking horses, and I was treated horribly and nearly sentenced for crimes I didn’t commit… but… Okay. I’ll try.” She smiled at him and pecked his cheek, much to Spike’s jealousy. Soon, everyone was gathered at the map-table, the royal sisters headed the meeting as they wanted to hear Beast Boy’s story of how he ended up in Equestria. He told them pretty much the basic stuff… “Back where I come from, I used to be a butt-kicking superhero, a member of the Teen Titans. I could turn into almost any animal you could think of.” “Any animal?” asked Fluttershy “That’s incredible!” “Incredible?!” cried Rainbow “That is downright AWESOME!!” Pinkie bounced excitedly going, “Can you become a dog, no a cat… ooh, how about an elephant and a giraffe?” The three princesses gave her a look telling her to calm down. “I don’t believe his regular powers work here anyway.” said Princess Luna “He is merely a unicorn version of himself.” Beast Boy tried and tried to morph, but he concentrated a little too hard and ended up shooting a beam of magic through one of the stain glass windows. “Sorry…” He did think it was kind of cool that he could do magic, but he decided to try and keep it easy before causing another accident. “I guess that explains a lot…” said Twilight, and she looked back at Celestia whom concurred with her theory, “Yes, there can be no doubt. Changeling must be in the human world, and he sent Beast Boy back in his place hoping we could mistake him for Changeling, thus sparing himself from being hunted down.” Beast Boy was still finding it difficult to soak in all these fascinations. “But he looked just like me…” he pointed out “And now I look just like him. What’s with that?” Twilight explained as best she could, “Basically all I can say is, every creature that lives here in Equestria has an alternative version of themselves in your world, or vice-versa.” This astonished Beast Boy, and even more so when Twilight showed him a few picture of all her human friends from Canterlot High, including her actual Human counterpart. “Every time, I look at this, it makes my head spin.” said Applejack. “I really we could go and meet them all.” added Rainbow. “Perhaps someday you will.” Celestia assured them “To be honest, I wouldn’t mind meeting my own human version.” Judging by the photo and the stories Twilight explained, it became clear to Beast Boy that though humans and their Equestrian counterparts resembled one another, they did not share every single solitary detail, trait, or personality. Spike’s counterpart was a dog, not a dragon. Celestia and Luna’s humans were not monarchs of an entire land, but rather ordinary mild-mannered managers of a High-School. Even Twilight’s own human was a nerdy girl interested more in sciences and physics, and while that was almost the same as Princess Twilight’s study of magic and things, it still wasn’t total. … But all that was beside the point. “So if Changeling’s in the human world…” said Spike “Shouldn’t we be making plans to go and get him?” “I think you’re right, Spike.” said Twilight “Who knows how many awful things he’s already done.” “Count me out.” said Beast Boy. There was a brief silence and everyone gawked at him deeply. “Whatever do you mean?” asked Rarity. “Count… me… out. That’s what I mean.” replied Beast Boy “Even if I can go back to my world, I’m not sure I should, but I know for a fact that I don’t even want to.” More concern followed. “But… you said you were a superhero; a Teen Titan.” said Rainbow. Beast Boy shook his head, “I said I USED to be. I’m not anymore, I gave it up.” Everyone gasped. “You what?!” snapped Pinkie. “I gave it up.” “YOU WHAT…?!” “I said I-- ugh, never mind.” Twilight approached him and asked, “Did you and your teammates have some sort of fight?” Beast Boy looked at her with a strange expression and said “Complete and postal fallout” doesn’t even begin to describe. I don’t care if ever see any of them, or Jump City ever again.” All of the ponies, even Pinkie Pie could tell there was a serious friendship problem going on. “Well, I reckon you came to the right place after all.” said Applejack. “Yeah, we can help fix your friendship problem, cuz friendship is what we do best.” added Pinkie. “I’m sure everything will be alright.” said Fluttershy. All the other ponies seemed to agree, especially Twilight, but much to their shock Beast Boy scoffed at the very idea. “Forget it.” Everyone was staring at him again with deep concern, “You make it sound like you can solve all my problems with simple friendship.” “Well, it’s what we believe in.” said Twilight “Our motto is “Friendship is Magic.” Everyone else nodded in agreement, and Twilight along with the two sisters used their magic to show him a little of what they mean through magical images and a small song. Beast Boy began to laugh softly. “What’s so funny?” Twilight asked. “Friendship… is Magic?” Beast Boy said, trying to contain his laughter, “No offense but… that has got to be the silliest concept I’ve ever heard.” The friends began to express more concern between each other than ever, figuring something extremely bad must have happened to Beast Boy to make him act the way he was. “Look, I just don’t want to go back, and I really don’t want to talk about it.” Celestia gave sympathy to Beast Boy, and she walked over to him and spoke softly and kindly to him. “If you don’t wish to go back, no one will force you to do anything. We will give you all the time you need.” Beast Boy smiled sadly at her, but he felt just a little grateful. “Still, we cannot simply ignore the dangers that Changeling is still loose in the human world.” added Luna “Perhaps you will at least tell us anything you know that may help us.” Beast Boy agreed to that, and Twilight levitated over to him a parchment and a loaded quill asking him to write down every detail. Unfortunately, he had a little trouble getting started, seeing as he couldn’t effectively pick up the quill in his hoofs, and he didn’t dare try to use any magic; not wanting to cause another accident. “Um… I think I should handle this.” Spike said as he took the quill and parchment. Beast Boy explained to him everything he knew about Changeling, including where his cave of stolen goods were, and also to beware of his magic amulet. “I really don’t know how powerful that thing really is; I only had a taste of it before I ended up here.” As Spike took down the notes and the royal sisters listened into every detail… Twilight and her friends were talking quietly. “I’ve never seen someone so downtrodden about friendship before.” said Twilight. “Nor have I.” added Rarity “Whatever happened to him must’ve been really bad that he wouldn’t want to go back.” “I think he’s just scared.” said Rainbow “Maybe if he unwinds here after a few days, he’ll want to go back.” Applejack didn’t feel so optimistic “It’s already been a few days, and he’s been through more than a lone apple in a worm colony.” Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to say something, which everyone caught on and said “No Parties!” “Ah, shucks!” grumbled Pinkie. “Well, I haven’t any other ideas. What can we do to make Beast Boy feel comfortable?” The number-one thing of all on everyone’s mind was where he was going to stay. Twilight wanted to put up with him, but she knew she’d have to speak with the royal sisters of an upcoming mission to the human world. “Um… I… what I mean is--” Fluttershy stammered “…I could take him in. I mean… if it’s alright with the rest of you…?” The others approved of the idea straight away. She was soft-spoken, calm and gentle, and an animal caregiver; exactly all the things Beast Boy could use given his situation. Soon, the sisters had to leave, and Twilight had work to do as well. The ponies even told their majesties of Fluttershy’s volunteer to look after Beast Boy. “Well, if Beast Boy has no objections…?” Celestia asked while looking upon him. He merely shook his head saying “It’s okay… I could use a place to stay.” “Very well then…” said Celestia, and she gazed at all the ponies, “…I’m trusting all of you not to make things too difficult for him. Remember, he is still strange to our world.” The ponies all agreed, especially Fluttershy. “I’ll take good care of him, your majesty.” The sisters nodded, and then they flew out the open window, which Beast Boy accidently smashed, magically restoring it on their way out. “Dude…!” cried Beast Boy “…Magic seems to be everywhere in this place.” The ponies could see Beast Boy was going to have some wild time understanding their world. Author's Note Sorry to spoil, but it'll save you disappointment... I have no intention of bringing out the other titans pony counterparts, nor do I intend to have the other Titans nor Terra go to Equestria either. There's just no room for that with what I have planned, and besides... the title is "BEAST BOY... In Equestria." This is HIS adventure, as well as a punishment fic Chapter 10: Getting AlongCHAPTER TEN Fluttershy escorted Beast Boy to her cottage, and showed him a little more of Ponyville along the way. Thankfully, because of Rarity’s work on his mane and tail some ponies didn’t recognize him and didn’t confuse him for Changeling. Ponyville seemed like an okay place to Beats Boy, but it sure seemed to be lacking a lot. No automotive vehicles, just wagons, air-balloons. There were shopping boutiques, café’s and mostly homes with thatched roofs, but no video arcades, major shopping malls, or even a theme park. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I’d gone back in time to the 1900s.” Beast Boy said. “Ponyville is just a simple town.” said Fluttershy “There are other fine places-- Canterlot, where the royal sisters live, Cloudsdale, home of the Wonderbolts, Manehatten and Fillydelphia, now those are bustling places.” Beast Boy noted the names of each place, “Um… are all places in this world somehow named like horses or ponies.” “Oh, no.” said Fluttershy “There’s many places to visit in Equestria, but right now we should get you settled in. You’ve had such a hard day.” He couldn’t’ argue with that. Despite his almost being sentenced, he was still getting used to the world around him. It seemed so strange yet almost his own world at the same time. Soon they arrived at Fluttershy’s, and the place looked fairly beautiful to Beast Boy. It was like coming to a small farm. Then again she told him she was animal caregiver, even to big burly animals, like bears, and moose. All her animal friends seemed excited that she was home and huddled around her, especially her Number-One pet rabbit, Angel. “Everyone, this is Beast Boy, and he’ll be staying with us for a little while. So I want you all to make him feel welcome, okay?” All the animals agreed and circles around Beast Boy, dancing in a ring around him; their way of saying “Hello and Welcome.” Beast Boy felt the squirrels brushing their tails against him, and the birdies softly flying past him and their feather brushed against his face. “Hey, that tickles.” he giggled. Fluttershy giggled too, and she gazed into his eyes and he gazed back at her. “Um… well… let’s get you settled in.” By nightfall, Fluttershy made some honey thanks to the friend bees from the hives in her backyard. Beast Boy was forced to drink his tea through a straw since he wasn’t able to grab and lift up the cup. Normally, Beast Boy wasn’t much for tea anyway, but he found it tasting so warm and sweet, he couldn’t stop until the tea was just about all out. “I’m glad that you like it, Beast Boy.” Fluttershy said to him. “It’s actually making me feel a little better… all considering.” “Is something wrong?” Beast Boy could think of no other way to put it “No offense but… I’m still having a hard time believing all this is real. I mean… I’m talking to a pony. Heck, I’ve become a pony, and not like the kind in my world. …It’s just that, I never thought such a place like this could exist, and I’ve been everywhere.” Fluttershy was more than understanding of all this, and yet it still concerned her the way he didn’t want to go back to the human world. “Beast Boy… what if something bad did happen to you here? Somebody must miss you in your world.” Hearing that made Beast Boy think back to his own world, and it made some of his sadness catch up to him again. “No…” he simply said “Nobody misses me.” She found that difficult to believe. “But what about you…? Isn’t there anyone you miss?” Just thinking about the people he missed who either didn’t miss him, or were not even back there waiting for him increased his sadness. “I… I really don’t want to talk about that. I’m sorry.” “No… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up if it bothers you so.” He smiled sadly at her. He tried not to let it show, but he was beginning to feel Fluttershy was very sweet and kind; much kinder to him that most people he ever knew. He let out a small yawn, and Fluttershy and Angel yawned too. “I think we should all go to bed. It’s been a long day.” said Fluttershy. Beast Boy agreed, and soon Fluttershy’s sofa was all set up for him. It felt really comfortable to him, even in his pony-form. Fluttershy even tucked him in like a loving mother-figure. “There, is that good?” she asked tenderly. “I’ll be okay…” he replied and he gazed deeply at her “Thank you, Fluttershy.” Feeling flattered and happy, she bent down and softly pecked his head. “I’ll see you in the morning. Everything will be okay.” Then she blew out any candles, and turn out the lights before heading off to bed herself with Angel. Beast Boy looked out the window, and the night sky really seemed beautiful. He then let out a small yawn and casually drifted off to sleep. Next morning he opened his eyes, only to find he was no longer on the sofa. For that matter, he was no longer a pony, but his normal self again. “Dude… it was all a dream.” he said to himself. He got up and realized he was in the cave where he first met Changeling, only all the stolen money and goods were no longer there either, and the only footprints in the sands were that of which he made upon the night when he left Titan’s Tower in a huff, after quitting the team. He stepped out of the cave and could see all of Jump City still as it was. He felt somewhat disappointed that all those things didn’t really happen to him. Yet they felt so real. He felt along his head where Fluttershy had pecked him, he could still practically feel the warmth. Of course, putting all that aside, “What am I going to do now?” he wondered “I can’t go back to the tower, and there’s pretty no place I can go in the city. No one will accept me.” Suddenly, he heard a loud noise, sounded like an explosion from several blocks away. “Dude!” he cried, and he changed into a falcon and flew off to investigate. He found those same five guys whom robbed the bank from the other day were back, and armed in the same exo-suits as before, and were robbing the bank again. They were faced with the other Titans. “Titans go!” shouted Robin. All the Titans charged in at once, but the crooks all laughed and fired their suit weapons--missiles, flame-throwers, machine guns. “NO!!!” Beast Boy cried as he watched each and all his friends get totally trounced to death. All four of them lay in the street, severely wounded and bleeding streams of blood. The crooks then made off with all the money they had stolen and were gone. Beast Boy, devastated, dashed over to Robin. “Robin! Are you alright?” he cried. “No… thanks… to you…!” Robin growled weakly. “We… needed you!” cried Starfire. “You were… there… for us!” groaned Cyborg. Raven said nothing, and just looked at him shamefully. Then, feeling it was taking too long to expire from her injuries, she shot her own self in the head with a tiny burst of her power. “Raven!” cried Beast Boy, and then all the others expired from their injured. “No…!” he peeped softly as ears came to his eyes. There was worse to come as he soon found himself surrounded by an angry mob of people from the city. “He murdered the Titans!” “He let the bad guys get away with our money!” “Get him!” Beast Boy tried to protest, but before he knew it the people jumped all over him, and he was brought before a court of justice. “Beast Boy, what have you to say for yourself?” the judge sneered. Beast Boy opened his mouth to speak, but the judge immediately decided “Ah, who cares? …Death by the electric chair.” “What?!” snapped Beast Boy. All the people seemed to cheer, more as if they personally just wanted him to be executed for petty reasons. “Burn the freak!” “Go away Greenie!” “Die!” He suddenly found himself strapped into the chair, and who was given the honor of pulling the switch…! “Terra!” cried Beast Boy “You can’t! You wouldn’t! You know me better than that.” Terra looked at him grimly and shook her head saying, “Sorry, but… I don’t know you. I’ve never known you. Things Change…” “NO, TERRA DON’T…!!” She pulled the switch! Everything flashed. …And his eyes snapped open, and he gasped softly in shock. He was a unicorn, on Fluttershy’s sofa in her house, in the magical world of Equestria. THAT… was all just a dream. He was very relieved, but he couldn’t help but think to himself, “The Titans don’t need me, and I don’t need them. They can manage just as well without me… …Can’t they?” Exhausted, he lay back down and softly drifted back to sleep. Chapter 11: First ConfrontationCHAPTER ELEVEN It was very late at night in Jump City, but fortunately there was no school the next morning, which was slightly good for Terra. The poor girl couldn’t seem to get any sleep that night, she went out for a very late night stroll to try and clear her mind. It was the same story as usual; no matter how hard she would try she could not seem to get Beast Boy off her mind, but it wasn’t all that. Jackie and Jillian stopped talking to her since she spat at them and thinking she was getting sweet on Beast Boy. She tried her best to tell the truth, albeit she was pretty much trying to lie and deny her past once more. Now she felt more alone that ever, and it was badly affecting her school studies, which wouldn’t help her in a normal life. Why was this happening to her? Why was the world and nature still trying to torture her after everything she had already been through? More importantly, why couldn’t she stop feeling so guilty about all that happened between her and Beast Boy during the past week? Was she actually starting to regret what she did? Did she really care about him so much that she was really willing to give it just one more try and reclaim what she gave up? She held her aching head in frustration, “Why can’t it just leave me alone?!” she groaned softly. Then, she looked up, and she could see someone, wearing a robe and hood, high up on the roof a building. The moon was shining just bright for her to see. “Beast Boy…?” she peeped. There was no mistaking him. She recognized the robe and the slight hint of green skin in the moonlight. She also noticed several police cars and black vans parked along the street, all of them seemed to be pointing towards the way to the Second National Bank… the same direction where Beast Boy was heading. She felt a small voice inside calling to her, “Let’s go check it out.” “No, are you crazy? That isn’t my life anymore.” “Wow, and you call me crazy. Look, you can’t kid yourself. You know you at least want to see, so just get going!” Terra, unable to fight her better judgment, ran off through the alleys heading for the bank, but upon seeing all the police cars along the way, she knew she had to go higher to get a better view. Seeing no one was around, she grabbed two small rocks on the ground, “It’s been awhile; don’t let me down.” she said calmly to herself. She then clenched the rocks hard and used her powers to lift the rocks, pulling herself up, up, up and onto a rooftop that overlooked the bank down below in the street. The whole place seemed deserted, with hardly any security guarding the perimeter as mentioned in reports. Suddenly, she saw Beast Boy leap onto the roof of the bank, and she began to have a sickly feeling in the pit of her stomach, regarding the reports about all the stolen goods. “Oh, no… it can’t be!” she cried softly to herself. Changeling, unaware he was being watched and not really seeming to care about being too cautious, sighed as he stood on the roof, “Another night, another easy score. What do I have to do for some excitement?” Suddenly, bright lights shone on him from behind. He turned round and saw the Titans standing behind him, and Cyborg and robin flashing their lights on him. “We meet at last.” Robin sneered. He and the others obviously didn’t recognize him from within the shadows of his hood, but he knew who they were. “So you’re the Teen Titans I’ve heard so much about. You really don’t look like much to me.” The Titans felt offended “We may not appear as much to you, but you will be thinking twice when this battle concludes.” said Starfire. “Really…?” scoffed Changeling. More, brighter lights shone from below as police cars surrounded the entire area, and more officers popped up onto the roofs pointing guns at their target. There were even guards up on Terra’s roof, but she kept well out of sight by hiding behind large air-conditioning unit. “Freeze!” an officer shouted through a megaphone “We have you completely surrounded. Put your hands above your head.” Changeling snickered. “Oh, no!” peeped Raven. She could tell what was going to happen, but it was too late. “Like this…?” Changeling called as he quickly raised his hands, and sent out a magical wave. The waved knocked the Titans back a bit, and the magic shattered all the lights shining on him, and jammed every single police gun so none would fire on him. The officers tried to march in. “Stand back!” Changeling shouted as he snapped his fingers, magically conjuring a flame wall all around him and the titans on the roof. The Titans were the only ones standing with him now. “You’ve only now just seen a sample of my talents. Still think you can take me on?” “Titans go!” shouted Robin, and he and the others dashed forth. Robin lunged at him with his metal staff, but Changeling fought valiantly with his arms and legs like a skilled martial artist, and actually knocked the staff away, and kicked Robin hard in the chest. Starfire came at him firing her starbolts like crazy, but Changeling swerved and evaded each and every one. “My turn!” he chuckled, and he fire dark bolts, similar to hers right back at her, forcing her to retreat. “I got him!” hollered Cyborg as he came charging in with his cannon ready to fire. Changeling softly touched his amulet for luck, and then… just as Cyborg was about to hit him, he instantly warped to right behind him. Cyborg whirled round to hit him again only for him to warp again. He tried a few more times, but he couldn’t seem to land a single hit. “Ha-Ha! You have to be quick if you want to catch me.” Fuming like a raging volcano, Cyborg fired his shoulder missiles, but Changeling held out his amulet, and in a bright flash the missiles turned right back and headed straight for Cyborg, forcing him to run about to avoid each one. “Too bad…” changeling mocked. Then he was suddenly shrouded within a hollow barrier of dark light conjured by Raven. “Too bad for you…” she called to him. “That voice…” he murmured and he turned within the barrier to look at her, but he couldn’t make her out too well because of her hood and the dark light, but he could still see her clearly enough, and her magic was still no match for his as he demonstrated by glaring at her with his glowing eyes which shattered her concentration and knocked her back against the large air-conditioning unit on the roof. Her hood slipped down and he got a good look at her face. “Oh, my…” he said in a deep tone “So beautiful…” Raven’s features twisted, “Are you talking to me?” He stepped forth in a rather creepy like way, only to get shot at from behind. The other Titans stood glaring at him and Raven got up and refitted her hood. Changeling couldn’t stop looking at her though, and as much as he would normally continue to fight, he had a change of plan. “We’ll meet again…” he hissed at all the Titans, “Oh, and thanks for the spare change.” Before the Titans could react, the firewall swooped down in on changeling, and he and the flames just vanished without a trace. “He is gone!” cried Starfire. Robin felt worried by what he meant by “Spare Change”, and the Titans and the police inspected inside the bank, and no less than ten billion dollars in gold, documents and bills were missing from the many vaults… vanished into thin air. “He never even had to come inside the bank.” said Robin. Cyborg angrily punched the solid metal of one of the vaults, “All this time, he was just distracting us, and the worst of it is we don’t even know what he looks like. We didn’t even get a glimpse of his face.” Raven seemed more concerned with the power she had witnessed. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Even my power wasn’t enough to stop him.” “Do not despair so, friends.” said Starfire “We at least know now what is truly happening.” “Star’s right…” said Robin “We know a little of what we’re up against, so maybe we can devise a plan against that guy, and hopefully find where he’s stashed all the money and goods.” As all the police officers packed up their damaged weapons and supplies, and all went home in shame and worry for the city, Terra was soon left on the other building’s rooftop all by herself, and she felt tears coming to her eyes from what she had just seen. “Beast Boy… you are the one doing all this!” she said softly trying not to sob. She never felt so shocked, as if she had been betrayed. “What can I do?” she wondered “I know I should tell someone but… oh…!” Her insides were going positively crazy! If Beast Boy knew she ratted him out, given what she had already seen, who knew how furious he’d get. Then again if she didn’t tell he’d continue to steal and terrorize the town and possible move on to rob other cities, whole countries… which still hurt and baffled her; the fact that he had turned to international crime and vandalism. Of course, she was one to think that, being a former apprentice of Slade and nearly destroying the entire town because she was so misguided and manipulated. “Oh, great… now I’m thinking of that again!” she groaned. She had absolutely no idea what to think, what to do or whom to turn to. Meanwhile, Changeling sat in his cave. By this point he had stolen so much that he couldn’t begin to estimate how rich he was, but all he could do was think back to that girl… Raven. He had never seen a girl like her, and her voice-- so dark and almost eerie-- and her magic, though not much compared to his own, it only made him think more of her. “Perhaps that’s why I’ve been so bored…” he wondered to himself “I’ve been on my own a good long time. I’ve stolen enough to set for more than a-hundred lifetimes.” The more and more he thought about it, the more it began to sink into him. “Yes…” he felt “Maybe that’s what I’ve been missing. Someone I can have by my side. Someone whom will answer to my every will, and to think, with her powers combined with my own; the possibilities are endless!” He made up his mind, and imagined what it would be like to steal something he never had before: Someone’s heart… …Raven’s! He began to fall into a musical daze. I have come a long way, and now do I realize That the Teen Titan called Raven is the girl of my eyes I’ll shower her with gold and with treasures glittering bright, She’d be a fool to turn me down; I know she’ll do what’s right. I may be a dangerous crook, but once she takes look She will see how perfect we could ever be. One pound of gold bars, and a Ming Vase to the row A shining silver necklace, now that’ll make things go Mink coats so furry and a beautiful bronze cat A crystal ruby ring; oh, she’d go for that. I see us in a castle as a wealthy king and queen Surrounded by so many riches, you see what I mean. One pound of gold bars, and a Ming Vase to the row A shining silver necklace, now that’ll make things go Mink coats so furry and a beautiful bronze cat A crystal ruby ring; oh, she’d go for that. “…Raven” The song ended, and he snapped back into reality. “But how…” he wondered “How am I to get close to her without being suspected by anyone?” He thought and he thought while softly creasing his face, and then he remembered, and he dashed outside and looked down at his reflection in the waves of water that splashed onto the beach… he looked just like Beast Boy. “Yes!” he snickered “That will work!” Chapter 13: Tell me what's wrongCHAPTER THIRTEEN Twilight was still waiting for word from Princess Celestia about the upcoming mission to the human world. Until she got her final orders, she couldn’t make a move and was told not to take any chances. The Mane Six all met up at Rainbow Castle, and spoke about what to do with Beast Boy, and Fluttershy, again, suggested “We have to know what’s troubling him. He needs to tell us.” “I know he should, Fluttershy,” said Twilight “But I don’t think it’ll be right to force it out of him. Especially from what you told me… he looked as if he was in a lot of emotional pain… …But I guess you’re right.” “Eeyup…” agreed Applejack “Keepin’ his feelin’s all bottled up like that ain’t healthy for the poor guy.” The others agreed, but Spike was rather skeptical, “I’m not sure this is a good idea. I mean, you heard him yesterday, he’s probably still convinced we can’t help him.” “That is true…” agreed Rarity “However, we cannot simply ignore the problem either. That isn’t what we normally do when it comes to friendship problems.” “You got friendship problems…?” said a familiar voice. Everyone turned and saw none other than Shining Armor and Princess Cadance standing at the door way. “Brother!” cried Twilight and she ran over and hugged him. Then she hugged her sister in law, and they did their happy cheer… “Sunshine, Sunshine, Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” They shared a laugh and another hug. The others were all delighted to see them as well. “What brings you two here?” asked Pinkie. “We heard all about Beast Boy, and we actually want to meet him.” replied Shining Armor. “Princess Celestia gave us permission to come right over, and even spend the night.” added Cadance. “Well, he’s not here right now, but I can send for him.” said Twilight “We were actually just talking about him. I’ll tell you all about it.” As she led her family to the table, Rainbow stopped Cadance for a moment and whispered to her, “Did you get my letter…?” “Sure did…” Cadance whispered back. Thanks to Rainbow she knew all about Fluttershy and Beast Boy, and being the pony of love she was, she couldn’t resist. “Nothing I like more than seeing potential couples… especially if maybe I can help them.” Beast Boy sat on a bench near a playground where had been sitting most of the afternoon. He still felt a little upset from his torment by his memories. “Even in a whole other world they still bother me.” he groaned to himself. Then he thought back to Fluttershy and he wondered if he could really trust her or the others if he told them his troubles, but he was still very doubtful they could him with all their “Friendship is Magic” fantasies. He caressed his forehead with his hoofs wondering what to do, when suddenly… POOF… a magic letter appeared before him, surprising him so much that he fell off the bench. He had already been told of the way wail traveled in Equestria, “They could warn me when it’s about to happen.” He grumbled as she unraveled the parchment. It was a message from Twilight asking him to “Please Come to Rainbow Castle.” Not wanting to disappoint the Princess of Friendship, he went on his way. Even he couldn’t miss Rainbow Castle. It was plain as anyone could see it in all of Ponyville. Soon, he arrived, he met Twilight’s family, and they were thrilled to meet him, preferably Shining Armor, and he was practically spouting with questions. “What’s it like in the human world? What did you look like back there? What kind of powers did you have?” His sister pulled him by the ear, “I think you should take it easy, bro.” and she dragged him away. “Sorry about that. He can get a little giddy.” said Cadance. Everyone took their seats at the map-table, and Beast Boy sat next to Fluttershy. They stared at each other for a split second before turning away and acting casual. Rainbow and Cadance thought this too good to be true, but Cadance wasn’t ready to try anything yet. She and Shining Armor were well aware of the situation. “What?!” was Beast Boy’s reaction when he was told, by Twilight, “We want you to tell us what bothers you.” All the others looked just as serious as she did. While all that was going on, the Titans had been hard at work trying to track down their mystery thief, but so far to no avail. Cyborg tried to scan for gold and other metals and stones from the stolen goods, but he got nothing. “He’s probably usin’ that magic of his to shield it and himself somehow.” “He’s right.” agreed Raven, “I can’t make psychic contact with him, but then again I don’t even know what he looks like.” Robin pounded the console “We’re stumbling around like blind people, while he’s up to his ears in stolen money and goods. The city’s already in financial crash.” All the titans felt the same, deeply concerned, and wished there could be a way to catch the thief. Meanwhile, Terra never felt so frustrated before. She sat on a bench in the park contemplating whether or not to squeal on Beast Boy. She was very concerned about the city. The entire metropolis was in serious financial jeopardy, worse than the big stock market crash in 1929… but she still didn’t think she could find the courage to blow the whistle, not on Beast Boy; in fear, shame, guilt... “Why, Beast Boy…?” she kept wondering to herself “How could you do such a thing? Why would you even want to?” She still couldn’t believe that anyone would simply turn to crime or homicide simply over a petty breakup, even if it was very hurtful to him. Then again, she couldn’t deny not being pained by the breakup herself. Her poor grades, her loss of sleep, or even her focus being shaken… all were linked back to Beast Boy and how she couldn’t stop thinking about him. By this point, she could no longer deny that she really regretted what she had done, but it still baffled her that he would turn to crime. “All I want is an answer.” she said as she gazed deeply up at the sky “Please… just give me an answer.” She suddenly fell asleep, having worn herself out on all the stress and sadness, only to be awakened then by someone calling to her. “Wake up, Terra… Come on now, wake up.” She opened her eyes and saw a suave black man dressed in a white suit. “Who are you?” she asked, “And how do you know who I am?” “Name’s Jerome, I’m a guardian angel.” Terra felt really surprised “I have a guardian angel?” “Uh, no, no… I’m… A… guardian angel.” replied Jerome “See, I’m sorta new in this gig, I’m still working my way through internship. When I do well, they give me my wings; they pay me big Gs, yadda-yadda-yadda… Point is I’m here to give you your answers, and frankly, it’s about time you learned the truth, because frankly again, I’m surprised BB’s still even alive after all he’s been through.” This worried Terra, but confused her as well “What do you mean “What he’s been through?” Jerome sighed, “I guess the sooner we get goin’, the sooner I can back to my pad.” “Go where?” asked Terra. Rather than answer her, Jerome simply tapped the heels of his loafers, and… POOF… they vanished. Starfire looked sadly into Beast Boy’s unoccupied room, missing him deeply. He had been missing for days and there had been no word or sign of him anywhere. She came back into the lounge, and the others noticed how grim she looked. “I do wish that Beast Boy would come home to us.” The others couldn’t deny it. “I think that’s something we all want, Star.” said Robin. “No joke.” Agreed Cyborg “I mean, he could pick up the scent of the thief and we could trace him more easily.” Raven never could believe how much she would miss Beast Boy and want him to come home as well. Of course she confessed her feelings to him, but then again he turned her down which still burned her, but all she could ask was the same thing all the others asked at the same time… “…What did we ever do to lose him like this?” They were so deeply entranced in their thoughts, that they began to have visions, of the computer monitors talking… all three of them. “The real question would be: What have you ever done to keep him?” The Titans all gawked in shock “Are you… talking to us?” asked Robin. “Well, I’m certainly not singing to you.” replied the computer. Then the other two computers spoke to the Titans as well. “Good friendship is maintained by sympathy, understanding and caring, but one person cannot do it all by themselves. They cannot be the only friend.” “Tell us, Titans… what great things have you done to inspire Beast Boy to overcome his difficulties?” One-by-one the titans each gave their answers. “We just told him he has to learn to accept things and move on.” said Robin. “And that there will always be a brighter side of things and hope to follow.” added Star. “We all gotta grow up and let go sometimes.” said Cyborg, “Besides, change can be a good thing, and it’s something we can all be thankful for.” added Raven. A brief silence followed. While the computers could not show facial features, they were very livid. The first computer sneered “We’ve appeared in over one-million visions and that has got to be the lamest replies we’ve ever heard.” Cyborg was starting to lose his cool, “Say what? Maybe I should hardwire you.” Robin got him to calm down. “Look, we’re not wrong. Everyone has to move on sometime in their life. We all did.” The computers were already well aware of all the Titans and their problems. -Robin lost his parents at age eight, and lived with Bruce Wayne/Batman for some time, living in his shadow, and being treated cruelly at times. Now here he was, leader of the Titans, and Starfire was his girlfriend. -Starfire was sold into slavery on her home planet, but she managed to find escape and make a good life for herself on Earth, and she even found love with Robin. -Cyborg had his horrible accident which changed his life forever, causing him to miss out on certain things he used to be able to do as a human, but it really wasn’t all that bad, and he learned to adjust and was now well known and respected by many. -And Raven… well, being the daughter of Trigon, and his gateway into the human world, nearly causing total destruction. That was pretty rough, but her father was dead now. She was free from him and her nightmares. Even though her emotions were still considered dangerous due to her powers, all she really had to do was focus on them and things would be better… why she chose not to was anyone’s guess. “Point, we have all moved on. We had to.” Raven said. “There was no point dwelling on the past.” The computers were aware of this, but had to point out, “Did it not ever occur to you that just because people should move on and not dwell on their past, that doesn’t mean that they can.” The titans were all very confused. “Here, we’ve got something we want to show you. So pay attention.” All three computer screens flashed brightly and began to show the Titans a long history of something they never knew. At the very same time all the ponies and Spike were still trying to persuade Beast Boy tell them. “Come on, Beast Boy. Please tell us…” said Twilight. Beast Boy was struggling hard “It’s just… I… don’t think I can-- or even you can--” Fluttershy placed her warm, comforting hoof on his back, and sang softly to him… (Skip to 0:36) Her words were so pure. So convincing and all the others agreed with her. Beast Boy finally gave in, “Okay, I’ll tell you, but it’s really long, and it’s a really rough one.” They all settled into their seats, and Pinkie Pie ate some popcorn, much to the others annoyance. “What? He said it’s going to be long.” Nevertheless, Beast Boy began to tell his story… …Cadance was even silently using her magic to sense Beast Boy’s heart; this way she would know if everything he was about to say was the total truth! Author's Note I am concerned about the next chapter and telling BB's story, as it may exceed my word limit rule... this may require me to merge chapters together and re publish the fic Chapter 14: Secrets of Beast BoyCHAPTER FOURTEEN Terra and Jerome appeared in stark white realm of misty and clouds. “Where are we?” she asked. “I’m not one of them angels that takes you back in time…” replied Jerome “I let you view it all right here.” he tapped his heels again, and a large screen popped out of the ground. “Our journey begins here.” At the very time, the Titans were shown the exact images on the computers. Garfield Mark Logan… When he was only five years old, he was bitten by a green monkey whilst in the amazon with his scientologist parents. The boy became deathly ill, and his parents decided the only way to save him was to use an untested serum obtained from the amazon. While the serum did cure him, some unintended side-effects mutated him, which was how he became the green, pointy-eared, animal-morpher he was today. “Yo, we know all that already. We learned it from the Doom Patrol.” said Cyborg. “Oh really…?” one of the computers asked sarcastically, “Did you also know that from then on, his entire life was shaped by hardship, tragedy and heartbreak?” The Titans had often contemplated that, as it was usual for a hero to have a hard life. “How bad could he have had it?” asked Robin, “Just watch.” another computer said. Shortly after his mutation, Garfield’s parents were killed in a boating accident during a flood; an accident he believed he could have saved them from. Terra couldn’t believe what she had just seen. “That’s so awful.” “Yep…” agreed Jerome “Bad enough he barely got to even know his folks, but it really can haunt you if you believe you could’ve saved them, but you didn’t.” Terra continued to watch as little Garfield’s foster mother took him to raise and look after him, only to be killed shortly after in a tank battle, and the poor kid was apprehended by two thieves who mistreated him, beat him, worked him hard… and their boss, Nicholas Galtry, he hated the kid so much that he opted to kill him, also to collect the inheritance money. …Little Garfield was worth a small fortune because of his powers. Terra held her hand to her mouth. Starfire did the same thing, she only remembered how she was beaten in slave labour, but she never believed Beast Boy knew what it felt like. “How could someone treat a boy so young and innocent so poorly?” she cried. Robin was reminded of how Bruce Wayne was hard to him, but he wasn’t quite sure now if what he suffered was equal to, or half of what Beast Boy was suffering in the images. “Look…” Robin suddenly said “It’s the Doom Patrol.” “That’s right…” said a computer “They came in a saved him, adopted him you may say and helped him join the crew and taught him how to focus his powers. Then… Da-da-da-dum… Beast Boy is born… but his spirit, that was another story.” The Titans had a good feeling they knew what the computer meant by that, and indeed… Mento’s harshness, stubbornness, even When Beast Boy thought he did the right thing by saving his teammates, consequently letting the bad guys get away… Mento really let him have it! (0:54) Terra never saw anything like it. “He saves the teams life and he scolds him?” Jerome nodded, “Some father figure, huh? If he as my dad, I’d probably push him down the stairs. And even though Elasti-Girl treated him like a loving mother, she had to stay loyal to her husband and not question him much.” Mento only seemed to care for Beast Boy when his talents and skills were needed, and after that, he cast him aside. Finally fed up with all the negligence and disrespect, Beast Boy ran away from the Doom Patrol and struck out on his own. He tried to make a new life for himself, but people just kept pushing him away, disgusted that he was green. Even when he took a simple drink from a water-fountain, everyone just stopped and looked at him like he was contaminating it or something! “Well, he is green…” Raven pointed out “Anyone would react that way; if they just got to know him better.” “Really?” snapped a computer “Well that may be, but… are they actually giving him a chance?” “…Point taken.” Next the computers showed how when Beast Boy met the Titans, and decided to form a team with them-- A new family, a new home, but most of all a chance to start over and try to at least forget his past. “Well it can’t be that hard to forget your past.” said Robin. “Truly, the past is long and gone with and a bright future is ahead.” added Starfire. “The past may be gone, but the memories would always remain.” said a computer “No matter how hard you try; memories can never really disappear, and neither can the dark emotions that emit from them.” (0:33) That’s how and when Beast Boy decided to assumed a role as a comic relief-- telling bad jokes, getting in mischief and all that stuff, and it was rather annoying and somewhat irritating to the others, he did it all as means of hiding behind a mask… trying to supress the deep inner pain he felt from all his hardships and tragedies. He didn’t dare let the Titans know, not wanting them to get involved in his problems, plus, he didn’t feel they could actually help him… nor would they be sympathetic enough. “What? Of course we’d be sympathetic.” protested Starfire. “Would you…?” the computer asked in a snarky tone, and all the computers showed them all the bad footage of all the times they talked down to him, made fun of him, gave him a rough time, Raven even smacked him several times in Tokyo. “Real sympathetic.” the computers mocked. “This ain’t fair…” grumbled Cyborg “We had some good times with him.” “Uh-huh… SOME being the operative word.” the computer replied. Even the computers couldn’t deny it and viewed all the good times, but there were much more bad times than good ones. “All he wants to do is try and fit in, really feel special, even make you all laugh a little to make to all a little happy in sad times. While he may not be the smartest and brightest tool in the shed, he did have heart, and a soul, and at least he could be there for you and tried his best… and THIS is how you repay him?” More bad images were shown of the Titans being mean, pushy, inconsiderate; and even Raven, whacking him upside the head even when he wasn’t being funny and had a good idea for once. “You think YOU have emotion problems, Raven…” one of the computers taunted. Now the titans were starting to feel ashamed. “I guess… maybe we can be a little hard sometimes.” said Robin. The others didn’t feel that the word “Little” was quite the right amount. Terra could hardly keep up with this anymore, and it finally sank in… that this was the “Other stuff” Beast Boy wouldn’t talk about whenever they bumped into each other. “Oh, no!” she peeped. “Oh, yes…” said Jerome “It’s time to view that stuff.” Terra desperately did not wish to view the next footage, knowing fully well what was coming. She tried to walk away but only ended up coming right back to the same place where she was, like being in endless loop. “Sorry, you’re not gettin’ out that easy.” said Jerome. “This is my world, you’re not getting’ outta’ here unless I let you out.” He tapped his heels to start the footage, but Terra shut her eyes tight and covered her ears hoping not to see or hear anything, but even then Jerome made her see it and hear it anyway. “Ya gotta face the music, girl.” The footage was of the day Terra met the titans for the first time. The day her and Beast Boy’s romance was set in motion. The day they met, and her powers were unstable, yet he believed in her and did his best to help her build confidence, but then she ran out on him, mistakenly believing he betrayed her trust in telling the others about her problems with her powers. Then she came back to be a real Teen Titan, and it was very obvious she and Beast Boy were really getting tight, especially when he made her that special gift… (0:40-0:55) They even went out on a date… …their first and only, but it really looked and felt so wonderful. They were pretty much a match made in heaven. Both understood one another, both knew how it felt to be alone at times, but most importantly, being with each other meant trust; something Beast Boy never though he could share this way with another person. Perhaps Terra was the answer to all his woes, and that the angels above were finally compensating each other for their years of torment and suffering. Unfortunately, her involvement with Slade was revealed, and they began to drift apart, and she eventually resurfaced, now fully loyal to Slade and attacked the Titans, but Beast Boy, regretting his earlier rejection of Terra, hated seeing her like this. Knowing she was just lost, alone, manipulated by Slade… there was good in her. After all that had happened he was STILL willing to forgive her, overlook all her wrong doings. “You were the best friend… I ever had!” She sacrificed herself by turning to stone to stop the city from being boiled in lava, which really shattered Beast Boy’s spirits, but in all that time, he never stopped thinking of her and still had hope that one day she would return, and they could be happy together. Every so often he would visit her statue and pray that she’d be alright one day… even singing to her statute. (0:42) Tears were cascading down Terra’s face. “Beast Boy…” she peeped ever so softly. Jerome sighed softly, he was a little too macho and smooth, but he did feel for that touching moment. “That’s the real feeling.” he said “If that ain’t real love, I don’t know what is.” Terra knew Beast boy really cared for her, but as if for the first time, it was undeniable, and after everything she had just seen and remembered the better things he did for her… “I guess… I think I--” Jerome looked at her “You think? You guess…? Nah, deep down, you always felt the same way about him, and that’s something that no one can really try to shut out.” Terra clutched her chest in her hands, and she felt the warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time returning to her. She wasn’t being brainwashed, forced, or obligated against her will… it was her real feelings finally being recognized and undeniable. “…I love him.” Jerome smiled weakly at her. As an angel, he knew she was being fully honest. This only made him feel regretful for what he was about to do, but it had to be shown. He tapped his heels and the footage was shown of… the Things Change episode, which snapped Terra into the reality of things. The titans were being shown the same episode… especially to the part where Beast Boy saw HER… One-by-One, each of the Titans exclaimed in shock and astonishment. Robin: “Terra…?!” Starfire: “Oh my…!” Cyborg: “No way!” Raven: “It’s really her!” The computers said nothing, and just continued to show images of how Terra faked having amnesia, and pretended not to remember Beast Boy, their past, all the good times they had. All this because she wanted to forget her past… ALL OF IT! She wanted nothing to do with Beast Boy, the Titans, and just wanted to settle for a normal life. As much as that was understandable… the final scenes were shown… “You’re my friend! You’re a Teen Titan!” “You’re wrong!” “Why can’t things just go back to the way they were? You were so happy then.” “Things were never the way you remember. Now just leave me alone!” “Things Change, Beast Boy. The girl you want me to be is just a memory.” Right there, at that moment… whatever remained of his already dying hopes were totally destroyed; most likely beyond repair! Even his mask of laughter had completely shattered, forcing him to embrace the horror, and realize who he really was… …Nothing more than a grieving loser, destined to always lose those he loved, either by death, or alienation. No matter what he did, no matter where he went... it was always the same for him. Perhaps if it were only one or two things, it could had been different, but all this... this was all way too much. The Titans were positively speechless. Starfire had tears in her eyes, feeling for Beast Boy’s pain as if for the very first time. Beast Boy respected her wishes, and left Terra in peace to lead her own future… but at a terrible price for himself. “After all he had been through, through all he had suffered and lost; he really did not deserve that... Did he?” said a computer. “I’m surprised he was still alive after that.” added another “Anyone else would have likely done themselves in long ago.” (0:19) “And how did any of you treat his grievance?” asked the final computer. (Play this after the previous song) The Titans felt their hearts each skip a beat as they remembered; though some of them tried to be sympathetic, all they ended up saying were the wrong things. Robin: “You need to put it behind you.” Starfire: “I understand this girl whom resembles our Terra has hurt you, but it will be better in time. You will see, for the sea is bountiful with many other fish.” Cyborg: “I just wanna help ya get better.” Raven: “Change can be good and good can come from it… for everyone. It’s just a thing we all have to accept, embrace who we are, and maybe even be thankful for it.” Though their intentions were pure and understandable, just like Terra… the way they handled it was neither inspiring nor helpful… Especially Raven for trying to force herself onto him, and then giving him the cold shoulder when he gave her a legitimate reason why he was not interested. "Some friends you turned out to be..." sneered a computer "You claimed to have been trying to help him, when in fact all you ever did was show just how inconsiderate, incompetent, and intolerable you really are!" Each blow made the Titans feel like they were being slapped in face with shame, and it seemed well-deserved as they veiwed the next scenes. Scenes of the team growing less sympathetic and more harsh by trying to force him to accept the way things were and move on, and even giving him more grief for his flaws in battle due to his weariness. No one in the city was appreciative of Beast Boy either, as they all seemed to prefer the other Titans to him… like those children with their action figures, and especially Terra’s friends who bullied, insulted and even harmed him. All this, combined with all trauma he had suffered in his past, and finally topping it all off with the Titans taking apart Terra’s room, again, to force him to move on, and destroying the heart-shaped mirror box. It was no wonder Beast Boy couldn’t even try to get over things and move on. How could he? What did he exactly have to move on to? Nothing but unsympathetic and aggressive teammates, a city/world that disrespected him, a girl he loved who no longer wanted him. It was just the same stuff, over, and over, and over again… He had pretty much no place to go now, no one he could trust. the Titans were no-longer trust-worthy. the city and the rest of the world were full unfair disrespect for him, and the Doom Patrol... even though it seemed Beast Boy made up with Mento, it wasn't good enough. Mento, was always the big pushy gorilla, and nothing more. Beast Boy would never want to run back to that "Slime-ball". (Skip to 3:50) The last images were of Beast Boy all by himself in the darkness, feeling hurt, betrayed, lost… and above all things… alone! …That was all! There was no more footage to be played. All the Titans wanted were answers to why he left, and they got them. They were not shown anything else that happened beyond that. Author's Note Can't exceed my word limit, so I have to stop the chapter here. Then again, what comes next is a different matter. But this is pretty much part of my reasons for not liking MLP. Friendship Can't save you out of this one, if anything it only makes it worse! and As I mentioned right at the start... All this, plus MLP is really pissing me off cuz I hate what happened and can't put it behind me. So I'm making this for a little steam blowing, and it's actually working... I've been sleeping a little better... ...But it will not last Chapter 15: At a lossCHAPTER FIFTEEN Beast Boy’s insides really ached as he finished his story, and he trying to hold in with all he had not to shed a tear or cry again. “That’s why I can’t stand changes. Every time life changed, it always affected me in the worst possible way.” He sighed softly, “And friendship could never really make it better… only worse.” The others were positively heart-struck, and Cadance knew, with the aid of her magic, that Beast Boy’s heart was speaking the total truth. Beast Boy continued to hold in his pain as much as he could, but it was Rainbow who burst out crying softly but hysterically. “Oh, you poor, poor thing…” cried Fluttershy as she comforted Beast Boy. She began to cry softly. This made Rarity break into tears as well. “I can’t bear to see Fluttershy… cry!” “It’s just… heart-wrenching!” sobbed Pinkie, and they walked over to huddle around Beast Boy, whom remained silent, still, and with a spiritless look on his face. Applejack, she didn’t shed any tears, but she did feel awful for Beast Boy. “That’s like an apple with a mighty big worm inside it.” she said. “I… I never thought someone could possibly have it so bad.” said Twilight “No wonder he doesn’t want to go back. It’s like he hasn’t really anything to go back to.” “I can’t say I blame him.” said Spike “I don’t think even I’d want to go back if I were him.” Beast Boy then asked to be excused, “I’d like to get some fresh air.” “Okay, you go ahead.” said Twilight “And Beast Boy…” He stopped to face her. “…Don’t worry, if you don’t want to go back, even for a long time. You don’t have to.” The others nodded. “You can trust us…” Cadance said. As thankful as Beast Boy felt and wished he could show it more, he simply said “That’s what they all said.” Then he was gone. Shining Armor sighed, “I’ve never seen anyone so down in the dumps before. There’s got to be something we can do for him.” None of the others had a clue, not even Twilight. She felt that it would take a lot more than just simple friendship to sort all this out. Even Cadance decided not to try using her love magic on him, feeling it was neither the right time nor the right thing to do-- forcing a guy to see the brighter side of things, especially through magic. It would make her hardly any different from the Titans.” Speaking of the Titans, they were ready to beat themselves silly for being so hard on Beast Boy, now that they knew the full and complete story about him. “It’s no wonder Beast Boy ran out on us.” said Robin. The others all felt so ashamed they could hardly speak. Beast Boy really did have it hard. While true, they all had their own hardships, the fact remained that they were able to overcome most of their obstacles and move on to better lives and better futures, while he was still struggling in the dark, and THEY were only making things worse with all their pressuring and bad attitudes. Some people acting like He was undeserving of the Titans... but now it was clearly more like THEY were not deserving of him. “So now you know.” said the first computer. “It looks like our job here is complete.” “What?” snapped Cyborg “You can’t just go? How do we fix all this?” “We only came to give you answers to why Beast Boy fled… and we’ve done that. This is your mess to clean up, not ours.” said another computer, “Besides, I’m not even so sure he would ever want to come back. Why should he?” The Titans could find no argument to that. “Well, good luck… and you’ll need every bit of it.” said the last computer. Then the spiritual forces faded away, and the computers were all normal again. No one said a thing. Jerome brought Terra back to the park. She had seen enough, and she never thought she would ever feel the same again. “Beast Boy…” she peeped. Jerome placed his hand on her back, and she looked up at him. “Some people can get over and move on from their problems, but some people can’t, especially not when what you’re trying to get over keeps on happening to you, and worse… no one is being truly sympathetic or helpful. …Kinda like you and your “Things Change” stuff. You sacrificed your moral principles for something material for yourself. You lost way more than what you gained.” Terra couldn’t deny it, and didn’t even try to. The way her normal life was going wasn’t exactly what she had in mind-- doing bad in school, having arguments and fallouts with her new friends, and worst of all; always feeling intense guilt and remorse for Beast Boy. The pain only now felt insanely worse now that she had seen all the horrible things Beast Boy had been through and how she only made it really worse by brushing off… especially having regretted it deep down from the start. “What am I going to do?” Terra asked “What can I do?” “I can’t help you with that.” replied Jerome “I was just here to give you answers to why you think Beast Boy would have turned to crime.” “What do you mean “I think” he turned to crime?” Jerome sighed and shook his head. “Look, I gotta’ get goin’, but I can only tell you this much, and it’s the same lesson you just learned from everything I showed you: …Things aren’t always as they seem.” Everything slowly faded in a white flash… …And Terra woke up, realizing she had been asleep the whole time. Though it was debatable if she had dreamed the whole thing; everything felt so real, including her feelings. She knew she was in love with Beast Boy, and that she had made a huge mistake. It could not be just a mere dream, and fates way of showing her the answers she wanted… …At least those answers. “No!” she grumbled to herself as she got up and marched straight over to a garbage can “I’m not going to do this anymore!” She then pulled off her entire school uniform and tossed those clothes into the trash. Mysterious still fully dressed… in her old super hero outfit-- Black shirt with a T. Yellow shorts, brown running boots, and she pulled her big gloves over her hands and fit her goggles across her forehead. She then heard two somebodies gasp behind her; it was the Js. They saw her throw out her uniform and gawked at what she was wearing. At first she felt a little embarrassed, but then she regathered her courage and levitated herself on a flying boulder, which surprised her former friends even more. “Tell the teachers I won’t be in school on Monday.” she called down to them, and then she flew off. The Js were so shocked, that they fainted right over backwards. As for Terra, her first plan, to start rectifying her own errors, was to find Beast Boy and hopefully try to talk to him about all these robberies and maybe work things out. She didn’t feel she was ready to return to Titan’s Tower… not just yet. She only wanted to take it one step at a time. “I’ll search every inch of the city if I have to.” she said to herself. Meanwhile, the Titans were still so distraught from their visions. “What should we do?” Starfire asked. “Well, we could go try to find him and apologize.” suggested Cyborg. “We can’t…” said Robin “At least not right now. We have a thief to track down. Look, I know how you all feel right now, but we can’t simply ignore the city’s troubles.” “Besides, we don’t even know where to start looking.” added Raven “And we don’t know if he’ll even want to talk to us, let alone give us another chance.” “…But I will.” said a familiar voice. The Titans all turned and saw Beast Boy standing at the doorway-- unbeknownst it was actually Changeling making his move to infiltrate the tower. “Beast Boy…?” said Robin. “Friend, you have returned!” added Starfire Changeling acted slyly and made himself seem a bit shy and awkward. “I couldn’t help but overhear everything. I’m glad you finally understand, and… well… I’ve done a lot of thinking. Maybe I haven’t exactly been enlightening either.” “Totally…” Raven said, but she said it to herself not wanting to ruin what looked like would be a great reunion. “So… maybe… we can all try again?” Changeling asked. The others smiled warmly and proudly, “Aw, come here you!” Cyborg said, giving his little pal a big guy hug. Starfire then proceeded to nearly crush him in her own hugs. Robin bopped fists with him, and then it was down to Raven… “Um… well… I… oh, what the heck!” and she hugged him warmly, like that time she did before when he helped her. “Welcome back.” that was all she said. Changeling hugged her back softly while sinisterly thinking “Ooh, this feels wonderful, and soon things will get even deeper between you and me, my sweet.” Chapter 16: Busted!CHAPTER SIXTEEN The titans all decided to head out for pizza to celebrate Beast Boy had returned. When the waitress came by to take their order Beast boy ordered, “The mega meaty mountain-load, if you please.” The Titans all gawked at him. “Beast Boy, that pizza’s loaded with meat.” said Robin. “Yes, I know that.” “But you’re a vegetarian.” Changeling realized he was slipping already. There were still a few things about Beast Boy he didn’t know, but he covered up for it quickly… “…Eh, out with the old, in with the new. I mean Things do Change after all.” The Titans gawks grew wider, but then Cyborg felt cool with it. “Well, at least you’re tryin’ something new. Good call, man.” He gave him a small shoulder bop, which almost rather aggravated him… …but Changeling took it with humour, not wanting to slip his cover. When the pizza came, he practically gorged at it. He hardly left a single bit of meat behind. “Delightful.” he said. “Oh, Beast Boy; you do not know how delighted we are that you have decided to return to us.” said Starfire “There is so much of the catching up we must do.” “And speaking of which…” Robin cut in “…Beast Boy, we know about you and Terra now--about what happened and all that.” Everyone fell silent, even Changeling as he kept up with his act, and before the other Titans could say a thing, “Let her go.” Changeling simply said which surprised the others yet again. “If she wants to live a normal life, that’s fine. There’s nothing I can do to convince her anyway.” “Okay, who are you and what have you done with Beast Boy?” Raven asked in a rhetorical term. Changeling snickered in his mind, but still didn’t blow his cover by saying, “It’ll be alright… I’m sure I can get over it, with all of you helping me now.” And he silently thought as he gazed at Raven, “Especially seeing as that girl means nothing to me. It’s YOU that I want, pretty Raven.” None of the Titans or Changeling knew that Terra had been combing the city all evening. She was now sitting atop a tall building to give her powers a much needed rest. So far, there hadn’t been many more robberies-- mainly due to the fact that all the banks and stores and other places had already suffered, leaving them virtually emptied out. The banks were even facing bankruptcy and foreclosure due to the officials not sending for more shipments; worried that even they would be robbed by the elusive thief. At the rate things were going, all of Jump City was facing serious foreclosure, almost to the point where people were willing to just abandon their properties and find work and homes in other towns… though it would be easier had they the assets for it. “I’ve got to find Beast Boy.” Terra said to herself, “Where could he be?” Suddenly, she could see the Pizza-Place a few blocks away, and she was most certain that she could see the Titans eating on the upper patio… WITH Beast Boy?! She pulled out a miniature telescope from one of the pouches on her belt and looked through it. She could see it plainly; Beast Boy was with the Titans, and all they all seemed to be having a good time as if nothing was wrong anymore. She hadn’t seen him smile in such a long time. Usually he was all grumpy, or down in the dumps over all the changes in the city, yet that look on his face was undeniable. Also, it deeply concerned her. The Titans didn’t seem have the faintest idea that he was the thief who had been robbing the city. She really wanted to go down there and warn the Titans, but still didn’t feel if whether or not she could face them just yet, not to mention Beast Boy, what would the Titans actually think when they found out…! “What am I thinking, of course I know how they’ll react.” She could just picture it; the Titans being more shocked than ever before, and with no definite excuse they would most likely turn on him like a pack of wolves… and worse, they probably still weren’t aware that Beast Boy was, somehow, capable of magic! She didn’t want to begin to think how rough it could be if the Titans tried to fight him like they did the other night when he robbed the bank. Suddenly, she noticed the team leaving, having already paid their bill, obviously heading back for the tower in the T-Car. She began to devise a plan, and silently followed the T-Car, but kept well out of sight so as not to be seen. It was nearly dark by the time the Titans got home. Changeling was escorted to Beast Boy’s room upon arriving back at the tower. He was rather appalled and disturbed by how messy it was. “We had kept it exactly as it was when you had left.” said Starfire. “Yes… I see…” he muttered softly, trying to hide his disgust. “Oh, and before I forget…” said Robin and he explained to him about the thief they were trying to capture, “We’re going to make up a plan to find him and get him, but we’ll need your help. So just… stay on standby.” “Sure, I’ll do that.” Changeling said, but then he thought to himself, “These fools don’t suspect a thing.” The Titans bid him goodnight and all went off. Changeling decided that he couldn’t stay here while the room was such a mess and smelled so stale. He reached in under his turtleneck and pulled out his amulet to magically clean the place up in an instant. There was a knock at the door, and he quickly stashed the amulet away. “Beast Boy…” Raven called. Hearing her voice made him shiver with slight delight, though he was rather annoyed from being nearly caught. “Yes…” he called back without opening the door. “Look… um… I’m just really your back okay and I… well… I’m sorry for how I acted before… when I tried to move in on you…” Hearing that, Changeling’s insides were leaping with giddiness, but he still played it cool. “Thank you, Raven. Believe I understand.” Outside his door, she was smiling lovingly, but of course, remembering what she had learned from the computer visions, she didn’t think it really right to even try to move in on him, especially remembering what he said to her that night… not being his type. Then she walked down the hall, off to her own room. While Changeling, now finally unobserved, used his magic to clean and re-freshen the entire room. “Ah, that’s more like It.” he said to himself, “I don’t how these humans can live in such conditions.” None of this seemed to matter to him too much now, especially since he knew Raven had feelings for Beast Boy. “This will make it all the more easier for me.” he said under his breath, and he began to fantasize of himself and Raven in a romantic scene… …Or rather his own lustful, greedy scene. There he was, sitting on a mountain stolen treasure, wearing expensive gold and silver robes, and Raven, dressed in dark blue harem costume, massaging his bare-feet. “It sure feels wonderful being the richest, most powerful being in all dimensions.” he would say. Raven would gaze at him and say, “Oh, darling. Is there anything I can get for you?” “Yes… you can come a little closer.” She would act flattered, and softly move closer and closer towards him and whisper seductively into his ear “You… complete me!” They shared a deep, romantic embrace as the fantasy faded. Changeling had a dopey look on his face, dazed with the very delight that all that would happen. This suddenly reminded him that he should slip out and check on his treasure to make sure it was safe, but he decided to wait until it was very, very late when all the titans would be asleep. That night, at about half past One, he decided to head out, but he slunk about to make sure none of the Titans were awake, and sure enough, the Tower was so quiet would you hear a fly cough. The last place he checked was the lounge, and certainly no one was there. He was just about ready to reach for his amulet and teleport away, when a shadow loomed over him-- something was blocking the moonlight through the window. He turned round and saw Terra standing outside the window on a floating rock. “That girl again…!” he grumbled softly. He also noted how she was dressed and floating on a rock. “It looks like she’s turned an old leaf, but what brings her here?” he wondered. She motioned for him to come outside and onto the roof. Changeling was very annoyed, but he complied and he raced to the roof where he found here there waiting for him. “What do you want, now?” he asked rather sternly. “We need to talk.” replied Terra “Beast Boy, this may sound crazy… but I know…” she paused “I know what you’ve been through.” “Oh, you do…?” She nodded softly, “Look, I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I’ve come to realize… I just can’t do this anymore. Not to me, not to you, not everyone.” There was a small moment of silence. “Beast Boy, I know why I did was really dumb, but… I… I want to help make things right, and I want to help you.” He seemed rather uninterested and just kept gazing at her with folded arms and a cold stare. “Beast Boy, I’m going to level with you.” she paused, and she actually looked around despite there was no one around to hear. “…I know you’re the thief whose been robbing the town.” He gasped softly, and his eyes widened. Now he felt concerned, and he would have tried to deny it but she told him “I saw you. I know what you’ve been doing.” He was starting to quiver nervously but furiously, which more than confirmed Terra’s suspicion. “Beast boy, please… I just want to help. I know you’re upset, but we can make things better.” She began to move towards him softly and gently, but he backed away, snarling softly like a creature ready to pounce. “Beast Boy, please…” Terra begged, but then she noticed a soft glow emitting from under his uniform collar, and his eyes began to glow as well. That’s when she began to feel woozy… and she collapsed. Changeling loomed over her out cold body. “I cannot have any witnesses.” He grumbled as he grabbed her by the legs and dragged her off. Chapter 17: Decisions and DeadlinessCHAPTER SEVENTEEN Earlier in Equestria… Beast Boy went straight back to Fluttershy’s after dark, after spending a while recovering from finally letting out his life story. They had a nice dinner, and just before they went to bed. “Are you going to be okay, Beast Boy?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah, I’ll be okay.” he answered “To be honest; it felt sort of great getting all that off my chest today.” “Okay…” she walked up the small flight of stairs to her bedroom, stopping halfway up “Um… Beast Boy…?” “Hmm…?” She was trembling, and blushing “Um… well… I…” she stammered, and then she finally managed to say “I know it’s hard for you, but… believe me when I say… you can trust me.” Her voice sounded so sweet, so innocent, and honest… just like many others who promised him that and all ended up turning on him. Yet, he at least found courage to say “I’ll try… I really will.” She felt less nervous now and continued all the way to her room, but Angel was no impressed, and gave her a straight look while tapping his foot as if he was trying to ask “…Is that all you had to say?” She blushed again, and rubbed her hoof through her mane. “I can’t tell him, Angel.” She whispered softly not wanting to be overheard “I’m not even really sure if I really like him that way, or if he really likes me that way. He’s only been here for half a week.” Angel rolled his eyes, as if to say “You’re hopeless.” but he just walked off to his bed basket. Fluttershy hung her head in shame and embarrassment, and she wondered what Beast Boy was thinking. As he lay on the couch, he was continuing to contemplate over things. He still wasn’t exactly too keen on going back to his own world, and after being in Equestria for almost a week, he did find it all so fascinating… despite he had a really rotten beginning when he confused for Changeling and nearly sentenced away. Then again it wasn’t really so bad here. Everyone was trying to be nice, and he was starting to fit in well, despite there being no video games, arcades, but there were skate parks, theaters, and even burgers and pizza. “What’s happening to me?” he thought “It’s like I’m actually changing, or willing to accept new things. Almost like I could stay here… like, permanent?” He thought it a really crazy idea, but then again it did look to have promises, and he was still convinced going back wouldn’t be a smart move and that no one would actually miss him. There was a lot he could learn and discover about Equestria and the creatures in it. Twilight could probably even hep him learn to control his unicorn magic, and Fluttershy… …She was still the kindest, sweetest creature he had ever known. Thinking that made him fantasize about her again, and what his life would be like if they really stayed… He thought it all with a song I lived a hard life, and I and began to see That life’s not worth living, at least not for me But suddenly now, I may have one more chance, to fix up my life, and try a romance. My dear Fluttershy, I can’t help think this way, But you’ve helped me feel better more and more each day It’s clear that our feelings are starting to grow It could be a sign that both of us know He imagined they actually went on dates-- dinner, dancing, and of course simple things like theme parks, the movies or just staying in and watching the stars in the sky-- and naturally they would gaze into each other’s eyes, and they would share a kiss…! In a white flash, he then pictured them both of them, just married, under a shower of rice and flower petals, and all the others wishing them the best of luck, and then flash forwarded to a family life of they and their little foals. I can picture a marriage, for me and for you I picture a family with our kids too We’d all be happy; we’d all be so tight For the first time in my life, things would be right. Who knows, who can tell; it all might just be A new hope, a new life, for you and for… Me. He suddenly snapped out of his fantasy and scolded himself for even thinking like that. “What am I thinking? It’ll just blow up in my face again… it always does.” Unable to figure out what really to do decide, he exhausted himself, and he drifted off to sleep. Terra began to awaken. She still felt a little woozy. She thought she was seeing bright lights at the end of a long dark tunnel, but it was actually the glistening and shimmering of mountains of gold, jewels and other fancy treasures along the walls of a cave with torches and candles lit all around. “Where am I?” she groaned. That’s when she noticed that she was bound up tightly by glowing golden chains. She struggled and pulled to shake them loose. “It’s no use…” a familiar voice called to you “Those are special enchanted chains I conjured. The more you struggle, the tighter they get.” She saw him sitting on a pile of gold bars, staring down at her, and she finally understood they were in the old beach cave, and obviously all that was surrounding them were all the goods and money he had stolen from the city. “Beast Boy…! Why are you doing this?” He waved his finger at her going “Uh-Uh-Uhn…! Things aren’t always as they seem.” he hissed at her. Hearing that made Terra remember what Jerome had told her; “Things aren’t always as they seem.” She looked deeply at his eyes, and he gazed back at her. Though she had looked into his eyes many times, whether he was strangling lovingly or angrily at her, something really felt different. Finally, it all clicked in, and her blood ran cold. “You… you’re not Beast Boy!” He sarcastically applauded her. “Bravo! Here, you win a prize.” He mocked as he flicked a gold coin at her forehead. “Ow!” “Yes, I confess. I am not Beast Boy. It is only an astonishing coincidence that I physically resemble him… with the exception that I cannot morph into animals.” Terra’s features hardened and she demanded answers. “Who are you? Where is Beast Boy?” He snickered at her. “My name is Changeling. I am a master thief from the World of Equestria, and I have done many terrible things in my conquest for riches and power.” He pulled out his amulet explaining how powerful it was, and through its magic he showed Terra parts of his past, as well as taking a short moment to explain about Equestria. Terra thought it was astonishing; a whole world in another dimension inhabited by magical, talking ponies, other creatures. “I come from a long lone line of thieves.” Changeling explained. “My father, his father, and his and all their fathers before them were all thieves. All were equally as skilled, equally as ruthless as I am. Anyone who dared to stand up to us… usually ended up meeting their eternal reward!” There were images shown of many brave ponies standing up to the thieves, all ended up being hurt, or slaughtered, much to Terra’s fear and disgust. “That’s just sick!” she growled. “So, what…!” remarked Changeling “We thieves can’t show too much mercy. That leads to weakening, and that means as soon as people find out what a pansy you are, they can over power, then it’s nothing but work-work-work!” He held up the amulet again, “Generations ago, this was forged by my ancestors. Enchanted with incredible power from the many victims we defeated who dared to stand up to us and failed. For generations it was passed down, but according to my father, my grandfather lost the amulet while being forced to flee from the authorities. With the amulet lost, my family was forced to excel in extreme caution when going about business. Sadly, my grandfather was captured, and locked up until he perished, and my father lost his life during a dangerous heist. He was cornered by the authorities, and would rather have taken his own life than rot in jail. Fortunately, at my age, I was already skilled enough, having learned everything my family taught me, to fend for myself; scavenging for whatever scraps I could find to feed myself while robbing others of their money and goods to sustain me. Then, by a stroke of fate, I found my family’s amulet, on the cart belonging to a traveling merchant, and seeing as it was rightfully my birthright to begin with… I simply took it. With the amulet in my possession, I began to use its magic to take my thieving skills to a whole new level, stealing more and more than I ever had. I became so elusive and slick that many were determined to capture me and claim the reward on my head. It became harder and harder to maintain my style of life, until I had heard of this world and the only entry was in Princess Twilight Sparkle’s castle. So I crept inside and snuck through the portal with her on her last trip here. I avoided capture and found my way to your city where no one would ever find or suspect me, and then I ran into your friend, and I realized he’d be the perfect decoy. So I sent him back to Equestria, where I’m certain the ponies of my world have confused him for me as we do resemble one another. And of course, a criminal like me, the punishment is plain and clear.” The images faded, and Changeling grinned wickedly at Terra, who was wide-eyed with her blood running cold, “You… You mean he’s--?!” “At the very least, locked up for life…” said Changeling “Or worse…” and he dragged his finger across his throat “Either way, you won’t be seeing him ever again, seeing as he isn’t even in this world anymore.” Terra sat frozen with sadness and shock. “No…! Beast Boy…!” she peeped “You can’t be!” “Aww… boo-hoo…” Changeling mocked “Well, look on the Brightside. He’ll never bother you again. Isn’t that what you wanted-- Change, a new life? Oh, but wait… what am I saying, look at you now. You’ve done a lot of thinking, haven’t you? You finally realized what’s more important to you. …Well, too little, too late.” Terra then glared at him furiously, and she tried to use her powers to throw rocks at him… but nothing happened. Changeling chuckled, “Sorry, my dear, but as long as you’re in those chains, I’m afraid your powers are as worthless as your begs and pleas.” She stopped struggling, but her outrage remained, “When the Titans find out who you really are…” “Oh, they will eventually...!” said Changeling “Not that it makes any difference to me. Besides, you’re the only one who knows any of this at the moment, and of course I can’t have that. A blabbermouth would be far too inconvenient for my plans.” He snapped his fingers, and they both teleported to another area inside the cave. “You see, as a thief I prefer to keep things nice and clean. Therefore, I made this little pit in case I’d ever have to deal with intruders or blabbermouths.” Terra took that last one rather offensively, but she suddenly could hear water seeping in as well as waves from the ocean sweeping by, making her realize what was about to happen…! “That’s right…” hissed Changeling, “At the time of night, the hide tides are coming in, and at dawn this part of the cave will flood, and I really don’t think you can swim with both your hands tied behind your back while chained to a pillar!” Terra struggled once more, but she still couldn’t break free, use her powers or pretty much anything. Changeling laughed, “Oh, what I’d give to stay here and watch you perish, but I do have an act to keep up, and a lovely little Raven to bring into my cages.” he licked his lips lustfully, and then he vanished again leaving her all alone with nothing but a couple of lanterns and the sound of the water softly seeping in, and slowly creeping towards her from the mouth of the cave. She tried think all she could of how to get out, but it was hard for her under this much pressure, especially from what she had heard about Beast Boy. She didn’t want to believe he was either locked up for life or on the run, but after everything else… she could believe nearly anything. “Beast Boy!” she cried softly “You can’t be gone! I need you! I need help!” As strange and as nearly improbable as it would be to many; Beast Boy sat up on the couch as if he had actually heard her pleas. “Terra…? No, it can’t be.” He then lay back down, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was definitely up! Chapter 18: Desperate MissionCHAPTER EIGHTEEN Changeling made his way back to Titan’s tower, and he beamed his way in through the window. “So much for her.” He grumbled. “So much for who?” asked Cyborg, his presence startled him. He quickly stowed away his amulet. “You startled me.” Cyborg felt confused, “You know I come out here at 2 am for a late bite.” Changeling felt a near slip coming. “Come to think of it, what are you doin’ up so late?” Changeling, being slick of course; he was able to lie his way out of it so easily. “I… couldn’t sleep too well. So I came out here to stretch my legs. I’m sure I can catch some Zs now. Goodnight.” Then he went off with Cyborg thinking he sounded a bit too slick there, but he brushed it off and continued with his snack-- a big hero sandwich, which he devoured rather quickly. Changeling went back to Beast Boy’s room, “Oh, that was too close.” he peeped softly “I won’t be able to make my move like this. I’ll have to wait until its daylight. Then I’ll have a better chance.” he paused and looked out the window, “As for that meddler, she’ll be submerged by sunrise.” Later, about an hour before dawn, the high tide was coming in faster than ever, and Terra was already up to her chest in water. Very soon it would go past her head and up to the top of the cave, and she couldn’t break free of the chains, no matter how hard she struggled. However, she suddenly felt the pillar she was bound to beginning to shift slightly, due to the water rushing in and eroding the rock. She pulled, and tugged simultaneously and rigorously. The rock became more and more loose with each struggle before crumpling enough for her to break loose, but she was still bound by the chains and the water was still coming in. Even though she found she’d be able to swim while tied up, she couldn’t hope to swim out through the incoming current. Suddenly, she looked up and saw sunlight from the rising sun shining through several cracks in the roof of the cave, indicating the rock was weak. “If could just get up there…” she said to herself, but she ultimately found she could never reach that high, and she would have to wait as the water continued to come in. As the water rose higher, she was able to float up, up, to the roof of the cave until she was close enough for her head to reach the rocks. “Oh, boy…! This is so going to hurt!” she groaned, but she then positioned herself so she was uptight straight, and she sank to the floor, and then spring herself up like a missile, slamming head first into the rock with a CRASH!! Her head really ached and she nearly passed out. However, that single head-butt made the rock started to crack and crumple, making a huge hole in the ceiling. She couldn’t escape, but at least she had created herself a much needed air pocket to ride out the tide. “I’ve still got to get out of here and warn the Titans.” she cried to herself. “Help…!! …HELP!!!” she shouted and cried, but no one was anywhere near to hear her, especially with the roaring waters rushing in. While in Equestria, it was early sunrise, and Beast Boy woke up for the umpteenth time, as if he could hear Terra calling out for help. “Beast Boy…?” Fluttershy called as she came downstairs in her bathrobe “Are you alright? You’ve been groaning in your sleep.” He looked at her with a deep concern, “Fluttershy… I think something’s really wrong. I need to talk with Twilight.” Fluttershy was about to protest that it was much too early in the morning to for that, when suddenly and letter appeared with a soft tingling sound like a small alarm clock, obviously meant to wake them up. Fluttershy grabbed it and read it, “It’s from Twilight…” It read: “Dear Fluttershy and Beast Boy… I know it’s early, but Princess Celestia has asked us all to meet at Rainbow Castle this morning. It concerns the mission to the human world. Please come over as soon as you get this letter. Again, I’m really to wake you up. I wouldn’t if it weren’t so important. : Princess Twilight Sparkle.” The two decided to go over to the castle at once, of course after taking a quick, and rather hilarious rush about to ensure all the animals would be fed when they woke up. (Music plays) They almost ended up feeding the wrong animals the wrong things-- nuts to the chickens, birdseed to the squirrels, even the bear got Angel’s carrot, which Angel promptly grabbed and replaced with a jar of honey. Once that was all done, they went off to the castle. Once there, they found all the others were there waiting for them, even the royal sisters had come. “Good, you’re all here.” said Celestia “Now we can begin.” The sisters announced that after much discussion and thinking it over, “It has been decided, all of you will accompany Princess Twilight sparkle on her mission, to go to the human world to find and capture Changeling, and bring him back to Equestria.” “ALL OF US?!!” the Mane six all cried. “You mean we all get to go to the human world?” asked Applejack. The sisters nodded in reassurance. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were giddy with excitement. “This is AWE-SOME!” cried Rainbow. “Ah! I’m so excited! I can’t wait! When do we go? I’m ready if you are!” spouted Pinkie. Twilight then lifted them up with her magic, telling them to calm down and get a hold of themselves. “This isn’t some holiday getaway!” she reminded them “We’re going after a criminal mastermind.” “Yes…” agreed Rarity “But what I wish to know is, why are we all going?” “We’ve never been to the Human World before. We’ve only heard stories.” added Fluttershy. Princess Luna explained, “We had attempted to contact Sunset Shimmer and inform her of the impending danger, but she does not respond, perhaps it is due to the fact that she has forgotten to take her message book with her on her school trip.” Celestia nodded and added “Because of this, there is no way we can warn her or any of Twilight’s friends of impending danger, and that is why all of you must go…” she paused and cast a look at Beast Boy “And that includes YOU as well, Beast Boy.” Beast Boy almost felt as if she was scolding him, but before he could ask why, Twilight could get the drift of what Celestia was getting on. “If Changeling really is in your home city, we’ll need you there. You know it better than any of us would.” “Twilight Sparkle is right.” agreed Celestia. “We will need your guidance, Beast Boy. I understand how difficult it will be for you, but we are in desperate need of your help.” “Besides, you’re a superhero. That’s what heroes do, right?” added Spike. The others all gazed at Beast Boy, agreeing with what Spike said, and hoping he would realize the full seriousness of it all. Despite his obvious and overwhelming frustration, Beast Boy couldn’t ignore those cries from Terra he was certain he heard, and seeing as the others were really depending on him… as well as Fluttershy-- one look at her eyes… “Alright… I’ll do it!” The others smiled proudly at him, though Fluttershy more lovingly at him. “I guess I’m still just a big softie.” Beast Boy thought to himself. He was hoping dearly that he wasn’t regretting this decision; not that he was actually given a real decision anyway! “When do we leave?” asked Twilight. “Immediately.” replied Celestia, “But before you all go, Princess Luna and I have something for you six ponies.” The Mane six gathered around and the two sisters combined their magic to bring forth a small stylish box, which Rarity took an instant liking too, but inside the box, the ponies were mesmerized by what they saw. “The Elements of Harmony!” cried Twilight. “But how?” asked Applejack “I thought they had to stay with the Tree of Harmony, or bad things would happen.” Celestia assured them all, “The Tree of Harmony has more than enough power to sustain the kingdom, and this situation calls for drastic measures.” Princess Luna added, “We believe the Elements of Harmony may be essential to helping defeat the power of the amulet Changeling wields. We aren’t fully certain, but you must take them with you.” Heeding the advice of the sisters, each pony took their respective element, which magically transformed into the five necklaces and Twilight’s old crown. “It feels so cool to be wearing this again.” said Pinkie. Rarity admired her reflection in her elemental jewel. “Oh, it’s been such a wong time. Hasn’t it…” she cooed as if she were addressing a baby. Spike and Beast Boy felt a little left out, not receiving anything special. Though Beast Boy had nothing really to complain or sulk over, since he would be his old self again and regain his animal powers. Soon, everyone gathered in the library where the Mirror Portal was charged up and ready to take them all to the human world. Rainbow Dash was so excited she could barely contain herself. “Come on, hurry up already!” she whined. “Rainbow, I need to concentrate!” sneered Twilight “I have to make sure everything is just fine with the teleporter, or who knows where we may end up.” Fluttershy felt her legs quaking more than ever before, but Beast Boy placed his hoof on her back, comforting her, though he himself had no idea what exactly how things were about to go, he smiled lovingly at her. The portal started to glow, “We’re ready…” said Twilight “Are you all ready?” All her friends nodded bravely. “Good luck to you all.” Celestia said as she bowed to her subjects, Luna bowed as well sharring her sisters blessing on everyone, and they all bowed back to the sisters before all dashing at the mirror and warping to the Human World. “I really hope we have made the right choice, sister.” said Luna. Celestia sighed softly, “I hope so too, but just the same… there’s no telling what sort of evil magic that creature is capable of!” Chapter 19: Bungling BlundersAuthor's Note It would be a whole lot easier if this were my Starfleet Series, at least there I gave Canterlot High and it's home city an ACTUAL LOCATION, but we don't know it's actual location in the EQG VERSE, so I had to cut corners and leave blanks Chapter 19: Bungling Blunders CHAPTER NINETEEN The friends emerged in the front yard of Canterlot High in the human world, just outside the broken statue, but at least the gate still worked. The school was empty as it only an hour after dawn. Nobody was around to see what was happening. Beast Boy felt relieved to be in his human form again, but he was still down on all fours. Spike, now a dog, told him, “I know it feels weird, just shake it off.” After a few moments, Beast Boy found his strength again and could stand upright, though he still felt a little wobbly. “Dude, what a ride!” he exclaimed. Then he turned round and saw all the ponies… in their human forms, and except for Twilight, all the girls admired their new shapes. “Well I’ll be a…” remarked Applejack as she admired her hands and fingers. Pinkie Pie checked behind herself looking for her tail, but she couldn’t find it and ended up spinning round in dizzy circles. Rarity admired her clothes as she gazed at her reflection in the polished base of the statue. “Oh, my stars!” she cried “I’ve never seen anything so exquisite.” Spike admired how beautiful Rarity looked, even though he had seen her human shape before… or rather the other Rarity. “Whoa… this is so cool!” Rainbow exclaimed a she back flipped, karate kicked, and walked on her hands. Then there was Fluttershy, she finally came out from behind the statue, working up the nerves to be seen, and Beast Boy… he was almost completely mesmerized by how pretty she looked in human form. He held out his hand to her, “It’s okay, Fluttershy… come on.” She gazed at him nervously, almost barely recognizing him, though he did tell her about his mutated human body. Still, she managed to work up enough courage and placed her hand in his, and they looked into each other’s eyes. “Whoa… she is so hot.” he thought silently. His pointy ears tweeked softly, and Fluttershy giggled softly. The others all thought it was very sweet, but Twilight reminded them all, “We’re here on a mission. We better get going.” They all walked down the street. “So, this here’s the human world?” asked Applejack “It’s almost like Equestria, only… a little stranger.” “We can go exploring later.” said Twilight “Right now we have to find a way to get to Jump City.” The others all agreed, and then cast their looks at Beast Boy, but he just gave them a confused blink. “You… don’t know the way?” Rainbow asked in annoyance. “Give me a break! I was unconscious when I was teleported to your world. I don’t know which way I came or how far it was. If anything, I thought Twilight would know what part of the world this is.” Twilight felt embarrassed, “Um, actually… all my adventures in this world happened at the school. I’ve never explored anyplace else.” “In other words, you have no clue either.” said Rarity. Twilight shook her head sheepishly, and everyone groaned in annoyance. “What were we thinking; coming here without an actual plan?” moaned Spike. Beast Boy had an idea, “Can’t you use those… Elemental… Harmonize… whatever they are to show us where we are?” “Okay, first of all: It’s “The Elements of Harmony” said Twilight “And no, they. They can only show us a map of Equestria, not this world.” “Hey, that’s it!” cried Pinkie “We could just get a map from someone.” “And just where are we supposed to find someone with a map at a time like this?” asked Rainbow. Suddenly, they all could hear someone walking down the street, the mail carrier on his early morning route to pick up from sidewalk mailboxes. If anyone would know he would. “Excuse us…” Twilight asked, and the mailman almost recognized her immediately “Hey, Twilight Sparkle. What are you doing out here so early? Come to think of it, where are your glasses?” The others were confused, but Spike and Twilight already figured the mailman was referring to Twilight’s actual human counterpart. “Ah, well… now’s as good at time as any.” the man said as he handed her a letter “It’s another request from the research center in Jump City. They must really want you to come and work with them.” Hearing those words, and seeing their chance, Twilight took the envelope, “Thank you.” she said. The man tipped his hat, and then he dropped off his mail and walked off on his route. “Twilight, you shouldn’t have taken that.” said Rarity. “Well, technically it is addressed to her.” said Spike. Even Twilight herself knew this wasn’t really right to do, but they were desperate for an address and location, and thanks to the printing on the envelope, they now knew they were in California, but still a long ways from Jump City, about eight-hundred miles North. “Um… does anyone happen to know how we’re going to get there?” asked Fluttershy. Everyone groaned and smacked their foreheads in dismay. Beast Boy then looked at Twilight as if to ask, but she immediately answered “No, the elements can’t transport us.” Beast Boy sighed “I can change into birds, but even with my biggest and best flyers… there’s no way I can actually carry all of us there.” Once again, the team seemed to be stuck, until Rainbow spotted a poster on a lamppost about an “Air Show” that was taking place later that day. “An air show!” cried Beast Boy as he looked at the poster “With planes and ships, and skydiving events.” And idea began to brew in his head. “What are you thinking?” asked Twilight. “Follow me! We’re going to that air show.” The others were very curious to what he had in mind. Meanwhile, in Jump City… Every early morning, Starfire came up onto the roof to soak in the rays of the morning sun. She sat on a large boulder-- the one that Terra had used to scale the tower in the night-- and she drowsed happily as sun rose and the warmth of the rays hit her. Suddenly, she realized the rock. “Strange. I remember no rock being on the roof like this.” she said to herself. “Hey, Star…” Robin called “I thought I’d find you up here, and…” he paused “Where did that big rock come from?” “I was just wondering the same thing.” They both then began to wonder the same thing, “Perhaps… it was Terra?” said Starfire. “Well, I doubt it…” said Robin “I mean, from what we saw, she wasn’t keen on ever using her powers again, but… what else would explain how this rock got up here.” They decided they needed to look at the security footage from the tower’s cameras. As they viewed all the footage, Cyborg and Raven came into the lounge, “Mornin’ all.” Cyborg called, but neither Robin nor Starfire even responded. They just sat where they were fixated at the monitors. “O…kay… what’s going on?” asked Raven. No Response! Cyborg and Raven walked over to the monitor to see what they were watching, and what they saw put them in the same fixation: Beast Boy and Terra, on the roof in the night. They also noticed the light from Beast Boy’s neck and in his eyes, and Terra suddenly collapsing. Finally, Beast Boy dragged her away, out of sight from the cameras. “Okay, what was that?” Cyborg asked with a tone of shock in his voice. “Beast Boy, he looked as if he were attacking Terra.” replied Starfire. “We know that, but it doesn’t make sense.” said Raven “Beast Boy can’t use magic… Unless…!” All of them began to feel the same sickening feeling. Before long, Robin was practically pounding on Beast Boy’s door. “Beast Boy?” he called “Beast Boy, we need to talk.” No response! “Come on, man this is serious!” Cyborg called in a deep tone. “Beast Boy, please, we must speak with you.” Starfire added, but in a sweeter and more gentle tone. Raven rolled her eyes, and very quickly spouted “Beast Boy, please! We want to talk to you and this is very important.” Still no response! They all agreed to go inside, and when they slid the door open, their mouths hung open and their eyes widened at the sight of the spotless bedroom. It looked as though an army had cleaned it up, and they always assumed, such a big mess, that’s what it would require! Suddenly, they heard the sound of snickering behind them. They looked toward the door and saw Beast Boy standing there with a smug look on his face. “Now for surprise number two.” He snickered, and holding up a strange amulet, a bright light flashed, and all the Titans fell unconscious. “Like moths to the flame.” Changeling hissed as he loomed over the fallen Titans. He then gazed lustfully at Raven and scooped her up in his arms, and he actually took in a huge whiff of her neck, “Mmm…!” he sighed “Soon, you’ll be all mine.” He gazed down at the others, already knowing exactly what to do with them. Chapter 20: Come Fly with meSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 21: It's all Mine!Author's Note It's a lot easier when I make BB the main antagonist of these fics instead of someone else. Then the fic is a lot easier and much-much shorter! Oh, well... as long as my proper protocol is carried out, I suppose it's alright. Chapter 21: It's all Mine! CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE The Titans began to awaken to find themselves in the basement, bounded by magical chains. Starfire could not use her powers, and Cyborg and Robin couldn’t reach any of their gadgets. “What’s going on?” asked Robin. “Last thing I remember, BB zapped us with some stone, and the next thing I wind up in here.” said Cyborg. Starfire tried all she could, but she couldn’t break free of the magical bindings. Then she looked and noticed “Raven? Where is Raven?” “Your friend is safe, for the moment…” called a voice, “But I’m afraid you won’t be so fortunate.” “Beast Boy?!” cried Starfire. Robin’s features hardened. “Yo’ man, what is with you?” added Cyborg. “Silence!” snarled Changeling, “I can see I’m going to have to explain things all over again, but I’ll make it fast and simple.” He raised his amulet and set himself on fast-forward, like a video, and explained his entire story, and by the time he was finished, the Titan’s ears were smoking, but they were filled with rage. “So you’re the one who’s been robbing the city.” Robin sneered. Changeling sighed in annoyance, “Yes! I believe that is exactly what was implied!” “What are you gonna do to us?” asked Cyborg. “You represent a potential danger to me.” replied Changeling “You know my secrets and I can’t very well have you out there trying to stop me now. I’m afraid I’ll have to dispose of you just like I did with that blonde Earth-moving friend of yours.” “TERRA!!” the others cried. “You… how could you do such a thing?!” cried Starfire “She was our friend! Beast Boy had the feelings for her!” Changeling snickered and mocked “Poor, Starfire, don’t you use your ears for anything besides wearing earrings?” He then leaned in close to her hear and whispered very sinisterly to ensure she was paying attention “Beast Boy and Terra are gone… and they will never come back… ever!” Starfire felt her heart breaking, but Changeling could only laugh. “I must be going now, I have little… friend waiting for me upstairs. As for you three…” he held up his amulet, and it emitted a bright glow. That’s when the room rumbled very softly, and the Titan’s looked up. “The ceiling…!” cried Robin. It was very slowly, but surely coming down upon them like some magical lift. Changeling snickered and mocked “I wonder what Teen Titan pancakes will taste like? Ah, well. I’ll know soon enough. Bye-Bye.” Then he vanished and was gone, leaving the titans to look up fearfully as the ceiling continued to make its way towards them. Meanwhile, Raven was starting to awaken as well. She was not tied up at all, she was lying on her bed, completely unharmed, and wearing a rather elegant blue gown encrusted with sapphire jewels. “Ugh! What’s going on, and what in the world am I wearing?!” “I think you look stunning, my pet.” Raven looked forth. “Beast Boy…?” she remembered how he knocked her and the others out, and she was suddenly able to see it through it all. “You’re not Beast Boy!” Changeling merely nodded, but he didn’t want to have to go through his whole story again. “Now that we’re alone, we can get to know each other better.” Raven didn’t have to be psychic to tell what he was getting at, and he confirmed her fears when he told her, “I’ve just about robbed this entire city clean of its assets and valuables, and I plan to do the same to the next town, and the next one, and the one and so on. I’ll be the single richest being in this world and any dimension of all… and I want you by my side!” He reached out to caress her face, but she rolled off the bed and away from him. “Get real you creep! Like I’d ever want to go for a sleaze like you…!” Undeterred, Changeling actually admired her attitude. “I think I like you even more now.” “That’s it, I’m outta here!” said Raven, and she tried her powers to teleport away, but nothing happened, not even a spark. “Uh-uh-uhn…” Changeling said as he held out his amulet, which he used to nullify her power, “I’m… the only one who uses power here.” Raven dashed for the door, only to find it stuck thanks to Changeling. “But you know, all you have to do is ask of me, and I can give absolutely anything you desire. Power, riches, the world… anything you could possibly want.” “Thanks, but no thanks!” sneered Raven “I’m already content with what I have.” She stopped a moment remembered how Beast Boy had rejected her, but knowing she could never truly win his heart she was willing to be brave about it and put it behind her. Unfortunately, Changeling was able to tell this, “Oh, you poor thing. It must be so hard for you never to experience true love.” Raven’s fury hardened. “And here I offer it to you on platinum plate, and you reject it?” “What you’re offering me isn’t love. Frankly, it sickens me and so do you!” Changeling sighed “Oh, well. I guess we’ll have to do this the hard way. At least I tried.” and he began to creep towards her. Raven tried throwing her things at him-- books, statuettes-- but Changeling just used his powers to stop them harmlessly in midair and kept on coming, until finally he was a few inches away from her, and using his powers to hold her still. “What are you doing to me? Leave me alone!” she groaned. Changeling only looked deeply into her eyes, “Much as I detest this sort of stuff, I’m afraid you left me with no alternative.” With that, his eyes began to glow, casting a deep spelling into Raven’s mind “You’ll see that I can be quite irresistible.” As much as Raven tried to resist, it was no use and suddenly she was completely hypnotized, and her eyes were rather empty looking. Yet she smiled up at him and said “Wherever you go, I go… my love.” Changeling snickered wickedly, “That’s more like It.” and he broke out into a song to celebrate his triumph, and broke into a fantasy with all the treasure surrounding him. I couldn’t be happier than ever before Now I’ve Raven by my side, and soon I’ll have more… He looked at Raven… “Watch this baby, and you’ll adore.” Raven, still spellbound, gazed admiringly at him and he sang his song… To… Own… All treasures is so fine, but simply not enough When it comes to romance and true love, it can’t give me that stuff Now everything is set, all thanks to this amulet Now I’ve got Raven and soon I’ll have way more than you can bet I can proclaim it so loud and clear that everyone will fret… …It’s all… MINE!!! Feeling so giddy, he couldn’t help but do a twinkly little dance, while all Raven could do was gaze lovingly at him as if she were to fall into a daze. Like my forefathers and then, I’ve kept to my thieving way Stealing all that will sustain me now, forever and a day Now everything is set, all thanks to this amulet Now I’ve got Raven and soon I’ll have way more than you can bet I can proclaim it so loud and clear that everyone will fret… …It’s all… MI-I-I-I-I-I-INE!!! The song ended and he laughed maniacally as a thunderstorm began to approach. Chapter 22: Trust!Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 23: Battle Time!Author's Note It may be Christmas Eve... but I don't stop pretty much for ANYTHING. Things Change, MLP, can really tick me off THAT MUCH Chapter 23: Battle Time! CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE The sky was nearly as dark as night. The lightning and thunder were going constantly, and it wouldn’t be long before the rain began to fall. The last bank in town, the only one that hadn’t been robbed was already emptied out of all its assets, and all the staff and security were powerless to stand up to Changeling and his power. “Give my regards to the poor.” Changeling mocked to everyone as he left the bank through the front doors, and naturally he found so many police cars and swat teams armed to the teeth surrounding the bank. “Freeze!” the captain shouted “We have you completely surrounded.” Changeling sighed smugly, and he help up his amulet and sent a magical shockwave at all the officers, knocking them over and disabling their weapons at the same time, even making all their cars explode. Small fires and damages spread out all over the street, and the police and swat-troops were now trembling with fear. Jackie and Jillian were nearby and saw him. Still thinking he was Beast Boy, and wanting revenge for throwing them in that manure truck the other day, Jillian picked up a rock to throw at him. “No, don’t!” Jackie cried, but Jillian already tossed the rock… not that Changeling hadn’t seen, or heard, and used his powers to suddenly halt the rock in midair just inches before, and sent it flying back at naughty girls, bank-shooting them both in their heads. They both collapsed out cold. “Some creatures just never learn!” Changeling grumbled. Then he called out to everyone in the area “Anybody else who wishes to be foolish?” There was a small moment of silence, and someone called out, “We do, but we’re not going to be foolish!” Changeling looked up and saw the Titans standing atop the bank, which already shocked him enough, but three of the Equestria Girls, whom he immediately could tell… “Twilight Sparkle…?! It can’t be!” She glared furiously at him, “It’s time you answered for every horrible thing you’ve done, Changeling!” “Yeah!” growled Rainbow. “Um… yeah…” Fluttershy peeped, weekly. Changeling, as outraged as he was decided to seize the opportunity, “I suppose it will be worth it, defeating you and gaining those precious Elements of Harmony you possess. I’m sure they’re bound to bring me a great fortune and power.” “I am starting to feel the invisible.” grumbled Starfire. The boys felt the same, but they, the girls and Changeling all stood ready to brawl. “Go!” shouted Robin, and they all leapt off the roof, though Fluttershy hesitated, but Rainbow pulled her down. They all then charged at Changeling, but he stood where he was and did nothing at all… Then, a huge wall of black light emerged right in front of him, and the team bounced off it like rubber and ricocheted backwards. “What the--?!” snapped Cyborg, then he and everyone saw standing on another roof, “Raven!” cried Robin “What are you doing?” “Defending my heartthrob, that’s what.” Raven answered, and she gazed loving down at Changeling. “Did she just say “heartthrob?” Rainbow asked in disgust. Even the Titans were confused, but Twilight could see Raven’s empty, and small shimmering in Changeling’s eyes that emitted from Raven’s. “She’s under a spell!” “We must try and break the spell!” cried Starfire. Changeling snickered “I’m afraid that’s easier said than done.” Then he looked up at Raven, “Would you like the honors, my sweet?” Raven fluttered her eyes at him, “I thought you’d never ask.” Then she gazed sharply at the others. “Raven, stop!” cried Robin, but Raven already leapt down from the roof and fired a huge magical zap at the team, forcing them to scatter. “Raven, come on, it’s us!” Cyborg called to her. “It’s no use, she can’t hear you.” cried Twilight. Raven’s eyes and her hands were glowing brightly, or rather darkly as she looked ready for more. As much as Robin didn’t want to fight his friend, he and the others knew they had to at least defend themselves and try to hold her down to try and break the spell. Robin lunged forth to catch Raven and hold her, but she swerved causing him to miss, and the other Titans jumped in, but she skillfully swerved and evaded their every move. Starfire fired her star-bolts around Raven hoping to distract her. It seemed to work, and Starfire got close enough to grab her by the wrists. “Raven, please… we wish to help you!” Raven hissed like a spider and kicked her in the stomach knocking her into Robin, but then Cyborg grabbed her from behind and lifted her up off her feet. “Let me go! Let me go!” she shouted. “Twilight, do you thing, girl!” Cyborg called “Hurry!” Twilight and the girls stood together, and shined their Elements on Raven… “Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Changeling as he held out his amulet, staving off the Elements’ powers, and sent out a magical shockwave the girls were barely able to dodge, and they all rolled along the ground. Raven then used her powers to blow in Cyborg face so he let her go, and she dashed to Changeling’s side. “It’s no use...” cried Twilight “Three elements aren’t powerful enough. We need all six.” Changeling laughed maniacally, “Too bad you didn’t think of that before. Now, it will cost you dearly…!” He held up his amulet to blast them all when suddenly a flying rock came out of nowhere and struck him, “A’rgh! My hand…!” He turned and looked back, and he saw where the rock had come from; Terra stood at the end of the street. “Terra!” cried Robin. Starfire and cyborg could hardly believe it, but it was her. “Long time, no see, Titans.” She said with a smirk. And standing next to her were Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack. “Girls, most excellent timing!” called Rainbow. “Thank goodness you’re all safe.” added Fluttershy. The girls smiled at their friends, and then glared at Changeling. As outraged as he was, he still didn’t feel too discouraged, “You saved me a lot of trouble of hunting you down. Now I can finish you all right here in one easy swoop.” “Do the math, Changeling…” snapped Robin “There’s nine of us and only you and Raven.” “Do we look scared to you?” sneered Raven. “Hmm… I’d say more annoyed than scared.” said Pinkie. “Point is, we’re gonna shut you down for good, ya dirty thief!” snarled Applejack, and all the others nodded in agreement with her. Then, like magic, all six elements began to glow, and the Equestrians seemed to transform, spouting pony ears, tails, Twilight, Rainbow and Fluttershy even got their wings. “Whoa! Now that is one heck of a thing.” murmured Cyborg. “Oh, this ought to be amusing!” snarled Changeling, and with that a huge strike of lightning flashed followed by thunder, and a heavy rain began to fall as the battle began. All the Equestrians all tried to huddle together to combine their powers, Changeling fired another magical blast forcing them to scatter. Then the Titans and Terra lunged for him, punching, kicking, and attempting to get at him with their powers, but he skillfully blocked and evaded their every attack and attacked them back mercilessly, sending them all crashing in different directions. The Titans and the Equestrians all got back up and lunged for him again, only for Changeling run off to attack only some of them at a time. While running, Starfire mercilessly unleashed her star bolts, and Twilight fired magical blasts, and he fired his own blasts back at them. Then they all skidded to a halt, and Changeling lunged at them, giving them both a huge shove sending them sailing backwards and hitting the wall. Cyborg fired his sonic cannon from behind, but Changeling saw and dodged it, which gave Robin the chance to throw his smoke-bomb balls hitting him hard. “Get him!” shouted Robin, but as he Cyborg and Rarity and Pinkie dashed forth, Raven swooped down in front of them, “Azarath… Metrion… ZINTHOS!!” and used her power to send two damaged police cars crashing at them forcing them to leap out of the way. Raven snickered, but she was suddenly levitated up really high on a rock, and Terra came flying in on another rock. “Bet you never thought you’d see me again, huh?” Raven growled, used her own powers to take the rock away from under Terra causing her to fall, but Rainbow Dash swooped in and caught her, and placed her safely on a roof. “You saved me!” “Ah, don’t get all sappy about it.” said Rainbow, then she soared back down to the battle. Changeling brushed the smoke off of him as Rainbow and Applejack lunged at him. Punches and kicks flew; Applejack even got down on all fours for a buck and kicked him hard in the back sending him soaring, tumbling backwards in midair, but Changeling fired a huge beam at them, resulting a small explosion that threw them off their feet. Changeling landed safely on his feet right near Fluttershy, and she was already trembling so frightfully. He simply leaned in softly and let out a tiny little “Boo.” She cowered ever so miserably. “Hey!” Cyborg shouted as he and Robin dashed forth to help, “Pick on someone your own size!” Robin called. “How about easy pickings?!” shouted Changeling, and he blasted at Robin hard, making him collide into Cyborg. Terra and Twilight unleashed a barrage of rocks and magical bolts at him, but Raven popped up and used her magic to repel it all right back at them. “WATCH OUT!!” screamed Twilight as everyone scattered about to avoid getting hit. The team all huddled together and Changeling laughed at them, “Well, I’m waiting…” he mocked at them “When are you going to actually defeat me? Oh, that’s right… YOU CAN’T!” He zapped at them again, nearly knocking them down. “We have to get his amulet!” said Robin. “Right, it’s our only chance.” agreed Twilight. Changeling of course heard them and waved his amulet teasingly in front of them “You want it? Come and get it!” Raven hissed at the team. “Go!” shouted Robin, and everyone lunged forth, then split up to scatter about to come at him from all angles. Unfortunately, it was a struggle just to try and even get near him! Every chance they got, Changeling leapt out of the way, or fought back to stave off their every attempt to get at him. Raven helped him by using her power to throw more cars, lampposts, and boulders their way. Robin managed to sneak through and grabbed at Changeling’s arms engaging in a struggle, but he couldn’t go for the amulet around his neck. “Is that your best?” Changeling sneered and he gave Robin a huge shove, sending him crashing into the others. “Come on, girls…!” cried Twilight, and she and the Equestrians all lined up again to try and combine their powers, “Think again…!” snapped Raven, and she used her power to grab the three flyers of the sky, and bind the others down below in chains of dark light. Starfire and Cyborg rushed at Changeling, but he teleported out of the way causing them to crash hard into a wall. “Oh, so close, yet so far!” he mocked at them. “I think I’ve wasted enough time with all of you…!” He held up his amulet high ready to deliver a final blow to everyone, when suddenly… Spike leapt in from out of nowhere, snatching the amulet and chain in his teeth. “Ah!” cried Changeling as he turned to see Spike land on the ground dropping the amulet. It bounced and rolled along, and stopped right in front of Terra. “No!!” He cried. Terra grinned cheekily, and then grabbed a huge rock and slammed it down hard on the amulet, crushing it to bit-- exploding in a small flash of bright lights. Changeling Screamed in horror as all the magic forces dwindled away. Raven’s eyes flashed as the spell broke. “Huh?” she cried “What’s going on?” With her concentration broken, the Equestrians were released from her power. “Way to go, Spike!” Twilight cried a she hugged him warmly. Rarity planted several kisses on his head, making him faint in a daze. “You too, Terra.” said Robin. “You go girl.” added Cyborg. Terra smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. “We are victorious!” cried Starfire… …but Changeling was laughing loud and so hysterically they thought he had flipped his lid! “Are we missin’ somthin’ here?” asked Applejack. Changeling glared nastily at the team, “You think just because you’ve destroyed my amulet that you actually beat me… well… You Haven’t!!” The others all felt shivers run down their spines. “That amulet isn’t my only source of magic. You forget… I am the greatest, most elusive, most deadly thief in all of Equestria. I was already pulling off great heists and fighting battles long before I found the amulet… all thanks to my own special magic… which is why they call me “Changeling.” With that, he leapt up high in the air and let out a might big SCREAM… and his body was shrouded in and eerie glowing light. “Whatever is happening now?!” cried Rarity. “I think we’re about to find out!” said Robin. Chapter 24: Beast to BeastSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Final Chapter: I'll Miss YouCHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE The storm had eased up a little, it was only raining softly now. The heroes were all exhausted, the streets were a mess, but in the midst of it all, Changeling, back in human form, lay smoldering on the ground, weak, frail, and unable to escape. The heroes all approached him and gazed down pitifully at him. “It’s over, Changeling.” Robin said. The others all glared down at him, and Applejack gave her rope a threatening tug in front of him. Changeling had no choice but to go quietly. He was tied of tightly, and kept under a close watch, as much as they all wanted to celebrate… “Beast Boy…!” Terra cried, the others all turned and saw her looming over Beast Boy. He was in his human form again, his uniform was all tattered, but he didn’t look so good as he lay on the ground. When Changeling had bitten him, the venom laced on his fangs entered his bloodstream. The poison was unknown to any Earth elements, and it was already more than too late. …He was dying, and there was nothing any of the others could do about it. “Oh, no!” cried Robin. “Beast Boy?!” cried Fluttershy. He was still breathing as he looked up at Terra as he laid her arms. “Te…rra…?” he spoke so softly it was almost hard to hear him. Tears were cascading down Terra’s face, “It’s okay, Beast Boy…” she sobbed “I’m right here, I’m not going to leave you again!” He raised his hand ever so weakly and held hers. “Te…rra…!” She felt his hand starting to slip out of hers… and it just flopped down onto his chest. Cyborg scanned him with his computer, and he sadly shook his head, and clenched his fists really tight. Terra clutched Beast Boy’s dead body close and softly let out all her emotion. Starfire began to cry and Robin held her softly, while struggling with his own outrage and sadness. “Beast Boy…” Raven sobbed softly, “No… Please don’t go! We we’re going to make it up to you!” She was so upset and hurt that she pulled her hood completely over her face, softly crying to herself. Spike let out a sad howl. All of the Equestrians had tears in their eyes. “No…” Twilight peeped “There was hope for him.” Easily, Fluttershy was the most devastated, “I never got to tell him...” she peeped “And now… I never will!” Everyone sat and stood where they were, bewailing the loss of their friend, while Changeling was somewhat amused as he thought “How tragic. They win the battle, but in way… they still lost the war.” Terra lifted her head up and looked down at Beast Boy’s face. She wouldn’t let him go without having at least one-- she leaned forward softly and placed her lips over his, though he couldn’t return her kiss. They gave Beast Boy a small funeral. His body, since it was already rotting from the inside because of the venom, was cremated, and his ashes were kept in a stone chalice Raven had in her room, and the chalice was kept in a niche in the wall over the table in the lounge, so it would be like he was still there. Everyone was just devastated, and it would take time to get over all this, especially for Terra. She felt so guilty for remembering being so hard on him, but it was comforting somewhat to know that he actually seemed willing to forgive her, or he wouldn’t have hugged her. …But still, it really hurt her! “Terra…?” Robin said to her. She turned to face him, and she burst into tears, sobbing over his shoulder. He held her tight letting her cry. The others felt positively crushed for her, and for Fluttershy, understanding that she had feelings for Beast Boy too, but that didn’t really matter too much now. A couple of days later, the Titans showed the authorities the cave where Changeling had stashed all that he had stolen. Soon, the banks were restocked, and the businesses were all saved from their financial distress, putting the city at ease again… once all the collateral damages were repaired of course. However, many of the citizens, when the found out about Beast Boy’s death and how he helped to save all the assets and beat Changeling, many of them felt really bad. Then again, some didn’t even seem to care. Not even the Js, which earned them all ridicule and disrespect for their own nastiness. As for the Equestrians, the Titans escorted them back to Canterlot High, which was still deserted as there was no school that day because of the airshow. “Must you really go back to your world?” asked Starfire “There is so much we can learn from one another.” I’m sorry, but we really have to go.” said Twilight. “Eeyup.” added Applejack as she tugged on Changeling’s ropes “We gotta get this bad apple into the slammer. There’s many a pony waitn’ to get their hooves on him.” “We only can’t begin to apologize for all that has happened.” said Rarity “Especially for… for Beast Boy.” Everyone felt the same way, “It’s not really your fault.” said Cyborg “It just happened, we weren’t ready for it.” The Equestrians were more than understanding, but just like the Titans they wished it hadn’t happened and maybe Beast Boy wouldn’t be gone. For now, it was best they, the two teams, went their separate ways, but perhaps someday the Titans would venture into Equestria. It sounded like an okay place to explore… but this was so not the time. Robin approached Twilight and handed her a Teen Titan Communicator. “If you’re ever come back and you need help, you can call us. We’ll be there.” She accepted it and shook his hand, “Thank you… for everything.” Smiles and thankful nods were exchanged, and then the girls bid their farewells as one-by-one they marched through the portal and were gone. “Now that is cool.” Cyborg said, and the others all agreed with him, but then they heard the sounds of police sirens as a couple of cruisers passed by. Robin looked at his teammates, and they all nodded to get into the action. “How about you, Terra…?” She smiled barely and snapped her goggles over her eyes, implying she was now a member of the team again, for keeps this time. It was where she belonged, and nothing would have pleased her more to help fight crime again, “…for Beast Boy.” Robin tossed her another communicator. “Titans, Go!” and off they all ran! After the ponies all returned to Equestria, Changeling was handed over to their authorities and was immediately sentenced to life imprisonment and hard labour for all his crimes and murders. The ponies then reported to Princess Celestia in person and turned in the Elements of Harmony, to send them back to the Tree of Harmony to recharge their powers. “Well done, all of you.” She said proudly to her subjects, but then she sighed sadly “…But I am very sorry to hear of what happened to Beast Boy.” The others all felt the same. Rarity sniffled, “When I think of the poor dear, and how he… he went. Oh, this is so dreadful.” Twilight hung her head low, trying to fight off her tears. “He was a very special friend. He had great potential, and a lot of heart.” Applejack didn’t seem like the rest of them. She wasn’t really crying, but she was upset on the inside. “Well, for what it’s worth, at least he died a hero.” The others agreed with her. They probably never would have been able to capture Changeling without him. Of course, Fluttershy was still visibly heartbroken. She just stood outside on the terrace by herself. Everyone felt just horrible for her, but all the friendship and all the magic in Equestria would never bring Beast Boy back. “You okay?” Rainbow asked as she came out to her “Oh, what am I saying… of course you’re not.” “I’ll be okay, Rainbow Dash.” she said turning to smile bravely but sadly at her. The others came out and Twilight approached her “Look, we all decided you should have this…” and she passed her the communicator. Fluttershy took it and clutched it close to her chest. “I wonder…” she said as she looked up at the sky “I wonder where he is now, and if he’s found peace.” The others, even Celestia all wondered that, and some believe he was at peace. Fluttershy then closed her eyes, and looked deep in her heart, remember all those times she and Beast Boy shared. “I’ll.” miss you… Beast Boy… Thank you… for everything!” Author's Note Well, the protocol had to be followed (Even though I wrote the fic the way it is) BB is dead, and that means Friendship FAILED in that field. -An alternate ending I had was, even after everything that happened, Terra would still be dedicated to her NORMAL life. The titans would still be bad to BB, and BB would be denied to return to Equestria and have relationship with Fluttershy, promoting him to leave angrily declare he needs no one and is never seen or heard from again, which makes Twilight scold the Titans "...I've alwasy stood strong for Friendship. I always believed there was hope and good in all involved... but I guess I was wrong with this. You ARE horrible people." Of course for that work out, so many things would have be rewritten, and would take too long. Either way, my protocol is followed, the Titans have been punished, and the ponies friendship failed to save Beast Boy, and for EVEN THINKING of moving on without Terra... BB paid the price for upsetting me "Failure cannot be tolerated." *Glares at the other MALES of the cartoon couples I ship* "When you work for me... success is amply rewarded... but fail and you will receive the same treatment and fate as the miserable to wretch you have just seen executed!" That's how my protocol works with these fics. (You die/no happy ending for you... Period) Until the next time... *To the Ponies* Chapter 1: DisheartenedAuthor's Note MLP and Things Change have been pissing me of a lot this week, so I thought I'd make a fic to attack/punish them both in one shot... heh-heh-heh! Chapter 1: Disheartened CHAPTER ONE Princess Twilight Sparkle had recently returned from the Human World on what she thought would be an emergency at the Friendship Games, but seeing as all was fine, she returned to Equestria. She was now reading quietly in her Rainbow Castle at night, but the light from the candles was disturbing Spike, whom was trying to sleep in his basket by her bed. “Twilight, can’t you finish that book in the morning?” he groaned. “I’m sorry, Spike, but… it’s just so good, I can’t put it down.” replied Twilight “It’s a story about a friend who was betrayed his friends and he went off to try and make more friends, and things didn’t go so well…” “And let me guess…” Spike cut it “In the end, he realizes that friendship is a wonderful thing and he goes back to his friends, and they all live happily ever after.” Twilight read on ahead, and sighed “Yes… they do.” She closed the book, having lost interest. “Twilight, every story you read turns out that way.” Spike said. “Well, yeah, but… I don’t get what you’re going at.” “I’m saying, not that I actually want this, but aren’t there stories that don’t end in happy ever afters? Where friendship doesn’t make things better?” Twilight gasped at such a thought. “Spike, how can you say such a thing?” she thundered. “Just saying, that’s all.” Spike said, and he rolled over and went to sleep. Twilight could only sigh, as she blew out her candles and snuggled into bed. “What if Spike’s right?” she thought silently “I mean, sure sometimes friendships just don’t work out, but… Friendship can’t make things worse… can it?” She finally fell asleep. While outside, a soft wind blew across Ponyville, blowing leaves, a few papers along, and even a Wanted poster…! The picture was of a green unicorn with no cutie-mark. Name: Changeling, though he was not an actual Changeling creature, he was wanted for stealing a magical amulet from a keeper’s store, shown in the picture around his neck, as well as terrorism, thievery, and a large reward was placed on his head for his capture, of Ten-Thousand gold bits… Wanted Dead or Alive! Many had been after Changeling in the hopes of collecting the reward, but so far he had not been seen nor heard from for quite a while. It was if he had vanished from the while of Equestria. Jump City California, in the human world… It was late at night, and the Teen Titans had returned to their tower after a long hard day, but finally the White Shapeshifting monster had been captured and taken to a high-tech security prison. The Titans were only able to finally outwit the creature thanks to Beast Boy, lending his super sense of smell from being a bloodhound, but he arrived super late due to other circumstances that happened that day… which were still plaguing him. As the titans exited the T-Car, Starfire was glad the battle was over “I believe that was one of the most difficult of foes we have faced since our return.” “Uh… that was the first and only creature we’ve faced since we got back.” Raven pointed out. Starfire rubbed the back of her head feeling embarrassed. “Well, thankfully the whole team was there this time.” Robin said, but he was shooting a few hints at Beast Boy. The others all looked at him too, but he didn’t even turn to face them, even though he knew they were right about his showing up late. All the way on the car ride home he had the same spiritless expression on his face. None of the others had to be psychic like Raven to understand what was bothering him… ..Something had gone wrong with Terra… if it even was Terra. The Titans still had a hard time believing she had actually returned, and it still baffled them. “Well, I think I’ll go order us a pizza.” Cyborg said. “Oh, yes… I would like that.” said Starfire. “…Our first pizza since our arrival home again and to celebrate our first victory.” Normally Beast Boy was psyched whenever it was Pizza Night, but he hardly even moved. “Beast Boy, are you not exicted for the pizza?” asked Starfire. Beast Boy’s lips curled into a forced smile and he answered, “Yeah, it sounds good.” The others remained unconvinced of his attitude, and as they all headed into the tower from the garage. “Beast Boy, hang on a second.” Robin said “…I want to talk to you.” “Yeah, about what…?” Beast Boy asked, though he knew what was coming. “Beast Boy… I’m not pleased that you showed up late to the battle.” “Hey, we won didn’t we?” “That’s not the point. You were needed by your team, and we almost didn’t make it.” “Look, I’m sorry…” Beast boy said “I went to Terra’s school and…” “That’s just it…” Robin cut it “I know you think you saw Terra, and you really want to have her back, but you need to put it behind you.” Beast Boy clenched his fists as the pain shot through him again like a burning spear. “I didn’t think I saw Terra… I did… but it doesn’t matter now.” He said nothing more and walked to the door. “Beast Boy…” Robin called. “Look, I’ll be there next time, okay?” Beast Boy said to him, almost yelling. He then apologized, and went off to his room, leaving Robin feeling very concerned and worried. The pizza came, but Beast Boy had not come out of his room. He didn’t feel like eating, or even getting off his bed. His body was shaking painfully as he tried his hardest not to burst out crying, fearing if he did he would be in more pain and he would never be able to stop. “Things Change, Beast Boy. The girl you want me to be is just a memory.” That horrible message and all those images continued to torment him. No matter how hard he tried to forget it, it always came back stronger and more painful than ever. “Why, Terra? Just tell me why?” he softly cried to himself. A small knock at his bedroom door snapped him out of his thoughts, “Beast Boy… it is I, Starfire. I have brought you some pizza. It is of the vegetarian variety.” “Thanks, but I’m not really hungry.” he called to her. He was using every bit of strength he could summon to hide the sadness in his voice. Outside the door, Starfire felt really bad for Beast Boy, “Beast Boy, I understand this girl whom resembles our Terra has hurt you, but it will be better in time. You will see, for the sea is bountiful with many other fish.” There was no response! She hung her head low, left the plate outside his door and left. Beast Boy just lay on his bed, his tears finally were falling, but he still couldn’t find the courage to break out and sob. The next morning, Cyborg came into the lounge for an early breakfast and found Beast Boy was there, having dropped off his pizza dish from the other night, and making himself a piece of toast with tofu butter. “Yo’ ‘B… you up already?” he asked. “…Still awake actually.” He answered turning his face to him and Cyborg could see the burning in his eyes. “I couldn’t sleep at all.” Cyborg hated seeing his little pal this way. “Look, I know it hurts, I know, I’ve been dumped a few times in my life too, but I never let it get me down all the time.” He could tell the way Beast Boy turned away from him that he hadn’t said the right thing, and he even began to wonder and asked “…This ain’t just about Terra, is it?” Beast Boy shook his head. “Do you wanna talk about it?” He shook his head again, and took his toast on a plate to leave for his room. “I just wanna help ya get better.” Cyborg said to him. Beast Boy stopped and looked back, and smiled sadly at him, “Thanks, dude.” But inside he was thinking “No one can help me, especially not you.” Cyborg could only sigh. Later on, Beast Boy in Terra’s unoccupied room, on her sofa, and next to him was the heart-shaped mirror box he made for her. He could suddenly see Raven’s faded reflection in the windows of the room. She was starring grimly down at him. “I don’t want to talk about this, Raven.” “I wasn’t going to.” she said as she made her way over to the sofa and sat down next to him. He opened the box and looked at his miserable reflection in the mirror. “Why is this happening to me? Ever since we got back, it’s been nothing but one bad change after another, and it’s costing me the things and people I loved.” “That’s just how life goes sometimes. We can’t always control it.” Raven said “That doesn’t mean all changes are bad.” “What makes you so sure?” Raven didn’t answer for a moment “I just am sure. Change can be good and good can come from it… for everyone. It’s just a thing we all have to accept, embrace who we are, and maybe even be thankful for it.” To him she was starting to sound exactly like Terra and what she had said to him… “You’re the Teen Titan, that’s who you are. That’s not me. I’m not a hero. I’m not out to save the world. I’m just a girl with a geometry test next period and I haven’t studied.” Raven gazed at him, and she could tell he was thinking of HER again, and she hated to see him so down hearted. She felt like telling him something, something very important, but he slowly got up before she had a chance and he began to walk to the door. “Things do Change, Raven… but there are some things you just can’t change. I know this…” Then he left the room, and Raven kept her eyes on him until he was out of sight. She clutched her hand to her chest. “I should’ve told him.” Chapter 12: Beast Boy and Fluttershy... it looks like itCHAPTER TWELVE Beast Boy woke up the next morning and helped Fluttershy feed her many animals breakfast. As a guy who changed into animals like them, he knew a little about them, but it really amazed him how gentle and caring Fluttershy acted toward each and every animal she cared for. Even the bear purred like a cat, but what he found the most entrancing was her beautiful voice as she sang along with her bird choir to warm up their chirping. “Very good, everyone… You’ll make fine singers.” The birds all chirped happily. Beast Boy still couldn’t seem to go five minutes without glancing over at Fluttershy, the same he used to when he met Terra. “Ah, man!” he groaned in thought, “I can’t be falling for her. She’s a pony. Sure, I mean she’s beautiful, and loving, and caring to animals much like I am… …Oh, no..!” He knew by this point he couldn’t try to fight it, and seemed to fall for her more and more. Fluttershy looked over her side and saw him gazing at her. She blushed softly and turned away, and her knees began to quiver. “What’s happening to me?” she thought to herself. Angel tapped her leg and then with his paw he scribbled a little heart in the dirt. Fluttershy’s face went bright red, and she let out her little nervous squeak… She only just met him a little under a day ago, and she hardly knew much about him, even though he seemed kind of sweet, and a little funny, and though she wished she would tell him what was really bothering him about not wanting to return to his own world, she actually liked seeing him more the way he was now-- happy, easy going… After all the morning chores were done, Beast Boy sat on a chair in the living room “Well, what now?” he asked aloud. “Wanna go out and get breakfast?” Fluttershy asked… very fast, because she was nervous. “Huh?” “Oh… um… what I mean is… um… did you… want to go out and get something to eat. I can… um… show you more of Ponyville.” “Sure… I’d like that.” replied Beast Boy. Fluttershy’s teeth jittered. “Are you okay?” Beast Boy asked. “Fine… I’m fine.” she peeped. Soon, they were out, and they enjoyed a fine breakfast. After that, Fluttershy took Beast Boy all around town to see lots of friends she knew. There was Tree Hugger: A hippie, nature-loving pony teaching a yoga class. They joined in for a small session, and Beast boy couldn’t seem to get the poses right and kept on popping his bones and falling over. Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle, and he couldn’t help but chuckle either. Cheerilee: A school teacher. Though there was no school today, she and the Cutiemark Crusaders were out on an extra-credit assignment-- A Scavenger hunt. Cheerilee made up a list of things to find, and gave them well defines clues, to help the girls learn and understand more about everyday things around them in nature. The Crusaders even found something right by Beast Boy’s hind feet “An Acorn!” cried Applebloom. “Yeah, it’s small and it’s nutty…” said Sweetie Belle, “And it becomes very big because it can grow into an Oaktree.” added Scootaloo. “Very good, girls…” Cheerilee said as she cross the clue off her list. The girls thanked Beast Boy for helping them, even though he didn’t really do anything, and then they went off with their teacher to find more things. Beast Boy and Fluttershy even met up some of the others that day. When they stopped at Sugarcube corners, Pinkie Pie and the Cake’s offered Beast Boy a special cupcake with green frosting, for free. “It’s just our way of making you feel welcome here in Ponyville.” said Carrot Cake. “Yes, any friends of ours are just more friends for us.” added Cup Cake. The baby cakes cooed happily. Beast Boy was flattered. Fluttershy smiled at him, and he offered to chare half his cupcake with her which made her blush, but she accepted. They stepped outside and met up with Applejack and Big Mac in the midst of a crisis. One of their wagon wheels had fallen off and they had a delivery of apple pies, apple sauce, apple jam, and just plain apples to get to a bake sale. Beast Boy and Fluttershy helped out. Beast Boy wasn’t too good at mechanics, at least complicated mechanics, but when it came to plain woodworks, he was a pro since he was good at handcrafting, even if he didn’t have hands. Using just his bare hoofs he helped them get the wheel back in place and made it hold stronger than ever, earning him two pats on the back; one from Applejack, and a big one from her brother, which knocked him to the ground. “Oh, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked as she helped him up, and they ended up gazing deeply into each other’s eyes again, and both felt bashful. Applejack and Big Mac both could figure what was going on. Fluttershy and Beast Boy met along with Rarity, whom was taking a casual stroll to take in some sunlight. “One does need to keep up a good appearance with a little help from solar light.” she said. Rainbow Dash was running, or rather flying through an obstacle course she had made, complete with huge cones, a tunnel, a swinging log, and even flamethrowers. She was quit the risk-taker…! The girls were shaken slightly as they watched her soar effortlessly through the course. “Yes! I beat my old record by ten seconds.” she bragged. “Really, Rainbow Dash-- What if you had hurt yourself?” said Rarity. Beast Boy didn’t seem impressed, “I’ve seen worse courses than this.” Rainbow’s features hardened. “What, like you could do any better? You can’t even fly, and you can barely use your magic right.” “Ha! You don’t know what training to be a super hero means.” Beast Boy said, and he took his place at the starting line. “Beast Boy!” cried Fluttershy. “Darling, really you don’t have to do this.” added Rarity, but Beast Boy wouldn’t back down. “Ready…?” he said to Rainbow. Rainbow nodded, and then raised her hoof and brought it down “Go!” Beast Boy cantered across the field, and swerved gracefully round the cones. He crawled flawlessly through the tunnel, rolled under the swinging log as he past, and when he came to the fire-shooters, he aimed his horn at the ground and concentrated like he did before, and shot a huge blast at the ground launching himself up, up and over the wall of fire and he landed gracefully on his feet. The girls were all astounded. Though he hadn’t beaten the record, not by a long shot, they couldn’t but awe at how flawless his run was, as well as the clever use of his unstable magic. Beast Boy walked up to them smirking. “Well…?” Rarity was speechless. “That was… What I mean to say is…” “That was AWESOME!” exclaimed Rainbow, but Beast boy acted as though it was really nothing. “Like I said, I’ve seen worse. That’s what comes from being trained to be a hero.” Fluttershy was impressed as well, to a point where she couldn’t take her eyes off of him or even blink. “You okay?” he asked, snapping her out of her trance. “Oh, Um… I’m okay.” They gazed at each other and turned away blushing again, which made Rarity and Rainbow realize what was going on between them. Rarity said nothing, but Rainbow couldn’t resist…! “Well, you two got the hots for one another.” Beast boy and Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Aw, how cute… They both react together, and before you know it…” she began to hum a wedding march, which made Flutttershy and Beast boy turn bright red from heads to tails! “Rainbow Dash! Stop this!” snapped Rarity, but not only was Fluttershy so nervous to the point of tears, Beast Boy… many memories were flowing through his mind, all bad…! Memories of Terra, and all the wonderful times they had, only to be shattered by that same haunting line… “Things Change, Beast Boy. The girl you want me to be is just a memory.” Those memories brought on other memories… ones he didn’t like being reminded of. “Whoa! He looks like he’s going to burst!” said Rainbow. He snapped himself to his senses, but he really looked upset. “Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked earnestly. “I just… I just want to be a lone for a bit, okay?” he asked. The girls were more than understanding and let him walk off on his own. “Well, I hope you’re happy, Rainbow Dash.” sneered Rarity. “What? I was just teasing him. I didn’t know he’d take it so personally.” Fluttershy, though still nervous from Rainbow’s teasing, felt very worried about Beast Boy, and was really feeling he just couldn’t go on like this keeping his feelings bottled up. “I think we all need to talk to Twilight about this. It’s time for him to tell us the truth.”
Chapter 2: Ever Growing PainsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 3: Lack of InitiativeCHAPTER THREE Applejack was pulling along a cart of apples and Pinkie Pie was walking suspiciously next to her. “For the last time, Sugarcube: There ain’t no thieves hidin’ in my wagon.” “I know that, I’m just looking for one.” said Pinkie. Applejack sighed but as she stopped at a crosswalk, the apples in her cart began to rumble as if something were in fact inside the cart. The two ponies gawked in slight fear, and that’s when Angel the rabbit popped his head out, spilling several apples out of the cart. Fluttershy came fluttering along. “Oh, there you are, Angel. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Were you sneaking around in the apple orchards again?” Angel acted coy and denied it, but Fluttershy gave him a naughty stare trying to psyche him into confessing. “Darn, not the thief I’m looking for.” sighed Pinkie. “Thief…? What thief?” Fluttershy asked, and Pinkie showed her the Wanted Poster of Changeling she had with her, making Fluttershy yelp and take cover under the cart, with her hoofs over her eyes and she was quivering. Applejack pulled the wagon away, “You okay, Fluttershy?” Fluttershy slowly looked up, “I’ve heard stories of Changeling… he’s really nasty.” She explained that she heard stories that not only did Changeling steal things, but he was thought to long for world dominance, hence his lust for power, and he was willing to do absolutely ANYTHING to get what he wanted… even kill others! As frightening as that sounded, Applejack didn’t believe it “Horse feathers. There ain’t been a death since that creep ever first appeared on the most wanted list.” “But… but… don’t you think it’s possible he would… kill… someone?” This Applejack couldn’t deny and was beginning to see the importance of Changeling’s capture. “Well, I hope they find him and haul him in soon.” She simply said and then walked off with her cart “Meanwhile, I gotta get back to my shipment. I can’t let every single scary thing stop me from makin’ a livin’.” The others had no idea how she could act so brave, but Pinkie remained determined to find Changeling. “You’re out there somewhere, but where?” she grumbled to herself. At School, Terra got back her geometry test, and she got a D-Minus. “You’re going to have to work a little bit harder next time.” the teacher said to her. “Yes, sir, I’ll try.” Terra said. Then the teacher gave the two Js their tests, “As for you two… read ‘em and weep.”, both tests were mark with large Fs, much to the girl’s annoyance! “It’s all that green geek’s fault!” Jackie said to Jillian. “Yeah, he distracted us from our studies. Only another thing he’s going to pay for.” added Jillian. Terra didn’t really hear them and just stared down at her marked test. Naturally it would’ve helped if she had studied, but on the test were easy problems she knew and could have solved without studying, yet she answered them incorrectly anyway. Reason: All through the test she was constantly thinking of Beast Boy, and how he asked her to come with him… and what she told him. “Things Change, Beast Boy. The girl you want me to be is just a memory.” Even when she left him to go to class, she still saw that expression he had… the kind you only made when you were super crushed. It seemed almost identical as the expression he had when she bumped into him earlier. She sighed softly, almost as if she were in deep regret of what she had done, but she felt this was for the best for both herself and for Beast Boy. She didn’t want to be tempted to go back to him, to the Titans, or try to become a hero ever again. This was where she belonged… This was where and how she wanted to be… wasn’t it? Her insides were trembling and she clenched her fist softly, making the stone flooring beneath her vibrate ever so softly. She quickly stopped, but the Js saw this though. “What was that?” Jackie softly called over to Terra. “What was what?” Terra asked trying to sound innocent. “We saw that… the ground was shaking.” said Jillian. The teacher cleared his throat and gave the girls a stare, telling them to be quiet during class. Terra sighed softly in relief. She couldn’t let anyone know of her powers. They’d probably regard her as a freak, maybe even cast her out… or worse realize she was Slade’s former apprentice who nearly destroyed the city. For now, all she wanted to do was concentrate and try to keep her mind on the present. The Titans had already arrived on the scene where the First National Bank was being robbed by a group of five robbers. Unfortunately, rather than traditional weapons, these guys were armed with huge exoskeletal armored suit; armed with machine guns, flame throwers, and missiles especially! “Titans, go!” shouted Robin, and the heroes lunged into battle. “Get ‘em, guys!” the lead robber shouted, and his four teammates stomped forward in their suits, shooting their machine guns forcing the titans to scatter. Starfire fired her starbolts at the machines, Cyborg fired his sonic-cannon and Robin threw his disc-bombs, but the machines hardly got scratched. The attacks just weren’t powerful enough. “We’re just getting warmed up.” One of the robbers laughed, and he and his friends fired their flame throwers, forcing Raven to put up a dark wall to shield her and the others. “I can’t get a clear shot at them from here.” shouted Cyborg. “Beast Boy, can you try and knock them over?” said Robin “then maybe they won’t be able to get back up. We’ll distract them.” Beast Boy nodded and changed into a rhino, but he looked a little shaky, on the count of he was still rather tired due to hardly getting any sleep last night. Still, the titans began to launch their attacks at the robbers, distracting them, and this gave Beast Boy the chance to charge. He stampeded forth and rammed one of the bots hard. “HEY!!” shouted the robber in control, as he found himself falling off balance and then falling flat on his back, unable to get back up. “That’s one down.” said Cyborg. “Oh, yeah, try this!” another robber shouted as he and his buddy beside him fired their missiles. “WATCH IT!!” shouted Robin as the four rockets headed straight “Goin’ airborne!” shouted Cyborg, and he leapt up catching two of the missiles under his arms until they ran out of thrust. “BOOYAH!! THAT’S TOUCHDOWN!!” he cried. As for the other two missiles; “Azarath… Metrion… ZINTHOS…!!” Raven blasted them hard in a steam of power, and sent them hurtling back to their senders. “WHOA!” “BAIL OUT!!” The robbers jumped clear just in time as the missiles hit their bots and blew them up. The three robbers were ready to fight the Titans themselves, while the other two decided to split while they could with a large bag of money and some heavy gold. Their bots were also equipped with jet propulsions, and they just took off. “Beast Boy, Starfire, go after them!” Robin shouted “We’ll handle these guys.” “Come, friend…” Starfire called as she took off after the robbers, and Beast Boy followed her as peregrine falcon. The fastest flying creature he could be. The two were able to catch up with the flying bots, due to the bots being slowed down by the heavy gold they were towing with them. “Ditch the money!” the leader shouted. His partner reluctantly agreed, and the two let go of the sacks which fell to the ground. “Beast Boy, save the money… I shall pursue the villains.” said Starfire. Beast Boy agreed and changed into a pterodactyl, and swooped down to catch the sacks. While Starfire fired her eye-lasers at the two bots, shorting out their jets, causing them to lose height and fall, and she chased after them to apprehend the two crooks. Beast Boy, clutched the heavy sacks in his talons and knew he had to get the money back to the bank, unfortunately his weariness finally caught up with him and he could barely hang on, and there he was slowly descending to the ground a few miles from the bank, and he just collapsed to sleep on the sidewalk with the large bags by his side. He was really out cold that he couldn’t notice someone walking up to him. Someone mysterious wearing a black robe and hood. He pulled one of the bags open and his eyes glistened within the shadows of his hood. “Well…” he hissed “What do you know? I just hit me a jackpot and I didn’t have to do a thing.” His gaze then fell upon Beast Boy and silently hissed to himself, “Yes… you’ll do nicely for me.” He was interrupted however by the sound of sirens wailing as the authorities were nearing the area. He had no choice to flee. A soft glow emitted from his neck, and he and the bags of money just vanished without a trace and left Beast Boy lying asleep on the sidewalk. Beast Boy awoke, and he stretched out and yawned, only to find he was back in the tower, and the others were gazing down at him with looks of disappointment. “What’s up?” he asked. Robin then turned on the TV to the news. “In local news, the Teen Titans answered to the robbery of the first national bank which had been broken into by five men in technological suits. Police and the Bank officials insist that approximately two million dollars had been stolen, and while the Titans succeeded in apprehending the criminals and destroying their techno-suits, the money had not been retrieved and is presumed lost.” Robin shut the TV off, and Beast Boy suddenly remembered having collapsed in exhaustion and the money was right near him. “Oh, no…!” he cried. Robin scolded him, “You fell asleep on the job, Beast Boy.” Remorseful and ashamed as Beast Boy felt, he tried to excuse his lack of initiative. “Dude, I was exhausted, I could hardly keep my eyes open.” “Well, why didn’t you just take one of your pep pills?” Cyborg asked. Now Beast Boy felt even more ashamed, knowing he should had taken one of the pills to keep him awake like all the team members were instructed to do so. “I ran into Terra earlier, and I…” The other immediately rolled their eyes; Cyborg smacked his own forehead groaning “Ah, man.” “You failed to follow protocol because you were stalking the girl who resembles our Terra again?” Starfire asked. “I wasn’t stalking her, I just ran into her, and I got a little upset and…” The others felt they had heard enough, and began to walk away. “Guys, hey…! You got the crooks, didn’t you?” “That’s not the point, Beast Boy.” said Robin “You were trusted to bring the money back. Now, because of your lack of initiative, many people have lost their money.” “Well, excuse me!” Beast Boy sneered angrily “None of us is perfect, you know, and I going through a rough time.” “Bottom line, Beast Boy…” Robin said “Is you need to learn to let go, and focus on more important things.” Beast Boy tried to look to the others for sympathy, but they all seemed to agree with Robin. Beast Boy, saying nothing to them, turned and left the lounge to be by himself. The others could only look in the direction he walked, thinking he really had it bad, and they all felt that the sooner he learned to put the past behind him the better.
Chapter 4: Telling OffCHAPTER FOUR Beast Boy took a good long nap and woke up at sunset, but he was still feeling miserable, and he was now up on the roof, sulking to himself. He couldn’t believe how inconsiderate his friends were acting towards him instead of being sympathetic or at least trying to understand that he was grieving. “Then again, how could they understand.” he thought to himself “All they care about is moving on, and letting go.” “Hey…” Raven called softly to him. He turned and looked at her grimly as she came and sat down beside him. “I thought you were mad at me.” “Not really… just disappointed.” He sighed, “Oh that makes it better.” he grumbled “Look, I know I screwed up, but I didn’t mean to.” “Beast Boy, it’s not just that... we’re all worried about you. You’re starting to fall apart. You’re not acting like your usual self.” He shrugged his shoulders, “Guess you and Terra were right… Things do Change in life. Guess I was long overdue, besides, you hardly like the way I acted before anyway. You always said my jokes weren’t funny, you gave me a lot of attitude, and you insulted me a lot.” She couldn’t deny this, not at all. “No one’s perfect.” She said, using his own words against him, but he seemed unfazed. Her fingers gave a small twitch as if she wanted to reach over to him. “Beast Boy, I also said that change can be good, and what you’re doing right now isn’t good; not to yourself, and not to the team, but you won’t even tell us what’s really bothering you.” “I already told you guys this…” he said to her “I don’t want to talk about it because you can’t help me. No one can.” “How do you know we can’t?” “I just do.” He didn’t want to tell her the real reason why he wouldn’t tell, feeling she wouldn’t understand and it would make things worse, and he only thought to himself, "Because you and the others are only part of the problem... not the solution. There's no way you can help." She could see this, not what he was really thinking, but knew it was disturbing him. She didn’t like this, and felt her insides starting to quiver. “Beast Boy…” she paused “What if it was possible that you could move on?” As expected, he didn’t react too well, and just slumped. “Why do you keep telling me that?” She hesitated, “Beast Boy, I’m just asking you what if… what if there was someone out there who liked you… as much as Terra did?” “Huh?” he said turning to face her “What are you saying?” but he could see the blushing in her cheeks, and the way she was looking at him, and he was virtually speechless! “Beast Boy… I… I…” she slowly reached her hand to his face, slowly moving her own face closer intent to kiss him… Freaking out, Beast Boy wretched himself away from her. She looked up at him, now with a hint of sadness in her eyes, a side of her he didn’t see very often. “Sorry, Raven… I can’t.” She continued to gawk at him, almost unable to believe this. “Don’t get me wrong, you’re an amazing girl... but you’re just not my type, and frankly I don’t see how you could even like me that way after all the other things you’ve done.” He referred to all the times she insulted him, hit him, and gave him attitude. Very little were of good loving moments. Raven’s sadness began to mix with a slight hint of outrage “Is that all you see me as… just… creepy?” “I didn’t say that. I’m just saying that we’re far too different. We’re not compatible.” “How do you know? You haven’t even tried.” her voice sounding angrier and her features hardening. “Look, I may not be very bright at times, but I do know this much… Love is not something that two people can try to make happen. They either have something very special, or they don’t. And we don’t, Raven. I’m sorry, I just don’t feel it.” Raven got up, and left in a huff. “Raven… I’m really sorry.” All she did was look back at him a stern expression, as if she were mad enough to kill, and then she walked off. Beast Boy smacked his own forehead. He hated to hurt her like that, but he had to be truthful, and right now he needed to get out of the tower, again. Another one of the few places left he had unaffected by the changes was Ben’s Café, the place he and Terra went to on their first and only ever date. It was a little slow that evening, but still upon his arrival, people took one look at him and their features hardened with scorn. All of them were people who had been affected by the loss of money from the bank. Some even whispered bad things. “Look, it’s the super zero.” “I bet he enjoyed his little nap.” “While I have to work two shifts to make up for the money he lost.” Despite the facts, Beast Boy’s patience wearing out, but he didn’t wish to make any more issues. All he wanted to do was drown some of his sorrows away in milkshakes. At least the staff didn’t act mean to him, as he was a paying customer, but it wasn’t like they were nice to him either. After five milkshakes, Beast Boy asked for another. “Haven’t you had enough yet?” the old lady asked. “Just fork it over!” he grumbled as he slammed his money down on counter. Heeding his demands, she gave him another milkshake. “I can’t take this anymore!” he groaned in thought “If I hear one more person say “Things Change” or “Move on” or even “Let it go.” …I think I’m going to blow!” He suddenly felt his bowels gurgling from all those milkshakes, “Actually, I think I’m really going to blow!” and with that he dashed to the little Beast Boy’s room in back of the café. That’s when Terra, looking a bit droopy, came into the café, and sat herself at the bar… right next to Beast Boy’s seat. “Usual please…” she asked as she paid her money. “Seems there’s a lot of gloomy faces around here these days.” the old lady said as she served Terra her usual order, Apple Pie Ala mode. As she looked down at it, she was again reminded of Beast Boy, and the good times they had causing the guilt and shame of what she did back at school to eat away at her. “Why can’t I forget him?!” she groaned softly to herself, “I just want things to be okay, is that so much to ask?” That’s when Beast Boy returned from the washroom, and was about to sit at his stool again, when he spotted her, and she turned and saw him. “Oh, not again!” he groaned. He decided to leave and headed straight for the doors, but Terra, though part of her didn’t really want to, she got up and chased after him. “Beast Boy…!” she called to him as she jogged up the street. He stopped where he was and turned and saw her catching up to him. “What do you want?” he asked deeply. “Look, I really can’t figure this out myself, but… I actually think I need to talk to you again about all this.” He shook his head at her, “Why?” he asked “What could you possibly want to talk with me about, Terra?” “Please, don’t call me that!” she cried. “Why shouldn’t I? It’s who you are… or at least who you used to be!” She didn’t like the tone in his voice, “What’s happening to you? You’re not the Beast Boy I remember.” “Ha!” he scoffed at her “I thought you DIDN’T remember me. Oh, wait… you didn’t WANT to remember me. You wanted to forget it all, everything, including the good times we had, and what good times we could have had.” She stood where she was taking every single one of his words right to her heart. Part of her knew she deserved it, but part of her was growing annoyed. “Look, I know you’re hurting… and I’m sorry. It’s just… well, I… …I couldn’t take it anymore. I did so many horrible things, and I hurt you many times before. I put the whole city in danger, and it wasn’t the first I did it.” She reflected on all the dangers she caused when her powers unstable, and her involvement with Slade and everything that lead up to her turning to stone to save the city from destruction. “…I’m just not cut out for all this stuff anymore. I can’t handle it. Why can’t you understand that I just want to put it all behind me? And I wanted to give us both a better future.” He remained silent for a moment, and then he finally said “…I do understand. You think I don’t wish the same things?” She gawked at him deeply. “But it doesn’t matter… your attitude… the way you handled it… totally inexcusable.” Now she felt shocked, and slightly offended, but when she thought back on it… The fact that she tried to lie to him about having amnesia, brushing him off, not wanting anything to do with him… Especially two clashing memories, from when she was about to turn to stone and embracing Beast Boy one last time. “You were the best friend I ever had.” Right up to that day in the school hall… “You’re my friend! You’re a Teen Titan.” “You’re wrong.” He stopped it there, not having to go on with the other parts. “You wanted the future to be better for us both?” he mocked “No, Terra… the way I see it you were only thinking about yourself.” She seemed very offended by what he had just said, and he turned to walk away. “At least I’m not letting one little thing get me down all the time.” she called to him. He stopped and turned his head to face her, “This isn’t just about us, Terra. It’s about a whole lot more than you know of…” he paused, still not wanting to come clean about what was really bothering him. “Then again, what difference would it make to you? I’ve given you your space. I’ve respected your wishes… So, just leave me alone, like you wanted too.” She remembered how she said that to him… “Things were never the way you remember. Now just leave me alone!” She watched him walk down the street. She was speechless, offended, but most of all she was confused. He really had taken her rejecting him a lot worse than she expected, and now he claimed there was more to it than just what they shared. “If only he could see that moving on isn’t such a bad thing.” she said to herself. Suddenly, she heard a loud crash, followed by a garbage can lid rolling out from an alley, and then followed by the sounds of a fist fight, and Beast Boy shouting “DUDE!!” “Beast Boy!” she cried and dashed up the street. She peered down the alley to see three huge, muscular, street punks badly beating Beast Boy to a pulp. “Dude, what’s your problem!” Beast Boy shouted. “Nothing personal, kid…” “We were hired to do this.” “Yeah, we’re going to beat you until you’re all red!” Then the three punks picked him up and slammed him hard into the wall, much to Terra’s horror, and then she heard the sound of snickering, and she could see Jackie and Jillian watching from on the roof of the very building. “That’ll teach you to mess with us!” Jackie hollered. “Yeah, take that, Booger Boy!” added Jillian. “IT’S BEAST BOY!!” he shouted up to them, but then he got punched hard in the face by one of the punks. Finally taking enough of their abuse, Beast Boy transformed into a T-Rex and roared at the punks, frightening all the tough guy attitude right out of them. The punks started to run, but Beast Boy grabbed them, one in each hand, the last one in his huge jaws by the jacket. The Js saw this and quivered under behind the edge of the building. Beast Boy strung one of the punks up over a traffic light by a hook of his pants. He stuffed another one into a garbage dumpster, and as for the last punk, he simply placed him down on the street, but then ROARED at him really loud, sending the punk in an airwave hurdling backwards and landing, SPLASH, in a fountain. Terra was horrified by what she had seen, but not as horrified as the Js were. “Did you see that?” cried Jackie. “He totally wiped the floor with them. I want my money back!” groaned Jillian. Just then, they heard a whistling sound above them and looked up. Beast Boy, as a seagull was circling around the two bad girls… and he defecated all over them! The girls screamed in disgust, and Beast Boy landed on the roof threatening them, “You two mess with me ever again, and I’ll deck ya!!” Then he flew off leaving the girls sticky, smelly, outraged, and in disgrace. Terra saw him fly away, and though she felt her friends somewhat deserved what they got for what they did, she was still very concerned about Beast Boy. …Not as much as someone else was-- that same hooded stranger whom took the money from Beast Boy had seen everything. “It's time I made my move.” he said to himself.
Chapter 5: Broken Heart-BoxCHAPTER FIVE Thanks to his animal shapeshifting, his minor injuries healed quickly. He was feeling rather content for telling Terra off, and for getting back at her nasty friends for tormenting him, but when Beast Boy got back to the tower… a terrible sight met his eyes. The others were in Terra’s room and taking the place all apart-- moving out the furniture, the luxuries, everything. “Dude… what are you guys doing?” he snapped. “What does it look like?” Raven grouched at him as she passed by with a box of stuff. She was still very hurt from rejection. “You can’t dismantle Terra’s room!” “Look, she’s not comin’ back anytime soon.” said Cyborg “So there’s no point in keepin’ a room like this if no one’s gonna use it.” “We plan to change into the room of the studying.” added Starfire. A home office! That was all Beast Boy really didn’t need or want. “Beast Boy, this is the only to help you start to get better.” said Robin “We’re getting rid of everything that Terra ever owned, or is anything to do with her.” Raven came back with a box of things that used to belong to Terra, which Beast Boy recognized all from his room. “Hey! You cleaned out my room?!” Raven said nothing and went back to go get more. “Beast Boy…” Starfire said “We feel it is the time you got with the… program… I think.” “It’s time for you to grow up, Beast Boy.” Robin said. Beast Boy flinched in pain. “You need to let go of the past!” He flinched again. “And realize that no matter how much you want things to be the way they were, in life… Things--” he stopped when Beast Boy covered his mouth with his hand. “Don’t!” he said very deeply, almost in a threatening manner “Don’t you say those words to me! If you do… so help me…!” WHAPP!! In a fit of outrage from being threatened, Robin punched him hard, knocking him back into the coffee table, flinging it like a spring a launching the heart-shaped mirror box way up into the air. Beast Boy and the others could only watch in horror as the beautiful box hit the floor, shattering the mirror glass and breaking the lid off its hinges, and the bottom fell off too, breaking into four bits. Everyone fell totally silent, even Robin. He didn’t want anything broken, just removed, and he also felt very remorseful for punching Beast Boy like that. Beast Boy fell to his knees and felt through he pieces of the most beautiful thing he had ever made for the most beautiful girl he ever loved. “Beast Boy… I…” Robin said trying to find his words, but Beast Boy angrily got up, glaring at him and said “That’s the last straw, Robin.” “What do you mean, Last Straw?” Cyborg asked. “You are not even holding a drink.” added Starfire. Raven came into the room, and saw the mess and how upset Beast Boy looked “Okay, what did I miss?” In his outrage, Beast Boy held out his communicator, and threw it hard to the ground, smashing it to bits. “It was good while it lasted, Titans. Now I know for sure… GET BENT!!” and he changed into a pterodactyl, crashed through the large windows, shattering the glass and flew off into the night. “BEAST BOY…!!” Starfire called out to him, but he was already out of sight. “Let him go.” Robin said “If he can’t face the truth, fine!” “I second that.” Raven said and she went off in a huff. Cyborg swept up the damaged communicator intending to repair it. “Cyborg, are you not the least bit concerned?” cried Starfire. “Eh, he’ll be back when he cools off.” replied Cyborg “At least I hope he will.” He was actually more concerned for Beast Boy than ever, having never seen him this angry, and now that he was out there, who knew what he was capable of doing in his condition? “Dang it, BB..!” Beast Boy had retreated to the beach, where he knew of a small cave at the end where he could crash, but he honestly never felt such heartbreak in his life; unloved, unappreciated, and now practically unwanted by even his teammates; or rather his former team. A very sad and miserable song seemed to play along the air, and someone was singing about exactly how he felt. (Skip to 0:37) In one last desperate attempt he tried to think of a future for himself, one where he could rise up and be a better success and really make a difference somewhere. …Alas, he could think of nothing, and merely sat a rock in the cold cave. His head hung low and he sighed miserably as the song ended. As she stretched out to try and get comfortable, he felt something soft next to him, not like a rock but a big burlap sack. He saw that it was no ordinary sack, but the same sack of money he failed to return to the bank that morning, and judging by how bulgy it was, all the money was still inside it, but there was more… It wasn’t so dark in the cave that he couldn’t see more bags and crates, of jewelry, antiques, even weapons stolen from the history museum. “Dude!” he exclaimed softly. He was rather excited about finding all this, but more concerned. “How did all this get here?” “…It got here because I brought it here,” said a voice. Beast Boy turned round and saw a shadowy figure dressed in a black cloak and a hood standing at the cave entrance. “I was wondering how to get you to come, and much to my surprise… you came by yourself.” “Who are you?” Beast Boy asked sharply. The stranger stepped forth, and removed his hood revealing his face, and much to Beast Boy’s astonishment. “Dude… you… you look just like me!” and he did, the green skin, the green hair, pointy ears, fangs, even the same doom patrol outfit. “Astonishing, isn’t It?” remarked the stranger, “But unlike you, I cannot turn into animals, and I have no need to, thanks to this…” he reached down under his collar and pulled out on a silver strand of beads a golden shiny stone, about the size of a golf ball, with a very unusual marking of a unicorn embedded into it. Beast Boy gawked at the amulet in awe, but then he quickly snapped to his senses. “Wait a minute! You took the money from me and all this stuff too?” The creature sighed “Yes, I believe we’ve already established that, but that’s beside the point and not really any of your concern… not where you’ll be going anyway.” “What are you talking about?” asked Beast Boy. The creature was growing irritable. “I swear, these humans are more lacking of intelligence than I thought.” He grumbled, and then he put it plain and simple “You and I strongly resemble one another. Anyone who is anyone would easily mistake one of us for the other! We… are going… TO SWITCH…OUT!!” His voice echoed along the cave. Before Beast Boy could protest or even say anything, the amulet began to glow along with the strangers eyes in a hypnotic way. “Hey!” cried Beast Boy “What are… you… do… ing… naaaaa….” and he fell out cold. Changeling approached Beast Boy and looked down pitifully at him. “Try to understand, I have no personal feelings against you… but… sometimes you must do what you must do.” He folded his hands and concentrated hard. His amulet glowed brightly, and Beast Boy’s body was enveloped in light as he recited a spell… “From day to night, and night to day, I send you now on your way. Go forth to the place where the magic lives and how, I send you to Equestria… NOW!!” In a bright flash, Beast Boy changed into a glowing yellow light that soared like a speeding comet far, far away across the country, straight into a faraway town… to a high-school called Canterlot High, where broken statue lay situated in the front yard. The light passed right through the statue’s base and was gone. Changeling snickered wickedly and said to himself. “That poor creature... He’s in for a big surprise when he awakens.” Author's Note and now... the real fun begins. Heh-Heh-Heh!
Chapter 6: A Screaming Shock (Welcome to Equestria)CHAPTER SIX It wasn’t long after Beast Boy had fled the tower, did the Titans start to receive emergency calls from all over town. Apparently, several locations-- a jewelry store, an antique pawn shop, even the natural history museum-- all had been robbed by a mysterious, yet unexplainable phenomenon. All the security cameras and night guards swore positively that no one had come near the places, nor were any alarms tripped, yet all the merchandise and items that were stolen… just vanished into thin air. The Titans viewed the information sent to them by the places, and were just as baffled. They were viewing the footage of the jewelry store robbery. “Okay, watch again…” said Robin, and he played the footage back in super slow-motion, which showed all the necklaces, rings and everything else neatly in their display cases. “First you see them… and now, you don’t.” “They have gone… the poof.” added Starfire. Cyborg examined the other two tapes of footage from the Pawn Shop and the Museum on the other monitors; it was the same thing. The artifacts and valuables… just vanished. “I think it’s magic.” Raven suggested “I mean there’s nothing else that can explain it.” “Maybe…” said Robin “But magic or not, that doesn’t explain who’s doing this and why. We’re going to patrol the entire city.” “But, what of Beast Boy…?” Starfire asked. The others fell silent, still feeling a bit of regret about what happened. “We can’t worry about him now.” Cyborg said “But maybe while we’re out he’ll show up anyway.” The others didn’t seem too positive on such an idea. Even if they were to find him, the odds were he wouldn’t be too willing to even talk to them. Then again, were they even willing to talk to him? Late that night in Equestria, Twilight and Spike were fast asleep, when a small ray of light shot out through the mirror gateway in the library, and hurdled out across Ponyville and landed in the fields. Nobody noticed a single thing, as practically every pony was sound asleep. Beast Boy finally began to awaken and gazed up at the light of the mid-morning. “I must’ve slept through the night.” He groggily tried to stand up on his two feet, but found he couldn’t keep his balance and he flopped down on the grass, almost as if his bones didn’t want to work that way. The grass was also a strange sight to him, as well as the entire meadow landscape around him. “Wasn’t I in the beach cave?” he wondered softly as he rubbed the side of his face, “Last thing I remember… that guy who looked like me… he…” He paused when he noted the strange feeling of his hand against his face. It didn’t feel like a hand or fingers, but something flat and solid. That’s when he realized his arms were now hooves. “Oh!” He felt along his face, and felt his pointy ears now sticking right up top of his head. “Huh?” Then it got scary as he felt something long and hard sticking out of his head, like a horn. “What the-- What’s going on…?” A small pond of water was right near him. He gazed down at his reflection, and he was shocked!! “Dude…!” he cried. He had taken the form of a green unicorn, almost like an alternate version of himself, and even more astonishingly… he could still speak normally like a human! At first he thought he was going crazy and splashed water from the pond on his face. “Dude…! I’m not dreaming!” he cried, and that maybe he transformed while he was knocked out cold, but he soon discovered not only could he not change back into his normal form, he couldn’t seem to change into any other animal either… but his horn glowed, and he found himself surrounded by a sparkling aura that lifted off the ground like a balloon. “Hey! Whoa… whoa…!!” Suddenly, the magic stopped, and he landed with a splash in the shallow pond. “Ugh’ll!” he groaned as he walked out on all fours, and shook himself dry. “Dude, maybe I’m dead!” he thought aloud, but then he realized how silly and least likely that was. People didn’t turn into unicorns and experience such magical things when they went… …at least he didn’t think so. Suddenly, something soared overhead. He looked up and saw another creature like him; a pony… only instead of a horn it had wings; like a Pegasus. “Unicorns… now Pegasus?” he asked no one in particular as he was all by himself. Since standing around wouldn’t do, he realized he would have to explore and hopefully find someone who could explain. Unable to animal-morph into anything that could fly, and not wanting to try that levitation magic and fall down hard again, he was forced to walk Meanwhile, Spike had woken up and he stretched out and yawned. As he walked down the hallways of the castle, he saw Twilight in the library. She was examining the mirror gate. “Twilight, what’s up?” he asked. “I don’t know how, but this gateway was activated last night while we were sleeping. I can tell because it’s warm, and the systems register positive.” Now Spike was concerned too. Nobody would use their portal without a strong burst of magic to open it, and only Twilight and a select few, her friends from the human world, possessed such powers. “I know it wasn’t Sunset Shimmer or any of the others.” said Twilight “They wrote to me last week, and said they were all on a month long school field-trip to a place called Paris.” “Okay, but… then who used the portal?” “I don’t know.” replied Twilight “I’m not even sure if whether the portal was even used to exit or enter Equestria. Spike, we’ve got a big mystery here.” Spike agreed. Beast Boy continued to wander along the meadow, and he finally came across a town, and what he saw ahead astonished him again. Everywhere he looked he saw not a single human being, but ponies, ponies and more ponies! There were ponies of different colors, shapes, and sizes. There were unicorns, Pegasus, and even just plain ordinary ponies with no horns or wings. Even more interestingly, each and every pony seemed to have a kind of picture tattooed onto their flanks, while sadly his flank was blank. All the ponies were acting like humans, going about daily routines, some even have jobs and kids were walking to school. “Maybe someone there can help me.” He galloped down to the town, but the second he stepped in and called out “Hello… Excuse me!” every single pony stopped and gawked at him as if they had seen a ghost. Some we’re even scared and tembled. Now Beast Boy felt very embarrassed as well as confused “What’s the matter?” he asked, but no one dared speak to him and just kept on staring at him. “Look, what is all this. I just want to know where I am.” Then, not watching where he was going, he bumped into a yellow mare Earth Pony, with an orange mane and carrying a basket of flowers in her teeth, and eating a saddle bag, much like a purse. “Oh, sorry.” He said politely, but the mare then just handed him her saddle bag whimpering, “Take anything you want, just please don’t hurt me.” “What?” snapped Beast Boy, and he politely gave the bag back without taking anything much to the mare’s and everyone else’s confusion. “He gave it back?” “He doesn’t do that.” Already feeling uncomfortable, Beast Boy just walked off confusing all the ponies even more. “Geez… what’s with them?” Beast boy wondered, but strangely everywhere he went, every pony he ran into acted just the same… or worse. They stopped and gawked at him. They would scream and run crying “Help!” and a few more ponies tried to give him their saddle bags or their money pouches, only for him to kindly reject and hand them back without taking a thing. “What are they all acting like; I’m some kind of monster?” Beast Boy was so lost in his thoughts, that he nearly got pushed over by a soaring Pegasus that came zooming by in a rainbow flash. “Whoa!” she groaned “Watch where you’re going, chump!” she grouched at him. “Hey, I’m just walking!” Beast Boy protested “Maybe you should slow down.” The pony looked like she was going to blow up. “Okay! No one tells Rainbow Dash to slow down. Not like that…” she looked ready for a serious argument, when she noticed “Hey, you look familiar.” She then looked at him really hard from head to hoof while flying in slow circles around him making him dizzy. “Eh, I don’t have time for this anyway. I have someplace to be. Later, chump.” then she just flew off, leaving Beast Boy dizzy, confused, and annoyed that he probably made an enemy, but even more so, that was the first pony to not run from him and he could have asked about where he was. His stomach growled, and he realized after all he had been doing he hadn’t eaten breakfast. Fortunately, there were lots of food stands, bakeshops and café’ all over, but unfortunately for him he had no money, and even if he had he was shunned, denied and unwelcomed by the proprietors. “You stay out of here!” “I don’t do deals with the likes of you!” Doors slammed, windows shut, and ponies shook their heads. Other evens picked up their wagons and galloped away very fast. Now his head ached as well as his stomach, but he pressed on hoping to find some help and maybe some answers. He found his way to a tower-like shop called “Carousel Boutique.” “Maybe someone here can help me. Oh, who am I kidding?” still, he knew he had to try or he’d starve. Inside the store, many ponies, mostly mares were admiring the displays of clothes and ensembles all over, when suddenly one of the ponies took one look at him, and you guessed it, she screamed, causing all the other customers to turn, scream and all run out of the store in such a panic. The store was completely deserted, except for one pony-- one very beautiful unicorn pony, hinted light grey with a beautiful purple mane and tail. The owner of the shop-- whom came down the stairs from the upper floor when she head the screaming, “Whatever is going on here?” she asked. Beast Boy thought she looked very beautiful and sounded so melodic, and then he saw her accidently misstep, and she would have tumbled down the last few stairs had he not rushed over to catch her. “Are you okay?” he asked. The pony, breathed heavily, almost overdramatically, in attempt to catch her breathe. “Oh, my… how can I thank you?” she said, but when she took one look up at him, and… she SCREAMED and extremely loud screech! Her screech was so ear-piercing, that Beast Boy fled the store like lightning, stopping in front of a lamppost to catch his breathe. “DUDE!!” he groaned “What the heck is going on here?!” Suddenly, he looked up and saw a Wanted Poster on the lamppost, with a picture of a pony that resembled him in every single detail, and he read the list of charges… -Thievery -Assault -Breaking and Entering -Malicious Mischief -Vandalism -Possible Murder. The more Beast Boy read it, the more livid he became, especially the last line which read:“He is known to be extremely dangerous and is ordered to be reported to the authorities on first sight.” It all made sense to him now, or at least half of it, and yet when he slowly turned round, he saw that he was completely surrounded by a group of angry looking citizens and a lot ponies dressed in police uniforms. “Uh-Oh…!”
Chapter 7: Questioning QueernessCHAPTER SEVEN Before Beast Boy knew it, he was sitting in a dark room with a large light shining on him as two burly pony officers interrogated him, but only one of them actually did all the talking. “Well, well… fancy finally catching you, Changeling.” he said sarcastically. “Not so tough now without your fancy amulet and powers.” “Dude, I’m not Changeling. You got the wrong guy.” cried Beast Boy. “That’s what they all say…” said the officer “But you’re going to start saying that you wish you were never born when we get through with you, especially if you don’t tell us where you hid that amulet you stole!” It was vain that Beast Boy tried to convince him that he wasn’t they guy he thought he was, and that he never had the amulet. “I’m telling you the truth. I don’t know how I even got here, or where even here is.” The officer and his partner only laughed at him. “Okay then… this is the world of Equestria, a world inhabited by ponies like us.” “Equestria…?” Beast Boy asked. “That’s right…” mocked the officer “And in Equestria we have jails… and it’s where we put scum like you for all the things you’ve done.” Beast Boy gulped, but made one last attempt to try and convince him, “My name isn’t Changeling. It’s Beast Boy, and just hours ago I was located in Jump City, California on Earth.” The officer sniggered and said “Okay, maybe some time in the slammer will give you some time to think about confessing.” Before Beast Boy knew it he was tossed into a simple jail cell. “See you in about a-hundred years.” The officer mocked and just left him there. Beast Boy wanted to protest, but he knew there was no point. Now, feeling ultimately alone powerless, and afraid, he slumped onto the bench in his cell… and he almost actually felt like crying. Suddenly, he remembered, “That dude… he’s still back in Jump City!” He didn’t want to begin to think of the trouble that creep was up to. Indeed, Changeling was up to many more dirty tricks. He also still wore his cloak and hood so people would still not recognize him, as he resembled Beast Boy too well. He strolled down a district lined with many parking-meters. He walked right up to each meter, with an arm full of empty sacks. Then, a simple touch of his finger and all the coins inside the machine seem to fill up in his sacks until they were so full they were hard to carry. So he teleported the sacks back to his cave where no one would find them. “I love easy money.” he snickered “This is almost too easy for me. I could go for a little amusement.” He walked round a corner and saw a familiar girl--Terra-- sitting alone at café patio. “That’s the girl whom Beast Boy had difficulties with.” he remembered. Suddenly, he was rudely shoved out of the way by two more girls-- Jackie and Jillian-- “Move it, bucko!” Jackie snarled as she and Jillian walked past him. Jillian then shoved him, knocking his hood off. He had not noticed this as he felt quite enraged. Having kept an eye on Beast Boy, he recognized those two troublemakers, and decided he’d maybe have a little fun with them. Using his powers, the girls suddenly froze up. “Hey!” cried Jackie. “I can’t move!” added Jillian. Terra heard their cries and saw them being harassed by the cloaked stranger, and she began to dash straight for them. “Brat Boy?!” snapped Jillian. “Beast Boy!” cried Terra That’s when he finally noticed his hood was off. “Oh, no!” and he quickly replaced it, but the girls had already seen him. Still, not felling much harm could be done, he merely levitated the two bad girls up, up, up, much to their and Terra’s surprise. He then levitated the girls over a dump truck full of manure parked on the side of the street, and then he just let them fall in. The Js screamed in disgust, and Terra was rather livid with him and glared at him, while he glared at her and threatened, “Unless you wish to share the same punishment, get out of my way!” He sounded so fierce, so nasty. Terra felt frightened and just let him walk past her. “Well, that was boring.” Changeling muttered to himself as he walked off. “I think I need to turn things up a bit.” He walked out of sight and was gone. Suddenly, Terra realized as she said to herself, “Wait a minute. Beast Boy can’t levitate things.” But there was no denying what she had just seen. The Js crawled out of the truck in a mucky mess, and they smelled just awful. They angrily marched over to where Terra was standing, wanting to get back at Beast Boy, only to find he had already gone. “He… is so… DEAD…!!” shouted Jackie. “Yeah, bloody murder!” added Jillian. Terra was snapped out of her trance by their attitude and she scorned them, “If you ask me, you two got exactly what you deserved!” The Js were shocked at what she just said. “He just threw us into a pile of… that stuff.” Jackie whined. “And you hired those punks to beat on him. I was there the other night, I saw what happened, and I know you two had something to do with it.” The Js now felt a little awkward. “Well, we only did it for you.” Jillian said “You’ve spent a lot of time thinking about that Bozo Boy.” “His name is BEAST BOY!!” she yelled “And you had no right to do what you did to him.” The Js began to realize the roots between Terra and Beast Boy. “Don’t tell me you actually like that guy?” Jackie asked. Terra did all she could try not to blush or give anything away. “No! I… I don’t.” she said “I hardly even know him.” she lied about that. “I told him to stay away from me, and I can’t help that he shows up wherever I go.” The Js folded their arms at her, and gave her a look of disbelief. “Whatever.” They both said, and they walked off to go and get cleaned up. Now, Terra was on her own again, which she didn’t like being. She felt very frustrated, but deeply confused and concerned to what she had witnessed. “Since when did Beast Boy get such powers?” she wondered, but he was already gone so she couldn’t try to even question him. Then again, that probably wasn’t a good idea anyway. “I gave you your space… now give me mine!” She remembered his words too well, and the attitude he gave her the other night. She hadn’t stopped thinking about it since, and it interfered with her studies and her daily routines. “You were only thinking about yourself, Terra.” That part hurt her the most, and no matter how hard she tried to deny it, she couldn’t fight off what was said to her. It kept on echoing in her mind no matter what she did or where she went. The biggest and most desperate of all that concerned her was that fact that Beast Boy had mentioned that just because she had dumped him was not the only reason he was so miserable. So, what was it that was really bothering him? Did she really want to know? It would mean having to speak with him face-to-face again. Back in Equestria, the Mane six were all gathered at Rainbow Castle. “So, what’s the story, Twilight?” asked Applejack. “Are we going on some super special friendship mission?” added Fluttershy. Rainbow held her hoofs up in hope going, “Please be Wonderbolt Academy! Please be Wonderbolt Academy!” “Actually, it’s a lot more serious than that.” Twilight said, and she showed her friends a letter she had received earlier, which told her that the wicked thief, Changeling, had finally been captured and was now in the Ponyville police-jail. “Ahem…” Rarity said “I may like to point out that it was I who filed the report and alerted the authorities… after that scoundrel had the nerve to step into my boutique!” “Ah, rats!” groaned Pinkie “I wanted to be the one to catch him.” The others didn’t think too much of her greed. “So, what’s up with you?” applejack asked Twilight, and Twilight stammered a bit and tried to put as delicately as she could, but Spike decided to spill it for her. “They’re going to put him on trial in a few days, and they’ve asked Twilight to be on the lead member of the jury, and she’s very nervous about it.” She glared at him sternly, but then sighed, “He’s right. I’ve never been on a jury before. I’m not sure I can go through with this.” The others concurred with her feelings. “Wow… that is big.” said Rainbow “But, it shouldn’t be too bad. I mean, he’s a low-down, crazed pony who stole from so many. I say lock him up and throw away the key.” “I couldn’t agree more with you, Rainbow Dash.” said Rarity. “It’s high time that justice was served to that barbarian!” Fluttershy walked up to Twilight and comforted her “I’m sure it’ll be okay. Think of it just like giving your royal public speeches; you know in front of so many ponies… having to make a very important decision… maybe… even.” She suddenly felt her own nerves going, and her knees began to quake. Twilight sighed again. “Maybe you’re all right. He has done so many awful things.” “Buck up, girl.” said Applejack “If you need us there for moral support, you got it.” The others all nodded in agreement, promising to be there, the day of the trial. Twilight felt ever so flattered. “Thanks, you guys. You’re really the best friends a pony could have.”
Chapter 8: Court of InjusticeCHAPTER EIGHT A few days had passed, and more and more robberies had hit the city. Pay-meters and pay-phones were emptied out and not by the collectors. Not a coin was left in their collection plates. More antique valuables had been stolen, not just from stores, but from five-star hotels, restaurants, even from people’s homes, all reported to have just vanished without a trace. The authorities were totally stumped and hadn’t a clue to go by. No one seen or caught on camera, no finger prints, footprints, not anything left behind to lead to a potential suspect. The city was now beginning to suffer serious financial and moral decline, and people were starting to panic and grow suspicious of everyone, even going as far as to lockdown their stores, setting up traps, only to wind up catching the innocent. Even the banks now had armed swat teams on round-the-clock standby and suspected anyone who tried to come in. Of course, the titans were non-too thrilled with all that was happening. “Man, I don’t believe all this!” groaned Cyborg “all the greatest security systems money can buy and the completely flop to catch this guy.” “Oh, and to think the people of our city tremble and suffer so.” said Starfire. Robin had thought it good and hard, and there was only solution left, “…We’re going to set a trap. It may just be the only way we can even get a look at whoever’s responsible.” “But how are we supposed to do that?” asked Raven “We don’t even know where they’re bound to strike next.” “Not quite…” said robin, and he showed everyone a map with a red dot indicating all the banks, stores and various other places that were robbed. There were also some green dots, not many, which resembled a few banks and places that hadn’t been touched yet. “We’ll setup a little trap around the Second National Bank. It seems to have the richest quantity of the lot, and I’m sure that’s where our suspect will head next, and we’ll even convince the security to make it look like the defenses are down.” The others fell silent for a moment. “Well, it can’t hurt to try.” said Cyborg. The girls agreed as well. “Okay then… we go at it tonight.” said Robin. The trial was ready to commence. Twilight had taken her place on the jury stand along with eleven other ponies, all seeming irate and bored with the fact they had to sit through a trial for a pony that was already more than guilty as anyone knew. Her friends and Spike sat in the front row, and Pinkie cheered for Twilight, only to be reprimanded by the others. “Pinkie Pie, keep quiet.” said Rarity. “Yeah, this is a court of justice, not some circus performance.” added Applejack. Twilight still felt a little nervous. The doors flung open and Beast Boy was marched out, in cuffs, by two bailiff ponies, but all the court gawked at him and whispered concern and expressions back and forth. “It’s him!” “That’s Changeling.” “I hope he goes to jail for a-hundred years.” “I hope they cut his head off!” Rainbow recognized him as, “It’s the chump I ran into the other day. I can’t believe, all this time…” Soon the court was in session, and the prosecutor began his opening statements. “Citizens of Ponyville…” he called out “As you are no doubt aware, for the past several months, citizens, businesses and even whole banks across Equestria have been senselessly robbed. The accused is charged not only with endangering our financial ways of life, but our very lives themselves as he is believed to be alleged murderer of the first degree.” He held up one of the Wanted Posters for all to see, right next to Beast Boy. “As you can no doubt see, this pony here stands guilty as charged. It is highly recommended to punish Changeling as soon as possible.” There was an outbreak of chatter in the courthouse, but the judge banged her hoof like a gavel shouting “Order, Order!” she called. Everyone quieted down. Then the Judge reviewed the case files containing quite a few lists of charges, and she spoke deeply to Beast Boy. “Mr. Changeling, have you anything to say for yourself.” “Yes…” Beast Boy said “For the last time, I am not Changeling!” There was uproar of gasps, and exchanges of confusion and outrage. “Not Changeling?” Twilight muttered. “Order!” called the Judge as she banged her hoof, silencing the courtroom. “Yes, I have read the reports. You claim that you not only not Changeling, but you also claim that you are not originally from our world.” More exchanges of concern, especially from Twilight, and she suddenly remembered about the mirror portal. “It’s the truth!” cried Beast Boy. “Truth or not…” remarked the judge “The fact remains that you have no substantial proof to verify your claims, and you have been positively identified by eye-witnesses and victims of the crimes you are charged with.” Beast Boy tried in vain to explain things, but no one seemed interested in what he had to say, many of the ponies booed and hissed at him, even Rainbow and Rarity did, but their friends were starting to have second thoughts. Surely someone on trial would not make sudden outbursts like this-- claiming to be someone else, and not of their world-- not to mention the kind of reputation that Changeling had, one would think he wouldn’t act so frightened, so desperate. Fluttershy felt this the most as she looked over and Changeling. Normally she’d be afraid of such a scary and evil criminal, but seeing the look in his eyes-- the look of fear, loss, and even a tad of lonesome-- “What if he’s telling the truth?” she whispered to her friends. “Come to think of it... he did get kinda captured way to easy.” said Applejack “And he hasn’t put up a strong fight or anythin’.” Pinkie Pie’s mind was arguing back and forth, “She’s right. But what if she’s not? What if she is? What if she isn’t!” back and forth, making her dizzy. Twilight thought about all this the most, but still there was no proof, there was no evidence, and it also seemed that none of the other ponies on the jury seemed to share her concern, still convinced Beast Boy was guilty. The judge believed she had heard enough, and announced “The Jury will now retire and return with a verdict.” One of the jurors raised her hoof, “Um… is this really necessary. He’s clearly guilty.” Though it was against normal procedures, the judge asked “Do all other jurors feel the same way?” One-by-one each juror raised their hoof to show their agreement in judging Beast Boy guilty as charged until it was down to Twilight, and she seemed pretty hesitant. She felt every single eye in the courtroom fixated on her. Rarity and Rainbow were still convinced of the guilt and gave her gestures saying “Do it!” while all the others remained as hesitant as she was. Of course Twilight knew she had to make a choice, but exactly which… She didn’t feel it would be right to just vote guilty off the bat, but then again without any evidence to back it up and none to be obtained, she couldn’t just vote not-guilty either. Ponies everywhere seemed so convinced of the guilt that voting against it would have negative impacts on her reputation, but she had to make her choice… Now! “I… I…” Beast Boy gazed at her desperately as if he was trying to tell her not to vote him guilty. Twilight was sweating bullets, and trembling nervously, “I vote--” Suddenly, the courtroom doors flung wide open. “Stop everything!” called a voice everyone recognized at once. They all turned and gasped in soft shock and awe. Beast Boy gazed in near awe at the two elegant ponies standing at the doorway. “Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!” cried Twilight. The two sisters walked through the courtroom, and all gathered bowed as they passed. Finally, they reached the stands and Celestia pointed at Beast Boy and proclaimed “This is not Changeling.” The courtroom echoed with gasps. “Begging your majesty’s pardon, I presume you have evidence?” asked the judge. “We do.” replied Celestia “Princess Luna…” Her sister cleared her throat, “A few days ago, Princess Twilight Sparkle had written to us expressing concern of the magical gateway that is connected to the other world from our own; that it was suddenly activated through no known explanation. “We only then had been sent reports claiming that the master thief, Changeling, had been apprehended, however, despite the physical resemblance, and that one would confuse this individual as the affirmed criminal, you can note the many differences… -He has not the magic amulet with him -He is missing is cloak and hood -Though he has been identified, spotted by many of the townsfolk of Ponyville, has he committed any crimes which he has been charged with before you?” These made every pony including the witnesses realize that he hadn’t done any such things. He even refused people handing him their money and saddlebags and all else, and he acted as though he were really lost. Still, this was not really enough evidence to suggest otherwise. Celestia then approached Beast Boy, and he backed away from her, slumping deeper into his seat. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.” she closed her eyes, and concentrated hard, until her horn and her mane were glowing brightly. Twilight recognized this spell; she had been trying to perfect it herself but hadn’t succeeded. “The spell of seeking purity.” she said “She’s feeling for the goodness and pureness within him. The brighter she glows, the more pure the subject is or capable of.” Everyone could tell by this point that this pony was definitely not Changeling. How would there possibly be that much good for a criminal reputed to be that horrid. Celestia stopped glowing and opened her eyes. More than convinced she declared “This pony is found innocent of all charges, and is free to go.” She then used her magic to vanish the shackles round Beast Boy. The judge agreed, and officially banged her hoof dismissing everyone. Many ponies began to clear the courtroom. Some were ashamed and felt guilty for having accused the wrong pony and others were worried and upset knowing the real thief was still at large. Only the princesses, the Mane six and Spike remained, but Beast Boy, he was virtually speechless. “I… I don’t know what to say.” Celestia smiled at him and lifted his chin by her hoof “It’s alright; you have nothing to fear now.” Never before had he seen such honesty, and from such a gorgeous creature. He felt like he was literally being touched by an angel. He began to cry softly, and Celestia hugged him warmly to soften him and ultimately prove she meant no harm. “You’ll be alright.” she whispered to him.
Chapter 9: Friendship is SillyCHAPTER NINE Beast Boy was invited back to Rainbow Castle, and all the ponies wished to make it up to him for all the trouble he had just suffered. He was treated to a good banquet, though he requested vegetarian dishes. He even ate a dandelion salad with oats and fodder, which seemed to taste great to him as he was a pony. Rarity even gave him a little bit of a new look, but trimming and restyling his mane shorter, and cropping his tail so other ponies would not confuse him as Changeling. “I really wish I could do more for you.” she said “Can you ever forgive me?” Beast Boy thought about it deeply, “Well, sure… considering I’m in a strange world, surrounded by talking horses, and I was treated horribly and nearly sentenced for crimes I didn’t commit… but… Okay. I’ll try.” She smiled at him and pecked his cheek, much to Spike’s jealousy. Soon, everyone was gathered at the map-table, the royal sisters headed the meeting as they wanted to hear Beast Boy’s story of how he ended up in Equestria. He told them pretty much the basic stuff… “Back where I come from, I used to be a butt-kicking superhero, a member of the Teen Titans. I could turn into almost any animal you could think of.” “Any animal?” asked Fluttershy “That’s incredible!” “Incredible?!” cried Rainbow “That is downright AWESOME!!” Pinkie bounced excitedly going, “Can you become a dog, no a cat… ooh, how about an elephant and a giraffe?” The three princesses gave her a look telling her to calm down. “I don’t believe his regular powers work here anyway.” said Princess Luna “He is merely a unicorn version of himself.” Beast Boy tried and tried to morph, but he concentrated a little too hard and ended up shooting a beam of magic through one of the stain glass windows. “Sorry…” He did think it was kind of cool that he could do magic, but he decided to try and keep it easy before causing another accident. “I guess that explains a lot…” said Twilight, and she looked back at Celestia whom concurred with her theory, “Yes, there can be no doubt. Changeling must be in the human world, and he sent Beast Boy back in his place hoping we could mistake him for Changeling, thus sparing himself from being hunted down.” Beast Boy was still finding it difficult to soak in all these fascinations. “But he looked just like me…” he pointed out “And now I look just like him. What’s with that?” Twilight explained as best she could, “Basically all I can say is, every creature that lives here in Equestria has an alternative version of themselves in your world, or vice-versa.” This astonished Beast Boy, and even more so when Twilight showed him a few picture of all her human friends from Canterlot High, including her actual Human counterpart. “Every time, I look at this, it makes my head spin.” said Applejack. “I really we could go and meet them all.” added Rainbow. “Perhaps someday you will.” Celestia assured them “To be honest, I wouldn’t mind meeting my own human version.” Judging by the photo and the stories Twilight explained, it became clear to Beast Boy that though humans and their Equestrian counterparts resembled one another, they did not share every single solitary detail, trait, or personality. Spike’s counterpart was a dog, not a dragon. Celestia and Luna’s humans were not monarchs of an entire land, but rather ordinary mild-mannered managers of a High-School. Even Twilight’s own human was a nerdy girl interested more in sciences and physics, and while that was almost the same as Princess Twilight’s study of magic and things, it still wasn’t total. … But all that was beside the point. “So if Changeling’s in the human world…” said Spike “Shouldn’t we be making plans to go and get him?” “I think you’re right, Spike.” said Twilight “Who knows how many awful things he’s already done.” “Count me out.” said Beast Boy. There was a brief silence and everyone gawked at him deeply. “Whatever do you mean?” asked Rarity. “Count… me… out. That’s what I mean.” replied Beast Boy “Even if I can go back to my world, I’m not sure I should, but I know for a fact that I don’t even want to.” More concern followed. “But… you said you were a superhero; a Teen Titan.” said Rainbow. Beast Boy shook his head, “I said I USED to be. I’m not anymore, I gave it up.” Everyone gasped. “You what?!” snapped Pinkie. “I gave it up.” “YOU WHAT…?!” “I said I-- ugh, never mind.” Twilight approached him and asked, “Did you and your teammates have some sort of fight?” Beast Boy looked at her with a strange expression and said “Complete and postal fallout” doesn’t even begin to describe. I don’t care if ever see any of them, or Jump City ever again.” All of the ponies, even Pinkie Pie could tell there was a serious friendship problem going on. “Well, I reckon you came to the right place after all.” said Applejack. “Yeah, we can help fix your friendship problem, cuz friendship is what we do best.” added Pinkie. “I’m sure everything will be alright.” said Fluttershy. All the other ponies seemed to agree, especially Twilight, but much to their shock Beast Boy scoffed at the very idea. “Forget it.” Everyone was staring at him again with deep concern, “You make it sound like you can solve all my problems with simple friendship.” “Well, it’s what we believe in.” said Twilight “Our motto is “Friendship is Magic.” Everyone else nodded in agreement, and Twilight along with the two sisters used their magic to show him a little of what they mean through magical images and a small song. Beast Boy began to laugh softly. “What’s so funny?” Twilight asked. “Friendship… is Magic?” Beast Boy said, trying to contain his laughter, “No offense but… that has got to be the silliest concept I’ve ever heard.” The friends began to express more concern between each other than ever, figuring something extremely bad must have happened to Beast Boy to make him act the way he was. “Look, I just don’t want to go back, and I really don’t want to talk about it.” Celestia gave sympathy to Beast Boy, and she walked over to him and spoke softly and kindly to him. “If you don’t wish to go back, no one will force you to do anything. We will give you all the time you need.” Beast Boy smiled sadly at her, but he felt just a little grateful. “Still, we cannot simply ignore the dangers that Changeling is still loose in the human world.” added Luna “Perhaps you will at least tell us anything you know that may help us.” Beast Boy agreed to that, and Twilight levitated over to him a parchment and a loaded quill asking him to write down every detail. Unfortunately, he had a little trouble getting started, seeing as he couldn’t effectively pick up the quill in his hoofs, and he didn’t dare try to use any magic; not wanting to cause another accident. “Um… I think I should handle this.” Spike said as he took the quill and parchment. Beast Boy explained to him everything he knew about Changeling, including where his cave of stolen goods were, and also to beware of his magic amulet. “I really don’t know how powerful that thing really is; I only had a taste of it before I ended up here.” As Spike took down the notes and the royal sisters listened into every detail… Twilight and her friends were talking quietly. “I’ve never seen someone so downtrodden about friendship before.” said Twilight. “Nor have I.” added Rarity “Whatever happened to him must’ve been really bad that he wouldn’t want to go back.” “I think he’s just scared.” said Rainbow “Maybe if he unwinds here after a few days, he’ll want to go back.” Applejack didn’t feel so optimistic “It’s already been a few days, and he’s been through more than a lone apple in a worm colony.” Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to say something, which everyone caught on and said “No Parties!” “Ah, shucks!” grumbled Pinkie. “Well, I haven’t any other ideas. What can we do to make Beast Boy feel comfortable?” The number-one thing of all on everyone’s mind was where he was going to stay. Twilight wanted to put up with him, but she knew she’d have to speak with the royal sisters of an upcoming mission to the human world. “Um… I… what I mean is--” Fluttershy stammered “…I could take him in. I mean… if it’s alright with the rest of you…?” The others approved of the idea straight away. She was soft-spoken, calm and gentle, and an animal caregiver; exactly all the things Beast Boy could use given his situation. Soon, the sisters had to leave, and Twilight had work to do as well. The ponies even told their majesties of Fluttershy’s volunteer to look after Beast Boy. “Well, if Beast Boy has no objections…?” Celestia asked while looking upon him. He merely shook his head saying “It’s okay… I could use a place to stay.” “Very well then…” said Celestia, and she gazed at all the ponies, “…I’m trusting all of you not to make things too difficult for him. Remember, he is still strange to our world.” The ponies all agreed, especially Fluttershy. “I’ll take good care of him, your majesty.” The sisters nodded, and then they flew out the open window, which Beast Boy accidently smashed, magically restoring it on their way out. “Dude…!” cried Beast Boy “…Magic seems to be everywhere in this place.” The ponies could see Beast Boy was going to have some wild time understanding their world. Author's Note Sorry to spoil, but it'll save you disappointment... I have no intention of bringing out the other titans pony counterparts, nor do I intend to have the other Titans nor Terra go to Equestria either. There's just no room for that with what I have planned, and besides... the title is "BEAST BOY... In Equestria." This is HIS adventure, as well as a punishment fic
Chapter 10: Getting AlongCHAPTER TEN Fluttershy escorted Beast Boy to her cottage, and showed him a little more of Ponyville along the way. Thankfully, because of Rarity’s work on his mane and tail some ponies didn’t recognize him and didn’t confuse him for Changeling. Ponyville seemed like an okay place to Beats Boy, but it sure seemed to be lacking a lot. No automotive vehicles, just wagons, air-balloons. There were shopping boutiques, café’s and mostly homes with thatched roofs, but no video arcades, major shopping malls, or even a theme park. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I’d gone back in time to the 1900s.” Beast Boy said. “Ponyville is just a simple town.” said Fluttershy “There are other fine places-- Canterlot, where the royal sisters live, Cloudsdale, home of the Wonderbolts, Manehatten and Fillydelphia, now those are bustling places.” Beast Boy noted the names of each place, “Um… are all places in this world somehow named like horses or ponies.” “Oh, no.” said Fluttershy “There’s many places to visit in Equestria, but right now we should get you settled in. You’ve had such a hard day.” He couldn’t’ argue with that. Despite his almost being sentenced, he was still getting used to the world around him. It seemed so strange yet almost his own world at the same time. Soon they arrived at Fluttershy’s, and the place looked fairly beautiful to Beast Boy. It was like coming to a small farm. Then again she told him she was animal caregiver, even to big burly animals, like bears, and moose. All her animal friends seemed excited that she was home and huddled around her, especially her Number-One pet rabbit, Angel. “Everyone, this is Beast Boy, and he’ll be staying with us for a little while. So I want you all to make him feel welcome, okay?” All the animals agreed and circles around Beast Boy, dancing in a ring around him; their way of saying “Hello and Welcome.” Beast Boy felt the squirrels brushing their tails against him, and the birdies softly flying past him and their feather brushed against his face. “Hey, that tickles.” he giggled. Fluttershy giggled too, and she gazed into his eyes and he gazed back at her. “Um… well… let’s get you settled in.” By nightfall, Fluttershy made some honey thanks to the friend bees from the hives in her backyard. Beast Boy was forced to drink his tea through a straw since he wasn’t able to grab and lift up the cup. Normally, Beast Boy wasn’t much for tea anyway, but he found it tasting so warm and sweet, he couldn’t stop until the tea was just about all out. “I’m glad that you like it, Beast Boy.” Fluttershy said to him. “It’s actually making me feel a little better… all considering.” “Is something wrong?” Beast Boy could think of no other way to put it “No offense but… I’m still having a hard time believing all this is real. I mean… I’m talking to a pony. Heck, I’ve become a pony, and not like the kind in my world. …It’s just that, I never thought such a place like this could exist, and I’ve been everywhere.” Fluttershy was more than understanding of all this, and yet it still concerned her the way he didn’t want to go back to the human world. “Beast Boy… what if something bad did happen to you here? Somebody must miss you in your world.” Hearing that made Beast Boy think back to his own world, and it made some of his sadness catch up to him again. “No…” he simply said “Nobody misses me.” She found that difficult to believe. “But what about you…? Isn’t there anyone you miss?” Just thinking about the people he missed who either didn’t miss him, or were not even back there waiting for him increased his sadness. “I… I really don’t want to talk about that. I’m sorry.” “No… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up if it bothers you so.” He smiled sadly at her. He tried not to let it show, but he was beginning to feel Fluttershy was very sweet and kind; much kinder to him that most people he ever knew. He let out a small yawn, and Fluttershy and Angel yawned too. “I think we should all go to bed. It’s been a long day.” said Fluttershy. Beast Boy agreed, and soon Fluttershy’s sofa was all set up for him. It felt really comfortable to him, even in his pony-form. Fluttershy even tucked him in like a loving mother-figure. “There, is that good?” she asked tenderly. “I’ll be okay…” he replied and he gazed deeply at her “Thank you, Fluttershy.” Feeling flattered and happy, she bent down and softly pecked his head. “I’ll see you in the morning. Everything will be okay.” Then she blew out any candles, and turn out the lights before heading off to bed herself with Angel. Beast Boy looked out the window, and the night sky really seemed beautiful. He then let out a small yawn and casually drifted off to sleep. Next morning he opened his eyes, only to find he was no longer on the sofa. For that matter, he was no longer a pony, but his normal self again. “Dude… it was all a dream.” he said to himself. He got up and realized he was in the cave where he first met Changeling, only all the stolen money and goods were no longer there either, and the only footprints in the sands were that of which he made upon the night when he left Titan’s Tower in a huff, after quitting the team. He stepped out of the cave and could see all of Jump City still as it was. He felt somewhat disappointed that all those things didn’t really happen to him. Yet they felt so real. He felt along his head where Fluttershy had pecked him, he could still practically feel the warmth. Of course, putting all that aside, “What am I going to do now?” he wondered “I can’t go back to the tower, and there’s pretty no place I can go in the city. No one will accept me.” Suddenly, he heard a loud noise, sounded like an explosion from several blocks away. “Dude!” he cried, and he changed into a falcon and flew off to investigate. He found those same five guys whom robbed the bank from the other day were back, and armed in the same exo-suits as before, and were robbing the bank again. They were faced with the other Titans. “Titans go!” shouted Robin. All the Titans charged in at once, but the crooks all laughed and fired their suit weapons--missiles, flame-throwers, machine guns. “NO!!!” Beast Boy cried as he watched each and all his friends get totally trounced to death. All four of them lay in the street, severely wounded and bleeding streams of blood. The crooks then made off with all the money they had stolen and were gone. Beast Boy, devastated, dashed over to Robin. “Robin! Are you alright?” he cried. “No… thanks… to you…!” Robin growled weakly. “We… needed you!” cried Starfire. “You were… there… for us!” groaned Cyborg. Raven said nothing, and just looked at him shamefully. Then, feeling it was taking too long to expire from her injuries, she shot her own self in the head with a tiny burst of her power. “Raven!” cried Beast Boy, and then all the others expired from their injured. “No…!” he peeped softly as ears came to his eyes. There was worse to come as he soon found himself surrounded by an angry mob of people from the city. “He murdered the Titans!” “He let the bad guys get away with our money!” “Get him!” Beast Boy tried to protest, but before he knew it the people jumped all over him, and he was brought before a court of justice. “Beast Boy, what have you to say for yourself?” the judge sneered. Beast Boy opened his mouth to speak, but the judge immediately decided “Ah, who cares? …Death by the electric chair.” “What?!” snapped Beast Boy. All the people seemed to cheer, more as if they personally just wanted him to be executed for petty reasons. “Burn the freak!” “Go away Greenie!” “Die!” He suddenly found himself strapped into the chair, and who was given the honor of pulling the switch…! “Terra!” cried Beast Boy “You can’t! You wouldn’t! You know me better than that.” Terra looked at him grimly and shook her head saying, “Sorry, but… I don’t know you. I’ve never known you. Things Change…” “NO, TERRA DON’T…!!” She pulled the switch! Everything flashed. …And his eyes snapped open, and he gasped softly in shock. He was a unicorn, on Fluttershy’s sofa in her house, in the magical world of Equestria. THAT… was all just a dream. He was very relieved, but he couldn’t help but think to himself, “The Titans don’t need me, and I don’t need them. They can manage just as well without me… …Can’t they?” Exhausted, he lay back down and softly drifted back to sleep.
Chapter 11: First ConfrontationCHAPTER ELEVEN It was very late at night in Jump City, but fortunately there was no school the next morning, which was slightly good for Terra. The poor girl couldn’t seem to get any sleep that night, she went out for a very late night stroll to try and clear her mind. It was the same story as usual; no matter how hard she would try she could not seem to get Beast Boy off her mind, but it wasn’t all that. Jackie and Jillian stopped talking to her since she spat at them and thinking she was getting sweet on Beast Boy. She tried her best to tell the truth, albeit she was pretty much trying to lie and deny her past once more. Now she felt more alone that ever, and it was badly affecting her school studies, which wouldn’t help her in a normal life. Why was this happening to her? Why was the world and nature still trying to torture her after everything she had already been through? More importantly, why couldn’t she stop feeling so guilty about all that happened between her and Beast Boy during the past week? Was she actually starting to regret what she did? Did she really care about him so much that she was really willing to give it just one more try and reclaim what she gave up? She held her aching head in frustration, “Why can’t it just leave me alone?!” she groaned softly. Then, she looked up, and she could see someone, wearing a robe and hood, high up on the roof a building. The moon was shining just bright for her to see. “Beast Boy…?” she peeped. There was no mistaking him. She recognized the robe and the slight hint of green skin in the moonlight. She also noticed several police cars and black vans parked along the street, all of them seemed to be pointing towards the way to the Second National Bank… the same direction where Beast Boy was heading. She felt a small voice inside calling to her, “Let’s go check it out.” “No, are you crazy? That isn’t my life anymore.” “Wow, and you call me crazy. Look, you can’t kid yourself. You know you at least want to see, so just get going!” Terra, unable to fight her better judgment, ran off through the alleys heading for the bank, but upon seeing all the police cars along the way, she knew she had to go higher to get a better view. Seeing no one was around, she grabbed two small rocks on the ground, “It’s been awhile; don’t let me down.” she said calmly to herself. She then clenched the rocks hard and used her powers to lift the rocks, pulling herself up, up, up and onto a rooftop that overlooked the bank down below in the street. The whole place seemed deserted, with hardly any security guarding the perimeter as mentioned in reports. Suddenly, she saw Beast Boy leap onto the roof of the bank, and she began to have a sickly feeling in the pit of her stomach, regarding the reports about all the stolen goods. “Oh, no… it can’t be!” she cried softly to herself. Changeling, unaware he was being watched and not really seeming to care about being too cautious, sighed as he stood on the roof, “Another night, another easy score. What do I have to do for some excitement?” Suddenly, bright lights shone on him from behind. He turned round and saw the Titans standing behind him, and Cyborg and robin flashing their lights on him. “We meet at last.” Robin sneered. He and the others obviously didn’t recognize him from within the shadows of his hood, but he knew who they were. “So you’re the Teen Titans I’ve heard so much about. You really don’t look like much to me.” The Titans felt offended “We may not appear as much to you, but you will be thinking twice when this battle concludes.” said Starfire. “Really…?” scoffed Changeling. More, brighter lights shone from below as police cars surrounded the entire area, and more officers popped up onto the roofs pointing guns at their target. There were even guards up on Terra’s roof, but she kept well out of sight by hiding behind large air-conditioning unit. “Freeze!” an officer shouted through a megaphone “We have you completely surrounded. Put your hands above your head.” Changeling snickered. “Oh, no!” peeped Raven. She could tell what was going to happen, but it was too late. “Like this…?” Changeling called as he quickly raised his hands, and sent out a magical wave. The waved knocked the Titans back a bit, and the magic shattered all the lights shining on him, and jammed every single police gun so none would fire on him. The officers tried to march in. “Stand back!” Changeling shouted as he snapped his fingers, magically conjuring a flame wall all around him and the titans on the roof. The Titans were the only ones standing with him now. “You’ve only now just seen a sample of my talents. Still think you can take me on?” “Titans go!” shouted Robin, and he and the others dashed forth. Robin lunged at him with his metal staff, but Changeling fought valiantly with his arms and legs like a skilled martial artist, and actually knocked the staff away, and kicked Robin hard in the chest. Starfire came at him firing her starbolts like crazy, but Changeling swerved and evaded each and every one. “My turn!” he chuckled, and he fire dark bolts, similar to hers right back at her, forcing her to retreat. “I got him!” hollered Cyborg as he came charging in with his cannon ready to fire. Changeling softly touched his amulet for luck, and then… just as Cyborg was about to hit him, he instantly warped to right behind him. Cyborg whirled round to hit him again only for him to warp again. He tried a few more times, but he couldn’t seem to land a single hit. “Ha-Ha! You have to be quick if you want to catch me.” Fuming like a raging volcano, Cyborg fired his shoulder missiles, but Changeling held out his amulet, and in a bright flash the missiles turned right back and headed straight for Cyborg, forcing him to run about to avoid each one. “Too bad…” changeling mocked. Then he was suddenly shrouded within a hollow barrier of dark light conjured by Raven. “Too bad for you…” she called to him. “That voice…” he murmured and he turned within the barrier to look at her, but he couldn’t make her out too well because of her hood and the dark light, but he could still see her clearly enough, and her magic was still no match for his as he demonstrated by glaring at her with his glowing eyes which shattered her concentration and knocked her back against the large air-conditioning unit on the roof. Her hood slipped down and he got a good look at her face. “Oh, my…” he said in a deep tone “So beautiful…” Raven’s features twisted, “Are you talking to me?” He stepped forth in a rather creepy like way, only to get shot at from behind. The other Titans stood glaring at him and Raven got up and refitted her hood. Changeling couldn’t stop looking at her though, and as much as he would normally continue to fight, he had a change of plan. “We’ll meet again…” he hissed at all the Titans, “Oh, and thanks for the spare change.” Before the Titans could react, the firewall swooped down in on changeling, and he and the flames just vanished without a trace. “He is gone!” cried Starfire. Robin felt worried by what he meant by “Spare Change”, and the Titans and the police inspected inside the bank, and no less than ten billion dollars in gold, documents and bills were missing from the many vaults… vanished into thin air. “He never even had to come inside the bank.” said Robin. Cyborg angrily punched the solid metal of one of the vaults, “All this time, he was just distracting us, and the worst of it is we don’t even know what he looks like. We didn’t even get a glimpse of his face.” Raven seemed more concerned with the power she had witnessed. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Even my power wasn’t enough to stop him.” “Do not despair so, friends.” said Starfire “We at least know now what is truly happening.” “Star’s right…” said Robin “We know a little of what we’re up against, so maybe we can devise a plan against that guy, and hopefully find where he’s stashed all the money and goods.” As all the police officers packed up their damaged weapons and supplies, and all went home in shame and worry for the city, Terra was soon left on the other building’s rooftop all by herself, and she felt tears coming to her eyes from what she had just seen. “Beast Boy… you are the one doing all this!” she said softly trying not to sob. She never felt so shocked, as if she had been betrayed. “What can I do?” she wondered “I know I should tell someone but… oh…!” Her insides were going positively crazy! If Beast Boy knew she ratted him out, given what she had already seen, who knew how furious he’d get. Then again if she didn’t tell he’d continue to steal and terrorize the town and possible move on to rob other cities, whole countries… which still hurt and baffled her; the fact that he had turned to international crime and vandalism. Of course, she was one to think that, being a former apprentice of Slade and nearly destroying the entire town because she was so misguided and manipulated. “Oh, great… now I’m thinking of that again!” she groaned. She had absolutely no idea what to think, what to do or whom to turn to. Meanwhile, Changeling sat in his cave. By this point he had stolen so much that he couldn’t begin to estimate how rich he was, but all he could do was think back to that girl… Raven. He had never seen a girl like her, and her voice-- so dark and almost eerie-- and her magic, though not much compared to his own, it only made him think more of her. “Perhaps that’s why I’ve been so bored…” he wondered to himself “I’ve been on my own a good long time. I’ve stolen enough to set for more than a-hundred lifetimes.” The more and more he thought about it, the more it began to sink into him. “Yes…” he felt “Maybe that’s what I’ve been missing. Someone I can have by my side. Someone whom will answer to my every will, and to think, with her powers combined with my own; the possibilities are endless!” He made up his mind, and imagined what it would be like to steal something he never had before: Someone’s heart… …Raven’s! He began to fall into a musical daze. I have come a long way, and now do I realize That the Teen Titan called Raven is the girl of my eyes I’ll shower her with gold and with treasures glittering bright, She’d be a fool to turn me down; I know she’ll do what’s right. I may be a dangerous crook, but once she takes look She will see how perfect we could ever be. One pound of gold bars, and a Ming Vase to the row A shining silver necklace, now that’ll make things go Mink coats so furry and a beautiful bronze cat A crystal ruby ring; oh, she’d go for that. I see us in a castle as a wealthy king and queen Surrounded by so many riches, you see what I mean. One pound of gold bars, and a Ming Vase to the row A shining silver necklace, now that’ll make things go Mink coats so furry and a beautiful bronze cat A crystal ruby ring; oh, she’d go for that. “…Raven” The song ended, and he snapped back into reality. “But how…” he wondered “How am I to get close to her without being suspected by anyone?” He thought and he thought while softly creasing his face, and then he remembered, and he dashed outside and looked down at his reflection in the waves of water that splashed onto the beach… he looked just like Beast Boy. “Yes!” he snickered “That will work!”
Chapter 13: Tell me what's wrongCHAPTER THIRTEEN Twilight was still waiting for word from Princess Celestia about the upcoming mission to the human world. Until she got her final orders, she couldn’t make a move and was told not to take any chances. The Mane Six all met up at Rainbow Castle, and spoke about what to do with Beast Boy, and Fluttershy, again, suggested “We have to know what’s troubling him. He needs to tell us.” “I know he should, Fluttershy,” said Twilight “But I don’t think it’ll be right to force it out of him. Especially from what you told me… he looked as if he was in a lot of emotional pain… …But I guess you’re right.” “Eeyup…” agreed Applejack “Keepin’ his feelin’s all bottled up like that ain’t healthy for the poor guy.” The others agreed, but Spike was rather skeptical, “I’m not sure this is a good idea. I mean, you heard him yesterday, he’s probably still convinced we can’t help him.” “That is true…” agreed Rarity “However, we cannot simply ignore the problem either. That isn’t what we normally do when it comes to friendship problems.” “You got friendship problems…?” said a familiar voice. Everyone turned and saw none other than Shining Armor and Princess Cadance standing at the door way. “Brother!” cried Twilight and she ran over and hugged him. Then she hugged her sister in law, and they did their happy cheer… “Sunshine, Sunshine, Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” They shared a laugh and another hug. The others were all delighted to see them as well. “What brings you two here?” asked Pinkie. “We heard all about Beast Boy, and we actually want to meet him.” replied Shining Armor. “Princess Celestia gave us permission to come right over, and even spend the night.” added Cadance. “Well, he’s not here right now, but I can send for him.” said Twilight “We were actually just talking about him. I’ll tell you all about it.” As she led her family to the table, Rainbow stopped Cadance for a moment and whispered to her, “Did you get my letter…?” “Sure did…” Cadance whispered back. Thanks to Rainbow she knew all about Fluttershy and Beast Boy, and being the pony of love she was, she couldn’t resist. “Nothing I like more than seeing potential couples… especially if maybe I can help them.” Beast Boy sat on a bench near a playground where had been sitting most of the afternoon. He still felt a little upset from his torment by his memories. “Even in a whole other world they still bother me.” he groaned to himself. Then he thought back to Fluttershy and he wondered if he could really trust her or the others if he told them his troubles, but he was still very doubtful they could him with all their “Friendship is Magic” fantasies. He caressed his forehead with his hoofs wondering what to do, when suddenly… POOF… a magic letter appeared before him, surprising him so much that he fell off the bench. He had already been told of the way wail traveled in Equestria, “They could warn me when it’s about to happen.” He grumbled as she unraveled the parchment. It was a message from Twilight asking him to “Please Come to Rainbow Castle.” Not wanting to disappoint the Princess of Friendship, he went on his way. Even he couldn’t miss Rainbow Castle. It was plain as anyone could see it in all of Ponyville. Soon, he arrived, he met Twilight’s family, and they were thrilled to meet him, preferably Shining Armor, and he was practically spouting with questions. “What’s it like in the human world? What did you look like back there? What kind of powers did you have?” His sister pulled him by the ear, “I think you should take it easy, bro.” and she dragged him away. “Sorry about that. He can get a little giddy.” said Cadance. Everyone took their seats at the map-table, and Beast Boy sat next to Fluttershy. They stared at each other for a split second before turning away and acting casual. Rainbow and Cadance thought this too good to be true, but Cadance wasn’t ready to try anything yet. She and Shining Armor were well aware of the situation. “What?!” was Beast Boy’s reaction when he was told, by Twilight, “We want you to tell us what bothers you.” All the others looked just as serious as she did. While all that was going on, the Titans had been hard at work trying to track down their mystery thief, but so far to no avail. Cyborg tried to scan for gold and other metals and stones from the stolen goods, but he got nothing. “He’s probably usin’ that magic of his to shield it and himself somehow.” “He’s right.” agreed Raven, “I can’t make psychic contact with him, but then again I don’t even know what he looks like.” Robin pounded the console “We’re stumbling around like blind people, while he’s up to his ears in stolen money and goods. The city’s already in financial crash.” All the titans felt the same, deeply concerned, and wished there could be a way to catch the thief. Meanwhile, Terra never felt so frustrated before. She sat on a bench in the park contemplating whether or not to squeal on Beast Boy. She was very concerned about the city. The entire metropolis was in serious financial jeopardy, worse than the big stock market crash in 1929… but she still didn’t think she could find the courage to blow the whistle, not on Beast Boy; in fear, shame, guilt... “Why, Beast Boy…?” she kept wondering to herself “How could you do such a thing? Why would you even want to?” She still couldn’t believe that anyone would simply turn to crime or homicide simply over a petty breakup, even if it was very hurtful to him. Then again, she couldn’t deny not being pained by the breakup herself. Her poor grades, her loss of sleep, or even her focus being shaken… all were linked back to Beast Boy and how she couldn’t stop thinking about him. By this point, she could no longer deny that she really regretted what she had done, but it still baffled her that he would turn to crime. “All I want is an answer.” she said as she gazed deeply up at the sky “Please… just give me an answer.” She suddenly fell asleep, having worn herself out on all the stress and sadness, only to be awakened then by someone calling to her. “Wake up, Terra… Come on now, wake up.” She opened her eyes and saw a suave black man dressed in a white suit. “Who are you?” she asked, “And how do you know who I am?” “Name’s Jerome, I’m a guardian angel.” Terra felt really surprised “I have a guardian angel?” “Uh, no, no… I’m… A… guardian angel.” replied Jerome “See, I’m sorta new in this gig, I’m still working my way through internship. When I do well, they give me my wings; they pay me big Gs, yadda-yadda-yadda… Point is I’m here to give you your answers, and frankly, it’s about time you learned the truth, because frankly again, I’m surprised BB’s still even alive after all he’s been through.” This worried Terra, but confused her as well “What do you mean “What he’s been through?” Jerome sighed, “I guess the sooner we get goin’, the sooner I can back to my pad.” “Go where?” asked Terra. Rather than answer her, Jerome simply tapped the heels of his loafers, and… POOF… they vanished. Starfire looked sadly into Beast Boy’s unoccupied room, missing him deeply. He had been missing for days and there had been no word or sign of him anywhere. She came back into the lounge, and the others noticed how grim she looked. “I do wish that Beast Boy would come home to us.” The others couldn’t deny it. “I think that’s something we all want, Star.” said Robin. “No joke.” Agreed Cyborg “I mean, he could pick up the scent of the thief and we could trace him more easily.” Raven never could believe how much she would miss Beast Boy and want him to come home as well. Of course she confessed her feelings to him, but then again he turned her down which still burned her, but all she could ask was the same thing all the others asked at the same time… “…What did we ever do to lose him like this?” They were so deeply entranced in their thoughts, that they began to have visions, of the computer monitors talking… all three of them. “The real question would be: What have you ever done to keep him?” The Titans all gawked in shock “Are you… talking to us?” asked Robin. “Well, I’m certainly not singing to you.” replied the computer. Then the other two computers spoke to the Titans as well. “Good friendship is maintained by sympathy, understanding and caring, but one person cannot do it all by themselves. They cannot be the only friend.” “Tell us, Titans… what great things have you done to inspire Beast Boy to overcome his difficulties?” One-by-one the titans each gave their answers. “We just told him he has to learn to accept things and move on.” said Robin. “And that there will always be a brighter side of things and hope to follow.” added Star. “We all gotta grow up and let go sometimes.” said Cyborg, “Besides, change can be a good thing, and it’s something we can all be thankful for.” added Raven. A brief silence followed. While the computers could not show facial features, they were very livid. The first computer sneered “We’ve appeared in over one-million visions and that has got to be the lamest replies we’ve ever heard.” Cyborg was starting to lose his cool, “Say what? Maybe I should hardwire you.” Robin got him to calm down. “Look, we’re not wrong. Everyone has to move on sometime in their life. We all did.” The computers were already well aware of all the Titans and their problems. -Robin lost his parents at age eight, and lived with Bruce Wayne/Batman for some time, living in his shadow, and being treated cruelly at times. Now here he was, leader of the Titans, and Starfire was his girlfriend. -Starfire was sold into slavery on her home planet, but she managed to find escape and make a good life for herself on Earth, and she even found love with Robin. -Cyborg had his horrible accident which changed his life forever, causing him to miss out on certain things he used to be able to do as a human, but it really wasn’t all that bad, and he learned to adjust and was now well known and respected by many. -And Raven… well, being the daughter of Trigon, and his gateway into the human world, nearly causing total destruction. That was pretty rough, but her father was dead now. She was free from him and her nightmares. Even though her emotions were still considered dangerous due to her powers, all she really had to do was focus on them and things would be better… why she chose not to was anyone’s guess. “Point, we have all moved on. We had to.” Raven said. “There was no point dwelling on the past.” The computers were aware of this, but had to point out, “Did it not ever occur to you that just because people should move on and not dwell on their past, that doesn’t mean that they can.” The titans were all very confused. “Here, we’ve got something we want to show you. So pay attention.” All three computer screens flashed brightly and began to show the Titans a long history of something they never knew. At the very same time all the ponies and Spike were still trying to persuade Beast Boy tell them. “Come on, Beast Boy. Please tell us…” said Twilight. Beast Boy was struggling hard “It’s just… I… don’t think I can-- or even you can--” Fluttershy placed her warm, comforting hoof on his back, and sang softly to him… (Skip to 0:36) Her words were so pure. So convincing and all the others agreed with her. Beast Boy finally gave in, “Okay, I’ll tell you, but it’s really long, and it’s a really rough one.” They all settled into their seats, and Pinkie Pie ate some popcorn, much to the others annoyance. “What? He said it’s going to be long.” Nevertheless, Beast Boy began to tell his story… …Cadance was even silently using her magic to sense Beast Boy’s heart; this way she would know if everything he was about to say was the total truth! Author's Note I am concerned about the next chapter and telling BB's story, as it may exceed my word limit rule... this may require me to merge chapters together and re publish the fic
Chapter 14: Secrets of Beast BoyCHAPTER FOURTEEN Terra and Jerome appeared in stark white realm of misty and clouds. “Where are we?” she asked. “I’m not one of them angels that takes you back in time…” replied Jerome “I let you view it all right here.” he tapped his heels again, and a large screen popped out of the ground. “Our journey begins here.” At the very time, the Titans were shown the exact images on the computers. Garfield Mark Logan… When he was only five years old, he was bitten by a green monkey whilst in the amazon with his scientologist parents. The boy became deathly ill, and his parents decided the only way to save him was to use an untested serum obtained from the amazon. While the serum did cure him, some unintended side-effects mutated him, which was how he became the green, pointy-eared, animal-morpher he was today. “Yo, we know all that already. We learned it from the Doom Patrol.” said Cyborg. “Oh really…?” one of the computers asked sarcastically, “Did you also know that from then on, his entire life was shaped by hardship, tragedy and heartbreak?” The Titans had often contemplated that, as it was usual for a hero to have a hard life. “How bad could he have had it?” asked Robin, “Just watch.” another computer said. Shortly after his mutation, Garfield’s parents were killed in a boating accident during a flood; an accident he believed he could have saved them from. Terra couldn’t believe what she had just seen. “That’s so awful.” “Yep…” agreed Jerome “Bad enough he barely got to even know his folks, but it really can haunt you if you believe you could’ve saved them, but you didn’t.” Terra continued to watch as little Garfield’s foster mother took him to raise and look after him, only to be killed shortly after in a tank battle, and the poor kid was apprehended by two thieves who mistreated him, beat him, worked him hard… and their boss, Nicholas Galtry, he hated the kid so much that he opted to kill him, also to collect the inheritance money. …Little Garfield was worth a small fortune because of his powers. Terra held her hand to her mouth. Starfire did the same thing, she only remembered how she was beaten in slave labour, but she never believed Beast Boy knew what it felt like. “How could someone treat a boy so young and innocent so poorly?” she cried. Robin was reminded of how Bruce Wayne was hard to him, but he wasn’t quite sure now if what he suffered was equal to, or half of what Beast Boy was suffering in the images. “Look…” Robin suddenly said “It’s the Doom Patrol.” “That’s right…” said a computer “They came in a saved him, adopted him you may say and helped him join the crew and taught him how to focus his powers. Then… Da-da-da-dum… Beast Boy is born… but his spirit, that was another story.” The Titans had a good feeling they knew what the computer meant by that, and indeed… Mento’s harshness, stubbornness, even When Beast Boy thought he did the right thing by saving his teammates, consequently letting the bad guys get away… Mento really let him have it! (0:54) Terra never saw anything like it. “He saves the teams life and he scolds him?” Jerome nodded, “Some father figure, huh? If he as my dad, I’d probably push him down the stairs. And even though Elasti-Girl treated him like a loving mother, she had to stay loyal to her husband and not question him much.” Mento only seemed to care for Beast Boy when his talents and skills were needed, and after that, he cast him aside. Finally fed up with all the negligence and disrespect, Beast Boy ran away from the Doom Patrol and struck out on his own. He tried to make a new life for himself, but people just kept pushing him away, disgusted that he was green. Even when he took a simple drink from a water-fountain, everyone just stopped and looked at him like he was contaminating it or something! “Well, he is green…” Raven pointed out “Anyone would react that way; if they just got to know him better.” “Really?” snapped a computer “Well that may be, but… are they actually giving him a chance?” “…Point taken.” Next the computers showed how when Beast Boy met the Titans, and decided to form a team with them-- A new family, a new home, but most of all a chance to start over and try to at least forget his past. “Well it can’t be that hard to forget your past.” said Robin. “Truly, the past is long and gone with and a bright future is ahead.” added Starfire. “The past may be gone, but the memories would always remain.” said a computer “No matter how hard you try; memories can never really disappear, and neither can the dark emotions that emit from them.” (0:33) That’s how and when Beast Boy decided to assumed a role as a comic relief-- telling bad jokes, getting in mischief and all that stuff, and it was rather annoying and somewhat irritating to the others, he did it all as means of hiding behind a mask… trying to supress the deep inner pain he felt from all his hardships and tragedies. He didn’t dare let the Titans know, not wanting them to get involved in his problems, plus, he didn’t feel they could actually help him… nor would they be sympathetic enough. “What? Of course we’d be sympathetic.” protested Starfire. “Would you…?” the computer asked in a snarky tone, and all the computers showed them all the bad footage of all the times they talked down to him, made fun of him, gave him a rough time, Raven even smacked him several times in Tokyo. “Real sympathetic.” the computers mocked. “This ain’t fair…” grumbled Cyborg “We had some good times with him.” “Uh-huh… SOME being the operative word.” the computer replied. Even the computers couldn’t deny it and viewed all the good times, but there were much more bad times than good ones. “All he wants to do is try and fit in, really feel special, even make you all laugh a little to make to all a little happy in sad times. While he may not be the smartest and brightest tool in the shed, he did have heart, and a soul, and at least he could be there for you and tried his best… and THIS is how you repay him?” More bad images were shown of the Titans being mean, pushy, inconsiderate; and even Raven, whacking him upside the head even when he wasn’t being funny and had a good idea for once. “You think YOU have emotion problems, Raven…” one of the computers taunted. Now the titans were starting to feel ashamed. “I guess… maybe we can be a little hard sometimes.” said Robin. The others didn’t feel that the word “Little” was quite the right amount. Terra could hardly keep up with this anymore, and it finally sank in… that this was the “Other stuff” Beast Boy wouldn’t talk about whenever they bumped into each other. “Oh, no!” she peeped. “Oh, yes…” said Jerome “It’s time to view that stuff.” Terra desperately did not wish to view the next footage, knowing fully well what was coming. She tried to walk away but only ended up coming right back to the same place where she was, like being in endless loop. “Sorry, you’re not gettin’ out that easy.” said Jerome. “This is my world, you’re not getting’ outta’ here unless I let you out.” He tapped his heels to start the footage, but Terra shut her eyes tight and covered her ears hoping not to see or hear anything, but even then Jerome made her see it and hear it anyway. “Ya gotta face the music, girl.” The footage was of the day Terra met the titans for the first time. The day her and Beast Boy’s romance was set in motion. The day they met, and her powers were unstable, yet he believed in her and did his best to help her build confidence, but then she ran out on him, mistakenly believing he betrayed her trust in telling the others about her problems with her powers. Then she came back to be a real Teen Titan, and it was very obvious she and Beast Boy were really getting tight, especially when he made her that special gift… (0:40-0:55) They even went out on a date… …their first and only, but it really looked and felt so wonderful. They were pretty much a match made in heaven. Both understood one another, both knew how it felt to be alone at times, but most importantly, being with each other meant trust; something Beast Boy never though he could share this way with another person. Perhaps Terra was the answer to all his woes, and that the angels above were finally compensating each other for their years of torment and suffering. Unfortunately, her involvement with Slade was revealed, and they began to drift apart, and she eventually resurfaced, now fully loyal to Slade and attacked the Titans, but Beast Boy, regretting his earlier rejection of Terra, hated seeing her like this. Knowing she was just lost, alone, manipulated by Slade… there was good in her. After all that had happened he was STILL willing to forgive her, overlook all her wrong doings. “You were the best friend… I ever had!” She sacrificed herself by turning to stone to stop the city from being boiled in lava, which really shattered Beast Boy’s spirits, but in all that time, he never stopped thinking of her and still had hope that one day she would return, and they could be happy together. Every so often he would visit her statue and pray that she’d be alright one day… even singing to her statute. (0:42) Tears were cascading down Terra’s face. “Beast Boy…” she peeped ever so softly. Jerome sighed softly, he was a little too macho and smooth, but he did feel for that touching moment. “That’s the real feeling.” he said “If that ain’t real love, I don’t know what is.” Terra knew Beast boy really cared for her, but as if for the first time, it was undeniable, and after everything she had just seen and remembered the better things he did for her… “I guess… I think I--” Jerome looked at her “You think? You guess…? Nah, deep down, you always felt the same way about him, and that’s something that no one can really try to shut out.” Terra clutched her chest in her hands, and she felt the warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time returning to her. She wasn’t being brainwashed, forced, or obligated against her will… it was her real feelings finally being recognized and undeniable. “…I love him.” Jerome smiled weakly at her. As an angel, he knew she was being fully honest. This only made him feel regretful for what he was about to do, but it had to be shown. He tapped his heels and the footage was shown of… the Things Change episode, which snapped Terra into the reality of things. The titans were being shown the same episode… especially to the part where Beast Boy saw HER… One-by-One, each of the Titans exclaimed in shock and astonishment. Robin: “Terra…?!” Starfire: “Oh my…!” Cyborg: “No way!” Raven: “It’s really her!” The computers said nothing, and just continued to show images of how Terra faked having amnesia, and pretended not to remember Beast Boy, their past, all the good times they had. All this because she wanted to forget her past… ALL OF IT! She wanted nothing to do with Beast Boy, the Titans, and just wanted to settle for a normal life. As much as that was understandable… the final scenes were shown… “You’re my friend! You’re a Teen Titan!” “You’re wrong!” “Why can’t things just go back to the way they were? You were so happy then.” “Things were never the way you remember. Now just leave me alone!” “Things Change, Beast Boy. The girl you want me to be is just a memory.” Right there, at that moment… whatever remained of his already dying hopes were totally destroyed; most likely beyond repair! Even his mask of laughter had completely shattered, forcing him to embrace the horror, and realize who he really was… …Nothing more than a grieving loser, destined to always lose those he loved, either by death, or alienation. No matter what he did, no matter where he went... it was always the same for him. Perhaps if it were only one or two things, it could had been different, but all this... this was all way too much. The Titans were positively speechless. Starfire had tears in her eyes, feeling for Beast Boy’s pain as if for the very first time. Beast Boy respected her wishes, and left Terra in peace to lead her own future… but at a terrible price for himself. “After all he had been through, through all he had suffered and lost; he really did not deserve that... Did he?” said a computer. “I’m surprised he was still alive after that.” added another “Anyone else would have likely done themselves in long ago.” (0:19) “And how did any of you treat his grievance?” asked the final computer. (Play this after the previous song) The Titans felt their hearts each skip a beat as they remembered; though some of them tried to be sympathetic, all they ended up saying were the wrong things. Robin: “You need to put it behind you.” Starfire: “I understand this girl whom resembles our Terra has hurt you, but it will be better in time. You will see, for the sea is bountiful with many other fish.” Cyborg: “I just wanna help ya get better.” Raven: “Change can be good and good can come from it… for everyone. It’s just a thing we all have to accept, embrace who we are, and maybe even be thankful for it.” Though their intentions were pure and understandable, just like Terra… the way they handled it was neither inspiring nor helpful… Especially Raven for trying to force herself onto him, and then giving him the cold shoulder when he gave her a legitimate reason why he was not interested. "Some friends you turned out to be..." sneered a computer "You claimed to have been trying to help him, when in fact all you ever did was show just how inconsiderate, incompetent, and intolerable you really are!" Each blow made the Titans feel like they were being slapped in face with shame, and it seemed well-deserved as they veiwed the next scenes. Scenes of the team growing less sympathetic and more harsh by trying to force him to accept the way things were and move on, and even giving him more grief for his flaws in battle due to his weariness. No one in the city was appreciative of Beast Boy either, as they all seemed to prefer the other Titans to him… like those children with their action figures, and especially Terra’s friends who bullied, insulted and even harmed him. All this, combined with all trauma he had suffered in his past, and finally topping it all off with the Titans taking apart Terra’s room, again, to force him to move on, and destroying the heart-shaped mirror box. It was no wonder Beast Boy couldn’t even try to get over things and move on. How could he? What did he exactly have to move on to? Nothing but unsympathetic and aggressive teammates, a city/world that disrespected him, a girl he loved who no longer wanted him. It was just the same stuff, over, and over, and over again… He had pretty much no place to go now, no one he could trust. the Titans were no-longer trust-worthy. the city and the rest of the world were full unfair disrespect for him, and the Doom Patrol... even though it seemed Beast Boy made up with Mento, it wasn't good enough. Mento, was always the big pushy gorilla, and nothing more. Beast Boy would never want to run back to that "Slime-ball". (Skip to 3:50) The last images were of Beast Boy all by himself in the darkness, feeling hurt, betrayed, lost… and above all things… alone! …That was all! There was no more footage to be played. All the Titans wanted were answers to why he left, and they got them. They were not shown anything else that happened beyond that. Author's Note Can't exceed my word limit, so I have to stop the chapter here. Then again, what comes next is a different matter. But this is pretty much part of my reasons for not liking MLP. Friendship Can't save you out of this one, if anything it only makes it worse! and As I mentioned right at the start... All this, plus MLP is really pissing me off cuz I hate what happened and can't put it behind me. So I'm making this for a little steam blowing, and it's actually working... I've been sleeping a little better... ...But it will not last
Chapter 15: At a lossCHAPTER FIFTEEN Beast Boy’s insides really ached as he finished his story, and he trying to hold in with all he had not to shed a tear or cry again. “That’s why I can’t stand changes. Every time life changed, it always affected me in the worst possible way.” He sighed softly, “And friendship could never really make it better… only worse.” The others were positively heart-struck, and Cadance knew, with the aid of her magic, that Beast Boy’s heart was speaking the total truth. Beast Boy continued to hold in his pain as much as he could, but it was Rainbow who burst out crying softly but hysterically. “Oh, you poor, poor thing…” cried Fluttershy as she comforted Beast Boy. She began to cry softly. This made Rarity break into tears as well. “I can’t bear to see Fluttershy… cry!” “It’s just… heart-wrenching!” sobbed Pinkie, and they walked over to huddle around Beast Boy, whom remained silent, still, and with a spiritless look on his face. Applejack, she didn’t shed any tears, but she did feel awful for Beast Boy. “That’s like an apple with a mighty big worm inside it.” she said. “I… I never thought someone could possibly have it so bad.” said Twilight “No wonder he doesn’t want to go back. It’s like he hasn’t really anything to go back to.” “I can’t say I blame him.” said Spike “I don’t think even I’d want to go back if I were him.” Beast Boy then asked to be excused, “I’d like to get some fresh air.” “Okay, you go ahead.” said Twilight “And Beast Boy…” He stopped to face her. “…Don’t worry, if you don’t want to go back, even for a long time. You don’t have to.” The others nodded. “You can trust us…” Cadance said. As thankful as Beast Boy felt and wished he could show it more, he simply said “That’s what they all said.” Then he was gone. Shining Armor sighed, “I’ve never seen anyone so down in the dumps before. There’s got to be something we can do for him.” None of the others had a clue, not even Twilight. She felt that it would take a lot more than just simple friendship to sort all this out. Even Cadance decided not to try using her love magic on him, feeling it was neither the right time nor the right thing to do-- forcing a guy to see the brighter side of things, especially through magic. It would make her hardly any different from the Titans.” Speaking of the Titans, they were ready to beat themselves silly for being so hard on Beast Boy, now that they knew the full and complete story about him. “It’s no wonder Beast Boy ran out on us.” said Robin. The others all felt so ashamed they could hardly speak. Beast Boy really did have it hard. While true, they all had their own hardships, the fact remained that they were able to overcome most of their obstacles and move on to better lives and better futures, while he was still struggling in the dark, and THEY were only making things worse with all their pressuring and bad attitudes. Some people acting like He was undeserving of the Titans... but now it was clearly more like THEY were not deserving of him. “So now you know.” said the first computer. “It looks like our job here is complete.” “What?” snapped Cyborg “You can’t just go? How do we fix all this?” “We only came to give you answers to why Beast Boy fled… and we’ve done that. This is your mess to clean up, not ours.” said another computer, “Besides, I’m not even so sure he would ever want to come back. Why should he?” The Titans could find no argument to that. “Well, good luck… and you’ll need every bit of it.” said the last computer. Then the spiritual forces faded away, and the computers were all normal again. No one said a thing. Jerome brought Terra back to the park. She had seen enough, and she never thought she would ever feel the same again. “Beast Boy…” she peeped. Jerome placed his hand on her back, and she looked up at him. “Some people can get over and move on from their problems, but some people can’t, especially not when what you’re trying to get over keeps on happening to you, and worse… no one is being truly sympathetic or helpful. …Kinda like you and your “Things Change” stuff. You sacrificed your moral principles for something material for yourself. You lost way more than what you gained.” Terra couldn’t deny it, and didn’t even try to. The way her normal life was going wasn’t exactly what she had in mind-- doing bad in school, having arguments and fallouts with her new friends, and worst of all; always feeling intense guilt and remorse for Beast Boy. The pain only now felt insanely worse now that she had seen all the horrible things Beast Boy had been through and how she only made it really worse by brushing off… especially having regretted it deep down from the start. “What am I going to do?” Terra asked “What can I do?” “I can’t help you with that.” replied Jerome “I was just here to give you answers to why you think Beast Boy would have turned to crime.” “What do you mean “I think” he turned to crime?” Jerome sighed and shook his head. “Look, I gotta’ get goin’, but I can only tell you this much, and it’s the same lesson you just learned from everything I showed you: …Things aren’t always as they seem.” Everything slowly faded in a white flash… …And Terra woke up, realizing she had been asleep the whole time. Though it was debatable if she had dreamed the whole thing; everything felt so real, including her feelings. She knew she was in love with Beast Boy, and that she had made a huge mistake. It could not be just a mere dream, and fates way of showing her the answers she wanted… …At least those answers. “No!” she grumbled to herself as she got up and marched straight over to a garbage can “I’m not going to do this anymore!” She then pulled off her entire school uniform and tossed those clothes into the trash. Mysterious still fully dressed… in her old super hero outfit-- Black shirt with a T. Yellow shorts, brown running boots, and she pulled her big gloves over her hands and fit her goggles across her forehead. She then heard two somebodies gasp behind her; it was the Js. They saw her throw out her uniform and gawked at what she was wearing. At first she felt a little embarrassed, but then she regathered her courage and levitated herself on a flying boulder, which surprised her former friends even more. “Tell the teachers I won’t be in school on Monday.” she called down to them, and then she flew off. The Js were so shocked, that they fainted right over backwards. As for Terra, her first plan, to start rectifying her own errors, was to find Beast Boy and hopefully try to talk to him about all these robberies and maybe work things out. She didn’t feel she was ready to return to Titan’s Tower… not just yet. She only wanted to take it one step at a time. “I’ll search every inch of the city if I have to.” she said to herself. Meanwhile, the Titans were still so distraught from their visions. “What should we do?” Starfire asked. “Well, we could go try to find him and apologize.” suggested Cyborg. “We can’t…” said Robin “At least not right now. We have a thief to track down. Look, I know how you all feel right now, but we can’t simply ignore the city’s troubles.” “Besides, we don’t even know where to start looking.” added Raven “And we don’t know if he’ll even want to talk to us, let alone give us another chance.” “…But I will.” said a familiar voice. The Titans all turned and saw Beast Boy standing at the doorway-- unbeknownst it was actually Changeling making his move to infiltrate the tower. “Beast Boy…?” said Robin. “Friend, you have returned!” added Starfire Changeling acted slyly and made himself seem a bit shy and awkward. “I couldn’t help but overhear everything. I’m glad you finally understand, and… well… I’ve done a lot of thinking. Maybe I haven’t exactly been enlightening either.” “Totally…” Raven said, but she said it to herself not wanting to ruin what looked like would be a great reunion. “So… maybe… we can all try again?” Changeling asked. The others smiled warmly and proudly, “Aw, come here you!” Cyborg said, giving his little pal a big guy hug. Starfire then proceeded to nearly crush him in her own hugs. Robin bopped fists with him, and then it was down to Raven… “Um… well… I… oh, what the heck!” and she hugged him warmly, like that time she did before when he helped her. “Welcome back.” that was all she said. Changeling hugged her back softly while sinisterly thinking “Ooh, this feels wonderful, and soon things will get even deeper between you and me, my sweet.”
Chapter 16: Busted!CHAPTER SIXTEEN The titans all decided to head out for pizza to celebrate Beast Boy had returned. When the waitress came by to take their order Beast boy ordered, “The mega meaty mountain-load, if you please.” The Titans all gawked at him. “Beast Boy, that pizza’s loaded with meat.” said Robin. “Yes, I know that.” “But you’re a vegetarian.” Changeling realized he was slipping already. There were still a few things about Beast Boy he didn’t know, but he covered up for it quickly… “…Eh, out with the old, in with the new. I mean Things do Change after all.” The Titans gawks grew wider, but then Cyborg felt cool with it. “Well, at least you’re tryin’ something new. Good call, man.” He gave him a small shoulder bop, which almost rather aggravated him… …but Changeling took it with humour, not wanting to slip his cover. When the pizza came, he practically gorged at it. He hardly left a single bit of meat behind. “Delightful.” he said. “Oh, Beast Boy; you do not know how delighted we are that you have decided to return to us.” said Starfire “There is so much of the catching up we must do.” “And speaking of which…” Robin cut in “…Beast Boy, we know about you and Terra now--about what happened and all that.” Everyone fell silent, even Changeling as he kept up with his act, and before the other Titans could say a thing, “Let her go.” Changeling simply said which surprised the others yet again. “If she wants to live a normal life, that’s fine. There’s nothing I can do to convince her anyway.” “Okay, who are you and what have you done with Beast Boy?” Raven asked in a rhetorical term. Changeling snickered in his mind, but still didn’t blow his cover by saying, “It’ll be alright… I’m sure I can get over it, with all of you helping me now.” And he silently thought as he gazed at Raven, “Especially seeing as that girl means nothing to me. It’s YOU that I want, pretty Raven.” None of the Titans or Changeling knew that Terra had been combing the city all evening. She was now sitting atop a tall building to give her powers a much needed rest. So far, there hadn’t been many more robberies-- mainly due to the fact that all the banks and stores and other places had already suffered, leaving them virtually emptied out. The banks were even facing bankruptcy and foreclosure due to the officials not sending for more shipments; worried that even they would be robbed by the elusive thief. At the rate things were going, all of Jump City was facing serious foreclosure, almost to the point where people were willing to just abandon their properties and find work and homes in other towns… though it would be easier had they the assets for it. “I’ve got to find Beast Boy.” Terra said to herself, “Where could he be?” Suddenly, she could see the Pizza-Place a few blocks away, and she was most certain that she could see the Titans eating on the upper patio… WITH Beast Boy?! She pulled out a miniature telescope from one of the pouches on her belt and looked through it. She could see it plainly; Beast Boy was with the Titans, and all they all seemed to be having a good time as if nothing was wrong anymore. She hadn’t seen him smile in such a long time. Usually he was all grumpy, or down in the dumps over all the changes in the city, yet that look on his face was undeniable. Also, it deeply concerned her. The Titans didn’t seem have the faintest idea that he was the thief who had been robbing the city. She really wanted to go down there and warn the Titans, but still didn’t feel if whether or not she could face them just yet, not to mention Beast Boy, what would the Titans actually think when they found out…! “What am I thinking, of course I know how they’ll react.” She could just picture it; the Titans being more shocked than ever before, and with no definite excuse they would most likely turn on him like a pack of wolves… and worse, they probably still weren’t aware that Beast Boy was, somehow, capable of magic! She didn’t want to begin to think how rough it could be if the Titans tried to fight him like they did the other night when he robbed the bank. Suddenly, she noticed the team leaving, having already paid their bill, obviously heading back for the tower in the T-Car. She began to devise a plan, and silently followed the T-Car, but kept well out of sight so as not to be seen. It was nearly dark by the time the Titans got home. Changeling was escorted to Beast Boy’s room upon arriving back at the tower. He was rather appalled and disturbed by how messy it was. “We had kept it exactly as it was when you had left.” said Starfire. “Yes… I see…” he muttered softly, trying to hide his disgust. “Oh, and before I forget…” said Robin and he explained to him about the thief they were trying to capture, “We’re going to make up a plan to find him and get him, but we’ll need your help. So just… stay on standby.” “Sure, I’ll do that.” Changeling said, but then he thought to himself, “These fools don’t suspect a thing.” The Titans bid him goodnight and all went off. Changeling decided that he couldn’t stay here while the room was such a mess and smelled so stale. He reached in under his turtleneck and pulled out his amulet to magically clean the place up in an instant. There was a knock at the door, and he quickly stashed the amulet away. “Beast Boy…” Raven called. Hearing her voice made him shiver with slight delight, though he was rather annoyed from being nearly caught. “Yes…” he called back without opening the door. “Look… um… I’m just really your back okay and I… well… I’m sorry for how I acted before… when I tried to move in on you…” Hearing that, Changeling’s insides were leaping with giddiness, but he still played it cool. “Thank you, Raven. Believe I understand.” Outside his door, she was smiling lovingly, but of course, remembering what she had learned from the computer visions, she didn’t think it really right to even try to move in on him, especially remembering what he said to her that night… not being his type. Then she walked down the hall, off to her own room. While Changeling, now finally unobserved, used his magic to clean and re-freshen the entire room. “Ah, that’s more like It.” he said to himself, “I don’t how these humans can live in such conditions.” None of this seemed to matter to him too much now, especially since he knew Raven had feelings for Beast Boy. “This will make it all the more easier for me.” he said under his breath, and he began to fantasize of himself and Raven in a romantic scene… …Or rather his own lustful, greedy scene. There he was, sitting on a mountain stolen treasure, wearing expensive gold and silver robes, and Raven, dressed in dark blue harem costume, massaging his bare-feet. “It sure feels wonderful being the richest, most powerful being in all dimensions.” he would say. Raven would gaze at him and say, “Oh, darling. Is there anything I can get for you?” “Yes… you can come a little closer.” She would act flattered, and softly move closer and closer towards him and whisper seductively into his ear “You… complete me!” They shared a deep, romantic embrace as the fantasy faded. Changeling had a dopey look on his face, dazed with the very delight that all that would happen. This suddenly reminded him that he should slip out and check on his treasure to make sure it was safe, but he decided to wait until it was very, very late when all the titans would be asleep. That night, at about half past One, he decided to head out, but he slunk about to make sure none of the Titans were awake, and sure enough, the Tower was so quiet would you hear a fly cough. The last place he checked was the lounge, and certainly no one was there. He was just about ready to reach for his amulet and teleport away, when a shadow loomed over him-- something was blocking the moonlight through the window. He turned round and saw Terra standing outside the window on a floating rock. “That girl again…!” he grumbled softly. He also noted how she was dressed and floating on a rock. “It looks like she’s turned an old leaf, but what brings her here?” he wondered. She motioned for him to come outside and onto the roof. Changeling was very annoyed, but he complied and he raced to the roof where he found here there waiting for him. “What do you want, now?” he asked rather sternly. “We need to talk.” replied Terra “Beast Boy, this may sound crazy… but I know…” she paused “I know what you’ve been through.” “Oh, you do…?” She nodded softly, “Look, I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I’ve come to realize… I just can’t do this anymore. Not to me, not to you, not everyone.” There was a small moment of silence. “Beast Boy, I know why I did was really dumb, but… I… I want to help make things right, and I want to help you.” He seemed rather uninterested and just kept gazing at her with folded arms and a cold stare. “Beast Boy, I’m going to level with you.” she paused, and she actually looked around despite there was no one around to hear. “…I know you’re the thief whose been robbing the town.” He gasped softly, and his eyes widened. Now he felt concerned, and he would have tried to deny it but she told him “I saw you. I know what you’ve been doing.” He was starting to quiver nervously but furiously, which more than confirmed Terra’s suspicion. “Beast boy, please… I just want to help. I know you’re upset, but we can make things better.” She began to move towards him softly and gently, but he backed away, snarling softly like a creature ready to pounce. “Beast Boy, please…” Terra begged, but then she noticed a soft glow emitting from under his uniform collar, and his eyes began to glow as well. That’s when she began to feel woozy… and she collapsed. Changeling loomed over her out cold body. “I cannot have any witnesses.” He grumbled as he grabbed her by the legs and dragged her off.
Chapter 17: Decisions and DeadlinessCHAPTER SEVENTEEN Earlier in Equestria… Beast Boy went straight back to Fluttershy’s after dark, after spending a while recovering from finally letting out his life story. They had a nice dinner, and just before they went to bed. “Are you going to be okay, Beast Boy?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah, I’ll be okay.” he answered “To be honest; it felt sort of great getting all that off my chest today.” “Okay…” she walked up the small flight of stairs to her bedroom, stopping halfway up “Um… Beast Boy…?” “Hmm…?” She was trembling, and blushing “Um… well… I…” she stammered, and then she finally managed to say “I know it’s hard for you, but… believe me when I say… you can trust me.” Her voice sounded so sweet, so innocent, and honest… just like many others who promised him that and all ended up turning on him. Yet, he at least found courage to say “I’ll try… I really will.” She felt less nervous now and continued all the way to her room, but Angel was no impressed, and gave her a straight look while tapping his foot as if he was trying to ask “…Is that all you had to say?” She blushed again, and rubbed her hoof through her mane. “I can’t tell him, Angel.” She whispered softly not wanting to be overheard “I’m not even really sure if I really like him that way, or if he really likes me that way. He’s only been here for half a week.” Angel rolled his eyes, as if to say “You’re hopeless.” but he just walked off to his bed basket. Fluttershy hung her head in shame and embarrassment, and she wondered what Beast Boy was thinking. As he lay on the couch, he was continuing to contemplate over things. He still wasn’t exactly too keen on going back to his own world, and after being in Equestria for almost a week, he did find it all so fascinating… despite he had a really rotten beginning when he confused for Changeling and nearly sentenced away. Then again it wasn’t really so bad here. Everyone was trying to be nice, and he was starting to fit in well, despite there being no video games, arcades, but there were skate parks, theaters, and even burgers and pizza. “What’s happening to me?” he thought “It’s like I’m actually changing, or willing to accept new things. Almost like I could stay here… like, permanent?” He thought it a really crazy idea, but then again it did look to have promises, and he was still convinced going back wouldn’t be a smart move and that no one would actually miss him. There was a lot he could learn and discover about Equestria and the creatures in it. Twilight could probably even hep him learn to control his unicorn magic, and Fluttershy… …She was still the kindest, sweetest creature he had ever known. Thinking that made him fantasize about her again, and what his life would be like if they really stayed… He thought it all with a song I lived a hard life, and I and began to see That life’s not worth living, at least not for me But suddenly now, I may have one more chance, to fix up my life, and try a romance. My dear Fluttershy, I can’t help think this way, But you’ve helped me feel better more and more each day It’s clear that our feelings are starting to grow It could be a sign that both of us know He imagined they actually went on dates-- dinner, dancing, and of course simple things like theme parks, the movies or just staying in and watching the stars in the sky-- and naturally they would gaze into each other’s eyes, and they would share a kiss…! In a white flash, he then pictured them both of them, just married, under a shower of rice and flower petals, and all the others wishing them the best of luck, and then flash forwarded to a family life of they and their little foals. I can picture a marriage, for me and for you I picture a family with our kids too We’d all be happy; we’d all be so tight For the first time in my life, things would be right. Who knows, who can tell; it all might just be A new hope, a new life, for you and for… Me. He suddenly snapped out of his fantasy and scolded himself for even thinking like that. “What am I thinking? It’ll just blow up in my face again… it always does.” Unable to figure out what really to do decide, he exhausted himself, and he drifted off to sleep. Terra began to awaken. She still felt a little woozy. She thought she was seeing bright lights at the end of a long dark tunnel, but it was actually the glistening and shimmering of mountains of gold, jewels and other fancy treasures along the walls of a cave with torches and candles lit all around. “Where am I?” she groaned. That’s when she noticed that she was bound up tightly by glowing golden chains. She struggled and pulled to shake them loose. “It’s no use…” a familiar voice called to you “Those are special enchanted chains I conjured. The more you struggle, the tighter they get.” She saw him sitting on a pile of gold bars, staring down at her, and she finally understood they were in the old beach cave, and obviously all that was surrounding them were all the goods and money he had stolen from the city. “Beast Boy…! Why are you doing this?” He waved his finger at her going “Uh-Uh-Uhn…! Things aren’t always as they seem.” he hissed at her. Hearing that made Terra remember what Jerome had told her; “Things aren’t always as they seem.” She looked deeply at his eyes, and he gazed back at her. Though she had looked into his eyes many times, whether he was strangling lovingly or angrily at her, something really felt different. Finally, it all clicked in, and her blood ran cold. “You… you’re not Beast Boy!” He sarcastically applauded her. “Bravo! Here, you win a prize.” He mocked as he flicked a gold coin at her forehead. “Ow!” “Yes, I confess. I am not Beast Boy. It is only an astonishing coincidence that I physically resemble him… with the exception that I cannot morph into animals.” Terra’s features hardened and she demanded answers. “Who are you? Where is Beast Boy?” He snickered at her. “My name is Changeling. I am a master thief from the World of Equestria, and I have done many terrible things in my conquest for riches and power.” He pulled out his amulet explaining how powerful it was, and through its magic he showed Terra parts of his past, as well as taking a short moment to explain about Equestria. Terra thought it was astonishing; a whole world in another dimension inhabited by magical, talking ponies, other creatures. “I come from a long lone line of thieves.” Changeling explained. “My father, his father, and his and all their fathers before them were all thieves. All were equally as skilled, equally as ruthless as I am. Anyone who dared to stand up to us… usually ended up meeting their eternal reward!” There were images shown of many brave ponies standing up to the thieves, all ended up being hurt, or slaughtered, much to Terra’s fear and disgust. “That’s just sick!” she growled. “So, what…!” remarked Changeling “We thieves can’t show too much mercy. That leads to weakening, and that means as soon as people find out what a pansy you are, they can over power, then it’s nothing but work-work-work!” He held up the amulet again, “Generations ago, this was forged by my ancestors. Enchanted with incredible power from the many victims we defeated who dared to stand up to us and failed. For generations it was passed down, but according to my father, my grandfather lost the amulet while being forced to flee from the authorities. With the amulet lost, my family was forced to excel in extreme caution when going about business. Sadly, my grandfather was captured, and locked up until he perished, and my father lost his life during a dangerous heist. He was cornered by the authorities, and would rather have taken his own life than rot in jail. Fortunately, at my age, I was already skilled enough, having learned everything my family taught me, to fend for myself; scavenging for whatever scraps I could find to feed myself while robbing others of their money and goods to sustain me. Then, by a stroke of fate, I found my family’s amulet, on the cart belonging to a traveling merchant, and seeing as it was rightfully my birthright to begin with… I simply took it. With the amulet in my possession, I began to use its magic to take my thieving skills to a whole new level, stealing more and more than I ever had. I became so elusive and slick that many were determined to capture me and claim the reward on my head. It became harder and harder to maintain my style of life, until I had heard of this world and the only entry was in Princess Twilight Sparkle’s castle. So I crept inside and snuck through the portal with her on her last trip here. I avoided capture and found my way to your city where no one would ever find or suspect me, and then I ran into your friend, and I realized he’d be the perfect decoy. So I sent him back to Equestria, where I’m certain the ponies of my world have confused him for me as we do resemble one another. And of course, a criminal like me, the punishment is plain and clear.” The images faded, and Changeling grinned wickedly at Terra, who was wide-eyed with her blood running cold, “You… You mean he’s--?!” “At the very least, locked up for life…” said Changeling “Or worse…” and he dragged his finger across his throat “Either way, you won’t be seeing him ever again, seeing as he isn’t even in this world anymore.” Terra sat frozen with sadness and shock. “No…! Beast Boy…!” she peeped “You can’t be!” “Aww… boo-hoo…” Changeling mocked “Well, look on the Brightside. He’ll never bother you again. Isn’t that what you wanted-- Change, a new life? Oh, but wait… what am I saying, look at you now. You’ve done a lot of thinking, haven’t you? You finally realized what’s more important to you. …Well, too little, too late.” Terra then glared at him furiously, and she tried to use her powers to throw rocks at him… but nothing happened. Changeling chuckled, “Sorry, my dear, but as long as you’re in those chains, I’m afraid your powers are as worthless as your begs and pleas.” She stopped struggling, but her outrage remained, “When the Titans find out who you really are…” “Oh, they will eventually...!” said Changeling “Not that it makes any difference to me. Besides, you’re the only one who knows any of this at the moment, and of course I can’t have that. A blabbermouth would be far too inconvenient for my plans.” He snapped his fingers, and they both teleported to another area inside the cave. “You see, as a thief I prefer to keep things nice and clean. Therefore, I made this little pit in case I’d ever have to deal with intruders or blabbermouths.” Terra took that last one rather offensively, but she suddenly could hear water seeping in as well as waves from the ocean sweeping by, making her realize what was about to happen…! “That’s right…” hissed Changeling, “At the time of night, the hide tides are coming in, and at dawn this part of the cave will flood, and I really don’t think you can swim with both your hands tied behind your back while chained to a pillar!” Terra struggled once more, but she still couldn’t break free, use her powers or pretty much anything. Changeling laughed, “Oh, what I’d give to stay here and watch you perish, but I do have an act to keep up, and a lovely little Raven to bring into my cages.” he licked his lips lustfully, and then he vanished again leaving her all alone with nothing but a couple of lanterns and the sound of the water softly seeping in, and slowly creeping towards her from the mouth of the cave. She tried think all she could of how to get out, but it was hard for her under this much pressure, especially from what she had heard about Beast Boy. She didn’t want to believe he was either locked up for life or on the run, but after everything else… she could believe nearly anything. “Beast Boy!” she cried softly “You can’t be gone! I need you! I need help!” As strange and as nearly improbable as it would be to many; Beast Boy sat up on the couch as if he had actually heard her pleas. “Terra…? No, it can’t be.” He then lay back down, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was definitely up!
Chapter 18: Desperate MissionCHAPTER EIGHTEEN Changeling made his way back to Titan’s tower, and he beamed his way in through the window. “So much for her.” He grumbled. “So much for who?” asked Cyborg, his presence startled him. He quickly stowed away his amulet. “You startled me.” Cyborg felt confused, “You know I come out here at 2 am for a late bite.” Changeling felt a near slip coming. “Come to think of it, what are you doin’ up so late?” Changeling, being slick of course; he was able to lie his way out of it so easily. “I… couldn’t sleep too well. So I came out here to stretch my legs. I’m sure I can catch some Zs now. Goodnight.” Then he went off with Cyborg thinking he sounded a bit too slick there, but he brushed it off and continued with his snack-- a big hero sandwich, which he devoured rather quickly. Changeling went back to Beast Boy’s room, “Oh, that was too close.” he peeped softly “I won’t be able to make my move like this. I’ll have to wait until its daylight. Then I’ll have a better chance.” he paused and looked out the window, “As for that meddler, she’ll be submerged by sunrise.” Later, about an hour before dawn, the high tide was coming in faster than ever, and Terra was already up to her chest in water. Very soon it would go past her head and up to the top of the cave, and she couldn’t break free of the chains, no matter how hard she struggled. However, she suddenly felt the pillar she was bound to beginning to shift slightly, due to the water rushing in and eroding the rock. She pulled, and tugged simultaneously and rigorously. The rock became more and more loose with each struggle before crumpling enough for her to break loose, but she was still bound by the chains and the water was still coming in. Even though she found she’d be able to swim while tied up, she couldn’t hope to swim out through the incoming current. Suddenly, she looked up and saw sunlight from the rising sun shining through several cracks in the roof of the cave, indicating the rock was weak. “If could just get up there…” she said to herself, but she ultimately found she could never reach that high, and she would have to wait as the water continued to come in. As the water rose higher, she was able to float up, up, to the roof of the cave until she was close enough for her head to reach the rocks. “Oh, boy…! This is so going to hurt!” she groaned, but she then positioned herself so she was uptight straight, and she sank to the floor, and then spring herself up like a missile, slamming head first into the rock with a CRASH!! Her head really ached and she nearly passed out. However, that single head-butt made the rock started to crack and crumple, making a huge hole in the ceiling. She couldn’t escape, but at least she had created herself a much needed air pocket to ride out the tide. “I’ve still got to get out of here and warn the Titans.” she cried to herself. “Help…!! …HELP!!!” she shouted and cried, but no one was anywhere near to hear her, especially with the roaring waters rushing in. While in Equestria, it was early sunrise, and Beast Boy woke up for the umpteenth time, as if he could hear Terra calling out for help. “Beast Boy…?” Fluttershy called as she came downstairs in her bathrobe “Are you alright? You’ve been groaning in your sleep.” He looked at her with a deep concern, “Fluttershy… I think something’s really wrong. I need to talk with Twilight.” Fluttershy was about to protest that it was much too early in the morning to for that, when suddenly and letter appeared with a soft tingling sound like a small alarm clock, obviously meant to wake them up. Fluttershy grabbed it and read it, “It’s from Twilight…” It read: “Dear Fluttershy and Beast Boy… I know it’s early, but Princess Celestia has asked us all to meet at Rainbow Castle this morning. It concerns the mission to the human world. Please come over as soon as you get this letter. Again, I’m really to wake you up. I wouldn’t if it weren’t so important. : Princess Twilight Sparkle.” The two decided to go over to the castle at once, of course after taking a quick, and rather hilarious rush about to ensure all the animals would be fed when they woke up. (Music plays) They almost ended up feeding the wrong animals the wrong things-- nuts to the chickens, birdseed to the squirrels, even the bear got Angel’s carrot, which Angel promptly grabbed and replaced with a jar of honey. Once that was all done, they went off to the castle. Once there, they found all the others were there waiting for them, even the royal sisters had come. “Good, you’re all here.” said Celestia “Now we can begin.” The sisters announced that after much discussion and thinking it over, “It has been decided, all of you will accompany Princess Twilight sparkle on her mission, to go to the human world to find and capture Changeling, and bring him back to Equestria.” “ALL OF US?!!” the Mane six all cried. “You mean we all get to go to the human world?” asked Applejack. The sisters nodded in reassurance. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were giddy with excitement. “This is AWE-SOME!” cried Rainbow. “Ah! I’m so excited! I can’t wait! When do we go? I’m ready if you are!” spouted Pinkie. Twilight then lifted them up with her magic, telling them to calm down and get a hold of themselves. “This isn’t some holiday getaway!” she reminded them “We’re going after a criminal mastermind.” “Yes…” agreed Rarity “But what I wish to know is, why are we all going?” “We’ve never been to the Human World before. We’ve only heard stories.” added Fluttershy. Princess Luna explained, “We had attempted to contact Sunset Shimmer and inform her of the impending danger, but she does not respond, perhaps it is due to the fact that she has forgotten to take her message book with her on her school trip.” Celestia nodded and added “Because of this, there is no way we can warn her or any of Twilight’s friends of impending danger, and that is why all of you must go…” she paused and cast a look at Beast Boy “And that includes YOU as well, Beast Boy.” Beast Boy almost felt as if she was scolding him, but before he could ask why, Twilight could get the drift of what Celestia was getting on. “If Changeling really is in your home city, we’ll need you there. You know it better than any of us would.” “Twilight Sparkle is right.” agreed Celestia. “We will need your guidance, Beast Boy. I understand how difficult it will be for you, but we are in desperate need of your help.” “Besides, you’re a superhero. That’s what heroes do, right?” added Spike. The others all gazed at Beast Boy, agreeing with what Spike said, and hoping he would realize the full seriousness of it all. Despite his obvious and overwhelming frustration, Beast Boy couldn’t ignore those cries from Terra he was certain he heard, and seeing as the others were really depending on him… as well as Fluttershy-- one look at her eyes… “Alright… I’ll do it!” The others smiled proudly at him, though Fluttershy more lovingly at him. “I guess I’m still just a big softie.” Beast Boy thought to himself. He was hoping dearly that he wasn’t regretting this decision; not that he was actually given a real decision anyway! “When do we leave?” asked Twilight. “Immediately.” replied Celestia, “But before you all go, Princess Luna and I have something for you six ponies.” The Mane six gathered around and the two sisters combined their magic to bring forth a small stylish box, which Rarity took an instant liking too, but inside the box, the ponies were mesmerized by what they saw. “The Elements of Harmony!” cried Twilight. “But how?” asked Applejack “I thought they had to stay with the Tree of Harmony, or bad things would happen.” Celestia assured them all, “The Tree of Harmony has more than enough power to sustain the kingdom, and this situation calls for drastic measures.” Princess Luna added, “We believe the Elements of Harmony may be essential to helping defeat the power of the amulet Changeling wields. We aren’t fully certain, but you must take them with you.” Heeding the advice of the sisters, each pony took their respective element, which magically transformed into the five necklaces and Twilight’s old crown. “It feels so cool to be wearing this again.” said Pinkie. Rarity admired her reflection in her elemental jewel. “Oh, it’s been such a wong time. Hasn’t it…” she cooed as if she were addressing a baby. Spike and Beast Boy felt a little left out, not receiving anything special. Though Beast Boy had nothing really to complain or sulk over, since he would be his old self again and regain his animal powers. Soon, everyone gathered in the library where the Mirror Portal was charged up and ready to take them all to the human world. Rainbow Dash was so excited she could barely contain herself. “Come on, hurry up already!” she whined. “Rainbow, I need to concentrate!” sneered Twilight “I have to make sure everything is just fine with the teleporter, or who knows where we may end up.” Fluttershy felt her legs quaking more than ever before, but Beast Boy placed his hoof on her back, comforting her, though he himself had no idea what exactly how things were about to go, he smiled lovingly at her. The portal started to glow, “We’re ready…” said Twilight “Are you all ready?” All her friends nodded bravely. “Good luck to you all.” Celestia said as she bowed to her subjects, Luna bowed as well sharring her sisters blessing on everyone, and they all bowed back to the sisters before all dashing at the mirror and warping to the Human World. “I really hope we have made the right choice, sister.” said Luna. Celestia sighed softly, “I hope so too, but just the same… there’s no telling what sort of evil magic that creature is capable of!”
Chapter 19: Bungling BlundersAuthor's Note It would be a whole lot easier if this were my Starfleet Series, at least there I gave Canterlot High and it's home city an ACTUAL LOCATION, but we don't know it's actual location in the EQG VERSE, so I had to cut corners and leave blanks Chapter 19: Bungling Blunders CHAPTER NINETEEN The friends emerged in the front yard of Canterlot High in the human world, just outside the broken statue, but at least the gate still worked. The school was empty as it only an hour after dawn. Nobody was around to see what was happening. Beast Boy felt relieved to be in his human form again, but he was still down on all fours. Spike, now a dog, told him, “I know it feels weird, just shake it off.” After a few moments, Beast Boy found his strength again and could stand upright, though he still felt a little wobbly. “Dude, what a ride!” he exclaimed. Then he turned round and saw all the ponies… in their human forms, and except for Twilight, all the girls admired their new shapes. “Well I’ll be a…” remarked Applejack as she admired her hands and fingers. Pinkie Pie checked behind herself looking for her tail, but she couldn’t find it and ended up spinning round in dizzy circles. Rarity admired her clothes as she gazed at her reflection in the polished base of the statue. “Oh, my stars!” she cried “I’ve never seen anything so exquisite.” Spike admired how beautiful Rarity looked, even though he had seen her human shape before… or rather the other Rarity. “Whoa… this is so cool!” Rainbow exclaimed a she back flipped, karate kicked, and walked on her hands. Then there was Fluttershy, she finally came out from behind the statue, working up the nerves to be seen, and Beast Boy… he was almost completely mesmerized by how pretty she looked in human form. He held out his hand to her, “It’s okay, Fluttershy… come on.” She gazed at him nervously, almost barely recognizing him, though he did tell her about his mutated human body. Still, she managed to work up enough courage and placed her hand in his, and they looked into each other’s eyes. “Whoa… she is so hot.” he thought silently. His pointy ears tweeked softly, and Fluttershy giggled softly. The others all thought it was very sweet, but Twilight reminded them all, “We’re here on a mission. We better get going.” They all walked down the street. “So, this here’s the human world?” asked Applejack “It’s almost like Equestria, only… a little stranger.” “We can go exploring later.” said Twilight “Right now we have to find a way to get to Jump City.” The others all agreed, and then cast their looks at Beast Boy, but he just gave them a confused blink. “You… don’t know the way?” Rainbow asked in annoyance. “Give me a break! I was unconscious when I was teleported to your world. I don’t know which way I came or how far it was. If anything, I thought Twilight would know what part of the world this is.” Twilight felt embarrassed, “Um, actually… all my adventures in this world happened at the school. I’ve never explored anyplace else.” “In other words, you have no clue either.” said Rarity. Twilight shook her head sheepishly, and everyone groaned in annoyance. “What were we thinking; coming here without an actual plan?” moaned Spike. Beast Boy had an idea, “Can’t you use those… Elemental… Harmonize… whatever they are to show us where we are?” “Okay, first of all: It’s “The Elements of Harmony” said Twilight “And no, they. They can only show us a map of Equestria, not this world.” “Hey, that’s it!” cried Pinkie “We could just get a map from someone.” “And just where are we supposed to find someone with a map at a time like this?” asked Rainbow. Suddenly, they all could hear someone walking down the street, the mail carrier on his early morning route to pick up from sidewalk mailboxes. If anyone would know he would. “Excuse us…” Twilight asked, and the mailman almost recognized her immediately “Hey, Twilight Sparkle. What are you doing out here so early? Come to think of it, where are your glasses?” The others were confused, but Spike and Twilight already figured the mailman was referring to Twilight’s actual human counterpart. “Ah, well… now’s as good at time as any.” the man said as he handed her a letter “It’s another request from the research center in Jump City. They must really want you to come and work with them.” Hearing those words, and seeing their chance, Twilight took the envelope, “Thank you.” she said. The man tipped his hat, and then he dropped off his mail and walked off on his route. “Twilight, you shouldn’t have taken that.” said Rarity. “Well, technically it is addressed to her.” said Spike. Even Twilight herself knew this wasn’t really right to do, but they were desperate for an address and location, and thanks to the printing on the envelope, they now knew they were in California, but still a long ways from Jump City, about eight-hundred miles North. “Um… does anyone happen to know how we’re going to get there?” asked Fluttershy. Everyone groaned and smacked their foreheads in dismay. Beast Boy then looked at Twilight as if to ask, but she immediately answered “No, the elements can’t transport us.” Beast Boy sighed “I can change into birds, but even with my biggest and best flyers… there’s no way I can actually carry all of us there.” Once again, the team seemed to be stuck, until Rainbow spotted a poster on a lamppost about an “Air Show” that was taking place later that day. “An air show!” cried Beast Boy as he looked at the poster “With planes and ships, and skydiving events.” And idea began to brew in his head. “What are you thinking?” asked Twilight. “Follow me! We’re going to that air show.” The others were very curious to what he had in mind. Meanwhile, in Jump City… Every early morning, Starfire came up onto the roof to soak in the rays of the morning sun. She sat on a large boulder-- the one that Terra had used to scale the tower in the night-- and she drowsed happily as sun rose and the warmth of the rays hit her. Suddenly, she realized the rock. “Strange. I remember no rock being on the roof like this.” she said to herself. “Hey, Star…” Robin called “I thought I’d find you up here, and…” he paused “Where did that big rock come from?” “I was just wondering the same thing.” They both then began to wonder the same thing, “Perhaps… it was Terra?” said Starfire. “Well, I doubt it…” said Robin “I mean, from what we saw, she wasn’t keen on ever using her powers again, but… what else would explain how this rock got up here.” They decided they needed to look at the security footage from the tower’s cameras. As they viewed all the footage, Cyborg and Raven came into the lounge, “Mornin’ all.” Cyborg called, but neither Robin nor Starfire even responded. They just sat where they were fixated at the monitors. “O…kay… what’s going on?” asked Raven. No Response! Cyborg and Raven walked over to the monitor to see what they were watching, and what they saw put them in the same fixation: Beast Boy and Terra, on the roof in the night. They also noticed the light from Beast Boy’s neck and in his eyes, and Terra suddenly collapsing. Finally, Beast Boy dragged her away, out of sight from the cameras. “Okay, what was that?” Cyborg asked with a tone of shock in his voice. “Beast Boy, he looked as if he were attacking Terra.” replied Starfire. “We know that, but it doesn’t make sense.” said Raven “Beast Boy can’t use magic… Unless…!” All of them began to feel the same sickening feeling. Before long, Robin was practically pounding on Beast Boy’s door. “Beast Boy?” he called “Beast Boy, we need to talk.” No response! “Come on, man this is serious!” Cyborg called in a deep tone. “Beast Boy, please, we must speak with you.” Starfire added, but in a sweeter and more gentle tone. Raven rolled her eyes, and very quickly spouted “Beast Boy, please! We want to talk to you and this is very important.” Still no response! They all agreed to go inside, and when they slid the door open, their mouths hung open and their eyes widened at the sight of the spotless bedroom. It looked as though an army had cleaned it up, and they always assumed, such a big mess, that’s what it would require! Suddenly, they heard the sound of snickering behind them. They looked toward the door and saw Beast Boy standing there with a smug look on his face. “Now for surprise number two.” He snickered, and holding up a strange amulet, a bright light flashed, and all the Titans fell unconscious. “Like moths to the flame.” Changeling hissed as he loomed over the fallen Titans. He then gazed lustfully at Raven and scooped her up in his arms, and he actually took in a huge whiff of her neck, “Mmm…!” he sighed “Soon, you’ll be all mine.” He gazed down at the others, already knowing exactly what to do with them.
Chapter 20: Come Fly with meSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 21: It's all Mine!Author's Note It's a lot easier when I make BB the main antagonist of these fics instead of someone else. Then the fic is a lot easier and much-much shorter! Oh, well... as long as my proper protocol is carried out, I suppose it's alright. Chapter 21: It's all Mine! CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE The Titans began to awaken to find themselves in the basement, bounded by magical chains. Starfire could not use her powers, and Cyborg and Robin couldn’t reach any of their gadgets. “What’s going on?” asked Robin. “Last thing I remember, BB zapped us with some stone, and the next thing I wind up in here.” said Cyborg. Starfire tried all she could, but she couldn’t break free of the magical bindings. Then she looked and noticed “Raven? Where is Raven?” “Your friend is safe, for the moment…” called a voice, “But I’m afraid you won’t be so fortunate.” “Beast Boy?!” cried Starfire. Robin’s features hardened. “Yo’ man, what is with you?” added Cyborg. “Silence!” snarled Changeling, “I can see I’m going to have to explain things all over again, but I’ll make it fast and simple.” He raised his amulet and set himself on fast-forward, like a video, and explained his entire story, and by the time he was finished, the Titan’s ears were smoking, but they were filled with rage. “So you’re the one who’s been robbing the city.” Robin sneered. Changeling sighed in annoyance, “Yes! I believe that is exactly what was implied!” “What are you gonna do to us?” asked Cyborg. “You represent a potential danger to me.” replied Changeling “You know my secrets and I can’t very well have you out there trying to stop me now. I’m afraid I’ll have to dispose of you just like I did with that blonde Earth-moving friend of yours.” “TERRA!!” the others cried. “You… how could you do such a thing?!” cried Starfire “She was our friend! Beast Boy had the feelings for her!” Changeling snickered and mocked “Poor, Starfire, don’t you use your ears for anything besides wearing earrings?” He then leaned in close to her hear and whispered very sinisterly to ensure she was paying attention “Beast Boy and Terra are gone… and they will never come back… ever!” Starfire felt her heart breaking, but Changeling could only laugh. “I must be going now, I have little… friend waiting for me upstairs. As for you three…” he held up his amulet, and it emitted a bright glow. That’s when the room rumbled very softly, and the Titan’s looked up. “The ceiling…!” cried Robin. It was very slowly, but surely coming down upon them like some magical lift. Changeling snickered and mocked “I wonder what Teen Titan pancakes will taste like? Ah, well. I’ll know soon enough. Bye-Bye.” Then he vanished and was gone, leaving the titans to look up fearfully as the ceiling continued to make its way towards them. Meanwhile, Raven was starting to awaken as well. She was not tied up at all, she was lying on her bed, completely unharmed, and wearing a rather elegant blue gown encrusted with sapphire jewels. “Ugh! What’s going on, and what in the world am I wearing?!” “I think you look stunning, my pet.” Raven looked forth. “Beast Boy…?” she remembered how he knocked her and the others out, and she was suddenly able to see it through it all. “You’re not Beast Boy!” Changeling merely nodded, but he didn’t want to have to go through his whole story again. “Now that we’re alone, we can get to know each other better.” Raven didn’t have to be psychic to tell what he was getting at, and he confirmed her fears when he told her, “I’ve just about robbed this entire city clean of its assets and valuables, and I plan to do the same to the next town, and the next one, and the one and so on. I’ll be the single richest being in this world and any dimension of all… and I want you by my side!” He reached out to caress her face, but she rolled off the bed and away from him. “Get real you creep! Like I’d ever want to go for a sleaze like you…!” Undeterred, Changeling actually admired her attitude. “I think I like you even more now.” “That’s it, I’m outta here!” said Raven, and she tried her powers to teleport away, but nothing happened, not even a spark. “Uh-uh-uhn…” Changeling said as he held out his amulet, which he used to nullify her power, “I’m… the only one who uses power here.” Raven dashed for the door, only to find it stuck thanks to Changeling. “But you know, all you have to do is ask of me, and I can give absolutely anything you desire. Power, riches, the world… anything you could possibly want.” “Thanks, but no thanks!” sneered Raven “I’m already content with what I have.” She stopped a moment remembered how Beast Boy had rejected her, but knowing she could never truly win his heart she was willing to be brave about it and put it behind her. Unfortunately, Changeling was able to tell this, “Oh, you poor thing. It must be so hard for you never to experience true love.” Raven’s fury hardened. “And here I offer it to you on platinum plate, and you reject it?” “What you’re offering me isn’t love. Frankly, it sickens me and so do you!” Changeling sighed “Oh, well. I guess we’ll have to do this the hard way. At least I tried.” and he began to creep towards her. Raven tried throwing her things at him-- books, statuettes-- but Changeling just used his powers to stop them harmlessly in midair and kept on coming, until finally he was a few inches away from her, and using his powers to hold her still. “What are you doing to me? Leave me alone!” she groaned. Changeling only looked deeply into her eyes, “Much as I detest this sort of stuff, I’m afraid you left me with no alternative.” With that, his eyes began to glow, casting a deep spelling into Raven’s mind “You’ll see that I can be quite irresistible.” As much as Raven tried to resist, it was no use and suddenly she was completely hypnotized, and her eyes were rather empty looking. Yet she smiled up at him and said “Wherever you go, I go… my love.” Changeling snickered wickedly, “That’s more like It.” and he broke out into a song to celebrate his triumph, and broke into a fantasy with all the treasure surrounding him. I couldn’t be happier than ever before Now I’ve Raven by my side, and soon I’ll have more… He looked at Raven… “Watch this baby, and you’ll adore.” Raven, still spellbound, gazed admiringly at him and he sang his song… To… Own… All treasures is so fine, but simply not enough When it comes to romance and true love, it can’t give me that stuff Now everything is set, all thanks to this amulet Now I’ve got Raven and soon I’ll have way more than you can bet I can proclaim it so loud and clear that everyone will fret… …It’s all… MINE!!! Feeling so giddy, he couldn’t help but do a twinkly little dance, while all Raven could do was gaze lovingly at him as if she were to fall into a daze. Like my forefathers and then, I’ve kept to my thieving way Stealing all that will sustain me now, forever and a day Now everything is set, all thanks to this amulet Now I’ve got Raven and soon I’ll have way more than you can bet I can proclaim it so loud and clear that everyone will fret… …It’s all… MI-I-I-I-I-I-INE!!! The song ended and he laughed maniacally as a thunderstorm began to approach.
Chapter 23: Battle Time!Author's Note It may be Christmas Eve... but I don't stop pretty much for ANYTHING. Things Change, MLP, can really tick me off THAT MUCH Chapter 23: Battle Time! CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE The sky was nearly as dark as night. The lightning and thunder were going constantly, and it wouldn’t be long before the rain began to fall. The last bank in town, the only one that hadn’t been robbed was already emptied out of all its assets, and all the staff and security were powerless to stand up to Changeling and his power. “Give my regards to the poor.” Changeling mocked to everyone as he left the bank through the front doors, and naturally he found so many police cars and swat teams armed to the teeth surrounding the bank. “Freeze!” the captain shouted “We have you completely surrounded.” Changeling sighed smugly, and he help up his amulet and sent a magical shockwave at all the officers, knocking them over and disabling their weapons at the same time, even making all their cars explode. Small fires and damages spread out all over the street, and the police and swat-troops were now trembling with fear. Jackie and Jillian were nearby and saw him. Still thinking he was Beast Boy, and wanting revenge for throwing them in that manure truck the other day, Jillian picked up a rock to throw at him. “No, don’t!” Jackie cried, but Jillian already tossed the rock… not that Changeling hadn’t seen, or heard, and used his powers to suddenly halt the rock in midair just inches before, and sent it flying back at naughty girls, bank-shooting them both in their heads. They both collapsed out cold. “Some creatures just never learn!” Changeling grumbled. Then he called out to everyone in the area “Anybody else who wishes to be foolish?” There was a small moment of silence, and someone called out, “We do, but we’re not going to be foolish!” Changeling looked up and saw the Titans standing atop the bank, which already shocked him enough, but three of the Equestria Girls, whom he immediately could tell… “Twilight Sparkle…?! It can’t be!” She glared furiously at him, “It’s time you answered for every horrible thing you’ve done, Changeling!” “Yeah!” growled Rainbow. “Um… yeah…” Fluttershy peeped, weekly. Changeling, as outraged as he was decided to seize the opportunity, “I suppose it will be worth it, defeating you and gaining those precious Elements of Harmony you possess. I’m sure they’re bound to bring me a great fortune and power.” “I am starting to feel the invisible.” grumbled Starfire. The boys felt the same, but they, the girls and Changeling all stood ready to brawl. “Go!” shouted Robin, and they all leapt off the roof, though Fluttershy hesitated, but Rainbow pulled her down. They all then charged at Changeling, but he stood where he was and did nothing at all… Then, a huge wall of black light emerged right in front of him, and the team bounced off it like rubber and ricocheted backwards. “What the--?!” snapped Cyborg, then he and everyone saw standing on another roof, “Raven!” cried Robin “What are you doing?” “Defending my heartthrob, that’s what.” Raven answered, and she gazed loving down at Changeling. “Did she just say “heartthrob?” Rainbow asked in disgust. Even the Titans were confused, but Twilight could see Raven’s empty, and small shimmering in Changeling’s eyes that emitted from Raven’s. “She’s under a spell!” “We must try and break the spell!” cried Starfire. Changeling snickered “I’m afraid that’s easier said than done.” Then he looked up at Raven, “Would you like the honors, my sweet?” Raven fluttered her eyes at him, “I thought you’d never ask.” Then she gazed sharply at the others. “Raven, stop!” cried Robin, but Raven already leapt down from the roof and fired a huge magical zap at the team, forcing them to scatter. “Raven, come on, it’s us!” Cyborg called to her. “It’s no use, she can’t hear you.” cried Twilight. Raven’s eyes and her hands were glowing brightly, or rather darkly as she looked ready for more. As much as Robin didn’t want to fight his friend, he and the others knew they had to at least defend themselves and try to hold her down to try and break the spell. Robin lunged forth to catch Raven and hold her, but she swerved causing him to miss, and the other Titans jumped in, but she skillfully swerved and evaded their every move. Starfire fired her star-bolts around Raven hoping to distract her. It seemed to work, and Starfire got close enough to grab her by the wrists. “Raven, please… we wish to help you!” Raven hissed like a spider and kicked her in the stomach knocking her into Robin, but then Cyborg grabbed her from behind and lifted her up off her feet. “Let me go! Let me go!” she shouted. “Twilight, do you thing, girl!” Cyborg called “Hurry!” Twilight and the girls stood together, and shined their Elements on Raven… “Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Changeling as he held out his amulet, staving off the Elements’ powers, and sent out a magical shockwave the girls were barely able to dodge, and they all rolled along the ground. Raven then used her powers to blow in Cyborg face so he let her go, and she dashed to Changeling’s side. “It’s no use...” cried Twilight “Three elements aren’t powerful enough. We need all six.” Changeling laughed maniacally, “Too bad you didn’t think of that before. Now, it will cost you dearly…!” He held up his amulet to blast them all when suddenly a flying rock came out of nowhere and struck him, “A’rgh! My hand…!” He turned and looked back, and he saw where the rock had come from; Terra stood at the end of the street. “Terra!” cried Robin. Starfire and cyborg could hardly believe it, but it was her. “Long time, no see, Titans.” She said with a smirk. And standing next to her were Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack. “Girls, most excellent timing!” called Rainbow. “Thank goodness you’re all safe.” added Fluttershy. The girls smiled at their friends, and then glared at Changeling. As outraged as he was, he still didn’t feel too discouraged, “You saved me a lot of trouble of hunting you down. Now I can finish you all right here in one easy swoop.” “Do the math, Changeling…” snapped Robin “There’s nine of us and only you and Raven.” “Do we look scared to you?” sneered Raven. “Hmm… I’d say more annoyed than scared.” said Pinkie. “Point is, we’re gonna shut you down for good, ya dirty thief!” snarled Applejack, and all the others nodded in agreement with her. Then, like magic, all six elements began to glow, and the Equestrians seemed to transform, spouting pony ears, tails, Twilight, Rainbow and Fluttershy even got their wings. “Whoa! Now that is one heck of a thing.” murmured Cyborg. “Oh, this ought to be amusing!” snarled Changeling, and with that a huge strike of lightning flashed followed by thunder, and a heavy rain began to fall as the battle began. All the Equestrians all tried to huddle together to combine their powers, Changeling fired another magical blast forcing them to scatter. Then the Titans and Terra lunged for him, punching, kicking, and attempting to get at him with their powers, but he skillfully blocked and evaded their every attack and attacked them back mercilessly, sending them all crashing in different directions. The Titans and the Equestrians all got back up and lunged for him again, only for Changeling run off to attack only some of them at a time. While running, Starfire mercilessly unleashed her star bolts, and Twilight fired magical blasts, and he fired his own blasts back at them. Then they all skidded to a halt, and Changeling lunged at them, giving them both a huge shove sending them sailing backwards and hitting the wall. Cyborg fired his sonic cannon from behind, but Changeling saw and dodged it, which gave Robin the chance to throw his smoke-bomb balls hitting him hard. “Get him!” shouted Robin, but as he Cyborg and Rarity and Pinkie dashed forth, Raven swooped down in front of them, “Azarath… Metrion… ZINTHOS!!” and used her power to send two damaged police cars crashing at them forcing them to leap out of the way. Raven snickered, but she was suddenly levitated up really high on a rock, and Terra came flying in on another rock. “Bet you never thought you’d see me again, huh?” Raven growled, used her own powers to take the rock away from under Terra causing her to fall, but Rainbow Dash swooped in and caught her, and placed her safely on a roof. “You saved me!” “Ah, don’t get all sappy about it.” said Rainbow, then she soared back down to the battle. Changeling brushed the smoke off of him as Rainbow and Applejack lunged at him. Punches and kicks flew; Applejack even got down on all fours for a buck and kicked him hard in the back sending him soaring, tumbling backwards in midair, but Changeling fired a huge beam at them, resulting a small explosion that threw them off their feet. Changeling landed safely on his feet right near Fluttershy, and she was already trembling so frightfully. He simply leaned in softly and let out a tiny little “Boo.” She cowered ever so miserably. “Hey!” Cyborg shouted as he and Robin dashed forth to help, “Pick on someone your own size!” Robin called. “How about easy pickings?!” shouted Changeling, and he blasted at Robin hard, making him collide into Cyborg. Terra and Twilight unleashed a barrage of rocks and magical bolts at him, but Raven popped up and used her magic to repel it all right back at them. “WATCH OUT!!” screamed Twilight as everyone scattered about to avoid getting hit. The team all huddled together and Changeling laughed at them, “Well, I’m waiting…” he mocked at them “When are you going to actually defeat me? Oh, that’s right… YOU CAN’T!” He zapped at them again, nearly knocking them down. “We have to get his amulet!” said Robin. “Right, it’s our only chance.” agreed Twilight. Changeling of course heard them and waved his amulet teasingly in front of them “You want it? Come and get it!” Raven hissed at the team. “Go!” shouted Robin, and everyone lunged forth, then split up to scatter about to come at him from all angles. Unfortunately, it was a struggle just to try and even get near him! Every chance they got, Changeling leapt out of the way, or fought back to stave off their every attempt to get at him. Raven helped him by using her power to throw more cars, lampposts, and boulders their way. Robin managed to sneak through and grabbed at Changeling’s arms engaging in a struggle, but he couldn’t go for the amulet around his neck. “Is that your best?” Changeling sneered and he gave Robin a huge shove, sending him crashing into the others. “Come on, girls…!” cried Twilight, and she and the Equestrians all lined up again to try and combine their powers, “Think again…!” snapped Raven, and she used her power to grab the three flyers of the sky, and bind the others down below in chains of dark light. Starfire and Cyborg rushed at Changeling, but he teleported out of the way causing them to crash hard into a wall. “Oh, so close, yet so far!” he mocked at them. “I think I’ve wasted enough time with all of you…!” He held up his amulet high ready to deliver a final blow to everyone, when suddenly… Spike leapt in from out of nowhere, snatching the amulet and chain in his teeth. “Ah!” cried Changeling as he turned to see Spike land on the ground dropping the amulet. It bounced and rolled along, and stopped right in front of Terra. “No!!” He cried. Terra grinned cheekily, and then grabbed a huge rock and slammed it down hard on the amulet, crushing it to bit-- exploding in a small flash of bright lights. Changeling Screamed in horror as all the magic forces dwindled away. Raven’s eyes flashed as the spell broke. “Huh?” she cried “What’s going on?” With her concentration broken, the Equestrians were released from her power. “Way to go, Spike!” Twilight cried a she hugged him warmly. Rarity planted several kisses on his head, making him faint in a daze. “You too, Terra.” said Robin. “You go girl.” added Cyborg. Terra smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. “We are victorious!” cried Starfire… …but Changeling was laughing loud and so hysterically they thought he had flipped his lid! “Are we missin’ somthin’ here?” asked Applejack. Changeling glared nastily at the team, “You think just because you’ve destroyed my amulet that you actually beat me… well… You Haven’t!!” The others all felt shivers run down their spines. “That amulet isn’t my only source of magic. You forget… I am the greatest, most elusive, most deadly thief in all of Equestria. I was already pulling off great heists and fighting battles long before I found the amulet… all thanks to my own special magic… which is why they call me “Changeling.” With that, he leapt up high in the air and let out a might big SCREAM… and his body was shrouded in and eerie glowing light. “Whatever is happening now?!” cried Rarity. “I think we’re about to find out!” said Robin.
Chapter 24: Beast to BeastSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Final Chapter: I'll Miss YouCHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE The storm had eased up a little, it was only raining softly now. The heroes were all exhausted, the streets were a mess, but in the midst of it all, Changeling, back in human form, lay smoldering on the ground, weak, frail, and unable to escape. The heroes all approached him and gazed down pitifully at him. “It’s over, Changeling.” Robin said. The others all glared down at him, and Applejack gave her rope a threatening tug in front of him. Changeling had no choice but to go quietly. He was tied of tightly, and kept under a close watch, as much as they all wanted to celebrate… “Beast Boy…!” Terra cried, the others all turned and saw her looming over Beast Boy. He was in his human form again, his uniform was all tattered, but he didn’t look so good as he lay on the ground. When Changeling had bitten him, the venom laced on his fangs entered his bloodstream. The poison was unknown to any Earth elements, and it was already more than too late. …He was dying, and there was nothing any of the others could do about it. “Oh, no!” cried Robin. “Beast Boy?!” cried Fluttershy. He was still breathing as he looked up at Terra as he laid her arms. “Te…rra…?” he spoke so softly it was almost hard to hear him. Tears were cascading down Terra’s face, “It’s okay, Beast Boy…” she sobbed “I’m right here, I’m not going to leave you again!” He raised his hand ever so weakly and held hers. “Te…rra…!” She felt his hand starting to slip out of hers… and it just flopped down onto his chest. Cyborg scanned him with his computer, and he sadly shook his head, and clenched his fists really tight. Terra clutched Beast Boy’s dead body close and softly let out all her emotion. Starfire began to cry and Robin held her softly, while struggling with his own outrage and sadness. “Beast Boy…” Raven sobbed softly, “No… Please don’t go! We we’re going to make it up to you!” She was so upset and hurt that she pulled her hood completely over her face, softly crying to herself. Spike let out a sad howl. All of the Equestrians had tears in their eyes. “No…” Twilight peeped “There was hope for him.” Easily, Fluttershy was the most devastated, “I never got to tell him...” she peeped “And now… I never will!” Everyone sat and stood where they were, bewailing the loss of their friend, while Changeling was somewhat amused as he thought “How tragic. They win the battle, but in way… they still lost the war.” Terra lifted her head up and looked down at Beast Boy’s face. She wouldn’t let him go without having at least one-- she leaned forward softly and placed her lips over his, though he couldn’t return her kiss. They gave Beast Boy a small funeral. His body, since it was already rotting from the inside because of the venom, was cremated, and his ashes were kept in a stone chalice Raven had in her room, and the chalice was kept in a niche in the wall over the table in the lounge, so it would be like he was still there. Everyone was just devastated, and it would take time to get over all this, especially for Terra. She felt so guilty for remembering being so hard on him, but it was comforting somewhat to know that he actually seemed willing to forgive her, or he wouldn’t have hugged her. …But still, it really hurt her! “Terra…?” Robin said to her. She turned to face him, and she burst into tears, sobbing over his shoulder. He held her tight letting her cry. The others felt positively crushed for her, and for Fluttershy, understanding that she had feelings for Beast Boy too, but that didn’t really matter too much now. A couple of days later, the Titans showed the authorities the cave where Changeling had stashed all that he had stolen. Soon, the banks were restocked, and the businesses were all saved from their financial distress, putting the city at ease again… once all the collateral damages were repaired of course. However, many of the citizens, when the found out about Beast Boy’s death and how he helped to save all the assets and beat Changeling, many of them felt really bad. Then again, some didn’t even seem to care. Not even the Js, which earned them all ridicule and disrespect for their own nastiness. As for the Equestrians, the Titans escorted them back to Canterlot High, which was still deserted as there was no school that day because of the airshow. “Must you really go back to your world?” asked Starfire “There is so much we can learn from one another.” I’m sorry, but we really have to go.” said Twilight. “Eeyup.” added Applejack as she tugged on Changeling’s ropes “We gotta get this bad apple into the slammer. There’s many a pony waitn’ to get their hooves on him.” “We only can’t begin to apologize for all that has happened.” said Rarity “Especially for… for Beast Boy.” Everyone felt the same way, “It’s not really your fault.” said Cyborg “It just happened, we weren’t ready for it.” The Equestrians were more than understanding, but just like the Titans they wished it hadn’t happened and maybe Beast Boy wouldn’t be gone. For now, it was best they, the two teams, went their separate ways, but perhaps someday the Titans would venture into Equestria. It sounded like an okay place to explore… but this was so not the time. Robin approached Twilight and handed her a Teen Titan Communicator. “If you’re ever come back and you need help, you can call us. We’ll be there.” She accepted it and shook his hand, “Thank you… for everything.” Smiles and thankful nods were exchanged, and then the girls bid their farewells as one-by-one they marched through the portal and were gone. “Now that is cool.” Cyborg said, and the others all agreed with him, but then they heard the sounds of police sirens as a couple of cruisers passed by. Robin looked at his teammates, and they all nodded to get into the action. “How about you, Terra…?” She smiled barely and snapped her goggles over her eyes, implying she was now a member of the team again, for keeps this time. It was where she belonged, and nothing would have pleased her more to help fight crime again, “…for Beast Boy.” Robin tossed her another communicator. “Titans, Go!” and off they all ran! After the ponies all returned to Equestria, Changeling was handed over to their authorities and was immediately sentenced to life imprisonment and hard labour for all his crimes and murders. The ponies then reported to Princess Celestia in person and turned in the Elements of Harmony, to send them back to the Tree of Harmony to recharge their powers. “Well done, all of you.” She said proudly to her subjects, but then she sighed sadly “…But I am very sorry to hear of what happened to Beast Boy.” The others all felt the same. Rarity sniffled, “When I think of the poor dear, and how he… he went. Oh, this is so dreadful.” Twilight hung her head low, trying to fight off her tears. “He was a very special friend. He had great potential, and a lot of heart.” Applejack didn’t seem like the rest of them. She wasn’t really crying, but she was upset on the inside. “Well, for what it’s worth, at least he died a hero.” The others agreed with her. They probably never would have been able to capture Changeling without him. Of course, Fluttershy was still visibly heartbroken. She just stood outside on the terrace by herself. Everyone felt just horrible for her, but all the friendship and all the magic in Equestria would never bring Beast Boy back. “You okay?” Rainbow asked as she came out to her “Oh, what am I saying… of course you’re not.” “I’ll be okay, Rainbow Dash.” she said turning to smile bravely but sadly at her. The others came out and Twilight approached her “Look, we all decided you should have this…” and she passed her the communicator. Fluttershy took it and clutched it close to her chest. “I wonder…” she said as she looked up at the sky “I wonder where he is now, and if he’s found peace.” The others, even Celestia all wondered that, and some believe he was at peace. Fluttershy then closed her eyes, and looked deep in her heart, remember all those times she and Beast Boy shared. “I’ll.” miss you… Beast Boy… Thank you… for everything!” Author's Note Well, the protocol had to be followed (Even though I wrote the fic the way it is) BB is dead, and that means Friendship FAILED in that field. -An alternate ending I had was, even after everything that happened, Terra would still be dedicated to her NORMAL life. The titans would still be bad to BB, and BB would be denied to return to Equestria and have relationship with Fluttershy, promoting him to leave angrily declare he needs no one and is never seen or heard from again, which makes Twilight scold the Titans "...I've alwasy stood strong for Friendship. I always believed there was hope and good in all involved... but I guess I was wrong with this. You ARE horrible people." Of course for that work out, so many things would have be rewritten, and would take too long. Either way, my protocol is followed, the Titans have been punished, and the ponies friendship failed to save Beast Boy, and for EVEN THINKING of moving on without Terra... BB paid the price for upsetting me "Failure cannot be tolerated." *Glares at the other MALES of the cartoon couples I ship* "When you work for me... success is amply rewarded... but fail and you will receive the same treatment and fate as the miserable to wretch you have just seen executed!" That's how my protocol works with these fics. (You die/no happy ending for you... Period) Until the next time... *To the Ponies*
Chapter 1: DisheartenedAuthor's Note MLP and Things Change have been pissing me of a lot this week, so I thought I'd make a fic to attack/punish them both in one shot... heh-heh-heh! Chapter 1: Disheartened CHAPTER ONE Princess Twilight Sparkle had recently returned from the Human World on what she thought would be an emergency at the Friendship Games, but seeing as all was fine, she returned to Equestria. She was now reading quietly in her Rainbow Castle at night, but the light from the candles was disturbing Spike, whom was trying to sleep in his basket by her bed. “Twilight, can’t you finish that book in the morning?” he groaned. “I’m sorry, Spike, but… it’s just so good, I can’t put it down.” replied Twilight “It’s a story about a friend who was betrayed his friends and he went off to try and make more friends, and things didn’t go so well…” “And let me guess…” Spike cut it “In the end, he realizes that friendship is a wonderful thing and he goes back to his friends, and they all live happily ever after.” Twilight read on ahead, and sighed “Yes… they do.” She closed the book, having lost interest. “Twilight, every story you read turns out that way.” Spike said. “Well, yeah, but… I don’t get what you’re going at.” “I’m saying, not that I actually want this, but aren’t there stories that don’t end in happy ever afters? Where friendship doesn’t make things better?” Twilight gasped at such a thought. “Spike, how can you say such a thing?” she thundered. “Just saying, that’s all.” Spike said, and he rolled over and went to sleep. Twilight could only sigh, as she blew out her candles and snuggled into bed. “What if Spike’s right?” she thought silently “I mean, sure sometimes friendships just don’t work out, but… Friendship can’t make things worse… can it?” She finally fell asleep. While outside, a soft wind blew across Ponyville, blowing leaves, a few papers along, and even a Wanted poster…! The picture was of a green unicorn with no cutie-mark. Name: Changeling, though he was not an actual Changeling creature, he was wanted for stealing a magical amulet from a keeper’s store, shown in the picture around his neck, as well as terrorism, thievery, and a large reward was placed on his head for his capture, of Ten-Thousand gold bits… Wanted Dead or Alive! Many had been after Changeling in the hopes of collecting the reward, but so far he had not been seen nor heard from for quite a while. It was if he had vanished from the while of Equestria. Jump City California, in the human world… It was late at night, and the Teen Titans had returned to their tower after a long hard day, but finally the White Shapeshifting monster had been captured and taken to a high-tech security prison. The Titans were only able to finally outwit the creature thanks to Beast Boy, lending his super sense of smell from being a bloodhound, but he arrived super late due to other circumstances that happened that day… which were still plaguing him. As the titans exited the T-Car, Starfire was glad the battle was over “I believe that was one of the most difficult of foes we have faced since our return.” “Uh… that was the first and only creature we’ve faced since we got back.” Raven pointed out. Starfire rubbed the back of her head feeling embarrassed. “Well, thankfully the whole team was there this time.” Robin said, but he was shooting a few hints at Beast Boy. The others all looked at him too, but he didn’t even turn to face them, even though he knew they were right about his showing up late. All the way on the car ride home he had the same spiritless expression on his face. None of the others had to be psychic like Raven to understand what was bothering him… ..Something had gone wrong with Terra… if it even was Terra. The Titans still had a hard time believing she had actually returned, and it still baffled them. “Well, I think I’ll go order us a pizza.” Cyborg said. “Oh, yes… I would like that.” said Starfire. “…Our first pizza since our arrival home again and to celebrate our first victory.” Normally Beast Boy was psyched whenever it was Pizza Night, but he hardly even moved. “Beast Boy, are you not exicted for the pizza?” asked Starfire. Beast Boy’s lips curled into a forced smile and he answered, “Yeah, it sounds good.” The others remained unconvinced of his attitude, and as they all headed into the tower from the garage. “Beast Boy, hang on a second.” Robin said “…I want to talk to you.” “Yeah, about what…?” Beast Boy asked, though he knew what was coming. “Beast Boy… I’m not pleased that you showed up late to the battle.” “Hey, we won didn’t we?” “That’s not the point. You were needed by your team, and we almost didn’t make it.” “Look, I’m sorry…” Beast boy said “I went to Terra’s school and…” “That’s just it…” Robin cut it “I know you think you saw Terra, and you really want to have her back, but you need to put it behind you.” Beast Boy clenched his fists as the pain shot through him again like a burning spear. “I didn’t think I saw Terra… I did… but it doesn’t matter now.” He said nothing more and walked to the door. “Beast Boy…” Robin called. “Look, I’ll be there next time, okay?” Beast Boy said to him, almost yelling. He then apologized, and went off to his room, leaving Robin feeling very concerned and worried. The pizza came, but Beast Boy had not come out of his room. He didn’t feel like eating, or even getting off his bed. His body was shaking painfully as he tried his hardest not to burst out crying, fearing if he did he would be in more pain and he would never be able to stop. “Things Change, Beast Boy. The girl you want me to be is just a memory.” That horrible message and all those images continued to torment him. No matter how hard he tried to forget it, it always came back stronger and more painful than ever. “Why, Terra? Just tell me why?” he softly cried to himself. A small knock at his bedroom door snapped him out of his thoughts, “Beast Boy… it is I, Starfire. I have brought you some pizza. It is of the vegetarian variety.” “Thanks, but I’m not really hungry.” he called to her. He was using every bit of strength he could summon to hide the sadness in his voice. Outside the door, Starfire felt really bad for Beast Boy, “Beast Boy, I understand this girl whom resembles our Terra has hurt you, but it will be better in time. You will see, for the sea is bountiful with many other fish.” There was no response! She hung her head low, left the plate outside his door and left. Beast Boy just lay on his bed, his tears finally were falling, but he still couldn’t find the courage to break out and sob. The next morning, Cyborg came into the lounge for an early breakfast and found Beast Boy was there, having dropped off his pizza dish from the other night, and making himself a piece of toast with tofu butter. “Yo’ ‘B… you up already?” he asked. “…Still awake actually.” He answered turning his face to him and Cyborg could see the burning in his eyes. “I couldn’t sleep at all.” Cyborg hated seeing his little pal this way. “Look, I know it hurts, I know, I’ve been dumped a few times in my life too, but I never let it get me down all the time.” He could tell the way Beast Boy turned away from him that he hadn’t said the right thing, and he even began to wonder and asked “…This ain’t just about Terra, is it?” Beast Boy shook his head. “Do you wanna talk about it?” He shook his head again, and took his toast on a plate to leave for his room. “I just wanna help ya get better.” Cyborg said to him. Beast Boy stopped and looked back, and smiled sadly at him, “Thanks, dude.” But inside he was thinking “No one can help me, especially not you.” Cyborg could only sigh. Later on, Beast Boy in Terra’s unoccupied room, on her sofa, and next to him was the heart-shaped mirror box he made for her. He could suddenly see Raven’s faded reflection in the windows of the room. She was starring grimly down at him. “I don’t want to talk about this, Raven.” “I wasn’t going to.” she said as she made her way over to the sofa and sat down next to him. He opened the box and looked at his miserable reflection in the mirror. “Why is this happening to me? Ever since we got back, it’s been nothing but one bad change after another, and it’s costing me the things and people I loved.” “That’s just how life goes sometimes. We can’t always control it.” Raven said “That doesn’t mean all changes are bad.” “What makes you so sure?” Raven didn’t answer for a moment “I just am sure. Change can be good and good can come from it… for everyone. It’s just a thing we all have to accept, embrace who we are, and maybe even be thankful for it.” To him she was starting to sound exactly like Terra and what she had said to him… “You’re the Teen Titan, that’s who you are. That’s not me. I’m not a hero. I’m not out to save the world. I’m just a girl with a geometry test next period and I haven’t studied.” Raven gazed at him, and she could tell he was thinking of HER again, and she hated to see him so down hearted. She felt like telling him something, something very important, but he slowly got up before she had a chance and he began to walk to the door. “Things do Change, Raven… but there are some things you just can’t change. I know this…” Then he left the room, and Raven kept her eyes on him until he was out of sight. She clutched her hand to her chest. “I should’ve told him.”
Chapter 12: Beast Boy and Fluttershy... it looks like itCHAPTER TWELVE Beast Boy woke up the next morning and helped Fluttershy feed her many animals breakfast. As a guy who changed into animals like them, he knew a little about them, but it really amazed him how gentle and caring Fluttershy acted toward each and every animal she cared for. Even the bear purred like a cat, but what he found the most entrancing was her beautiful voice as she sang along with her bird choir to warm up their chirping. “Very good, everyone… You’ll make fine singers.” The birds all chirped happily. Beast Boy still couldn’t seem to go five minutes without glancing over at Fluttershy, the same he used to when he met Terra. “Ah, man!” he groaned in thought, “I can’t be falling for her. She’s a pony. Sure, I mean she’s beautiful, and loving, and caring to animals much like I am… …Oh, no..!” He knew by this point he couldn’t try to fight it, and seemed to fall for her more and more. Fluttershy looked over her side and saw him gazing at her. She blushed softly and turned away, and her knees began to quiver. “What’s happening to me?” she thought to herself. Angel tapped her leg and then with his paw he scribbled a little heart in the dirt. Fluttershy’s face went bright red, and she let out her little nervous squeak… She only just met him a little under a day ago, and she hardly knew much about him, even though he seemed kind of sweet, and a little funny, and though she wished she would tell him what was really bothering him about not wanting to return to his own world, she actually liked seeing him more the way he was now-- happy, easy going… After all the morning chores were done, Beast Boy sat on a chair in the living room “Well, what now?” he asked aloud. “Wanna go out and get breakfast?” Fluttershy asked… very fast, because she was nervous. “Huh?” “Oh… um… what I mean is… um… did you… want to go out and get something to eat. I can… um… show you more of Ponyville.” “Sure… I’d like that.” replied Beast Boy. Fluttershy’s teeth jittered. “Are you okay?” Beast Boy asked. “Fine… I’m fine.” she peeped. Soon, they were out, and they enjoyed a fine breakfast. After that, Fluttershy took Beast Boy all around town to see lots of friends she knew. There was Tree Hugger: A hippie, nature-loving pony teaching a yoga class. They joined in for a small session, and Beast boy couldn’t seem to get the poses right and kept on popping his bones and falling over. Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle, and he couldn’t help but chuckle either. Cheerilee: A school teacher. Though there was no school today, she and the Cutiemark Crusaders were out on an extra-credit assignment-- A Scavenger hunt. Cheerilee made up a list of things to find, and gave them well defines clues, to help the girls learn and understand more about everyday things around them in nature. The Crusaders even found something right by Beast Boy’s hind feet “An Acorn!” cried Applebloom. “Yeah, it’s small and it’s nutty…” said Sweetie Belle, “And it becomes very big because it can grow into an Oaktree.” added Scootaloo. “Very good, girls…” Cheerilee said as she cross the clue off her list. The girls thanked Beast Boy for helping them, even though he didn’t really do anything, and then they went off with their teacher to find more things. Beast Boy and Fluttershy even met up some of the others that day. When they stopped at Sugarcube corners, Pinkie Pie and the Cake’s offered Beast Boy a special cupcake with green frosting, for free. “It’s just our way of making you feel welcome here in Ponyville.” said Carrot Cake. “Yes, any friends of ours are just more friends for us.” added Cup Cake. The baby cakes cooed happily. Beast Boy was flattered. Fluttershy smiled at him, and he offered to chare half his cupcake with her which made her blush, but she accepted. They stepped outside and met up with Applejack and Big Mac in the midst of a crisis. One of their wagon wheels had fallen off and they had a delivery of apple pies, apple sauce, apple jam, and just plain apples to get to a bake sale. Beast Boy and Fluttershy helped out. Beast Boy wasn’t too good at mechanics, at least complicated mechanics, but when it came to plain woodworks, he was a pro since he was good at handcrafting, even if he didn’t have hands. Using just his bare hoofs he helped them get the wheel back in place and made it hold stronger than ever, earning him two pats on the back; one from Applejack, and a big one from her brother, which knocked him to the ground. “Oh, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked as she helped him up, and they ended up gazing deeply into each other’s eyes again, and both felt bashful. Applejack and Big Mac both could figure what was going on. Fluttershy and Beast Boy met along with Rarity, whom was taking a casual stroll to take in some sunlight. “One does need to keep up a good appearance with a little help from solar light.” she said. Rainbow Dash was running, or rather flying through an obstacle course she had made, complete with huge cones, a tunnel, a swinging log, and even flamethrowers. She was quit the risk-taker…! The girls were shaken slightly as they watched her soar effortlessly through the course. “Yes! I beat my old record by ten seconds.” she bragged. “Really, Rainbow Dash-- What if you had hurt yourself?” said Rarity. Beast Boy didn’t seem impressed, “I’ve seen worse courses than this.” Rainbow’s features hardened. “What, like you could do any better? You can’t even fly, and you can barely use your magic right.” “Ha! You don’t know what training to be a super hero means.” Beast Boy said, and he took his place at the starting line. “Beast Boy!” cried Fluttershy. “Darling, really you don’t have to do this.” added Rarity, but Beast Boy wouldn’t back down. “Ready…?” he said to Rainbow. Rainbow nodded, and then raised her hoof and brought it down “Go!” Beast Boy cantered across the field, and swerved gracefully round the cones. He crawled flawlessly through the tunnel, rolled under the swinging log as he past, and when he came to the fire-shooters, he aimed his horn at the ground and concentrated like he did before, and shot a huge blast at the ground launching himself up, up and over the wall of fire and he landed gracefully on his feet. The girls were all astounded. Though he hadn’t beaten the record, not by a long shot, they couldn’t but awe at how flawless his run was, as well as the clever use of his unstable magic. Beast Boy walked up to them smirking. “Well…?” Rarity was speechless. “That was… What I mean to say is…” “That was AWESOME!” exclaimed Rainbow, but Beast boy acted as though it was really nothing. “Like I said, I’ve seen worse. That’s what comes from being trained to be a hero.” Fluttershy was impressed as well, to a point where she couldn’t take her eyes off of him or even blink. “You okay?” he asked, snapping her out of her trance. “Oh, Um… I’m okay.” They gazed at each other and turned away blushing again, which made Rarity and Rainbow realize what was going on between them. Rarity said nothing, but Rainbow couldn’t resist…! “Well, you two got the hots for one another.” Beast boy and Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Aw, how cute… They both react together, and before you know it…” she began to hum a wedding march, which made Flutttershy and Beast boy turn bright red from heads to tails! “Rainbow Dash! Stop this!” snapped Rarity, but not only was Fluttershy so nervous to the point of tears, Beast Boy… many memories were flowing through his mind, all bad…! Memories of Terra, and all the wonderful times they had, only to be shattered by that same haunting line… “Things Change, Beast Boy. The girl you want me to be is just a memory.” Those memories brought on other memories… ones he didn’t like being reminded of. “Whoa! He looks like he’s going to burst!” said Rainbow. He snapped himself to his senses, but he really looked upset. “Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked earnestly. “I just… I just want to be a lone for a bit, okay?” he asked. The girls were more than understanding and let him walk off on his own. “Well, I hope you’re happy, Rainbow Dash.” sneered Rarity. “What? I was just teasing him. I didn’t know he’d take it so personally.” Fluttershy, though still nervous from Rainbow’s teasing, felt very worried about Beast Boy, and was really feeling he just couldn’t go on like this keeping his feelings bottled up. “I think we all need to talk to Twilight about this. It’s time for him to tell us the truth.”
