Author’s Note: It has been forever! You all have been so patient with me. Thank you all so much! I actually decided against putting a translator at the bottom of the chapter. Reason why is because I want you to feel the confusion and helplessness that the Titans are feeling, and I don’t want everyone going to the end just to find the meaning of a certain word and having to scan back to where you originally were. Don’t worry though. I’m not using a lot of it. Plus, BB is acting as the translator. If you have any questions, ask me. I’ll be happy to answer them. The title (in English) is “Hello” by the way. You’ll see why. Enjoy! Thanks again for being patient.

Jewel of Africa

Chapter Five: “Hujambo”

“I don’t suppose anyone knows the language?” Raven asked, as the spears got closer. Everyone looked at Cyborg.

“Oh, it’s like that, huh! Just ‘cause I’m black, you think-“

“No Cyborg! You have a built-in translator don’t you?” Robin cut in, wanting to avoid that conversation.

“Actually, no. I didn’t think we’d need it.” Cyborg said, a large sweat drop hanging from his head.

“Nice.” Raven said, sarcasm evident in her voice.

“Mnadukiza! Kuua!” A male’s voice exclaimed. Robin could feel his team growing tense. He tightened his grip on his weapon as the men moved their spears closer to the teens. Without a translator, they were in trouble.

“He says we’re intruding and must be killed.” Beast Boy said, popping his head out from behind Cyborg. Robin’s eyes grew wide in surprise. Not over the large man or the spears, but the green boy.

“You speak the language?” He asked.

“Well, sort of. I used to live here, remember?” Beast Boy announced stepping out from behind his friend.

“In that case, tell them we mean no harm.”

“I would but-“

“But what?”

“I’m a little rusty. I haven’t used the language in years. I might ask for a glass of warm bread.”

“Just try. If it doesn’t work we could always fight them off.” Robin said, pushing the green changeling to the leader of the group. The young boy’s fear grew as he looked up into the man’s cold, solid brown eyes. Beast Boy nervously smiled, desperately trying to recall the lessons he learned.

“Uh… sisi rafiki?” The green boy managed to squeak out. The man’s expression softened as he looked at the boy.

“Mnangoja!” He shouted at the other men and watched as they lowered their weapons. He turned his attention back to the small boy. “Jina lako nani?”

“Beast Boy.” The man looked at him with confusion. Beast Boy sighed in annoyance. He’d have to use his real name. “Garfield.”

“Garfield? Garfield Logan?” The man asked, his eyes growing wide. Beast Boy just nodded, half confused and half worried. The man’s face lit up and he threw his arms around the small boy, hoisting him in the air and swinging him around. The Titans looked surprised as they watched their friend spinning, and screaming, in the air.

“Oh Garfield! I have missed you so much.” The man exclaimed setting a very dizzy Beast Boy on the ground.

“You know me?” The boy asked.

“Of course! You do not remember me?” The man started wiping the paint off his face and almost instantly, Beast Boy recognized his old friend.

“Zareb!” He screamed, jumping onto the taller man.

“Ohh, little Garfield. How I missed you. You must tell me everything that happened to you.”

“I will, but first I want you to meet my friends. This is Starfire, Raven, Cyborg, and Robin. Guys, this is Zareb. The guy I told you about.”

“It’s an honor to meet you.” Robin smiled. The older man just nodded.

“Come. I’ll show you to the village.” Zareb led the way with Beast Boy following closely behind. The other Titans followed and Robin, the entire time, was lost in his thoughts.

--

“You went through so much. How is it you did it alone?” Zareb asked after listening to the boy’s past. It was hard to believe that one kid went through so much pain and was still able to wake up every morning smiling. Robin was amazed as he listened. He never imaged Beast Boy having a past similar to his own.

“It’s really no big deal.” Beast Boy shyly said.

“Oh Garfield, still the little modest boy. Not much has changed, has it?” Zareb laughed. Beast Boy could practically feel Raven’s eyes rolling. He felt two large hands wrap around and lift him off the ground.

“I still remember when I would carry you on my shoulders like this.” Zareb placed the boy on his broad shoulders. “Remember, little one?”

“Sure do!” Beast Boy smiled, feeling like a little kid again. Cyborg couldn’t help but smile at the green boy’s fun. It was as if he saw his little friend transform back into the little toddler he used to be. Robin noticed this as well.

“Here we are.” Zareb announced, coming out of the jungle to a clearing. Huts made from trees and grass occupied most of the space. There was a large pile of burnt wood in the middle of the site. Brightly colored clothes hung on a rope to dry. Several beautiful pottery pieces lay next to the huts. Each one had an equally beautiful design painted on.

“This place is absolutely beautiful!” Starfire squealed.

“Thank you. I know it is not much, but we make do with our resources.” Zareb beamed. He was proud of his little village.

“Zareb, this isn’t the village I remember.” Beast Boy said.

“Well, it is not the same land we lived on before. After those two Americans came and took you, we thought it better if we relocated. So they would not come back.”

“Smart thinking.” Robin said out loud, somewhat amazed at his primitive surroundings.

“Yes. It was not easy leaving our land, but I did what was best for the village. After all, it is why I am the chief.”

“You’re the chief of the village now?” Beast Boy practically screamed.

“Yes.”

“I thought only royalty could be the chief.”

“Yes, but Tawabe did not have a child here and I was decided by the village to resume his position.”

“He had no heir?” Raven asked.

“Tawabe had an heir. Just no child.” Zareb informed her.

“What happened?” Starfire joined in.

“He was taken from us long ago. We thought he had been lost for all time, but now we know this is not true and he is very much alive.”

“Really? I would very much like to meet him.”

“No!” Beast Boy screamed loud enough for the whole village to hear him. It surprised the Titans, as well as Zareb. “Uhh… I’m getting hungry. Maybe we should eat.”

“I too am feeling the hunger. I do not think our lunch meal was very long.” Starfire sweetly chimed in.

“In honor of young Garfield’s arrival, we will prepare a great feast and please, stay for as long as you need. It will be our way of welcoming you.” Zareb offered. After looking at the others (and watching Cyborg do his second jig for that day), Robin agreed.

--

The sky had become dark. The only light was from the millions of stars overhead, the moon, and the fire from the center of the village. Music filled the air. Cyborg was happily munching on several varieties of meat. Robin and Starfire were dancing around the fire along with other villagers. Raven just sat next to Cyborg, enjoying the music. It was almost trance inducing. The only thing that stopped her from slipping into her meditated state was the sound of Cyborg eating.

The villagers had insisted on dressing the Titans in more appropriate clothing. Robin had objected to the idea, as did Raven and Cyborg. They respected the culture but just felt more comfortable in their uniforms. Starfire eagerly accepted the clothing and was dressed in a long cloth dress with beautiful shades of purple and yellow mixed in the fabric. She was told that the purple represented her royal lineage on Tamaran, while the yellow symbolized everlasting happiness. When she asked how they knew she was of royalty, the women smiled and explained that Garfield told them specifically to dress her as a princess. She smiled and blushed. Beast Boy, being forced by Zareb, was also dressed in similar attire. The top was stripped of sleeves; purple with gold trim, and fit more like an over-shirt vest with his chest exposed. His pants cut off just barely below his knees and were brown like the dirt. His hands and feet were bare and this was probably the only thing he did like. He missed the feeling of earth on his feet; the feel of rich soil between his toes. It made him feel a little more animalistic. After he finished dressing, Beast Boy went to Zareb’s hut. He had to talk to him. His old guardian was dressed in purple and red robes, a golden-yellow sash tied around his waist. He wore sandals and a feathered headdress with at least every color displayed. Beast Boy remembered Tawabe telling him that this headdress was the symbol of his status as Chief. It apparently still held its meaning.

“I do not understand why I cannot inform them about-”

“They don’t need to know Zareb.” Beast Boy sternly said.

“But why? They are your friends, are they not?”

“Yeah, but… look, this doesn’t concern them. Just, please. Keep this between us?” His green eyes pleaded. Zareb just nodded his head in confusion as the green boy walked back to the celebration.

“Garfield, I should tell you...” Zareb started, but Beast Boy had already taken a seat next to Raven.

“Nice clothes.” The dark girl said. Beast Boy could feel his nervousness creeping up on him and smiled in an attempt to hide it from the empath. He wasn’t very successful. Raven could feel this and, not wanting her friend to become self-conscious, tried to relief him. “You look good.”

“Thanks.” Beast Boy’s cheeks started to blush. Raven gave him a compliment? He liked it. Somehow, it sounded nice coming from her. He smiled and quickly noticed some villagers filling a large cup, about the size of a coconut, with a purple liquid that resembled a chunky smoothie. He remembered back to when he first saw the drink. His parents and he had been invited to a similar feast. It was to welcome the Logan family into the tribe and it was they’re first week in Africa. He was only four then, about a year before the encounter with the green monkey. The villagers were passing the cup around and drinking from it. To the tribe, it was a symbol of unity to drink from the same cup. When it was his turn to drink, the sight of the lumpy mess inside disgusted him. After a minute though, and many elbow jabs from his father, he took a sip and passed it along. Beast Boy smirked as he remembered his father making the same disgusted face when he saw the cup’s contents. When Mark looked at his son, he drank and weakly smiled, hoping to fool the small boy. Beast Boy knew better back then. He actually liked the taste. It wasn’t as bad as it looked. He hoped it was still the same as he remembered. He felt a light tap on his left arm. Zareb was kneeling by him, offering the cup with the same strange liquid inside.

“We have not changed it since you last had it.” Zareb smiled, handing him the cup and a small bowl with a yellow paste smeared inside. Cyborg became interested in the new food and, setting his meat aside, watched his young friend accept both. Beast Boy pressed the brown cup to his lips and drank. He smiled. It was exactly the same as before, but a little better also. It was sweet, but bitter at the same time. His body relaxed instantly. Raven noticed this change, as did Cyborg.

“Beast Boy?” Raven called, concerned. He smiled at her. His eyes looked sleepy, and Raven could feel his mind was in a peaceful state, almost like he was meditating. His spirit had calmed, as well as his beast self.

“Drink.” Beast Boy said, handing her the cup. Both Titans inspected the odd drink. The older teen seemed almost sickened by its appearance and Raven, to some extent, was as well. She couldn’t help but wonder about the strange effect it seemed to have on the young changeling and reluctantly drank. Her body and mind just melted into a state of calmness. It was delicious! Her emotions had quieted down; even her angered self was at peace. Smiling, she passed it to Cyborg who, after much thought, also drank. And drank. And drank. And drank… until no more was left. Zareb laughed.

“Man! Whatever that was, it’s delicious! Pour me up another one.” Cyborg handed Zareb the empty cup. He could already feel his mechanical joints loosening up. It felt nice to the large teen.

“I’m glad you like it so much. Usually we just sip it and pass it along though.” Cyborg panicked, thinking he had offended the tribe.

“Oh man! I am so sorry! I had no idea! I thought that-“

“It is all right.” Zareb laughed again. “There is no harm done. The effects of the Tunisia are quite pleasing.”

“Tunisia?” Raven asked, wanting to know the exact pronunciation. She hoped to find some around home.

“What’s that? Actually no, what’s IN that?” Cyborg asked.

“Tunisia is a flower.” Beast Boy informed him, smiling as he watched Cyborg attempting to scrap the taste of a plant off his tongue.

“Aw man! Why didn’t you tell me?” Beast Boy didn’t bother answering him. Instead, he just smiled and scooped the yellow paste with his fingers, putting it in his mouth and enjoyed the taste.

“Try the Matoke.” He offered. The older teen looked skeptical, but Raven dipped a slender finger in the mush. It reminded her of the insides of a pumpkin. She carefully licked the paste and was greeted with the taste of bananas. Cyborg, curiosity getting the better of him, tried as well and was pleased.

“All right, I’m afraid to ask what’s in this stuff.”

“Bananas mainly, and some other stuff.” Beast Boy said, passing the dish to him.

“My children! Listen!” Zareb exclaimed, making his way to the center of the celebration. Instantly, the music had stopped and the dancers sat down. Robin and Starfire took a seat next to Cyborg.

“My children, tonight we celebrate the return of my kijana and his friends, the Teen Titans.” The villagers broke out in a cheer. The Titans turned to Beast Boy wanting to know the meaning of this new word. He just explained that, basically, kijana meant baby or child. Being that Zareb was like a nanny to the boy, it was appropriate. “Since the passing of our beloved Tawabe, we have been without leadership. I rose to position only until his heir would return. Our mwana wa mfalme has returned to us.”

“Momma what?” Cyborg turned to Beast Boy. The embarrassment was evident on the young changeling’s face.

“It means ‘Prince.’” Robin could detect the anger in his friend’s voice. Zareb had apparently said the wrong word. But still, the rightful prince was finally going to take his place. The Titans were excited about meeting him, Starfire especially being from royalty herself.

“Our mwana wa mfalme, Garfield!” Beast Boy’s anger gradually increased as Zareb summoned him to stand and approach. He desperately tried to avoid glancing at his friends. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to. Their wide eyes and gaping mouths seemed to say it all. Zareb stood behind him, taking his feathered headdress off and held it just above Garfield’s head. “All hail our sheikh! Our new chief, Garfield!”

The village burst out in loud cries of appraisal to their long-lost chief. The cheers only got louder when the headdress was actually placed on his head. Beast Boy turned to his friends again. He could see the confusion written all over their faces. In an instant, he went from prince to chief of an entire village, and they never saw it coming. To tell the truth, he didn’t see it coming either.

“Zareb, I thought you said you weren’t going to tell.” Beast Boy carefully whispered. His guardian just bent down next to the changeling’s ear.

“I am sorry kijana, but this celebration IS for you. It is time for you to resume your place on the throne.” Beast Boy’s ear dropped as he realized this. Zareb turned to the villagers. “Let us continue our celebration in honor of our sheikh!”

In an instant, the people jumped up and began to dance again, chanting and singing. Zareb turned and smiled to his kijana and instantly saw the sadness in his eyes.

“Garfield? Kijana? What is the matter my little one?”

“Please Zareb. I don’t want this.” Beast Boy pleaded. “Please take it back. You be chief.”

“I am sorry, but I can’t. This is time for celebration. Dance, eat, enjoy yourself.”

“But Zareb, I don’t want to be chief.” Zareb could see the tears in the boy’s emerald eyes.

“I am sorry Garfield.” Beast Boy watched as Zareb left to return to the party, leaving him there with a breaking heart. Tears started running down and desperate to hide them, he turned his back to the people. He needed to think, to be alone, and there was only one place to do that. He pushed the headdress off his head and let it fall to the ground before running off. The Titans had silently watched until now.

“Beast Boy is now the King?” Starfire asked.

“He’s chief. There’s a difference.” Robin corrected her.

“To us, but to this village he’s seen as a king.” Raven said.

“He seemed pretty upset. I’m gonna go talk to him.” Cyborg, obviously worried for his green friend, stood up.

“Cyborg, let me go talk to him.” Starfire stood.” “Perhaps I will have better luck seeing as to how Beast Boy and I are both of royal heritages. He might feel more comfortable talking to me about this subject.” Cyborg reluctantly nodded and they watched as the alien princess flew after their friend.