Chapter One: "Simply Thinking"

I find myself sitting on top of the tower, the home in which I live, every day looking up at the stars. It had only been three months and six days that I had last seen my sister. True, she does not love me nor does she even like me, but we're suppose to be family. Aren't families supposed to stick together no matter what? I guess in my case it does not matter. Ever since we were small she had always thought that our parents neglected her, and shown me more love and compassion, more attention then herself. I disagree with that conclusion, our parents thrived on giving her, our brother and I equal attention and love. I wish more than anything that she would not hate me so. What happened when we were kids that made her this way? I do not know and I'm tired of trying to figure it out. The things she has said and done to me have played within my head over and over again like a broken record. I always was the better fighter...Earth has changed you little sister. I think of those words all the time, even as I fight the insignificant battles against evil here on Earth. Although, when I do think about it Earth has changed me. Tamaranians are warriors, fighters but we strive for peace. Yes, Blackfire was always stronger, faster and better when it came to fighting, but I was a very close second.

"Hey Star." I heard someone saying as they walked closer.

My whole body tensed as I saw Robin sit next to me. He smiled at me and looked out at the sky in the direction I was looking.

"Thinking of Tamaran?" he asked, as if he was trying not to read my mind.

I simply nodded. Robin was the kind of person I could always count on to be there for me. I could go to him with the most happiest of news and he'd share in the giggles and smiles; he was also the one I could go to if I were to fall apart, and knowing him, he would break out the glue. He cared about me, and I cared about him. Only I felt more than friendship between us, I only wish that he felt it to.

I could see Robin trying to look at me with out my knowledge. I could feel his eyes trying to search my face for answers to the many questions I knew he had.

"Robin, may I ask why you are here?" I finally asked, looking from the sky to his masked eyes. He smiled, oh how I love that smile.

He took a small breath, "I had some things on my mind that I had to sort out. This isn't just your place to come and think," he joked.

I smiled, "Robin, you do know that you can tell me anything as well." I assured him.

I could see a false smile cross his face. "I know Starfire, but my problems and thoughts are ones that I don't want to push onto others. Everyone's a lot safer if they stay in here." He pointed to his head.

I couldn't help but giggle. He made a strange silly face when he pointed to his head.

Robin chuckled and stood up. "Well I'm going back inside. It's getting a little chilly out here." He turned and started walking toward the door. He must have noticed that I had not got up because he turned back around and came back to me. "Aren't you coming?" he asked me concerned, placing his right gloved hand on my left shoulder. I swear my heart skipped a beat.

I didn't wish to alarm him so I looked at him and gave him my sweetest smile, "I wish to stay here and continue on ... sorting my thoughts."

He understood and nodded. He squeezed my shoulder before letting go and walking back towards the door. I wished that he would turn back around and sit next to me once again. I didn't want the memories of my sister to haunt my thoughts once again. Of course, Robin didn't come back and as before, my sister haunted my thoughts. She taunted me, called me weak and said I was incapable of protecting myself.

It felt like minutes later that someone could be heard walking up the stairs of the tower. It was Cyborg. How could I tell? It was simple, his foot steps are sturdy yet he had a slight stomp to it.

"Star, I'm locking up the tower for the night. You comin' in?" Cyborg asked me.

I stood up and slowly turned towards him. "What time is it?" I asked innocently.

Cyborg chuckled, "It's like ten o'clock Star, we have seen or talked to you since Robin came up her at eight thirty-four."

I was surprised, had my sister really kept me thinking that long about how awful she made me feel? It must be true, Cyborg's arm has never been wrong before. "I'm sorry to trouble you, but I am fine. Honest Cyborg, you need not worry about me."

Cyborg was always like my older brother. Strong, polite, and yes he was over protective at times. As a Tamaranian I was brought up not to hold in my feelings, what I felt I showed. Here on Earth is different, it seems that Humans find this a weakness, a flaw that is unacceptable for others to know about. I have learned to keep most of my emotions to myself, but when they grow to a point where I must let someone know I go to Cyborg. He is always willing to lend an ear and a shoulder if needed. Although when he detaches either it is quite annoying, humorous, but annoying.

Cyborg didn't question me, and it was a good thing too. I did not feel like exploiting my feelings and thoughts at that moment. We have a bond, and he knows it. When I'm ready to talk he knows I'll tell him, but until then he would let it go.

He escorted me to the door and down the stairs. I escorted him to the tower shut down panel located inside the main operations room, even though he insisted that I go to bed. All the way down and all the way to our rooms we talked about video games and the ghetto, a place in which he grew up in. I had many questions, but I didn't ask him any. It was late and we both needed to get sleep.

"Goodnight Cyborg," I yawned.

Before he walked off he gave me a brotherly hug, "Goodnight Starfire. Sleep tight." He smiled.

I watched him walk around the corner before I walked into my own room. I sleepily walked over to my dresser and pulled out my light purple pastel night gown. I couldn't help but remember when Raven had given it to me. It was gorgeous now as it was back then. I walked to where my mirror was and sat down at the small table and chair that was placed before it. I picked up my comb and started combing my hair. Five minutes later I got up and folded the blankets of my bed back a enough to where I could get in between the bed and the blankets. It felt so good to finally go to sleep. Thoughts of my sister disintegrated into memories and wishes that transformed themselves into dreams.