Author's Notes: Yay, it's Friday! This week has been insane. But nevertheless, here is Chapter 4... which is also slightly longer. XD Enjoy.
Chapter 4: Paranoia
That evening, the team sat on the sofa, watching Robin pace back and forth in front of them while trying to brainstorm possibilities for Plasmus, Overload, and Cinderblock's allegiance.
"Have you ever thought that maybe it was just a coincidence?" Beast Boy began, ending the tense silence in the room. "I mean, maybe Cinderblock felt like destroying half the block, Overload decided to attack the power lines, and Plasmus wanted to raid the sewer system all at the same time and place. Who's with me?" If there had been any crickets in the room at that moment, they would have been heard clearly.
Raven slapped Beast Boy upside the head in return for his ridiculous theory. He pouted, rubbing his new sore spot.
"Thanks Beast Boy, but this seems like much more than a coincidence to me." Robin stated, a little more annoyed than forgiving. "Honestly, if they aren't working for Slade, then who would they be?"
"They coulda' gone solo. Or trio. Ya know, no mastermind behind the whole scheme, just some bad guys gettin' a thrill?" Cyborg suggested.
Robin appeared more annoyed. "That's impossible. We've seen these guys countless times; they never come together unless bound by a master. They aren't that type of villain."
"Sheesh, if I didn't know you any better, I'd say you want Slade to be behind this." Beast Boy said, exasperated. He cringed away from Raven before he could be slapped, but this time she didn't make a move, faintly agreeing with Beast Boy. Robin hadn't been considering any other options.
Robin glared at Beast Boy. "Why would I want Slade to be back? After all he has done to us... THIS PLANET!? And I want him back?! If anything, I want him back in that lava pit where he came from."
Beast Boy cowered beneath Robin's death stare. "Tha-that's why I said... it's a good thing I know you better." He smiled nervously.
Starfire, who had been quietly listening to the discussion and replaying the strange incident with the probe in her mind, started to feel a little dizzy. She swayed back and forth as if on a slow moving boat, feeling the sofa roll underneath her. She squinted her eyes shut and took some deep breaths. Robin saw this and tilted his head to the side.
"Are you okay, Starfire?" Everyone else followed Robin's gaze.
After another slow breath, she replied, "I am alright... but I feel I require some fresh air. Please, continue without me."
Robin hesitated, wanting to go with her but knowing that the meeting was probably a little more important at the moment. "Oh... okay, Star. Just... come back down here if you need anything."
She nodded, feeling as if the air in the room was getting heavier with each passing moment. Robin looked after her longingly as she wobbled out of the room, but soon returned to arguing with the rest of the Titans.
Starfire exited the building and set foot on the roof, letting the cool breeze sweep over her and ease her nerves. Though the events of that day had been slightly unsettling, she couldn't help but let her thoughts wander back to Robin and how excited she was to be with him. She breathed in the evening air contently, reliving their ceremony on Tamaran and how happy Galfore, her k'norfka and Grand Ruler of Tamaran, was as he walked her down the aisle. And just to think, her life with Robin had only just begun.
Suddenly, disturbing the calm and peaceful breeze, a noise came from the other side of the roof, hidden by a structure. Starfire turned towards it, the wind causing her hair to flow to the side.
"Robin?" She called, thinking maybe he had followed her. She peered over at the door, seeing no one there. She sighed a little, hoping to spend a little time with him, but she well knew how busy he was and how many responsibilities he carried. He didn't always have time to watch the sunset with her. Hopefully we do not need to get married again just to have a day to ourselves, she pondered. The noise sounded again, this time closer and more pronounced. Starfire awoke from her thoughts, becoming curious.
"Please, who is there? Beast Boy? Raven?" She started to walk past the structure that was blocking her view, but without warning, she felt her feet slip out from under her, causing her to fall flat on her back.
"Oww, huh…?" She leaned her head up, craning her neck, to see heavy metal cuffs binding her ankles together. She started to panic.
"Who is there? Why are you doing this?" She fidgeted, trying to break the cuffs' hold, but she was then hoisted into the air by one of her arms, jerked harshly upright. She laid her eyes upon a totally black figure that looked like a silhouette, obviously trying to conceal their identity.
"ROBI-" She was silenced, a cloth pressed tightly to her face, choking off her words and her air. She coughed into the rag, losing consciousness as her eyes fell closed, blackness consuming her as well.