Chapter Seven: "Trying to Talk"

I stayed within the confines of my room for three days. The only time my friends had seen me was when there was an alert or when I was in need of nourishments. They kept telling me that this behavior was unhealthy and unlike myself. I disagreed, I spent my time wisely. I did the meditation and practiced the Tamaranian warrior exercises. This is the fourth day I had locked myself in my room.


Beast Boy and Cyborg were playing the game station when Robin walked in. He went straight to the fridge, opened it and pulled out a bottle of water.

Raven, who was sitting on the couch reading, looked over at him. "Where have you been?" She asked dully.

He didn't answer right away, he took a big gulp from his water bottle and opened his mouth to answer, "Working out, like you guys should be doing," he responded angrily.

Raven raised a brow, "She still hasn't let you in?" she asked.

The other two paused their game and looked over at him, waiting for his answer.

Robin growled, "No she hasn't." He walked over to the couch and sat down in between Beast Boy and Raven. "I don't get it; she's been in there for three days. The only time I see her is when we get a call or when she's hungry; and each time I try to talk to her, she refused to talk to me. Did I say something wrong?"

Raven shrugged, "I don't know what to say Robin."

Robin seemed to perk up. He shot a look at Raven and smiled, "You could talk to her."

Raven shook her head, "I can't Robin," She hesitated.

Robin looked at her in confusion, "Why not?" he asked quickly.

Beast Boy and Cyborg continued to look at them.

Raven sighed, "I tried that two days ago. She won't talk to me either." She lifted her book back up and continued reading.

Robin looked over at Beast Boy and he quickly waved his hands in front of him. "No way, no, no, no." Beast Boy repeated.

Robin stood up, "Why not?"

Beast Boy gave a sheepish smile, "I tried it yesterday, and she won't talk to me either."

Robin walked over to Cyborg, "I guess she hasn't talked to you either huh?" He asked sadly.

Cyborg looked at him, "Actually I haven't tried," he stated as a matter-of-factly.

Robin looked at him intensely, "Can you go see what's wrong with her?"

Cyborg frowned, "Look man, if she wanted us to know she'd tell us. Let her be right now."

Robin's eyes widened, "Cyborg this isn't a joke! I need to know what's wrong and I need to know now! Please?"

Cyborg stood up slowly, looked at his team leader in disgust and walked towards the fridge. He pulled out some strange looking food, obviously some Tamaranian dish, and walked out of the main room. He slowly made his way to Starfire's room. When he got there he just stood motionless, he was both anxious and scared to find out what was wrong. Anxious because he himself wanted to find out what was wrong and scared because he didn't know how she would react to him prying into her personal business.


I was in my room, simply looking out the window when I heard a knock on my door. I figured it was Robin trying again to find out what was wrong with me.

I slowly walked to the door, "Who is it?" I asked curiously but slightly demandingly.

"It's Cyborg, Star. I, uh, brought you some food in case you were hungry and I wanted to talk to you." Cyborg smiled nervously.

I had not eaten a thing since seven last night, and since it was around two pm I allowed him to enter.

Cyborg slowly made his way inside.

"Thank you friend, I was in need of nutrients. Thank you again." I smiled as I sat on my bed and began eating.

Cyborg took a seat in a chair that was located by a small desk in the right corner.

"So, you want to tell me why you've locked yourself in your room for three and a half days?" Cyborg stated, raising an eye brow.

I slowed my eating to a stop. I looked up at him and back at my food. I felt myself become some what ill. I took the plate off my lap and sat it beside me.

Cyborg moved himself closer to me. "What's the matter Starfire?" he asked softly.

I did not wish to tell him what it was that was bothering me, but I could not deny him either. He is like my older brother and I do believe I kept my secrets to myself far too long.

I took a deep breath, "Blackfire." That single word brought tears to my eyes. I hastily wiped them away, trying my hardest to be strong.

Cyborg saw the tears and quickly placed his hand on my left shoulder, "What about Blackfire? We haven't seen or heard from her in like three months. What's goin' on Star?"

I kept my eyes on my hands, "Her words hurt me. I can hear them within my mind. She calls me weak and that I am unable to protect myself." I paused, taking another deep breath, "And I believe her."

Cyborg did not take that last part easily.

"Starfire, you're not weak. Why would you think that?" Cyborg asked, still holding that brotherly tone.

I looked up at him, "Whenever I go to battle Robin is always there, he insists on the protecting and the saving me. Before I met him, before I met any of you I was able to defend myself against your Earthly threats. But it seems as though Robin thinks I am unable to defend myself now." I paused again, but quickly continued, "I believe Robin believes Blackfire also. Why else would he obsess over my wounds and our enemies attacking me?"

Cyborg smiled innocently, "Well, what will make you feel better about yourself?"

I looked up at him with sorrow filled eyes, "I must leave for Tamaran."