Chapter Nine: "Taking a Risk"

Robin and Cyborg took their seats. Both of them had sympathetic eyes and they were all watching me. I had not taken my seat, but remained standing so that I could continue my explanation without interruption. Robin seemed to be the only one brave enough to start talking.

He looked at me with what would have been 'the face' if he had not been wearing a mask. "Starfire, why didn't you tell me what was wrong? You told me I'd be the first to know."

Cyborg rolled his eyes, "Look Robin, she didn't tell—"

I cut him off, "I did not tell you because I knew exactly how you would react."

Robin looked down at his hands that rested on the table, "Why are you leaving then Star?"

I looked away, turning my back on the two of them. "I am leaving because the training and the course of obstacles are not challenging enough. I have forgotten many of my special abilities sense I came to the Earth."

Robin stood up and Cyborg knew he was going to walk over to her so he shook his head. Robin acknowledged it and stood still.

"Star, you don't need to leave." Robin seemed to be getting ready to argue again.

I turned around quickly, I felt my eyes power up, "You will not tell me what I can and can not do. I came here of my own free will and I will leave when I feel it is necessary. If you wish to stop me you will find it to be a waste of time. I will take down anyone who gets in my way, including you Robin. You are not and will never be the boss of me." The anger inside of me subsided and my eyes returned to normal, "This situation is a personal one and one that I must deal with on my own. You would do the same thing if you were within my shoes."

Robin nodded and walked away, obviously mad and upset. I did not mean to upset and humiliate him in front of our friends, but he must learn to understand that I am not his property. I am not "prize" anymore. He can not make me stay.

I thanked Cyborg and walked back to my room. On my way there I realized that the current events had gone much more smoothly than I had originally thought. It went to smooth for. Something is going to happen. I thought, but I suppressed these thoughts into the back of my mind. I approached my room's entrance. When I looked down I saw the dancing shadows. Who is in my room? I asked myself angrily. I opened the door quickly and took a cautious step inside. My hands and eyes lit up, I was preparing for an attack.

"Who is in my quarters?" I asked out loud, looking from the floor to the ceiling. Robin came out of the bathroom; it seemed as though he was playing the hide and seek.

Robin held his hands up half way, attempting to calm me down. "Star, it's only me, Robin," he stated.

I lowered my starbolts and my eyes regained their natural color. "Why is it you are in my room?" I asked as I went through my closet and pulled out some of my extra uniforms. Although, I do not know why I am bothering with bring clothes. Many of my uniforms and outfits are still on Tamaran.

Robin tugged at his shirt collar. "Well, I wanted to apologize," he paused, looking at me sadly. "I care about you a lot Starfire and I don't want you to go. What is it that's troubling you so much?"

Did I not just tell him? Does he think that because I am leaving that I will not return?

I stopped my actions and stood straight, "Robin I have already told you my reasons. I believe that they are sufficient enough," I said coldly.

Robin's face seemed to take on a tense look. "Starfire that's not a good excuse, if you need something changed all you have to do is tell Cyborg. He'll make sure to fix the problems in your training exercises."

I closed my eyes; I did not want to open them because I felt the anger once again return to me. If I opened them Robin would surely be blasted to the wall. "Robin the training I need is not provided for me here. Humans are much weaker than Tamaranians. I do not wish to be the racist, but it is the truth. I am of warrior people, true my people do not fight unless it is truly necessary, but they are the only ones that have what it is I need. Please understand."

Robin walked closer to me, I could hear him. "Starfire, you always do your best in battling against the bad guys. Why leave now?"

I do so much wish that he did not know me best.

I opened my eyes to find him within arms reach. "I must leave because it is my sister who truly troubles me," I finally blurted out. Robin seemed more confused then ever.

"So all this is because of your sister?" Robin asked softly, yet confused.

I turned around and walked to my dresser. I pulled out a few items and returned to my suitcase. "I feel that I am weak, unable to protect myself." Robin was about to interrupt but I stopped him. "I feel as though you do not think I am capable of taking care of myself. I wish to prove to you and my sister that I am not as weak as you may think."

Robin did not know how to respond. After about three minutes of the two of us staring at each other he finally broke the silence.

"I'm sorry Starfire," he stated sadly.

Now I was the one who was confused. "You have already apologized Robin. Why are you still sorry?"

Robin looked down and walked out of my room. He stood in the hallway and looked up at me. "I'm sorry for what I'm about to do."

The door closed slowly and he pressed a serious of buttons.

"No!" I shouted, as I ran to the door. I pounded on it with as much strength as I could. On the other side I could here him activate the quarantine protocol. "Robin you can not do this!"

"I can't let you leave Starfire, trust me it's for the best." I heard Robin say sadly.

I attempted to blast the door down, but my starbolts were useless. "How is this for the best? You are merely locking me within my room! Let me out now Robin!" I heard no response, only the sound of him walking away. I fell to the floor crying. Why would he do such a thing?

Robin walked into the main room where he found Cyborg and Beast Boy playing a video game and Raven meditating. He walked in front of the television and stated loudly, "No one is allowed near Starfire's room."

Cyborg opened his gray, human eye wide, "Robin what did you do!"

Robin gave him a serious look, "She's not leaving." Robin then turned around and walked out of the main room and into the gym.

Raven looked at Cyborg, "You don't think he—"

Cyborg cut her off, "Only one way to find out." He jumped over the couch and ran to Starfire's room, Raven following after him.