Chapter 8
Raven's P.O.V. ~
"We all freaked out when we saw your body on the screen. When we thought we killed you. Beast Boy cried for a long time. He never smiled, never cracked jokes, never played games, and barely ate or slept. Cyborg tried giving up on life. At first he tried to be ok for everyone, but then he just shut himself down. I had to put him back online. I wanted to fall apart, but I knew if I did everyone else would be doomed so I kept my suffering secret. I stopped sleeping and eating. I had nightmares of how you were tortured or killed. I cried every morning before I left my room and most of every night. All of us were pretty bad off. You were family to us and here we were responsible for your death. We were all in bad shape. But no matter how bad we were none of us were nearly as bad as… Robin! How did you get out of the infirmary?" I shouted as Robin burst into the room. "I'm all right Raven I promise. I'm in control. Just please?" I knew what he wanted. I could hear the anguish in his voice. "Ok Robin. I was telling Starfire what was happening while she was…. Away." I said casting my eyes down. Robin walked closer to Starfire. He bent down in front of her and cupped her face with his hands. "Is it really you? Are you really…Starfire?" He asked his voice cracking with unshed tears. "It is me Robin. I am Starfire." I said quietly, unsure of what would happen. He abruptly jerked upright, sitting on his knees. Then he did something completely unexpected. He ripped off his mask, and let his tears fall freely, pulling Star into a bone-crushing hug. Everyone else sat completely still, shocked that their leader just took off his mask. "I thought you were dead?" He whispered his sobs evident in his cracking voice. "I blamed myself. I thought I would never see you again. I had no idea what was happening to you in his care? I've never been so scared or felt so lost. I thought I lost you. I couldn't protect you. It was like what happened with my parents. I couldn't protect them either and they died… I'm so sorry!" He said, his voice breaking on a sob. For a few minutes he just sat there, in Star's arms, her comforting him while he cried. The team was shocked. They had never seen their leader cry before or take off his mask. When he finally calmed down they stared at each other for a moment. Then finally he said "I heard what you were saying right before I came in. You're right. I was far worse than any of you. I think before we hear Starfire's side I should tell her mine so she can hear the rest of what you were going to say and so I can get it off my chest." He said, looking at all the titans. "But only if you'll hear me." He said to Star. "Of course I will." She said without hesitation. "Ok. Where do I begin?" He said thinking about it momentarily.
Robin's P.O.V. ~
"I was far worse. When I saw you on that screen… I wanted to kill him. Worse, I wanted to kill myself. I couldn't handle it. I barely ate or slept. I refused to do anything that wasn't a search plan or trying to find people who saw you. The only reason I even ate or slept when I did was because of these three. I never fully digested the video. After seeing it I went into denial. I would constantly connect dots that didn't exist or pick out leads that weren't there. I knew how bad I was. I also knew I was in denial and what I was doing was pointless. But to me giving up was like admitting you were dead. I just couldn't. So I kept doing the same things. Sending them on wild goose chases that led nowhere. Connecting you to almost everywhere in Jump. I just couldn't let it go no matter how crazy I was. Naturally at first they tried to help me. Tell me it was pointless and searching would do nothing. But eventually they knew talking me out of these missions was useless and impossible. So eventually they complied. I sent them on another 'mission' to find you today. That's why they were near the alley. I couldn't give up. And now you're back." I said with a smile in Star's direction. "I'm sorry for everything guys. Really." Suddenly there was a chorus of 'we understand' and 'it wasn't your fault'. I knew they forgave me. "I think it's Starfire's turn now." Said Raven. "You sure you're up to this?" I asked. She nodded. "I would like to 'get it off my chest' as you put it." We all nodded waiting for the tale.
Starfire's P.O.V. ~
"I believe I shall start at the beginning as well. I am warning you now though. This is no story for the weak minded." I said, awaiting a reaction. We all nodded for her to continue. "Very well. When I first awoke I noticed how dark it was. It was pitch black. I was chained to a wall and struggling to get free. In my head were so many questions, but all I could say was help. I screamed as loud as I could. Unfortunately someone heard me. The door opened and I had hoped… It was one of you. But it wasn't. It was him. Slade. He looked at me and said 'I see you're awake? Don't worry, I won't kill you. It was all too easy taking you away from your friends. Scream all you like. This crate is reinforced with titanium, so no one can hear you.' I was scared beyond belief. I started asking questions. Surprisingly enough, he answered them. But I didn't like the answers. The main question I asked was 'what do you want to do with me?' He laughed. It was the worst laugh I have ever heard. All he said to me in that moment was 'Anything I want.' The look in his eyes made me know I wasn't going to like this. Than he hit me in the head and knocked me out. Before I passed out, the last thing I thought of was Robin." I said as I looked at him. He blushed at my words. Not long after we reached our destination, which I later found out to be Italy. He was reading on his computer at your response to his first message. I asked him another question. He said getting what he wanted was always his priority. Then he left me in the dark. Over the next year while you guys tried to complete the list, Slade got more…. Violent" I shuddered at the thought. "This is going to be bad isn't it?" Asked Raven. All I did was nod.