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(Rob POV)
I watched my team prepare in different ways around the living room. Starfire's microphone kept us all linked not only through our coms but the entire tower as well. Raven sat meditating facing the tower's open water view, levitating slightly off the ground while Cyborg was glued to the computer screen on his arm as he leaned against the entrance doors. He was checking the schematics of the cuffs around Starfire and Sylvia's arm for the fifth time this morning.
Beastboy hadn't moved from where he woke up on the couch. He was sitting on it, staring at the blank tv screen listening to every sound from the microphone, while I stayed glued to the corner of the room flipping a small smoke pellet back and forth through my fingers.
We were all aware, due to Cyborg informing us on his listening turn last night, that Biggest Fan wouldn't be allowing Sylvia to join him and Starfire for today's fight, but we had a plan in place. We just had to somehow let Starfire know.
As soon as I pressed the release button on Biggest Fan's cuff Raven would be able to fully read his mind, find where he had left Sylvia, transport herself there, and get out without any problems. I was ready for this to be over, we all were.
It was 8:00am when our ears all perked up as the first sounds came from the microphone still hidden in Starfire's cuff. It had been obvious to me that she had been awake since 6:30am, when the sun had risen. People breathe very differently when they are sleeping versus awake. That and I knew my girl.
But with the first real sounds of movement coming through the speakers sounded like someone was getting in or out of a bed. Beastboy chuckled when a horrid whispering attempted solved that question for us.
"Ppssssstttt... Are you awake?" Sylvia's loud, gruffy attempt of a hushed whisper asked.
"I am my beautiful. The good mornings to you. Was your sleep restful? Did the sandman do the covering of your eyes?"
I chuckled inwardly remembering that conversation. Cyborg had mentioned that the "sandman" helps you sleep by using his sleeping sand. Starfire, in concern for this "villain", stayed up for 72 hours trying to catch him. I shook my head remembering until Sylvia made us all stop and listen again to her loud "whisper".
"When do you want me to sneak away like you said and"
"Shhh!" Starfire stopped her instantly. "You must not speak of it. Your father would not approve. You must do exactly as I told you last night, do you remember?" Starfire whispered so quietly Cyborg had to turn up the volume on the tower's sound system.
"Yes but"
"I am sorry my dear bungorf but there shall be none of the buts." Starfire informed her.
"Okay," was Sylvia's sigh of a response. "Will you rub my hair?" She asked and from the soft sigh it was safe to assume Starfire obliged.
"If Starfire is the one who is sending Sylvia somewhere then she'll be safe right?" Beastboy asked.
"Possibly, the only problem now is when we hit that button and her cuff falls off, then who will stop her from putting it back on?" Raven asked, now sitting cross legged on the floor.
"We just can't catch a break with this," Cyborg huffed.
"Starfire is smart though, she would send Sylvia somewhere safe." Raven logically assumed as she levitated herself to standing and made her way towards the computer.
"Meaning we just need to know where their "safe spot" is and since Starfire doesn't know the location of Sylvia's foster parents, it's safe to assume it'll be here. Somewhere Biggest Fan wouldn't think to look," I cut in.
"So do I stay here?" Beastboy asked causing me to run my hand through my stiff spikes.
"This would cut a member out of our plan leaving only three of us." Cyborg stated.
"No, you'll come with us. We can't assume it'll be here because if we're wrong and she convinces Sylvia to come to the fight, one of us would have to protect her until Beastboy arrived." I decided. "Which would lower our numbers down to two."
"Aww, well look at my girls," Biggest Fan's voice interrupted any further conversation as furry shot instantly through my body ending in my now, tightly clenched fists.
"Morning daddy!" Sylvia small voice rang.
"What do you think Starfire, should we go grocery shopping and bring back something for breakfast?" His voice dripped in false cheer.
"I should like to ask to wear my old uniform so that I do not ruin any of my new clothes you have graciously gifted me." Starfire calmly replied.
We all waited in silence as a few moments ticked by, successfully putting everyone on edge before we heard, "fine but be quick about it."
"Alright team. This is it." I could feel my body starting to release adrenaline. My fingers itched for a fight. "Pin him down and get that switch."
"If Starfire attacks you or appears in front of you. Treat her like she is, a criminal." Raven sounded firm due to her set face and monotone emotions but we all knew she was only saying the hard facts because no one else wanted too.
"Right, until that cuff hits the floor and we hear Sylvia's is off and out of her reach, we treat her as such." I added.
"Let's bring her home," Cyborg smirked.
To say the tension in the room was merely thick was defiantly an understatement. We all stood or paced as we listened to Biggest Fan order Starfire around as they grocery shopped.
"How could someone have such little regard for others. Especially someone who is so nice to you?" Beastboy was practically grinding his teeth in frustration.
"No! Take that out! The soda goes under neath the cart, are you stupid?" Biggest Fan yelled at her in the middle of the store for the umpteenth time.
"My apologies. I shall strive to do better next time," came Starfire's ever apologetic response. The same remorseful apologies we had all been subjected to listening to for the past forty-five minutes.
"Just go get some potato chips. Maybe you won't screw that up." He snarled.
"This just makes me want to shower her in compliments and send her to a spa after this," Cyborg shook his head.
"Stay ready team," I reminded them. Trying to keep us mission focused.
"Until that cuff is off she is a criminal," Raven reminded the room.
"YOU MORON!" Biggest Fan bellowed this time. "Do you think Sylvia and I are fat?! You grabbed one regular and one reduced fat, not to mention you picked the store brand! How distasteful! We are not cheap, Sylvia deserves only the best," and with a sharp slap we heard Starfire fall to the ground with a soft, suppressed sob. "You're pathetic, get up. You're causing a scene." He huffed.
"That's it. We're going now," Beastboy growled, storming towards the door.
"I think we are all done waiting around," Cyborg agreed and followed on his heels.
"Teen Titans, Go." I gruffly agreed as we all headed to the store enveloped in a dark, furiously screeching, black raven.
(STAR POV)
My cheek still smarted due to the blow I received but my focus was on controlling my furry that was growing in my chest. I could not allow it to manifest in my eye beams or in the form of starbolts. I merely picked myself back up, a little dizzy from my head hitting the ground due to my recent fall, and began pushing the cart behind him again.
What should not have surprised me, yet did. Was the Titans appearing in front of us looking furious. My boyfriend, my Robin would not even meet my eyes with his. His sheer hatred was directed straight at Biggest Fan. I felt my stomach do the flips. If this was beginning now I must inform them to send Beastboy to the Tower. I glanced at a clock on the wall of the store. Sylvia was not set to arrive there for another ten minutes. He must be there when she arrived. She trusted him.
"Titans! Fancy meeting you here. I assume this won't result in any problem." He snickered.
"Wrong. This ends here!" Robin snarled.
"We got an alert about an abusive man causing problems. We knew you weren't far behind." Cyborg growled causing Biggest Fan to shake his head, brows furrowed.
"Let's see if she has anything to complain about. If she does, by all means," he grabbed me by the arm and threw me in between my friends and himself. "Then they'll be addressed."
"Starfire, are you okay?" Raven asked me. Her eyes meeting mine. I nodded knowing my next words would initiate a fight. I took a deep breath before squaring my shoulders.
"I believe you are mistaken. Apologies Titans for your wasted journey. I am, however, exactly where I want to be." I replied as firmly as I could.
"Come on Star, knock it off. You don't have to be afraid of him." Cyborg responded.
"Afraid? My former friends, how mistaken you are." I attempted a laugh as I began edging towards the door very close to us. The less damage to the store of groceries, the better. "Titans. I am where I desire to be. This is my family, this is my home." I smiled as Biggest Fan and the Titans followed my lead towards the door.
"Starfire, what are you saying?" Beastboy asked.
"She's saying, leave her alone." Biggest Fan snorted.
"I am saying. We are no longer team mates, no longer friends, and most importantly no longer family. I have decided upon my side. Decide yours." I demanded grateful to lead everyone outside and feel the morning sun's rays dance on my skin.
"If that's the way you want this you leave us no choice," Robin finally spoke furry directed at myself. "If you're going to side with a criminal we are going to have to take you down like one."
"So be it," I agreed clenching my hands into fists I could feel Biggest Fan take his stance beside me.
"Starfire, Biggest Fan, surrender or we will bring you down. This is your only chance!" Robin warned as he pulled out his boe staff which caused Cyborg to charge up his cannon, Beastboy to turn into a tiger, and Raven, eyes black, to levitate herself in mid air.
I chose my actions quickly. I needed to get a message to Beastboy but in his tiger form i was unsure how to get to him without my powers for it to be delivered. Instead I charged the Titans, leaving Biggest Fan shocked behind me and the other Titans surprised as well. I engaged my flight just enough to ensure my calculated jump forced Raven out of the sky and to the ground.
I stretched out my hands grasping her shoulders, the element of surprise doing exactly what I hoped as her levitation failed and I brought us both to the ground. She looked at me confused knowing no one could see her reaction with me on top of her.
"Sylvia will be at Titans Tower in 10 of the minutes. Ensure Beastboy returns, I fear she may try to reattach her cuff when it is dismantled." I whispered hurriedly before rolling off her towards Robin's feet in an attempt to knock him off balance. Instead he jumped over me and, as I suspected, headed straight for Biggest Fan. I did not expect him to willingly engage me. I expected him to go straight for my freedom.
"Booyah!" Cyborg screamed as his plasma cannon fired barley missing my left ear as I continued rolling out of the way and jumped to my feet ready to engage in battle.
I looked around to see Raven grabbing tiger Beastboy and the two disappeared momentarily in a black bird before Raven returned alone, joining Robin in combat with Biggest Fan.
"She will be safe," I sighed before turning around and receiving a sizable, metal boot straight into my torso causing me to double over in pain as I coughed for air. I didn't stay that way long, I couldn't with my every action being judged for loyalty. I tried to swing with my right foot but missed him as my hand stayed on my stomach trying to calm the nauseating feeling it still held.
"That was suppose to miss you. Sorry Star," he whispered but kept the charade going as he pulled me up by my shoulders.
"Give up!" he yelled only to have me disappear from his grasp and reappear in front of a black, telepathic moving stop sign that smacked me flat in the face. I couldn't see Raven's face beneath her cloak but I was certain she was not expecting my face to be on the receiving end of the blow as it clattered to the ground.
I grumbled inwardly knowing Biggest Fan had teleported me on purpose. Raven charged me with her powers forcing me to duck from the stop sign hitting me in the face again while Robin saw to it that Biggest Fan kept his hands full. A punch to the face and two jabs to the chest put Biggest Fan flat on his back but before Robin could take advantage of the opportunity I was teleported away from the telepathic stop sign and placed between a kick to my shin from Robin which sent me tripping backwards beside Biggest Fan's feet, who had scrambled to standing behind me.
I blinked and found myself now standing directly in front of Robin who was charging Biggest Fan. Yet upon my sudden appearance he crashed into me sending us both toppe,in over one another in a heap of groans. I tried to maintain our ruse, I threw my fist as hard as a weak earthen girl would, which Robin very easily caught and twisted as he pushed me off of him and jumped to standing. I quickly followed suit and tried to fake a few more weak punches that he dodged easily.
"Give up, you aren't able to fight me." He mocked this time catching a carefully aimed right hook and twisting it so my arm was trapped behind my back and we were pressed against each other. I could feel his chest rise and fall upon my back as we took this momentary struggle to catch our breaths.
"Robin," I whispered only to feel his hand holding my wrist fade away and in that same moment a blue sonic cannon hit my chest as I was toppled head over heals into Biggest Fan. The man was larges enough to not fall as I hit him but I did crumple to the ground at his feet. That blast stung and was certainly not intended for me, but alas the act must continue on. I had to save the girl.
"Quit hiding behind her! She can't do all your dirty work. We are taking you both down," Cyborg sounded angry as I shook my head to clear it.
"Soon she will be worn out and you will have no one left on your side. The only people on your side you use and abuse until they can't even save themselves." Robin joined Cyborg standing opposite us.
"What's it going to be?" Raven sneared as she lifted my body by my throat. I felt it surround my throat but she left me plenty room to breathe. I however acted the part and clawed at my black encased throat while my feet kicked hoping to find leverage to stop this. I allowed fake coughs and shallow gasps for air to become pathetic attempts as Biggest Fan looked from me to the Titans and back again.
"What's it going to be?" Robin echoed Raven's question with a motion to release me. I loudly gasped as she did and I crumbled to the ground by his worn shoes.
"I won't lose," he snickered not even glancing down.
"Biggest Fan," I whimpered. "Help me." I begged as Cyborg aimed another cannon blast at me that purposefully missed because I was low enough but forced Biggest fan to lunge left and dive to the ground.
I watched as Robin somersaulted midair, over his head and landed on his shoulders but before he could reach the man's cuffed right wrist his left one grabbed Robin by the cape and pulled him off Giving Robin a blow to his left shoulder.
"Don't you dare double cross me. I can take them away just as easily as I can give them back." He screamed moving some parts on his cuff as he glared at me all while still trying to dodge and avoid Robin's obsessive attacks.
"I do not understand. What do you want of me?" I asked as Cyborg successfully threw me on my face, pushing me into the grounds. Then he cuffed my hands behind my back with weak, Earthen metal, police grade handcuffs I could easily snap.
"Use your powers. Gain us the upper hand!" He shrieked as Robin's boe-staff successfully made contact with his shin, tripping the large man once again to his backside. I inwardly sighed, as I pulled and shattered Cyborg's handcuffs, this was not part of the plan.
"Apologies," I casually stated with my eyes glowing green. "You shall need another pair," I tried to fake a laugh as I used a very low powered beam to hit him square in the chest. It was low enough it should not even knock him over but it left enough time for me to shoot into the air behind him and pull him up by the shoulders. Low enough that if I was teleported, Cyborg would not sustain an injury but high enough that Biggest Fan could not hear.
"What do we do?" I asked a Cyborg as we pretended to struggle in midair.
"Trust Robin, he'll fix this. Don't give up." He replied attempting to grab at my hands and kick his feet to look stuck. I allowed him to gain access to one of my hands to make the struggle look more real. My flight swayed to and fro making our struggle harder to keep track of and less easy to determine as fake. I looked up to see if throwing Cyborg at Biggest Fan would help Raven and Robin's cause but all I could see was our plan unraveling.
"Good Xau'l no. That's Beastboy & Sylvia! Cyborg!" I exclaimed panicked. As we both turned to see a little girl hidden amongst the fur of a giant, green gorilla. "What has he done? I shall be taken forever!" I panicked losing any joy I held as we both dropped from the sky to the ground. I clumsily landed atop Cyborg before we rolled from the moment and he ended up atop me due to the roll.
"Keep fighting me Star, until they are caught we have to keep this up. Beastboy wouldn't put either of you in harms way. Not without a plan." Cyborg hissed taking me by the shoulders and launching me in Raven's direction who was obviously not expecting me to be thrown at her from behind as we fell to the ground on top of each other.
We both were twisted in each other about ten feet away from Robin and Biggest Fan, with my boyfriend easily had the upper hand. It was trying to hit the small red button on the cuff that proved difficult.
"Beastboy, Sylvia," I breathed at Raven then launched me off her with her powers and we took to the air to fake fight. Small jabs and punches, low doses of powers and fake screams seemed to be our dance as we remained poised in the sky over their heads.
"He is hiding her in the bushes down the street. Close enough that I can reach her. We need the help holding him down. If Biggest Fan realizes we know about the button he'll take you both away. That's why Robin is having issues hitting it. He needs to do it without getting caught." Raven informed me while turning our fighting so I could see Sylvia hiding in some bushes a few yards away and the boys engaged with Biggest Fan.
I watched Beastboy, as an octopus, launch from the bush behind Biggest Fan towards the action while Robin and Cyborg took turns launching attacks to throw him off balance. Between cannon blasts and birdarangs Biggest Fan's coat was barley holding together as the large man seemed to be panting due to this forced amount of exercise. Beastboy's eight tentical extensions of his body began twisting and sticking to the struggling man.
"Beastboy duck!" We heard Cyborg shout as his cannon fired, missing Biggest Fan and headed straight for the green octopus. In confusion Beastboy did just as ordered. A confused green duck was suddenly struck across the road by Cyborg's blue cannon easily setting Biggest Fan free.
"GAH! Not a real duck!" Cyborg sounded exasperated as he backed Robin up who was throwing a birdarang Biggest Fan clumsily tried to avoid and did so by falling on his side before kicking away at Cyborg who was desperately trying to gain any type of hand hold. He pathetically kept rolling making it impossible for Cyborg to get any real grip on him as Robin and he chased the large rolling man in the street.
"Stop it! Don't make me being Starfire down here. You'll hit her instead!" He cried as one of the newest birdarangs thrown, grazed off some of his hair.
"Do it! It'll bring Raven down to take you both in!" Robin roared as he flipped over Cyborg and threw a smoke bomb causing Biggest Fan to cover his nose in a coughing fit, pulling his hobo coat off his wrist to help cover his face from the smoke fully revealed his cuffed wrist. Robin's eyes lit up as he lunged for it, punching Biggest Fan in the face to keep him busy Robin removed his hand to reveal a bloody nose before it reached for the metal exposed wrist.
I gasped as Beastboy made it back to tie his snake body around Biggest Fan's feet causing him to fall backwards as Cyborg pinned down his non cuffed hand to the ground. This was it! We were going to be free! I smiled as bright as the sun as Raven left me for Sylvia and I began flying towards the others as Robin dropped to his knees by him.
"It's over Biggest Fan." Robin stated as I was about to land. It was over. Sylvia and I were safe. I would return home and...
"Not quite!" He roared, elbowing Cyborg in the face which bought his hand enough freedom to reach inside his coat and pull out a shinning, black gun. The twisted grin on his face showed he meant business as he aimed.
My body felt time move at an intensely slow rate. None of us were fast enough, not a single one of us could possibly stop the events unfolding. Not even Raven's powers reached the gun in time as it pointed at one of my team mates and right before the trigger was pulled another one jumped right in front of the gun as Biggest Fan pulled the trigger forcing the shot point blank in his chest and my world instantly shattered.
All joy left my body as my flight became utterly useless and our remaining team members either cried out or gasped in dismay. Whatever hope there had been was now gone.