Trapped In The Tower, Chapter 4

Robin and Beastboy were taking on the painstaking task of reassembling Cyborg. Off on the other side of the room, Starfire was comforting a distraught Raven. It's okay, Raven, she said. Cyborg is only under a lot of stress, as are we all.

That's no excuse to take me apart! screamed Cyborg's disembodied head.

Shut up! cried Beastboy. It just makes it harder to think when you yell like that! It's hard enough doing this without the instructions! Why did you throw them away, you idiot!?

Calm down, Beastboy, said an obviously tense Robin. We have to get along, or we may end up getting really hurt.

Why did this flood happen? asked Raven. Why did this all happen?

We needn't concern ourselves with these questions, Raven, said Starfire, obviously playing the part of mediator between what seemed to be four armies on the edge of full-blown war. But I agree with Robin. We have to keep ourselves calm, no matter what. We can not afford to fight amongst ourselves, lest we injure each other, or our relationships.

Why are you all philosophy, Star? asked a puzzled Beastboy. And what's with all the biblical-type talking?

But this is how we speak on my planet. I see no wrongs caused by speaking in such a manner.

THIS ISN'T YOUR FUCKING PLANET! Realizing he had screamed a hurtful obscenity at Starfire, Beastboy clapped his mouth shut and continued assembling Cyborg.

What are we supposed to do? asked Raven. We can't all hide in our rooms, but if we stay out here like this, we may end up killing each other.

Finally whole, Cyborg added, And what if we run out of food before the flood goes away? There's nowhere to get more, and I'd hate to think of what might happen if we do run out.

Dude, I'd really like to not think about that, replied Beastboy. We have enough food and stuff to last us up to a week and a half after today, and I don't think the weather will be so bad for that long.

Beastboy is correct, said a relieved Starfire. I don't believe any of us have been up to the roof for a few days, and the clouds may have retreated.

Up on the roof, the Titans were thrilled to see that the clouds and wind had indeed receded, and that the water had apparently gone down somewhere around fifteen feet.

Well, this should give us more hope, stated Starfire.

That is mostly what we have, answered Raven. We have food, we have shelter, and we have hope. That is all.

You're wrong, Raven, argued Beastboy. We're all in this together, which means we have each other.

responded Cyborg, as he looked out over the ocean that surrounded the submerged tower. That's what we need... a little more kindliness around here.

Oh, I agree most wholeheartedly! cried Starfire. But now that the weather has calmed, should we not send ourlelves out to seek...

Seek what, Star? inquired Robin.

... Stuff? replied a slightly embarassed Starfire.

Stuff indeed, as the Titans had no idea what could possibly be lurking in the sunken area which had once been the city. Hopefully, it would once again be a city, when the waters receded to normal levels and the population returned to clean up what was now under a considerable sea.

Jumping ahead nearly three hours, Starfire lands on the tower. Although tired from a long time of searching, she notices Cyborg watching the sun set over the alarmingly beautiful ocean.

I find the sea to be beautiful too, Cyborg, she said, then added but I miss the city, with its tall buildings, and malls, and restaurants, and... Cyborg?

Abruptly she noticed that the metal man was not staring into the sunset, but was, in fact, sleeping like a log in a deep freeze.

Cyborg? Wake up, you should not be sleeping while balanced on the edge of the roof, she said, but found that all her efforts were in vain, as the brute would not awaken.

Landing on the roof and assuming his natural shape, Beastboy asked, What's up with him? What, does Cyborg like that kind of romantic crap?

Beastboy! Oh, thank goodness you are here! I am unable to rouse Cyborg!

Something's wrong? inquired Raven as she, too, touched down on the roof.

Yes, I believe so! Beastboy, run and get Robin! Something has happened to Cyborg!

End of chapter 4