Trust
Author: Flying Star
Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans.
Hey, I'm back. Well this turned out to be longer than I thought, so it's now in four parts. Oh yeah, I have a couple first person views from Raven and Starfire. I'm taking some 'liberties' with Raven's mirror, just to let you know. Here's part two.
Part 2 : The mind is a terrible thing to waste.
( Building interior ( ??) half hour later )
" Your friends will be arriving soon, Robin." Slade said calmly, keeping a watchful eye on the monitors. " I must say I'm surprised, I didn't think they'd find me so quickly. Seems you trained them well, don't you agree?" He faced his silent guest. True to the Scarecrow's word, Robin was now too deeply entrenched in his own personnal nightmare to hear anything outside his own thoughts.
Behind his mask, Slade smiled. He had no intention of letting Robin become permanently damaged by the Scarecrow's invention. But Robin's sense of justice needs to be repressed, a clean slate for him to mold, but with his skills still intact. The perfect apprentice.
And if things did not go well, there was always plan B.
He pushed a few buttons on the device, looking at the readout of Robin's biorhythms. " Hmm, elevated heart rate, increased adrenaline output." He turned to a smaller monitor that fed him images from the device, images that Robin was currently seeing in his mind.
Slade's grin widened, and he couldn't help chuckling. " How ironic." he mused. " To think he's afraid of that. Perhaps I should record this for later use."
* CRASH!*
"SLADE, get away from Robin!"
Slade lazily turned around, facing the four Titans and noting their expressions. Cyborg had his cannon out, his face etched with a mix of anger and worry. Beastboy had changed form, now a full-grown tiger, growling softly. Raven's expression was as stodic as ever, but the way the lights in the room swayed suggested that her anger was barely in check.
But Starfire was the one who piqued his interest. Standing in front of the group, fists clenching Starbolts, glowing eyes glaring at him so intensely that it was a wonder he didn't melt from the heat. She, of all of them, looked likely enough to charge him without thinking. And that he could use to his advantage should things turn ugly. But first things first.
" Titans welcome, I trust you didn't have any problems finding me?" He reached over, calmly flipping a few switches. Instantly the room was filled with his robotic henchmen. " Now if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to." He turned back to Robin.
- - - - - ( Scene: About a half mile from the building, prior to the Teens Titans entry)
For perhaps the dozenth time Starfire sighed. Beastboy was doing his best to find Robin, but it was taking so long, and she feared that by the time they found Robin that he would already be beyond help. But there was nothing she could do, Beastboy was the only one capable of tracking Robin.
To top things off, her constant anxiety, fear, and anger made it almost impossible for her to feel the ' joy of flight' that before had seemed as natural as breathing. Even now she had trouble keeping afloat, and she had now forced herself to glide at about shoulder level of Cyborg.
Joy...when had she last really felt happy. Of course she knew, when she was with Robin. He was always so kind and patient with her unfamiliarity with Earth words and customs, and she felt protected when he was with her.
Her thoughts became occupied with other matters. * Hatred, such a strange feeling. I have never felt like this before, not when Beastboy hit me with his rubber ball of goo, or even when my sister tried to place the blame on me for her crimes. And yet, it feels appropriate. Is this how Robin feels when he talks to Slade?*
* Ahem.*
She glanced over at Raven, who was flying at about the same pace as her, and realized that she'd been trying to get her attention.
" Raven?" she questioned.
" You're still angry at Slade." Raven stated bluntly.
Starfire blinked, caught off guard by Raven's comment. " Yes, I am. But how did you..."
Raven tapped her head. " Besides the obvious fact that you're clutching starbolts in your fists, I can feel your emotions, even from over here." She frowned. " I don't know much about emotions, but I can tell you this, don't let your hatred consume you, if you go in Starbolts ablazing, you'll just be setting yourself up for Slade."
Starfire frowned slightly. " Do you want me to not be angry?"
Raven shook her head. " No, I just think we should come up with a plan when we get there. I'm sure Slade will theaten more harm to Robin if we try to stop him, and sometimes it seems like he knows us more than we know ourselves." Raven looked thoughtful. " I think I know how we can get Slade off guard, but you have to do exactly as I tell you, no matter what Slade says. Are you willing to do so?"
Starfire nodded.
Raven flew to her, and the two conversed quietly.
Cyborg had heard most of their conversation, but had decided to leave them alone. He and Beastboy could take care of Slade while Raven and Star got Robin back. He checked his arm cannon's power levels. Fully charged and ready to go. Robin may have lied to them, but he was also their friend, through thick and thin.
" We're here."
Cyborg looked up, realizing that Beastboy had shifted back to his original form. " Are you sure BB?" he asked, hearing Starfire echo his question.
Beastboy turned to face the building, nodding as he looked at the front doors. " Yep, his scent ends here, he's gotta be in there."
" Well then," Cyborg cracked his knuckles. " why don't we pay Slade a little visit."
" Yes, let us." Starfire said as she flew past him, hitting the doors hard enough to send them crashing to the ground.
Cyborg blinked in surprise, muttering " I was going to do that." before following her along with Raven and Beastboy. - - - -- ( Raven)
Emotions are pointless, at least that's what I keep telling myself.
The minute we came through the doors and saw Robin though, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger, which I immediately forced into the back of my mind.
"SLADE, get away from Robin!"
I glanced over at Starfire, feeling the waves of emotion that seemed to roll off of her. And though it didn't surprise me that anger was the most promient emotion, the intensity of it did.
"Titans welcome. I trust you didn't have any problems finding me."
Slade's voice cut through my thoughts, and I tensed. As angry as Starfire was at the moment, Robin's safety hinged on her willingness to follow the plan. One slipup and his sanity and perhaps his life would be forfeit.
Starfire cancelled her starbolts and crossed her arms, nodding to me as Slade called his henchmen.
Good girl, now just watch for my signal.
" Now if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."
There! His back is turned! I gave Starfire a thumbs up just as she ordered Cyborg and Beastboy to hold back the bots. And then she was off, rocketing towards Slade, just as planned.
* Now Slade,* I thought with just a hint of smugness as I slid into the shadows. * let's see how you fare with the unexpected.*
- - - - - - - ( Starfire)
The gesture was so quick I almost missed it, considering how my every thought was focused on how badly I wanted to starbolt Slade through the wall, but the minute Raven held up her thumb I was up and flying, calling over my shoulder to Beastboy and Cyborg.
" Do whatever you can to keep them busy, but keep them away from us!"
I didn't check to see if they acknowledged my request, instead I continued my forward trek toward Slade, just as he realized I was getting close. I could almost see his smile as he probably thought I was falling right into his trap. I smirked. Time to show him just how wrong he really is.
Just as I reached him, he cried out in surprise, his body lifted off the ground by a combination of Raven's telekinesis and her hovering form. Just as planned we had opted for the sneak attack, assuring that we would catch Slade off guard and get to Robin before he could do anything.
With a quick fling Raven sent Slade tumbling just out of Robin's reach, and in an instant I was by his side.
"Robin..Robin! Do not worry, we are here!" I reached for the straightjacket, fumbling with the clasps. Raven had explained to me earlier just what a straightjacket was used for, but to me the thought that such a device was actually used for holding humans, even insane humans, made me feel slightly ill.
I dimly realized that Raven was behind me, holding up a shield as I fumbled to force the clasps apart.
" Uh, Starfire. Straightjacket material is very hard to remove. Perhaps I can..."
RIIIPPP!
" Nevermind."
I finished tearing the fabric off of Robin, being careful not to disturb the helmet on his head.
" Raven?" I let her by, watching nervously as she placed her hand on Robin's face. It was then that I noticed how pale Robin looked, sweat pouring down his face, his arms red from the tight constraints that I had removed. I heard a low sound and realized that every so often a small whimper escaped his clenched teeth.
Raven turned to face me, opening her mouth to speak when we heard a sharp cry.
" You fools, you've ruined the console!"
I saw Slade holding the end of a cable...the same cable that was now dangling from the helmet. Next to him the console was smoking, the result of Beastboy's careless toss of a bot.
Slade dropped the cable, running full tilt towards us, his eyes full of malice.
" Raven quick..."
" Already ahead of you." Raven replied, reforming her shield and extending it to encompass Beastboy and Cyborg as well.
The sight of Slade hitting the shield and slidding off would've been rather amusing, if not for what he said next.
" You severed the bypass link, now there's no way to remove the helmet without killing him.!"
My heart sank as the cold realization hit me, we had come this far, and it was all for nothing. * No.* I mentally berated myself. * I refuse to believe it.*
" And what do you care, Slade!" Beastboy taunted.
" I...ugh...I have no time for this. Kill them!" Slade ordered, pushing a button on the wall by the building exit. Instantly the number of bots tripled, all of them charging and bouncing off the shield while Slade made his exit.
" Sheesh, where does Slade shop, the bargain robot warehouse or something?" Beastboy quipped dryly from behind me.
" Ugh, I...don't know....how long I can hold them off." I vaguely heard Raven grunt as the bots continually bashed at the shield.
" No problem, we can lighten the load. Right BB." Cyborg said, placing his cannon against the shield.
" Yeah, open it up, now!" Beastboy shifted into an bull.
Raven eased up for a moment, allowing Beastboy and Cyborg through, but unfortunately allowing in a bot.
" You will not get Robin!" I cried out, lashing out with a starbolt. The bot melted before it had taken a step.
I turned to Raven, the strain had visibly lessened from her features. " Please, please....tell me ...that Robin is not...gone." I was shaking so bad and tears were falling freely down my face, my every thought on Robin's wellbeing.
Raven's demeaner changed as she slumped slightly. "I feel," she hesitated, and I caught a hint, albeit brief, of sadness cross her features, before the cold mask of indifference she always wore slipped back into place. " a malstrom of emotion. His mind, but it's hard to tell where he is in there. I can't sense Robin anymore, just a nothingness...and something else I can't quite place."
" But there has to be a way, Raven! Please! Is there not anything we can do?!" The shaking had reached my legs and I had to grasp the chair that Robin was in just to keep from collapsing. " Please," I whispered.
" There...might be a way."
I looked up at Raven. Her face, though hooded, was grim as she looked at Robin. " How?"
Raven gaze briefly met mine before she said, " Protect Robin, I'll be back in a moment." And she teleported, her shield disapating instantly.
Right away I was surrounded by Slade's bots. I smiled grimly.
" I think it is fair to warn you, " a starbolt formed, " that to get to Robin, you will have to go through me, " the lead bot fell, a smoking hole in it's chest. " and you caught me in a very bad mood."
- - - - - (General)
Though outnumbered by more than three to one, the fight favored the Titans. Slade's robots, despite being impervious to pain and not prone to tire, could not match the furiousity and determination that the Titans displayed as they fought to protect their leader.
By the time Raven returned, only a few stragglers were left, and they were quickly dispatched by a few well-placed starbolts.
Raven raised an eyebrow at the mess of parts, both melted and intact, that littered her feet, noticing with a slight bit of interest that the ring of destruction was nowhere near Robin. " Starfire."
Starfire gasped, whirling around with her starbolts ready, before recognizing Raven. " Raven..you startled me." She breathed deeply, trying to still her racing heart. A reflective glint caught her eye as Raven pulled out....
" AAAHHH! No way did you bring THAT with you!" Cyborg yelped as he and Beastboy backed away.
Starfire eyed the object in question, feeling a little uneasy herself. " Raven, why did you bring your mirror?" She glanced at Beastboy and Cyborg, who were doing their best to stay as far was from the mirror as possible. " I do not see how going into your mind will help us to free Robin?"
" I said there MIGHT be a way, I didn't say that it would work." Raven said icily as she walked over to Robin.
" Please forgive me Raven, I did not mean to..."
" Come here." Raven cut her off.
Starfire wordlessly walked over to Raven, again noticing Cyborg and Beastboy's hesitation at approaching the mirror.
" I'm going to try something, and as I said, I'm not certain this will work. But I really don't see any other choice. This mirror, as you know, is a window into my emotions..my mind. I'm going to try to focus on Robin's thoughts as best I can. I will stay linked with him as best I can, and hopefully when you enter my mirror you will see what I see."
Starfire frowned. " So you mean to say that I will be in Robin's mind, through your mind?"
Raven nodded.
Starfire's frown deepened. " Is there....any risks?
Raven sighed slightly. " There are always risks, and with trying something like this for the first time, the risks are higher. The likely scenaro is that you will only enter my mind and not be able to access Robin's, you could though, also become trapped, stuck inside Robin's mind with only his thoughts to accompany you." She hesitated, not wanting to bring up the last possibility.
Starfire sensed Raven's hesitation. " There is something else that could happen, is there not, Raven?"
" Yes." Raven replied softly as she gazed into the depths of her mirror. " If you die in the mirror, whether from accident or even by Robin's own hand, " She winced as Starfire gasped. " you will die for real. So I will ask you this just once, are you willing to risk your life for Robin?"
Starfire's gaze hardened as she looked Raven in the eye. " Do you really have to ask me that question." she said quietly. " Of course I will, I would do anything for Robin, even if I have to die to bring him back."
Raven's face grew a little less icy, but more serious as well. " There is another thing. If or when you find Robin, don't expect him to welcome you with open arms. His mind is seriously a mess right now, and part of that reason is because...well just don't take things at face value." She hoped that Starfire hadn't caught her hesitation because she did not want to tell her the real reason why Robin would not want to see her.
Starfire's eyes narrowed slightly but she remained quiet.
" I'll need absolute quiet starting from the time Starfire enters my mirror." Raven said, addressing Beastboy and Cyborg, who were now a little closer to Robin. " Any interruption and I could lose both of them to the ravages of Robin's mind, understand."
Beastboy and Cyborg both nodded silently.
Raven placed her hand on Robin's head, closing her eyes and concentrating on his thoughts alone. Subconsciously she stretched out her hand holding the mirror toward Starfire, silently readying her for the task at hand.
Starfire felt it's pull long before she heard Beastboy's squeak of terror, but she was ready, no matter what would happen, she would find Robin and bring him back. She had just enough time to blink and then she was gone.
- - - - -
Whew part two is done. So what did you think? I know my writing's not the best , but I'm trying. Here's an interesting question for you: If Starfire is able to enter Robin's mind, what do you think she'll see? Well hopefully the next part will be finished soon, I'm working on it right now.
Author: Flying Star
Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans.
Hey, I'm back. Well this turned out to be longer than I thought, so it's now in four parts. Oh yeah, I have a couple first person views from Raven and Starfire. I'm taking some 'liberties' with Raven's mirror, just to let you know. Here's part two.
Part 2 : The mind is a terrible thing to waste.
( Building interior ( ??) half hour later )
" Your friends will be arriving soon, Robin." Slade said calmly, keeping a watchful eye on the monitors. " I must say I'm surprised, I didn't think they'd find me so quickly. Seems you trained them well, don't you agree?" He faced his silent guest. True to the Scarecrow's word, Robin was now too deeply entrenched in his own personnal nightmare to hear anything outside his own thoughts.
Behind his mask, Slade smiled. He had no intention of letting Robin become permanently damaged by the Scarecrow's invention. But Robin's sense of justice needs to be repressed, a clean slate for him to mold, but with his skills still intact. The perfect apprentice.
And if things did not go well, there was always plan B.
He pushed a few buttons on the device, looking at the readout of Robin's biorhythms. " Hmm, elevated heart rate, increased adrenaline output." He turned to a smaller monitor that fed him images from the device, images that Robin was currently seeing in his mind.
Slade's grin widened, and he couldn't help chuckling. " How ironic." he mused. " To think he's afraid of that. Perhaps I should record this for later use."
* CRASH!*
"SLADE, get away from Robin!"
Slade lazily turned around, facing the four Titans and noting their expressions. Cyborg had his cannon out, his face etched with a mix of anger and worry. Beastboy had changed form, now a full-grown tiger, growling softly. Raven's expression was as stodic as ever, but the way the lights in the room swayed suggested that her anger was barely in check.
But Starfire was the one who piqued his interest. Standing in front of the group, fists clenching Starbolts, glowing eyes glaring at him so intensely that it was a wonder he didn't melt from the heat. She, of all of them, looked likely enough to charge him without thinking. And that he could use to his advantage should things turn ugly. But first things first.
" Titans welcome, I trust you didn't have any problems finding me?" He reached over, calmly flipping a few switches. Instantly the room was filled with his robotic henchmen. " Now if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to." He turned back to Robin.
- - - - - ( Scene: About a half mile from the building, prior to the Teens Titans entry)
For perhaps the dozenth time Starfire sighed. Beastboy was doing his best to find Robin, but it was taking so long, and she feared that by the time they found Robin that he would already be beyond help. But there was nothing she could do, Beastboy was the only one capable of tracking Robin.
To top things off, her constant anxiety, fear, and anger made it almost impossible for her to feel the ' joy of flight' that before had seemed as natural as breathing. Even now she had trouble keeping afloat, and she had now forced herself to glide at about shoulder level of Cyborg.
Joy...when had she last really felt happy. Of course she knew, when she was with Robin. He was always so kind and patient with her unfamiliarity with Earth words and customs, and she felt protected when he was with her.
Her thoughts became occupied with other matters. * Hatred, such a strange feeling. I have never felt like this before, not when Beastboy hit me with his rubber ball of goo, or even when my sister tried to place the blame on me for her crimes. And yet, it feels appropriate. Is this how Robin feels when he talks to Slade?*
* Ahem.*
She glanced over at Raven, who was flying at about the same pace as her, and realized that she'd been trying to get her attention.
" Raven?" she questioned.
" You're still angry at Slade." Raven stated bluntly.
Starfire blinked, caught off guard by Raven's comment. " Yes, I am. But how did you..."
Raven tapped her head. " Besides the obvious fact that you're clutching starbolts in your fists, I can feel your emotions, even from over here." She frowned. " I don't know much about emotions, but I can tell you this, don't let your hatred consume you, if you go in Starbolts ablazing, you'll just be setting yourself up for Slade."
Starfire frowned slightly. " Do you want me to not be angry?"
Raven shook her head. " No, I just think we should come up with a plan when we get there. I'm sure Slade will theaten more harm to Robin if we try to stop him, and sometimes it seems like he knows us more than we know ourselves." Raven looked thoughtful. " I think I know how we can get Slade off guard, but you have to do exactly as I tell you, no matter what Slade says. Are you willing to do so?"
Starfire nodded.
Raven flew to her, and the two conversed quietly.
Cyborg had heard most of their conversation, but had decided to leave them alone. He and Beastboy could take care of Slade while Raven and Star got Robin back. He checked his arm cannon's power levels. Fully charged and ready to go. Robin may have lied to them, but he was also their friend, through thick and thin.
" We're here."
Cyborg looked up, realizing that Beastboy had shifted back to his original form. " Are you sure BB?" he asked, hearing Starfire echo his question.
Beastboy turned to face the building, nodding as he looked at the front doors. " Yep, his scent ends here, he's gotta be in there."
" Well then," Cyborg cracked his knuckles. " why don't we pay Slade a little visit."
" Yes, let us." Starfire said as she flew past him, hitting the doors hard enough to send them crashing to the ground.
Cyborg blinked in surprise, muttering " I was going to do that." before following her along with Raven and Beastboy. - - - -- ( Raven)
Emotions are pointless, at least that's what I keep telling myself.
The minute we came through the doors and saw Robin though, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger, which I immediately forced into the back of my mind.
"SLADE, get away from Robin!"
I glanced over at Starfire, feeling the waves of emotion that seemed to roll off of her. And though it didn't surprise me that anger was the most promient emotion, the intensity of it did.
"Titans welcome. I trust you didn't have any problems finding me."
Slade's voice cut through my thoughts, and I tensed. As angry as Starfire was at the moment, Robin's safety hinged on her willingness to follow the plan. One slipup and his sanity and perhaps his life would be forfeit.
Starfire cancelled her starbolts and crossed her arms, nodding to me as Slade called his henchmen.
Good girl, now just watch for my signal.
" Now if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."
There! His back is turned! I gave Starfire a thumbs up just as she ordered Cyborg and Beastboy to hold back the bots. And then she was off, rocketing towards Slade, just as planned.
* Now Slade,* I thought with just a hint of smugness as I slid into the shadows. * let's see how you fare with the unexpected.*
- - - - - - - ( Starfire)
The gesture was so quick I almost missed it, considering how my every thought was focused on how badly I wanted to starbolt Slade through the wall, but the minute Raven held up her thumb I was up and flying, calling over my shoulder to Beastboy and Cyborg.
" Do whatever you can to keep them busy, but keep them away from us!"
I didn't check to see if they acknowledged my request, instead I continued my forward trek toward Slade, just as he realized I was getting close. I could almost see his smile as he probably thought I was falling right into his trap. I smirked. Time to show him just how wrong he really is.
Just as I reached him, he cried out in surprise, his body lifted off the ground by a combination of Raven's telekinesis and her hovering form. Just as planned we had opted for the sneak attack, assuring that we would catch Slade off guard and get to Robin before he could do anything.
With a quick fling Raven sent Slade tumbling just out of Robin's reach, and in an instant I was by his side.
"Robin..Robin! Do not worry, we are here!" I reached for the straightjacket, fumbling with the clasps. Raven had explained to me earlier just what a straightjacket was used for, but to me the thought that such a device was actually used for holding humans, even insane humans, made me feel slightly ill.
I dimly realized that Raven was behind me, holding up a shield as I fumbled to force the clasps apart.
" Uh, Starfire. Straightjacket material is very hard to remove. Perhaps I can..."
RIIIPPP!
" Nevermind."
I finished tearing the fabric off of Robin, being careful not to disturb the helmet on his head.
" Raven?" I let her by, watching nervously as she placed her hand on Robin's face. It was then that I noticed how pale Robin looked, sweat pouring down his face, his arms red from the tight constraints that I had removed. I heard a low sound and realized that every so often a small whimper escaped his clenched teeth.
Raven turned to face me, opening her mouth to speak when we heard a sharp cry.
" You fools, you've ruined the console!"
I saw Slade holding the end of a cable...the same cable that was now dangling from the helmet. Next to him the console was smoking, the result of Beastboy's careless toss of a bot.
Slade dropped the cable, running full tilt towards us, his eyes full of malice.
" Raven quick..."
" Already ahead of you." Raven replied, reforming her shield and extending it to encompass Beastboy and Cyborg as well.
The sight of Slade hitting the shield and slidding off would've been rather amusing, if not for what he said next.
" You severed the bypass link, now there's no way to remove the helmet without killing him.!"
My heart sank as the cold realization hit me, we had come this far, and it was all for nothing. * No.* I mentally berated myself. * I refuse to believe it.*
" And what do you care, Slade!" Beastboy taunted.
" I...ugh...I have no time for this. Kill them!" Slade ordered, pushing a button on the wall by the building exit. Instantly the number of bots tripled, all of them charging and bouncing off the shield while Slade made his exit.
" Sheesh, where does Slade shop, the bargain robot warehouse or something?" Beastboy quipped dryly from behind me.
" Ugh, I...don't know....how long I can hold them off." I vaguely heard Raven grunt as the bots continually bashed at the shield.
" No problem, we can lighten the load. Right BB." Cyborg said, placing his cannon against the shield.
" Yeah, open it up, now!" Beastboy shifted into an bull.
Raven eased up for a moment, allowing Beastboy and Cyborg through, but unfortunately allowing in a bot.
" You will not get Robin!" I cried out, lashing out with a starbolt. The bot melted before it had taken a step.
I turned to Raven, the strain had visibly lessened from her features. " Please, please....tell me ...that Robin is not...gone." I was shaking so bad and tears were falling freely down my face, my every thought on Robin's wellbeing.
Raven's demeaner changed as she slumped slightly. "I feel," she hesitated, and I caught a hint, albeit brief, of sadness cross her features, before the cold mask of indifference she always wore slipped back into place. " a malstrom of emotion. His mind, but it's hard to tell where he is in there. I can't sense Robin anymore, just a nothingness...and something else I can't quite place."
" But there has to be a way, Raven! Please! Is there not anything we can do?!" The shaking had reached my legs and I had to grasp the chair that Robin was in just to keep from collapsing. " Please," I whispered.
" There...might be a way."
I looked up at Raven. Her face, though hooded, was grim as she looked at Robin. " How?"
Raven gaze briefly met mine before she said, " Protect Robin, I'll be back in a moment." And she teleported, her shield disapating instantly.
Right away I was surrounded by Slade's bots. I smiled grimly.
" I think it is fair to warn you, " a starbolt formed, " that to get to Robin, you will have to go through me, " the lead bot fell, a smoking hole in it's chest. " and you caught me in a very bad mood."
- - - - - (General)
Though outnumbered by more than three to one, the fight favored the Titans. Slade's robots, despite being impervious to pain and not prone to tire, could not match the furiousity and determination that the Titans displayed as they fought to protect their leader.
By the time Raven returned, only a few stragglers were left, and they were quickly dispatched by a few well-placed starbolts.
Raven raised an eyebrow at the mess of parts, both melted and intact, that littered her feet, noticing with a slight bit of interest that the ring of destruction was nowhere near Robin. " Starfire."
Starfire gasped, whirling around with her starbolts ready, before recognizing Raven. " Raven..you startled me." She breathed deeply, trying to still her racing heart. A reflective glint caught her eye as Raven pulled out....
" AAAHHH! No way did you bring THAT with you!" Cyborg yelped as he and Beastboy backed away.
Starfire eyed the object in question, feeling a little uneasy herself. " Raven, why did you bring your mirror?" She glanced at Beastboy and Cyborg, who were doing their best to stay as far was from the mirror as possible. " I do not see how going into your mind will help us to free Robin?"
" I said there MIGHT be a way, I didn't say that it would work." Raven said icily as she walked over to Robin.
" Please forgive me Raven, I did not mean to..."
" Come here." Raven cut her off.
Starfire wordlessly walked over to Raven, again noticing Cyborg and Beastboy's hesitation at approaching the mirror.
" I'm going to try something, and as I said, I'm not certain this will work. But I really don't see any other choice. This mirror, as you know, is a window into my emotions..my mind. I'm going to try to focus on Robin's thoughts as best I can. I will stay linked with him as best I can, and hopefully when you enter my mirror you will see what I see."
Starfire frowned. " So you mean to say that I will be in Robin's mind, through your mind?"
Raven nodded.
Starfire's frown deepened. " Is there....any risks?
Raven sighed slightly. " There are always risks, and with trying something like this for the first time, the risks are higher. The likely scenaro is that you will only enter my mind and not be able to access Robin's, you could though, also become trapped, stuck inside Robin's mind with only his thoughts to accompany you." She hesitated, not wanting to bring up the last possibility.
Starfire sensed Raven's hesitation. " There is something else that could happen, is there not, Raven?"
" Yes." Raven replied softly as she gazed into the depths of her mirror. " If you die in the mirror, whether from accident or even by Robin's own hand, " She winced as Starfire gasped. " you will die for real. So I will ask you this just once, are you willing to risk your life for Robin?"
Starfire's gaze hardened as she looked Raven in the eye. " Do you really have to ask me that question." she said quietly. " Of course I will, I would do anything for Robin, even if I have to die to bring him back."
Raven's face grew a little less icy, but more serious as well. " There is another thing. If or when you find Robin, don't expect him to welcome you with open arms. His mind is seriously a mess right now, and part of that reason is because...well just don't take things at face value." She hoped that Starfire hadn't caught her hesitation because she did not want to tell her the real reason why Robin would not want to see her.
Starfire's eyes narrowed slightly but she remained quiet.
" I'll need absolute quiet starting from the time Starfire enters my mirror." Raven said, addressing Beastboy and Cyborg, who were now a little closer to Robin. " Any interruption and I could lose both of them to the ravages of Robin's mind, understand."
Beastboy and Cyborg both nodded silently.
Raven placed her hand on Robin's head, closing her eyes and concentrating on his thoughts alone. Subconsciously she stretched out her hand holding the mirror toward Starfire, silently readying her for the task at hand.
Starfire felt it's pull long before she heard Beastboy's squeak of terror, but she was ready, no matter what would happen, she would find Robin and bring him back. She had just enough time to blink and then she was gone.
- - - - -
Whew part two is done. So what did you think? I know my writing's not the best , but I'm trying. Here's an interesting question for you: If Starfire is able to enter Robin's mind, what do you think she'll see? Well hopefully the next part will be finished soon, I'm working on it right now.
