"Drifting"
By Flying Star
Disclaimer: Get back with me in ten years, maybe then I'll have the rights. In other words I don't own.
Evil laughter The end is here, this is the conclusion. Yes, Robin gets his turn as well, and if you think he's gonna get a happy ending, well then you're sadly mistaken. Can't be angst without another tragic ending, and since his is already tragic, well I can only think of a few ways to make it even more cruel. Thanks to everyone who reviewed this fic, it was certainly an interesting and new experience to write.
So we've seen Starfire, Raven, Beastboy, and Cyborg. Now the one who's the focus of their grief gets his turn. -------------------------------------------
Part 5: Fallen angel --------------------------------
Dying and falling......
Death, I never expected it to be this way. One minute I'm alive, and in the next I'm lying on the ground, dying, my lifeblood draining away and my body shattered.
Creeping and crawling....
My blood stopped flowing as my heart stopped beating, my skin becoming cold and stiff. I never thought I'd get to feel death, it's rather uncomfortable, like something was under my skin and finally broke free.
Truths and lies.......
Throw out your notions of death and the afterlife, because they're not true. You don't go to heaven or hell, well at least not me. I haven't been down below or up above, instead I'm just here, observing my friends, watching them fall apart.
Whimpers and cries.....
What is here, you may ask? It's everything and nothing, everywhere and nowhere, it just IS. I can't explain it much, a hollow void, a blank landscape. Only filled by memories and visions of past and present.
Pomp and circumstance......
Death is uneventful, there isn't any fireworks or celebration. No big bang or flowery confetti. First you live, then you die, it's as simple as that.
Odds and chance.....
But I didn't choose death, it chose me. I wanted to live, but my life was snatched away in such an ordinary fashion. No supervillain or even Slade, just a damn drunk, how painfully cruel is that?
Here and there.....
My friends, they can't see me, feel me, or hear me. I'm a spectre, a transparent form being tormented by their lives, unable to help, useless in death.
Now and where.....
Why am I here, what is my purpose? To witness my friends demise, to see who dies? Am I supposed to learn a lesson or am I being punished?
Reward and punishment.....
If that is so, then here's what I know. It's been ten years, and yet the team is gone, a footnote in the history of Jump City. The Teen Titans died when I died, scattering and falling away from each other.
Ready and reluctant.....
Cyborg, my cybernetic friend, he's witnessed so much, has observed Beastboy's insane rampages, lamented as Raven drifted away, watched as Starfire returned home, and grieved at my death. Though he is now dead, I haven't seen him.
Gnashing and gnawing.......
Beastboy, such a depressing change. He won't let go of his guilt, and I know what guilt can do to you if you don't relieve it. It's eaten away at his self, burying his personality amid a wall of crushing blame. He's far too gone now to ever return to who he was, now nothing more than a mere animal, with a barely functioning human brain.
Biting and clawing.....
Raven, the telepath who shows no fear. But I can see it in your eyes, you fear your own mortality. You know that you've failed, that the Teen Titans were supposed to stay together, for the fate of the world. Now you're alone, being consumed by the darkness in your soul.
Gone and done......
And...Starfire, my one true love. You'd never seen the death of a friend, and it's hit you harder than you want to believe. You've taken some of Raven's shroud, and wrapped yourself up until you no longer see the world through rose-tinted vision. The atrocities done on Earth were exposed, and it nearly caused you to commit the ultimate sin.
Lost and won?.......
Starfire didn't leave the Earth because there was nothing left for her. I can tell you now, what really happened in the first year of my death.
Fearing and knowing.....
To watch my friends on the day of my death was the most cruel of torture. Yes, I was there, hovering over my body as paramedics tried desperately to save my life. I knew I was dying, maybe even already dead, and strangely enough it didn't bother me as much as I thought. If only I'd known.
Ebbing and flowing....
I couldn't help but be surprised to see Beastboy, in eagle form, watching from a nearby streetlight post. Didn't he see that I was floating in front of him? No, of course not, I'm an apparition, a ghost, no one can see me. A bit of movement caught my eye, Beastboy was leaving, his bird body struggling to keep afloat. There was nothing left to do but follow him, which I did, hovering close behind him. Somehow I think he knew I was there, or at least something was. He landed at the Tower, changing back silently.
Happy and sad.....
As I observed his actions I heard the sound of a police radio giving the call, DOA. I slumped, it wasn't like I didn't expect it, but going from thinking that you're dying, to actually hearing that you're dead, it's hard to describe.
Good and bad....
I heard her yell out in anger as I turned to face them again. Starfire, her golden face was twisted in anger, her eyes glowing fiercely. And then she was gone, flying swiftly away from the Tower. Raven disappeared into a shadow, and Beastboy resumed his eagle form before heading off in Starfire's general direction. I stole a quick glance at Cyborg, who was watching Starfire and Beastboy, a look of sadness in his features. He too left, though with the police. Again I could only follow.
Horror and disgust.....
I arrived, hovering behind Beastboy's eagle form as he peered into the warehouse. I looked down into it's depths, realizing, to my horror, that the figure delivering the bloody blows was none other than Star. Flowing through the window, I came up behind her. I tried grabbing her arm, only to be reminded that I no longer had a physical body. My voice, as I tried calling to her, did nothing as she still remained focused on her target, her hands delivering swift hits that shattered bones and damaged organs.
Promise and trust.....
When Raven appeared next to me and pulled the man away, I felt relieved. Relieved that at least she could stop Star's attack. Flowing back outside, I was struck at the contrast between Cyborg and Beastboy as Raven emerged with the victim and attacker. While Cy seemed saddened, Beastboy looked almost satisfied.
Ranting and raving......
It wasn't long before the brooding silence was broken. After arriving back at the Tower, I decided to visit Star's room. Entering through the wall, I gazed down at her unconscious form, feeling a nonexistent tear form. 'Why', I thought bitterly, 'why did things have to be this way? If only I'd paid more attention to my surroundings. Then I'd still be alive, you'd be smiling and laughing and....' I stopped as her brows knit together. With a moan her eyes opened, focusing on the ceiling. After a moment of silence, her head turned toward me. For a brief second I thought she could see me, but that hope was dashed as she frowned, saying, " I cannot believe Raven, she halted my rightful revenge against the human responsible for the death of Robin. I should of had the final say in the punishment of the killer." Her fists clenched at her sides as she stood up, her eyes glowing softly. " I shall have a word with her."
Losing and saving.....
She walked right through me as she exited her room. Curious, I followed close behind, surprised to see her barge into Raven's room. It was common knowledge that no one was allowed into Raven's room. So it came as an even bigger surprise when Raven looked up, her eyes telling me that she wasn't the least bit shocked by this intrusion.
Cruel and bitter.....
Starfire launched into an impressively long rant. Because of my 'condition', I could understand the alien words pouring forth from her lips, and as such I winced more than a few times at their meaning. I'm surprised that Starfire knew such foul language. Raven continues to stare at Starfire, looking almost bored as the alien girl finally halts her cursing.
Strong and withered.....
The look on Raven's face doesn't change as she proceeds to tear more fresh wounds into Starfire's soul, telling her most matter of factly that I'm dead and gone. The way Star's face changes from sad to bitter actually scares me, I feel as if she's slowly throwing away her innocence, in favor of something more dangerous.
Beginning and end.....
I watch Raven for a moment as she stares after Starfire's retreating form, her gaze remaining neutral. " Don't you even care about her feelings?" I ask the air, knowing that I won't get an answer, and I don't. Emotions stayed high, even into the night.
Enemy and friend....
It felt like old times as I watched Beastboy and Cyborg battle it out in a racing game. But just like earlier, looks can be deceiving. While Cyborg was playing the game, he kept glancing over at Beastboy, who was whimpering like a wounded animal. Had my death affected Beastboy so badly? Raven, meanwhile, just continued to read from her book as if nothing had happened.
Hot and cold.....
Again as Starfire appeared, yelling at the others when they told her about my killer's condition, I could see her slipping away, just a little bit more. Her mind can't handle these feelings, and it's eating at her, surpressing her emotions just like Raven does.
Coward and bold....
My funeral was the next day. It felt weird looking around at all the people who said they knew me. How many of them really knew me? Only my friends, and Bruce. It was rather surprising to see him there, even though he was still in his Batman outfit. I guess old habits die hard, he didn't want people to know his true identity, even at such a somber event. I don't whether to be happy or sad that he even came. And Slade, why now? Why come see my lifeless corpse? Are you satisfied that there's one less Titan to worry about, or are you angry that your 'apprentice' died before you did?
Departures and farewells....
I observed my friends as they said they're final goodbyes. Again I felt a non-existent tear in my eye as Starfire kissed my body's cheek. Just another bitter reminder of the things I'd never get to experience. Cyborg teared up as he stood over the coffin, unable to say goodbye. As I watched him stumble back to his seat, I heard Beastboy cry out. I realized then, how close I was to the coffin, close enough to be almost in it. And staring down at me was Beastboy, his eyes alight with fear. I knew he couldn't see me, but somehow he seemed to sense me as he took a few steps back, his head whipping back and forth before he ran off.
Quenches and quells....
I roamed the streets after that day, occasionally checking in on my friends. It wasn't long, though, before they split up. And that's where things became even worse. Raven became more distant, keeping away from human contact, Beastboy took out his aggressions on anyone breaking the law, his vengence becoming more and more vicious as time went on. Cyborg, he felt it was neccessary to watch the entire city, reporting infractions and keeping tabs on the rest of the team. And Starfire, she still helped the occasional person in need, but her halfhearted attempts were normally met with fear as she grew more and more bitter and impatient with Earth's customs.
Angels and Demons.....
Things came to a head on the one year anniversary of my death. I was floating behind Cyborg, scanning the city for anything of interest, when a screen caught my eye. Starfire, her body thinner and her hair a messy tangle, had just stopped in front of a handicapped pedestrian. My view was suddenly blocked by Cyborg's massive, yet frail, body, as he stood up, muttering to himself. " How the hell did he get out? Oh man, Star's gonna kill him if I don't stop her." He continued murmuring to himself, but I was too preoccupied with my own thoughts. ' Star wouldn't harm another, unless...' It hit me, this was the guy that had taken my life, and that meant..... I was floating/flying out through the Tower, trying to make my way to the scene. I knew there was nothing I could do, but I still had to try.
Off and on.....
I arrived just as Starfire had the man by the throat, his useless legs dangling in mid-air. His eyes were wide as he recognized the gold skinned alien. The look on Star's face, though, is what scared me more. Her eyes were glowing so deeply that it hurt to look at them, her free hand was clenched into a tight fist, a slight green glow beginning to surround it. As she brought her fist forward I heard her say, " You feel it is your right to inflict death on another and then proceed to escape from your punishment. I have waited all this time to give you your just punishment, and indeed I shall inflict it now." The glow around her fist increased in intensity as it connected with the man's face, the flesh of his cheek immediately beginning to smoke as the man's mouth opened in a silent scream, his eyes bulging from fear and pain.
Burning and searing....
I swooped down, reaching for her arm, calling out, " Please, I know you can't hear me, Star. You don't want this, you can't kill him. You'll be no better than him!" I knew she couldn't hear me, but as my hand passed through her flesh I saw a change in her. The glow in her eyes suddenly ceased as she released the man's limp body as if it was poison, her knees striking the ground as she slumped down. Her face raised up, looking at the heavens. " What have I become? Robin, why, why did you have to die?"
Joking and jeering....
There were tears, actual tears in her eyes. In the year since my death I had only seen her cry for me two other times. It gave me hope that she would be okay. But...I was wrong.
Sadness and bitterness.....
After releasing the man, who was still alive but badly burned, to the custody of the police, Starfire flew away. I stayed close behind, wondering where she went after the day was done. I found out quickly enough when she descended into the depths of a side alley, not far from the Tower. There, in the back, was a sturdy, refridgerator-sized box. I was shocked to see her enter it, but it was true, the once proud Tamaranian was now reduced to a homeless waif.
Crime and justice.....
As I watched her settle in, she produced a small pad of paper. On it, in halting words she wrote her plea, and I knew she was not alright. Somehow she managed to find Beastboy and Raven because I saw the two of them, and Cyborg at my grave later that day. It was then that Starfire delivered her most damning bit of news, that she was returning home. I didn't know what to think, I guess I should've seen it coming. My teamates seemed to feel the same way, as none of them put up a very convincing argument. And then Starfire was gone, heading down the street as the team split up for the last time.
Home and away....
Starfire left later that day, packing her meager belongings into a tattered backpack before flying off into space. I didn't follow her. Years later there was a mention from the Justice League about a Tamaranian princess being captured by Gordanians. Good thing Starfire isn't a princess.
Gone and stay....
Beastboy still roams the streets, his feral rages have kept many people away from him. Raven, has retreated into her mind. She's now bound up in a mental institution, entertaining the orderlies with stories about her father's eventual return. And Cyborg, his mind did reside in the Titans Tower until just a few days ago, but the systems are dead now.
Now or never....
My...friends, have not fared well, that I know, and it saddens me. Yet, it also angers me. Here I am, dead, my life gone, and yet THEY continue to lament my passing! Yes, I know Cyborg is dead too, but the fact that I haven't found him means that at least he might of got his final reward. As for the rest of you, get over it, there's nothing left to do, let me go and rest in peace! I can't go until you do, I realize that now. Maybe I'm just bitter, but it's been ten years! Ten long years without my final rest!
Forever and ever.....
But none of you will let go, will you? You refuse to, and as such you've bound me to the Earth, forever roaming until my memory is at last put to rest. That's my sin, for being loved so much by my friends. It keeps me here.
A tormented soul, forevermore.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. This story has now been laid to rest. The Titans futures are forever in doubt, but Robin has plenty of time to watch the rest of his friends die, after all, he's doomed to roam the Earth until they do. If you read, please review. I'm interested to find out what you thought of Robin's part, the finale of the story.
By Flying Star
Disclaimer: Get back with me in ten years, maybe then I'll have the rights. In other words I don't own.
Evil laughter The end is here, this is the conclusion. Yes, Robin gets his turn as well, and if you think he's gonna get a happy ending, well then you're sadly mistaken. Can't be angst without another tragic ending, and since his is already tragic, well I can only think of a few ways to make it even more cruel. Thanks to everyone who reviewed this fic, it was certainly an interesting and new experience to write.
So we've seen Starfire, Raven, Beastboy, and Cyborg. Now the one who's the focus of their grief gets his turn. -------------------------------------------
Part 5: Fallen angel --------------------------------
Dying and falling......
Death, I never expected it to be this way. One minute I'm alive, and in the next I'm lying on the ground, dying, my lifeblood draining away and my body shattered.
Creeping and crawling....
My blood stopped flowing as my heart stopped beating, my skin becoming cold and stiff. I never thought I'd get to feel death, it's rather uncomfortable, like something was under my skin and finally broke free.
Truths and lies.......
Throw out your notions of death and the afterlife, because they're not true. You don't go to heaven or hell, well at least not me. I haven't been down below or up above, instead I'm just here, observing my friends, watching them fall apart.
Whimpers and cries.....
What is here, you may ask? It's everything and nothing, everywhere and nowhere, it just IS. I can't explain it much, a hollow void, a blank landscape. Only filled by memories and visions of past and present.
Pomp and circumstance......
Death is uneventful, there isn't any fireworks or celebration. No big bang or flowery confetti. First you live, then you die, it's as simple as that.
Odds and chance.....
But I didn't choose death, it chose me. I wanted to live, but my life was snatched away in such an ordinary fashion. No supervillain or even Slade, just a damn drunk, how painfully cruel is that?
Here and there.....
My friends, they can't see me, feel me, or hear me. I'm a spectre, a transparent form being tormented by their lives, unable to help, useless in death.
Now and where.....
Why am I here, what is my purpose? To witness my friends demise, to see who dies? Am I supposed to learn a lesson or am I being punished?
Reward and punishment.....
If that is so, then here's what I know. It's been ten years, and yet the team is gone, a footnote in the history of Jump City. The Teen Titans died when I died, scattering and falling away from each other.
Ready and reluctant.....
Cyborg, my cybernetic friend, he's witnessed so much, has observed Beastboy's insane rampages, lamented as Raven drifted away, watched as Starfire returned home, and grieved at my death. Though he is now dead, I haven't seen him.
Gnashing and gnawing.......
Beastboy, such a depressing change. He won't let go of his guilt, and I know what guilt can do to you if you don't relieve it. It's eaten away at his self, burying his personality amid a wall of crushing blame. He's far too gone now to ever return to who he was, now nothing more than a mere animal, with a barely functioning human brain.
Biting and clawing.....
Raven, the telepath who shows no fear. But I can see it in your eyes, you fear your own mortality. You know that you've failed, that the Teen Titans were supposed to stay together, for the fate of the world. Now you're alone, being consumed by the darkness in your soul.
Gone and done......
And...Starfire, my one true love. You'd never seen the death of a friend, and it's hit you harder than you want to believe. You've taken some of Raven's shroud, and wrapped yourself up until you no longer see the world through rose-tinted vision. The atrocities done on Earth were exposed, and it nearly caused you to commit the ultimate sin.
Lost and won?.......
Starfire didn't leave the Earth because there was nothing left for her. I can tell you now, what really happened in the first year of my death.
Fearing and knowing.....
To watch my friends on the day of my death was the most cruel of torture. Yes, I was there, hovering over my body as paramedics tried desperately to save my life. I knew I was dying, maybe even already dead, and strangely enough it didn't bother me as much as I thought. If only I'd known.
Ebbing and flowing....
I couldn't help but be surprised to see Beastboy, in eagle form, watching from a nearby streetlight post. Didn't he see that I was floating in front of him? No, of course not, I'm an apparition, a ghost, no one can see me. A bit of movement caught my eye, Beastboy was leaving, his bird body struggling to keep afloat. There was nothing left to do but follow him, which I did, hovering close behind him. Somehow I think he knew I was there, or at least something was. He landed at the Tower, changing back silently.
Happy and sad.....
As I observed his actions I heard the sound of a police radio giving the call, DOA. I slumped, it wasn't like I didn't expect it, but going from thinking that you're dying, to actually hearing that you're dead, it's hard to describe.
Good and bad....
I heard her yell out in anger as I turned to face them again. Starfire, her golden face was twisted in anger, her eyes glowing fiercely. And then she was gone, flying swiftly away from the Tower. Raven disappeared into a shadow, and Beastboy resumed his eagle form before heading off in Starfire's general direction. I stole a quick glance at Cyborg, who was watching Starfire and Beastboy, a look of sadness in his features. He too left, though with the police. Again I could only follow.
Horror and disgust.....
I arrived, hovering behind Beastboy's eagle form as he peered into the warehouse. I looked down into it's depths, realizing, to my horror, that the figure delivering the bloody blows was none other than Star. Flowing through the window, I came up behind her. I tried grabbing her arm, only to be reminded that I no longer had a physical body. My voice, as I tried calling to her, did nothing as she still remained focused on her target, her hands delivering swift hits that shattered bones and damaged organs.
Promise and trust.....
When Raven appeared next to me and pulled the man away, I felt relieved. Relieved that at least she could stop Star's attack. Flowing back outside, I was struck at the contrast between Cyborg and Beastboy as Raven emerged with the victim and attacker. While Cy seemed saddened, Beastboy looked almost satisfied.
Ranting and raving......
It wasn't long before the brooding silence was broken. After arriving back at the Tower, I decided to visit Star's room. Entering through the wall, I gazed down at her unconscious form, feeling a nonexistent tear form. 'Why', I thought bitterly, 'why did things have to be this way? If only I'd paid more attention to my surroundings. Then I'd still be alive, you'd be smiling and laughing and....' I stopped as her brows knit together. With a moan her eyes opened, focusing on the ceiling. After a moment of silence, her head turned toward me. For a brief second I thought she could see me, but that hope was dashed as she frowned, saying, " I cannot believe Raven, she halted my rightful revenge against the human responsible for the death of Robin. I should of had the final say in the punishment of the killer." Her fists clenched at her sides as she stood up, her eyes glowing softly. " I shall have a word with her."
Losing and saving.....
She walked right through me as she exited her room. Curious, I followed close behind, surprised to see her barge into Raven's room. It was common knowledge that no one was allowed into Raven's room. So it came as an even bigger surprise when Raven looked up, her eyes telling me that she wasn't the least bit shocked by this intrusion.
Cruel and bitter.....
Starfire launched into an impressively long rant. Because of my 'condition', I could understand the alien words pouring forth from her lips, and as such I winced more than a few times at their meaning. I'm surprised that Starfire knew such foul language. Raven continues to stare at Starfire, looking almost bored as the alien girl finally halts her cursing.
Strong and withered.....
The look on Raven's face doesn't change as she proceeds to tear more fresh wounds into Starfire's soul, telling her most matter of factly that I'm dead and gone. The way Star's face changes from sad to bitter actually scares me, I feel as if she's slowly throwing away her innocence, in favor of something more dangerous.
Beginning and end.....
I watch Raven for a moment as she stares after Starfire's retreating form, her gaze remaining neutral. " Don't you even care about her feelings?" I ask the air, knowing that I won't get an answer, and I don't. Emotions stayed high, even into the night.
Enemy and friend....
It felt like old times as I watched Beastboy and Cyborg battle it out in a racing game. But just like earlier, looks can be deceiving. While Cyborg was playing the game, he kept glancing over at Beastboy, who was whimpering like a wounded animal. Had my death affected Beastboy so badly? Raven, meanwhile, just continued to read from her book as if nothing had happened.
Hot and cold.....
Again as Starfire appeared, yelling at the others when they told her about my killer's condition, I could see her slipping away, just a little bit more. Her mind can't handle these feelings, and it's eating at her, surpressing her emotions just like Raven does.
Coward and bold....
My funeral was the next day. It felt weird looking around at all the people who said they knew me. How many of them really knew me? Only my friends, and Bruce. It was rather surprising to see him there, even though he was still in his Batman outfit. I guess old habits die hard, he didn't want people to know his true identity, even at such a somber event. I don't whether to be happy or sad that he even came. And Slade, why now? Why come see my lifeless corpse? Are you satisfied that there's one less Titan to worry about, or are you angry that your 'apprentice' died before you did?
Departures and farewells....
I observed my friends as they said they're final goodbyes. Again I felt a non-existent tear in my eye as Starfire kissed my body's cheek. Just another bitter reminder of the things I'd never get to experience. Cyborg teared up as he stood over the coffin, unable to say goodbye. As I watched him stumble back to his seat, I heard Beastboy cry out. I realized then, how close I was to the coffin, close enough to be almost in it. And staring down at me was Beastboy, his eyes alight with fear. I knew he couldn't see me, but somehow he seemed to sense me as he took a few steps back, his head whipping back and forth before he ran off.
Quenches and quells....
I roamed the streets after that day, occasionally checking in on my friends. It wasn't long, though, before they split up. And that's where things became even worse. Raven became more distant, keeping away from human contact, Beastboy took out his aggressions on anyone breaking the law, his vengence becoming more and more vicious as time went on. Cyborg, he felt it was neccessary to watch the entire city, reporting infractions and keeping tabs on the rest of the team. And Starfire, she still helped the occasional person in need, but her halfhearted attempts were normally met with fear as she grew more and more bitter and impatient with Earth's customs.
Angels and Demons.....
Things came to a head on the one year anniversary of my death. I was floating behind Cyborg, scanning the city for anything of interest, when a screen caught my eye. Starfire, her body thinner and her hair a messy tangle, had just stopped in front of a handicapped pedestrian. My view was suddenly blocked by Cyborg's massive, yet frail, body, as he stood up, muttering to himself. " How the hell did he get out? Oh man, Star's gonna kill him if I don't stop her." He continued murmuring to himself, but I was too preoccupied with my own thoughts. ' Star wouldn't harm another, unless...' It hit me, this was the guy that had taken my life, and that meant..... I was floating/flying out through the Tower, trying to make my way to the scene. I knew there was nothing I could do, but I still had to try.
Off and on.....
I arrived just as Starfire had the man by the throat, his useless legs dangling in mid-air. His eyes were wide as he recognized the gold skinned alien. The look on Star's face, though, is what scared me more. Her eyes were glowing so deeply that it hurt to look at them, her free hand was clenched into a tight fist, a slight green glow beginning to surround it. As she brought her fist forward I heard her say, " You feel it is your right to inflict death on another and then proceed to escape from your punishment. I have waited all this time to give you your just punishment, and indeed I shall inflict it now." The glow around her fist increased in intensity as it connected with the man's face, the flesh of his cheek immediately beginning to smoke as the man's mouth opened in a silent scream, his eyes bulging from fear and pain.
Burning and searing....
I swooped down, reaching for her arm, calling out, " Please, I know you can't hear me, Star. You don't want this, you can't kill him. You'll be no better than him!" I knew she couldn't hear me, but as my hand passed through her flesh I saw a change in her. The glow in her eyes suddenly ceased as she released the man's limp body as if it was poison, her knees striking the ground as she slumped down. Her face raised up, looking at the heavens. " What have I become? Robin, why, why did you have to die?"
Joking and jeering....
There were tears, actual tears in her eyes. In the year since my death I had only seen her cry for me two other times. It gave me hope that she would be okay. But...I was wrong.
Sadness and bitterness.....
After releasing the man, who was still alive but badly burned, to the custody of the police, Starfire flew away. I stayed close behind, wondering where she went after the day was done. I found out quickly enough when she descended into the depths of a side alley, not far from the Tower. There, in the back, was a sturdy, refridgerator-sized box. I was shocked to see her enter it, but it was true, the once proud Tamaranian was now reduced to a homeless waif.
Crime and justice.....
As I watched her settle in, she produced a small pad of paper. On it, in halting words she wrote her plea, and I knew she was not alright. Somehow she managed to find Beastboy and Raven because I saw the two of them, and Cyborg at my grave later that day. It was then that Starfire delivered her most damning bit of news, that she was returning home. I didn't know what to think, I guess I should've seen it coming. My teamates seemed to feel the same way, as none of them put up a very convincing argument. And then Starfire was gone, heading down the street as the team split up for the last time.
Home and away....
Starfire left later that day, packing her meager belongings into a tattered backpack before flying off into space. I didn't follow her. Years later there was a mention from the Justice League about a Tamaranian princess being captured by Gordanians. Good thing Starfire isn't a princess.
Gone and stay....
Beastboy still roams the streets, his feral rages have kept many people away from him. Raven, has retreated into her mind. She's now bound up in a mental institution, entertaining the orderlies with stories about her father's eventual return. And Cyborg, his mind did reside in the Titans Tower until just a few days ago, but the systems are dead now.
Now or never....
My...friends, have not fared well, that I know, and it saddens me. Yet, it also angers me. Here I am, dead, my life gone, and yet THEY continue to lament my passing! Yes, I know Cyborg is dead too, but the fact that I haven't found him means that at least he might of got his final reward. As for the rest of you, get over it, there's nothing left to do, let me go and rest in peace! I can't go until you do, I realize that now. Maybe I'm just bitter, but it's been ten years! Ten long years without my final rest!
Forever and ever.....
But none of you will let go, will you? You refuse to, and as such you've bound me to the Earth, forever roaming until my memory is at last put to rest. That's my sin, for being loved so much by my friends. It keeps me here.
A tormented soul, forevermore.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. This story has now been laid to rest. The Titans futures are forever in doubt, but Robin has plenty of time to watch the rest of his friends die, after all, he's doomed to roam the Earth until they do. If you read, please review. I'm interested to find out what you thought of Robin's part, the finale of the story.