This is the last chapter of Act I. I may be taking a long break from this, or we might see act 2 soon.
Special thanks go to NNY- he's helped me get this far with this with some of his suggestions.
Also, big thanks go to Strider for giving such detailed reviews. I need to know what's going right or wrong with this, guys!(Although, Strider, Raven's positive feelings do not cause the havoc that her negative ones do[nothing blew up when she burst out laughing in front of Robin and Starfire in "Nevermore"]. She suppresses all of her feelings so that she won't have a mood swing and knock the tower over.)
Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans.
Chapter Eight: Time of Decision
Starfire sat in Raven's room, watching over Raven and Beastboy. As she sat on the floor, against the door, she was having an argument with herself.
I should have called Robin and Cyborg long ago, she thought to herself. Raven told me to do so, yet I cannot help but feel it is the wrong thing to do.
Starfire stared off into space. Raven had come out of her trance almost an hour ago, only to pass out from exhaustion moments after. Beastboy had thrashed horribly during the test, and then had gone still. He had yet to surface from his own unconsciousness.
What is the thought that so troubles me? Starfire asked herself. Raven has stated that Beastboy is recovered, yet I feel no joy in this. Why?
I feel a wrongness in all of this. What am I ignoring? Starfire frowned impressively, digging through her memories for what was causing the itch in her mind. Why am I reminded of the clock that was stolen by Warp? She thought to herself. She bit her lip, thinking of what happened.
Her eyes opened wide. Where was Terra in the awful future I visited? None of the others mentioned her… She discarded the idea that she had not been welcomed when Star hadn't been there, literally removed from time for twenty years. Slade was not there either.
Then she remembered Robin's comment last night. "Beastboy wants to go find Terra and bring her back, or at least warn her." Robin had said. "I don't like that plan at all. There are too many things that could go wrong."
Starfire's eyes glowed fiercely. He does not intend to let Beastboy go, yet he does not have an alternative plan. Starfire felt the enormity of the problem facing her. I must choose what occurs next. By my actions, all of our fates may be decided. She thought about that cold and desolate future she had visited. They wished me to do all I could to change what happened. I hold a trust for them. I am their hope.
But how can I change what happened? Star wondered. She heard a voice both from the past and the future. "So it's impossible? Good. If memory serves, we've done the impossible before." She paused, thinking about Nightwing and his iron determination. I must have the same strength. Starfire thought to herself.
Robin may not agree with what I must do, but I must do it. Starfire thought to herself.
As she made her decision, she noticed Beastboy stirring.
Owww…my head…did I get hit by a train…? Beastboy thought as he stirred. Not only his mind, but his body felt thrashed as well. As he cautiously opened his eyes, he noticed Raven beside him. Is she hurt too? What happened…? He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Beastboy, are you well?" Starfire whispered softly.
"I feel like I got hit in the head by Cinderblock." He replied just as softly "What's wrong with Raven?"
Starfire made a motion for them to leave the room. Beastboy got shakily to his feet, and Starfire steadied him. Luckily, Raven wasn't disturbed in the process.
As they left the room, Starfire lead Beastboy to the main room. It was late afternoon, and the sun was low on the horizon. "Raven is exhausted," Starfire continued softly. "She performed the test on you, and then fell unconscious." Starfire led him to the couch, and looked him over, trying to fathom his condition. "Are you hurt?"
Beastboy covered his eyes with his hand, Why does it have to be so bright? He winced at the orange glow from the low sun. I don't feel any different…I can't remember feeling anything while Raven was supposedly in my mind. Maybe that's not so weird though. Cyborg and I wandered all over Raven's mind, and she didn't show up until the exit.
"I feel a little dizzy and I have a headache, but I think I'll live," Beastboy responded. The weird pains in his muscles were fading, and he was thinking more clearly. "What did Raven say?"
Starfire bit her lip. "I cannot disclose that now. It must wait until we are all here."
Beastboy looked at her incredulously. "Star…"
Star looked at him pleadingly. "Beastboy, I cannot, and I cannot tell you the reason why. This is important. You must give your trust to me in this."
Beastboy looked at her closely. She looks just like she did when Robin got all freaky on us. Oh, no! Does that mean I didn't pass?! Beastboy's mind ran in circles. I can't let this happen! I have to get out of here now, or may never get the chance again!
Beastboy backed slowly away from Starfire, and suddenly changed into a small cat again. He dashed away as fast as he could, claws tearing into the rug. I have to get away! I can forage for food if I have to. As he gained speed, he tried to think of a faster form. Unfortunately, most of them were too big to be of any use in the corridors. He shuddered at the thought of bouncing off one of the walls in his cheetah form. Wait, is that a mouse hole? As he shifted into a mouse, he dove toward the hole.
Starfire was right behind him, however. She was almost as fast as he was, and she had starbolts. "Beastboy! Cease this immediately!" She pleaded. She didn't hesitate, though. Her eyes glowed green, and a starbolt flew from her hand toward the mouse hole. The explosion blocked the hole, and knocked Beastboy the mouse back against the opposite wall. As the mouse lay stunned, Starfire grabbed him behind the neck.
As Beastboy shifted back to his normal form and the stun wore off, he found himself being held by the scruff of the neck by Starfire. Well, that didn't work. And I thought I could take Slade. What a joke.
"Beastboy," Starfire said carefully and precisely. "Do not force me to hurt you." Her eyes were deadly serious. Beastboy nodded miserably to her.
Why do boys always have to make things so much more difficult? Starfire thought to herself. They always seem to think they have to do things by themselves. Perhaps this is the time to use what Robin gave me. She reached with her free hand for the spray that Robin had given her on her belt. "I am sorry, Beastboy," Starfire said. "I will speak with you later." As Beastboy began to struggle, she sprayed him in the face with Robin's formula.
Beastboy was snoring in mere seconds.
Starfire sighed in relief. As she hauled him back to his room, she contemplated her next move. I shall call for Robin and Cyborg. When they arrive, I will prevent them from making a decision until Raven recovers. I will awaken Beastboy after the others have gone to sleep, and we will make our escape. It made her unhappy to practice such deception on her friends and especially on Robin, but clearly that was what was required. Even Raven would not approve of what she was doing.
The future must not become what I saw. She remembered how unhappy Beastboy had been in the future. She remembered the hopeless look on Cyborg's face. I must do all in my power to prevent that.
After she deposited Beastboy in the top bunk of his bunk bed, she made her way back to the living room. She drifted to the main computer, and accessed Robin's communications link. "Starfire to Robin, please return to the Tower."
"Acknowledged," came Robin's prompt response. "What is the condition at the Tower?"
"There is no emergency," Starfire said carefully. They were never sure whether Slade or one of the others could hack their encrypted signal. "Return as you are able."
"Ten minutes. Robin out."
Robin and Cyborg were at the park tossing a football when Starfire contacted them. As Robin closed his communicator, he stared thoughtfully at it.
"Yo, Robin! Aren't we going?!" Cyborg called from the T-Car.
"Yeah…" Robin still stood there, staring into space. Something's not right. Robin stood still, trying to put his finger on it. What took so long? Raven didn't tell us how long it would take, but I don't think it was supposed to take until 4:30. He absently wandered over to his motorcycle. He filed the question away for the moment.
Cyborg moved up next to him with the T-Car. He gave Robin a serious look. "What's the problem?"
"I don't know yet," Robin said thoughtfully. "Let's hurry back. I don't think everything went as planned."
Cyborg's face turned grim. "Let's go then," He said seriously.
Starfire was already putting her plan in motion. She was rifling through the fridge, filling two backpacks with water bottles and food. She pulled out mostly tofu and fruit for Beastboy, and weird variety of food for herself. She also packed some things for Terra to eat, if they found her. Not "if." We must find her.
She glanced at the clock, and saw that five minutes had passed. I must hide these in my room before Robin and Cyborg return. Luckily, both backpacks were almost full. I will require room for warm fabric to sleep with. Beastboy can probably sleep in another form.
Starfire heard the elevator going down to the garage. I must hurry.
Robin and Cyborg were in the garage, just getting done parking. Robin was still in his introspective mode, noting everything while seeming not to pay attention. As he took off his helmet, he wondered again why his instincts were screaming at him.
Cyborg got out of his prized car and hit the elevator button. While he was waiting, he polished a smudge of dirt off the hood of the T-Car. Robin's uneasiness seemed to have rubbed off on him, and he found himself looking for more spots to distract himself with.
:Ding:
The elevator opened, and Cyborg and Robin entered. As they made their way up the massive tower, Robin wondered what they would find. His mind conjured many possibilities, most of them bad. Starfire would have told us if there was trouble…but why can't I shake the idea that there is?
As the doors opened, they found Starfire in the living room. She was eating an apple. Why does everything feel wrong, still? Robin thought to himself. "Starfire, what happened?"
Star finished chewing the bit of apple she was eating. This is the moment of importance. He must not know my intentions. I must act as normally as possible. "Raven performed the test on Beastboy," She began quietly. "Both of them are sleeping. The test was more draining and dangerous than Raven led us to believe." Starfire paused, deciding how best to phrase the next part.
"I do not think either of them are permanently injured, but they are still badly hurt. I do not believe that they will wake until tomorrow," Starfire finished.
Robin processed the information, and noticed that Star had omitted whatever had been discovered. "Did Raven tell you anything about Beastboy's condition?" Robin asked.
Starfire agonized inside, but she knew the only way that her plan would remain opaque is if she lied to him. "No. She did not remain conscious after the test. She asked for water, drank some, and then lost consciousness. Beastboy was not awake at the end." Starfire feinted a sad expression. "I am sorry. We will not know until Raven awakens what Beastboy's condition is." Starfire felt horrible about lying to them, but she kept her mind on her memory of the shattered Titan's Tower in the future. If I must feel horrible and lie to them to prevent that, then I must.
Robin and Cyborg looked shocked and worried. Robin spoke first.
"If we don't have a verdict, we can't make any decisions yet," Robin said. He rubbed his eyes. "This will have to wait until tomorrow." He yawned broadly. Starfire inwardly sighed in relief. It is well. He does not suspect.
Cyborg also looked tired. "I'm worried about Rae and BB. I'll check on them, and then get some shut eye."
Starfire quickly thought about whether this would be dangerous to her plans, but kept her sorrowful face on. I was not exaggerating their conditions. Beastboy cannot wake until the spray wears off, and Raven will not until she is recovered. It should be safe. "Come, Cyborg," Starfire said softly. "We will check on them together. Please do not do anything that would wake Raven. She asked me to protect her, and she will be unwell until she is rested."
Robin looked like he was thinking of joining them, but seemed to change his mind. "Good idea. I'll make some dinner for us. You check on Beastboy and Raven."
As Starfire and Cyborg left the room, Robin dug through the fridge looking for dinner components. My instincts were right about Beastboy and Raven, but is that all it was? Robin absently puzzled it out as he looked through the refrigerator. He didn't feel the sense of wrongness as strongly, but something still didn't feel right. He felt like he was missing something.
Ironically, he was staring right at it, but he didn't see it. Starfire's raid of the fridge had changed its state from overfull to just about right. Hmm…I forgot that we had steaks in here. Robin thought as he stared at Cyborg's meat filled section. Robin settled on the steaks with some potatoes.
As he prepared the meal, he noticed the surreal silence in the air. I feel like I'm at a hospital, or a funeral. He shook those thoughts away. Or at Wayne Manor again, He thought wryly. He shook those memories off too. I'm glad I'm not there anymore.
Working with Batman was both the best and the worst thing he'd ever done. Bruce had taught him so many things, but he lived the kind of life Robin could do without. Constantly paranoid, ear to the ground, living in the night and pretending to be a normal person by day. He shook his head. Living in the daytime and fighting crime with my friends is so much better. Maybe I could beat Slade by myself if I were more like him, but the cost is probably too high.
He was learning other things here. More important things, in his mind, if not Bruce's. Friendship, trust, happiness…all while doing the same things he had done in Gotham City. No. We're doing them better here. I still fall into the bad habits that I learned from Bruce, but Starfire and Raven are there to remind me when I'm stepping over the line.
Meanwhile, Cyborg and Starfire made their way to Raven's room. Starfire had given Cyborg a silent glare earlier when he was clanking down the hallway, and now he was moving more carefully and near silently. As they approached Raven's room, Starfire moved forward to open the door.
The room was dark and silent. Raven slept peacefully, but she was deadly pale. Cyborg moved close and saw the dark sheet moving up and down slowly in peaceful breaths, and noticed a slight pulsing at her jugular artery. Whew. She seems ok, but who ever heard of Raven sleeping during the day? Cyborg thought to himself. He looked closely at her face, and saw lines of tension. Even knocked out she's still not relaxed. That must have been some test…
Starfire left for a moment while Cyborg was looking Raven over, and returned with a full glass of water. As she set it carefully on a table next to Raven's bed, she made a motion for them to leave. Rae looks like she could use the rest. I hope she's gonna be alright, Cyborg thought to himself.
Cyborg and Starfire carefully left the room and moved on to Beastboy's room. When they entered, they could hear Beastboy talking in his sleep. "No!" Beastboy slurred. "You can't do that!" He thrashed briefly, and then went still.
Beastboy looks a lot better off than Rae, Cyborg thought hopefully. I don't think I want to know what he's dreaming about, though. He looked Beastboy over carefully. His color was good, and except for the sleep talking seemed just about normal. He made a motion to Starfire that they should leave, and she nodded.
As they walked back through the corridors, Cyborg yawned hugely again. "Tell Robin sorry about the dinner," He said quietly to Starfire. "I'm bushed. I'm going to bed."
Starfire was so happy at the announcement that she seemed to catch fire inside, though she was careful not to show to much of that to Cyborg. This was going to be the last time she saw him in awhile, so she felt more demonstrative to him than usual. "We will miss you at the meal, friend. I know that you and Robin did not sleep last night so that Raven and I would be able to, so I hope that you find your rest to be a good one. Thank you." Starfire proceeded to give him one of her famous rib-cracking hugs.
"Careful, little lady!" Cyborg said half-humorously "I still need to breathe!" He hugged her back. "Make sure you sleep enough too, Star! Goodnight!"
As Cyborg headed off to bed, Starfire was grateful that he wouldn't be at dinner. Only she and Robin would still be awake, and if his yawns were any indication, Robin would be asleep soon as well. Beastboy and I can escape just after sundown. The others will not likely awaken before the next morning. Things were falling into place well.
As she walked back to the living room, she smelled the aroma of grilled meat. Robin glanced her way from the kitchen. "Where's Cyborg? Is he ok? Are our other two patients ok?" Robin wanted to know.
"Cyborg asked me to apologize to you. He was too exhausted to join us." She thought about how honestly she could answer his other question. The truth should cause no trouble. "Raven looks exhausted, but is sleeping peacefully. Beastboy looks to be in a much better condition, but seems to be having troubling dreams."
"I see." Robin stared out in space for a moment, seeming to ponder something. "Do you think Raven's going to be ok?"
"I…think so," Star said uncertainly. "She was…most hesitant to perform the test. I recommended that she not do it when she spoke of the risk." Starfire paused. "She said it was too important for her not to. She seemed to be herself when she awoke, but I cannot be sure. She lost consciousness too soon, and said to little for me to be certain."
Robin seemed to come to himself. "I'm sorry to pester you about this. You've been watching over both of them all day." Robin looked over the nearly done food. "Since Cyborg won't be joining us, do you want to have dinner by candlelight?"
Starfire looked at him curiously. "I know what a candle is, but I do not know of what you are suggesting. Can you please explain it to me?"
Robin smiled slightly. Her first candlelight meal. This should be special. He often forgot that Starfire was an alien. Around things she knew, she was perfectly natural. Even when she was totally clueless, though, her childlike wonder at new things reminded him of how special they really were. It's easy to take things for granted.
"It's harder to explain it than show you, Star." Robin looked around the kitchen. "Help me find a few candles, and then you'll see."
Starfire flew around the room for a few moments, and then seemed to think of something. "I will return soon, Robin! I have some in my room"
Robin plated the steak and baked potatoes. As he looked over to the table, he noticed that it was cluttered with everything from Star's sketch pad to one of Cyborg's comic books. He sighed in irritation. He took all of the items off and dumped them on the coffee table by the couch. As he wiped the table down with a wet cloth, he decided that it needed a tablecloth. Good thing we don't use those very much. He dug in the pantry, and found a tablecloth, two cloth placemats and two napkins. Perfect.
As he was finishing up, Starfire returned with four purple candles. Robin found some saucers for them, and lit them.
The timing was perfect. The sun had just set, and darkness fell over the Tower. With no other lights, the dancing candlelight filled the room. The waves crashed at the base of the tower, providing soothing sounds in the background.
As Robin and Starfire sat down to eat, there was an air of decorum and intimacy. None of the other Titans were awake, and it felt as if they were the only ones there. While Robin and Starfire rarely even thought about good table manners, they fell perfectly in the mood of the moment. They ate silently and delicately, savoring the food. They had all the time in the world.
Only on a few rare occasions had Starfire been happier. She liked the other Titans, but it was hard to have a moment to herself, let alone with Robin. Something always interfered in the past, but she did not wish to dwell on the possibility of this moment being shattered. I must leave this night with Beastboy, but I will enjoy this moment. "I understand, Robin." Starfire said quietly, not wishing to disturb the mood. "This was an excellent idea. I am grateful that you wished to share it with me."
Robin looked slightly embarrassed. "I'm the one who's grateful," He said softly. He didn't spoil the mood the way he usually did by talking about how it was great that she was part of the team. "I'm glad you're here, Star."
They finished their meal in comfortable silence. After they cleared the table, Robin blew out two of the candles. The spring night was well under way for it only being about six o'clock. It was fully dark, and the moon had not risen yet.
Starfire and Robin decided to have dessert. Robin had some chocolate cake while Starfire had strawberry ice cream.
"A toast," Robin said solemnly as they sat down again, raising his glass.
Starfire knew this ritual, and raised her glass.
"To those who make our lives worth living. To the people who watch out for us." Robin said quietly, and Starfire knew he was talking about her.
Starfire spoke just as solemnly. "To those who give of themselves to protect another. To never leaving anyone behind." Starfire finished, both saluting Robin, and stating her own purpose out loud.
"Salute." Robin said as their glasses clinked. They drank to each other, and to all other heroes like themselves.
After dessert they found themselves on the couch, slowly kissing each other. The silence of the tower was unbroken, and the candles had been blown out, leaving only soft darkness and the faint light of the newly risen moon. Their forms seemed molded together, and as they shifted they seemed to get even closer with each movement.
Why didn't we do this before now…? Robin though dimly to himself as they finished a rather passionate kiss. He was dead tired, but it didn't matter. He was in heaven, and wished it would never end.
Starfire, for her part, was just as enthusiastic. Robin noticed that she was looking at him with concern, though.
"Are you tired, Robin?" Starfire asked.
"Yeah…but there's no place I'd rather be right now!" Robin said with a tired grin.
Starfire looked at him sternly. "You must rest now." She gave him a quick kiss and a happy smile. "Tonight was wonderful. Perhaps in the future…?"
Robin gave in with a smile. "I am pretty tired." He yawned hugely. "I'd love to have dinner with you any time you want."
Starfire beamed at him, and then pointed imperiously toward his bedroom. She took one of his hands and led him there. "Sleep well, Robin." Starfire said as they reached his room. She paused momentarily. "This was a special night for me. Thank you."
Robin smiled and wandered into his room to flop on his bed. As Starfire closed the door, the sound of soft snores came to her.
Starfire flew soundlessly to her room, grabbing the two backpacks and the antidote for the sleep spray. She worked quickly, hoping that nothing might happen to wake one of the others. She paused when she saw her desk when she saw some writing paper. I should leave a note for them.
Friends,
Beastboy and I must leave you for a time. We go to seek Terra, and I hope that we can return with her in our company. I know that this puts an enormous pressure on all of you, but this must be done. The future -our future- may depend on us saving her. I must go to lend my strength to Beastboy's. It is my hope that with the powers both of us possess, we will overcome Slade or his minions.
I am sorry that I did not tell you of this, but because I am the one the Titans of the future depend on, I must go.
Starfire
Starfire grabbed the note, and flew over to Beastboy's room. The silence of the tower was now her enemy, and she feared that the slight amount of noise she was making would wake the others, especially Raven. I must leave with Beastboy soon. If we make it out now, our absence won't be discovered until morning.
As she reached Beastboy's room, she heard him stirring. The spray is wearing off…? She thought to herself, bewildered. Of course. It has been several hours. I did not expect Robin to stay awake for so long. As she entered the room, she noticed that his breathing was not yet that of a conscious human.
As soon as she sprayed the antidote, Beastboy started to rouse himself. As he gathered breath to ask a question, Starfire quickly slapped a hand over his mouth.
"Rowr rowr rowr…" Beastboy started to mumble behind her hand, but she quickly put a finger to her lips.
"Beastboy," She said in a very soft whisper "Say nothing. We leave to seek Terra. It is late, and if you wake the others, we will not be able to."
As Starfire removed her hand, she handed one of the packs to Beastboy. Beastboy was looking at her funny. "Why are you doing this, Star?" Beastboy asked.
Starfire gave him a serious look. "You and I must not fail in this. We must return with her." She took a breath. "We must leave now, as silently as possible. I will explain later."
Beastboy nodded soberly. He pointed upward, and Starfire nodded. They carefully made their way to the stair access to the roof. The pervading silence of the Tower continued, but Starfire was on edge, fearing that they might be discovered at any time. When they passed through the living room, Starfire left the note on the kitchen table. I am sorry, Robin. I wish that this decision had not been forced on me.
They reached the roof without incident, and Beastboy sighted the horizon. He pointed at a rock formation across the bay that was dimly lit by the faint moonlight. Starfire nodded to him. The entrance to the desert.
As Beastboy took the shape of a pterodactyl, holding his pack in his claws, Starfire reflected momentarily on the enormity of what they were doing. We do not know what waits for us there. But if we do not try, then I have betrayed the trust of those in the future. She mentally took strength from Nightwing's confidence. "We've done the impossible before."
As they flew away from the Tower, both full of misgivings and grim resolve, a twist was formed in the Pattern of Fate. Before, no one had fathomed the true reason Terra had left. Now, two of the Titans sought her out, trying to save her.
It may be too late, however.
And it might not be Slade that they have to worry about…