Lifeline
~^~^~^Beep~^~^~^~Beep~^~^~^~
~Forgive~
"Blackfire"
~^~^~^~^~^~^
The titan's eyes widened when they saw the dark haired girl her last visit bringing back bad memories.
"What's *she* doing here?" Asked Beast Boy who was obviously not happy to see her.
Instinctively Robin moved closer to Starfire the rest of the team followed.
"How?" Asked Starfire looking straight to Malekai.
"I told her"
The dark red haired girl's eyes glowed green, a dangerous look clouding her face.
"I had to! She is your sister, if she did not choose to come then that would be her decision. She had to be informed." He explained.
"No she did not"
"Yes I did" Blackfire walked beside Malekai. Starfire moved back.
"What are you doing here Blackfire? You're not welcome here" Robin's voice was harsh and to the point.
"I....I'm so sorry" Her voice sounded lost and full with regret. Blackfire stood in front of Starfire.
"No you are not. This was what you wished for was it not?" Starfire pushed the tears away from her eyes. Emotions she usually controlled getting the best of her.
"Starfire I never meant, I mean I"
"I am sick Blackfire, you will not have to 'stand' me any longer"
She'd forgotten the last time her voice had sounded so bitter. But her sister had hurt her deeply, more than any other person. She loved her to death she was her only sister after all. But since they were little no matter what she'd said or done Blackfire had always pushed her away.
Always been so distant, at first she thought it was because she didn't really grow up with Ryand'r and her. Blackfire had been lost and believed to be dead for three years after an explosion a year after their parents had died. Star knew Blackfire resented her for having been her brother's "favourite" as she called her.
She also resented her for looking so much like their mother. When they were little Blackfire would love her one-day and completely ignore her the next. She didn't understand how she could be sorry about her dying.
"You'll be rid of me for good big sister. Like you always wanted" Starfire smiled through the whole sentence. A smile filled with sadness. Blackfire just looked at the ground ashamed.
Malekai launched to Starfire holding her in his arms tightly, acting out the impulse of his age. Something he rarely did, he was two years younger than Starfire yet he acted as if he was her age sometimes older. If She'd been a human he'd broken her ribs but for Star the hug was just fine.
"No, Please" He pleaded. "Do not leave me sister. I need you, we need you Kori."
"Oh Kai. I am here" She hugged the boy back tenderly. The titans watched in awe as Star consoled Malekai and Blackfire flew back into the ship.
~^~^~^~Beep ~^~^~Beep~^~^~Beep~^~^~Beep~^~^~
"This is Genrly, Mistdar said it will help your immune system. And this is Tynal, and some Iiu, and Karsha'p"
"Kai these things smell bad enough to poison a gorlag"
Kai let out a good laugh.
"I agree but we must listen to nana"
"Yes"
"So this could cure Star?" Asked Cyborg picking up one of the plants and smelling it. Unfortunately the smell was strong enough to make him want to throw up.
"I do not know really. It might help"
"Is it true that a woman was cured from stage 5 Merel?" Starfire asked hopeful.
"I do not know. There was rumour about it but there was no real proof of it. But maybe if we go back, you could see the best military doctors. There is rumour of a new treatment, it would be experimental but it could work and I am sure that if we___"
She'd had enough. For almost two months she had seen the worried look in her friend's eyes every time they saw her arms. The bruised spots on them made them sad. That was why she had decided to wear a patch where Cyborg injected so that they would have to see the bruises all the time.
It had helped, but if she had to take five teas a day just to "get better" she didn't even want to think how much it would affect her friends.
She knew a life like that was no life at all, and it would only buy her at least six more months of life.
"NO! Enough, I will not try every single possible treatment, I will die and I rather do it with some dignity left in me!"
She was sure her sickness was starting to affect her brain, otherwise she would never have snapped like that. Merel stage 3 brought a series of mood swings and short temper. Apparently it was just starting to affect her system. Starfire covered her face with her hands in desperation she had to calm down.
"Kai, will you do me a favour?" She whispered more calmly.
"Of course"
"Do not tell me about any more treatments. I will not be taking them"
"There just has to be a way!" Cyborg was angry, how could Starfire give up so easily? How could she just give up? Did she want to leave them?
"Cyborg"
"NO! There has to be something we can do! Anything. You may be giving up but we're not! NO!"
"I am NOT giving up! But there is not much we can do Cyborg! I do not wish to live the next four months taking teas and vaccines all day, NOT AGAIN!!"
A dead silence reined the room, four moths. It sounded like so little time.
"Star, he didn't mean to upset you. It's just that....is there nothing we can do?" Raven asked.
She was still shocked about knowing there was only four months left. Where had the time gone? Last thing she knew the red haired Tamaranian was telling them she was sick and now she only had four months.
"I am so sorry. I did not mean to yell, my sickness is affecting my hormones" She apologized.
"Is it that advanced already?" She met Kai's eyes. He was so scared; he had watched his entire family get killed by the war and now this. She reached for his hand.
"Yes, but Kai listen to me. It is not the end of the galaxy. You will be fine"
Tears ran down his cheeks, he held Starfire again afraid to let her go. Raven held the small crystal in her hand, trying to control her emotions. Robin walked out of the room without a word. Cyborg followed him, Beast Boy looked confused. His gaze went from Raven to Starfire, with a nod Raven stood up gesturing Beast boy to do the same.
Kai and Star needed to be alone. After seeing her friends walk out of the main room Star held Kai's face up smiling a warmly at him.
"Starfire, I am so scared. First my parents then Ryand'r and Tita'ia and lastly you. How is this possible."
"Malekai, you are my brother (like in the Chinese and Japanese culture cousins are considered brother/sisters.) I am afraid as well, actually I am terrified" She chuckled. "But I will be at peace because I know you will be fine. And you know I will never really be gone. All you have to do is close your eyes and think of me, I promise to be there. I wish to ask you for a favour"
"Anything" He answered. Making her smile again.
"When you leave you must promise me not to come back. At least not until I am....gone" 'why is this so hard?'
"But Star!"
"No buts! You must promise me."
"But I must bring Blackfire back to Centauri in three days!"
"Then that is your time on earth. You must not come back for four months."
"NO!"
"Kai, please. I could not possibly stand having you see me as life leaves me"
"The titans can! Why cannot I?"
"Because....please Kai. Please"
"Fine, but I will be speaking to you at least once a week by transmissions" He spoke through his teeth. Making sure she knew he didn't want to do it.
"Deal. And also__"
"NO!"
"Listen to me, please."
She tightened her hold on his hands.
"I want you to promise me you will leave Tamaran"
"But why?"
"It is killing us Kai. One by one, first our parents, then my brother and our friends I do not wish for you to suffer the same fate. Please, you can go to the Gara galaxy. You have family there, but please do not stay in Tamaran. Promise me you will leave?"
Her emerald eyes burned through his brown ones. His eyes dropped in defeat.
"For you Yes, I promise"
Starfire smiled a glowing smile and extended her hand. Holding it palm up toward him, he did the same thing. Their palms touched, and intertwined fingers. That promise was done nothing could break it. It was sealed.
~^~^~^~^~^~Beep, Beep, ~^~^~^~Beep~^~^~
Starfire herd soft sobs coming from inside the engine room. Walking quietly she approached the sobbing dark haired girl. Her arms around her legs and her face hidden on them. The same position she herself used when she cried or was sad. She knelt down beside the dark eyed girl she ran a hand down her silky black hair. The girl's head snapped up, seeing the red head smiling at her.
"Shh, it is ok. Do not cry." She whispered. Recalling the words from long ago, the same words Blackfire had used long ago when Starfire cried. Starfire's hand touched her sister's cheek, wiping away the stream of tears staining her cheeks.
"Starfire, I'm so sorry. I....I never (Sob) wanted this to happen (sob)"
"It is ok sister. I forgive you"
Blackfire pulled her little sister into her arms, holding her tightly. She was so much like their mother; she did not know it of course. Star had been too little when she died to remember her but Blackfire did. It was that likeness that made her their brother's favourite and that likeness that made Blackfire love her more.
'What was I thinking when I was going to let her take my place in jail? I was thinking about revenge. Revenge because she always had all the love she wanted, she was always welcomed everywhere. Because she wears her heart on her sleeve all the time, making her a person everyone wants to be with. Revenge for being everything I'm not.' Thought Blackfire bitterly as she held Starfire tighter.
"Forgive me Star. I'm so sorry. I was so jealous I though I could just come and take your place. I thought it was MY time to be happy, to belong"
"But you DO belong sister. I love you; it hurt me so much when you betrayed me. To think you hated me"
"I never really hated you, I was just hurt. I was alone for so long I....you always fitted in so easily. Just by being you, with one single smile. I was always alone even though you told me I wasn't. And now, all the time I wasted. When I really wouldn't have been alone. When I could have been with you"
The tears increased, the pain in her chest making it harder and harder to breathe.
"But sister you always ARE the one to fit in" Whispered Star.
"No, not me. The person I choose to be no one accepts me for who I am, I AM alone"
"Blackfire you were never alone. I am here, and when I am not here I will still exist in your heart. You are never alone, and you still have three days to be with me sister."
The black haired Tamaranian placed both hands on each side of her sister's face.
"You....how do you do it?"
"Do what sister?"
"Forgive so easily. Make someone love you so easily?"
"From you?" She smiled.
Blackfire hugged her once more.
"Yeah kid, from me." She laughed just before she broke into tears once more. And Starfire was there to hold her and soothe her through all the tears.
~^~^~^~Beep, Beep ~^~^~^~^~
"Beast Boy do not open that___"
"EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW What the hell is that thing?"
"SHUT UP! You'll wake the whole tower!"
"Too late" Said a sleepy Raven.
Kai, Beast Boy and Cyborg looked at a sleepy looking Robin, Starfire, Raven and Blackfire. They looked at each other, knowing they had been caught.
"Umm.....Sorry?" Offered Beast Boy innocently.
"What the hell are you guys doing in the kitchen at.....3 o'clock in the morning?" Asked an angry Robin. It wasn't bad enough they'd hardly gotten any sleep with all the day's excitement but they had to be woken up at three in the morning by them.
"We are very sorry. I told Beast boy and Cyborg about the medical splitan and they wanted to come see it."
"It's gross man!" Yelled a freaked out Beast Boy.
"You showed them the splitan?" Asked Blackfire suppressing a laugh.
"What is a splitan?"
"A very slimy dead reptile used for medicinal purposes" Explained Starfire.
"It's like a dead slimy alien lizard!" Said Cyborg, his voice in between disgust and awe.
"Star you're actually going to eat that thing?" Squeaked Beast boy in disgust. Causing Starfire to sweat drop.
"You woke the whole tower because of a dead lizard?"
"Oh c'mon Raven, it's a cool "dead lizard" Said Blackfire.
"I don't care we all need our sleep. Especially Starfire" Her voice was cold, though she showed concern for her friend. She didn't trust Blackfire, she didn't think she was really worried about Star. Raven didn't think Star should have forgiven Blackfire after all she did betray and attacked her.
Worst of all Blackfire had fooled them into thinking she was a friend. Fooled her into thinking she was better than Star. Yes she hated to admit it, she'd never really though about it. But for a moment when Blackfire and Raven were at the café and Raven was listening to her poetry she actually thought she could make a better friend than Star.
Time had showed her otherwise. Star had actually called Raven her sister and best friend. The feeling was mutual; she'd grown very fond of her. But she regretted that whole minute when she'd wished Blackfire was in the team instead of Star.
'It was her poetry it held such loneliness. I felt identified to it, I actually thought she was better than Star because Blackfire knew pain' The realization hit Raven like cold water. Thankfully Starfire interrupted her guilt trip.
"It is all right Raven. I cannot sleep anyways"
"You should at least try"
Star chuckled. The mare thought of * trying* to sleep alien to her. The only moments she actually got any sleep at all was when Robin was holding her securely in his arms. Otherwise she would instinctively wake up every fifteen minutes. Or have a very long and bad nightmare.
Without realizing it Starfire leaned closer to Robin resting her head on his shoulder. His arm went around waist.
"Sorry everyone, I think we should all get some sleep."
"Yes I am sorry as well." Apologized Kai.
"It is ok, but we should all go sleep" As everyone began to leave to their rooms Robin stopped Starfire.
"Would you like me to....umm sleep with you, I mean hold you?" He sturdily whispered into her ear. Star looked into his eyes, smiling gratefully.
"Yes please. I am very much tired but I cannot seem to find sleep"
Robin smiled and walked to her room. He knew he would have to wake up early to go to his room since Blackfire and Kai were here. He was pretty sure Star didn't want to be caught sleeping in the same bed as him. Truthfully he loved holding her in his arms, watching her angelic face as she slept.
Both titans made their way toward the bed. Star floated to it and lay down exhausted. Robin removed his boots and joined Starfire. Smiling she reached to pull off his mask. He let her knowing she liked looking at his eyes. After kissing Robin's sweet lips she snuggled deeper into his chest and closed her eyes. Robin tightened his hold on her waist as he drifted into sleep.
~^~^~^~^~^Meanwhile
"Blackfire"
"Oh Raven, I something wrong?"
She stopped as the cloaked titans approached her.
"Why did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"You know what"
"I was jealous"
"Of what?" She almost chuckled.....almost.
"Of her friendship"
"Her friendship?"
"She's loved, wanted. She has friends, Robin's love."
"And yet she'd dying"
"She doesn't deserve to die, just like Ryand'r didn't. The good people always die"
"What did you say?" Choked Raven, an idea coming to her head.
"Good people always die?"
"Maybe not this time" With that Raven walked/ran to her room.
'What if....what if we could save her but would it be possible?' She thought.
"Raven!" Yelled Blackfire from behind her Raven turned around.
"Promise me you will look after her. I know she loves you like a sister, I don't know if you feel the same way but at least promise me you will look after her"
'Maybe she does care'
"I promise Blackfire"
The black haired girl nodded and turned around. Raven squeezed the crystal hanging from her neck; the action had become a habit.
~^~^~^~^~Beep, ~^~^~Beep~^~^~
"Has anyone seen Star?" Asked Robin sleepily. It was 9:30 he had woken up in Starfire's bedroom, a blanket covering him. He had slept in four and a half hours more than what he's wanted. And had actually woken up in Star's bed. He didn't want to think what could have happened if Blackfire or Malekai had walked in her room to find him there holding her.
"She's with Blackfire. They went out about an hour ago, so you slept in?" Cyborg winked at Robin, making him blush five different shades of red.
"Ye....(cough) yeah. Umm, so what you guys doing?"
"Playing video games, isn't it obvious?"
"Good morning peaceful inhabitants of earth. Did you sleep pleasantly?"
"Umm, yeah I guess."
"Want some healthy earthly breakfast Kai?"
"Umm perhaps. What do you mean by 'break fast'?" The blonde alien raised an eyesbrow in confusion.
"The food you eat in the morning, duh"
"Oh you mean the morning injection?"
Now Kai had all of their attention.
"Injection? In the morning?" Beast Boy asked his voice reflecting his incredibility.
"Of course. The morning injection that supplies the necessary nutrients for the daily activities"
"Dude you get shots, injections every morning?"
"Shots? Ohhhhh Injections? Yes, in my planet. Our food supply is restricted so we get extra nutrients from the vaccines"
"A shot every morning? Man that must be hell"
"Hell? I am afraid I am not familiar with that....word. But yes it is natural for us"
"Wow"
"Did Star have them also?"
"Oh yes, we all did Specially Starfire. Since we were little she was always giving the younger kids her food so she had to have more than one injection. She always hated them"
'So that is what she meant by not again' Realized Cyborg. There was silence in the room aside from the crashing sounds coming from the living room.
"I was hoping to have a talk with all of you before I have to leave....it is about Starfire"
The game was put into pause giving all attention to the Tamaranian.
"What bout Star?"
"Well you see Starfire was one of the oldest children of the 'orphanage'" Started Kai, extremely proud at himself for using the earth like expression. "Because of that she was always entrusted all the younger children, in a way she raised us all. We depended on her to know weather things were all right or nor, she was not allowed to be afraid. Because of this she never allows anyone to see she is in pain.
She wishes for everyone to believe she is always all right this is usually acceptable but the next three months will be the most difficult for her and you all. Her sickness will proceed very rapidly from now on varying from mood swings to sudden pain to loss of strength. And I fear for her well being I suppose why I am telling you this is so that all are prepared when things start getting 'bad' what I ask most of all from you is to not leave her alone. The only thing Starfire hates the most is been alone."
Kai lowered his head. Robin looked at Beast Boy and Cyborg. He was entrusting her to them.
"We promise we'll watch over her" Robin held the boy's gaze for a minute until Kai nodded smiling at last.
"Thank you. You have been the first people she has trusted ever since Ryand'r died. She loves you all much"
"Kai what exactly causes Merel?"
"We are not completely sure, we know it involves the energy organ in our bodies. But truthfully it is a mystery"
"Then why did Star say she was a perfect candidate to get Merel?"
"Her Starbots....she started using them when she was still quite young. It increases the possibilities of getting the decease. Specially killer starbolts"
"Killer Starbolts?"
"They are much more powerful than the normal and they take five times the energy to produce. Most Tamaranians cannot produce them until they are quite old but Starfire can."
Robin's eyes widened in realization. When defeating Slade Star had used an orange starbolt instead of her normal green one. That starbolt had hit Slade on the chest causing him to fall to the deep abyss and die. Star had fainted right after and had had to spend a lot of time in the sun right afterwards.
"How much impact do killer starbolts have in the decease?" Robin's eyes tightened fearing the answer.
"Usually they are not but because her body cannot produce or withstand the energy required they are quite deadly for her"
"Star used one on Slade" Whispered the masked Titan.
Cyborg covered his face with his hands. He was right she had used one. One so powerful that made him fall backwards and into the abyss.
"Your right....she did," He whispered.
"Star is dying because of that?"
Then door slipped open revealing a laughing Starfire and Blackfire walking toward them. Seeing the 4 guys looking at the floor in all seriousness the girls stopped laughing.
"Is everything all right?" Asked Star concerned.
"Starfire we need to talk"
Robin's voice was as sharp as a blade followed by Beat Boy's and Cyborg's intense gaze.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
So whatcha think? Hope you liked it and don't forget to write if you did. Reviews make my day any day! Is Blackfire out of character? I hope not. Please tell me if she is, it was come what of a challenge to keep her as realistically as possible. If you think she wouldn't cry think.....if your sister was dying and you felt guilty wouldn't you cry?
There WILL BE A small LEMONISH! No lemon LEMONISH part next chapter. Thanks everyone!
SUGGESTIONS? WRITE! OHH AND IF ENYONE HAS AN IDEAD ON HOW STAR COULD BE CURED YOU CAN WRITE IT AND I WILL TAKE IT INTO CONCIDERATION.
(^.^)Snuggle!)
~^~^~^Beep~^~^~^~Beep~^~^~^~
~Forgive~
"Blackfire"
~^~^~^~^~^~^
The titan's eyes widened when they saw the dark haired girl her last visit bringing back bad memories.
"What's *she* doing here?" Asked Beast Boy who was obviously not happy to see her.
Instinctively Robin moved closer to Starfire the rest of the team followed.
"How?" Asked Starfire looking straight to Malekai.
"I told her"
The dark red haired girl's eyes glowed green, a dangerous look clouding her face.
"I had to! She is your sister, if she did not choose to come then that would be her decision. She had to be informed." He explained.
"No she did not"
"Yes I did" Blackfire walked beside Malekai. Starfire moved back.
"What are you doing here Blackfire? You're not welcome here" Robin's voice was harsh and to the point.
"I....I'm so sorry" Her voice sounded lost and full with regret. Blackfire stood in front of Starfire.
"No you are not. This was what you wished for was it not?" Starfire pushed the tears away from her eyes. Emotions she usually controlled getting the best of her.
"Starfire I never meant, I mean I"
"I am sick Blackfire, you will not have to 'stand' me any longer"
She'd forgotten the last time her voice had sounded so bitter. But her sister had hurt her deeply, more than any other person. She loved her to death she was her only sister after all. But since they were little no matter what she'd said or done Blackfire had always pushed her away.
Always been so distant, at first she thought it was because she didn't really grow up with Ryand'r and her. Blackfire had been lost and believed to be dead for three years after an explosion a year after their parents had died. Star knew Blackfire resented her for having been her brother's "favourite" as she called her.
She also resented her for looking so much like their mother. When they were little Blackfire would love her one-day and completely ignore her the next. She didn't understand how she could be sorry about her dying.
"You'll be rid of me for good big sister. Like you always wanted" Starfire smiled through the whole sentence. A smile filled with sadness. Blackfire just looked at the ground ashamed.
Malekai launched to Starfire holding her in his arms tightly, acting out the impulse of his age. Something he rarely did, he was two years younger than Starfire yet he acted as if he was her age sometimes older. If She'd been a human he'd broken her ribs but for Star the hug was just fine.
"No, Please" He pleaded. "Do not leave me sister. I need you, we need you Kori."
"Oh Kai. I am here" She hugged the boy back tenderly. The titans watched in awe as Star consoled Malekai and Blackfire flew back into the ship.
~^~^~^~Beep ~^~^~Beep~^~^~Beep~^~^~Beep~^~^~
"This is Genrly, Mistdar said it will help your immune system. And this is Tynal, and some Iiu, and Karsha'p"
"Kai these things smell bad enough to poison a gorlag"
Kai let out a good laugh.
"I agree but we must listen to nana"
"Yes"
"So this could cure Star?" Asked Cyborg picking up one of the plants and smelling it. Unfortunately the smell was strong enough to make him want to throw up.
"I do not know really. It might help"
"Is it true that a woman was cured from stage 5 Merel?" Starfire asked hopeful.
"I do not know. There was rumour about it but there was no real proof of it. But maybe if we go back, you could see the best military doctors. There is rumour of a new treatment, it would be experimental but it could work and I am sure that if we___"
She'd had enough. For almost two months she had seen the worried look in her friend's eyes every time they saw her arms. The bruised spots on them made them sad. That was why she had decided to wear a patch where Cyborg injected so that they would have to see the bruises all the time.
It had helped, but if she had to take five teas a day just to "get better" she didn't even want to think how much it would affect her friends.
She knew a life like that was no life at all, and it would only buy her at least six more months of life.
"NO! Enough, I will not try every single possible treatment, I will die and I rather do it with some dignity left in me!"
She was sure her sickness was starting to affect her brain, otherwise she would never have snapped like that. Merel stage 3 brought a series of mood swings and short temper. Apparently it was just starting to affect her system. Starfire covered her face with her hands in desperation she had to calm down.
"Kai, will you do me a favour?" She whispered more calmly.
"Of course"
"Do not tell me about any more treatments. I will not be taking them"
"There just has to be a way!" Cyborg was angry, how could Starfire give up so easily? How could she just give up? Did she want to leave them?
"Cyborg"
"NO! There has to be something we can do! Anything. You may be giving up but we're not! NO!"
"I am NOT giving up! But there is not much we can do Cyborg! I do not wish to live the next four months taking teas and vaccines all day, NOT AGAIN!!"
A dead silence reined the room, four moths. It sounded like so little time.
"Star, he didn't mean to upset you. It's just that....is there nothing we can do?" Raven asked.
She was still shocked about knowing there was only four months left. Where had the time gone? Last thing she knew the red haired Tamaranian was telling them she was sick and now she only had four months.
"I am so sorry. I did not mean to yell, my sickness is affecting my hormones" She apologized.
"Is it that advanced already?" She met Kai's eyes. He was so scared; he had watched his entire family get killed by the war and now this. She reached for his hand.
"Yes, but Kai listen to me. It is not the end of the galaxy. You will be fine"
Tears ran down his cheeks, he held Starfire again afraid to let her go. Raven held the small crystal in her hand, trying to control her emotions. Robin walked out of the room without a word. Cyborg followed him, Beast Boy looked confused. His gaze went from Raven to Starfire, with a nod Raven stood up gesturing Beast boy to do the same.
Kai and Star needed to be alone. After seeing her friends walk out of the main room Star held Kai's face up smiling a warmly at him.
"Starfire, I am so scared. First my parents then Ryand'r and Tita'ia and lastly you. How is this possible."
"Malekai, you are my brother (like in the Chinese and Japanese culture cousins are considered brother/sisters.) I am afraid as well, actually I am terrified" She chuckled. "But I will be at peace because I know you will be fine. And you know I will never really be gone. All you have to do is close your eyes and think of me, I promise to be there. I wish to ask you for a favour"
"Anything" He answered. Making her smile again.
"When you leave you must promise me not to come back. At least not until I am....gone" 'why is this so hard?'
"But Star!"
"No buts! You must promise me."
"But I must bring Blackfire back to Centauri in three days!"
"Then that is your time on earth. You must not come back for four months."
"NO!"
"Kai, please. I could not possibly stand having you see me as life leaves me"
"The titans can! Why cannot I?"
"Because....please Kai. Please"
"Fine, but I will be speaking to you at least once a week by transmissions" He spoke through his teeth. Making sure she knew he didn't want to do it.
"Deal. And also__"
"NO!"
"Listen to me, please."
She tightened her hold on his hands.
"I want you to promise me you will leave Tamaran"
"But why?"
"It is killing us Kai. One by one, first our parents, then my brother and our friends I do not wish for you to suffer the same fate. Please, you can go to the Gara galaxy. You have family there, but please do not stay in Tamaran. Promise me you will leave?"
Her emerald eyes burned through his brown ones. His eyes dropped in defeat.
"For you Yes, I promise"
Starfire smiled a glowing smile and extended her hand. Holding it palm up toward him, he did the same thing. Their palms touched, and intertwined fingers. That promise was done nothing could break it. It was sealed.
~^~^~^~^~^~Beep, Beep, ~^~^~^~Beep~^~^~
Starfire herd soft sobs coming from inside the engine room. Walking quietly she approached the sobbing dark haired girl. Her arms around her legs and her face hidden on them. The same position she herself used when she cried or was sad. She knelt down beside the dark eyed girl she ran a hand down her silky black hair. The girl's head snapped up, seeing the red head smiling at her.
"Shh, it is ok. Do not cry." She whispered. Recalling the words from long ago, the same words Blackfire had used long ago when Starfire cried. Starfire's hand touched her sister's cheek, wiping away the stream of tears staining her cheeks.
"Starfire, I'm so sorry. I....I never (Sob) wanted this to happen (sob)"
"It is ok sister. I forgive you"
Blackfire pulled her little sister into her arms, holding her tightly. She was so much like their mother; she did not know it of course. Star had been too little when she died to remember her but Blackfire did. It was that likeness that made her their brother's favourite and that likeness that made Blackfire love her more.
'What was I thinking when I was going to let her take my place in jail? I was thinking about revenge. Revenge because she always had all the love she wanted, she was always welcomed everywhere. Because she wears her heart on her sleeve all the time, making her a person everyone wants to be with. Revenge for being everything I'm not.' Thought Blackfire bitterly as she held Starfire tighter.
"Forgive me Star. I'm so sorry. I was so jealous I though I could just come and take your place. I thought it was MY time to be happy, to belong"
"But you DO belong sister. I love you; it hurt me so much when you betrayed me. To think you hated me"
"I never really hated you, I was just hurt. I was alone for so long I....you always fitted in so easily. Just by being you, with one single smile. I was always alone even though you told me I wasn't. And now, all the time I wasted. When I really wouldn't have been alone. When I could have been with you"
The tears increased, the pain in her chest making it harder and harder to breathe.
"But sister you always ARE the one to fit in" Whispered Star.
"No, not me. The person I choose to be no one accepts me for who I am, I AM alone"
"Blackfire you were never alone. I am here, and when I am not here I will still exist in your heart. You are never alone, and you still have three days to be with me sister."
The black haired Tamaranian placed both hands on each side of her sister's face.
"You....how do you do it?"
"Do what sister?"
"Forgive so easily. Make someone love you so easily?"
"From you?" She smiled.
Blackfire hugged her once more.
"Yeah kid, from me." She laughed just before she broke into tears once more. And Starfire was there to hold her and soothe her through all the tears.
~^~^~^~Beep, Beep ~^~^~^~^~
"Beast Boy do not open that___"
"EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW What the hell is that thing?"
"SHUT UP! You'll wake the whole tower!"
"Too late" Said a sleepy Raven.
Kai, Beast Boy and Cyborg looked at a sleepy looking Robin, Starfire, Raven and Blackfire. They looked at each other, knowing they had been caught.
"Umm.....Sorry?" Offered Beast Boy innocently.
"What the hell are you guys doing in the kitchen at.....3 o'clock in the morning?" Asked an angry Robin. It wasn't bad enough they'd hardly gotten any sleep with all the day's excitement but they had to be woken up at three in the morning by them.
"We are very sorry. I told Beast boy and Cyborg about the medical splitan and they wanted to come see it."
"It's gross man!" Yelled a freaked out Beast Boy.
"You showed them the splitan?" Asked Blackfire suppressing a laugh.
"What is a splitan?"
"A very slimy dead reptile used for medicinal purposes" Explained Starfire.
"It's like a dead slimy alien lizard!" Said Cyborg, his voice in between disgust and awe.
"Star you're actually going to eat that thing?" Squeaked Beast boy in disgust. Causing Starfire to sweat drop.
"You woke the whole tower because of a dead lizard?"
"Oh c'mon Raven, it's a cool "dead lizard" Said Blackfire.
"I don't care we all need our sleep. Especially Starfire" Her voice was cold, though she showed concern for her friend. She didn't trust Blackfire, she didn't think she was really worried about Star. Raven didn't think Star should have forgiven Blackfire after all she did betray and attacked her.
Worst of all Blackfire had fooled them into thinking she was a friend. Fooled her into thinking she was better than Star. Yes she hated to admit it, she'd never really though about it. But for a moment when Blackfire and Raven were at the café and Raven was listening to her poetry she actually thought she could make a better friend than Star.
Time had showed her otherwise. Star had actually called Raven her sister and best friend. The feeling was mutual; she'd grown very fond of her. But she regretted that whole minute when she'd wished Blackfire was in the team instead of Star.
'It was her poetry it held such loneliness. I felt identified to it, I actually thought she was better than Star because Blackfire knew pain' The realization hit Raven like cold water. Thankfully Starfire interrupted her guilt trip.
"It is all right Raven. I cannot sleep anyways"
"You should at least try"
Star chuckled. The mare thought of * trying* to sleep alien to her. The only moments she actually got any sleep at all was when Robin was holding her securely in his arms. Otherwise she would instinctively wake up every fifteen minutes. Or have a very long and bad nightmare.
Without realizing it Starfire leaned closer to Robin resting her head on his shoulder. His arm went around waist.
"Sorry everyone, I think we should all get some sleep."
"Yes I am sorry as well." Apologized Kai.
"It is ok, but we should all go sleep" As everyone began to leave to their rooms Robin stopped Starfire.
"Would you like me to....umm sleep with you, I mean hold you?" He sturdily whispered into her ear. Star looked into his eyes, smiling gratefully.
"Yes please. I am very much tired but I cannot seem to find sleep"
Robin smiled and walked to her room. He knew he would have to wake up early to go to his room since Blackfire and Kai were here. He was pretty sure Star didn't want to be caught sleeping in the same bed as him. Truthfully he loved holding her in his arms, watching her angelic face as she slept.
Both titans made their way toward the bed. Star floated to it and lay down exhausted. Robin removed his boots and joined Starfire. Smiling she reached to pull off his mask. He let her knowing she liked looking at his eyes. After kissing Robin's sweet lips she snuggled deeper into his chest and closed her eyes. Robin tightened his hold on her waist as he drifted into sleep.
~^~^~^~^~^Meanwhile
"Blackfire"
"Oh Raven, I something wrong?"
She stopped as the cloaked titans approached her.
"Why did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"You know what"
"I was jealous"
"Of what?" She almost chuckled.....almost.
"Of her friendship"
"Her friendship?"
"She's loved, wanted. She has friends, Robin's love."
"And yet she'd dying"
"She doesn't deserve to die, just like Ryand'r didn't. The good people always die"
"What did you say?" Choked Raven, an idea coming to her head.
"Good people always die?"
"Maybe not this time" With that Raven walked/ran to her room.
'What if....what if we could save her but would it be possible?' She thought.
"Raven!" Yelled Blackfire from behind her Raven turned around.
"Promise me you will look after her. I know she loves you like a sister, I don't know if you feel the same way but at least promise me you will look after her"
'Maybe she does care'
"I promise Blackfire"
The black haired girl nodded and turned around. Raven squeezed the crystal hanging from her neck; the action had become a habit.
~^~^~^~^~Beep, ~^~^~Beep~^~^~
"Has anyone seen Star?" Asked Robin sleepily. It was 9:30 he had woken up in Starfire's bedroom, a blanket covering him. He had slept in four and a half hours more than what he's wanted. And had actually woken up in Star's bed. He didn't want to think what could have happened if Blackfire or Malekai had walked in her room to find him there holding her.
"She's with Blackfire. They went out about an hour ago, so you slept in?" Cyborg winked at Robin, making him blush five different shades of red.
"Ye....(cough) yeah. Umm, so what you guys doing?"
"Playing video games, isn't it obvious?"
"Good morning peaceful inhabitants of earth. Did you sleep pleasantly?"
"Umm, yeah I guess."
"Want some healthy earthly breakfast Kai?"
"Umm perhaps. What do you mean by 'break fast'?" The blonde alien raised an eyesbrow in confusion.
"The food you eat in the morning, duh"
"Oh you mean the morning injection?"
Now Kai had all of their attention.
"Injection? In the morning?" Beast Boy asked his voice reflecting his incredibility.
"Of course. The morning injection that supplies the necessary nutrients for the daily activities"
"Dude you get shots, injections every morning?"
"Shots? Ohhhhh Injections? Yes, in my planet. Our food supply is restricted so we get extra nutrients from the vaccines"
"A shot every morning? Man that must be hell"
"Hell? I am afraid I am not familiar with that....word. But yes it is natural for us"
"Wow"
"Did Star have them also?"
"Oh yes, we all did Specially Starfire. Since we were little she was always giving the younger kids her food so she had to have more than one injection. She always hated them"
'So that is what she meant by not again' Realized Cyborg. There was silence in the room aside from the crashing sounds coming from the living room.
"I was hoping to have a talk with all of you before I have to leave....it is about Starfire"
The game was put into pause giving all attention to the Tamaranian.
"What bout Star?"
"Well you see Starfire was one of the oldest children of the 'orphanage'" Started Kai, extremely proud at himself for using the earth like expression. "Because of that she was always entrusted all the younger children, in a way she raised us all. We depended on her to know weather things were all right or nor, she was not allowed to be afraid. Because of this she never allows anyone to see she is in pain.
She wishes for everyone to believe she is always all right this is usually acceptable but the next three months will be the most difficult for her and you all. Her sickness will proceed very rapidly from now on varying from mood swings to sudden pain to loss of strength. And I fear for her well being I suppose why I am telling you this is so that all are prepared when things start getting 'bad' what I ask most of all from you is to not leave her alone. The only thing Starfire hates the most is been alone."
Kai lowered his head. Robin looked at Beast Boy and Cyborg. He was entrusting her to them.
"We promise we'll watch over her" Robin held the boy's gaze for a minute until Kai nodded smiling at last.
"Thank you. You have been the first people she has trusted ever since Ryand'r died. She loves you all much"
"Kai what exactly causes Merel?"
"We are not completely sure, we know it involves the energy organ in our bodies. But truthfully it is a mystery"
"Then why did Star say she was a perfect candidate to get Merel?"
"Her Starbots....she started using them when she was still quite young. It increases the possibilities of getting the decease. Specially killer starbolts"
"Killer Starbolts?"
"They are much more powerful than the normal and they take five times the energy to produce. Most Tamaranians cannot produce them until they are quite old but Starfire can."
Robin's eyes widened in realization. When defeating Slade Star had used an orange starbolt instead of her normal green one. That starbolt had hit Slade on the chest causing him to fall to the deep abyss and die. Star had fainted right after and had had to spend a lot of time in the sun right afterwards.
"How much impact do killer starbolts have in the decease?" Robin's eyes tightened fearing the answer.
"Usually they are not but because her body cannot produce or withstand the energy required they are quite deadly for her"
"Star used one on Slade" Whispered the masked Titan.
Cyborg covered his face with his hands. He was right she had used one. One so powerful that made him fall backwards and into the abyss.
"Your right....she did," He whispered.
"Star is dying because of that?"
Then door slipped open revealing a laughing Starfire and Blackfire walking toward them. Seeing the 4 guys looking at the floor in all seriousness the girls stopped laughing.
"Is everything all right?" Asked Star concerned.
"Starfire we need to talk"
Robin's voice was as sharp as a blade followed by Beat Boy's and Cyborg's intense gaze.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
So whatcha think? Hope you liked it and don't forget to write if you did. Reviews make my day any day! Is Blackfire out of character? I hope not. Please tell me if she is, it was come what of a challenge to keep her as realistically as possible. If you think she wouldn't cry think.....if your sister was dying and you felt guilty wouldn't you cry?
There WILL BE A small LEMONISH! No lemon LEMONISH part next chapter. Thanks everyone!
SUGGESTIONS? WRITE! OHH AND IF ENYONE HAS AN IDEAD ON HOW STAR COULD BE CURED YOU CAN WRITE IT AND I WILL TAKE IT INTO CONCIDERATION.
(^.^)Snuggle!)