Author's Note: Hello and hi to you from me. I think this is going to be the longest chapter...unless I suddenly decide to give a lecture half way through a scene! Yeah it's quite long, but it's really made up of two mini-scenes...you'll see what I mean!!! Anyway, I hope you enjoy it. I've reposted this chapter (on the 27th August) cos my reviewers spotted a couple of mistakes: one was that I put "this is about Bruce" when it should've been "this isn't" which was quite confusing, and also I made Robin appear to be begging, which is bad, so I shall change it slightly. Thanks to my picky reviewers!!

Knife Edge: Part Two

A Teen Titans fanfiction by J.S.Danskin (a.k.a. Invader Jed)

SCENE SIX –Abandoned Warehouse/Slade's Headquarters-

The scene opens on BEASTBOY's open mouth so you can see his tonsils vibrating. We can hear him screaming girlishly as he is thrown off of CINDERBLOCK's back roughly. He flies through the air and lands in a tangled heap against the wall.

BEASTBOY (dazed): Weuurgghh...

RAVEN: Beastboy!

She flies over the goo-monsters, leaving CYBORG to tackle them himself. She lands and kneels on one knee, putting a hand on BEASTBOY's forehead concernedly.

RAVEN: Are you alright?

BEASTBOY has a dazed expression on his face and stars floating around his head, but he shakes it and comes to. He frowns at RAVEN, puzzled by her presence.

BEASTBOY: Hold on, I thought you weren't...(he points and yells)...Raven, look out!

RAVEN gasps and levitates up into the air just in time as BEASTBOY in turn transforms into a sparrow and darts upwards, flitting around RAVEN's head chirping.

RAVEN (agitated): Let's take this oversized pebble down. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!

She throws two long rafters from the ceiling down onto CINDERBLOCK's head. He roars furiously and shields himself, but BEASTBOY turns into a charging rhino in mid-air, which lands and pounds across the ground, smacking into him at full force and sending him flying. RAVEN catches him in mid-air with her powers and holds him while BEASTBOY sends in multiple blows as a stegosaurus, whacking CINDERBLOCK with his tail. As the rock monster weakens, RAVEN summons all her strength and hurls CINDERBLOCK across the warehouse, smashing the rock creature into the creatures attacking CYBORG. He looks up and waves happily, pointing excitedly at the knocked-out CINDERBLOCK. RAVEN uses one of the rafters she had previously thrown to secure him by tightening it around his torso.

CYBORG: BOOYAH, y'all! One down, one to go!

BEASTBOY takes a moment to regard RAVEN and smile at her friendlily. She is taken aback but doesn't frown or turn away in disgust.

BEASTBOY: So...uh...way to go, Raven!

RAVEN smiles gently.

RAVEN: You weren't so bad yourself.

BEASTBOY nods and looks a bit awkward as if wondering what to say next. He scratches his head while RAVEN whistles to herself, as CYBORG runs past being chased by PLASMUS. They ignore him.

RAVEN and BEASTBOY: Look, I...

They laugh, and BEASTBOY smiles apologetically.

BEASTBOY: Look, Raven...I'm sorry for whatever I've done to make you mad at me, so please forgive me, or at least tell me what it is so I can try and stop it?

RAVEN: You shouldn't have to change, Beastboy. It's me who's been unreasonable, and I'm...I'm sorry.

She turns slightly pink, and BEASTBOY grins widely at her. To interrupt the touching scene is CYBORG's loud, high-pitched scream as PLASMUS has him cornered.

BEASTBOY (jokingly): Now there's a dignified hero if there ever was one.

CYBORG: Hey, if it's not too much trouble(he yells:)...giant blobby guy trying to eat me here!!!

BEASTBOY turns into a lion and runs forwards while RAVEN takes to the air and flies over. Her eyes turn white and her cape starts billowing.

RAVEN: Azarath, Metrion, Zintho-

Before she has the chance to finish, she is thrown backwards by PLASUMS' hand, and he shoots acid from his mouth at her. RAVEN gasps and closes her eyes, but CYBORG whips her out of the way just in time. She opens her eyes and he smiles at her. She nods thankfully and flies up again, CYBORG covering her this time.

RAVEN: Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!

Her powers restrain PLASMUS, allowing CYBORG to launch an attack with his cannon and BEASTBOY to fly up as a pterodactyl and nosedive on him continuously. PLASMUS is aggravated and breaks out of RAVEN's grip, reaching for BEASTBOY and catching him. He turns back into a boy and struggles in PLASMUS' grip.

CYBORG: Hold on, BB!

BEASTBOY turns into a mouse and runs out of PLASMUS' fist as CYBORG blasts the monster. BEASTBOY morphs into a bear climbing up PLASMUS and pounding his head. RAVEN too attacks the head, as does CYBORG. When CYBORG and RAVEN's attacks meet, they combine to make and explosion, which causes them all to fly back and pick themselves up to find a boy sleeping on the floor, snoring. Several cops creep out of hiding places in the warehouse and cart CINDERBLOCK and PLASMUS off to prison. BEASTBOY, RAVEN and CYBORG look on disapprovingly but say nothing on the subject.

CYBORG: How many monsters have you taken a joyride on today, BB?

BEASTBOY: Just two, dude.

RAVEN: Then let's go find some more. Where's Robin?

CYBORG looks at his locator on his arm.

CYBORG: His communicator's been disabled, but according to the tracker signal he's somewhere in the sewers in the city centre. It won't be hard to follow.

BEASTBOY: Then let's go! Titans, move out!

BEASTBOY and RAVEN run out, and CYBORG follows shortly after them.

CYBORG (indignantly): Hey man, that's my line!!

-CUT TO SLADE'S HEADQUARTERS-

Focus on ROBIN's expression of determination switches to SLADE's narrow eye as he studies his nemesis closely. On one hand, he has his promise to KNIFE, who will not take SLADE's betrayal lightly. But on the other hand, ROBIN is handing himself on a plate to him. He finds this an offer hard to refuse.

ROBIN: Well, Slade? I'm not going to stand here forever while you decide. I thought you wanted me as an apprentice.

SLADE: What I want to know, Robin, is why now? After all the times I have threatened you and your friends, why now the self-sacrifice for only one Titan?

KNIFE snarls and picks himself up off the ground, standing slowly to his feet and brushing himself down, but a good distance away from SLADE.

KNIFE: Slade, do not be a fool! Can't you see he's trying to trick you? Don't be as hopeful as he was; coming here thinking he could rescue the girl.

SLADE: Enough from you. You were more gullible, more hopeful than I ever will be. You believed your revenge would come to you regardless of what you did. For power, for victory, you must work; and you will never truly understand that.

KNIFE scowls bitterly and steps back. He does not want to antagonise SLADE further.

ROBIN: So what's it going to be, Slade? I can assure you this is the quickest way out of what could be a long, nasty fight.

SLADE: Not until you answer my question: why now, when there is only one Titan at stake? Surely Robin the Boy Wonder can take a risk, or have you become as predictable and boring as your predecessor?

ROBIN (angrily): This isn't about Bruce! This is about you and me, Slade. (he pauses) Last chance.

SLADE: My question, Robin. Stalling only makes me more interested...more defiant. Tell me, would you be proposing this if it were one of the others?

ROBIN: Of course I would!

SLADE: A little hesitant, Robin, far too hesitant. But I believe you. However, many others would not.

ROBIN stares at SLADE with loathing.

ROBIN: That's just a polite way of saying you don't believe me.

SLADE (indifferently): Perhaps...but you are kidding yourself, Robin. You feel more for the girl than you do the others that makes you value her life above your own.

ROBIN turns away, not wanting SLADE to see his awkwardness. He looks at STARFIRE, staring blankly ahead, and feels his heart wrench. He closes his eyes and looks back at his nemesis.

ROBIN: Her name is Starfire. And she...is my best friend.

SLADE laughs heartily.

SLADE (mockingly): How quaint for you. But do I really need to play the tape again, Robin? You would not have grabbed Cyborg's hand and comforted him, nor Beastboy...not Raven. What is it about...Starfire...that makes her so-

ROBIN (in a rage): ENOUGH!! It's none of your concern! I've laid down my offer, Slade; take it or leave it! Either take me and let Star go, or I fight to the death to save her anyway!

SLADE falls silent, and tension ensues. ROBIN stares at SLADE, not taking his eyes off him for a moment, while SLADE looks from KNIFE to STARFIRE to ROBIN several times before he turns his back on them all. He walks forwards a few paces to the platform where STARFIRE was imprisoned in her cage earlier. He turns around and faces ROBIN, who follows him up slowly. KNIFE also walks up to where the two enemies stand staring each other down, and STARFIRE under KNIFE's influence follows mindlessly. The camera concentrates on ROBIN's tense face.

SLADE (interrupting the silence suddenly): Very well, Robin. I accept your offer. But you must willingly step onto the platform, where I will imprison you.

ROBIN: No. Not until I see Starfire released.

SLADE sighs deeply and nods.

KNIFE: NO! Slade, you- you CAN'T!...

SLADE (calmly): A promise is a promise, Knife. A deal is a deal. Yours, however, is no longer important to me. I have what I want.

SLADE walks over to a computer with a revolving picture of STARFIRE's brain on it. He presses a button and STARFIRE falls to the ground with a small cry.

ROBIN: STARFIRE!...Slade, what did you...

SLADE: Patience, Robin.

STARFIRE lifts her head up slowly, her eyes opening and he mouth gasping for air. She looks around and sees KNIFE. She shrieks and backs away, scanning the room to see ROBIN staring at her in wonder. She stands to her feet uneasily and her eyes sparkle.

STARFIRE: Robin.

ROBIN: ...Star...? STARFIRE!

He laughs and bounds up to her, his arms outstretched towards her. He is a couple of feet away when KNIFE hurls a knife at their feet, landing expertly in the space between the two Titans. ROBIN stops dead, as if remembering he has just sold his soul to the devil. STARFIRE blinks twice, confused at the sudden look of utter sadness on ROBIN's face.

ROBIN steps forwards and grabs onto one of her hands in both of his, clasping it desperately. He looks her in the eye and she gazes up at him, not sure what is happening.

ROBIN: Starfire, I...

Two soldiers grab ROBIN and force him backwards, and when he doesn't fight back STARFIRE is stunned, because she knows ROBIN could have them off like a light. She readies her Starbolts, taking a defensive stance, but ROBIN shakes his head regretfully. The footmen raise ROBIN onto the platform and this time a dome-shaped cell forms, covered with a hazy substance rather than the glass-like alloy STARFIRE was imprisoned with.

STARFIRE (stepping forward tentatively): ...Robin?...What is...

ROBIN: You're free now, Star. Go. Don't worry about me.

KNIFE (putting a hand on STARFIRE's shoulder): No. You've got me to worry about now.

STARFIRE turns round and gasps. ROBIN shouts and tries to kick his way out but is thrown backwards by a shock in the prison. He struggles to his feet and points at SLADE accusingly.

ROBIN (yelling furiously): Slade, you liar! You swore she would go free!

SLADE (laughing softly): But my dear Robin, I have set her free. It is not my concern if another villain should capture her...and it is no longer your concern either.

KNIFE turns STARFIRE around roughly and holds her face in his hand, tracing her jawline all the way round with a finger of the other. Her angry eyes stare at him with hatred, but she doesn't want to risk ROBIN being hurt.

KNIFE: So lovely a creature should not be wasted saving kitties from trees and dating bird-impersonators. You should be with me...fighting by my side.

He moves in to kiss her, and ROBIN stares helplessly, but STARFIRE pushes him away forcefully, frowning. ROBIN's eyes light up.

STARFIRE: I will never join you.

KNIFE (shrugging): So be it.

KNIFE raises the longest knife he owns and grabs hold of STARFIRE's arm, slamming her against the wall so she can't get away.

STARFIRE (in fear): ROBIN!!!

ROBIN: NO!!! STARFIRE!!!!!

He throws everything he has at the wall of his cell to no avail. He cries out in frustration and falls back, scrambling to his feet. There are lines on his forehead as he struggles not to lose control. He turns to SLADE desperately.

ROBIN: Slade, no! Don't let him! Not Star, not Starfire, I...I...

SLADE (laughing)You what, Robin? Now is the time to tell her, for you will never see her again.

ROBINNO! Star, I...Don't...I just...

STARFIRE's eyes linger on ROBIN longingly for a moment before she closes them, bracing herself. ROBIN yells in absolute fury, and all of a sudden there is a loud crash and the scene closes.

-SCENE CLOSED-

Author's Note: WOOOOSHHH! What excitement, yes??? What did you think, it took me absolutely AAAGES to write and perfect this one, I've got big bags under my eyes for your benefit, so I hope it was okay. See if you guys can guess what the crash was! O.O bet you didn't guess that Knife fancied Starfire! Well, in a weird way, or maybe you did guess, I dunno! Only two chapters left to go, folks, so make sure you get your reviews in!!!! Oh, and just a note to say that I don't think Raven and Beastboy would make a good couple, despite having the lovely scene involving them. I like their friendship, but I just can't see anything else, sorry guys . Ah well, hopefully you'll all review and say lots of nice things. Thanks for reading!

Answers to Reviews:

DIWaRIa: No not quite, but I hope this one was okay anyway! I thought it would be pretty damn OOC of Slade to actually keep to a deal and let them both go, but this was the version I thought up so there! Hee hee! Hope you liked it!

Broken-Mask: Well I kinda meant the biggest cliffhanger in THIS story but oh well. Surely this is the biggest one yet anyway? No? I don't like Terra, she has too many different personalities it's annoying, and it's not like Raven when they're all together, it's like one comes at different times: scared, happy, hungry, sleepy, sad, gloomy, happy, cute, angry, evil, cute, sad, sorry, happy, scared, brave, dead. She annoys me. GRRRRR. Sorry if you didn't want anymore clifhangers, this is the last one, I promise (or is it? Evil cackle!) Please review!

AntimatterManticore: Of course he's in love! He's in love with Starfire! YAAAAY! But he didn't tell her...but will he live to regret it? Will he live at all? Why am I asking myself questions about my own story? WHO KNOWS????? Please review, I'm not crazy!

Moon-N-Stars: Yaaaay be proud of me I reviewed your story and it's really cool! I can't wait to read more! Hopefully this was more "greatness"! Hope you liked this one, and please review again!!!

Wild Cyan: Yeah I know Robin's my favourite. Lots of people think he's a poser and he is, but hey if you were a guy that could get away with wearing tights without being called gay, wouldn't you be?...Exactly. It's ok, you're a good reviewer so I'll let you have the trampoline. YAAAY! Hope you liked this chapter, speak to u soon! (But only if you review! :p)

miss-starfire: Well, exciting is my middle name...actually it's Sarah, but that's not the point! Glad you like it, please review it again!!! And biting your nails is bad for you, they can get stuck in your lungs if you're not careful. Mucus is only for catching dust particles...eww!

starrobin4eva: I wish I was good at Maths, although I did get a 2 in it for my Standard Grade, and my maths teacher came up and said well done, cos he so wasn't expecting me to get Credit! Hee hee! I think my favourite subject is either English or History cos I'm so interested in them both. Hopefully you liked this chapter. Please review!

h: Hey hopefully there was enough Slade and Robin for you in here! I know, I love Slade/Robin fight scenes too, they're so exciting because it's so obvious they hate each other, and to create that kind of tension on a cartoon is absolute genius. WOOO go Glen Murakami or whatever! Can't wait to see Robin and Sladeness in new series, but cos I'm in the UK I probably won't get it for a while! Thanks for reviewing, please do so again!

ShadowSage2: Yaaaaay confetti and poorly-constructed anthem! My favourite! Thank you, I do so like being evil to people (rubs hands and cackles) Wow that would have been a good twist...why didn't you suggest it to me before I made up the plot? Wow you suck! Lol, I'm just kiddin! You should put that in a story yourself, you're obviously a master at evil (not that you're an evil super villain!) Oh..um...sorry, here's another cliffhanger for you! Wow I'm nasty!REVIEW!

Spazzfire: Aw wow what a cool name! Spazzfire! Love it! Thanks for your review, it's especially hard to keep Robin in character I think cos he's a bit weird. I love him though! Review again please so I can see your name again!!!

Wanda Magick: So it wasn't Slade that woke her up, it was you! (gasps all round) WOW! How DID you do that? Hee hee. Please review again, dude(tte)!

NatashaTeenTitan: Why thank you, that's really flattering. Seriously, your review made me feel really good, I'm so glad it had that effect on you, and if you have the address to send it to, I will gladly send it in (when it's finished). Which shouldn't be too long. YAY!

Lhaewen: The point of reviewing while I'm dead is to signify regret, and hope that I come back to life. Luckily for you I faked my death and a small young street urchin named Nigel died in my place. Poor guy. Send him a review to bring him back to life. I was never really cheesy, I was just pretending to scare you. Wow amn't I cunning? Don't answer that! It was a rhetorical question! (scowl) Aw man it's only Thursday tomorrow ï