Betrayal
Chapter 7: Cry of the Condemned
"Robin? Robin, please wake up."
Robin instantly recognized the voice and with a forced effort, opened his eyes and rubbed the angry bump on the back of his head. Two lovely bumps on the front and back of his skull; one from a door and the other from a fall. Wonderful. Could things be any worse?
"Robin, are you unharmed?"
With a final burst of his waning strength, Robin pushed himself up to one elbow, gazing blearily up at a worried Starfire. He wanted to speak, to say something to her, to apologize, anything! But his mouth would not work. She flashed him a sad and relieved smile.
"Thank X'hal you are all right...I trust. I wish to apologize for the door incident." She drew her eyes away from him in shame. "I did not realize the seriousness of...my..."
She slowed in her sentence as her eyes fell upon the dagger toward the back of Robin's room. Her eyes widened. She froze; only her jaw managing to go slack.
She stood slowly; Robin could hear the race of her heart from where he lay.
"Robin," her voice was shaking with fear, "where did you get this?"
A sudden terrific fear-borne energy powered his limbs to sit up fully, though his muscles cried furiously in protest. His eyes opened wide when he saw Starfire holding the dagger in her hands. Her expression pressed in stark confusion and fear.
"Where did you get this?" she repeated disbelievingly. "This is my sister's blade."
Robin felt as though he had just been hit a forceful blow to his stomach. Starfire could not only see and feel the object of his diminishing sanity, but she could identify that it was Blackfire's weapon.
Starfire's eyes searched Robin for any probable solution to how the dagger had come into his possession; her gaze piercing through to his already hurting heart. Robin found himself on his feet, not precisely knowing how he had gotten there, he strode to that side of his room and quickly but carefully removed the weapon from the red-haired girl's hands. He replaced it back in its pedestal as if it were the most natural thing in the world, like when he hung up his belt before he went to sleep. He sighed, leaning heavily on the shelf with his arms locked straight out before him, head sinking below his shoulders.
"It...it's too difficult to explain," Robin's voice trembled and his shoulders shook. "Please leave."
Starfire was stricken to say the least. The weight of all that had been happening gave way; the missing of meals, her friends in an uproar, this confusion over her sister, Robin's prolonged coldness toward her. One last consequence thrown on her burden of troubles and woes and it collapsed at last.
A tear slipped down her cheek, unbidden. She stood behind her leader, utterly lost. When he would usually have held her or quelled her fears, he stood rigid as a grate; unmoving and uncaring. There was only one option left for the poor Tamaranian to choose.
Run.
Starfire fled Robin's presence, not daring to look back, unable to restrain the sobs that racked her body. Pressing her hands to her face, she ran blindly down the hall past a shocked Cyborg. He hailed her gently but she would not stop, nor even slow to his calls. The mechanical teen laid a wicked gaze toward the Boy Wonder's room and stalked forward. The door was still wide open.
"Hey Robin, what's going on?" a hint of brashness entered his voice as he leaned into the doorway but did not enter. Robin did not answer. "Are you feeling all right, man?"
"No." Robin ground out truthfully and smashed a fist into a button that shut his door from that side of his room. A moment later there was a terrible crash as Cyborg forcefully entered Robin's room.
"HEY!" he barked. "I don't know what's going on, but you have got to take a chill pill and a deep breath; I don't need any attitude from you when I'm just trying to figure out what's up. Now, what happened that got Starfire all up in tears?"
Cyborg saw Robin visibly recoil to the question.
"You wouldn't understand." Robin snapped as he spun around, one arm slashing wildly through the air to illustrate his point.
"How do you know that?"
"I just do!"
"That isn't a reason."
"It's the truth."
Both boys were glaring at each other now; each waiting for the other to give in. Robin showed no sign of stepping down and Cyborg did not have the advantage. He sighed; perhaps a compromise could be met. "Robin, I'm your friend remember? I'm not here to badger you, and I'm not taking sides. I'm here to help."
Robin's face contorted with rage.
"There is nothing you can do."
"Look." Cyborg gave in, finally subdued. "I know it's not my place, but you should go apologize to her. She doesn't deserve whatever has happened." Cyborg picked his way back to the mess of clothing and door on the floor, pausing at the doorway. "And if you won't do it for me, do it for her."
Cyborg left Robin then as the leader's eyes filled with hot tears.
It took several hours for Robin to compose himself, it was no easy task. Having finally mastered himself and desperately trying to clear his pounding head full of broken visions and half-promises; Robin now stood before Starfire's bedroom door.
His hand would come up to the door in an attempt to knock, but the effort proved impossible as his hand inevitably dropped back down to his side. A part of him wanted to leave because he found himself incapable to simply knock on the door, but his aching heart froze him in place.
He tried to knock three times more and every time the horrific vision of Blackfire's image would sear across his eyes. When he shut them her image was still there except in negative, which alienated the dark-haired girl even more.
Robin's thoughts proposed perhaps he should knock his head on the door to gain Starfire's admittance to her chambers, if not rid himself of the images.
At a complete loss, the Boy Wonder stood silent and waiting; still debating on whether to leave or to stay. A soft sound from the interior made up his mind for him.
Robin listened carefully, turning his head to one side. Now was sure that he had heard muffled sobbing. The terrible noise startled him into taking action.
He rapped softly on the door. The noises within instantly stopped.
"Please do not disturb me," Starfire's mournful voice reverberated against the door. "My present condition is unwell and I wish to be left alone."
Robin's heart sank.
"Starfire," he called softly, "it's me."
Another pause met his words as deliberation underwent in the room beyond.
"Robin?" her voice was uncertain, faltering.
"Starfire, may I please come in?" he pleaded, unsure of himself as another silence ensued.
"You may come in."
Spirits lifting slightly, Robin entered the darkened chamber. Starfire's room was usually filled with the bright sunlight that filtered through her curtains, but now these lively curtains were closed to the world. The only source of light in the room was a single tiny lamp to the far side of Starfire's bed. Shadows cast terribly contrasting images to the colorful upholstery. It unnerved him.
Robin gazed across the room to where Starfire sat, forlornly; one leg beneath the other, a pillow clutched to her chest. Her usually brilliant emerald eyes were tinted with red.
A horribly heavy guilt crushed his already weakened resolve. He was entirely responsible for the grief he was causing the team; he was causing her.
He came forward, tentatively. Starfire watched his approach with uncertainty.
"May I sit?" he asked when he had reached the edge of her bed. She nodded slowly in consent, mumbling a cracked "mm-hmm."
Robin found that he was unable to look her in the face; unable to face this mistake he had caused.
"Starfire I..." he was choking on his words. "I'm...sorry." He inhaled deeply. "So much has been happening and I suddenly feel so unsure of how to approach these situations. There was no justice to be done taking my anger out on anyone—especially you. You were only trying to help," he mumbled dejectedly at having only now made the realization. "I...haven't been myself lately." He looked up into those green eyes. "Can you ever forgive me?"
Starfire brushed away some stray tears that had appeared at the corners of her eyes.
"I have already forgiven you." A small smile appeared on her lips. "I hope that you shall forgive me for the door incident. I did not know—"
"No Starfire," Robin took her hands in his, his voice profound in his concern. "That was just an accident. I know that you didn't mean to; I was just in the wrong place at the right time. I'm all right." At this Robin was flooded with the jarring visions of the past week as if in warning. Guilt and fear swelled in his breast at the lie, he cleared his throat to hurriedly correct himself. "Or, I will be all right."
Starfire's face fell. "Will you not tell me what has upset you so?"
Robin turned away again. "It's too complicated to explain."
But already Robin's mind coursed through the torrent of events that had taken place. His indignant feeling to miss Beast Boy's breakfast only to come face Blackfire on that rolling fog, his summoning of Aqualad, his mad search, his outburst at Starfire not a few hours ago, his horrific dream with the blood of Starfire on his hands ...
He shook his head to clear the roaring freight train of thought.
"Even I don't really understand it all."
Starfire nodded again and Robin felt instantly gratified by the motion. Although he still had that dark cloud hovering in the back of his mind, he felt better than he had in the past week. He felt a warm comfort, a gentle serenity in her presence he could share with no other; and Robin did not want to leave this moment. If he left the room, his rushing reality would come back two-fold to pain him once more.
He was at home here.
"Robin, there is to be a ball tomorrow night. I believe it would be much fun and it should be made as a celebration for our renewed friendship." Starfire clapped her hands together, a bit of her sweet nature returning. Robin felt as though he had just leapt off a cliff and hit the ground, feeling every bone crack and splinter within his body.
"A-a-a ball?"
A bombardment of visions stormed behind his eyes. Most of them were the flash of an image; a not quite so orderly recount of Blackfire's first appearance with the dagger and second with her feral attack. Anger rose as well as fear to constrict his throat.
This was just a game to her; a maliciously twisted game to the dark-haired Tamaranian girl. He could almost see Blackfire's wicked smile behind Starfire's sweet one.
He would show her.
He would attend the ball and he was going to heartily enjoy himself.
Starfire was gazing at him patiently, searching; waiting for his answer.
"Yes, Starfire, we will go to the ball."
A chirrup of joy met Robin's startled ears as soft arms enveloped his neck. Starfire lovingly embraced the Boy Wonder and a deep flush heated his cheeks.
It was the best he had felt in ages.
The Titans were all invited to attend the ball that night, but it did not go without a price to pay. Each boy stood in the common room in a fashionable, but terribly uncomfortable tux. Beast Boy was tugging at his tie.
"Dude! This thing is trying to kill me!"
"It's because you've got it on backwards," Cyborg pointed out, yanking the bow tie by a lace until it fell apart at Beast Boy's neck. The green teen collapsed in an animated display of gasping for breath.
"I can sympathize." Robin smiled over at Cyborg and the two boys grinned at each other. They had managed to patch up their friendship since the fight they had had in Robin's room rather nicely and were the best of friends once more.
There were further jokes on how the tuxes had received some of their more awkward terms and how a tux really was designed for pure evil. The laughing immediately halted as the main doors swung open. The boys gazed in wonder at a feminine clad Raven. She wore a gown the color of the deep blue sea which accented all of her features, her face had been done up in make-up, and even her hair had been curled at the bangs for the occasion.
"Wow Raven, you clean up nice!" Cyborg gave her a wink and thumbs up. Raven blushed, the barest of smiles curling her lips, but she said nothing as she made her way gracefully down the steps. Beast Boy sidled up to the striking girl, suddenly feeling intimidated beside her as he offered up a red rose. Raven accepted the flower with a soft smile. The stem of the rose illuminated as Raven curled the flower to embrace her wrist as a make-shift corsage.
Beast Boy's approving smile scrunched up the majority of his face. Raven and the others turned back to the doorway as another figure appeared.
Robin tried to control the dropping of his jaw onto the floor, but it proved useless.
Starfire entered the room and the air Robin breathed seemed to lighten and blossom with an elegant fragrance. Dressed all in a white Tamaranian gown with the patterns of sequins dancing little rainbows in the air before his eyes, Starfire paused on the top step of the stair. Tiny jewels adorned her hair which had been pent up in an interesting plait. Her red locks had been curled halfway down as if the weight of the curls forced the upper part of her hair to remain straight.
She was beautiful.
The other three Titans; Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy exchanged glances; coming to the silent agreement to wait outside.
Robin slowly made his way to the bottom step of the small stairway that held the deity atop it, his mouth still open to the air. Starfire blushed and drew her gaze down shyly.
"Does my attire displease you?" she smiled gently.
"No, no!" Robin blurted a little too eagerly. "No, you look...you look beautiful."
The red-haired girl bit her lower lip unconsciously, hesitating on the highest step. Robin offered her his hand which she gracefully accepted. Starfire flowed elegantly down the steps coming at last to rest before the Boy Wonder. Neither knowing quite what to say; each at a loss for words.
"You look very nice Robin" Starfire complimented.
"Not nearly as much as you."
Starfire blushed again as Robin proffered his arm which she gracefully took. The two made their way out to the front where their friends stood waiting, and beyond them, the ball.
He was trying, trying so hard not to think of that wretched dream. Every time he closed his eyes a violet haze burned behind them. Something did not feel right. The atmosphere had distinctly changed and there was a foul taste in the back of his mouth. He kept glancing over his shoulder as though some fiend stalked behind him—he strained his eyes to see into the shadows where the creatures might have lurked.
"Robin?" Starfire ventured uncertainly. The teen turned his head to her, a feeling of guilt rising in him. He had been on guard ever since they had entered the building, hardly giving his companions a moment of full attention. "Something does trouble you, my friend." There was sorrow in her eyes.
"No, I'm sorry Starfire." He shook his head angrily. "I'm being irrational."
The two stood silent for a moment when a slow song struck up. They stared at each other a moment before Starfire smiled.
"I recognize this music." She gazed up dreamily at nothing in particular. "It evokes forth the emotions of all that should be."
It was Robin's turn to smile.
"Care to dance?"
Starfire's smile broadened as her fingertips brushed his palm. The lovely couple swept onto the dance floor; the red-haired girl's gown wafting elegantly around her. Robin pulled the girl close to him and she did not resist. With one hand on either side of her waist, Robin swayed gently with Starfire; relishing in the light weight of her arms on his shoulders.
It was strange. He could not feel happier, but then, he could not feel more ill at ease. He still half-expected something to leap out at him from the shadows, waiting for his friend's cries of agony. But no, he was being foolish. He was careful to lock away the blasted weapon of the black-haired Tameranian and furiously forced all thoughts of her from his mind. She would not ruin this perfect moment.
Robin bit his tongue, the physical action bringing his attentions back to the reality, back in the arms of Starfire.
A tingling crept up his spine; there was something different about her. She still had the same loving expression, the same brilliant smile, the same emerald eyes...but there! He saw it! A flash of something darker seared across her eyes like lightening—electric and destructive. Robin was too stunned to move. The ballroom felt chill, the atmosphere had changed. The air was choking.
Starfire's resting hands slid suddenly around his neck, clasping his throat, strangling him. Shock froze Robin where he stood. He looked up into those beautiful green eyes, suddenly so filled with malice; flooding with a deep, vibrant violet.
"Betrayer!" she snarled in a voice that was not hers. Her eyes slanted into a hateful grimace, her beautiful red locks darkened to the black of a raven. "Betrayer!"
Her grip tightened when he struggled, sharpened nails digging into his neck. He could feel hot blood run down his back.
A horrifically cruel laughter echoed in the sudden stillness, mounting beyond the roaring in his ears.
"I have warned you." Blackfire's terrific voice reverberated against the white-wash walls, rebounding and throbbing in his ears double and triple fold. "I have warned you of the consequences and still you did not listen. I have warned you of the forthcomings and still you turned your head. Twice my efforts have been in vain. Your weakness shall be my strength; your pride, my recompense. You have failed! You have failed them all and I have won!"
She threw one hateful, triumphant glance about her, allowing Robin only so much breadth in her clasp to do the same. The scene before him shattered the fragile spirit that had only just begun to heal.
There they all lay. His friends; each of them lying in pools of still warm, still spilling blood. And among them was Starfire—lifeless and broken at her sister's feet. Robin's gaze snapped up at the dark-haired Tamaranian.
"YOU!" he screamed. "It was you who did this! You have destroyed them!"
Blackfire laughed merrily, closing her eyes briefly and shaking her head.
"It was not I who destroyed your friends." Her voice lowered to a dangerous beauty as she leaned toward him. "Their blood is on your hands."
Robin did not wish to look, but his eyes strayed to his hands involuntarily. To his horror, his hands were coated in crimson. A howl arose to tremble the chandeliers above as he discovered a blood-spattered dagger clutched in his left hand; a horrific cry that shook all who stood in the hall to the marrow of their bones.
"Your world has been destroyed. Everything you have ever stood for, ever loved, now lies broken. You are as broken as they and twice the fool." Blackfire's palms began to crackle and snap with the summoning of her power, her hands still clasped about his neck. He could feel the horrific vibrations numb his throat; his hair standing on end. "And now, Robin, shall you suffer the same fate. May you die with dishonor and betrayal forever marking your soul!"
She hurled him to the ground and he fell in a crumpled heap, unable to stir. Blackfire hovered victoriously above him, her smile blindingly brilliant in her glory. A single blackbolt, alight with fire and leaping electric bands of destructive energy flashed in her open palm. She raised it high above her head.
"Farewell."
Robin embraced the blinding pain, embraced his own death as a knowing smile found his lips. He would be united with his friends in sanity at last.
A/N: Agony of agonies! Can I truly be so cruel? (mm...Maybe)
Is this the end of Robin and the Titans as we know it, or is it all another sick little ploy of mine to confuse you all the more? (I promise it will make sense in the end, but is this it?)
Oo, I enjoy building the suspense.
I dare not say more lest I betray myself! (Pun, not intended (well, maybe only slightly intended))
This was a longer chapter for you all and I hoped that you have enjoyed it!
I will definitely explain myself and this story as the end comes to a close (should be another two chapters left) so stay tuned and please review!!!
Blackfire 18