SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS CHAPTER: Robin tried to apologize to Starfire but he found her with Red X at the roof and he opted to leave them alone after he made sure she noticed that he was not happy about her being with Red X. After breakfast Starfire went to talk to Robin in the training room. They kissed and he told her that he loved her but Starfire rejected him and left. The titans went to a mission to the bridge. Mumbo Jumbo was causing disorder and after Overload split the bridge in two, Starfire fell to the Ocean, unconscious. Robin tried to find her but Mumbo Jumbo tried to drown him, was not successful and then died. BB and Cyborg saw Slade and did not want to tell Robin until he was not as angry as he was since Red X saves Starfire again. Starfire had stopped breathing and Red X tried to revive her and Robin thought they were kissing. Red X and Robin fought but Red X beat him. After the fight, Red X and Starfire went to the park to talk about their secret and Robin who was looking for Starfire ended up there too. He hid behind some bushes and heard that Starfire was in a bad condition and she had to be careful. Robin did not say anything until he saw them kissing. Robin went back to the Tower, brokenhearted. Starfire pushed Red X away from her and asked him not to kiss her again. Red X was happy that he had kissed her, that Robin had seen them and that his plan was going better than he thought.
DISCLAIMER: Do not have possession of the Titans.
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Chapter 4
Regrets
Titans Tower never seemed so calm, especially after the constant fights that Robin and Red X had, have stopped completely. Cyborg, BB or Raven did not know why Robin had begun avoiding arguments with Red X and why Robin was completely and willingly ignoring Starfire. Starfire had tried to hide her sadness every time Robin avoided talking to her or left when she came into the same room he was; however, Raven could sense her feelings and Robin's anger. BB had asked Starfire what was wrong with Robin and she told them she did not know, and it was true. Starfire did not know that Robin had seen her and Red X kiss. Robin had not stayed at the park long enough to see Starfire push Red X away from her. Robin strongly believed Starfire had wanted to kiss Red X and that she had enjoyed it.
Robin did not hang around where Starfire was. He would eat breakfast very early in the morning and then leave the room if it was Starfire's turn to wash the dishes. When a mission came, he would assign positions to everyone but her; he would allow Red X to tell Starfire what to do and acted like he did not care if Starfire got hurt or not. Even though his acting was good, Raven could sense his feeling of desperation and fear when something happened to Starfire. Desperation because he was not the one who saved her anymore; this was Red X's job now. Robin also felt fear of loosing her, since he had been so close of loosing her when the bridge fell and he was not able to find her. Robin had almost died if Mumbo Jumbo had not had a heart attack. What would had Starfire done without Robin? Would she have even cared? Cyborg had spent this last weeks working on reconstructing his car. He knew how tense the situation was at the Tower and preferred to stay long hours at the garage, where he felt secure and could forget how his team was falling apart. Raven had tried to talk to Starfire or Red X and get some answers about their behavior. However, none of them told her anything; they both told her that everything was fine and that everyone just needed time to adjust to the changes. Raven knew that they were talking about Robin. Robin needed time to adjust to the fact that he had lost his chance with Starfire and that she now belonged to someone else who happened to be him but not him at the same time.
The rest of the Titans had begun to have second thoughts about Red X living with them. They thought it was a good idea to keep and eye on him but up to now, he had not done anything out of the ordinary. He had not threaten them, or lied to them, or argue with them. Actually, he did not only take care of Starfire, but he had saved Cyborg, Raven and BB once in a while. Red X had taught BB and Cyborg how to better play video games, and had even meditated with Raven. Regardless of the good deeds that Red X did, Raven felt that there was something wrong with him or maybe it was just the fact that she felt that her team was somehow disintegrating. She acknowledged she was not the only one with that feeling that the end of the Titans would come soon since BB had gone to her to talk about it. Neither Raven nor BB knew that Cyborg shared the feeling. They barely saw Starfire; she spent too much time either in her room resting or with Red X on the roof. The only time they would see her was when they had a mission but after or before that her presence was close to none. When Red X was not with her she would go to her room and locked the door and did not come out of it until Red X knocked on it and asked her to go out with him to the roof or the park. Red X would still play with BB and meditate with Raven and he even cooked something for them a few days ago to celebrate BB's "graduation" from his anger management workshop (to prevent BB from letting his anger take over him again).
Today, Cyborg had left the Tower and had gone to the city to find some new parts for his T-Car. Surprisingly, Red X had offered him company and Cyborg had accepted. Cyborg thought it was a good idea to take Red X out of the Tower and maybe he would be able to talk to him and find out what was going on between Starfire and Red X. Robin had also taken advantage of Red X's absence and went downstairs to check up on his motorcycle. BB had begged Raven to teach him how to meditate and they were now at main room of the Tower. After BB's rampage a few weeks ago, Raven was trying to teach him how to meditate. For BB, learning meditation was something new, for Raven teaching BB how to meditate was a nightmare.
-"Raven, how long does it take to meditate?"-BB asked
-"It depends but I can assure you it takes more than two seconds"-Raven answered
-"Alright"-BB said
Raven closed her eyes and BB did the same. BB did not say anything for a while and Raven thought that he was able to concentrate until she heard him snore.
-"Great"-Raven said
Raven tried to ignore BB's snoring and kept meditating for a few more seconds until she could not concentrate. She opened one eye and glanced furiously at BB who was deep asleep. Raven sighed and growled as she stood up and went to the main door. She could not stand BB's snores anymore.
-"Jerk, good for nothing…"-Raven mumbled
Raven opened the door and after looking at BB one last time, she made her way out of the main room to her room. Back at the main room, BB did not notice that Raven had left and snuggled on the carpet until he made himself comfortable and slept for a long time. Cyborg and Red X had arrived at the auto parts store and were now waiting in line. Cyborg thought this was a good time to start asking Red X some very important questions.
-"So, man. You haven't argued with Robin lately, you guys ok?"-Cyborg asked
Red X gave Cyborg a questioning look and said nothing for a second. Cyborg patiently awaited an answer.
-"I wasn't the one who started the arguments. He just stopped bothering me"-Red X answered
-"Oh"-Cyborg said
Cyborg wanted to yell at him that his team was drifting apart. That before he got there, Starfire and Robin were together, that Raven had began hanging around them more often, that they had grown so much as a team after Red X had disappeared, and that now everything was changing. Cyborg wanted to know why he had really come back after presumed dead. He wanted to know why he hanged out with Starfire too much and why did she stop hanging around with them. He wanted to know why had Starfire changed so much and why was she locked up in her room most of the time. Cyborg wanted to know why Red X was taking care of everyone even thought he had wanted to kill all of them at first. What had changed?
-"I know it seems bad now, but soon you will understand it all"-Red X said
-"What?"-Cyborg asked
-"I can read minds, remember?"-Red X answered
Cyborg sighed and gave a blank stare at the counter. He just hoped that Red X knew what he was doing to him and to the Titans and most of all; he hoped that Red X had a very good reason to do what whatever it was that he was doing, for Red X's sake and for the team's sake. Back at the Tower, Robin had finished adjusting his R-Cycle and had begun washing it. Robin did not like to take his motorcycle and have somebody else clean it for him. His bike had many especial details and circuits, and he only trusted himself to take care of it and to keep it clean. While Robin was washing his motorcycle, he began doing an analysis of what the Titans meant to him in the past and what they meant now. He realized how much things have changed.
-'When did the changes begin?'-Robin thought
Robin knew the answer for this question. He hated the reason, he hated the person. Robin remembered how happy they had been before Red X had appeared in their lives for the second time. Why did he have to be alive? Before ever thinking about Red X, the Titans had become more confident and bonded. The missions they had were more than that; they were obstacles and adventures to be solved and lived. It did not matter to any of them how risky a mission was because they were a team and they stood together, no matter what, until he returned. That shadow of his that made his life miserable. That other person that was supposed to be him but he was not. Robin had thought several times of disbanding the Titans but had backed down at the last moment. How could he separate something that he treasured so much? How could he disintegrate his family? And for nobody?
Robin knew that he was the leader of the team and it was his responsibility to keep it alive for as long as he could. The enemy would not stop appearing if they stopped being the Titans; Robin would not stop being a superhero if the Titans disappeared. Robin knew that he did not need the Titans to stop crime but he liked the feeling of belonging. He liked being able to share his ordeals with four other people. He liked the fact of being so close to death one moment, and then the next moment begin a fight about what movie to watch or what to eat for dinner. Even though sometimes BB annoyed him with his tofu, or Raven ignored him and locked herself in her room, or Cyborg got on his nerves or Starfire…what about her? Starfire had been the most important person in Robin's life. She had been Robin's life. What had happened between them? They had been able to overcome all the other obstacles they had encounter before…why could they not overcome this one? Was his idea of their friendship a lie? What had happened to all those crucial moments they had spent together? Have they meant nothing to her? What about all those nice moments they spent? The sunrises and sunsets at roof. Those long nights of talking and listening to the other's problems and ideas. Their adventures and misfortunes together. Their friendship. What happened to their friendship? They were not only friends, but they were best friends, maybe more than best friends. They had been there for each other every single time. He had not let her fall and she had not let him fall either.
What went wrong? What was so important that had made her forget about him? Why could he not live without feeling alone in a house that for him was now full of strangers? Strangers that were siblings once. Strangers that gave their lives for any of them. Strangers that laughed together, ate together, fought together and sometimes even cried together. What would become of the team, his team, even thought it did not feel like his team anymore? His team now belonged to no one. His team was close to becoming nonexistent. And all because of him. That pseudo-human that one day stepped into their Tower, their home. And that little by little was taking control over their life and their future, if they even had one at all. What would become of the mighty Titans?
-'It's not over yet'-Robin thought
Robin looked at the bucket of water and with all his anger, kicked it with no direction. Robin followed the path of the bucket and panicked as he saw that it was flying straight towards the T-Car. Robin did not know what to do and ran towards the bucket to try to do something before it hit the car with full force. Luckily, something made the water stay inside the bucket and made the bucket stop before it hit its target, making it stop inches before it hit the T-Car windshield. Robin turned to see the bucket and then turned to the other side and saw Raven.
-"You know what Cyborg had done to you if you had scratched his baby?"-Raven asked
-"Good thing I will not find out"-Robin answered
Raven shocked her head and Robin had a grin on his face. Robin began putting away all the things he had used to clean his bike while Raven watched him attentively.
-"How did the meditation classes go with Beast Boy?"-Robin asked
-"Why don't you go ask him?"-Raven answered
-"Where is he?"-Robin asked
-"Snoring for the past hour"-Raven answered
Robin laughed a little and Raven smiled. Even though Robin tried to hide it, Raven could feel Robin's pain. A pain that all of them shared.
-"What have you found about Slade?"-Raven asked
-"Not much. It seems like he is hiding and doesn't want to be found"-Robin answered
-"Maybe he is just waiting for the best moment to strike"-Raven said
-'That could be any moment now'-Robin thought
-"What about Red X? Is he still a threat?"-Raven asked
Robin's face got serious. He did not like to talk about or even listen to that name. Robin finished cleaning up his mess and began covering his bike. Raven stood there and waited for his answer.
-"What do you think?"-Robin asked
-"I don't think he ever was a threat. I don't know what to think about him"-Raven answered
Robin disliked Raven's answer but he knew she was right, and worst of all, he knew Raven's answer was everyone's thought at the Tower, including Robin himself. Robin finished covering his bike and walked to the door. Raven moved quickly and stopped him.
-"How much longer are you going to pretend nothing is happening?"-Raven asked
-"How much longer are you going to pretend the same thing?"-Robin answered
-"We are not pretending anything. Beast Boy is afraid, Cyborg is afraid. We think Starfire is sick and you are not doing anything"-Raven said
-"I'm afraid too. What can I do? I can't do anything, he is not doing anything wrong"-Robin said
-"What about Starfire? You know she is not ok. Have you talked to her?"-Raven asked
-"What for? She doesn't need my help or anyone else's. She has Red X"-Robin answered
-"Have you even tried? You think we don't notice how bad you treat her? And how you are always ignoring her and avoiding her?"-Raven asked
-"I'm not trying anymore. I am tired of trying. The only thing I want is for him to go and for us to stop Slade"-Robin answered
-"That is not even an answer"-Raven said
-"I don't bother giving you one"-Robin said
-"No wonder why Starfire lost interest in you"-Raven said
-"What?!"-Robin said
Even though Robin had tried to hide his pain when Raven said this, he was not able to do so. What did she mean that Starfire had lost interest in him? When did this happen?
-"I don't care"-Robin said
-"I think you do"-Raven said
-"I don't care what you think"-Robin said
-"I don't think you do. But you do care about what she thinks you think"-Raven said
-"We are not having this conversation"-Robin said
-"You're right. We never did"-Raven said
Raven used her magic and vanished from the garage, leaving Robin to be alone with his thoughts. Or so he thought. Raven went back to the main room and found BB getting up from the floor, still half asleep and rubbing his eyes.
-"Raven? How long have I been here sleeping?"-BB asked
-"A very long time"-Raven answered
-"Why didn't you wake me up?"-BB asked
-"You seemed tired. Do you have trouble sleeping at night?"-Raven asked
-"What makes you think that?"-BB asked
-"I've heard your voice at the middle of the night walking like a zombie around the hallway"-Raven answered
-"Oh!"-BB said
-"What's wrong?"-Raven asked
-"Probably the same thing that is wrong with everyone at this place"-BB answered
-"I talked to Robin. He won't do anything"-Raven said
-"What can he do?"-BB asked
-"I don't know"-Raven answered
-"It's like we are falling apart, Raven. This is the only home I have. You are my only friends. Remember when Cyborg left the team. I thought that was serious but compared to what is happening now, Cyborg's deal looks like a joke. And not a funny one"-BB said
-"We need to talk about this. All of us together in the same place"-Raven said
-"But Robin won't be in the same room where Star is. What about Star? You know she doesn't leave her room anymore. It's like she is dying or something"-BB said
-"If we want to save our team, we have to do it. Whether Robin or Starfire or Red X like it or not. We are not letting the Titans disappear"-Raven said
-"Raven, I never thought you cared about us that much"-BB said
-"There are many things you don't know about me"-Raven said
-"I can see that. So, what do we do to talk all together?"-BB said
-"I have a plan"-Raven said
Raven told BB what she thought could be a good idea. Her plan was to make the others believe that Starfire was very ill and they will all go to see her at her room. Robin is the only person with the override code to the room so he would have to be with them whether he wanted it or not and Red X would have to deal with it. BB suggested making Starfire scream so all of them will run to Starfire's rescue. Raven told BB he will have to morph into some horrible creature and catch Starfire by surprise. Raven told BB that they will have to wait until Cyborg and Red X came back home and until Robin locked himself in his room. BB suggested that they first went and checked on Starfire to make sure she was not alert and both BB and Raven made their way to Starfire's room. Robin felt a shiver down his spine and felt that ugly feeling of being watched. He quickly grabbed his Bo staff and got into a fighting stance.
-"Who's there?"-Robin asked
No response was heard.
-"I said who is there?"-Robin asked
-"It is just me, Robin"-Starfire said
-"Starfire"-Robin said
He could not help to look amazed with her presence. He had been avoiding her for so long now and seeing her here, in front of him, gave him that feeling he had when he saw her for the first time. However, there was something different this time; she did not look the same like when they met for the first time. There was no spark in her eyes. No smile on her face. She looked tired, unhappy, concerned. Robin examined her little by little. He noticed that she was holding her hair with a rubber band. She never held her hair before, she liked her hair, and so did he. He also noted some bruises on her arms, not of a considerable size but still noticeable nonetheless. One of her hands was resting on the wall, like if she needed its might support to stand still. Like if she alone, the strongest of the Titans, did not have the strength to keep herself standing in one place. When did she become so weak? Was Red X beating her up? Nobody could hurt her without her fighting back as twice as hard. Nobody could lay a hand on her, at least on Robin's watch. But he had stopped taking care of her. He had not stopped caring but he had stopped trying. His heart hurt to see her image. Why had he been so blind to not see what was happening to her? Was there any type of abuse taking place in his Tower? If so, who was responsible for this? Nobody else but himself; nobody else but Robin.
-"Robin, I wish to speak to you"-Starfire said
Robin felt amazed of hearing her kind, sweet voice again. It had been long since he had not heard her speak, or say his name. He loved it when she said his name.
-"What is wrong, Starfire?"-Robin asked
-"I fear something is wrong with us, all of us. I feel the great tension among ourselves; yet no one is brave enough to speak, less to listen"-Starfire answered
-"Do you want to be the brave one that speaks?"-Robin asked
-"If you wish to be the brave one who listens"-Starfire answered
Robin walked towards Starfire and sat next to her on the steps of the door that lead to the main room. Starfire slowly turned back to where Robin had sat and did the same as him. There were a few moments of silence. Neither one of them knew how to say what they were thinking. It was one of those moments that there is much to be said but no way to begin to say it.
-"So, you think these wheels will look cool on the T-Car?"-Cyborg asked
-"Those spinners are awesome. Might as well get a pair for my bike"-Red X answered
-"Yeah, new shoes for my baby!"-Cyborg said
-"Hey, Cy! I have a question that I had been meaning to ask you"-Red X said
-"What up?"-Cyborg asked
-"Where do all get the money to pay for your stuff. The Tower, the food…your clothes?"-Red X asked
-"Oh! The thing is that we…"-Cyborg said
-"Your order is ready, sir"-The clerk said
-"Thanks, man! Let's go dude"-Cyborg said
-"Have a nice day"-The clerk said
Cyborg and Red X began walking back to the Tower. It was truly a long way home.
-"I am telling you, Rae. She is not in there!"-BB said
-"But she has to be there. She wouldn't just leave without telling us"-Raven said
-"Maybe she caught up with Cyborg and Red X"-BB said
-"I checked the signals and Cyborg and Red X are downtown, heading this way. Starfire is here at the Tower. Where else could she be?"-Raven asked
-"Taking a bath?"-BB answered
-"Maybe; let's wait until she comes back"-Raven said
-"Ok…Want tofu?"-BB asked
Raven growled.
-"Starfire, what is that you want to talk about?"-Robin asked
-"About us, why have we stopped being a team?"-Starfire asked
-"What do you mean? We are still together"-Robin answered
-"But we have stopped being a family"-Starfire said
-"Well, things have changed"-Robin said
-"But why have they changed? Things were wonderful before"-Starfire said
-"Before as in before he came back?"-Robin asked
-"He is not our enemy"-Starfire answered
-"He is not our friend, either"-Robin said
-"Why do you always blame him for any wrongdoing?"-Starfire asked
-"You are right. I shouldn't blame him. I should blame you"-Robin answered
-"Why have you become so mean?"-Starfire asked
-"Why have you become so blind?"-Robin answered
-"What is that supposed to mean?"-Starfire asked
-"Can't you see? When did we start having missions? When he came back. When did we begin separating? When he came back. When did our friendship end? When he appeared in our lives again. Don't you find it strange that he reappears one day, saying that Slade is alive and the city gets threaten every single day and night?"-Robin asked
-"Today has been the exception"-Starfire answered
-"That is not a good answer"-Robin said
-"It was not meant to be a good one"-Starfire said
Starfire sighed and Robin looked away. Why could they not talk without arguing? He knew he needed to leave his anger and jealousy behind and get his act together. Starfire was surprised when Robin held her face.
-"Starfire, I have missed you so much"-Robin said
-"I have missed you too"-Starfire said
-"You look different. Why are so weak?"-Robin asked
-"I do not know what you are talking about"-Starfire answered
-"You know what I am talking about. Has he hurt you?"-Robin asked
-"He has done nothing to me"-Starfire answered
-"Don't lie, Star. Where did you get these bruises from?"-Robin asked
-"From our mission which seem to be getting quite hard and hurtful"-Starfire answered
-"Don't you dare lie to me. You know I can read your eyes"-Robin said
-"I am being honest"-Starfire said
-"No, you are not. It is true sometimes we get bruises. But you are the strongest person I know. Besides, you have him to protect you every single move"-Robin said
-"Perhaps he is not doing such a god job after all"-Starfire said
-"As much as I regret saying this, I know he is doing an excellent job"-Robin said
-"He is doing more than you think"-Starfire said
-"What are you not telling me Star? What is he hiding?"-Robin asked
Starfire closed her eyes and moved away from Robin's touch.
-"I cannot tell you. But I can assure it is for the best"-Starfire answered
-"Is this what you think is best for us? Or for you?"-Robin said
-"Robin, you do not understand"-Starfire said
-"No, I don't. And I won't until you tell me what is going on"-Robin said
-"It is too complex for you to understand"-Starfire said
-"I want to know. I want to help. I want to be there for you, like I did before"-Robin said
-"I am afraid this cannot be possible anymore. Not without putting you in danger"-Starfire said
-"I don't care what happens to me. I care about you. It has always been about you"-Robin said
-"And I care about you. This is why I have to do what I have to do"-Starfire said
Robin turned to face Starfire and grabbed her by the shoulders. Starfire looked at him and expected to see and angry face but she did not. Robin's face showed everything but anger. Robin's face showed concern, fear, sadness and love.
-"Starfire, please tell me what is going on? I really want to help. You know I wouldn't let anything happen to you. You are my best friend and I trust you entirely. Trust me entirely"-Robin said
Starfire looked down and closed her eyes while Robin waited for an answer.
-"If you truly trust me then do not question my behavior anymore, please"-Starfire said
Robin made a frown and slowly moved his hands from Starfire's shoulders only to notice that she came along with them. Starfire had passed out.
-"Star? Star? Are you ok?"-Robin asked
No response. Suddenly, Robin remembered that night at the club when the exact same thing had happened between them. Robin felt concerned when Starfire passed out in his arms that night but now he was not only concerned but very, very afraid as well. Robin took advantage of the situation and examined Starfire's body. Her bruises looked worse from a closer view and she seemed thinner as well. Robin tried waking Starfire up but she never responded. Robin decided to carry her and take her to the main room. He caressed her cheek and slowly and carefully placed her in his arms while he stood up and made his way to the elevator that took them to the main living room. BB and Raven where still waiting for Starfire; hiding in the shadows a couple of feet away from her door.
-"Are you sure she is not there?"-Raven asked
-"I already told you, Rae. She's not in there"-BB answered
-"But we have waited here for a long time"-Raven said
-"Hey! You are the psychic not me!"-BB said
BB and Raven heard noises coming from the living room and ducked.
-"Maybe she's back?"-BB asked
-"Maybe, maybe not"-Raven said
At the living room, Robin laid Starfire on the couch and quickly went to the door and made his way to the bathroom to grab the first aid kit. BB and Raven saw Robin run to the bathroom and decided to forget about their plan and ask Robin what was going on. Robin grabbed the kit and when he was getting out of the room he saw BB and Raven standing in front him.
-"Who's sick?"-BB asked
-"Do you need help?"-Raven asked
Robin looked down at the kit and then back at them. His face denoted how worried he was.
-"Starfire, she passed out again"-Robin answered
-"Where is she?"-BB asked
-"At the living room"-Robin answered
-"Let's go"-Raven said
Robin ran to the living room while BB and Raven stayed behind. Raven and BB looked at each other and grinned. This was the right opportunity for all of them to talk, once and for all. Robin got to the main room first and immediately began trying to bring Starfire back to consciousness. Raven and BB were closed to the main door but Raven stopped them both before entering.
-"What's the big deal, Raven?"-BB asked
-"I want to locate Cyborg and Red X first. See how much time we have to keep Robin distracted"-Raven answered
-"Won't be much. It's almost lunch time. Cyborg will be here any minute"-BB said
Raven took her communicator out and searched for the missing Titans. The communicator beeped several times and then stopped as Raven closed it and put it back inside her cloak.
-"They are here"-Raven said
Raven and BB stared at each other. Their eyes showed how afraid they were of what was about to take place. They knew they had wanted to talk about what was going on in the Tower but never had the chance, and now that they had it, they were very afraid of the consequences.
-"Here goes nothing"-BB said
BB grabbed Raven's hand and they both went inside the main room. Robin had Starfire head on his lap; he was still trying to wake her up.
-"Is she ok?"-Raven asked
-"I don't know. Look at her. Doesn't she look...sick?"-Robin asked
Raven walked to the couch and analyzed Starfire. BB did the same. Both BB and Raven gasped when they saw the bruises and how thin she looked.
-"When did this happen? I had never noticed it before"-Raven said
-"It seems no one had. I don't know when this happened but it must stop"-Robin said
-"Dude, when did you find her?"-BB asked
-"I was in the garage and was about to leave when she came by. We talked for a while and she passed out"-Robin answered
-"Maybe it's you man…didn't she pass out at the club too?"-BB asked
-"Out of the subject"-Raven answered
BB got in his knees next to Starfire and looked at her. He felt sad for some reason. When did things get this bad? Not only was his team falling apart but now Starfire was sick? What else could go wrong? As much as he was scared of the moment that was about to come, he knew things had to be done in order for the Titans to survive. Starfire did not deserve to be the way she was right now. She was the heart of the team and without her, they would become nothing. BB grabbed Starfire's hand and held it tight. He then sighed and faced Robin with a serious face.
-"I think we should call a doctor"-BB said
-"We will. Raven, call the hospital and tell them I am going to get there and bring a doctor back to the Tower. Tell them to be ready to treat Starfire"-Robin said
-"I'm on it"-Raven said
Raven flew towards the telephone and began dialing when the door slammed open. Cyborg and Red X had arrived home. Cyborg looked at Raven and then at the other three Titans on the couch. Red X looked at Starfire and ran towards her.
-"What did you do to her?"-Red X asked
-"That is what I was about to ask you"-Robin answered
-"What? I haven't done anything to her. I would never…"-Red X said
-"Shut up! You have been hurting her have you? This is why Starfire doesn't come out of her room, right?"-Robin asked
-"You don't know what you are talking about"-Red X answered
-"Then tell me"-Robin asked
-"Robin, I think you should come down"-BB said
-"Answer me!"-Robin said
Red X did not answer and Robin's anger rose. Robin carefully stood up from the couch, making sure that Starfire did not get hurt in the process and as soon as she was fine he ran towards Red X. Red X did not see it coming and before he knew it, Robin had slammed him to the wall and was grabbing him by his shirt collar.
-"Answer me!"-Robin yelled
-"Let me go"-Red X said
Red X grabbed Robin's arm and tried to get lose but Robin did not budge. Red X's attitude only made him press harder.
-"What did you do to her?"-Robin asked
-"I already told you. I haven't done anything to her. You know I would never lay a finger on her"-Red X answered
-"Robin, calm down"-Raven said
-"Liar! How did she get those bruises? Why is she sick?"-Robin asked
-"Man, let him go"-Cyborg said
-"It wasn't me"-Red X answered
-"I don't believe you! You tried to kill us all last time. You lied to her, you lied to us. I don't trust you"-Robin said
-"I can't help you there"-Red X said
-"Don't you dare play games with me"-Robin said
-"I'm not calling the hospital until you let him go"-Raven said
Robin slowly turned to face Raven and glanced at her. Raven did not budge.
-"Are you taking his side?"-Robin asked
-"I'm not taking anybody's side"-Raven answered
-"You want Starfire to die?"-Robin asked
-"She is not going to die"-Red X answered
-"You, shut the f…"-Robin said
-"Both of you, shut up!"-BB yelled
-"Just let go of him, man"-Cyborg said
Robin glanced at everyone and then pushed Red X to the floor. Red X stood up and for the first time, all six of them where at the same room at the same time.
-"You have to tell us what is happening"-Raven said
-"We can help you. We will help you"-BB said
-"Why would you do something like that? Help the enemy?"-Robin asked
-"Because we don't wanna split up"-Cyborg said
-"What are you talking about?"-Red X asked
-"Don't you see? We are not the same people we were before…before, well…"-BB said
-"Before you showed up"-Robin said
Red X looked at the other Titans; they all had their faces down. He then looked at Starfire. She looked worse than before. He was running out of time. She was running out of time.
-"Why do you blame me?"-Red X asked
-"Because we were fine until you came back"-Robin answered
-"So you are saying that if I leave you will go back to normal?"-Red X asked
-"We don't know exactly"-BB answered
-"Yes, we do. We would…we will be better of without you"-Robin said
-"No, we would not"-Starfire said
The Titans turned to see Starfire slowly opening her eyes. BB helped her sit down on the couch.
-"Starfire, what happened?"-Robin asked
-"Nothing happened"-Starfire answered
-"Why do you keep covering him?"-Robin asked
-"I am not covering him"-Starfire answered
-"Yes you are! Look at you"-Robin said
Starfire looked at herself and massaged one of the bruises she had.
-'Poor Robin. You have no idea how much this hurts'-Starfire thought
-He would if you told him'-Raven thought
Starfire shocked her head and glared at Raven. Raven decided not to read her mind again.
-"Friends, there is much you are not meant to know yet. Please, bare with the fact that strange things may occur and there is nothing you can do to stop them"-Starfire said
-"But Star, these things are killing us"-BB said
-"They shall not kill…you"-Starfire said
-"Then who?"-Raven asked
-"I'm not letting you get worse, Star. You have to tell me the truth, right now"-Robin ordered
-"I have not told you any lie"-Starfire said
-"She's not going to tell you anything. We aren't telling you anything. Now leave us alone"-Red X said
Red X walked towards Starfire and checked up on her. He remembered that the last time he had seen the bruises they were smaller. Bruises were supposed to disappear, not worsen. Red X was getting ready to take Starfire back to her room but the alarm stopped him from doing so. Raven ran to the big screen and activated the search. There was a disturbance at the docks Robin asked Raven to identify the enemy and Raven did. Raven's face went blank and BB ran to her to see who it was.
-"It's Slade"-BB said
The Titans looked at their leader while he pushed his cape back. He looked at Starfire who could not even stand up by herself and then looked at Red X who was holding her, keeping her standing.
-"Beast Boy, fly Cyborg to the docks. Raven, follow them. I will take my bike"-Robin said
-"What about me?"-Red X asked
-"You stay here and take care of Starfire. She can't fight and she can't be left alone either"-Robin answered
-"But this is Slade we are talking about"-Red X said
-"And this is Starfire we are talking about"-Robin said
Red X looked at Starfire and held her tight. Red X did not say anything but carried Starfire and began walking to the door. Robin told the rest of the Titans to leave the Tower and they did. The Titans were about to meet a very old enemy. An enemy that they thought was dead. Everyone took their positions and left for the docks. Red X had arrived to Starfire's room and laid her on her bed. He then covered her up with blankets and after she was not cold anymore he fell on his knees, panting. Starfire moved her head and faced him. She extended her hand and he held it.
-"Why are you so weak?"-Starfire asked
-"Guess I'm getting old"-Red X answered
-"It is happening, again"-Starfire said
-"Yes, good thing it did not happen in front of the other Titans"-Red X said
-"You must rest"-Starfire said
-"I can't. I have to go help Robin. Without any of us there he is an easy target"-Red X said
-"In your condition you will be an easy target as well"-Starfire said
-"I'm sure it will go away in a few minutes"-Red X said
-"Last time it took a whole day"-Starfire said
-"It would go away sooner than that"-Red X said
-"You cannot put yourself in danger"-Starfire said
-"I put myself more in danger by just standing here than by helping Robin"-Red X said
Starfire closed he eyes. She knew he was right and there was no changing his mind. Robin needed someone to take care of him and she would have gone with him, if she were able to move by herself. Starfire hit the bed with her closed fist.
-"This is not fair! I feel useless. I wish I could do more for them, and for him"-Starfire yelled
-"We will, very soon"-Red X said
Red X kissed Starfire's hand before he let it go and made his way to the window.
-"Please, take good care of my boy of wonder"-Starfire said
-"I would take care of him as if my life depends on it"-Red X said
With this, Red X flew outside Starfire's window and flew straight to the docks. Starfire looked at her now empty window and clenched her fist while grabbing her blankets; a tear fell down her cheek.
-"But it does…"-Starfire said
Red X flew as fast as he could, feeling relieved every second that passed by.
-"I knew it would go away soon this time"-Red X said
Red X saw the docks. He was getting close but he saw no one outside the pier. He did not like the way things looked. Red X flew down and stopped a few feet away from the piers and looked around him. There was no sign of Slade or the Titans; the place looked deserted.
-"Where are you?"-Red X mumbled
Red X walked towards the piers and thought about which one to go in first. He did not have a communicator and was not able to reach the Titans that way. He could not use his telepathy either because he could weaken himself again. This was a risk he was not willing to take. His only hope was to walk from pier to pier until he found them. Red X walked straight to the pier right in front of him and opened the door. The place was so dark that he could not see his hand in front of his face.
This place reminded him of Slade's old lair. The place where he was created, where he took Starfire, and where he killed Slade. The pier brought him nothing but sad memories. Memories he did not want to remember at all. Red X began walking deeper into the building and the deeper he got, the more uneasy he felt. He could have used his flashlight but he did not want to get noticed. He could be surrounded by Slade's henchmen waiting to strike for all he knew. Suddenly, a loud thump was heard. Red X stopped cold and the silenced that followed the sound made him more anxious. After that lonely sound, his breathing was the only sound that he could listen to. Red X took a slow, deep breath and shivered. He felt something was not right and as if on cue, Red X was hit hard by something. Both the object that had hit him and Red X flew backwards and abruptly landed on his back on a pile of wooden boxes.
The landing had hurt more than it should have. Red X stayed on the floor for a few seconds, trying to figure what had just happened. He shook his head and slowly stood up, rubbing his neck. Red X looked around himself, trying to locate what had hit him so hard and found it a couple of feet to his left. He cautiously approached the object and kicked it a couple of times. It did not move. He reached for his pocket and got his tiny flashlight out and lighted the object. It was not object, it was Robin. Red X gasped and quickly checked Robin for vitals.
-"Come on, man!"-Red X mumbled
Robin began growling and opened his eyes.
-"X? What are you doing here? You are supposed to be taking care of Starfire"-Robin said
-"Yes but she agreed that having one Titans missing, you would be needing help"-Red X said
-"I'm afraid she's right"-Robin said
-"What happened?"-Red X asked
Robin stood up and patted his clothes to get the dirt off them. He combed his hair with his fingers and cracked his neck.
-"Slade's henchmen caught us by surprise. There were so many of them; we had our hands full"-Robin answered
-"Where are they?"-Red X asked
-"I don't know. I followed Slade but he has gotten stronger. I could barely touch him"-Robin answered
-'I won't stand a chance'-Red X thought
-"If you are here to help, then help my find the others. We have to retreat"-Robin said
-"I think that might be the best option now"-Red X said
-"Let's go"-Robin said
Robin and Red X ran towards Robin had appeared. The next part of the pier was illuminated by the moon only and Robin and Red X had to keep their eyes wide open. Red X knew that the rest of the Titans were alright and out of danger. It was Robin and him who should be worried. Red X knew that it was them who Slade wanted, dead or alive.
-"Use the communicator to find the other Titans"-Red X said
-"I can't. I lost it while fighting Slade"-Robin said
-"I guess will have to stick to the traditional way"-Red X said
-"Yes"-Robin said
Robin and Red X walked to the center of the building. Red X observed the broken boxes and windows at the walls. He knew that Slade had used Robin's body to break them all. A loud scream was heard, coming from the other building. It was such a horrible scream that made both of them jump.
-"What the hell was that?"-Red X asked
-"It was Raven"-Robin answered
-"Then what are we waiting for?"-Red X said
Red X used his powers and blasted the wall, making way for them to run to the next building. Red X and Robin ran towards the entrance of the next pier and were surprised by the fight scene that was taking place inside. Raven had become a big dark shadow and only her two pair of bright-red eyes could be seen. Slade's henchmen tried to stop her but they looked like puppets when Raven grabbed them and crushed them with her tentacles. Raven had lost control.
-"Raven, stop!"-Robin yelled
Raven did not pay attention to Robin.
-"She is not herself now. She can't hear you"-Red X said
-"We have to stop her. She can get hurt"-Robin said
At that moment, a couple of Slade's henchmen flew next to where Robin and Red X were standing. The robots exploited as soon as they touched the ground.
-"Are you sure she is the one who's getting hurt?"-Red X asked
-"Come on"-Robin answered
Robin and Red X ran towards Raven. Robin used his birdarang to climb up and Red X flew and stopped at her face.
-"Raven, it's me. Stop this now"-Red X said
Raven's answer was to blow Red X away from her. The back wall stopped Red X from flying any farther and he landed on his front side over the floor. Robin tried to reach Raven but his hand went right through her, she was becoming an impenetrable shadow by the minute. She needed to be stopped or her anger would make her get lost in the shadows forever.
-"Raven, it's Robin. Can you hear me, Raven? Raven?"-Robin said
Raven grabbed Robin with one of her tentacles and began crunching him. Robin could not help to scream. Red X stood up and saw Raven attacking Robin and growled.
-"So that's what he meant by someone getting hurt"-Red X said
Robin tried to reach for his laser disk but he could not. The more he moved the more force Raven used. Red X flew and used his powers to attack Raven but she did not even feel them. She was way out of control. Red X decided to do a frontal assault and began kicking Raven but his kicks went right through her. She grabbed him and began doing the same thing she was doing to Robin.
-"Now what?"-Red X asked
-"What?"-Robin asked
-"Boo-yah!"-Cyborg said
Cyborg used his cannon and blasted Raven and Red X and Robin were let loose.
-"How come your cannon worked on her?"-Robin asked
-"Had a lot of time to adapt my blaster"-Cyborg answered
-"Watch out!"-Red X yelled
Raven began attacking them without mercy and the Titans tried to evade her as much as they could.
-"Where's BB?"-Red X asked
-"Right here!"-BB answered
BB ran towards them and looked at Raven.
-"Dude, what is wrong with her?"-BB asked
-"She's out of control, we have to bring her back somehow"-Robin answered
-"Hey! You X is psychic, get into her mind and help her out!"-Cyborg said
-"But you have to distract her"-Red X said
-"We're on it. Titans, GO!"-Robin ordered
The Titans had their hands full trying to distract Raven while Red X concentrated and went inside Raven's mind.
-'Raven, hear me out. You have to stop. There is no danger. Calm down'-
-'Leave me alone'-
-'No, Raven I won't-
-'They are out to get me'-
-'There is nobody but us, your friends'-
-'I have no friends'-
-'Yes, you do. Listen to me. You have to control yourself before you hurt someone'-
-'I can't stand it. Slade, he will kill you. If I don't stop him, he will kill you both'-
-'He won't, Raven. We will stop him before he can do anything. I promise'-
Raven began shrinking down to her original size and her shadowy image disappeared. When she was back to her normal self she could not help to pass out. BB ran towards her and checked on her.
-"She is fine"-BB said
-"We have to go back home"-Robin said
-"Yeah, man"-Cyborg said
-"Not so fast; I'm not done with you yet"-Slade said
-"Slade"-Red X said
The Titans turned to where Slade was and saw him. He looked different from the last time they saw him. He was bigger; he looked like if he had worked out non-stop since they last saw him. He was faster and definitely very much stronger than ever before.
-"I see your friend could not handle the pressure. Shame on her"-Slade said
-"What do you want with her?"-BB asked
-"It's not her I want. It's you"-Slade said
Slade pointed at Robin and at Red X that where standing next to each other. They could not figure out to which one he was pointing at. Slade jumped from where he was and landed in front of the Titans. He had an evil grin on his face.
-"BB, get Raven out of here"-Cyborg said
-"But you guys…"-BB said
-"Do what Cyborg told you. We will be fine"-Robin said
BB looked at Raven and then at the Titans and did not think it once more. He ran towards the door and morphed into a pterodactyl to fly back to the Tower. He just hoped he will see his friends again.
-"Only two Titans left, but I didn't see the red-haired one. Where is she?"-Slade asked
-"That is none of your business"-Robin answered
-"Robin, Robin, feeling a little moody. Perhaps she has not been herself lately?"-Slade asked
-"How do you know?"-Robin asked
-"Why don't you ask your friend here?"-Slade asked
Slade pointed at Red X and Robin and Cyborg turned to see him.
-"It seems he has not been as honest as you thought he had been"-Slade said
-"Shut up"-Red X said
-"What is he talking about?"-Robin asked
-"Nothing, it's nothing"-Red X answered
-"Oh, but it is something. Something very important"-Slade said
-"I said shut up"-Red X yelled
Red X moved towards Slade and began attacking him. Even thought Slade had not been a challenge the last time he fought him this time it was different. Slade was stronger and Red X was weaker. Just as if in cue, Red X began weakening even more.
-'Not now'-Red X thought
Slade noticed that Red X was slowing down and did not waste any time to make his attacks stronger and faster. Red X tried to dodge them but he could not and after a few kicks, Red X ended up flying backwards and landed in between Cyborg and Robin.
-"Are you sure he defeated Slade last time?"-Robin asked
-"That's what Star said"-Cyborg answered
-"Starfire, that's her name. Where is she now?"-Slade asked
-"What do you want with her?"-Robin asked
-"I forgot you have no clue what is going on. They are such bad friends for not telling you the truth"-Slade answered
Robin growled and glanced at Cyborg who understood that it was time to attack. They had fought Slade so many times before but this time it was different. This time they somehow knew that they had no chance against him. Slade punched both of them and sent them to the ground, next to where Red X was.
-"All at once?"-Robin asked
-"On your call"-Red X answered
Robin yelled "Go" and Cyborg, Robin and Red X began attacking Slade all at the same time. Slade dodged all their attacks and managed to hit Cyborg hard enough to get him out of the fight. It was Red X and Robin what he wanted. He grabbed both them by their necks, one with each hand and pressed against it. Red X and Robin were choking.
-"Where is your almighty strength?"-Slade asked Red X
-"And where is your red-haired friend?"-Slade asked Robin
Neither of them could speak. Suddenly a pale green light illuminated the place and hit Slade hard enough to let Robin and Red X loose.
-"Here I am"-Starfire said
Robin and Red X touched their necks and gasped for air while on the floor. Starfire walked towards them and gave them a reassuring smile.
-"Everything shall be fine"-Starfire said
Without further notice, Starfire began walking towards Slade who was now standing and had a big smile on his face.
-"Welcome. Long time no see. How are you feeling?"-Slade asked
-"Why do you not find out by yourself?"-Starfire asked
-"My pleasure"-Slade answered
Starfire and Slade began fighting and Red X and Robin went to check on Cyborg.
-"Are you alright?"-Robin asked
-"I am, but how did ya escape?"-Cyborg asked
-"Starfire saved us"-Red X answered
-"Starfire?"-Cyborg said
The three of them turned to see Starfire and Slade's fight. Even though Starfire was weak she still could take on him and give him a hard time. Slade's punches and Starfire's blasts and starbolts went for a while until Starfire changed. Her starbolts began getting smaller and smaller and her eyes lost their brightness. Starfire was loosing the fight. Red X ran towards her and so did Robin. Red X could only make it halfway when he also began feeling tired and collapsed. Slade whispered something to Starfire's ear and she could not stay standing. She fell on her knees and supported herself with her hands on the floor.
-"Starfire, get out of there!"-Robin yelled
-"Say goodbye"-Slade said
What happened after Slade's last sentence went very slow for everyone there. Slade pulled out a machine out if his pocket and threw it towards Robin. Starfire looked at it and screamed Robin's name. Robin began running backwards for cover but did not see Red X on the way and fell on the floor when he tripped over him. Robin saw Red X on the floor, unconscious and then saw himself waiting to be hit by whatever was that Slade had thrown. Slade smiled and after throwing a smoke ball disappeared of the scene. Starfire managed to use her last strength to stand up, supporting her arms on her knees to stand up. She walked two steps and she fell to the floor again. She knew what Slade had thrown; it was a bomb. Starfire yelled to Cyborg, alerting him of the danger in which they all were and Cyborg tried to stand up also but he was severely hurt. Starfire ran as fast as she could towards the bomb and Robin's last memory was seeing Starfire put her body over the bomb.
Robin woke up to see the ceiling of his room. His head hurt and his whole body ached. What had happened? Why was he in his room?
-"Slade"-Robin mumbled
Robin jumped from his bed and reached for his communicator. He was not able to find it. He then remembered that he told Red X that he had lost it.
-"Where's Red X?"-Robin said
Robin walked outside his door and ran towards the main room. This scene seemed too familiar for him. Raven, BB and Cyborg where there. Red X and Starfire were not.
-"Where's Starfire? What happened to the bomb?"-Robin asked
The big screen was on and the news displayed. A reporter was giving the latest news.
-"The city was saved when the Titans prevented a massive-range bomb from exploding today at the docks. Sources say that it was Starfire who saved them all. Wherever you are Starfire, the city thanks you"-The reporter said
Robin turned the TV off and looked at the Titans.
-"Is she…?"-Robin asked
-"She saved me. She saved all of us"-Red X said
Robin looked at the main door and saw Red X. He had bandages and stitches on his body. He did not look good at all.
-"Who got me out of there? Where is she?"-Robin asked
-"Cyborg did. She got me out of there"-Red X answered
-"Why would you not tell me where is she?"-Robin asked
-"Here I am, Robin"-Starfire said
Starfire was behind Red X. She was holding his hand and he put his arm around her. Robin wanted to throw a birdarang to separate their hands.
-"Why did you jump over the bomb?"-Robin asked
-"I had to protect Red X, he was unconscious"-Starfire answered
-"Oh, so you only did it for him. Cyborg and I were also there!"-Robin said
-"But you could save yourselves. He was not even awake"-Starfire said
-"I can't believe you would had given your life for him"-Robin said
-"Robin, I would have given my life for anyone who needed my help"-Starfire said
-"I don't think so"-Robin said
-"However, I wish to know if you are ok"-Starfire said
Robin looked at himself and noticed that besides the fact that his clothes were ripped, he was fine. When he looked back up, Starfire was next to him. She raised her hand to touch his face but Robin punched it away.
-"Don't touch me"-Robin said
-"But Robin I am merely making sure that…"-Starfire said
-"That what? That I'm not dead yet? Well, unfortunately for you I'm not"-Robin said
-"Robin, why are you talking to me like that?"-Starfire asked
-"Because you deserve it. Do you think I believe you are concerned about me? You only care about him!"-Robin said
-"Please, you do not understand. You are my friend, I am truly concerned about your welfare"-Starfire said
Robin walked towards her and glanced at her. He then pushed her away and kept walking to the door. Red X was containing himself to not kick him for what he had just done to Starfire. He knew this was better than it looked. Red X knew this was exactly what his plan needed.
-"Besides, you don't even belong to this team anymore. You only spend time with him and worry about him only. Why doesn't he move in with you? Better yet, why don't you leave my Tower? You are not welcomed here anymore"-Robin said
Starfire felt the urge to run to him and tell him the truth. She wanted to cry and tell everyone that she had been sacrificing for him all alone. Would had it matter? She would never know because Robin had already left the room. She noticed it when the door slammed shut.
-"Star, ignore him. He's just upset"-BB said
-"He's acting like a jerk. It would go away tomorrow"-Raven said
-"You know we want you here, little lady"-Cyborg said
-"Thank you. You must rest. I shall see you tomorrow"-Starfire said
-"Good night, Star"-Raven said
-"See ya tomorrow, little lady"-Cyborg said
-"Laters"-BB said
All three Titans said their goodnights to Starfire and Red X and went to their respective rooms; they were very tired.
-"Let's go, Star. We should rest too"-Red X said
-"Agreed"-Starfire said
Red X and Starfire left the main room and went to their rooms to sleep. The rest of the day went quiet in Titans Tower. The next morning, Robin got up at about noon and took a quick shower. He had had nightmares of Starfire being blown by the bomb and he had woken up several times. He felt relieved that the alarm had not gone off anymore that night. Robin was now feeling better physically but he now regretted what he had told Starfire last night. He decided to go to her room and apologize to her. She had saved them all after all and he had acted like a jerk instead of thanking her for what she did. He went to her room and knocked the door several times but he did not get any answer.
-'She is probably out with Red X'-Robin thought
Robin sighed and decided to talk to her as soon as he sees her. He walked to the main room and opened the door. He expected to see BB and Cyborg and perhaps Red X playing video games and Raven meditating but he saw none of these images. Instead he was received by three glances coming from the couch. Robin walked to the kitchen, opened the fridge and got the milk out. The Titans did not stop glaring at him at all times. He poured the milk into a glass and returned the milk to the refrigerator. He drank the milk while being stared at; he was getting annoyed by it.
-"What? I know I screwed up, I already looked for her but she is no in her room. I'll wait until she comes back and I'll apologize"-Robin said
-"Man, she is not coming back"-Cyborg said
-"What?-Robin asked
-"She said that she didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable anymore and that if you wanted her to leave she would and she did"-Raven answered
-"Why didn't you stop her?"-Robin asked
-"She didn't tell us, personally. She left a note for us here on the main room…and one for you"-BB said
Robin looked at the sealed envelope and grabbed it from BB's hand. He walked backwards and went to his room. He got inside his room and locked the door. Robin looked at the envelope not knowing if he really wanted to read its content or not.
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AN: Hi! Yes, I know it took me millions of years to finish this chapter but it is done! I am almost done with my semester and I promise that the next chapters will come sooner once I begin my vacations. Thanks for reading my story and waiting for the updates! You are the best! :)