DISCLAIMER: No tengo posesión de los Titanes
EDITED FOR SOME GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUTATION MISTAKES. Story remains the same
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Chapter 7
Gone
Red X opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times. He looked around himself, trying to remember what had happened. He then remembered he had gone out on a date with Starfire and that they had arrived early morning. He thought she was still next to him, and turned behind him. She was not there. He sighed and stood up from the couch, made his way to the restroom and brushed his teeth. He decided that since he already was on the bathroom, he ought to take a shower and he did.
After he got out of the shower he looked at himself on the mirror and saw that it was covered by the vapor of the hot water. He laughed and wrote a note for Starfire with his fingers on the mirror.
"Good morning, beautiful"
He looked at himself between the letters he had just written and realized that his mask was not on.
-"I don't remember taking it off"-Red X said
Thinking that I had probably been Starfire who took it off he got out of the shower and made his way to his room. He had not brought any clothes with him inside the bathroom so he was hiding from Starfire. He ran as quickly as he could and locked his door. He went to his closet and began to get dressed.
Back at Titans Tower, the Titans were finishing the total clean-up of the Tower.
-"I am dieing over here! Can we get a break Robin?"-BB asked
-"We are done with the cleaning already, Beast Boy"-Robin answered
-"Great, I'm starving"-Cyborg said
-"We aren't done yet, Cyborg"-Robin said
-"We ain't?"-Cyborg asked
-"No, we still need to check the T-Car and the R-Cycle and the whole mainframe"-Robin answered
-"Are you kidding me, man?"-Cyborg asked
-"No, but you can take a break to have breakfast"-Robin said
-"It's a little bit past breakfast"-Raven said
-"What time is it?"-Robin asked
-"It's three in the afternoon"-Raven answered
-"Three? Wow, time sure does go by fast when you are having fun"-Robin said
-"Fun? Fun? At least I'm done, good thing I'm dumb with computers and I don't have to work anymore"-BB said
-"No, after we have something to eat you and Raven will begin training"-Robin said
-"What?"-BB and Raven said
-"Yes, we have lots of training to do if we want to defeat Slade"-Robin said
The Titans looked at each other. They knew the training was going to get even harder but deep inside they were happy; their leader was back.
-"Slade?"-BB asked
-"Yes, we are getting our friends back"-Robin said
-"You mean, Starfire and Red X? Both of them?"-Cyborg asked
-"Yes, both of them. Now let's get something to eat"-Robin answered
-"Who's up for some tofu?"-BB said
-"Nobody"-Cyborg said
And so, the Titans left their Tower to get something to eat. Meanwhile, Red X had dressed himself and was concerned that Starfire had not woken up already. He knew that Starfire was an early person and not even last night's date would keep her from being up by now. He decided to wake her up and invite her to get something to eat, he was very hungry. Red X walked to Starfire's door and knocked a couple of times. No response.
-"Star, wake up"-Red X said
She did not respond.
-"Star, it's kind of late. Wanna go get a snack to eat?"-Red X asked
Again, nothing was heard.
-"Star, I'm coming in"-Red X said
Red X opened the door and took a peak inside Starfire's room. Everything was in place as always but there was something weird about her room this time. The bed had not been used and everything was as when they left yesterday for the park.
-'Maybe she's already bringing food'-Red X thought
Red X walked around her room, looking for note that could take him out of his concern and clear his doubts. It was not Starfire's style to leave without saying anything or without at least leaving a note. Red X found nothing inside her room and began looking in the kitchen, in his room in the living room and in the restroom but he found nothing.
-'Where is she?'-Red X thought
When he went back to his room to look for the communicator he had built for Starfire and him to locate each other he realized that it was gone. He searched the place to find the communicator but he was not able to find it.
-'The tracking device'-Red X thought
Red X began searching for the other communicator that would detect the tracking devices placed on Starfire's clothes but he did not find them either. Red X did not like the situation at all. He then began getting all his papers out of the shelves and the drawers from his desk. He realized that the tracking devices and the communicators were not the only objects missing from his desk. The maps of Slade's new lair were also gone.
-'Starfire, no'-Red X thought
Red X decided that Starfire had left the place and began getting ready to go look after her. If he had the GPS devices he would find her in no time. He needed a powerful device to find Starfire's location. Any powerful device would do, he could easily find the frequency of Starfire's locator and pinpoint the coordinates of her position.
-'Maybe the police would lend me their GPS locator'-Red X thought
Red X shook that idea away from his head. The police would probably ask him why he not used the more powerful devices at the Tower.
-'The Tower'-Red X thought
This was his answer. Red X thought that Starfire probably went to Titans Tower to seek the Titans help as she had wanted all along. He had to get her back before Slade found her alone in her way to the Tower. He had to act now.
-"Where's my mask?"-Red X asked
Red X began putting the house upside down to find his mask. Starfire had thought of everything.
-"She's making time"-Red X said
The Titans had arrived at the pizza parlor and were now eating. The waitress had acted strangely when she saw them went in. Robin figured it was that she was tired of the festivities since the pizza parlor had not closed for the New Year parties.
-"What's wrong with her?"-BB asked
-"You saw it too?"-Cyborg asked
-"We all saw it"-Raven answered
-"Why do you think she's looking at us like that?"-Robin asked
-"She's not looking at us, she's looking at you"-Raven said
Robin made a frown and turned to face the waitress who was still staring at him.
-"Maybe she has a crush on you"-Cyborg said
-"Or maybe she's friends with Kitten"-BB said
-"Shut up"-Robin said
The Titans finished their meal and when they were about to pay the waitress slowly approached them, fixing her sight on Robin.
-"Dude, she's coming this way. I bet ya she's gonna ask you out on a date"-BB said
-"Please, no"-Robin said
The waitress finally stood next to Robin and looked at him before she spoke.
-"Sir, are you Robin?"-The waitress asked
-"Yes, how can I help you?"-Robin answered
-"Well, it seems to me you like to eat pizza a lot"-The waitress said
-"I do, but what makes you say that?"-Robin asked
-"Well, you where here last night also"-The waitress said
-"What?"-BB asked
-"Yes, he was here but with the pretty red-haired girl"-The waitress answered
The Titans looked at each other. They knew Robin was not here last night and they knew who the 'pretty red-haired girl' was.
-"Oh! You mean Starfire?"-Robin asked
-"Yes, that's her name"-The waitress answered
The Titans looked at each other and smiled. This was the first sign in weeks that Starfire and Red X were still alive. They were not sure if they had escaped the bank incident on time because shortly after Raven got them out of there, the bank exploded.
-"Oh! Yeah, I almost forgot you helped us"-Robin said
-"Sorry for snooping in like this"-The waitress said
-"Don't worry, it's not a secret or anything"-Robin said
-"Anyway, sorry, thank you for coming"-The waitress said
-"Thanks"-Robin said
The Titans paid the meal and made their way to Titans Tower. Starfire and Red X were alive. Cyborg drove his T-Car back to the Tower. Robin was in the passenger's seat and BB and Raven sat on the back.
-"She made it, dude"-BB said
-"I knew little lady would make it out live"-Cyborg said
-"Red X probably got her out of there just in time"-Raven said
-"Now that we now they are alive we will find them"-Robin said
-"Where can we start looking for them?"-BB asked
-"I don't know. But at least we know that they come to the pizza parlor"-Robin answered
-"That's a good start"-Cyborg said
-"Yes, and the sooner we get to the Tower, the sooner we will be to get ready for Slade and to bring them back home"-Robin said
-"I hear ya"-Cyborg said
Cyborg drove faster and they were at the Tower in no time. They all got down from the T-Car and made their way to the living room. The elevator opened only to reveal that they had an unexpected visitor sitting on the couch.
-"How, what, who…"-BB said
-"X, my man, we were about to go look for you"-Cyborg said
-"When did you get here?"-Raven asked
-"A couple of minutes ago"-Red X answered
Robin looked around him and saw that his eyes could not find the one he was looking for. He then became nervous.
-"Where's Starfire?"-Robin asked
Red X looked disappointed and crossed his arms.
-"I was hoping you could tell me that"-Red X answered
-"What?"-Robin asked
-"What do you mean you don't know where she is?"-BB asked
-"She's supposed to be with you"-Robin said
-"You just said it, supposed"-Red X said
Robin walked towards Red X and Red X stood up. They faced each other and the rest of the Titans stood behind Robin.
-"What kind of answer is that?"-Robin asked
-"The only one I've got"-Red X answered
-"What the heck are you trying to do to us?"-Robin asked
-"What do you mean?"-Red X asked
-"You took her away, you were supposed to take care of her and you just come here to tell us that you lost her?"-Robin asked
-"I didn't lose her, she put me to sleep and left without telling me"-Red X asked
-"What did you do to her?"-Robin asked
-"Nothing, she had no reason to leave"-Red X answered
-"Apparently she did because she left"-Robin said
-"Did she leave a…note?"-BB asked
-"Nothing"-Red X answered
-"Did she take anything?"-Raven asked
-"She did, that's why I'm here"-Red X answered
-"What are you talking about?"-Robin asked
-"If you get out of my face I will explain everything, and I mean everything"-Red X answered
-"You mean all that everything that could've told us before?"-Robin asked
-"Yes"-Red X answered
Robin pushed Red X to the couch and he stood up in front of him, arms crossed. Raven sat next to Red X and BB and Cyborg sat next to Raven. By the look on Red X's face the explanation would take a while.
-"The reason I came back was to protect Starfire…and Robin"-Red X said
-"I don't need you protection and neither does Starfire. She has me to protect her"-Robin said
Red X chuckled.
-"What's so funny?"-Robin asked
-"That she told me the exact same thing that you just said"-Red X answered
-"She did?"-Raven asked
-"Yes she did, of course she said with a different tone"-Red X answered
-"Protection from who?"-BB asked
-"Slade, who else would want to harm you?"-Red X answered
-"How is he alive, ya said?"-Cyborg asked
-"He knew my change of plans before I put them to action and changed his plans as well"-Red X answered
-"What were you plans?"-Raven asked
-"Back then, the first time we met, my original plans were to destroy you. And I was going to until I met Starfire. She changed my mind. When I saw Robin and her get along I knew I wanted something like that. I had no past and no family but Slade, and I wanted what you all have. So I changed my plans. I was not going to eliminate Starfire, I was going to take her with me after I had destroyed you"-Red X answered
-"But your plans failed"-Robin said
-"Yes, they did. I was planning on putting Starfire to sleep and erase her mind with Slade's machines. I was going to make her forget about you and made her believe she was part of the evil side with me"-Red X said
-"That would have never worked"-Robin said
-"It may had worked, if it wasn't for Slade that hated Starfire"-Red X said
-"What do you mean?"-Raven asked
-"He double-crossed me. He said he didn't mind having Starfire at the lair and sent me to get a chemical he was using to create a new formula that he said would get rid of his enemies for good. I knew he had enough of it because he was almost over but I didn't complain and left"-Red X said
-"You left Starfire alone with Slade?"-Robin asked
-"No, I took her to my room and locked the door when I left"-Red X answered
-"Like that would stop Slade"-BB said
-"No, it didn't. I realized that I had made a mistake and went back to save her and found Slade choking Starfire"-Red X said
-"That's what caused the bruises she had when we found her"-Cyborg said
-"Yes, even though some of you thought I was me"-Red X said
Robin glared at Red X knowing that he had referred to him.
-"Anyway, I stopped what I thought was Slade. But I was wrong. Part of Slade's plans was to make me, and all of us believe that he was gone, so he cloned himself and that was who I killed, Slade's clone"-Red X said
-"He wanted us to think he was dead so he could strike when we expected the least"-Raven said
-"Yes. After I realized that Starfire wouldn't leave with me I decided to fake my own death too and take care of you, especially of Starfire, from far away"-Red X said
-"So all this time you knew Slade was alive?"-BB asked
-"No, I found out a couple of weeks before I told you"-Red X answered
-"And why didn't you do anything about it?"-Robin asked
-"Because he had become more powerful, I could not take him by myself. Besides, after what I had learned by sneaking in his temporal lair I decided it was best to seek for help"-Red X answered
-"Why couldn't you take him? You killed the Slade who I thought was more powerful than the original or so you told me before"-Robin said
-"Yes, clones are stronger but only for a while. Eventually the clones become weaker and weaker until they become 'normal' human beings"-Red X said
-"Are you normal?"-Cyborg asked
-"Not yet, but Starfire and I were planning on taking on Slade in five days"-Red X answered
-"In five days? You were planning on taking Starfire to Slade and watch her die?"-Robin asked
-"Watch her die?"-Red X asked
-"Yes, watch her die. In case you haven't realized, Starfire is very sick"-Robin answered
-"How do you know she's sick?"-Red X asked
-"I talked to her when you left downtown with Cyborg then night before you left with her. She was thin and she had bruises all over her body, remember that I asked you about them?"-Robin asked
-"Yes"-Red X answered
-"Then what do you have to say about that?"-Robin asked
-"That's the other problem. Starfire's sickness is not natural. It was induced to her"-Red X answered
-"Induced, how? Who?"-Robin asked
-"Remember the gun that I used to sedate Starfire when I took her from here the first time?"-Red X asked
-"Yes"-Raven answered
-"Well, Slade had told me the only effect of the gun was to calm people down but he lied"-Red X said
-"What else did it do?"-Cyborg asked
-"The sedative contained a chemical, the one Slade was working so hard on, that attached to the person's cells and gave Slade control over the person"-Red X answered
-"Like the nanoprobes he used when Robin was his apprentice?"-Raven asked
-"Worse than that"-Red X said
-"How are they worse, Slade still has control over her"-BB said
-"Yes, the nanoscopic probes attacked you inner cells and shocked them so you would suffer. Cyborg was able to find them and you all got cured"-Red X said
-"So, what's the difference?"-BB asked
-"That these are not probes but a liquid"-Robin answered
-"Exactly, the chemical cannot be 'removed' as the probes were. The chemical is not 'attached' to Starfire's cells; it's part of her, part of her blood"-Red X said
-"What exactly does this chemical do?"-Robin asked
-"It attacks the immune system. The person has no protection from any kind of virus and it can easily kill a person without any intervention. However, Slade has a machine that is able to control the amount of damage that this chemical does. In other words, Slade has control over Starfire's health and life"-Red X answered
-"Then we just need to find a cure"-Cyborg said
-"Last time I checked there was no cure for this, this is why Slade used this chemical because it was recently discovered and a cure for its side effects had not been found yet"-Red X said
-"Well, we then change her blood"-BB said
-"Starfire is not from this planet. I don't think they have Tamaran blood on the hospitals here"-Raven said
-"Then what do we do?"-BB asked
-"We get the cure from Slade, if he has found it yet"-Red X answered
-"Why would he want to get a cure?"-Raven asked
-"Because he is infected too"-Red X answered
-"How? Did he test it on himself?"-Cyborg asked
-"No, I injected it to him"-Red X answered
-"When?"-Raven asked
-"Remember that I told you that he knew I was alive?"-Red X asked
-"Yes"-BB answered
-"Well he found out that there was someone sneaking in his laboratory and I had to fight him to save my life. While fighting I grabbed the gun and injected the chemical into him"-Red X said
-"So if we find the machine that he is using to control Starfire, we can also take control over him"-Robin said
-"Yes, but he might not have the chemical in him anymore, I don't think he is making Starfire suffer and hurting himself at the same time"-Red X said
-"He must have found the cure"-Robin said
-"That's what I think too, that's why we were planning on attacking his lab, cure Starfire, inject Slade with the virus and then destroy him and his allies all at the same time"-Red X said
-"What allies?"-BB asked
-"That's another thing"-Red X answered
-"There's even more that you were hiding from us?"-Robin asked
-"I'm afraid so. Slade wanted to get rid of me and you and Starfire at the same time. He knew Starfire was already at his mercy and that I was getting weaker by the day so he only needed to take care of Robin"-Red X answered
-"How did he plan to get rid of Robin?"-Raven asked
-"Atlas and Dr Light said I had a price over my head and that if they didn't…kill me…they would get…killed"-Robin answered
-"Yes, Slade forced his allies to fight for him by injecting them with the same virus that Starfire has"-Red X said
-"So Mumbo…"-Robin asked
-"You didn't kill him, Slade did it when he saw that he had failed him"-Red X said
-"What about Atlas and Dr Light?"-Raven asked
-"Before the explosion, they were already dead. Starfire and I stayed behind to make sure they didn't escape and they didn't even have the chance. Slade killed them with his machine before they could try anything"-Red X answered
-"Who else is working for Slade?'-Robin asked
-"I don't know yet"-Red X answered
-"Why did Slade put a price on my head?"-Robin asked
-"Because if he killed either you or me, he would kill us both"-Red X answered
-"Come again"-Raven said
-"Yes, you know Slade thinks about everything, right? He anticipated that his clone would betray him so the rays that Gizmo used were not only to extract your DNA"-Red X said
-"What else did they do?"-Robin asked
-"We are bonded"-Red X answered
-"What do mean bonded?"-Robin asked
-"Don't ask me how he did it but we are bonded. You die I die and vice versa"-Red X answered
"So, all this time every time Starfire saved Red X she was really saving Robin?"-Raven asked
-"Yes, she was. Since I was getting weaker and weaker she took care of me so Robin wouldn't die"-Red X answered
-"So she was doing all this for me?"-Robin asked
-"Yes, for you and only you"-Red X answered
-"Are BB and Starfire bonded to someone else?"-Cyborg asked
-"No, he only got Robin's DNA"-Red X answered
-"Do you how to cure this bonding?"-Robin asked
-"No, I don't"-Red X answered
-"Does Starfire know all this? Her health and all?"-BB asked
-"She knows every single detail"-Red X answered
-"Why didn't she tell us?"-Cyborg asked
-"Because I didn't want you to know"-Red X answered
-"Why, dude?-BB asked
-"Because I didn't want to get you involved again. Besides, look at you, you haven't even heard the worst part and you are shocked"-Red X answered
-"What is the worst part?"-Robin asked
-"I'm dieing"-Red X said
The Titans looked at each other. This information was too much to take all at the same time.
-"Why are you here?"-Robin asked
-"Because I needed to find Starfire"-Red X answered
-"What made you think she was here?"-Robin asked
-"Because I thought Starfire had come here to tell you what I just told you and ask for your help"-Red X answered
-"Why would she ask for our help if you told her not to"-Raven asked
-"Because I can't fly anymore, I am weaker than the last time you saw me and she didn't want to take the risk of going to Slade's lair and get killed"-Red X answered
-"When did she leave?'-Cyborg asked
-"I wouldn't know"-Red X said
-"What do you mean you don't know"-Robin asked
-"Last night after our date…"-Red X answered
-"Your…date?!"-Robin asked
-"Yes, date, shut up"-Red X answered
-"You went to the pizza parlor"-Raven said
-"How did you know?'-Red X asked
-"We just came from there and the waitress told us she had seen Robin with Starfire last night"-BB answered
-"Really? Anyway, after our date we discussed about what we had planned to do and Starfire still kept telling me that you guys should know about this"-Red X said
-"And what did you tell her?"-Cyborg asked
-"That we were not going to ask for you help"-Red X answered
-"And what did she say?"-Robin asked
-"She agreed to it or so I thought"-Red X answered
-"Where were you staying?"-Raven asked
-"At Slade's old lair"-Red X answered
-"At…Slade's…old…LAIR?!"-Robin asked
-"Yes"-Red X answered
-"How could she just leave? What the hell were you doing? Sleeping?"-Robin asked
Red X looked down and Robin's mouth dropped.
-"You were sleeping? Are you a deaf or something? How could she just leave without making any noise?"-Robin asked
-"After we got to our hou…Slade's old lair, she offered to make some chocolate"-Red X said
-"Did she…?"-Cyborg asked
-"Yes, she put sedatives in my cup of chocolate. I passed out"-Red X answered
-"When did you realized she was gone?"-Robin asked
-"A while ago, I wasn't that worried because I have tracking devices on her clothes"-Red X answered
All Titans looked at Robin and smirked. Red X and Robin were the same person alright.
-"Then why did you come here for if you know where she is?"-Robin asked
-"Because I realized that she had left because the tracking devices and the communicators we had were missing…along with some other important papers"-Red X answered
-"Why didn't you get here at the exact moment you realized she was gone?"-Raven asked
-"Because she hid my mask under the couch"-Red X answered
-"She, you…she's seen you without the mask?"-Robin asked
-"I trust her enough"-Red X answered
-"That is out of the question. So you came to use our tracking devices?"-Cyborg asked
-"Yes, I wasn't even planning on asking you to use them"-Red X answered
-"So, what stopped you?"-Raven asked
-"Well, I was going to use the mainframe but…"-Red X answered
-"The password changed"-Cyborg said
-"Yes, you did that man?"-Red X asked
-"Yes, man. I'm sorry"-Cyborg answered
-"So that's why you are still here?"-BB asked
-"Yes"-Red X answered
-"Well, there is only one way we will allow you to use the locators"-Robin said
-"What's the catch?"-Red X asked
-"You'll have to take us with you to find Starfire"-Robin answered
-"Fine"-Red X said
-"And…"-Robin said
-"What now?"-Red X asked
-"You can't take her away and you have to let us help you both"-Robin answered
Red X looked like he disliked the idea and he did. Robin working on the same side as him was not in his plans and this situation affected his goals very much. However, he needed to find Starfire and without the Tower's locators and Cyborg's password he could not find her. He had to take the risk and allow Robin to join him, at least for now.
-"Ok"-Red X said
-"How do we find her?"-Robin asked
-"I'll use the locators to find the frequency of the devices I have on her and this should give us her position"-Red X answered
-"Get on it"-Robin said
Cyborg typed the new password and the mainframe was free for Red X to use. Robin stood by Red X's side, analyzing every move that Red X made. Robin did not want to be tricked again. The rest of the Titans waited a few feet away from Red X and Robin's position. They still were digesting the news.
-"I can't believe Slade is controlling Starfire"-Cyborg said
-"I still can't believe we are in the same room with two Robins!"-BB said
-"The worst part is that Red X and Robin are linked. This means that we have to take care of both of them"-Raven said
-"That's why Starfire asked us to take care of Robin. She knew what would happened and she knew Slade's plan"-Cyborg said
-"Starfire has suffered so much. Feeling sick all the time, taking care of a dieing person and have the fear that Robin could die at any time"-BB said
-"All that and she still had the courage to take matters in her hands"-Raven said
-"Little lady is strong but she needs her help, our help"-Cyborg said
-"And we will give it to her, no matter what"-Raven said
Robin could not help to feel like an idiot after everything that Red X had told him. All this time he had thought that she had betrayed him and that she was thinking only of herself but he was completely wrong. She had never thought of herself, she had always thought about him. How could he have been so blind? So careless? Even though he acted like a big jerk with her she never changed her mind. She was determined to save him and would do anything she could to save his life.
"…as if he is the most valuable person in your life"
Robin remembered those words from Starfire's letter to the other Titans. He thought that she was being selfish and that Red X and she had something going on, a secret relationship that they were hiding. They never did. He had been asking her for her trust and he never really did trust her at all. Starfire's most valuable person in her life was not Red X but Robin. All this time she had been thinking about Robin and Robin had been thinking about himself.
The GPS locator beeped, announcing that it had found its target. The rest of the Titans joined Robin and Red X and stared at the results that displayed on their big screen.
-"That's where Starfire is?"-Raven asked
-"What is she doing at the middle of the forest?"-Robin asked
-"That is not only the middle of the forest"-Red X answered
-"Then what is it?"-Cyborg asked
-"That's Slade's new lair. Let's go"-Red X answered
-"You aren't going"-Robin said
-"What? I'm not gonna stay here and watch"-Red X said
-"You would be risking your life and mine if you go as weak as you are"-Robin said
-"You may know the location but you don't know how to get in"-Red X said
-"Fine, he's going"-Raven said
The Titans looked at each other and with his eyes agreed that it was time to go. Robin assigned positions and Cyborg, Raven and BB would go in the T-Car while Robin and Red X each took their bikes. It was time to rescue Starfire.
The Titans left the Tower at maximum speed and arrived at the forest. They hid their vehicles several feet away from Slade's lair. The Titans walked the rest of the path until the reached a big tree that was in the middle of the road.
-"Don't tell me you're lost"-Robin said
-"I'm not. This is the entrance"-Red X said
-"This big tree?"-BB asked
-"Yes, this big tree is a big door"-Red X answered
-"So, What are we waitin' for?"-Cyborg asked
-"Nothing, let's go in"-Robin answered
The Titans followed Red X. Robin was behind him, then BB, then Raven and finally Cyborg. When they entered the tree it was very dark. Cyborg used his lights to help them see where they were stepping on. As Red X had said, the tree was only a door to a long and declining stair. The Titans walked for a few minutes until they saw light at the end of the tunnel. Cyborg turned his lights off and they arrived at what seemed to them as an empty room.
-"What is this?"-Robin asked
-"This is the first floor"-Red X answered
-"How many are there?"-Raven asked
-"Six"-Red X answered
-"Oh, man"-BB said
Raven slapped her hand on BB's mouth and he began muttering something.
-"I heard something"-Raven said
BB stopped muttering and his pointy green ears stretched even more to hear what Raven had heard.
-"There it is again"-Raven said
The Titans tried to make a sense of the sounds they were listening to. They did not know what they were yet but they knew whatever or whoever was making the sounds was approaching them very fast.
-"They sound like grunts to me"-Cyborg said
-"Some yelling also"-Raven said
-"Let's go back to the tunnel and hide"-Robin said
The Titans ran back to the beginning of the tunnel, where the little light of the huge empty room would not touch them and opened their eyes to find the origin of the noises. They saw nothing, yet.
-"What is that?"-Red X asked
-"I think we are 'bout to find out"-Cyborg answered
-"Look"-Raven said
The Titans saw two shadows; one tall and extremely well-built and the other thin and short. They were slowly coming closer to the center of the big room where the light was but in the meantime, the only thing they could see where the sparks of the hits and green lights.
-"Do you see what I see?"-Red X asked
-"You mean the green lights?"-Robin asked
-"Yes"-Red X answered
-"That's Starfire"-Robin said
-"Who is she fighting against with?"-Raven asked
Just as in on cue, the tall man grabbed the short person and after a couple of twirls he threw the other person to the air. The shorter person screamed and then a loud thud was heard. The short person ended on the center of the room, just below the light. The eyes of the Titans widened as they say who the short person was but their surprise was bigger when they saw who had thrown the person to the ground. The short person was Starfire and the tall person was Slade.
Slade walked towards Starfire and stood next to her. He then saw her eyes opened and did not let her make any move. He lifted his leg and aimed to hit her.
-"No!"-Robin yelled
Slade saw Robin coming to him and he kicked Starfire right to Robin's arms. The force of the kick made both Robin and Starfire end up on the floor a few feet from where the rest of the Titans were standing.
-"Titans…Go!"-Cyborg yelled
The Titans got out of their hide out and surrounded Slade. It was pay back time. They were going to make sure that Slade paid for what he had done to Starfire.
-"Who's gonna help you now, Slade?"-Red X asked
-"Who's gonna help her?"-Slade answered
Slade rose for his belt and pressed a button. Starfire started to scream.
-"Starfire, no! Slade stop!"-Robin yelled
-"Robin, make it stop"-Starfire pleaded
-"X, do something"-Robin yelled
The Titans took charge and they all attacked Slade at the same time but every time Slade had a chance, he would press the button on his belt and Starfire would scream in pain. Robin hugged Starfire and pressed her against him as hard as he could.
-"I'm sorry, Star. I'm sorry that I didn't help you; that I didn't trust you before"-Robin said
-"It doesn't mater now Robin. I failed you, I failed everyone"-Starfire said
-"No, Star, you didn't fail anyone, I failed you. I turned my back to you. I'm so sorry"-Robin said
Slade pressed the button on his belt again. Starfire screamed and then closed her eyes. Robin took this as a bad sign and shook her.
-"Starfire, please stay with me. Don't leave me again, not forever"-Robin said
Robin looked at the Titans trying to defeat Slade. They looked like fleas trying to choke an elephant. Slade had become strong, too strong. Robin looked back at Starfire, her eyes were open again.
-"Star, listen to me, ok? I have to go help the others, I will be back for you, ok? I promise I will be back for you"-Robin said
-"Robin, don't leave me. I don't want to be alone"-Starfire said
-"You won't be alone, we will get out of here and I won't leave you alone ever again"-Robin said
-"Stay with me, don't go"-Starfire said
Slade used his button again. This time Starfire didn't scream. A tear came from her eyes and she closed them. Robin took it as sign that maybe the button was not working. Maybe one of the Titans had broken it. This was his time to act. Robin ran towards Slade and began attacking him non stop. For the Titans, Robin seemed like a devil that was fighting with no fear for his life. Robin kicked and punched. Slade had been able to evade his attacks but not for long. Robin's hits got stronger and faster and the rest of the Titans joined him. Raven tied Slade's arms with her powers and Cyborg blasted him with his cannon. Beast boy turned into a lion and bit his legs. Red X and Robin kept punching him without stopping.
The Titans thought they had defeated Slade once and for all but their efforts were in vain. The little light was turned off and a big scream from Slade was heard. The Titans were thrown in different directions. Some of them hit the floor; others hit the walls and then the floor. When the lights came back, Slade was gone.
-"Where is he?"-Robin asked
-"He disappeared"-Red X answered
-"Let's go after him"-Robin said
-"What is that sound?"-BB asked
Tic…Tac…Tic…Tac…
Raven ran to where BB was standing and saw the origin of the noise.
-"It's a bomb!"-Cyborg yelled
-"Let's get out of here"-Robin said
The Titans headed for the door and Robin carried Starfire in his arms.
-"Starfire, are you still with me?"-Robin asked
Starfire was unconscious.
-"Starfire answer me"-Robin said
-"Hurry up, we have ten seconds"-Red X said
Red X waited for Robin to go inside the tunnel and ran behind him. The Titans ran as fast as they could to the exit.
8…7…6…
-"There's the exit"-Cyborg yelled
-"Blast it!"-Robin yelled
5…4…3…
-"Get out! Go! Go!"-Red X yelled
…1…0
The first floor of Slade's lair exploded and the Titans had gotten out just in time. Red X stopped.
-"Keep running!"-BB said
-"It's ok. Each floor of Slade's lair is protected. The explosion will not follow us here"-Red X said
The rest of the Titans stopped and Robin kept running.
-"Where are you going Robin?"-Raven asked
-"Starfire is not responding"-Robin said
The Titans began running again until they reached the T-Car and the R-Cycle. Red X took his motorcycle and Cyborg took Robin's bike. Raven drove the T-Car and BB sat on the passenger's seat. Robin sat on the back with Starfire still in his arms.
-"Drive faster, Raven"-Robin said
-"I'm going as fast as I can"-Raven said
-"Use your powers, do something, we are loosing her"-Robin said
Raven did as told and used her powers to make the T-Car go faster. Cyborg and Red X followed a little bit behind them. They were all going at maximum speed.
-"Call the hospital, tell them we are taking her in"-Robin said
BB grabbed the radio inside the T-Car and dialed the emergency number. He told them that Starfire was hurt and that they would be taking her to Jump City's hospital to be treated urgently. The operator told him that she would call the hospital and as soon as she hung up she did. Jump City's hospital was prepared to receive one of their favorite superhero: Starfire.
The Titans arrived at the hospital and the reporters were already there as well as people waiting for Starfire. The T-Car arrived and Robin pushed the back door get out. He put Starfire on the bed and followed the paramedics inside the hospital. The paramedics were trying to get thru the people but they would not move, trying to get a glance at Starfire and the reporters asked Robin what had happened to her.
Raven and BB waited for Cyborg and Red X who arrived at the same time. Red X saw the commotion taking place at the hospital's emergency room entrance and decided not to take his helmet off. The Titans made their way in between the bystanders and followed Starfire until they were not allowed to do so. They went to the waiting room. When they arrived, Robin punched the wall and turned to face Red X.
-"This is all you fault"-Robin said
-"His fault?"-BB asked
-"You were supposed to take care of her"-Robin said
-"I tried but I couldn't"-Red X said
-"That is not a good answer"-Robin said
-"Then what is it?"-Red X asked
-"There is nothing you can do, I think you have done enough"-Robin answered
-"You know she went there to save your life"-Red X said
Robin pushed Red X to the wall and Red X grabbed him by his collar.
-"Are you trying to switch this over? Say that this is my fault?"-Robin asked
-"It's both our fault"-Red X answered
-"This is nobody's fault, now shut up"-Raven said
-"What are you gonna do? Are you gonna hit me? Come on, do it"-Red X said
Robin did not hesitate and punched Red X right on the stomach, taking the air out of him. Robin then pushed Red X to the floor and began punching him. BB and Cyborg pulled Robin of Red X and Raven helped Red X stand up.
-"Fighting will not solve anything"-Raven said
-"I regret the day I allowed you to come into my Tower"-Robin said
-"And I regret the time you created Red X"-Red X said
Robin pushed Cyborg and BB away from him and he left the waiting room. Red X sat on one of the seats and held his stomach. Either Robin was getting stronger or he was getting even weaker. Raven sat next to Red X and healed what she could heal.
-"Thanks Raven"-Red X said
-"What's going to happen now?"-Raven asked
-"I don't know"-Red X answered
-"Is she gonna be alright?"-BB asked
-"I don't know B, we'll hafta wait and see"-Cyborg answered
The Titans waited for thirty minutes until the doctor got out. Raven could feel what he had to say and for once she hoped she was wrong. They all stood up. The doctor looked strangely at Red X who still had the helmet on.
-"I have something very serious to tell you. Please sit down"-The doctor said
-"Where's Robin?"-Cyborg asked
-"I'm here"-Robin answered
Robin had been hiding behind the corner of the waiting room. He also did not like the tone of the doctor's voice.
-"How is she?"-Robin asked
The doctor looked at their faces, especially at Robin's. Everyone in Jump City knew that there was something between Robin and Starfire. This was not going to be easy for him.
-"When she came inside the hospital she was alive, but when we got her inside the ER she had a heart attack. He revived her and began the operations but she then had another heart attack. We tried reviving her but we were not able to. I am sorry but Starfire is dead"-The doctor said
-'Dead?'-Robin thought
-"She can't be dead"-BB said
-"I am sorry but she is. Her body is decomposing rather fast, she needs to be buried tonight"-The doctor said
-'Tonight?'-Robin thought
Robin's head was spinning. Raven sat down on the seat and Cyborg closed his eyes. BB looked at Robin and then at the doctor. Robin just stood there, unable to move or say a thing. Red X had the same reaction as Robin.
Silence.
In a quick movement Robin pushed himself towards Red X and began attacking him. Red X did not cover himself. He allowed Robin to punch and kick him at will. None of them cared. Starfire was dead. The Titans tried to stop Robin but they could not. The doctor got a tranquilizer out of his pocket and injected it on Robin's neck. Robin began walking backwards and the last thing he saw was Starfire's body covered with a white blanket. Then everything turned black.
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR