moezy-chan: Calm down, and don't you worry. The next chapter is here so read on and be not afraid.

TitansFan: lol! It's nice to hear your into my story. Your right, Robin does need to be with Star!

calamite: I hate all cliffhangers. Sorry about that.

flamesfromheaven: Thanks, if you love then I'm glad.

robin and starfire fan: I'll update for you right now. –closes eyes and concentrates- There you go! One update fresh off the grill.

Jadedea: I can't just tell you what's going to happen it'll ruin the suspense. Besides it's always more fun to read it for yourself.

Ldy-FloR: I'm as excited as you are. Glad you like it!

Piellio9: Oh Sorry for getting her sister's name wrong. Darn it! Komand'r, got it! And having their pants pulled down is an expression meaning they were taken of guard.

gladdecease: Again sorry about getting Blackfire's name wrong. And about Starfire knowing Blackfire's English name, sorry about that too, I got caught up in her story I just washed over it completely.

SweetPrincess: Don't worry about poor Robin. :). Anyway, you can call me stupid for missing something. But I'm still unclear about your e-mail. It's claudylimonpops What? Is there anything after , that's the only thing I'm still unclear on. Again you can slap me if I'm not seeing something here. Happy to hear you still like my story.

Thanks so much for all of your reviews, now on with the update!


Chapter Eight

Realization and a Sacrifice

"I can't feel my legs," he said looking up at her and he suddenly felt a wave of nausea come over him. "What's happening to me?" In a flash Starfire knelt down before him and she began checking different parts of his body. She lifted up his sleeve and found the puncture wound that Blackfire had dine with the needle. She felt his forehead and went over his different symptoms. Shortly she came to a terrible realization and her lower lip began to tremble.

"Starfire, what is it?" New tears streamed down her cheeks. "What's wrong?" She let out a broken sigh and ran a hand over his arm.

"Oh Robin, you have become infected by the harvesters." Robin's face turned a deathly pale color.

"I'm what?" Starfire found it harder to say each time.

"In examining your wounds and symptoms I have deduced that you have indeed been infected by the virus."

"But-but how, I was never exposed to any chemicals and I never ate anything weird."

"I believe the answer lies here this puncture wound on your arm." She laid two fingers over the point of entry and Robin's replaced hers. He then thought back to moments before when Kormand'r had been entertaining herself.

"Blackfire, she did this to me."

"Who?"

"Your sister, that what she calls herself now. I'll bet you anything that needle she had is how she gave it to m"- He stopped suddenly and his mouth hung ajar.

"Robin?" He suddenly doubled over clutching his stomach and gritting his teeth in agony. He was on his hands and knees and he started to dry heave. Starfire immediately put her arms around him and pressed his back against her chest in hopes her rhythmic breathing might calm him. She took slow and steady breaths and soon felt Robin's convulsions slow down until they stopped entirely. But as she was relieved he was no longer dry heaving she knew it was only a matter of time before things got much worse. "Robin? How are you?" Robin nodded with a tired glance off into space.

"I'm fine Star, are you in danger of catching this thing from me?"

"No, I have been vaccinated and therefore am now immune to it."

"That's good to hear, you should start working on getting yourself out of here."

"No Robin, I cannot work while you are in pain," she said holding him tighter.

"Like hell you can't, I'll be alright Star. I'm only slowing you down right now." Starfire mentally scolded Robin. How could he ever think such a thing? She did however give in and helped him walk over to a floor panel near the force field. She gently leaned him against the wall and with a single fingered Starbolt cut away the floor panel, revealing a series of wires and tubes. As she began to try and hot wire their way out Robin felt an over whelming sense of fatigue coming on, and he wasn't sure if it was safe to fall asleep.


JOINING CYBORG, RAVEN, AND BEAST BOY………………………

The remaining three Titans cleared Earth's gravity and Cyborg set the hyper-drive coordinates. He tapped the small screen and frowned in wonder when he saw the Psions ship's coarse. "Celestial telemetry shows our target on their way here," he spoke into his earpiece. Raven took a look and pressed hers in response.

"Guess that means we won't have any trouble finding them."

"Dude have you seen that ship's layout," asked Beast Boy in awe. He stared at his screen, which displayed a small schematic of the flagship. Cyborg looked it over and joined Beast Boy's opened mouth look.

"Oh man you weren't kidding. Just look at how many disrupter banks that thing has, and that's not counting the number of small fighters it has stowed away." Raven rubbed her chin while she studied the ship and looked out of her window over at Cyborg.

"Are you sure we can do this?"

"Don't know, but we have to try. There's no way they're taking our friends without a fight!" So saying he locked in the coordinates and set the trigger. "Hang on." He eased the switch forward and the T-Ship made the jump into hyper-space.


BACK ON THE FLAGSHIP…………………

Himora passed through the double doors that led into the Magistrate's study. He paused for a moment before actually entering then stepped inside. He looked around at the various chemicals, tubes, and bottles displayed here and there. He walked over to a small stand where kept were three vials of a dark green substance. He picked one up and examined it closely.

"Mr. Himora." He quickly put it down and turned. The Magistrate stood looking out the window into the vastness of space.

"I didn't see you there," said Himora feeling a little uneasy.

"You were not supposed to," replied the malevolent alien. He tore his gaze away from the infinite beyond and faced Himora. "Tell me again Mr. Himora, why are you here?" Himora looked perplexed and rather annoyed.

"You summoned me here not a few moments ago."

"I was referring to your presence on my ship." Himora then adopted more a look of loathing.

"You threatened to kill me if I had not agreed to come. You forced me to be here," he answered fiercely. The Magistrate took a few steps closer to him.

"Do I detect something different in that voice of yours?"

"I've seen what you do to your prisoners and servants. And it's made me question some things about myself."

"Indeed, and to what realizations have you come to in this sudden epiphany?" Himora paced around a bit gripping the hilt of his sword.

"That perhaps maybe I've been fighting on the wrong side. One thing's for sure, Psion, you will never have my full loyalty!" The Magistrate stretched forward and held his hand out to Himora's head. The same light that tortured Starfire now met with Himora. It took everything he had to keep himself from falling over, the pain was nearly unbearable. Finally he did fall to his knees and in doing so gave the Magistrate what he wanted. The alien let up on him and turned back to the window.

"You may return to your duties, only don't get to comfortable." Himora looked up from the floor. "I just might call on you in the near future."


REJOINING ROBIN AND STARFIRE……………………..

Starfire fumbled with a tangle of wires and earned a small electric shock. She yelped out and quickly withdrew her hands. "You, okay?" Asked Robin from a few feet away. She cradled her hand for a moment then nodded.

"It is, slightly more complicated than I thought." She gazed down at the mess of wires and tubes despairingly.

"Don't worry I'm sure you'll…….get it." He had become less coherent with every few minuets. Starfire placed a hand on his forehead and felt her it warm increasingly. He let his head hang forward in exhaustion. She bit her lip hoping he would not progress into the stages too quickly.

"Do not speak Robin; you should save your strength." Robin put on a small smile and slowly lifted his head up.

"You never mind about me, you just find a way out of here. Besides," Robin gazed steadily into her emerald eyes. "I'm feeling better already." She smiled and tilted her head.

"Oh Robin, I wish I had your confidence." Robin smiled and lightly nodded. His smiled faded however and his head begin to sag. "Robin?" Starfire said his name with a note of panic. He mouthed wordlessly and his breathing began to slow down. "Robin? Robin!" Robin's head bobbed up and he fixed his eyes on her.

"What is it," asked sleepily.

"Robin you must not fall asleep. Once you do the hibernating harvester cells awaken and begin the deterioration. Please Robin you must try to stay awake." She held his shoulders firmly and almost gave in to the urge to just hold him close to her side.

"Sure……sure thing Star," mumbled Robin. He spoke with his eyes half closed with a growing feeling of delirium. "You know what, I'm just soooo tired…….I think I'll just shut my eyes for sec." A horrible realization struck Starfire and she shook him madly.

"Robin! Robin wake up!" Catching him before he actually nodded off he shook his head slightly and squinted up at her.

"Can't….a guy……..get some sleep around here," he let out a small chuckle and with effort put a hand to his chest from a jab of pain. Starfire franticly thought of anything that could keep him thinking, keep him from falling into a dangerous slumber. Finally an idea came to her and she went back to her work.

"Will you tell me something Robin?"

"Hmmm…..what?"

"Tell me, what it is like. Being a protector of your city." Robin scanned his mind for a moment trying to find an answer to her question.

"Well," he swallowed noting an enormous wave of sleepiness. "It's different from any other life I've ever had." He paused trying not to over exert himself. "Some days, I truly get sick of it. I hate having to sometimes loose two nights of sleep. But more often it's a great way to live." Starfire listened intently as she now gained some progress. "It really is a great feeling, when someone is safe and you know you had a hand in helping them." He soon forgot that he was speaking to Starfire. "You…….you see those you care about in danger, and you completely block everything else out. They become your world until you are absolutely certain they are safe." Starfire could clearly picture everything he said. She now but a wire cut away from bringing the force field down. "From the moment I saw you." Starfire froze as she moved to sever the wire. She turned and sat in front of Robin. "From the..the moment I saw you; I wanted you with us, with me." He put on a saddened look. "I'm sorry things had to end up this way." Starfire shook her head and laid a hand on his cheek.

"No Robin, you need not apologize. Please do not speak as though this is our last moment together." She felt her eyes getting watery. "You should not talk anymore, you do not need to strain yourself."

"No I do. I never once doubted you Star," he paused once more and let out a tired sigh. "We all just need some-some-some motivation. Please do something for me. Will you tell Cyborg, he's in charge? Let Beast Boy know he can't have my room, and remember Raven likes her privacy." She gazed at him fearfully. "I love you." With that his head slumped forward and he was sound asleep. She shook her head and shook him.

"Robin! ROBIN!" She shook him even harder but his head simply moved about limply before falling forward. Her eyes wide and tearing she knew that time was now slowly eating away at Robin. Robin only had a few hours to receive the anti-virus before he would be beyond all hope of recovery. She looked around for a moment then she crawled back to the open floor panel. She ripped out the last wire and the force field promptly fell. Starfire gathered up Robin by slinging his left arm over her shoulder and she pushed out of their cell. She quickly made her way down the long dimmed hallways until she came to a room wit various pillars and statues. She passed by a white pillar and purple blast flew past her.

"Going somewhere sister?" Starfire ducked down behind the pillar and moved Robin behind the statue next to her. She poked her head around the pillar and saw nothing. Blackfire was out there somewhere but was not revealing her position; Starfire and Robin were trapped. Now it was just a question as to who would make the first move.


IN THE T-SHIP………………………..

"Alright they're just ahead, I'm bringing her out of hyper-space," said Cyborg. He slowed the ship down to a steady cruise and ran on impulse engines. Once they finally came out they caught sight of the gargantuan vessel ahead of them.

"Look at the size of that thing," said Beast Boy. Raven glanced down at her screen and saw a number of dots moving fat toward them.

"We've got incoming." Upon reaching the T-Ship the numerous small fighters opened up with a barrage of laser fire. The ship was thrashed about after being pounded. Cyborg shielded his face from a small spark and clicked a series of buttons.

"Oh they did not just scratch the paint! Titans separate!" The T-ship flew apart into five smaller ships; the two unoccupied ships were controlled by auto pilot. Cyborg gunned the engines and sped about through the mass of enemy fighters. "Beast Boy I'm going in! Cover me!"

"You got it!" Cyborg zoomed along the ship's outer hull trying to knock out the myriad of turrets adorning it's sides. Beast Boy followed closely behind blasting away anyone who tried to take Cyborg from behind. Raven did her best to shake a large group that had formed behind her. She finally got fed up with them and closed her eyes.

"Azerath Metrion Zinthos!" Her blazing eyes opened and the pursuing ships were incased in black energy. They began to falter before suddenly spinning out of control and crashing into each other.

"YOU GO GIRL!" Shouted Beast Boy happily through his comm. link. While dodging more attacks Raven flushed slightly and went back to fighting.


BACK WITH STARFIRE………………….

Starfire remained utterly still with one side of her face peeking around the pillar, scanning the room for any sign of Blackfire. She would frequently glance back at Robin hoping to see him spontaneously awake, but was saddened to see him out cold and deathly pale every time. With a worried sniffle Starfire faced forward and went back to trying to scope out his sister. She then heard a shuffling noise behind them and looked back to see Himora crawling up behind a display stand adjacent to them. Starfire was alarmed and frightened at first but calmed when he only leaned up against the bulky pedestal.

"Where is she can you see her," he asked quietly. Starfire continued to gaze forward and she shook her head. Himora's eyes fell on Robin. "How is he?" Starfire gave him a sideways glance.

"He is dying, I must get him the anti-virus soon or……." She trailed off not wanting to believe the outcome existed. Himora sent her a look of pity. He then leaned his head back and smiled.

"It's funny, it took someone like the Magistrate to make me see things from another perspective. I told your friends that this would end at '1', when one of us dies." He shook his head in wonder. "I truly never thought it would be me." Starfire seemed to be ignoring him slightly. "They lied about you you know." Starfire turned her head slightly in his direction. "You were never the loyal obedient servant they made you out to be. You never killed a single soul." This news however comforting to Starfire didn't seem to help in their present situation. "I guess I see why Robin fought so hard to defend you the night I came to your tower for the first time. You're a good person Starfire." He sighed and reached inside his pocket. "I think you'll be wanting this." Her eyes instantly locked onto the vial with dark green liquid. "If I'm not mistaken, he only has an hour or two before his body rejects it." Starfire looked at him with imploring wide eyes.

"Please, please give it to me." Himora glanced at the small vial and lightly chuckled. His laugh died down and his smile faded.

"What else can I do?" He gently laid the small bottle on the floor and rolled it over to her. She picked it up and grasped it tightly in her hands. "I really want to help you Starfire. I want to do something; something good for a change." He removed his sword from his waist and laid next to Robin. "I want to show you where your sister is."

"No please don't do that." Himora began to rise and step out from behind his cover. "DON"T DO THAT!" In a flash a purple blast shot form across the room and nailed him square in the face. He fell backwards and lay utterly motionless. From behind her own pillar Blackfire looked across the room with caution. They were so far spread apart that she wasn't sure if she had hit Starfire or someone else. She stayed in her position for a long moment contemplating whether she should venture out into the open. She began to sand up when a green fist popped up out of the corner of her eye.

"Do, not, move!" Starfire stood over Blackfire ready to strike.

"Why sister, we're family." She quickly grabbed Starfire's arm and threw Star over her shoulder. She slid across the floor and slowed down with a skid. Standing up she balled up her fists and prepared to fly forward. "Drop something?" Blackfire held up the small vial with an evil leer. Starfire swallowed and Blackfire let it fall from her grasp. Starfire watched it descend in slow motion and leapt forward to catch it. She held out her hands just as it hit the floor and shattered into a million pieces. Starfire sat over the spilled contents and her tears now mixed with green liquid. "Too bad, so sad." Blackfire reached down and grabbed her Starfire by the shoulder. "Now it's your turn!" Starfire knocked away her arm and shoved her back with all her might. Just like the kid at the mall Blackfire sailed a couple thirty feet before hitting the wall and falling to the ground. With an angry growl she looked up as Starfire grabbed hold of Blackfire's leg. She spun around and threw Blackfire clear across the room, knocking her into pillars and pedestals alike.

Back out in space Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy were having a growing difficulty in keeping the fighters at bay.

"Arrrrgh!" Beast Boy yelled out as screens in front of him cracked and smoked from the hits he had taken. "Cy we can't hold out much longer!"

"Just a little more, I'm gonna try and hit em' head on!" He turned sharply and headed straight for the flagship. Back inside Starfire and Blackfire fought relentlessly. Starbolts, green and purple, were sent back and forth. Blackfire picked up a bust and threw it at Starfire's head only to have it shot in mid air. They collided with one another and grasped each other's throat. They staggered around the room and stopped a few feet away from a window. As they struggled against each other Starfire saw Cyborg coming closer and closer. In a moment of sibling compassion Starfire's bright green eyes went back to normal.

"SISTER LOOK OUT!"

"NICE TRY!" Ignorant as to who stood behind it Cyborg fired a burst of rockets at the window and it shattered. Starfire quickly grabbed hold of a railing as everything loose was sucked out. "AAAAAHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhh!" Blackfire's yells died out as she flew off into the distance and was out of sight. In he loud rush of air Starfire saw Robin flying towards her and she tool hold of his cape as he flew past her. She held on tighter and was about to loose her grip when an emergency force field popped up and blocked the hole. They fell to the floor and everything was quiet. Starfire sat panting heavily with her hand on her chest. She looked out at the cold reacheness of space and pittied her sister. She then moved over to Robin and picked him up. He made a sputtering noise and it looked as if he was improving. But he gritted his teeth and with another vicious cough came a small splatter of blood.

"Robin!" Time was indeed against them. She remembered where she had seen the anti-virus and where Himora must've swiped it. She gathered up Robin and quickly made her way to the Magistrate's study.

From the bridge of the ship the Magistrate watched the loosing battle between the Titans and his fighters. He shook his head and rose from his chair. "This is almost too easy. Their efforts are so futile it is nearly insulting." He turned to guard behind him. "Send out your capture shuttles, bring them to me." He bowed and left. The Magistrate then flicked on a small screen where he saw Starfire enter his study. "Tsk tsk tsk my dear Koriand'r. A dreadfully bad move on your part."

She sat Robin in a chair and dashed around looking the many tubes, bottles, and instruments. Her eyes found what she was searching for and picked up the last remaining vial. She ran over to Robin and wasting no time injected it's contents in Robin's other arm. Once it was empty she set it aside and looked hopefully at him. Since she found Blackfire his breathing had slowed all the way to a full stop. She brushed a few loose hairs out of his face and sighed. "Please Robin, please don't leave us." With another second gone by Robin finally gasped out loud and began panting for breath. Starfire felt a wave of happiness and relief come over her. His eyes were still closed but he was indeed recovering.

"St-Starfire?" That was all she needed to hear. Starfire burst into tears and hugged him tightly. Robin only found the strength to reach up and pat her on the back. "Never…..doubted you for a second." She laughed in mid weep and pulled away from him.

"Robin I wish to"- She stopped abruptly and fell over. Behind her stood a guard who had just stunned her. Robin blindly reached for his belt but he too saw a flash and then he was out. The Magistrate watched them leave with a disappointed glance. Outside the capture shuttles had trapped Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy in a large energy net and disabled their ships utterly.

"That's it then," said Beast Boy. "Jig's up."


Sorry for ending right there, but I promise not to keep you waiting too long. Thanks for reading so far. Laters!