I'm back! So sorry it took so dreadfully long to update, but I had a lot of things to write in this chapter and time was so scarce! To make up for the short previous chapter and my sluggish updating, I bring you the longest chapter of the series! …Well….. my series anyway…. This is the last chapter, but there will be an epilog I assure you! You definitely don't want to miss that! Now, here's the catch, I won't post it if you don't review, so… Review! Please and thank you...

AR:

The ShapeShifting Chick: (cries with you) Yes… it's almost over. Don't worry. Be strong! You'll survive! (Love the Puss in Boots expression! ;D)

Emmery: (big huge smile) Yay! You like it! You really like it:D I'm so happy! …Don't worry, I didn't forget about this fanfic, it just takes me a while to update it that's all! ;)

Insanity for Dummies: Well if you like cliffhangers, you'll LOVE the surprise I have in store for you! (evil laugh) …And that is why you should always take precaution in working with villains!

swisscheese: Yes, this story does take place right after the episode 'sisters'! How ever did you know? ..lol…

Midnight Moonfox: Yes, your animal instincts are quite accurate! And yes, I'm trying, I'm trying! I'm updating, I'm updating! Patience! Sheesh!

dlsky: Why thank you! I'm truly flattered! I'm glad you like the format as the well as the story. Sometimes the format helps a great deal in understanding the story. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement.

- Please don't forget to leave a review. Thank you. :D

Romeo and Juliet: Act II

It was a cool dark night on earth. Rain began pouring down heavily as lightning flashes lit up the sky in brilliant arrays of light. Thunder pounded the ground with rage and roared like a mighty lion on a hunt. The rain continued to fall from the dark moonless sky. Slade remained standing, gazing out of the window, watching… waiting. It was almost time…

The lair of his choice was underground, peeking out of a cliff. It seemed like a cave from afar. Among his chambers where he stood, was a rather large room. It would appear quite dull if it wasn't for the red carpet, for the walls were that of stone. A rather large window was the centerpiece of the area, which was where Slade remained standing. Heading down the room, a narrow bridge emerged and arched over what appeared to be a cliff with an undesirable fate, for down the cliff was a pool of fire and magma. It was railed with iron to prevent anyone from falling in.

Slade turned around as some quests arrived in the doorway. He nodded his head to acknowledge their presence and give them permission to enter. Jinx and Mammoth walked in, each holding an iron chain. This was the chain that secured Starfire and wrapped around both her neck and her wrists. Gizmo, who walked behind them, picked up his foot and slammed it into Starfire's back. She jerked her head back and closed her eyes tightly, wincing in pain. "Here's your Starfire, right here!"

Slade walked up to the Tameranian girl who was now on her knees. She was still week, and her powers, still paralyzed. He stopped and stood towering over her. Slade bent down a bit and held her chin up with his hand. "….So you are the one that gave Robin his weakness…." He smiled coldly then turned to face Jinx. "Well done…. …Put her in her prison until Blackfire arrives….." With that being said, he turned around and walked back to his stand. Jinx and Gizmo merely glanced at each other in response. Mammoth shrugged then turned and walked out the door with the rest following.

x…

Robin sat miserably in the space craft. His strength was slowly coming back to him. He was able to stand, which was good enough for him… Robin grasped the metal bars that surrounded him and poked his head out between them. It appeared that Blackfire was clever enough to take his belt away while he was asleep. It was placed on a hook hanging from a wall just a few feet away from his prison. In a desperate attempt, Robin thrust his arm out, straining to clasp onto the belt that was just inches away from his grip. His hand made several unsuccessful attempts to swipe at it, but all had failed. He pulled his arm back to him and sat down on the floor frustrated and annoyed.

Blackfire noticed Robin's misfortune through a side mirror and smirked with amusement. Then she turned away and focused her attention on steering the space craft. The ship was almost at Slade's lair. She let a mischievous grin creep across her face.

x…

It was time. Jinx entered into the room while Slade was seated calmly in his armchair. "Blackfire is here with Robin, Slade…"

"Excellent…. Bring Starfire out…." Slade slowly lifted himself off of the armchair and took a few steps forwards.

"Yes sir…" Jinx turned away and went to fetch the others, a smirk upon her face. A few moments later, she returned with Gizmo and Mammoth holding Starfire wrapped in chains. "Here she is, Slade…"

"Good…." Slade shifted his attention towards the door, some footsteps echoing in the hall. "….And here comes Robin…."

Blackfire boldly stepped through the door without presenting herself respectfully. Robin was besides her, his hands chained behind his back and his belt still absent. She pushed Robin forward, causing him to fall on his knees. "Here is your Robin…" Blackfire smirked, her hands on her hips. Robin looked back at her and sneered. Then he turned to face Slade, but the first person to capture his eye was Starfire. His eyes widened as he gasped. "…Starfire," he whispered.

"Ah yes…." Slade stepped to the side letting Robin have a full view of his beloved.

Starfire looked up and gasped. "Robin!"

Robin was about to run up to her, but was stopped by someone grabbing the chains behind his back that secured him, preventing him from going any further. Slade looked down at Robin, then turned and threw a glance at Blackfire, nodding his head. "Now, Blackfire, you may do as you please….."

Blackfire smirked deviously as she left Robin and walked towards Starfire. "My pleasure…." She turned to Starfire, who was now defenseless, and kicked her in the stomach. The force knocked the wind out of her body as she cringed in pain. She was not able to speak. Then Blackfire punched her in the face, fracturing her jawbone. Blood came pouring out of her mouth as she coughed.

Rage welled up inside of Robin as he struggled to free himself. "LET HER GO!"

Starfire, still bleeding, looked up at Robin. There eyes met. There was what seamed like a long brief moment of silence between them. Robin looked into her emerald green eyes as Starfire stared straight at him, then Blackfire banged her foot into Starfire's back. She jerked back and yelled out in pain. Robin stayed focused on Starfire.

"Sorry little sister, but it's time to say good night!" Then, with all the cruelty within her, Blackfire's eyes grew red as she held her hands out straight, sending rays of light from her hands and surrounding Starfire. Starfire yelled in pain, struggling and squirming as it electrocuted her. She dropped down on her knees and tossed her head up crying out. Blackfire stood there with a look of amusement upon her face.

"STARFIRE!" Robin struggled even more to free himself and rescue his beloved, now a fire burning inside. "LET HER GO!" Even with all his strongest effort, he could not free himself.

Slade walked besides Blackfire, whispering something in her ear. "Do you think you can stop now? She seems like she's dying anyway….. …might as well do it slowly and painfully….."

Blackfire's eyes narrowed. She was clearly disappointed in his request, but she chose to listen nevertheless. Blackfire's eyes turned their normal violet color and the red glow that surrounded Starfire disappeared. Starfire collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily. From Robin's point of view, she seamed dead. He reached out towards her with one hand crying out; "STARFIRE!" …There was no response. He shot a vengeful glance back at Blackfire, who was now walking towards the wall with Jinx. A tear started to slide down his cheek.

Then, Slade came and stood before Robin; he glanced back at Mammoth and yelled, "Release him!"

Mammoth came and carefully unchained him. Robin's breaths began to slow. He knew what was coming next and he was preparing himself for the fight that was ahead. He also knew that if he tried to strike in anger, it would not turn out well. He had to remain calm, no matter how difficult it was. This time, the Titans would not be here to back him up. It was just him and Slade. He would try his very best to win… for Starfire's sake…

Then Robin turned to face Slade himself while wiping away his tears. Mammoth, Jinx and Gizmo all backed up. Blackfire took her stand with the others for now.

Robin stood with his feet apart and his knees bent, his hands clenched in fists. Slade appeared to be displaying the same posture. There was a moment of silence between the two, a battle of silence to see who's daring enough to make the first move. Robin narrowed his eyes as Slade did the same, then, it began.

Robin let out a battle cry as he leaped into midair, his leg extended, sending a kick straight to Slade's chest. Slade swiftly shifted to the side, blocking Robin's attack and jamming his elbow into Robin's stomach. Robin did not let that hinder him, as soon as he landed, he twirled around and sent a roundhouse kick to Slade's back. Slade continued nevertheless.

All the rest stood at the side of the room and watched. They knew that if any of them would get in the way of the fight, Slade would severely punish them. It was his fight, and no one else. Blackfire stood with her arms crossed, studying Slade's moves.

Robin jumped to the side, just missing a double punch to his chest. Then he leaped forward, deceiving Slade into thinking his next attack was a high kick. When he got close enough he send a knife hand strike to Slade's shoulder, barely missing his neck.

Slade tried to ignore the pain as he kicked Robin in the shin, while blocking another knife hand strike to his neck. Then he jumped up and flipped backwards, landing perfectly balanced on his feet. Robin smirked, thinking that Slade jumped back due to the force of his blow. This thought was soon proven false for once Slade landed, he leaped forward and extended his leg, exposing his metal heel.

Robin's air got knocked out as he flew back, crashing into the wall. He slid down grasping the area where Slade hit him in pain. His discomfort was soon ignored as he prepared for Slade's second blow. He rolled to the side barely missing a deathly strike to his head.

In a desperate attempt to overcome his foe, Robin spun around, leg swiping his adversary. Slade was caught unguarded and slammed to the ground, but once his body hit the floor, he rolled backwards and jumped up to his feet. As soon as he did this, he leaped forward and slammed his metal heel into Robin's side.

Robin jerked back and winced in pain as he clasped onto his wound. Slade hit him with a sharp angle. Blood started to drip down from the injury and stained his clothes. He was about to collapse, but he knew that if he did that, it would be the end. He had to keep on fighting.

Robin stood there for a few seconds as Slade prepared for another attack. This time, he would not be caught unguarded. He knew exactly what to expect. Slade leaped forwards and tried to pull of the same move that got Robin before. Robin spun around and grabbed onto Slade's leg, causing him to loose his balance. Then he banged his elbow into his back and sent a knife hand strike to his leg.

It was a valiant effort, but it proved to be not enough. Although Slade was caught unguarded, he once again proved that he had the upper hand on the match. Slade spun around and grabbed Robin's right wrist while clasping onto his clothes. Then once his body was fully turned around, his right leg hooked onto Robin's and pushed him down to the floor.

This definitely caught Robin by surprise, but he didn't stay down for long. Now more determined than ever, he jumped up and ran towards Slade, kicking, punching, and striking with everything he had. Slade swiftly and expertly blocked every blow that came his way, letting only the minor ones pass in order to strike back at Robin. Then Slade took control.

Now it was his tern to be offence. Slade began by punching Robin in the chest then sent a knife hand strike to his side all simultaneously. Right after, he did a serious of double punches and even triple punches to the chest, head, shoulders, and stomach. Robin did his best to block them all, but some of them still managed to strike him.

Finally, it came to a point where Robin was backed up against a wall. There was no were else to go. Slade punched him once to the head, once to the shoulder, and then spun around and kicked him with his heel. Blood dripped down across his face from his forehead. Robin grasped onto his side where Slade had kicked him and slid down to his knees. It was bleeding even more. His clothes were covered and stained with blood. He was tired and weak, his energy, departed. There was nothing else he could do. If he had his belt on, it would be different, but he didn't. He had lost the battle. Slade had won.

Robin embraced himself for Slade's final blow, but to his surprise, he received a different response. Slade stood towering over him with his hand extended. "You have been an excellent opponent, Robin. Your skills are truly growing, but you must learn to rely on the power within when all other sources are absent." Blackfire was standing impatiently leaned up against the wall. She raised an eyebrow at Slade's response. "Now, my Son, since all other distractions have been dealt with, there is nothing else left for you…."

Robin tilted his head to the side with what little strength he had left. "Son?"

"…Come! Join me! Together we shall rule over the Earth! …As Father…. And Son……" Slade smirked under his mask, leaning closer and extending his hand even further.

Robin was appalled. He jerked back and turned his body to the side. "I will never join you! And YOU are NOT MY FATHER!! I already had a father, but he died!"

Slade lowered his hand and fixed his eye on Robin. "I just used that man who raised you to keep you from hindering my work. It would have been too much of a distraction for me to keep a child, let alone a target for my adversaries! …But then that old-timer Batman had to come and get to you before me! I decided to let you stay so you could train with him and become the fighter you are. …So you see! As much as you may try to deny it, I AM your father!"

Robin's mouth dropped and his eyes widened at the information that was just bestowed upon him. He threw his fists up into the air and yelled. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Blackfire smirked, quite amused with the scene.

Robin, with a sudden burst of energy, sprang up to his feet and pointed directly at Slade. "You may be my father, but I will NEVER help you take over the World! I may not have my Starfire… …but I still have the other Teen Titans! …And they still need me! I would die before I betray my team…"

"I understand…." Slade lowered his head and cracked his knuckles. "I was hoping that you would not respond in this way…. …But now this leaves me with no other choice…" He sighed as he pulled forth a gun that was concealed in his belt. "…..Than to eliminate you….."

Robin was not shocked nor afraid, or even a bit startled. He knew this was coming, he just didn't think his own father would be the one to do it. 'At least I will be with Starfire…,' he thought. Robin closed his eyes, his head lowered and his arms behind his back. He embraced himself for the end, awaiting the bullet that would come piercing through his chest… …but it was still. He looked up to see Slade, still standing there with the gun clenched in his grip, but nothing happened.

Then, in what appeared to be in slow motion, the gun fell from Slade's hand and landed on the floor with a thud. Slade turned around and rubbed his head. Robin stood there puzzled. He was about to stay something when Slade silenced him. "Just get out!"

Robin remained standing, even more confused. Blackfire was furious. She jumped up and stomped up to Slade, disappointed in him. "FINE! If YOU can't eliminate him, I WILL!" With great force and anger, Blackfire spun around and shot rays of light from her hands, encircling Robin. Then, the effect came. Robin yelled out in pain as sparks shot out from the light. He jerked his head up and struggled to get free, but it was like he was paralyzed. His body was shaken as he experienced complete and utter pain.

Slade watched with no response. He did not prevent her nor encourage her. It was as if a battle was going on inside his own mind. He glanced up at Blackfire then down at Robin.

Robin fell to his knees, desperately wishing that the pain would cease, but there was no relief. It was so intense that his sweat took the form of blood. He closed his eyes tight and threw his head back.

Slade looked down at Robin. He may be his enemy, but he was still his son. He couldn't just stand there and watch his son die, knowing that he could do something about it. By that time Jinx, Gizmo and Mammoth had left the room. There was nobody else present. Slade knew exactly where to bring Blackfire. In a valiant effort, Slade leaped forward and hit Blackfire in the jawbone with his metal heel. Robin's pain stopped. He was released and fell to the floor.

Blackfire, taken by shock, fell to the ground. Slade took his foot and banged it down into her stomach. She gasped for air and rolled over, knowing that she could not stay down for too long. Before she fully recovered, Slade punched her in the face, then again, and again, and again, until they were by the bridge. Finally, with all the force within himself, he shot himself towards her, his heel slamming into her chest, causing her to fall over the iron rail and into the river of magma and fire. Unfortunately, Slade fell with her, but he was able to grab onto the corner of the floor. He looked down and watched as she slowly disappeared into the magma. Then he took a deep breath and prepared himself to fall. His grip was loosening and he would not be able to hang on much longer. His strength was departing.

Robin watched from a distance and saw what was happening. He struggled to get up, and then rushed towards the bridge. He came to see Slade dangling off the bottom of the bridge. Slade looked up and saw Robin. He smiled, knowing that this would be the last time he would see him. "Good bye ….My son….." Then with that, Slade loosened his grip and fell down into the river of fire.

Robin just missed grabbing his hand due to his lack of strength. "NOOO!" He shut his eyes and closed his open palm. "…father……" He stood there for a few minutes, trying to take in all that had happened. Slade was his enemy, but he really was his father. Blackfire almost killed him, but Slade rescued him…. Slade died for him. Slade was his father. Indeed he has really changed, towards the very end, he actually proved to be his father…. towards the very end…. Slade was his father.

Robin looked down into the river as he watched Slade's mask melt away, then he stood up and bowed his head in respect. After a few moments of gathering his thoughts, Robin turned around and saw Starfire lying down in the distance. Her hand was twitching. "Starfire!" Robin rushed over to her, joy filled in his eyes.

"Robin!" Starfire moved her arm in front of her, leaning on it to help her get up. She was still weak. She fell back down to the floor, but before her head touched the floor, Robin came and caught her in his strong sturdy arms. She smiled as she looked up at him. "Robin… …is she…?"

"Yes... …Blackfire is dead." Robin replied almost instantly. "She won't harm you ever again…"

The rain began to come down again. It had stopped for a while before. Nobody else was present in the dark dull room but Robin and Starfire.

Starfire smiled weakly with almost a hint of sadness. "…I see…." She took some time to gather in all the information. "…and Slade? What about him?"

Robin looked down and sighed. "He's gone too… …There are a whole lot of things that need explaining that I'd rather not talk about right now….."

"Oh…" Starfire looked away. She took a deep breath and started to cough, trying to cover her mouth.

Robin looked down at her with concern, her emerald green eyes starting to dull, her skin turning pale. "…Starfire? …Are you alright?"

Starfire's eyes closed for a moment or two. She sighed, then turned to face Robin yearningly, sadness yet contentment upon her face. "Robin…. …may you take your mask off? I…. I wish to see your eyes… …one last time…."

Finally, Robin realized what was happening. She was dying. Sorrow welled up deep inside himself: to gain his love back only to loose her again. He sighed heavily, then hesitantly let his hands reach up towards his face and untie the cloth that concealed his upper facial features. Then he carefully laid the mask down besides him and looked down at his beloved Starfire, stroking her beautiful flowing auburn air.

She smiled weakly as she gazed up into his handsome deep blue eyes that looked down at her with compassion and love. Robin did the same to her, except with a different feeling, a feeling of sorrow for he knew that this would be his last. He took a deep breath, then leaned in closer and kissed her. Starfire's eyes closed as she found the strength to lift her arm and wrap it around Robin. Then she whispered something in his ear, "I love you…." Her hand gradually fell down, and with a sigh, her eyes closed, her breathing slowed.

"I love you too…" Robin kissed her on the cheek one more time, then, raised his head to see Starfire still. …She was gone… A tear welled up in Robin's eyes as he gazed down at his beloved. She seemed so peaceful, as if he had just came to kiss her good night, like she was having a passive dream that would never end, a deep peaceful rest that she will never wake up from. He lowered his head in sorrow.

Robin kneeled there weeping over her. The mournful rain proved to be significant in the moment's feel. His love was gone.

Suddenly, a sound grabbed his attention. It was the sound of a spacecraft. He turned and looked out of the window to see the Titans chasing off the Hive team. Robin looked down at Starfire one more time, then released her from his grip and gently lowered her down to the floor. He reached over next to him and grabbed his mask, lifting it up to his face.

After a few moments, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy appeared at the door. Robin had his back facing them as he finished putting his mask on. Then he turned around to face them, a stern yet sorrowful expression upon his face. "…Lets go home…. …Our work here is done…..." Then he stepped forward and slowly walked through them, not looking back.

Beast Boy was about to say something in response to Starfire's body when Raven silenced him. She closed her eyes and bowed her head in respect and understanding. "Let's go…." She turned around and followed Robin. Beast Boy and Cyborg watched silently, both looking back at Starfire's body. Then, one after another, they gradually followed the others. Starfire remained there in a peaceful rest, her hands faintly glowing.

Well I do believe that this has been one of the longest chapters for this fic I have created so far. I hope you all enjoyed it. This is the end, the final episode of 'The Rising Fire and the Setting Star', but of course, there will be an epilog, so stay tuned! R&R Good day.