I'm sorry for the late update but lately my schedule has been crazy. .I feel horrible about this! I didn't mean to keep all of you waiting! This is the chapter before the last. I think most questions will be answered if haven't already. So here is Chapter 12.
Disclaimer: No I still don't own the Teen Titans.
Chapter 12: It's Not How I Got Here, It's what I Accomplished Here
Life is a constant struggle that will never end. Long after I am gone the sun will still rise and set. Long after I'm gone lovers will still share a sweet embrace. Long after I'm gone the wind will blow across the wide spread mountains. Long after I'm gone birds will fly across the multihued sky. Long after I'm gone there will be war. Long after I'm gone there will be peace. Long after I'm gone there will still be music. After I'm gone the world will still be here. But I am here now and I know what I need to do. I have wondered over these last two years if I had ever really loved Akilli and of course I did. But what really bothered me was the question: Did I still love Robin? And I did still love him and I do still love him. I loved Akilli, I married him but it was Robin who was in my dreams. Vulcan was my son; he came from me. I didn't know what life was, what it felt like until he came through me. And that is a miracle. When they died my world was so small but somehow there was another miracle---I came back here. And now my world is being threatened again and I will save him. It is now I think I'll get my redemption… at any cost
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The car sped down the road. It started to rain and the droplets from hit the windows making small tapping sounds. The streetlights became blurry as the windows fogged up. The wheels made screeching noises every time it came to a stop. Inside the car all was silent as all were thinking. Starfire's breath deepened, as they grew closer to Richard or Nightwing's signal. Her heart beat faster. There was something, she could feel it coming.
" Alright will be there in about 15 minutes, y'all ready?" Cyborg asked from the drivers seat. He received nods from the fellow passengers as his answer. Cyborg looked out onto the road once more.
" What about if this is a trap?" Beastboy asked from beside Raven in the backseat.
" It is a trap, but we have no other choice. Starfire is running out of time." Raven said in her usual voice.
" So what's our game plan?" Cyborg asked.
" We try to get as close as possible without being seen. Once we enter we will get Richard." Starfire answered.
" And you? We didn't just come he for Richard, you know?" Cyborg asked.
" I'll take care of Slade." Starfire answered looking out the window.
" Oh no your not! We're going to help you." Beastboy said from the back.
Starfire turned her head towards him, " No your not."
" Why?" Cyborg demanded.
" This is between Slade and me. There can't be anyone else." Starfire answered.
" She's right." Raven agreed. The car got silent once more.
"Raven." A voice said in Raven's head.
" Yes, Starfire." Raven answered telepathically.
" If I don't live through this-"
" You will don't say that, Starfire."
" Raven…if I don't live through this get Richard out of there. Don't try to save me." Starfire said ending their metal conversation.
Raven looked down. Her hand rubbed against her pocket and she felt the piece of paper. Just in case of anything goes wrong. She thought to herself.
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Meanwhile………
Thunder painted itself across the night's sky and the rain started to pour with rage. A masked man stood in the rain on top of a familiar building. The rain didn't bother the man; in fact he didn't even know it was raining. The rage of Mother Nature only matched his. From miles down he caw car lights, the only ones in this part of the city since it was abandoned. Lighting flashed again and behind the man a sign read Wayne Enterprises.
This was it. Tonight would only be the beginning for one and the end for another. Like the city the Titans would be dead and Slade would continue to conquer and thrive. There was nothing that could stop him. At 12:00 midnight he would be holding the diamond and he would be able to control it.
The car lights came closer and closer. He looked at the tall clock tower that elevated itself above all of Jump City's buildings. It read 11:00 pm. Only one more hour left, but he needed to set his first plan in motion.
He smiled to himself and took out a long staff. He tapped it hard three times on the floor below him. And it stopped raining.
From the floor arose two clouds of smoke on either side of him. The two clouds got smaller and started to form figures. Once it had done that it seemed to turn itself inside out several times and took on new colors. Within in seconds beings stood next to Slade, both in human form. But if you were to look closely these weren't your average humans. The man on the left of Slade had dark blue hair that went to his shoulders. He had golden symbols over every inch of his muscular tone body. He wore nothing except of some black pants with a belt around him that contained a sword. Finally on scar went vertical down his eye.
The other was a beautiful woman. She had long black hair that was in a half-pony tail puff. She had on a short black leather mini skirt with a black corset. Long black high heel boots raced up her legs until her knees. Her eyes were pure red and had black eye shadow surrounding them. Her lips were also red matching with her eyes She, like the other, stared at the coming lights.
" My minions, you see those headlights? They are your enemy. Go, separate and destroy the Titans!" Slade ordered.
Both played smiled off their faces. The man disappeared with red smoke.
Slade turned to the woman and said, " Bring the girl here." She nodded and, like the man, disappeared with a cloud of red smoke. Slade watched as both thin clouds made their way down towards the car.
Slade smiled a malevolent smile and turned to a figure behind him. " I will save you for later."
The figure nodded, "Yes master." Then returned to the shadows.
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" Slade is at Wayne Enterprises." Cyborg said looking at his locator once more.
" We're close, but why hasn't he done anything yet?" Raven asked.
" I don't know. But we already know it's a trap." Cyborg answered.
" Guys a have a bad feeling this." Beastboy said from the back seat.
Starfire nodded, " He is right. It's way too quiet."
Meanwhile outside on the road red smoke appeared and started to take form. Them man stood waiting for the on coming car.
Cyborg still raced down the street and as he turned back to the road he let out a," Holy crap!" He pushed on the brakes and all of the Titans held on to parts of the car. But the car didn't stop in time and was going to hit the man. The man didn't flinch, instead he held out his sword in front of him. The sword itself went bright red and as the car collided with it, it slid through as though going through butter. The car came to a stop at its impact.
" Get out of the car the engine is going to blow!" Cyborg yelled. All of the Titans jumped out just before it went on fire. They looked around and he wasn't there anymore.
" Where did he go?" Beastboy asked.
" I don't know but the sword of his just went through my car." Cyborg said angrily.
" And where did he come from?" Raven asked.
" Hell." A voice said from behind them. Raven ducked as a sword came at her head. She surrounded it with a black aurora. She tried moving it with her mental abilities but it wouldn't work. The man just looked amused as she did so.
" Um, Rae you going to do anything anytime soon?" Beastboy asked from the side of her.
She shook her head; " I can't get it away from him." The man stepped forward and the Titans got into battle stance.
" It is nice to meet you Titans. Time to die." The man yelled as he jumped forward. The Titans broke apart to avoid him.
Cyborg shot massive fires from his sonic cannon at him but somehow the man dodged them all. Beastboy turned into a rhino and went to ram him. But as Beastboy hit him he went straight through and hit the wall behind.
" Y'all something tells me that we won't be putting handcuffs on this guy!" Cyborg yelled.
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Slade, meanwhile, tapped his staff again.
" Go now." He said to the figure behind him. It nodded and jumped off the roof.
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" AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The soundlessness of the night was disturbed by a yell and the sound of breaking glass.
Cyborg stood up from where he landed after hitting the building behind him. The Titans stood next to him.
The man stepped closer to them with sword in hand. And Cyborg readied his sonic cannon.
He tuned his head back to the Titans, " Listen we're running out of time. You guys go and I'll handle this guy."
Beastboy shook his head and said, " No way, Cy. We're not going to leave you!"
" Y'all have to. Take my tracker, it shows Nightwing's location" Cyborg instructed taking a small device off his arm and throwing it to Raven. " Go!" The others slowly nodded and ran in opposite direction.
They soon lost sight of Cyborg as they ran down a few blocks. Then Raven stopped.
" Rae, what's wrong?" Beastboy asked.
Raven looked at the tracker that Cyborg had given her. " Nightwing. He's moving at a very rapid pace. That way." She pointed to her right.
" Well then lets go that way-" Starfire started to say taking off but Raven stopped her.
" No. It's almost 12:00. Beastboy and I will save Nightwing, but you have to get to Slade. When the clock strikes midnight your hands must be on the jewel for you to be in control of it, Starfire. Don't worry we'll find him." Raven assured Starfire.
Starfire nodded knowing that even though she didn't want to, she had to go.
" Beastboy go ahead. I'll meet you in a minute." Raven instructed. Beastboy nodded and transformed into a cheetah and ran forward.
Raven turned to Starfire and took the piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it to Starfire." This was in the book. If anything were to go wrong, use it. Star I believe you can do this. When you first came back I know I didn't make you feel welcome. I'm sorry, I guess I just had been closed off for so long I didn't want to get hurt; you're my friend and I realize that now. Good luck."
Starfire looked at Raven and smiled, " Good luck Raven." Then Raven did something she rarely did—she hugged Starfire. She then went after Beastboy.
Starfire turned. She was on Main Street and a few blocks down the Wayne Enterprises building stood a tall shadow amongst the other buildings.
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With Cyborg…
After the others had gone Cyborg shot his cannon at the man. It hit him and left a scorching burn on his right shoulder. Cyborg smiled—he got him. The smile soon turned into a frown for the skin healed itself, making it look as though it had never been touched.
Cyborg backed up a bit, " Who are you?"
" The condemned. I am neither man nor demon. I am forever locked the way I am because of how I led my life as a mortal. I cannot die for I am not among the e living nor I am among the dead. I am controlled by evil, and sent from hell itself. You cannot defeat me. You might be a machine but a mortal is a mortal." The man said with a straight face.
" That doesn't mean I won't fight you." Cyborg said eyes narrowed.
The man shook his head in disgust. " That is what is wrong with humans. They always fight. Why? What is your purpose of fighting me? What will you get?" All of a sudden he was behind Cyborg. Before Cyborg could do anything he was thrown up against a brick wall. He was raised by the neck and felt his breath being taken from him. He was thrown into the street. He stood quickly and readied his cannon once more, only to find the man was not there. For a minute Cyborg was confused but as he looked her saw a red smoke and was kicked in the head. Before he could get his sense back a sword collided with his right mechanical arm. It fell to the ground in one metal heap.
Cyborg fired his cannon once more and the man just regenerated. The man swung an arm at Cyborg but Cyborg caught it and with much strength threw the man backwards. The man gracefully landed on both feet. He twirled his sword in his hands and ran towards Cyborg blocked the hit with his left arm only to be hit in the chest. His main system was down and he was almost powerless. He felt himself being kicked in the jaw and knew right away it was broken. He landed on the ground with blood coming from his mouth. He couldn't find the strength to stand up and broken electrical wires sparked from him like a broken TV.
" You see, you fought me like a fool. And now you'll die like one. Why? Why did you even try?" the man asked.
Cyborg blinked. He felt like his memories were slipping from him like his conciseness. The man was right why did he even try…
Flashback 5 years ago….
" I'm sorry Mr. Stone, but the city can no longer fund the historical site." The mayor said from behind his desk.
" But you said after the Titans split up you would keep the tower open, to tourists." Victor argued.
" Yes well, that was before the city went into debt. Also that part of the city is completely abandoned now not to say crime infested." The mayor said sadly.
" So you're just going to destroy Titans Tower?" Cyborg asked angrily.
" No I won't destroy it, just close it. The city will give you new name, and identity if you wish since your job as caretaker has now been relieved." The mayor.
" You mean since I've been fired." Cyborg murmured.
" The loss of the Titans has affected everyone in this city, but you more so. This city has fallen because of their absence, I'm afraid. The villains have won and the people have lost." The mayor said looking out the window.
" What am I supposed to do now?" Cyborg asked really just to himself.
" Whatever you wish to do." The mayor answered.
" Can live in the tower since its emptiness and all?" Cyborg asked.
The mayor thought for a minute and then nodded, " I suppose you could."
Cyborg sadly smiled and stood from the desk. As he was about to walk out of the office the mayor asked, " Why?"
Cyborg turned towards him and said, " Without family and friends…I have no where else to go." He then turned and left the office.
End Flashback
" Why?" the man asked again with the sword pointed at Cyborg's throat.
" I fight you because I can." Cyborg answered. Cyborg then twisted his legs and tripped the man. The man was about to stand and with almost all his strength Cyborg kicked the sword out of his hands and picked it up. He held it over the man who was powerless without it. " I fight for my family, my friends without them I would be nothing."
The man lay on the ground eyes wide with shock, " Even if you defeat me now, you will still die. I have destroyed the only thing that keeps you alive."
" You right I will die but then again I am only human." Cyborg said and then rammed the sword through the man chest. The man screamed and turned into a red dust and disappeared. Cyborg winced as he leaned against a wall. He looked at his arm and it read: Systems failing.
He smiled and sat down. " I went out with a fight y'all." then he turned off forever.
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Meanwhile with Starfire…
The streets made no sound and the empty buildings on either side of her acted as spectators. On the street a few cars were parked, abandoned and beaten. Her heels on her boots clicked the ground as she walked. The moon was hidden by rain clouds that moved ever so often, so the moons light shone.
This wasn't the Main Street she knew. When she was young this street was lined with people going into and out of shops. Cars lined the curb and drivers fought to get spaces. The streetlights worked and the buildings were filled. Now just silence.
She was too busy remembering she didn't even realize she had come to the Wayne Enterprises building. It was stories high and all dark.
She pushed against the door expecting it to be locked, but it opened. She stepped in to the empty and dark lobby. Her heels tapped the marble floor ever so lightly as she walked. Lighting flashed again as it started to rain once more outside. One would most definitely call this a trap.
The lights began to flicker for just a second then turned off. Starfire looked around fiercely for anyone who might be hiding in the shadows but saw no one. Only graffiti littered the walls.
Then a sound. She looked towards the elevator. It has the numbers 1-12 on it with a little arrow. It was turning towards 1. She stepped closer. Come one was coming. She quickly went to the elevator. She pushed herself against the wall next to it and waited for the doors to open. Finally there was a "ding" and the doors opened letting out elevator music out.
Starfire turned around gun pointing to the inside ready to shoo. No one was there.
She stood for a second confused. Who had been in the elevator? Lighting flashed and the elevator doors closed. Lighting flashed once more and a face reflected itself in the shinny brass elevator door.
Starfire flipped around to see a beautiful woman with red eyes surrounded by black eye shadow. She smiled at Starfire and a red glow came from her fingernail tips.
" Hello pretty girl." She said with a sleek voice.
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Beastboy and Raven…
The rain started to hit them harder. They walked through the alleys of the city looking carefully as they did. Water dripped off both of them everywhere and Raven took out the tracker. She looked at it and kept walking.
" Is he still moving?" Beastboy asked.
Raven nodded, " Yes."
" Do think he escaped and that's why he's moving?" Beastboy asked.
Raven stopped and laid a hand upon her chin. " That's what I've been thinking about. If he had escaped the first place he'd being going is the apartment or maybe even the tower. But he's going east of both places. Why would he do that?"
" Well maybe Slade is moving him?" Beastboy asked suggesting it.
Raven shook her head, " No it wouldn't make sense to move him. Slade wants Starfire, I don't think he'd risk getting himself up from where he is at and moving him."
" Then-then maybe Nightwing is moving himself?" Beastboy asked.
Raven turned to him, " You're right. But why wouldn't he be trying to find us?"
" I Am." A voice said from behind them.
They turned to see Nightwing also dripping with water. He stood a distance from them and they couldn't see his face.
" Nightwing, dude! Where have you been? We've been looking for you! Come on we have to go help Starfire." Beastboy said going closer to him.
" Don't worry she'll be taken care of." Nightwing said with darkened voice.
" Taken care of? What's that supposed to mean?" Beastboy asked stepping closer.
" Beastboy don't go any closer." Raven ordered from behind him.
Beastboy stopped and looked at her, " Why?"
" Awwww. Don't trust me Raven? I'm hurt." Nightwing said sarcastically.
" I don't trust Slade." Raven answered narrowing her eyes.
" But I'm not Slade." Nightwing reasoned.
" Your right, but then again why would he let you go? You don't look hurt." Raven said monotone voice.
" You were always the smart one, weren't you?" Nightwing answered bitterly.
" And you're not Nightwing." Raven answered.
" What do you mean Rae? Of course he's Nightwing." Beastboy said pointing at him.
" He's right. I am Nightwing, just new and improved." Nightwing said stepping into the light.
Beastboy gasped, " Dude, what's up with your eyes!" They glowed red with evil.
" He's under Slade's control." Raven answered. Beastboy started to back away.
" She's right. I am." Nightwing said stepping closer to them his eyes pure red. " I've also come to the realization--- I don't need you."
" What do you mean dude?" Beastboy asked stepping in front of Raven.
" This it's just a distraction. The main event is yet to come…too bad you won't live to see it." Nightwing said taking out his bo-staff. This bo-staff was longer and had sharp blades on it, ready to strike. " Ahhhhhhhh!" he said running towards them.
Both Raven and Beastboy avoided the attack and got into fighting stance.
" What are we going to do?" Beastboy asked Raven.
" We fight him. Someway we have to get him out of mind control. Go and fight him, I need time. " Raven answered. Beastboy nodded and transformed into a bull and headed straight towards Nightwing. Nightwing jumped to avoid the attack and twirled his bo-staff. He threw countless jabs at Beastboy who just transformed into a different animal every time. He transformed into am monkey and jumped on Nightwing's head blinding him and making him drop his bo-staff. Nightwing, after much reaching, grabbed Beastboy and flung him up against a wall.
The monkey form of Beastboy slid down and transformed back into him. He looked at his arm-- it was broken. He stood up and transformed into a rhino. He charged at Nightwing but Nightwing threw a net out and it captured Beastboy. Beastboy tried all his might, but no matter what form of species he turned into he couldn't break free. Nightwing smiled and turned towards Raven.
She sat on the floor after they had begun to fight and went into a trance. She was trying to enter Nightwing's mind. She was quietly chanting to herself as she did so. But nothing was working she couldn't get through. His mind was moving too fast. Then she got through and was able to read his thoughts.
At first she heard none except fighting ideas against Beastboy, then all went quiet. Outside she heard no fighting. Something was wrong. Then she heard the voice, " Trying to read my thoughts…witch?" Her eyes flashed open as she was thrown up against a wall, literally knocked out of her trance.
She moaned as her weight shifted under her. She slowly stood using the help of the wall. But at first everything was blurry from the falling rain and the impending darkness. Her eyes adjusted and she looked just in time to see a dark figure moving towards her. She held her hand up and a black aurora came from it. She took it and in trapped Nightwing in a black bubble. He pounded on it and then smiled. He took out two throwing stars and through them at the bubbles wall. It burst and he jumped from it. He caught the stars as they came back to him. He threw them again this time at Raven. She did her best to avoid them but on sliced her chest and leg. She fell to the ground bleeding heavily.
He came towards her and she put a black glowing hand up. He backed away ever so slightly and said, " Can't trap what you can't see." He kicked some loose gravel on the alleyway into her eyes. She screamed in agony as it blinded her.
Beastboy watched in horror as Nightwing went to go and pick up his bo-staff and then go back towards Raven. He had to get out of here. He had to save her…
Flashback 9 years ago…
There was a knock on her bedroom door. She turned from her packing and stared. She didn't feel like talking. She was going to be the first to leave the Titans and that was that. They had stayed out of her way for weeks now, knowing her emotions were out of control the door sounded again ad she sighed.
She leaned her figure against the door and said, " Yeah?"
" Hey-hey Raven can I come in?" Beastboy asked from the other side.
" I don't think it would be a good idea." She answered in her monotone voice.
" Please Rae. I'll only be a minute. I just want to talk to you." Beastboy begged. There was no answer and he sighed. He turned away from the door and it opened behind him. He smiled and walked into the dark room.
Most of the walls were bare and bags sat at the end of the bed. Raven stood next to the window looking out at the sea that surrounded the small island.
" What did you want?" she asked with her arms crossed still not looking at him.
" I was hoping that I could convince you to stay. We could help you get your emotions in check." Beastboy offered.
Raven shook her head, " You can't. None of you can for all of you are the cause of my problem. I was unstable before I joined the Titans what made me think that I could stay?"
" But for a while your powers were okay." Beastboy said.
" I was but after Starfire left—I can't keep them in check anymore." Raven answered looking out the window.
" Please Raven let me help you." Beastboy said. Raven didn't answer. His ears drooped down and he began to walk out when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Raven with her hood over he face.
"I don't want to hurt you." She whispered.
He reached and grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him, and she didn't stop him. "I know." He whispered. She looked up at him and he pulled her hood down to reveal shoulder length hair she had had for 2 months now. He brought her in and kissed he softly. She in tensed the kiss, enjoying every minute of it. After a minute she realized what she was doing and pulled away.
She turned away from him and pulled her hood back up and said quickly, " You need to get out of my room."
" But Raven-" Beastboy started.
" Go!" she yelled. He turned sadly and walked out, the door closing behind him. She leaned up against the doorframe until his footsteps faded away. Tears slipped down her face and she slid down to the floor.
" I'm sorry." She whispered and a lamp broke somewhere in the room.
End Flashback
He broke free of his captivity and ran towards Nightwing and Raven.
Nightwing walked closer to Raven who was on the ground. " You never were able to keep you emotions stable. You're weak Raven." He said harshly. She gashed for air, because her chest had been sliced open. " And now you're going to die." He slammed the sharp end of the bo-staff into Raven's stomach and she screamed.
" Raven!" a voice yelled from behind them. Beastboy rushed to help her but was met in the chest by the bo-staff. He stumbled back as blood poured from him. He fell to the ground. Nightwing stepped closer to him going in for the kill when he was surrounded by a black aurora and thrown against the opposite wall. There Raven stood weakly and she put her hand down. She then fell to the floor and crawled over to Beastboy. Then she took his hand in hers and lay next to him.
She held him in her arms and started to cry, " Oh-no. Beastboy?"
Beastboy's eyes opened a little and he smiled, " Hey Raven. So when did you want to set that date for our wedding?"
Raven went along with the joke in and in a trembled voice and teary eyes said, " Maybe next June. I'd like a summer wedding."
" Me too. How about this June? I don't think I can wait that long." Beastboy said in a weak voice and Raven smiled sadly. " You know I love you?"
Raven nodded and said, " Yes I do. And I love you too."
" I'm sorry I couldn't save you." He whispered.
She shook her head," It wasn't your fault. Don't think that."
Beastboy coughed up some blood and said, " I wish I could've married you."
Raven smiled, " I wish it too."
" Beastboy?" Raven asked quietly.
" Hmm." He whispered also losing conciseness.
" Can I go first?" she asked whispering.
He nodded slowly, " Only if you wait for me too."
She looked at him one last time, " I'll always be waiting for you…" Then she closed her eyes and ceased breathing.
He took the last of his strength and brought her limp body into his arms and kissed her cold lips, " I always loved you." Then he too closed his eyes.
Meanwhile Nightwing had stood up and saw each of them die. He smirked to himself and started walking towards Wayne Enterprises.
Slade watched from high up on the roof of Wayne Enterprises. He smiled graciously, " Excellent. Three down…two to go."
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" Hello pretty girl." She said in a sleek voice.
Starfire's eyes narrowed. She stepped back and asked in a cold voice, " Who the hell are you?"
The woman smiled evilly, " My name Natasha. You must be Starfire." Her voice carried an accent and she stood calmly before Starfire.
" Who sent you?" Starfire asked already knowing the answer.
" You should already know that. Do not worry I have strict orders not kill you." Natasha said. She held out her hand, " Now come with me, the easy way."
Starfire looked at her hand. She very carefully moved her hand towards Natasha then asked. " Where is Slade?"
" Thee top." She replied still looking at Starfire.
" Thanks. But I'm sure I don't need an escort!" Starfire yelled taking out smoke bombs. She threw them and they blinded the woman in front of her.
As soon as the smoke cleared Natasha stood and looked around the room. Starfire was nowhere to be seen. " I guess you do want to do this the hard way. Then so be it." he ducked as an arrow came towards the back of her head. She rolled and then stood to face Starfire behind her. " Tisk, tisk do not think it will be so easy." With that her fingertips turned blood red and glowed with electricity.
She fired at Starfire who ducked and scorch marked the now close elevator doors. She landed on her feet and took her daggers from her belt. She twirled them in the fingers and started to make slashing movements at Natasha, but Natasha ducked them all easily. Then Natasha fired another blot of red electricity at Starfire; it knocked one dagger from Starfire's hand. Starfire jumped back as Natasha came towards her. Starfire smiled and winked as she flung her dagger forward. Natasha looked confused but her looked changed to a face of comprehension as a rotten wooden beam fell on her head. When she brought herself up Starfire was gone.
"AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!" Came from behind her and she was tackled to the ground. They struggle against each other until Natasha blasted Starfire up against the old reception desk. Starfire got up and looked at her now black top arm. She shook the injury off and gathered out a few smoke bombs. She threw them and blinded Natasha.
Natasha staggered in the blindness and heard a voice say, " I have some files for you." Then a drawer to a metal file cabinet hit her in the head. She was knocked to the ground. She moaned and the gasped as a boot heels landed on her throat pinning her down. She grabbed the foot and with pure red eyes threw its owner into a bunch of chairs.
Starfire got up slowly. She twisted her ankle back; it was either broken or sprained. She limped as she approached the reception counter, but Natasha wasn't there.
" My turn." A voice said from behind her. Starfire turned and her throat was encircled by a red glow. She choked as she was raised so her head hit the ceiling.
Natasha laughed, " I thought so."
Starfire winced as she slowly drew her hand down behind her back. She grabbed onto a small axe and lifted it from its spot. She forcefully threw it at Natasha's stomach. Natasha screamed as the metal tip torn at her flesh. The hold on Starfire was released and she fell to the ground.
Natasha cried out in agony as she withdrew the axe from within her and threw it to the ground. She looked up to see Starfire once again gone. She heard a sound behind her and turned to see Starfire standing with bow and arrow.
" Wrong. It doesn't get any better than me." Starfire said coldly as she fired her arrow. Before Natasha could react an arrow went straight threw her throat and a swift kick threw her through the glass window unto the street.
Starfire peered at the dead body that lay slain on the ground from the inside. Natasha's body turned into green dust and faded into the air. Starfire smiled and walked back to the elevator.
She got in and pushed the button labeled: Roof. She was going up.
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Meanwhile…
" I see my minions weren't enough to stop her. No worry, the others are dead and now there is no one to save her. Is there Nightwing? Why don't you go and pay our girl a visit. I'm so sure she'll be happy to see you." Slade ordered smiling. The man behind him nodded and walked off into the shadows. Slade smiled at his so far victory. He turned and headed up to a higher platform of the roof.
Elevator music played softy within the elevator. Starfire stood with both hands crossed in front of her. Seemingly, she looked like another everyday passenger, just going to a meeting or job interview. But of course this wasn't any average passenger; this building had been empty for years. Below the lobby was now totally destroyed and this woman had all sorts of weapons on her.
Her face showed no emotion whatsoever nor did she make her wounds seem to have any effect on her. She had two main objectives: save the man she loved and get the diamond in her grasp by 12:00. Her life before these moments were nothing but flashes. Akilli, Vulcan, her life for the last 10 years was just all preparation for this moment. She needed her losses of her family to need the metal and physical strength she need for now. No matter what she would come out victorious.
The door opened to the harsh wind and (now) rain. Her wet hair wrapped around her face. She took a large Samurai sword from the thin vertical pack on her back. It made a sound as she did. She carefully tiptoed around the roof. No one was there. She looked up and around. Then she spotted some stairs at the other side of the roof, a long distance from her.
She started to walk towards the stairway when she heard a sound from behind her. She kept walking at a slower pace. Sinsay had taught her to always be aware of her surroundings, to listen carefully and tread lightly. Never let the enemy know you know that they are there, let them think they have the upper hand upon you.
All she heard was her breath and the pounding of her heart. She softly closed her eyes, and then all sounds stopped. With her eyes closed she could use her mind. Every sound, every creak she knew. The soft padding of footsteps came near her and Starfire could almost see a person walking. With a flash she re-opened her eyes. She grabbed a hand that was only a few inches from her shoulder, twisted it, and threw its owner away from her. After the figure landed, she got into defense stance. But what she saw made her eyes widen.
"Nightwing…" she whispered. She rushed towards him and threw her arms around his shoulders. She then kissed him and pulled away. " Thank God you're alright! I was so worried. Come, we have to go find Slade. And the others are coming to."
Nightwing showed no emotion. And that's when Starfire's sensations kicked in. His heartbeat, against her own, it was different…
She stepped back from him and started to back away. Nightwing's eyes narrowed, " What's wrong Starfire?"
" Something's wrong, with you." Starfire whispered in shock.
" Nothings wrong. In fact this is the best I been in years. I wish I could say the same for you little friends." Nightwing said evilly.
" Nightwing…what have you done!" Starfire demanded.
" Working with Slade has opened my eyes to how the world really is. They weren't my friends nor where they yours. So killing them just really wasn't that big of a deal." Nightwing stated his voice hard and cold.
" Liar!" she yelled.
" Why would I lie to you baby?" Nightwing asked teasingly.
" What did he do to you?" Starfire asked.
" Nothing that I would regret, dear." Nightwing answered. Then with a flash he was gone. Starfire blinked, where did he go?
A hand rubbed gently against her neck and a hot breath brushed her cheek. " I always did think you were beautiful, too bad I have to mess up your face." Then he was gone once more.
" How are you doing this?" Starfire asked.
" Magic." A voice said from behind her before she was thrown up against a pipe.
She stood on her feet and took her Samurai sword out in front of her. Nightwing smiled and took out is bo-staff in front of him. All was silence for a few moments then they attacked. Nightwing swiftly swung his bo-staff at Starfire's head. Starfire blocked all attacks, and expertly kicked him away from her. He flipped backwards, landing on his feet then charged at her. She moved out of the away before being hit.
" Tell me Starfire, why is it you want to live? You've learned, from personal experience, life is just a big waste of time. Why do you fight this?" Nightwing asked bitterly.
" I fight because I can." Starfire answered.
" Life- to live- its all a bunch of crap!" Nightwing yelled as he once, again, attacked her.
Flashback:
" I'm sorry Richard. You know I hate doing this." Bruce said in a saddened tone from behind his desk.
" Doesn't seem that way from were I'm sitting." Richard said angrily to the million-dollar business tycoon.
" Richard please understand---" Bruce started, but Richard cut him off.
" What Bruce! I had one slip up! One! And now you're taking this away from me! Who even said you had the right to denounce me as Robin anyways?" Richard yelled pounding his fist on the table.
" It wasn't just one slip up, Richard! You know that! You've been "slipping up" for quite a while now! You could've died! I was willing to look past the minor slip-ups, like missing a hit or two! But tonight made me realize that you need to stop doing this. When the Titans broke up I was glad to have you back fighting along side me but you seemed distracted. I know now that you were emotionally unstable and I shouldn't have taken you in as Robin again so soon." Bruce said shaking his head.
" Emotionally unstable. What's that supposed to mean?" Richard asked angrily.
" You know what I mean. You got too close to the girl, and when she disappeared you lost it." Bruce said calmly.
" She has a name! It's Starfire!" Richard yelled.
" The fact is, you crossed the line. You let yourself get attached. You let yourself feel more for her than just a teammate." Bruce said.
Richard snickered. " This coming from you…not surprising. How old are you Bruce? 40 45? And you've lost about one or two loves in your life, because of your barriers. You raised me to be the same way. And it jut makes you mad, doesn't it? That I was able to love another, when you couldn't!"
Bruce seemed to stiffen, " You can't hurt me Richard. Robin is no more."
Richard looked desperate, " Please Bruce! I've lost everything! This is all I have left! Don't take it away!"
Bruce shook his head sadly, " Love, Richard, leads to fear. Fear leads to fear of loss. And once you've lost you'll never be the same again. You've lost you love and now its time to lose the identity you had with it." Then he walked soundlessly out of the room.
Richard let the tears fester in his eyes. He finally let some slip down his face. He felt a loud groan/ yell come from the very pit of his soul. Then he a rush of anger an ashtray left on the desk smashed into a mirror above it. The glass shattered into pieces and in it's many reflections a man stood---in shattered pieces.
End Flashback:
A compromising position. It was like a story really. Two ill fated lovers brought together by destiny, then once again separated by the same force. They fought with passion. One with anger and hatred. The other with love and strength. Time froze and rain started to pour more and more, blinding both warriors. A sharp kick to the skull, a blow to the gut. The pain was endless.
Finally the battle reached its climax. Starfire stumbled. Her legs were slashed and feely bleeding. Blood came in bits from her mouth, most likely from gut punches. She wobbled as the world went off balance. The all went black. The poison was doing its job, she lost her sight. She heard footsteps and she remained still. A hand forcefully grabbed her neck and raised her over the ledge. She dangled there in mid-air, gasping for air and struggling to get free.
" This is it. It's a long drop. Any words?" Nightwing asked.
Her blind eyes looked at him. And she knew his face without having it to see it. She peered into his soul with eyes that could not see. " Robin…please." She whimpered.
It's funny. Our minds know so many words. All of them are so unimportant when you think about it. In the long run what will a big word do you if it has no meaning? Along our path in life we lose ourselves in more ways than one. And sometimes its just one word that puts us back the way we were. One word that makes us stop and look. One word can define who we are and what we know. And this word which subconsciously our mind, our ears yearn to hear is never said. So when it is said it hits us powerfully like light after so much darkness that it confuses you.
"Robin…" It echoed in his head. A word no one had uttered in the passionate and pleading way she just had for years. It was like someone turned a light on in his mind and no longer was he in the dark.
He looked up at the figure he was holding and knew whom it was. " Starfire!" he yelled. Where was he? What happened? Starfire was hurt, why?
He brought her over to the safe side and laid her down on the roof's floor while still holding her at the same time.
His eyes filled with tears at the sight of her. Something bad had happened. He did something bad. He knew it but couldn't remember. " Did I do this to you?"
She didn't answer and he started to cry more. The a hand touched his face and lips touched his own. She shook her head, " A man I didn't know did this to me." She then moved her hand to his chest. " But this one saved me." He smiled and kissed her.
He looked at the clock tower. " We five minutes."
Starfire nodded, ": Slade is on a higher level. We must go." She stood and almost fell, but Richard caught her. She looked at him, he didn't know she was blind. " Richard can you remember anything that happened while you were in captivity?"
He shook his head. " No it's all a blur." Starfire nodded. Good he didn't know about the poison running through her veins either.
He picked her up and flew up a flight of stairs. It only took a minute, but for the short amount of time Starfire held on to him, knowing that soon she wasn't going to be able to.
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Slade stood proud and tall on a platform. It was three minutes two twelve and he had possession of the diamond. Victory was his, no hell for him. But as he held the diamond something reflected in it. A very angry Nightwing reflected in it. Before Slade did anything the was kicked in the back of the head, making the diamond drop to the ground.
" Nightwing! You insufferable ingrate!" he yelled.
Nightwing smirked and brought out his bo-staff as did Slade. Then they charged each other.
As they fought Starfire used the last of her strength to slip behind d them. Finally she reached the platform and reached all around for the diamond. Slade on the other hand had no time for Nightwing, quickly and carelessly he threw a bomb at him. Nightwing blasted off the platform and onto the ground.
He turned to find the diamond gone. He looked fiercely around and saw on the ground below him a Starfire who had the diamond in her hand.
Starfire saw Slade see her and ran as fast as she could them slipped and fell. She landed hard and then it slipped from her hand. It landed softly only five feet from her. Slade yelled and jumped from his spot. Both eyes met and they raced for it.
Time went in slow motion, as the clock struck midnight. Fist ding, second ding, and third ding. Both of them reached it but Starfire used the last of her strength and slid. Her fingertips touched it just as the last ding rang through her ears. All stopped as it glowed red.
The power was so great it blew both parties back, but Starfire held on. When the light had cleared. Nightwing looked up to see a portal opening up under Slade's feet. Hands reached from its surface and grabbed his feet and legs. Moaning could be heard and demon voices filled the air.
" No! No!" Slade screamed. He slashed them but nothing worked. They pulled him under. Then it closed and all was over. Well not yet.
Nightwing searched all around for Starfire and then he found her limp body.
He kneeled next to her and held her in his arms. She was still alive but barely.
" Star? What is it?" Nightwing asked worriedly.
" Poison." She murmured.
" Oh no." he cried rising her closer and holding her tighter. " Oh no." Blue veins appeared dark on her now pale white skin instead of her usual tan. Her lips turned black and her body shook. Then he noticed she was blind too.
He started to cry. And a shaky finger wiped away a tear. He looked at her, she was going to die and there was nothing he could do to stop it. She gasped as she spoke, " Robin…"
He looked at her and smiled, " Yes?"
" You know what I learned today?" she whispered.
" No what?" he asked as though they were having a normal conversation and she wasn't dieing.
" I always thought that this was punishment for what I've one, but I realize it's not. It's not how I got here, it's what I accomplished while here. For years I lived---without really living. Then I came back here to you. And you taught me how to live again if only for a short while. I want you to know there was never—(breath)--- a time I didn't love you. And nothing will stop me from loving you not even my death." She said
He let out a sob. " No, of course nothing can ever separate us. Never."
She smiled and looked at him. Since she couldn't see her finger traced his face softly. She took a deep breath and still looked, " I love……..you." She said "you" barley above a whisper. And then her hand fell from his face into her own lap. She was gone.
Nightwing cried as he held her dead body in his arms. He rock back and forth and kissed her forehead. " That's my girl." He whispered.
Then something caught his eye- a small piece of paper. He took it from her and noticed it was ripped from a book. Old writing decorated it. And he read it aloud: " Time is here, time past. Make my desire stead fast. Sprits hear my plea. That your power beckon thee. Across space, time, entirety."
A single tear of his fell upon the diamond still in Starfire's other hand. Time stopped and he felt everything around him fall away. He was being sucked into whiteness and he stopped with a halt.
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Sixteen year-old Robin shot up in his bead. He was confused by his surroundings. He was in Titans Tower. He looked at the alarm clock next to him that was going off. He turned it off and then looked at the date. The date said September 14….2004.
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I'm sorry if that chapter sucked. I had a tough time writing this chapter. I knew what I wanted to do, but the trouble was putting it into words. Once again I am SO SORRY! I had the last two months of school and everything happened so fast, and I needed to spend more time with people I love, so writing this took a while.
The next chapter will be the last. More like just a fluffy chapter and I should have that up soon. I'm on summer vacation so I should have more time now than I normally do. Hey I don't care what people say, I liked Stranded! Best filler yet!
So, to all of my faithful readers and reviewers please do so now! Sorry, again, for the late update. Hey and can I suggest a book to you guys? It's called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Yeah I know it's a movie but it is based off a book and I read it and it is AWESOME! I love it, don't know about you.
Well I hope you all are having a wonderful summer!
Love,
Hailey