Um...

(knocks on door) Hey, aren't y'all reading me? Can I get some reviews, please? (puppy eyes) Anyway, here's the next chapter. (bowing) Enjoy.

Chapter 2: The Hunt Begins

Merlina spent the rest of the day in her room with the curtains closed and the lights off. She sat fetal on her bed, feeling shamed and defiled. She felt empty and hollow inside. Umbra slept with Travis on Beast Boy's top bunk, but she was fine. Umbra only felt miserable for not being able to slash Tobias for her mistress.

For four hours Merlina sat in silence, except her Enya music, which she desperately needed. Starfire was able to reach her, even feed her, but Star knew that the best comfort could only come from her beloved brother.

Floating down the hall, she sought him out but learned from Cyborg that Danny had gone back downtown to do some detective work. He would not return for hours. Starfire, therefore, went back to Lina's room to keep an eye on her.
(Later...)

"How is she?" Daniel asked Star when he returned. They were standing by Lina's door. Star looked away and held her right arm.

"She is..." she tried to find the words, "...in a very deep depression. She is scared and very sad. I am the only one she will see, and I can hardly get her to eat; she is so worried that the Tobias will come after her again. I have tried my hardest to give her the best companionship I could, but..." she looked at him with quivering, glossy eyes, "...she needs you, Daniel. You are her closest family, and practically all she lives for. Please, you must talk to her."

Daniel looked past her to Lina's door and knew in his heart that Star was right. He quickly blinked back tears.

"I can't, Star," he cracked, "I can't stand to see her like this. And I made a promise to find that slime ball for what he did to her. The only way to get her out of this is to save her from Tobias." Now he put her hands on her shoulders and made eye contact.

"Now listen to me, Star," he said importantly, "I know where he is, I know who he is, and I know what he's doing. But all you need to know is that I'm going after him alone. Crime won't sleep here in the city; you'll be needed here. And I want you to take care of Lina for me, okay?" Starfire looked troubled at him.

"I think it to be very selfish of you," she chose her words carefully, "to leave us all behind like this."

Daniel stopped. In his obsessive investigation, he had forgotten that his friends cared every bit as much as he did. Was he being fair? NO!

"Okay," he planned, "I'll take Robin, Raven, and Beast Boy with me. I want you and Cyborg to take care of Lina for me. I know you can handle yourself, but I'll just feel better if a guy's with you."

"I understand," she nodded, then asked, "But where are you going?"

"Paris," he answered as he walked off.

"What shall I tell Merlina?" she called after him. He stopped again. He turned his head toward her and said, "The only you can tell her: the truth," and left the hall.

Author's Review

Hoo! I tell you what! I really liked doing this chapter, partly because I'd always wanted to do something to make Merlina withdraw into herself. I don't know why; maybe I read too many mangas. Yeah, that must be it. Anyway, let's get some reviews, people! Come on! I'm feeling left out here! (sad eyes)

Anyway, this story is developing pretty well, if I say so myself. (and I do) Daniel's mad as heck, Star's worried to death, and Lina's pretty much secluded in a really bad depression. Okay, so this chapter's kinda short, but it's going to get better. The later chapters will be much longer, I promise. Oh, and if anyone knows a place BESIDES TV TOME where I can read about the Jimmy Neutron episode "Stranded," I would be worshipfully grateful. And by worshipfully, I mean I would kiss your feet! Not really...just please tell me if you know!