Chapter Thirty-Three: "So it Begins"
"In your visions, were you actually there? In the Shadow Realm WITH Starfire?" Raven asked him.
"Yes! She died in front of me!" Robin raised his voice, but not completely yelling.
"Then they didn't show you what would have happened if you weren't there." She explained.
"What do you mean?" Robin relaxed a little.
"If you don't go to the Shadow Realm, if I don't take you, then Starfire may have a chance to win." Raven clarified.
"She may have a chance? Raven, I can't leave Starfire alone! I have to go to her!" Robin bellowed.
Raven was getting frustrated and Cyborg knew this. He walked over to Robin and picked him up by the front of his shirt. Robin, of course, attempted to get out of Cyborg's grip.
"Listen you obsessed, spikey-haired know it all! She told you that you're not going! If you go she'll die for sure." Cyborg told him in a loud voice.
Robin was shocked by this to a point where he didn't even realize he was still being held up in the air by Cyborg's arm.
"Besides dude, she's never alone. She has Raven's powers, she knows we care and you gave her that locket, didn't you?" Beast Boy curiously asked.
"Yes." Robin answered in a defeated voice.
Cyborg lowered Robin and let him go. Robin just stood in front of his team mates, unable to make eye contact. After about five minutes of being stared at he spoke up.
"I'm sorry. It's just; I don't want to lose her." He whispered.
"Neither do we." Beast Boy replied.
"If you don't show up then Starfire has a chance at winning. She's not completely powerless Robin. She has her powers . . . and part of mine." Raven gave in and told him.
"She has what?" Robin looked up at her.
"She wanted some of my powers to help her in the challenge. I agreed and I taught her how to use them to heal herself and to attack with them. She's not alone Robin."
Robin sighed, "I hope she's ok." Robin whispered. "What do we do now?" Robin asked.
"We wait. Nobody can interfere with the challenge." Raven informed him.
"What happens if she loses?" Robin looked at Raven.
"You should get some rest Robin." Raven told him as she walked through the sliding doors.
Raven walked quickly as to avoid answering Robin's question. She knew what would happen, but didn't want him to worry and hurt her again.
Starfire was meditating in Raven's usual quarters when Keyda knocked on the door.
"It's Keyda, may I come in?"
"Yes you may." Starfire replied.
"Starfire it is time for the challenge. Are you ready?" Keyda asked nervously.
"Yes." Starfire answered, getting up and walking towards Keyda.
Keyda led the way to the battle area. It wasn't well lit; the only light was that of a single bulb. Kayla was standing on the outer limits of the bulbs light across from Starfire.
Keyda left Starfire's side and stood in the dim light. She turned to face Starfire.
"Starfire, are you sure you wish to go through with this?" Keyda asked in a stabilized voice.
"Yes." Starfire answered.
"The challenge is made. No one may enter or leave this battle field. I will remain as a witness. I will not help either side to defeat the other. I'm a neutral." Keyda then moved into the dark where she wasn't seen.
Starfire was looking at the spot she was standing in. She couldn't see her, but she knew she was there. Taking advantage of this distraction Kayla kicked Starfire in the stomach, sending Starfire four feet away from her standing position.
Starfire stood up slowly and lit up her hands and began throwing her starbolts at Kayla. None of them hit her, and Kayla began laughing.
"This is going to be much easier than I thought." Kayla hissed.
Starfire heard Kayla's comment and her eyes began to glow from there usual green to black. Kayla stood in shock.
"Whose powers do you posses?" Kayla asked her urgently.
"My own!" Starfire yelled, as a string of black magic came out of her eyes and hit Kayla in the chest.
Kayla was thrown back about ten feet. Stunned she rose up and looked at Starfire fiercely.
"It doesn't matter. You do not have enough power to defeat me. Hand Robin over to me and I shall allow you to live." Kayla tried to negotiate.
"NO! Azarath Metrion ZINTHOS!" Starfire shouted as she extended her arms and shot out green starbolts surrounded by Raven's dark magic.
"AH!" Kayla screamed.
Starfire withdrew her starbolts and allowed Raven's powers to take control. She picked Kayla up and walked closer to her.
"You will not win and you will not take Robin away from me!" She shouted.
Kayla laughed and hit Starfire with her own magic. Starfire lost her grip on the magic surrounding Kayla and she fell to the floor. Kayla disappeared into the shadows as Starfire got back on her feet.
Starfire glanced around, looking for Kayla.
Kayla caught Starfire by surprise and grabbed her.
"You can't win if you're dead." She whispered as she stabbed Starfire with a silver dagger, the same one Robin dreamt of.
Starfire screamed in pain. Kayla pulled it out slowly to cause as much pain as possible. When it finally came out of her side she let go of Starfire and she dropped to the floor.
Raven was in her room meditating when she felt a pain in her side. She fell to the floor as she screamed in pain.
Beast Boy was the first one to her room. He pounded on it.
"RAVEN!" he shouted. All he heard was her screams. He turned into a T-rex and knocked it down. "Raven!" he ran to her side.
"STARFIRE!" Raven screamed.