Thanks to everyone who took the time to review last chapter; Samanthe2121, Seed of Chucky, Realfanficts, Lyoko's Princess, Starfire I, StoryTeller6518, TTHPFan
Message in a Bottle
A worm on a hook plopped into the shallow waters around Titan's Tower, the afternoon was clear with a slight breeze from the East. The lure bobbed about in the water then began to move back toward the shore. Robin slouched in a lawn chair reeling his line back in, his feet propped up on a cooler containing drinks.
"Robin, I am not sure I understand." Robin smiled just as he flicked his finished rod forward again.
"What's wrong Star?" She eyed her fishing rod curiously.
"One fishes with desired aim to catch fish for sustenance yes?" Robin thought about it then nodded.
"Yyyeah that is why they started doing some years ago, but if you look at it a lot of work goes into eating a fish you caught yourself. First you have to actually catch it, then you gut it and clean it and make sure it's safe to eat. In all truth it's just easier to got the food mart and buy a filet." Starfire cast a confused look out at the water.
"Then what are we doing here?" And Robin felt surprisingly backed into a corner with this question.
"You asked me what I like to do sometimes when I want to chill out or something and this is it. I used to do this a lot when I was younger but nowadays it's a little tougher." Starfire shook her head.
"I am sorry Robin but I cannot see how you are able to attach a recreational sense to an activity that is clearly a chore."
"Look Star, it really has nothing to do with actually catching fish, it's the fish-ing. Get it?" She looked down at her reel, turned the small crank a few times then looked back at him.
"No." He involuntarily chuckled as his ear piece beeped. "Yeah go head," he said tapping it.
"Hey Rob you and Star better get up here," said Cyborg's voice.
"On our way. Star could you give me a hand." She gladly obliged and flew them both up to the roof. The two entered from the roof staircase and joined their three friends before the large screen. "What going on?"
"Its Kid Flash," said Beast Boy. Kid Flash's face appeared on the screen and he looked as if he'd rolled through a ditch.
"Hey buddies, you mind opening the door? I've got both news and a problem." He moved aside and allowed them to see the limp form of Jinx. Robin's mouth parted slightly.
"What happened?"
"We were attacked…..by the Etens."
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When there's trouble you know who to call
Teen Titans!
From their tower, they can see it all
Teen Titans!
When there's evil on the attack
You can rest knowing they got your back
Cuz when the world needs heroes on patrol
Teen Titans GO!
With their superpowers they unite
Teen Titans!
Never met a villain that they liked
Teen Titans!
They've got the bad guys on the run
They never stop 'till the job gets done
Cuz when the world is losin' all control
Teen Titans GO!
1,2,3,4 GO!
Teen Titans
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Robin, Cyborg, Beast Boy, Starfire, and Raven all glanced at each other with equal expressions of worry. Raven stepped forward.
"What's her condition?" His transmission grew garbled for a moment then stabilized.
"She's still breathing but she hasn't moved a muscle." Robin tapped a few panels and nodded up at him.
"Door's open come on in." And living up to his namesake Kid Flash left his position only to arrive at Titans Tower within seconds. He carried one of Jinx's arms over his shoulder. There were a few scratches on his face but it was Jinx who needed immediate help.
"I'll take her," said Raven. "Beast Boy." He helped her set the girl on a floating gurney as they took her to sick bay. Starfire then noticed a few cuts on Kid Flash's arms.
"You are also injured," she said with tenderness.
"I'll live," he said smiling.
"You live a lot better if you join them in sick bay," said Robin. "You can brief us after Raven clears you." Kid Flash reluctantly obliged.
"Star." She turned as Cyborg walked up to her. "You got another letter from Galfore." He handed her an octagonal shaped disk, which she took with glee.
"Wonderful, thank you Cyborg."
"No problem," he replied tipping an invisible hat to her.
Starfire adjourned to her room in order to view the message in private. She hummed as she sat down by her personal computer terminal and inserted the disk. It took a few moments to load then Galfore's face appeared.
"Good day to Princess." She playfully rolled her eyes.
"Galfore I have told you numerous times-"
"I know you have said not to call you that anymore but…old habits die hard." She smiled and rested her chin in her hand to listen further. "All is well here in our home. Not many days ago a small contingent of Gordanian forces attempted to invade our outer colonies. But do not fear…" As if anticipating Starfire's actual worry, which she was, he waved a hand dismissively. "It was a victory for our p-p-peo-for our peop-our people…" Starfire frowned slightly as the message staggered slightly and repeated itself at times. This had never happened before. The message straightened itself out. "You should also know that Kormand'r has attempted to return to Tamaran recently." Starfire sat up. "We have taken care of her and rest assured she will be duly punished for ignoring her exile." It was then that Galfore uttered two words in Tamaranian in such a low hiss that it was a wonder Starfire caught it. Translated the words said, 'flip over.' The message ended and Starfire regarded the last two words strangely. 'Why does he wish for me to perform a flip?' Then it occurred to her. Galfore might have meant flip the disk over. Getting a very bad feeling about this Starfire ejected the disk, flipped it over, and hesitantly pushed it back in. Galfore did return but his expression was far less happy then before.
"Hello again Princess, I apologize for contacting you in such a discrete manner but did not know who I could trust." Starfire leant forward, determined not to miss a single word. "All is not well on Tamaran." She suspected as much. "Kormand'r has indeed returned, but not with ill intentions in mind. She came bearing a warning of powerful beings roaming about Earth and now throughout the galaxy. They call themselves 'Etens'." Starfire's shoulders fell in disappointment. She was afraid they would reach as far as Tamaran. "Not many days after Kormand'r's arrival a cleric made an appearance. Kormand'r has vanished and there is talk among our people of making the religion of the Etens into law. I know you have planned to visit us but I beg you to heed my warning….stay away from Tamaran. You will be far safer." The message ended and Starfire sat back in her chair. She put a hand up to her mouth to steady herself.
"Oh dear."
BACK IN THE COMMON ROOM……………..
"They're moving very quickly," said Kid Flash peering out over the tremendous view the common room offered. "These Etens are going so fast it impresses even me." Robin, Cyborg, and Beast Boy all sat on the couch. Robin shook his head at the news.
"How many?"
"Mostly confused and misguided people, the Brotherhood, and last we saw pretty much all of the Hive."
"All of them?" asked Cyborg incredulously. "They all bought into that bliss and ultimate knowledge stuff?"
"That or they were just too afraid to say no," replied Kid Flash. He left the window and sat down on the couch. "It's hard to see what these guys can do and not be freaked out." Raven entered from the door. Kid Flash's eyes flew to Raven.
"How's she doing?"
"She's going to be fine but she won't be explaining anything today," said Raven. "She was hit by something that has slowed her brain activity considerably; not enough to shut down her organs but…well you get the idea."
"So what exactly happened to you guys?" asked Robin.
"We heard news of the Hive submitting to the Etens and Jinx thought she might try to talk some sense into some of her old friends."
"I take it didn't go so well," said Raven.
"No, a really bad turn out. I went with her but by the time we got there their brains were already fried and served on a plate. We barely got out and as we were leaving Jinx went down and she's been like that since." Robin gulped with his next thought in mind.
"I'm almost afraid to ask but…have any of ours gone over?" Kid Flash thought for a moment then began shaking his head.
"No I'm pretty one hundred percent sure we're all still accounted for." Robin stood up to allow himself to pace back and forth before the others.
"If they keep this rate up or if it increases in just a few weeks they'll hit the Middle East, and a few weeks after that Asia."
"And a few weeks after that," said Beast Boy. "When they've taken over the only video store….life is really going to go down hill."
"Glad to see you've got things in perspective Beast Boy," said Raven dryly. Beast Boy would have made a comment in his defense but Starfire joined them, thus cutting his speech short. She walked around and the couch and sat down without a word. Kid Flash looked at each of them nervously then in the blink of an eye was at the door she just came through.
"I'll just go see Jinx." He left and all eyes turned to her.
"Starfire what's wrong?" asked Robin. "You missed Kid Flash's report."
"I know, I am sorry but….I was preoccupied by another matter." She fell silent leaving the others in an irritating suspense. After a few minuets of non elaboration Raven cleared her throat.
"This is the part where you tell us what it is." She seemed impartial to informing them of the mission she herself had formulated. But in the end Starfire decided it was not something to hold back from them.
"I received a communication from Galfore." Cyborg nodded beckoningly. "It contained what one would expect in a letter; however he also included…a hidden message." They were all taken aback by this.
"A secret message? What for?" asked a perplexed Robin.
"Blackfire recently returned to Tamaran-"
"Annnd she took over the planet again and Galfore had to tell you in secrecy for fear of being caught," summarized Raven. "Is that it?" Starfire shook her head wordlessly. "Oh." She heard Beast Boy silently giggling behind her and she suppressed the urge to do something unearthly.
"Blackfire did return despite her exile, but she came bearing a warning. She tried to caution everyone of the Etens." Their mouths all slacked open. "Within days of her warning a cleric arrived, and Blackfire has vanished without a trace.
"But how could the Etens even know about Tamaran?" inquired Robin.
"When I was taken to Osyard Tomas said that only my mind had traveled. It is more than likely during that time he could have searched my mind for anything of value and found Tamaran."
"Or worse…" began Cyborg. "An entire galaxy of planets to convert." Robin crossed his arms while looking down at Starfire.
"What do want to do?" She now stood up.
"Galfore insistently asked me to stay away but I cannot allow my people to fall into slavery, even if they are unaware of it. I will leave for Tamaran within the hour." They didn't seem to have expected that so quickly. For Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven looked around uneasily. She noticed then and frowned. "What?"
"Star," said Robin walking up to her. "You can't go alone."
"I cannot?" she asked as if Robin had said something presumptuous. He gulped and stepped around in an awkward manner.
"If the Etens have gained a beachhead on Tamaran and you go-what if….what if something happens and you're not able to contact us?" Starfire looked away, honestly considering this.
"Yeah, it would take Robin five times longer to find you," said Cyborg with a wink over to Beast Boy. Raven promptly silenced the two.
"Someone has to go with you, believe me this isn't the type of mission you do by yourself. "Starfire nodded and paced about trying to decide on a partner. Finally one kept coming to mind.
"Will you come with me Robin?" she asked hopefully turning to him. Robin pointed to himself.
"Me?"
"Yes," said Starfire in an obvious tone. Robin glanced at Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven in turn as though asking for their approval. Raven merely shrugged while Cyborg and Beast Boy stared at him with looks that screamed 'Are you a moron just say yes already.' Robin finally returned his attention to Starfire.
"Alright, we'll leave as soon as you're ready." She smiled and nodded.
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A smaller craft, obviously of Cyborg's craft, left the atmosphere of Earth. Robin and Starfire performed the necessary tasks needed for deep space travel. As Robin entered their final coordinates Raven's face appeared on the screen ahead of him.
"You called?"
"Keep a close eye on Jinx." Raven arched a brow.
"You don't trust her?"
"I trust her just fine; just keep a watch for any change and if she becomes cognitive again ask how she got like that."
"Kid Flash already told us-"
"His story has some holes that I'd like filled. It's probably nothing but I'll be able to rest a little more once she's said the same thing." Raven nodded and ended their transmission. Without any exchange of words between Starfire Robin pushed the ship into hyperspace.
Hours after their journey began the small craft emerged from hyperspace with Tamaran dead ahead. Starfire tapped a few panels then reached up to her ear piece. She began speaking in a language Robin could hardly follow, as he guessed she spoke in Tamaranian. Once she was done she gave Robin a nod.
"We have been granted permission to land." They soon found they were being escorted by two small ships which were unmistakably short range fighters. The three ships moved through the clouds then passed over the landscape. Robin looked out the window with an almost admiring smile. 'Just like we left it.' The fighters broke away as they touched down on a landing pad. Robin jumped down from his end of the ship and lent Starfire a helping hand. As they straightened themselves Galfore emerged from the palace followed by four guards. He smiled broadly held out his arms.
"Princess!"
"Galfore!" Replied Starfire ecstatically. She flew up into his strong embrace. "It has been far too many days."
"Indeed it has Princess." He looked past her shoulder at Robin, who had been walking up to them. Starfire noticed his change of gaze and turned to match his.
"You remember Robin yes?"
"Yes I do," said Galfore. He held out his enormous hand and easily dwarfed Robin's. The boy wonder shook it nonetheless, however worried that he may only get half of a hand back. "We are pleased to have as both as guests, please come with me." The welcoming party led them back into the castle. From a high overlook a pair of blank white eyes watched them enter.
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Robin and Starfire joined Galfore in the banquet hall amongst fifty other important guests. Galfore seemed far more content to socialize with the two Titans then the host of diplomats and bureaucrats. Starfire had also informed the Tamaranian chefs that Robin's food was to be more Earthly then last time. Galfore shoved what resembled a turkey leg into his mouth.
"So," he said through a mouthful. "I hope there is peace on Earth."
"For a minuet or two there was," said Robin. Starfire nodded in agreement as her mouth was currently full. "We've been having to deal with a cult that's recently popped up in the wake of the Brotherhood."
"A religious cult?"
"Sort of," said Robin trying to find a suitable answer. "The whole leadership seems to be a collective of powerful beings who make themselves out to be gods."
"They sound like they could be dangerous."
"Most assuredly," said Starfire, now finding a moment to talk. "Thus far we have been unable to stop the number clerics from indoctrinating people with these false promises of power of salvation. And they are gaining strength." She looked about and motioned for Galfore to come closer. He did and she spoke in a hushed tone. "We must speak in private." He stood up and excused himself from among the other guests and Starfire soon followed.
"Star?"
"I will rejoin you momentarily," said Starfire. He sat back down watching Starfire disappear through the large doors. She caught up with Galfore as he walked along the curvy corridor. "Are you certain we will not be heard?"
"Yes," said Galfore. "But I must ask; what is you felt could not be discussed at the table?" Starfire was needless to say taken aback by this. Shouldn't he know?"
"I received your message," she said as if reminding him of something he had to do. "The secret one…" Galfore stopped walking and seemed to freeze in a confused stupor.
"I am sorry princess; I do not know what you mean. You must be mistaken." Mystified, Starfire frowned and shook her head.
"I am certain that I am not. The one you included in the usual communication you send me, do you not remember?" They stopped once again when Galfore reached a set of door with two guards posted outside.
"Once again I am sorry but I sent no such message. Now I will see you again soon but I have matters to attend to." Galfore said no more and left Starfire standing out in the hall, a worried and dulled expression on her face.
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"He said that huh?" Robin's face was magnified and distorted as he looked through a clear bowl with a strange sea creature swimming around in it. He strayed away from the bowl to give his attention to Starfire. She sat on her bed with her arms crossed.
"No matter what I said he denied ever having sent it. Something is certainly wrong with him." Robin nodded.
"I agree, in fact I'd be careful if he introduces you to anyone with a shiny red rock hanging around their neck." She furrowed her brow at him.
"You are suggesting that Galfore is conspiring with the Etens?" Robin put his hand out.
"I'm not saying he's doing it with a smile or anything, but why else would he go to the trouble of sending you a secret message then when you ask him about it he totally denies it?" Starfire felt honestly at a loss for words but still kept her hard look.
"You do realize you are speaking of Galfore do you not?"
"Yeah I do," said Robin. "And I'm sorry to say this but….until he starts admitting to the message that he did in fact send you I'm going to assume something's up." She crossed her arms and nodded.
"Very well." She walked past him in a small huff.
"Star," he called after her but she would hear nothing more of it. He scratched the back of his neck nervously and paced about. She walked out of his room but the door was still open by a small crack. He didn't like the idea of combating Starfire about Galfore but it was a gut feeling he simply couldn't shake. Feeling the need to keep the others informed Robin took out his comm. link. His signal reached the tower within a few minuets and Cyborg's face appeared on the small screen.
"Hey man, wass up?"
"Star and I have been on Tamaran for a few hours now, and Starfire's asked Galfore about the message." Cyborg nodded comprehensibly.
"Sweet; so you plan a revolt, put away the cleric, and be back in time for the nine o'clock news." Robin paused with a slight wince.
"It's a little more complicated then that, when Starfire talked to Galfore he completely refused to admit to any of it." This was troubling indeed, Cyborg's face fell and he looked about in thought. "I gave Starfire my own opinion but she's not too keen on the idea of Galfore having anything to do with the Etens."
"What are you going to do? Do you need back up?" Robin shook his head and opened his mouth to answer but a fleeting shadow outside his door stopped his breath.
"Tell you what Cyborg I'll have to call you back," said Robin looking ahead. He closed his communicator with a click and crept up to his door. He eased it open and cautiously looked around it. There was no one outside his door but the figure was visible down the hall, Robin put his stealthy know-how to use and followed it. Careful to stay far enough behind the boy wonder followed the figure down several flights of stairs. Finally he found himself in bowels of the palace. Judging by the pointed rocks from the ceiling he deduced they were underground. As he moved farther and farther he heard a series of noises. The sounds drew him away from his guide and to a catwalk overlooking a large storage area some fifty feet below him. Machinery working diligently painted a reddish orange glow on the walls. It was then that Robin began to hear the unmistakable sound of marching. Staying low he swiftly moved down the catwalk and around a corner. He knelt down on one knee and looked out over line after line of Gordanian troops. Gordanian?
"What are you guys doing here?" he quietly asked to himself. They held their staff weapons before them waiting for inspection. Not taking his eyes off the spectacle below him, Robin drew a small camera and took a few well placed shots at masses. He stuffed it away when he saw them come to attention. He trailed his eyes to the front of the lines to see none other than Kitten standing up before them. Robin's face hardened as his worst suspicions were confirmed. She spread her arms out to them and in a giant wave they knelt down.
"Brave warriors of the hallowed gods!" Robin crawled a little closer. "You embark a great quest to purge all worlds of evil, the evil that would lead you to stray. On the day of Ragnorok you shall go to Earth and cleanse it of all the nonbelievers." Her blank eyes grew more and more hungry. "So it has been decreed by our gods." Robin had begun to breathe hard. The crusade they had feared since day one was now on the horizon, and one of Earth's greatest enemies was on the frontline. Before he could brood on this any further however a startling blast hit him from behind.
"Ack!" He shot his head back with eyes shut and his teeth bared. He fell over and lay stunned. The tower guard just behind him lowered his staff back to his side.
Starfire stood just outside of Galfore's door. Truth be known Starfire had arrived an entire hour earlier but failed to actually knock or invite herself in. The thought that Robin might be right terrified her. She did and would always trust Robin's judgment but for the first time she found herself thinking Robin was flawed in this area. Starfire knew that all it would take would be a firm talk with Galfore to prove Robin's views erroneous. She delivered a few knocks and heard Galfore grant her entry. She walked in and had the feeling the guards were watching her go in.
"Galfore…" He put up his hand.
"I know what you would say Koriand'r, and I beg you to retire such words for another day."
"No!" The word escaped her before she could control it. He shot her a surprised look. She calmed herself then sat down beside him. "Galfore why do you deny what you know you have done. I understood the message, you are most likely under watch from the Etens……you can trust me." Galfore shook his head.
"There is more to it than that." She laid her hands on one of his.
"Tell me, please." He remained silent but it would not deter the innocent Tamaranian. "Galfore, as my kinorff'ka please speak honestly with me." It was silence that she received still and it was strange but Starfire was sure that she saw actual fear in his eyes. He edged closer to her.
"I told you to stay away," he said in a hushed voice. "Why did you disobey me?"
"I could not simply stand idle while lies are being fed to our people."
"But, I have seen their power. I want to believe you but how can they be anything but gods?" Starfire gulped as she began to loose him.
"They are higher beings possession great power yes but not gods. Galfore you cannot allow our people to bow to the Etens, if that happens they shall become all the more difficult to defeat." He avoided her gaze. "I suppose it will come to three options; submit, collaborate…or resist." Galfore took his hand out from under hers. He sighed despondently.
"How can we resist so powerful an enemy?" She took his face and guided his eyes to hers. She smiled warmly.
"Any way we can." She could not remember a time when she had seen Galfore in such a state. He almost seemed on the verge of tears.
"My little bumgorf, you should have stayed away." She regarded him with oddity.
"I do not understand." She felt a hand touch down on her shoulder and suddenly Starfire was stricken with paralysis from the shoulders down. Only able to move her head she looked around and saw Kitten slowly stepping before her. Robin was soon after thrown at her feet. It didn't take her long to put two and two together; she moved her pained eyes up at her past guardian.
"Galfore….why?"
"It's obvious I would think," said Kitten. "He was forced to choose the lesser of two evils. It was either you or a large portion of Tamaran; either way an example must be made." Starfire ignored Kitten and shot a look at Galfore.
"Galfore you have the power to stop this, I ask you nay I beg you-do not allow them to control you."
"It is out of my hands Princess, I am sorry." He hung his head shamefully and looked away from her. Starfire then returned her gaze to Kitten.
"Where is my sister!"
"Where all nonbelievers must go," replied Kitten. She paused as they heard a groan from Robin. The guards surrounding him readied their staff's. She smiled lewdly and levitated Robin clear off the floor. He gasped at the sudden leap able to move as little as Starfire. "You've seen just a little too much for your own good Robbie-Poo, such behavior is hardly befitting a good visitor." She brought him closer to her. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Leave Robin alone!" Kitten extended her hand and Starfire lifted off the chair. Robin watched in horror as Starfire began to choke from her whole body being squeezed. For the first few moments it appeared Starfire was going to be able to fight it off, then she began to actually turn purple.
"STOP!" bellowed Robin. Kitten pretended not to hear him. "PUT HER DOWN!" Kitten dropped her to the floor with a thud. She then caught Galfore's attention.
"Leave us." He stayed put but a short flash from her ruby pendant prompted him to leave while he still could. As he walked out his face morphed into a hard frown. Somehow, someway, he would make them pay. Back inside the guards held Robin and Starfire on their knees beside each other. Kitten remained silent for several minuets, like she was listening to a voice in her head. She finally looked back at the two Titans.
"What did either of you hope to achieve here today?"
"That's an invasion army down there," said Robin. He drew her empty gaze. "Isn't it?"
"What you would call an invasion force we would proudly hail as a swift hand of the Etens virtuous power. Can you not see wonders they wield to bring peace to all their children."
"They are using you," spat Starfire. "You are nothing but an insect to them."
"Let not the hissed lies of nonbelievers poison your faith and lead you to stray from the gods," recited Kitten. "For yours is eternity itself."
"LIES!" Starfire's voice echoed throughout the room. "Can you not see you are being manipulated?"
"Silence!" She made a forward motion with her hand and Starfire slid toward her. Robin tried to reach out to her but was held at bay. "You have been deemed the ultimate evil and adversary of gods…there is but one fate for you." Her pendant began to glow.
"ME FOR HER!" Both Kitten and Starfire both hushed to see if whoever spoke would do so again. Finally Kitten realized that aside from her and Starfire, only Robin could have spoken that. She turned Starfire so she could see also. "Please, just leave her alone." Kitten arched a brow.
"Why?" The girl turned cleric walked past Starfire and up to Robin's side. "Why you or anyone for that matter want to places trade with-with-that?" Robin looked straight into Starfire's eyes. A realization hit both of them with the regret that it came so late.
"Because I care about her……..alot more than I'm supposed to." Once more Kitten halted her own speech as the voice in her head spoke to her once more. She listened then smiled maliciously. She knelt down before Robin, blocking his view of Starfire.
"We can think of no greater torment for her, so be it." She pulled Starfire back over to the guards and took Robin instead.
"No wait, Robin?"
"It'll be okay Star," assured Robin as he was pulled by an unseen force. Kitten chuckled derisively.
"And that, I'm afraid, is where you're wrong." She pulled Robin up to his feet. "It is a pity; we had such plans for you, as it is we are still one cleric short. But I suppose some nonbelievers are just too stubborn."
"What are you going to do?" persisted Starfire.
"Only what was destined for you," replied Kitten dryly. She spread her arms out to produce a red beam from her pendant. It connected to Robin's chest earning a choked gasp from him.
"Nooo," whimpered Starfire. She made a feeble attempt to pull away from the guards. Robin shivered and shook as if bucket after bucket of ice cold water was being dumped over his head. Kitten drew closer and closer, all the while never breaking her stare with him.
"And Frayer said, 'Bring swift justice upon all that is evil. We are on a mission to expose the nonbelievers and with the power of the Etens that binds us…" A growing wind had picked up. It blew Kitten and Starfire's hair about in various fashions. "Cast-them-down." Kitten broke the beam from herself and Robin arched his back in a muted scream. Then in a column fire he was gone. Starfire's body congealed and her voice failed her. The only part of her that showed signs of movement were the tears running down her face. Her paralysis faded long ago only she just now began reaching out to vacant spot on which he stood.
"R-Robin……..come back." Her head fell. "Please." Before she could utter another word Kitten lifted her into the air again.
"Stop your whimpering, you should consider yourself fortunate. Had your fate been mine to decide I would not have acquiesced his request, but the god Tomas demanded it. You live to fight a futile battle another day." Starfire had not the strength for retorts.
"Is-Is Robin-"
"Alive? Some would say he is worse then dead. But now that is not what should be weighing most heavily on your mind. As we speak our forces grow towards a number beyond imagining, and when the day finally comes we will burn your cities to ashes. Now get out of our sight." With that Kitten formed a vortex behind Starfire and threw her into it. She flew so fast through the whirling tunnel it felt like her skin was being sanded off her bones.
TITANS TOWER…………….
Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy, and Kid Flash were all scattered about the common room. Raven sat reading not her book but the latest of Jinx's test results. The boys were currently absorbed in a three player game which had not stopped for five hours. Raven circled some things on the reports then looked up toward the window.
"Uhh guys…"
"What?" they all asked not looking away from the screen.
"I think you all should move." Beast Boy sputtered out a snigger while looking back at her.
"What? We're in the middle of something Raven, what for?" At that moment Starfire's vortex opened directly in front of them and spat the red haired girl down on top of them. The vortex shrank to nothingness leaving Starfire and the three boys in a crumpled heap.
"That's why," said Raven casually. She helped Starfire up onto the sofa. "Starfire what happened? Are you alright? Where's Robin?" Starfire finally picked her head up to show Raven her still glistening tears. She said no more but merely collapsed into her friend's shoulder.
"Star?" asked Cyborg quietly. As Starfire sobbed into Raven's shoulder Raven could do nothing but hug Starfire tightly. The reason for Robin's absence soon dawned on everyone. Beast Boy sat back against the couch while Cyborg rested his forehead in one of his hands. As far as they could tell Robin was gone, and he wasn't coming back.
THE NEXT DAY………………….
After Raven helped Starfire to her room she barely ventured out for any reason. Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy held a small conference in the common room while Kid Flash stayed with Jinx again.
"I know we should be planning something," said Cyborg. "Question is whether it's to find Robin or for his funeral."
"Don't say that," said Raven. "I have reason to believe Robin is not just alive but trapped somewhere?"
"How? And where?" asked Beast Boy.
"If its one thing we've learned about the Etens it's that they've got a really big 'holier than thou' complex. One that would probably make want to see their enemies suffer rather then just die."
"And that would mean Robin is…where?" Raven bit her lip.
"That's where I've got nothing."
"Better not let Starfire hear you say that, course I don't think she's paying much attention to anything right now."
"Can you blame her," said Beast Boy. "kinda makes you wonder; all this time we were poking fun, you think if we instead encouraged either one of them they would have worked up the guts?" Raven shrugged sadly.
"That's one of many things we'll only know once we find Robin."
"If we find Robin," said Cyborg. "I don't mean to be the negative Nancy of this group, but I really just seems like we lost one of our best friends."
"You must not think that." All eyes turned to Starfire. She stood in the doorway and let it close behind her. She sat down on Cyborg's right. "I witnessed it with my own eyes, yet I will never stop searching for him."
"But Star if you saw him like that…I'm sorry but-"
"Robin never gave up, and neither shall I!" Her tears starting afresh Starfire nearly shouted down at Cyborg. With that she hotly stood up and stormed out of the common room. Cyborg glanced at Raven and Beast Boy then stood up and followed her. Raven wordlessly departed the common room and Beast Boy was left sitting on the couch.
"Okay, I guess I'll sit here."
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Cyborg needn't have been right behind her to know that Starfire had moved up to the roof. He poked his head out the door and watched her pace back and forth along the roof's edge. He heard her muttering in Tamaranian and, from his short tutorial a while back, made out a few words. Jumbled in her speech were 'I', followed by 'weak', and 'failed'. He stepped out through the door.
"You didn't fail anyone." She held her arms around herself and looked up at him with a sniffle. "I'm sorry about what I said back there." Her mouth trembled somewhat.
"Ohhh, it-it is okay. I am sorry I lost control of my temper." She sat down near the roof's edge, the thought of leaping off momentarily visiting her. She felt Cyborg's metallic arm wrap around her shoulder. "I am only here because of him."
"Star?"
"If Robin had not accompanied me, if I traveled alone it would have been I who fell…it should have been me."
"You shouldn't say things like that."
"But what if we never find him, what if he is truly gone forever?" Cyborg thought for a moment then smiled.
"Someone once told me that we never actually leave each other. All there is a long wait, and then we see them again." Starfire immensely appreciated his help and managed to scrap a bit of comfort from his words. "Besides, Raven thinks there might be a chance and well you know Raven…" Starfire obviously did for her expression grew slightly more hopeful. "When she gets an idea in her head." Starfire smiled weakly.
Raven relieved Kid Flash to run more of the same test only to arrive at the same answer as before. She did what she could with her powers which, given Jinx's condition, was limited. Raven took a hold of Jinx's wrist to check her blood pressure but upon touching her she saw Jinx's eyes slowly open. Raven's mouth dropped and stepped closer.
"Jinx?" She said nothing nor made any other sign of consciousness. Raven tapped the side of the bed to help her think faster. "Blink if you can hear me." There was a long agonizing pause, then Jinx slowly closed her eyes and opened them. Raven made a small sound of triumph. She seated herself at Jinx's side. "Okay, form now one blink once for 'yes' and twice for 'no'." Content with the amount of info yes and no questions could bring Raven soon came to the relieving conclusion that Jinx would eventually return to normal. She was about to tell the others when a thought crossed her mind. She sent Jinx a hesitant look then sat back down.
"Jinx, did the Hive do this to you?" She received two blinks and gulped. "Did Kid Flash?" Jinx waited a moment then gave Raven her answer. Raven took in the response then looked toward the apprehensively.
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Cyborg managed to convince Starfire to rejoin them downstairs and so she sat amongst Beast Boy and Kid Flash. Kid Flash quickly wrestled with his game controller I a mad and furious attempt to win. Beast Boy soon claimed victory however and began thinking up a proper means to gloat. He turned to Cyborg.
"Hey Cy what rhymes with 'I totally kicked your butt'?" Suddenly Raven phased through the wall. She covered Kid Flash in her mental energy and with a start from the others shoved him against the wall.
"Yo! Raven what are you doing!" hollered Cyborg. Starfire and Beast Boy merely moved away from Raven, afraid that Raven's inner demons were somehow returning to her.
"Hey Raven," chuckled Kid Flash. "I'm a little afraid of heights; can you put me down now?"
"You wouldn't be up there now if you hadn't severely attacked Jinx!" barked Raven. The other three sent Kid Flash deeply confused looks. Raven did release him but kept her guard up still. He dusted himself off with a slightly irritated look.
"What are you talking about?"
"They placed you near Jinx didn't they? And when she told you she was going to try to get the truth to her old friends you got scared that they'd actually listen. So you waited until the right moment then struck down another nonbeliever." Kid Flash shook his head with an incredulous laugh. He looked at Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Starfire; all of which were looking at him unsurely. He finally moved closer to Raven.
"Raven, are you seriously saying I'm working for the Etens?" Raven narrowed her eyes.
"No, I'm saying you are an Eten." Starfire's hands flew to her mouth and the two boys spun their heads in his direction. Kid Flash hesitated for a moment then gave up the act and allowed the demonic red glow to take the place of his eyes.
"No way," said Beast Boy.
"Where's the real Kid Flash!" demanded Raven. The Eten merely snickered.
"Where all enemies of the gods must go." His voice instantly morphed into a deep and hollow tone. But his voice was the last thing on Starfire's mind. She stepped in front of Raven.
"You know where Robin is." He said nothing. "Tell me where." He smirked at her and that only roused her temper. "TELL ME WHERE ROBIN IS NOW!" She grabbed hold of him before he could move and threw him into the opposite wall.
"Whoa careful Star," said Beast Boy. He barely got up when Starfire began sending a continuous stream from her eyes into his gut. "I think you're going too far now."
"Oh on the contrary Beast Boy," said Starfire as she picked up the weakened Eten. "I do not believe I have gone far enough." With all her might she threw him up into the ceiling and he burst forth onto the roof. Raven phased them up there though Starfire hadn't waited for her to snap out of her startled stupor. They found Starfire standing over the Eten with a charged fist.
"I will not ask you again," warned Starfire. "Where have you sent Robin?" The false Kid Flash cradled his wound and winced.
"I will never tell you exactly where." He said admiring how her anger peaked at every word he said. "What I will tell you is that he rests where all who doubt their gods are left to rot in the misery of the fate they themselves chose by refusing us." His glowing eyes began to flicker. "All of them do." With that he fell limp and his form was consumed by a whiff of red smoke. Starfire fanned it away from her face. Taking in several breaths she looked back at her friends. They all stared at her as if waiting for her next order.
"We-We should see if Jinx requires anything," she said quietly. They left her alone. Starfire looked up towards the sky. He could have outright lied to her, but there was a stronger chance Robin was alive. And if that did prove to be true they would not stop until they found him.
Robin gradually returned to conscious thought. He picked his head up and began to take in his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was that his arms and legs were bound to a pillar, the next thing he noticed was the scenery. Rivers of crimson liquid flowed on either side of him and faint cries of agony could be heard in the distance.
"Welcome." He snapped his head forward to see Tomas walking towards him. "To what you humans would call Hell."
"I thought it'd e hotter," said Robin in an attempt to remain as defiant as possible.
"You will find the true hell is not completely physical. Here you will either come to accept the Etens as your gods or you will not, and you will remain here forever. The choice is entirely up to you but know that we will not allow you blasphemy to go unpunished."
"Then we're done talking," said Robin courageously.
"I think not," replied Tomas walking towards him still. "To find what you need to convert we're going to have to dig a little deeper. In fact, we have only just begun." Robin could only brace himself for whatever may come. The thought of certain Titan rang through his mind. The only thought that would eventually help him to keep it.
The End
Well, time for the season break. I really hope you liked that. I have to take about a week and half off from now writing so it may be awhile before I update again. But I will not forget about this. Thanks for reading so far.