Author's Note: Thanks to all the reviews, you guys!

Summary: Red X is back, and he sends a cryptic message to the Titans saying that he is going to steal something from Robin that is most precious to him.

Rating: R-for language and adult situations.

Standard Disclaimers Apply.

THE MOST PRECIOUS THING

Chp.4 -- Capture

Robin stared at the name STARFIRE on the door, the sound of his blood pounding in his ears.

Of course! OF COURSE! I'm such a stupid lunatic! The most precious thing is...Starfire. It's always been starfire.

Robin couldn't help but let the smile roll onto his lips, but it quickly vanished after another thought.

but that would mean...

Suddenly there was a scream coming from inside the room. Robin reacted a split-second later, kicking down the door. He jumped into the room, three explosives disks between his fingers, ready for use. However, it suddenly became apparent that no one was in the room. Yet it looked like everyone had been in the room. Star's mirror was cracked, there was a huge burnt hold in the middle of her bed, everything was knocked over, the whole room was in dissaray.

"Starfire?" he whispered, feeling suddenly numb.

Robin walked cautiously across the room to the open window.The dark pink curtains fluttered gently, the cool night breeze coming into the room. He glanced out of the window, looking left and right, down and up. "Star?" he said again.

The window was blocked by a figure however, and before Robin could whisk the explosive disks, a foot slammed into his face, causing him to fly backwards against the wall. Red X jumped into the room, an unconscious Starfire laying limply in his arms.

Robin groaned while he stood up, trying to get his vision back. He wasn't granted a second though, and Red X came after him again clutching the fabric on Robin's chest, his face only inches from Red X's.

"I'm slightly disappointed, Robin." said Red X, slamming Robin into the wall again. He didn't let go, however. "I've been watching Starfire for a while. And I must say, you must be crazy if you've never made a move on the girl. She's easy on the eyes, isn't she...?"

Robin gathered himself, physically shaking his head, before slamming his leg in upwards. Red X dropped Starfire, clutching his privates.

"THAT--" he gasped, holding himself. "WAS TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR. I'M GOING TO-TO-"

Robin pulled Starfire close to him, eyes narrowed at Red X. "Possibly finish your sentence?" he said, smiking slightly.

Red X growled and charged at Robin. Robin ducked, turned around, snatched the back of Red X's costume and pulled forward, choking him. Red X swung around, his fist hitting Robin. Robin let go and stumbled backwards a bit.

"I've had enough of you, Boy Wonder. Say goodbye to your precious Starfire."

"NO!" screamed Robin, lunging for Starfire. Though Red X got there first. He grabbed starfire by the arm, pressed the X on his belt, and vanished.

"Star?" he said to no one. Suddenly the door flew open and Cyborg, Raven, and Beastboy charged in. They took in the scene. Star's distorted room, Robin breathing heavily, and the little X under their feet.

"What happened?" gasped Cyborg. He walked over Robin and pulled him to his feet. Robin just fell over again.Cyborg had to catch the boy wonder, steading him back on his feet.

"He took her. She's gone. That son of a bitch took her and I was too stupid to know."

Raven walked in and placed a hand on his chest. Her hand grew white. The scrapes and bruises vanished on, and his breathing turned to normal.

"We have to go after him. We have to figure out where he took her." said Robin. The Titans stayed put, staring at Robin uncertainly.

"That was an order." growled Robin. Beastboy changed into a pterodactyl and flew out the window. Cyborg muttered something about the T-car and left the room. Raven seeped into the ground.

The wind coming into the room brushed slightly against Robin's cheek as he stayed where he was for a second, taking in everything that was happening. Red X wanted Starfire. For whatever reason, he wanted her. He wanted to hold her. To touch her. The thought made his palms prickle and his teeth clench. He wouldn't get away with this. They were going to get Starfire back.

-------------------------------------------

"Starfire. Pick up. Starfire, respond. Pick up, Starfire." Robin bleated desperately into his T-comm. No respone. He sped on down through the city on his R-cycle, looking for any trace as to where Red X had gone. "Titans, report." he said into the T-comm.

"Nothing, man." came Cyborg's voice. "There's nothing at the cliff. I've searched everywhere."

"I've got diddly." replied Beastboy.

"Same." Raven said. "whereever he went, I don't think it's somewhere obvious. He--" The transmission cut.

"Damn." muttered Robin. He skidd to a stop just outside the pier where they were a few weeks ago.

"Raven, come in. Raven. Cyborg, respond. ANYONE, GODDAMNIT." he yelled, frustrated.It hit the T-comm on the handlebar on his bike, loosing patience. It must've worked, however, for the T-comm flickered, then turned on.

The face on the other end wasn't who he suspected.

"Robin. How nice to see you again." came a dark, sinister voice.

"S-slade?" Robin gasped.

"Hmm. I'm impressed. You remembered my name." he said calmly. Robin took off his helmet, staring at the T-comm.

"How did you get this transmission?" he growled, squeezing the T-comm until his knuckles went white.

"I'm sure you can think of a more important question that that, Robin." countered slade, a smirk sketched in his voice. Robin jerked backwards, unnerved.

"How did you survive? Terra--"

"Terra was not my demise, Robin. There are ways upon ways to get out of seemingly deadly situations." he paused, letting that soak in.

"But this isn't about Terra, anymore. This is about your friend--Ah, what's her name, Starfire? Yes. Starfire. Such a facinating creature she is. Strong. Beautiful. She's quite a catch, isn't she?"

Was it just Robin, or was all of his worst enemies hitting on Starfire?

"Where is she?"

"I'm sure you'll be able to figure out that, Robin. As for Red X, he's here too. So don't worry about him." Robin's worries worsened when Slade told him not to worry. The picture faltered, then cut.

Robin stared at it for a few seconds before he shoved it into his belt, cursing. He slammed on his helmet, revved his bike and took off in the one place where he could think of Slade being.