Chapter Eight
Days passed more or less without incident at Titans Tower. The Titans passed on the news of Starfire's pregnancy to Titans East, then to honorary Titans. A reply from Bumblebee suggested a baby shower, but Starfire had no idea what such a thing was about. Raven suggested against it for that reason.
Days soon turned into weeks, and the Titans noted Starfire's belly was already getting noticeably bigger. Beast Boy had suggested a photo album to remember these days and to provide a record of Starfire's progress. The others agreed, with Raven complimenting him on having one of the best ideas he came up with in a long time.
One day, while the boys were out in town, Raven was alone with Starfire in the lounge. The mystic knew she had an opportunity here.
"Starfire, can I ask a favor of you?"
"What is it?" the Tamaranian replied.
"I'd like to use my powers to sense your baby. To be in touch with it."
Starfire was perplexed. "What purpose would that serve?"
"For me, it will be the closest experience I have to having a child of my own. At least, for now."
"Oh, I see. This will not hurt the baby?"
"In no way at all will it hurt."
"Very well, Raven. You may proceed."
Raven cracked her knuckles and placed a hand on Starfire's belly.
"Anything?" Starfire asked her.
"Just...static."
"Maybe the baby is not yet old enough?"
"No. I think I need bare skin."
Starfire nodded, and so she adjusted her dress to above her belly, showing off her underwear.
"Star, that's a bit beyond what I expected!" exclaimed Raven.
"We are alone, so I see no problem. Please, continue."
Heaving a sigh, Raven again placed her hand on her friend's belly and closed her eyes.
Starfire watched her reaction. At first, Raven knitted her brows together. Then, she seemed relaxed, and then smiled as she opened her eyes.
"I can sense it! It's almost as if it's inside me too!"
The two girls were elated at this new technique of Raven's. After a few minutes, Raven removed her hand, while Starfire adjusted her dress to the proper level.
"You're very lucky, Star." Raven remarked. "You get to create a life inside you."
"I know. It is a wonderful feeling! I hope you get to experience it as well."
"I intend to."
They then engrossed themselves in a conversation.
During the following weeks, Starfire had found other ways to occupy herself while the Titans fought other villains, ways that didn't involve getting indigestion or gas. She had read that working out while pregnant can help in giving birth, so she tried that. In addition she also listened to music. Sometimes, she would play with Silkie or take him for a walk. She would also enjoy the sun on days when it was clear with her pet. She would also read some of her romance novels as well while sunning herself.
When some of their old adversaries showed up (it was assumed that they somehow thawed out from their frozen prison in Paris), the battles for the remaining Titans became harder, so it was decided to see if any of the honorary Titans would mind helping out by taking Starfire's place.
Pantha was the first to volunteer, but she could only help for a short time; she had other tasks to attend to. She and Cyborg became good friends during her short visit, but Starfire also liked her.
After she left, Argent took her place, but also was limited on her time with the Titans. During her stay, Raven became aquatinted with her. They spent a great deal of time together, reading in her room. The other Titans hardly got to spend time with her, as she seemed to prefer Raven's company.
The Herald was the next guest. He also hung around Raven. Beast Boy was jealous, as he worked close with Herald once when he had to lead a team to rescue the Titans from the Brotherhood of Evil.
Unexpectedly, Jericho was the next guest. Beast Boy was elated, for he spent time with him, becoming good friends. In his spare time, Jericho taught the Titans basic sign language. Starfire was particularly saddened when he had to leave.
There was an interval of guests for a week after Jericho departed, which once again left the Titans shorthanded. During a particularly tough battle, Starfire was occupied in reading at the Tower. Yet, she found it hard to concentrate, knowing her friends could use some help. But the safety of her child took precedence.
Her musings were interrupted when she heard the door open. She looked back to see who it was...but saw nothing!
"What made the door open?" she wondered aloud.
"Just me, cutie." came a reply. Then, a figure appeared, which sent a chill through Starfire's body.
"The Red X!" she cried out.
"In the flesh!" he said, taking a seat.
"What do you want here?" she demanded.
"Well, I came mostly to talk to Robin, but seeing how you're the only one here, I..." He trailed off, as if noticing Starfire for the first time.
"Are you pregnant?" he asked.
"Yes, I am."
"Damn! You're a little young, aren't you? Who's the father?"
"Robin."
Red X was astonished. "Him? Mister 'By-the-book-do-gooder?'"
"It was a result of haste. But he intended no harm."
"I'm not saying that he did!" He shook his head. "Amazing!"
Starfire sat opposite of Red X. "Why are you here?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Well, I just wanted to tell him that I'm not in the business of villainy anymore."
"You are not?"
"Nope. After helping you all out in that race, I got a thrill. Then there were a few times when I helped other people out too. I thought to myself 'Hey, this is better than stealing!' So, I decided to go straight."
"Then do you wish to become a Titan?"
"No way! I'm in it for myself, as usual. I just wanted to let Robin know that so he doesn't come to kick my ass if he sees me helping an old lady or something."
"I see. I shall let him know."
"Good. Well, I'll let you get back to what you were doing before Robin sees me here and goes ballistic."
"Farewell new hero!"
Rex X activated his cloaking device and was gone.
For the remainder of her time alone, Starfire contemplated her affairs. Strangely enough, Rex X's visit brought up the issue of Galfore's replies to Starfire's mind.
One simply stated how happy he was and his congratulations, praising her for continuing her family line. Then, she recently received a response that was more troubling. She wasn't sure how to bring it up to Robin. She knew that a person can write one thing, but actually think something different in person. She knew that it had consequences for the other Titans as well.
"I must tell them." she said aloud.
Half and hour later, the Titans arrived.
"Whew, that was a tough one!" Beast Boy exclaimed.
"Who was the villain?" Starfire asked.
"Overload." Cyborg said. "Haven't taken him on in a while. But, we kicked his electric butt!"
"Glorious!" the Tamaranian exclaimed. "I have some news for all of you."
"What is it?" Raven asked.
"Well, while you were gone, the Red X visited here."
"Red X!" Robin yelled.
"Yes, but it was a good visit! He is saying he is not a villain anymore! He wishes to do good!"
"Can we trust him?" Beast Boy asked.
"Well, he didn't harm Starfire, I assume." Raven remarked.
"No, he did not. He simply spoke to me. But there is something else that I feel is even more important."
"What would that be?" Cyborg asked.
"Well, I have been in conversation with my k'norfka. He first gave his greetings to all of you, and says how proud he is of me for having a child."
"Really?" Robin asked.
"Yes. And recently, he sent another message. He is arriving here in a week. He wishes to meet us here, at our home."
"Home? As in Titans Tower?" Robin said nervously.
"Correct, Robin." Starfire replied. "Is that not wonderful?"
Robin sat down on the sofa, his face pale.