Birdcage

Chapter eleven

"Raven!"

It didn't matter how loud he yelled for her, she was already gone. He managed to stumble over to where she had disappeared. Something in this part of the room seemed off to him. The air was cooler and there was an odd smell of what he could only describe as smoke. He wished he knew more about magic and how to follow her.

He made his way over to the central computer in the room and started typing away. Even though he didn't know what to do he did know someone who might. He only hoped they were still in town. After a brief search, he managed to find the individual he was looking for and a last known address. He needed to hurry since it was later than he expected. He rushed for the door, putting his boots and jacket on as quickly and carefully as possible. Getting to his bike he swung his leg over and let out a groan but didn't stop as he started up the engine.

His destination was practically on the other side of the city, close to the pier. It was oddly quiet for this part of town even though it was still the middle of the night. The old building was at the end of the road, closest to the water. The street was dark except for one light that seemed to be struggling to stay lit. The wind had picked up quite a bit as well as he walked up to the unwelcoming entrance. He wasn't sure how he would be received and there was a chance things could take a turn quickly. Now that he thought more about that possibility he realized he didn't have any of his gear with him. Maybe that would work in his favor for a change; not being armed to the teeth with gadgets.

Even though his thoughts were hesitant, his knock at the front door wasn't. He swallowed hard as he stood there waiting. Maybe no one was home or if they were there was always the chance they were sleeping. After a couple more seconds he raised his fist to knock again when he heard several locks clicking and the door was pulled open. His expression most likely showed his uncertainty as he stood there waiting for whoever answered the door to step forward out of the shadows. The porch light came on and he breathed a little easier as the pink haired girl stepped towards him.

She seemed confused with his presence as she let out a particularly loud yawn. He couldn't help but wonder if her roommates were home as well. Clearing his throat he attempted to smile as he went to speak. Before he got the first word out she mumbled back to him in a low tone.

"Who the heck are you and why are you here?" He blinked in confusion at the unexpected question.

"Oh, hi…Jinx. Guess it's been a while…," Robin started before she interrupted him as she leaned out and squinted at him more. Despite his unsure expression and scruffy look she did recognize him. "You seem awfully familiar," she commented as she brought her one hand up to cover the top part of his face. He let out a heavy sigh before answering her.

"It's Robin," he told her in an attempt to hurry things along.

"Ohh, right," She turned away from him to holler back inside, "come and get 'em, boys!" Robin immediately waved his hands back and forth in a panic.

"No, I didn't come here to fight," he blurted out. She let out a laugh at his expense before straightening up with a grin.

"I don't live with those losers anymore, geez." She opened the door all the way and gestured for him to come inside. She wondered over to her small kitchen and opened the fridge. As she bent down to grab a drink, Robin noticed she was just wearing a tank top and shorts and he turned his gaze away quickly.

"Sorry to bother you so late," he started but she stopped him.

"Meh, I was awake anyway." A flash of pink energy shot up from the floor and slammed the fridge closed. She tossed him a can of soda before dropping down onto an old couch. He remained standing and absentmindedly opened the drink she'd offered. She tilted her head and took a moment to regard him. "Jeez it really has been a while hasn't it? I don't remember you being…like…this," she seemed to realize that her statement might not be taken as a compliment, "so where's you're little happy friend?" Jynx looked around as though she had missed Starfire somehow. He let out quiet growl before focusing on his drink.

"She went home," he stated quickly, hoping that would be the end of it. Jinx just shrugged back, not really sure what to say to that.

"So how'd you find me anyway? I'd hope after so many years I wouldn't really be on the Titan's radar anymore."

"Actually I came to get your help," he suddenly realized how much he was at her mercy, "I'm trying to find Raven. She disappeared at the tower through some kind of portal." Jinx leaned forward obviously deep in thought.

"Who made the portal?"

"She did."

"Do you think she doesn't want to be found?"

"She's in over her head and I have to help her."

"And you don't know where she would go?"

"Jinx,…please," she finally glanced up at him and he looked pretty serious about his request. And concerned.

"Where's the rest of your team?"

"They're away. None of them know magic like you do though," It got quiet for a couple of seconds before he added, "Please, I need to get her back." Something about his request seemed out of character but then this whole thing felt off from what she remembered about him. She remembered that while she never really fought against him directly she was usually annoyed with his meddling. She knew whenever the Titans had caught up to her group it was most likely because of him. She always thought he was arrogant and overly confident about 'beating the bad guys'. He was always such a Boy Scout, uptight and rigid, but this felt completely different. Maybe it was because of the fact that her 'teammates' never came after her when she left the group or even the fact that he clearly wasn't prepared for a fight if she decided to get some kind of revenge for the past. Realizing her thought process was prolonging his agony in the matter she took a quick sip of her soda before rising to her feet.

"Okay, I'll help out."

"Really?"

"Meh, what else do I have going on right now. Besides I'm not even sure there's anything I can do but might as well try, right." Her statement caused him to grin in response. It was kind of a goofy smile similar to Kid Flash's which she found endearing.

"Thanks, I wasn't sure if you would be up for it," he admitted. Stretching her arms over her head she headed for the back of her small dwelling.

"Yeah sure, now get out," he stared perplexed for a second at her, "I'm not gonna go in my pajamas," she explained.

Author's notes-So I wasn't sure if I was going to bring Jinx into the story or not but I really do like her as a character. I was also considering bringing Cyborg and Beast Boy back in as well but haven't decided. Would not mind some feed back about that. Also am not sure what is going on in my reviews but apparently someone decided it would be a great place to plug their own story and then someone else commented on that, it's kind of weird. Anyway would love to hear what everyone thought of this chapter, it was a lot of fun to write. Thanks.