Ha, everyone is SO screwed. Enjoy it!

I know I will!

Chapter 13
"Feeding the Flames"

Raven had been locked in her room with Beast Boy all day. Normally we would run around, taking turns banging on the door and accusing them of doing dirty things but now was absolutely not the time. She was probably traumatized, beyond the Arella thing, which she had probably stowed away to deal with later. That wound was probably reopened because of me . . . and Kid Flash of course.

Let's focus on him . . . heh heh . . .

"Jinx?"

I looked up, Kid Flash was scratching his neck uncomfortable. "Yeah?"

He leaned in close then, whispering, "I have no idea who these people are!"

My eyes widened. I'd forgotten to introduce him in the chaos. Starfire was currently slung over Cyborg's shoulder (still asleep, of course) and we were all walking back in silence (apart from what Kid Flash just did, since the two of us were walking behind everybody else). Beast Boy had called us when he got back, saying they were safe before hanging up. He instructed us to bring Starfire to the Safety House and that he and Raven should only be contacted if Star woke up. We were surprised to hear him use "Star" (her nickname), like they were friends when Starfire probably would kill Beast Boy, given the chance. She was no murderer, and would bare the burden of taking a life forever, but she would not be ashamed of herself for the action. Even if it was illegal. That much I knew.

I cleared my throat. Everyone stopped and looked at me. I pointed, boredly. "This is Kid Flash, by the way."

Cyborg's brow rose. "This is the guy you've been talking about?"

I glared. Leave it to Cyborg to embarrass me at a time like this. Kole, being the little bundle of energy (that, now that I think about it, reminded me a lot of Starfire's personality when she was in . . . better moods then now) that she was, practically jumped in front of Kid Flash to inspect him. And yes I do mean inspect. She circled the guy, looking him over. His eyes followed her every move, giving me a funny 'what the hell is she doing' kind of look for a moment before watching her again. When she was done she gave everyone a thumbs up. I said nothing. Kid Flash gave me another look. I shrugged.

I didn't get it either.

"Nice to meet you, man," Cyborg said, punching fists with him. Boys. "I'm Cyborg, this is Aqualad-."

"I believe we can introduce ourselves, mate," Argent interrupted. "We got that privilege taken from us by Kole last time when we met Raven, don't need another opportunity thrown out the window." She smiled at Kid Flash. "I'm Argent, by the way."

"Kole, but, well, I've already been introduced." Kole curtsied simply. I think she was messing around though, she doesn't normally curtsy.

"Aqualad," The two shook hands. "Pleasure meeting you."

"Gizmo, hey." The short boy made no move to greet Kid Flash other then that.

"Mammoth," The large teen said, slapping Kid Flash on the back kindly, making the speedy-boy to stumble before giving Mammoth a very nervous smile.

"Red X, isn't here, sorry." Kole said, frowning. "And neither is See-More. Out on a mission," She added, for explanation. "But, you can meet X back at the Safety House!" She added, more cheerfully.

"Oh . . . okay then." Kid Flash smiled. "Well, it's nice meeting you all."

The walk home was a tad more lively. Then Red X was brought up again.

"You're gonna have a hell of a time with him, Kid Flash," Cyborg laughed.

Kid Flash looked surprised. I had groaned at that. "What?" He looked at everyone, at a normal pace so we could see more then a blur. "Why? Is he crazy or something?"

"He's like my . . . big brother," I explained, sighing. "A tad overprotective."

Gizmo snorted, "A tad? The last time someone hit on you at that club he broke the guys nose and stuck him to a wall in the alley!"

"Gizmo-," I began warningly. But he was too caught up in his story to notice.

"I mean, he even stole stuff from the other people there and planted it on him so he'd get jailed! A tad my a-!" He then saw my furious glare. He gulped. "Uh, I mean . . . yeah! Just a little!" He laughed nervously before hiding behind Mammoth.

I turned to a now pale Kid Flash, "Don't worry, I'll take care of him if he gets out of line." I knew what he was afraid of. The whole 'planted evidence' thing. If he went to jail, he couldn't be a Titan anymore. Besides me, that was the only thing he had (he'd told me so once, that was an awkward conversation).

He shook it off and grinned, "Yeah well, I'm too fast for anything he'll try to pull." We laughed, shaking our heads.

He had no idea what Red X would do. But I did. I dreaded this.

Red X:

I was sitting on a couch at the Safety House, where we all stay. It's pretty large and high-tech on the inside. On the outside (if you can even see it through the camouflage and trees) it looks like some abandoned, un-accessible warehouse.

Yeah. We're that good.

The door burst open, I turned at once, hands in fists and ready to fight. It was then I saw Jinx, looking rather irritated with her back to the door like she hadn't noticed. I rolled my eyes and sat back down. Someone had obviously ticked her off 'just a tad'.

"Yeah, whatever," she muttered, turning to see my watching her and her eyes widened when the door wasn't there. Everyone glanced at the floor in unison.

"You really need to watch your temper, Witch." I said, mocking her. Jinx and I called each other nicknames that weren't exactly nice if you didn't understand but they were actually our version of sister/brother teasings.

She glared at me, "Oh shut up, 3-T*."

Alright, if you don't get it (which really no one does) 3-T as in 3 different letter 'T's' as in Tic-Tac Toe as in I am Red 'X' which is in- . . . you get the point. Hopefully.

"Very well," I replied, then noticed a yellow-clad figure peep out from behind the door frame, examining the door with his arms crossed. He stood next to Jinx, frowning.

"Do you do this all the time?"

She was about to respond when I interrupted, my fingers (that remained unseen) were together, my elbows resting on the arms of the chair, allowing my hands to hover comfortably in the air. "And exactly who might this be?"

Jinx turned to me, the only visible people were Kole, the boy, and herself. Everyone else was still behind the door. Why, I didn't know. I then realized they were all peeking to see my reaction and figured out why soon enough.

"Kid Flash," Jinx replied, looking rather prideful in a stubborn way rather then happy. Like she was daring me to object to this, myself being the 'older brother' figure in her life. That's why everyone was hiding. They wanted to see my reaction without being in the crossfire.

Smart.

My eyes narrowed at him and I saw him gulp. Bad idea on his part. Showing fear was a weakness. "So this is Kid Flash, is it?" I sat up straighter and let my hands fall to my lap. I would like to point out I'm two years older then Jinx and so am much more hardened then she is**. I taught her everything she needed to so she was able to survive. We respected each other a lot. I motioned with my hand, "Come here, boy."

Kid Flash stepped forward but Jinx stuck her arm out, stopping him as she glared further at me. Kole looked rather nervous. Kole was a little sister to both of us. I'll explain the whole family tree*** later but, well, for now, that's as much as you'll get. She looked a little nervous. Kole didn't like it when we were fighting or tense like this around each other.

"What?" I demanded, after a solid ten seconds of her scowl. "I just wanted to see him."

"You're not blind," She retorted. "Get your ass up."

My brow rose, and I imagine she saw it on my mask but I did as I was told. But she stepped towards me and met me halfway, her hands behind her back. I suspected they were crackling. A quick grab at her wrist, bringing it in front of my face, proved it true. I smirked at her and somehow she knew I was. She jerked her hand away.

"Temper, little sister," I warned, teasing but still irritated by the appearance of this boy. We were in a dangerous area. The others behind the door allowed their heads to poke out a little more in curiosity. Jinx jerked her wrist away, gritting her teeth visibly. "Wouldn't want that getting out of hand, would you?"

She growled, "I'll show you out of hand!"

Jinx threw at punch at me. I caught her hand in mine and turned her around, pushing her arm into her back just enough to where she could not move out of it. It wouldn't hurt all too much, just a little aching maybe.

"What was that?" I taunted. I felt her struggling, but I was stronger too. We had these tiffs all the time and Kole did not seem to be appreciating the fact that we were doing this now. In front of Jinxie's little boyfriend. I didn't really care but at a low crack I looked up and saw the now infuriated teenager. I grinned from underneath my mask.

"Your little boyfriend is asking for it, Jinx," I whispered to her, leaning in close.

"Don't. You. Dare." She hissed in response, turning towards me a little to emphasize her threat.

It was ignored.

I started cracking up at his infuriated face. "What's the matter, kid? Getting a little ticked?" I started to taunt him then. "Aren't you going to do something about this?"

Jinx knew what I was doing then. She no longer made any more objections. I wanted to see if he would protect my little sister. Even if he was kind of afraid (I could tell he was). I made a promise to do it to any couples in our group. I even did it to Beast Boy. Making Raven uncomfortable was not unintentional. But Beast Boy stopped it immediately, so I felt no further tests were needed. He was an honest person. But Jinx was my little sister, and I knew nothing about this Kid Flash.

Jinx understood.

I suddenly found myself slammed into a wall and Kid Flash next to Jinx, who looked surprised at suddenly being freed. He was just standing there, giving me a hard look. 'How had he gotten there so quickly?' I wondered to myself. Jinx looked a little nervous to watch my reaction would be and I stiffly got up, walking towards him without any limping whatsoever. Just like it hadn't fazed me. I scrutinized his face, leaning in to try and make him uncomfortable while still looking like I wasn't doing it on purpose. It was then I smiled inwardly and nodded at Jinx.

"Red X," I said, holding my hand out. Kid Flash looked shocked at my sudden bi-polar reaction and Jinx looked rather pleased with herself on him having passed my 'test'. "It's . . . good to finally meet you."

I didn't say pleasant for obvious reasons. It was probably pleasant for neither of us.

"Uh," he looked at Jinx and she nodded. He clasped my hand, cheerfully, and shook it. "Nice to meet you." He looked at Jinx after releasing my hand.

Things went a lot more pleasant after that. Or at least, I thought they would.

"Well, now that that's done with," I heard Cyborg say. I turned (one of the faces not in the doorway) and saw him walk in. It wasn't so much as him that surprised me rather then that there was an unconscious female slung of his shoulder. "Red X, this is Raven's friend. Starfire."

I snorted. "If Raven did this to her, I doubt they're friends."

"She's a Titan," Kid Flash explained, cutting in. "She made us take her to see Raven and well, things got a little heated. Raven says the chains will hold her and I'm sure they will-."

"But, just in case, we'll keep her in the containment field. Kay?" Kole interrupted. I rolled my eyes but hit the button on the keyboard that opened the door, allowing them entrance. She wasn't normally allowed in there. Twice she had gotten stuck in a cage and it had taken us a while to get her out. Not to mention it took a few hours to realize she was missing.

"Alright, go, gel boy." Jinx said, shoving Kid Flash after Cyborg.

"Gosh, you know, I think your abuse just kind of says something dirty about you, Jinx. You better be careful or people might get the wrong ideas," the boy teased. He had a lot of nerve saying that in front of me, but Kole, holding her 'big-brothers' hand, gave me a warning squeeze. I portrayed no emotion, with nothing but a sigh at the lost chance to threaten him.

Besides, Jinx could take care of herself.

"Says the boy who never stops vibrating," she snapped back, smirking. I smirked myself and people began howling with laughter. He gave Jinx a dirty look (looking embarrassed all the while) which I couldn't help but laugh at either. Kole smiled at me before letting go. Kole was four years younger then myself. Halfway through thirteen. Yes, that means I'm seventeen. Congratulations. You can count.

After the girl was disposed of though, literally seconds afterwords, we heard a groan as we began leaving. We froze and looked. The alien girl was struggling for consciousness and Aqualad flipped out his phone. After a few moments he said, "Yeah . . . She woke up." Then he hung up.

Blinking her eyes open the girl stared at her surroundings.

Then her fit began.

Raven:

Even from outside we could hear the screaming. For a moment I thought she was in pain but she was shouting things in Tamaranian. That meant she was pissed, not hurting. I sighed and the shack opened to reveal a completely opposite appearance then it let on outside but as soon as the door opened, Beast Boy (his arm around my waist) led me to where everyone was talking outside the door. Kid Flash looked up, smiling when he saw me.

"Hey, Raven." He said. How he was so cheery in a situation like this was beyond my knowledge but nonetheless, here he was before my person, grinning like nothing was wrong.

"Kid Flash," I replied, nodding my head.

He then held his hand out to Beast Boy, "You must be Beast Boy."

Beast Boy smiled in turn, to be polite. He wasn't happy because I wasn't. "Yeah, nice to meet Jinx's-," he stopped when he saw her glaring at him and I laughed a little. Kid Flash gave me a peculiar look but I ignored him. "-friend," he finished.

"Where's Starfire?" I asked, looking at Cyborg.

He pointed. "In here. Follow me."

And we did, all two Titans and myself with Beast Boy tagging along. Everyone else waited outside. We approached a completely glass large box with a pale blue light above it, outside of the box. Inside of it was my best friend, screaming away but not moving from her spot on the floor. When she saw me though, she stood.

"Raven!" She cried, running towards the edge of the box.

I looked at them. "How do you open it?" I whispered.

Cyborg frowned, but answered. "Place your hand on the right, middle edge. It'll open."

"Go, please," I asked him. I looked at Beast Boy, "You too."

Neither made any objection as they left.

Starfire pressed her hands against the glass, her wrists still bound together like her legs. She was in an awkward standing position but she was managing somehow. When the four of us were completely alone she spoke, her voice oddly muffled through the glass.

"Friends . . . what is happening? Why have we become imprisoned? Why have you attacked me!?" Her last question was intended at Jinx, so I assumed Kid Flash did not attack her.

"Starfire, we're going to let you out, but we can't unchain you, okay?" Starfire said nothing. Just stared at Jinx. Jinx sighed and opened the cage, Starfire stumbled. The chains were looser, so she could walk, and her arms could spread. She used that to wrap herself around me and sob into my shoulder. "Friend . . . you are . . . safe."

I patted her shoulder, awkward at what I'd have to say next. She would prefer her delusion over the truth, I knew, but I would not lie to her any longer. "I wasn't kidnapped Starfire," I said, quietly. "I left."

Starfire froze and pulled back, staring. "I . . . I do not understand-."

"I left for him, Starfire," I said quietly, looking at the floor. "A long time ago . . . I met this boy and we became very close. I never saw him again, Star, and he found me! He really did." I tried to make this easier with better news. It sort of worked. Her expression brightened and she looked overjoyed.

"Raven, you have found someone as special as Robin is to me?" She asked, grinning. Jinx and Kid Flash looked uncomfortable to be here when I told her this but they stayed, anyways. "That is most joyous, friend! When we leave, we shall go find him again-!"

"Starfire," I interrupted. "He's . . . here."

She looked confused before her eyes widened in horror. "Friend, he is . . ." I thought she understood for a moment. "A prisoner as well? That is horrid! We must-!"

"He's not a prisoner Starfire! None of us are prisoners!" I finally snapped, unable to control my tears. I didn't deserve Starfire's optimism. I felt horrible about this. "He was the kidnapper, Star. He was looking for me and he found me, and I found him, so we left together."

Starfire's face went blank. She looked like she couldn't breath, and her chains uncurled from we, stepping backwards. I shook my head, looking at her in distress. "Please . . ." She looked at all of us, each of us taking a turn under her innocent, betrayed gaze. I felt something break under that look. "You are . . . playing the joke, yes?" None of us said anything, I just kept shedding tears and Kid Flash and Jinx looked at the floor like a child who just broke their mothers favorite vase.

"I'm so sorry," My voice cracked, and I could say no more. Jinx saw that.

"We're not bad guys, Starfire," She said, trying to get the alien to understand. It seemed hopeless, but we might as well try, right? "We just aren't . . . good guys. Were the good guy rejects, I guess." Starfire shook her head, as if it would all go away. "I can't say we've never committed any felons. I won't lie to you anymore, I promise. But Starfire, you wouldn't want to be separated from Robin, right?" Starfire stared numbly. "Well, how would you like to be taking away from him because I told everyone? Raven's not saying it doesn't hurt to be scaring you all like this, thinking she has been hurt or worse, but . . . she just can't leave him. Do you understand?"

Starfire thought for a long while but finally sighed. She looked up at me, sadly. "I . . . believe I understand, Raven. But, I do have one request." I waited. "May I meet your beloved?"

I hesitated but I felt no aggression or hidden emotions within her. Reluctantly, I went to the door to fetch Beast Boy.

Starfire:

So, I believe I was right in suspecting my friends. I believe that Kid Flash is the only 'innocent' one, although he has shared in the misgivings to myself and my friends. But, I no longer blame them. If Raven truly loves this boy, which I wish to see for myself, I need to know why.

Raven came back in the room, a boy figure beside her that remained in the shadows.

"Starfire," She said. "This is Beast Boy."

It was then the figure stepped from the shadows. As I will say, he was not . . . as good looking, as Robin, but I believe that to me, no else will ever be as handsome as Robin. But what was odd, even for Tamaranian standards of my people (since I have grown accustomed to Earth, including the average characteristics of its dwellers) was that this boy was green. But I ignored that and looked at the seriousness in his eyes. I saw the fear as well. But it was not of me, I believe. No, I am sure it was of losing my friend, Raven. And I also saw bravery. He was willing to risk everything for my friend, I knew then.

I approved at once.

"I understand now," I said quietly. I believe I was staring at him for a long while though, and turned to friend Jinx. "I do not wish harm on your family any longer. I ask to have these removed, yes?"

Jinx looked at friend Raven and the boy, whose name I had also found odd. Raven nodded, so friend Jinx removed the steel (a much feared tool on my planet) from my body and it fell to the floor.

Beast Boy:

I don't know how she understood, but Starfire did somehow. There's something about her that makes her naive and smart. I didn't think I'd ever understand it, but that was okay. The chains dropped and Starfire began searching her uniform.

"Uh, Starfire," Raven said slowly. Her eyes had been red, I noted, when she came to fetch me, but nobody asked. I wasn't planning on it. "Maybe its better if you leave that one on."

"But why, friend?" She asked, genuinely confused. I didn't know what Raven meant but I trusted her judgment.

"Just . . . do as I say, okay?" Starfire nodded, shrugging, and then we walked out of the room together.

*Okay, further explaining, you use 'X's and O's in Tic Tac Toe. SO, if you STILL don't get it. damn.

**That's what she said.

***Family Tree Time!

Cyborg and Argent
(Father/Mother Figures)

Aqualad and Gizmo
(Uncle Figures)

Mammoth and See-More
(Older Cousin Figures)

Jinx Red X Kole Beast Boy
(Brother and Sister Figures)

More Specific Family Tree

Jinx
(Middle Sister: Definition: Bossy, protective, entertaining)

Red X
(Older Brother: Definiton: Overprotective, watchful)

Kole
(Youngest Sister to Everyone: Definition: Energetic, careless, smart on occasion)

WOO! THAT took a while!

And so the next chapter shall suck oh so much more then this.

Starfire, as you all know, is a tad forgetful. . .

COMMENT TIME!

LoveBassClarinet

Another excellent segment. You have a gift for portraying all of the characters. For most people, they can only do one or two, but you can do a plethora. Keep up the great work!

Aw! Thank you! I'll be honest, I had to look up plethora (although I kind of figured out what it was from the sentence, just had to be sure!) but I appreciate your compliments! Hope you keep reading!

AzurexJen S.

lol I now see the hilarity behind my previous guess, way off! I kinda feel sorry for Starfire... it'll be interesting when she wakes up. And don't worry no way am I dying and missing what happens next.

Ha, just a tad! I did too for abusing everyone's favorite bundle of joy alien girl. And I actually kind of have the whole story written, I'm just not putting it up so that I can put your guyses comments at the bottom. But I am getting bored with the story, so I'll be posting daily again so we can move on to the next one! *grins*

Dude Your Awesome8

This chapter was def. exciting! I loved what you decided to do by having Starfire come along, and get angry. (she did get angry, right?)

Satisfaction? You don't even have to ask! :D

Great chapter!
LATERZ~

Yes, Starfire was most DEFINITELY angry. Quite pissed in fact. Like, pissed as she's ever been in an episode to the tenth millionth-ness. Glad that you liked the story and it was up to your standards!

Saffire55

What is it with you and cliffys? -.-" Anyway, I loved this chapter! Bad Starfire! Bad Starfire! Raven was happy where she was! Now you ruined it Starfire. Make another chapter soon! And...WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO STARFIRE, JINX, KIDFLASH, AND RAVEN?!

I enjoy cliff-hangers because they keep you on suspense and make you have to find out what happens next. Cliff-hangers keep you interested in the story and help the writer (that's me!) spice up the story more. Starfire did do a big mistake! She'll do worse next chapter, you'll see. XD

That's what happened up there.

EVERYONE BE AFRAID! MISCHEIF AND HORRORS IN THE NEXT CHAPTER! *gasp*