Chapter 14- Decisions

Robin's insides felt like they were on fire. He felt abnormally slim cool fingers running over his stomach and up his torso. They felt strange and he shivered in response glancing up to see the Grand Physician looking him over inquisitively. He thought he was going to be sick and tried to turn on his side but was held down by his shoulders. He couldn't remember what happened or where he was and started to panic.

"You gotta sit still for now, Robin. We have to figure out what's going on, okay," He heard Cyborg explain which brought on a wave of relief. Without thinking he grabbed onto Cyborg's arm and his friend caught the concern in his expression. His gaze shifted towards the alien doctor on the other side of the table. "Don't worry bout him, I'm not leaving." He received a weary nod in response.

"He is dehydrated and it appears that his lungs are slightly damaged from inadequate oxygen levels. Also you should scan to see if there is anything unusual in his body that could cause this kind of reaction." Cyborg confirmed everything the Grand Physician said was true. An oxygen mask was placed over Robin's face and he attempted to inhale deeply. He let out a disapproving groan as an IV was inserted into his arm as well. It was becoming difficult to comprehend everything going on around him now as he heard the sound of the medical equipment hummed to life. The sound made him suddenly realize how serious his condition was. Just as that thought went through his head he felt a tremor course through his body and he jolted on the table. It was like nothing he had experienced before. Cyborg was quick to restrain him as best he could so he wouldn't hurt himself. Once the convulsing started to calm down, Cyborg straightened up with a perplexed look on his face. The Grand Physician placed a hand on Robin's head.

"He appears to be unconscious now. It would be best to flush his system out in order to remove any toxins. This kind of stress is not beneficial for his health."

"Well obviously but we gotta figure this out first." The alien doctor clearly didn't understand sarcasm. Something beeped from his pocket and he pulled out what looked like some kind of communicator. The Grand Physician quietly read over the message.

"If you'll excuse me I need to handle something. I will check my supplies on the ship to see if I have anything that will help." At least he was attempting to be useful but Cyborg rolled his eyes once he left the room.

Hours went by with little results. Cyborg was going over the scans when there was a light knock on the door. Raven entered quietly to see how things were going.

"Can I do anything," she looked at the screen over his shoulder.

"Yeah, He needs another bag of fluids for his IV." She moved to the other side of the table and regarded Robin as she worked. He was still very pale and clearly had a high fever. She brushed several strands of hair off his forehead and gently placed her finger to his temple, closing her eyes.

"Have you checked his fever yet to see how high it is?"

"I did, it's 102.7 and keeps going up. There's gotta be something I'm missing that's causing this but I've checked the scans twice and haven't found anything. Not to mention he had a seizure earlier which is definitely not normal." His last statement surprised Raven. She kept searching to see if she could find anything on her own.

"There is definitely something here, I don't know how to explain it but it's not from earth. I hate to ask but have we considered taking him to the hospital?"

"That should not be necessary," the Grand Physician entered the room again, "What is your scan searching for?"

"When we were on Rann I noticed how advanced their tech was so I've been looking at anything non-organic. Figured that was a good place to start."

"I brought something that should help." The alien doctor reached into his cloak and retrieved a device that was clearly of alien origin. It looked more like something used for torture. Based on the two Titan's expressions he felt the need to explain what it did. "If there's anything harmful in his system that is abnormal this will remove it without harming him. Organic or otherwise."

"Guess it's worth a shot," Cyborg admitted. Once Robin was hooked up to the machine, the Grand Physician headed into the hallway to find Starfire.

"Ah Princess, I was coming to find you," she turned and was obviously hesitant but remained where she stood, "I received an order that my services are no longer needed here. While I am sure you had something to do with that decision, I will hold off my departure until we know your mate is okay." Starfire politely smiled all the while turning a deeper shade. "Still don't have that under control I see," He leaned towards her, "Aren't you worried that you could injure your mate if these side effects continue. Surprisingly, your physical make up is relatively close to that of a female human thus I don't believe the two of you will have any trouble consummating your relationship but there are Tamaranean attributes that could potentially cause harm to him. This does not concern you? " She looked away from him, unsure what to say but knowing she didn't want to have this conversation. For one she didn't want to discuss 'consummating' with anyone, least of all him. She still found it be confusing as they had just started their relationship. But he was correct, she definitely didn't want to hurt Robin or let Blackfire be right about their relationship.

"What do you think I should do?"

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The lights had been dimmed in the medical room. Robin felt something cold placed on his forehead as he came to. Despite his blurred vision he could make out Raven leaning over him. She adjusted the wet washcloth on his head before straightening up and realizing he was awake.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fuzzy...Did you need your cloak back," he answered before glancing wearily around the room, "I don't know where it is now." He didn't notice she had another one on.

"Yeah that's okay. You can keep it." Her answer brought a faint smile to his face. Even though he was still a little out of it at least there had been progress. Sure enough they had found micro-organisms in his bloodstream that had been triggered most likely when they had left Rann. Once they were removed, his condition drastically improved. And it was obvious that he could feel the effects as well as he attempted to sit up but wasn't able to. "You need to stay put," Raven warned him.

"No...I need to...to see Starfire. I have to talk to her." He explained as a shiver ran through his body.

"Whatever it is can wait." She brought an extra blanket up over his shoulders. Reluctantly he knew she was right and he settled down against the bed.

"At least he appears to be doing better," Raven turned to see the Grand Physician standing in the doorway. Robin attempted to get up again and Raven placed a hand on his shoulder to hold him down.

"Did you need something," Raven turned more towards him taking her stand in front of her friend.

"I would hope it has been obvious that I do not intent to harm your leader, there. I am simply leaving and need my equipment." He moved further into the room and started packing up his machine that had been used earlier. "It is a shame that you and the Princess will not be joining me on Tamaran. It's obvious that she really cares about you." Robin blinked in shock. Once he was finished packing up, the alien doctor leaned in to get one last look at him. "Despite our short time together, I am glad that your prognosis is positive and you will be healthy shortly." Robin wasn't sure what to say to that but was definitely happy that he would be gone soon.

"Thank you?" With that, the Grand Physician left the room on his way to his ship. Raven was the first to break the silence.

"Yeah he's really scary." Her statement caused Robin to crack up but he was quick to cover his laughter.

"Didn't think anything scared you," he admitted and she just shrugged back.

"I'll let Starfire know to come visit you. Until then, stay put and get some sleep."