Teen Titans: Vanishing Act. (Feedback welcome)

[Lord Welshi]

OK, this is my first Teen Titans fan fic, so please don't hate me if it goes wrong. This first prologue was just a very quick idea I had, and will evolve into a true storyline. This chapter is terrible, but once I get a proper feel for the story I am creating, I hope it will improve.

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Prologue: Quest for Revenge.



Raven hovered inches above the floor, cross-legged and with eyes closed. She chanted continuously, focussing her minds eye on a single point. One moment in time stretched into an eternity of thought. Black energy crackled in the room, shadows stretched across the walls. Sounds were drowned out by an oppressive silence created by the girl’s intense concentration. The pendant on the table moved, and began to glow a deep red….

“Hey Raven! What’s up!” a voice shouted. Raven’s concentration wavered. The pendant’s glow dimmed. Raven’s eyes shot open. The grinning green face of Beast Boy greeted her.

“I’m in the middle of something, what do you want?” Raven asked in a monotone voice.

“Have you seen Cy? I can’t find him. Robin and Starfire don’t know where he is either.” Beast Boy was still grinning.

“No, I haven’t seen him. Now will you leave me in peace? I’m very busy.”

Beast Boy pouted. “That’s exactly what Robin and Star said when I asked them,” he said dejectedly, and he stalked out of the room. The door slid shut behind him. Raven sighed, and closed her eyes once again, and began to concentrate. In such a large tower with so many rooms, it was amazing how Beast Boy could find anyone but the person he was looking for. The pendant on the table once again glowed red, as the shadows loomed deeper into the room.

Beast Boy walked down the corridor, past several doors and side-corridors until he reached the stairs. He was planning on checking the gym to see if Cyborg was working out, but he was allergic to that particular room. The idea of lifting weights and sweating for enjoyment was not one Beast Boy agreed with. Besides, Cyborg had already done his morning training, and it was doubtful that he’d be in there again. Beast Boy was searching for any excuse not to go in there.

After a fruitless search that covered Cyborg’s workshop, his bedroom (and cupboard), and for some reason the contents of the Titan’s fridge, which involved a titanic struggle, Beast Boy finally gave up his search. He threw himself down on the couch, and delved his hand down behind the cushions in a search for the remote.

“Hey BB. You looking for this?” A metallic hand held up the elusive controller. Beast Boy looked up.

“Dude, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. Someone had to get some food. Our fridge is pretty empty. All that was in there was…”

“…some old greasy pizza that had evolved its own identity, yeah, I know.” Beast Boy shuddered. “That was the first time that something I tried to eat bit me back! Anyway, I was looking for you because I want to challenge you to a game of X Race 3000. I want revenge for my humiliating defeat!”

“Sure,” Cyborg said confidently. “I’ll be happy to kick your butt again.”

The console was started, and the massive television that dominated one side of the main living area was switched on. The title screen appeared, before fading into the scene of a starting line. The players glared at each other, before yelling, “Let’s race!” The sound of engines blasted from the screen. A countdown could be heard.

“You’re going down!”

“In your dreams, green boy!”

The race began. Cyborg pulled ahead within seconds, but Beast Boy was close on his heels. The computer racers were left in the dust. The game soon turned into a deadly duel, as each racer tried everything to win.

“Yo, get your tentacles off my control pad!”

“Dude, I don’t see a rare Jump City sea falcon…hey!”

Beast Boy was on the final stretch of the race. He was ahead of Cyborg, and within inches of the finish line…then everything went black. The TV switched off, the console stopped its quiet hum, and the lights flickered and dimmed. Beast Boy let out a howl of dismay.

“Aw yeah! I’m still number 1!” Cyborg said victoriously.

A voice echoed through the tower. “Titans, trouble!”

[ArtificialIdiot]

Wow. I've read a few titans fan fics around, and I have to say, this is the first one that I find I can actually believe so far. What I mean is, it's something I could see happening during the times we don't see them on the show. Great job there!

I'm quite looking forward to how you handle other scenes, but as a prologue, this really works, and for the start of a first fic, it's great!

[Lord Welshi]

Originally Posted by ArtificialIdiot

Great job there!

I'm quite looking forward to how you handle other scenes, but as a prologue, this really works, and for the start of a first fic, it's great!

Yay, a good review!Thanks!

OK ya'll, this is the first true chapter to "Vanishing Act." I'm sure you can guess from the title who the villain will be. This fanfic will only be a short one, comprising maybe 5 chapters at the most. This first one didn't turn out as I had planned, but it'll do for now, and I will improve as it goes along.

I hope
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Chapter 1: A dissapearance or two

From the outside, Titan’s Tower was a dark shape. There were no lights from the windows, no movement inside; it was completely dark. Let the eye rise above the tower, and look across to Jump City. Lights across the large populated area flickered out, until half the city was blacked out. The failing light from the setting sun cast long shadows across the streets, and the people of the city were on the verge of panic. The Teen Titans made their way slowly through the dark metropolis. Beast Boy, in the form of an eagle, and Starfire flew above the rooftops, searching for the source of the blackout. Raven, Cyborg and Robin stuck to the streets.

“So this isn’t just a normal power outage then?” Cyborg asked.

“No, there’s something else going on. The reports were vague, but they sounded panicky,” Robin replied.

“Probably just some security guards afraid of the dark. When the power went, they called us in to feel safe.” Raven had a hint of resigned frustration in her voice. “I hate being disturbed when meditating.”

Beast Boy spiralled down towards them, changing back into his human form. Starfire landed next to Robin.

“Dude, you’d better look at this!” Beast Boy said, leading them a little way down the street. The Titans gasped at what they saw.

A chain link fence ran around a large area. Signs were posted every ten feet, saying “Danger: High Voltage! Keep Out!” But there was nothing to keep out of, just a patch of empty ground. A pillar of rock stuck up from the asphalt, and a panicky voice called out to them.

“Um…help? Please?”

Starfire flew up, and lifted the man down to the ground. “Please, tell us,” she asked when he had regained his composure, “What has happened here?”

The security guard looked at each of the Teen Titans. “I’m not sure. I was sitting in my hut, watching the security monitors, when they started cutting out. I thought the cameras must have been malfunctioning, so I went on my rounds to check the cameras. Then some guy with a stick ran in here, and made the ground beneath me rise into that column I was on. He waved his stick, and the power plant vanished! Disappeared!”

“It just disappeared?” Robin asked. “What about all the people inside?”

“Nah, no one was inside. The whole thing becomes automated at the end of the day, so everyone goes home except the night guard.” The distressed man sobbed at this point. “And today that was me! I thought that madman was going to make me disappear at that point, but he just laughed at me and ran off.”

The Titans looked at each other.

“Mad Mod?” Beast Boy suggested. “That wavy cane of his could do some pretty weird things.” He shuddered as he remembered the hypno-screens.

“I don’t think so,” replied Robin. “His cane only worked in the virtual twisted school he had us trapped in. I don’t think he could make a building this large just disappear.”

“Friends, why do we not search the city for this bad person?” Starfire asked. “Maybe he has made other structures disappear?”

“Right. Starfire, Beast Boy, you search from the sky. Cyborg, Raven, take the West side of town. I’ll start on the East. Teen Titans, go!”

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It had been several hours since the search began. Beast Boy had taken the shape of a hawk again, and was circling the city. His sharp bird eyes caught something in the darkness of the city. He circled in lower, and landed on the street. He morphed back to human form. He looked closer at what he had spotted. It looked like a normal street, rows of shops lining the side of the road. But there was a large gap between two of the buildings.

“Wasn’t there a bank here?” he asked himself. Before he could do anything, he heard a loud cackle. Beast Boy looked up, and saw a figure standing on a nearby roof. A cape flapped in the breeze. "Dude, laughing maniacally is very annoying!" Beast Boy shouted. The dark figure raised an arm, and flicked his hand. A dark, short rod was clenched in his hand. He said something Beast Boy couldn’t hear, but the effect made him yelp. The road cracked down the middle, and a loud hiss emanated from the ground. A large snake rose from the street, and glared at the green teen. It was as tall as the buildings surrounding it. It was jet black, with piercing red eyes.

“Er…hi?” Beast Boy said uncertainly. The snake hissed again, bearing giant fangs. “Ah!” Beast Boy panicked, and, in the form of a cheetah, sprinted down the street. A loud hiss behind him indicated the snake was following. It snapped forward, barely missing Beast Boy’s tail. He ducked down a side alley, and collided with something, forcing him back into human form. Dazed, he looked around the alley, and saw a form lying on the ground. It stood, its cape flapping in the breeze. “Yah!” Beast Boy said, turning to run again.

“Whoa, Beast Boy, wait, it’s me!” Robin said, dusting off. “What were you doing running like that?”

“Dude! Giant snake! Big evil snake!” Beast Boy babbled.

Robin peered round the corner of the alley, and out onto the main street. “There’s nothing there.”

“But it came right out of the ground! There was a huge crack down the street!”

“Well, there isn’t now. It’s completely crack free. You alright?”

Beast Boy’s eyes shifted side to side. He was shaking. “Dude, I have never been so terrified of an animal. I usually have a gift with them, but that thing... that was a monster! And there was this guy standing on the rooftop, laughing!”

Robin searched the street, but couldn’t find anything amiss, except for the missing bank. “So he has claimed another building,” he mused. “A bank I can understand, but why a power plant?” Robin called the other Titans. “Any luck with the search?”

“Man, there’s some crazy stuff going on,” Cyborg replied, his face appearing on Robin’s communicator. “Me and Raven were just attacked by flowers that sprayed acid!”

“My cowl will never be the same,” Raven’s morose voice could be heard in the background.

“Alright, it looks like this guy’s stopped for the night. Everyone back to the tower.”

Starfire’s voice came over the communicator. “Umm, could I have some assistance please? I seem to have been fastened to a wall.”

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So, who is behind the villainy? I'm sure it's obvious, but maybe who you think it is has changed a bit. Will the Titans catch him before the whole of Jump City vanishes? And will Starfire get down from that wall? Find out next time.

[Kylewayne]

Smashing story mate! I am totally loving it and love how you stay true to the characters persona. Keep up the good work. Enjoyable read =D

[Lord Welshi]

Alrgiht, a second good review! *head swells* heh heh.

Ok then, here's the second chapter of Vanishing Act. Not much action in this one, it's mainly an explanation of how starfire got attached to a wall... and a little scene in the tower too. Don't expect much major action until the next chapter. Anyways, hope you enjoy this one!

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Chapter 2: A Starling Retreat

Starfire was suspended on a brick wall. She didn’t know what had happened. She remembered seeing a man jumping across rooftops and laughing madly. She had followed him, watching, as the dark figure appeared to make a random path across the city’s buildings. He finally stopped, and turned around suddenly, glaring straight at Starfire. She wasn’t close enough to see his face, but she could clearly see his dark cape, which swirled around him dramatically.

“I see you!” he shouted. He said something Starfire couldn’t hear, and he waved his stick. A single yellow flower flew from the end, and shot straight at Starfire. She made to catch it, but as she did, the strange man waved his stick again, and the flower became a huge black cube, with “1000 lb” written on the side. It collided with the Tamaranian, and sent her crashing to the ground. The black object vanished, and the girl groaned. The black figure stood over her.

“And for my next trick…” he said, smiling madly as Starfire’s vision faded. When she had woken up, she found herself with her back to this wall, and a strange pressure on her shoulders and across her chest. At first she thought she had been tied to the wall, but there were no ropes, and nothing for them to wrap around if there had been any. She tried to move, but found she couldn’t without the pressure increasing. It had been at this point Robin had contacted the Titans on the communicator, and she had requested help.

And now it was arriving. Raven and Robin approached Starfire. Robin’s face was full of concern. “Are you alright?” he asked. Starfire was touched by this display of concern for her well-being.

“I am undamaged, but I am unable to move from this wall,” she replied. “Perhaps there is some sort of sticking substance holding me here?”

Raven looked at the wall, then moved to Starfire’s side, and immediately saw what the problem was.

“Um…the back of your clothes are trapped between the bricks,” she said. “There’s only way to get you off that wall.”

Starfire squeaked, and Robin’s eyes widened. “Er, well, I, er…” he said, sounding embarrassed. “Um…I’ll leave you to handle that. I…er…think I hear Beast Boy calling…” Robin made a hasty retreat.

“Raven, must I really…” Starfire didn’t finish the question before she dropped to the ground. She looked at Raven with a bemused expression.

“I just moved the bricks apart enough for you to be free from the wall.”

Starfire continued to look at her, confused. “Then why did you tell Robin…?”

“Tell him what? I didn’t say anything that would have embarrassed him,” Raven said, her voice completely serious, but a hint of a smile touched her lips. Starfire giggled, and they headed back to Titan’s tower.

In the tower, the power appeared to be back. Cyborg was sitting on the couch in the main living room, his head resting on his hands as he watched Beast Boy try to beat a beast lap time on X Race 3000. Beast Boy’s face was a look of intense concentration, but he still missed the lap by 3 seconds. Cyborg laughed, a victorious grin plastered on his face.

“Well, little man, you still can’t beat me! I am the ultimate racer!”

Beast Boy scowled. “Yeah, well, you couldn’t beat me in a real race! Me on my moped against you in the T-car!”

“You don’t have a moped!”

“One day I will!”

The girls entered the room before the argument could become a full-blown fight. Raven simply grabbed a book and started reading, whilst Starfire searched the fridge for some food. Cyborg and Beast Boy looked at them both then glanced at each other.

“What did you do to Robin?” Beast Boy asked.

“He is not back yet?” Starfire asked, looking up from the fridge and narrowly avoiding the living pizza’s latest attack.

“Oh, he’s back,” Cyborg said, “but he seems very flustered. Nothing flusters that guy!”

Starfire and Raven exchanged a brief glance. “I’m sure he’s just frustrated at not catching this mysterious vanisher,” Raven said, returning her attention to her book and trying desperately to hide the start of a smile. Cyborg and Beast Boy didn’t seem convinced, but they didn’t want to press the matter further. Cyborg checked his internal clock.

“Midnight. Time for bed, ya’ll,” he said, yawning as he stood. Beast Boy rubbed his eyes, and slinked off into the corridor, followed by Cyborg. As Starfire switched off the lights, she turned to Raven.


“Are you not going to sleep?” she asked.

“No, I think I’ll meditate for a while.”

“Very well. Goodnight Raven,” as Starfire left, Raven closed her eyes, and began to hover.

“Azarath, Metreon, Zinthos,” she chanted, quieting the emotions that broiled within her. As she concentrated, the darkness in the room deepened, and silence descended upon the tower.

[Lord Welshi]

OK, this chapter has been officially approved by Starfire5, which means it must be pretty good. Again, not that much action in this chapter, but there will be in the next one, I promise! On with the show!

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Chapter 3: The Opening Act

Dawn broke over Jump City. Though many parts of the city still lacked power, the citizens of the city were calm. They had stopped panicking when the Teen Titans had been seen on patrol, and no more buildings had disappeared since the previous night. Despite the lack of electricity, people tried to live their lives as normal, although the parts of the city that still had power were becoming crowded.

Titan’s tower gleamed in the early morning light. The basement generator was functioning properly, a fact that Cyborg intended to drill into the other Titans over breakfast. They all sat around a large table, with various bits of toast and cereal boxes scattered around. Beast Boy shoved a large piece of jam-covered toast into his mouth, and almost choked on the crumbs that accompanied it.

“So, I guess one of my little creations saved us, huh?” Cyborg gloated. “Come on, who wants to thank me?”

“Get over yourself Cy!” Beast Boy said. “It wasn’t like we couldn’t survive without electricity for a bit.”

“This coming from the guy who has a nightlight by his bed?” Cyborg retorted.

“DUDE! I asked you not to tell anyone about that!”

Raven stared at the bickering friends until they silenced. “I thought the blackout was good. We need a little more darkness around the place,” she calmly said. She then added, “What kind of nightlight?” sending Starfire into a fit of giggles.

Beast Boy pouted. “Not funny. And it’s in the shape of a tiger, ok? Have I been embarrassed enough yet?”

“Not yet,” Cyborg mumbled, looking intently at the food in front of him.

Robin sat in silence, also staring at his plate. He’d barely touched his toast, and looked deep in thought. Starfire, sitting next to him, leaned across. She propped her elbows on the table, and rested her chin on her hands.

“Robin?” she said, “why are you so quiet?”

He looked up at her, straight into her eyes. He opened his mouth, shut it, blushed slightly, and then looked back at his toast. He hoped no one else had noticed the slight colouration on his face. He was thankful when he could still hear Beast Boy arguing with Cyborg. He mumbled something.

“Pardon? I did not hear what you said.”

Robin decided not to repeat what he had said as he didn’t want any one other than Starfire overhearing, so opted instead to say “I think I know who’s behind the vanishing buildings.”

“Glorious!” Starfire exclaimed. “Who is the culprit?”

“I think it may be Mumbo,” Robin said, frowning down at his toast. Once he had gotten over his embarrassing encounter with Starfire the previous night, he had put together the clues from the description Cyborg gave of the attack on him and Raven, and the vanishing buildings and come to the conclusion that it was the mad magician. But he still couldn’t work out why his first target had been a power plant.

The other Titans looked at him. “Dude, I thought we broke his wand?” Beast boy said uncertainly. “Besides, when did he learn that evil giant snake trick?”

“There wasn’t a giant snake,” Robin replied.

“Dude, it chased me down the street! I almost lost my tail! How could there not have been a snake?”

“It was an illusion,” Robin said, thinking things through as he spoke. “He’s a magician, so obviously he must be able to conjure some illusions. The snake was never really there; he just made you think it was.”

“Well it was realistic. I thought I was gonna become the Beast Boy special!”

“Might not have been so bad,” Raven said quietly.

The super powered teens then did what all teenagers have to do. They cleared up the dishes. Starfire took the milk and jam to the fridge. Before she could close the door, the living pizza leapt at her, landing on her hand. She squealed, shaking her hand. “Get it off, get it off!” she screamed, and threw it into the air. It arced across the room, and made a threatening hiss as it headed towards Raven, sitting on the couch reading a large leather-bound book. Cyborg, Beast Boy and Robin watched in fascination, as it got ever closer to her head. Without looking up, she raised a hand. The pizza was surrounded by black energy, and it stopped inches from her face. A window flew open, and with a flick of her wrist the slice of growling cheese covered bread base flew outside the tower, before plummeting to the ground below.

“Well, that’s one way to clear out the fridge,” Cyborg said.

“Dude, acrobatic pizza!” Beast Boy laughed.

Starfire blushed, and was apologising to Raven when a siren sounded. A red light lowered from the ceiling. The Titans looked to Robin, waiting for him to say his usual line.

“Trouble.”

“And there it is!” Cyborg said. “Number one hundred and ten! Robin, you have just broken the world record for most repeated phrase within a two-month period! Tell us, how does it feel?”

“Um…can we do this later? We do need to do a little thing called saving the day,” Robin replied.

“Oh, right.”

***************************************************


The team arrived at the scene. A large grey building stood ahead of them, empty and quiet. The power in this part of the city was still down. The doors creaked open, and a man in a dark cape and a black tall hat jumped through the entrance. He struck a dramatic pose beneath the ‘BANK’ sign, before laughing madly.

“Mumbo!” Robin shouted. “Your days of stealing are over!”

“On the contrary!” he replied, pausing in his laughter. “I haven’t finished my set yet!” He howled with laughter, and then pointed a short back stick with a white tip at Cyborg. “Alakazam!” he cried. A puff of blue smoke enveloped the half-machine. When it cleared, he was stuck in a horizontal cabinet; a giant saw moved back and forth across the centre.

“Yo, get me outta this thing!” he shouted. “I have a thing about getting cut in half!”

Mumbo cackled, bent his legs, and then leaped to the top of the building, before bounding away. “Raven, you get Cyborg out of that box! Star, Beast Boy, you’re with me. Teen Titans, go!”

Beast Boy changed into an eagle, flying after Mumbo, whilst Starfire grabbed Robin’s outstretched arms and carried him into the air. Raven looked at Cyborg, no trace of emotion in her eyes.

“Come on, get me outta this!” he said. There was a sudden trace of fear in his voice. “You are going to get me out of this? Right?”

Raven hid a smile. “Maybe. At some point.”

“This isn’t funny!” Cyborg shouted, before the box and saw vanished. He collapsed to the ground, and breathed a sigh of release. “Thanks, Raven.”

“I didn’t do anything. I knew the box would vanish. He’s a magician, his tricks can’t hurt people,” she said.

“Yeah? Then what about those acid flowers he sent after us yesterday?” he asked.

“Oh, those. Well, maybe some of his tricks can hurt people,” Raven said simply, levitating into the air. Cyborg’s mouth dropped open. It was the first time Raven had to work hard to suppress a laugh. She set off after the other Titans.

Cyborg ran beneath her, thoughts running through his mind.

[Starfire5]

I like it a lot. It has a good story line. I wonder what will happen to the titans next?

[PressureCooker]

“Dude, acrobatic pizza!”

You seriously can't tell me that none of you laughed when you read that...
I know I did.

I like that you have regular updates, unlike *cough* me *cough*.

[Lord Welshi]

Originally Posted by PressureCooker

I like that you have regular updates, unlike *cough* me *cough*.

Heh, one of my Beast Boy related scenes was actually funny! Well alright! Altho I hope that my frequent scene postings aren't the only good thing about this story...

Anyways, here's the 4th chapter for Vanishing Act. Quite long compared to the previous ones, and slightly disjointed, but bear with me. I got distracted when writing this due to a huge lightning storm. Damn British weather

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Chapter 4: A Repeat Performance

Mumbo was enjoying himself. Laughing madly, he jumped from rooftop to rooftop, evading the chasing heroes. He knew that if the chase kept up they would eventually catch him, but this was just too much fun to end! His plan had been a great success; by removing the power plant, the city became an easy target without its oh-so-vital power. And now, even during the day, robbing a bank was simple! Everyone had fled to the remaining parts of the city that still had electricity, so he was free to do as he pleased, so Mumbo had just walked into the bank, emptied the vault into his multi-dimensional magician’s hat, and left.


And he got to have some fun with the Titans! Oh yes, he was enjoying this! He turned, and waved his wand at Starfire and Robin.


“Hocus Pocus!” he shouted. Multicoloured scarves flew from the wand; reds, yellows, blues and greens all merging into one long piece of material.


Starfire was moving too fast to avoid it. It began wrapping around her, binding her arms to her sides. She dropped Robin, who rolled as he connected with the top of the roof. He turned, seeing Starfire struggle as the colourful bindings clamped her legs together. She began to descend, but her initial momentum carried her beyond the edge of the roof, and her fall became a plummet towards the street more ten storeys below. She screamed as she fell.


“Starfire!” Robin shouted. He ran to the edge of the roof, and leapt off. His fall matched Starfire’s, and he reached an arm towards her, whilst the other fired his grapple back towards the roof. He gripped Starfire around her waist and pulled her towards him, holding her tightly as the slack line tightened suddenly. His arm was wrenched violently, and he grunted in pain, but kept his grip. Robin dangled in the air, a few feet from the very solid ground. He lowered Starfire gently to the ground, before making the short drop to street level. He bent over Starfire, and undid the magic scarves that held her.


“Oh, thank you Robin!” Starfire said, embracing him in a tight hug. Robin winced as his overtaxed arm throbbed, but he didn’t let on that it was causing him discomfort.


“No problem Star,” he replied, slowly disentangling from the Tamaranian girl’s grateful gesture. “We need to get back after Mumbo,” he said, just as Raven flew by overhead. Cyborg was close behind her, running past Robin and Starfire on the street.


“Come on, ya’ll! We got a whacked out magician to catch!” he shouted back over his shoulder.


Beast Boy, meanwhile, had found himself alone in the pursuit of Mumbo. He knew Robin and Starfire could handle themselves. He was more concerned with his own well being. He changed from the form of the eagle into a cheetah, and continued on foot across the roof, leaping from building to building. Mumbo laughed ahead of him, leaping across gaps in the buildings. Beast Boy was gaining on him.


They came to a large, flat rooftop. Beast Boy was right on Mumbo’s heels. The magician laughed, and leapt wildly to the left. Beast Boy, who had been so focussed on the chase, tried to stop as he skidded towards a wall. He collided with it, and, dazed, shifted back to his human form. He rubbed his head and groaned.


“Uh, who put that wall there?” he mumbled.


Mumbo laughed, and pointed his wand at him. Beast Boy’s eyes widened. “Alakazam!” Mumbo shouted, and more of the magic scarves leapt from the white tipped wand, and began wrapping around the green teen.


“Oh no you don’t!” Beast Boy said, morphing into a Stegadon. The scarves ripped apart. Beast Boy turned, his large tail whipping from behind him. Mumbo had time to say “Oh,” before the green reptilian appendage connected. He staggered backwards, and fell over the edge of the roof.


Raven had just arrived at the scene, and saw Mumbo fall. She also watched as he waved his wand and screamed “Shazam!” A circus net appeared near the ground. Mumbo landed on it, bouncing in to the air, and landed on his feet as the net disappeared. He brushed his left arm, pretending not to notice Raven as he studied his suit’s sleeves.


“The fun stops here,” Raven said, raising her hands.


“The fun never stops!” Mumbo replied, looking directly at her and grinning wildly.


“Azarath, Metreon, Zinthos!” Raven shouted. Two garbage bins were surrounded by black energy, and sent shooting towards Mumbo. He merely waved his wand and said, in a bored voice, “Abracadabra.” The bins abruptly changed into pink roses, which rained down on the mad magician. He laughed, and leapt through a building window just as Robin, Cyborg and Starfire caught up.


“We got him now!” Cyborg said triumphantly. “There’s nowhere for him to go!”


Beast boy dropped from the roof, morphing back to human form as he landed. “Where did that maniacal children’s entertainer go?”


“He’s in there,” Robin pointed behind Beast Boy. “I think that’s a furniture store.”


“Dude! He’s gonna get away!”


“Nah he isn’t,” Cyborg replied. “There’s no way out.”


Beast Boy waved his arms frantically. “He’s a magician! If he gets inside a wardrobe in there, he’ll disappear!”


Robin dived through the smashed window. He looked around frantically as the other Titans followed him in. They ran through the store, searching for the criminal. Beast Boy checked under beds, Raven and Starfire searched wardrobes and cupboards, and Cyborg scanned for movement. They all looked up as they heard a mad laugh from the back of the store. They found Mumbo, standing in front of a freestanding wardrobe, with one foot already inside.


“Stop!” Robin shouted. Mumbo glanced over his shoulder, laughed again, and then stepped quickly into the wardrobe. Robin dived forwards just as the door slammed shut. Within a heartbeat he opened it again, only to be greeted by fading blue smoke. He slammed his fist into the wooden panel, and grimaced as pain shot through his arm.


“Robin!” Starfire said, seeing the pain on his face. “You are injured?”


“I’m fine,” Robin said, grinding his teeth together. He couldn’t believe Mumbo had escaped them again. Why was he giving them so much trouble?


“I don’t think there’s more we can do here,” Cyborg said. “Let’s get back to the tower.”





They had been in Titan’s tower for a couple of hours. Robin was rubbing his shoulder, and looked sourly at the floor. Of all the injuries he had sustained in his crime-fighting life, a pulled muscle was one of the most irritating. He had to be grateful though; it was only his training that had prevented his arm from being broken. His bedroom door slid open, and he saw Starfire silhouetted against the bright lights of the corridor.


“Robin?” she said meekly.


“Yeah, Star?” he said, reverting his gaze to the floor.


“I wish to see if you are ok.”


“I’m fine,” he replied sharply. He looked up again. “I’m sorry Star, but this…injury is just so…” He paused uncomfortably.


“There is no need to explain,” she said, smiling. “I shall apply some Tamaranian acupressure, it will ease the pain.”


Robin sat quietly as Starfire sidled up next to him. She held his hand and gently raised his arm. Robin winced slightly, and Starfire nodded knowingly. She moved her free hand up his arm, resting it on his shoulder. She gave a gentle squeeze, and then applied two fingers to a pressure point on the side of Robin’s neck. A feeling of relaxation washed over the boy wonder as the talented girl worked. She gently rubbed the palm of her hand against the muscle connecting the shoulder to the neck. Starfire then gently pushed his head so that it tilted to the left, away from his injured arm. She put her palm against the top of his shoulder, and gently pushed downwards. All of the pain in Robin’s arm was gone. He sighed contentedly.


“Thank you Starfire,” he said in a gentle voice.


“Shall I leave you now?” she asked.


Robin thought about it briefly, then said, “Perhaps we should make sure it’s completely fixed?”


Starfire looked confused for a moment. “But Tamaranian acupressure can easily…” Realisation dawned on her. “Oh. Yes, perhaps we should.”


She sat next to Robin, and put her head on his shoulder andheld his hand in hers as the bedroom door slid shut.



MEANWHILE:



Cyborg was irritated. He wanted to do something, not be cooped up in the tower and trying to relax. Even here in his workshop he couldn’t concentrate on making any modifications to his creations. Mumbo was still out there, and he needed to be stopped from committing any more crimes. He shook his head as he realised he was starting to think like Robin. He made up his mind. He was going on patrol.


He opened the driver’s door to the T-car. He settled into the seat, and started the engine. Revving the car, Cyborg prepared to leave. He saw the workshop door open, and Raven stepped inside. He wound the window down.


“Yo Raven, I’m going on a quick patrol of the city. Wanna come with?” he asked.


“Ok,” she said simply.







They had been driving around Jump City for a while. It was quiet, everyone still being in the powered side of town. Cyborg checked the car’s scanners.


“Doesn’t look like he’s around,” he said, disappointment creeping into his voice.


Raven looked at a roof nearby. A dark shape caught her eye. “There he is,” she said as a loud cackle resonated across the wide street. Mumbo took off running, extremely fast.


“Hang on!” Cyborg said, slamming his foot down onto the gas. The T-car shot forward at a blistering speed. Cyborg laughed, briefly distracted. “Aw yeah, the acceleration on this baby is awesome!” he said, grinning.


“Keep focussed.”


“Right, yeah.”


They were keeping pace with Mumbo when red and blue lights flashed in the mirror. Cyborg risked a quick glance. “Ah, the cops want to help, huh?” He slowed slightly, and rolled down his window. The police car moved alongside. A young man in uniform looked across at Cyborg. “It’s alright officer!” Cyborg shouted, “We can handle this one!”


“Pull over!” the cop shouted.

Cyborg was too shocked to do anything else. The T-car stopped, the police car parking just in front next to the sidewalk. The young officer got out of the car, a pad and pen in hand. Cyborg looked up at him from his window. He knew it was cliché, but he couldn’t help it. “What seems to be the trouble, officer?”


The cop glared at him. “You realise you were doing 55 in a built up area?” he asked. “Licence and registration, please.”


Cyborg stared at him incredulously. “Uh, you do know I’m Cyborg, right? One of the Teen Titans? Maybe you’ve heard of us?”


“I don’t care who you are,” the cop said. He scribbled something and under his breath said, “first day on the job and I catch some costumed weirdo speeding. What luck.” He loudly repeated, “Licence and registration please.”


Cyborg shifted uncomfortably. “Uh…I must have left them in my other pants,” he said feebly.


The cop leaned slightly in through the window. “You’re not wearing any pants.” The rookie cop scribbled something else down, then handed Cyborg two pieces of paper. “I have no choice but to issue you with a speeding ticket and a fine for indecent exposure in public. Have a nice day.” The cop got back into his car and drove off.


Raven couldn’t hold it in any longer. She burst out laughing, tears in her eyes.

[Lord Welshi]

Ok people, I need comments! Really, i need to know what you think of the story's prgression and developments so if you have the time, please leave feedback for this next chapter.

Oh, should probably warn you that this is the first time I have attempted writing this kind of situation, so it coul dprobably have turned out better. Enjoy.

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

Chapter 5: A Girl Interrupted...

Robin had been sitting in his room with Starfire for an hour. She still had her head on his shoulder, and Robin had draped his arm behind her neck and tilted his head so that it rested on her auburn hair. They were happy, enjoying each other’s company. They needed nothing else, just the warmth and comfort of their embrace. Robin gave Starfire’s shoulder a gentle squeeze, and the girl squirmed slightly, snuggling closer to the object of her affection. Robin smiled, enjoying the feeling of being so close to Star. Her soft breathing washed across his neck, sending a slight tremor down his spine.

Starfire sighed happily. She had wanted this for so long. When she first arrived on Earth, she was confused by the many new customs and ways that humans lived their lives. She was scared, afraid of never fitting in. Then she had met Robin, the first person on the planet to treat her like a friend. He had never shown anything but respect for her and her Tamaranian ways. Even when Starfire made failed attempts at human social behaviour, he had helped her, taught her. But her feelings for him had grown as their friendship became stronger. She sometimes suspected he might care for her too, but he had never given any hints, aside from always seeming to be the one to give her the most help in their fights against crime. But he helped all of the Titans: and yet, somehow, he had always been closer to Starfire than any of the others. She sighed again, her chest feeling light as she allowed herself to finally commit to the feelings she had never dared hope he would reciprocate.

They continued sitting on the end of Robin’s bed, neither saying a word, simply glad to finally be able to enjoy the new-realised truth of their friendship. It had moved on; they were still friends, yet somehow this ritual embrace had made their relationship evolve into something deeper. This was pure; this was beautiful. This was what they wanted.

Robin raised his hand, and gently brushed a strand of hair from Starfire’s eyes. He smiled affectionately down at her, and she smile back. Robin realised at this moment that he had never set eyes on anything more beautiful than this Tamaranian girl he held in his arms. He had always thought she was pretty, but never allowed himself the time to think about her appearance. It had never been appropriate before. But now, in this time, in this place, it was. Robin leant back, pulling Starfire over until they were lying on his bed. She let out a quiet squeak, and then laughed lightly. Her head was next to Robin’s. She turned to look at him as he turned his head to look at her. Starfire looked straight into Robin’s eyes. Robin’s breath was taken as he gazed into two perfect pools of emerald green beauty. He couldn’t bring himself to tear his eyes from hers: to do so would be blasphemous.

Starfire broke the gaze, moving her head. Robin was disappointed briefly, but then Starfire moved her head onto his chest. She pressed her ear against his ribcage, listening to his heartbeat. Her head rose and fell with his steady breathing.

“The beat of your heart is so steady,” she whispered, dragging a hand slowly up his arm. Robin gasped, a slight flutter rising in his chest. Starfire giggled at the reaction she had gained, hearing the brief alteration in his heartbeat and the sudden rise of his chest. Smiling, she looked back at him, holding his attention with her eyes. She moved her head up his torso, pausing at his neck. She looked up again, noting his breathing was now holding at a slightly quickened pace. She continued the slow exploration, her hair dragging lightly across the exposed skin of Robin’s neck. Another shiver went up his spine.

He moved one hand and placed it on Starfire’s back, lightly dragging his fingers up her spine. She gasped, not expecting the gentle touch. Her face was now level with his. Robin was struck by the dazzling effect of Starfire’s hair, hanging past her face, framing her beauty like a portrait. This was so perfect. Everything else had faded; there was only Starfire. There were only the two of them, lost in some dream world. He moved his hand higher up Starfire’s back, resting it just below the back of her neck.

Starfire looked down on Robin. He looked so handsome; she could just stare at him for endless hours. She admired the strong line of his jaw, his sparkling eyes, and the way his strong chest moved up and down with his breathing. She moved her face towards his, bringing the two points of their experience towards a union, a junction of two souls. She felt his breath on her face as it washed over her skin. Mere centimetres separated them. She closed her eyes and, slowly, moved closer, the journey seeming to last for an eternity.

There was a sound. A jingle, a tune. A tone. Starfire looked across at the table beside Robin’s bed. His communicator was glowing as it rang. She had been so close! Why did this have to happen now? In a rage, her eyes shone a brilliant shade of green. Bolts of energy shot at the offending device. It exploded quietly; its sound dying out.

Robin looked across at the smouldering remains of his communicator. He sighed, unhappy with the unfortunate timing. He wished he could just ignore the call, but he knew it was important. Only now he couldn’t answer it. Starfire took one look at his face and realised the moment was gone. She went over every Earth curse she had learned, then, when she ran out, she reverted to Tamaranian ones.

“This is such a glarbok slemer floop!” she said, pure anger in her eyes. Robin would have laughed if he weren’t afraid of his head being blown apart.

“I’m sorry Star,” he said with genuine regret. Starfire sighed, and then moved aside, standing next to Robin’s bed. Robin got up, straightening his gloves and cape. He gave her one final apologetic look, and she replied with a resigned smile. When duty called, you had to answer. Of course, now they had to find another communicator. They left Robin’s room, both quietly disappointed.

They walked together through the corridors of the Tower, heading for the main living area of the Titans. They entered the room, where they round Beast Boy waiting for them. “Dude, where have you been?” he asked Robin. “Cy’s been trying to contact us, but he said you didn’t answer your communicator and then its signal went dead! What happened?”

Robin shot a quick look at Starfire, who flushed a deep red and turned her head, looking intently at the ceiling. “I, uh, was training in my room,” Robin said. “I left the communicator next to an open window. When I went to answer it, I accidentally knocked it out. It must have broken apart when it hit the ground below.” Robin’s face was completely straight.

“Right,” said Beast Boy. “I never pictured you as the clumsy type. Anyway, Cyborg needs us downtown. He’s found Mumbo. Raven’s already with him.” At this point, Beast Boy grinned. “Oh, and he had some trouble with a cop.”

Robin and Starfire were both surprised at this. “Really? What kind of trouble?” they asked in unison, moving towards the door.

Beast Boy could barely contain himself. “He got done for speeding by a rookie cop. And that’s not all; he also got a fine for indecent exposure!” He was laughing openly as they walked through the tower corridors. “Dude, you should have heard him when he called! Even Raven was laughing, although that caused a few fire hydrants to shoot into the air as they followed Mumbo. I think she’s still giggling.”

“Right, enough background,” said Robin, opening the main door. “We need to help them catch Mumbo. Even if we have to help another criminal do it,” he grinned. “Titans, go!”

Starfire giggled as she rose into the air, trying to imagine Raven laughing, which was no easy task. She also thought of Cyborg being pulled over by the police, making her laugh harder. The anger of his untimely interruption had faded. She now had the perfect fuel for revenge. Oh yes, she would have her revenge. And it would be so sweet.

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

Ok, that's it. Please don't hate me!

[Blue_Fire]

*Eloise laughing hysterically, then remembering that she's in a library* OG!! Fire hydrants shooting up in the air! Cy got pulled over! LOL! Great job. The question is, will you have to put an alert out to those who wear glasses if you have any really steamy scenes. And will Robin take his mask off? Unless I missed something and he already has it off. *Eloise ponders*


Anyway, I like it and look forward to more.


Eloise

[EternalShadow]

Very nice work! I just recently Registered here for the Toon Zone Forum, but I have read every Teen Titans Fan Fic. Keep up the good work!

[Lord Welshi]

Originally Posted by Blue_Fire

will you have to put an alert out to those who wear glasses if you have any really steamy scenes. And will Robin take his mask off? Unless I missed something and he already has it off. *Eloise ponders*

OK, there won't be any "really steamy scenes." Well, not too steamy, since i wear glasses anyway and wouldn't be able to see what I'm writing... Nah, there won't be anything of the indecent or innapropriate kind, since I'd like as many people as possible to enjoy this story. If anyone draws indecency out of what I've written, then that's their interpretation of my work, not what I intended at all. But hey, if that's what you want, go right ahead, just don't accuse me of anything. Altho I'm not sure that's what you meant or not, Blue_Fire. Ah well, serves as information to others.

Oh, and Robin didn't remove his mask. The only thing it covers is his eyes, and I'm working on the assumption that if someone is close enough to his face they can see his eyes behind the mask. You may not agree with that, but it works for my purposes. And what is Robin without his mask anyway?

And thanks for the kind words, EternalShadow. It's nice to know that at least my work is appreciated by a few people!

Next chapter is in the works, so sit tight ya'll!

[PressureCooker]

Originally Posted by Lord Welshi

He moved one hand and placed it on Starfire’s back, lightly dragging his fingers up her spine. She gasped, not expecting the gentle touch. Her face was now level with his. Robin was struck by the dazzling effect of Starfire’s hair, hanging past her face, framing her beauty like a portrait. This was so perfect. Everything else had faded; there was only Starfire. There were only the two of them, lost in some dream world. He moved his hand higher up Starfire’s back, resting it just below the back of her neck.

Starfire looked down on Robin. He looked so handsome; she could just stare at him for endless hours. She admired the strong line of his jaw, his sparkling eyes, and the way his strong chest moved up and down with his breathing. She moved her face towards his, bringing the two points of their experience towards a union, a junction of two souls. She felt his breath on her face as it washed over her skin. Mere centimetres separated them. She closed her eyes and, slowly, moved closer, the journey seeming to last for an eternity.

Oh my... Heh, steamy glasses indeed. Way to go Welshi, I'm on the edge of my seat here. To keep me waiting would be, well it would be rude. You have a keen eye emotions and actions. I'm liking this all the way. Keep writing!

[Lord Welshi]

Right, here is the next chapter. Hankies at the ready!

----------------------------------------
Chapter 6: Walk in the Rain (or Show Stopper. I like both titles really)

A walk in the rain
In the rain
Why do I feel so alone?
For some reason I think of Home.

The Seatbelts: Walk in the rain


It had started raining. The first drops of water fell from the sky as Robin, Starfire and Beast Boy entered Jump City. There was a flash and a crack of thunder as the rain fell in larger drops. Even as the group of teen heroes headed towards Main Street they were cold and miserable. The mirth they had felt mere minutes ago was washed away by the storm. Ahead, they heard squealing tires.

Mumbo looked behind him. The car that was chasing him was gaining with every second. No matter how fast he was, this car was faster. He was now close enough to see through the front windscreen. He peered past the moving wipers that brushed water from the glass. He could see Cyborg and Raven, and saw their intense looks of concentration. He looked forwards again. Mumbo gasped and lunged to the left, narrowly avoiding colliding with a giant green elephant. He skidded to one side, and laughed.

“Ah, the Titans. Here for a show?” he asked.

“This ends now, Mumbo!” Robin said, Starfire and Beast Boy stepping up beside him as the T-car screeched to a halt.

“On the contrary, I think this’ll continue for a bit longer!” Mumbo cackled.

“Titans, go!” Robin shouted into damp air.

Beast Boy changed into a tiger, and charged forward. Mumbo removed his hat, and brushed water from the top. Beast Boy, angered by this blatant insult, growled loudly and readied to pounce. Mumbo cackled as the tiger leapt. He grabbed the inside brim of his hat, and stretched it to an impossible size. Beast Boy couldn’t stop himself as he sped into the gaping hole. Mumbo laughed again, and the hat shrank to normal its normal size. He turned it upside down and shook it violently. A dazed, green rabbit emerged, landing on the floor with a wet thud.

“Beast Boy!” Cyborg shouted. “Right you whacked out magic man, time to say good night!” Cyborg’s arm clicked, and the sonic cannon appeared. He fired a blast of energy at the black-clad mad man. Mumbo laughed, and shouted “Shazam!” A mirror appeared on front of him. The energy bounced off the reflective surface, straight back at Cyborg. It connected, sending the half mechanical teen flying across the street. He collided with a wall, and fell forwards. He rubbed his head. “How’d he do that?”

“Azarath, Metreon, Zinthos!” Raven chanted. Black energy encased her hands. With a circular motion, she stirred the rainwater that had gathered on the street into one solid mass of black liquid. She thrust her hands forward, and the swirling mass crashed towards Mumbo.

“Alakazam!” He said, stabbing his wand forwards. A clear glass container encased the water, and Raven found herself inside. She floated inside, chains surrounding her body. She struggled, attempting to break free of the metal trap. She opened her mouth to say the words that gave her power, but water simply rushed in, blocking of any sound. Raven sank to the bottom of the tank, still struggling. Her lungs burned as her air ran out. Bubbles streamed from her mouth as she tried to maintain calm. Darkness crept into the edges of her vision. Robin ran to the side of the watery prison, and pummelled the glass. He couldn’t break it. He looked at Mumbo, who grinned back.

Robin ran towards him, bent forwards and intent on wiping the smile from the villain’s face. Mumbo levelled his wand at him and shouted “Abracadabra!” blue fog rolled towards Robin, but he was ready. He leapt into the air, over the smoke, and landed in front of Mumbo. He punched the magician in the gut. Mumbo doubled over, but Robin wasn’t done. He turned sharply, bringing his foot into contact with Mumbo’s head. Mumbo span through the air, and landed some way down the street with a squelch. Robin turned back to Raven’s glass prison, and ran to help Starfire try to break her out. The glass abruptly disappeared, and the resulting waves of water forced Starfire backwards. Raven collapsed to the floor, a pool collecting around her. She coughed sharply, spitting water onto the street.

“Raven, are you alright?” Starfire asked.

“I’m fine,” she replied, trying to stand. Starfire hooked a hand under her arm, helping her up. Raven shook her arm free. “Thanks,” she said, turning back to Mumbo.

Cyborg ran forwards, aiming for the downed conjurer. Mumbo pushed himself off the ground, and stood upright. He rubbed the side of his face, wincing. Noticing the ever-nearing mechanical monster heading for him with great speed, Mumbo twirled, waving his wand. A wire appeared, stringing itself between two lampposts. Cyborg tripped, falling flat on his face and sliding along the asphalt with a grinding noise. He stopped at Mumbo’s feet and groaned. Mumbo cackled, placing one foot on Cyborg’s back and posing victoriously.

Beast Boy was dazed. He could feel his fur getting damp as large droplets of water fell from the sky He looked up, seeing a giant Robin towering over him. He heard him say something, but couldn’t understand the words. He morphed back to human form. “Dude, what did you say?”

“I asked if you were alright.”

“Oh, yeah, I’m fine. I’ve always wanted to be a magician’s assistant,” Beast Boy quipped.

Starfire rose into the air, her eyes glowing green. She flew towards Mumbo, intent on stopping this madness. Mumbo saw her coming. He waved the wand, looking straight at the Tamaranian coming towards him. “Shazam!” he said. A large, brightly decorated cupboard appeared in mid-air, door hanging open. Starfire squeaked, flying straight into it. The cupboard door snapped shut, before dropping to the ground with a wet thud. Mumbo cackled. Robin turned, and watched in horror as the mad magician tapped his wand against the wooden edge.

“Hocus Pocus,” he said clearly at the same time as a streak of natural electricity crashed into the box. There was a scream from inside the cupboard. Blue smoke seeped out from the door edges. Mumbo moved smoothly across, and opened the door.

It was empty. Starfire had vanished. The Titans stared, aghast, as Mumbo started to laugh. There was a flash of lightning, and the Titans then saw Robin dive towards Mumbo. He drew his fist back, rainwater dripping from his knuckles. He threw his arm forwards with all the strength he could muster. His fist collided straight into Mumbo’s face. The magician cried out as he fell backwards, his right arm bending behind him. As he hit the floor, his weight was entirely focussed on his one hand for a brief moment. There was a loud snap, and splinters of wood flew out from underneath the fallen magician.

There was another flash of lightning. In Mumbo’s place was a cowering, whimpering man. He was balding, his remaining hair a pale white. His long nose was bleeding. Robin stood over him, fists still clenched. He reached down, and grabbed the frightened man by his collar.

“Where is Starfire?” he asked, ice creeping into his voice as he lifted the terrified mass from the floor. The man didn’t reply, and Robin asked more forcefully through clenched teeth, “Where is she?”

“I…I…I don’t know!” the man stammered. “M…m…my wand is broken, so the spell should have warn off, but the…the…the lightning hit the magic box at the same time I cast the spell! She could be anywhere!”

Robin’s eyes widened. His grip on the trembling man loosened, and he dropped to the floor, still cowering. Robin fell to his knees, and planted his hands on the cold, wet ground. The rain fell harder as thunder boomed across the sky. Cold droplets of water dripped down Robin’s back. He didn’t care. Mumbo was whimpering next to him. But he didn’t care. Starfire was gone. He was empty, desolate, inconsolable. Nothing mattered now. Robin choked back a sob, his shoulders shaking. He brought his arm above his head, and smashed it into the ground. Water splashed up, hitting the front of his uniform. Robin wrenched himself backwards, and stared straight up into the falling water, which mingled with the tears that fell openly down his face.

“STARFIRE!” he screamed.

The rain continued to fall as his cry went unanswered.

[PressureCooker]

So, where did Starfire go? Some far off distant land? Another planet? Possibly a alternate dimension??? Oooo... This is gonna be good!

[Blue_Fire]

Originally Posted by Lord Welshi

OK, there won't be any "really steamy scenes." Well, not too steamy, since i wear glasses anyway and wouldn't be able to see what I'm writing... Nah, there won't be anything of the indecent or innapropriate kind, since I'd like as many people as possible to enjoy this story. If anyone draws indecency out of what I've written, then that's their interpretation of my work, not what I intended at all. But hey, if that's what you want, go right ahead, just don't accuse me of anything. Altho I'm not sure that's what you meant or not, Blue_Fire. Ah well, serves as information to others.

Oh, and Robin didn't remove his mask. The only thing it covers is his eyes, and I'm working on the assumption that if someone is close enough to his face they can see his eyes behind the mask. You may not agree with that, but it works for my purposes. And what is Robin without his mask anyway?

And thanks for the kind words, EternalShadow. It's nice to know that at least my work is appreciated by a few people!

Next chapter is in the works, so sit tight ya'll!

Ah. Whatever works for you. And no, I don't mean indecent, I just mean...you know. Steamy.

*Eloise screams* STARFIRE!!!!! Where is she?!!!! IIIIIEEEEEEE!!!!

Good job by the way.



Eloise

[Lord Welshi]

My thanks go out to all my supporters and my fans. I'd like to thank my mom *sniff* and my dad for bringing me into this world. I'd like to thank myself for being so damned good at this!

OK, being a bit big headed there. But seriously, thanks for the support, it means alot to me, and it's nice to see such friendly people on a board that will support other writers and their work. Pressurecooker in particular, since I am so much in awe of your work, your praise is highly regarded. Starfire5, you've been invaluable for running my ideas past. And to everyone else, thank you.

This sounds like a farewell speech, but it isn't. This story shall continue for as long as I can keep up the pace. This next chapter will probably lose me most of my support, but it is needed for what will happen in the next chapter. Again, hankies at the ready, we're going in!

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

Chapter 7: Tensions

The rain fell in torrents. Robin was still kneeling on the ground, punching the asphalt over and over again. His cries of anguish echoed across the street, doubling in volume. Lightning flashed, illuminating the face of pain incarnate. Robin screamed his fury at the sky, venting his sorrow and anger. He could have saved her. Why couldn’t he save her? Or why didn’t he? Robin’s tormented mind ran through the scene over and over again. Starfire, a large magician’s box, the lightning. Robin screamed again, daring the lightning to take him as well. He knew it was irrational, but he didn’t care. He wanted an outlet for his rage, and screaming wasn’t enough. Punching the ground didn’t help. He needed a live victim.

Mumbo. It was his fault. That snivelling mad man. He deserved anything that was coming to him. Robin turned, his eyes focussing on the cowering heap of what was once a powerful villain. Robin’s eyes blazed with a fury unseen in Jump City. Mumbo risked a glance upwards, and shrieked. Robin moved towards him.

“You!” he hollered, straining to be heard over the storm. “It was your fault! You took her from me!” Robin stretched a hand forwards.

“Dude, back off!” Beast Boy stood in his way, arms stretched out.

“Out of my way!” Robin snarled.

Beast Boy shook his head. “No way, not until you’ve stopped going all psycho.” The green hero grabbed Robin’s extended arm.

“I SAID OUT OF MY WAY!” Robin yelled, hurling Beast Boy across the street. He landed with a thud, his head smacking hard against the concrete pavement.

Cyborg grabbed Robin from behind, holding his arms tight behind the boy wonder. Robin struggled and growled like a trapped animal, thrashing and trying to break free. “Let me go! He has to pay!”

“Robin, this won’t help!” Cyborg said. “This will only make things worse.”

“It’ll make me feel a hell of a lot better!” Robin retorted.

“Maybe for about ten minutes, but what then? What if you beat this guy to a pulp? You think you’ll feel good about it later? You want everyone to think of one of the world’s great heroes as a common bully?” Robin calmed a bit, but was still struggling. Cyborg pulled out the big guns. “You think Starfire would want this?”

Robin froze, the energy draining from his body. What was he doing? He couldn’t take out his anger on his friends. Starfire’s gone. He shouldn’t even take it out on his enemies, no matter how much they deserved it. Starfire’s gone. No, deserve wasn’t right. Nothing was right. Starfire’s gone. But that shouldn’t mean he could lose his grip, right? Starfire’s gone. She’s gone, and you didn’t do anything to save her!

Robin was overcome. His mind, completely divided by the conflicting emotions of anger, fear, hatred and loss, gave up its narrow control. His emotional state collapsed into chaos, a whirling maelstrom of conscious thought. He broke down, reduced to sobs that racked his whole body. He didn’t want to do this, not in front of everyone. But he had no control.

Cyborg relaxed his grip slightly, but continued to hold Robin upright. He looked over at Raven, who had run over to the downed Beast Boy. “He ok?”

“He’s fine,” she replied. “No thanks to the boy blunder over there.” Cyborg noticed an all-too familiar red glow in her eyes. It was barely visible, but it was there.

“Rae, don’t you lose it or I’ll have to restrain you to!”

“You think you could?” she challenged, the edge of steel in her voice.

“Frankly no, but I’d try to anyway. Enough damage has been done today, and I’m really not wanting it to go further!” Raven still had a look of suppressed fury on her face. Cyborg sighed. “Raven, please. I’m asking you. Take Beast Boy and we’ll head back to the Tower and figure out a way to get Star back.”

Raven calmed, regaining her composure. It was a struggle, but she’d beaten the rage of her father before. She calmed her anger at Mumbo for making her friend disappear. She cleansed herself of the rage at Robin for hurting Beast Boy. And she was surprised at having to quell the feeling at Cyborg’s words. It wasn’t anger or fury. It was something she seldom ever felt.

They left Mumbo where he was, a quivering heap of fear. He lay in the falling rain, muttering, his eyes squeezed tightly shut. The police were already on their way for him. They would make sure he saw true justice.




It was white. With flashing green lines spiralling downwards for what seemed eternity. Between the spirals were images, moving pictures of life and action. She floated in one place, looking around. There were many of the living pictures, but no two were the same. They were all different, yet similar. The same, but not. She shook her head, not making sense of what she saw.

She moved closer to one image, moving effortlessly through this spiralling void. She peered closely at the picture, watching as the play unfolded before her. There was a man, dressed in a black suit, with his back to her. She couldn’t see his face, but he seemed…familiar. Something about his hair, something in his posture she could recognise. He was standing in front of what looked like a small table covered with a white cloth. Another man stood before the first, dressed in a robe and clasping a black book in one hand. There was the sound of a large door opening, a loud creak that could be heard even in the spiral. The first man turned, and she gasped. His sparkling eyes, his strong jaw, the strong chest. She knew him. She called to him, but he ignored her. She looked to where the man was focussed, and saw a tall figure walking towards him slowly. She couldn’t see the face as the figure was completely covered in white, from head to toe. The man smiled when he saw her, a broad grin plastering his face. The girl in the spiral felt warmth flood her body at his smile. She wanted to reach out to him, to take him in her arms, but she couldn’t.

The figure in white reached the man in black, taking up a position next to him. The older man in front of the table said something, but she couldn’t hear him. His voice was quiet and soft. No matter how much she strained, she couldn’t hear his words. She then watched as the handsome younger man reached towards the figure in white, and placed his hands either side of the white cloth that covered the face. He lifted the cloth. She gasped as she saw another face that was so familiar. Brilliant, emerald green eyes gazed at the young man with adoration, and long auburn hair fell to the sides of her face. They looked at each other, pure love emanating from their beings. Then, the woman in white spoke.

“I, Starfire, take thee, Robin…”

[EternalShadow]

Me before reading this chapter = o_o

Me after reading this chapter = O_O

What could possibly happen next! I can't wait! More Please!

[PressureCooker]

Originally Posted by Lord Welshi

“I, Starfire, take thee, Robin…”

Awww... *PressureCooker promptly opens a box and hands out warm fuzzies to all the readers* How sweet!

The way you describe the feelings and thoughts can only be described as magic . Robin would have soo beat the tar out of old Mumbo if Cyborg haden't steped in. Real good interaction with the characters at that tense moment and only one thing would have made it better... Acrobatic pizza