Happiness? Chapter 11

Robin opened the door to the tower. He flicked the switch but no light lit up the room. His expression twisted into complete confusion.

"Cyborg. The lights aren't-" Robin began,
"Chill, dude. The bulb probably blew." Cyborg guessed, shrugging.
"Ha-ha! Guys did you see Plasmas and Cinderblock's face when we turned the tables and kicked their butts!? Priceless…"chuckled Beastboy.
Raven wandered in behind the boys and jolted slightly as she felt an unusual sensation ripple through her senses. She shook it from her mind and instantly wondered about Starfire.
"Starfire?" Robin called before Raven could.

No answer.

"Starfire? Hello?" Robin repeated a little louder.
"I don't think she's here, robin." Beastboy concluded.
"Where could she be, though?" Robin countered.

Raven floated over to the sofa and examined the layout. The popcorn was all scattered across the floor, the remote was by the kitchen counter, the mustard was splashed all across the table…and then Raven saw something which truly frightened her; blood.
"Oh no…This can't be good…" Raven whispered to herself. Just as she finished speaking, the TV burst into life.

They all glanced up at it and viewed something they honestly did not want to.

Starfire was pinned into place on a metal wall panel with rough rope which was cutting into her golden skin. There were bruises on her face and her arms but no where else. Also, her forehead had blood dripping down it which showed she had obviously had some force against it. Her clothes were tattered and ripped.

"Starfire!" Robin shouted in shock and horror.
"Ah, I see you have noticed my little guest…" A familiar voice rumbled from the corner of the screen.

A figure stepped into the dim light which revealed a pair of black boots, a black jumpsuit with straps and belts. There was also a silver neck plate similar to Starfire's. Lastly, his black and orange mask came into view…
"Slade..." Robin hissed.
"Ah, Robin. Happy to see me once again?"  Slade chuckled back, sinisterly.
"What have you done with Starfire!?"
"Nothing of harm, dear Robin…"
"Why do I not believe you…"
"You never did have a lot of trust in people, did you? Anyway, I see you have been busy…in a way while I was away…" Slade confirmed, placing a hand on the unconscious Starfire's pregnant stomach.

"Get your hands off of her!" Robin seethed through gritted teeth.

Slade's hand dropped immediately.

"What do you want with her?" Robin asked, quietly.
"Why don't you come down and find out for yourself?" Slade finished.

The screen went blank.

Robin growled and pounded his fist on the keyboard.
"What are we gonna do?" Cyborg asked, dumbly.
"Go and fight for her and the baby. There is no other option. Raven and Beastboy; track his location," Robin appointed.

As he and Cyborg left, Raven let out a deep, suppressed sigh.

"What's wrong, Rae?" Beastboy quizzed,
"What's wrong!? Starfire is missing, Beastboy and Slade is the one holding her captive! That is what's wrong!" She exploded,
"I-I'm sorry…"
"…No. I'm sorry. I am just really scared for her and the baby. You-You remember that dream she had a while ago?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, that was a vision…What if this is the vision? Slade could have had something to do with it!"
"Don't worry! I'm sure you're wrong. Everything will turn out fine…It always does!"
"Hm…Beastboy?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you and I love you."
"Anytime, Rae! I love you too!"
Beastboy smiled and leaned in close to place a tender kiss upon Raven's soft lips. She blushed a furious pink but smiled all the while.


Suddenly, Raven's attention switched back to the matter at hand. She searched and searched and eventually came up with a location.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Starfire blinked slowly as she awoke and found herself strapped to a metal board.
She tried to talk but she found she had a piece of cloth covering her mouth. She tried screaming but nobody came for her.

"No one will hear you, my dear." Slade whispered from the shadows.
Starfire's eyes went wide as she realized what had happened before she had been knocked unconscious.

"Ah, by the look on your face, you remember what happened?" Slade teased.
Starfire nodded and murmured something.
"I'm sorry. I can't hear you…" Slade snickered, ripping the cloth away, leaving a pink mark which faded momentarily.
"You KLORBAG!" She yelled,

Slade chuckled.

"Hm…I have missed a lot whilst I was away…my, my Starfire…Look what little Robin has done to you…" Slade hissed, laying a hand on her bulging stomach.
"Get away from me." She spat, glancing away.
"Hm. Temper for one so angelic..." Slade pointed out.
"Why do you hold me captive, Slade!?"
"Oh, you will find out…soon enough…" Slade whispered before backing away into the shadows once more.

Starfire began to panic. Where she was weaker than usual, she couldn't break free of the chains restricting her!


She gulped as she began to feel herself cry and shiver…