AN: Takes place at the end of Season 5 right before the battle with The Brotherhood of Evil. We find the Titans flying home right after returning from their final missions of handing communicators to Argent, Pantha, Jericho, Herald & Bushido. Robin then proceeds to test the Titans communications with every Titan and honorary Titan checking in for their response.
Beast Boy will still be involved in the take down of The Brain but Starfire and Robin will be doing different roles. I also, want to incorporate The Brain and Monsieur Mallah's game of chess along with Professor Chang's freeze ray in a different way. So the attack on the Titans will be delayed as I put this all into place. It's very obvious by my stories that I am Starfire & Robin biased when it comes to the Teen Titans, so if anyone doesn't like this idea then don't read. No I don't own teen titans or anything like that. Yes I will be taking lines from the show and incorporating them into my story.
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(NAR POV)
"Calling all Titans, this is a test of our communication systems. Is everyone ready?" Robin asked, opening the frequency after receiving Beast Boy's message that Herald had received his communicator and like the rest of his team, was flying back to the meeting point above the Atlantic Ocean west of Africa.
Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven and Beast Boy all patiently listened as the Titans East checked in followed by the honorary Titans of their broadcasting network. Each of their pod's radar screens lighting up as each check in occurred.
"All sectors are secure; await further instruction. Beast Boy,"Robin switched his message over so it was only broadcasting to his immediate team. "We're heading home."
"Waaahoooo!" He cheered so loud each of the team had to pull their headphones slightly away from their ear. "Race ya to the meeting point." He beamed seeing Raven's ship become the first to enter his radar on the right.
"Team, did anyone notice Hot Spot's check in location was not in Morocco?" Robin asked now that he was only speaking to his immediate team.
"Aw dude, no way. We're heading home remember?" Beast Boy whined as Cyborg's ship now entered his radar on the left.
"Guys listen, I'm getting a faint signal over the Titan's channel. There is interference with the signal, like its scrambled...so I can't tell where or what it's coming from." Cyborg interrupted everyone as Starfire's ship entered his radar on the right.
"Boost the signal and reroute our five communicators to intercept it. We need to make sure it's not a beacon requesting help." Robin encouraged as Cyborg changed their routing signals.
"...reunion...to wait," the broadcast came in a bit scratchy at first. "It is time we start...o...their pawns. Robin, as the King will not be so easily captured, not with Starfire guarding as his queen. His Knights were chosen wisely with Beast Boy, Aqualad and Mas y Menos. Cyborg and Bumblebee also make perfect Rooks for his army. Alas, they are of little threat just like...placed bishops: Raven, Speedy, Kid Fl...and Ji..." The transmission ended in nothing more than empty wave crackles. Cyborg tried to catch the signal again but it had vanished.
"Rerouting all signals back to our devices. Everyone's working?" Cyborg asked, eager to be sure his friends had heard what he did.
"That voice," Starfire gasped first.
"The Brain," Beast Boy's voice had lost the cheeriness it once held.
"Cyborg did you get anything from that signal? A location, a way to pick it back up?" Robin inquired.
"No man, it came out of nowhere and left just as fast. Almost as if they had been trying to broadcast to someone else but the signal got jammed into ours." Cyborg scratched his head.
"Their pawns, king, queen, rook, knight, bishop," Raven quoted some of The Brain's words. "He is treating this fight like a chess game."
"With us, Titans East, Kid Flash, and whoever Ji is, as leading pieces." Beast Boy's fist tightened around his chair.
"And with our Honorary Titan friends as the pawns," Starfire shook her head as Robin's location appeared on her radar, coming into view on her right.
"There isn't anything we can do about it right now. We have our system set up. We will get home and plan our strategic moves for when he strikes." Raven's calm voice broke the tension somewhat as Robin's ship appeared to her left on the radar.
"Ive got all of you in my sights; we should be in range soon." Robin kept his team on track. He wasn't sure how they had received that broadcast. If it was meant to be received as false information it didn't even tell them much. No this hadn't been on purpose. Somehow, they had gotten a small look into how The Brain planned to attack.
"And soon we'll be home sweet home. Tofu burger, here I come!" Beast Boy rubbed his hands together practically tasting the juice on his lips as he licked them.
"What I don't get is how he would know about our honorary members. It's not like they publicly broadcast that they are affiliated with us." Cyborg brought the mood back to a serious nature.
"Wildebeest is still missing and Mallah did come after the kids I had to protect." Raven slowed her ship down as she reached the meeting point seconds before Beast Boy; both of them switching their ships into joint mode.
"Madame Rogue also knew about Hot Spot when I went to respond to his distress signal," Robin agreed now able to see Starfire's ship in range with his own eyes as she slowed her ship to rendezvous with Raven and Beast Boy's. Cyborg's was beginning to do the same.
"So what. They only know of a few of the honorary members. They have no idea what we have in store for them." Beast Boy kicked his feet back and waited as Robin and Cyborg tied for last, moving into place so the T-Ship could be made complete.
"Yes, with our new friends in place we shall be victorious!" Starfire cheered as they were all in place to join pods.
"Finally, after months of fighting The Brotherhood of Evil, we are heading back to the tower. First I'll play Mega Monkeys 4.2 then I'll eats a tofu burger...or maybe I'll eat a tofu burger then play Mega Monkeys 4.2...or I can eat a tofu burger while playing Mega Monkeys 4.2!" Beast Boy droned on.
"I wish to make with the haste so I may see Silkie again," Starfire added her own desire to Beast Boy's.
"Prepare to interlock," Robin's authoritative voice brought them all back to the task at hand.
Beast Boy switched his ship first to interlocking mode and hovered, waiting while Cyborg's slid into place behind him. Turning around the green changeling waved at his cybernetic best friend. Robin was next while the girl's turned their ships so the thrusters were prepared for the T-Ship's specifications.
"In place," Robin confirmed latching his pod into Beast Boy's from the front.
"Thrusters ready for attachment," Raven informed the group as Starfire's began moving into place on Beast Boy's left and Raven on his right.
"T-Ship complete; We're going home ya'll!" Cyborg cheered as full T-Ship steering was restored to his command.
"Titans, let's go home." Robin smiled, leaning back in his chair.
"Perhaps we might order the pizza?" Starfire questioned, her stomachs growlings could momentarily be heard over their head sets.
"Sure Star," Robin gave a soft chuckle.
"Well alright!" Cyborg cheered. "Now we're talking!"
"Raven are you not filled with the joyous delight of the greasy, cheesy goodness to come?" Starfire inquired.
"Thrilled," came Raven's dry reply followed by Starfire's solo celebration as she clapped her hands and giggled.
"We still need to stay focused. This chess game they are playing. We need to figure out what that means for us and how they plan to strike," Robin reminded his team before reaching down and adjusting their navigation. This last angle change and they were headed straight for Titans Tower.
"Yes, why am I this queen? They named Raven a rook, Cyborg a knight, Beast Boy the horseman and Robin you the King. What does all that mean? They are all pieces from your game of chess, Raven." Starfire tapped her lip as she curiously wondered aloud.
"Yeah Robin, care to explain why you're the King and she is the Queen?" Cyborg asked sarcastically. Beast Boy laughed and Raven's left eyebrow raised as smoke could be seen coming out the back of Robin's collar, filling his pod, as well as the sound of his breathing increase.
"Friends, set your gaze on the horizon! It is our home!" Starfire quickly changed the subject as she pointed straight ahead. "I wish to fly. Please lock oxygen flow so I may." Starfire beamed inside her pod.
"Sure thing, have fun." Cyborg smiled as her case released allowing her to slip outside and shut it.
The Titans all smiled as she floated beside them, keeping pace with the ship as it closed in on their tower. Robin kept his head straight forward so no one could see his eyes watch as she dipped low enough to run her fingers along the ocean water. He could imagine her giggle as he watched her eyes dance in delight.
"She saved your butt," Beast Boy joked to Robin. The rest of the team smirking as Robin chose to ignore him.
"Prepare for landing." Robin grumbled not acknowledging any statements. He shook his head and focused back on their landing procedures as Starfire circled around the tower until she stopped at her bedroom window to which she opened and floated in to greet Silkie.
"Pizza is ordered. It'll be here in 35minutes. Plenty of time to get the T-Ship unpacked and cleaned!" Cyborg pulled into the loading deck and begin powering it down.
"Cleaning? Unpacking? Aw man..." Beast Boy whined as the Titans all climbed out of the ship. "Hey, Starfire isn't down here. Is that her suitcase you've got there oh Kingy?" Beast Boy raised his eyebrows and snickered at Robin who had grabbed hers first then dug his own out.
"Starfire always cleans her pod before we land; everyone does, except you." Robin continued walking unphased as he joined Raven in the elevator who had used her powers to move her suitcase into the elevator.
"Yeah but her suit case?" He tried to tease again as Robin swung his own bag on his shoulder and carried Starfire's in his other hand.
"She has one...unlike you," Robin pointed behind him at Beast Boy's twelve overflowing suitcases now falling out of the T-Ship as Beast Boy looked up.
"Uh oh," he squeaked as they all toppled on top of him. The top suitcase shook a little until a green mouse poked his head out between two. Pushing with his front paws he struggled to get free but his butt held him in place. A few kicks and pushes later and he finally popped free transforming back into human form.
"Dudes! Aw come on..."
"Cleaned," Cyborg was pulling out his own gear and parts he had packed for the journey. "And get all your stuff back to your room."
"Going up?" Robin smirked as the elevator doors shut with he and Raven inside.
"I need some hot tea, peace and meditation," Were here only words. Robin nodded knowing how stressful and loud the last few months had been for everyone.
"I'll put some pizza outside your door when it gets here. Take all the time you need." He replied as the elevator slowed to the floor where there bedrooms were. Robin didn't expect a reply as she grabbed her suitcase and rolled it behind her leaving for her room.
Robin picked up Starfire's suitcase he had set down and with his on his shoulder, headed for her room. He shook his head as he could hear her voice from down the hall.
"Silkie our mission was very successful. I have even made any new friends. Argent is one of them and she is very nice. I am delighted we could ensure the safety of all the heroes from around the world. Robin would never allow The Brotherhood of Evil to hurt anyone. He works to ensure we are all prepared for the upcoming battle. They shall wish they had never crossed our path when we deliver the butt kicking." Her voice came through the door Robin was smiling outside of before he lifted his hand and knocked.
"Starfire, I picked up your suitcase when I got mine. I thought I'd bring it up to you," he pulled on his collar a little as it felt suddenly a bit snug when she opened her door.
"Oh Robin, do come in. I am grateful for your assistance. I was so eager to see my Silkie I had forgotten." She stepped aside to let him in.
"Don't worry about it. Is he uhh doing well?" Robin asked setting the suitcase by her bed as the door slid shut.
"Yes. He was very much excited when I surprised him." Starfire responded but Robin noticed she seemed distracted as she gazed out the window. Patting Silkie on the head as he smiled on the bed, Robin walked over and joined her.
"You okay?"
"Oh yes, please ignore my distant mind." Starfire half smiled. Gently placing his hand on her shoulder she turned to look at his concerned eyes before smiling. "I am... anxious," she seemed to struggle to find the word. "I do not understand but fear my question will only result in the teasing or worse." She explained hugging her arms around herself as she often did when unnerved.
"Star you can ask me anything; You know that," Robin offered with a genuine smile.
"I fear my question may make you uncomfortable yet I do not mean it in the context it shall come across as," she explained looking again at the horizon and not making eye contact. Robin shook his head after rolling his eyes before pulling Starfire's hands away from her body and pulling her gently until they were both sitting on the bed beside Silkie. Picked up the mutated larva, he smiled and placed it on her lap so she had something to fidget with since she appeared so nervous.
"So I'll sit here and wait until I understand how you want the question to be understood. Pizza isn't due for another 20minuted. Talk to me Star." He watched her sigh as she fiddled with Silkie before looking up at him.
"I am...troubled by the communication we intercepted from The Brain," she began and Robin swore his heart began beating so loudly Beast Boy and Cyborg would hear it from the garage below. "I am aware of the teasing Beast Boy and Cyborg gave you which is why I opted to fly back to the tower. They have a way of making matters more...complex," she was trying to be gentle as the heat rising in Robin's collar made him feel like he was about to sweat pools of liquid.
"Uhh ahem," Robin attempted to clear his throat. "Don't worry about them. I can handle whatever they say. You don't have to fly away." The direction this was headed made him extremely uncomfortable but the thought of Starfire leaving because of it, upset him more. "I'll have a talk with them, sorry you felt like you had to leave." He genuinely stated.
"The teasing does not alarm me and it is not the reason for my question. The Brain gave us all titles like the game of chess: King, Queen, Rook, Bishop, Knight and Pawn. What I do not understand is why. Why am I this Queen?" She asked sounding very concerned. Robin tilted his head as his heart calmed down. She didn't mean her question in the context it came across as, like she said.
"Explain more, I kinda understand but you still lost me. This isn't about the teasing...why are you worried about being a game piece?" Robin inquired trying to find the link she was attempting to show him.
"You have been named this 'King' because it is very clear that you are our leader. Cyborg is a valiant warrior and often changes places with you as leader, like in the game of chess: the rook and King are able to switch positions on the board, correct?" She asked and I nodded understanding her point more. "Bumblebee was also listed as this rook and she is leader of Titans East. The Knights are horsemen which are unique in their power moves and strategies. Beast Boy changes into animals which is unique. Aqualad talks to the sea creatures and moves water, also unique." She began explaining her point. "Mas y Menos move with great agility but only when together and only through touch."
"All unique in how they move and act," Robin agreed seeing her point more clearly.
"The bishops move the diagonal direction. They have great strength and are easily over looked and unexpected with how they play. They too are unique but cover the team from different angles. Raven's powers work differently and can be unexpected."
"Same with Speedy's arrows. You never know which one he is firing until after it is released." Robin stood up pacing in front of her now. And Kid Flash is always late, showing up at the last moment to help."
"And do not forget this mysterious 'Ji' The Brain spoke of. Ji being unknown makes him or her extremely unexpected."
"The Brain has our team figured out to a T. He even has our honorary members as pawns; Important but not consistent main pieces."
"So I am unsure. Why am I labeled this Queen?" She asked causing Robin to pause and meet her gaze. "I do not think The Brain would place me in that spot merely because it was vacant. While teaching me chess, Raven informed me the Queen was the second most important piece in the game. It contained special moves that helped not only capture enemy pieces but defend her own army. Once taken it became difficult, though not impossible, to be victorious."
"So why would he want you taken out of the game?" Robin caught on to her meaning now.
"How am I 'the Queen' in your army?" She moving the now sleeping larva from her lap to the bed.
"Your powers are unique and we are...uh...close." Robin struggled to end his sentence causing Starfire to blush. "You are good friends with many of the Titans. If he did capture you it would be a huge blow to our moral." Robin tried to reason her question aloud. "Mas y Menos love you. Speedy has asked you out on dates before,"
Robin tightened his fist unconsciously.
"Red Star and Argent are my newest friends." Starfire added.
"Your part of this team. My team. You're strong, fast, unique, pretty, kind, selfless, giving, hopeful, positive..." Robin rattled on not seeing Starfire smile when he called her pretty. "Losing you would be a different blow than the others and I think he knows that."
"Perhaps Robin," Starfire stood beside him now. "If this game is how he wishes to play, then we should learn more of his pieces and how best we should anticipate their strikes?"
"We could imagine a thousand different plans he might use and none of them may be right. But whatever his plan Star, we're a team. No matter what happens we fight together. If they took our Queen, I'd fight to get you back." Robin took her hands in his. "For the team," he added quickly feeling the blood begin to rise in his cheeks.
"I would never give up in obtaining you either. An army needs a King," she smiled. "And I would need my best friend." Her smile made Robin feel as if nothing else mattered. Her eyes softly gazed back into his, her hands were impeccably soft for throwing flaming star bolts around. They were best friends and holding her hands a few feet apart they both knew the other would stop at nothing to save them. Nothing else mattered...nothing else until their communicators began screaming with Beast Boy's voice on the other end.
"Titans, Hurry!" Successfully causing them to drop their hands and a small amount of adrenaline to jump kick them into darting out the room.
AN: okay that's chapter one. So how is everyone feeling about the theme of this story so far. Anyone excited? Can't wait to hear from you. It makes my week. I actually read the reviews all week as I work on the story. So review! Make my week. :)
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