Disclaimer – I don't own Young Justice or Voltron: Legendary Defender. This was originally chapter nine for my story Sun and Star. When I went to write the next chapter, I suddenly realized that Robin wasn't going to school at the time the events occurred, as said events would have occurred during the summer break even for a year-round school. Thus, I ended up cutting the chapter, and replacing it with a different one. Thus, like every NaNoWriMo I ended up with cut material.

Sun and Star: Cuts and One-Shots
Cut – Curiosity (Originally Chapter 9)

Curiosity…

Curiosity was one of his traits, but curiosity seemed to go along with a mystery, and there was definitely a mystery to the two heroes from Japan. Robin was like Batman, knowing everything he could about his team members, including their secret identities. One planned every single kind of precaution that one could, plus Robin was always testing his skills at finding information.

A frown spread across his face as he looked at his computer screen, the light creating a glow in his bedroom.

For the longest time, Dick was the smallest of the sidekicks, but now there was another person who was the exact same size as him, who seemed to specialize in acrobatics as well. He wasn't sure how similar they were, or if that would be a good or bad thing, in regards to the team dynamics. Shirubasuta's reaction to Roy and Wally left a lot to be desired.

Dick frowned, noting that the nickname chosen for Shirubasuta was Star. Problem was, his girlfriend from the Titans was also knick named Star. However, Robin was the only one who knew this, due to the Titans disbanding because of the incident with Raven's father. Said incident had unfortunately drawn everyone's attention to the actions of the young superhero team.

A knock came on the door of his room, but Dick didn't look up. "Master Richard. You should be getting to bed so that you get a decent night's sleep. That way you are functional tomorrow morning when you interact with your teammates."

"Uh-huh. I'll be just a few more minutes." Dick kept his eyes glued to the computer screen, his lips pushed together as he attempted to find some kind of information on Akira Shirogane. The problem was, while he could find a ton of information on the various Shirogane family, he found nothing regarding Akira. It was as if Shirubasuta's real identity didn't even exist.

In fact, quite a few high ranking positions within the Japanese government were held by various family members, but nearly everyone in the entire village surrounding the estate were related, being either a part of the main branch or a side branch. The fact the head noted their family as being one of the remaining samurai families made this revelation not surprising though.

He also quickly discovered how popular Ryo Shirogane was, as there were internet articles regarding his fans visiting the village for tourism purposes, but more along the lines of getting a chance look at the enigma. According to fans, Ryo's meet and greets went over well, but he was quite amicable. Problem was, Dick knew how people could put a mask over their real personality when it came to their public image.

Takashi Shirogane was also famous. He was a student in the new garrison program that tried a few times to recruit Dick, much to Bruce's dislike. Takashi was slated to come to the American division in the fall that specialized in training students from around the world. He was a skilled pilot, a top student grade-wise, though not the top student. Dick knew how skilled the garrison's students could be, having competed against them in math, which was how an interest in him came about.

There were also a few articles dealing with kidnapping incidents which had made the news. Despite this making the news, there was no information what-so-ever regarding Akira. Dick remembered Ryo very distinctly saying Akira was his brother, yet there was no record. Takashi wasn't likely the brother in question, particularly since he suspected him not to be Shirubasuta. Birth records were off limits without hacking.

Letting out a sigh, he put his computer aside, remembering his promise to Alfred that he would get to bed soon. He drifted off to sleep, waking up to his alarm letting him know it was time to head back to Mount Justice. Stretching, he headed down the bat cave, knowing full well that Bruce would be heading to work. He didn't bother slipping into his uniform, simply donning his sunglasses.

The Zeta tubes announced his arrival. He picked up the sound of the television and walked forward. He saw Star sitting on the couch, his eyes glued to the television. The farting hippo was tucked under one arm, and a black cat of the same size under another. His legs were crossed, but he was super concentrated on the news. A soft humming escaped his mouth, but he didn't seem to notice Robin was there.

Robin leaned over the back of the couch, trying to not catch the attention of Star. His mouth twisted into a frown, noticing that the television was on G. Gordon Godfrey's show.

"Lex Luthor talks about Superman being a threat to our society because he is an alien from outer space. Even Superman admits he is an alien but is he? What if the secret behind Superman's powers is far worse than simply being an alien seeking out control over our system. What if Superman is instead a super soldier created by our government, either by some kind of super drug or by some experiment. What if all of our heroes are some kind of experiment by the government to seize control."

"Could you possibly change it to something else?"

Star startled, turning his head to look at Robin, frowning as he did so. He was wearing his entire costume but slid down slightly. Instead of changing the channel, he muted it. Robin wasn't sure what to think, particularly since Star remained silent. Goruden wasn't anywhere to be seen, probably making the younger partner less comfortable.

Robin took a deep sigh, looking back at the television. "So, what do you think of aliens? Do you think they exist, or that he's right?"

"My mom's an alien."

Robin pushed his lips together, taken a bit off guard by what Star said. His curiosity was perked. "So, why do you think that?"

"Are you trying to make fun of me?"

This made Robin take a deep breath. Star had actually managed to say more than he said yesterday, but the response was curt, yet rather unfriendly. If it weren't for the fact Star's hair was slightly longer, Robin would have guessed that this person was Ryo and not Akira. Looking at the screen, Robin thought carefully of a response. "Superman's definitely an Alien. I don't know why anyone wouldn't believe in aliens."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Star's mouth open, as if to say something, but then his mouth shut closed. He watched as the other thirteen-year-old, as he assumed that was Akira's age, tucked the black cat against his chest. His mouth twisted together, which frustrated Robin, to say the least. Star didn't seem at first glance like hero material, but then again, neither did he, if one thought about it.

Then, Star flopped down onto the couch, turning the volume on the television back on before changing the channel. The hippo farted as he did this, but he didn't seem to at all care. Robin continued to lean over, watching the television, only to turn his head when the system announced the entrance of Wally.

"Good morning!"

Robin watched as Star flinched, jolting up, his chest heaving. He watched the other kid turn and look at Wally, who was now standing in front of them. "So, what do we have planned for today? Convincing Roy to join up? Playing on the beach outside of the mountain?"

Akira simply covered his head with the black cat so he didn't have to see Wally. Robin frowned, noticing that Akira also covered his ears, taking a deep breath to try and calm down. Taking a deep breath, Robin shook his head at Wally, only for the older teen to pause, confused as to why he was being signaled to not continue.

The sound of someone speaking in Japanese drew their attention away. Goruden stood in the doorway, also in his uniform. He seemed to be looking for his wayward partner, but his hair was all ruffled up as if he just woke up. His eyes widened behind his mask, noting that two others were both there. "Oh. Hi." He looked at Shiribasuta. "What did you guys do?"

"What do you mean? I just asked what we were going to do today?"

"You're kind of being loud."

"And…"

Goruden stared at Wally as if he grew a fifth head but then shook his head. "Basuta, have you eaten yet?"

Star shook his head, only for Wally to raise his hand up. "Oh! Oh! I'm looking forward to breakfast!"

Robin cleared his voice as Star scooted away from Wally to the other side of the couch, the hippo farting as he sat on it for a few seconds, the black cat still on his head. "Don't be so loud. I don't think Star likes it."

"Oh. Sorry." Wally looked at the person in question, before turning back to Goruden. "I am still looking forward to breakfast."

"And we weren't invited." Robin sighed. "So stop being rude."

"Um…" Wally moved from one foot to the other.

In the meantime, Star peeked out from underneath the black cat. One hand reached out to tug on Goruden's costume, and his partner leaned over so Shiribasuta could whisper into his ear." One of Goruden's eyebrows shot up, his mouth pushing together. "I don't know why."

"Why what?"

Goruden took a deep breath. "Why you two are in civvies? Actually, it is kind of surprising, considering you're Batman's sidekick. Isn't your secret identity important."

Robin's mouth formed into a circle. Wally rushed over, nudging him in the ribs. "Oh yeah. That's why he's got to wear the sunglasses. Me. Not such a big deal, at least to the other superheroes. It's also more comfortable."

Star's mouth opened, then he looked pointedly at Goruden, whose own mouth opened into a circle. "Okay. We'll change out of our uniforms, but we'll wear our masks until I can get us sunglasses, alright."

Robin watched as Goruden's partner took off without his stuffed animals, only to hurry back to grab them. Wally watched both take off, frowning. "What about breakfast."

"Seriously, don't intrude."

"Do you have any idea of who they are?"

Wally's question made Robin take a deep breath. "If I do, I'm not going to tell you."

"Oh, come on."

"Seriously, you know how paranoid Batman is with my identity."

"Yeah. But do they really, really go and do their own thing, when they're both still kids?" Wally was of course as curious as Robin was. "Uncle Bart would never let me solo on my own. What kind of an adult…" Wally paused, his lips pushing together. "I forgot. But you're Batman and Robin. It's different."

"Is it?" Robin shook his head. He walked into the kitchen, realizing he'd left the mansion without eating. "Hey, I wonder where Superboy is?"

"Superboy? Hold on. I'll go and find him." Wally took off to look for their newest friend, while Robin continued to lean over the sofa, wondering if they'd be able to make friends with the young superheroes from Japan like they had Superboy. A few minutes Wally came hurrying back. "Okay. That was creepy."

"What was?"

Robin recognized Star's voice, having heard him speak more than he had the day before. Goruden was right behind him, both of their eyebrows shooting up. The older of the two seemed amused, but the curiosity was evident on Star's face. Wally jumped, hearing Star speak beyond "hippo farts". "Um…"

"Yeah KF. What creeped you out?"

"I found Superboy sleeping in a closet again. He looks like a zombie."

Laughter burst from Star's mouth. Robin's mouth pushed together, as Wally's eyes blinked. Star muttered. "Zombie…"

"Yeah. You do like zombies." Goruden rubbed the back of his head. "He's not sleeping normally?"

"Well, he is a clone."

"Can he fly?" The words burst out of Star's mouth, only for Goruden to do a quick tug on the back of Star's black shirt, shaking his head to do so. Star's eyes blinked, looking up at Goruden, his head tilting, his mouth frowning.

"Hungry? I'll start out breakfast." Goruden headed into the kitchen, while Star's eyes followed.

Robin noted the reactions. Star looked to be around his age, yet acted like he was actually younger. Goruden – or Takashi – seemed to act much older than he really was, taking on caring for Akira. Star quickly followed after Goruden, a smile on his face. He lifted himself up onto the kitchen counter, watching as Takashi got out food.

Wally's eyes went wide, as there was food was involved, and he scooted over, peeking over the counter, looking rather pitiful. His stomach also grumbled while Goruden went about fixing the food, just as Superboy wandered in. The clone had a rather grumpy look on his face. "Could you not scream in my face that early in the morning?"

"Sorry." Wally took a deep breath, looking at the food Goruden was preparing. The person in question caught the look and simply smirked. Robin watched, noting it was a traditional meal, but also noticed how Star tensed up when more people showed up but took off from the kitchen to the couches. This caused Goruden to frown.

Robin drifted back, to see Star sitting on the couch, his knees pulled up to his chest, his chin resting on top. He wanted to ask if the other superhero was okay but instead said nothing. Instead, he watched the television with Shirubatsu, feeling rather bored, but unchallenged. Suddenly, Wally's voice broke the silence. "Oh, thank you."

Glancing over, Robin's eyes blinked, watching Goruden place a traditional dish in front of Wally and Superboy each, before bringing food over to Robin and Star. He set the three dishes on the coffee table, before wrapping using the chopstick trick for Star's utensils. It was a nice fish with rice and miso soup. He overheard Superboy speak from the attachment to the Kitchen where he set with Wally. "How are we supposed to use this?"

Robin smirked, saying the Japanese greeting before digging in. Star seemed fine, as long as he wasn't overcrowded, so things might end up working out after all. How they'd work as a team, he didn't know. Aqualad's voice broke the silence. "I see the team's already bonding."

Star froze, looking down at his fish. "Sorry!"

He took off, leaving his dish half eaten. Goruden frowned, but Aqualand spoke up. "What is he saying sorry for?"

"So…" Shirubatsu's partner frowned. "I don't know whether I should apologize for not making enough for everyone, or for making fish."

"Neither. We eat fish. They're a different creature from us. That's a misconception."

"Yeah. I don't know how to explain that to Shirubatsu." Goruden stood up, grabbing his and Star's plate. "I think I'll head to our room, to make sure he eats."

"Alright." Wally nodded his head, letting out a sigh. "I wish there was more. Wait? They're sharing a room?"

"Is there something wrong with that?" Superboy asked.

"Well, um…"

Aqualad's eyes widened. "I'm not sure."

"I guess it's a Japanese thing?" Wally frowned. "Yeah. I guess that's it. But that doesn't quite sound right, does it."

"Wally. You're overthinking things." Robin took a deep breath, knowing that Goruden and Shirubatsu hadn't mentioned the fact they were siblings on purpose, as that would lead to their identity. Sharing a room though, that was indeed odd when one wasn't siblings of some kind.