Hey fanfiction readers! Here we have a lovely new AU fanfic that I've been dying to start working on. It has a bit of a fairytale-esque feel to it (although in a more modern-fairytale-with-a-twist kind of way), and I hope to illustrate that idea through chapter titles such as this first one.

I plan to involve as many Titans characters in this fanfic as reasonably possible, and a couple of other DC Universe characters will make appearances as well. Because it's a fantasy AU and therefore severely lacking in superhero roles, most of the characters will go by their "real names" rather than their hero names (just drop me a PM or ask in a review if you don't happen to know what they are). And of course, what's a fairytale without romance? There will be a good bit of RobinxStar romance in this story, as well as another coupling or two that will be revealed later.


Chapter One: Once Upon a Time

The sharp clack-clack of footsteps on cobblestone jolted the drowsy guard out of near-slumber. He immediately stood upright and raised his spear so that it pointed in the direction of the short tunnel from which the sound was echoing. "Who goes there?" he growled.

"Do not worry yourself, Reginald," a soft voice answered with a slight tone of amusement. At the same time, a tall, graceful figure detached itself from the shadows and stepped forward, smiling. It was a girl in her later teens, with long auburn hair, sparkling green eyes and wearing a flowing, yet somewhat simple gown. "It is only me."

The guard's face flushed slightly as he relaxed and lowered his weapon. "Princess Kori," he said gruffly with a bow, "You startled me."

The princess giggled. "Did you fall asleep at your post?"

Reginald frowned. "The inner courtyard is already pretty well protected against intruders by the outer walls and guards, and there aren't that many people around at this time in the morning. Still, I would never let myself fall asleep on duty! I heard you coming, didn't I?" His face softened into a warm smile. "Speaking of which, what are you doing out here so early? Hoping to see our esteemed guest, I suppose?"

Kori's face lit up. "Oh, very much so! He actually requested that I see him personally, apart from my family's official meetings. He wanted to show me something."

The guard chuckled. "Very well then, Your Highness." He grabbed a keyring from his belt and turned to unlock the massive wrought-iron gate that led to the inner courtyard. After easing the gate open, he stood aside to allow the princess through, then stepped in as well and closed the gate behind the two of them.

The courtyard was quiet at this time in the morning. A smooth stone path meandered through the soft grass, which was peppered here and there with great oak trees and tiny hopping songbirds. A few stone benches were set along the path, most of them in the cool shadows of the trees. And beneath the branches of the tallest oak, a massive black and purple dragon was resting in the shade.

"Malchior!" Reginald called. "You have a visitor."

The dragon raised his head and smiled. He stood up, shook himself, and then bowed his neck toward the princess. "Your Highness," he addressed in a deep, smooth voice, "I'm glad you could make it."

Kori ran up to the beast and swept a swift curtsy, more out of habit than anything else. "It is good to see you again, Malchior. You said you wanted to show me something?" she asked curiously.

Malchior nodded. "Actually, I have bit of a proposition for you. Your parents told me that you are something of an adventurer, correct?"

Kori blushed. "Not exactly, but do enjoy getting out and meeting new people."

Malchior chuckled. "Ahh, perfect. Well then, how would you like me to show you my home in the mountains? You could meet the rest of my clan and –"

Reginald cleared his throat. "Although it is not my place to say where the princess should or should not go," he interrupted, "I'm not so sure that this plan is very wise. Not to say anything negative of you or your clanmates, but do remember that there are people out there who would not hesitate to harm a member of the royal family. Maybe if you took a guard or two as well…"

The guard thought he saw Malchior's eyes flash with irritation for a brief moment, but the dragon's calm demeanor never wavered. "I understand your concern, good sir," he replied coolly. "However, I would readily die before allowing Her Highness to come to harm. You may rest assured that she will be safe with me. Besides, this show of trust would doubtless help to improve the relations between your people and mine."

Upon seeing that the guard was still a bit hesitant, Kori spoke up. "You do not need to worry, Reginald," she assured him. "Malchior is a good friend of ours. Besides, even if something were to happen, I know how to take care of myself."

Reginald let out a thoughtful sigh. She did have a point – the kingdom was known for its common practice of training members of the royal family to be skilled warriors in case they ever needed to defend themselves. In fact, he wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that there was a dagger concealed in her sash now, ready to be retrieved in a moment if a situation became dangerous. And if those rumors about the new Sages were true…

The guard bowed respectfully. "Like I said, it is not my place to permit or forbid the Princess to do anything. If the two of you believe that you are prepared to go so suddenly, then all I can do is suggest that you return soon."

"Yes, of course," Malchior replied. "You can expect us back by sundown – I would say earlier, but it is a bit of a journey." He then returned his attention to the princess.

"So, I take it you've decided to come?"

Kori nodded eagerly. "It would be an honor to meet the rest of your clan."

"Wonderful!" Malchior cried. "Let's not waste any more time, then."

The dragon knelt down to the ground, and Kori climbed onto his back with a nimble swiftness not quite expected from an elegant princess. She turned to Reginald one more time.

"Please, could you let my parents know where I have gone for the day?"

The guard could only nod as the dragon surged up into the air. He watched the pair head over the castle walls and off towards the mountains with a slight frown. He really shouldn't be so paranoid, he thought, but for just a moment it seemed as though Malchior had flown off with an oddly triumphant gleam in his eye.


Well, here we go! Heh, you all probably know what's going to happen next... At least partially ;) You know, I was originally going to upload this and Chapter 2 at the same time, but I've been waiting too long to get another story/chapter up as it is. That being said, be ready to look out for Chapter 2 soon. Don't forget to review beforehand, though!

Oh, a quick note before we go! When the characters are talking about Malchior's "clan," they basically mean the big group/family of dragons that he lives with. You know, like a herd of horses or a town of people. Just wanted to mention that in case anyone couldn't figure it out by context.