Chapter 4

I just want to say, the possibility of this story getting dark, is high.

Also, I'm outlining my stories with large events in the DC world. I haven't read all the comics, so this is just what I think should have happened.

Please Enjoy!


Green Corps Headquarters – Feb 21, 6:00 pm

Dick followed Hal Jordan and some other Green Lanterns into a large meeting hall. Seats rose up the walls. Hovering chairs allowed the people leading the conversation of the meeting to rise above the others, or move any which way that brought them the most attention.

Dick boarded one of the seats and waited his turn. It took almost two hours before the Tamaranian Ambassador came to the center with the council.

"I would like to call forth the human, Nightwing of Earth to the center platform to hear a message from the Queen of Tamran herself!" The ambassador called out confidently. He spoke in his home tongue, allow the mechanical translators to provide clarification for those who couldn't speak Tamaranian.

Nightwing stood. For a second he panicked, having never been to a meeting like this before and was unsure of how to not embarrass himself and get to the center platform. Hal started standing when a smaller platform appeared and Nightwing stepped on it, relaxing slightly. Though, like a true son of Batman, none of the aliens around him could tell he was nervous from his face.

Nightwing boarded the smaller platform and rode up to the center platform. He wondered why this was such a public meeting. He faced the red-headed ambassador and tried not to frown as he recognized this man a one of the biggest supporters of Blackfire during her rein. The Tamaranian in front of him was as obsequious as they come.

"I am here." Nightwing said. The Tamaranian, and the council jumped with shock as Nightwing spoke in Tamaranian.

"I am glad you came. I, as the representative of the Tamaranians, ask you, Nightwing of Earth to come to Tamaran as a royal guest of her lady Kori'andr's wedding." His voice was demeaning in tone, as if he thought this was the silliest thing he could have said to the council. Apparently, a good majority of the court thought so as well.

"A human!"

"Him!"

What is Her Highness thinking?"

"Such a scandalous thing to invite to her wedding!"

Nightwing's brain stopped completely for four seconds. He heard the creatures around him, including Hal, shout out in disbelief and shock. It was no secret to the entire universe that Nightwing and Starfire had a complex, and exciting history. Rumors were everywhere about the two of them, and a good deal of the those rumors were true. Nightwing thought about some of the these rumors, which to him were memories, and tried to drag himself to the present.

"Well? Human?" The ambassador sneered as the hall grew quiet. The council watched Nightwing with bated breaths.

"I was aware Her Highness had a fiancé, I was not aware I was to be invite to the wedding. It seems a little, invasive of me to appear there." Nightwing said, using his best Tamaranian. He really didn't want to tick anyone off. The crowd gasped. Whispers of he knew! and, fiancé? What's a fiancé? echoed through the court.

"You… Ah, yes. The Tamaranians formally request Nightwing's presence at the Union of her Highness Kori'andr and her husband, if to do noting else but prove her Highness is fully focused on her ruling of Tamaran." The ambassador started as if he was chocking on his words, but finished with a satisfied smirk.

"You Honors," Hal interrupted, "Respect is to be enforced from all species to another in this court, no?" The council grumbled.

"Silnce, Hal." Nightwing said, in English. Then in Tamaran, "I understand why I am asked to go, but in my life, that is a good deal of time I must cover over." Nightwing was about to continue, but was cut off.

"Are you saying, your play-time on Earth is more important that her Highness that protects your puny Earth?" The ambassador snarled.

"Council!" Hal, and some other Green Lanterns shouted. Once again Nightwing held up an appealing hand. He could take the insults.

"Dear Ambassador, recognize you are the guest in this part of the galaxy, and by all respects you should be speaking English, or some other human language as you are in the Milky Way, the human part of the universe, and it is only respectful. I honor you in your tongue, and you insult me in this language as well. Please collect yourself." Nightwing took a pause, observing the reaction of the aliens, and couple of humans, around him. He sighed in relief knowing he hadn't insulted anyone who actually had power here.

"You assume every creature speaks English."

"I know you do. I recall Blackfire, and Starfire had me a some companions of mine teach all the leading members of the Tamaranian court human languages since they both wished to open up trading with Earth. I also know I taught you English." Nightwing said, impassively. Only the humans in the crowd, which was about 9 out of the 50, frowned. Only for humans did mouth on mouth contact mean something profound and intimate on all occasions.

The ambassador bristled.

"I will not take insult from you either, human!" He spat out, "If you wish the Tamaranians to keep their watch over the planet Savage has hidden on, I suggest you merely stay silent and appear at the wedding, then leave immediately!" He hissed out in English. Nightwing frowned. The Tamaranians knew where Savage was?

Nightwing turned to look at Hal with a slightly betrayed expression. Hal wouldn't meet his eyes. This would be discussed later.

"I wish no hostilities. I will be there, and your council shall be appeased that Starfire and I have no lingering attachments." Nightwing said stonily. The ambassador grinned in victory.

"We shall send a ship for you in a week; the journey is a long one.


Gotham/ Wayne Hospital- Feb 23, 6:00 am

Barbra felt searing pain, but it also felt like she wasn't. Not quite being able to understand her out of body/ still in body experience, Barbra wanted to wake up. She could hear murmuring above her. She suddenly thought she recognized the voice. The voice was smooth, used to telling jokes, and sounded great when singing a Jesse McCartney song.

Dick!

Barbra struggled to wake up, the voice got louder. Finally, Barbra forced her consciousness to wake. She saw a dark form above her. She blinked, but the person stayed dark. He was black, or at least half-black, Barbra deduced as his features came into focus. The young man, only a year older than Barbra, had medium dark skin, and rare sparkling green/blue eyes. His black hair, which used to be rather silky, was now buzzed into a military style. Barbra had to admit, the change was nice; he looked hot.

"Sam." She said with a heavy sigh, which sent sparks of pain through her body.

"You're awake." Sam said, smiling as he leaned back, his voice sounded force, and his smile was strained. Barbra froze, realizing why.

I must have called out for Dick…. Barbra felt horrible. Then it occurred to her.

"It has been about a year, right?" Barbra murmured, remembering their promise.

"Well, not quite, but the second I heard, I raced over. I was just beaten by your dad."

"Dad! Where is he?"

"He is talking to the doctor about… um,"

"About what?" Barbra said, feeling her torso grow cold. She knew, oh God she knew already.

Say I have a concussion, say I'm never going to have kids again, say anything but what I think you're about to say! Barbra mentally begged. Sam sighed.

"Well, you're defiantly never having kids again." Sam tried to laugh, but the tear that built up in his lashes told a much worse tale.

"Sam, don't tell…" Barbra stopped. There was a shadow by the door. There was a pregnant pause.

"Come in." Barbra said. Bruce Wayne stepped in, looking rather rattled.

"Bruce, where is Dick?" Barbra asked. Sam shifted beside her bed. Bruce paused before answering.

"He… is busy." Bruce said, stuttering slightly, Bruce never stuttered. Barbra felt real panic in her chest.

"Sam, leave." Barbra said, barely controlling her hysterics. Sam hesitated, but saw the staring contest between the White Knight of Gotham and Gotham's Princess. He stood and left.

"I'll just be outside." He promised, meeting the watery green eyes that had a fragile look in them.

"Where is Dick?"

"Busy."

"Where is Nightwing?" Bruce paused to catch his breath.

"I assume he is busy."

"Bruce, where is he?" Barbra's voice was shaky. Bruce didn't answer her. "WHERE IS RICHARD GRAYSON!" Barbra screamed, her voice cracking, shrilling piercing the silence. A nurse cracked open the door to check on Barbra, but backed out when she saw Barbra's glare at the Millionaire. Barbra felt like her chest was going to explode.

"Bruce," Barbra could barely breathe. She steadied her voice, but when she spoke, her voice was raw and shaky. "You don't know where he is?" Barbra said in realization. Bruce turned his head away. Barbra looked at Bruce. "You're trying to cover for him? What a kind man you're suddenly being, but Bruce, this," Barbra stopped and looked away. "This is between me and Richard, please, don't," Barbra didn't know what to say. She just knew she didn't want anyone to defend Richard now. Bruce just sat next to Barbra's bed.

"I am not Richard, I can't tell you where he is, or why he isn't here, or what the hell goes through his mind, but I do know that this might happen again, Barbra. In our line of work, any day is the last day. I think, you know this hurts me to say this, but I think anything between you and Richard… just won't… work." Bruce trailed off. He closed his eyes and swallowed. Barbra could feel his own heart breaking as he told her this. Barbra shut her eyes hard to destroy any tears building up. She didn't want to hear this.

"Thank you Bruce. That… is true. I think I've idolized Richard too much in my life. I think I should stop lying to myself. It would never work." Barbra was crying. Tears just ran down her face as pain racked her ruined body. Sam had stepped in again.

"Barbra," He said, he looked so innocent, brave, so naive. So safe.

"Sam, I'm sorry I was an idiot. I kept hurting you and setting myself up to fall. I think, Sam please help me." Barbra broke then. Falling back, her sobs echoed off the walls. Sam rushed over to cradle the girl he loved. Bruce stood and left. In his mind, he saw Barbra leaving on a boat, off to a better life without so much danger, or pain of loss. He knew Dick would be torn about this, but Bruce also knew it was for the best.

Sometimes the things that are best for us hurt. But sometimes the things that are worst hurt more after they make you feel so good. It's a drug. It hurts, it drags you down, and you just want more. Bruce pondered what 'it' was, but as Barbra's sobs subsided in the distance, he told himself to forget it. Bruce Wayne left the hospital. Batgirl left the clan.


March 1st. noon, Gotham/Wayne Hospital

Barbra was reading in her room when all the girls of the YJ team, past and present, visited her. Many had visited her earlier, but now they were all there at once, together. Barbra smiled as M'gann, Raquel, Karen, Artemis, Cassie, Zatanna, and even Dinah walked in, bustling with energy.

"Hey girl!" Raquel said, bouncing her little baby on her hip. Barbra knew Raquel had been missing out on a lot of meetings for a while, and had suspected this was the reason. The little boy blinked, showing off dazzling silver orbs, leaving Barbra with no doubt who the father could be. Barbra was shocked to see Artemis sporting a small bump.

"Arty?" Barbra gasped in excitement. Artemis sighed.

"I know; it's got really big this week!" Artemis said, sounding slightly embarrassed. Barbra forced a smile. After some small talk, Cassie, and Karen left for varying reasons.

Barbra looked at the group, and swallowed hard.

"I need you guys to tell me where Richard is." She said, her voice hard, and her face controlled. The air grew cold.

"The, the day you got… injured." Artemis started, but even the trained assassin found it hard to face Barbra's accusing eyes.

"He knew I was injured?"

"We all knew." Zatanna admitted, looking away. "But it was too late." Dinah braced herself to finish the story.

"Barbra, we only knew that you had been rushed to a hospital and were stable. Richard, along with some other teammates had to leave the planet." Dinah stopped, hoping Barbra wouldn't ask where they had gone. M'gann felt so guilty, she was about to burst.

"He went to Tamaran!" M'gann cried. She then slapped her hands over her mouth, she hadn't thought she would actually say anything. Barbra's face didn't change. She stared at the Martian.

"He went to… Tamaran, while he knew I was injured? He didn't even stop in!" Barbra's voice was on the edge of screaming. "He went to visit his whore of a girlfriend instead of me!" She was shaking her hands ripped the blanket across her legs.

"Barbra it isn't like that!" Artemis assured her, but Barbra was too lost in past arguments, betrayals, and other poor memories about Richard "Dick" Grayson.

That Starfire knew his secret identity within a month of meeting him. He slept with her first. He brought her home like she was a queen. He trusted her in a battle more than me! He wanted her on missions all the time! He FREAKING DIDN'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ME WHEN SHE WAS AROUND! Barbra's frustration was felt in a wave of fury that whistled by her friends.

"HE LEFT ME HERE! HE WENT TO HER! THAT DAMN BASTARD, AS SOON AS HE GETS BACK, I'M GOING TO PUNCH OUT HIS LIGHTS!" Barbra shouted. M'gann was holding back tears. She remembered the day Nightwing had left.

"Dick! Are you really leaving?" M'gann asked. On the monitor, already light-years away, Nightwing sighed.

"I have to. This was a royal summons, if we don't arrive on time, something really bad could happen."

"What about Barbra!" M'gann shouted. Nightwing looked torn.

"She'll understand, and she's tough. Besides, it most likely isn't major, she'll be fine." Then, Nightwing was called to by one of the Tamaranians giving him a ride and had to sign off. Raven, Garfield and Cyborg were going with Nightwing on an extended invitation.

"Barbra." M'gann put a calming hand on Barbra's. Barbra looked up, her face now tear stained.

"Barbra. He was royally summoned for some reason. He got a message, and while I don't know what it was, Dick seemed really upset by it." M'gann said. "My brother had to go to." Barbra looked down.

"He didn't even try to find out." Barbra's voice was raspy, hard to hear. "He… just left." A few tears hit the blanket. The group of girls was shocked when a tall, strong, black man burst into the room.

"Barb!" He called, running up to the bed and hugging her.

"Sam, the wedding date. Three months, please, I'll be out of the hospital this week. I want to be married as soon as possible. Please, in three months!" wept the red-head. Sam nodded, and looked at the others girls I then room. They just stared, there faces controlled and unemotional. None of them spoke their feelings. The last to leave the room was Artemis. She placed a hand on Barbra's arm. Barbra looked up from her fiancé's shoulder.

"You have our support. He made a stupid choice, and now you're going to be happy for it." Artemis said, rage laying a threatening tone to her voice. Barbra smiled, and Artemis left.

Outside the door, the girls looked at each other.

"So, she lost the use of her legs?" Zatanna said.

"Her spinal cord was partially crushed from the bullet, and a major nerve sliced through. She's lucky her upper body works." Dinah said her voice heavy with depression.

"On the upside, we have a reason to go shopping now." Raquel said, though she didn't sound happy.

"Let's go." Artemis said. M'gann sighed. She somehow knew that when Dick returned, something really bad would happen.


Tamaran, March 23, (Earth date)

Nightwing, Raven, Beast Boy, and Cyborg stepped onto the beautiful tropical planet. A swarm of excited, young Tamaranians came up to meet the heroes. Smiles were exchanged, Nightwing was translating for his team the praises and introductions.

Finally, a hulking huge Tamaranian with wild, flaming red hair and beard, wearing traditional Tamaranian clothes, greeted the group.

"Welcome!" he bellowed. Behind him was a carriage pulled by some vaguely equine looking beasts. The large man guided the group into the oversized carriage. Inside already was a younger Tamaranian with flaming red hair that reached his shoulders. He had almost black, dark green eyes. His face was square and regal. He looked like a prince. He had to be at least 7 ½ feet tall. His traditional Tamaranian clothing was a pair of leathery skin-tight pants, with a flowing silk loincloth studded with rare crystal on the belt, showing wealth. He had a collar that rested on his collarbone and dropped more silk-like fabric just below his ribs. He was handsome, and obviously wealthy. He smiled cordially at the group.

"My name is Hroth'dar, or Lightningstar, I would like to welcome you to our planet." His voice had no accent, evidence he had learned English in the traditional way of lip to lip touch that the Tamaranians' had.

"We thank you for you hospitality. May we infer as to why such a high ranking warrior is greeting us?" Nightwing asked, in Tamaranian, since the young Tamaranian had the courtesy to first speak in his guest's native language. Hroth'dar smiled.

"I hear my mate has invited you to witness our joining." The Tamaranians had no words for marriage, or fiancée. Even though the cat people were much less warlike since Blackfire had been banished, their language was the same. Still, new phrases were popping up to accommodate the more peaceful life-style. Nightwing smiled, hoping his hurt was hidden by his mask and years of control Batman had instilled into him.

"So, you can understand English?" Cyborg asked. Hroth'dar nodded.

"It is perhaps the strangest of all the languages I have learned, so many rules on when to say different words, and spellings." Hroth'dar shook his head in amusement.

The over-sized Tamaranian jumped into the carriage, causing the whole vehicle to tilt towards him.

"Hey Gro'dar!" Beast Boy shouted excitedly. Gro'dar translated roughly into 'Bigstar' which the original Teen Titans thought was most accurate.

"Green Man! Gro'dar cheered. "We have a most pleasant salad for you to try! It took a while, but we found plants that won't kill you!" Gro'dar laughed a large, deep, infectious laugh that Gar giggled nervously along with. Nightwing watched as his team and the two Tamaranians got to know each other. He looked out the window at the castle. He was about to see Kori. He was about to see Starfire. He was about to see the women who had completely stolen his heart, and was now marrying someone else.

Oh joy… Nightwing thought.


Tamaranian Capital, Castle, March 23, (Earth date)

Starfire, or Kori to her closest friends, M'lady to subjects, watched the royal carriage come closer. Her heart soared when it stopped and her husband to be stepped out. Then, her heart plummeted and tried to carve a hole to the molten center of the planet. Nightwing, or Dick to his closest friends, Richard to most, had just stepped out.

Kori had her reasons for inviting her old team from Earth. She had told Gro'dar she was completely loyal to her planet. The Elders/Shamans of the kingdom had told Kori, her heart wasn't quite as loyal as Kori's mind. Kori had courted and found a Tamaranian that made her feel warm and safe. He was the general of the southern province's army. A marriage to him would also help prevent the civil war that was brewing. Some provinces were banding together and trying to reinstate Blackfire as queen, saying Starfire was too soft. The young general had agreed to marry Kori, and when the two had met, Kori found Hroth'dar was a perfect choice as a mate.

Unfortunately, the Elder said Kori was still conflicted. Kori knew this to be true. Every glance at Hroth'dar was a flashback to Dick, and that passionate relationship they had shared. So, to prove the Elder wrong, Kori had invited the Teen Titans to her court for the union, and to tell Dick that everything was gone now. But looking down on the two men her heart was stuck between, Kori wanted to scream.

Why can't I have what I want! Why must I sacrifice for others! I'm the Queen! I should get whatIwant! The side of her heart that supported Dick wailed.

I must save my people. The side of her heart that was her loyalty, logic, and softening for Hroth'dar stated calmly. Kori found that she couldn't just chose which side she should follow.

I will speak with Di-Nightwing. I will decide from there. Somewhat satisfied with her decision, Kori flew to the entrance hall to greet her friends.


Nighttime in Tamaran, March 29, earth date

Since days were longer on Tamaran, the Teen Titans were extremely tired when night fell. Nightwing was twice as exhausted as his friends because he had been fighting his emotions. The desire to jump Kori the minute he saw was so strong that Raven had given Nightwing a suspicious look. Then, throughout the partying, Nightwing had been pretending to be just friends with Kori, no, he must think of her as Starfire from now on. All the masquerading had given him aheadache.

Sighing, Nightwing walked into the baths. Most comparable to Japanese bath houses, the Tamaranians had public baths. Nightwing was, in a very strong symbol of friendship, given a bath house area all to himself, which was to be shared with the rest of his team, but they had elected to just go to sleep. Nightwing stripped, except for his mask. Keeping it on an alien planet seemed silly, but the Tamaranians thought this is what his eyes really looked like, since most of them had never seen a human before. Yes his teammates didn't wear masks, but Nightwing also thought the mask kept him from revealing all his lust for Kor- Starfire.

Nightwing settled into the bath. His eyes closed as the scented steam enveloped him. The flowers that scented the water were literally alien, but very comforting, like jasmine, or lilac. Nightwing barely noticed the disturbance of the water as a second being lowered themself into the water.

Cracking open an eye, Nightwing saw Starfire walking up to him. Nightwing was grateful that she was clothed in a dress. The dress was sheer though, and left nothing to imagination. The silk-like cloth was commonly used as pajamas and formal clothing since it was soft and looked beautiful, that and Tamaranians weren't very big on the idea of 'modesty.'

"Starfire." Nightwing greeted her, hoping he was staying calm. The steam wasn't helping his pounding heart.

"N-Nightwing." Starfire took a deep breath, and stared into Nightwing's eyes, her peridot eyes seemed to shoot their lasers deep into Nightwing's soul.

"Why are you here?" Nightwing asked. Starfire was right in front of Nightwing and leaned against his chest.

"Do you love me?" Starfire asked. Nightwing's heart must have stopped. He didn't respond, and Starfire looked up.

"I do, Starfire, I do love you." He whispered, enveloping the slender, but taller alien in a tight hug. He felt her wiggle away and let her go. Her eyes seemed sad. He wished she would stop. This was too much like last time; almost identical even.

They had been in the pool of the Wayne Manor. Dick had been staring up at the sun, waiting for Kori to join him. He felt like an idiot. He LOVE Kori for Christ's sakes! Why? Why had he gone and slept with Barbra? He felt guilt eating at him. He looked back at the ring on his finger. He had noticed Kori no longer wore her matching one, the one with the leaf etchings and the two diamonds around a Safire. He looked up as Kori slipped into the heated pool water. The full glass ceiling let the winter sun light the pool area. Kori's bikini highlighted her skinny waist and large breasts. No woman on Earth could compare to Kori's beauty. She was unearthly, and rightly so seeing as she wasn't from Earth.

"Do you love me?" She had asked, burying herself into Dick's strong arms. He was shocked at her sudden question.

"Of course!" He said.

"But do you, LOVE, love me? Like as in it will never fade, no matter what, I complete you; I'm the only one, other half, the one and only love me?" She asked, looking Nightwing in the eye. Nightwing almost immediately said yes, but stopped. He looked at her. Those green eyes darkened, the hair shortened and became browner tinged. The bikini became an oversized football shirt that hid the ducky-printed underwear, and the girl became two feet shorter. The hair became straighter, and freckles sprinkled themselves over a pixie nose. Memories flashed through Nightwing's mind. He swallowed painfully, remembering how Barbra snuggled into him after a night together, before she found out that Dick hadn't meant to sleep with her and was just telling her about his engagement, which was already broken off after a matter of days. He had just left her. He had been so ashamed of his actions, he had just cast Barbra aside.

"No." He whispered. He was repeating himself. A month later, Starfire had left, taking a large part of Nightwing. Now, once again, Starfire looked hurt, but relieved as well. She blinked away tears, and Nightwing looked away.

"That makes my life, somewhat easier." Starfire paused. "Now I have something else I need to tell you…" Starfire was cut off as footsteps resounded through the hallways. The two froze. If they were discovered like this, everything might be ruined.

"I shall leave you." The Alien Queen said sadly after the footsteps faded. Nightwing nodded.

"Starfire, I have to leave, return home, immediately after your wedding. I left something undone back home." Nightwing told her. Starfire had exited the bath. She turned and gave Nightwing a strained smile.

"Fair. I shall have the order to let you pass ready by morn. Be at peace, friend." Nightwing smiled, and that painful knot in his chest that had formed when Starfire had left him on earth dissolved. It probably would never disappear though, but it was much smaller now.


Tamaran, March 30 earth date

Starfire watched the Teen Titans leaving after her wedding. She would never admit how she had wished for Nightwing, no, how she wanted Dick to cry out for the wedding to halt and beg her to marry him instead. He didn't, but at one moment she saw his face, and it looked tortured, thoguh Starfire knew he was trying to control his features. She turned away. As much as she wanted Richard, her people needed her too. When they left, the team was still in formal Tamaranian uniforms for military heroes. Starfire felt relief as they left, but looking at the children playing in the yard, the orphans. She felt her worry increase. She hadn't told Nightwing everything. She knew he would need to know soon. How much longer could she hide this?

Most the children had varying shades of red hair. Brown was pretty common too. There were even two blondes; but there was only one young girl with hair as black as night. When the sunlight hit it just right, you could see flashes of red. The girl was smaller than the other children by quite a bit. The most distinctive part about her was her eyes. You could see a slight separation between the oversized iris and where the whites of a human eye would be. That and the girl had a blue rim right around the rim of the pupil. Starfire stared at this strange girl. Soon her people would notice, and the girl would be on trial. After all, Starfire couldn't forever deny this child's existence. The girl was royalty. Starfire would be able to prevent the girl's execution, but not the banishment. If the girl was strong, like Blackfire had been, she could come back and challenge the residing ruler for the throne, but this girl was only half Tamaranian. She could never win in a fight against a full blooded Tamaranian, especially since the opponent would have the blood of the greatest warriors to ever exist on the planet.

Yes, Starfire felt guilty about the girl's existence. But Starfire also planned to let the girl live a full life. She didn't know when, but soon the girl would go and live with her father. It was inevitable.

"I'm sorry Nightwing." Starfire muttered under her breath. She turned from the window. She had a Civil War to quash.


So, not much mystery here, but hey. I'm sorry for the cruddy updating schedule.

All I ask is that you review (flames are encouraged too, I want to improve) so I feel the updating faster is worth something.

Dang, I have an average of 3,000 words a chapter. :)

Hope you all enjoyed it!

Love,

Burning Bright