Chapter 10
[Titan 1]
The T-Ship, with Edward at the controls, slowly approached the Collector's vessel and Edward had the on-board AI scan for life signs. There were several that registered, then, for some reason, the total amount dropped by one. There was also a sudden increase of power that was not from the ship's engines.
"Friend Edward," Kreinyol called.
"Yes," he replied, studying the readouts as the other vessel came to a stop.
"I am the worried for friend Solor," she said, "What if he is defeated?"
"From what I've seen," Edward replied, "Solor is quite capable of handling himself in a fight. He's not one to allow himself to be defeated easily or unless he sees no other choice."
Edward opened a channel to the other ship and called out, "Titan 1 to Solor. Do you copy?"
There was silence from the other end.
"Titan 1 to Solor. Respond, please," Edward called again only to hear static.
He swore and said, "Computer, scan for Solor's life signs," Edward ordered next.
"Scanning…scanning…scanning," the AI said, "scan…I am detecting a life sign near the ship's generators. Also, the overall power output of the ship for 30 seconds was in the Pitawatt range."
Edward whistled and said, "Damn! That's 10,000,000,000,000,000 watts! That's more power than the world's entire output in all history, I believe! That has to be him!"
Cyborg let out a whistle, "How in the heck did Solor generate that much power?"
"We'll find out," Edward said, "You guys hang tight, I'll teleport over and see what's going on."
"I wish to go as well," Kreinyol said.
"I have no problem with that," Edward said as he transferred control of the T-ship over to Cyborg.
He morphed to his mini-Dragon form and teleported over to the younger Tamaranian's pod.
"I can fly," she said.
"We do not know where any airlocks are to enter, though," Edward said, "Also, I cannot withstand the vacuum of space."
Her jaw dropped, "You can talk as a little dragon!"
He smirked, "Your counterpart had the same reaction. But, time's wasting."
He grabbed hold of her and said, "This will only take a moment, my dear."
Edward teleported over to the ship and wrinkled his nose.
"Nastiest smells I have EVER smelled!" Edward groused.
"This Collector is a monster," Kreinyol commented.
"That he is, Starfire," Edward said, reverting to her name since they were alone, "This is what Solor needs to truly understand. He may be a dragon similar to myself, but, he's not a monster. There's a huge difference."
As they walked, they saw the results of Solor's anger as there were cages that had been torn open. Many were empty, some still had prisoners inside.
Edward stopped at one and stepped in, trying to avoid the sludge that was all over the floor, so, he formed a bird to fly over the mess.
The occupant, however, was non-responsive. Its spirit and body long broken, it didn't even register that it had been freed.
He returned to his human form and shook his head.
"He's in a state I would not wish upon even my worst enemy," he said, "His mind has been broken. He is probably in a permanent catatonic state. It means, basically, he's alive but his essence is gone."
As he looked around and saw others in the same shape, he let out a roar of immense sadness, especially seeing other sentient beings there and slammed his fist into the wall as his eyes flashed a deadly red for a moment, leaving a sizable dent in the wall.
Kreinyol did what her older counterpart would have done and pulled the distraught and angry dragon into her arms.
There was a jet black sphere a moment later that revealed Raven there. She went over and ignoring the stench also hugged her husband. She was, of course, responding to the sudden flood of emotions coming through the link.
"I'm all right, dear," he said a moment later, "I can't let personal feelings get in the way."
They walked towards what they hoped was the engine room, following the directions relayed from the T-Ship's AI…
[20 minutes earlier]
Solor had rationalized that if he was able to tie himself into the ships power system, he could get all the prisoners home who could recover from their ordeal. But, he didn't want to send home those who had been broken in mind and spirit. As the Blessing of Light was still active, albeit lower than normal levels, he got his new ally to take him to the transporter room and set the device to sent everyone still mobile, except himself, home.
"Can you operate this device?" he asked his new ally. The creature nodded.
"All right," Solor said, "I want you to stay here and when you see a massive light outburst, you will have maybe a minute to activate this device and get everyone home, including yourself. My friends will pick me up, though. I suspect that they are already on their way here."
The creature bowed, as if to say "Thank you." Solor smiled and said, "No need to bow. I am obligated to help you. It was the actions of someone in my universe who led to you and the others being here, I merely repay the debt as best I can. Just point me to the generators, that is thanks enough."
The creature pointed out the way and Solor left in a hurry.
He reached the room in question and saw that it was a matter/anti-matter chamber.
Solor looked it over and saw that there was another chamber that might be a power feed device. He placed his hands on it and said, "Alpha! Hon rothaar do Filkiin ! Ofan zey faal Kogaan do Kun tol fen ferd daar ulfah bodein veyn nust engein!" (English translation: "Alpha! Hear the prayer of Starborn! Give me the Blessing of Light that will send these creatures home where they belong!")
Solor's body started to glow brighter and brighter until it looked like he was a miniature sun as the immense power built up to levels that would normally have fried any living being. Power crackled along Solor's body, needing to be released.
Solor grasped the unit once more and the energy raced from him into the ship, causing the chamber to react in a way that was causing it to glow as well. Alarms blared throughout the ship as the power threatened to destroy the ship.
In the transporter room, the unnamed ally hit the buttons and slid his fingers along an activation console and he felt his body tingling with the transporter effect. Several long minutes later, he was back home on his distant planet.
In his language he said, "I praise The One for delivering me home and for using that Earth creature as your servant of delivery. May Solor be blessed and find his way home."
On other planets all across the galaxy, similar prayers of thanksgiving were offered to their respective Gods.
The effort was not unnoticed on Oa, though. The Guardians noticed that there was a sudden power surge from John Stewart's sector and they tasked him to find out what was going on.
Back on board, Solor collapsed, having overtaxed his Blessing of Light. There was no way for him to move under his own power for at least 24 hours, maybe longer.
By then, Edward, Raven and Kreinyol had found the engine room and saw Solor collapsed there.
"Solor!" Kreinyol said and raced over to him. She turned him over and saw that he was out cold.
Edward checked his vital signs and was satisfied.
"He's OK," Edward said, "He's merely drained, but, I have no idea how long he will recovering. It took him over 12 hours when he used this Blessing before, and the amount of energy he used should have destroyed the ship. Not that it matters, it looks like he cooked the power couplings and possibly the engines. Let's get him back to the T-ship and contact the League, they will know what to do from here."
Edward bent down and lifted Solor into his arms as he realized that there was a problem.
First, Solor weighed a ton, but, Edward wasn't concerned about that. He'd have to teleport just Solor to the pod Raven normally occupied, and she would have to take the center pod, allowing Edward in his mini-Dragon form to ride along on her shoulder.
He told the folks of the changed pod assignments and Raven teleported Kreinyol to her pod, then, went to the center pod, letting Cyborg know what was happening.
Edward did a quick morph to a mini-dragon after positioning Solor the best he could and teleported to his wife's original pod.
After getting Solor situated, he said, "Computer, monitor Solor's vital signs until we are back at Titan Tower. Alert me if there are any changes that may threaten his life. Plot a course for home, maximum speed, and note our current galactic coordinates for transmission to the Justice League."
"Acknowledged," the computer said, "Marking current coordinates. Plotting course for Titan Tower launch bay. Course laid in and ready to engage."
Edward teleported to Raven's new pod and said, "Computer, engage."
The AI took over control and the ship turned around and headed for home.
[2 hours later]
"Titans 1 to Justice League," Edward said after opening a channel. They were finally in range to communicate without having to wait for a response for a while.
"Justice League, This is J'onn," was the reply a few moments later.
"Greetings, my friend," Edward said, "Our mission was a success. We rescued Solor and are en route home. But, it's a pyrrhic victory, I'm afraid. Solor got most of the prisoners/abductees home, the captor is dead. Sadly, there are a few hundred captives who have lost all hope, their minds shattered as well as their spirits. We couldn't just send them home without some help, if it's at all possible. I know Earth does not have the people needed to treat those lost souls, if they can be helped."
"Let me get Green Lantern," J'onn said. A few moments later, he appeared on the viewscreen.
"Hello, Edward," the deep voice of John Stewart said.
"Hello, John," Edward said, "I'm sure J'onn told you what is happening. I need a favor from the Green Lantern Corp. A huge favor, actually."
"No need to ask," John replied, "The Guardians have already inquired why there was a massive power surge. I assume that your new friend had something to do with it?"
"You can say that…More like everything to do with it," Edward said, "It's hard to explain, but, Solor has this ability that REALLY amps up his abilities. The T-Ship recorded at least a pitawatt of power was unleashed in 30 seconds."
Green Lantern let out his own whistle, "Damn!"
"Well, he personally sent several thousand abductees back to their respective planets across the galaxy, but, there were several hundred, if nod thousands who are in very, very dire straights and will need the best doctors in the galaxy to help them. They've been broken, John, in ways I would never wish upon my worst enemy. Their minds are gone. So badly shattered that even I do not know if they will ever recover. Their spirits are broken as well."
Edward shuddered, unable to go on.
"I couldn't even detect any emotions from those captives," Raven added, "Edward is really hurt by this."
"Don't you Titans worry," John said, "The Guardians can help. I'll ask for a squadron of Lanterns to assist. Send us the coords of the ship and we'll handle it from here."
"Try not to breathe the air," Edward said, "The Collector allowed them to live in their own filth. You wouldn't happen to have a way to decontaminate us all, would you? I do not want to carry something back to Earth that would lay waste to the population."
"That bad?"
"I wouldn't ask otherwise, John," Edward said.
"Our transporters are capable of filtering out any life-threatening bacteria or viruses," J'onn said, "We can transport the T-Ship and you over to a hanger deck and that should do the trick."
"All right," Edward said, "Sending the coords of the other ship now." He had the data transmitted and altered course.
"Not a problem," J'onn said, "What's your ETA?"
"20 minutes at current speed," Edward said.
"All right," J'onn said, "We will see you soon."
[Hanger Bay 3 – JL Watchtower]
The hanger deck was ready to receive Titan 1 via the JL's transporters.
"Watchtower to Titan 1," J'onn said, "Please come to a complete stop and prepare for transport."
"Acknowledged," Edward replied. Raven brought the ship to a stop and nodded to Edward.
"We're ready," he told the WatchTower.
Everyone felt a tingling as the transporter effect kicked in and it took a bit longer before they saw that they were inside a hanger bay.
"Welcome to the WatchTower," Superman said over the radio, "You have been decontaminated successfully. A wise precaution, Edward, as we did detect several nasty little critters."
"Thanks, Superman," Edward said, "We appreciate that, very much. Also, while we cannot stick around, Solor would love an opportunity for a sparring match with you at some point, if that's all right with you. Don't worry about hurting him, though. He's quick, tough and quite strong."
"Nightwing's told us about him," Superman said, "I'm glad that he's on our side, but, is he trustworthy?"
"My personal opinion?" Edward said, "We may have our personality conflicts at times, as to trusting him? Yeah, I actually do trust him. He offered himself up as a hostage and he did what was, sadly, necessary. Superman, I know we are not supposed to kill our enemies, even those who wish us dead. Please, do not hold that against Solor. He had no other alternative. The Collector was not redeemable. He would not have stopped to seize other innocent beings from their homeworld and instead of caring for them…allowed them to suffer in ways that, even to me, warranted a death sentence."
"I know you are not fond of killing, Edward, however, I will trust your judgment here. I would be honored to spar with Solor, then. Just give me or Clark a call." Not everyone on the T-Ship was aware that Clark Kent is Superman, so, that made it necessary to maintain the whole secret identity thing.
"Thanks, Superman," Edward said, "Forgive us, but, we have to get Solor back to our Tower. I am afraid that if he wakes up here, he may lash out without meaning to."
"That's fine," Superman said, "You have two Starfires now?"
"Yeah," Edward said, "Our universes' Starfire and Solor's Starfire. They were taken from their own alternative universe and dropped in our laps. That's another reason we need to get back. His universe's Raven will not be able to find them if they are not in the same general area. It's a long story."
"I'll bet," Superman said, "You're cleared to depart at your leisure."
Raven started the T-Ship and piloted out of the hanger and told the computer to resume course for home.
[2 days later – Titan Tower Medical Bay]
After they arrived home, Edward took Solor to the Med Bay and placed him on one of the beds. That's where Kreinyol parked herself the entire time, only getting up to use the restroom and insisting that "New friend Edward" visit as well.
That was something Edward wasn't expecting, though. He thought that she would want either Raven or the native Koriand'r to stay.
It did give Edward the opportunity to get to know Starfire's younger self better and she didn't disappoint. It turned out that in every respect, except for one, she was identical to Koriand'r. Same mannerisms, same speech patterns, and for the most part the same memories.
But, there was one glaring difference, Edward discovered. In his universe, Starfire and Nightwing were a couple, after dancing around their feelings for years.
In Kreinyol's universe, she considered Robin to be a friend, but, she didn't feel anything past that. She did consider Solor to be more than a best friend.
"Starfire," Edward asked on the second day, "What are your real feelings towards Solor? I am curious and concerned as well. Maybe it's for nothing."
"Solor is my best friend," she replied, "He reminds me of Galfore, because of how he treats me. But, I feel that he's a lot closer than a friend."
Edward smiled as he remembered his trip to Tamaran and how their Starfire, out of love for Blackfire, attacked Edward to distract him.
"Is it a similar feeling you have towards Blackfire?" Edward asked.
She nodded, "Hmm mmm."
"You like Solor as more than a friend, then," Edward said, "He's not your brother, not k'norfka either. Our Starfire has the feelings of love towards Nightwing and she had them when he was also Robin. I've noticed how he does care for you. When he got here, he was furious at the situation. I had to try to stop him from tearing down the forest. And, that rage did not really settle down until you got here the same way. Raven and I saw how he carried you into the living room as well. And, his bantering between Raven and I was actually playful. I didn't say anything because, well, you were enjoying the clear affection."
"You think I am in the love with Solor?" she asked gently.
"Star, I've been around for nearly 3,000 of our years," Edward replied, "I know the signs of two people in love. Especially when one is a dragon. Solor and I are not the same direct species, but, I know enough. Yes, Starfire, I think exactly that.
"I dare say that considering the handprint you obviously gave him, he cares about you enough to allow you to slap the taste out of his mouth. I know how he feels about you. So does our Koriand'r.
"He does love you as well. But, given what I know, he is not allowed to act on those feelings. It's a culture issue, I think. However, if you are here for good, he will have to either act on those feelings and acknowledge them or do the breaking of the heart."
Starfire lowered her head, "I do not wish for the breaking of my heart."
"Neither do I, Starfire," Edward said, "I see how happy Koriand'r is with Nightwing and they've gone through the fire and come out better for it. He didn't really act on his feelings until I pushed them together. They went out on a date I paid for, and, it went off wonderfully. I would want the same for you before you leave."
Solor stirred in his sleep and with a yawn, woke up.
"Solor!" Starfire cried, "You are the awake!"
"Where am I?" he said.
"Back at the Tower," Edward replied, "We brought you back after you sent the healthier abductees home."
"What about the others? You did not leave them to rot, right?"
"They will be taken care of," Edward said, "The Green Lantern Corp and the Guardians of Oa will see to that. But, so many of them are as irreparably damaged, if not worse, than the Collector."
"It beats what I had wanted to do," Solor said, "It's more merciful if they can be helped."
"I don't think any of them can be helped much," Edward said sadly, "Their minds were so far gone, they are in a state of living death. Some of them were dead as well, I noticed."
"You know I had to kill the Collector," Solor said, "Please do not think less of me."
"You had no choice, Solor," Edward replied, "While I wish you had saved some for me, I do not begrudge you the task. You ended a threat to so many different worlds and returned those you could home. That act, right there, shows me that you value honor. It shows the team that you are worthy of our trust and, if I had it my way, you would no longer be an honorary Titan, but a full member of the team. By your actions, you have shown the advanced trait of mercy. The Collector, was, as Kreinyol stated…A monster. You've proven to me, beyond a doubt, that your self-assessment is as the mortals would say: Bullshit. Your time among the mortals of your universe has taught you more than you know. I wish I could convince your leaders of this. Always cherish your time with the mortals you used to disdain because they shall grow old and die. But, by keeping those you truly love in your heart during your rather long life-span keeps them immortal. That why I keep the memories of my past lovers/wives close to my heart and jealously protect their memories.
"I am in sheer awe of the true power of the Blessing of Light. I was impressed with it before, obviously. And, the feelings it caused me…I have to meditate on still. For the first time, I felt like a god…may He forgive any blasphemy…who could have been absolute ruler of the World. Don't worry, I don't think of you any less for having to eliminate that abomination of life.
"Also, we had to stop at the WatchTower on the way home. I wasn't about to expose mortals to whatever diseases there were on board that ship. And, good news for you as well: You have a sparring session whenever you're ready with the Man of Steel himself."
"You're kidding me!" Solor said, after picking his mouth off the floor.
"No, I'm quite serious," Edward said, "It helps to be on Superman's good side, and a good spar will show the Justice League that you're on our side. Also, our Batman and Robin patched up their differences and forgave one another. If you get back to your world, wait a couple of years and try to get them to talk to one another. It may smooth over relations between your Titans and Justice League.
"Heck, I know Nightwing's an ass at times. That was drilled into his head by Batman. I've learned not to take it too personally. You shouldn't either. But, he gives you any grief, you come see me."
Solor smiled broadly, "Thank you, Edward. And, if it will prevent my ripping Nightwing's head off, I might just take you up on the offer."
"You earned the right to spar with Superman," Edward said, "he was not happy that you needed to kill an enemy, but, I vouched for why it was necessary.
"Changing the subject: I know you have to be hungry after two days of sleeping."
"Two DAYS?!" Solor exclaimed.
"Fraid so," Edward replied, "Your Blessing utterly drained you. It put out more power in 30 seconds than in all of Earth's HISTORY."
"Now that I think of it," Solor said, "I am hungry."
"Well, lucky for you, I had bought lots of hamburger lately," Edward said, "I make some mean burgers!"
"That is acceptable," Solor replied and tried to stand. That didn't work out so well as his Starfire caught him.
Solor's face showed how grateful he was…until she effortlessly picked him up and they headed for the door.
"Yep," Edward said with a smile, "Totally loving this."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Solor asked.
"You and her remind me of our Starfire and Nightwing," Edward said.
"Yeah, keep thinking that," Solor said.
"May I suggest that later you two meditate on your feelings towards one another, then?" Edward suggested.
They headed towards the kitchen area and when they arrived, the other Titans were watching some TV.
"Well," Nightwing said, "I see that Solor's finally awake. We should talk."
"Not right now, man," Edward said, "He's still recovering from the Blessing of Light. Let him eat something first before you even think about raking him over the coals…Assuming he lets you."
"You and Solor are the couple?" Kori asked innocently.
"Oh come on!" Solor said, rolling his eyes, "Just because Kreinyol is carrying me doesn't make us a couple!" He bit back more scathing retorts because he couldn't hurt her, even if she is the counterpart to his universes' Starfire.
At that thought, Solor realized that he did love his Starfire, though. He was torn. In his culture, a dragon that fell for a mortal was branded a "breed traitor", that's one reason the Circle determined pairings. He didn't dare call Edward that to his face, though. Edward could see that as a direct insult to his Callisto, Paula and now Raven and he could likely become so enraged that even Solor would be hard pressed to prevent Edward from trying to kill him. Solor, deep down, could relate. Edward goaded him in their first spar and Solor reacted very badly…but, in the end, it was beneficial to the elder Dragon in getting Raven, Cyborg and his Starfire out.
He sighed.
[Something's up] Raven noted, [Solor's confused. His culture seems to forbid Dragon-mortal relationships, he's got deep feelings for his Starfire, and he sees how close you and I are. He thought something about a "Breed Traitor" and how you might react.]
[He knows, even in the last couple of days, I would not react well to that accusation, dear,] he replied, [However, I can also understand where he is coming from, so, I won't take it too personal if he does. He should meditate on this.]
[Agreed,] Raven said, [But, does he have the skill to do that? Before he was yanked here, my counterpart had just started training him. Maybe I will teach him how to do that today.]
[Smart move,] Edward replied a moment later.
"Solor," she said, "has my counterpart taught you how to meditate on any issues you are having?"
"My Raven was getting to that," he replied.
"All right," Raven said, "I will pick up where she left off later today. Say after you eat something?"
"We'd like that," Kreinyol replied.
"I would as well," Koriand'r said.
"Let get something to eat first," Solor groused.
Edward got up and asked, "Anything that you're interested in?"
Solor replied, "That cheeseburger sounds awesome right now. A nice big one!"
"Sure, eat more meat," Beast Boy groused, earning a jab from Terra, "OW!"
"Thanks, Terra," Solor said followed by a warm laugh, "Beast Boy, I am a carnivore, plain and simple. While I will eat vegetables, I have no qualms in eating animals, sometimes RAW! I am not forcing you to watch nor offering you a bite as I told Nightwing recently. You have had how many years to get used to watching Cyborg eating meat as well as Edward, who I assume is a carnivore as well. Get used to it or stay outta my face!"
By then, Kreinyol had allowed Solor to get down and find a seat.
Edward looked in the fridge and got the 5 pounds of hamburger out and the other fixings.
He decided to split that in half and after seasoning it, flattened it into a large, plate sized burger and put it on the pre-heated grill.
"Hey, man," Edward asked, "What do you want on this beast?"
"The works," Solor said, "I haven't eaten in 2 and a half days."
Edward chuckled, "All right. One fully loaded cheese burger coming up."
He went back to the fridge and got out a bunch of goodies.
"I assume you're not allergic to anything," Edward said.
"Good guess," Solor said.
"Come on back," Edward invited him.
Solor got up and walked back, eliciting a squeal from Kreinyol.
"He's all right," Edward reassured her with a smile, "I won't let him do anything that might harm him for a little while. I'm not …"
"I've already recovered from the Blessing, Edward," Solor interrupted, "But, I appreciate the thought."
Solor saw what was arrayed and raised an eyebrow.
"You, me and Cyborg do like a lot of toppings," Edward said, "I'll let you chop up what you'd like. The Miracle Blade III set is on the counter along with the cutting board. There's several extra large burger buns in the cupboard to your right, first one."
Solor looked at the knives and said, "Which one?"
"Use the Rock and Chop, it's labeled. Be careful, they are extremely sharp and in your human form, will slice you badly," Edward said, "I give that warning to first time users, so, don't take it personally."
Solor got the right knife and started chopping the veggies.
"Easy, man," Edward said a moment later, "Let the blade do the work. Just use a little pressure to slice through things."
Solor rolled his eyes, but, did as he was asked. After slicing up his toppings, he grabbed one of the extra large burger buns and set that up.
Edward was busy flipping the super-sized burger and then grabbing the cheese and putting that on top to melt.
"I think you'll love this, guys," Cyborg said, watching the two dragons actually bonding over cooking. The others gathered around, including Beast Boy.
"You're not fixing the others anything?" Solor asked.
"We all had lunch a while ago, actually," Raven replied, "We're just watching the show."
"Ahh," Solor said as Edward got the burger off the grill and moved it to the bun.
"All yours," Edward said smiling, "Good job chopping up the stuff you wanted."
Solor took a piece of the meat and savoring the smell, popped it into his mouth.
"Not bad," he said, "I like that you left it somewhat rare."
"Nightwing told me that you like to hunt fresh meat," Edward replied, "I assumed that you eat your kills raw, correct?"
"For the most part," Solor said. He put a bunch of toppings on and finished putting the massive burger together.
"Anything to drink?" Edward asked.
"Got any Gatorade?" Solor said, "I don't think Pepsi is a good idea right now."
Edward looked and said, "No can do. Will Iced Tea work? I can get some Gatorade later this afternoon."
"It'll do," Solor replied. Edward grabbed the pitcher and a large glass. He figured the younger dragon needed to hydrate himself as well.
Solor took a bite out of his burger and smiled, "This is better than that first bite. And certainly large enough for me."
"Take your time," Edward advised, "I do not want you to shock your stomach too much."
"I've gone longer without eating," Solor said, "I'll be fine."
Solor settled in to his meal and didn't say another word until he had finished the entire burger and washed it down with the entire pitcher of tea. That said a lot.
"I'm going to the roof," Solor announced, "Do not disturb me unless you are coming up to meditate."
With that, the younger dragon headed to the rooftop. His Starfire went up, as did Raven and Edward.
When they got there, Raven said, "I would like Solor to sit across from me, please."
"Star," Edward said, "You may do the meditation besides me, if you like."
"Are you the OK?" she asked Solor.
"It's all right," he replied as they got into position.
"I think it's time we talked," Edward said, "I have been around a long time, as you all know. In that time, I've learned to read body language pretty well to see what someone else is feeling and saying what is not said out loud.
"What I have seen since this Starfire was yanked from her universe is nothing short of impressive. You, Solor, have had a 180 degree turn in your attitude. That's one reason I opted to help you and to extend trust. OK, you were royally angry at times. I've been there myself and its taken Raven to get me to calm down. Since then, I haven't really seen you that upset.
"Tell me, Solor, what does your Circle think about dragon-mortal relationships? It's just us up here and what is said here will not get back to the other Titans."
Solor was immediately aware that Edward knew something.
He sighed, "It's not allowed for members of my species to have a relationship with humans. The Circle determines our mates, period. In fact, and, please don't take this the wrong way. Those who broke the rule are called 'Breed Traitors'. I am not going to label you and Raven as such, Edward. You are not subject to the Circle's rules or prejudices."
Edward raised an eyebrow, "Thank you for that consideration. Being the only Dragon here before your arrival, well, the only true dragon here as Paula was not a dragon, as I told you before, made it impossible to have an inter-species relationship. I've already told you some of that history, Solor.
"However, Raven and I noticed how close you and this Starfire are. I think Nightwing's noticed it as well. He and Cyborg were commenting prior to our last sparring match, and I think it was an observation. I didn't listen that closely, though.
"Rae will attest to how when we jointly realized that there were feelings toward each other that went above friendship, it didn't matter why we wanted to spend the years together and that it was irrelevant what I am and what she is. We accepted each other despite differences: She's still half-demon, half-human. I am a Dragon. She's the calm, stable rock to my once in a while issues. You've realized that as well. It is not easy sometimes."
"Why is that?" the younger Starfire asked, "I do not understand."
"It's hard to really explain," Edward said, "being a couple means taking the bad with the good. We are in each other's heads. She knows what I am feeling as much as I know her emotional state. You saw how strong our bond is. Best way to put it where you understand is how close you and Galfore are. Even though there are light years between you and your k'norfka, he has a very special place in your heart. As I know your sister still does, even though she tried to frame you."
"Edward," Solor said, "Be straight with me: Do you think I've fallen for Kreinyol?"
Edward raised an eyebrow and said, "Well, right to the point, I see. Yes, I do think that you have fallen for her. The way that you two interact with one another, the calming effect she has on you. You insisted on taking her to the Med Bay after I caught her. The playful banter when you carried her into the kitchen. You did not even hesitate to trade places with her two days ago. You share interest in the same food items.
"I have to assume you told her what you let slip in your sleep as well. Solor, when one's subconscious is released, it tells the truth. I have no doubt in my mind. Your Robin has lost her to you.
"And, Starfire, I know you asked me before and my answer has not changed: Yes, I do believe that you share the same feelings for Solor."
Solor looked like he had been punched in the gut, "So, the Collector was right. He told me the same thing and I killed him for it…and that he called her a name that I won't repeat here.
"What am I supposed to do? I'm a breed traitor!"
"Listen to me right now, Starborn!" Raven snarled and heading Edward's objections off, "Don't you dare call yourself that! You are no more a breed traitor than I am and I married Edward! Beast Boy and Terra, if you haven't noticed, are engaged. And I think Nightwing and our Starfire will be engaged before very long. Your Circle has no sway upon you on this world and if I understand your history, you were cast out! Even if my counterpart does find you someday, you are no longer under their laws or idiotic breed purity crap."
"Wait," Solor asked, "how do you know my real name?"
"I'm an empath," Raven said, "I sensed that's your given name. Both names suit you, though."
Solor said, "I suppose you know my feelings, then."
Raven gave a small smile, "They are every bit as intense as Edward's when he loses his emotional control. I know that you love this woman here with all your heart, but, are afraid to express it. It takes a different courage to look at one's heart for a harsh reality, especially with one wants to deny their feelings."
Kreinyol looked at Solor with tears in her eyes, and it was evident that the elder Dragon and older Raven struck a nerve in both of them.
"We need to meditate on this," Raven said calmly and to defuse the sudden tension in the air.
Solor reached over and hugged his Starfire as she calmed down pretty quick.
"Let's begin," Raven said, launching into a 10 minute long lecture on not just finding one's center, but, how to clear one's mind of all distracting thoughts by focusing on the sound of the waves below and to focus on the thought of the day, which for Solor and his Starfire, their budding emotions for one another.
Edward would be meditating on the long term implications of their recent misadventure as well as other issues that had arisen. He was worried that Nightwing may try to put his foot down regarding having a fourth couple on his team. Edward was not going to stand idly by if Nightwing decided that the three couples would be enough. He was still ticked at Nightwing for wanting to toss Solor out after that initial sparring match and for trying to get Edward to spill things anyway.
[Ops]
While the lesson was going on up on the roof, Nightwing was concerned as well.
The video that Cyborg recorded showed that Solor already knew which buttons to push with Edward to get a reaction out of him. Granted it was clearly needed on board that vessel, it still bothered him. And it was also obvious that Solor and his Starfire were much closer than Solor wanted to acknowledge. And, he felt that he needed to protect his counterpart's relationship with Starfire for some reason.
"Cyborg," he said, "I think that three couples here are plenty. I will tell Solor and his Starfire to forget any relationship."
"Are you insane?!" Cyborg said after a moment, "You try to prohibit what they feel and I can promise that the entire team will turn on you."
"They wouldn't dare!" Nightwing said.
"Try it," Cyborg said, "You think Edward getting annoyed at you the other day was fun? We've seen what both Solor and Edward are capable of when truly angry. We know when Starfire gets angry she tends to unleash her righteous fury in the form of starbolts. You want TWO Starfires angry at 'former boyfriend Nightwing'? Or maybe you forgot what happened when Dr. Light managed to piss off Raven. With her more open with her emotions, she's gained control over her abilities as well, I do not want to see when she directs her half-demon side at someone. Or, let's see. Terra and Beast Boy would not be happy as well. Have you forgotten Terra can fully control her powers now?"
"I'll take that chance," Nightwing said.
"It's your funeral, Richard," Cyborg said, "When they all turn on you, I'm stepping aside. I do not want to try to sooth a pair of enraged Dragons."
"I'll throw them off the team then," Nightwing said.
"Man, you don't get it!," Cyborg roared, "They'll turn on you and YOU'LL be the one on the street, if Edward doesn't decide to teleport you back to Gotham trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey and drop your jealous ass back at Wayne Manor. You've already got the native Starfire as your girlfriend. I think you want to protect your younger counterpart's feelings. The other Starfire knows she has fallen for Solor and vice-versa. What right do we have to tell them no?"
Nightwing had the mental image of getting his rump not only handed to him, but, tied up like a turkey at Wayne Manor and Alfred's stunned face seeing Richard Grayson, potentially sans uniform, with a note saying that he had been fired as the leader of the Titans and that he was not welcome in Jump City lest something very bad befell him. Then, having to explain to Bruce how he, with one decision, pissed off the entire team.
He sighed, "Maybe you're right. I'll have to think about it."
"Make the team building choice, not the one that destroys the Titans," Cyborg said, "I would rather have the two dragons on our side instead of as enemies. If Solor is stuck here with his own Starfire, we have to keep them on our side. Edward's already gone from Solor's enemy, to a sparring partner, to a mentor in this past week. We know that from those sparring matches that they are evenly matched physically as well as their skills. Solor lacks a few of Edward's skills, and, Edward doesn't have some of Solor's skills. Notice how Solor was surprised when Edward teleported during the spar? Edward's been toying with Solor as much as Solor's been toying with Edward.
"Also, I assume you noticed when Solor had the choice of attacking our Starfire in the latest spar, he hesitated. He did not wish to harm her, despite how tough she is. He opted to go after Edward instead. He won't hurt either of the girls, and he knows he can't hurt Edward physically that easily or cause lasting harm."
"What about Edward's absorbing that Blessing of Light?" Nightwing asked.
"Desperate times calling for desperate moves," Cyborg said, "It's not an innate ability of his, anymore than using starbolts. Edward shouldn't have to resort to that very often, but, woe to whatever enemy forces Edward to go that far. I saw the regret on Solor's face when he had to fully trigger Edward's rage long enough to free the girls, but, Edward was stunned at the immense power exhibited afterwards. It shocked him out of his anger and Solor had to get Edward to focus, remember?"
"But, can Solor control his anger?" Nightwing said.
"I dare say that with his Starfire here, it's not going to be an issue anymore," Cyborg replied, "They are up top meditating quietly. We can chat with them later on."
With that, Cyborg left Nightwing to think about things. He wanted to prohibit the pairing, but, Cyborg made a good point about the team wanting to throw him off the team if he angered the others.
What a predicament!