A/N: This note is to inform all my readers of some changes I've made to Chapter 7. The chapter contained an argument between a past Robin and Starfire about a topic that was only vaguely hinted at. The reason for this argument was to be revealed later, but, as tends to happen sometimes when writing a story, I've decided against using the idea and removed it. The scene isn't as powerful as it once was, but all in all I feel the change is for the best. Please enjoy chapter 10.
I
The fridge was depressingly empty, the exact same way it had been the first time. Amazingly enough, the simple passage of time had not shifted its contents. The condiments, the empty milk carton and open box of baking soda, everything remained in its respective positions. Inspecting the freezer proved a bit more fruitful as it was filled to the brim with boxes upon bags of cheap, frozen and ready-made food. Good thing too. Starfire had accumulated a vast amount of Earthen knowledge in her years on the big blue sphere, but somehow the almost artful skill of cooking had always eluded her; the minimal effort required to prepare such frozen confections was certainly for the best. Mini-pancakes and brown and serve sausage links. Aside from reheating the leftover pizza it was the best she was going to do.
"Stafire? Woah, where are you? Are you okay?"
The voice was Beast Boy's. Ten minutes ago he'd spoken the words into the receiver of his home phone after she'd revealed herself on the other end. Ten minutes ago, sitting at Grayson's kitchen table, clad only in one of his long white pocket tees, she breathed a silent sigh of relief and told the green man that she was fine.
"I was having difficulty in falling asleep," she told him. "I went for a flight and discovered a situation.."
Ten hours ago her body reeled with pleasure as Grayson in a passionate frenzy kissed and rubbed and groped every inch of her curvaceous body. Ten hours ago she moaned and wailed in ecstasy as their hips clapped loudly together, sweat and flesh and love meeting in a carnal torrent.
"My intervention was needed. I am fine, I assure you."
"Well, that's a relief."
Ten minutes ago Beast Boy's voice became far away and muffled and she knew he must have been talking to Raven. Ten minutes ago, Starfire bit her lip and silently prayed that the green man not hand his wife the phone. After their conversation the day before about leaving without saying goodbye and then disappearing for most of the night and entire morning without so much as a note...well...it was fair to say she was somewhat dreading the conversation that would inevitably follow.
Ten hours ago, Grayson's lips met her own and the words "I love you, Star; I want you, Star; I need you, Star," filled her thoughts, and never had she felt so good. Ten hours ago, naked and sweating and grinding and thrusting- young lovers long separated by years of dormancy, awoke simultaneously.
"...yeah," came Beast Boy's distant voice. "Sounds like someone was in trouble."
"Garfield?"
"Yeah, I'm still here. Well, we're all just glad you're alright."
"I feel awful about worrying you and about missing our breakfasting date."
"Ah, it's okay." Again he became far away. "Why don't we just make it a dinnering date instead?"
"That would be glorious."
"Where are you now?"
"I am...not sure. Somewhere west. I am sorry I do not remember the name. I had to make some unexpected sleeping arrangements."
"I hear you. Do you think you could make it here by five?"
"I believe so."
"Awesome. See you then."
"Yes. I will see you."
The microwave beeped. Pulling the plate of steaming sausage links out of the microwave she replaced them with the pancakes and closed the door.
Twenty minutes ago she lay in bed, a barely covered Grayson sleeping soundly beside her, his well muscled chest rising and falling in rhythm to his breathing. Twenty minutes ago she placed a gentle hand over his heart, kissed his cheek. She pulled him close, watched him as he slept. It was not the first time. Back when the two first took to sharing a bed she did it all the time. He was always so strong and sure and capable; there was just something about seeing him vulnerable. It was one of the few times he would ever remove his mask. There was a certain special honesty in that action alone. That he would surrender one of his greatest defenses for the sake of being with her, allow her to see him as he really was...
Through the walls she heard the hiss and hum of shower jets. Grayson was awake.
The plate of pancakes continued to revolve behind the clear glass door, and for the very first time since arriving Starfire's thoughts found their way back to Tamaran. To the life, love and responsibilities still awaiting her return. She thought of Kessa'd, of his charming smile and trusting eyes, and her heart sank. She had been so in love with him, nothing could have swayed her. Did she love him now? She supposed she did, loved him just as much as she had when she left. The only difference now was the fact that she had come to realize she loved Grayson just that much more. Then there was her kingdom, her people. The return of the royal family to the throne, it was to be the day when all of Tamaran was to be united in celebration. Her marraige to Kessa'd (A hero of the people) was to be a major part of that celebration. She could not abandon them, not now, when they needed her the most. And yet...
She put her elbows on the table, put her head in her hands and ran her fingers through her hair. There were so many things wrong with her life at the moment she hardly even knew where to begin. Did she even really deserve to become Grand Ruler? She had already deceived her people once just by going to Earth, but now she had betrayed her Promised One and dishonored the ceremony that had bound them. Her simple vacation had turned into a giant mess. At best her future was uncertain, and at worst, well, she would rather not think about it.
The microwave beeped again. Distributing everything equally to both plates she palmed a fistful of silverware and set the table. She found an unopened box of sports drinks beside the fridge and filled two small glasses with ice cubes. Maple syrup from the fridge (along with a jar of relish for herself) and everything was set.
She had a lot of explaining to do. Grayson was the best place to start. If push came to shove could she really leave him behind again? No, she couldn't. But perhaps she wouldn't need to. Perhaps he would have an idea. Perhaps something could be worked out between her and her people. Perhaps she could make Kessa'd understand. It was asking a lot, but maybe there was a chance everyone would understand. It was a gamble. The only thing she was sure of was how she felt, that she loved Grayson, that he was her true Promised One and always had been. The two of them had survived everything that world, universe and life could throw at them. Their love was just as strong as it ever was; last night had proved it. They would get through this. They would-
Starfire, somewhat surprised said, "Oh. Good morning," as Grayson suddenly appeared in the kitchen dressed in full Nightwing apparel. She floated her way to where he stood, embraced him, kissed him. She placed a hand on his chest and studied his attire, saying, "Are you going somewhere?"
"Gotta follow up on a few things from last night. There's also a lead on the west side I've been meaning to take a look at."
Starfire gestured to the table and said, "But I have made breakfast. Perhaps it best we sit down and eat first."
Grayson somewhat abruptly extricated himself from her grip. He ignored the already poured glass of sports drink on the table and fetched himself a fresh bottle out of the box. "Sorry," he said. "It can't wait."
"But I have made enough for the both of us to enjoy. Please, a nice meal will-"
"I see that, but I can't do this right now. I have to go."
"I see. Well, what if I came with you?"
"I don't think so."
"Why?"
"I just would rather you didn't."
Starfire's head was spinning. What was happening? Where was this distance, this indifference coming from? Why was he so determined to get away from her? "Richard, please, I really must speak with you," she said, taking him by the hands.
"Not right now."
"It is very important, and I do not have very much time before I must leave for Tamaran. I need to tell you... Last night was-"
"Last night was a mistake."
A dying car engine, sputtering and coughing, her heart came to a complete stop; her hands fell like dead rodents to her sides as she quietly forced the word, "What?"
"Last night...last night shouldn't have happened."
Hours ago, lying comfortably against his bare chest, listening to his heartbeat, reveling in the feel of his embrace and feeling more in love with him than ever before, she never would have predicted this outcome.
"Should not have happened? But, Richard, I thought...I thought that..."
"I know. And...I'm sorry. I really am."
"Richard, why are you saying this? If this is about leaving without telling you I am sorry. I am most sincerely sorry. It was foolish and unwise...If I could I would erase it. Banish it from history. Just please..."
Grayson made a bitter face, he lowered his gaze and bit his bottom lip, said, "I just think its best that we just forget about it and go our separate ways. Honestly we would have been better off never running into each other at all."
"Richard..." She couldn't breathe, could barely form words. It was as if the very life was being ripped from her body.
"Look let's not make this more difficult than it needs to be. You and I both know things were over between us a long time ago. I have things that need doing here. And I'm sure you have your own responsibilities back on Tamaran. Let's just... leave it at that."
Looking at him, listening to his words, Starfire could feel her sadness and shock being quickly replaced by anger. She didn't know what was worse, Grayson's sudden emotional 180 or the fact that she knew deep down he was right. In that one cruel instant he had just solved all of her problems. And how dare he. How dare he do this... How dare he put these thoughts in her head, put these feelings in her heart, only to shatter them without remorse. Could she leave this man behind?
"Yes," she said bitterly, tears threatening the corners of her eyes. "Yes, I suppose you are right."
Nothing more needed to be said. She pushed her way past him, made for the skylight. She was just about to leave when she stopped, turned and found the man's gaze one last time. This was it. Undoubtedly the last time she would ever see him. It was only fitting she share one last truth with him. Something she'd thought about often, but fought hard never to share.
"Richard," she said. "You bring out the worst in me."
She did not look at him again, only took off into the air, disappeared from view, vanished into the burning sun.
II
The rest of the day's events leading up to Starfire's departure were a blur. After gathering her bearings, stopping only once to ask directions (From a very bashful and awestruck newspaper vendor) Starfire made a beeline straight for the Logan household. Garfield and Raven were talking idly on the back porch when she arrived; Brandon played some pretend game in the yard. Not wanting to explain why her only clothing was Grayson's white pocket tee she circled the house and found an open window. The tee was incinerated with a well placed starbolt and she made her way inside. She found her clothes from the day before (her pink tank top and jean shorts) dressed and then left out the window she came in. When the Logan's next saw her she was descending from out of the sky, appearing no worse for wear and smiling as if nothing had ever happened.
All were understanding of her absence, even Raven, and no one asked very many questions. She spoke of her encounter with Izzy as well as her battle with Plasmus, but neglected any information relating to Grayson. The deceit tasted bitter on her tongue, but at the moment all she wanted to do was forget the past twleve hours ever happened. There was only one moment where it appeared she was caught. A brief flash of doubt in Raven's eyes. But when nothing came of it, it was soon forgotten.
The dinnering date with the Logan's passed by uneventful. Talk was pleasant and all had a good time. Even Brandon to the young boy's credit began to warm up to the strange orange woman. There was laughter, fond memories, and Garfield even dusted off some of his corny old jokes for old time's sake. But alas, all good things, as it is so often said, must come to an end.
The sun was nearly gone. The time had come for her to leave. Against her deepest wishes, once again dressed in the formal attire of her home world, Starfire approached the ship. The New Teen Titans with young Brandon in tow were the first to see her off. Despite only knowing her for a short time, all now looked upon her with the same kind of respect and admiration.
"Have a safe trip," said Robin.
Brandon holding on to Wonder Girl's hand bashfully waved and said, "Bye," as Wonder Girl asked that she, "Make sure to come back and see us soon."
There was a blur of red and yellow and Kid Flash appeared in front of her, put himself between Starfire and the rest of the group. Presenting her with a small bouquet of wild flowers, he smiled, waggled his eyebrows and said, "Especially me."
She accepted the gift, and when the young man leaned in with lips puckered for a goodbye kiss, she gladly planted a short but sweet one on his cheek. Giggling she could almost see the animated hearts bubbling around his head as the speedster nearly lost the ability to stand, became like putty right before her eyes.
Superboy, arms folded in front of his chest casually said, "See ya," and gave a small wave of his hand. He then received a sharp elbow in his ribs from Wonder Girl and quickly added, "Oh and uh...You were awesome against Cinderblock the other day. You really saved everyone else's-" Another poke in the ribs. "All of our butts. Everyone's butts."
"Here," said Wonder Girl. She handed the Tamaranean a multipack of six squeeze bottles of mustard. "Cyborg said it was your favorite."
Starfire smiled brightly and accepted the gift. She faced the four teens, bowed, said, "It was a most glorious pleasure meeting all of you. It is comforting to know that my beloved Jump City is in good hands. Truly, Victor could not have asked for a better group of heroes."
The teens smiled, bowed their heads. Though somewhat embarrassed by the praise, all were deeply honored.
The rest of the group were waiting by the ship. Beast Boy and Raven decked out in their civies, Cyborg in all his metallic glory. Every one of them wore the same sad smile as she made her approach.
"At least we get to say goodbye this time," said Cyborg, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Beast Boy wiped an eye with the base of his palm as Raven, her sadness only visible in the deepest part of her eyes, held his arm.
Facing one another, the four of them huddled together. Taking each other by the shoulders and hips, they formed a circle, shared a single embrace. Each held silent; none wished the moment to end. They had ceased being friends a long time ago. They were a family now. And when one bled they all felt the pain.
"X'Hal truly blessed me when she gave me friends as wonderful as all of you," said Starfire finally, managing a smile through her sadness. "Though my responsibilities on Tamaran may put much distance between us, please know that my love for you all is as strong as it is without question. This is not the end, my friends. We will see each other again. Of this I promise you."
"Well, to make the distance a little less distance-y I got a little present for you." From a compartment in his chest Cyborg produced a silver and blue electronic tablet. "Here," he said, and placed the device in her hands.
"What is this?"
"Just a little something I've been working on since I heard you were coming. It's linked directly with the Tower's mainframe. The signal will reach all the way to Tamaran. If you're ever feeling homesick just fire it up and give us a ring."
Choking back a joyful sob, Starfire hugged the device to her chest. "Glorious," she said. "Thank you, Victor. Thank you so much. And thank you, all of you."
The group embraced again, then slowly, reluctantly, separated. With one last goodbye and farewell the three went to join the rest of the New Titans at the far end of the roof.
Raven had only taken a few steps out of reach when Starfire suddenly called to her, gently took her by the hand, pressed a plain white envelope against her palm and said, "I have a favor to ask of you."
"What's-?" asked Raven looking quizzically at the envelope.
"Something I am entrusting to you. Please see that it is done."
Raven nodded, discreetly slid the envelope into her pocket, and the two embraced one last time.
Gathering up her things, loading them into the cargo hold, Starfire climbed into the cockpit of the ship.
III
"Welcome home, Your Highness." Vira was all smiles as Starfire floated gingerly from the cockpit of her ship to the docking bay floor. "Oh it is good to see you again."
"It is good to see you again as well," replied Starfire.
"Tell me, Highness, did you enjoy your trip to the Far Plane temples? I've never seen them myself but I've always heard that they are a most breathtaking sight."
Starfire, momentarily forgetting her own deception, found herself pausing for a brief instant before quickly responding, "Oh yes, yes, they were quite lovely. As always."
"As always," Vira echoed, then very quickly went to the rear of the ship. "Now, now, don't you worry about you bags, Highness. I'll be sure to bring them to your room. Right now you've got some business to attend to."
"Business?"
"The Grand Ruler requested that you report to his chambers immediately upon your arrival."
"Oh, I see. May I ask why?"
"He didn't say."
Starfire threw a tentative glance at the exit. Her escort, a duo of palace guards awaited her. She then felt a pair of hands at her back as Vira began gently encouraging her towards the door, saying, "Now go on, go, go, go. You just let ol' Vira take care of things here. Mustn't keep the Grand Ruler waiting, you know." She giggled and said, "Oh it is good to have you back, Your Highness."
Looking over her shoulder, Starfire smiled at the woman. "It is good to be back, Vira," she said. "It is."
IV
Walking through the halls of Tamaran's Royal Palace, flanked on either side by her royal escorts, Starfire felt a renewed sense of purpose. The trip back had given her a lot of time to think. Grayson had been right. The night they had spent together was a mistake, nothing more. And in the end what was she really losing? She was Princess Koriand'r, soon to be Grand Ruler of all of Tamaran. And what was he? Just a simple lonely little Earth boy.
The thought made her feel better if only a little.
At the moment her future could not have looked brighter. As soon as possible, she would make plans to have her friends come and see her. The wedding and coronation may have been too short notice, but it would not be difficult to arrange a visit for the near future. Victor's gift would make coordinating a breeze. All would be invited, Garfield, Raven, Victor, the New Titans too. Perhaps even the Titans East could...
"I will take it from here, gentlemen."
Starfire's heart skipped a beat as the familiar voice filled her ears. It was Kessa'd. Snapping out of her thoughts she looked and found her future husband walking towards her from down the hall.
"Kessa'd," she said happily. Resisting the urge to run into his arms, she nevertheless began moving quickly towards him. "Oh how I-"
As he came closer into view she could tell immediately that something was wrong. Holding a hand over her mouth, she recoiled slightly as the young man completed his approach. The left half of Kessa'd's face was deeply scarred. Long jagged lines outlined in dead, dimly colored flesh ran the length of his face from the top of his brow along his cheek to his chin. Of his brilliant emerald eyes, only one remained; the other was now a dull and lifeless grey.
"Oh my..." Starfire could barely utter the words. "X'Hal, my dear Kessa'd, what happened?"
Kessa'd appeared bitter for the briefest of instances before then offering his princess a warm smile. He looked beyond her to the soldiers standing at her back and said, "I will escort the princess from here. You are dismissed." The men saluted and left. His eyes fell back upon Starfire. "Come," he said. "The Grand Ruler awaits."
Starfire had only just started following Kessa'd down the hall when she quickly ran to his side. "What has happened to you?" She attempted to graze his cheek with her fingers, but he shied away from her touch. "How did you acquire these injuries?"
"There were some problems with the Roffnor migration," said Kessa'd finally after a few moments. "Needless to say things did not go as smoothly as in recent years."
"Oh my dear Kessa'd," said Starfire quietly.
"I should inform you... Galfore told me about what you've been doing."
A sudden feeling of alarm. "He...told?"
"I must say, Princess, I am sorry but I am most displeased."
Galfore had told Kessa'd about her trip to Earth? But why? He had sworn to protect her. He...
"I am aware of how much you enjoy the Far Plains, Princess, but going without an escort, and so close to your coronation...I am sorry, but I can't say I appreciate such recklessness. You do not know the land like I do. Safety outside the kingdom is never a guarantee. I do not care if Lord Galfore approved of it. I am well aware of your level of training, but nevertheless you should not have gone by yourself."
Her alarm dissipated and relief flooded her insides. "Oh," she sighed. "Oh, Kessa'd I am so sorry. It was not my intent to worry you." She took his hand and the two stopped. "Forgive me if this sounds strange, but I feel as though I have not appreciated you enough."
"No, no, Your Highness. It is not even my place to say such things, to question either you or the Grand Ruler. I was out of line."
"No. You are a wonderful man. And I could never ask for anything more in a husband. I look forward to our wedding now more than ever."
"You would still have me?"
She placed a gentle hand on his scarred face. This time he did not shrink away. "My love will always be yours." To her great surprise, her face did not betray the doubt she had in her own words. The nagging thoughts of her secret tryst with Grayson, the conflicting emotions, all remained tightly locked away. Soon enough it would all be lost to the ether of time. As it deserved to be.
Kessa'd smiled and said, "Princess, the day when I can finally hold you in my arms will be the greatest of my entire life."
V
From the moment Starfire set foot through the doors, Galfore nearly leapt from his throne. "Koriand'r," he said, practically shouting. "You have returned."
"Indeed I have," she replied with a smile.
Quickly the guards were dismissed and the two were left alone. Marching down the dais steps, Galfore took the young woman in his arms, pulled her close.
"Did you enjoy your trip?"
"It was wonderful, Kenorfka. The most fun I have had in many a sunrise. Thank you so much for your understanding."
"You are quite welcome, my sweet Koriand'r. Quite welcome. Permit me to say though that it is a great relief to have you back."
"Yes, Kenorfka. But what is it that you wished to see me about?"
"Oh eh well," he lowered his voice. "Simply so that you are not taken by surprise. Leiutenant Kessa'd has returned early from his mission; I'm afraid due to injury in the field. Now, he is well I assure you, but I did have to-"
"Kenorfka, it is alright. I have already spoke with the Lieutenant in the hall."
"You have?"
She nodded. "And I thank you. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your what you have done."
"It has always been my job to serve and protect you, my Princess. Now and forever."
"I love you, Kenorfka. And you need not concern yourself anymore. I am truly home now."
The old man's tired eyes were a mixture of pride and admiration as he smiled and said, "Wonderful. Then the next sunrise will see you crowned the new Grand Ruler of Tamaran."
Once more Starfire embraced her loving Kenofrka. "Glorious," she said. Her doubts now seemed nothing more than a distant voice on the horizon. "Simply glorious."
A/N: As of right now the story is only about half over, so keep tuning in. Next time will see some more insight on Grayson's actions.
To The Cretin: Good to hear from you again, man. They're turning Beast Boy red? What a pointless change. Given this and how much they f'd up Starfire's character I'm liking this comic universe relaunch less and less. I love AC/DC though I'm mainly a fan of the Bon Scott era. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap has got to be one of my favorite songs/albums of all time. Take care - Sir Alwick