Time lapped into a slow motion where cries were toned into silence and running for safety became long-striding gallop—them to flee to where nowhere safe. Frantically, they lunged back and forth, soon to be hushed by hopelessness. Robin, dragged in the rush of men and women, violently called her name. He shoved his shoulders as if caught against the rush of a current.
"Starfire!"
Sound, she could not hear. From the crowds, she turned back to the contraption in the sky. Red splashes of light flashed down in frantic hits, consuming the battle field in an eerie red tone—the color of blood. She cupped her mouth and broke to her knees, eyes locked upon the heavens that called for her above. The wind stirred and tousled her long strands of hair. Carelessly, they swayed into the wind and slowly, she closed her eyes to find peace—the relief the wind gave. Swooning in the call of the air, she meet her fate—a destiny that had known her since birth. With a nod, she agreed upon it. Slowly, she unraveled her palms and caught the spews of red light.
A hand placed itself upon her shoulder and slowly, she turned to find a grieving face. Kro'ka.
"General Kro'ka." She pushed a palm to her wet cheek. "You—you must evacuate the men."
With two hands preciously placed around her shoulders, he slowly drew her onto her feet and turned her around to face a still audience of ten thousand—no longer did they attempt to flee. An ocean they resembled. All quivered. All shook. All eyes locked upon her.
"We have nowhere to run, Starfire." His voice was deep—honest.
Once more, her eyes glossed against the thousands of others.
Another hand gently grasped her shoulder. "You are the last Star Wielder." She turned to find Superman.
Breaking through the crowds, the Titans shoved to the front lines.
Kro'ka's voice was clear. "This has to be your choice."
A flash of red descended down to her frame. Her heart bet violently and breaths became slow. Suddenly, power shot through her eyes in a white burst. Addressed to them, she placed a hand upon her heart and another rose to the air. A starbolt ignited, vanquishing all shadows into a scurry, flickering upon the wet cheeks of those who stood close enough. They gawked, careful not to lose their breath.
In a single movement, hands lifted to the air and tears fell as they placed them upon their hearts. In a salute, ten thousand stood strong.
A midnight-blue iris quivered in the sea of soldiers. A tear spilled upon his mask as he gave a weak smile. He, along with the Titans and Wildfire, stood in a proud salute, whispering words as if she could hear.
"Be. Safe."
Looking to the crowd, she pushed another hand to wipe a free-falling tear. Then she turned and met the heavens where a massive contraption eclipsed the dying light.
Superman." She turned, grasping the hand still upon her shoulder. "You must promise me something."
"Of course."
"Will you look after Robin? Robin, Raven, Beast Boy, and Cyborg for me?"
He gave a confident nod
"Starfire." General Kro'ka retrieved her attention and grabbed her palms, "Use this gift you have. Do you hear me? The sunlight the missile absorbed will power its launch." He took a breath, "From the launch, you shall have twenty seconds until it explodes and or hits Tamaran. If it hits Tamaran—" He went silent, then clutched his head. "Starfire. I am sorry."
"General Kro'ka." Her voice was innocent—still. "Do you know what a promise is?"
Like Superman, he gave a nod.
"It is very strong. You have to promise me you will do what is best for Tamaran." She paused. "Alongside my Father." Hovering, she initiated an embrace. "Tell him, Wildfire, and Galfore—oh especially Galfore—that I love them."
…then…she released…
"…it will be the 'okay…'"
Slowly, she beckoned, tucked in her knees, and BOOM! She threw herself into space! She swung in the rush of wind that blew her forward and the grounds of Tamaran seemed to flee from her, twirling in flight. Into the arms of darkness she went, wishing to join the stars above.
"Mother." She spoke. "Blackfire." She repeated their names. "Father." "Wildfire."
Resembling her heart that seemed to plunge from her chest, she plunged forward.
"Galfore." Her arms locked to her sides. She became firm browed. "Batman." "Wonder Woman." "Lantern." "Flash."
A mile before her, the metal spat out a bubble of light from its bow—it to crackle and spark with burning sparklets—building, building, and building to breath-taking intensity!
"Superman." "Kro'ka."
A resounding "...three..." boomed from the audience.
She pushed herself forward.
"…two…"
In fast flight, she swung out her hands, spinning violently. "Raven." "Cyborg." "Beast Boy."
She pushed out a yell, blowing out two blistering starbolts into her clutched palms. The core dazzled and the heat bit her skin! Anxiety shook her position and she pushed her hands forth, yelling!
"…ONE…"
In a dramatic blow, it launched! From its position it rocketed, penetrating space by its speed! She saw it coming! Head on! She pushed on and on and on and…
"Robin!"
*BOOM!*
Grazing the side of the hurdling contraption, she threw herself into a violent collision! Into a shimmering dent, she found herself, arms thrust against the nose. One on one—she found herself being taken with the missile. Tamaranean—such strength pulsed to her body, her flight fighting to stay airborne under the weight of the great missile. It began to slow. Titan—bravery pulsed through her blood, sending her heart into violent throbs. Suddenly, she exerted a severe amount super alien strength, triggered by boundless confidence. One on one, their strongest strengths weighed against another—still in flight. The vibration channeled through her fingertips, she could feel the power that rocketed from behind. Instantly, she grew worried. She fought gravity's decent with each huff after ferocious huff!
Below, a mass of cheering cries sounded below and she quivered above, her mussels screaming! Pinned against the contraption, she titled her head back, thinking below was Jump City.
Oh goodness!
She hefted. She felt her mussels pumping to a breaking point, the sweat dripping from her face, her confidence failing. The sound of rocking metal and the contraption proceeded in a slow fall. It continued to thrust downwards. Tears began to spurt from her eyes
Tamaran gasped, point at the falling star. They trembled and prayed. Some fell to the ground, eyes locked upon the girl far up in the sky. Grounded to the world in fearful babbling, Robin shot a finger to the air, wide-eyed. He looked left and looked right, turned around to face the crowd. To his right where the Titans and to his left was Wildfire. Their eyes glossed together, they nodded in assurance. A flashback lived in the present.
Quick! Do you guys think you can give up twenty percent of your energy?"
"Y-Yes? Why?"
"We can release and absorb energy, remember."
"But how?"
"You must bow and let it flow."
Together, they descended upon their knees, eyes locked upon the girl above. A green hue began to flow.
Underneath the pressure, pulsing against her, she found herself pinned against the nose, the blunt corner shoving deep into her stomach. Her arms were still locked around its foundation. Soon, she found the skies going black, her vision fading, her position breaking, her life dying. Locked in a slow descent, she felt the weight of the contraption win. Time was slipping. She was sure of it. ten seconds…she was sure of it…
She broke down, "I—I am so sorry!"
Suddenly, color, sound, mind, and strength slapped back into senses! Eyes wide! A warmth flowed through her skin and caressed her mussels, wiping away pain, soreness, and hurt. They pulsed with boundless strength! Below, men by the hundreds, positioned to resemble an ocean of white, flowed in a wave-like motion. Row by row, the mass of men bowed upon one knee, surrendering portions of their energy to the shooting star in the sky. Starfire peaked down, eyes spilling as she witnessed the wave sweep through the crowd. Swirling in the form of a shimmering emerald staircase, such tangible forms of energy flocked around her frame—she became a twinkling green star in the sky. Her mouth was unhinged, inhaling steady breaths, watching the flow of the green.
One on one, she and the boulder weighed upon another. Not enough time remained: the missile roared against her. Suddenly, a new revelation riddled its way through her thoughts. To the suns she gazed. She lashed back to face the bomb. Next, she gazed down to her chest, mid thought.
"This has to be your choice."
Bulked with new found strength, her hands began to light. Tears welled up in her eyes. Suddenly, she launched to blistering white hands into the nose of the boulder, unleashing all of herself into an attack.
*BOOM!*
The cry of thunder rocked the valley and scores of soldiers watched from the ground. Blistering white powered the sky, vanquishing all traces of darkness for just one moment—like lightning would do upon Earth. Color flashed back and from the flock of wisping green, the missile fled. To the heavens it went, unleashing itself like a mighty firework, blasting energy back into its holders. As if apart of some miracle, the suns developed in intensity, soon blessing all of Tamaran with a strong glow. The white sands shimmered and the cliffs that towered above sparked. Out of disbelief it was silent. Bathing in new light, they all waited for the return of their princess.
A dramatic gasp swept throughout the audience! Fingers pointed to the twinkling green shooting to the ground!
…falling…
…falling…
…a falling star she was…
'Starfire…you, must stay awake…' she stressed her thoughts, 'please… stay… awake…'
She felt herself slipping away. Peace hushed her fear and weakly, she titled her head back in one last attempt to gather strength—no strength to gather. She shot from the evening sky where the stars dwelled and into the arms of a shimmering pink planet. "Robin." All went black. "I am sorry."
She hit the ground—the center of the target to be exact. A resounding boom followed, whipping across the valley, up the mountains, and into space. A rush of white sand followed. There, buried in the center of the mass of men, she lied—lifeless.
A horrified cry and a Robin came running.
"Starfire!" He broke to his knees, sliding next to the fragile frame pinned to the platform. Huffing violently, he swung two gentle arms around her. Bending over, he shook her gently.
"Starfire! Please!" He paused, his shadow eclipsed by the four others locked around him—all in mourning. "…please…you can't leave now… you-you have to wake up!"
She remained still.
Wildfire wailed, refusing to wipe his eyes. "Sister, no!" He bent over her, letting the tears fall into his lap. He cringed and the Titans held him close as well as Robin. Collapsed all around her, they were. A crowd remained on their knees, weeping in the solemn moment.
"Starfire." Raven pressed her hands to the girl's mind. "Do you hear me?" Her voice dramatically shook.
"Raven, what are you doing?"
Her voice aimed to Cyborg, "I am trying to contact her thoughts!"
...nothing…
Cyborg collapsed to his knees, "…star…we-we are so proud of you."
"…but you have to come back to us!" Beast Boy assured. "…we need you…"
"Star…we had a promise!" Robin bent lower, lips inched from hers, "…you promised to be safe…we had a promise…" He repeated. Again, he shook her shoulders.
"It—it is over Robin."
"No! There has to be a way!"
As he raised his head, his eyes locked upon the footsteps of a gilded man coming forth. Following his form upwards, Robin's eyes met contact with the man who they called General Kro'ka. Protectively, Robin pulled Starfire closer, shielding her body from the General with his. Slowly, Kro'ka descended upon one knee, placing a firm hand on the boy's shoulder.
"They call you, Robin, do they not?" His voice was solemn—but kind.
He bit back his emotions. "…p-please…j-just leave us alone!"
"She would whisper your name in her sleep, Robin." He turned to the other Titans. "And the rest of you must be Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven."
They were still.
Wildfire's voice dwindled from strength, "…Kro'ka…you have no right to speak with them…"
He drew up his posture. "I assure you, My Prince, I have no right whatsoever to speak with anyone. But hear my voice. Robin," he addressed. "...promises…they are very strong, yes?"
He removed his helmet, revealing two wet cheeks. Tear stained, they were. His voice was hesitant and his lips quivered as his eyes descended upon himself. Upon the target, he met his destiny as well. Slowly, he met the Titans.
"Listen to me when I tell of the connection between light, energy, and life in which we, Tamaraneans, live by. We absorb light to gain energy and through the energy, we are given life. With our life, we can choose to absorb light or surrender light. And before any war, Tamaraneans call down sunlight to grace us with great power.
He met the team's eyes. "After the calling of the light, Starfire's energy overflows into her starbolts, allowing her to unleash alarming amounts of Starlight—it to burn white." He broke giving a proud smile. "Judging the glorious condition of our suns, she unleashed all that energy she was given, totaling well over one-hundred percent, into one attack—the missile to suffer from such exposure."
Tears welling behind the mask, Robin cradled the Princess tenderly. He gazed down to her—her head leaning against his chest, her limps helplessly falling from his hold, and her eyes closed as if in a gentle sleep. He spoke in conclusion. "She surrendered her energy, gave her life, to bring back light." His voice was solemn.
"Well said." Kro'ka nodded. "The energy from the bomb's explosion that vesseled her energy gave back light to our three suns."
Sobs fell over the Titans as well as the crowd that circled the platform. Wiping away a tear, Robin choked on another sob, looking away to scan the Tamaraneans. "I-I." He paused. "I want to be happy for Tamaran." He looked back down to Star, locked in a sleep. "We really do, but—"
"Robin, although she cannot absorb life, life can be surrendered to her."
"Wha-what do you mean?"
"By her power induced by starlight, she may be awakened if one were to surrender a life."
"Let it be me." His voice was quick—still. "Please. I will do it."
"Do you love her?"
"I do."
"Then, I cannot allow you, Robin." His voice was strong, "The Princess is to be married to an Earthling due to a standing Tamaranean tradition of the 'peace-making,' may I remind you. Bonded by love, peace shall last, is that not what she taught? After all, this love was taught by you and your earthling family," he eyed the rest of the Titans. "Would it not be fair for her to stay with her family?"
The gilded man proceeded towards the girl, spilled in Robin's hold. He placed his hands upon her chest that lack a heartbeat. "Once it is done, stand back. She will need room." He paused once more. "A promise is very strong. I promised her to do what is best Tamaran."
Superman joined the group, placing a hand on the Tamaranean. "What are you going to do?"
Tears welled in the eyes of the General as his eyes closed. "To join my brother."
After a deep breath, he exhaled his life into her and recoiled back into the arms of the Titans.
"Kro'ka? I-I am so tired."
"I am so sorry. This is what I have done to you, is it not?"
"Of course not. It was my choice."
"It was my desire for revenge that threw innocence into this realm. However, Princess, you have one more choice to make. Will you take my hand?"
"What will happen if I do?"
"You are to go back. For many people are waiting for your return. I know you are weak, but you have demonstrated the greatest strength I have ever seen in young heroine."
"But what is to happen to you?"
"I shall take your place."
"But—"
"Know well that it is my wish. Into the realms where our loves wait, we belong. Yours in life and mine in death. Please. Take my hand."
Around the silver platform, shimming in the new light of three magnificent suns, thousands of men crowded around, eyes locked upon the two forms that lied against it. Slowly, one arose in the crescendos of laughter, dancing, cheers, cries, and claps. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around the other, supporting his body to meet the crowd.
"Please." She spoke. "Let it be finished."