Ch 2
Starfire and Dark
The Centari armored figure took a step forward, which shook the ground heavily. Robin had little trouble holding his footing by the small quake. It spoke in a hollow more robotic voice. "Where is Starfire?" It's robotic eyes narrowed as the words were spoken. Robin replied defiantly. "What do you want with her?" Robin too narrowed his eyes, staring up at the six-foot figure that replicated Cyborg to a degree. Its red thick armor glistened in the sunlight of the afternoon sun, it was clearly polished daily.
Whoever was inside the Centari armor, tilted its head, and then lifted the one arm that did not resemble a claw. It shifted around the neckpiece for a moment, and then quickly pulled upward. What is it doing, Robin thought, and committing suicide? It was true, it seemed as though this officer were ripping out it's own neck. Wide eyed and in a slight amount of fear Robin watched as the Officer took off, what seemed to be, a mask. It revealed to him a man, perhaps not a man, he couldn't have been much older than Robin. This teen's face showed signs that he was becoming battle hardened. A stern look and a death glare in the eyes, long white hair coming down to his shoulders, a few imperfections on his face, scars, scratching, and other few disasters of the face. Nevertheless, he was handsome.
"I mean only to talk to her. She was once a friend of mine. We have much to discuss." His voice was slightly deep; it would appear that he was sent into the Centari police force at an early age. Robin replied, "Who are you? Why are you here?" Robin's eyes narrowed again, no trust was found in Robin at this time.
"I am Dark, my real name is of no importance now. I am here to give Starfire a message, and a vow. Now if you please, let me pass here." Dark said back calmly. Robin still had little trust to give to him, perhaps from all the tricks from Slade, and the fall of Terra not too long ago, it was easy to see that Robin had to have time to trust.
Robin glared at Dark, for a long time neither one of them moved, or even blinked. This staring contest continued for nearly five minutes, until an interruption was imminent. Starfire walked slowly toward the still open door. She spoke softly. "Robin, why are you leaving the door open?" she asked. Robin shook his head slightly turned and looked at Starfire.
"I-I – eh, well you have a guest, Star." Robin stuttered. He was truly in awe at her beauty, it was quite clear. As Starfire came closer toward the door, she squinted at the figured behind it. Her eyes stopped squinting almost suddenly, as she then broke into a run toward Dark.
Robin turned and watched her as she ran past him. He looked at Dark who glanced down at him, as she opened her arms and embraced him. It was as if time slowed for Robin, as Dark began to twirl about at the momentum that still swirled around Starfire and Dark. Jealousy seemed to over take Robin, he held it inside him.
"Oh, Han, you have returned! I am so glad to see you again!" Starfire said excitedly, as the twirling came to a cease.
"Yes, many years have passed, Dear Neighbor," Dark put her back on her feet, then spoke again as he examined her, "and by the looks of it you have grown beyond the scales of beauty." Starfire blushed.
"Thank you Han. How long has it been, four years?" Starfire asked, still holding her hands around his shoulders. Dark smiled at her, he was overjoyed to see her again.
"Yes, I believe so. Do I look much different from when I left?"
"A little."
For another moment in time had frozen, both Dark and Starfire had been staring into one another's eyes, as if looking for something. Robin spoke up. "Isn't there something you want to say to her?"
"Oh yes," Dark looked up from her eyes, then back at her, "Perhaps it would be better if we had gotten the entire Titan group together?" Dark's face changed emotions almost instantly, from happiness without measure, to sorrow. Starfire let go of Dark, as they proceeded toward the elevator that took them to the higher levels.
"Hey, Dark, how did you know about the Titans?" Robin asked, following behind them both, still jealousy overwhelmed Robin, he had longed for Starfire's touch, and this new visitor was getting it with little more than an introduction.
"I will explain it all to all of you soon. Rally the three others, and I will share with you what has happened."
The three of them boarded the elevator, each standing beside one another, Dark was in the middle, taking most of the space. He finally noticed when he looked at both of them nearly crammed into the sides of the moving box.
"Oh, I am sorry." Dark moved his left arm up as he pressed a small button with the other hand. A slow dissolving sensation swept through Dark like a current of a river. The red armor disappeared from sight, as the true clothing of Dark appeared. A white cape with light blue winged designs at around the ending, black shoes, black pants that had a small amount of armor on the outside. The shirt was merely a white T-shirt, although looking at it more closely there was a fine difference, it seems that the shirt was only for leisure, just for comfort. At his left side held a finely decorated Katana, the sheath steel, and the cross guard had a unique design of what seemed to be entirely diamond. The hilt was woven with black silk, as was the rope that tied it to his side.
Dark turned his head and asked Starfire, "How do you like the outfit?" Starfire looked over him, putting her hand at her chin as she inspected him. She smiled, then gave a nod. Dark smirked at this, and gave a small laugh.
The elevator bell tolled, and the doors swung open, Robin quickly left first, whereas Dark insisted Starfire go ahead. As she walked forward, Dark glanced down to her lower backside. She's changed a little, Dark thought.
Robin went up to the couch, which was housing Raven, Beastboy, and Cyborg. Each of them seemed to be changing the channels on the gigantic twenty-foot screen. Robin spoke up, "Hey, you three, we have ourselves a visitor. It's one of Starfire's friends."
All three heads turned, expecting another alien that would be interested in how Hot dogs were made, or what ingredient food groups were in the sink. To their surprise, he seemed somewhat normal, nothing all too close to Starfire's curiosity at all.
They began to introduce themselves, "I'm Cy-" Cyborg began to say, but was cut short instantly, by Dark. "I'm well aware of your names, I'm Dark, pleased to meet you all."
Each of them looked at him suspiciously, as if he were possibly a stalker. "May I take a seat?" Dark asked, directed at Robin.
Through the eyes of the mask that Robin wore, seemed to narrow, jealousy wore down, but now seemed to turn to hate. He's so smug, Robin thought. Robin nodded, he need not show these emotions until later.
"Thank you." Dark slowly took a seat in one of the single chairs at the side, and Starfire took her seat beside Cyborg. Robin meanwhile turned and rested on his elbows on the couch edge.
"Ah," Dark said as he took his seat, which was more comfortable that expected, "now I'll get right to your questions, the first is how I know you all. Well, I've been watching your movements for some time. At least one month after Starfire came here. I was ordered to keep an eye on her, for the most part. So, my language skills around this Earth are brushed up a little more than Starfire's here. I'm sorry about the incident with Terra, she did have con-"
Beastboy stood and pointed at Dark, who did not move from his sitting position, it was as if he were expecting it. "Don't talk about Terra, she just needed time, and curse you for thinking so!"
Dark's eyes became calmer than when his first impression to all of them was. They were peaceful. "I understand what you feel for her, Beastboy, but realize that I am holding her in a respect, and if at all possible in the future refrain from questions until asked." Beastboy sat down, eyeing Dark with an evil glare; Robin seemed to be doing the same.
Dark continued, "She did have control, although she did not recognize it. She, I expect would be on the left hand of Slade now."
"WHAT?!" Beastboy stood again, and roared at Dark.
"It is true, she left, and is now with Slade. He promised her control. That is what I found. Discard what I have told you, and let us continue. There is little time. The reason for my coming to each of your attention is that Starfire may be in my trouble than expected. It seems that Slade has worked his corrupted ways toward Blackfire, your beloved sister Starfire."
Starfire gasped, "What?"
"What has happened now is that in her incubation of her cell, she has meditated her powers beyond some control. Slade meanwhile aided by sending a force there and attacked in full force, keeping a little over here to keep you all busy for a time. Upon Backfire's freedom from her imprisonment, she has reeked chaos in the city, and has nearly destroyed all that remains of Tamaran and the Centari moons. Sadly there are possibly only somewhere between six hundred to sixty left that escaped, and are diminishing quickly. I've been given a last transmission to guard you with my life. No doubt Blackfire will be coming here, soon. I will be your defense until instructed otherwise, or death reaps me. Command me Mistress Star." Dark kneeled from his chair, and bowed his head toward her, awaiting her answer.
Tears formed from her eyes, her planet was suffering, and she couldn't do anything about it now. To add on to the pain, her sister was behind all of this, and Slade. Her hands then quickly moved to her face, as she began to stand, and move forward toward Dark. She held back the cries of pain, the thought that her sister possibly murdered everyone she ever knew, and cared about. All she had left now, were the Titans, and Han. Vengeance welled up in her, she would kill her sister, and there was no doubt in it now.
She softly placed a hand on Dark's head, she quivered as she answered as well as between sniffs and pushing away tears. "H-Han, I accept y-your prot-tection of me. G-Give me time."
It was surprising that she had gotten that out, through all the pain and suffering stored inside of her. She flew out of the room, and quickly into her own leaving behind a trail of tears.
Dark stood slowly began walking toward the door that Star rushed through. "Wait now, wait." Robin called. Dark turned, and turned his eyes to him. "Leave her be, she needs to be alone at this time."
"I am well aware of that Robin. There are few that survived that are very close to her that has found a safe haven. Though before I do, any questions?" Dark searched the room, Raven spoke up. Her monotonous voice answered. "What is your history? What is your connection to Starfire?"
Dark smirked, turned and faced Raven and she to him. "We were neighbors in an outskirts of town, at the age of maybe ten, or eleven for me I joined the military. Males are required to join the army, to serve some purpose to the planet. Starfire meanwhile was hailed nearly as a princess, as was her sister for their beauty. The gauntlets that they have gotten show that they are of higher status, I'm sure your noticed them. I must admit that not a day passed that I have not thought of the days I spent with her. "In the beginning I suppose It was more childish until everyone discovered her, and her Sister. We may have been young, but our friendship has apparently not lost any of its potency. So my death stare is always on thanks to the military of Tamaran, and soon around thirteen I was promoted and went to protect a small sector in the Centari moons, a backwater job I must say. Then once hearing that Starfire left to aid the other worlds, I pleaded each day until I came here, and have lived silently among you." Robin then spoke, after he had finished. "Since you've been in the military for at least five years, maybe, how about we test you out." "Test me out?" "Give you a sample of what all the Teen Titans can do, a training course. See if you are good enough to be protecting Starfire." Robin felt this to be too good to be true. His pent up rage would be unleashed on him, and it would be considered a training incident if he should get hurt, or maimed. "Where?" "There is a training room, kinda like a Dojo, follow me." Robing said, walking past him and into the elevator. Dark followed, as well as the others. A few whines from Beastboy were heard, but nothing to be complaining about. An aura of dislike was felt around the small area of the elevator. Perhaps from him suddenly vowing to protect Starfire, a little sudden for any of them, that much was clear. Upon leaving the elevator, Robin walked up to a door; he opened it, and inside was a replica of a Dojo. The floor, the lighting, it was as if they had gone back in time. Robin walked in, as did all the others, Dark was last. Robin then reached behind him, and took forth a small steel object, which seemed to be a pen. "Get ready Dark!" Robin called, as what seemed to be a pen expanded into a steel staff. Dark's eyes widened in surprise. Dark never expected something that small to become a weapon. A split second passed, and Robin charged. Dark narrowed his eyes, and grasped the hilt of the katana. The training test, had begun.
The Centari armored figure took a step forward, which shook the ground heavily. Robin had little trouble holding his footing by the small quake. It spoke in a hollow more robotic voice. "Where is Starfire?" It's robotic eyes narrowed as the words were spoken. Robin replied defiantly. "What do you want with her?" Robin too narrowed his eyes, staring up at the six-foot figure that replicated Cyborg to a degree. Its red thick armor glistened in the sunlight of the afternoon sun, it was clearly polished daily.
Whoever was inside the Centari armor, tilted its head, and then lifted the one arm that did not resemble a claw. It shifted around the neckpiece for a moment, and then quickly pulled upward. What is it doing, Robin thought, and committing suicide? It was true, it seemed as though this officer were ripping out it's own neck. Wide eyed and in a slight amount of fear Robin watched as the Officer took off, what seemed to be, a mask. It revealed to him a man, perhaps not a man, he couldn't have been much older than Robin. This teen's face showed signs that he was becoming battle hardened. A stern look and a death glare in the eyes, long white hair coming down to his shoulders, a few imperfections on his face, scars, scratching, and other few disasters of the face. Nevertheless, he was handsome.
"I mean only to talk to her. She was once a friend of mine. We have much to discuss." His voice was slightly deep; it would appear that he was sent into the Centari police force at an early age. Robin replied, "Who are you? Why are you here?" Robin's eyes narrowed again, no trust was found in Robin at this time.
"I am Dark, my real name is of no importance now. I am here to give Starfire a message, and a vow. Now if you please, let me pass here." Dark said back calmly. Robin still had little trust to give to him, perhaps from all the tricks from Slade, and the fall of Terra not too long ago, it was easy to see that Robin had to have time to trust.
Robin glared at Dark, for a long time neither one of them moved, or even blinked. This staring contest continued for nearly five minutes, until an interruption was imminent. Starfire walked slowly toward the still open door. She spoke softly. "Robin, why are you leaving the door open?" she asked. Robin shook his head slightly turned and looked at Starfire.
"I-I – eh, well you have a guest, Star." Robin stuttered. He was truly in awe at her beauty, it was quite clear. As Starfire came closer toward the door, she squinted at the figured behind it. Her eyes stopped squinting almost suddenly, as she then broke into a run toward Dark.
Robin turned and watched her as she ran past him. He looked at Dark who glanced down at him, as she opened her arms and embraced him. It was as if time slowed for Robin, as Dark began to twirl about at the momentum that still swirled around Starfire and Dark. Jealousy seemed to over take Robin, he held it inside him.
"Oh, Han, you have returned! I am so glad to see you again!" Starfire said excitedly, as the twirling came to a cease.
"Yes, many years have passed, Dear Neighbor," Dark put her back on her feet, then spoke again as he examined her, "and by the looks of it you have grown beyond the scales of beauty." Starfire blushed.
"Thank you Han. How long has it been, four years?" Starfire asked, still holding her hands around his shoulders. Dark smiled at her, he was overjoyed to see her again.
"Yes, I believe so. Do I look much different from when I left?"
"A little."
For another moment in time had frozen, both Dark and Starfire had been staring into one another's eyes, as if looking for something. Robin spoke up. "Isn't there something you want to say to her?"
"Oh yes," Dark looked up from her eyes, then back at her, "Perhaps it would be better if we had gotten the entire Titan group together?" Dark's face changed emotions almost instantly, from happiness without measure, to sorrow. Starfire let go of Dark, as they proceeded toward the elevator that took them to the higher levels.
"Hey, Dark, how did you know about the Titans?" Robin asked, following behind them both, still jealousy overwhelmed Robin, he had longed for Starfire's touch, and this new visitor was getting it with little more than an introduction.
"I will explain it all to all of you soon. Rally the three others, and I will share with you what has happened."
The three of them boarded the elevator, each standing beside one another, Dark was in the middle, taking most of the space. He finally noticed when he looked at both of them nearly crammed into the sides of the moving box.
"Oh, I am sorry." Dark moved his left arm up as he pressed a small button with the other hand. A slow dissolving sensation swept through Dark like a current of a river. The red armor disappeared from sight, as the true clothing of Dark appeared. A white cape with light blue winged designs at around the ending, black shoes, black pants that had a small amount of armor on the outside. The shirt was merely a white T-shirt, although looking at it more closely there was a fine difference, it seems that the shirt was only for leisure, just for comfort. At his left side held a finely decorated Katana, the sheath steel, and the cross guard had a unique design of what seemed to be entirely diamond. The hilt was woven with black silk, as was the rope that tied it to his side.
Dark turned his head and asked Starfire, "How do you like the outfit?" Starfire looked over him, putting her hand at her chin as she inspected him. She smiled, then gave a nod. Dark smirked at this, and gave a small laugh.
The elevator bell tolled, and the doors swung open, Robin quickly left first, whereas Dark insisted Starfire go ahead. As she walked forward, Dark glanced down to her lower backside. She's changed a little, Dark thought.
Robin went up to the couch, which was housing Raven, Beastboy, and Cyborg. Each of them seemed to be changing the channels on the gigantic twenty-foot screen. Robin spoke up, "Hey, you three, we have ourselves a visitor. It's one of Starfire's friends."
All three heads turned, expecting another alien that would be interested in how Hot dogs were made, or what ingredient food groups were in the sink. To their surprise, he seemed somewhat normal, nothing all too close to Starfire's curiosity at all.
They began to introduce themselves, "I'm Cy-" Cyborg began to say, but was cut short instantly, by Dark. "I'm well aware of your names, I'm Dark, pleased to meet you all."
Each of them looked at him suspiciously, as if he were possibly a stalker. "May I take a seat?" Dark asked, directed at Robin.
Through the eyes of the mask that Robin wore, seemed to narrow, jealousy wore down, but now seemed to turn to hate. He's so smug, Robin thought. Robin nodded, he need not show these emotions until later.
"Thank you." Dark slowly took a seat in one of the single chairs at the side, and Starfire took her seat beside Cyborg. Robin meanwhile turned and rested on his elbows on the couch edge.
"Ah," Dark said as he took his seat, which was more comfortable that expected, "now I'll get right to your questions, the first is how I know you all. Well, I've been watching your movements for some time. At least one month after Starfire came here. I was ordered to keep an eye on her, for the most part. So, my language skills around this Earth are brushed up a little more than Starfire's here. I'm sorry about the incident with Terra, she did have con-"
Beastboy stood and pointed at Dark, who did not move from his sitting position, it was as if he were expecting it. "Don't talk about Terra, she just needed time, and curse you for thinking so!"
Dark's eyes became calmer than when his first impression to all of them was. They were peaceful. "I understand what you feel for her, Beastboy, but realize that I am holding her in a respect, and if at all possible in the future refrain from questions until asked." Beastboy sat down, eyeing Dark with an evil glare; Robin seemed to be doing the same.
Dark continued, "She did have control, although she did not recognize it. She, I expect would be on the left hand of Slade now."
"WHAT?!" Beastboy stood again, and roared at Dark.
"It is true, she left, and is now with Slade. He promised her control. That is what I found. Discard what I have told you, and let us continue. There is little time. The reason for my coming to each of your attention is that Starfire may be in my trouble than expected. It seems that Slade has worked his corrupted ways toward Blackfire, your beloved sister Starfire."
Starfire gasped, "What?"
"What has happened now is that in her incubation of her cell, she has meditated her powers beyond some control. Slade meanwhile aided by sending a force there and attacked in full force, keeping a little over here to keep you all busy for a time. Upon Backfire's freedom from her imprisonment, she has reeked chaos in the city, and has nearly destroyed all that remains of Tamaran and the Centari moons. Sadly there are possibly only somewhere between six hundred to sixty left that escaped, and are diminishing quickly. I've been given a last transmission to guard you with my life. No doubt Blackfire will be coming here, soon. I will be your defense until instructed otherwise, or death reaps me. Command me Mistress Star." Dark kneeled from his chair, and bowed his head toward her, awaiting her answer.
Tears formed from her eyes, her planet was suffering, and she couldn't do anything about it now. To add on to the pain, her sister was behind all of this, and Slade. Her hands then quickly moved to her face, as she began to stand, and move forward toward Dark. She held back the cries of pain, the thought that her sister possibly murdered everyone she ever knew, and cared about. All she had left now, were the Titans, and Han. Vengeance welled up in her, she would kill her sister, and there was no doubt in it now.
She softly placed a hand on Dark's head, she quivered as she answered as well as between sniffs and pushing away tears. "H-Han, I accept y-your prot-tection of me. G-Give me time."
It was surprising that she had gotten that out, through all the pain and suffering stored inside of her. She flew out of the room, and quickly into her own leaving behind a trail of tears.
Dark stood slowly began walking toward the door that Star rushed through. "Wait now, wait." Robin called. Dark turned, and turned his eyes to him. "Leave her be, she needs to be alone at this time."
"I am well aware of that Robin. There are few that survived that are very close to her that has found a safe haven. Though before I do, any questions?" Dark searched the room, Raven spoke up. Her monotonous voice answered. "What is your history? What is your connection to Starfire?"
Dark smirked, turned and faced Raven and she to him. "We were neighbors in an outskirts of town, at the age of maybe ten, or eleven for me I joined the military. Males are required to join the army, to serve some purpose to the planet. Starfire meanwhile was hailed nearly as a princess, as was her sister for their beauty. The gauntlets that they have gotten show that they are of higher status, I'm sure your noticed them. I must admit that not a day passed that I have not thought of the days I spent with her. "In the beginning I suppose It was more childish until everyone discovered her, and her Sister. We may have been young, but our friendship has apparently not lost any of its potency. So my death stare is always on thanks to the military of Tamaran, and soon around thirteen I was promoted and went to protect a small sector in the Centari moons, a backwater job I must say. Then once hearing that Starfire left to aid the other worlds, I pleaded each day until I came here, and have lived silently among you." Robin then spoke, after he had finished. "Since you've been in the military for at least five years, maybe, how about we test you out." "Test me out?" "Give you a sample of what all the Teen Titans can do, a training course. See if you are good enough to be protecting Starfire." Robin felt this to be too good to be true. His pent up rage would be unleashed on him, and it would be considered a training incident if he should get hurt, or maimed. "Where?" "There is a training room, kinda like a Dojo, follow me." Robing said, walking past him and into the elevator. Dark followed, as well as the others. A few whines from Beastboy were heard, but nothing to be complaining about. An aura of dislike was felt around the small area of the elevator. Perhaps from him suddenly vowing to protect Starfire, a little sudden for any of them, that much was clear. Upon leaving the elevator, Robin walked up to a door; he opened it, and inside was a replica of a Dojo. The floor, the lighting, it was as if they had gone back in time. Robin walked in, as did all the others, Dark was last. Robin then reached behind him, and took forth a small steel object, which seemed to be a pen. "Get ready Dark!" Robin called, as what seemed to be a pen expanded into a steel staff. Dark's eyes widened in surprise. Dark never expected something that small to become a weapon. A split second passed, and Robin charged. Dark narrowed his eyes, and grasped the hilt of the katana. The training test, had begun.