I know we all have school to deal with now (CURSES!!). This one took a while to get out I know, but don't blame me! Its homework and all! Oh well, I'll stop whining and give you the chapter. R&R please.

Ch.10

Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy walked through a long dark tunnel which fed directly under the northern half of the city. So far they had been walking for at least eight hours and were beginning to wonder if they would ever reach the citadel (isn't that just one of the coolest words to say). They were currently trekking through a densely colored liquid which filled a portion of the floor. They could hear multiple drops in the back and fore ground. Beast Boy kept looking around getting slightly nauseated.

"You guys do realize what were walking around in right"? Cyborg let out a heavy sigh.

"I just managed to take my mind off BB, thanks a lot! But yeah the smell is pretty obvious". He tapped Robin on the shoulder. "Are you sure we had to do this I mean, why couldn't we sneak around topside"?

"It's too late to turn back now", replied Robin. "Besides you're the one who's not really inconspicuous remember", smirked Robin. Starfire looked back at her friends.

"Please forgive me, but in order to avoid detection this is the only way". She looked around and found a small painted sign on the wall which was in her language. She read it quickly and turned to Robin. "We should be nearing our destination".

"Raven take a look will you", asked Robin. Raven nodded and flew up to the ceiling and phased through the ground. He head came up like a periscope as she surveyed the area. She spotted the palace and returned to her teammates.

"It's there, dead ahead", she said landing.

"Alright lets move", said Cyborg. They ran the rest of the way and came to a small wall ladder. Cyborg was first to try it but broke it because of his large body. Beast Boy and Robin laughed to themselves while Cyborg smiled sheepishly and threw the ladder aside. Rolling her eyes Raven levitated Cyborg up to the man hole who opened it and climbed out. She lifted Beast Boy next and followed him on his way out. Robin reached for his grapple when he heard a soft "Eh hem".

"Perhaps I could be of some assistance", suggested Starfire blushing. Robin looked down at his grapple and thought for a moment.

"Would you two hurry UP", came Beast Boy from the top. Robin put away his grapple and walked up to Starfire.

"Assist away", he said holding out his hand. She smiled and flew them both out of the opening. Cyborg covered it back up and they made their way into the palace. They moved swiftly around a few stray guards and quietly made their way to the floor that Starfire's room was on. They gathered around in a huddle.

"From my room it is only a short distance to the beacon", said Starfire glancing at each of them.

"What about security", inquired Raven. Robin peered around the corner to see the next few halls crawling with guards.

"Next question"?

"Sure. How we gonna get out of here as soon as we get the job done"?

"Raven and I found a small hanger last time we were here", added Beast Boy

"Sounds good", said Robin. He looked back down the guard filled corridor. He took out his staff and extended it. The other Titans readied themselves and Robin gave his famous signal.

"TITANS GO"!

CATCHING UP WITH LEE................................

The sun had begun to set behind the hills as Lee, Aurora, and Liman made their way across the grassy landscape. (I know my version of Tamaran is a lot different then the T.V. show's, but who cares). They paused and Lee removed a small computer pad and tapped the screen to bring up a map of the area. Aurora and Liman came up from behind him and looked over his shoulder.

"According to Star-San the first camp should be just over the next rise", he closed up the pad and pocketed it. They walked a few hundred feet more and came over the hill to see a large fenced off camp area. The columns of tents seemed to continue on forever. They started to go down when Aurora tugged on Lee's sleeve.

"What if they are not so welcoming", she asked eyeing the camp site. Liman appeared to be wondering the same thing too.

"Well, we'll know soon enough", replied Lee. They walked down the small hill and cautiously made their way to the front gate. The journey up to the gate felt like it took hours but they reached it all the same. Gripping his sword with one hand Lee stretched out the other to deliver a knock on the gate. Before he could make contact a ball of energy came out of nowhere and narrowly missed his hand. He spun around and drew his sword to not one but three Tamaranians, their fists glowing. They prepared to launch another wave at him, Lee put his hand inside his robe and removed a short sword. They fired off their powers and Lee twirled his blades to form a metal shield around himself. He deflected the starbolts. They looked rather surprised at this, Lee smiled and held up his swords.

"Specially tempered atimantium, never know when it might come in handy". He looked over at the gate which remained unblocked. "Aurora, Liman give me some cover". He sheathed his small sword and ran for the gate. Aurora and Liman flew above and released multiple blasts to keep the others off of him. One flew up and started fighting with Liman. Aurora fired her eye beams at Liman's attacker and he fell to the ground. Still avoiding stray starbolts Lee dashed for the gate. He jumped up and kicked the gate wide open. Liman and Aurora joined him and were about to congratulate themselves when they looked up to see at least three hundred Tamaranian soldiers standing in front of them. The three stood back to back as the soldiers closed in around them.

"Now what do you suggest", asked Liman charging his fists. Lee looked around for a moment and then politely sheathed his sword and stepped forward. Aurora made a move to stop him, but he kept walking. He stopped in front of one of them and bowed his head.

"There is no reason for us to fight. I am here to speak with your General". Some silent murmuring followed Lee's statement. Finally they parted to make way for a man not much taller than Lee. He walked up and began to slowly circle him. Lee remained perfectly still and calm not knowing what to expect. The man stopped in front of Lee.

"Who ar you". Lee raised an eyebrow. The man's voice sounded like a mix of Scottish and Irish.

"My name is Leonidas Moristu. Some refer to me as Lee to save time. I am here on behalf of my friends and fellow warriors; the Teen Titans". He turned around and gestured to Aurora and Liman. "And these are"-

"Wait", interjected the man. He walked over to Liman and smiled. "I remember you. His grace, Count Liman Aran". Liman lowered his head somewhat. "So tell me, how goes the palace life? Last time I saw you, you was looking down at us from the palace", he pointed to the tall tower in the distance. "While me men and I were herded out of the city gates like pack of zornicks". His smile faded and was replaced by anger and hate. HE turned back to Lee. "So! Just what ar Ya here for"?

"I am here to request your assistance for my friend Starfire". From behind him Lee heard a mix of snickers, whispers, and insults. The man walked up to Lee frowning.

"Ar you now? And what kind of messenger comes and attacks a defenseless campsite"?

"We were defending ourselves, we didn't have and still don't have any aggressive intentions in mind. A samurai exercises polite courtesy even among his enemies; he does not need to demonstrate his power. Also in my culture it is considered extremely rude to not introduce yourself". The man looked around at his soldiers.

"Very well, my nam's Iris. And you, Leonidas Moristu, have worn out yer welcome. And you can tell her "highness", that the day we swear allegiance to her, is the day that a human like you becomes a threat to me". The other Tamaranians let out hardy laughs while Iris began to walk away.

"Then you swear you allegiance today", said Lee. Iris stopped as Liman, Aurora, and everyone else looked over at him to see his reaction. He slowly turned around levitated back to Lee, who hadn't moved.

"That a challenge I hear"? Lee said nothing but looked him square in the face. "Fine we'll fight. You and me at sundown. I always like to this sort of thang at night, for dramatic purposes".

"If you're so willing to jump into a fight then why don't we make into a wager"?

"Go on", prompted Iris.

"If you win, we leave your camp and never disturb you again. However if I win, you at least listen to what Star-San has to say". Iris thought about for a moment and consulted with a few of his friends. While this went on Aurora flew up next to Lee.

"Lee I think you might be making a mistake". Before Lee could answer Iris straightened back up and crossed his arms.

"All right samurai, we'll make it a wager, since we're such kindred spirits. But when you loose I want that little trinket attached to our side there". Lee glanced down and saw Iris was talking about his sword. "Ya know, for a trophy".

"To assume the outcome of a battle before it is fought, is to walk down the path of defeat", said Lee with a bow. Iris laughed out loud and began walking off.

"I like you Lee, to bad I'm going to haff to do this to ya". So saying he disappeared behind the crowd and the three were shown to a vacant tent.

CATHING UP WITH ROBIN AND THE OTHERS...........................

The halls of the northern section of the palace were chard and littered with the body parts of a number of androids. From the first floor sounds of blasts and fighting could be heard. Raven and Starfire were currently zooming through the corridor while a good fifteen droids followed them below. Starfire turned around and while flying backwards fired off several starbolts with deadly accuracy. She then fired her eye beams at the ceiling causing it to collapse onto their pursuers. Victorious the two caught up with Robin, Cyborg, and Beast Boy who were busy getting some exercise. Cyborg gave Robin a leg up and while in the air Robin threw down dozens of small bombs onto their enemies. Beast Boy plowed through the droids as a rhino and then became a pterodactyl and began picking them up and dropping them. More droids arrived and began to open fire on the Titans.

The five regrouped behind a piece of rubble while Cyborg reached around and fired his cannon at the androids. They all peered over their barricade and saw that the numerous droids were blocking their path.

"Raven, Beast Boy! Clear us a path", shouted Robin. The two nodded and jumped out from behind the small wall. Beast Boy became an elephant and Raven formed a pointed wedge of black energy. BB tore through the droids taking a couple of hits along the way. What droids were left were scooped up by Raven and smashed against the wall. Beast Boy resumed his human form and nodded back at Robin. Getting the message Robin, Starfire, and Cyborg leapt up and joined Raven and Beast Boy.

"We're almost there", said Starfire flying around the next corner. They followed but stopped dead. A large droid with a red cape and human-like facial features blocked their way. Starfire took one look at him and groaned.

"Yo Star who is this guy", asked Cyborg.

"He is General Strife, the one who would lead Orion's armies into battle. He will be most difficult to defeat", she said charging her fists. Robin took her shoulder and turned her around to face him.

"Get to the beacon, we'll take care of him", said Robin nodding to Strife who obviously was waiting for them to make the first move.

"Robin are you quite sure"?

"You're the only one who can 'spread the word'. Once you've activated the beacon come back down and give us a hand if needed. But right now your need to get up to that tower pronto". Starfire was hesitant for a moment but then nodded and flew past Strife and up towards the tower. Robin took out his staff and yelled;

"GET HIM"!

Starfire looked over the railing to make sure no one was there. Seeing not one soul she flew over and softly touched down. It was a little more windy than usual and she found she had to fight against some of the strong gusts. She made her way to a light house looking structure and opened the door. Inside a generator reached to the top of the beacon. A small space separated the bottom half of the generator with the top, a space just big enough for someone's hand. She walked up to the generator and a small device came down and began to scan her retina. She came out positive and the room lit up and came to life. She charged her hand and took a step forward.

"Hello my dear". Starfire turned around and gasped to see Orion leaning against the opened doorway. "So, come to light yourself a candle"? Starfire felt she should just fly over and put her hand in the activation port. But something inside her arose, she felt anger building up. In an instant she forgot all about the beacon and only thought about getting back at Orion. Her eyes turned bright green and she shot straight at him. He moved aside and she flew right past him.

"I'm glad you've come back your highness. By now it seems rather pointless to have sent my followers out to find you. But seriously, you're out of your league". He threw a powerful blood red starbolt at her and she skidded against the ground. He smiled evilly as his eye turned the same shade of red. He walked up to her and slammed his hand down on her back sending a wave of agony through her.

"I don't see what you're friends have that I don't, he said circling Starfire. Her teeth gritted she struggled to get up. "I mean, what can they do that I can't do better". She spun her body around like a circular saw and tripped him. She then flew up and fired starbolt after starbolt at him. Her vision was slightly blurry but she was still quite accurate. HE suddenly flipped out of the smoke and sent her flying backwards with his eye beams. She flew against the wall and slid to the ground. Orion walked up to her and stood over her.

"You take Liman for instance; I'm sure I could be a better teacher. We'll start your first lesson. Whom do you obey"?

"No one", gasped Starfire,

"WRONG ANSWER"! He pointed his hand at her and shot her in the chest, but not enough to severely injure her. She shrieked with pain and he stopped. "Let's try this dance again. Which planet do you serve"? Starfire coughed and a small trickle of blood came out of her mouth.

"E-E-Earth".

"You're never going to pass at this rate", he said half laughing. He blasted her again and she passed out from the strain. "This would certainly be a lot easier if Alexei were still around. I guess if you want a job done you've got do it yourself". He hoisted her up over his shoulder and began to walk back to the doorway leading back down stairs.

"Don't worry you're highness, everything will be alright. Now that you're back where you belong", said Orion to the unconscious Starfire. He descended the stairs just Robin retracted his bird grapple from climbing up the wall.

"We'll see about that"!

Forgive me but, I must leave you with a cliffy. So tell me honestly how it is so far. I really do like reading what you have to say about it. Thanks again for reading it!