Ok, here's the last chapter. R&R review please.
Ch.15
The defenders came to life and began letting loose their merciless volleys. Raven chanted her words and formed the biggest shield she could muster. Unfortunately the shield only covered a section of their forces while the rest were completely exposed. Those who were unshielded were suddenly met with a wall of laser fire and in turn met their death and came to a rough halt. The rest of them continued on while Raven did her best to keep the shield up as it was continually pounded the defenders. Starfire looked back and saw that Raven's eyes began to water for the strain. She caught Raven's eyes who gave Star a look of apology and fell to the ground out of exhaustion. In that same instant everything seemed to stop.
The Titans and all with them did their best to try and get on the ground below the laser fire. However some just didn't make it. The whole world seemed to be going in slow motion. In scattered areas Tamaranian soldiers could only stand and be riddled with laser bolts while their comrades sadly watched them fall to the ground. Starfire looked up from where she was laying and saw Robin take a few in his shoulder and leg. She tried to scream his name but no sound seemed to be coming out of her mouth. Not far from him Cyborg fell with similar injuries. From behind the defenders Terra watched her old friends slowly being massacred. She wanted to be right there with them, feeling she deserved it more then them. Not able to bear the sight anymore she turned her tear stained face to Orion and began to beg.
"PLEASE STOP! STOP FIRING"! But Orion simply tuned her out, he peered around at his dying enemy with a hungry look in his eyes. Knowing begging would get her nowhere she decided to take matters into her own hands. She summoned up her powers and with great effort sank the defenders beneath the ground. The laser bolts disappeared as Starfire crawled her way over to the bleeding yet still alive Robin. Terra straightened up and gazed around at her old friends who seemed to be recovering. She let out a sigh of relief, then she was suddenly picked up by the neck. Orion held her up and growled loudly.
"TREACHEROUS WENCH"! He threw her to the ground hard and flashed his wrist device. "You want a job done, you've got to do it yourself". He switched it on and intense agony surged through Terra once more. Terra gripped the grass while crying out in pain. Orion thought about reprimanding her, but decided to simply end it. He made a move to turn up the intensity when a bird-a-rang hit the device and broke it in two. Terra stopped screaming and passed out. Orion turned his head in surprise and saw Robin with another one in his hands. He was leaning on Starfire for support. Orion couldn't believe this; he had been stopped by a human. NEVER! He ordered what was left of his army to reform ranks.
"EXTERMIANTE THEM"! About five grand worth of droids began sprinting forward at the Titans. Beast Boy got to his feet and readied himself. Using his sword for a support Lee also got up. Raven stirred somewhat but still seemed to be drained. Cyborg had been hit hard in the leg and therefore could only sit up. He brought out his arm cannon and pointed it forward. The droids came closer and took aim. Feeling victorious Orion smiled a toothy grin. "Today, my time begins". However before the first droid could pull the trigger he was suddenly blown away. The droids came to a halt and both Orion and Starfire mouths dropped. From over the hills hundreds of ships and speeders glided down to where the Titans stood. The Centari had arrived.
"WELL ITS ABOUT FREAKIN TIME", shouted Cyborg with his hands in the air. The Centari landed their ships in front of the Titans to create a makeshift shield. Their own troops leapt out and engaged Orion's remaining forces. With his mouth still hanging open Orion gazed around while his army was set ablaze. His eyes then fell on Robin and Starfire. He gritted his teeth and with tremendous speed flew in their direction. Starfire helped Robin get to his feet when Orion whizzed by and snatched up Robin.
"ROBIN", shouted Starfire. She saw the two fade in the distance and then took off after them. While flying over Tamaran's landscape Robin fought against Orion's grip. He socked Orion in the jaw who retaliated by throwing him up and hitting him with a starbolt in midair. Robin met the ground with a thud and rolled over onto his back. Orion landed next to him and looked him over from head to toe. Robin looked up and saw Orion's head blocking out the sun.
"Misery, suffering, and pain; that's all the life of a human can ultimately lead to". Robin slowly got to his knees, not impressed by this in the slightest Orion began to circle him. "Did you know that I've been planning this whole thing for ten of your earth years? And you, a human, comes and destroys it in four days"!
"We aim to please", said Robin who had now gotten to his feet. He pulled out his staff and fully extended it. Orion chuckled at this gesture.
"You really intend to fight me in your condition; bruised, broken, DEAD"! Robin nodded and smirked.
"I'm not trying to fight you; I'm trying to stall you"? Orion raised an eyebrow.
"Stall me? Stall me from what"? Starfire then flew up behind him and knocked him clear over Robin's head. Starfire came next to Robin who leaned on his staff.
"Robin! You are ok"?
"For the most part", said Robin with a half grin. They saw Orion get up and he charged his fists. Starfire did the same and the two clashed. Orion kicked her away and fired his eye beams at her. Starfire crossed her arms to shield her face and fought back with a barrage of starbolts. Orion took flight narrowly dodging them, they both began to shoot at each other while dodging and ducking. Star's eye beams got Orion in the stomach, while he yelped Star flew forward and drop kicked him to the ground. Orion jumped back up and punched Star in the chest. He then drilled his eye beams into her chest and sent her to the ground. Struggling to get up she cradled her stomach. Orion quickly popped up in front of her and pushed her back down to the ground. Orion pointed his fist at her head and narrowed his eyes.
"So ends you're highness' reign". He reared back his fist, but never brought it down. Confused Starfire moved out of Orion's shadow and saw Robin's staff in his back. The boy wonder and thrown it javelin style. Robin staggered over to Starfire as Orion fell to his knees. He tried to reach back but couldn't, he looked up at the two.
"Wha"-?
"It's a human made weapon", said Robin. "He looked over at the horizon and saw the sun had gone down a few minuets before. "Looks like my timing was a little off". Orion shook his head in disbelief and then keeled over.
REJOINING THE TITANS.....................
By the time Robin and Star made it back to the city the droids had been completely destroyed. Cyborg's legs were repaired, Raven had come to, and the Centari were helping to gather the fallen. Raven and Cyborg walked over to meet Robin and Starfire. They both looked around at the surrounding area; smashed and singed pieces of metal lay everywhere, and the lifeless forms of a good number of the Tamaranians still lay undisturbed. Starfire covered her face with her hands at the sight of the aftermath.
"You ok", asked Robin. Cyborg nodded as did Raven. "What happened to Terra"?
"Don't know", said Cyborg. By the time we got over to where she was she had gone. She could be anywhere by now". Her face still buried in her hands Starfire gulped.
"H-how many casualties", asked Starfire. Cyborg scratched the back of his head.
"Five thousand two hundred", answered Cyborg, not really wanting to. Out of the entire battle a wounded 1900 survived.
"That many", said Robin shaking his head.
"One in particular", said Raven. Star's head popped up and Robin's eyes widened with worry.
"Who"? Raven lowered her hood and Cyborg gestured for them to follow him and Raven. They led Robin and Starfire over to where their dead were being cleaned up and made ready for burial. Cyborg and Raven stopped next to one of the beds. Robin and Starfire approached and Star sank down next to its occupant.
Liman Aran lay there with his arms crossed over his stomach. Starfire lay her head down on her teacher's chest and silently cried. Robin knelt down and rubbed her back gently. He looked back up at Raven and Cyborg.
"What about Beast Boy and Lee"?
"Both fine, they're receiving some medical attention for a couple of cuts but that's the worst of it for them", replied Raven. Starfire quietly said good bye to Liman and got to her feet. Whipping away her tears she looked up at the tower.
"We, we should go now and revive my father", she said dryly. They nodded and followed her back to her father's room.
LATER THAT NIGHT.......................
Once Raven had said that it would be safe to unfreeze Starfire's father, they did so. His recovery was surprisingly quick and after a few hours was back to his old self. A huge celebration was then held by the surviving soldiers and the now free Tamaranian civilians. Almost everyone had gathered in the main citadel for the mass rejoicing. There was dancing, food, music, you name it chances are it was there. While Robin joked with Cyborg he noticed Starfire wasn't anywhere to be found. He looked at the enormous tower and made a good guess where she was. He walked over to a nearby soldier and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Hey buddy can ya give me a lift". He pointed to the tip top of the tower. While Robin exited stage left Beast Boy and Raven were talking to Star's father.
"Sooo how old are you anyway", asked Beast Boy. Raven whapped him off the back of the head.
"No no it's alright", said the new king. "How do you measure time on you're planet"? Raven thought a moment.
"Well one revolution of the moon around the earth is a month, and one revolution of the earth around the sun is twelve months which is a year"-
"Then I am one hundred and thirteen years old", he said.
"Oh", said Beast Boy. "Well, you look great"! Raven rolled her eyes while Beast Boy shrugged.
Up on the tower Starfire stood gazing at the night sky. Tamaran's sky was not all that different from Earth's. Though Earth only had one moon. Robin climbed over the railing and thanked one who flew him up there. He walked up to Starfire who looked positively alone.
"Star"? She turned and smiled.
"Robin! Will you come stand with me"? Robin walked up next her. There was a short pause between them.
"So why aren't you down there with everyone else"? Her smile faded somewhat.
"I do not feel like celebrating at this time", she said sadly. Robin lowered his head and leaned on the railing.
"I'm really sorry Star, about all that's happened".
"What do you have to be sorry about"?
"You know, you finding out that this whole thing was nothing but a way to control everything. And I'm sorry about Liman, I know he was important to you", Robin looked down over the side.
"Robin none of this is any fault of yours. If anyone is to apologize, it should be me", Robin looked up.
"Star"?
"I sent you and our friends away. I thought very little of the possibility of you being right about Orion. I said those awful and cruel things to you too". She bowed her head and sniffled.
"Star you were a victim of mind control, if anyone's to blame here its Orion. And he's gone now". He put an arm around her shoulder and she nestled her head on his. "Even though your father is back to being the ruler of Tamaran, I have no doubt what so ever that you would have made just as good a leader".
"You, are certain"?
"Positive, how else could you have lead those brave men into battle like you did today? Starfire, you've done wonderful things to free these people". He straightened her so that he could see her face. "And you shouldn't be beating yourself down on something you had no say in".
"But even after I told you to leave, why did you come back"? Robin smiled and moved a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Because I'm a selfish person, who doesn't want to give up who he loves". They stared at each other for the longest time. Then slowly Robin brought her in for a loving kiss. Their world seemed to revolve exclusively around them during that moment; a moment which they never wanted to end.
THE NEXT MORNING......................
The king had presented each of the Titans with a commemoration in thanks for what they did for Tamaran. He then called Starfire up to him. She approached him and knelt down before him. He motioned for her to rise and she did.
"Daughters need not do that", he said brightly. Star smiled sweetly and hugged her father tightly. "However, I do have something else to present to you". Starfire looked at him curiously. He then brought forth a shining gold metal with a red cross in the middle. Open mouthed she bowed her head and received it.
"For unfathomable bravery a responding to the call of duty, I award you my daughter with the Tamaranian Star of Valor". Taking a deep breath she turned back around to face the crowd and the entire hall burst into applause. "Koriand'r"? Starfire turned back to her father. "Is there something wrong"?
"Well"......
"Yes"?
"I can't help but feel that there are others who deserve this presentation more that I". Her Father looked slightly perplexed.
"Really and how do you suggest I reward you"? Starfire bit her lip and looked back at her friends. Cyborg was giving her a thumbs up. "Let me go home".
"Home"?
"Earth, I have a life and a duty of my own to my friends", she said smiling up at her father who returned her smile.
"Then you go with my blessing, I hope to see you again my daughter". They hugged each other and then he kissed Starfire on the fore head.
Outside their stuff was being loaded onto the ship while the Titans said their good byes. Lee walked with Aurora to the ramp and held her hands.
"Are you quite sure you going to stay? We have plenty of room at home", he pleaded.
"I'm sorry Lee, but they will need my help with repairing parts of the city and getting things back to the way they were. Plus one Tamaranian on your team is probably enough".
"That's all a matter of opinion", said Lee. "Isn't there anyway to convince you that you should come with me"?
"Again Lee, though I care about you so much I cannot simply walk away from what needs to be done. You of all people should understand that". Lee nodded head, disappointed. "But, that doesn't emphasize that I cannot come to visit you for a long period of time". Lee's face brightened.
"You better not keep me waiting". They both laughed and hugged each other tightly. Though she forgot about her alien strength. "Uh Aurora, a-air", struggled Lee. Blushing Aurora released him and he got his breath back.
"Yo Lee come on", said Cyborg from inside the ship. Lee looked back and nodded. He made up his mind quickly gave her a kiss. He would have wanted it to last longer but Cyborg kept yelling at him. He rushed off and Aurora smiled as she watched him sprint up the ramp. The king, Starfire, Robin, and Iris then came over to the ship.
"I'll see you inside", said Starfire. Robin nodded and shook the hands of the king and Iris though neither of them understood what that meant. "It's an earthen farewell", said Starfire and they nodded in comprehension. She looked at both of them with a ready look. Her father then walked up to her and began straightening her outfit.
"Father, not in front of the others", said Starfire. He chuckled lightly.
"I only want my princess to look her best. After all you've got a job to do". They gave each other one last good bye hug and he returned to the palace. Starfire then said good bye to Iris who still felt guilty about how he had thought of her.
"You should not trouble yourself Iris, you are a valued person to me and my father", he nodded with uncertainty. "If you feel you must prove yourself, then will you do something for me"?
"What d'you wish of me highness", he asked. She opened his hand and placed something inside it.
"Will you see to it that Liman's wife and children get this"? He looked down and nodded. He bowed, she returned it and entered the ship. With a low hum the ship lifted off and left Tamaran. He stood there for a few more moments, and as he watched the clear blue sky he closed his hand around Starfire's medal of Valor.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing"
-Edmund Burke
Well what you think?! Thanks so much for reading my story. I hope you liked it. Now here are some sneak peaks at my next two stories.
"Teen Titans: Nemesis"
Sequel to Shrapnel. Slade finds a way to unleash his deadliest weapon on the Titans. Only this weapon is a person and soon a grudge (similar to Robin/Slade grudge), forms between that weapon and one of the Titans.
"Kill Slade Vol.1"
A Teen Titans/Kill Bill cross over. Slade and his agents brutally injure Raven and Beast Boy. Beast Boy goes into a coma and Raven gets mad, really really mad. She then sets out on a quest to take on his most ruthless assassins, and then she's gonna kill Slade.
Thanks again for reading.