A/N: Sorry about the long wait!!!! Really I am! Well first I was grounded,
then I had to redo my science fair, then my computer deleted the fic! So my
life's been hell recently, how's yours?
Hope the length makes up for the not updating!
Chapter 2
Raven was waiting for her when Starfire arrived back at the palace. The sorceress greeted her with a monotonous, "you missed the meeting you had this afternoon. The Prime Minister of the Altarians is beside himself with anger and is threatening to call off negotiations. Which he will not do of course, because if he does, his country will be in even worse shape than it already is and there will be a rebellion.
"And speaking of Prime Ministers, yours sent his son by with a message about wanting to have the evening meal with you to discuss your constant running away from your bodyguards. Other than that, you didn't miss a thing."
Starfire beamed at Raven. "Thank you, Raven, what would I do without you?!"
"Either run away and never come back or get in so much trouble that you'd never get out of it again. Or both," Raven replied dryly.
"You said that the Prime Minister's son came by? The shape-shifter - what is his name?" Star asked even though she knew the answer.
"Beastboy," Raven mumbled.
"Ah! I knew you would know! Does he love you as much as you love him?" Starfire's eyes were wide-eyed in innocence.
"I don't do love." Raven's tone was flat. (a/n: sorry if you guys don't support bb/raven, I do)
"Sure! And that is why you use any excuse you can to see him. And why you blush whenever he is mentioned. And why---"Starfire cut herself off when something nearby shattered. "Alright, I will stop! I would get in too much trouble if the entire palace shattered."
Raven refused to reply and walked out of the room. Starfire felt sorry for her friend. It was obvious to Star at least that Raven was in love but her power kept her from displaying any emotion. And probably from admitting to her feelings as well. Star glanced at her clock and sighed. It was time to get ready for her meeting with the Prime Minister. Back to reality.
***
Robin busted through another practice dummy with a flying sidekick. He was in the middle of a test to pick out new bodyguards for the Queen. Apparently, she kept ditching her old ones. This test was designed to pick out bodyguards to keep up with their queen. For Robin, it could have been godsent. It fit with his plans perfectly. Or the half-plans he had formed. As Batman had taught him, "battle plans seldom survive the first encounter with the enemy."
Robin finished the test having barely broken a sweat. The Weaponsmaster's apprentice wrote down his results on a sheet of paper. The half man half machine came over and held out his hand. (a/n: hm....wonder who this is! Maybe.....chickenman?)
"I'm Cyborg. You're a good fighter. All those others are losers. Care to go against me sometime?" the teenage robot asked.
Robin grasped the offered hand warmly. Part of his brain said, Best to act friendly, while another thought, a cyborg named cyborg? How original! "Drake, Tim Drake. (a/n: Bond. James Bond. ^ ^;;) Are you sure you wanna try me? I'll end up winning."
"You wish! 'Sides, if you can beat me, there's no way an assassin can get to Star!"
"Star?" If she's who I think she is, tin man here just said something you call 'ironic.'
"The Queen," Cyborg clarified. I was right. "We've known each other forever and I forget that most people don't know her by her nickname.
"C'mon! Since you're the last one, I'll show you to the next part of the test!"
Robin nodded, brain going 100 mph. Apparently the Queen encouraged familiarity. Good, that would make his job easier. Also, from what Cyborg had said, a position of bodyguard was practically guaranteed. You're getting cocky again, Robin, a part of him warned himself. Another part said, Stuff it. (a/n: imagine angel/devil sitting on shoulders scenario! Hee hee! ^ ^)
The next part was sparring against a member of the Queen's Own. Normally bodyguards would come from the ranks but this time the bodyguards would join the Own. In name only of course, their responsibilities were only to the Queen, not the country.
Robin followed Cyborg to a lean, tall figure with muscles like steel who was watching a pair of fighters.
"Moonsword!" Cyborg hailed. "That's the Weaponsmaster," he said to Robin. The Weaponsmaster held up a finger to signal Cyborg to wait a moment.
When the match was over, the figure came over. Robin blinked. The Weaponsmaster was female...that was odd. Granted she certainly didn't look frail or delicate. More like solid steel. "What is it, Cy?" the Weaponsmaster asked.
"New guy. He whizzed through the practice course like it was nothing. Mind if I spar him? He's the last one."
Moonsword scrutinized Robin who returned her gaze evenly. Then she held out her hand like Cyborg had done earlier. "Weaponsmaster Moonsword. Good ta have ya! Mybe you'll be better than these other lazy, good-for- nothin' asses! What's your name, boy?"
"Tim Drake," Robin replied.
"And before you ask again, Cy, yes you can spar him. Just leave somethin' for me when you're done, right?" And with that, Moonsword turned to watch another match.
The two boys started walking away. "Don't let the tough attitude scare you. She's as sweet as a kitten." Cyborg grinned when they heard Moonsword yell back at them without turning her gaze from the match. "I heard that! And if I hear it again, you'll be wishing they made you all metal so you couldn't feel pain!"
"What's I tell you? Sweet as a kitten. A slightly murderous and bloodthirsty one, of course. By the way, what weapons can you handle?"
Robin thought fast. Best not to let them know what all I can do. Batman had taught him all kinds of combat but his favorite was the use of the retractable pole. It was a great assassin's weapon, able to be hidden under clothing unseen and good for long- and short-range fighting. "I'm good with a sword and knives, but I prefer bare-handed combat."
"You speak my language." They reached an empty sparring ring. "You ready?"
"It's your funeral," Robin replied, then attacked.
Cyborg blocked the kick aimed at his head and smiled, This'll be fun!
[insert fight scene]
[imagine "apprentice" fight but without the "I don't wanna do this! Don't make me do this!" from cy]
[author is too lazy to write long extensive fight but instead substitutes in lame commentary]
They were still at it when Moonsword came over an yelled, "TIME!" The two broke apart, Cyborg panting, Robin breathing heavily.
"I'm impressed. I've only seen that style once before, from a Dragon warrior who passed through here a few years ago." She paused, obviously waiting for an answer.
"I trained under one for a few years."
Moonsword nodded but didn't say anything. Dragon warriors were a group of elite warriors who roamed around after training from childhood. The students learned all types of fighting. Robin had studied under one, but then a former assassin had taken over his training. The assassin known as Batman had taught him everything he needed to know to be the best. From poisoning to lying to head on combat, Robin learned it all. He had finished his training a few years ago and was now the most sought after assassin throughout the underworld.
Robin was brought out of his reverie by Moonsword. "You'll be a good bodyguard, especially against an assassin. I've never seen anyone get past a Dragon. 'Course, they'll have to Truth-spell you to make sure you won't kill the Queen or anything but it's just ceremonial. So I'm done with you. For now at least. I expect you'll be training when you're off duty, so feel free to use the salle." The salle was the training hall and also where the Weaponsmaster lived. "Cyborg, show him and the others to Master Draven's office. That's where they'll be Truth-spelled."
"Will do," Cyborg replied before leading Robin and the other soon-to- be bodyguards out of the training area and to another set of buildings. Cyborg led them through a series of halls that Robin knew would take him awhile to find his way out if he didn't study it before hand. Making a mental note to do just that, they stopped in front of a wood door with an engraved gold plaque saying "Draven Silvereye, Mage, Scholar, Truth- speller."
Cyborg knocked on the door. "Master Draven? It's Cyborg and I have the new bodyguards."
"What? New bodyguards? Oh yes! Come in, Cyborg. I remember now," a voice inside called. Cyborg opened the door to reveal....chaos. Books, scrolls, and papers were stacked on the everywhere except for a path leading from the door to a cluttered desk and to another door, probably leading to the mage's quarters. A man, presumably, Draven Silvereye, sat at the lone chair next to the desk. He had the typical scholar look to him. Loose, comfortable, slightly worn clothing, hair tied back hastily, glasses perched in his nose.
"So these are the new bodyguards?" Silvereye asked. "I guess I'd better Truth-spell them. It won't take long." The mage moved to the first bodyguard and drew the signs that Robin recognized as those for casting a Truth-spell. A silver light appeared momentarily around the bodyguard's face. The first was a tall, willowy blonde wolooked like she'd break if she held a sword.
"Name?" Silvereye asked.
"Erasea Dren," the woman replied monotonously, as if in a trance. If the silver glow had reappeared, it would have meant she would have lied.
"Erasea Dren do you swear to protect the Queen Starfire with your life?"
"I do." (a/n: and now you may kiss the bride! *falls on floor laughing* HAHAHA)
The mage moved on to the next person. Erasea blinked as if waking up. The next inline was a medium height, well-built, black-haired teen about Robin's age. His name was Aqualad. (a/n: *droooooooooool*) The next were two twins who were identical with their reddish-brown shoulder length hair and bright blue eyes. One was named Taiyo and the other Ateru. After them was another girl by the name of Terra. (a/n: I would assume you guys know what she looks like)
Then it was Robin's turn. He had taken "precautions" as his mentor ha called it for this sort of thing ahead of time. Basically, it would allow him to lie under Truth-spell, but it wasn't completely reliable as it could be detected if the mage knew what to look for. With luck, this one wouldn't. Robin only lied under Truth-spell when he had to because the powder he swallowed to fool the spell wasn't as reliable as he would have liked.
"Name?"
"Tim Drake."
Mage: wah waha ahahsdlhga;roa rgh;
"I do." Mentally, Robin held his breath, but the mage showed no sign of seeing anything wrong.
Silvereye nodded to Cyborg. "They're all good to go."
Then Cyborg took the group out. He took them back to the salle where Moonsword was waiting for them. Cyborg nodded to the Weaponsmaster and left.
"Tonight you will be meeting the Queen. You have two hours. I suggest you rest before making yourselves presentable. If my grandmother was here, she'd be telling you that you look like you've danced through hell in paper shoes. Now, you'll be staying in the guards' barracks which are over there." Moonsword pointed to a building. "Here are the keys to your rooms, try not to loose them. They say your room number on them. Now scram"
Robin and the other walked over to the building and started looking for their rooms. When Robin stepped inside his, he thought, Now for the easy part: the actual assassination.
***
The Prime Minister stood up when Star entered the room. She motioned for him to sit. She hated standing on ceremony when she didn't have to. Starfire was dressed in what was supposed to be a graceful, becoming gown of emerald green. In reality it was a bulky thing that was hot and so tight she could hardly breathe.
Starfire struggled to contain her giggles when she saw the Prime Minister's son. She had practically forced Raven to come and Star could just imagine her reaction to the fact that he was here. The Queen hadn't told Raven he would be.
Starfire sat down across form her Prime Minister, whose name was Elren, leaving the only empty seat the one across from Beastboy. Raven took it reluctantly.
"Raven said you wished to speak to me?" Star cut right to the point.
"Yes," Elren said as the servants started bringing the first course. "It concerns your little outing this afternoon. Star, you absolutely cannot keep leaving the palace whenever you feel like it. One, you know you could easily be attacked and two, it is hardly proper."
"I can defend myself perfectly well," Star pointed out.
"Against three even four attackers, yes, I agree. But not against a trained assassin or if you were caught off guard." He held up a finger to stop Star from arguing. "You know I am right. A s to propriety, I have no problem with you going off on your own, but it seems everyone else in the world does. As a solution, I had the Weaponsmaster choose 6 bodyguards for you, 2 of which will accompany you most of the time." Seeing that Star was speechless, the Prime Minister motioned to a servant who opened the door and ushered a group of people in. Star saw that it was made up of 2 girls, 2 guys that had to be twins, another man (who didn't look bad at all), and then the last of the group came in.
****
End of this chapter! I'll try to get the next one up ASAP!
Hope the length makes up for the not updating!
Chapter 2
Raven was waiting for her when Starfire arrived back at the palace. The sorceress greeted her with a monotonous, "you missed the meeting you had this afternoon. The Prime Minister of the Altarians is beside himself with anger and is threatening to call off negotiations. Which he will not do of course, because if he does, his country will be in even worse shape than it already is and there will be a rebellion.
"And speaking of Prime Ministers, yours sent his son by with a message about wanting to have the evening meal with you to discuss your constant running away from your bodyguards. Other than that, you didn't miss a thing."
Starfire beamed at Raven. "Thank you, Raven, what would I do without you?!"
"Either run away and never come back or get in so much trouble that you'd never get out of it again. Or both," Raven replied dryly.
"You said that the Prime Minister's son came by? The shape-shifter - what is his name?" Star asked even though she knew the answer.
"Beastboy," Raven mumbled.
"Ah! I knew you would know! Does he love you as much as you love him?" Starfire's eyes were wide-eyed in innocence.
"I don't do love." Raven's tone was flat. (a/n: sorry if you guys don't support bb/raven, I do)
"Sure! And that is why you use any excuse you can to see him. And why you blush whenever he is mentioned. And why---"Starfire cut herself off when something nearby shattered. "Alright, I will stop! I would get in too much trouble if the entire palace shattered."
Raven refused to reply and walked out of the room. Starfire felt sorry for her friend. It was obvious to Star at least that Raven was in love but her power kept her from displaying any emotion. And probably from admitting to her feelings as well. Star glanced at her clock and sighed. It was time to get ready for her meeting with the Prime Minister. Back to reality.
***
Robin busted through another practice dummy with a flying sidekick. He was in the middle of a test to pick out new bodyguards for the Queen. Apparently, she kept ditching her old ones. This test was designed to pick out bodyguards to keep up with their queen. For Robin, it could have been godsent. It fit with his plans perfectly. Or the half-plans he had formed. As Batman had taught him, "battle plans seldom survive the first encounter with the enemy."
Robin finished the test having barely broken a sweat. The Weaponsmaster's apprentice wrote down his results on a sheet of paper. The half man half machine came over and held out his hand. (a/n: hm....wonder who this is! Maybe.....chickenman?)
"I'm Cyborg. You're a good fighter. All those others are losers. Care to go against me sometime?" the teenage robot asked.
Robin grasped the offered hand warmly. Part of his brain said, Best to act friendly, while another thought, a cyborg named cyborg? How original! "Drake, Tim Drake. (a/n: Bond. James Bond. ^ ^;;) Are you sure you wanna try me? I'll end up winning."
"You wish! 'Sides, if you can beat me, there's no way an assassin can get to Star!"
"Star?" If she's who I think she is, tin man here just said something you call 'ironic.'
"The Queen," Cyborg clarified. I was right. "We've known each other forever and I forget that most people don't know her by her nickname.
"C'mon! Since you're the last one, I'll show you to the next part of the test!"
Robin nodded, brain going 100 mph. Apparently the Queen encouraged familiarity. Good, that would make his job easier. Also, from what Cyborg had said, a position of bodyguard was practically guaranteed. You're getting cocky again, Robin, a part of him warned himself. Another part said, Stuff it. (a/n: imagine angel/devil sitting on shoulders scenario! Hee hee! ^ ^)
The next part was sparring against a member of the Queen's Own. Normally bodyguards would come from the ranks but this time the bodyguards would join the Own. In name only of course, their responsibilities were only to the Queen, not the country.
Robin followed Cyborg to a lean, tall figure with muscles like steel who was watching a pair of fighters.
"Moonsword!" Cyborg hailed. "That's the Weaponsmaster," he said to Robin. The Weaponsmaster held up a finger to signal Cyborg to wait a moment.
When the match was over, the figure came over. Robin blinked. The Weaponsmaster was female...that was odd. Granted she certainly didn't look frail or delicate. More like solid steel. "What is it, Cy?" the Weaponsmaster asked.
"New guy. He whizzed through the practice course like it was nothing. Mind if I spar him? He's the last one."
Moonsword scrutinized Robin who returned her gaze evenly. Then she held out her hand like Cyborg had done earlier. "Weaponsmaster Moonsword. Good ta have ya! Mybe you'll be better than these other lazy, good-for- nothin' asses! What's your name, boy?"
"Tim Drake," Robin replied.
"And before you ask again, Cy, yes you can spar him. Just leave somethin' for me when you're done, right?" And with that, Moonsword turned to watch another match.
The two boys started walking away. "Don't let the tough attitude scare you. She's as sweet as a kitten." Cyborg grinned when they heard Moonsword yell back at them without turning her gaze from the match. "I heard that! And if I hear it again, you'll be wishing they made you all metal so you couldn't feel pain!"
"What's I tell you? Sweet as a kitten. A slightly murderous and bloodthirsty one, of course. By the way, what weapons can you handle?"
Robin thought fast. Best not to let them know what all I can do. Batman had taught him all kinds of combat but his favorite was the use of the retractable pole. It was a great assassin's weapon, able to be hidden under clothing unseen and good for long- and short-range fighting. "I'm good with a sword and knives, but I prefer bare-handed combat."
"You speak my language." They reached an empty sparring ring. "You ready?"
"It's your funeral," Robin replied, then attacked.
Cyborg blocked the kick aimed at his head and smiled, This'll be fun!
[insert fight scene]
[imagine "apprentice" fight but without the "I don't wanna do this! Don't make me do this!" from cy]
[author is too lazy to write long extensive fight but instead substitutes in lame commentary]
They were still at it when Moonsword came over an yelled, "TIME!" The two broke apart, Cyborg panting, Robin breathing heavily.
"I'm impressed. I've only seen that style once before, from a Dragon warrior who passed through here a few years ago." She paused, obviously waiting for an answer.
"I trained under one for a few years."
Moonsword nodded but didn't say anything. Dragon warriors were a group of elite warriors who roamed around after training from childhood. The students learned all types of fighting. Robin had studied under one, but then a former assassin had taken over his training. The assassin known as Batman had taught him everything he needed to know to be the best. From poisoning to lying to head on combat, Robin learned it all. He had finished his training a few years ago and was now the most sought after assassin throughout the underworld.
Robin was brought out of his reverie by Moonsword. "You'll be a good bodyguard, especially against an assassin. I've never seen anyone get past a Dragon. 'Course, they'll have to Truth-spell you to make sure you won't kill the Queen or anything but it's just ceremonial. So I'm done with you. For now at least. I expect you'll be training when you're off duty, so feel free to use the salle." The salle was the training hall and also where the Weaponsmaster lived. "Cyborg, show him and the others to Master Draven's office. That's where they'll be Truth-spelled."
"Will do," Cyborg replied before leading Robin and the other soon-to- be bodyguards out of the training area and to another set of buildings. Cyborg led them through a series of halls that Robin knew would take him awhile to find his way out if he didn't study it before hand. Making a mental note to do just that, they stopped in front of a wood door with an engraved gold plaque saying "Draven Silvereye, Mage, Scholar, Truth- speller."
Cyborg knocked on the door. "Master Draven? It's Cyborg and I have the new bodyguards."
"What? New bodyguards? Oh yes! Come in, Cyborg. I remember now," a voice inside called. Cyborg opened the door to reveal....chaos. Books, scrolls, and papers were stacked on the everywhere except for a path leading from the door to a cluttered desk and to another door, probably leading to the mage's quarters. A man, presumably, Draven Silvereye, sat at the lone chair next to the desk. He had the typical scholar look to him. Loose, comfortable, slightly worn clothing, hair tied back hastily, glasses perched in his nose.
"So these are the new bodyguards?" Silvereye asked. "I guess I'd better Truth-spell them. It won't take long." The mage moved to the first bodyguard and drew the signs that Robin recognized as those for casting a Truth-spell. A silver light appeared momentarily around the bodyguard's face. The first was a tall, willowy blonde wolooked like she'd break if she held a sword.
"Name?" Silvereye asked.
"Erasea Dren," the woman replied monotonously, as if in a trance. If the silver glow had reappeared, it would have meant she would have lied.
"Erasea Dren do you swear to protect the Queen Starfire with your life?"
"I do." (a/n: and now you may kiss the bride! *falls on floor laughing* HAHAHA)
The mage moved on to the next person. Erasea blinked as if waking up. The next inline was a medium height, well-built, black-haired teen about Robin's age. His name was Aqualad. (a/n: *droooooooooool*) The next were two twins who were identical with their reddish-brown shoulder length hair and bright blue eyes. One was named Taiyo and the other Ateru. After them was another girl by the name of Terra. (a/n: I would assume you guys know what she looks like)
Then it was Robin's turn. He had taken "precautions" as his mentor ha called it for this sort of thing ahead of time. Basically, it would allow him to lie under Truth-spell, but it wasn't completely reliable as it could be detected if the mage knew what to look for. With luck, this one wouldn't. Robin only lied under Truth-spell when he had to because the powder he swallowed to fool the spell wasn't as reliable as he would have liked.
"Name?"
"Tim Drake."
Mage: wah waha ahahsdlhga;roa rgh;
"I do." Mentally, Robin held his breath, but the mage showed no sign of seeing anything wrong.
Silvereye nodded to Cyborg. "They're all good to go."
Then Cyborg took the group out. He took them back to the salle where Moonsword was waiting for them. Cyborg nodded to the Weaponsmaster and left.
"Tonight you will be meeting the Queen. You have two hours. I suggest you rest before making yourselves presentable. If my grandmother was here, she'd be telling you that you look like you've danced through hell in paper shoes. Now, you'll be staying in the guards' barracks which are over there." Moonsword pointed to a building. "Here are the keys to your rooms, try not to loose them. They say your room number on them. Now scram"
Robin and the other walked over to the building and started looking for their rooms. When Robin stepped inside his, he thought, Now for the easy part: the actual assassination.
***
The Prime Minister stood up when Star entered the room. She motioned for him to sit. She hated standing on ceremony when she didn't have to. Starfire was dressed in what was supposed to be a graceful, becoming gown of emerald green. In reality it was a bulky thing that was hot and so tight she could hardly breathe.
Starfire struggled to contain her giggles when she saw the Prime Minister's son. She had practically forced Raven to come and Star could just imagine her reaction to the fact that he was here. The Queen hadn't told Raven he would be.
Starfire sat down across form her Prime Minister, whose name was Elren, leaving the only empty seat the one across from Beastboy. Raven took it reluctantly.
"Raven said you wished to speak to me?" Star cut right to the point.
"Yes," Elren said as the servants started bringing the first course. "It concerns your little outing this afternoon. Star, you absolutely cannot keep leaving the palace whenever you feel like it. One, you know you could easily be attacked and two, it is hardly proper."
"I can defend myself perfectly well," Star pointed out.
"Against three even four attackers, yes, I agree. But not against a trained assassin or if you were caught off guard." He held up a finger to stop Star from arguing. "You know I am right. A s to propriety, I have no problem with you going off on your own, but it seems everyone else in the world does. As a solution, I had the Weaponsmaster choose 6 bodyguards for you, 2 of which will accompany you most of the time." Seeing that Star was speechless, the Prime Minister motioned to a servant who opened the door and ushered a group of people in. Star saw that it was made up of 2 girls, 2 guys that had to be twins, another man (who didn't look bad at all), and then the last of the group came in.
****
End of this chapter! I'll try to get the next one up ASAP!