Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews. It really brightens my day every time I get one of those emails from the bot telling me somebody's sent a comment or two. And so many for one of my pathetic little chapters! I only feel bad that I couldn't update sooner, with my extremely busy schedule and lack of time spent in my dorm room. But now that I've moved to a different room where I can spend more and later hours on my computer without bothering my roommate, here's to hoping this means sooner chapters.

To answer a few questions:

(1) No, this is not a continuation of Playing With Fire. In fact, you'll see from this chapter that it would be next to impossible for Star to have had the history I established her with in that story, yet maintain the relationship with her home planet in this one without breaking continuity. And I hate breaking continuity.

(2) The photo -is- a reference to Date with Destiny, however, and the unseen scene of our favorite couple dancing together (damn you, writers, for cutting that out!)

(3) "Squishy" was the mutated larvae that Beast Boy brought home with him in the same episode. As to why the heck I would give it such a ridiculous name…you'll see in the very next scene.

(4) As I always say, I love writing friendship scenes and developing bonds between characters that have nothing to do with romance...and that's exactly how much R/R you're gonna get here.


Chapter II


Without a doubt, the T-ship was one of Cyborg's greatest creations to date. It spanned over five times the size of their previous mode of space transportation, glistening in the early morning light as it rose from the ground in preparation for takeoff. The sun shone upon it with favor, highlighting its silvery metallic surface and accenting the baby blue wired portions that made up the Titan's signature design.

A combination of his most advanced blueprint schematics and technological modifications made possible by some of Starfire's Tameranian technology allowed for the plasma power to speed up enough to generate a temporary wormhole. This would cut down the twenty six light-years it would normally take to reach the Vega system to just under six hours.

Inside mirrored the epitome of efficiency and comfort. The style was strikingly similar to the Tower's living room, right down to the extra large windows, couches, and big-screen television, though at a slightly small scale to allow for space. Aside from the main cabin, there were five smaller rooms to allow each Titan his or her privacy. Cyborg was the first—and, as it turned out, only—to utilize this luxury, however, disappearing behind one of the doors soon after takeoff to recharge.

Robin currently sat at the controls, unwavering and completely focused on his steering. He hadn't moved from the seat once, let alone acknowledged any of the rest of his teammates. Raven tried meditating in one corner, but it hadn't taken her long to realize that the tension in the air would have made it near impossible to concentrate. For these reasons, she found herself drawn to Beast Boy's pleas to watch a movie with her. It was a decision she hadn't entirely regretted, though the particular choice of film was:

"I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine. And he shall be my Squishy. Come here, Squishy!"

A slender eyebrow rose at the line. "So that explains the name," she commented, referring to the beloved Titans pet (who had to be left behind, much to Starfire and Beast Boy's dismay). "I was wondering how you could possible come up with something so ridiculous."

"Hey!" Beast Boy protested, folding his arms defiantly. "I'll have you know there is nothing 'ridiculous' about Finding Nemo!" He held up the DVD case for emphasis.

"Bad Squishy! Bad Squishy!" rang from the speakers as the female fish scolded a baby jellyfish for stinging her.

"…okay, so maybe it's a little ridiculous." He amended with a sheepish grin.

Raven rolled her eyes at the changeling, resisting the urge to return the smile (she wouldn't want to encourage him, after all), before briefly turning her sight to the adjacent wall to where they sat. Curled into a tight ball on one of the larger windows sat a very distant Starfire. The initial enthusiasm she'd held at having her friends accompany her home had long since dissipated, leaving the Tameranian to stare dejectedly out the window at nothing in particular. Like Robin, she'd hardly nudged once the entire trip.

It felt strange to see her friend in such a condition, normally having to consider the possibility of sedatives to calm the cheerful girl down. But, as she darted her sight between Starfire and Robin, Raven mentally reminded herself that there was little she could do. If the two wouldn't even speak to each other about it, there wasn't a chance in Azarath they'd do so at all.

"Hey, Star," Robin called out suddenly, interrupting Raven's train of thought. It was the first time since takeoff he'd said anything, "we're exiting the wormhole in less than five. I need you to navigate the rest of the way."

Starfire nodded wordlessly, even though the boy had not turned to face her and couldn't see the motion. Floating to the empty copilot seat, she began switching the controls to her consol so that she would be in full control of the engines. The motions were almost subconscious for her, having been familiar with space travel since she was very young, and secretly she was grateful for the lack of thinking involved. Her mind was too clouded with fear and uncertainty to be able to think straight at that point.

"What the—?"

Robin's cry of surprise drew everyone's attention, and Starfire's head snapped up just in time to see the ship return to normal speed. She had let her thoughts wander to the point where she'd nearly missed the exit point! But her mind never had the chance to acknowledge this fact, as the sight that greeted the Titans was more than enough to evoke a surprised gasp from each of them.

Cyborg came running into the room just them, still dragging one of his power cables he had yet to unplug from his system, eyes going wide. "Whoa…"

Before them was unmistakably the planet Tameran. Mind wandering or no, Starfire's skills had gotten them closer than expected, just outside the planet's gravitational pull. It was just as she had described to them so many times over the course of her stay on Earth, atmosphere glowing under its sun-star's light a red-streaked white marble.

It was also surrounded by a massive fleet easily numbering in the hundreds, if not thousands.

Landing procedures went exceptionally smooth. The area Starfire guided them to was very similar to an Earth helicopter landing pad, large and circular, though suspended by a thick, sturdy pole elevated several hundred feet in the air. It was connected to a magnificently architecture building, easily the finest for miles around, by a walkway with elegant arches. At the entrance stood a young man waiting expectantly, accompanied by no less than half a dozen guards behind him.

The Tameranian girl had just barely completed basic docking procedures when she noticed the unusual welcome party. A gasp of delight escaped her lips as she got a good look at the boy and, smiling brighter than the Titans had seen her do so in a while, she flew out of the ship to greet him.

The others exchanged bewildered looks before following.

"Ryand'r!" she exclaimed, rushing into his open arms. Laughing, the boy spun her in the air a few times before lapsing into a series of phrases in their native tongue. The rest of the Titans arrived at the scene just in time to have absolutely no clue what was going on.

The male Tameranian was taller than his female counterpart, though not by much. His hair and skin were also slightly darker, the former cut in a very messy style that fell just past his ears, parted on one side so that it partially hid his left eye from view. Aside from a metallic neck brace and wrist cuffs similar to Starfire's, his chest, well toned and with faintly-outlined muscles, was completely bare. A deep green cape made of soft material hung loosely from the string around his neck, matching his pants and black shoes.

"I'm…gonna go out on a limb here," Beast Boy spoke up, "But, judging by Star's reaction…that's not her fiancée."

Seconds later, Starfire led the mysterious stranger over…or, rather, dragged him over. Judging by his hesitant reaction, not to mention the light blush across his cheeks, the Titans figured he possessed a much more timid nature than Starfire. Then again, there were probably few on the planet who didn't. As she stood him in front of the Titans, he respectfully made eye contact with each during introductions.

"Fellow Titans, I wish to introduce you to my dear younger brother, Ryand'r." Upon hearing his name, Ryand'r nodded his head in greeting.

"Brother!" Beast Boy exclaimed. "Just how many siblings do you have, Star?"

"Just the two," she answered casually, obvious confused by the question, "Is that not normal?"

Ryand'r smiled at their interaction. Though he couldn't understand what was being said, he could sense the bonds of friendship between the girl and these foreigners. His eyes trailed over each of them, eventually meeting with those of the only other female in the group. He smiled warmly at the lavender-haired beauty and took a step forward.

Raven seemed almost frozen in place, though her expression remained unreadable. For some reason, she remained unwilling to break eye contact. The others looked on curiously at the wordless exchange between the two. Ryand'rextended a hand, which Raven readily accepted. But when he leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on the half-demon's lips, eyes went wide.

"You must be the one called Raven," he spoke to her in near-perfect English after pulling back. "My sister has spoken most highly of you."

Raven nodded mutely, rendered at a complete loss for words, as she quickly reached back to pull the blue hood over her head so as to prevent anyone from seeing the faint blush that rose to her cheeks. She tried to appear otherwise unaffected by the boy's actions.

"Whoa-whoa-whoa! Time out!" Beast Boy exclaimed, stepping forward as he made a 'T' with his hands. It could have been his imagination, but Ryand'r could almost have sworn he saw the changeling send a heated glare in his direction. "How are you talking that we understand you?"

"My apologies, Beast Boy," The Tameranian male gave a friendly smile, trying to appease whatever it was he'd done to earn the look. "You see, our race is gifted with the unrivaled ability to absorb an entire species' language through the manner of physical contact."

There was a moment's pause. "You learn English by touch?"

"A useful skill, is it not?"

Cyborg cleared his throat to clear the air, stepping forward. "Name's Cyborg." He introduced himself. After shaking hands with the boy, he motioned towards the guards behind them. "So, do you normally treat visitors with such a warm welcome, or is this just a special occasion?"

A look of surprise washed over Ryand'r's facial features at the question, and instead of answering, he immediately turned back to his sister. "You mean…you have not told them?"

Starfire shook her head wordlessly.

"I see." He grew very serious all of a sudden, and the guards parted to make way for him as he began to head towards the walkway, pausing briefly to address the bewildered Titans, "I think you all had best follow me."

o*0*o

Beast Boy's eyes darted around instinctively as Ryand'r led them all down a long, narrow corridor, taking in everything from the decorations on the wall, to the guards still following them. It was a habit he'd acquired from the animal DNA mixed in with his own. As they came to rest of the Tameranian male, he narrowed them considerably.

"Hey, Robin," he leaned slightly towards the Titans leader and whispered, "Something doesn't seem right here. Are you sure we can trust this guy?"

"Come on, Beast Boy," Robin whispered back, resisting the urge to roll his eyes beneath the mask, "He's Star's little brother, not an evil villain bent on world domination."

The changeling folded his arms and huffed back, "Because we all remember what a joy Blackfire was. No offense to Star, but her family tree isn't exactly the most noble around."

"…actually, I think you'll find our family to be the most noble of all." A rich also called out suddenly. Everyone turned simultaneously to a nearby open doorway to find none other than Blackfire casually leaning against the frame, as if waiting for them. Rather than insulted, she appeared almost pleased with the young Titan's snide comment towards her.

"Blackfire!"

"Sister!"

"…aren't you supposed to be in jail?"

Blackfire gave a mock pout. "I'm wounded, Raven. Did you really believe I could possibly have committed all those horrible things I was so wrongfully accused of?"

"The Centauris sure seemed to think so," Robin countered dryly.

"Ah, yes…the probes." With an almost thoughtful look of remorse, Blackfire gracefully sauntered over to the Boy Wonder. "They always were known for being some of the most rash, blunt officers of the system. But I thought you Earthlings believed in the whole innocent until proven guilty concept…" She fluttered her eyelashes at him.

"She was pardoned on a lack of evidence," Ryand'r explained, obviously not too happy with the fact.

Blackfire turned away from her menial attempts at flirting to stare at her brother in surprise. "And since when do you speak English?"

"What did you mean before about your family being so noble?" Raven asked suddenly. Noticing how she quickly changed the subject, Blackfire grinned as she saw the hint of pink still on the half-demon's cheeks and put two and two together.

Before she could come up with a witty remark, however, another thought occurred to her and she instead turned to Starfire. "You mean you haven't told them yet?"

Again, Starfire's only reply to the question was a silent 'no'.

Instead of the seriousness previously expressed by youngest sibling, Blackfire let out an unexpected cry of both surprise and delight. "Oh, this is priceless!"

"Will somebody please tell me what the big secret is!" Beast Boy exclaimed in frustration, arms waving wildly in the air for attention. He'd just seen two completely opposing reactions for the same answer to the same question, and his head was beginning to hurt from trying to figure everything out.

Blackfire smirked almost cruelly and purposely ignored his outburst. "Speaking of which, I do believe Mummy and Daddy dearest are waiting for you in the main room, little sister. Shall we?" With a mock bow and overly emphasized wave of the hand, she signaled for the group to continue towards their destination, tagging along conspicuously close to Robin. He desperately tried to ignore her.

"Hey, Rob," Cyborg nudged him with a grin and wink. "You know what they say about getting to meet the parents…" the statement was immediately followed by a small fit of laughter from him and Beast Boy.

Robin desperately tried to ignore them, too.

At the end stood a large doorway embellished with a gold frame, easily three or four times Cyborg's height. It looked extremely heavy, and indeed it took four guards to open both doors. As the Titans stepped inside, they were greeted with an endless sea of orange face, varying slightly in shades, and reddish hair, though none as brilliant as Starfire's. At the head of the room sat a lovely Tameranian woman dressed in simple, yet elegant clothing and a shimmering silver crown. To the right of her throne was its lesser twin, in which a handsome, clean-shaven mad sat. He too wore clothing that denoted his importance, though remained bare-chested like all the other men, and instead adorned a flowing cape of deep indigo.

The three siblings walked towards the royal couple, Starfire in the center with her brother and sister on either side, and knelt approximately ten feet from the base of the main throne.

"Your Highness," Starfire murmured respectively, while Blackfire and Ryand'r remained silent.

"Yo, I thought we were meeting her mom and dad," Beast Boy whispered to Robin in question from their place several feet away, not taking his eyes off the display in front of him.

The Queen motioned for Starfire to stand and stepped down as the other two teens moved to one side to allow her passage. She circled the girl once, carefully inspecting every inch of her as the room waiting with bated breath. Starfire took it all in stride, staring straight ahead, hardly blinking.

Seconds passed before the Queen returned to her spot directly in front of the girl…and smiled, welcoming her into a warm embrace.

"You remain as beautiful as ever," she practically whispered, though the room's acoustics allowed for all present to hear. Holding the girl at arm's length, pride clearly shone in her eyes. "Life on Earth has done wonders for you, my daughter."

"…DAUGHTER!" The Titans all exclaimed at the same time.

"But…"

"That means…"

Separating from her mother, Starfire turned to face the Titans with a sheepish look. "It is true. I am the crowned Princess of Tameran, and first in line for the throne."

Jaws dropped.

"Huh. Didn't see that one coming," Raven quipped.

The Queen placed a gentle hand on her youngest daughter's shoulder. "Will you not introduce your guests, Koriand'r?"

Cyborg and Beast Boy looked at one another and mouthed, Koriand'r?

"Oh! Forgive me, Your Highness," Starfire gave an apologetic bow before motioning to her friends. "I humbly introduce the Teen Titans of Earth: Beast Boy, Raven, Cyborg…and our leader, Robin."

The Queen gave a smile at the last name, turning to address the boy in question. "Robin…titled after the tiny Earth creature of flight, is it not?"

"Y-yes, it is." He gave a startled look of surprise. "How did you know that?"

"My daughter had told me much of Earth through her regular transmissions." Stepping forward, she observed Robin much as she had Starfire, except without having to encircle him. After a moment, she turned to her daughter with a motherly, yet at the same time mischievous, grin. "He is cute."

"Mother!" Starfire gasped, cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink.

Robin proceeded to grow red as a tomato as the all too familiar snickers of Beast Boy and Cyborg filled the air, this time joined in by Ryand'r, from where the young prince stood next to his eldest sibling. Blackfire held slightly more restraint over herself as a hand went to her mouth to muffle her giggling. Even Raven appeared amused by the comment

The Queen, herself, chuckled softly. "I only tease you, dear daughter." With one graceful motion, she turned around and retreated to her place at the high throne, though remaining at a stand. Her face took on a more formal expression as she addressed all those present in the room. "And now, it is my turn for introductions…."

A nearby servant began translating her every word into Tameranian for those who did not speak the foreign language.

"Princess Koriand'r, as High Ruler of Tameran, and standing before you as your proud mother, it is my duty to introduce your betrothed." She paused, giving the nervous girl a reassuring smile before continuing, "I present, by the witness of all those who stand before us…Prince Ta'ragn of our neighboring planet Galanga!"

An unseen speaker gave the order in Tameranian, and four guards were instantly at a previously unnoticed side entrance to open the door. All eyes turned simultaneously as a young man entered the room. He stared straight ahead without flinching, possessing a regal yet humble aura to him.

His physique appeared very similar to that of Earthlings and Tameranians, though the physical differences were still clearly present. His skin held a pale lavender hue, smooth and flawless save for the series of cobalt-blue slashes that marred his cheeks: three under his right eye, and two under his left. His hair was nearly trimmed with a slight wave to it, shimmering a silvery-white with pale blue highlights under the room's lighting.

Had be not been introduced as royalty, one could easily assume his status simply by his manner of clothing. Material similar to Earth's dark denim made up his trousers, which disappeared into black shin-high boots and contrasted perfectly with his pure white, long-sleeve dress shirt. A thin cape of royal purple hung off one shoulder, falling to just above his ankles. As he got closer, Starfire just barely caught a glimpse of deep forest-green eyes hidden behind a pair of what one could only presume to be Galangal sunglasses.

Ta'ragn went down on one knee, bowing his head in respect before the Queen. His eyes closed behind the dark shades, and he remained in that position until spoken to.

"Ah, Prince Ta'ragn." The Queen smiled. "I beseech you…arise."

The prince seemed slightly confused for a moment by the language, but obeyed the command without further hesitation. Not once did he turn to look at the girl standing beside him. He spoke briefly in an alien language—the others couldn't be sure if it was Tameranian or something native to his planet—his voice a rich tenor, to which the Queen replied so softly that none could hear.

"Citizens of Tameran," she called out, with the translator relaying every word to the crowd, "Let us pray to X'halfor the future happiness and well-being of the pride and joy of Tameran. The celebrations begin tonight!" Raising her hands in the air for emphasis, the last statement was rewarded with a series of cheers and applause that rang throughout the room.

Eyes no longer focused on him, Ta'ragn seemed to visibly relax, though his expression remained unreadable. For the first time, he turned to look at the one announced just moments prior as his future bride….

Starfire's emerald orbs widened slightly as the boy sent a glare through his sunglasses only she could see due to their close proximity. Not just a simple look of annoyance, as if she was nothing more than a mere bother to him…but one of almost pure hatred.

As quick as their eyes met, the Galangal sharply turned away and stormed out the door, a great contrast from his graceful entrance moments before. Tears welled up in the Tameranian girl's eyes as she watched him leave, though she tried her best to hide the hurt she felt inside and smiled as the crowd enthusiastically cheered for her.

Robin knew her better than that, however, and could see the drops of liquid threatening to spill even from where he stood. There was little he could do about it for the moment, however, as he watched Starfire slowly be guided away to her chambers by her brother. Blackfire seemed a bit too happy about the situation and remained off to one side, smirking, but Robin could just barely hear Ryand'r murmur softly in Tameranian to his beloved sister, most likely words of comfort.

"Star!" he called out, taking a step towards them. A couple of guards blocked his path instantly, stern glares telling him without words that approaching the royal princess at that moment was out of the question, guest or not.

"I'm afraid my dear sister must prepare for the festivities and can not be bothered," Blackfire explained, walking over to them. Her smirk grew, "But I can show you around, if you like. We have the entire afternoon."

"Pass." Robin answered dryly, heading back towards the others.

"I will have guards escort you all to some private chambers, where you may rest from your long trip," The Queen offered, sending her eldest a stern glare. Blackfire feigned a look of innocence. "You are more than welcome to join in this evening's celebration, should you choose."

The Titans all bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, You Highness," Robin spoke for all of them.

But as the Queen turned away to deal with other matters, he stole one last glance at his female teammate's retreating form before the escort arrived. His shoulders drooped as she faded from his sight.


TO BE CONTINUED…