As Raven let her hands fall to her sides she walked Starfire to stand in front of the couch. All of the boys were sitting there in different stages of confusion; Robin had frustration covered, while Beast Boy was questioning, and Cyborg was merely accepting that he knew nothing but what Starfire could tell him. Raven sat down next to them, leaving Starfire standing somewhat awkwardly in front of the group. It registered in her mind that this was going to be an interrogation, so she placed her hands behind her and leaned against the wall, becoming comfortable. It was a signal to Raven, and she took it.
"So Star, what is the 'last bond'? And what does it have to do with blood kin?" She leaned back, attempting to seem nonchalant, but she was genuinely intrigued. The situation was stirring some of the dormant anger in her friend, and every sensor in Raven's mind was on alert. When Starfire took a deep breath as if to steady herself, some dormant part of Raven bounced with glee; things were going to get interesting!
"Tamaranians have an unusually strong bond to their friends and family. It allows us to feel, to a limited extent, when those we care for are in danger…it is a weak form of your power, Raven, and it works well because we are an emotional people." Starfire fidgeted for a moment before proceeding.
"Blood ties are stronger than any other. When a Tamaranian loses their family, they may go…mad because the bonds have been broken. My parents…are dead. Blackfire is my last blood kin, so our bonds are even stronger." Her voice was trembling. Cyborg and Beast boy made to stand as if to hug her, but she waved them off, hoping to finish. Her eyes locked with Raven's, noting that her empath friend was buzzing with imprisoned emotion; and then with Robin, who seemed concerned. She had mentioned, only once that she was an orphan-the topic had never again been spoken of.
"When the last bond is threatened or 'pulled', the threat causes a reaction of anger, and fear, and…" As she struggled to find the words, Raven finished the sentence.
"Powers going out of whack, just like mine." Starfire nodded before continuing.
"Trionne did not need to give me coordinates because I can sense where Blackfire is. And he did not need to threaten me because he knows I will find them." At this, the Titans jumped. Her voice had changed again; it held a determination, a force that they had not seen since her challenge for the Crown of Tamaran. She was startled to see Cyborg smile as he leaned forward.
"Because no matter what, she is your sister." Starfire nodded, appreciating Cyborg's analysis. She turned as Beast Boy piped up.
"So what IS Trionne, anyway? I've never heard of an alien like him." The other Titans turned to Beast boy, wondering where the surge of brainpower was coming from, but Robin recovered in time to ask a follow-up question.
"And how does he know you both anyway?" The others nodded, eager for some more answers. Starfire leaned back and sighed.
"Trionne is of the Helos, a people that have been warring against Tamaran for many years. He is a Prince-he was meant to marry my sister as a peace treaty between our worlds. But Blackfire and I found out the night before her wedding that the treaty was a lie, a way for the Helos to spy on us, find out our weaknesses. The wedding was cancelled, but in the ensuing battle our parents were killed. Blackfire and I were sent in opposite directions, as the council hoped that one of us at least could survive to rule Tamaran when we came of age. That was what drove us apart…" Starfire was looking down at the floor as she spoke, and shook her head sadly at the admittance of her past.
"But I do not know what he means by 'the puzzle'. He will tell me when I arrive." Starfire looked up, her eyes glowing. Her tears were drying from the heat of her glare, but she was snapped back to reality by Robin's question.
"What do you mean, when you arrive? We are going with you. You heard him-he wants you to show up. There's no telling what you'll find when you get there." Robin had stood, and now the other three were up as well.
"It may not be blood, Starfire, but we are family too. We can't just let you fly into this alone." Raven's words ended the argument as Starfire looked over to her and they agreed, silently. Starfire frowned in concentration.
"They are too far for us to drive without sleep. Friends, you must rest for the journey." As the other three left, they each murmured a good night, leaving Robin and Starfire alone as Starfire took out another disk.
"Shouldn't you get some rest? It's all you tomorrow, Star." Starfire put the disk in the device and turned to Robin.
"I will rest, but first, I must reply." Robin stepped out of sight of the camera as Starfire pressed the button to record.
"Trionne, you have always stressed my status in conversation, and it is right to do so. As Princess and Heir to the Throne of Tamaran, I accept your Challenge in full. I expect you to be ready for battle tomorrow." As Robin looked over, he saw that Starfire had a grin to match even that of the arrogant Prince, as she continued her transmission.
"And as a Titan of Earth, I expect you to have my sister awaiting my arrival, as she will be leaving with me." With this, her eyes began to glow, and she ended the transmission with a blown kiss.
"Starfire out."