Chapter 19
A warrior stepped forward. "I challenge this ruthasha who thinks he can claim the title of warrior amongst us," he said, and the room went deathly silent.
Robin turned and face the warrior, "Do I know you warrior, or are you going to hide beneath the anonymity of your helmet?" he asked, drawing admiring laughter from some of the others.
"I am Captain Teranc'r of the ROSHON'R," he replied, taking off his helmet.
"Star what's going on?" Cyborg asked when she joined them at the front edge of the crowd.
"That warrior has challenged Robin's right to be my shalocfa," she replied, "According to tradition they will trade verbal shots at each other first, then the formal challenge will get underway."
"I see you do not have a sword ruthasha, are you afraid to injure yourself with it?"
"I have a sword, as you well know, but in keeping with your traditions I did not wear it as I was brought before the Grand Ruler and the Princess," Robin replied, and the warrior that was holding his katana came over to him and gave it to him. He drew it from it's scabbard, and handed the empty scabbard to Starfire.
"An interesting blade ruthasha," the other warrior continued taunting, "I am sure it suits you."
"Then someone had better get you one," Robin said, suddenly thinking there was something familiar about the way the warrior moved, "perhaps a Klevixya," he taunted and was surprised that he saw a look of shock flash over Teranc'r's face rather than the anger that should have been there.
"Oooh, nicely put Robin," Kim'r said as she walked up behind Raven and Starfire.
"You will pay for that ruthasha!" Teranc'r shouted as he strode across the floor, "The venue is here, the time is now!" he ranted as he continued toward Robin.
"Then I accept," Robin said calmly, "The conditions are as follows, No flying, star bolts, eye beams, or super strength," he listed, "and I trust I can depend on your honor to hold to that," he added, "Hand weapons only." he concluded, and brought his katana up to a defensive position.
Robin parried the first blows that Teranc'r threw at him, and he could tell by the impacts that he was sticking to the conditions of the challenge and not using his super strength. He threw a few cuts of his own which Teranc'r blocked easily, then they locked hilts, their faces less then a foot apart as each struggled to get enough leverage to push the other back.
"I understand that you have talked with that little witch that Starfire has as a handmaiden." Teranc'r growled, "Did she tell you about the beatings I gave her?"
"You?" Robin gasped then shifted his feet slightly and pivoted to his right, causing Teranc'r to lose his balance and stumble past him.
"She was stupid and could not manage to master an elementary set of moves," Teranc'r said as he advanced on Robin again.
Robin quickly stabbed his katana into the mat that had been placed on the steel deck, then threw the three punches and kick that Sher'l had worked on with him in the observation lounge. The first punch struck Teranc'r solidly on the jaw, while the other two were to each of his shoulders and the roundhouse kick caught him in the ribs. He pulled his katana from the mat and waited for Teranc'r to regain his feet.
"X'Hal no!" Starfire gasped, "He knows."
"Who knows what?" Raven asked.
"Robin knows that Teranc'r had beaten Sher'l," Star replied, "If he lets his anger get the better of him Teranc'r will defeat him."
"So, you know of what I did to her." Teranc'r said as he came at Robin again, "She is of no consequence."
"In that you are right," Robin said, "What you did to that child is not part of this challenge, and I will be glad to take you up on that later," he told him as they exchanged another series of blows. "This concerns the princess."
"Yes, the princess," Teranc'r sneered, and Robin noticed that his breathing was growing slightly ragged, "I understand that you wish to claim revenge on the one who attacked her this morning. Do not concern yourself, I will finish dealing with her once you are no longer in the way."
Robin didn't reply verbally to that statement, but the series of sword cuts he made were as vicious as they were accurate and Teranc'r found himself being driven back. Seeing an opening Robin swept Teranc'r's legs from under him, and stood over him, his katana pointing at his throat.
Using his forearm guard, Teranc'r knocked Robin's blade aside, and scissored his legs, knocking Robin's feet together, and sweeping them out from under him. Groaning with the effort, Robin managed to keep his balance enough to turn his fall into a back flip, and he landed on his knees beside Teranc'r with his back to him. Reacting instinctively, Robin thrust backward with his blade, catching Teranc'r on his upper arm guard, the point of his blade piercing the metal armor, and biting into the Tamaranean's bicep.
Jerking his blade free Robin spun around, and held his blade aloft, ready to bring it down on Teranc'r's neck.
"PA ROCHENA!" Teranc'r shouted loudly enough to echo in the room, as he saw Robin's blade start it's downward arc.
Robin stopped his blade, just as it touched his opponents neck, and he held it there for a moment, then got to his feet. "The challenger has surrendered, the challenge is complete!" he announced, "I am Koriand'r's shalocfa!" he concluded, as the crowd cheered. He walked over to Starfire, and knelt before her, presenting the hit of his sword to her. "Before these warriors I pledge that I will guard your secrets, your honor and your life," he said.
"And I pledge that I will gladly do the same." Starfire said taking his sword, and touching it to his right shoulder. She watched him stand, and handed him back the scabbard for his katana. Once he had sheathed his blade and put it back on his belt, she hugged him.
For once Robn was glad he had his armor on when Starfire hugged him as he heard it creak slightly as she forgot her strength, and hugged him tightly.
"Shalocfa!" a voice called in warning, and Robin turned to see Teranc'r coming toward him his sword drawn.
Taking a step away from Starfire, he stood his ground, "Teranc'r the challenge is finished, our fight is over." he said as Teranc'r continued to walk toward him.
"You may be able to defend yourself, but you can not defend both yourself and her!" Teranc'r bellowed as he swung his sword at Robin's head.
Robin swept his katana from his scabbard and their blades clashed as he blocked his blow, and he gasped as he saw Teranc'r take his left hand, which was glowing blue, and thrust it past him, launching the star bolt. He heard Starfire grunt in pain as he heard the bolt strike her.
"In the end I win." Teranc'r gloated, then his look of triumph changed to one of shock as Robin twisted his blade, and followed through on his swing, tearing Teranc'r's sword from his grip. Robin then brought his blade around and struck the flat of his blade against his extended left arm at the wrist. Continuing the movement, Robin brought his hands around and slammed the butt of his hilt into the Captain's forehead, and was gratified to see Teranc'r's eyes go blank as the blow knocked him unconscious. Going with the flow of his momentum Robin ended up facing away from his opponent and he stabbed backward, his blade again piercing Tamaranean armor. Jerking his blade free, he turned and watched Teranc'r fall to the ground, and saw that half an inch of his blade was wet with blood.
"X'Hal, he moves fast!" he heard several warriors close by exclaim in astonishment.
"Stev'n, Mik'l," Robin called and the two lieutenants came over, "His injuries are not life threatening, but take him to the healing section as he needs medical attention," he told them.
"As you command, shalocfa!" the said in unison as they saluted then took their commanding officer away.
Robin saw that a short distance away a medical team took over from them. He watched as Mik'l took the captain's sword belt and Stev'n went over and picked up the sword. "Raven, Cyborg, how is she?" he asked without turning.
"Her armor protected her, but she was slammed back into me," Cyborg replied, "Let's just say that the titanium my chest is made of, and the back of her head had an argument, and her head lost."
"She should come around in a moment," Raven said as Robin turned and knelt at Starfire's side, and took one of her hands in his.
Robin smiled softly a moment later as Starfire groaned softly and her eyes slowly opened. "Robin, you are safe?" she asked
"That is supposed to be my line to you Star," Robin said smiling broadly as he helped her to her feet. He cupped her cheek in his hand his thumb absently rubbing over the skin just below her eye, and he was surprised to feel her shudder slightly as he pulled her close. After a moment he became aware that there were several warriors behind him, and he turned to face them, keeping his arm around Star's shoulders.
"Shalocfa, these are now yours, for defeating him in battle," Mik'l said, handing the sheathed blade to him. "To the victor got the spoils, I believe is the phrase you would use."
"Thank you," Robin said as he took the sword and belt, and made an adjustment to the bet and buckled it around his waist.
"Shalocfa, we would be honored if you took us on as your guard," Mik'l said.
"Guard?" Robin asked turning to look at Star.
"It is customary for shalocfa to have a small number of warriors that he feels he can trust to assist in keeping his or her beloved safe," Star replied.
Knowing that there would most likely be an oath involved he took his arm from around Starfire's shoulders, and smiled softly when he caught her almost pouting. "Alright, just how do we go about doing this?" he asked, and the six warriors dropped to one knee, drawing their swords and presenting them to him.
Mik'l spoke first, "By my honor I swear that I will help the princess's shalocfa to keep her safe, and free from harm, and that I will protect him as well." he said.
"I accept your Oath and your service" Robin said, taking Mik'l's sword and touching his right shoulder. The process was repeated for Stev'n and three other warriors, and Robin was surprised to see Kim'r kneeling before him. "Kim'r I can not take your oath for this," he said, "It is enough for me that you are oathed to assist in finding the one who attacked the princess, and bring him or her to justice."
"As you wish Robin," she said as she stood up and sheathed her sword, "To that end I have something to discuss with you," she added as the crowd dispersed. Once there were no warriors around the Titans and herself, she speared Robin with an angry glare, "Why did you refuse my sword!" she demanded, "Have I given offense or angered you?"
"No Kim'r, quite the opposite," Robin replied, "It's just that I would feel better knowing you were near the Grand Ruler, protecting him and ensuring his safety," He told her, "The division in your people reaches into high places Kim'r. When I suggested that Teranc'r would be more comfortable with a Klevixya, instead of going straight into a rage, he was shocked and surprised."
"You think he attacked the princess?" Kim'r asked, and Robin nodded, then told her about his statement during the challenge. "Very well Robin, I will stay in the Palace Guard," Kim'r said, then put a hand on his shoulder, "but if you ever have need of me. . ."
"I know how to get a hold of you." Robin finished for her.
About an hour later Starfire and Robin were walking along a corridor arm in arm, and Robin smiled softly as he felt her try to snuggle closer to him as they walked.
"X'Hal, I did not realize how much I enjoy just being near you," she sighed, as she lay her head on his shoulder, "I know you were near me when we first met Captain Teranc'r, but you acted so. . .distant it was as if it was not you there."
"I know how you feel Kori, and I'm sorry for that," he said, "that note you gave to Kim'r was a tremendous morale lifter." Robin replied.
"Yes, your protectiveness of me has reached almost legendary levels among my people," she said with a smile, "X'Hal Robin not only attacking a healer, but taking on Kim'r as well!" she laughed, "Even if you were not my shalocfa you would be called warrior, and known to be my protector."
They walked in silence for a few moments each basking in just being near the other again. They reached a intersection in the corridor, and Starfire stopped, and placed herself directly in front of Robin. "It is customary for the Royal to give her shalocfa a small gift," she said, and held out her hand. In her palm was a crystal about the size of her pinkie, mounted and attached to a chain. She reached up and clasped the chain around his neck, and slid the crystal beneath his breast plate, "Wear it near your heart, always."
"Are you ready to take this back now?" he asked, holding up the Mitzpah medallion. At her nod, he pulled the two halves apart, and clasped the chain of her half around her neck, and left his arms draped over her shoulders and turned the motion into a hug. "You have no idea how worried I was that you had left it behind with no explanation."
"I do realize that you were worried enough to talk to the others about it," she said, "I am sorry that I caused you that," she added softly, as she slid her arms around him returning the hug. They stood there for a moment, then continued on their way.
"You know it's going to take some getting used to seeing you dressed like that," Robin commented as they walked, now hand in hand.
"But you have seen me in my armor for the last week," Star said not understanding what he was talking about.
"But up here you wear your crown," Robin said, referring to the 'M' shaped crown that framed her face and came slightly more than half way down her cheeks. "Sometimes when I look quickly at you I can easily picture you when we first met."
Starfire trotted a few steps ahead of him and turned back toward him her eyes and hands glowing green with her star bolt power. "Friends!" she demanded as she took a step toward an awestruck Robin, "Why! For what purpose did you free me!" she demanded, then broke into a fit of laughter which Robin quickly joined in with.
"It is good to hear your laughter young ones." Galfore said as he walked up, and their mirth was cut short.
"You did enough to try to prevent it," Robin said his voice just a hair off being angry.
"I have reasons for that which I still can not reveal to either of you," Galfore replied, his voice calm, "Princess I wish to apologize to you for demanding that you be kept isolated from your shalocfa, but it has done the job of calming those who opposed his acceptance," he said, then turned and looked proudly at Robin with his good eye, "Young one," he began, then paused, "no that is not right, Robin you have proven yourself far and above what even I had thought you would," he told him, "Believe this warrior, if I did not believe that you could protect Koriand'r you would not now be her shalocfa," he added, "I admit that I made it hard on you, but I did that for Tamaran, my deepest loyalty is to the Princess above all else."
Robin sighed heavily, realizing that Galfore did have higher considerations besides his and even Starfire's happiness. "My apologies Emperor Galfore," he said, saluting.
"It is alright Robin, you have been. . . .preoccupied of late," Galfore assured him, then grew serious, "I understand that you suspect Captain Teranc'r had a hand in the attack on the princess."
Robin nodded and passed on what went on during his challenge, and also what transpired in the corridor.
He called her WHAT!" Galfore thundered, then muttered softly under his breath, "And he did that in front of witnesses?" he asked, then held up his hand to forestall Robin's answer, "I am sorry, but your friends can not be considered as witnesses in this Robin."
"Lieutenant's Mik'l and Stev'n both witnessed it, and were quite surprised that I let him live to be carried away," Robin said.
"Yet another display of your loyalty to her," Galfore said proudly, "I know you do not wish me to call you this, but you have chosen most wisely and well my little bumgorf," he said softly to Starfire as he put his hand on her shoulder.
"It greatly depends on the circumstances that you call me that, my old k'norfka," Star said softly taking his hand and holding it to the side of her face.
Robin felt slightly embarrassed at witnessing the tender moment between them, and he looked away.
"Well this old k'norfka will leave you two young ones to yourselves," Galfore said, and walked off.
"There are times when I do not know what I would do without him," Star said, as she watched him walk down the corridor, then she sighed wearily, "But since I came aboard last night I have almost wished I had not given him the throne at times, almost as though I did not know him."
"He cares deeply for you Kori," Robin said softly, slipping his hand around her waist as they continued down the corridor, "Probably even more than I do." he admitted.
A short few minutes later they entered the same observation lounge that Robin had waited in, and also turned out to be the one Starfire had been attacked in.
"Hey Raven," Robin said in greeting as he saw her floating in front of the window.
"Hello Robin," she replied, then turned to Starfire, and gave a small bow, "Highness."
"Raven, you're not Tamaranean," Robin said, "You don't have to address her any differently."
"On this vessel, as well as on Tamaran yes we should," Raven countered, "We are visitors here, and should behave as such."
"Raven?" Star said, curious as to what caused this change in her friend, "What has happened? Why do you feel unwanted here?"
"Rae?" Robin asked, as the dark Titan turned away from them, "To steal your own words, you know that I know that something is bothering you, so why do you make me ask?"
Raven turned back to face them and they were surprised to see a combination of fear and anger on her face. "This isn't a game Robin," she snapped, "about posturing and showing then that you are just as good as they are so that you can date their princess," she went on, "People are going to die, and all because Starfire and Robin can't keep their hormones in check!"
"Whoa, whoa, Raven, back up a moment, what the blazes has gotten into you?" Robin asked, "You know both of us better than that!"
Raven looked from one of her friends to the other, and saw the open concern in their faces, "As I was coming here, I was grabbed by two warriors with their helmets on, and hooded cloaks," Raven related after she had taken a deep breath, "One of them pinned my arms behind my back, and the other kept his hand over my mouth," she related, "Then they told me that the Salvainians were preparing to launch an attack, and the only possible thing that Galfore had to bargain with was marrying off Starfire to Kor'mel."
"That's a lie Rae," Cyborg said as he came into the room, "I've been looking into this war that's supposed to be going on," he informed them, "Yes they are at war, but it's been largely a non-shooting one," he went on, "The largest weapon that the Salvainians have is their stopping all trade between themselves and Tamaran's outlying colonies, they don't have the ability to mount a offensive strike against Tamaran."
"Yes that would fit in with what I have been taught of our relationship with them," Star said, "They posed no real threat to us, but we needed their transport ability to move supplies from Tamaran to our colonies. If I remember correctly their entire defensive fleet would be no larger than what we have here now."
"I'm sorry Robin, Star," Raven said, "I'm not used to being threatened and what they said sounded so believable."
"It is alright Raven, I can understand what your feelings were," Star said, as Sher'l entered the room. Raven followed her gaze and nodded slightly.
"Where's Beast Boy?" Robin asked, "I'm not sure I like him or any of us being alone."
"Mik'l and Stev'n talked him into going to a training room with them." Cyborg replied. "And now that I've passed on what I've learned, I think I'll go join them," he added and left.
The four people left in the room turned to the window, and watched as the sun slid behind the Earth. They were silent for a moment, then Sher'l stepped in front of Starfire, "Highness, Commander Kim'r has sent me to remind you of you meeting with her," she said, "She told me to tell you that you could not make like a Zynavian worm and slip out of your given word." she added.
Star looked less than thrilled at attending whatever meeting it was that she was supposed to have with Kim'r, "Please inform the Commander that Robin and I will be there presently," she told Sher'l who quickly bowed, then trotted off. "Robin may I have a few moment alone with Raven?" she asked.
"As you wish, highness," Robin replied, "I'll be right outside," he added. A few moments later Starfire and Raven passed by where he was standing just outside the door, and kept on walking. Star had a pleased smile on her face, and Raven's was unreadable as always. "Care to tell me what that was about?" he asked, after he had caught up to them after a few steps.
The two glanced at each other for a moment, then they both looked at him, Star smiling, and, in unison, answered simply, "No." A short time later Robin, and Raven followed Starfire into a training room.
"Ah I see you bring reinforcements," Kim'r commented when she saw who entered the room, "Good I've been meaning to ask Robin if he might wish to spar with me."
"At your convenience Commander," Robin said, "But I believe this time is set up for Koriand'r to train with you," he added.
"Indeed," Kim'r said, "Are you ready highness?"
"As much as I will ever be," Starfire said, and handed her crown to Robin, "What will be the conditions, Commander?"
"We are both Tamaraneans and warriors, highness," Kim'r said, "What do we need of restrictions?" she asked, floating about four feet off the floor, her hands red with her star bolt energy.
"Agreed," Was Starfire's only reply as she took to the air, warming up her star bolts.
Raven and Robin retreated to an enclosed area in the corner of the room and watched as the two exchange barrages of star bolts, and actual blows while airborne, and Robin found himself hard pressed to remain where he was when Kim'r would score a particularly hard hit on Starfire.
"Relax Robin," Raven said at one such point, "You know Kim'r wouldn't really hurt her," she reminded him, and she smiled softly when he grunted in agreement, but didn't change his expression. Her eyes widened in surprise when she felt a sudden wash of anger from him as he quickly stepped into the room.
"Kevato Kim'r, covatchu!" he shouted, "Koriand'r vat venera!"
"Bleeding!" Raven gasped as she came up beside him, as both Kim'r and Starfire froze where they were. "Robin they're clear across the room, how can you tell she's bleeding?"
Robin's face showed his confusion, but no uncertainty, "I don't know Rae, but the cut on the side of her head has opened up again," he replied.
"Yes it has," Kim'r said as she and Starfire floated over to them as Robin opened the medical cabinet and took out a small bottle.
"This is going to sting a little Kori," Robin said softly as he approached her with the bottle. He twisted off the top, and a small brush, like a nail polish bottle cap, was coated with a thick brown goo.
"Tell me something I do not know. . .ooowww!" Star retorted then shouted as Robin quickly dabbed the area that was bleeding with the medicine.
"Well at least it stopped the bleeding," Robin said softly, then tried smiling at the glare he was getting from her.
"Koriand'r behave yourself," Kim'r admonished, "You were trained and raised for better."
Star looked back at Robin who gave her a small hopeful smile that her anger had passed, and she sighed softly, "My apologies gentha'fa, may anger is not directed at you, but at my poor performance against Kim'r," she said, reaching up and gently trailing her fingertips over his cheek.
"It has been a long day for all of us," Kim'r said, "Enough training for today." she added, and was rewarded by agreeing murmurs from the other three, and they split up to head for their quarters for the nigh