Chapter 20
The next morning Robin woke and was surprised at how well he had slept in a strange place. Of course staying up long after the training session with Kim'r talking to Starfire probably combined with the events of the day to tire him out more than usual. He took a quick shower, brushed his teeth, then put his armor on, taking care not to chip the crystal Star had given him. Once everything was done, he headed out into the corridor and headed for the observation lounge where he was supposed to meet with Star to watch the sunrise.
When he entered the lounge he saw Sher'l standing next to Star, by the window. "Good morning Highness, Sher'l" he said, as he walked over to them.
"Excuse me?" the young woman Robin had thought was Starfire said, turning to him.
"You're not the Princess." Robin said, seeing that the Tamaranean had red hair like Star, and was about the same age, but her eyes were a vivid blue, "Sher'l where is the Princess?" he asked nervously, and he grew even more nervous when he saw the look on the youngster's face.
"I do not know," she replied, "She had already gone when I got up."
Robin grabbed the communicator that Kim'r had given him and he almost frantically pressed the button that called her directly.
"X'Hal, shalocfa do you have any idea what time it is?" Kim'r's tired voice said.
"Kim'r the princess has vanished!" he practically shouted into the communicator, "I was supposed to meet her in the observation lounge to watch the sunrise, but she's not here, and Sher'l says she was gone when she got up."
"Robin, relax," Kim'r said, her voice calm, to calm as far as Robin was concerned, "Do you wear the crystal she gave you yesterday?" she asked.
"Yes." he replied.
"Now take it out from under your armor, and hold it in both hands," she instructed
Robin carefully took the crystal out and held it between the thumb and index fingers of both hands, managing to hold the communicator between his palms, "Yeah now what?"
"Now comes the hard part right now," Kim'r said, "Calm your mind," she continued.
Robin took a couple of deep breaths, and thanked Raven for her training in meditation, "And?" he asked softly.
"Think of her, and brace yourself for a shock," Kim'r said.
Robin let one word enter into his thoughts, 'Kori.' and he suddenly gasped at what he saw in his minds eye, "Kim'r she's being attacked!" he shouted into the communicator.
"Relax Robin, it is not what you think," Kim'r said, trying to calm him, "Look at the crystal, the green color indicates that she's alright."
"It's not green Kim'r, it's red!" Robin shouted back, and was almost overwhelmed by the images flashing through his mind, "Two attackers, in cloaks!"
"Where Robin?" Kim'r's voice shouted back through the communicator's speaker.
"Deck twelve, section D, port side." Robin replied, "How do I get there?" he demanded. "and how do I know that?" he added.
"Put the crystal back and go!" Kim'r told him, ignoring his second question, "Do not think of anything but her, and go, you will find her. I am on my way."
Robin switched the communicator off and stowed it in his belt on the run, and drew his bo staff from it's clip on the back of his belt. Running blindly he lost track of the turns he had taken since he left the lounge, and when he rounded the next corner he saw a group of warriors blocking the way. "Get out of the way!" he shouted both in English and Tamaranean, and he was surprised to see the knot of people part to let him through.
Robin sprinted down the next corridor, being spurred on by the images flashing through his mind. Images he could tell were from Starfire's point of view as she was being attacked. Once he almost stumbled as he rounded another corner, as an image of a hand that belonged to one of the attackers swung in a backhand arc that obviously connected with Starfire's face. The image was so vivid that Robin instinctively reacted as though he had been struck.
Not knowing how he knew he was almost at the site of the attack, Robin pulled his Titan communicator out and quickly activated his distress beacon. Rounding the next corner he saw that he was right. About thirty feet down the corridor he saw Starfire's attacker throw her into the wall then slam her to the floor
"Get away from her!" he bellowed as he used his bo staff to pole vault feet first into Starfire's assailant, knocking it from it's position over her, it's fist raised, giving Robin an open shot at it's ribs. Letting his momentum carry him forward so that he landed in front of where the attacker had landed after colliding with a wall. Letting his anger and frustration from the last few days boil to the top Robn mercilessly pummeled his opponent with his bo staff, and only stopped when it fell to the floor and didn't try to rise again.
Quickly collapsing his bo staff he turned and ran over to where Starfire lay sprawled unconscious on the floor. Seeing the corridor was empty, he knelt at her side, "Come on Kori stay with me," he said, as he quickly checked for a pulse and to see if she was breathing. As he breathed a sigh of relief at finding both, he saw Raven appear just down the corridor from him. He heard her say something under her breath, then she shouted his name in alarm. He started to get up, but he saw a bright flash and if felt as though the back of his head exploded and everything went black.
Raven was the first one to arrive to help Robin for two reasons. First was that she could feel something was drastically upsetting Robin through the bond they shared. Secondly, by using that bond she simply locked onto his mind and teleported herself to where he was.
"Sweet Azar, Starfire!" she gasped when she saw her sprawled unconscious on the floor. Just then a door opened behind Robin and another cloaked attacker came out, it's hands glowing blue with star bolt energy, "Robin!" she shouted in warning, but saw that it was to late. She saw Robin shift position in response to her warning and the star bolt glanced off his armor instead of hitting him directly on the back of his head. "Azarath. . .Metrion. . .Zynthos!" she shouted, extending her hands at the attacker, grabbing it with her power, "You. . .will not. . . .hurt. . . .my friends. . . .again!" she shouted, slamming her captive back and forth into the walls of the corridor.
"Yo Raven, that's enough!" Cyborg shouted as he, Beast Boy, Kim'r and three other warriors ran up the corridor in front of her.
"Yes friend Raven," Mik'l's voice said from behind her, "We will want to ask questions of this one."
As she levitated her prisoner over to where Kim'r and the others were she used her empathic powers to check on Starfire, Robin and their attacker, "He's in better condition than Starfire but they're all alive," she said as she released her prisoner then vanished.
"Her feelings for them are strong." Mik'l said to Cyborg, as he looked where Raven had been.
"Yeah, we're all pretty tight with each other," Cyborg said as he watched the medical people load Robin and Starfire onto stretchers.
"Excuse me," Mik'l said, looking quizzically at Cyborg, "Tight?" he asked.
"Um. . . .yeah," Cyborg said, slightly embarrassed, "close friends," he explained, then was surprised to hear Mik'l say something that his translator chip didn't translate, "What?" he asked.
"My apologies," Mik'l said, "that has no translation in your language," he told him, "Things are worse that I had thought," he added.
"Whaddaya mean?" Cyborg asked, then grew concerned when he saw the healer that was looking at the attacker that Robin had fought looked over at Galfore and shook his head.
"The attacker that Robin fought," Mik'l replied, "It was a Gordanian," he said softly, "for one of us to be fighting alongside one is. . . .inconceivable," he added, his voice clearly indicating his disbelief, then he shook his head, bringing himself back to the tasks at hand. "Stev'n, stay with Robin," he ordered, "Shar'n you stay with the Princess," he told the only female in Robin's guard, "Pet'r, Diet'r split the prisoners as you see fit."
The other warriors saluted, then followed the orders they were given. "You wear your new rank well Lieutenant Commander," Kim'r said as she walked over to them.
"Robin has put me in charge of his guard and I do not wish to disappoint him." Mik'l said, then they followed the stretchers to the medical section.
Robin and Starfire had been taken to separate rooms, for two reasons. First was because Starfire was a princess, and as such didn't share her room. The other reason was almost as traditional, mixed sex rooms were avoided in the medical section, if at all possible.
Galfore had been relieved when Vern'a had told him that although she would be sore when she awoke that Starfire would be perfectly fine. However, he disagreed with the healer on one point.
"It would be for the best if it was administered," Vern'a insisted, rapidly getting the feeling that she may as well be talking to an empty room.
"No." Galfore repeated, "As you said, the Princess is not badly injured. I see no reason to administer the Veka serum to her," he told her, "That is my final decision Vern'a," he added firmly when he saw she was about to protest again, "I fear she will need all her strength and abilities all to soon." he added softly
"As the Grand Ruler commands," Vern'a relented with a small bow, "She should be awakening shortly."
A few moments later, Starfire moaned softly and her eyes fluttered open. She looked around the room and her eyes suddenly narrowed and glowed bright green in anger as she sat up in her bed, her hands raised, star bolts ready. "Who are you and why are you here!" she demanded angrily of one of the warriors in the room.
"Highness, I am Shar'n one of your shalocfa's guard," she replied kneeling, "I am here by Mik'l's order and in keeping with my oath."
Recognizing the warrior, Starfire cooled down, then looked over at Galfore, "Where is Robin?" she asked, "You can not keep him from me now."
"He is not highness," Kim'r said, "Calm your mind and think of him." she instructed. They all watched as Starfire closed her eyes for a moment then opened them wide as she gasped in surprise.
"He is in a healing room, unconscious!" she cried, "How did I know that and how did he end up there?" she asked.
"You wear the crystal your mother gave you on the day of your Acceptance," Kim'r stated.
"As I promised her I have never taken it off," Star replied, gently pulling on the chain that held a crystal identical to the one she gave Robin, "Why is it red!"
"Because the one wearing the other half is unconscious and returns your love," Kim'r replied, "It is called a Shinrah Crystal, and long ago it was discovered that if they were divided exactly in half, and each worn by two people who share the bond of love that they would also share a joining of minds," she related.
Consciousness didn't come slowly to Robin as he lay in his bed in the healing room next to Starfire's. It pounced upon him like a predatory cat, giving the others in the room with him no warning.
"STARFIRE!" he shouted suddenly sitting bolt upright in the bed surprising the other occupants. Mik'l and Stev'n spun towards him drawing their swords, and the healer in the room stepped quickly away from the bed.
'Robin I'm alright my love,' Star's voice said in Robin's head, 'I'm in the next room, safe and well guarded,' she assured him.
Recognizing telepathy from the times Raven had used it to communicate with him, he didn't speak out loud, but simply thought the words, 'Kori, since when did we become telepaths?' he asked.
'It is complicated my love I will explain it to you when you are well enough to visit me here.' she replied.
"Shalocfa, what are you doing!" The healer asked in alarm as Robin sat back up, then swung his legs over the side of the bed.
"I am getting up and going to see Koriand'r." Robin replied as he put his feet on the floor and stood. 'I'm well enough now,' he thought to Star.
"Something amuses you highness?" Kim'r asked as Star giggled softly.
"Robin is awake, and on his way here," she replied, "As usual he insists that he's well enough to do what he wants," she added with a chuckle.
"You have not recovered enough to leave that bed shalocfa." The healer warned Robin as he leaned heavily against the side of the bed, his head swimming with pain.
"I will reach her side," Robin gritted out, "I'll relax once I get there, but I will not be kept from her side any longer," he added as he straightened up and took a couple wobbly steps towards the door.
'Is it not enough that you know I am alright and nearby?' Star's voice asked.
'No,' he thought back, as he pressed the door actuator and stepped out into the corridor, 'I allowed Galfore to keep us apart before and I am not going to let a headache do the same.'
'Headache gentha'fa?' Star's voice chided softly, 'By X'Hal I am surprised that you can even think clearly, let alone walk.'
Robin smiled ruefully as he kept going, keeping one hand on the wall to steady himself. 'My love, I may be able to do one or the other, but both is very difficult,' he thought to her, 'So kindly stop this conversation until we can have it face to face.'
A few moments later and they were able to do just that as Robin opened the door to Starfire's room and went inside. Starfire watched, her heart swelling with pride as Robin managed to keep upright as he crossed the floor over to her bedside and take her hand in his.
"Robin, I know you think you have to prove your loyalty to her, but that is not the case," Galfore said softly, "You have done more that enough of that with your actions yesterday."
"That is not his reason for pushing himself to be here Galfore," Starfire said, her other hand reaching over to touch Robin's cheek, "You are with your keeping us separate before, even when I was injured and in one of these rooms." she continued, "I know this because I would do the same if the situation was reversed," she added, then looked lovingly at Robin, and was shocked to see him smiling at her.
Galfore nodded his understanding, then left the room, only to return a moment later. "Robin I would ask you to take one more warrior into your Guard."
Robin looked over at the warrior that had followed Galfore into the room, and was again struck by her resemblance to Starfire. "Why do I need another warrior?"
"Because when you refused Kim'r's sword you left yourself with only one female in your Guard," Galfore said.
"And. . ." Robin prompted, getting knowing looks from Galfore and Kim'r. Suddenly the light dawned on him as he thought it over for a moment, "Ah, I see," he said.
"Well I do not." Star said, "What does it matter how many female warriors Robin has?" she asked.
Robin smiled softly at the emotions Star was feeling at the moment, 'I'll have to have a talk with her later,' he thought to himself.' 'Why?' Star thought back, "Star, there are places you can and have to go that we can't follow," Robin explained, then turned to the new arrival. "You are?"
"I am Shel'b," she replied, kneeling and presenting her sword hilt to Robin, "I swear that I will protect the Princess and her shalocfa until death or I am released from this oath, and that I will take to the grave any secrets I may learn."
"I accept your service and your oath Shel'b," Robin said, taking her sword and touching the flat of the blade to her shoulder. After a few moments Robin and Starfire were left alone, with the exception of Sher'l, Shel'b and Shar'n who were over by the door talking softly.
"Now what is it you must discuss with me?" she asked.
"First off we're both going to have to watch what we think while we wear these," Robin said holding up his crystal, "and secondly, I don't care how much any other warrior may look like you, or may be, in your eyes, more attractive you have nothing to be jealous of," he went on, "Kori I love you and no other female will ever change that." he assured her, then groaned as his head throbbed.
"Then why do I get the image of you hugging Vern'a?" Star asked.
"Cause if she can get rid of this headache that's about what I'd do," Robin chuckled.
"So anyone who would do that would get such a reward?"
"Star, it's a figure of. . . ." he began, but trailed off when he saw she was holding a small pill in her palm, "Is that what I think it is?" he asked, and Star nodded a huge smile on her face. Robin took the pill, and the glass of water from Star and washed it down.
"Now do I get the hug?"
Just as they were breaking their embrace, Kim'r, and Galfore came into the room.
"Princess I have come to a most difficult decision," Galfore said, as he walked over, and before he could say another word, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven came in.
"She was meditating in her ship." Cyborg told Robin, "That's why we weren't here when you woke up. We were looking for her," he explained.
"Good call Cy," Robin said, "With what all has gone on, none of us should be alone."
"Which is the subject I was talking about," Galfore said, "Koriand'r I am ashamed to say that I can not guarantee your safety, even here on my flagship," he told her, "For your own safety I suggest you return with your team mates and your shalocfa to your home on Earth."
"I understand," Star said, touching his cheek, "and I know how much reaching this decision cost you," she added, as she got out of the bed, and floated up and hugged him.
"She is in your care Robin," Galfore said sternly, "Though I have no doubt that you will keep her safe." he added with a small smile, "I have set aside ships for each of your Guard."
"I will be leading a small escort for you until you reach Earth's atmosphere," Kim'r said, "Once there, no warrior would attack you as it would put us at war with your world."
A short time later the Titans were aboard their ships, ready to launch.
"Titans ready?" Robin radioed.
"Up and running." Cyborg replied.
"Yep," Beast Boy said.
"Affirmative," Starfire answered.
"Let's get this over with." Raven said dryly.
Robin scanned over his instruments and saw that everything was in the green, "Titans launch!" he ordered, and they left the VELANCE'R's launch bay for space. Just as his ship cleared the launch bay Robin was startled by a bright flash of a laser from off to his left. "What the. . . ." he gasped as he pulled his ship into a hard right turn and pushed the yoke forward, diving. "Titan's scatter!" he shouted, "We're under attack!"
"Guard, scramble, and select targets!" Mik'l's voice said over their frequency.
"Robin the launch bay has taken damage and my squadron can not launch," Kim'r told him, "Luck." she added.
"Skill," Robin snapped back as he swung his ship around to face their attackers.