Chapter 12
"Are you ready for this man?" Cyborg asked through the radio over a private line.
Robin stared down at the white and red planet of Tamaran slowly growing bigger in the distance. Every fiber of his being wanted to say yes, but he found himself besieged with doubt. "I dunno, Cy," he replied softly. "I've only ever sparred using the soral against Starfire. I'm sure there are plenty of maneuvers that she doesn't know. I know I can handle whatever she dishes out, but anyone else? I just don't know."
"Dude, you'll be fine. BB and I have been watching the two of you spar. We're gonna scope out the competition for you, discretely of course."
Robin raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd gotten over the whole spying thing?"
There was an embarrassed silence on the other end of the radio. "It was BB's idea!" Cyborg blurted eventually. "He said we should watch you two spar so we would know how good you were and when we got to Tamaran we could check out the competition."
"Uh-huh."
"Really, man, we stopped watching the minute you got Starfire to yield. We really didn't want to stay for the smoochin' you guys do afterward."
"Sure you didn't. But then how would you know we 'smooch' afterward?"
Silence. "I'm just going to go and hang myself now, okay?"
"You do that."
"Five minutes," Raven said over the open wave radio.
"What about the language barrier?" Beast Boy asked curiously. "The only ones who speak Tamaranian are Cyborg and Starfire."
"Blackfire brought your language with her when she overtook Tamaran," Starfire said quietly. "She passed it on to our scholars. Galfore has instructed than anyone involved in the xhandal must learn it and use it for the duration of the tournament."
Robin glanced sideways at Starfire's pod. She had been suspiciously quiet the entire trip. Everything okay there, Star?
She looked over at him and pressed her hand against the glass in his direction. I am… concerned.
He smiled at her and returned the gesture. You're not the only one. We've both worked as hard as we can to prepare for this. Nothing is going to stop us now. Did you know Beast Boy and Cyborg have been spying on us while we've been sparring? Cyborg reckons they are going to scope out the competition for us.
Raven mentioned the same thing. There will likely be many Tamaranians attempting to 'scope' you as well. We must be careful not to give away your abilities until your battle with Galfore.
Good point. When will that be exactly?
I am unsure. I suspect that Galfore has made arrangements to show you the xhandal ground today, followed by a welcome feast. Galfore has prepared a section of the palace for us all to stay in. It is possible that the xhandal will begin as early as tomorrow.
Good. I was wondering if you could take me to see that cliff top of yours sometime. I've seen it so many times in our dreams I would really like to see it in person.
She smiled. I would love to. I will take you tonight.
"Rob, you flyin' or flirtin'?" Cyborg asked.
"You know, it is possible to do two things at once," Robin retorted, flicking several switches as they entered Tamaran's atmosphere.
"I'd rather not crash cause you're making goo goo eyes at Star," Beast Boy teased.
Raven snorted. "Like you haven't been making them," she said dryly.
"I'm not allowed to touch the controls, remember?" Beast Boy replied, grinning at her. "Besides, you said-"
"That's enough," Raven growled , her eyes flashing as a dark flare of energy slapped itself over Beast Boy's mouth. Robin frowned slightly. Well, that explained why Beast Boy had been seen with that band over his mouth several times.
"I welcome you all back to Tamaran," Starfire joyfully cried as they flew over the desert landscape of her home, her face pressed against the glass.
"I've sent a message through to Galfore of our arrival, he'll be waiting to meet us," Raven said .
Robin sighed. "And so it begins."
"And here is where you will be staying for the duration of the xhandal," Galfore announced, swinging open the set of double wooden doors. "It is our dignitary room. There are four rooms for sleeping and one wash room. I trust it will be sufficient for your stay. Meals are available at any time in the Communal hall, I am sure you remember where that is. There will be a welcoming banquet tonight after dark and I will return shortly to escort you to the xhandal grounds to meet the other contestants, but until then, please rest and refresh yourselves. Koriand'r, may I have a word, please?"
"Of course, Galfore," she replied pleasantly, following him from the room, past the two guards stationed at the door. Galfore quietly closed the doors behind them.
Robin turned with the others to look at the large room beyond. There were five doors exiting the room, three on left side and two on the right. A large round balcony allowed a lovely view of the deserts of Tamaran at the end of the room. A modest table and chairs and several large sofas were scattered around the room. The Titans suitcases and equipment were piled neatly beside the entrance door.
"Do ya remember how to use the bathrooms, BB?" Cyborg teased, opening the closest of the five doors on the right hand side.
"Dude, that is so totally not funny," the green changeling replied. "Star said Galfore was installing a human one!" He dashed toward the bathroom and peered inside. "You jerk," he muttered as Cyborg laughed.
Raven opened the first door on the left-hand side. "This is my room," she announced, levitating her suitcase into the room.
Beast Boy instantly claimed the bedroom next to hers, dragging across his overflowing case, while Cyborg opened another door.
"This one looks like yours, Robin," Cyborg called, before crossing the room to snag the one beside Beast Boy. "It has a double bed." He stopped. "I think it's a double bed anyway, how can you tell with round beds?"
Robin shook his head and smiled before picking up both his and Starfire's suitcases and entered the room Cyborg had indicated. It was not unlike Starfire's room had been before he'd moved in, except much larger, a large round bed in the middle of the room and what seemed to be a chest of drawers along one wall. A small table and chairs was set under the window and two armchairs lounged around the room. He dumped the suitcases beside the door.
"Rob," Cyborg called as he struggled with a large black box. "Can you give me a hand with my portable power generator? I need help maneuvering it through these doors."
"Can I help?" Beast Boy yipped excitedly.
"You are so not touching my stuff," Cyborg replied, waggling a finger. "I'm sure you must have anti-technology germs."
Raven snorted in laugher, while Robin tried unsuccessfully to hide a smile and went to help Cyborg.
Oh X'hal, no.
Robin's head came up and he dropped the end of the generator he was holding. Ignoring Cyborg's protest, he turned his head toward the door, his heart pounding. Starfire, what's wrong?
Robin? came her confused mind voice. My apologies, was I projecting?
Yes. "Sorry, Cyborg," he said picking up hisend once more. "Star startled me that's all."
Cyborg huffed. "I'll never get used to that y'know."
Robin chuckled. "You and me both. Where do you want this?"
"I got it, man," Cyborg replied once the generator was through the door. "Ta."
Robin, please ask Cyborg to conduct a search of the room for devices of listening. Discreetly if possible. I will explain shortly.
Robin frowned. "Hey, Cy. Remember a few weeks ago, when your computer got all those bugs? Did you ever manage to sweep them all out of your system?"
Cyborg stilled and turned to face Robin, before activating his arm console. He walked slowly out into the main room. "Sure did," he replied cautiously, swinging his arms from side to side as though he was doing some form of exercise. "My computers working fine now. There were only three of them. Easy enough to disable. I even managed to get an upgraded software program so it don't happen again."
"Dudes," Beast Boy said confused. "What on earth are you-" A black band of energy snapped across his mouth and he looked indignantly at Raven.
"You know how much Cyborg hates bugs in his system," Raven said meaningfully, keeping a careful eye on Cyborg.
Cyborg approached a strange looking ornament attached to the wall in the middle of the room. It was reminiscent of an earth deer's antlers, only the horns were much larger. "Lookie here," he said gesturing up at the antlers. "I wonder if this was some sort of animal. We really shouldn't have this in the room, seeing as we have a vegetarian staying with us." He turned his back on the antlers, drawing his arm across his chest to hide it from view and pressed a few keys on his arm. He then walked across the room, toward a vase standing on a cabinet. He paused in front of it for a moment before continuing into Starfire and Robin's bedroom.
He came out a few minutes later, holding a small black box in his hand. "All disabled. Wanna tell me what's going on?"
Robin crossed the room to the antlers. "I have no idea. Raven, can you pull that off the wall please? I'd like to get a look at the device used."
Raven nodded and pulled the antlers off the wall, floating them down to Robin. Robin removed the small black box from a hole in one of the horns and nodded to Raven, who floated the antlers back to position.
Cyborg had already removed a similar box from inside the vase and was running a scan upon it. "Damn," he exclaimed. "I can't get anything from it. It seems to have some sort of self-destruct once they've been deactivated. The insides all mangled."
"Damn it," Robin snarled, throwing the box on the table. "Cyborg, set up some security measures. I want to know the instant any more bugs are planted."
"I'll set up a tracer program too," Cyborg replied, already tapping away at his console. "See if I can't jack the signal."
"Is it possible that it's simply a Tamaranian security measure?" Raven asked softly. "Galfore did say that this room was used for dignitaries."
Robin shook his head and leaned on the table. "Starfire's been acting odd, something else is up."
The door opened and a beaming Starfire entered. Robin caught a glimpse of the guards behind her taking up positions on either side of the door once more. "Greetings friends," she called, her voice dripping with happiness. "It is glorious to be on my home planet and I am very-" The door clicked shut behind her and her happy demeanor vanished. She caught sight of the devices in Cyborg's hand and stalked over to him and snatched one from him.
Holding it up to her eyes she paled, before crushing the box in her hand and tossing the wreckage across the room. She began to pace, hugging her arms to herself, ranting in Tamaranian. Robin glanced at Cyborg, by his confused expression, she wasn't swearing.
Beast Boy muffled something, before pulling the black band across his mouth off. "Someone wanna explain what's going on?"
Starfire froze before looking up at the group as if she'd only just realised they were there. She locked eyes with Robin. He didn't remember ever seeing her so angry.
He took a step toward her, his hand reaching out. "Starfire, what is it?"
"The Citadel has an operative on Tamaran."
"What?" Robin cried, his heart leaping to his throat.
"I will not have this," she snarled angrily and began to pace once more. "They dare to come to my planet and threaten my people again. Did they not learn last time?" I will have to destroy-
"Starfire!" he snapped, his face stony.
She froze and he watched her wilt before his eyes.
His expression softened. "Tell me what you know," he said softly as he approached her and drew her in for a hug. She collapsed against him and he lent down and scooped her up into his arms. He held her close and carted her over to the nearest sofa, the rest of his flabbergasted team following close behind. He sat and placed her bottom beside him, drawing her legs across his lap and kept an arm tight around her waist. "Tell me what you know," he repeated as she rested her head on his neck.
Raven, Cyborg and Beast Boy sat in the opposite sofa, concern etched on their faces.
"A Citadel ship was sighted at the edge of Tamaranian space this morning, but it was too late to warn us," she replied softly. "One of Galfore's guards managed to detect a signal originating from here to the Citadel ship. Galfore believes there is a traitor within the palace walls, but he has been unable to locate them. He thinks they may have been planning this for a while, as our xhandal has generated a lot of interest amongst offworlders. He would prefer that we all left immediately, but cannot guarantee our safety out of the system. I will not leave him here to fight alone."
"They've come for you, haven't they?"
She nodded into his neck and his hands clenched around her. "The timing of their arrival does seem to indicate that. Galfore has requested that we continue the xhandal as though we are unaware of their presence. He hopes to have the traitor reveal themselves. He has stationed extra guards and asks that we do not go anywhere without escort."
"Could the traitor be one of the contestants?" Robin asked.
"It is possible," she replied. "It is also possible that there is more than one."
"So the traitor is one of your own people?" Cyborg asked quietly.
She nodded once more. "There are no other offworlders on Tamaran presently."
"Who are the Citadel?" Beast Boy asked. "I remember that name from somewhere."
She raised her head to look at her friends. "The Citadel are demented madmen who maintain power through brute force and fear. They have conquered many planets within this system. Tamaranians have been fighting with them for countless generations. It was not until recently that we were not so victorious. When we first met I said I had been given to the Citadel as a prize and that the Gordanians were transporting me to be their servant. That was not true, I did not know what you would do if you discovered the truth. When I was eleven my father…" She swallowed heavily and lay her head back on Robin's neck. "My father made a peace treaty with them. In return for continued peace I was given to them to be their slave… I escaped when I was fourteen and when I was recaptured they decided I was too dangerous to remain alive. The Gordanians were transporting me to be destroyed. I am sorry I did not tell you, I was afraid you would give me back to them if you knew the truth."
"Oh my god," Beast Boy muttered while Cyborg swore.
"And now they want you back? To destroy you?" Raven asked, her eyes dark. "By Azar, Starfire, how much do you have to go through for your planet? First you were a prize and then Blackfire tried to force you into marriage…" Raven's eyes widened impossibly. "Blackfire tried to force you into marriage knowing what you had already given up for your planet…"
Starfire nodded. "She blames me for the death of our brother. She is right."
"Starfire," Robin began.
"No, Robin. It is my fault Ryand'r died. He took a blow meant for me. He would not have been there if it were not for me. In my sister's eyes, it is my fault."
The words died on Robin's lips. Nothing he could say would alleviate Starfire's pain. And now one of her own people had sold out to the Citadel once more.
"We'll get to the bottom of this, Star," he whispered, planting a kiss on her forehead, before looking at his team. "No one is to go anywhere without letting someone know where you're going and when you'll be back and keep your communicators with you permanently. I want one of you with Starfire at all times during the xhandal. Raven, can you do a mental sweep of the palace and see if you can discover anything? Cyborg, set up a monitoring system to see if you can't catch any more communications between the Citadel ship and here. Beast Boy, I want you to scout. Keep an eye on what's happening around outside the door of this room, discreetly of course and report anything suspicious. We will need to make appearances around the palace; we are the guests of honour after all. Keep an eye out for trouble and stay out of it. Just be careful what you say. Oh and the a'tiyk valm that Starfire and I share is empathic, not telepathic okay?"
"Gotcha," Cyborg said. "Don't worry, Star, we've got your back."
"It'll be okay, Star, you'll see," Beast Boy included.
Robin wrapped his arms around Starfire once more and got to his feet, lifting her up and holding her against his chest. "Guys, I need to talk to Starfire, just stay in the room for now, okay?"
He waited for their nod of agreement before striding toward the room that he was to share with Starfire. He kicked the door closed behind him and lay her on the bed. Stretching out beside her, he placed his arms around her and cuddled close.
Star, what do you want me to do?
What do you mean?
He propped himself up on his elbow to look at her. Do you want me to fight in this xhandal? Do you want me to throw us all in the T-Ship and take us home? Do you want me to march up to Galfore and demand answers? Would you like me to wage war on the Citadel for you? What can I do to help you through this?
She reached up and took a fistful of his shirt and yanked him down, crushing their mouths together. Robin let out a muffled yelp in surprise as she lifted him off the bed and pulled him on top of her, folding her legs around him. She released his shirt and snapped off his cape before tossing it away, her mouth devouring his hungrily. She opened her mouth and thrust her tongue inside his at the same time she fumbled for the latch on his belt.
Starfire?
Stop talking, she murmured as she snapped off the belt and tossed it away. It joined the cape on the floor with a small thud. She shoved him upright and tugged his shirt out of his pants. She released his lips for only a moment to pull his shirt over his head before crushing their mouths together once more.
His shirt tangled with his gloves, trapping his arms together. Starfire gave a little grunt of annoyance and paused her frenzied kissing to concentrate on his arms. After they were freed and his shirt and gloves discarded, she snapped open her gorget and yanking her own top over her head and tossed them aside along with her own gloves. Her lacy, violet bra soon followed it.
Robin froze, staring at her chest in surprise. His head spun and he longed to touch her bare skin. He'd been allowed to touch them above the bra, but never to see, beside that quick glimpse of something in the shower and her breasts were far more beautiful than he had ever imagined.
But her hunger for him was becoming scary. She grabbed the back of his neck and bruised their lips together once more.
He reached up to pull off his mask, but she grabbed his hands and pushed them onto her soft breasts, before lying down and pulling him back on top of her. Leave it, she whispered into his mind before she ran her hands down his back and under his pants to cradle his bottom.
It was in that moment that he realised what she wanted. He fought a short, sharp battle with himself. Starfire, stop, he called, trying to pull away, but she held him fast, straining her mouth up to meet his.
I do not wish to.
With sheer strength of will, he planted both hands on her shoulders and lifted his hips away, tearing his mouth away from hers. "Starfire, no," he said firmly, his lips swollen from her kisses. "You really don't want to do this." He had to stop her now, before he lost control completely. They both would regret this if they continued.
"You do not want me?" she asked, her eyes full of hurt.
Robin sighed and lowered himself back onto her. I want you very much, he whispered in her mind, showing her by gently nudging himself against her leg. But this isn't right.
"Why?" Her face was defiant. "I could go out there and request any other xhandal contestant and they would oblige me."
Pain sliced through his heart but he wasn't about to let her guilt him into this. "Yes, but I'm in here and I'm the one that loves you. And I know you only want this because you don't want to feel anything else. You risked everything, you sacrificed everything to protect your planet and now someone has the nerve to invite the bastards back. I can only imagine what you're going through, but this isn't the way to spare yourself that pain." He took a deep breath and pressed his forehead against hers. "You want meaningless sex." He peeled the mask off his face to reveal his eyes and she turned her head away, unable to meet his gaze. I can't ever give you that.
She burst into tears, covering her face with her hands.
He pulled her up into a sitting position and wrapped his arms around her. "Shh, d'anthe l'ani. I know."
"Oh Robin, I apologise. I should not have tried to force you like that."
"Hey, hey," he whispered. "I don't mind. If you really want to do this, if you're honestly ready for this step, then that's okay with me… Just it has to be with me, not with my mask."
She smiled brightly through her tears, lifting herself off his chest and cupped his neck. He had to fight to keep his eyes on hers. "Truly? I believed you were not ready. You have never tired to touch me improperly, or sneak into the shower or couple with me at night. Even those nights when I gave you a massage, you did not try and touch me inappropriately."
Robin's jaw dropped. Suddenly everything made sense, the slightly open bathroom door, the massages when he wasn't in pain, the skimpy bedclothes. They had all been an invitation from her. He suddenly felt really, really stupid. "I thought you weren't ready. You have no idea how incredibly frustrating these past few weeks have been. You could've mentioned it."
She placed her arms behind her on the bed, leaning back slightly and pushing out her chest before she gifted him with an alluring smile. "And what would you have me say? I want you Robin, please couple with me?"
He pounced, capturing her lips and pushing her back onto the bed. That'll work.
There was a soft knock at the door. Both Starfire and Robin froze. "What?" he yelled at the door, sharper than he meant to.
"It's Raven. Galfore is here. He says it's time to go and see the xhandal grounds and meet the other contestants."
Robin groaned into Starfire's shoulder. "We'll be out in a minute." He pushed himself off her and sat on the edge of the bed, head in his hands and taking deep breaths. He felt Starfire leave the bed and a few moments later she was kneeling before him, his clothes in her hands. She placed them on the floor by his feet and went to retrieve her own clothes.
He sighed and quickly dressed, before rearranging the front of his pants. He glanced up at Starfire as she waited patiently by the door. "Are you going to be okay?" he asked quietly.
She smiled and briefly lifted off the ground and landed once more. "With you here, I am not afraid."
He wondered if he should mention that he was.