Now as we join our avengers, they fly quickly to Azerath.
Seven: Azerath
Robin looked out into the dark recesses of space as Raven's ship zipped on its course to Azerath. The millions of stars flashed by him like little fire flies. He pressed his sweating head against the cool glass and watched them wiz by.
The ship was a small one; it was made to hold no more then five people. It had a chair in which to drive, a chair to navigate, and three other chairs behind them.
Then, off in the distance, he saw a glint of yellow.
"Azerath," said the Princess, as she noticed his focus.
They began to slow down until the tiny ship came to a crawl. Then, gently, they pierce through the protective dome around the island planet and landed on a yellowish launch pad.
The door of the ship opened and Robin stepped out into Azerath.
The small island planet was a bustling metropolis of tall, golden buildings and busy, crowded streets. The people who occupied them wore cloaks of all colors, and were so busy, they didn't even realize a ship had just landed in their proud city. It reminded Robin of Gotham in its glory days.
The two walked along the streets. A few times, people would recognize Raven and bow their head.
Robin looked over the many hooded heads and saw a grand Temple in the middle of the city. It glimmered in the light to every corner of the small planet. On the side was a large, white dove, distinctive from the golden exterior of the holy palace. They approached the stairs and Robin saw that they were wide and not too many of them existed.
Robin and Raven walked up the stairs and into the Temple's main chamber.
Inside, the air was throttled with incense and herbs of all kinds. Many black-hooded monks traveled around the room, muttering quiet prayer. One monk caught sight of the two that just walked in and took off his hood. He had long, silver hair and dark eyes. He walked over and bowed his head.
"Your Highness," he said in a cool, silky voice. He almost sounded British to Robin.
"Malchior," replied Raven in a form of greeting.
"Who is this?" he asked, pointing to Robin.
"Robin," he said, awkwardly bowing his head.
They began to walk down one of the hallways that lead to God knows where.
"Is your mother with you?" the monk asked.
"I came of my own accord," she answered.
"Should I alert the council of your return?"
"No. I shall not be staying for long. Tell me, has Arella locked the Mirror of the Underworld?"
The what? What mirror? Raven didn't say anything about a mirror.
"Yes. Why?"
Raven's shoulders slumped and she gave a small sigh. "Oh, I see. Where is Beastboy?"
Who? Wait, were they picking up a warrior?
"In your room. Should I fetch him?"
"No; I shall get him myself."
Malchior looked away a little bit.
"You know I do not approve of him."
"I know. But it is not your job to approve, is it?"
They looked at each other coldly. Robin had a strong feeling that something went on between them. Raven led Robin away from the monk, and Robin could feel Malchior's stare engraving itself in the back of his neck.
As they walked, a thousand questions flew through Robin's mind.
"Uh, Raven?"
"Hm?"
"Mind telling me what's going on?"
She hesitated, and then nodded.
"Have you ever heard of the Galion Scrolls?"
"Um, it kind of rings a bell… What about it?"
"The Galion Scrolls are the journals of my people written ages ago. Back then, Azerath was ruled by a fierce king named Lord Trigon. He brought the people to their knees. He was all seeing; all knowing. He still is. He nearly had universal domination if it had not been for my ancestor, Queen Lyphita. She banished Trigon to a millennia in the Under World. But the only way to truly be sure he is still there is if I could see into the Under World with a mirror that acts as a window between the two realms. Unfortunately, my mother locked the room it was in which means there's no way I can get to it unless she unlocks it again."
"But, he's never gotten out before, has he?"
"Once. Nearly sixteen years ago. He was able to escape, but my mother sent him back to the Under World." She hesitated. "Nine months later… I was born."
"Nine months? You mean – you mean he's your –?"
She nodded.
"I'm sorry…"
"Save your pity."
"But if your mom was able to get rid of him before, it should be not problem now, should it?"
"If only that were true. You see, this time he may have some help."
"By who?"
"Have you heard of Roarack?"
"No…"
"Roarack of Naul is a fearful dragon of enormous power. He wants Trigon to take over so that he may be his right hand."
"But wouldn't you notice if a giant dragon came to open the doors of the Under World?"
"Roarack has the power to change form. He could be anything… or anyone."
Robin thought about this. He wondered if Roarack was in the Temple right now, just waiting for his window of opportunity…
"Come," said Raven, "there is someone I would like you to meet."
Is this hunch about Trigon and Roarack true? Who is it that Raven wishes Robin to meet? And why have I gone obsessive about that stupid gunther knife?
T.