The Titan Tower had never been more full since its construction.
There wasn't really a conference area, or if there was one, it hadn't been designated as such. So the combined forces of the Justice League and Titans had gathered in the recreation area. A few heroes, such as Green Arrow and Firestorm, had plopped themselves on the couch at the center of the room. It was rather odd seeing Starfire digging around in a refrigerator in the kitchen, J'onn watching her passively as she sought food. Only moments earlier, the Tamaranean had become animated about their conversation before plunging into the fridge.
The rest were milling around, falling into natural cliques, with the teenage Titans huddling in one corner. They were clearly deferring to the older heroes, but you could see they weren't too thrilled with the situation.
That was the scene Batman walked into, Steel, Ice, and Captain Atom following behind him. After successfully taking the World Engine, Batman had sent Cyborg and Raven away, ensuring there was no way the two young heroes could be used to undo the former's encryption by Tamaranean force. Captain Atom had replaced them as he helped restrain the Tamaraneans following the defeat of their leader, Blackfire.
That had changed quickly the moment soldiers from the U.S. military boarded and took control.
Apocalyptic didn't begin to describe the Dark Knight's mood.
Superman appeared from amongst the scrum of heroes gathered. "Batman, you're here," he announced, clearly to get everyone's attention and begin the debriefing.
"What the hell is going on?" the dark-clad man growled. He didn't shout; he didn't need to. His tone alone silenced the room. "Mind telling me why we had to give up the World Engine to the U.S. government?"
There were a few shared looks, including Firestorm subtly sliding an unknown domination dollar bill to Green Arrow. "We didn't have much choice," Superman told him.
"Really," he deadpanned. "Explain."
"You wouldn't believe it if we told you," Flash said as he appeared right next to the vigilante. "Some agent from A.R.G.U.S. showed up and began throwing her weight around. She literally stumped the Thanagarians and Green Lantern Corps. Not gonna lie, I didn't know half the stuff she was talking about."
Batman spared another glance around the room, finding there were quite a few Green Lanterns milling around as well, including a small blue man that hovered in midair, holding a cup with some unknown beverage in it. The old, blue alien took a sip from it as if he were watching a television program rather than an argument.
Once he was done with his sip, the alien then spoke, "This A.R.G.U.S. representative was quite versed in galactic law. I had not foreseen such an individual on this planet and was unable to adequately counter their claim."
Batman raised an eyebrow at that response. "There had to be another option."
The blue alien shook his head. "There was none that would have satisfied all parties."
"Is that so?"
"Stand down, Batman," John Stewart warned as he took a step forward, standing next to his fellow Lantern. "If one of the Guardians said there was no other choice, then there wasn't one."
"I'm sure there was at least one," he insisted.
"If you have one, then I would certainly be willing to listen," the Guardian said. It was clear he was offering an olive branch to pacify him, if not make him fume into silence when he couldn't think of one.
It wouldn't work. "Off the top of my head, a mutual agreement to destroy the World Engine." Batman watched as the Guardian hesitated as he considered the option. "Clearly the World Engine was wanted by all relevant parties: A.R.G.U.S., the Thanagarians, the Lanterns. I'm assuming all sides still want it in their possession, so to make things equal, none of them get it. The self-destruct mechanism is still intact and Cyborg has a remote link to it. The World Engine could have been taken to an empty place in space—which I'm certain there's an abundance of—and with representatives from all parties present, Cyborg could detonate it and everyone watches it blow up."
"That…is a choice I had not considered," the Guardian admitted.
Of course it wasn't. A machine capable of changing an entire planet was a weapon any standing military would want. It was likely the Lantern Corp wanted it for a reason similar to the Thanagarians and thus wanted it intact.
"What's done is done," Superman then said. "We can only go forward from this, and we do have a lot to discuss."
The Blue Boy Scout was right, but Batman never removed his eyes from the Guardian. He didn't much care for the alien at the moment. "Ganthet, if you wouldn't mind telling us the situation?" Superman suggested. "We only know the basics, if that."
The Guardian nodded. "Very well. As has been mentioned, Despero has returned and has been making himself quite formidable. As Hro Talak of the Thanagarian Legion said, he has defeated the Citadel quite easily."
Despero? Clearly Batman had missed something and all of that had happened at the beach.
"How was he able to so thoroughly subjugate them?" came a question. All heads turned towards Starfire, who held a bottle of mustard in one hand and a bottle of horseradish in the other. "The Citadel is one that is not so easily beaten."
"Indeed," Ganthet agreed. "We are still getting reports of the devastation from Lanterns sent to the area. The first reports show that the Citadel planet has taken significant damage. A minimum of twenty-five percent of the world has been torn off and now spreads through the universe as debris."
"What do you mean 'torn off'?" Stewart questioned.
Ganthet glanced at the Lantern before he held up a small hand, one with a power ring on it. A green light emerged from it, looking much like a holographic projector. Within the light, a planet appeared, but it was quite obvious a large chunk of it was missing. It was like it had been blasted right off of it, pieces of it spreading out into the reaches of space."
"My God," Stewart gasped.
Ganthet allowed the image to disappear. "We are still investigating how Despero has returned and what power he used to cause such catastrophic damage. Despero was always formidable, but I fear he has grown even more powerful."
Batman found himself glancing towards the kitchen where J'onn stood. The Martian was sharing a look with him. Clearly he was concerned with this as much as him.
"Is there a reason the Green Lantern Corp, along with the Thanagarians, have come to Earth?" Diana suddenly asked.
"That has a simple answer as we come for the same thing," the Guardian replied. "Earth managed to defeat Despero once and now it is being called upon to help once more. We, the Universe, need the forces that stopped the Kalanorian Tyrant. Anything less and I fear nothing will be able to stop him."
"Then you have it," Superman declared. "Where do we need to go?"
Ganthet shook his aged head. "That will not be necessary as we already know where they are heading. Despero is coming to Earth."
The assembly hall was large, adequate for its current need. The leaders of Earth were all gathered here, a startling large number of them when compared to other planets.
The intelligence reports had indicated Earth was fractured as a world, a large number of cultures competing with each other for position and power. In comparison to the Thanagarian High Council, it was highly inefficient and cumbersome.
Hro Talak ignored all of this as he stood at a podium before the government body known as the United Nations. He gazed out at all of the representatives present with a cool detachment.
"Leaders of Earth," he greeted them. "I am Hro Talak, an emissary of the planet of Thanagar. I come before you with a matter of grave importance.
"I will be brief and to the point. Your people faced a threat many years ago known as the Kalanorians. Their leader was a man called Despero and he suffered defeat on this very world. It is my regret to inform you that Despero has returned."
There were a number of hushed whispers between the dignitaries. Thankfully, none saw a reason to challenge his claim. "The legions of Thanagar's military, along with a host of other planets have tried to stop him, but his power and military might has proven too great. At first we were under the impression that Despero was trying to re-establish his former empire, but the destruction in his wake is entirely different from his original pattern.
"During his first campaign, Despero sought to build his forces with warriors of other planets. He used the same strategy here, organizing small cells of converts to his cause while supplying them with advanced weaponry. With them in place, the moment the Kalanorians arrived, they could launch a two-pronged attack, one from above and one at ground level.
"Such tactics were quite successful. Now, Despero is not committed to such recruitment. Instead he has destroyed every world, every resisting force as he crosses the galaxy. It was only recently that we discovered that he is making a straight line for Earth."
One of the dignitaries stood up from his seat. "Why would he come here? We have done nothing that warrants his return."
Hro glanced at the man. "Despero suffered a great defeat here. Men of his stature hold themselves in high esteem and such a loss is a sop to their pride. Despero does not come here to conquer, but to destroy, and he wishes to erase the very planet that stopped him."
The dignitary stared at the Thanagarian before he quietly returned to his seat. Another in a different section of the room stood up then. "Is that why you are here? To inform us of this?"
"That is correct," Hro answered. "But I would be lying if I said that were the only reason. Despero must be stopped at all costs, or many worlds will suffer his wrath. The armada of ships I have brought with me are here to establish a defensive line to help protect this world. I imagine the arrival of the Green Lantern Corps is of the same reasoning. In fact, there are many other worlds that are sending forces to help stop the Kalanorians."
"Do you intend on fighting a battle on Earth?" another representative asked. "Why not somewhere further away from here?"
"We do intend on doing such, but every military must have a base to coordinate its offense and defense, and that is what we all wish to use Earth as. If all goes well, we will have defeated Despero before he enters the 2814 sector. However, there is one other reason we have come to this world.
"Even now, it is unknown to the rest of the universe how Despero was defeated. We believe there is some being, or power, that was able to conquer him and we wish to recruit it to do what it has done once before."
Curiously, there were odd looks shared between the dignitaries, something Hro's sharp eyes took note of. "I understand if you need time to confer with this being, so I will end this meeting with this: please impress upon this being the importance of defeating Despero. The universe is in need of its protection, not just Earth. Barring that, we hope it will not reject the presence of the forces gathering to protect this planet."
"Would it not behoove you to speak with the Justice League?" yet another representative questioned. "They were the ones that faced the Kalanorians before. I'm certain they have a better idea of what defeated Despero the first time."
Hro's eyes narrowed. The Justice League—that was the organization Shayera Hol was a part of. Why had she not informed him of this mysterious being? He had read her many reports over the years and none had mentioned the being that defeated Despero. Had she hidden vital information from him and their people?
"I believe I will," he replied after a moment. "In the meantime, there are other facets for defending this world that need to be discussed. Although I do not mean to offend, the defenses Earth has to repel invading forces are abysmal.
"I would now like to speak on how Thanagar can help change this."
It shouldn't have been much of a surprise that John Stewart would be called to report to his superiors. A lot had happened in a relatively short period of time and they needed to know what was going on.
That meant one doozy of a report.
Leaving Titans Tower, the Green Lantern Corp withdrew to a location outside of Jump City. It was on the coast, one that gave them a look out over the ocean, specifically the island tentatively called New Tamaran. How long that would last was anyone's guess, but it stood as a loophole Blackfire had used to avoid detention by the United States.
John couldn't help the ire he felt towards the dark-haired Tamaranean. He could still see her holding onto Shayera's wings, slowly pulling on them until they eventually ripped off. He was still grateful he arrived in time to stop it, but the potentially bloody scene was still on his mind.
"John Stewart of Earth," Ganthet intoned, drawing his attention away from New Tamaran. "I would like to know the current status of Earth."
John stood at attention. "Yes, Sir," he responded, a callback to his marine roots. "There's been quite a few developments."
"Proceed."
Now that he had a moment to think, a lot had indeed happened over the last few weeks. It was almost difficult to choose a point to begin. All around him, his fellow Lanterns stood, waiting to hear his report as well. "You're aware of the Tamaran plot to terraform Earth," he settled on asking. If he could strike that out, that would be one less thing.
"I am," Ganthet confirmed.
"Then you noticed a swelling in the ranks of the Justice League. Not too long ago, we held a recruitment drive to shore up our ranks. This was just in time as a number of the League's enemies joined forces as well. They called themselves the Legion of Doom."
John heard some sniggering from somewhere behind him, but thankfully the Guardian didn't seem all that amused by that name. "The Legion did what it could to divide and conquer, going so far as to brainwash a few members of the Justice League."
"Brainwashing?" Ganthet repeated. "How were they able to accomplish this?"
"A device known as the Omnicron. I'll obtain one for Oa so it can be studied. The brainwashing was so complete, the members affected believed they were entirely different people."
Well, that wasn't completely untrue, but Ganthet didn't need to know John was one of those people. The more vague he kept it, the better. He didn't need his worthiness as a Lantern questioned, not if he wanted to help fight off the impending Kalanorian force.
"Fascinating," was all the blue man said in response, seemingly distracted by this news rather than curious about who had fallen under the Omnicron's tamperings. "Continue."
"Thankfully, we were able to undo the brainwashing," John replied, eternally grateful. "Unfortunately, a new threat appeared, an android called Amazo. As far as I can tell, it possessed the ability to copy the powers of the Justice League and Legion of Doom. It was quite formidable. I'm not certain with the specifics on how it was defeated, but I can obtain those answers for you."
"Do that. I am quite interested in the technology Earth has developed." Ganthet turned his head to gaze out over the ocean, staring in the direction of New Tamaran and the World Engine. Even now, the U.S. military could be seen swarming around it, attempting to move it.
"I must say, I do hold some reservations about leaving the World Engine in Earth's hands," he said after a moment. "It is a shame that darkly dressed ally of yours wasn't present on the beach."
For once, John had to agree. He wasn't a big fan of Batman, but his idea of destroying the World Engine was definitely a lot better than leaving such a massive machine in the hands of the U.S. Government. Their track record wasn't exactly glowing when it came to using new inventions for the betterment of mankind.
"It is also fortunate you and your allies were able to stop the World Engine when you did. Had the Tamaraneans succeeded, there would be much suffering."
Tell me about it. John was certain that if the terraforming had been successful, he and everyone on Earth would be dead. "It's also fortunate that what terraforming was done was in an unpopulated area," he added.
"Quite. That Tamaranean was quite ambitious, though I doubt she would have enjoyed her New Tamaran for long."
That caused John to frown. "What does that mean?"
Ganthet glanced to the Lantern. "I'm certain you are aware of the story of the first—and only—time the World Engine was used. A prince wanted an entire world designed to his very specifications. He was successful in this endeavor."
"I had heard something about that, yeah."
"Many have, I am certain. What isn't known is the aftermath; what came after the first successful use of the World Engine. The planet that was changed currently looks nothing like the prince's design. In fact, it is now the home to a Lantern Corps."
John blinked his eyes. He hadn't known that.
"Ysmault was once a lush planet, teeming with life much like Earth. It was that way before it was terraformed and it was that way after. Now, it is a barren wasteland, bubbling with blood and hate," Ganthet continued. "The terraformation of the planet gave rise to an incredible rage that still ravages this universe. I, of course, speak of the Red Lantern Corps."
John couldn't help but be curious about this. He was familiar with Red Lanterns as any Green Lantern was, but their origins was unknown. It seemed the Guardians knew the story.
"My understanding is that a Red Lantern attacked Ysmault a few years after its terraformation. The prince was killed along with most of the planet's inhabitants. It was shortly after Yasmault took on its current form as the home world of the Red Lanterns. I imagine that if the Tamaraneans were successful on Earth, they would suffer a similar fate."
Yeah, John wouldn't have been surprised if it had. Hopefully the Red Lanterns weren't drawn here by the World Engine because that was a fight he wasn't up for.
"That concludes my report," the dark-skinned man said after a moment. He wasn't sure how else to end it with Ganthet's Red Lantern story, so he settled on that. "I have to ask though, what's the current plan for fighting Despero?"
"That is a great question," Ganthet responded, returning his attention to the Green Lantern. "Once our assembled forces have made themselves comfortable, I'm quite certain we will be discussing that objective extensively."
Starfire had remained in the rear. She was not quite sure that was the correct colloquium.
There had been much sharing of knowledge and information, and now that the Justice League and Green Lantern Corps were at Titan Tower, there was one matter that she needed to address. It was a topic that she had not forced, the matter of Despero's return much more important and horrible.
This was a personal subject, and there was only one person who could inform her about the answers she desired. So she departed the Titan Tower when none knew of her intent.
The island that was being called New Tamaran held her vision. She remained on the coastline that was firmly human territory. Her people were still in the process of relocating to the island that had been created by the World Engine and the reason for this was very pragmatic. Human authorities wanted to incarcerate her people for the crimes that they had attempted against the human species, and the issue was not the ability to hold them, but having the space to do so.
Blackfire's skill to use bureaucracy and intergalactic law also helped to create this situation.
Right now, she was stalling, following the example of her friends at the Tower on the Day of Sun which they claimed was designated lazy.
There were questions though; she had stood against her people in their plan to terraform Earth. Had fought and rendered many unconscious. Had openly battled with the Grand Ruler. Yes, these were common occurrences during coups, but this had not been one. She was declared traitor in all but decree.
Still, she needed the answer to her burning question all the same.
Willing enough within strength—another colloquium that she felt was not correct—she glided her way slowly towards the island, the water below her moving slowly beneath her and betraying her speed. Eventually, she reached the island whose soil caused a strong emotion within her. It looked like home, and if she took in a deep exhale, she would swear it smelled so as well.
Perhaps this island was more than just the name. Perhaps it was a piece of home created on this planet.
The encampment was further in and very visible. When she drew close enough, patrolling guards spotted her. Even from her current distance, she could identify uncertainty within them. Her fighting against them, yet their love for her as a—most probably—former Princess forcing them into indecision.
One was able to pick their levity and called out to her to halt. What was her business here? Plasma rifles were gripped, but not aimed, so that was promising, correct? One of them called out to her, demanded to know what she wanted.
"I wish to speak with the Grand Ruler." The title felt so wrong to say, especially in regards to her sister. "There is a matter I need to speak with her." Before, her people would have acted immediately, taking her straight into the encampment and escorting her. That seemed to be a privilege she had forsaken when she had sided against them. The guards were sharing glances, uncertain and unwilling to do anything reckless. A compromise was needed it seemed, and she happened to have. "If you have concern, then seek out Galfore and allow him to be judge."
There was hesitation, and it hurt to see such a response from people who once…well, her actions would inevitably have a negative consequence, would they not? Uncertain eyes found each other, spoke without words, but eventually one left, disappearing into the encampment. The wait that followed was asphyxiating, but there was nothing else for her to do but that.
Then he appeared, emerging and towering over her. Starfire tilted her head back to maintain contact with the eyes, even as her k'norfka gazed down on her with his own, one of which was discolored. Galfore spoke no word, not immediately, and perhaps that should have been the warning—
"By X'hal, my spine!"
How a warrior this large in size could move so fast, Starfire did not know, though her vertebrae would have appreciated such an answer. His embrace was powerful, tight, and very normal. Her k'norfka had the problem of forgetting his own strength, always eager to express his affections.
"You still live, my bumgorf," the massive Tamaranean spoke. "I was very much worried."
Carefully, so as to not aggravate her back, Starfire patted her k'norfka's shoulder. "I am the same. To see you sleeping and not deceased…my apologies to place you in this position."
Her feet were placed back onto the ground, release from Galfore's embrace granted. "Such is the way of war. That I continue to live is a blessing. Now, tell me, what is your reason for coming here. I would have believed you would have accompanied your allies upon their departure."
Her shoulder's straightened, as did her posture. "I seek out my…the Grand Ruler. There is a matter of importance…to me, that I must speak with her."
It was hard to read Galfore, his expression carefully blank. She could not tell if the answer he would give her would be affirmation or a dismissal. Though he was her k'norfka, his loyalty was to Tamaran and its Grand Ruler. He would have every reason to deny her.
"Of what matter do you wish to speak with the Grand Ruler about?" Galfore asked. She felt her heart speed up in its beating. The chances of gaining the knowledge she craved was so much closer now.
Taking a deep breath and exhaling, she stilled her neurons and began to say, "I wish to inquire—"
"I thought I recognized that scream."
Interrupted, Starfire paused and looked around the large body of her k'norfka, finding Blackfire newly arrived. Her older sister stood before a crowd, arms crossed in front of her and eyes expressing disdain. Of the crowd who had followed in her sister's wake, many were glaring at her, anger and betrayal directed towards the younger sibling.
She had known her actions would have consequences, ones that she had not at that time been allowed to consider. Now, now she was facing them. Hesitancy and uncertainty were one outcome, but the fury…it still hurt. The love and forgiveness that Galfore could give was not shared amongst the rest.
Hands tightened into fists, the strain in the muscles being used to center herself. Now making contact of the eyes with Blackfire, she said, "I am here to make an inquiry for information and nothing else. I ask that you hear my question, then decide if you will answer."
"And you think you are entitled to my time, much less my answer?" Blackfire remarked, her tone filled with venomous thorns.
Galfore fully moved aside, taking away any shielding she possessed. Her vulnerability never held so much weight. Weakness would be scorned, though, so the younger of the siblings could not express it. It was still an effort to retain her current posture and face the negative emotions directed at her from multiple sources.
"It is but one question. You have every right to refuse to answer. To order everyone to ignore me and refuse my request. You are the Grand Ruler, so that is within your power, and…and I will not contest it. I still wish to ask." Bearing the force of her sister's affect was easier than she had thought, though prior experience and practice gave her the advantage. Acquiescing to, recognizing Blackfire's status and legitimacy, were calculated and planned out prior. It was tantamount to endorsing the current ruler of their people.
The single raising of a black eyebrow indicated that Blacfire knew exactly what her little sister was doing.
"I'll have you know that I have many duties that require my attention, many of which are far more important than this. Go ahead, ask your question," Blackfire said. It was easy for Starfire to see the machinations in those words, but right now none of them truly mattered. Permission had been granted, though no guarantee for an answer was either.
Swallowing, Starfire asked, "What is the fate of our parents? Of our brother? Where are they?"
Blackfire was expressionless, even though she did not remove her black eyes from the younger Tamaranean. All was quiet, the only sounds coming from the encampment itself.
The silence was broken when Blackfire spoke aloud, "Return to your duties." Behind her, the crowd of angered and betrayed Tamaraneans was slow to disperse and slip back into their camp. Even as they obeyed the order, their pace was slow and their hatred was thrown over shoulders.
Galfore remained, keeping his gaze on the two siblings. Starfire was thankful for that at least. Blackfire took several steps, closing the distance between the two of them.
"I forget how long you have been on this planet. How long it has been since you were last on Tamaran," Blackfire remarked. "Of course you wouldn't know. The Gordanians wouldn't have told you anything, the Psions wouldn't have cared, and the humans have no way to contact us. After what you've done, I have no reason to tell you anything—but I will. One last gift for my dear sister."
The elder Tamaranean hadn't been able to contain her anger, and it had leaked out. It had been fully expected and Starfire knew how to identify it. She remained standing, waiting for the information that she craved.
"Our parents, mother and father, were still on Tamaran when Despero destroyed it," the Grand Ruler of Tamaran stated. "They refused to leave, even when it was so obvious that we could not win that battle. It wasn't conquest but annihilation we faced, and they still believed that Tamaran would not fall. They paid for their folly and made orphans of their children."
Was this what it felt like when the heart ceased to beat, to stop moving blood throughout the body? The shock, the horror, and in time grief was overwhelming, but hope still fought. Her parents, Mother and Father, they could not be dead. They couldn't. They were on Tamaran when Blackfire left, but they could have escaped before the destruction, couldn't they?
In the depths of hope, denial tended to grow in health.
"No," the younger Tamaranean spoke her thoughts. "They cannot be—"
"Mine was the last ship to leave the atmosphere," Blackfire interrupted. "Anyone else who hadn't made it out by then never did. No survivors have ever been found, and I looked. We looked. We found bodies. We found parts of bodies."
"That does not mean—"
"Father's ring."
Two simple words, but more than enough to silence her.
"He never took it off. Always considered himself the rightful Grand Ruler even after I took the throne," Blackfire reminisced. "I could have taken it from him at any time, but I refused. It was always his ring and I didn't want to wear it. So he kept it, always wore it. If Mother was correct, he wore it in his sleep. We found the finger, and nothing else."
But that could just mean he lost his finger? Or a limb? Perhaps the rest of Father was still in one whole piece, subtracting the limb? Or finger? He could not be dead. He could not be…
"There were so many others we didn't find, but we figured out what their fates were. Vaporized. There would never be any trace of them. Many of the parts we found had evidence of vaporization on them. We searched for weeks, I searched…there was nothing to recover."
No! No, no no! No… No…
Blackfire finally looked away. "I don't know where Ryand'r is. I sent him to the Warlords of Okaara before Tamaran's destruction. I sent for him, but he had slipped away from the Warlords. He could be anywhere, and he has not yet made contact."
Their brother still lived? He did? But he was missing? It was sweet and bitter, knowing that there was one of them still alive, but being unable to do anything about it. The universe was massive and anything that size was able to hide so easily. Not that Starfire had the means to go searching, but where would she be able to start?
It was too great a task. Even then, there was no assurance he was alive either. He could have perished soon after his slipping away. He could have learned of Tamaran's fate and have tried to challenge its destroyer. There were so many possibilities, and it was frustrating because regardless, there was nothing she herself could do.
Powerlessness, how she knew it well. When exiled, when enslaved, when tortured and experimented on, when vulnerable to a new planet, lonely, isolated, and…helpless. Her friends did much to help, to ward away those feelings, and for some time she had been able to live in ignorance of those feelings.
Only Blackfire had that unique skill to return every single one of them.
"You have your answers." Realizing her eyes were focused on the transformed earth, Starfire lifted her gaze and found the back of her sister, the white cape blocking the majority of her body. The rest was hidden by that black hair, a shade only Blackfire possessed among their people. "Now leave. Your presence would only cause more problems for everyone. You've already caused enough as is."
Her eyes shut and she gave a nod that she knew her sister did not see. Opening her eyes once more, she looked to Galfore, her k'norfka expressing nothing but sorrow for her. He would always feel what his bumgorfs, it did not matter their ages or their distance. Given a nod of her head to him, Starfire turned fully away from the budding settlement and lifted off of the island.
This day she had a destination, and place to return to. Could it truly be home now, now that the one she yearned for was no more?
Did someone like her have a home anymore?
To Guest: Batman was still on the World Engine when the beach scene was going on. As you can probably tell, he wasn't happy with everything that went down