Chapter Four
The knock on the Titan's door came promptly at eight o'clock. The past two hours had been quite uneventful. Raven was insistent that, at least for that night, they play strictly by the Tamaraneans rules for the sake of Starfire. That meant no leaving. Beast Boy sat at the window the whole time, watching the stars. Robin took the time to polish his combat wand ignoring the tentative looks he received from the quiet sorceress, who had spent her time meditating. Cyborg mindlessly scrolled through the screen on his arm. Once the knock came, the team was all somewhat relieved. Robin was beginning to suspect they'd been purposefully excluded. Beast Boy was antsy to get out and do something. Answering the door, it was the same guard as before. Or at least they thought it was. Actually, they couldn't quite tell. The guard eyed them up and down.
"Where are your garbs?" He demanded.
"Uh," Beast Boy glanced towards his jumper. "We weren't told there was a dress code."
"The garbs are in the closet," The guard told them in his even, but firm, voice. "Did you not open the closet?"
"We travel pretty light," Robin told him as Beast Boy crossed the room and pulled the doors outward. Hanging on 4 iron wires from the bar were long dark purple dusters with elaborate gold embroideries marking the large bell sleeves. Belts accompanied it for a form fitting look along the waist. Beast Boy pulled one out, closely eying it. "Everyone wears these?" Robin asked, draping the flowing fabric in his arms. It wasn't quite anybodies taste. Much too large and flowing. It hindered speed and movement dramatically. Not to mention, Raven wasn't a fan of purple.
"Is there another one by any chance?" Beast Boy asked after clipping the belt together. His wiry body was completely obstructed beneath the duster. Cyborg snickered at the child-like look of Beast Boy, earning him a heated side eye. The green boy nearly tripped with each step. The guard ignored him, however.
"No hoods are allowed at Klorthog. One's face must be fully presented at all times, for the respect of the crown Queen," He said to Raven, who already seemed exasperated with the costume. She sighed, settling her hood on her shoulders. "We must get on to the event. Princess Koriand'r has requested your presence beside her at the table and we mustn't let her sit without the guests there first." The Titans looked between each other before choosing to shrug into the garb. Beast Boy rolled his sleeves back. "Remain with me at all times."
The streets were quiet when they emerged from the quaint little inn. Robin glanced all around, soaking in his surroundings. He memorized alleyways and noticed distinctively the gates that were closed at some ends of the large social plazas. Raven glanced upwards, noticing the lights were off in nearly every building. Only their room illuminated an orange glow. Nobody was hanging about. Not a soul to be seen. The Titans looked between each other again, speaking silently with their eyes. The dusters hung heavily on their frames, besides Cyborg's, whose buckle didn't even meet the latch. They walked quietly behind the guard, looking towards dark corners and the dozens of stars in the sky.
Robin pursed his lips. "Where is everyone? At the feast?"
"Only those with noble blood may attend the feast," The guard replied, only looking forward as he continued to guide the team. "Few exceptions are made, like in your scenario. There is a strict eight o'clock curfew within city walls. It is for the peace and prosperity of Tamaran. And it is wise to obey it."
"Did Galfore enforce that?" Robin asked, tilting his head up.
"You ask far too many questions," The guard said. Robin furrowed his brow and looked around the empty town again. The magnificent architecture of the slim but massive castle began to grow before them. Shaded in crimsons and whites, Robin's mind was only filled with thoughts of Starfire. The stairs were long and winded. Beast Boy stumbled most of the way, doing his best to hold his cloak up as if it was an old petticoat. Cyborg glanced towards the empty vacant land of Tamaran, filled with rigid formations and nothing but brown dust. Robin cocked his head to look towards the familiar balcony jutting out towards the barrenness that surrounded them.
They were led into a somewhat moody dining hall. The room was massive with tall vaulted ceilings that glimmered with an almost sanguine purple hue. The chamber glittered as if it was apart of the galaxy itself. The largest table the teenagers had ever seen laid sprawled before them. It was enough to seat nearly one-hundred people. Candelabras glowed in the low moody lighting and people chatted with refreshments, drenched in silky purples and form fitting dresses. Beast Boy nearly caved his neck into his robe.
"We're wearing this and everyone else looks like the Queen's friends!" Beast Boy hissed towards his teammates.
"They're profiling us," Raven told him. "Get used to it."
"Speak for yourself," Beast Boy huffed, tugging at the collar of his robe. "You're not drowning in purple over here."
"The Princess requested you sit here," The guard told them, stopping beside the elaborate high backed chair at the end of the table. "Two shall be on this side, two on the other. You may help yourself to refreshments and be punctual when seating is announced ahead of the crown Queen. Understood?"
"We got it," Cyborg nodded.
The guard positioned himself beside the grand staircase Starfire would undoubtedly make her appearance from. The room was quite spacious, yet it hosted plenty of guests. But the Teen Titans felt utterly alone. They remained together in one huddled group as they looked over the array of drinks. Some were unappealing bright greens, reminding Beast Boy of radioactive waste. And Robin couldn't be entirely sure the clear drinks were water. They had an odd fragrance to them. Raven shrugged the heavy robe over her shoulders and looked around the room. People seemed to be enjoying each other's company as they laughed and clanked glasses together.
"So, what exactly is the point of Klorthog?" Beast Boy asked, lifting a pink drink to inspect it.
Cyborg took a swig of the green drink and nearly went cross eyed. He cringed as he forced the drink down his throat. "Beats me... but... tastes like punishment..."
Robin stood beside Raven, taking in the scene around him. There were only two sets of doors in the entire room. There were no windows taking in the vast expanse of space around them. A lock of Raven's purple hair fell against the frame of her face. Behind the two stoic members, Cyborg and Beast Boy made bets on the taste of drinks and writhed as the mysterious liquids made it down their throats. Raven glanced towards Robin, whose face was stone hard as he watched the happy-go-lucky elitists of the world.
"What do you think?" Raven asked beside him, crossing her arms over her chest.
Robin was quiet a moment, shaking his head. "That's the thing... I don't know what to think. Something feels... off, Raven. Why isn't anybody more concerned with Wildfire's disappearance? Or Blackfire's wrong doings? Why is this feast so important?"
"The Tamaraneans are proud, proper people," Raven told him. "They don't like for anyone to see imperfections."
"The timing all seems so convenient. Galfore dies, Wildfire and Blackfire both go missing, and Starfire arrives in time for the annual Klorthog?"
"They seem to feel unstable, maybe even powerless. Perhaps they really are defenseless," Raven nodded, shifting her eyes towards a woman in a sequined dress. "The rules are strict here. Almost like a Utopian society. It seems like they couldn't go long without a crowned ruler. Once they realized Wildfire's situation, they most likely had no time left to decide. They knew where Starfire was."
"The last time we were here... I don't remember it being so," Robin shrugged. "Militant, I guess. Things seem tense." Robin looked towards the slanted stairs of decadent marble carvings. "They're treating us like threats."
"Well, we were criminals in their justice system the last time we were here," Raven told him, turning her onyx eyes on the leader. "Are you sure your suspicions aren't driven from an emotional stand point, Robin?"
"What do you mean?" Robin furrowed his brow. Behind him, Beast Boy nearly retched after drinking a dark liquid that resembled cola.
"You're trying so hard to find anything wrong with this situation," Raven said plainly, scanning the room. "Because you know if Starfire really does take the crown, she'll have to leave the team."
"What, and you're okay with that?" Robin asked.
"Of course I don't like the idea," Raven looked to him again with a somewhat pensive face. "But we cannot control who Starfire actually is. These are her people and they look to her in these times of uncertainty because she is the only one left. Things may seem wrong to you but that's because this is a foreign planet."
Robin was quiet as he placed his eyes on each guard in the room. He noticed they seemed to stand and roam in pairs. He counted twelve around them, carrying pikes, but not wearing padded chest armor. The young leader felt warm in his robe as he soaked in everything around him. He didn't like for his emotions to hinder his judgment. Robin also didn't want to admit Raven was right. His internal radars were nearly shrieking at him. Something felt off. And he could never shake the inner gut feeling telling him that. All Robin wanted was the best for Starfire. He'd do the same for any Titan, he told himself. Even if it meant she had to leave the team, Robin wanted to make sure this wasn't all some elaborate trap. He could feel it in his bones.
"Can you check the temperature of the guards?" Robin asked, looking to her. Raven had watched as Cyborg nearly vibrated with pain as he tried another drink.
Immediately, her hard dark eyes fell on him. "You're asking me to read their minds?" Robin only nodded. "They told us not to use our powers, Robin."
"They'll never know."
"You don't know that," Raven told him in a low, firm voice. "It doesn't matter the species, every living thing has different awareness inside their mind. I won't risk it."
"We have to give ourself more freedom if we're doing an extended stay here," Robin replied, coming closer to her. "We can't stay penned up in our room all day, waiting for a knock on the door."
Raven's stony eyes didn't waver. "The way to do that is to behave, so they can trust us." They held a tense eye contact. "You need to cool it, Robin. We haven't even been here for six hours."
In the next moment, brassy trumpets rang out and the floor rumbled as, in unison, the guards stamped their pikes against the floor. The Titans migrated coolly with the crowd, finding themselves seats beside the throne. Raven and Robin gazed across the table at Cyborg and Beast Boy. The comical duo seemed nauseated from their taste testings. Robin was absolutely tense. Beneath the table, his hands had curled into fists. "Presenting!" Came the deep tone of a guard. "The heir to the throne and crown of Tamaran, Princess Koriand'r!" The guests all stood in unison. After a moment, the Titans scraped their chairs back, coming to their feet. The wall length doors swung open silently and standing at the top of the stairs stood a straight-backed young woman. Drenched in a beautiful gown with a bodice that followed her slender figure, and a fluffy skirt that pronounced her royalty, Starfire was quite a beautiful spectacle to behold. Her face, however, was not contorted in a way that matched the exuberance of her wear. Starfire's long crimson hair spilled over her shoulder as she began down the stairs. Robin watched her with a heart that felt torn. As she lowered herself into the chair beside him, her full skirt fluffing up around her, the rest of the guests seated themselves. Raven tugged at Robin's gaudy sleeve, directing him into his chair.
Starfire's emerald eyes looked between each Teen Titan. "Friends," She said in a soft voice. "I am so happy to see you again."
"Star, you look great," Beast Boy grinned, though a case of hiccups had descended upon him.
"Thank you," Starfire ran her hand along the embroideries in the bodice. "It is a traditional dress that has been worn by the women of my family for generations." There was a clearing of a throat and beside Starfire appeared a very slender, tall man. A tree branch would have been thicker than him. His blinded glazed eye looked over the Titans. Robin's face immediately hardened. It was as if suddenly, the gut-wrenching feeling that had plagued him manifested into a physical entity. His rigid body bent over, leaning in towards Starfire's ear. The young girl nodded and stood. She folded her hands together. "People of Tamaran. I must thank you for being here tonight and accepting me as the crowned ruler of Tamaran. I am saddened by the passing of my K'Norfka, Galfore. And I know it is a trying time for our people. Lay your worries to rest, however, I will serve you in every capacity I am able to. My current goal right now is to locate my brother, Wildfire, for this is his rightful spot. As for Blackfire, I will allow the public to make their just decision." Rounds of applause broke out around the Titans. The teenagers looked to each other. "Tonight, we feast, though. In honor of Klorthog, may we prosper another year."
Chalices and wacky drinks took to the air and the people cheered and clanged their glasses together. In the next moment, a flood of chefs came piling down the stairs and large platters of jiggly or crispy burnt carcasses were cluttered onto the table. Bowls of jelly-like substances with flecks of... something floating through the congealed dish were crammed between the silver platters. Beast Boy and Cyborg's stomachs twisted even more. Raven only looked away, knowing she'd be hungry for this entire trip. Robin only braced himself as a beat passed and the Tamaraneans attacked. The elitists of the world bounded onto the table like savage warriors and with clawed fists, they shoveled the food into their mouths.
"Friends, you must hurry if you wish to fill your stomachs," Starfire told them, ripping a crispy leg from some nondescript creature.
Raven sat back in her chair, watching small morsels tumble across the table and fall across the floor. "This is something I could never get used to."
"Is every meal like this?" Cyborg asked.
"The people of Tamaran are warriors," The thin ominous man said. He remained only perched by Starfire's throne. "It is in our blood."
It didn't take long for the table to be cleared of every portion. The silver platters and tipped over ramekins were promptly taken away by the chefs and the help of the castle zipped by, replacing the linens and bringing everyone a flute glass filled with an orange bubbling substance. They all cheered again, promptly drinking after that. The Titans were cautious, but it tasted almost like... orange soda? Starfire smiled as she set her empty glass to the table and the guests all clapped for her. The nobles at the table were all very eager to put on a series of entertainment for the queen. They read poems and acted out old tales of their history. Some sang songs and played a flute, which Starfire clapped along with. One citizen even put on a trick of juggling her starbolts. The streaks of green illuminated the room and the guests ooh'ed and ahh'ed. As the evening progressed, Robin couldn't stop his eyes from wandering to Starfire. She seemed content and pleased with the array of performances being put on. But what was she really feeling on the inside? In a matter of half a day, her entire life had been uprooted. She had woken up in Titans Tower and now she would lay her head down in the royal chamber of the castle.
"Starfire," Robin whispered, reaching for her arm. Suddenly, however, his wrist was caught by the thin man standing beside her. His single eye burned deeply into Robin's.
"Touching of the royal family is strictly prohibited," He told him in a low, even voice. Robin tugged his hand away, furrowing his brow.
"Who are you?"
"I am Yalfore," He said, perching his sharp arms behind his back. "I span three generations as a royal adviser of the crown."
"So, you were the adviser to Blackfire?" Robin tilted his head. From beside him, Raven kicked him in the leg. Yalfore kept his face still and composed.
"I assure you, I want nothing but the best for the crown."
Around them, the crowd rang out into more applause as the juggler bowed. Everyone was taking to their feet as a bagpipe filled the air, followed up the growing thunder of drums. They whisked each other out into the large ball floor and started dancing to the beat of the somewhat janky music. Starfire was quick and excited to join. The Titans stood towards the edge with Yalfore not lingering far behind. Starfire found herself lifted in flight again as she slipped around people, falling in step with the chaotic movement of the Tamaraneans. Raven elbow Robin harshly in the ribs and he cringed, casting a glare at her. Raven fleetingly looked over her shoulder, then back to Robin.
"I told you to cool it down," Raven said firmly. "All you're doing is making them distrust us even more. Look at Starfire, she's happy. She's flying. Maybe she wants this, Robin."
"Something is off with Yalfore, I just know it, Raven," Robin replied. A slender Tamaranean girl came by, laughing ferociously. She whipped Beast Boy up into her arms and he yelped as she dove through the vaulted ceilings with him nestled against her. After a moment, however, he didn't much mind it. "My gut's telling me-"
"Ignore your gut," Raven told him.
"I can't just ignore my gut," Robin argued. "What if he has a bad intention with Starfire taking the crown? We both know she's gullible and innocent. What if he's still in cahoots with Blackfire?"
"We don't have enough information," Raven lowered her voice. "Starfire isn't even the queen yet, Robin."
"Robin!" Starfire appeared in front of him, grinning widely. "Do you wish to join in on the dancing?"
"Oh," Robin arched his eyebrows. "I don't-"
Starfire laughed and grabbed his arm, zipping across the floor. He let out a yell as he found himself thrust into the throng of people. "Show us the dance of the humans!" Rang out. "What is the one about the robot?" Laughter lifted among the crowd. "Tell me, how does one pop, lock, and drop it?" Raven watched with her arms crossed over her chest as Robin was jammed back and trapped amongst the excited aliens. Pensively, she lowered her head, peering in the side of her eye at Yalfore. He was inspecting Starfire's flute glass. But in the next moment, he lowered it, gazing towards the flocking crowd that had lifted a giggling Starfire and a dismayed Robin above them.
...
To Robin's frustration, when the party began to die down, Starfire was whisked away by Yalfore almost immediately. She had no time to talk to the team. He couldn't get a single word in amongst the compact dance floor. Even worse, they had to be escorted home. The moment the door closed, the moody purple dusters crumpled to the floor and the team collapsed across the floor, beds, and chairs. Robin rubbed at his temples a moment, directing his eyes out towards the cluster of stars. Beast Boy held his aching stomach that only groaned worse after the dance he sought took flight. Raven sat criss cross on her bed, stiffly watching Robin.
"Alright, I'm just gonna say it," Cyborg sighed, leaning back in his chair. "This planet is weird."
"Yeah, how long do we have to stay for?" Beast Boy ran his cheek against the carpet.
"Until Starfire becomes Queen," Robin replied, not looking to anyone.
"Is anyone else weirded out by this place in a different way?" Beast Boy rolled onto his belly. "I don't remember it being this creepy last time."
"Yeah..." Robin sat up, his black hair crumpling on his head. "Something has changed... I'm going to figure out what it is."
"Give Starfire time," Raven said, looking around at the boys. "She'll probably put the pieces together faster than we can."
"Did you see Yalfore?" Robin came to his feet now, holding his arms out at his side. "She's as in the dark as we are, Raven."
"And since when has going in guns blazing with no concrete evidence or planning ever worked out for us?" Raven shot back, still with her cool and even voice. The room was quiet for a few beats. Beast Boy cautiously watched Robin's tense and hardened face. Cyborg lowered his eyes. "Look, it's been a long day. Let's sleep on it and decide what to do tomorrow."
Robin sat on the edge of his bed, digging his elbows into his knees. He needed to talk to Starfire tonight.
...
Once he was certain the moon had sailed high enough into the sky, Robin deftly made his exit from the room. He watched Raven carefully as he crept around her, mindful of his shadow. When he stepped out onto the dark street, he wasn't expecting a chilly wind. Robin held his cape against him, stealing into the shadows. He pressed himself to the cool brick walls enclosing the central social plaza filled with many shops and booths. On the other side, he spied a guard, walking away down an alley. Quickly Robin darted across the plaza, the milky moonlight glaring down on him. He dove against the side of the large staircases leading towards the castle. Cautiously, he glanced over the edge of the banister. Nobody had sighted him. Quietly, he pulled himself over the low wall, making his way around the curve of the stairs. When he looked up, he spied Starfire's balcony high above. Surprisingly, light flooded out. Robin reached into his belt, pulling two batarangs out. He listened to the familiar hiss of mechanics as the sharp edges procured themselves. Robin ground his teeth together as he tried to form together his words. He reared his arm back, digging the first sharp edge into a crevice in the stone. Slowly, with some effort, Robin began clawing his way up the side of the castle wall. It all felt so familiar yet foreign. He knew he'd be thrown in jail if he was caught, but Robin thought it was worth it. He had to warn Starfire. She needed to be weary. Robin glanced out over the dark rigid city of Tamaran. It was so empty. The wind whisked through his inky hair as he kept pulling himself up, closer and closer to the balcony. Robin knew Raven would be royally angry the next morning, whether she discovered him in jail or simply back in their room. Robin couldn't help himself, though. He couldn't ignore his gut telling him to protect Starfire.
He was somewhat breathless from the cool ragged air as finally, he hooked his arm around the stone carved railing. Robin pulled himself up, deftly balancing on the balustrade. He spied a long slanted shadow crossing the archway. Robin lowered himself to the ground, his knees skimming the cool floor. He peaked just around the corner to spy Starfire. And thankfully, she was alone. She was sitting at a vanity mirror decorated in gold leaf that shimmered in the light. A long, straight purple dress covered her slender figure. Starfire simply stared at her reflection, tilting her head back and forth. Robin stood now, pressing his shoulder to the corner of the wall.
"Starfire," He whispered, tilting his head into the lighting.
Starfire gasped, coming to her feet. She folded her hands to her chest as she came to the door. "Robin, you are here! But why? You will be in serious trouble for breaking curfew."
"That's not important," Robin told her. A gust of wind sent his cape spiraling out. Starfire hugged herself, her dark hair floating in the breeze. "Starfire, I think something bad is going on here."
"There is, I agree," Starfire nodded.
"You know?"
"The state of Tamaran is weak, Robin," Starfire said, her orange skin glowing in the bright moonlight. "The constant threat of attack, the dwindling rich heritage of what our planet once was... my people are fragmented and unhappy."
"I believe something dark and sinister is happening within your own government, Starfire," Robin told her firmly. "I don't think you should trust Yalfore. I don't think you trust anybody here."
"Yalfore and Galfore served in the war together," Starfire lowered her eyes. "They were lifetime companions. I trust he wishes to carry on Galfore's wishes."
"Starfire, he was Blackfire's adviser once, too," Robin placed his hand to her shoulder. She looked at him with eyes filled with hurt.
"Robin, I..." Starfire pulled away from his touch and crossed the balcony. She looked towards the lonely and forlorn landscape that surrounded them. She remembered, fleetingly, when it had been a vibrant jungle full of all kinds of flora and fauna. It was fragrant and relaxing. It was heart-lifting and enchanting. And now it was all gone. "My people need me more than ever. I must become the Queen, it is the right thing to do." She paused, looking over her shoulder at him. "Even if it is not what my heart wishes, I must fulfill my obligation."
"I am only trying to look out for you, Star," Robin said. "I think Yalfore knows more than he lets on."
"You do not understand our customs," Starfire told him. "Yalfore is only reserved by nature."
Robin shook his head. "We don't want to lose you. You're not happy here. You belong with us, Star."
Starfire lowered her eyes, searching the stone beneath their feet for information. Another breeze brought his cape forward and it grazed her bare arm. "I am sorry, Robin. There is no stopping me taking the crown come the first new moon." She walked towards her room for a moment and when she returned, she grabbed his hand and brought it up. Tenderly, she pressed her communicator into his palm. He gripped it tightly.
"You should keep this," Robin said gently. "You'll always be part of the team, Star."
Starfire closed his hand around it. "Keep it to remember me by."