Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans 2003 this is a work of fan fiction please support the official releases.
Ok the first of the mainline narrative. Truthfully I was very nervous about this one as I had so little to work with as the show explores Tamaran so little, so I had to invent a few things to get the narrative where I wanted to. However I always wanted to do a sort of sequel to "Betrothed" which as an episode is... fine I guess? I think we mainly remember it for the Robin jealousy stuff (seriously why is Raven/Robin a thing when this episode exists? Or any other Robin pairing) It has weird moments though, like how the Titans escape from prison with no explanation. Seriously rewatch it there's an explosion and boom they are out! It does very little to explore Tamarans culture and probably could have benefited from being two parts but whatever. The vibe I get from the episode is that they are superpowered Klingons kinda sorta? Maybe slightly more friendly. But that's the trekkie in me talking.
Again I've had to invent a few things about Tamaran and its culture as well as a few characters yet I've tried to draw inspiration from the appropriate places as again I want this to feel tangible to the old show. This will also explore what happened after "Betrothed" as that episode does a real poor job wrapping up its conflict. I hope you guys enjoy this and don't worry there's plenty of BBrae fluff as usual. OK enough rambling lets get into it.
Homesick
Among the Titans, Starfire was in essence the emotional centre. The nucleus of this superhero atom. Without her the team just wouldn't be the same and they all knew it.
They even got a small taste of it in their early years, Starfire bore witness to the team without her in it and the outcome was not best remembered. Garfield was still paranoid about his hair to this day as Raven could attest to the piles of coffee shampoo in his room.
Starfire had put work in to avoid repeating the outcome of that future. She had chosen to remain on earth despite her betrothal organised by her sisters wretched schemes, despite her awkward speech and strange mannerisms she still considered the little blue rock, home.
Yet in reality years away from her home planet had taken there toll. The lovely Tamaranean princess was starting to yearn for the sights and wonders of her world. A feeling that wasn't going unnoticed by the others. In particular Nightwing noticed his girlfriend tended to sleep in even more recently, giving even Garfield a run for his money on waking up in the afternoon.
On a particular morning Nightwing was already up, coffee in hand ready to start the morning. Other than Cyborg who was usually up preparing his hefty breakfast, no one else was to be seen.
Garfield and Raven were usually the last up, the two had chosen Raven's bed to sleep in for the last week yet this week the Empath was recovering from a fortnight of no sleep having babysat her self adopted "kids" whilst their care giver was away. Despite being a little older now they were still a handful and the effort had taken effect on the Empath who was still asleep wrapped around Boyfriend's body.
Garfield felt her grip as he slowly woke up. He'd forgotten how strong she was, he couldn't budge without her letting go but the odds of that were slim. Raven loved hugging Garfield, if she had her way she'd never let him go.
As the two were closing in on almost seven months strong in there relationship, Raven in a rather awkward position had finally said the magic L- word. Of course Garfield had felt the same way but it felt like the relationship was new again. Garfield had also learned many interesting things about Raven she never thought she'd have to admit to anyone... the biggest of which is that ... Raven is a sleep talker.
This delighted Garfield in truth as the stuff she came out with was often completely random and nonsensical. He often wondered what was going on through her mind at the time. Truthfully Raven often had to deal with only nightmares in her years sleeping on her own. Nature of a demon and all, yet with Garfield her mind was at ease. Which is why he wasn't allowed to sleep on his own.
The Changeling tried to wrestle out of her grip but to no avail, Even morphing she would just instinctively grab any form and bring it closer to her. Garfield managed to turn around in Raven's bed hoping he could wake her up himself. As he came face to face with her still wrapped around him tightly she began mumbling...
"I see you Garfield..." Raven muttered with a loud snore. "I see you... with those penguins" The empath finished mumbling.
Garfield couldn't help but chuckle at her ramblings. He tried to tap her nose hoping it would jolt her awake.
"Hey Rae, Rae it's time to get up" he whispered gently. The Empath simply tightened her grip and pulled him in closer, still asleep.
"C'mon Rae or we'll miss breakfast" Garfield grunted trying wriggle free.
"Don't care, comfy" Raven mumbled. Garfield managed to break free an attempted to crawl out of bed, only to be pulled right back into Raven's embrace with now her legs and arms wrapped around him.
"I didn't say... you could go" Raven murmed between snores.
"Rae, what I am supposed to do? Carry you out of bed?" Garfield pouted. Raven was still half asleep but she wasn't interested in waking up.
"I don't care what you do I'm not letting you go, so that... is that" Raven snored. Garfield looked annoyed and rubbed the middle of his eyebrows. Raven had a firm grip and she wouldn't budge.
Guess I don't have a choice he thought.
Back in the kitchen Nightwing was concerned at how late the hour was with three Titans still in bed. The one most on his mind however was his girlfriend who hadn't been herself recently. Nightwing's thoughts were being outmatched however by the powerful smell of Cyborg's all you can eat breakfast combo. The metal Titan always cooked enough for ten though he would tell you that's him being good.
The smell of fat and fried meat was starting to make Nightwing feel nauseous.
"You think you want some meat to go with that fat, Cyborg?" Nightwing commented.
"For that, you don't get any" Cyborg snarked back.
"Fine by me, I might live a little longer..." Nightwing slurped down his morning coffee and sighed.
He soon heard the sound of the living room doors swing open as Garfield walked down the kitchen steps with Raven cradled in his arms bridal style. She had both arms wrapped around his neck and was resting her head into his shoulder, sound asleep. The Empath had one of Garfield's Hawaiian shirts on over her leotard yet the tights were gone leaving her legs bare as she used to wear them years ago.
"Umm morning, Changeling and... Raven?" Nightwing looked puzzled at the sight of the couple. Garfield sat down on a stool with Raven still gripping tightly on to him though now she could rest on his lap leaving his arms free.
"You wouldn't mind passing me that leftover plate of Tofu would ya?" Garfield asked Nightwing.
"Uh, sure" Nightwing pulled open the kitchen fridge door and got what Garfield had asked for. He slid it across the large table until it stopped Infront of them.
"Surrender you're waffles!" Raven yelled up still asleep causing each of the other Titans to jump... "Or be boiled..." Raven gave out a heavy yawn "In syrup" she mumbled with her eyes still closed, Nightwing and Cyborg looked at each other in confusion.
"This is what you get when you get her to babysit for two weeks" Garfield explained.
"I think it's precious" Cyborg taunted. Raven instinctively raised her arm towards Cyborg's direction without even moving the rest of her body. With a quick blast of dark magic she sent Cyborg's bacon through a small portal. The metal Titan was horrified.
"My bacon!" Cyborg screamed. Raven returned her hand around Garfield's neck, she was still sound asleep.
"We'll you should probably wake her up in case we get an alerts" Nightwing suggested.
"Dude, I've tried. Why do you think we took so long?" Garfield explained.
"Well for you this is early but Raven in fairness..." Nightwing pondered.
"You want proof? Watch this" Garfield shifted into the form of a small cat to leave Raven sitting on the stool without him. Garfield returned to his human standing up next to her, immediately the Empath lept up whilst still asleep and grabbed onto Garfield wrapping herself around him tightly like she had before forcing him to cradle her again with his arms.
"No matter what I do she won't wake up and she won't let go, she'll probably be like this all day" Garfield sat back down on the stool with Raven still asleep mumbling randomly.
"It's two for one on Taco Tuesday, get them whilst stocks last" Raven mumbled into Garfield's chest.
"If not more for me, hehehe" Raven chuckled to herself.
"Yeah and then there's this... " Garfield looked over at Nightwing who couldn't help but laugh, as could Cyborg.
"I mean what's going on in that noggin of hers?" Cyborg giggled.
"You guys don't know the half of it, sometimes she dreams she solves mysteries with a talking toaster named 'Grilled Glenn' and I'm still waiting to know who killed 'Dishwasher Dylan'..." Garfield sighed as Cyborg continued laughing at the sleep taking Raven.
"Well she can't stay like that all day she needs to be ready for anything that could happen" Nightwing crossed his arms.
"Ok... But do you want to try and wake up Raven, daughter of Trigon, after she's had two weeks of no sleep?" Changeling offered. Nightwing stood there frozen thinking about that prospect.
"So anyway where's Star?" Nightwing asked quickly changing the subject.
"I haven't seen her?" Garfield replied. Nightwing looked concerned.
"I'd better go find her... just try and... you know what I got nothing" Nightwing said in defeat.
"Probably for the best..." Garfield grabbed a few cubes of Tofu and moved them toward Raven's mouth with a fork.
"C'mon Rae-Rae it's breakfast time" Garfield thought trying to wake her up using the incentive of food would work.
"Noooo, I hate marshmallow. I want biscuits!" Raven mumbled as she batted the Tofu away still asleep.
Nightwing paced towards Starfire's room. He'd left her there in the morning hoping she'd follow not long after. Arriving at her door he quietly slipped in almost instinctively. They had been together a while now and it was beginning to show more and more. Nightwing noticed the Tamaranean sitting quietly in the corner of the room watching a small device emitting a hologram of some kind. The image displayed two individuals, one male and one female with a great resemblance to Starfire.
"Star, everything ok?" Nightwing asked lightly. The alien jumped out of her skin and quickly turned around.
"Richard, you frightened me" Starfire looked up at the man she once knew as Robin, to her he would always be that in a way. Starfire looked at him with melancholy eyes. Nightwing peered over at the device for a moment.
"I'm not interrupting anything am I?" Nightwing kneeled down to make eye contact with her. Starfire looked away for a moment.
"I am...doing the remembering of my family" Starfire turned around to grab the device. The image was still being displayed.
"Is today the day?" Nightwing asked.
"Fifteen of you're earth years ago, yes. They passed on this day" Starfire murmured.
"Star, I'm so sorry if you need me to go..."
"It is ok, I have lived with this pain for many years. Yet even after all the time passed I cannot help but wish they were still here" Starfire lowered the device back down on her bedroom floor.
"How do you deal with it Richard? You told me you also lost your parents when you were very young" Nightwing looked down at the ground after Starfire had asked her question.
"Honestly Star, you don't really. It's something no one really gets over... but we each learn to live with it" Nightwing explained quietly.
Starfire looked back at the device, Nightwing could tell this wasn't the only thing going on.
"Starfire?"
"Truthfully I thought my sister would be there for me when they were not but Blackfire only ever cared for herself" Starfire said in reflection.
"You told me you have a brother too?"
"I have not seen him for years, no one has seen him since he was sent away..."
"Star?" Nightwing noticed tears forming in her eyes. Quickly he pulled her towards her. The Tamaranean wrapped her arms around him and gently sobbed into his shoulder.
"Hey, hey it's alright Star" Nightwing held her close as she wept. Starfire pulled up after a few moments and rubbed her eyes.
"My apologies Richard, I feel I have been distant recently. It is not you, I am simply missing my home world" Starfire ran her fingers through her hair and looked away from Nightwing.
"Oh...well you ever thought about going back for a visit?" Nightwing suggested.
"If it is not the too much trouble, I would like to stay for a few days. My home will always be here I just..."
"It's fine Star you don't need to explain. I'll have some of the other Titans further out come and cover for us. Besides I think we're overdue a vacation" Nightwing smiled.
"Ohhh thank you Richard!, I will begin preparing at once..." Starfire beamed.
"You know we'll have to bring the others as well?" Nightwing reminded her.
"Oh yes... But we will have a separate room yes?" Starfire whispered.
"Of course" Nightwing grinned. Starfire giggled and began packing. Nightwing smiled and made his way to the door to let the others know.
"Now, it's obvious the murderer is..." Raven mumbled but trailed off in the last moment still asleep. Garfield was waiting impatiently on the couch with Raven still wrapped around him.
"The murderer is who Rae?! Who?!" Garfield was trying to hear Raven make sense out of some her more consistent sleep rambles. He'd been following the story of the fictional talking detective toaster she dreamed about for weeks and even got Cyborg invested with a well told recap.
"C'mon Raven who is it?!" Cyborg got in close hoping to hear too.
"It's... " Raven started to groan as the two leaned in close. The Empath released a loud burp straight in Cyborg's face. It had not been the first time either. Like before Cyborg fell to the ground gagging grasping for air.
"It's time I teach those dolphins who's boss" Raven mumbled.
"Aww man she trailed off again..." Garfield drooped his ears as the Empath continued to snore into his shoulder.
"Ughh...What has that girl been eating?! Will you two stop pizza in bed!?" Cyborg yelled having just regained his composure.
"Dude, I sleep with her, You don't know how bad it gets and we don't eat pizza in bed!" Changeling countered defensively.
"Please you're not fooling anyone" Cyborg argued.
Nightwing re-entered the living room
"Pack up guys, it's vacation time again" The former boy wonder saw both Titans flare up in excitement after he made his statement.
"Oooh are we finally going to Mexico?!" Garfield beamed.
"Fraid not" Nightwing said.
"Aw man, I'm never gonna get to go to Mexico" Garfield said in disappointment.
"Sorry Changeling but Star needs to go back home badly so I've arranged for us to join her for a week" Nightwing confirmed.
"What?! Tamaran! But! but... I couldn't find the bathroom last time and I don't know what's vegetarian and what's not?!" Changeling stressed.
"I'm sure Star will help us with any questions we may have" Nightwing reassured.
"Is this part of the reason Star's been down?" Cyborg asked.
"Partly... but she needs this" Nightwing knew Cyborg wouldn't need much convincing. He'd noticed a change in Starfire as well recently.
"Alright say no more! C'mon B, pack you're things and let's go!" Cyborg patted his best friend on the back and headed towards the kitchen exit. Nightwing began to follow him leaving Changeling with Raven still cradled in his arms sound asleep.
"But? What about Raven?" Changeling yelled.
"WAKE HER UP!" They both yelled. Changeling's ears dropped as he looked down at his adorable sleeping demon girlfriend. He couldn't help but smile.
"I'm gonna find the scum who did this Grilled Glenn, mark my words" Raven mumbled still asleep. With that Garfield knew what the reality of the trip to Tamaran was going to look like and let out a defeated sigh.
The journey in the T-ship was quiet and rather awe inspiring. The stars were like an ocean the orange ship had gotten lost in.
Much to everyone's annoyance Garfield had failed to wake up Raven, the Empath was laying on top of Garfield wrapped in a warm blanket inside his personal T-ship pod. Only Starfire found the sight rather adorable.
"You're the one who can explain it to them when we arrive, Changeling" Nightwing grouched.
"Again dude if you want to wake her up?, be my guest" Garfield offered. Nightwing quickly changed the subject again.
"So, Starfire do they know we're coming?" Nightwing turned over towards Starfire's pod sitting on the T-ship's left wing. Starfire was in a gleeful mood which was a change from recently.
"In truth I did not send the message until after the time we left. You need not worry friends. Galfore will give us the warm welcome" Starfire was excited at the prospect of a long overdue return home. They had not returned since Starfire was forced to marry under Blackfire order.
"Last time we did not take in the sites of my home world. Oh but this time we must venture to the Rizziolfol falls, oh and then we can explore the caves of the Byannazas! And then watch the traditional performances of the high Grenbarnarf!" In truth none of the other Titans could make sense of the princesses suggestions. They are just pleased to see her in a better place. Here they were in more ways than one, along for the ride.
Starfire spotted a familiar site approaching up ahead, the white marble: Tamaran. It was nearly time.
"Alright y'all we'll make planetfall in twenty minutes, thank you for flying air Cyborg we greatly appreciate your support" Cyborg joked over the microphone line.
"Garfield, stay out of my room!" Raven yelped through the ship microphone line loudly, still asleep. The noise caused Garfield to jump. Starfire turned towards them in their pod confused.
"I do not understand, Raven is dreaming about you staying out of you're room yet you are together now?" Starfire pondered.
"Probably just dreaming about the old days. A simpler time, when they annoyed the hell out of each other" Cyborg snarked.
"Hmmm Gaaaaarfield I've been bad, you know you want to punish me..." Garfield hastily grabbed the microphone mute switch and flicked it off. His face was filling with red from embarrassment at Raven's suggestive sleeping ramble.
"Well who's for forgetting we just heard that?" Nightwing called over the line.
"Yep"
"Most certainly"
The other two Titans were quick to agree as they fast approached Starfire's home world.
The T-ship landed in the same spot it had previously. Just outside the Tamaranean main palace. The sight of a fleet of alien invaders was now gone. To Starfire the bare wasteland of the her home world was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, none could convince her otherwise. The T-Ship had landed this time with no damage taken from outside forces pleases Cyborg greatly.
The Titans exited the vehicle and made there way to the palace entrance. Starfire was rushing ahead clearly excited and the prospect of reuniting with her guardian. The other Titans were cautious given the last time they were here, all apart from Garfield who was too concerned with the notion of Raven blurting out something embarrassing again.
Starfire reached the palace doors first with the others not far behind. The weight of the tall metal doors could be heard as they slowly swung open.
Tamaranean guards marched out of each side of the large door frame. Starfire looked on expecting to see the large frame of her guardian ready to greet her. Instead a tall gaunt looking man approached down the middle of the guards. His features were sharp yet oddly warm with a long grey and red beard reaching down to his chest. Upon his head sat a unique helmet different from the guards.
Starfire's eyes widened at the sight of him and gasped.
"Uncle Magond'r!" Starfire screamed and rushed over to embrace the elderly Tamaranean. The force nearly knocked him over as they both swung around in mid-air. The strength of Starfire could be seen even affecting him.
"Little Starfire, it's wonderful to see you. It's been far too long" Magond'r cupped Starfire's cheek and wiped away a tear from her eyes.
"If only you're father could see how far you've come" He smiled at her.
"It is most wonderful to see you too uncle but I was expecting to be met with Galfore..." Starfire stopped as she saw her uncle turn away after mentioning the name of her K'Norfka. He placed a hand on her shoulder.
"There is much we need to discuss my princess. I received you're message though I thought it would be best to discuss the matter in person. You all look tired we should eat then, I will explain everything" Magond'r noticed the site if Garfield carrying Raven in his arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Young man, is that girl in need of assistance?" Garfield frozen up at Magond'r question. Nightwing and Cyborg turned towards him with slight smirks waiting for him to come up with an explanation.
"Umm no she's fine, were just in the middle of performing a human ritual... The ritual of... many waffles... yes...she has to stay in my arms for a whole month otherwise it won't count" Garfield finished his lie with a large grin. Magond'r looked puzzled and turned over to Starfire and discreetly whispered.
"Are all Earth customs this strange?" Starfire leaned in and replied in his ear.
"Indeed, they eat foods with tools..." Magond'r raised his brows and leant up straight again.
"Well far be it from me to question Earth traditions. Come, as Starfire's guests you shall be given the highest courtesy" Magond'r gestured for the other Titans to follow as they made there way into the palace.
After an hour or so the party had sat down to eat. Cyborg had been even braver than before and showed down on anything he thought looked somewhat edible. Changeling was still struggling to differentiate between what was meat and what wasn't. Nightwing was too busy worrying about Starfire to eat as she herself had barely touched anything on the table and Raven... Raven didn't care, she was asleep.
Magond'r was sat at the end of the table with Starfire sitting to his right then next to her sat Nightwing. Opposite sat Cyborg and Changeling who still had Raven resting in his lap snoring lightly. He prayed she would be quiet. Magond'r sat with a small goblet different from the oversized ones issued to other Tamaraneans and guests.
"Uncle I thought you were still out searching for..." Starfire began.
"I was... Galfore called me back home. Apparently you're sister caused more damage than he thought" Magond'r began to explain.
"Galfore is a good man but he's never had the right temperament for politics" he continued.
"And... where is he?" Starfire asked nervously.
"Captured, princess" Starfire gasped at the answer.
"How?! How did they allow this?!" Starfire slammed the table in frustration.
"Forgive me princess, it was my fault. I didn't realise the damage Blackfire had done. Not just on our world but on the ones out there too. Tamaran has new enemies, princess. Enemies we aren't prepared to fight" Magond'r's stressed. Nightwing could sense his concern in his tone.
"Not to mention the planet is already in turmoil. The planet is divided and I don't have the strength to unite them like Galfore could. One of our new enemies captured him on a mission of peace I sent him on last month. I have his safety assured but I don't trust his captors" Magond'r explained.
"Then we must mount a rescue mission at once with everything we have" Starfire rose up with her eyes glowing from the fury of her emotions. Nightwing tried to pull her back down but she was too strong.
"Please my princess. This matter must be solved diplomatically. Tamaran will never be accepted on the galactic stage if we continue on like this" Magond'r tried to calm the wrathful princess.
"We are warriors uncle we must show strength!" Starfire argued.
"We have stronger enemies. We need to show intelligence. It's the only way to survive out here. You have my word we will bring him home safe" Starfire breathed heavily and began calming down. Nightwing noticed something in the mannerism and posture of Magond'r. His attire was different than the standard purple most of the species wore. A dark shade of indigo blue robes instead.
"You don't have any powers do you?" Nightwing blurted out. Starfire turned towards her boyfriend with a look of surprise as did Magond'r.
"How... how did you know that young man?" Magond'r asked.
"I observed the clues, you were in pain hugging Starfire and you have a 'normal' sized goblet for one thing. Plus the mannerisms aren't that of a fighter" Nightwing got an impressed look from everyone particularly Magond'r.
"Very perceptive friend you have there my princess. I take it you're the one Galfore talked about" Magond'r compliment the young detective.
"Oh yes I did not think to introduce you properly. Uncle this is my Ba'norfka Nightwing" Starfire gestured towards him.
"Ba'norfka?" Nightwing repeated.
"Ohh yes in our language it is the closest meaning to the term 'Boyfriend'..." Starfire explained.
"You still have trouble assimilating other languages don't you princess? Nothings changed there. The closest translation would be 'significant other' thereabouts" Magond'r said turning over towards Garfield.
"I take it you are that to each other as well?" He continued.
"Nah... he's her pet" Cyborg snarked between mouthfuls of food on the table.
"Hey!" Garfield barked at the metal Titan.
"Garfield get back here... we still have more fun..." Raven mumbled before Garfield pressed his palm over her mouth. His face flushed red as the other Titans giggled.
"Is a Tamaranean without powers a rare thing?" Nightwing asked.
"It's not uncommon. Mutations and variations are found all around our planet. Starfire's sister Blackfire is another kind. A... 'Lazind'r' as the term is called"
"And what are you?" Nightwing followed up
"A 'Mazind'r'... meaning powerless. Not ideal as the first crown prince of Tamaran" Magond'r chuckled.
"Wait you're a prince then why aren't you grand ruler?" Cyborg questioned. Magond'r looked as though he was contemplating.
"It's a long tale..." Magond'r admitted.
"Oh you must tell them Uncle, you have always been the better at telling our family history" Starfire insisted.
"I'm always down for hearing about your family Star, as long as it's ok by you" Nightwing grabbed her shoulder in reassurance. Starfire nodded back and turned to face Magond'r who rolled his eyes with a sigh.
"Ohh very well princess... Well my father, Starfire's grandfather. Ruled our planet with an iron fist. When I and Starfire's father were born we immediately began our education of Tamaranean tradition. It became apparent quickly however that I... wasn't like the others. The moment my father discovered my nature he moved onto my brother and prepared him for accession instead" Magond'r began to explain. The other Titans listening closely with Garfield still holding his palm over Raven's mouth.
"My mother was infamous for going against tradition, she raised me in the art of politics to grant me the knowledge to support Tamaran without powers. In the end however I knew I wasn't what Tamaran needed at the time so I abdicated and upon my father's passing helped my brother with his affairs on the throne" Magond'r continued.
"If you don't mind me asking, what happened to Starfire's parents?" Nightwing asked him gently. Starfire had shared the knowledge of her parents passing to the others but she hadn't gone into detail, sparing herself from reliving the pain. Magond'r turned towards the princess who gave him a quiet nod.
"They died, needlessly..." He began. "My brother despised our father more than anyone. The conflict with the Gordanians began with his foolish posturing of superiority. After my brother succeeded to the throne I tried everything to help solve our people's issues through diplomatic channels... I failed" Magond'r turned away at the last word as Starfire and the others remained quiet.
"You must understand, on our world the strength of the royal bloodline was what held the planet together for centuries. Blackfire was deemed unworthy due to her status and frankly her character. Starfires claim was not as strong as her brother 'Darkfire'. Unfortunately a male heir will always have more support than a female one on our planet" Magond'r explained. He noticed Starfire was seemingly becoming more uneasy as his story went on.
"The Gordanians saw the crown prince as a chance to destabilise us. On a journey off world they attacked there ship and were killed... I wasn't even there" Magond'r stopped. Starfire began shedding small tears as she lent towards Nightwing. He comforted her.
"Her father did manage to thwart those savages in the end. He relayed to me a message that he had managed to jettison his son into deep space to keep him safe from them... I've spent everyday since trying to find him, so I left the charge of Tamaran to our stewards. Until well as I've been told, Blackfire took over" Magond'r finished.
The other Titans remained quiet for a moment until Garfield spoke up.
"I didn't know you had a brother?"
Starfire pulled away from the comfort of Nightwings arm and began to centred herself.
"I did not know him very well" Starfire admitted quietly.
"The war with the Gordanians had already begun before Darkfire was born. For his own protection he was kept separately from the princesses. They spent most of their time with me, Blackfire was a problem even back then" Magond'r started.
"You have no idea the damage she's done since you left princess. She fled Tamaran and followed a path of destruction across whole sectors. No one's heard from her in months but the blame is being thrown back at our planet" Starfire looked shocked at her uncles words.
"I... If I had known I would have returned to help sooner" Starfire said.
"We didn't want to burden you with these responsibilities yet. You still have a life to live you're own way" Magond'r responded. Starfire looked down and thought to herself for a moment and turned to her uncle with a look of determination.
"I vow I will do whatever I can to fix the damage my sister has caused to our and any other planet" Starfire promised. Magond'r gripped to table and inhaled deeply.
"That should be good enough" Magond'r lifted his left arm and snapped his fingers. Within moments the palace dinner hall became filled with large green warriors. They were towering insect-like with piercings purple eyes and sharp looking armour. Each carried a large gold rifle in a lower set of arms whilst the upper arms carried a large pair of gold blades. The warriors raised there's weapons in the Titans direction. Nightwing immediately stood up to order the others to ready for battle.
Nightwing threw a few Birdarangs at the warriors but had little Starfire flew up and threw several bolts at them, these did nothing to the creatures and they simply shrugged the blasts off. Cyborg however fared a little better as his sonic blast managed to cause the creatures some clear discomfort, which he took notice of.
"Starfire please don't resist! It's the only way to save you're friends and yourself" Magond'r pleaded. Starfire was not one to give up so easily.
"Uncle?"
"Please Koriand'r... trust me" Magond'r looked at Starfire with reassuring eyes. The princess wasn't sure what to do herself so she floated back down to ground choosing to trust in her family.
"Nightwing please tell the others to stand down" Starfire conceded.
"What?! Starfire you can't..." Starfire gripped Nightwing's arm tightly, he looked at her but she didn't need to say anything.
"... Titans stand down" Nightwing ordered. Cyborg and Changeling relaxed themselves, the latter still had a slumbering Raven in his arms.
The large doors to the dinning hall flew open with a loud bash. The Titans turned to see the sight of a very familiar creature. If they weren't mistaken the one Blackfire had arranged to be married to Starfire. Yet this one was different. The aliens skin was a darker shade of green with less pronounced appendages surrounding it's round body that also required a machine for mobility. It glided towards the dinning table with two of the green warriors escorting behind.
"My lord Grendasklechhh, I have done what you asked" Magond'r stood up from his chair and watched the green blob reach the end of the table. The creature began making a series of noises to communicate towards Magond'r.
"Them? They aren't anyone, associates that's all. Best locked up however... take them away" Magond'r ordered and the green warriors prodded the Titans to move forward towards the doors. Starfire instinctively began walking with them before her uncle gripped her shoulder and pulled her back.
"No, not you princess" Starfire looked concerned as Nightwing and the others were dragged away.
"Starfire?!" Nightwing yelled back towards her.
"It is okay, Richard please do not resist" Starfire looked at him and again he knew what she was thinking. Nightwing backed down and with the others was led through the large doors leading towards the palace halls.
Starfire's attention was turned back towards the creature resembling her former husband to be.
"I'm sorry Starfire, I couldn't hold them off any longer..." Magond'r gripped her hand and pulled her over towards the green blob.
"Princess Starfire, allow me to introduce Lord Grendasklechhh, newly appointed ruler of Drenthax lV and brother to Glgrdsklechhh. He's here to see the crimes against his family be answered" Magond'r declared.
The Titans reached the familiar chamber situated at the bottom of the palace tower. The spotlights peering down from the celling marked the prison cells, each of which was filled with many Tamaraneans. All of whom were sat in defeat barely offering any resistance as they were marched down the chamber. They each looked up at the sight of the Titans and began whispering to each other in curiosity.
As they came close to the end of the row of cells Nightwing spotted the sight of Galfore sitting in his own cell alone. The light creating the prison holding turned off momentarily as the warriors threw each Titan inside as the cell reactivated.
Galfore stood up clearly struggling, evidence of battle was littered around his armour. The massive, veteran Tamaranean examined the four Titans. It didn't take long to assume that Starfire had to be on Tamaran as well.
"The Titans? Starfire, where is Starfire? Galfore knelt down to see if any of the young superheroes needed aid.
"Her uncle, he sold her out she's up there surrounded by those things!" Nightwing fumed.
"Magond'r?" Galfore was confused at Nightwings implication.
"He betrayed her, he's!..." Nightwing began
"MAGOND'R! Is no traitor..." Galfore roared, the sound caused everyone in the chamber to look towards the direction of his cell. The large alien returned back to the ground. Nightwing stood up and paced towards Starfire's K'norfka. Nightwing noticed how weathered he looked, this wasn't a warrior but a tired old man. Powerless and defeated.
"Why has he done this?" Nightwing asked. Galfore was still looking at the ground he didn't answer for a few moments.
"He has no choice..." Galfore muttered. Nightwing was at his end with vague answers. He knelt down to face the old Tamaraneans face to ask him directly.
"What happened after we left the last time, who are those creatures and why are you all down here?" Nightwing asked sternly. Galfore looked up at him then back down again almost in shame.
"...Blackfire..." He began. "After she was exiled she began a rampage across the galaxy beginning with the leader of Drenthax lV Glgrdsklechhh..." Galfore continued.
"Glgrdsklechhh? Wasn't that Starfire's arranged husband?" Nightwing thought back and remembered the strange creature Blackfire had forced Starfire to marry. Luckily they had thwarted the deception allowing Starfire to challenge for the throne and exile her sister, hopefully joining Glgrdsklechhh in marriage instead.
"He was... Blackfire murdered him and fled across the galaxy. When his family heard about the crime the other exalted Schlurch's demanded justice for his death. That's why I asked Magond'r to return and aid me in handling the situation... We did not prepare for an invasion like this" Galfore explained. He looked over towards the end of the chamber and pointed.
"Those creatures are genetically engineered by the Schlurch to combat Tamaranean warriors. They are immune to our Star bolts and outmatch us in strength. We had no choice, we had to surrender..." Galfore sighed. Nightwing started to fit the pieces together but he still wasn't sure.
"But what's Starfire got to do with this? And why would her uncle betray her like that?" Nightwing challenged. Galfore's features sharpened at the insinuation of Magond'r's motives.
"Understand... There is no son or daughter of Tamaran more loyal than Magond'r. He and I raised Starfire. I trust him with my life and hers" Galfore maintained his support of the Tamaranean Mazind'r. Nightwing saw the fierce trust in his eyes.
"When the Schlurch arrived he demanded we provide the one responsible for the crime. We had no means of finding Blackfire so he turned his attention to blaming the one who exiled her..." Galfore explained.
"Starfire didn't kill anyone, she shouldn't have to pay for her sister's actions" Nightwing insisted.
"The Schlurch need someone to blame otherwise they won't be satisfied. I tried to offer myself yet they weren't willing to accept the sacrifice. He's been here for months and we've tried to stall him but he's quickly grown tired of waiting... Since you're here he must have called Starfire to come home" Galfore finished, trying to guess the reason they were here.
"No, Starfire came because she missed her homeworld" Nightwing corrected. Galfore looked up at him with a gleam of hope.
"He is still fulfilling his brother's wish even to the very end... Listen Magond'r will keep Starfire safe with everything he has but you must get off this world, the princess would not want this for you all" Galfore insisted. Nightwing crossed his arms in a defiant gesture.
"We're not leaving without Starfire" Nightwing vowed. Galfore looked upon the determination in the young man, even with the mask. He smiled.
"I see why Starfire stayed on Earth. You have the spirit of Tamaran in you" Galfore stood up and gently placed a hand on the Titan leaders shoulder.
"I'm sorry but we cannot help Starfire against these invaders, they built this army specifically for us..." Galfore turned away from Nightwing, he had accepted the situation long ago.
"And I'm sorry but I won't give up on her, you have an army down here, we can help you!" Nightwing boasted. Cyborg walked over towards the conversation.
"I might have a way to help all of us, when I blasted one of those bugs my sonic cannon seemed to cause problems" Cyborg began fiddling with his right arm making adjustments.
"If I can find the correct frequency we may be able to exploit some kind of weakness" Cyborg explained.
"The risk could be too great" Galfore argued.
"It's better than sitting here waiting for Star to be executed" Nightwing countered. Galfore thought for a second and contemplated the possibility of a rescue. He would never forgive himself if something happened to his Bumgorf but he couldn't stand by much longer.
"What do you have in mind?" He asked. Nightwing grinned a face of confidence.
"We've escaped from here before, we can do it again. First we need a distraction, Changeling you're up" Nightwing pointed in Garfield and Raven's direction.
"I have been meaning to ask. Is the girl in your arms alright, little one?" Galfore had been wondering about the two of them not long after they entered the cell.
"Gar!? Gar!? The bananas! They're conspiring against me" Raven yelped. The sleeping Titan still remained cradled up against Garfield.
"Oh, She's fine..." Garfield replied.
Back up in the palace hall, Starfire had been placed in a set of thick handcuffs that covered the entirety of her lower arms. With it she couldn't fire her Star bolts or fly properly. A set of the Schlurch's guards escorted her to a large hall filled with other Schlurch representatives. Each a different shade of green and size. The largest Grendasklechhh, perched himself in a large throne-like structure in the centre of the room.
As the Princess was brought in she noticed the other Schlurch's placing themselves at the right side of the room. The green warriors were displayed at every corner. Her uncle stood beside a small round stand placed in the middle of the room. Not too dissimilar to a witness box. Starfire came to a halt inside the stand where she was visible to the entire room.
"Forgive me princess..." Magond'r leaned in to her and whispered.
"Uncle, what is happening?" Starfire whispered back.
"You are being put on trial for you're crimes against Drenthax IV, make no mistake this is just a show. They've pretty much made up their minds" The beating of Starfire's heart increased after her Uncle spoke.
"Then what do I do? And what about my friends?" Starfire asked hesitantly.
"I promise you this princess, if you listen to everything I say... there's a chance you and your friends survive" Magond'r vowed.
"Is Galfore truly captured and what about?..."
"He is alright princess, he's down in the dungeon with your friends. They were listening I had to twist some of the truth, my apologies" Magond'r admitted. Starfire looked relieved and the knowledge of her K'norfka's safety. A set of doors opened with a powerful swing. Floating out of the frame was a strange looking creature. It was not too far removed visually from the other green genetic warriors yet it was much more gaunt. Covered in various bits of wires and equipment. The being had a long golden gown that dropped across the floor as it glided inside.
"We're about to start princess, remember to listen to everything I tell you, speak when spoken to and above all do not try to escape" Magond'r instructed. Starfire looked concerned but trusted her Uncle and replied with a firm nod.
The gaunt green creature began adjusting the equipment around his face, a screeching sound echoed throughout the room as he adjusted. The other warriors seemed momentarily uncomfortable at certain sounds which Starfire took notice of. The creature raised it's four arms.
"Welcome exalted Schlurch's to the trial of Princess Koriand'r of Tamaran, accused of crimes against Drenthax IV and beyond. Present is the high ruler of Grendasklechhh and his court. Myself K026SX prosecuting on behalf of our exalted Schlurch. At this time the accused is asked to enter their plea?" The creature creaked in a rather crackly and distinctive voice.
Magond'r turned towards Starfire and whispered in her ear. Starfire then straightened up and spoke..
"Not guilty you're exalted"
"Hey!... Hey! Over here?!" Changeling shouted. Raven was still cradled in his arms as he stood at the edge of the spotlight trying to gain the guards attention at the end of the room.
"We need help dude! She needs a doctor?!" Garfield tried desperately to get the green sentinel to even entertain coming over to their cell, he wasn't even sure they understood English. The commotion caught the attention of the other Tamaraneans filling up the dungeon cells.
About ten of the Schlurch guards lay spread out across the hall, the one closest to the Titans cell took notice to the commotion perpetrated by the loud green one.
The guard made his way over cautiously, not being familiar with the conduct of off-worlders.
The large warrior towered over Changeling even with his recent growth. Garfield stared back into it's eyes seeing hundreds of reflections of himself in it's compound eyes. The other Titans and Galfore stood in behind the shapeshifter, silently.
"Now!"
Nightwing detonated a set of charges above the cell, cutting off the spotlight barrier. The warrior displayed a sense of surprise almost as it backed up adopting a stance ready for battle.
Cyborg sent a sharp direct series of pulses straight in the creatures direction from his Sonic Cannon. As each one passed through the creatures body reacted differently. Using his artificial eye, Cyborg tracked the pattern frequency of the pulse most damaging to the creature.
"That's it!" Cyborg adjusted his arm quickly and began firing pulses with the new setting. The warrior gripped it's skull in distress, it's exoskeleton vibrating constantly trying to adapt to the pain.
Nightwing noticed the exposure of flesh beneath the creature's natural armour. Flinging half a dozen Birdarangs into the creature's body. A powerful bolt of electricity travelled along each Birdarang causing the creature to stop moving.
A sharp green light pierced the body of the creature. An explosion of charred flesh and burnt insect armour splattered across the dungeon. The Titans looked behind to see Galfore's hand raised, a streak of smoke peering off his clenched fist.
The other nine guards rushed towards their direction at the end of the chamber.
"Titans Go!" Nightwing shouted his familiar call to action. Cyborg and Galfore charged forward with Nightwing. Changeling backed up for a moment and gripped Raven tightly.
"Hang on, Rae" Garfield's body shifted into his familiar Beast form, thanks to the benefit of his new powers he formed an extra pair of arms tucking Raven in a cradle of fur. He soon joined the others to attack the guards will full ferocity.
"Why didn't you execute her?" K026SX hovered close to the princesses stand.
"The challenge had been won, Blackfires life was hers" Magond'r interrupted. K026SX came up close to Magond'r.
"I... am asking her" the creature clicked sternly. Magond'r turned with a worried look back towards Starfire.
"She was family, I could not submit her to that kind of punishment" Starfire said.
"That is understandable and yet you could have imprisoned a known criminal for the benefit of other systems. You knew she had escaped prison and yet you choose... exile?"
Starfire felt the pressure of K026SX's words. In truth in that moment back when she defeated her sister she merely wanted to escape the prospect of marriage to anyone apart from the one she had fallen for at the time. She had not considered the prospect of Blackfires fate at that time.
"Lord Glgrdsklechhh allegedly offered to take the princess Blackfire to which you offered no challenge?" K026SX inquired.
"I robbed the exalted Schlurch of a promised union, I thought Blackfire would be a worthy substitute" Starfire was trying desperately to give a plausible reason for her lack of closing the situation.
"A known intergalactic criminal a worthy replacement for an exalted Schlurch?" K026SX argued. Starfire visibly looked distressed. No answer seemed to be the right one.
"Is it apparent that you had no interest in the exalted Schlurch at the time? Considering him vile and even repulsive?"
Magond'r quickly came to Starfires side and whispered in her ear. Grendasklechhh leaned forward on his throne watching closely. Her uncle pulled away with a frustrated look as Starfire inhaled deeply.
"I did, at the time the reason for my disinterest in the marriage was not because of those reasons. I would have done anything to protect my planet. I was even willing to go through with the marriage. Yet there was someone else I was in love with. He was the one that revealed the deceit of my sister and..."
Starfire was cut off by the exalted Schlurch sitting on the throne audible screeching at them both. K026SX turned to face his master. After he had receded back in his throne he turned back to face the princess.
"I remind you, there is no proof of this deception. My exalted does not appreciate the devaluation of his late brother"
"But it is all true? We have Tamaraneans who will attest to..." Starfire stopped at the sight of K026SX rasing one of its arms to request her silence. The creature turned and glided close to his master. The two creatures began conferring out of earshot.
Magond'r came up close to Starfire and whispered.
"I told you this trial is a farce, honesty won't matter here"
"Then what do I need to do uncle?" Starfire was desperate at this point, hoping for anyway out of this situation. Magond'r hesitated.
"It won't be easy but there's one way..." Starfire looked at him as he paused.
"... Take back the throne, marry the new exalted Schlurch and repair the reputation of Tamaran across the galaxy" Magond'r saw Starfires eyes widen at this course of action.
"I... I cannot..." Starfire replied nervously.
"If you want you and you're friends to survive, you must. Galore renounced his position as grand ruler, it would be a simple matter to reclaim the title as princess and unite our planet together" Magond'r pleaded with the princess seeing her clear reluctance.
"I have a life on Earth with my friends and the man I love... I cannot just do the walking away from all that" Starfire explained.
"It is the only way... I wish I had something else believe me but if you don't you're friends and everyone on Tamaran will be imprisoned forever and you will be executed" Magond'r pulled away leaving Starfire to contemplate the gravity of her next decision.
A smouldering pile of several genetically engineered guards lay spread out across the dungeon. The Titans and Galfore were breathing heavily from the resultant battle. Galfore looked up at the sources of the spotlight barriers and threw several Star bolts at each one cutting off the power.
The trapped Tamaraneans rose up from the ground and began to surround Galfore and the other Titans. They looked malnourished and pale but each filled with a face ready to take back there planet.
"Galfore? What should we do?" One of them asked.
"There are more of those warriors" Another cut in. Galfore looked around at the weathered faces of his brethren, he saw the doubt in there eyes.
"Brothers and sisters of Tamaran. The hour is now, our princess needs us. The fight will be arduous but we must free Tamaran from invasion once and for all! With me! With us now!" Galfore roared as the other Tamaraneans cheered back raising there arms with the green glow of their Star bolts. The other Titans smiled as they followed behind the charging force of the Tamaraneans flying through the dungeon doors.
Starfire gripped the stand as she thought about everything that had happened in the last day. The choice before her was an impossible one, Tamaran or Earth.
"Exalted Schlurch may I ask you one question?" Starfire spoke up drawing the attention of both creatures at the throne.
"Speak" K026SX said.
"What do you want from me?" Starfire asked directly. The two creatures conferred again quietly.
"We want you to take responsibility for you're crimes... So my exalted can lay his brother and his memory to rest" K026SX replied. Starfire reflected on her actions on that day many years ago. Her sister despite her attempts to form a strong family bond, wanted nothing to do with her. She was a criminal, the kind of person she fought nearly everyday to defeat.
This creature that she faced however had lost a close family member. Regardless of the pretence of the trial and the invasion, that pain was real.
"Grand exalted Schlurch may I speak directly to you?" Starfire asked. K026SX glided quickly in front of the princess to block off her view.
"What do you hope to gain from this?" He asked.
"I wish to confess..." Starfire announced. Magond'r immediately rushed to her side.
"Princess please!" He whispered in a loud register. Starfire ignored him and faced forward. K026SX turned back to receive confirmation from his master. The Schurch's made a gesture and K026SX raised his hand to give her confirmation.
Starfire looked down for what seemed like an eternity. Everyone in the room was waiting for her.
"I confess... I failed. I spent my life overlooking my sister's character and her actions because she was family. In truth I let her go not because I did not trust her, I hoped that exile would show her another way. I was wrong... And you're dear brother paid the price for it. For that you have my deepest apologies..." Starfire paused as she looked up at the Schlurch. The alien had no familiar facial structure but she could see something in its response to her words. Starfire breathed deeply and continued
"I cannot bring back your brother but I can do my best to see..." Starfire stopped again as she heard a series of sharp loud sounds coming from somewhere from the doors behind her. Magond'r took notice too yet Starfire noticed he looked slightly horrified at the sounds.
"No, no, no..." He muttered quietly. The other Schlurch's and the guards started to hear the noises as well. K026SX snapped his several fingers signalling the warriors to take up arms towards the doors.
A thunderous sound filled the room as the massive doors were thrown from their hinges, crashing to the ground. As the smoke cleared the site of the Titans and an army of Tamaraneans stood waiting.
The remaining guards raised their weapons. Nightwing threw a dozen devices on the ground. The small objects released a series of sonic pulses causing each guard to screech in pain. A flurry of Star bolts blasted the creatures to pieces leaving only the Schlurchs and K026SX in the chamber.
"Told you they'd work!" Cyborg yelled.
The Tamaraneans surrounded the aliens and Galfore entered the room with the other Titans. Magond'r rushed up between the smoke to Galfore.
"I had a plan!" Magond'r growled at Galfore. The large Tamaranean looked down at the Mazind'r and grinned.
"Plans change, where is the princess?" Galfore looked around to try and spot his Bumgorf.
Nightwing had already rushed over to help Starfire. He quickly cut through her cuffs with a small welding device from his belt.
"Are you alright?" Nightwing cupped her face and Starfire quickly nodded.
"I am, yes " Starfire was happy to see him and her friends safe. She gripped her love in a tight embrace, usually Nightwing would have her stop due to her strength but this time he didn't care.
Starfire then noticed the sight of Galfore standing over towards where Magond'r was.
"My K'norfka!" Starfire flew over to embrace the towering Tamaranean who laughed upon being reunited with her. Magond'r couldn't help but smile at their embrace. Galfore turned his attention to the Tamaraneans surrounding the Schlurch.
"It seems the grand Schlurch did not account for the courage of four earthlings" he said as he approached them. Galfore was an old warrior and to him invaders deserved no less than what they brought. He raised his hands ready to give the order.
"Stop, wait!" Starfire clutched his arm and pulled it down. Everyone looked confused as the princess glided towards the exalted Schlurch who seem terrified. Starfire stopped in front of him.
"We must let them go..." Starfires announcement received a series of shocked gasps around the room.
"Princess you cannot..." Galfore spoke up. Starfire turned around to face them all.
"My people... we cannot survive if we don't try to seek out the better way. My actions caused this therefore I must seek the solution" Everyone watched on as Starfire turned back towards the cowering Schlurch.
"As I said before the interruption, I cannot return what you have lost but I can try to make things right. I promise that Tamaran will help rebuild any damage Blackfire has done across the galaxy. Furthermore I promise that our planet will do everything in our power to find Blackfire so she can be delivered to you to face justice for her crimes... If we allow you all to leave peacefully will you accept these terms?" Starfire held out her hand to the Schlurch. Moments passed like years as everyone in the room waited for his response.
The exalted Schlurch looked at the princess and saw the sincerity in her face.
He raised one of its arms and clutched Starfires gently, she smiled back as the creature turned and communicated towards K026SX who was still alive.
"Since we appear to have no other choice, the exalted accepts..." Starfire looked annoyed at the creatures choice of words. She turned back towards the Schlurch who audible communicated again.
"The exalted admires your conviction, he hopes you and your world will keep the promises you made" K026SX said. Starfire let go of the Schlurch and raised herself in the air.
"I will, escort them back to their ship, safely" Starfire ordered. A group of Tamaranean guards surrounded the remaining Schlurch out of the hall out of sight. Starfire floated back towards the Titans and her family.
"Princess?" Galfore looked at the young Tamaranean with confused eyes.
"On earth I have been taught the value of compassion and understanding. Blackfire never learned these values and I may never have had I not stayed with the people I value most... Tamaran cannot survive if it does not wish to help fix the damage done by Blackfire but we must also show we cannot solve every conflict through more...conflict. Justice for those lost is what we need to bring to others out amongst the stars" Starfires words garnered smiles from the Titans. Galfore turned towards Magond'r who faced him in turn.
The old Mazind'r made his way over to Starfire.
"You've come a long way princess but this solution despite the best intentions will divide the planet. Most of our citizens are old warriors who would have gladly seen Blackfire on the throne for the rest of their lives. You cannot ask them to change in a day" Magond'r said sternly.
"I do not. My last act as grand ruler is to order you to oversee the new way of Tamaran. As well as reappoint my K'norfka as grand ruler" Starfire finished.
"Princess... you would abandon you're planet again?" Galfore said with disappointment.
"I never abandoned Tamaran, I simply choose to continue my life on Earth. You may disagree but I have work there that is just as important to me" Starfire knew her choice would not be taken well and hoped her planet would understand the decision.
"I will want you to inform me of everything that happens. The progress of rebuilding and finding Blackfire" Starfire looked at both her Uncle and her K'norfka. They both gave a light set of smiles towards the princess.
"We'll do the best we can princess" Galfore said placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Just don't forget to visit more often, it'll make everything easier to get done" Magond'r chuckled. Starfire smiled.
"Do not fret uncle I shall be staying on Tamaran for a few days and maybe... a few more?" Starfire turned towards Nightwing hoping to get confirmation.
"Whatever you need, Star" Nightwing gave her a warm smile Starfire returned in kind. She raised herself up in the air to address the other Tamaraneans in the hall.
"I know the journey forward will not be the easiest but Tamaran is strong and we must show that strength through the ability to change our world" Starfire raised her fist which began glowing the familiar green.
"For Tamaran!" Starfire shouted. The rest of the Tamaraneans looked around. They slowly began raising there own fists causing the room to be filled with the light of hundreds of green bolts of light glistening like stars.
"For Tamaran! For Tamaran, For Tamaran!" The other citizens chanted repeatedly. The Titans watched on in awe.
Galfore came up behind Nightwing and placed a hand on his shoulder gently.
"The princess will need you through this difficult time, show her the strength you showed me today" Nightwing gave Galfore a simple nod and turned back to watch the woman he loved in front of her people.
Garfield felt a weight lift from his arms as he saw Raven drop to her feet. The Empath stretched her limbs and gave out a large yawn.
"Hey Gar, I know it's probably late... did I miss anything?" Raven deadpanned. Garfield looked at her then back at the other Titans who simply burst out laughing leaving her looking dumfounded.
The next week passed quickly as Starfire set up the new infrastructures of Tamaran. Sending out teams across the other worlds as aid and the formation of a special team to hunt down and bring back Blackfire. With her work done Starfire prepared to journey home with the other Titans.
A farewell party had gathered to see them off. Nightwing looked over a Starfire who was waving her goodbyes whilst the other Titans had settled in there pods. She looked completely different to when they arrived nearly a week earlier. She was utterly radiant, she looked back at him and smiled.
"You sure you want to head back Star?" Nightwing asked.
"I am the sure. I feel... good leaving Tamaran now. She is in strong hands"
"It's been an interesting trip, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you at the start" Nightwing said.
"It is alright, I did learn something from the experience"
"Hmm?"
"Sometimes family is not the blood we share..." Starfire grabbed his hand tightly "But the bonds we build" Nightwing smiled back as Starfire finished. They both made their way back into the T-ship as her engines awakened for take off.
Magond'r was right, most of the planet resisted but Galfore had faith in the princess and her methods moving forward. Even if they would prove difficult.
Magond'r and Galfore watched as the T-ship was beyond range of sight. The two returned inside the palace.
Magond'r entered his private chamber, a dark violet room filled with many artefacts of Tamaran history and artwork. He made his way to a door at the back of the room and pressed his thin palm against it. The door flashed faintly and glided open.
Inside the room was a small pit filled with sand. A thin walkway led to a small flat circular base at the centre of the pit. Floating above it was an ancient looking mirror. Markings clearly not from Tamaran. As Magond'r approached closer the mirror's reflection became drenched in a blood red till only a void of scarlet could be seen through the artefact.
Magond'r breathed in and waited. Out of the darkness in the mirror a rusted and damaged looking mask glided towards him stopping just before it would have exited the boundaries of the mirror itself. There was no one behind it. It just simply was.
"I take it you're about to confirm what I hope you aren't?" A voice creeped from around the mirror as Magond'r gulped looking straight at the mask inside it.
"She didn't take back the throne, no" he said hesitantly.
"What went wrong?" The voice replied.
"Her friends... I... I didn't account for them"
"Clearly"
"It's fine we can still salvage this, I can..."
"I thought I made it clear to you my position on this. What I would need ...and you assured me you could get it done. If I wanted you for this role I'd have given it you to you already..."
"Yes I know but we don't have any
alternatives..."
"As I understand it, we have two?"
"But one is in exile and one is lost?"
"Let's focus on the one that's lost"
"I've spent a lifetime searching for him. I don't think..."
"YOU spent a lifetime searching. As impressive as you are Magond'r, you're just one Tamaranean" the voice argued. Magond'r stepped back nervously, the voice spoke again.
"Fortunately I have a new associate who specializes in this sort of work. She'll be with you momentarily, give her all the information you have and THEN we can salvage this situation... "
"I... I understand..." Magond'r watched as the holes in the eyes of the rusted mask began glowing a vibrant red, the voice spoke up once more.
"It's time for the true heir of Tamaran... to come home"
Ok there we go I hope that got across what I hoped it did and this storyline will pick up in the chapters Darkfire part 1 and 2. Again not a fan of writing Starfire's dialogue but sometimes you have to challenge yourself no? I also wanted to give Raven a little break here as she's been the centre of a lot of my stories and I had nothing really for her to do here, hell most of the Titans don't but hey this wasn't their story. Apologies for the heavy exposition but sometimes there's no way around it and again not a writer really. Hopefully someone got some enjoyment out of it.
Next time we'll learn How Raven learned to love Christmas which full transparency... I'm still writing but hey I did say no consistency with the schedule. It'll be up before Christmas at least... hopefully. Sorry only real writers keep consistent schedules. Again I hope someone enjoyed and if you have the time leave a review I appreciate each one. Till next time!