As expected, when Starfire told her friends the story of her escape, they immediately wanted to help her get justice on her home planet. I watched them silently from the Titans' tower and decided not to add any unnecessary comments about the danger of this task. They should be well aware of the risks they are taking. And if they didn't, that was their problem, not mine. It's easy to play the hero, but realising the consequences of that game isn't as simple as it seems. But even despite the possible danger, these heroes still voluntarily decide to follow the rules.
"Protect people at all costs" — that was the rule of the Justice League.
Before setting off for an unknown planet, thorough preparation was required. The atmosphere of the planet Tamaran contained air, but that did not negate the fact that it could contain all kinds of viruses or diseases invisible to the naked eye. Starfire is clearly not a scientist or professor on his home planet, so for his own safety, he will need to take respiratory protection with him. During standard daytime hours, the temperature on their planet reached +50°, but during a "Fire Storm," it could rise to +200°. Fire Storms were an integral part of their weather. They were similar to our sandstorms in the desert, but more dangerous and violent. Anyone who is not in their homes or shelters during this event can easily die. While a local Tamaran, thanks to their adaptation to the weather, could get away with burns after a few minutes in the storm, the local sun's rays could split us in less than a minute.
Our kind, loyal, and very good friend Robin provided special white heat-resistant suits and breathing masks for this purpose. The suits looked quite simple and fit snugly to the body, but most importantly, they did not restrict movement and allowed each member of his team to freely use their abilities. I was very surprised by this fact, as he had team members such as Beast Boy and Bubbles, one of whom could transform and mimic other animals, and the other could shrink herself to the size of a tennis ball. Kid Flash's suit could withstand high temperatures, and it wasn't the suit itself, but the power of Speed Force. His body was covered in yellow energy, more like lightning, which allowed him to ignore important laws of physics such as friction, etc. So, do you want to know why these heroes are still called "heroes" or "people" at such speeds? Ask Speed Force.
I was curious where Dick Grayson got these suits, and was told that Batman had trained him to be prepared for any situation, and therefore knew a scientist who could help them get a copy of such protection.
Towards evening, when almost all the preparations were complete, Rose arrived on the island. It was a little amusing to watch her drive onto the island in a yellow taxi.
"You know, you're going to have the entire taxi drivers' rights association on your tail soon," I said, spreading my arms invitingly.
"Let them try," she replied with a sarcastic smile, but graciously accepted my embrace.
"Everything okay?
"Yes. I've decided to live the way I want, and everything has become much easier.
"Ah, may I ask who that is?" interjected Beast Boy, who was apparently the most impatient member of the Titans and therefore usually acted as the "scout."
"Is that... a goblin?" I managed to cover her mouth with my hand just in time and turn away. I didn't really want to laugh out loud and hurt our green friend's feelings. Probably because of his silly purple mask, green skin, and elven ears, Rose decided to give the most logical explanation.
"I didn't think you were into fantasy.
"I read fantasy when I was a kid," she waved her hand dismissively, answering carelessly.
"Hey! I'm not a goblin! I'm Beastboy!
"I have no idea who you are.
Despite her emotionless tone and expression, she was clearly lying and enjoying herself, because if she knew who the Young Titans were, she definitely had to know who she was standing in front of.
"Come on! Haven't you ever seen a cool green beast who beats up bad guys left and right?
"No.
"Argh! No, you're obviously making fun of me!
"I don't know where you got that from," he said, and now that she had looked away for a moment, even Beast Boy could...
"You really haven't seen my exploits?!
I take back what I said. He's very short-sighted.
"Okay, enough, Beast Boy. Alex, would you introduce us?
Robin himself asked about my personal guest.
"Ah, forgive me for not warning you, my dear and good friend, Robin," I step aside and point to this lady. "This is Rose Wilson. Yes, yes, the daughter of Slade Wilson himself. As it happens, our paths crossed once, and we became good...
"Partners," Rose finished for me.
"She's a criminal," Dick Grayson said grimly, frowning.
"Yes, that's right, Captain Planet. And she's coming with us, and I don't care what you think. Is that clear? If you have any complaints, you know how to deal with them. All I can add is that I vouch for her completely. You don't have to worry about her suddenly deciding to kill someone for no reason.
"Trust a murderer with my back?
"Here we go again!" I groaned tiredly and sighed heavily to myself. "Are Batman's rose-coloured glasses so clouding your view of the world that you've completely forgotten the reasons for this serious decision?" I sighed wearily again and covered my face with my hand. For some reason, I really wanted to punch Robin in the face. Hard enough to send him flying away with his rules. Rose seemed to sense my state of mind and, tugging slightly at the edge of my clothes, shook her head, silently conveying, "Don't."
"Okay! Let's not argue! We remember what can happen if we suddenly become enemies, right? Have I ever broken my word? And since we're talking about trust, guess who made Miss Tamaranka open up to you? It was me who made her ask you for help. Isn't that proof that I trust you? Respond to my trust with your trust.
Taking these facts into consideration, our pure-hearted gentleman finally decided to give her a chance.
"... If any of the aliens want to attack us with the intent to kill, I will undoubtedly do the same," Rose decided to add.
"But won't they attack us for that very reason, given the circumstances?
"... That's the plan.
"You're a very evil and terrible girl.
"I'm trying.
"And you've developed a sense of humour. That's definitely a plus," I said, giving the order to everyone present. "Alright, everyone, let's get ready!
It was amusing to watch Rose pull her bag out of the trunk of the yellow taxi and begin her standard procedure. First, she quickly assembled her sniper rifle, then began to put on her uniform over her suit, using straps with multiple pockets that were neatly fastened together. Behind her back, her favourite double-edged swords were crossed in a scabbard. Several ammunition magazines were strapped to her belt, her familiar Beretta pistol was in a holster, and a military knife in a leather sheath was tucked into her hip. She adjusted her black gloves and clenched her right fist. She slung her rifle behind her back using the strap on the butt. All this was done without a word or a movement, as if she were preparing for her next contract.
"Are we going to war?"
Bistboy decided to joke uncertainly. However, no one responded to his joke, or perhaps no one was in the mood. It was slightly ironic and amusing that it might not have been a joke at all.
Costumes? Check. Breathing apparatus? Check. Fighting spirit? It seemed that of all the Young Titans, only Bumblebee had any doubts about the safety of this exciting and dangerous mission. But what the hell! In my world, this whole idea would be considered pure madness, and no one would ever risk their lives for an attractive alien from another planet. Although, on the other hand, in my world, people don't jump around on rooftops in bat costumes and shoot deadly rays from their eyes, so comparing two different worlds and applying logic and common sense to them is highly questionable. What is madness to one person may be normal to another. That's all there is to it.
I had no experience with the teleportation device, so I suggested it to Starfire. Surprisingly, she had only heard about it because the device was very expensive and rarely used. She could give the command, but not the exact location of the exit point on the planet itself. I shrugged. There was no choice anyway.
The rift was open. I decided to go first with Starfire and Rose, as pioneers, so to speak. Without a hint of doubt or uncertainty, I stepped into the round blue rift. We came out... in a rather interesting place. It was clearly not Earth. Several factors pointed to this. The sky was covered with a huge number of stars, with just as many planets in the endless black expanse of space. The local architecture of the city we came out into was more reminiscent of ancient Egypt. The local inhabitants of this planet mostly had identical, similar features to the Starfayers. Orange skin and loose clothing. Despite the predominance of yellow buildings and sand, nearby we could see an abnormally purple forest... jungle?
"I recognise this place! This is the market area of our capital city, Osh'aru!
"Princess? ... Have you returned to seek revenge?!" asked a frightened food vendor on the street.
Why could we understand him? Well, Robin had taken the trouble to make special headphones with microphones so we could communicate with each other and translate the local language. This would definitely help us feel less out of place among the strangers. It was Starfire who helped us learn their language. We could understand them, but we couldn't communicate. I was too lazy, and the Young Titans didn't really have time for that. Although, wait a minute...
"We are only here to help clear her name. We're not here to cause harm. I give you my word." I was surprised that Robin had managed to learn the Tamaran language in such a short time. His accent was terrible, but the merchant seemed to understand him and, looking around quickly, began to close his shop and carry his belongings inside.
"You need to get out of here before the royal guards...!
We were not destined to hear the rest of his warning, because a red plasma projectile struck dangerously close to us and would probably have hit someone if everyone hadn't scattered. The attackers turned out to be the same types who had attacked Starfire during his escape. Three dozen green lizards in dark armour. And just like the first time we encountered these... animals, they immediately attacked us. Their response was swift. Kid Flash struck with a series of blows, one after another, Robin used a smoke bomb and, taking advantage of the confusion, calmly took them out one by one with his wonder stick. Bubbles played more of a distracting role, as, being smaller, her bracelets, which emitted yellow rays, did not do them much harm. Only Red Arrow distinguished himself in that, unlike his team, his arrowheads no longer had a playful appearance in the form of boxing gloves or weak explosives, but were the most "ordinary" and very dangerous piercing sharp points that killed one after another. Apparently, his "do not kill" code does not apply to aliens, while the rest pretend that they are simply protecting each other and ignoring the actions of their teammate. And what about Rose and me...? Well, Rose is Rose. The first thing she did was take the rifle off her shoulder and blast the aliens' heads with precise shots through the crosshairs. When she ran out of ammunition and the lizards began to close in, hoping to engage her in close combat, she put the rifle aside and drew her swords. She blocked the lizard's spear with one hand and stabbed the next one in the chest with the other, then turned and cut off the heads of the others, and so on. I felt somewhat superfluous, because they could have easily handled it without me. I just yawned wearily when three lizards decided to surround me and pierce me from different sides with their sharp spears.
One second.
I summoned the Spectral Dagger Talos. I split it into two identical copies. With a snap of my fingers, I commanded them to catch up with their target.
Second second.
All three dagger blades found their place in the lizards' heads. I clapped my hands and the daggers dissolved into a ghostly mist.
"In the name of the rightful ruler of the planet Tamaran, Commander, I order you to surrender and drop your weapons!" - and these warriors now looked more like royal guards, with identical purple armour, posture and gait. Their weapons were spears and green plasma swords, which they drew as if in some Star Wars film.
"Torand'r! Brother! It's me!" - Levitating slightly in the air, Starfire stepped forward, and from the ranks of soldiers, a well-built two-metre-tall guy with long hair slicked back to his shoulders stepped forward. Well, at least it didn't reach Starfire's almost to her feet...
"Cory...?" He recognised her almost immediately. "What are you doing here...?! You...!" He clenched his fists, clearly angry no longer at her, but at himself for the decision he was about to make. "Argh! Take the traitor princess into custody!"
"Stop! We are here to seek justice! Starfire did not kill her father! Do you really think she is capable of such a thing?!" Robin interjected emotionally, almost shouting, and the royal guards hesitated slightly, looking at their leader for instructions.
"We are the Royal Guard, and our duty is to obey the orders of the ruler. Any disobedience will be considered treason and betrayal." He pointed the blade of his green plasma sword at them. "I commend your courage in coming here, stranger, but the problems of our planet are none of your concern.
"We will not leave until we get justice!
"Then you will share her fate. Take them into custody too!
"Friend Robin, please, don't...!" She saw her new friends ready to fight them, and Rose crossed her swords in front of her. "I... I will accept any punishment, just don't touch my friends.
"You do understand what punishment awaits you for killing the ruler of the planet? What were you thinking...?!
"I..." She looked around and noticed that I wasn't there. No, I was actually right next to them, but I was invisible and just watching the scene unfold. I hadn't discussed my plan with anyone and was just trying to make sure that everyone was in their place. I was completely confident that I would succeed.
"I thought I could fix everything, that I could find a way to clear my name if they gave me a chance...
"Then you wasted your time and came back only to die, sister. Take them away!
"Please, Robin, don't worry, I'll do everything myself..." she said with a sad smile, landing on the ground and allowing them to handcuff her. I quietly approached Cory and touched her shoulder and whispered. She sensed my presence but gave no sign.
"Try to talk to your sister. That's all I need."
She nodded slightly, watching out of the corner of her eye to see how her friends were doing. They were also handcuffed and taken to the centre of the city to a rather large, I would even say gigantic, stone castle straight out of a medieval book. Once there, they were separated into different cells. The Titans were sent to the lower levels of the castle, while Starfire was taken to the chambers of Tamaran's current ruler, Commander. She really did look a lot like Starfire. They were almost identical, except for their hair colour. Hers was jet black. Only around her neck was a golden necklace with a beautiful diamond-shaped ruby. From the description of this necklace, he learned that it increased her power. Worth remembering.
"I certainly assumed that I would find you sooner or later, but that you would return here of your own free will...?
"Why...? Why did you do this?!
"Well, since you're going to be executed in front of the whole town anyway, I might as well tell you everything you want to know.
How cliché and predictable. I hardly have to do anything now.
"You lived such an easy and carefree life. You were born lucky, and I was just lucky to be born. From the moment I was born, I was always in your shadow. I realised that no matter how hard I tried, I would never be able to escape it, no matter how much effort I put in. I had to get rid of you, so that nothing of you remained.
"And you killed our father just for that?! Out of jealousy?
"Father... that simple-minded, naive fool will never understand the true meaning of our Tamarn race. We are warriors. We are hunters. We are the ones who survive even in the harshest conditions of our planet. Initially, I didn't plan to kill him... not yet, but everything changed when he decided to share his idea of an alliance with the planet of this stupid, disgusting and worthless race of lizards! These primitive creatures who have become our slaves will now have rights by virtue of their strength?! What will happen to our planet after this decision?! No one will take us seriously!
"You're wrong, sister. It is precisely because of our traditions and the legalisation of slavery of other races through ritual combat that we are considered savages...
"Funny. He said the same thing before I took his life.
"I still don't understand... where do you get so much hatred and malice? You've always been...
"You never understood me." Blackfire's sadistic smile touched her face. "That obligatory smile, the mockery and sarcastic remarks were nothing more than a game and a mask. In reality, I have always hated you. The mere thought of you being my sister makes me sick.
"If that's the case, why not make it a more memorable act of your triumph?
"What are you talking about?
"A duel of honour, a Kar'Na'Tosh, where we can defend our honour.
"What's in it for you?
"No benefit. It will be your triumphant victory. I... surrender... I admit I've lost. I can't fight you at full strength knowing that my friends may be punished and killed by you. Just let my friends go home when... it's all over.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha!" She put her hand over her face and laughed. Phew, the laugh of a true villain. I'll have to practise that myself sometime. "You've never been known for your intelligence or your plans. You always act first and think later. Well, I think this will be an excellent performance...!
I quickly left her domain and headed for the lower prison block of the castle. Before they were detained, I managed to place a special upgraded version of the "Territory Capture" mark. With its help, I could summon a spirit warrior from my space, and if something happened to the owner of this mark, I would feel it without a doubt. That is, if Rose was injured, I could summon "someone" directly to her place of imprisonment. In the worst case, Asta would turn the prison block into a necropolis. Just saying.
Quite a few inhabitants of the planet were imprisoned in the prison block. I didn't count the exact number, but I can say for sure that there were just over a hundred souls here. Some of the prison guards expressed disapproval of these "rebels". The bravest and most short-sighted inhabitants of this city staged a protest at the castle gates, claiming that Princess Tamarana, named Koriandr, was incapable of murdering her father. They demanded a more detailed investigation into the murder of their ruler Cassander and were ultimately locked up here. When I finally reached the solitary confinement cells of my "friends," I noticed a curious lizard in armour sticking his head through Rose's bars. The chains binding her were wrapped around him, pulled tight and shackled to the bars, and then with a sharp movement, his neck was broken. Catching the body before it fell, she gently laid it on the ground and took the key card to their shared cell...
"Isn't it a bit reckless to kill your jailer like that...?" I asked curiously, spreading my arms wide as the bars opened and they saw me standing there.
"You left us there and ran away...!" Red Arrow pointed an accusing finger at me.
"I didn't exactly abandon you, and I didn't exactly run away," I shrugged. "While you were here, I was looking for evidence of Starfire's innocence. I have only one question. Why did you decide to kill your jailer? Did you have a plan?"
"We can't leave Starfire alone with the one who betrayed her. We all agreed by majority vote to get out of here and free the rebels so we could start a revolution.
"Wow, okay, not bad. I was surprised by this turn of events and slowly clapped my hands together, analysing his words. "So you're willing to risk not only the lives of your comrades, but also the lives of the Tamarans for Starfire? You do realise that there will be bloodshed, don't you?"
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that all their weapons and equipment had been placed in a large box next to their place of confinement. Quite careless, I would say.
"I realise that, but it's better than just sitting here and waiting for our fate...
"Reasonable. I commend you, Mr. Traffic Light. Sometimes you can make difficult decisions and set aside your silly rules for the sake of those around you. All right, let's not get philosophical and get down to business. Forget about your plan to use the local prisoners for the revolution. We'll be enough. We'll try to get by without any casualties... Asta.
Behind me, in a blue mist, Asta emerges in his usual black armour and long blue cloak, taking short, rumbling steps forward.
"Let's do it without swords this time. No one is to be killed. It will be good training for you.
"*Shrugs*, *A short gesture with a clawed glove in the form of a raised fist to indicate acceptance of the order*. - The sword in her hand dissolved into the familiar mist, and she clicked her imaginary knuckles against her armour, making a funny grinding sound.
Someone from the royal guard noticed our commotion and raised the alarm about an escape attempt from the lower prison block. However, his words of alarm were drowned out by the screams that followed when Asta disappeared for a moment, only to reappear in front of him and deliver a powerful blow to his chest that sent him flying across the room and crashing into the opposite wall. There were other contenders who tried to wound/stop/kill her, but most of them suffered the same fate as the first unfortunate soul.
"She'll distract them, and we need to get to the duelling site. We have to get there before Starfire's sister stops playing with her...
"So it's true? Starfire's own sister betrayed her, killed her father, and now wants to publicly humiliate and kill her?
I decided not to waste any more time on this pointless talk about people, their reasons and motivations, or aliens. I'm sick of it. The place where the so-called "duel" was taking place looked more like a Roman Colosseum. A ring-shaped structure for spectators and a free, open arena for combat. There were few guards at this place. We had enough strength to send them to sleep. And most of the guards are now busy with one serious intruder.
The local crowd cheered and praised the main figure participating in this... "battle."
"Come on! Give them a good show!
Starfire had a small bruise on her eyebrow, a few abrasions and scratches, and was mostly acting as a punching bag until we showed up...
"Stop this battle!!! Your ruler is the real traitor!" Robin shouted in Tamaran, and silence fell over the arena. I shrugged and activated the tag on Starfire's shoulder, which recorded the words and a phantom blue image of their dialogue. When the information was absorbed by the crowd, they exploded with discontent and hatred towards the Commander. The ruler, strong and just in her cruelty, became nothing more than a traitor in their eyes.
"Silence! You vile worms exist only because I want you to...! I am the rightful ruler by the power of my strength...!
"Then I will do the same, sister. Now that my name has been cleared and my friends are safe...
At the same time, they threw their hands at each other, causing red and green beams to begin their unequal battle. Despite her obvious superiority in terms of energy, Starfire was still able to compete with her for some reason. I was able to understand the source of her abnormal power by explaining the meaning of her green plasma energy. This power had more of a psychological significance. The stronger the emotions, such as love or hate, the greater her power became. And this was despite the ruby necklace around Komand'r's neck, which enhanced her abilities. Then, maybe we can even the odds...?
Stop Time
I was tempted to kill her right there and then, but as I said earlier, I cannot interfere in family matters. This is personal, so during the short time that space was frozen, I merely threw a spiritual dagger into her ruby and shattered it into tiny pieces.
When time returned to normal, Blackfire's energy changed from red to purple. Star's plasma beams won the battle and threw her aside. The blow was so strong that her sister flew like a rag doll and crashed into the arena wall with a loud bang.
"Wait, sister! Did you really believe that I did all this to betray you and take the kingdom?It was amusing to watch her, realising her weakness in front of her sister and that no one on the planet was her ally, still trying to use every trick and acting skill she had to find a chance to stab her in the back. Starfire raised her fist above her head, charged with circular energy of the same colour as the current, and only lowered it at the last moment.
"Let me hug you. Just like when we were kids," she said with a soft, sad smile, spreading her arms wide.
"It's a trap...!" Robin was about to intervene, but I stopped him in time by placing my hand on his shoulder.
"Just watch and don't interfere.
The commander accepted her embrace with a fake happy smile and instantly created a small purple energy dagger in his right hand, and just as she decided to strike her in the back of the head...
"It hurts... Star...!
"It will be over soon. I'm sorry I didn't notice it before. I really was a terrible sister.
Her embrace became her terrible, slow and painful end. I could literally see her grip getting tighter with every passing second and hear the bones in her body breaking. Despite the cruel manner in which her sister was killed, Starfire cried throughout the entire process and couldn't stop. Apparently, even after everything she had done, Starfire still loved her, but she understood that there was no other way to stop it. Commander screamed in agony, trying to break free from the embrace of death. Ordinary red blood began to flow from her mouth and eyes...
"I don't deserve this! If only you didn't exist! I hate you! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you...!
There was a loud, nasty crack in her spine that instantly ended her life. She let go of her, her body fell to the ground like a sack, Starfire fell to her knees and covered her face with her hands, unable to stop crying. Despite this, the Tamarian tribune erupted in joyful cries.
"Long live the rightful ruler of Korian'dr!
"Serves her right, the traitor!
"You got what you deserved...!
"Your exit, 'hero'. Comfort her." I nudged Robin, unable to find the words for what I was seeing, but I managed to snap back to reality and quickly ran over to Starfire. It was funny that he flinched a little when she hugged him. Apparently, the previous scene had scared him just a little.
What happened next...? Well, nothing much. Despite being recognised as the official ruler of Tamaran, Starfire decided to decline the honour and pass the title of ruler to her brother Torandr, explaining that she had found a new home and wanted to understand the culture of the people. Her older brother apologised to her and explained his position, saying that the royal guard exists only to carry out the orders of their ruler. Yeah, "act first, think later" — is that our motto? Well, I have no specific complaints about him or his people as long as they don't do anything stupid towards Starfire (such as trying to keep her on the throne by force) or towards me. Let them do what they want.
Before leaving their planet, they threw a real feast, at which I couldn't help but smile and laugh. The Tamarians were not elegant or cultured in their eating habits. They ate an animal that looked more like a version of the local cow like real predators tearing their prey to pieces. It's a pity that the Young Titans didn't really share my opinion and were a little shocked. We checked the place where the food was served and the food itself and found no foreign microorganisms that could threaten us, so no one was afraid to try it. It just seemed that they weren't used to such a sight.
"If you don't hurry, there won't be anything left for you...!
Upon returning to Earth, I wanted to go back to my shelter and rest after our adventure...
"I was the first. Remember that," Rose said, hugging my arm and glaring at Starfire. "The first?" I don't know anything... Wait a minute!
"Our concepts of feelings are different, so you can rest assured.
That would be easy to believe if my hideout door hadn't been blown off its hinges and you hadn't burst in at the very moment I was about to spend a pleasant evening with Rose.
"I'm here to help!
"Ah...," I sighed heavily and covered my face with my hand. "Help...? How did you find me...?
"After I came back here from home, I discovered a couple of new abilities!
For some reason, I don't want to ask. Okay, we'll find out later. Right now, it's better to understand what's going on.
"So, how do you want to 'help' me?
"I want to express my gratitude through sex...
"Stop, stop...! Why in that way?
"Well, I promised, didn't I? And for us Tamarantians, it's nothing more than an act of gratitude. We have different concepts of love and friendship.
"In other words, 'friends with benefits' after which I can become a 'friend with special privileges'? - I quietly add to myself. - Ugh, Robin's out of luck. - I turn slightly away and address Rose calmly. - You don't mind...?
"Whatever you want."
"Just to be sure, I'll ask again. Are you sure, Star?
"More than ever.
"Just keep it a secret from Robin, okay? I just don't need any extra drama.
***
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