Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans. This is mine, and I'm proud of that.
I got to 100 reviews! When I started this, I never even dreamed of such a high number of readers. Thank you, all of you. Out of all of you, I think I got only one review that was negative. Who was it? The reviewer's name was Sammy, and was upset that it wasn't a BB/Raven fiction. Oh well, I can't win them all. I'm still proud I made something that so many took a look at, much more enjoyed. There will be plenty of time for love later, but now I must close the book on this tale. It is with great honor, that I write this final chaptire for you all.
Chaptire 13: The Final Trial
Night had descended on Tamaran, bringing closure to the chaos that had been issued in the past month. The Andorkori Monastery gates were open, and transports contained the refugees of Slade's army began their journey to the capital; where punishment to be brought by the counsel awaited them. Within the monastery training grounds, the victorious student were given the day to celebrate their success. A fire in the middle brightened the grounds, as the students danced and shared refreshments among each other. Beast Boy, Terra, Raven, and Cyborg joined in the merriment.
Beast Boy approached Terra, and extended his hand and said, "Care to dance, my lady?"
Terra, shocked at his politeness, smiled brightly and took his hand, "I would love to."
They approached the fire, and began to dance to their own pace. Neither one knew any formal dances, but they were content just to dance in each other's arms.
Cyborg was among a group of the Blacksmithing students joining them in a round of drinks. Nothing alcoholic, but they got drunk over the overwhelming joy coming from everyone. Raven was quietly sitting to the side, a peaceful smile on her face. Cyborg came over to her, a drink in hand. The young man offered it to his sorceress friend, who gladly accepted. Cyborg took a seat next to her, watching Beast Boy and Terra dancing with each other.
"Well," Cyborg said to Raven, "this will certainly be one for the Tower's records."
"Indeed," agreed Raven. "It's hard to believe out of all this despair and chaos, we all have gotten something in return."
"That's just how war works Rav; for better or worse, we'll all never be the same," said Cyborg. "I know I've changed for the better."
"I haven't changed much, but I know because what I've taken from this monastery, that won't be true for very long," she said, showing a bright smile.
Cyborg quirked an eyebrow, and pointed at Beast Boy and Terra; who have now stopped dancing, and embraced in a loving kiss. "Well, they have certainly changed for the better," said Cyborg, a smile coming to his face.
Raven just shook her head, "it was bound to happen, its destiny for those two."
"I'm going to have to get a picture of those two one day," said Cyborg, taking a swig of his drink.
On the rooftop, Robin and Starfire decided to keep to themselves. The two were looking up at the stars, Star's head on Robin's shoulder.
"Well now that this is all over," said Robin with a smile, "we can all go home."
Starfire, upon hearing that, looked downward, "I'm not sure about that."
Robin looked at Starfire in shock, "Starfire, what do you mean?"
Starfire picked herself up. "Robin, now that Slade is defeated, Tamaran must rebuild. We need to rebuild the city of Rayrodoc from the ground up. Our army must be rekindled. And, as the next heir, I must see to all of it."
Robin picked himself up, "No way, I won't believe it! Surely there's some way you can stay with us, with me. Please Star, after all this time to create a relationship, I don't want to suddenly give up on it. Isn't there a way to save all this we've got?"
Starfire turned around, her face flushing. "Well," she said, "there is one way. As queen, I will need someone by my side. I was hoping you could," she turned around, "I was hoping you could stay here on Tamaran with me."
Robin was stunned, "I, I, I don't know. Could I really abandon Earth like that?"
"Please Robin," she said; "you don't have to say something now. Tomorrow Legasnouro has arranged us transport back to the capital. By then, would you please give me an answer?" With that said, Starfire retired downstairs to bed.
Robin was still standing there, and then turned around, rubbing his head in frustration. "Augh!" he grumbled, "What does she want me to decide? Can I really just leave Earth? Would I ever come back?"
"Well, I thought all that could be deduced; especially from a master detective," came a voice.
Robin turned to see Legasnouro at the rooftop entrance. "I came up to see if you would join the festivities down below, but I came to find Princess Koriandor leaving for her room."
"What do you mean I should know the answers Legasnouro? What was Starfire asking of me?" asked Robin, desperate to conclude this problem.
"It's quite simple," he said, "the Princess is the last heir to the throne. Koriandor will need someone there to be her King. Robin, she is going to be queen, and it's her wish that you be her King."
Robin's jaw dropped in shock; he was constantly shaking his head. "First she wants me to help her save Tamaran, now she wants me to be the King of it? I, I, This, This is a hard decision. I want to stay on Earth as a Titan." He held his head down, "and yet, I want Starfire to be by my side. Now I realize I can't have both."
Legasnouro walked up to Robin, and patted him on the shoulders. "It's not as hard as you think Robin. This will be by far the easiest lesson I will ever teach you."
Robin picked his head up, "What is that?"
Legasnouro walked back to the rooftop staircase, and stopped before turning around and said four words. "Listen to your heart," he said, and left to his room.
The next morning the Titans assembled outside the monastery walls. Legasnouro was there to send them off to the capital. The Titans each wanted to say something to the master monk, and took turns.
Cyborg walked up to Legasnouro and extended his hand, "I want to thank you for giving me a lot of things to think over."
Legasnouro smiled and accepted his hand, "I feel the students here will think twice of technology; all because of you and what you are, and will be."
Beast Boy came up, with Terra at his side. "You've given us a chance to be together again. I can never truly repay you," said Beast Boy.
"Yes, I'll never forget your kindness," said Terra.
Legasnouro smiled and put a hand on each of the two's shoulders. "It will all be up to you from here on out. Take care of each other."
Raven was next, "I will take what you've given with me forever: myself."
"Emotion is a wonderful thing. Now you too may share its wonder," he said to her.
Starfire came forward next, "take care 'till next we meet," she said.
"Princess, no doubt you will make your family proud. May the goddess bless you," said Legasnouro, bowing in respect to Starfire.
Robin was last, and quite at a loss for words. Robin tried to come up with something meaningful to say, but was stuck; much to Legasnouro's amusement.
"It's ok," said the master monk, "just know that you are always welcome back here."
After they all made their farewells, the Titans boarded the transport to the capital. Along the way, Robin sat in the back, looking at the road traveled. Starfire looked concerned, but knew what he was doing. She was scared inside as to his response, but would accept it either way. A whole days journey later, the transport made it to the capital. The Titans were boarded in the castle on behalf of Starfire.
It was that night, that Robin requested the Titans to his room for a chat. When they got there, Robin was in a seat, looking out his room's window. Robin noticed his friends, and then got up, taking a huge gulp.
"Titans," he began, "I need to say something. I've made the biggest decision of me entire life. More important than joining up with Batman, and more important than becoming your leader."
The Titans looked at him eerily, but then Cyborg spoke up. "Go on Robin, out with it," he said, "subtlety wasn't your strong point."
"I'm staying here on Tamaran," he said bluntly.
"What!" said Beast Boy, "What do you mean you're staying? In case you just forgot, you're our leader."
"I know that Beast Boy. But I'm staying here despite that; I'm staying here because, Starfire is staying here as well," he said.
"Now we're going to be two short? What are we supposed to do? You're the best we've had!" said Cyborg, shocked at the sudden drop – outs of Robin and Starfire.
"Calm down you two," said Raven.
"Yeah, you guys saw him in the transport; he's obviously been thinking about this for a while," said Terra, putting a hand on Beast Boy's shoulder to calm him down.
"I have Terra," said Robin, "you guys can always recruit other heroes on Earth. Guys, please, this is what my heart is telling me to do."
Cyborg and Beast Boy were silent. Starfire, who had a slight smile on her face, spoke to Robin. "Robin," she said, "is that what you truly want: to stay here with me?"
"Yes Starfire, I know you didn't say directly, but I accept your proposal," he said with a small smile. Starfire squealed, and tackled Robin, planting a kiss on his lips. Cyborg and Beast Boy, having seen this new piece of evidence, lost all of their convictions.
What followed the next day took place on the steps of the castle's front. The remnants of the Royal Army were standing at attention. Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy, and Terra stood at the front, getting a close view at the proceeding ceremony. Robin was at the other end, dressed in Tamaranian battle armor, and began to walk past the many rows of soldiers; soon to be his own. At the front, Starfire was at the side, while the replacement counselor for the murdered Omjudasin, stood there with a staff in hand. Robin walked up the castle steps, and knelt before the counselor.
"Robin of Earth," said the counselor, "you are about to receive an honor once thought impossible to accomplish by an outsider. Listen to my words carefully: Do you swear to make your life Tamaran's life? Do you swear to do your utmost to the ideals of our people and our goddess? Will you serve honorably as a servant of the public? If so, raise your head to receive your signet."
Robin slowly raised his head, and closed his eyes. The counselor put the staffs tip to Robin's forehead, and Robin felt a slight burning sensation; as the staff burned a signet into his forehead. The signet was the Royal Crest, the planet of Tamaran on a staff with angel wings.
After he was done, the counselor retracted the staff and announced his news. "I present to you Robin: Consort to Princess Koriandor of the 27th Royal Family," he said.
The soldiers raised their gauntlets into the air. "Our gift to you and the stars!" they shouted. They proceeded to fire a volley of energy bolts into the sky.
After the ceremony, Robin and Starfire said goodbye to their friends.
"Don't forget to invite us to the wedding okay?" teased Cyborg.
"I'll send them myself," said Robin, shaking his friend's hand.
"Just don't forget your friends on Earth, your highness," said Raven with a smirk.
"Your highness," Robin chuckled, "I like the sound of that already."
"Um, Starfire," said Terra shyly, "I, I, I-"
"You don't need to say anything Terra," Starfire interrupted, "I forgive you. My best wishes to you and Beast Boy."
"Thank you," said Terra teary – eyed, and hugged her friend.
"Well," said Beast Boy, "they've already set up a transport to take us through the matter way back to Earth. We better get going."
With a final goodbye, the four Titans left the new engaged couple. Both sides continued to wave, until they were out of sight. Robin turned to Starfire, and smiled brightly.
"Well, we both have a lot of work to do," he said to his fiancé.
"Yes, and I'm glad that no matter what happens, we'll do it together," said Starfire. The two gave each other a kiss, and left to the castle to plan the rebirth of Tamaran.
There is much more to tell, as time always moves forward. But what happened to our heroes? That my friends, is a story, for another day.
The End
I did it! Go me! Now I'm going to thank all of you readers who have been here for me.
Penguin
Black Dawn
Aries-Raven
Terra
Lilic-lilly510
Lady Paine
Katera
Caj Valivian
El Zero
LuckyLadyStar
Raze-rebound
Sakura of the Ninjitsu
Mozey-chan
Spootycup
Starfire
Griffin Slash
Softballtitan009
Bbsidekick
Clueless90
Dark Dragon 22
Wolf Creek
Mike
ShadowCatMage13
Peppermint Dream
Archer of the Titan
CrEsCeNt MoOn 19
DIWaRrIa
Marchwardens Blue Eyed S
SsjEasterBunny
And that's all. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Keep the Passion of Anime Alive Forever (KPAAF)