Author's Note: Hello, ladies and gentlemen! Commander BatPope here, bringing you a new and exciting story, just as I promised! :D

I've decided I want to bring in a fresh take on the Teen Titans. Whether this will go into a sequel or not, depends on you guys!

I've always wanted to do a take on how the Titans first met, starting with how they came to be. It was difficult trying to figure out who to start with, but then I thought, who better to start this story, then with our favorite alien, Starfire! The girl who started it all!

Now... who to introduce next?

P.S. I like to picture Tamaran as either an ancient Roman Empire, or a medieval fantasy like 'Game of Thrones', in their prime.

I hope you all enjoy it!

Your friend, Cody.

Tamaran.

A world of beauty, and life.

From the vast oceans, to the lush green fields, to the breathtaking mountains, to the architectural marvels of the city, Tamaran was a sight to behold. Marketplaces strewn about on every street, selling everything from jewelry, to weapons, to fabric. Children ran and frolicked every which way, not having a care in the world. Gardens were planted behind homes, full of tasty fruits and vegetables that could be used for dinner later on in the evening. Homes towered over the marketplaces like flats, where families could enjoy each others love and company.

But Tamaran wasn't just "gardening and love." They were skilled hunters, as well. They needed to be, being part of a warrior race. "Being a great hunter is a step closer to being a great warrior", is what they were told. Armed only with spears, a pack of 3 male Tamaraneans searched for any source of food they could bring back. Sometimes, it would take a few minutes. Other times, it seemed like it would take forever. But when the time came that a beast would approach the pack, the one to kill it would savor the thought of a great feast.

That is, unless a female hunter decided to take the kill from out of nowhere, stabbing the orange, hairy beast through heart. So, not only was their food taken, but their pride was ruined as well. Sorry, boys.

The structures built around the Capital of Tamaran were a great sight. They towered over most of the other structures built around the world like a shining utopia, and were home to some of the most powerful people on Tamaran. But none as powerful, as the Royal Family.

Their home, which was the largest castle built in the Capital, stood atop a massive cliff overlooking the ocean shore as the waved crashed against the rocks. It wasn't precariously built on the cliff, as you would think. A landing platform was built on the edge, leading towards the palace entrance. The entire structure was built of white marble, on the outside. On the inside, a combination of gold walls stretched as tall and far as the eye could see, with red banners hung to make it seem they were in between the pillars holding the palace together. They bored the mark of Tamaran, a white Crescent Moon. And this was just the Great Hall.

There were many rooms that occupied the palace. Some for guards, some for warriors, and some for the residents. In this case, the Grand Ruler's, and their children. Speaking of children, many citizens of Tamaran could swear they could hear the joyous laughter of a certain family member from above the sky, and they knew exactly who it was.

Two siblings flew together, side by side, letting the wind flow through their red, auburn hair. The girls hair went passed her shoulders, making it dance in all directions as she continued flying through the wind, as did her white and gold chiton that traveled down to her knees, where her bare, golden legs and feet showed. And although his hair only managed to go down to his neck, it was still a satisfying feeling for the boy, who was also clad in a chiton, though his was the more traditional color of purple and silver, with a pair of knee-length black leggings and knee-high purple boots.

They flew together in perfect harmony, not having a care in the world. Even though the life of the Royal heirs is difficult, the young siblings still found ways to keep themselves entertained, and flying was their solution. If they were ever bored, or had no other reason to stay in the palace, the two siblings would go out and fly to their hearts content, laughing all the way.

After having their share of enjoyment, the two began to descend to the fields below. They softly landed on their backs, laughing whole-heartedly.

"Oh, Ryand'r! It is always enjoyable to fly, is it not?" the girl, of 10 years, asked her younger brother, of 6 years.

Ryand'r looked at his sister smiling, "Yes, Koriand'r. It is most enjoyable."

Koriand'r's expression then turned solemn, and she looked down at the ground, "I only wish Komand'r could know how enjoyable it is to fly."

Ryand'r brows furrowed, "Why, sister?" he asked, a little too biased in Koriand'r's opinion. "She is different from us."

Komand'r, their big sister, was the first born of the Royal Family. It should have been a moment of honor and celebration, as she was the first princess born in over a hundred years. But a terrible fate had befallen the newborn. She was crippled by a childhood illness, one that made her not only unable to absorb ultraviolet rays like other Tamaraneans, but it also changed her appearance. Her hair, which should have been red, was pitch black. And her eyes, instead of the emerald green all Tamaraneans have, were violet. This deemed her unworthy of becoming a princess, and unfit to rule one day, giving Koriand'r her right.

But even though the right to rule was given to Koriand'r, she had no intention of ruling.

"She is no different than any other Tamaranean." she replied. "Just because her appearance is, it does not give them the right to treat her like an outcast. She is the eldest of us, therefore, she is fit to rule. No matter what anyone says."

"But sister..." Ryand'r went to retort, but was cut off.

"No, Ryand'r. It is Komand'r's birthright. I have no intention of taking that away from her."

Having felt like she made her point, Koriand'r lied flat on her back, her hands resting on her stomach, and stared up at the bright full moon shining down upon them from above. There was a silence between the two siblings as they stared up at the moon. Ryand'r wanted to retort his sister's opinion about Komand'r, but he knew she wouldn't let up. So, he decided to change the subject.

"Tamaran is beautiful." he said.

A smile graced Koriand'r's lips, "Yes, it is."

"It shall be even more beautiful once you gain the throne."

He just couldn't let it go, could he?

That remark received a glare from his big sister.

"It is true." he said.

"Ryand'r..."

Before she could continue her statement, she was interrupted. Both Koriand'r and Ryand'r sat up on their elbows, looking in every direction as the sound of the emergency horns blew throughout the city. Both siblings looked worriedly at each other. When the horns were blown, that only meant one thing...

They scurried to their feet, quickly taking flight towards the palace while everyone took refuge in their homes.

Koriand'r and Ryand'r made it to their room, where Komand'r was waiting for them. Like her sister, she wore a chiton that traveled down to her knees, as well. Only hers was black and silver.

"Komand'r!" Koriand'r ran up to her bigger sister, "Where is Galfore?"

"He's with the guards in the Great Hall! We have to go, now!"

The trio ran out of their room as quickly as possible, hoping to find their guardian. They managed to find him in the Great Hall, with a trio of guards behind him, clad in silver cuirasses, leg greaves, and helmets, armed only with spears. Once the horn had been heard, they immediately went to the Great Hall to meet their 'visitors.'

"Galfore!" Kori's voice gained the large man's attention. When I say large, I don't mean as in fat. No, Galfore was a mountain of a man, towering over everyone in the palace, even the guards. His balding head wore a blanket of red hair that actually draped over his massive plated shoulders, which had a small fur cape underneath. His arms were the size of tree-trunks, armored in silver greaves and a single studded armband. His giant beard and mustache combo was braided towards the ends. His beastly body was clad in a sleeveless black shirt and pants, with a massive studded belt secured around his waist, and thigh-high studded boots where his pants were tucked in.

He was the guardian to the children of the Royal Family, swearing an oath to protect them with his life against all dangers, no matter what. Most enemies who met Galfore usually retreated. He may have been a gentle giant to his bumgorf's, but to his enemies... he was a different man. To say he was intimidating, would be an understatement.

"What is happening?" Koriand'r asked her guardian.

Galfore looked at his beloved bumgorf, seeing the worry in her eyes. He knelt down to one knee, still having to looked down at Koriand'r and her siblings. He knew exactly who it was arriving, and so did the children, but they only knew in stories.

"Stay silent and keep behind me, young ones." he urged them.

"Galfore, who is coming?" Ryand'r asked.

At first, Galfore was hesitant. He didn't know if he should tell them or not. Sure, they heard about their inevitable visitors, but that's just it. They had only heard about them. They had never seen them in person. But seeing as how they were already present, he decided now would be the best time.

"The Gordanian's." he said, gravely.

Fear rose in the three siblings. The stories they heard of the Gordanian's were ones of destruction and pain. They killed without mercy, showing no remorse for their actions. They would attack and destroy anything, and anyone, who got in their way. And now realizing that they were arriving soon, the siblings feared the worse, and Galfore could see it.

"Do not worry, little ones." he said, sounding reassuring, "I will take care of you. Just stay behind me, and do not say anything."

As the siblings timidly retreated behind Galfore, the entrance doors began to open. They were unnecessarily large, but they had to be, given Tamaranean strength. Once the doors had finally opened, the visitors were standing in view, and the siblings couldn't help but peek out from behind Galfore to take a look.

A single monster stood at the entrance. He looked way to proud of himself to walk with guards behind him. The young ones couldn't blame him, though. He was large, just like Galfore. But he was less built like a mountain, and more like a beast. He was scaly green, like a reptile. He even had a tail, with plated gold armor on his body and pointed wings. His helmet covered his entire head except for his face, where they could see his blood red eyes, and jagged toothed smile. They could tell he was the leader of the Gordanian's, as his helmet adorned spikes that traveled down the center-back of it.

The monster entered the palace, not taking his eyes off the Tamaraneans, and vice-versa. The young ones retreated back behind Galfore so as not to be seen, while Galfore bored a hole through the Gordanian's leaders eyes.

"Galfore." the Gordanian spoke in a hissing voice, a smug smile on his face, showing his jagged teeth.

"Trogaar." Galfore spoke the name coldly. "Why are you here?" he asked.

"I wish to speak with your rulers. Where might they be?"

Trogaar's question was answered immediately at the sound of another pair of doors opening from down the hall. Entering the Great Hall were two people, no doubt the Grand Ruler's Trogaar wanted to speak with.

The man looked to be middle-aged, but definitely one who had seen a lot in his time, given his graying, braided red beard and aged expression. He wore a silver, short-winged circlet that pushed his graying red hair behind his ears. His purple tunic, black pants, boots, and silver cuirass, which had the Crescent Moon emblazoned at the very center, was old and worn-out, all from the many battles he had been a part of. But even though his body looked war-torn, his eyes still held a sense of pride and leadership, even if he was glaring Trogar in the eyes.

The woman to his right, was absolutely stunning. She was young, in her early-30's, though you wouldn't be able to tell because of how well she kept herself healthy. She adorned herself with a purple gown that traveled down to her feet, with the collar silver-trimmed and a belt of the same color that circled her tiny waist and traveled down the center to the bottom of the dress. She, too, wore a circlet that pushed her smooth hair behind her ears, and was adorned with a green jewel at the center.

The couple made their way to the two groups, where the man spoke first.

"Trogaar." he said coldly. "What business do you have coming into our home?"

"It is a matter I must speak with you..." he looked to the Tamaranean guards, then back at the king, "Privately."

The King was skeptical of Trogaar's request for a private conference. He never trusted him, or any Gordanian, for that matter. But for whatever reason, he decided to accept the offer.

"Very well." he said. "Come with us into the conference room. We can discuss there. Galfore, join us."

Galfore waited until the King, Queen, and Trogaar were out of sight before he turned to the young ones.

"Do not worry, my little bumgorfs. Nothing shall happen to you. The guards shall protect you for the time being."

The young ones watched their guardian walk down the Great Hall, but not before looking over his shoulder and giving one last smile, did he close the doors behind him.

The conference room was as typical as Trogaar expected; an arched window set across the doors on the golden walls, behind a small table that was completely vacated of any parchments, two banners hung on both sides of the room, left and right, much like the Great Hall. He was just surprised the conference room was large enough to fit both him and Galfore, given their size. But other than that, he despised this place.

Trogaar stood across the table from the King and Queen, with Galfore standing next to the window with an intense look in his eye.

"So what, may I ask, is it you wish to discuss, Trogaar?" asked the King.

"We have been at war for a long time, Myand'r. You know, as well as I do, what tragedies we have brought to each other."

That was true, Myand'r did know about tragedies. The war between Tamaran and the Citadel was bloody and brutal, for both sides. At one time, during the early reign of Luand'r and Myand'r, his wife, the Gordanian's nearly destroyed half of Tamaran, leaving nothing but a smoldering pile of ash. The Tamaraneans tried fighting back, but they were quickly defeated. They still hadn't restored that area.

Then Tamaran attacked. They may have been peaceful, but they were a warrior culture, after all. With Galfore leading them, a small squadron of ships were sent out in search of any Gordanian activity. They did, a much larger faction was excavating a cluster, no doubt searching for a planet to take over. They may have been outnumbered, but the Tamaranean's managed to fight back, and destroy the faction. That was a crippling blow to the Gordanian's.

"I do know." Myand'r replied.

"That is why I propose something special."

Myand'r narrowed his eyes, "Like what?"

A smile slithered on Trogaar's lips, "A peace treaty."

Myand'r could hear his wife gasp, reaching a hand over her mouth in shock. He could feel Galfore's eyes widen, as well as his own.

A peace treaty?

Why would the Gordanian's want a peace treaty after so much destuction?

"You want a peace treaty." Myand'r said, trying to wrap his head around the thought. "Why should we trust this proposal? After everything you have done to our people?"

"Like I said before, you and I both know what this war has done to us. That is why I trust you to accept this proposal."

Myand'r wasn't sure what to think about this. He never trusted the Gordanian's. They were a vile, ruthless species that showed no mercy for what they did, especially towards his people. Now, all of a sudden, they want to introduce a peace treaty? Something was wrong here. He could feel it.

"And what if I refuse to accept?" he chose to ask.

Another slithering smile from Trogaar, and Myand'r could feel his heart begin to fall.

"Then Tamaran, will die."

Myand'r lowered his head. He knew it. He expected this from a Gordanian, especially Trogaar.

"You expect us to accept a peace treaty, with the threat of annihilating our planet?" Luand'r asked the Gordanian king incredulously.

"There is, of course, another option."

"What other option?" Luand'r inquired the Gordanian. Her heart began to fall, slowly. She could feel it once she finished her question. She didn't know Trogaar's intention, but she knew how ruthless he was. It wasn't until he finally answered, did she realize that her worst fear, would come to pass.

"An exchange. I promise to leave your planet in peace. In return... you give me your precious children."

Myand'r's heart dropped right to his stomach. No! Not his children!

"You shall not dare touch them, monster!" Galfire shouted as he pulled out his spear and pointed it at Trogaar's throat.

"Galfore!"

Myand'r's voice stopped the mountain man in his tracks. Trogaar seemed unfazed by Galfore's action, as he just stood there with the same sick smile on his face.

"Myand'r," Luand'r spoke with worry, "We must not let this happen! Not at the expense of our children!"

Myand'r knew his wife was right. He couldn't sacrifice his own children to these monsters just for a peace treaty that he knew the Gordanian's wouldn't uphold. But... what if Trogaar was truthful? What if he was serious about this peace treaty?

"My King," Galfore stood next to Luand'r, "You entrusted me to look after your children. I have dedicated my life to protecting Koriand'r and her siblings. I will not allow these beasts to take her away!" his voice grew with intensity towards the end.

Myand'r's mind was racing with too many thoughts. He had to make a choice between his people, or his children. He couldn't lose either of them. His children were very dear to him, but he couldn't allow his world to be destroyed by the very beings he despised.

He needed to make choice.

Tamaran...

Children...

Tamaran...

Children...

...

...

He made his decision.

"In order for Tamaran to live... we must give them our children."

Myand'r's heart broke into a thousand pieces. She couldn't believe Myand'r, her own husband, was giving their own children away to these-these monsters! She could feel tears threaten to fall, and she didn't stop them.

Galfore looked at his King in horror. How could he let this happen? To his own children!

"NO!"

The sound of the doors flying open, and the tearful cry of the young Tamaranean Princess, caught everyone by attention. Koriand'r stood there, tears flowing, running towards her beloved parents and guardian.

"Father, please! You must not let them take us! Please! Please!"

As much as she cried, begged, and pulled at her father's leg, Koriand'r only saw him bow his head in shame. She was devastated. Her own father...

It was then she felt a scaly hand grab her by the arm and roughly pull her away, "Time to go, Troq."

That was a mistake.

The second that word left Trogaar's lips, Galfore let out a fierce battle cry, and the Gordanian king was sent crashing through the wall to the Great Hall with Galfore tackling him with all his force. Koriand'r was violently thrown across the floor before Trogaar was tackled, and now she was watching her beloved guardian begin to pummel the Gordanian with his massive fists.

With only rage fueling him, Galfore threw punch after punch at Trogaar, each hit creating a bigger crater underneath the Gordanian's body. He was so angered and enraged, he didn't even hear Myand'r shouting his name.

"GALFORE!"

Finally, he stopped, turning to look at the King and frightened Queen. There was fire in his eyes, they could see.

"These monsters have no right to take them! I will not allow it!"

Luand'r gasped, "Galfore!"

As he was overwhelmed with rage, Galfore didn't notice Trogaar rising from his assault. It was after he had finally turned around, did Trogaar strike. A single slash of one of his elongated black claws, and Galfore cried out in pain, covering his right eye. Trogaar pushed the screaming mountain man aside like a slab of meat, and sauntered towards Luand'r and Myand'r's position...

Until Ryand'r, the six year-old Prince, stood between them, arms spread out.

"I will save you, Mother and Father!" said the determined young boy.

Trogaar wasted no time in gripping the boy by his hair and raising him to eye-level. Ryand'r tried kicking and punching away the monster, but all he could hit was air.

"I have no reason for you." said Trogaar before throwing the young Prince aside next to Galfore.

Trogaar walked past the King and Queen over to Koriand'r', who was still frightened to her core. Trogaar could only smile at how pitiful she looked, before grabbing her by the hair and taking her away.

"Koriand'r!" Luand'r cried for her daughter as she was carried away to where Komand'r was, also taken by her hair, being dragged across the floor while trying to break free from Trogaar's grasp. Luand'r fell to both knees, her face buried in her hands, and cried her heart out as the doors to the Great Hall closed, with Trogaar behind them, with her daughters in his clutches.

After being dragged along for who-knows-how-long, Koriand'r found herself thrown into a dark and unfamiliar room. The door shut behind her. She looked at her surroundings, and could only see cold, steel walls. There was no bed to rest comfortably on. No balcony to look upon the world around her. Just her, and the single large window, which was her only source of light. She walked over, and looked out the window, seeing Tamaran.

Her home.

She was heartbroken. Her own father let her and her sister go to the Gordanian's, to preserve peace. To protect their planet. But even though she was scared beyond her comprehension, and admittedly angered at her father for giving her away, she could at least take comfort in the fact that Tamaran would still...

Boom!

Gasp.

No...

Tamaran... it was burning!

White and purple were met with orange and red. Rivers of fire grew and grew with each passing second. She could swear she could hear her people's screams...

Horror-stricken, heartbroken, Koriand'r backed away from the window, until her back met the steel door. She feel to her knees, overcome with grief. She could feel her tears run down her cheek, but no made no effort to stop them.

And then, she cried.