Part 19: Dance With Me

"Alright Knights! Let's take em' out!" Draco ordered. All the three Zodiac Knights drew a card from their belts and inserted them into their respected card readers

"FINAL VENT!"

"DRAGON COMBUSTION KICK!" Draco jumped and delivered a powerful flaming flying kick on the monster.

"DEADLY IMMORTAL'S DRILL!" Pluto leapt into the air with his Wing Lance (Sword Vent) and his cape swirled and wrapped around him spinning, forming a drill. He fell towards his target.

"GENOCIDE CRUSH!" Shadowcobra hissed as his monster, a giant purple cobra, catapulted him forwards with a blast of acid and venom. He kicked wildly, slamming the monster over and over again.

The Titans heard that three monsters resembling humanoid deer were attacking the city. The Knights called these monsters 'Gigazelles'. Knowing this, they chased the monsters into the Mirror Dimension and proceeded to beat the crap out of them. All three of them fell and were destroyed by the combined might of the Zodiac Knights' Final Vent Attacks.

The Knights exited the Mirror Dimension in their Knightriders, each color-coded for each Knight. Draco's was red, Shadowcobra's was purple and Pluto's was blue. They all jumped into a mirror and landed back in the real world. The Titans, who couldn't see the Mirror Dimension, asked how they did.

"We totally kicked their butts!" Draco exclaimed, pumping his fist.

"Must you always be so hyper, Draco?" Shadowcobra asked. Annoyance was evident in his voice.

"Let the kid have fun, Shadow," suggested Pluto.

Shadowcobra let out an exasperated sigh, "Fine."

The Three Zodiac Knights and the Titans went back to the Tower for some well-earned rest and relaxation. Shadowcobra, Draco and Pluto rode in their Knighriders. The other Titans were also returning from a separate mission. Robin and Starfire rode on the R-Cycle, while Cyborg, Beast Boy, Raven and Jinx rode in the T-Car, with Cyborg driving.

Upon reaching the Tower, all the Titans were doing their normal thing. Robin was listening to the radio, Beast Boy and Terra played video games, Starfire was learning more about Earthen culture through some books, Jinx and Draco were talking happily, and Cyborg and Pluto were discussing the latest technology. However, where were Shadowcobra and Raven?

Both Shadowcobra and Raven were on the roof meditating. Or were they? They were seated very close together. Shadowcobra slowly draped his arm over Raven's shoulders. Rather than beating up the snake Knight for touching her, she instead leaned against him.

"It's nice to have some piece and quiet, isn't it, My Little Blackbird?" Shadowcobra smiled at Raven.

"You're so lucky I can show my emotions when you're around," she said as she leaned against him. "And don't call me that in front of the others, okay?" she warned, eyes glowing white.

Shadowcobra answered, "Very well."

They were both on the roof and looking over the city. Raven and Shadowcobra have been dating for a while now and no one seemed to notice. Well, maybe Cyborg did and he warned Shadowcobra as not to break her heart. He remembered the time Cyborg spoke to him in the hallways a few nights ago.

Flashback (Shadowcobra's POV)

I was about to open the door to my room when somebody's hand grabbed me by the shoulder. Turning around, I met with the eyes of a certain cybernetic Titan.

"Shadow, we need to talk," Cyborg started.

"What about?" I asked, casually.

"It's about you and Raven."

I raised my eyebrow. "Pardon?"

"I want to know if you really care about her." It wasn't a question.

I nodded. "Yes." I looked him straight in the eye. "Worried, Victor?"

Cyborg raised his eyebrow when I addressed him by his real name.

"Don't be too surprised, Victor. I am a telepath, plus I did hear you at the club." I smirked.

"Listen, you know about Raven's condition, right?" he said to me.

"Yes," I replied, "She cannot show emotion since her powers will go insane and will hurt or kill people and destroy the whole planet."

"So you know that you can't or shouldn't break her heart, right?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Has her heart been broken before?"

Cyborg was about to answer, but I cut him off. "Never mind. It is not my place to ask you anything private about Raven whatsoever. She will tell me when she's ready," I said confidently.

"Yeah, but I'll tell you that the last guy who broke her heart played with her emotions and then dumped them like garbage after he had used her."

"Much like yourself?" I asked. Cyborg's eyes widened. I threw back a strand of hair that was in front of my face. "Jinx mentioned once that you infiltrated the HIVE Academy by posing as 'Stone'." I frowned, "I don't really like people who hurt the people Leo cares for, you know."

"Hey!" Cyborg yelled, "We ain't talking about me here mister!" He was definitely angry.

"Forgive me," I said, "I'm sorry that I ever brought that up."

"But you're right." I raised my head so that I was facing him. "I did kinda play with Jinx's feelings. I'm surprised she didn't hex me when she came here."

I chuckled. "You should be more afraid of what Leo would do if he ever finds out."

"He doesn't know?"

"Jinx only told him that someone once broke her heart, and you know what he said?"

"What?"

"He said that he'd hunt the guy down and rearrange his vital organs."

Cyborg paled a little. I pat him on the arm.

"But back to Raven," I said. "I promise I would never break her heart. I love her a lot," I admitted. "Besides, she is very beautiful, in her own way."

Cyborg smiled. He extended his hand. I took his hand and smiled.

"Take care of Raven okay, Shadow? She's like a little sister to me and is very special."

"I will."

"But," his tone turned darker and serious, "if you break her heart, I'll break your neck," he threatened.

My eyes widened slightly. "Fair enough." I watched as Cyborg walked away as I pressed a button on my door. It slid open and I walked in. I noticed that someone else was in there.

"Who's there?" I said. Suddenly, the candles lit up and revealed Raven, sitting on my bed. She rose up and floated towards me.

End Flashback…

Anyway, the only reason Raven could show her emotions was that, in addition to telepathy, empathy, telekinesis, shadow manipulation, healing and a mastery of magic, Shadowcobra had the power to neutralize the powers of anyone around him. Nice trick to have when you're making out with a girl who could, literally, rock your world.

Or blow it up.

Flashback...

Shadowcobra was in the training room with both Starfire and Raven. Starfire attempted to fly up, but was shocked when she found out she couldn't. She tried using her starbolts and eyebeams, but they didn't work either. Confused, she heard Shadowcobra chuckling.

"Why can I not use my powers, Friend?" she asked.

"I neutralized them," He explained, simply.

Raven spoke up, "Interesting Power."

Shadowcobra shrugged, "It is. However, I can only neutralize the powers of one person at a time and I have to be close enough to do it."

"Can you stop Beast Boy from morphing?"

"Yes. And before you ask, no, I cannot neutralize Zodiac Powers."

Raven smiled.

End Flashback...

"It's weird," Raven commented, "Releasing my emotions and not having to worry about destroying anything." She sighed, "But I like it, I don't want it to end."

"Neither do I," agreed Shadowcobra. "It just feels good to know someone who has so much in common with yourself."

Raven smiled, "I know what you mean."

"You smell nice, Raven," he nuzzled her neck. "Like lavender…" he hissed.

"Thank you"

"I have a great idea," He grinned, "Let's mind-meld."

"What?"

"Share our minds," he explained, "You never tried it?"

"I did…once. But why now?"

"You'll see…" he placed his forehead on hers and they both closed their eyes.

They found themselves in a dark room.

"What is this?" she asked. Suddenly, music started to play.

"Dance with me?" he offered. His uniform was replaced with a black tuxedo.

Raven was stunned as her uniform changed into a long black dress with slits on the side and matching elbow length gloves. She then placed her hand in his, "Sure"

When marimba rhythms start to play

Dance with me, make me sway

Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore

Hold me close, sway me more

He lightly placed his hand on her shoulder as she placed her hand on his. Their other hands were placed on the other's waist. They danced to the music, swaying and spinning. His eyes never left hers and vice versa.

Like a flower bending in the breeze

Bend with me, sway with ease

When we dance you have a way with me

Stay with me, sway with me

He dipped her and smiled. She blushed and smiled back.

Other dancers may be on the floor

Dear, but my eyes will see only you

Only you have that magic technique

When we sway I go weak

"You dance divinely, Raven," he complimented.

Raven narrowed her eyes, "Stop lying."

"And why would I my Little Blackbird?"

I can hear the sounds of violins

Long before it begins

Make me thrill as only you know how

Sway me smooth, sway me now

"Why do you call me that anyway?" she asked

"I called you Little Blackbird. A raven is a type of blackbird and it is your name is it not?" he leaned closer and whispered, "A beautiful blackbird I might add," he smirked.

Other dancers may be on the floor

Dear, but my eyes will see only you

Only you have that magic technique

When we sway I go weak

Raven blushed crimson due to his words and having him close. She could almost smell him. He smelled like roses. A soft smile crossed her face as she leaned her head against his shoulder. She continued to dance with him, swaying along to the music. It would seem that nothing could ruin the moment.

I can hear the sounds of violins

Long before it begins

Make me thrill as only you know how

Sway me smooth, sway me now

You know how

Sway me smooth, sway me now

Then the alarm sounded.

To be continued…