Part 73: Start Game

"Can anyone please explain to me what we are doing here again?" Shadowcobra said, annoyed, as he got out of his Knigtrider.

All the Titans arrived at the scene to find themselves standing in front of the Black Clown. The Knights were all fully armored as well.

"The alarm came from here, but it's all quiet now," said Robin.

"Too quiet," Raven finished. She was suspicious of the whole situation.

"And the doors have been opened," Draco pointed out. "Maybe someone broke in to steal some money or something."

Shadowcobra scoffed at the idea. "Rob a game shop? I know this place is popular, but wouldn't it be much easier to rob a bank or jewelry store?"

"It would, but a game shop would be the last place anyone would think of robbing," Pluto added.

"Alright team, let's split up to investigate," Robin said, "If you find anything, contact the others. Don't confront whatever it is on your own."

Shadowcobra raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious Robin? It's probably some petty thief or something, not something that can harm any of us."

"I mean it Shadowcobra! We've been taken down my robbers before, robbers who knew exactly what our weaknesses were. So I suggest you listen to me!"

Shadowcobra nodded. "Very well, Robin." Raven looked up at her boyfriend. Even if his face was hidden under that helmet, she could still see that he was rather annoyed by Robin's leadership.

Robin went up to check the doors for clues. "Strange… No signs of forced entry."

"What does that mean, Robin?" asked Starfire.

"It means that whoever's inside has a key," interrupted Pluto. He drew his sword. "Must be an inside job or something."

"Be careful everyone and stay quiet…and Beast Boy, please don't hum the theme song from Mission Impossible," Robin instructed. Everyone looked at him like they were thinking the same thing.

"Ahh…Man! But this is the perfect atmosphere!" Beast Boy complained.

"I mean it BB! No funny stuff."

Beast Boy pouted. Terra gave him a playful pinch to his cheek. "Don't be like that BB." She kissed him, "C'mon…Smile!"

Beast Boy grinned. "Okay, maybe for you babe."

"Shouldn't we go in now?" asked Draco.

"Yeah. The sooner we do this, the sooner we can all go back home!" Jinx said impatiently.

Robin carefully opened the doors and all the Titans entered quietly. The game shop was strangely dark. Suddenly the doors slammed shut. Everyone turned to Beastboy, staring at him accusingly.

"Dudes! It wasn't me this time," He waved his hands, "I swear!"

A booming voice came out, "THE GREEN ONE IS RIGHT! IT IS I WHO DID THAT!"

"That voice…" Draco whispered, "It sounds familiar.

The Titans were suddenly surrounded by 5 robed figures. Their faces were concealed under their hoods.

"Who are you?" Robin asked as he went into a battle stance.

"Um…Robin?" Draco began.

"Not now, Draco."

"I think you might want to know that the crystals in our belt buckles are glowing," Draco finished.

Robin turned and his eyes widened when he saw that Pluto, Draco's and Shadowcobra's Zodiac Crystals were indeed glowing.

"Does that mean these people are monsters?" asked Starfire, powering up a Starbolt

"No Star," Draco said.

Shadowcobra took out his scepter and explained, "You see Starfire, when it's monsters we usually hear a ringing sound in our ears. The glowing of our crystals signify that these robed people are…"

Pluto finished for the snake knight as he drew his sword, "Zodiac Knights."

All the Titans tensed up. Their friends have explained that not all the people who have been gifted with the powers of the Zodiac Knights were good. Some of them were down right evil.

"You are absolutely correct dog knight," one of the robed figures said, "However, you see, we aren't the only ones you have to worry about."

"What do you mean?"

The figure didn't answer and snapped his fingers. An energy barrier rose up around the Titans

"It's a trap!"

"How very perceptive of you, Titans."

Shadowcobra pointed his scepter at the robed figures and issued his challenge.

"By the Code of the Zodiac Knights, we the Zodiac Knights Shadowcobra, Pluto and Draco challenge you all to a Zodiac Duel!"

"We accept. However, let us name the terms of the duel," said the robed figure.

"Very well." Raven shook his arm.

"What are you doing?" Raven asked. Shadowocbra shrugged.

"I'm challenging them based on the code of the Zodiac Knight. We all must live by that code if we wish to survive as Zodiac Knights. This way, we might have a chance to fight them," Shadowcobra explained to her. "This way, it'll be 3 to 5."

"Actually, it'll be 2 to 1, Snake Knight," corrected the first robed figure.

"But that means…"

"Your friends must also participate in this duel!"

Draco protested, "That ain't fair! Our friends aren't even Zodiac Knights!"

"Well the code states that a Zodiac Knight can name the terms of the duel, whether he issued them or not," Pluto explained.

"I'm starting to hate the Code!" Draco crossed his arms.

"What the heck is he talking about?" Beast Boy finally spoke up.

"Must I draw you a picture, Beast Boy?" Shadowcobra asked, infuriated. "He means that you guys are going to be part of this duel!"

"WHAT?"

"The loser must then forfeit his Zodiac Crystal and powers," the robed figure finally finished, "Do all of you accept?"

The Titans huddled together. Robin spoke up first.

"This is kinda like that Tournament of Heroes thing that Master of Games set up."

"Yeah, but the terms are different now," Cyborg said.

"I say we just kick their butts and call it a day," said Beast Boy.

"You would say that BB, wouldn't you?" Pluto asked.

"It if was that easy, we would, but these people already made the terms of the Duel," Shadowcobra said.

"Could you not have made the terms, friend Shadowcobra?" Starfire asked innocently.

Draco interjected, "Shadow would just call a fight to the death," Shadowcobra hissed at him.

"We have to accept," Terra said, "Who knows if we get a prize or something."

"Terra, this is serious!" Raven finally said.

"So do we accept the terms?" Robin asked for agreement.

"It's not like we have any choice," Jinx said.

The huddle dispersed and the Titans finally made their decision, "We accept!" the Titans said in unison

The robed figures clapped and laughed.

"Oh, thank you, and please watch your step."

"What do you mean watch our ste…Woaaahhh!"

The floor beneath them suddenly started opening up.

"It's a trap door!" Robin said.

"How very observant," the robed figures laughed. "Ta ta!" The robed figures waved as the Titans fell into the hole.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

To be continued…