Part 12: Raving Lunatics

It was a half hour after Takada, Karmen, went to the restaurant. The Dog Knight had ordered himself a Steak Tartar with a side of salad while the Tamaranian princess/outlaw had herself a dish of Escargot. To those who don't know what it is; it's snail. Takada gagged at her choice of food while she savored each and every bite. She enjoyed it and he paid for it with a black credit card that had an SB emblem on it. They also had sparkling water and for desert they had chocolate cake.

Kat and Rose were at a table, thankfully, far away from Takada and his date. Kat had ordered herself a salmon fillet bathed in a thick lemon sauce and a side of crème. Rose had the same thing and they enjoyed their meal with glasses of milk.

Both couples were silent but their eyes and expressions spoke more than words.

Speaking of expressions being louder than words, Draco was speaking a mouthful…of drool.

"Fish…" he licked his lips. A bucket had been placed under him to catch the saliva.

"This always happens," Shadow rolled his eyes.

"How long is he gonna be like that?" Beast Boy asked.

"Knowing him, a couple of hours." He noticed Karmen and Takada were about to leave, "Hey, they're getting ready to leave!"

The black shadow bat turned itself invisible and followed after Takada and Karmen into the car. It stayed in the back seat with the Shadow Snake that was coiled up and fast asleep.

"Well, time for that rave," Takada smiled.

"We should get changed first," Karmen suggested.

"We'll do that when we get there. Now let's get ready to PARTY!" Takada howled as he put the pedal to the metal.

"Party animal," Shadow muttered.

(15 minutes and a traffic jam later.)

Takada's car pulled up in front of the large abandoned warehouse. The sound of music blaring through the walls could be heard as well as the flashes of light coming out through the open windows. The two Titans had switched back to the clothes they had worn earlier on their date and threw them behind them on the back seat. Takada got out first and then went to Karmen's side, opening the door for her. She giggled at his chivalry and took his hand. The Shadow Snake and Bat watched as the pair left the car before making their moves. The snake slithered out of the car while the bat flew out. The shadow creatures followed after the pair into the warehouse.

Not long after, an emerald green car pulled up and two girls came out. It was Kat and Rose back in the clothes they started with.

"Party time," Kat purred and took Rose's hand. "Let's go."

Rose stared at the warehouse and listened to the music. She felt slightly skittish. Kat placed a hand on her cheek and stroked it gently, lightening the mood.

"Relax, Rose," Kat purred.

Rose nodded, "Alright, Kat."

The 15 year old daughter of Slade went in with the 17 year old Cat Knight to enjoy themselves.

"I didn't know there was a party!" Beast Boy exclaimed.

Draco's eyes were wide, "Pretty colors…"

Shadow groaned. Draco always went like this when he saw bright and colorful lights. It reminded him of the last Christmas they spent back home when the Dragon Knight just stared at the Christmas tree without as much as a blink. "I guess Pluto didn't want to be interrupted. This is after all his date with Karmen."

Beast Boy shrugged, "I guess. But he should've told us."

Shadow shook his head and turned his attention back to the screen. He was now showing two points of view; one from the snake and one from the bat.

The Shadow Bat was hanging from the rafters and looking down at all the dancing teens. The snake had situated itself in a strategic location, taking in all the sights and making sure no one saw it. Therefore, Shadow had views from the ground and from the air.

That was when he noticed Kat and Rose dancing together not very far away from Takada and Karmen. He winced. What were the odds of the two couples being at all the same date locations at the same time. Must be Murphy's Law at work he mused.

Karmen was dancing the same way she did in 'Sisters' while Takada had to do his best to keep up with her. Of course, he didn't need to try, he was already a good dancer. She twirled around and placed a finger under his chin before moving it to the strands of hair sticking out of his forehead and flicking one of them playfully. Takada danced with her, pumping to the fast pace music with absolutely no trouble. It was like they were able to tell each others' moves. Karmen looked so beautiful and Starfire's uniform just heightened that sensuous aura around her.

Kat and Rose were dancing and attracting attention from some nearby guys. One of them asked Kat if she wanted to dance, but she downright refused. She was able to use her flirtatious personality to get him to get her and Rose some drinks. Her cat-like eyes narrowed as her lips formed into a Cheshire cat grin. Rose smiled. Kat knew how to take care of herself.

Karmen then took Takada flying up to the roof and through the skylight. No one seemed to be paying attention as they were too busy dancing. Of course, Kat saw them both clearly. As a super villainess and apprentice to Slade, she should be going after them and teaching them a lesson. But instead, she went back to dancing with Rose. She didn't need to go nuts for no reason, especially tonight, less she ruined her chances with Rose.

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" Karmen asked. Takada admired the stars and nodded.

"Yes, you are," he said before he could stop himself. He bit his lower lip as he flushed. Karmen heard what he had said and blushed as well.

"Thanks…" she ran her hand through her hair. "You know, this reminds me of when I tried to get my sister captured by Centauri police," she admitted, a tinge of sadness in her voice. "I'm so sorry."

"I'm sure you are, Karmen," Takada said softly.

"I was so jealous of Star. She had everything I didn't, including the love of our parents."

"Why?"

"Well, I was born…different from other Tamaranians. I was the only one with black hair and violet eyes. There was a scandal surrounding my birth as my mother, the queen, was accused of having an affair with one of the Green Lanterns that visited Tamaran. I was treated very much like a freak," she began crying.

"That's…that's horrible," Takada said.

"Well, after little Star was born, that all changed. She was normal and because of that was fit to rule and became the crown princess, a position that should be mine by birthright for being the first born! But no…I was a freak!"

"I know how you feel…" Takada said softly, wrapping his arms around her.

"How can you? Have you ever been treated like a freak before?" she demanded hotly.

"Yes. When I was a kid, lots of kids in my class avoided me because they saw me as a know-it-all. After the accident that took my dad's life and put my mother in a coma, I was a freak, a social outcast, even my little sister," he told her.

"I'm…I'm sorry," Karmen apologized. Takada's life wasn't easy either.

"Well, I did survive unscathed and so did my sister. No one could explain how we were the only ones safe without injuries at all. It was just my sister and me and we lived on the insurance money my dad left. I grew…bitter and when I became a Zodiac Knight I decided to fight for my family…" Takada finished.

"Wow…" Karmen was silenced by awe.

"Yep, but that all changed when I met Draco. He treated me and my sis with kindness, the kindness we've missed all our lives. I guess he rubbed off on me a bit. It was a long time after the accident before I was able to smile again."

"When was it?" Karmen asked.

"The accident? Almost 3 years."

Karmen leaned further into his embrace. They were both outcasts and misfits that have finally found a home. Nothing could change this and she hoped she would never have to leave. She kissed him on the cheek and sighed. She was falling in love…

But was that really true? It could just be a fling or just attraction. She looked into his eyes and they answered for her.

He was the ONE.

Of course 'the one' just had to land his hand on her butt. She noticed this and glared.

"Sorry, Karmen," he took his hand back. "I'm a horn-dog, remember?" he grinned innocently.

"Remind me to get you a collar and a leash," she threatened playfully.

"You wouldn't!" Takada gulped. Before he knew it, she had his arm twisted and pinned behind his back, forcing him to kneel down.

"Say it!" Karmen told him.

"What?" Takada yelped. What did this crazy girl want? She leaned down and whispered into his ear. His eyes widened as he shook his head vigorously. "No! No way! No how!" Karmen tightened her grip and he howled, "Okay! Okay!"

"Say it!"

"You are my mistress and I am your bitch," he said, defeated and humiliated.

Shadow, Draco and Beast Boy all laughed hysterically.

"Good," Karmen smiled before letting go, lifting him back to his feet and turning him around to face her. She traced circles on his chest. Her hand then moved to either side of his face "Now, the mistress demands a kiss." She pulled his face down and pressed her lips on his. Takada's arms flailed about before he relaxed and kiss her back, wrapping his arms around her body. Karmen smiled against the kiss, letting out a contented sigh. They pulled away and looked at each other.

"Karmen…?" Takada started but she shushed him by putting her fingers to his lips.

"Let's not ruin the moment, kay?" she smiled impishly. She was about to give him another kiss when a bright pink blur came zooming by and grabbed her right in front of Takada.

"BLACKFIRE!" he shouted.

"LET ME GO!" Karmen screamed. She struggled against the tentacles of the drone but her strength was useless against the powerful tentacles. "PLUTO! HELP ME!" She was moving fast and there was a chance Takada wouldn't be able to catch up. He then took out his Zodiac Deck.

Plain old Takada may not be able to catch up, but good old Zodiac Knight Pluto may be able. He shouted to the sky, "ZODIAC FORCE! DOG!"

Back in the warehouse, Kat's Zodiac Deck was glowing. There was a Zodiac Knight nearby and she knew it was Pluto. She was about to go after him but she realized that she was still dancing with Rose. She shook her head. There were other times to go after the Dog. This was a special night and no way was she going to ruin it.

Of course, a certain ringing in her ears ruined the atmosphere.

"Damn…" she groaned.

"What?" Rose questioned.

"The monster is back," Kat stopped dancing. "I got to go."

"Can't you let someone else take care of it?" Rose asked, worried for Kat's safety. Kat, however, shook her head.

"I can't do that, Rose. What if it went after you?" Kat gripped her deck. "I have to do this."

Rose understood. "Before you do, there's something I wanted to give you," she kissed Kat on the lips and Kat's eyes widened with shock before closing in contentment. Rose then pulled away and winked. "Get that thing."

Kat was in a drunken stupor. That kiss had a strange affect on her. She felt light headed for some reason and unable to focus. She shook her head vigorously to clear the cobwebs and dashed towards the closest mirror.

"Hey, what's the rush, cutie?" a stupid hunk stood in her way.

"OUT OF MY WAY!" she screeched, punching him square in the jaw, and thus, knocking him out. She leapt over his prone form and went in search for the closest reflective surface.

To Be Continued…

Will Pluto get to Blackfire in time or will she serve her time in the Centauri prison forever? You decide.

Card Review:

CONTRACT CARDS

Function: Contract a monster to a Knight and become his/her ally.

Holders: All Zodiac Knights.

When a Zodiac Knight first starts his life as a Zodiac Knight, he must also find a monster that corresponds with his/her sign. It is very specific for the Chinese Zodiac Knights but not much for the Greek Zodiac Knights. Anyway, the holder of this card can automatically make a monster an ally and the monster will have no choice in the matter as its power is sealed in the card, bounding it to the Knight. Normally, a Knight has only one Contract card but there are several exceptions like Draco, Pluto and Shadowcobra who have multiple monsters in their arsenal. The monster is bound to the will of the Knight but the Contract does go both ways. As much as the monster is influenced by its Knight, the monster may also influence the Knight's personality. The Knight must also occasionally feed the monster energy from fallen monsters to keep it strong. Failure to do so will breach the Contract and the monster will turn on him/her. However, if the Contract card is destroyed, the monster becomes free and will no longer serve the Knight and might just turn on him/her.