Chapter 8

Unifying

It had been a quiet few months since the passing of the eldest of the Rivera and Aves families, and while the youngest members were still mourning in their hearts, they had found comfort in each other's company as it had slowly gone from simply friends hanging out to going out on dates. As their relationship progressed, Manny slowly realized that Black Cuervo and his classmate, Zoe Aves, was the same person.

"So when we were working on the science fair project, it was your Grandmami disguised as Black Cuervo to keep your secret?" Manny asked his girlfriend as they walked hand in hand down the moonlit beach.

"I don't know why you're saying 'we' when I did all the work, and yes that was my Grandmami." The red eyed villainess confirmed

"This place really brings back memories…" remembered the not so secret identity of El Tigre as the couple turned to look at the moon

"Is that why you wanted to come here, to remind me of what happened before?" asked the youngest Aves

"No, I wanted to ask you something, c-could you close your eyes for a second, please?" Manny requested somewhat nervously

"A-alright…" Zoe replied with the same amount of nervousness in her voice.

"O-Okay, turn around and o-open your eyes." The young Rivera allowed, and as she did Zoe went wide eyed and mouth agape as she saw her beloved on one knee holding out a small black box with a phoenix shaped amethyst ring. "Zoe, will you do me the honor of marrying me?" asked Manny as calmly as he could

"Yes… Yes… Yes!" she sputtered out as black mascara ran down her face. As her body slightly trembled as Manny put the ring on her finger. Once he started pulling his hand away from hers, Zoe grabbed Manny and kissed him all over his face in happiness; she then laid her head against his shoulder.

"I love you Manny Rivera." Whispered the young villainess

"I love you too Zoe Aves." Replied the young super just as quietly

"Zoe Rivera" she corrected