Part 1: Timshel

Shadowcobra was pacing in his room. It had been several hours since the ordeal with the Gamemasters. However, several of the Titans, most notably Raven and Robin, had questioned his true loyalties as he had previously attempted to annihilate both Draco and Pluto to save the other Titans. Tomorrow, the Titans, with an exception of himself and Blackfire (Who was living in the Tower, for now), would vote if he was worthy enough to stay.

He could not wait that long.

He opened up his closet and took out a duffle bag.

He was going to leave tonight.

He took whatever he could carry with him and kept the rest in a special sub-space pocket dimension for future use. This did not include his Zodiac Deck, however, for he always had it on him.

He sighed sadly. He knew he would be hurting a lot of people with his departure, most notably Raven and Starfire. The little Tamaranian girl had grown on him and was like a sister to him. Raven, however, was different. He had fallen in love with her as she began to fill up the void in his heart. He shook his head. Now was not the time to think of all that. He needed to leave, for himself and for the Titans. In truth, he never really belonged on a team. He never allowed himself to be close to anyone, not because he feared betrayal but because he feared he would betray others.

Deep inside, he was conflicting between his Angel and Vampire sides. Both were as different as Good and Evil, Light and Dark, Night and Day. Both traits conflicted and it was a miracle why he did not go mad.

Putting in the last of the essentials into his bag, he prepared to leave, but not before leaving a little note he had written:

To The Teen Titans,

I'm sorry that I did not wait for the voting, but I need to leave, now. It is important and necessary that I do so for I do not believe that I am trustworthy enough anymore. I am sorry. You all were the closest friends I've ever had the honor to have met and known in this world. You all were like family to me and for that I will always remember you. I know this will hurt you all and again I apologize. Raven, Starfire, I am deeply sorry. I do not know if I am ever coming back at all.

Signed, sincerely: Ichijyo Desmond Amakusa-Akuma/Zodiac Knight Shadowcobra.

He left the note on his table and prepared to leave. The doors silently slid open before he stepped out.

He gave out a small sigh, readjusting the duffel bag strap on his shoulder. As he stepped into the dark living room, all of a sudden, the lights came on.

All of the Titans, including Blackfire were standing in front of him with stern looks on their faces. He was puzzled, how could they have known.

"H…How?" he stuttered.

Raven stepped forward and then slapped him across the face, "Idiot," she scolded, angrily. He was as stiff as a statue and did not move.

"You were going to leave," Raven continued, "Why?"

"I have to," he answered simply, "I need time to think. Besides, I know the outcome of the voting."

"Do you?" Robin raised an eyebrow, "Ballot box, please?" he asked Starfire and she handed him a large yellow box with a white T painted on. Shadowcobra raised an eyebrow. They already voted?

Beast Boy yawned, "Plutes told us you might do something like this."

"So we decided to vote early," Cyborg finished.

"Please, brother Shadow," Starfire said softly, "Do not leave."

Shadowcobra was speechless, "You…you still want me?"

"Of course we do," Draco answered, "But first we need to count the votes."

Robin pulled out 9 pieces of paper as Shadowcobra stared at the other Titans.

"Majority rules," Robin smiled, "It's unanimous. You're here to stay."

Shadowcobra stammered, "But…but why?" he demanded, "I betrayed you. I tried to murder Pluto and Draco!"

"Not like you never tried before," Pluto commented. Draco nodded in agreement.

Terra took a turn to speak, "Because we're all just human, so to speak, we all make mistakes."

Jinx added, "And we all deserve a second chance," she turned to smile at Draco.

Raven put in her two cents, "So you tried to kill Draco and Pluto," she shrugged, "I beat up Beast Boy all the time."

Starfire then finished, "And also because you are our friend. Even if what you did or attempted to do would be seen as wrong an unforgivable, we forgive you," she looked up at him, "So please," she pleaded, "Stay."

"Sides," Pluto grinned, "Who's gonna keep me straight?"

"And who's gonna keep me on my toes?" Draco added.

Shadowcobra did not know what to say. He felt like crying. These people had accepted him. Should he still leave, knowing that he was still accepted? Or stay? He was confused but then heard in his mind. Trust in your heart. It was his mother's voice that also told him that he may have inherited evil in his blood, but he could still create his own destiny.

Timshel, an old Hebrew word, it meant Thou mayest.

To makes one's choices and create one's destiny.

He said the only thing he could while fighting back the tears.

"I'm staying."

To Be Continued…

Chromedragozoid: I got the Timshel thing from a novel called East of Eden. It's really good!