Hey! Ooh, many reviews…you guys are the best! I really appreciate them. I'm not sure how long this story is going to be, but I SWARE it'll be longer than 10 chapters. I'm really going to go for it.
This chapter will include chocolate-chip and banana pancakes, Figaro's outburst, a still jealous Beast Boy, andthe potion.
Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans OR Phantom of the Opera…although I would pay any amount of someone's else's' money to be able too. Does that make me a bad person :Sniggers:
The next morning brought the aroma of fresh chocolate chip and banana pancakes through the floors of the Tower. Even as Raven slept in late, she could smell the seemingly delicious odor. Rising lazily from her bed, she grimaced as she realized that her window curtains were left open last night, and that the sun was piercing through the gloomy room. She couldn't recall leaving them open. Just like in the dream…She couldn't help but think.
As she entered the kitchen, three out of the six teens were gulping down syrup-drenched flapjacks. Starfire, Robin and Figaro were heartily enjoying their breakfast, while Cyborg and Beast Boy were by the stove, their faces coated in white flour.
"These are made with dairy-free milk…aren't they?"
"Man, for the last time, I-am-making-PANCAKES. C'mon, BB, just try some. They're chocolate-y-banana-y goodness!" Cyborg held a plate stacked with pancakes in front of Beast Boy's nose, who only looked more disgusted.
"Chocolate is good. Bananas are good, because of the whole fruity thing. But dude, dairy is EVIL."
Starfire joyously added, "Beast Boy, please partake in devouring Cyborgs breakfast! It is most enjoyable!"
"If you like adding pickles and anchovies," Beast Boy muttered mockingly. Although Starfire had not, but indeed added orange slices, he only said this because his temper had been quite heightened due to his interview with Raven the night before. Sensing her approach, he hardly glanced her way, but inside turned away and grabbed a glass of soy milk.
"Suite yourself," Cyborg shrugged. "Here, Rae, you can have them, then."
Gratefully accepting the breakfast, she helped herself to sit next to Figaro, the only seat currently unoccupied by a titan. As she ate, the others watched as she helped herself fully by eating fast and in large gulps.
"Umm…glad to see you like 'em, Rae."
Taking a large swig of her hot tea, Raven managed a small smile in Cyborgs direction. Before getting the chance to shove another large helping in her mouth, Figaro looked up from his own plate and directed conversation her way. "So Raven, how did you sleep?"
Raven stopped, staring at him in bewilderment and confusion. She was embarrassed because of leaving him last night in the middle of something, but she was also apprehensive of how he might know or have something to do with her dream. Giving him the most curious look, Figaro's face was unchanging, and the two sat for several minutes, staring at each other, studying the other's expression. It was the first time in her life that she ever felt scared of another person her age. She never knew she could be, and although she thought her reasoning was ridiculous, she was.
As they sat in silence, slowly the others took up their plates and rinsed them, to go about their daily doings. When they were left alone, Raven finally shook his gaze and got up, heading towards the sink. Rinsing the dishes, she felt Figaro's hand on her shoulder, and turned around sharply. "What are you doing?" She asked, frightened.
Figaro was surprised to see her so scared. "You don't trust me, do you?" He sighed, looking truly sad and disappointed.
She put down the plate and dried her hand. "That's not true," she lied horribly.
"Yes it is. You don't trust me, don't lie. I can't believe you still suppose I want to hurt you."
"I don't think you want to hurt me. Why would I think you want to hurt me?" She asked, her voice carrying levelness, although her mind raced with possibilities that made her mind swirl.
"I don't know," he answered angrily. "Why would I want to harm you, hm? What would I gain from your injury? Peace of mind? No. Satisfaction? Never. Raven, I CARE about you, don't you see? I don't want to leave you, even though the Titans aren't especially ecstatic that my visit has been longer than predicted. Beast Boy can't even look at me without wanting to tear me apart. But I can't leave you, now. You're too much at risk. You need my help. And if you can't accept my help, then we do have a problem."
Raven was mad now, too, but her anger was overcome by his attention to her needs. Although she was searing, she was also incredibly touched, which helped to bring her back down.
"I…I'm sorry, I suppose," she mumbled incoherently.
"It's fine," he answered shortly. He put another hand on her opposite shoulder, now totally facing him. "Don't believe for a moment that I don't honestly care about you. You're all that matters to me right now. You're all that's important."
Raven could have broken down crying, with the exception of her strong spirit and utmost control in such situations. She didn't meet his eyes, but he didn't care. She had gotten the message. It was resolved.
Beast Boy scoffed. He, unlike the others, had not dispersed, and had instead stuck around…literally. Hanging from a silken, silver thread from the ceiling as an arachnid, Beast Boy crawled back up the web, across the ceiling, and into the next room, where he turned into a human once more.
"You're all that matters, Raven. You're important, Raven. You've got the prettiest, most lovely eyes, Raven…," Beast Boy mocked. He leaned against the wall moodily, making faces as he hung his head low, his jaw set and his eyes flaming. "Who does that guy think he is? Just coming here and uuuuuugh!" He punched the wall, making dust fly from the drywall. Crying out in pain, Beast Boy clutched his hand in pain. His knuckles were raw and chalky. "Good. And now I have a bruise." Pouting, he turned on his heel and headed down the hallway.
"Robin. You are researching the missing artifact, yes?" Starfire entered Robin's lair gracefully, her words caressing the silence of his room, save the sound of his consistent typing.
"Yes," Robin answered tiredly. "I'm sorry. I realize I've been drawn more and more away these past few weeks, but it's something about that guy…"
"I understand," Starfire answered solemnly, moving to sit on Robin's bed. He gulped, but she did not hear it. "He does seem very suspicious. But I believe he has Raven's best interests at heart."
"That may be true," Robin answered kindly, "but we don't know where he's from, why he's here, what his intentions really are. It's like he has this mask on and we can't remove it. Plus, we don't know what he stole."
"Robin, are you suggesting….?"
"What other explanation is there, Star? He was missing during the robbery and always seems to be hiding something. What better theft than right under our noses? And there was also the issue of how we don't know how the thief moved around the museum. Figaro can have powers we don't even know about."
Starfire looked worried now. Walking over to Robin, she placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her, peering into her green, green eyes. "What are we going to do?" Her voice sounded small and reassuring, as if grasping every word Robin hadsaid and believing him. Robin stood, taking her hand in his and squeezing it gently.
"We'll wait."
Raven stood in his room. All around them, swirling fiercely around them was mist, magic and music. Shadows crept beneath the surface of the concoction as it brewed and simmered in an almost cauldron-like pot. The potion was warmth and more gas than liquid. It was a smooth, well-mixed cerulean color, odorless and flawless. Raven peered into its depths, entranced by its calming color.
"Are you ready for this?" Figaro asked her, watching the talisman in his hand, holding it flat on his palm.
She nodded. As he had indicated earlier, she put her hand over his, cradling the talisman as they cupped hands.
"Hear the sound of one despairing plea,
To be released, set loose, be free
Tighten the skin, loosen the mind
Set free that which has long been bind
Emotions soar and ease the soul
A sad price to pay its toll
Once released the world will blend
Heart heals all, that world shall end."
Figaro and Raven together squeezed the talisman in their hands, feeling the smooth, stone shape graze their skin with such intensity as not known before. At last they dropped the piece, falling into the brew with not a splash, not a sound. Just a soft humming whisper and a gentle breeze. The swirling mists stopped and the magic died down. Raven looked at the potion, which became misty and obsure. The talisman was there, inside the potion, but was not seen.
"Figaro, are you sure…?"
"It's there. And it's already starting." Figaro's eyes were closed, peacefully. He looked content and pleased. After a moment of silence, he reopened his eyes and took her soft hand gently into his. He kissed the white knuckles of her hand, looking into her face with adoration. "Only a little longer, now."
I'm sorry I took so long to update, and also that this chapter is short, but I wanted to give you guys something! Besides, I am really eager to answer your reviews.
Silverchild of the winds: About Figaro being pure evil, no, I don't want him to be. It's so much like other stories if I'd do it that way. And as for the pairing, we shall see…:winks:
Raven x bb: Thanks! And yes, it is
Hellohelpme: Lol. Yes, I feel for BB too. Don't worry, things won't be down forever.
Kate: Yay! No, I haven't seen the tv show, but I've read the novel by Gaston Leroux, and I've seen the movie. As you can probably tell, I'm obsessed. Very much so, actually, lol. I like making the characters from Teen Titans say lines from POTO…I find it romantic. :blushes: Thanks for reviewing!
Beast Boy Rulz and Hanita-chan: Thanks for reviewing!
Staticsponge123: Thanks! I'm going to be 15! Yay!
Blonde Shadowcat: Yay, another phan! I have two fellow phans reviewing my story, this is awesome! PoNR is also my favorite song, along with Music of the Night. You compliment me so well! I'm speechless! I'm also VERY impressed you've seen all my references! Very clever of you! You also noticed the BB line…hehe…I just thought it would be soo cute. And I liked using the Phantom lines, because…well….I mean, he just makes you drool. Not that Figaro is drool-worthy, only that is sends shivers up your spine. At least mine, lol. Thanks for your long reviews.
Well, good, those are finished. Again, I'm sorry this chapter was short. I'll try and make the next one longer, promise. Happy St. Patrick's!
I am,
O.G. (just kidding!)
StakeMeSpike04
I am,