Disclaimer: I don't own either the Teen Titans or the Phantom of the Opera. Ooh, but I wish I did! Then I'd be rich.

A/N: About freakin' time I updated. Sorry this update is so very late, school started and that hinders my free time, and my writing time. Also, I'll probably only be able to update on weekends, this being the only exception, of course.

Sorry about the massive Rob/Rae in the last chapter. First of all, I am a HUGE BB/Rae fan, as my loyal readers should know. However, I also want to say that I still respect all Rob/Rae supporters out there. While I strongly disagree about your decision and opinions on the matter, I will not insult you, nor will I argue with you. The same goes for all BB/Terra fans out there. I may not like your choice, but I still respect your decision, and the fact it is yours to make. Remember that. In return, please remember I'm a huge BB/Rae fan, and therefore I will receive no insults or arguments over the matter. Cuz I'll just tune you out. Respect my wishes, and I shall respect yours.

Okay, read now.

Chapter Seven

One whole month had passed. One whole month without any disturbances in the Opera house whatsoever. There were no more strange appearances, no antics, no deaths. The Opera house had been calm and quiet as a mouse.

And for one whole month Raven had now been dating Robin. They had started off slow at first, but heir relationship was gradually progressing. They had been one three dates, and they saw each other every day. Robin couldn't be any happier. Raven, however...

To be honest, she felt like something was missing. A great part of her heart screamed and yearned for Robin, as she knew it should. But there was still one small part...one small part that wanted something else. It called to her, saying...Garfield.

She still missed him. Even after all the terrible things he had done, she still missed him. Despite all her feelings for Robin, some feelings remained for the Beast of the Opera. A part of her was happy he was gone, and bade him good riddance. But another part was scared he was gone. Scared that her actions had driven him away from the Opera house. Away from his home, his legend, and his lost love. Away from her.

But tonight, Raven did not worry about the Beast that she still missed, and yet hated. For tonight was New Years' Eve. And what a celebration was being had! The Opera house had decided to hold a ball, a party, for all the actors and employees of the Opera. Mr. Blood and...Slade thought it best to raise morale, and help everyone forget about last month's...unpleasantness. But it wasn't just a ball...it was a masquerade.

So, Raven was now arm in arm with Robin, walking up to the Opera house, which was richly decorated in every way. She had refused to where a mask, but Robin had worn one. Raven had to say, it suited him very well. Fireworks burst in the sky, painting the darkness with beautiful flames of rainbow colors.

Raven, though she was supposed to be emotionless and cold, couldn't help but smile. I mean, come on! It was kind of a special occasion. It was New Years' Eve, she was going to a party, and she was arm and arm with her new boyfriend. What was there to be unhappy about?

"Hey Raven!" Jinx said, watching the girl enter. The girl had on a great black feather mask. Jinx had been considerably more nice to Raven lately, ever since she had started going out with Robin. It had raised her popularity level up a few notches, apparently. Victor stood nearby, nodding to the two as they arrived.

"Evening, Jinx," Raven replied, forcing a smile. She looked over at Robin, who rolled his eyes at Jinx.

"Just ignore the lot of them!" he whispered as he leaned over to her. She laughed slightly.

"GOOD MORNING, MY DUCKIES!" Mad Mod cried, drifting over to him. His mask was slightly overturned, and hung loosely. His speech as slurred and his clothes appeared to be stained badly. "Having a pip merry ol' time are ye?"

"Uh..." Raven stammered, looking at her maestro, "are you sure you haven't had a bit too much alcohol, Mr. Mod?"

"NONSENSE!" Mad Mod cried at the top of his lungs. "Ain't a pretty lick o' beer that can right stop a British man!" He laughed to himself and he leaned uncomfortable against a pillar for support. "In fact, you two should try a pint yourself!"

"We're underage, Mr. Mod," Robin said, his face stern. "Sorry, but we have to go, uh...tie our shoes! Over there..." He grabbed Raven and pulled her away as Mod began talking to the pillar about a book he had been meaning to read, but, for various reasons, had failed to do so.

"Tie our shoes?" Raven asked, smirking at him.

"I'm not good at that stuff!" Robin said, laughing nervously. "Besides, there is something I wanted to talk to about anyway."

"What?"

"This," Robin said, drawing a box out of his pocket. "I wanted to give you this...as a New Years' Eve present...and as an anniversary present." Opening the tiny box, he revealed a gold ring that was perfect for Raven's finger

"Robin, I..." Raven didn't rightfully know what to say. He was offering her a ring he must have spent his entire savings on! "I...can't accept this!"

"Yes, you can," Robin said, grinning. "I love you, and I want you to always remember that. Let this ring symbolize that!"

"If you insist..." Raven said, finally smiling. She accepted the ring and Robin slid it onto her finger. It was perfect. "Thank you..."

"No problem," Robin said, still grinning. "It is the least I can do."

Unfortunately for Rob/Rae supporters, but fortunate for the rest of us, their conversation was interrupted. Blood took his place up on the podium in the great hall, and, ignoring Mad Mod who was now firmly trying to make out with a plant, he began to speak.

"Welcome one and all!" he announced, his hands thrown up in excitement. "I wish you all a Happy New Years' and a wonderful year ahead of us!" A great amount of applause was heard among the people. "This masquerade has bee arrange to thanks the staff, and the actors, for their wonderful performances! Let's hear a big hand for em!" At once, everyone roared and hooted, clapping loudly. "And now, without further ado, I present to you our hired actors, in 'Masquerade'!"

At once, three dozen actors came on the stairs to perform FOR the actors. Every actor wore exquisite masks, and extravagant uniforms. Capes and bright clothes were attached to ever inch of skin.

"MASQUERADE! MASQUERADE! PAPER FACES ON PARADE! MASQUERADE!"

The guests and employees all watched with smiles as the adult actors performed their rousing dance number. Their talent was as good as the children's and they projected their voices around the great hall. Everyone watched with glee, while Raven merely stared, a small smile present.

Beside her, she felt Robin tense. She looked over to see his eyes had squinted, and he was slightly hunched over. "What's wrong?" she asked, concerned.

"I don't know..." he said, looking around. "I just don't feel right. Something's wrong..."

"And you said I'm too up-tight!" Raven commented, staring at him. "You're crazy. Nothing's wrong, except maybe their singing. I can sing better than them..."

"That's true," Robin agreed, nodding. "But I still feel like something is wrong."

"Are your Robin-senses tingling?" Raven asked, with a small smile.

"Haha, very funny," Robin replied. "That's it, I'll be right back. I need to check something out."

"Fine," Raven said, sighing. "Just be back soon, okay?"

"Promise," Robin said, giving her a kiss on the cheek as he turned to leave. He ran down the hall, stripping off his shirt as he went. Raven could see a red uniform underneath. She grinned. Then she paused, and thought about it.

Why does he wear his uniform underneath his clothes?...

"PAPER FACES ON PARADE! MASQUERADE! MASQUERADE!" the actors sang, still doing their little dance. The guests had all began to clap with the song, and many others even began to sing along. Raven just watched and grinned, which was pretty good for her.

As she watched, she noticed the song and dance was slowing down. Finally, it appeared to reach its climax. As the actors and singers all sang out their last note...the lights all went out. As usual, everyone screamed and ran for whatever was closest to protect them. As people continued to scream, Mad Mod cried "Ack! The French are attacking!"

Finally, everyone was silenced. The lights remained dark, but now red light focused on the top of the stairs. Everyone else had dispersed, and were now staring at the spot lit up. As they watched, there was a tremendous explosion of smoke. And then, as the gas faded away, a figure emerged.

At once, everyone in the hall gasped in horror. The figure was wearing a blood red suit made out of the finest costume material. A long black cape was swept back, revealing his muscled form. Black boots and gloves covered his feet and hands. A great red mask covered his face, leaving his ears and hair revealed. Green, that is.

It was the Beast of the Opera. It was Garfield.

Everyone gasped and some people screamed in fright. Apparently, Garfield had left quite a name for himself when he abandoned the theater. He grinned evilly. He had been working on that.

"Why so silent good Misres? Did you think that I had left you for good?" Garfield grinned as he stretched out his red robed arm, sweeping back his cape. "Have you missed me, Good Misures?"

The crowd beneath him remained silent, and only stared in transfixed horror. The murderer was standing right before them, acting as if he owned the theater. Blood was silent, and his eyes were wide. Even Slade looked slightly taken back. His one good eye was wide and studying the figure. This was truly the first time anyone had gotten a good look at the Beast.

He was only about five and a half feet tall, not much shorter than Robin. He had a lean, but muscular build, and wore an extravagant red and green mask with pointed ears.

"Well, worry not, good misures," he said, spreading his arms wide. "I have written you an Opera!" Saying this, a Garfield stretched out his arm again, this time holding a script of papers. "Here I bring the finished score: DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT!"

He was met with the usual glares. No one dared speak a word. Sensing this, the Beast continued on. "Fondest greeting, to you all, but a few instructions just before rehearsals start." Garfield turned to stare at Jinx, who was staring back with horror. "Jinx must be taught to act; not her normal trick of strutting 'round the stage."

Gar grinned softly as he saw Jinx's eyes roll back and she fainted. Victor ran up to stop her fall. Seeing this, Garfield next focused on Vic. "And our Don Juan must lose some weight, it's not healthy, in a young man of Victor's age."

At this, Victor stared at him. How could anyone insult his fine, well-toned chest and abs? He didn't have an ounce of fat on his body!

Ignoring this, Gar turned to face Slade and Blood. Blood withdrew a bit, but Slade just narrowed his eye. "And my managers must learn, that their place is in an OFFICE! Not the Arts!" the Beast growled. Blood and Slade just stared back.

Finally, Gar turned to face the final person. His emerald eyes searched the audience until he spotted her. Raven. He slowly made his way down the stairs towards the amethyst beauty, his smile turning into one of seeming madness.

As for our star, Miss Raven Roth. No doubt she'll do her best, it's true her voice is good," he said, still walking towards her. "She knows though, should she wish to excel, she still has much to learn." At this, he smiled at faced her fully. He was mere feet away from her.

Raven stared at him, fear and longing in her heart. But mostly fear. She knew what he was going to say, and she was afraid of it. She silently begged him not to continue, but he just grinned back evilly. "If pride would let her...she can always return to me, her teacher." He smiled as she looked back in fear. "Her teacher."

At once, every head in the hall turned to look at her. They had all heard of Raven's tutor, but none of them had ever guessed it could be the Beast of the Opera. Life wouldn't be easy for her any more, not any easier than it had ever been. Now it would be worse.

"Now you know what it feels like to be rejected by those around you," Garfield whispered into her ear with a sneer. His sneer disappeared although, as he looked down at he ring on her finger. At once, his face contorted into one of rage. "Your chains are still MINE! You belong to ME!"

"Hands off, villain!"

At once, every one looked up. They saw Robin standing up on a ridge leading to the roof. He wore a black and gold cape, along with green spandex pants. A great red shirt covered his muscular chest.

The Beast hissed as he stared up at the hero above him. As Robin jumped down to attack, he threw three explosive discs at Garfield. Drawing his cape, Garfield vanished behind a veil of smoke. The discs flew by and struck a pillar, causing it to fall.

Robin landed and ran to where Garfield was, to find himself falling. A trapdoor had opened up, dropping him below. The door closed behind him. Looking around, Robin found the Beast was gone.

"Damn!" he cursed, throwing his bo staff to he ground. "Now what!"

"Come with me," said Star. The red haired girl had appeared out of no where, and grabbed Robin by the shoulder. "I know the way out."

A/N: Well, what do you think? I'll be replacing Madame Cardui with Star, to help the little Rob/Star I have planned to develop. Well, I hoped you liked it, cuz I liked writing it. Next update will come exactly whenever I feel like updating it. Unfortunately, the next chapter will be INCREDIBLY short. Sorry, but it must be done. However, after that, expect a HUGE scene. (Cough, Graveyard, cough) But I have a short explanation chapter before that, sorry.

And remember, don't do drugs! Do reviews instead. Not only are they more healthy, but they improve your grammar. And y'all know how I likes me my grammar!

PEACE OUT!