Last Act

Chapter 3 – The Big Show

Raven was hardly through talking to Robin.

"Hold up there, bird boy," she called him back into the common room.

Robin obeyed, halting mid-step and throwing a look over his shoulder at Raven.

"Yes?" he said.

"Robin, you're going to have to be a bit more specific. What do I have to do? Just stand by you?" the demoness inquired.

He hesitated. "Well, yeah. But, ya know, we're married. Well, you know what I mean. I know you're not much of an actress, but try to be convincing. I know you have it in you."

"I can't believe I'm actually going to do this."

"I can. It's necessary, Rae. And besides, it's just for a few hours. It won't be that bad. I promise."

"I'll hold you to that."

Robin allowed a small grin to appear over his face. "See you tomorrow night then, honey." He strode from the room with a grin.

Raven was beginning to have serious second thoughts.

……….

The rest of that day was a blur for the four remaining Titans, as they kept working diligently on the abduction case, only breaking for meals and once when a crook attempted to hold up a convenience store and they were called to give the crook a good thrashing.

Raven's mind strayed to her conversation with Robin frequently, and she had to force herself into focusing only on the task at hand. Remembering his words, she knew the whole 'date' thing was completely necessary and was only in the interest of tracking down Star.

Raven spent a good deal of time prepping for the 'big event.' She found a blonde wig at the mall and had to buy a dress because the only ones she owned were dark blue or black in color, which Robin insisted she not wear because of possible recognition's sake. She agreed reluctantly, but made him pay for her new clothes. She even bought a cheap set of plastic, gold painted rings for them to wear to add to the married effect. Raven had always prided herself on preparing for the little details, which may go unnoticed, but then again, may be just the right thing to convince a suspicious person.

The time crawled slowly by for all the Titans. Their efforts were futile in the case, and all agreed to ease up since there were clearly better things to do with their time.

Eventually, the evening of MuJu the Magnificent's show came. Robin looked at himself in his mirror carefully. His ebony hair was slicked back, not spiked as he usually kept it. His normal mask had been replaced by a pair of dark sunglasses. He was wearing a suit that he usually wore for meetings with the mayor, galas, parties, that sort of thing. He felt naked without his utility belt, but kept his communicator in a jacket pocket. His black dress shoes gleamed in the light, obviously new and expensive. Robin nervously twirled a white carnation in his fingers.

Raven glanced at herself in the mirror in her bedroom once more, scrutinizing every part of her new getup. She hated the wig, the horrid, itchy thing. She smoothed her dress absently. It was a deep red, cut low in the front, and reached down to just sweep the floor. Her nails were painted a dark red to match. Raven wore her gold ring along with a small blue diamond necklace she had received from Starfire last Christmas. She wore a pair of strappy, white shoes that made it hard for her to walk, and Raven felt clumsy even as she practiced stepping about in her room.

Her clock read seven ten. "Show time," she said aloud, donning a black coat and leaving her room, flicking off the dim light.

TT

Robin waited nervously in the front room, absently digging a hole in the floor with the toe of his dress shoe. The electric door whooshed open, and Raven stepped into the room. Robin smiled.

"Raven, you look great. Oh, I, uh, I got this for you," he said, handing her the single, pale carnation.

Raven tinged red but took the flower with a nod, tucking it to the front of her dress. Cyborg and BB burst in the room, grinning like fools.

"Have fun now, ya hear, kids?" Cyborg teased.

"Enjoy your date, love birds!" Beast Boy added gleefully, walking over to elbow Robin in the ribs.

"Ha ha. You're a riot, guys. So, Cy, am I driving the T-Car?" Robin inquired.

"Sure, and as long as you're doing that, why don't you also bring a bullhorn and shout, 'I'm an undercover Teen Titan' while you're at it?" the metallic teen asked sarcastically, crossing his arms like he was talking to an imbecile.

Robin shook his head. "Sorry. I've been acting like an idiot lately."

"I'll just call a cab," Raven replied.

By the time the cab arrived, the birds had 25 minutes to travel 35 miles.

The cabbie opened the back door for Raven, smiled, and said, "I didn't know two of the Titans was datin.'"

"We're not," Robin and Raven replied at the same time.

"Look, sir, we have a little over twenty minutes to travel thirty-five miles to Delta City Performing Theater. Is there anyway we could get there that quickly?" Robin asked.

"Yeah," the cabbie responded with a yawn. "But ya know it'll cost ya."

"Forget about the price. Just get us there," Robin dictated, and before he could finish the sentence, the cab was off with a screech of tires.

……….

Eighteen minutes later, two shaky birds exited the taxi. Robin the Boy Wonder was looking a little green in the face as he paid the cab driver.

"I think I'll walk home this evening," Raven told Robin. "That thing was going one hundred miles per hour at least."

"Well, c'mon darling, time for the show," Robin said, smiling, and surprised Raven by grabbing her hand, weaving his fingers with hers.

Raven didn't pull away, but remarked, "My, you're enjoying this little charade, aren't you?" Robin chuckled in response.

The duo stepped into the theater. The place was bustling with laughter and violin music. The room had an excessively high ceiling, which was inlaid with stained glass. Garish crystal chandeliers hung at intervals throughout the room, glittering magnificently and causing the light to sparkle onto the cream painted walls, although not quite sufficiently lighting the whole hall. The carpet was a bright red, not luridly so, but bright enough to be seen easily even in the dark theater. The theater was tiered with an aisle running down the center to the stage. The stage itself was about five feet up from the lowest tier, with a polished wooden floor and classic red velvet curtains that hung loosely, leaving most of the stage not visible to the audience. There were three small sets of wooden stairs, one on either side of the stage and one in the center.

The Titans made their way to a vacant table near the far side in the middle of the theater, careful to take in the details of the place. They searched for anything suspicious, people they knew, anything strange about their surroundings. Satisfied that they were in no immediate danger, Raven took off her coat and handed it to Robin, who hung it over the back of his chair.

"Now what?" Raven asked.

"Now, we wait for the show to start."

They sat, unsure of what else to say. It was an uncomfortable silence, as all the tables around them were filled with laughing couples, joking and carrying on, having a good time.

A small man clothed in all black attire carefully made his way up behind Raven, casually so, as not to attract the attention of the other parties.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. McGunner!" he began cheerfully. "Enjoying yourselves?"

"Yeah," was the simple response from Robin. He didn't know how he could expound upon that, as they really had just arrived. It was Raven that came to his rescue.

"I've always loved it here. The decor is beautiful!" she flashed a very uncharacteristic smile.

Robin had to grin.

"Have you seen the show before?" the man asked.

Raven cast Robin a quick look. "Yes, on the 23rd."

"Wonderful. Then you know how on one of the last tricks, MuJu will need an assistant from the audience."

"Of course. An assistant," Raven said cheerfully.

"Would you be willing to be that assistant, ma'am?"

Raven attempted a friendly grin, but it ended up as a partial grimace. "Sure, I'd love to."

"Great! When MuJu 'randomly' selects you from the audience, exit through the doors through which you left after the show on the 23rd. There will be a door on the right, and a flight of stairs. Take those stairs to the second floor, turn left, go down three doors, then turn left again. It's the first door on your right. Can't miss it! And remember, it's a trick. Don't tell anyone about it. Ok? Ok. You'll do great. Good evening, McGunners!" He gave a slight bow and stepped away.

"Robin?"

"Yeah?"

"What on earth just happened?"

"I honestly do not know."

"This is great," the demoness replied sardonically.

Robin opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by a tiny orchestra that began to play enthusiastically. The same man that had just been at their table trotted up to the front through the center aisle, and sauntered up to the stage with a regal bow, wearing a festive red cape. The man put his arms in the air to silence the crowd.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! I am Marco, assistant of the great MuJu the Magnificent! Are you ready to be thrilled, chilled, amazed and astounded by the greatest magician ever to grace Delta City?"

He paused for a polite clap from the audience of adults.

"Then put your hands together for…" he paused again, this time for a drum roll, "MuJu the Magnificent!" He threw his hands in the air, and the curtains abruptly went up to reveal an empty stage.

The orchestra began to play a quiet, energetic piece. There was a huge puff of smoke and when it settled, none other than Mumbo Jumbo, dangerous, crazy Mumbo Jumbo, was grinning gleefully from center stage, wearing a fancy tuxedo and a black cape. The audience clapped again.

"Thank you, thank you! You're a lovely audience, really," he loudly exclaimed.

He placed one of his hands out in front of himself, palm facing up. He brought the other hand down on top of it with a clap, and when he took away the second hand, a baton had appeared. He waved it.

"Hocus Pocus!" Mumbo cried, balling his hand into a fist. He opened it quickly and flung his arm upwards, sending a black top hat up in the air. He spun around and caught the hat on his head to more applause.

"I'd like to get things started with a few card tricks," he said, scanning the audience. "Hey you, yeah, you, lady with the orange dress!" He waited for the woman to climb onto the stage from the right staircase. "What's your name, darling?"

The blushing, middle-aged, heavyset woman answered quietly, "Rose."

"Rose, eh? Ok, Rosey, pick a card, any card!" With a flourish, he brought a deck of cards from a pocket, throwing them in the air with one hand and letting them form a bridge over his head before he caught them with the other. He fanned them out, and Rose proceeded to draw a card from the deck, showing the audience. It was a six of clubs. She then folded it and held it in her hand tightly, careful to not let it go. Mumbo pulled a balloon from his sleeve, and it inflated. He tied the end in a knot, drew out a sharp needle, and popped the balloon. A piece of paper fluttered out, and fell to the floor. He picked it up, and, of course, it was the six of clubs. Rose opened her hand and screamed when she found that the card had indeed magically vanished from her closed fist.

Mumbo grinned, eating up the amazement from her and the audience.

"Flowers for the lovely lady!" he cried, producing a bouquet of roses from his sleeve. "Roses for Rose!" The woman thanked Mumbo and stepped down off of the stage, flowers in hand, receiving a small round of applause, which she waved off in embarrassment.

Mumbo proceeded to perform a number of other card tricks, ending with one where a volunteer chose a card, he burned the entire deck, and the card reappeared in the volunteer's shoe.

"And for my next trick," he began, "I'm going to need another willing volunteer! How about you, sir?" Mumbo pointed at Robin.

Robin, of course, was reluctant, but eventually complied when all eyes in the house were on him and Mumbo wasn't backing down. "So, sonny, what's your name?" Mumbo asked Robin when he had stepped onto the stage.

"Steve," Robin replied easily.

"Well, welcome, Steve! Mumbo exclaimed, thrusting out his hand for Robin to shake. When he did, Mumbo's fake arm fell out of his sleeve. Robin jumped a bit, holding the faux arm uncertainly.

"Let me give you a hand there, Stevie!" he cried with a wave of his wand. "Hucus Pocus!" The arm jumped out of Robin's grip and hopped off the stage. The audience applauded energetically.

Mumbo went on, his real arm appearing in his sleeve. "Now, Robin will disappear, forever!" With a snap of his fingers and a flash of light, a large, coffin-like box appeared on stage. The door opened, and Mumbo pushed Robin over to the box.

Raven had actually been enjoying the whole show so far. The tricks were interesting, and his 'unique' style kept the crowd guessing what he would do next.

Raven had smirked when Robin was forced on stage, but was now a little worried. She didn't trust a villain magician with her team leader. Not one bit. After all, he was probably behind Star's disappearance. Who could be sure that he wouldn't do something strange, like transport her friend to another world inside of his hat like last time? No. She couldn't take that risk. She had to get Robin off the stage. But then what? Their cover would probably be blown, and they both would both be caught. There was the possibility that Mumbo was oblivious to the fact that two of his enemies were in the theater, but she was seriously doubting that. Raven felt completely helpless.

She knew that Robin was a smart boy, though. He could take care of himself. He had his communicator, and she had hers—

Raven swore under her breath. No, she did not have her communicator with her. In the rush of leaving, she never had taken it from her room. 'And that,' she berated herself, 'Is the kind of carelessness that could end up killing us.'

At least Robin could contact the Tower if he had to, or the authorities, as long as his communicator wasn't taken or destroyed first. Raven shuddered. All she could do was wait, watch, and hope. She hated that.

"Watcha waiting for, Stevie? Are you claustrophobic, now? C'mon, audience! Let's cheer ol' Stevie on!" Mumbo cried. The audience clapped, completely oblivious of the underlying events.

During the applause, Mumbo took the opportunity to lay a hand on the boy's shoulder, lean over to Robin and hiss into his ear, "Ah, my teen foe, Robin. Did you actually think you would fool Mumbo Jumbo? Clever name, Steve. I knew that you would catch onto my little plan."

Robin struggled to free himself from the old man's grip, but Mumbo was extremely strong for an elderly person. He shoved Robin roughly into the box, and smiled for the audience before shutting the door with a bang, locking it with a heavy metal padlock. He tapped on it with his wand. "Abracadabra!" he yelled victoriously.

Inside the box, Robin was quite worried. Now that Mumbo mentioned it, he was little bit claustrophobic. Knowing that an evil magician was running the trick just made matters worse. Bracing his arms against the walls, he gave the door a good, solid kick. Nothing. The box didn't give at all. The wood must have been at least four inches think all around! He banged on the sides. Again, nothing. He could hear the muffled voice of the villain shouting a magic word, and the floor slipped from beneath him. He fell downward before his mind could register what was happening.

After a short trip through a chute, Robin landed painfully on his back on a concrete floor. He groaned, sitting up. A splitting headache hit him like a speeding train. The room was pitch black! He couldn't see a single thing. Looking up, he could make out a faint rectangle of light. Robin assumed that was where he fell through. Standing up shakily, he realized that the bit of light was probably a good seven feet from his head, so there was no possibility of getting out through the way he came.

There was a small noise. Robin spun around. There it was again! But this time from another direction. Then another. A hand clamped over his mouth and he was suddenly shoved to the floor, knocking his breath from him. After recovering, he tried to break free, but another person pinned down his arms with so much force he felt like his wrists would break. Apparently, there was more than one person attacking him. But who were they?

TT

Raven heard the magic word spoken, and gasped as there was a puff of smoke. It cleared and Mumbo undid the padlock. He opened the door with a flourish, revealing that Robin had in fact, vanished.

Raven stood up, alarmed. Mumbo glanced at her, and for the benefit of the audience smiled, saying, "Oh don't worry, dear, Your husband should return eventually!" The crowd laughed, remaining completely unaware of the actual situation. Raven struggled to keep down her seething fury and fought the urge to go shake the evil man senseless until he returned Robin.

"My next trick…" Raven heard Mumbo say, but she tuned out. 'This is horrible.' She thought to herself. What was she to do now? What could she do? Nothing! Absolutely nothing but wait. Searching would be futile. Raven knew that theaters are always designed with a plethora of hidden rooms and passages for the convenience of performers, so searching would likely be pointless.

The minutes dragged by. The halftime break came and went. She sat alone, half listening to the performance, which she was no longer enjoying.

Finally, came her cue. A chance to do something productive that would maybe lead her to Robin.

"For my last trick, I will need another willing audience member." Mumbo continued, scanning the crowd as if he didn't know who he actually would choose. "Ah, how about Mrs. Stevie's wife, huh? C'mon down, lady!"

Raven rose, not looking too eager she hoped, traveled down the aisle, and stepped onto the stage. She shot Mumbo a death glare, which he pretended not to notice. "What's your name?"

"Lise."

"Lise? Are you sure that's not lies?" he said quietly, for Raven's benefit.

"Ha ha. You're so funny, MuJu," Raven shot back, rolling her eyes.

Mumbo turned to face his audience. "For my last trick, always a crowd favorite, I will perform the age old stunt of cutting a volunteer in half, and restoring her unharmed. At least, mostly unharmed," he grinned. "Now will my lovely assistant please go prepare while I gather my supplies?" As he spoke, Marco wheeled a table onto the stage from the left, and Raven quickly stepped off the stage from the right.

'This has just got to be a trap. It's so obvious,' Raven thought, walking to the exit in the back of the theater. She decided that she would almost definitely get herself caught if she tried looking for Robin on her own. Raven opted to go back to the Tower to get Cyborg and Beast Boy before attempting a rescue mission. Besides, maybe Robin had already contacted them. Maybe he was waiting outside for her. Maybe, just maybe, they could go back to the Tower and Star would be there, so they could forget about the whole issue…

As Raven allowed herself to dream about what may miraculously happen, she reached the exit doors. Pushing one of them open, she stepped into the night. She took a breath to calm her nerves. 'Now what did that Marco guy say…' Raven tried to remember their brief talk. 'There should be a door to the right.'

And sure enough, there was. Raven decided to take a peak. Just a little look around. Maybe she would be able to find Robin easily. Maybe he would be waiting for her in the room on the second floor…

She pushed open the door, and received the fright of her life. There stood Mumbo, grinning evilly. Raven nearly jumped out of her skin. He had been just standing there, waiting for her. But how…? Wasn't he on the stage? Unfortunately, Raven was not left to her thoughts. Hands grabbed her roughly from behind, holding her wrists and binding them with a rope. She was shoved through the door and it slammed loudly behind her. Raven turned her head just in time to see another Mumbo Jumbo raise something high in the air, and bring it down swiftly on her head. Raven blacked out.

A.N. There it is. Chapter 3! Hope you liked it. Once again, I'd love it if you reviewed my story!