A/N – Well...I'm sorry. I don't really have a good reason to have not posted yet, other than extreme writers block. I had the entire chapter typed and the power cut out. And after that I just really didn't want to retype it. But...let's give this a go and see how the story plays out. This is going to have more description than anything, so bare with me. The other chapters will have more plot, speech, and less blah blah blah. Thanks for the ones that are sticking with the story. xoxo

R&R

3

-Within the depths of despair I hear your voice calling out my name-

The Whispering Rose estate was not something easily compared to. On Halloween evening, the fog had settled in over the cobble stone pathway and had created a thick mist that foamed around the edges of the hedges, curling itself around the dimly lit trees. Jack-o-lanterns hung from the white and brown branches, hanging themselves with mournful expressions. The horses in the meadows grazed upon grass that seemed too green for the darkening sky. Above one could not even see the stars that shone so bright. The full moon loomed overhead outshining the other luminescent decorations.

A certain cyborg had programmed the loudspeakers to play horror music. The quiet sounds of screaming filled the air attempting vainly to drown out the yells and cheers from onlookers that stood at the gates to the estate attempting to get a glimpse of the arriving heroes dressed in disguise. Some were able to slip past the guards, finding themselves lost upon the estate and wondering where the party would be held. Others were simply allowed entry, because really...this was a party for everyone. No matter what the announcement initially said.

The gates were decorated with Halloween spirits, the iron bars were frosted white, chilled to the touch. The bells tolled back and forth creating an eerie echo that bounced off of the pavement. Should one follow the grand entry pathway, they were lead by the thousands of trees that stood with cobwebs entwined within the branches. Swiveling passed the park where the horses stood amazed, people could see the two different cottages off in the distance. One was occupied by Starfire and Raven. The other was occupied by Robin and Cyborg. The four titans split up within the two different areas designating one for the females and one for the males to prepare themselves for the party.

The main event held itself in front of the barn where music filled the air and lights decorated the atmosphere. Tables were set up with 800 chairs. There was space to dance, space for a stage where people could make announcements or sing. And Titans from all over the place gathered around. Some of them were surprised by the faces behind the masks. Others were shocked at the choice of costume. Some men had their eyebrows raised at the scantily clad females and then some were too busy engorging themselves at the food tables.

"Titans from all around, guests and citizens of Jump City, we welcome you to our annual Halloween party!" Robin's voice boomed over the microphone as he appeared in a cloud of smoke up on the stage wearing a tuxedo with his hair slicked back. With a mask covering his eyes as usual, he was donned to appear as the infamous phantom. To his side stood the red headed Tameranean wearing a scanty red imp uniform. A bright red high neck sleeveless leotard covered her torso and matching bright red thigh high boots covered her legs. Over the elbow red gloves covered her arms and a set of imp horns donned her head. The little pointy tail curling out of the back of the leotard completed the outfit. Safe to say...she received more than just a few cat calls and whistles from those in the crowd.

"Friends, we welcome you and wish that you enjoy yourselves upon this most glorious evening! There is food for everyone and music and dance!" Starfire's enthusiasm lit up the air as she grasped onto Robin's hand and yanked him to the dance floor off of the stage. Loud clapping and cheers burst throughout the air.

Cyborg stood at the DJ stand playing the music and switching out tracks. He wore a wannabe Darth Vader costume and made sure to breathe as heavily as possible on a certain pink pigtailed female that kept coming his way. The question of the evening though was...where's Raven?

xxx

Raven stood looking in the mirror inside of the females cottage. Her shaking snow white hand reached out, running deep blue fingernails through crystal white hair. Her eyes reflected back to her, no longer violet pools but moreso concentrated twin icicles. The glitter around her eyelids reflected underneath the dim glow of the lighting above. Her face, her necks, her arms, her hands...everything about her was white as a ghost. Her lips were that same blue, matching her nails, eyes, and eyebrows. She felt like a porcelain doll. Breakable by nature. The sweetheart dress that pooled around her sides was white as could be with blue glitter trailing along the edges. She had grown so much. Her bust now appeared shapely. Her hips accentuated. She felt almost graceful, if not for the damnable heels Starfire had dressed her in - the blue tainted glass rubbing her skin raw. She was the lady of sorrow. The queen of the fae. A fantasy creature that made her feel slightly empowered. Yet she yearned to be hidden. Yearned for something unknown that hovered in the darkness away from the crowd. She took a deep breath to steady herself...

"Azarath...Metrion...Zenthos..." Her voice wavered beneath the facade she wore. With a trembling hand, she twisted the door knob and stepped out into the October cold.

xxx

In the shadows of the barn, standing off by himself in a corner, was the headless horseman leaning oh so casually against the wooden frame of the building. Emerald eyes glanced out precariously into the lighting. They frequently roamed towards the doorway, the floorboards, the ceiling, looking for someone. Looking for the entrance of the enchantress.

Garfield had come tonight hoping to see her. Knowing if he did, and if she was happy, he could leave without regret. He needed to know she was okay though. Some primal side of him was egging him to be near her. Requiring him to at least touch her. To know. To see. To feel. Raven. His throat became tight with the thought of her. Did she even remember him?

His green skin was covered from head to toe with the black attire. he black gloves. The black riding crop. The black and red leather uniform that clung to his broad shoulders, accentuating the now there abs that previously were nonexistent. The satchel he held around his waist. The collar that came up around his face to keep him hidden from the naked eye. So far, he hadn't been noticed.

His attention was suddenly drawn to the doorway where several heads had turned. Before him stood a ghost of his past. A riveting creature who's too pale cheeks now flushed from the attention being placed upon her figure. Several people zoned in on Raven's form as she entered the room. Her neck flushed, cheeks blushing a crimson color. Her hands shook, but only Garfield was able to notice that. Only he took in how nervous she truly was. Several people made way to her, only to be stopped in their tracks by her deadly cold gaze that settled upon each and every one of them. He held his place, barely breathing for fear she would detect him. He couldn't take his eyes off of her, too focused to realize how clammy his skin had become. How desperately he wanted to go to her.

"This is our chance." His inner beast ground out. "She is here. We should go to her before the others ruin our chance." But still, not a move did he make. Not until her eyes zeroed in on his hidden form. And even then, the movement was to solely move out of the barn and towards the mountainy terrain outside and football fields away.