Chapter 1: Start a Journey, Through a Strange New World...

By: PittsBurghFuzz

A/N: I don't OZ, Phantom, or any property related to those topics. As relating to OZ, this is my interpretation/version/own views on OZ. Meaning, I will take certain elements from the different adaptations that appeal to me, and place them in this story. Also when I refer to the chandelier, go to Google Images and type "Phantom of the Opera Broadway Chandelier" and its literally the first image. Or images that show a short, almost "fat" chandelier is exactly what I'm talking about. Hope you all enjoy this. And I apoligize for this short chapter in advance, but more will come.

1886

After the tragic events at the Paris Opera, Erik moved to America. Oddly enough, he went to Kansas. Erik grew tired of the overly opulent and garish appearance of Paris. So, he decided to live in a bleak landscape. Thankfully, Erik was able to transfer his fortune into American dollars.

Surprisingly, Erik was able to make friends fast. The first of these friends was a man named Mr. Smith. A simple man with a simple name, Mr. Smith was simply the sheriff of the town. Tall, well built, and slightly menacing, Mr. Smith was a friendly guy.

Then, there was Farmer Jay. Farmer Jay wasn't just a farmer, but also an active member of the community, and contributed some very good ideas on saving money and unique farming techniques.

Another notable character Erik met was Hank Bannon. Hank had a thick mustache and was as fearsome looking as Mr. Smith. Hank was the mayor of the small, Kansas town.

It took Erik a few weeks to build his abode, but he finally created it. It was a transportable wonder-machine. In English, this machine had magic, illusions, and pictures of far away lands, such as Everest, the ancient pyramids, and even the Aurora Borealis.

In the five years after the terror at the Opera, Erik had traveled the world and was able to take photograph these wondrous places.

Over the course of 1886, Erik exhibited his magic tricks and wonders of the world to several small towns in Kansas, and was successful. However, one who knows the Phantom would question how he could get around with his disfigured half-face. Well, Erik, being the magician he was, created a mask that looked like a normal human face, and gave himself a whiter wig. This "new face" was rosy red and had a white walrus mustache. Erik was also able to manipulate his voice, so he sounded like a jolly old entertainer. His voice manipulation also aided him in ventriloquist acts.

Erik one night, decided to wear his half mask, and typical wig that covered his disfigurement. When he took his mask off, Erik closed his eyes, so he wouldn't have to see his damaged face. Erik hadn't seen his face since the night he freed Christine.

For several months, Erik had been making a hot air balloon out of his cart. The cart served as the basket, and had the appearance of the chandelier he knew too well. The balloon itself, was white, with the black silhouette of a half mask.

Erik decided to take the balloon out for a ride.

The balloon lifted majestically, like the chandelier at the Paris Opera, slowly climbing to its peak. Erik must have been at least 100 feet above the ground. Erik felt at peace above and away from humanity for a few minutes, breathing the night air.

Then, it happened. The wind began to pick up, and it increased its speed. Erik held on tightly grunting at this inconvenience. However, the winds wouldn't stop. The wind then transformed into a cyclone, and Erik lost all control.

"God damnit!" Erik yelled.

Then, Erik's basket crashed, leaving Erik unconscious.

A beautiful green skinned woman ran to the basket to investigate the scene.

A/N: Better character stuff is going to come in the next few chapters, this was just a chapter to get Erik into OZ. :)