The Coney Island Opera house was packed from the floor orchestra pit to the top boxes, all clamoring and waiting for the soprano's performance. She was the grand finale, the pièce de résistance and Mr. Y's beloved. From behind the curtain she, shook slightly, nervous in more than one way, as the set began to come together. The patrons waited patiently, though one was more anxious for it to be over; Vicomte Raoul de Chagny. With meager change in his pocket and alcohol on his breath, he just wanted it to be over so he could run backstage and let his troubles be eased.

With the melodic strings of the violin the curtain rose. Dressed in a royal blue, glimmering with beads, glowing in the spotlight as an accompanying peacock tail background centered her perfectly, the soprano gulped. The melody would be over soon, the lyrics would take over. Raoul waited anxiously for whatever came next.

She opened her mouth, which was painted beautifully with rogue, but shut it again. The orchestra was forgiving and repeated the part so she could start once more. Annoyed, Raoul began to tap his leg.

"Father please stop."

"In a moment."

Turning her head up nervous, she opened her mouth once more, only for it to fail her again. The orchestra repeated the same notes, but faster, also anxious for her to start. Raoul just wanted everything to be over.

"Who knows when love begins

Who knows what makes it start

One day it's simply there

Alive inside your heart"

The melody was gorgeous, no doubt it was his music. One thing that Raoul could give "The Angel of Music" credit for was he was a genius. The singer became hesitant, her eyes distant, but she still went on, rather shakily and slowly, much to Raoul's annoyance.

"It slips into your thoughts

It infiltrates your soul

It takes you by surprise

Then seizes full control"

Raoul once again began tapping his foot, he had been waiting long enough. He had to handle things himself now.

"Wait here, I have to go."

"Can't you wait until the end?"

"This is important, meet me outside of the Opera house on the beach, I will go get you."

His child frowned slightly, but still continued to watch. She carried on with the song, straightening her back with confidence.

"Try to deny it

And try to resist

But love won't let you go

Once you've been possessed"

With bright eyes and a loving smile she opened her arms.

"Love never dies

Love never falters

Once it has spoken

Love is yours"

Raoul went outside the front door, feeling the cold night air encase him, he pulled his coat around him. Shivering, he walked around the Opera house, to the backstage exit. Two large clowns stood at either exit, their crimson face paint signaling danger in the fog. He went to the left door, the clown immediately stopped him.

"I'm afraid you're not allowed here sir-"

"I have to see Mr. Y!" Raoul demanded loudly.

The two clowns giggled as they spun their torsos whilst keeping their legs in place. "No one sees Mr. Y unless he wants to!"

Raoul furrowed his brows, annoyed. "Tell him the Vicomte De Chagny wants to see him."

"Mr. Y has no care for titles or riches-"

"Let him in." a voice whispered from the other side of the door.

The clowns turned to the door, then nodded. They opened the door for him.

"Love never dies

Once it is in you

Life may be fleeting

Love lives on

Life may be fleeting

Love lives on"

The curtain fell and the audience stood for their standing ovation.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Meg Giry! Queen of Coney, Soprano Supreme and Muse of Mister Y himself!" a voice announced. "Thank you for coming to our annual Fall closing and we will see you next season for mystery, magic and music!"

As the audience left in droves, Raoul made his way backstage. He was guided by a dwarf dressed in an aerialist costume, backstage to the dressing room. Meg ran back, excitedly skipping.

"Oh can't you tell, the new routine? It went so well!" She chirped running past Raoul. "I know that I messed up, but at least I sang it all-" Meg immediately whipped back, pale as if she saw a ghost. "Raoul?!"

He smiled softly. "Meg…"

Madame Giry went beside her. "Vicomte?"

He bowed. "Madame."

Meg ran to him and threw her arms around him. "My God, it's been seventeen years since we last saw you! So much happened since Paris, I mean-"

"I know…" taking a loud sigh, he looked at both of them. "I know he's here, where is he?"

"Looking for someone Vicomte?" a voice behind him called.

The Phantom emerged, not so different as he looked before. A wrinkle maybe, around the eye that showed and his pale cheek. Raoul cringed to think what the other side would look like.

"I knew it would only be a matter of time, though I did ask you forget about me." He confidently strode past Raoul, practically ignoring the space he occupied and went to Meg's side. He firmly held her hand and Meg rested her head on his shoulder. "Fear not… I have moved on. If you come here to accuse me, I warn you, I am now an affluent man and-"

"I know you and Christine had an affair before she and I wed." Raoul stated firmly, turning his gaze down.

Meg turned her head to the masked man. "What?"

He groaned. "I'm sorry, I swear it was before we courted, forgive me Meg…"

Meg looked at him with a sullen face for a moment before holding him. "Forgiven."

Smiling, he looked back at Raoul. "If that is what you wished to confront me for, do your worst." He widened his eyes on the last word, as if challenging Raoul.

Raoul bit his lip in irritation. "Listen, though that is relevant, it is not what I came for either." He felt his shoulders shake as he turned his head down. "It's… I…" He tried to hold back a cry, only to break it into pieces that increased its' length.

"Raoul?" Madame Giry reached for him.

"Christine is dead." Raoul looked back up with tears in his eyes and quivering lips. "And I cannot take care of my…" He turned around, shuddering, gripping his wrist tightly. "I mean… Your daughter."