***Dedicated to the loving memory of***
***Steve Barton***
***Passed from heart failure at age 47 on July 21st, 2001***
***The original Raoul. He perfected the role. No other could come within a mile's radius of his performance. His voice will live on in our hearts forever… we'll miss you…***
Christine pulled her cloak up around her as she walked down the familiar street. It had been far too long. Her light-haired fiancée placed his arm protectively around her waist, letting his hand fall at the small of her back. She smiled up at him, thinking subconsciously about the ring on her finger… a ring she thought she might never have worn again after that day.
The Opera house looked large and plain from where they were. The posters had long since been removed, and they were just now thinking of beginning another show. Christine thought back to the past few weeks. She had been with Raoul ever since the incident. He had taken her out of the country for a month, to his home on the shore. Christine was eager to leave the ocean, though. It reminded her too much of when she was younger… when her father was still around.
After a month on the shores, they returned to Paris, but it had been three months still and she had not been into the Opera house. Was he still there? What would happen if she went back? These were all questions that plagued Ms. Daaé as she walked into the lobby. As they returned further into the building, things started coming back to her. She could hear the rhythmic thumping made by Madame Giry, the piano cues played by Monsieur Reyer, the orchestra warming up in the pit, and the voice of her angel.
But was her angel even in
existence? Her mind wandered off into thought, and she almost tripped over her
feet several times without noticing. They reached the last row of seats and
Christine froze. The workers had already put up the new sets. A backdrop of
rolling hills stretched across the stage, and various platforms made them
almost appear to be real. Raoul
Surprised, Christine moved back,
and then looked up him playfully. "Monsieur, such actions are not proper in a
public place!" He took her left hand in his. "Ah, but Mademoiselle, there
things are quite appropriate when one is engaged to be married." He said
softly, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it lightly. There was a
coughing noise from the front of the theatre, and the couple jumped. "Excuse
me, Monsieur, Mademoiselle…" Christine smiled shyly. "Monsieur Firmin!"
"Good day Monsieur la Vicomte, Ms. Daaé." The voice of the opera's co-owner rang out. Firmin smiled at his partner. "Ah, André my friend! Just in time!" Raoul, looking slightly confused, tapped the exuberant manager on the shoulder. "Monsieur… if I may ask, why did you call us here today?" André motioned for them to sit, and then began.
"The reason we have brought you and Ms. Daaé here today is quite crucial. We have heard from La Carlotta's residence on the coast that she is in no condition to sing. Apparently, she has not sung a note since Piangi's death." Christine looked confused. "Monsieur, I don't think I understand what you are saying…" He nodded. "Allow me to specify. The Opera Populaire has lost its Prima Dona, therefore is in great need of another to take her place. You, Ms. Daaé, have the voice of an angel. We would be honored to have you as our lead Soprano."
A hand flew to her mouth, and tears to her eyes. "Monsieur… Monsieur… the honor… it would be all mine!" Raoul placed his arm around her. "Congratulations, love." She was beaming. "And what is the next production? Oh please, may we start right away?" Reyer stepped into the light. "Mademoiselle, we have several productions to chose from. Would you like to hear the aria from our first choice?" She nodded eagerly as a copy of the music was handed to her.
Christine felt as if she were floating in midair. The music played once through, and the second time she sang along. It was perfect. The managers beamed, Reyer found her a joy to accompany, and Raoul stared with a heart full of love. The new lead Soprano sang with all of her soul… and she would for a long time to come.
Erik's eyes blinked open. He was still alive. "Damn" he muttered under his breath, choking on the word. He then felt a distinct presence. "Is that you again?" he asked harshly. She nodded, then realizing how dark it was, she said softly, "Yes, Monsieur. I've brought your meal." He groaned and flipped onto his side. "Why won't you let me die already?" Meg shook her head. "She wouldn't want you to die. She sees something good in you. If Christine can… then maybe I can too. I must be off to practice. Good day sir." It was the most she had said to him in the four, almost five months the young girl had been feeding him.
Every day before her rehearsal, and every night after a show or a practice, she would bring him a meal and water. His strength had almost returned enough to steer the boat, but he wasn't stupid enough to try it. He got up slowly, gazing around the lair. There had not been much left after the mob had come through. Candles were broken, music was ripped, mirrors were broken… but the one thing that had not been touched was the organ. He didn't know why, but for some blessed reason the mob had left it be. Even in the awful state it had been in, Erik had managed to make things considerably better.
Most things were covered with sheets, save his bed, the shattered mirror, and the organ. He sat down at the bench, unable to play. His fingers traced the keys, and it was as if he could play without putting any pressure on them. He could hear the simple notes… even if they were not being played. Suddenly, he heard a voice. A melody from an angel, come down from heaven. It echoed throughout the lair, and his eyes closed in astonishment. It was all too familiar to him… his heart had stopped, and under his breath he was barely able to mutter the words, "She's come back…"
Authors note: Well, hope the first chapter met your liking! I do want to make it clear that this is in no way an "other woman" fic. I adore both Erik and Raoul… so you won't see me killing him off anytime soon like most authors. I'm not going to tell you if this is a Erik/ Christine fic or not… it's just a story about an Angel. That's it. Well, please leave me some feedback… it's what keeps me writing!
Thanks to you all,
Tamahome no miko