Inferno
By
Nuria Shadow
Book One: The Deviant Carnival
Chapter One: The Coming Storm
Chapter Two: Satin Chains
Chapter Three: Varvara
Chapter Four: The Mask in the Flames
Chapter Five: The Freak Show Family
Chapter Six: Arrangements
Please Read Below First-
Author's Note:
Before you read, realize that this is a story somewhat different from most Phantom fiction, and therefore requires an open mind. By open mind I mean an audience that a) doesn't have a problem with fictional/ bordering on the edge of fantasy stories, and b) can look past the fact that this tale takes a rapid plummet from the original Phantom legend and goes on it's own 'what if' path. Although I enjoy them, I have grown bored of the countless retellings of if Christine had chosen Erik, and random girl shows up from the future to heal Erik's broken heart stories (although I proudly admit I have written a few of those myself). I am not saying stories like that are bad, in fact I am fond of very many tales with the same content, but recently I have been searching for something fairly new. After a vigorous search, I decided maybe it would be more satisfying if I could write one of my own. This is the result, a story I thought up years ago and never found the inspiration to write until recently.
Now that I have explained how this idea was brought forth, there are a few things I should mention about this tale so as to not confuse people as the story progresses.
First of all, this tale will be taking place three years before the original Phantom story. Now, seeing as I could not really find an exact date as to what year the original takes place in, and the movie says that it is 1870 when the story begins, I am going with the 2004 version's information. So, the story will be taking place in 1867. Now, because of that time change, I hope you understand (sorry fans of the Viscount) that Raoul will be taking no part in this story.
Now, in Leroux's version, it is hinted that Christine was supposedly twenty at the time, so I am also taking her three years back which means she will be seventeen during this story. She is still the perfectly innocent girl we know so well, mourning her father and vulnerable as always, but I am changing it to where she has just begun her training under the Angel Of Music (so although the two are fond of one another, the obsession of love has yet to smack our dear Phantom in the mask… in a matter of speaking).
Also, it should be mentioned that this is in no way an EC pairing fanfic. Although Christine is present, and might have a few heart fluttering moments with our dear Erik, mostly she will play the role of placing some controversy between characters. In short, yes, I am drastically altering the plot line of the story we all know and love, but please remember to keep an open mind. This is simply a 'what if' story with several twists and creative characters. Also, I can not guarantee that this is a feel good story. Lots of bad things will happen and lots of bad people will show up, but there will be some good people and good times and yes, as usual, a female leading role that makes things a bit more interesting.
On a good note, Erik's character will not be altered in any form (although I had to pick one of the several versions' of masks he wears). I decided to keep with the original full faced Leroux version of Erik's mask, but his persona is a bit between Kay's Erik, Leroux's Erik, and a tad bit of Webber's version. Erik will still be the hauntingly dangerous man we all know and love, meaning he will display all his feelings of romantic desire, violent controlling nature, human distrust, be sadistically humorous, and all the other great bits in between. As for the extent of his deformity I chose to give Erik, you'll have to read to find out.
A quick warning that I must mention is that at some point this story might get fairly mature. It is already a certainty that there will be various occasions of violence, foul language, and suggestive moments. Also there is a possibility of sexual content, although whether it will be described or implied has yet to be decided. Be aware, keep an open mind, and choose wisely if you are alright with reading mature material.
Other than that, this story is quite different than any others I have written. I'm proud of how it's developed, and if you keep an open mind I believe everyone will enjoy reading this fic as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
One more thing before we head off into the story: ALL REVIEWS WILL BE ANSWERED AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH NEW CHAPTER. So if you have any questions or just want to drop a hello, that's where I will respond to you ;-).
And that's about it for now. I can't say anymore, wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for you. So yes, have at it…
And have fun reading my story…
Humbly Yours,
-N. Shadow