Summary: 1950 a small part of France decided to go back to its roots and live in the late 19th century to escape the growing world economy and with that technology and all its dangers. As Graduates of England visit the Opera Populaire the Phantom is everything but pleased at the foul-mouthed young adults. Carlotta's abrupt leave forces the Managers to spontaneously pick a new Leading Lady which is in need of much more training than the Opera-staff alone can handle and so The Phantom himself is forced to teach the woman. Little does he know what this means for himself. Erik x OC

If you're expecting a Mary-Sue to magically bring Erik out of his misery and get him perfectly sane, you're wrong here.

Plays in the years 2016 ''and'' 1870.

Warnings: Illegal fighting, injuries, drug use, mental illnesses

Rated M for later Chapters

Pagebreak means POV switch

- means it's just a time skip

Chapter 1: A Whole New World

With a frown Madam Giry sinks into her chair, the envelope still in her hands. Inside are 7.000 Francs, as usual. Each month when the Phantom receives his payment, he gives half of the money to Madam Giry. But lately she noticed that something is changing. He is withdrawing himself more and more, even from her. Normally when they handled the money they used to chat, even if it was not for long. It was mostly about the Opera, about the choreography of the dancers and the singers. Matters about the choir the Opera Ghost personally 'discussed' with Monsieur Reyer. The Maestro is in this Opera for as long as she can remember, he knows of the Phantom's strict but professional way to handle the Opera and barely makes a fuss when he receives new instructions. Not even if they go against what the managers or the script says.

Other times they would talk about light themes. Books she brought him or about one of his new projects. Their conversations never lasted long due his obvious discomfort to be away from his dungeons for too long, but at least they happened. But now he barely stays long enough for her to finish telling him about important matters. She does not need to ask him what the reason for this is. She knows. Or at least she has an idea. You cannot expect somebody that lives isolated from the world and other people for as long as he has to be perfectly social. To be sane. The darkness and the loneliness are driving him madder with each passing day. They pull him deeper and deeper into his mania. She does not even want to imagine what his mind must be looking like. Not that she really could. Madam Giry considered many times about bringing him away from here. Maybe into the New World. He could find work there, a place to live. Maybe he would be accepted there. She is not asking for much, she just wishes for him to have a life in peace. A life where people do not fear his appearance and don't treat him like a monster. Perhaps it is already too much to ask for that. Perhaps he will live beneath the Opera for the rest of his life and eventually go so mad that he will not see another way for his pain to end but to end his life. Is that not how most geniuses find their end? By their own hand. Would it not even be for the best that way?

She shudders at that thought. Is he having the exact same thoughts? Will the reign of the Phantom of the Opera soon end for he is not there any longer? She made preparations for her death, but his never really occurred to her. Should anything happen to her in near future, Meg will receive a letter. A letter that will tell the secret her mother is hiding for such a long time now. It will also ask Meg to make sure he is still alive once in a while, to buy his groceries and anything else he is in need of. It is a lot to ask of her young daughter but she feels responsible for the man. With her death there would be no one left that knows him, no one that would try to care for him. There would be nothing that keeps him from drowning in his horrid mind. Now, at the age of 42, she cannot help but fear for the man's future life. Meg could at least keep on living in the Opera or start a life of her own, she is young, beautiful and smart. But he would be left without anything.

With a sigh she puts the money away safely and rises from her chair. She has not much time left, their guests will arrive any moment. As Maîtresse of the Ballet and 'right hand' of Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur André she is always present at important events. Greeting such special guests is part of these occurrences. Even though she has little faith that they will stay for as long as they planned too. After all The Phantom is everything but friendly with guests in his Opera…

There is no denying the fact that this 'world' is as impressive as they were told. The 7 graduates almost instantly shifted their attention from their phones to the area around them as soon as boat approached the docs. At their way to the Opera they tried to convince Mister Williams of taking a look at the town 'real quick' before going to their destination. But the 43 year old male knows them better than that. As soon as he allows them to take a look around 'real quick' he will need hours until they're all back in his sight. These kids make it hard for him to remember that they're legal adults and done with school now. At least they finally managed to shut their mouths now that they are inside the Opera and the two Managers are introducing themselves. The class is lead to the stage then where they meet the assemblage of the Opera. The two leading singers Carlotta Guidicelli and Ubaldo Piangi, the Maestro of the Orchestra Monsieur Reyer and the Maîtresse of the Ballet Madam Antoinette Giry. The graduates introduce themselves briefly before the performers go back to their rehearsals.

Not long into Signora Guidicelli's first line there's a sudden loud rustling coming from above and only moments later the curtain comes down. The people on the stage scream as everyone tries to jump out of the way. Mister Williams barely manages to pull one of his students aside in time before the curtain crashes to the ground and buries La Carlotta underneath it. The Diva cries out a high-pitched scream but she doesn't seem hurt. She just looks really angry. Nathan glances up into the darkness above the stage where the curtain should have been secured. There's nothing there that hints on what caused the incident. The Managers yell for a certain Buquet. The called man soon appears and announces his innocence. Mister Williams soon hears hushed whispers around him, like they know who is responsible for this. Nathan can pick up the words 'Ghost' and 'Phantom' a few times. Before he has the chance to really think about all of this, Carlotta is helped to her feet and begins to yell at the Managers who try their best to apologize and calm the raging woman.

'' For the past 5 years these things do 'appen! And did you stop them from 'appening? No! '' When Mister Williams looks around he finds most people shaking their heads with a sigh. Madam Giry seems almost annoyed, just like Monsieur Reyer. How often does this certain situation happen?

'' If you don't stop this thing from happening, this thing does not 'appen! Andiamo! '' The other graduates watch with amused expressions how the leading Lady and her assemblage leave very dramatically. Carlotta is soon out of sight but her loud complains still run through the Opera for a while until it lastly fades. Mister Firmin groans,

'' A full house André! We shall have to refund a full house! '' Mister Williams shakes his head and steps closer to the two clearly distressed men,

'' If it helps, we have a lot of great singers in our class. Perhaps one of them could do as a replacement for your Diva? '' Suddenly the Maestro turns to snap at Nathan,

'' There is no replacement for La Carlotta! Especially not some untrained girl without any stage experience! '' While he seems to dismiss the thought the moment he turns his back to the teacher again, the two Managers exchange a thoughtful glance,

'' We could cancel tonight's performance, the next one would be next weekend. That should be enough time to train one of the young women. '' The smaller man, Monsieur André offers. His partner nods,

'' Or, if that happens, for La Carlotta to return. ''

'' Messieurs, you cannot be serious. '' Monsieur Reyer abruptly asks, obviously very displeased by the made decision. André and Firmin shrug him off and turn their attention to the young women of Mister Williams' former class.

The 'casting' happens quickly. One after the other they get the music sheets and attempt to sing the song 'Think of Me' out of the Play Hannibal.

'' Mister Williams.. We do appreciate the trouble you put yourself through to make this casting. There are indeed a lot of young women in your class with beautiful voices but…'' Firmin begins, visibly disappointed by the outcome. André sighs,

'' Sadly none of them is capable of singing Opera. '' Mister Williams' eyes narrow slightly as he looks around, eying each student closely,

'' That wasn't everyone- '' He breaks off and slaps his palm against his forehead before glaring at the 5 people where actually 7 should be,

'' Where are Kat and Holly? '' The five graduates exchange mischievous glances with each other. Before any of them has the chance to answer their teacher, Monsieur André narrows his eyes in confuse,

'' 'Kat'? '' The two managers look at each other. Mister Williams sighs, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture,

'' One of our students. She's… she likes running off. -Okay guys, show of hands, who saw how she disappeared? '' He breaks off to glance at Jessie,

'' Jessie? '' His messy, dirty-blond hair falls into his eyes as he grins, green eyes staring back at the dark blue ones of his teacher. Slowly he rises his hand. It doesn't take long before the other 4 graduates raise their hands too, each of them grinning with both guilt and slyness. The two managers exchange another glance, barely capable to bite back the grin. The grin turns into a quiet chuckle as the young adults try to defend themselves,

'' She was really quick Mister Williams! '' Fiona, a young woman with blond, curly hair and light blue eyes says. Josh nods next to her, his short, brown hair barely moving on his head. His arm on Fiona tightens its grip a little,

'' Kat's all sneaky. She's like a Ninja, yo! We couldn't stop her! ''

'' I thought she'd be gone sooner. '' Andrea admits with a giggle. Emily smirks,

'' Yeah me too. ''

'' If it helps, Holly went after her. '' Jessie says with a shrug of his shoulders. Only moments later a loud screech runs through the Opera. Everyone except the class yelps or jumps.

'' OW! Ow! Ow! Ow! '' Every person on the stage watches how 2 women enter the room, coming from behind the stage. Monsieur André and Firmin bite back a grin as they realize why one of the women walks this bent over. The other woman, Holly, has a tight grip on her neck while obviously digging her fingers into Kat's muscles. Squirming and protesting loudly Kat trippels after her. As soon as they're back with the other students, Holly pushes her into the middle of the small crowd, a threatening glare in her eyes. Kat rubs her neck with a pained expression a second and glares then at Holly,

'' Why do you always do that! ''

'' Why can't you ever stay with the others! We're not even 10 minutes here and you run off! ''

'' I was just looking around- ''

'' You were running off. ''

'' I was- ''

'' Running off! You always do! And then something bad happens cause you bampot break anything or get yourself into trouble! ''

'' I did not! ''

'' You did! '' Mister Williams rubs his hands over his face, his face slightly twisted in embarrassment as he tries to avoid looking at the two managers and the assemble around them that stare amused at the two young adults. It's always the same, always has been. He was teaching this class for 7 years, saw the teenagers grow into adults. And while everyone kind of changed there are things that never changed. These fights between Holly and Kat is one of those things. The way Kat runs off to do whatever goes in her head. The way Holly notices before anyone else and goes after her. Mostly she comes back in with her before he even noticed both are gone. Sometimes he sends Holly after Kat because she's scared of her friend and listens to her better than to him. The others of the class always again celebrate her for those trips. Right now he's released that only 7 people joined the trip. He doesn't even want to imagine what chaos would already have come up if the troublemaker-guys would have joined troublemaker-Kat. The trip here was very expensive and not everyone wanted to spend the money just to visit a place that's still in 19th century. Through their school is very focused on arts, music and nature next to the normal learning material the idea to travel here after graduation came up. It's almost like another world. Emily, Fiona, Josh and Andrea joined both because they wanted to take the chance to see this place, and because they wanted to spend one last time with Kat. The 7 people have never been especially close. Andrea and Emily have always been best friends, like Kat and Holly. Josh and Fiona are part of the small clique of Andrea and Emily, they are a couple for two years now and are planning to move together as soon as they have the money. Mister Williams knows they're saving for a house outside of London. Jessie isn't friends with Kat and Holly for a long time. He joined the class only for graduation, 3 years ago. At first he walked around alone. At some point he and Kat started talking and suddenly Mister Williams saw him running around with the girls. But there was never a real tension between them, they got along quite well. Still, he should keep an eye on Kat. It's not only that she likes to run off, she also has the tendency to go to places she is not allowed to go and accidentally break things or say stuff that many consider as impolite. Sometimes it's meant to be impolite, sometimes she just talks before thinking. He groans,

'' Girls! '' Both stop in their bickering. While Holly sighs and looks to the ground, fully accepting that they are being rude, Kat snaps at him,

'' What! '' The moment the aggressive tone left her lips, Holly slaps the back of her head hard, whispering harshly at her to behave. Kat sighs and lowers her head in defeat, rubbing the aching spot.

'' Sorry…''

'' Holly, Kat, I doubt you heard what happened? ''

'' What? That I was attacked again? I did notice. ''

'' You deserved it. ''

'' I did not! ''

'' Ladies, please. '' Monsieur Firmin now steps closer, causing both women to abruptly look at him.

'' As we said before, we are the managers of this Opera. My name's Richard Firmin and my partner Monsieur Gilles André. '' Kat nods, her eyes a little wide, her lips slightly pursed,

'' Good for you. '' Another hit from Holly. A glare from Mister Williams. A round of giggles from the other graduates.

'' Stop it. ''

'' What, I was serious! That's awesome, leading an Opera and all. Fucking cool. Look at the stuff here! '' She points around and both managers find themselves smiling amused as Holly glares at her with a somewhat defeated expression,

'' You have to work on your way of phrasing things. '' She seems to think a moment before nodding and turning her attention back to both managers,

'' I apologize. Monsieur Firmin, Monsieur André, I was merely attempting to verbalize my amazement for your line of work. I hope my bad way of phrasing was not offensive. '' The managers exchange a surprised glance at each other, Mister Williams can't help himself as his eyes roll dramatically.

'' Show off. '' Kat shrugs her shoulders with a smirk but gives no further comment.

'' Holly, Kat, the Diva of the Opera left while you weren't here. If that's okay, could you try if you can sing her part? The others tried but it wasn't Opera enough. '' Both girls give him a look. Kat crosses her arms over her chest. Holly though abruptly nods and walks up to the two managers,

'' Yeah sure, if it helps. But I don't think I'm very good at that. '' Monsieur Firmin hands her the papers, a polite smile on his lips,

'' We are very grateful for every attempt. '' Holly offers a small smile in return before her eyes move to the notes. The music begins and Holly's voice begins to spread through the room. Her voice is not entirely unpleasant but very silent. There's no real passion behind it. Kat titles her head, Holly never really was extremely fond of singing in front of people. It took a long time before she could convince her to a Sing Star night. After the first half she stops,

'' Like I said… I'm not very good at it. ''

'' Thank you, for the try. '' Holly offers a shy smile and walks up to Kat to hand her the sheets. Kat's arms are still crossed over her chest and that doesn't change as Holly holds the papers out to her. She eyes the notes in her friend's hand and offers a small smile past her at the managers,

'' I pass, thanks. ''

'' Mademoiselle, it would be of great importance for the Opera to find an understudy for as long as La Carlotta is… away. '' She huffs,

'' What, so your Diva runs off and we have to pay for that? Lemme guess, Carlotta's the lady in her mid 30s, like this tall and in a really colorful dress with a real loud, kind of annoying, voice? '' Her voice holds every ounce of mockery she possesses. Monsieur Firmin and André look at each other,

'' Yes? ''

'' That woman's got the temper of a 4 year old and I bet you know that. Why didn't you look for a proper understudy before? '' She questions, sending a round of silence through the room. As the two managers don't answer right away she snorts. Her teacher takes a step closer to her, a stern expression on his face,

'' Kat, just go up there and sing. At least try. ''

'' We all know I sing all the time, love it. But I'm horrible at it. And to be honest I really don't want a curtain dropping down on me too. ''

'' So you heard what happened? '' Jessie asks. Kat shrugs. There aren't many people that ask for a stay in the Opera. They have had tours a while back but from what Kat heard they stopped that pretty soon. There were incidents, strange occurrences. The graduates are the first ones that will try to visit again after several years and because it is a long way with lots of efforts they will stay a month. And she will be damned if she just allows some self-proclaimed wannabe-ghost to kick her out of a place she had to pay a lot of money for.

'' As I said, your Diva's go a loud voice. '' Mister Williams seems now really annoyed with her,

'' Okay that's enough Kat. Either you sing or you can consider yourself grounded. ''

'' What?! But- ''

'' Now Kat! ''

'' Yes Sir. '' She salutes with a sarcastic roll of her eyes. She snatches the papers from Holly's grip and stops in front of the choir. Her eyes briefly fly over the whole aria and the notes to it before nodding at the director. She follows the passing notes with her eyes and takes a breathe as the notes tell her to,

'' Think of me, think of me fondly when we've said goodbye… Remember me, once in a while please promise me you'll try. When you find, that once again you long, to take your heart back and be free. If you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me…'' The music becomes louder but as Kat lowers the notes to stop like Holly did at this point, Monsieur André motions the choir to keep playing before looking at her,

'' Please, continue. '' Her eyes widen in shock and distaste as she looks at both men, her eyes faintly moving to her class,

'' Seriously? ''

'' Yes, go on. '' She purses her lips but sighs,

'' I never said our love was ever green or as unchanging- '' Her voice makes an unpleasant screech but she regains her posture to quickly continue,

''...but if you can still remember stop and think of me. Think of all the things we've shared and see. Don't think about the way things might have been…'' She quickly picks up that this probably is supposed to sound sad so she changes her voice into a softer tone.

'' Think of me, think of me waking, silent and resigned. Imagine me trying too hard to put you from my mind. Recall those day, look back on all those times, think of the things we'll never do. There will never be a day where I won't think of you…- '' As she notes are becoming higher again, she breaks off as she feels her throat going tighter and her voice threatening to screech again. Finally one of the managers seems to end this as the music softly ends. Kat breathes out released, her throat is aching from those high notes. She makes a move to hand the notes back to the choir but halts as she hears Monsieur André behind her,

'' We can work with that. '' Her expression drops and she spins around to look at them,

'' What now? '' Her eyes faintly asking for help from somebody of her class but they make no move to say anything as both Managers step closer to her.

'' You voice will need training but I think the time we have will be enough. ''

'' Huh? '' Her voice becomes around 3 octaves higher, her eyes wide open,

'' Madam Giry, would you please be so kind and show this young Lady everything she needs to know. ''

'' Wha…''

'' Of course Monsieur. '' The elder woman steps out of the crowd and bows her head, the cane tightly gripped in her hand as she walks up to the dumbfounded woman,

'' What. ''

'' Please follow me. '' Madam Giry motions her to follow her but Kat stays on her place.

'' B… but…'' Only as Holly nudges her from behind she sets moving to follow Madam Giry behind the stage and to a separate room that holds costumes and a dresser with a large mirror.

'' This is Signora Guidicelli's room. She prepares for her performances here. You will get another room of course but until then I will show you everything you need to know. ''

'' Look, Madam, I'm really not a good pick for this. I never had any voice training, I never sang on a stage -at least not solo- and I really don't have the voice for something like that. You heard it, I was screeching. ''

'' That is because you are untrained, not because you are unable. ''

'' How about both? ''

'' I will just faintly show you this room for now. You and your class surely will have a look around the Opera later. We will start with our training after dinner. ''

'' Why don't you take someone else that's working here? Surely I can't be the only one that has some kind of ability to sing this stuff? ''

'' I do know for certain that from my ballet no girl could sing those notes the way they're supposed to. Not even with training. Most girls do have a lovely voice but not one that is suitable for a leading role. ''

'' So you rather pick a punk with zero experience? No offense but that's not very smart…''

'' You will understand in time. ''

'' I'm 20 years old. You don't have to talk to me like I'm 4 and asking where Babies come from. I understand that finding someone proper would be hard and that you're happy for whatever you find but… I can't do this. '' Suddenly the older woman's eyes soften, her hand coming to Kat's shoulder in a comforting gesture,

'' We will see. If you are really incapable, we will find out in time. ''

After giving everyone time to get used to their rooms, the Managers held a rather fancy dinner. Kat was introduced as the understudy for La Carlotta what earned her several nasty glares of other women in the Opera. Dancers, singers for the Choir, even those who make the costumes. Kat noted mentally to herself that she'd better watch her steps for that month. It's not like she was begging on her knees to get that role. Well, the fact that she didn't have to sleep with the managers obviously is enough to give that hate some fire. Still, despite the glares in her direction none of those hags really dares to voice their thoughts. Not as long as the Managers where in the same room. The moment they all left the dining-room, the bickering started. Kat kept a cold attitude, not even glancing at them. After Dinner she was ordered into a large room that's obviously used for training the dancers. One wall is covered in mirrors, in another corner is a piano. Kat's class sat down quietly at one wall, not willing to miss what was going to come next. The Managers and Madam Giry put Kat in the middle of them. Right now she feels like a mannequin and that's everything but pleasant.

'' Mademoiselle you have to change your way of moving. '' Firmin states, being the first one to break the silence. Kat's eyes narrow in confuse as she looks down at her feet,

'' Why, what's wrong with that? ''

'' It's your hips. '' André chirps up, a small blush of embarrassment on his cheeks. The faintest smirk comes to the young woman's lips as said hip pushes out to the side demonstratively, her hands firmly on them,

'' Excuse you? ''

'' The way they're moving…'' Firmin makes a gesture with his hand, moving his finger from side to side,

'' That swinging from left to right. '' Her grin drops,

'' Nobody ever complained about that. ''

'' It is… too seductive. '' The grin returns in a heartbeat, her voice changing into a smooth purr,

'' Now you're just flattering me. ''

'' Miss Jones…'' Madam Giry's voice is scolding, causing Kat to cross her arms in something like self-defense,

'' Oh come on. You can't tell me your Diva never swings her hips. ''

'' Not like that. I am not even sure those movements are normal. ''

'' It's useful if you want a regular- '' Before she can finish, her teacher leans in to her to make a gesture with his hand, telling her to close her mouth,

'' Stop talking. ''

'' Okay… Got it, not a good topic. -Anything else I gotta change? '' André and Firmin look at each other,

'' Oh where do we start…''

'' Your way of talking, moving, acting, reacting…''

'' You have to work on your posture and we have to give you fitting cloths. ''

'' Not to mention the hair…''

'' The hair has to go. '' André agrees. Kat's lips turn into a small pout,

'' Wow you really didn't need to think long about that…- Wait, what about my hair? '' Her eyes widen as she realizes that they said her hair needs to be 'gone'. Out of instinct her hands move to her head. Firmin shakes his head,

'' This color and the way it is cut, we cannot allow that on our stage. ''

'' But… But I just had this done a couple of days ago! It looks great! Look at the color, the red and the black look awesome together! '' André raises his hands, a silent gesture for her to calm. Right now Kat feels everything but calm. At this moment she's making mental notes to order a boat to take her back home tomorrow morning.

'' Mademoiselle, I do understand your dilemma but we cannot accept this certain cut on a stage. ''

'' Of course we will not expect from you to change the color or to cut it. The best solution would be a wig. '' Kat's face turns into a stubborn pout for a second before she gets a sudden excited grin,

'' Can I be blond? I've never been blond before. Never wanted to try it… but I never wanted to be a singer too so I guess if not now, when else? If it doesn't look good I can still switch to brown or something like that, right? ''

'' Of course we can arrange wigs in different colors. ''

'' Awesome. ''

'' We will also have to cover that tattoo. '' Kat looks down to the brass knuckles on her left breast with the words 'Tooth Fairy' below it in old letters. It looks like someone wiped over the ink what gives the whole picture a worn look. She nods, she expected that.

'' I can deal with that. What about the others, do I need to cover them too? '' André, Firmin and Madam Giry exchange a glance before Madam titles her head slightly,

'' If I may ask, where are they? ''

'' Well I have this small one here on my left hipbone…'' She lifts her shirt the faintest way to show a bat which looks like shattered glass. Around it are a few ''HA Ha Ha'' 's. The bat symbole is not completely filled out with black ink. Instead the word JOKER was messily written into it.

'' That's a Batman and Joker tattoo. And I got this other one here on my ribs…'' She lifts the shirt a little higher to show the colorful flag on the right half of her ribs on her side. As both men spot the faintest glance of a red bra they quickly look away. Monsieur André clears his throat, trying to cover the red on his cheeks,

'' What kind of flag is that? ''

'' It's the LGBT flag. That stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual. You know, being part of that and all I wanted to have it somewhere on my body. ''

'' Oh, of course… -Wait, what? '' Kat shrugs her shoulders at him, her expression innocent.

'' I'm here and queer. ''

'' W-we will only have to cover those that could be seen. The one on your, uhm, chest. For example. ''

'' Okay. No problem. Good for you that I didn't start that big project yet. I was planning to get the names of the Egyptian gods in hieroglyphics onto my back. That would have been hard to cover. '' André looks at her somewhat surprised,

'' That… does sound interesting. '' Kat offers a friendly smile at him but her eyes quickly move to Firmin as he glances at her body, his face a little pale,

'' Does it not hurt terribly to have tattoos at these places? ''

'' It was endurable but that really depends on where your limit is. On bones it's always more painful, sure. But it looks really awesome so I'd say it was worth it. -Lemme guess, the piercing needs to come out too? ''

'' Yes, of course. '' She nods.

'' Whoa…'' Jessie's eyes widen, his mouth dropping open as soon as Kat comes back into the room. Getting Kat into the costume and the makeup wasn't the problem. Putting on the corset, now that was a drama-act Carlotta could be jealous of. While the others had to wait outside of Kat's dressing-room, they still heard Madam Giry trying to keep the younger woman still. Madam Giry did not hide her frustration once while that. Kat's panicked, overly-dramatic screeching send the others laughing to the ground while Mister Williams almost gave in to the urge to slam his head against the wall. Loud complaints about her chest not fitting into this where only the beginning. The Managers soon seemed very uncomfortable in their skin as she explained profoundly that her boobs will definitively burst under the forced pressure. As soon as the voices of argument died down and Kat seemed to be dressed, the noise of someone falling to the ground and the strained voice of Madam Giry telling Kat to please not make such a fuss soon made it obvious that Kat faked a break-faint. The moment the now fully dressed-up woman stepped out of the room though, made the laughter die down.

'' Kat you're… you're…''

'' A Barbie…''

'' Damn…''

'' I'm not a Barbie. I'm not even white. ''

'' The fuck. Look at you! Yer a doll! Blond long hair, dress, jewelries, no tattoo or piercings! You're a whole new person. '' Kat's expression twists into one of worry as she grabs onto her head, her eyes moving to Holly and Jessie,

'' Does it look bad? '' While Jessie shakes his head, Holly's still gaping at her with her mouth wide open. Mister Williams has his head titled to the side with a somewhat amused expression. The Managers seem satisfied. She might not be moving like a Diva yet, but she certainly looks like one. That is a big step.

'' Looks awesome… 's just a shock. ''

'' Yeah, I know what you mean. '' Josh agrees.

'' Please hold your hips Miss Jones. '' Kat stops, her arms coming to a halt at her sides, her head leaning back into her neck as she growls. They are back in the room from before, this time only Kat, André, Firmin and Madam Giry. They told her about her schedule, about the time she will have to attend to lessons for her behavior. The times where she will train her voice are not really decided yet but Madam Giry did tell her that, should she wish to be alone for some time, the chapel would offer great acoustic. The elder woman said the place isn't often visited, that's enough to make it Kat's new favorite spot. She will check that out as soon as the Managers let her go.

'' I can't walk without moving them! '' Firmin sighs,

'' You can move them but please do not swing them like that. You are a performer, not an exotic dancer. ''

'' Actually I was a stripper for, like, 3 or 4 weeks in that small bar down the street from where I live. ''

'' Dear lord…''

'' You are excused for today. Please be on time tomorrow morning. '' Kat nods in gratitude at Madam Giry and runs out of the room before they can change their mind. Neither Holly nor Jessie wait for her so she runs down into the chapel. It's small, a little cold but it the almost pressing silence has something oddly comforting. The paintings on the walls and the candles give the room a pleasant atmosphere. The muscles in Kat's back relax at least a little as she sits down at the window. She looks down at herself, coming here was a horrible idea. Dresses, singing, performing. This trip was supposed to be fun, not responsibility! Not like this. She planned to get wasted with old wine and just enjoy her time here. The only singing she was supposed to do was in the choir as another faceless graduate. She sighs and fetches the messy notes from her pocket. After starring at them silently for a few minutes she takes a deep breathe, her voice careful, trembling,

'' Think of me... Think of me fondly when we've said goodbye... Remember me, once in a while please promise me you'll try... When you find, that once again you long, to take your heart- '' She breaks off as her voice makes another unpleasant screeching noise. In her frustration she crumbles the paper in her hands and tosses it across the room. With an annoyed huff she leans her back against the window and closes her eyes, her feet lazily stretched from her. Not to mention that her voice is, despite what those people see in it, far from ready for this… The Anxiety is breaking records of panic in her head already. Her meds won't fix this and neither will pot. Even if she somehow manages to sound somewhat alright, she's probably gonna break down before she can sing the first note. And then the Phantom of the Opera will drop a curtain on her head. She's too young for that kind of Comedy-Death.

Screw the boat, I'll swim home.

'' Brava, brava, bravissima...'' Her head snaps up at the sudden smooth voice surrounding her. Kat's eyes abruptly scan the area but find nothing that could explain the voice. She's not going into a Schizophrenic-phase is she? Really, that's the last thing she needs right now.

'' Looks like this place is haunted after all...'' She mumbles as she relaxes again. Hallucinations don't scare her anymore. Not those…

'' What a promising voice to such an elegant face. '' Her eyebrow rises, that's not a hallucination. That's a bloke.

'' Haunted by a Stalker, too. ''

'' I apologize, it was not my intention to frighten you. ''

'' I'm not frightened. I'm annoyed. People here want to press me into a corset and kick me on a stage. I've never done something like this. Definitively not solo. ''

'' You are their only hope to still perform the Opera. ''

'' Well maybe I wouldn't be if they wouldn't pick a so moody Diva. Or at least have a capable understudy. There's no way I can learn this shit in 2 days! It's 4 songs and then there's the steps and the bowing and the acting. The breathing, the standing, the… everything! Their previous Diva certainly knew her part better than me. ''

'' Her voice was a shame for my house. And a torture for my ears. '' She laughs softly at his remark and titles her head, her eyes not trying to grasp where the voice comes from but focuses on the burning candle in front of her.

'' Your house? So I'm talking to the infamous Opera Ghost. What was it? The Phantom of the Opera? I must say, I imagined your voice darker, scarier. Not smooth. But imagination often differs from reality doesn't it. '' As the voice doesn't answer Kat sighs,

'' What can I do for you anyway? Do you want to drop something on my head too? Please, you would do me a favor. ''

'' No, that certain treatment was to soothe the pain in my ears. I assure you, I mean no harm. '' A sarcastic grin twists up the corners of her mouth,

'' Now if that isn't calming. The voice coming from every direction is promising no harms. ''

'' I cannot show my face to you, Mademoiselle, my apologies. ''

'' And why not? ''

'' It is a certain… condition. Incurable. ''

'' Freddy Kruger or Jason Vorhees style? ''

'' Excuse me? ''

'' Nothing. Not your time I guess. ''

'' Very well. To come to the reason for my presence, I would like to offer you lessons. ''

'' Lessons? ''

'' Indeed. I heard you sing... And, Mademoiselle, your voice is truly astonishing. An Angel's voice. Exquisite in every detail. Except, it is untrained. Without proper training your voice will never reach the notes I know it is capable of. And for the performance next week you will need those high notes. Your voice has its high phases as well as lows. Certain tones you master beautifully, others sound, pardon, quite screeching. ''

'' If it's so screeching why did they pick me? There's girls sounding a lot better than me in my class. ''

'' A true Maestro sees talent when he hears it. My managers might not be the wisest… but they do know their work. ''

'' Well, that's why they have the job, right? Because they know this stuff. I wouldn't know any of that. ''

'' You are untrained. The voices of those girls may sound adequately but they'll never be enough to perform on a stage, with or without proper training. You on the other hand, your voice has that certain passion in it. ''

'' I don't think that even your 'proper training' would help me to learn what I need in under a week. ''

'' I am a very good teacher. '' She raises an eyebrow at the voice, her arms crossing over her chest as her hip pushes out to the left,

'' Yeah? How many people can confirm that? As far as I heard, you waltz around here, claim this whole Opera as yours and play a couple of pranks. But that's it. There's no one here that ever said anything good about you. ''

'' Does that frighten you? ''

'' No, but it makes me wonder. If you're really this good, why do you focus on me? Why didn't you try to teach someone else before? I bet this isn't the first time Carlotta run out. I mean come on, that woman's a full-blooded Drama Queen. Not even I reach her level. ''

'' You have an interesting way of thinking, Mademoiselle. ''

'' So I've been told. ''

'' Of course, if you find my lesson unhelpful, you may always end it and ask for someone else. ''

'' That didn't answer my question. ''

'' You are quite impudent. ''

'' I've heard that one before too, just phrased differently. So? ''

'' And what phrases were that? ''

'' I answer your question if you answer mine. Quid pro Quo, Clarice. ''

'' Another reference? '' She shrugs her shoulders. He doesn't answer her for a while but she stays patient. He wouldn't just go. As much as he hates to admit it, if he had another option than her he wouldn't even contact her.

'' I do not wish to interact with those people. Not with this certain closeness those lessons require. You on the other hand are in need of this training, more than them. Carlotta might need training but I would rather eat a box of leech than teach her. ''

'' Ew. Fine, I accept that answer. The others like to describe me as an... aggressive psycho bitch. I can't deny there's a certain truth about that. '' She puts her arms on her hips as she realizes that she was tricked,

'' So that's why Madam Giry send me down here then? Not cause of the silence and the great acoustic or the nice atmosphere in here. It was to meet you. So that you can talk to me without any interruption. Sneaky. '' As the voice doesn't answer she drops her arms at her sides,

'' I won't tell anyone, don't worry. It was just a little, you know, obvious. She's getting the letters, she doesn't look uncomfortable or anything if people talk about you. That adds. And I'm reading a lot of Detective Novels so I got that in my veins. ''

'' She was acting on my order. I do not wish anyone to ruin the reputation of my Opera. '' The faintest smirk comes to her lips,

'' I see. -Alright Mr. Phantom, tell me what to do. I don't think there's any other option so fuck it. If I do this I'm gonna rock it. ''

'' The first thing we need to work on... is your language, Mademoiselle. '' Her eyebrow raises. That's the second time already that somebody told her that today. Kat clears her throat and puts her hand on her chest, her face getting a soft expression and her voice dropping into a pleasing, submissive tone,

'' My apologies. Please, guide me and my voice to reach the potential you believe it is capable of. I will obediently follow every order, Master. '' A stunned silence reaches her eyes. Her lips turn back into a smirk,

'' Wha', didn't think I can talk like ya? I'm a good actress, Mistah Phantom. ''

'' Please do keep on acting then. It will be necessary for your career. ''

'' Whoa whoa, hold on there. Career? I'm just gonna perform this one show and as soon as your Diva's back I'm out of this and inside the next bar ordering the strongest drink they have. ''

'' It would be a terrible waste of your talent if you finish so soon after you began. ''

'' I don't care. I'm not a Diva or a performer. I didn't absolve 14 years of school just to come stay at a world where my graduation don't mean zip! ''

'' I will, of course, not try to force you into anything. I just want you to understand that once you are trained, you could have a glorious career before you. Throwing this away is an unwise mistake. ''

'' I make a lot of mistakes and I manage. Thanks for the hidden compliments, I really appreciate it but I can't stay here. '' A heavy silence falls over the room. If this woman would accept to stay he could get rid of Carlotta once and for all. Whether it be through her death or for her leaving on own account. The young woman will see soon enough that she is meant to be here. Her voice is a gift and even though she cannot see that now, he can. And he will show her.

'' There is one more thing before we can begin. If I teach you, we have to do this in private. Your dressing room offers me the possibility to talk to you, so does the room that was given to you, but your friend cannot find out about this. So please, whenever you are available come down here. I will make sure the door is always unlocked. '' He watches her nodding. Footsteps let both of them wince but only the twitching of her body is visible. Her voice lowers,

'' I can sneak down here at midnight, Holly never stays up that long so she'll be fast asleep til then, sounds good? ''

'' I will be here. '' She nods but before she can say anything else, a man appears in the door. The Phantom recognizes him as their scholar. The man that brought them here. He thinks about leaving but the look in the man's eyes stops him.

'' Here you are, I was looking for you. Where you talking to someone? ''

'' Myself. '' She answers briefly. The other man looks at her worried, his voice lowering as if somebody might hear them,

'' Did you take- ''

'' I did. I'm just a little shaky, you know, about all this. Performing, audience… That's a big piece of cake. ''

'' You'll be fine. You know that, right? '' The young woman makes no move to answer him. Instead her arms wrap around herself in something that almost seems like a self-comforting gesture to the Phantom. He soon spots the faintest tremor running through her body. Is that fear?

'' Let's go back to the others, yeah? '' The man nods at her question and puts a comforting hand on her back,

'' Alright. '' The Phantom watches how they leave and stares after them a moment, his eyebrow risen.