This is the beginning to a story in response to a challenge issued by TheElegantFaerie to combine Gerard Butler's Phantom with Nicole Kidman's Satine from Moulin Rouge. These two characters (and actors) are so heartrendingly romantic that I just had to see what I could do with them!
The year was 1901 when I first heard of her passing. She was the most beautiful human being I had ever seen. I had seen the faces of angels through the music I had written over the years. Her voice was one of satin and rich cream, a soothing sound that calmed me and inflamed me at the same time. I can see her as clearly as the day we had first met. But perhaps I should go back, back to the beginning. Only then may others have the chance to understand what joy life can bring.
1875, the year where our story begins. The woman of my tale was still a stranger to me. I occupied my time in the catacombs below the Opera Populaire in la belle ville of Paris. Or at least I assumed it was beautiful. You see, I had spent a 30 year self-chosen exile below ground. I have a fear of the world above you must understand. This exile was not terrible. I became a composer, architect, magician, a genius if I may boast. I was also mad if one could believe the rumors. The Opera had only recently been rebuilt. I had burned it down for the sake of a woman.
The opera then was run by two idiots with no idea of music. Their choice of prima donnas' certainly was lacking. First there was La Carlotta, a woman in love with the sound of her own voice. The sounds that came out of her throat…mon Dieu. My ears bled at the slaughter those poor notes had to endure. Then there was their latest protégé, the Vicomtesse de Chagny. She was beautiful, but her voice lacked substance. Her husband, the Vicomte thought it fitting to use his money and power to further her career as a soprano. I must apologize if there is some resentment on my part as the Vicomtesse was the woman that had lead me to my…fiery misunderstanding.
I had been forgiven, in a way. Everyone had returned and I once again found below in my comfortable dwellings. I have moved on from that mistake with a heart as cold as the stone that surrounds me. I found solace in the music that trickled from my fingertips. Every day was the same, monotonous and uneventful. The nights were filled with physical pain. I had an illness that plagued me, not often but enough to keep me below ground. I am deformed and cursed. For 30 years, I walked this Earth with little purpose except my music.
That was until the day I heard of Harold Zidler and his treasure. A woman of beauty, grace, and sensuality, desired by men throughout the city. A woman that had hair of fire, eyes the color of the sea, skin the color of a new spring lamb. A woman that was known as the Sparkling Diamond.
That's part one for now. I'll try and upload again as soon as possible but with another fanfic in progress and classes, it might be tough. Reviews and PM's are mightily appreciated towards inspiration :)