The Phantom Gang
Chapter One
The man in the black mask
1971
The old woman was sitting on the front porch of the west, dirt rising from the wind. Cactus here and there out in the view. It was quiet outside, but she didn't mind it. She had her love sitting right next beside her, watching each other in their rocking chairs. The woman looked over him, seeing him wear that black mask like he always does to hide his face from everyone, but she wished he would take it off. The woman wanted see everything of him, but she understood the reason for wearing it. She smiled warmly at him, grabbing his large wrinkle hand into her hand. Her thumb lightly rubbing his the rough skin. He grabbed his love's hands as well, gazing over to her smiling as well. He took the small hand and pressed it against his lips, watching her while doing so. "They are almost coming my love. Time is almost up for us." He gave an airy laugh. The old woman giggled a bit, but sadly looked down. The man lifted her chin to look at him, telling her everything will be fine.
"But we are so old now. I just don't understand why they still need to take us in." She replied in a shaky voice. Her voice cracked with oldness. "Arresting the old people seemed obscene." The two laughed for a minute. Then he gazed at her brown eyes with so much love. "I love you, Erik." She whispered to him.
"I love you, too, my angel." He whispered back. They leaned in more closer, pecking each other's cheeks. Their foreheads leaning against each other as they stared at each other. The woman brought up a shaky hand to his cheeks, feeling the fabric of his mask. It was made out of cotton, soft to the touch. Her thumb naturally began to rub gently, showing how much love she has for this man sitting right next to her. Then the sound of cars was heard from a short distance from where they sat. The couple stopped staring into each other's eyes and looked over to the men on their black and white cars that was parked in front of their home. A man with brown hair got out his car, gazing at the old couple sitting in their chairs.
The men dressed in suits and cowboy hats, star badges on their dark navy blue jackets. Erik stood up slowly, fixing his shirt and walked down the steps from the wooden front porch. The woman also stood up and walked behind him, hugging his arm. They stopped in front of them as the group of men walked up to them. All of them were quiet, waiting for someone to speak. A few men were gazing at the mask man with curious and some hatred, making her love to tense up. She kissed his shoulder to calm down. He looked down to her, giving a small smirk.
"Erik and Christine, please come with us." The brown-haired man said. He walked closer to the old man taking out handcuffs. The old man lightly pushed his lover away from him, causing some of the men to prepare for the worse. Erik grinned at the men. Erik brought his hand to the hostler for his black pistol. He pulled out his gun then putting it to his head. The brown-haired man had wide eyes at the man. The men went shocked by this as well, not knowing what to do at a situation like this. No man has ever tried to commit suicide before them. They usually start running or start fighting back at them. Their eyes were wide as both Erik and the men were staring intensely.
He looked over to his love and kissed her lightly on the lips. Christine returned it, not shocked by this since they had planned this along. "Just so you know, darling, I will always love you. And I'm proud of our children that we made. And I'm so happy I could die right now." He said. They looked into each other's eyes for the last time. "I will see you soon, my love." He said in the most loving voice that she has ever heard. Then he pulled the trigger.
Christine jumped a bit at the sound of gunfire that traveled through the air of the desert, and tears streaming down her round wrinkled face, but her brown eyes filled with show much love that she had to smile down at her dead lover. The men were staring at the dead old man on the ground, his blood staining on the dirt ground. The pistol still in his hands. Christine went to her knees, putting a hands on his back, saying her silent good-bye to him. She looked at the shocked men, her white hair blowing along the wind the blew lightly. She smiled to them and picked up the black gun from her lover's hand. Christine went to her feet, putting the gun to her head. She stared at them in the eyes. Her eyes traveled to the man with brown hair and smiled more. He had sweat rolling down his face as he watched the woman.
"Please, take care of him for me." She requested them, then pulled the trigger. The men tried to get to the old woman to stop her, but it was too late. The sound of the gun echoed throughout the western air. All the men slowly walked closer and stood there in silence, gazing at the two dead bodies on the ground, blood growing on the ground. No one couldn't move at what they just saw. No one wanted to believe what they saw. The leader of the group was speechless at the scene he just discovered. Blue eyes just staring at the dead couple on the ground. He looked away from the scene in front of him.
"Sir, what do we do?" One of his men asked the middle-age leader. They all waited for his orders on what they should do with their bodies. The middle-aged man sighed out, closing his eyes deep in thought. That woman gave them a request for her lover. Take care his burial for her. His blue eyes looking up in the blue clear sky, his hat blocking the sun from his eyes.
"Do what she requests. Put them in a respectful place. They both deserve that much." He ordered them. The wind blew a little harder to lift up the ground as he began to leave the place, disappearing from the scene, a tear going down his cheek. It was such a great loss.
The year was 1921 on October third, she remember very well. The sky was clear of any white cloud and it was a sharp blue color. Buildings reaching for the sky. The air was growing cold for every one in New York. Jackets had to be worn or you will get frost bit or catch a cold. The girl was only a young of sixteen years old that year. Her youth then was filled with excitement on that day. She was running down the side-walk, so full with happiness that she couldn't contain herself. She was squealing so much that she knew people were turning to stare at her strangely, but she didn't care at all. She was so happy at that moment nothing can ruin it for her. Her long brown curly hair tied back so it doesn't block her view as she ran down the small hill. Her small heels clicking on the ground. Her hands held down her jacket and dress she wore as she ran. She remembered it being white as the snow during winter of new york. The skirt reaching pass her knees, showing some of her legs to the world. Her heels were white as well to match her dress. The hat on her head covered most of her head. Brown hair bouncing up and down as she ran down the sidewalk.
She ran with news that had made her smile like nothing else had before. Her heart was racing with happiness, ready to burst at any moment. She was laughing so much while she ran, the girl was even more out of breath by the time she reached to her best friends apartment building. The brick was a dark brown color and was ten stories tall. There six apartment rooms going across at the front and back of the building and five through the sides. The building was a little older and run down just a bit. The building was still in good shape though and a lot of families live here of how much space they have. It was better than where she lives at. Christine ran through the doors to get inside the building, not stopping a heart beat. She went to the door that lead to the stairs. She would have taken the elevator, but she found that she couldn't any longer than she should. She thought stairs would be more quicker, in which she found that she was correct. Her feet ran up the metal stairs to get to the second floor. She got to the brown door some paint chipped off but wasn't terrible looking at all. The number on the door was 273. It was on an oval-shaped plaque that was black on the background and the numbers the color of gold. She knocked on the door several times, jumping up and down.
"Meg. Meg hurry up!" she said very quickly. "I have something exciting to tell you. Hurry up and open the door." She knocked more, no banging on the door, not wanting to wait any longer then she was. Meg finally opened the door, looking surprise and somewhat annoyed by her friend's banging on the door. Her face flustered from running to the door. Meg glared at Christine a bit, hair messy from sleeping. Christine felt bad, but her excitement covered her guilt more.
"What is it, Christine?" She asked her. Her voice was quiet like she didn't want to wake up the neighbors down the hallway. Christine rolled her eyes like this. Christine smiled widely at her, her brown eyes bright with hidden wildness. Meg raised a brow at her friend, confused by Christine's behavior this morning. Christine pushed her in and went in as well. She closed the door behind them, and walked over to her, grabbing her hands into Christine's. She then went to give her a huge hug, choking air out of Meg. Christine let go of her when she heard this and went to jump instead. Meg had grab her shoulders tightly to calm me down. Meg laughed a bit at her friend's excitement, but still confused by this. "Christine, what is it?" She asked her again, finally getting her to calm down to tell her the news.
"Do you remember, Philip. The boy we met at the age of seven? Our childhood friend?" She asked Meg. Meg became confused at mentioning of Christine's crush. Meg knew that Christine liked Philip since they were young, but Christine never said anything. Christine had low self of steam and Meg tried to push her to him a few times, Christine was too stubborn to do anything. Meg finally gave up after a while for reasons that involved Philip. Meg wasn't happy about him for it. She nodded her head a bit then looked her in the eyes. Christine smiled even more, giggling now. It broke Meg's heart to see her like this for that boy.
"Yes, I remember. What is it about him, Christine?" She was becoming more confused by this. They haven't seen him since he moved to go to France which was three years ago. Meg guessed that Philip knew his true colors and only kept in touch with Christine. She laughed a bit.
"Well, he just asked me to go to a show tonight. I said yes. I am going on a date with Philip." She said. Meg began to smile to her, also excited for her, but Meg didn't like Philip after they turned thirteen. Christine was jumping again, squealing out her excitement. Meg could only smile at her. Then Christine saw Meg's eyes after a while. She stared at her eyes filled with happiness for her. However, there was something behind her happiness that told her something else about this date. They showed worry for her as well. Christine stopped her excitement at that moment, wondering what was wrong. Her face went concerned about her best friend. She never acted like this before and that frighten Christine a little. "What is it, Meg?" She asked, bringing her to the couch to sit down.
Meg sighed out, only giving her a side glance then looked at the tan carpet ground. She was reluctant to tell her. She didn't want to ruin her date with Philip but she also had to warn her about him. Christine could feel her heart beat go faster. Did Meg like Philip as well? She never thought about it that way. She felt so horrible if Meg does. Meg saw the conflict in her brown eyes. Meg quickly spoke before Christine got the wrong idea.
"I don't know. I just have this feeling that you shouldn't go tonight." She said. Meg twisted the truth so she doesn't hurt her friends feelings. Christine didn't understand this. Meg saw this and sighed out. "We hadn't seen Philip in so many years. People change; I just have this feeling that he's not the same anymore and not in a good way either." Christine looked down to the ground. What she say is true. He could have change in either the good way or the bad way. She hasn't seen Philip in a while. He proudly not the same boy that she met. Though she wanted to go on that date. This would be her first date she will ever have in her life. She wants to live up to the moment. Christine shook her head a bit, getting rid of the thought and smiled at Meg.
"I will be fine, Meg. Nothing is going to happen to me, I promise." She said at that moment. Meg didn't look so convince about this, doubt filled her eyes. Christine gave her a smile and hugged Meg. "Now will you help me pick out an outfit for tonight. I don't know what to wear. I have never been on a date before." Christine isn't in the highest class ever in her so she can't buy any of the clothes and make up so she sometimes borrow her best friend's things. Christine stood up and dragged her best friend to her room so they can find something. They giggled at each other.
Christine thought on what Meg said to her. Christine found out Meg doesn't feel that way towards Philip, but in what way did he change? Meg said that he changed for the worse. Though she knows that everything meg say isn't always true either. What will happen tonight? Is something bad will happen or good? She couldn't stop thinking about what Meg had said. She shook her head, she wasn't going to think about it anymore. She was not going to let this cloud her mind, she wanted to enjoy her time and figure this out on her own. She wants to enjoy life and just be herself for once. Christine will have to see what will happen tonight, now she is hanging out with her best friend.
Later
Meg had fixed her outfit for tonight. It was a pale pink that matched her pale skin and dark curly brown hair. Her heels were pearl white, tapping on the concert ground. The dress sparkled under the moon light, making it look like it was glowing in the night. She was walking with Philip, her arm wrapped around his, not wanting to get lost on the street. Christine glanced up from the ground, a blush running across her face. His hair was long, blond, and wavy at the edge. His eyes were a perfect, soft blue that seemed to glow in the night, and somehow smiling. Christine smiled warmly at him when they got to the theatre. Philip had guided her inside with a hand on her small back. The touch of his hand had made her stomach do flip-flops and her heart raced. She thought of Meg's words repeating in her head, though. She needed to keep her head in the game, oh, but it was really hard to. Philip didn't show signs that he changed in a bad way. He was a perfect gentleman to her.
He would open the door for her and helped her up on sidewalks so she won't trip. He spoke to her in a well-mannered way. She couldn't see the reason Meg thought he changed in a bad way. They stood in front of the theatre doors that were made of light wood, waiting for the doors to be open. Philip had a pamphlet in his large hands, reading slowly. Christine looked around at the beautiful lounge. Red carpet perfectly laid out on the hard wood floor. The walls were the color a dark brown almost the color of her hair. Lights lined up on the ceiling above them. She was awestruck by this and couldn't contain the excitement in her eyes. Christine turned her head towards Philip's way, a graceful smile on her face.
"What is it we're watching?" She asked him. Christine saw Philip turn his head from the paper book to gaze at her to see her excitement building behind her eyes. He knew she never been to things like this. He smiled at her gently, getting closer to her so she can hear what he had to say. It got crowded with men, women, and children inside the lounge of the theatre. Everyone chatted away very loudly so it was very hard to hear anyone. Philip had brushed his lips over her ear for a moment, letting his breath caused a shiver go up her spine. This caused him to smirk.
"It is a talent show. I believe you will enjoy it." He answered her, pulling away afterwards. She smiled at him still, but her stomach began to turn with nervousness. Why did she feel this way? Was it him or was it her that has changed in a bad way? The doors opened slowly, catching everyone's attention which made the lounge quiet. Two men were holding the door so everyone can walk in easily. Christine could feel her stomach turning in excitement now as she and Philip began to walk. They went in the room where red chairs were rowed up, people piling to the right seats. There was a second level that looked like boxes in an old theatre like in Europe. People on the second level were piling in, waiting for the show to start. Christine and Philip sat down in the front row close to the stage. Christine sat on the red chair, her palms became sweaty. Philip put his arm around her, bringing her closer to him. "If we wait, there will be a surprise later." He whispered into her ear. She shivered from the sound, not in pleasure, but in fear. She didn't know why she was suddenly feeling like this. Maybe Meg's words took an effect on her more than she realizes. Philip brought his arms back and got comfy so he can watch the show, relaxed.
Then Christine heard a group laughing loudly near her causing her to look for the source. Christine looked over to her right to the second floor in box five. Their was a group of men wearing black suits and hats, but one of them stuck out the most to her. He wore a black mask, covering most of his face from everyone. But it wasn't the mask that made him different. He smiled to his friends, laughing with them. The man was leaning back in his chair, his feet up against the ledge. The stranger was in a relax state she could tell. And his smile was bright to her. He had a cigar in his mouth that was lite. She watched him blow out smoke slowly from his mouth, as if his life would be ruined if he went to fast. He was tall, she knew, and his body looked built under the suit he wore. The man looked mysterious to her and it wasn't the mask that made him that way. He seemed dark as well, which made her to shiver at this.
Christine couldn't look away from him somehow, like she was in a trance; she got hypnotized by him. He was different, not the mask, but something else about him made Christine want to go to him. She wanted to be in the man's arms, but she knew better than to think that way. She knew that he wasn't the type of man who stay with one woman. He would break a girl's heart in one second. After a while the man turned his head towards her way and their eyes met. They were the color of blue-green, color of a sea during a storm. A storm she wanted to be in with him. His gaze was intense with a strong emotion she couldn't place, but she still couldn't look away from him. They both stare for what seemed to be eternity, watching one another. She noticed him roaming his eyes down, taking a good look at her which made Christine shiver. He smirked at this, knowing the effect he has on her. She never wanted to look away from him ever, but everything must have an end she didn't want ever.
"Is something wrong, Christine?" Philip asked, looking concern for her. Christine turned to him, breaking the gaze she had with the stranger and into this man. She gave a small smile to him.
"No, nothing is wrong." She said, smiling at him. Christine settled herself down, but stole some glances of the strange man. He kept his gaze on her, still having that strong emotion in his eyes. They waited quietly for the show to begin. People were finally seated in their seats and children were becoming more quiet as they knew the show was ready to begin. The lights went dim and the red curtains drew open to show the two male hosts standing next to each other, standing under the spot light. They wore tuxedos and bow ties that matches each other. Top hat on their heads tilted to the sides.
They gave the audience a bow in greeting, introducing themselves and began to start the show for everyone. Christine giggled when they pulled jokes and pranks. The audiences were laughing as well, enjoying the show. She could feel someone staring at her, looking into her soul. It was a while before she glanced over to her right to look at the stranger. He was staring at her and she could feel a shiver run down her spine. It was a pleasure feeling for her. The stranger turned his head at that moment when one of his friends pat him on the shoulder. He was laughing with his friends, but she saw him glance at her a few times.
She turned away from him again and faced the stage. A blush forming across pale cheeks to make them look rosy. She felt bad. She was on a date with Philip, but another man had stolen her attention. She felt guilt run through her body, but she didn't say anything. She didn't want to ruin her date. Though she deeply wished she was with that man in the second level. Wish. How many times did she wish for something and it never happening once. Christine again looked over to the box, heart racing when seeing his eyes again.
A lot of acts happened like singing, dancing, and juggling acts. Christine was waiting for the surprise that Philip had said. What was the surprise? Why was Philip saying there was a surprise to her? The hosts didn't say anything about a surprise to the audience. Christine began to think more on this. She hoped that it wasn't something bad. She wants to believe that Philip wasn't a bad person, however her heart knew that Meg was right about this. "When will the surprise be?" She asked him, leaning to get closer to him to be quiet. She turned her head to face him. Philip smirked a bit when she asked and Christine almost cringe at it.
"Soon." He answered her, not even giving her a side glance. Christine looked down at her small hands, the strange feeling never leaving her stomach. Christine just kept still and quiet, but fear was showing through her brown eyes. She didn't realize that the mask man in box five was staring her, seeing the fear she is now showing. He stiffen a bit when seeing this. What will happen to her? More acts came and went; some people cheered while other times booed at the poor people. Christine felt bad for them and gave them a sad smile. After a while, Philip stood up from his seat and pulled Christine to her feet. She got confused by this. Where was he taking her? Before she completely left, she stole one more glance at the stranger again and he was staring at her, leaning forward when she was starting to leave.
He looked into her brown eyes. Christine wanted to freeze at that moment, because his eyes were cold like in a blizzard. The wind blowing hard the snow hitting the your body to freeze you up. It caused a shiver go up her spine. She couldn't stay there though, because she got dragged away from her spot, Philip's hand in hers. Philip took the young girl up to the back stage. She was beyond confused by this. She wanted to ask him why they were here, but fear kept her mouth shut. What was Philip doing? Christine had to think that in a moment, then she could hear the male hosts.
"We have a special guest with us here tonight. She is a lovely lady that a close friend had brought to us and said she is very talented. Please, ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for Christine Dee." Christine's heart dropped at the hear of her name being called out from one of the hosts. She wanted to puke all over her friends dress and on the floor. Fear reached into her chestnut eyes as Philip pushed her onto the stage. Christine was standing before men, women, and children. Her legs were shaking a little from the fear she was having. She was being to breathe heavily and she knew she was pale from how scared she was. "Well, what is it that you wanted to do for us tonight, ma'am? Sing? Dance?" The young teenager felt like she was numb as she stared out in the audience. What was going on? The man put an arm around her, pulling her closer to his chest. She was brought closer up to the edge.
People were gazing at her with hard amusing glares. "Well, miss?" The man asked beside her, having an arm around her. She barely caught what he had said to her. She turned to look at him. She was dazed a bit. He was smiling at her, he got amused by this. He got amused by her fear of doing something in front of the audience. This was a joke to him. Philip was making her a fool in front of everyone she realized. She began to back away from the man beside her getting out of his arms, but the other male host stopped her from going too far. The other man wrapped his arms around her, pushing her forwarded to the stage again.
Christine held her breath as her stomach was turning sickly. Her eyes were wide with fear as she gazed upon faces that began to smile. Her heart wanted to jump out from her chest and leave her there to face the danger alone. She noticed to the side that the group of men wearing suits were beginning to chuckle at her behavior. All but one were laughing at her. Though she couldn't think about this. She couldn't think of anything.
"Come on, why not do something?" He asked. Her body was shaking in fear. Why were they doing this? They pushed her even more forward. She almost lost her balance from the hard push that they gave her. There was no arms wrapped around her anymore. The two hosts stood behind her with their arms crossed, still grinning at her. Christine began to see people smiling in amusement as well, beginning to laugh at the poor girl. The laughing began to grow and grow more loudly that she had to look down to hide her crystal tears from the crowd. She walked backwards, and no one stopped her this time. Christine closed her eyes tears slipping out of them and she covered her ears with her small hands, trying to block the sound. She ran off the stage not bothering to look at anyone, not even the strange man who was the only one not laughing at her.
Christine walked to the back stage, more tears escaping her eyes. She saw Philip sitting in a chair where he could see the show from, grinning. His smile made Christine want to cry more. He was playing with her. Playing with her heart that she foolishly gave to him since she was young. She stopped a few feet away from him, hugging herself. "Surprise." He said, his tone was cold and bitter to her. She wondered what she had done to him to be so cruel to her. She choked on her sob as she walked out through the back door. She didn't want to face those men and women out there. She just want to go home and curl up her bed and cry herself to sleep. She never wants to leave her apartment ever again. She rather face her father's wrath than to face humiliation in front of everyone. The girl walked in the cold air. She was a sobbing mess. Eyes all puffy and red, nose red, cheeks turned more rosy color.
She walked down the alley way, trying to get to her apartment quickly. She tried her best to hide her face from people by looking down at her feet. She pulled more on the white hat she wore. It was freezing outside and the girl shivered a lot. When she saw the familiar building. It was run down and very small. Christine walked in the building feeling the warmth wrap around her small body and went to the elevator. The doors opened and she got in, pressing the fifth floor button. The doors began to close and that was when she lost control. She leaned against the wall, sobbing hard. Christine fell to the ground, bringing her knees up her chest.
A/N: So this was another idea on phantom of the opera. I have no clue why I got this in my head. I was sitting in history class and I suddenly saw Erik wear a suit and hat on and holding a gun. I have the most weirdest imagination ever. So all you phans out there, I hope you enjoyed reading this. Please reviews for me and tell me what you think. Oh, and some of the facts about the past in the 1920s are proudly wrong so please, if you find something and you know its wrong, please tell me if you want. I want to know what I did wrong so I can fix it quickly. Well, enjoy this erikxchristine goodness. :)