A/N: A new story! This is based off a Mexican novela and book called "Corazon Salvaje" (which translated to Wild Heart).
Before we begin, I want my lovely readers to understand that there will be some things in the early chapters that will make you have questions but I ask for your patience and know that all things you are going to believe are plot holes will be answered in later chapters. This is a Erik/Christine story although in the beginning it might seem like E/OC and may have aspects of R/C. It will include some original characters and other PotO characters might be OOC. I ask for no rude reviews and be kind because I do not have a Beta Reader so there might be grammatical errors.
I'm sure some may have noticed that I have taken down Civilizing a Commoner. I apologize greatly for that, however I am very disappointed with what the story was becoming. The characters were too OOC for my liking and I just don't like where I was going with it. I began to feel as if the story was making no sense. BUT I am not gonna delete it forever. I am rewriting it and changing many things. So, I thought it was better to take it down from the site altogether. I know some will be angry but I'm asking you all to apprehend that.
Another thing I ask is for my readers to understand that I am a full-time college student with a job and taking care of my parents. I do not have the liberty and time like I once did years before. I know I take quite some time updating my stories but it's because I have so much going on in my life. I hope you all understand and have the kindness to not badger me with messages about me losing readers because I drag to update. I promise you all that writing is still my favorite thing to do, but I do not always have the time to sit down and type. Accidentally In Love will be finished and I have not abandoned it! Thank you all! Xoxo
The story will be set in France but will have a few fictional countrysides/cities.
Disclaimer: I do not own any PotO characters nor the Corazon Salvaje plot.
Without further ado, let's begin…
"Green wind from the green-gold branches, what is the song you bring?
What are all songs for me, now, who no more care to sing?
Deep in the heart of Summer, sweet is life to me still,
But my heart is a lonely hunter that hunts on a lonely hill.
Green is that hill and lonely, set far in a shadowy place;
White is the hunter's quarry, a lost-loved human face:
O hunting heart, shall you find it, with arrow of failing breath,
Led o'er a green hill lonely by the shadowy hound of Death?"
~"The Lonely Hunter" - William Sharp
Chapter I
1851 - Paris, France
"Are you sure, Lionel?" Nadir Khan asked. Comte Lionel de Chagny looked over at his dark skinned attorney as well as his good friend and smiled. "Has Celeste approved of you sending Raoul all the way to Italy?" Nadir was quite surprised knowing how Lionel's son deeply loved being around his father. Raoul admired his father and always wanted to his exact replica.
"Celeste is my wife and she dare not argue against me." Lionel said. Comte Lionel de Chagny was a man that people knew in high power and high society. He had black hair that was slicked back into a ponytail, sideburns running on the sides of his face. His eyes were dark blue and his skin was olive toned. He had a charming smile that caused many women's knees to go weak. He was elegant and what every woman would consider handsome. Lionel was a man with wealth and a good reputation as people admired and respected him. "She will not argue especially when he will be receiving a great amount of education."
Nadir nodded his head in agreement as they walked toward Monsieur Lefare's home for a social gathering. Lionel and Nadir walked side to side past a dark alleyway that was beside the home.
"Monsieur…"
Both Lionel and Nadir stopped as they heard a deep voice come from the darkness. Nadir looked at his friend who was narrowing his eyes. Nadir turned to look at the alleyway and found a pair of golden glowing eyes staring back at them.
"You are Comte de Chagny." That voice! Surely that wasn't coming from a human! It sounded so beautiful… like an angel! But what that voice said was not a question, rather a statement. Lionel shifted his feet in an annoyed posture.
"Yes, that I am." he nodded his head. "Come out of there, whoever you are."
The person came out from the darkness only to see a young boy who was taller than they were. He was wearing a full-faced black leather mask with torn clothes that had blood and dirt stains all over. His hair was shaggy and a bit above his shoulder. He looked slender and yet strong at the same time.
Lionel and Nadir hid their surprise as they expected to see an older man not a boy. His voice seemed far too mature for a boy no more than fifteen years of age. Nadir gripped his cane in preparation to defend himself as well as his friend, should the boy try anything, but Lionel did not seem afraid and simply cleared his throat.
"Well?" he fixed his posture to seem more confident. "What is it that you want?"
"Monsieur Jean-Charles Alime is looking for you. He wishes for me to bring you to him." the boy said. Lionel froze at name, feeling his face go pale… it had been so long since he had heard from that bastard. Was he never to have peace?
"I do not know who that is," Lionel said, dismissing the boy. "Tell him he is mistaken."
"But he is not––" the boy attempted to argue but Lionel cut him off.
"Did you not hear me? Now enough." Lionel swatted his hand to the boy. "Away with you." The boy narrowed his eyes at Lionel before backing away and disappearing into the shadows.
Nadir looked at Lionel before he put his hand on his shoulder. "If I am not mistaken, isn't Jean-Charles Alime––"
"Yes, I remember who is he." Lionel snapped. "But I will not go back to playing old games with that sorry excuse for a man."
.
The masked boy entered his tiny home that was barely standing. It was in horrible conditions; they had no window–unless you consider the large hole in the wall by their door a window. The floor was dirt and rats roamed freely, barely picking up the scraps they could eat. There was only one bed which was made of hay that no doubt was infested with bugs. Mold was growing in each of the home's corners. There was a tiny fireplace that could barely warm up a flea, so it was useless. It was what the masked boy had ever known and he did not believe that he would ever amount to more. This was his reality. He was a freak of nature; monsters do not receive nice things.
"Well?" Jean-Charles asked, coughing up blood as the masked boy entered the small, one room home. "Where is he?"
"He did not come," the boy replied. Jean-Charles clenched his fists and grabbed the whip he had on his bedside table. He grabbed the handle before whipping the boy, managing to catch his arm and slice through his shirt. The boy merely flinched but did not utter a sound, not even as blood began to ooze out of his wound.
"I ask you one goddamn favor, you piece of––" before he could even finish, he threw his arm back and whipped the boy again, this time hitting him on the chest. The boy backed up from the impact and hit the hand drawn portrait of his mother that was hanging on the wall. "You are as disgusting as that mother of yours, going off to whore herself to that blasted de Chagny!" he spat. The boy looked up in surprise and Jean-Charles began to laugh, almost wheezing from his sickness. "Did you honestly believe I was your father? As if I could produce such a curse!"
"My mother––" the boy began.
"Was a whore!" Jean-Charles shouted. "She went off to that man and spread her legs and then became pregnant with your vile being! That man is your father but never knew he had a son. As if he would want you anyway…" The boy clenched his fists and ran out of the home with his mother's picture in his hands. He ran to the one place that he believed was his sanctuary.
The sea.
The masked boy ran and collapsed on the cold sand under the pale moonlight. His mother had been with someone else? Jean-Charles was not his father… not that he ever acted like one anyway. Him not being his father was almost a blessing but his real father was no better. Yes, he had heard the tales of Lionel de Chagny… a womanizer. A real Don Juan, he was. He seduced so many women with the gleam of his smile. It was pathetic, really. How could one man attract so many people?… they must have been whores to ever fall for a man like that. But then again, his mother slept with that bastard as well.
He did not remember much about his mother. She died when he was no more than three years. But he remembered her voice and how beautiful it sounded when she spoke. It was like every sentence was a melody and her whole story was a symphony. She was a lovely women, despite was Jean-Charles told him about her. His mother was no whore even if she did get pregnant with de Chagny's child. He was no son of Jean-Charles and he was certainly no child of Lionel de Chagny. Why would he want anything from that man? A man who left his mother in poverty despite the fact that he slept with her and impregnated her. He was no man; he was a fool.
The masked boy looked up to see the waves moving in a rhythm and wind whistling in his ear. Yes, it was truly a beautiful place. The earth was creating its music through nature and it took him peace and quiet to hear it. The wind was whistling a harmony and singing in his ear. The waves were bringing him the sound of hope and peace.
Of course, it never lasted. He would have to come back to reality and back to his life. But these moments were truly cherished. Moments where the rest of the world fell away and he thought of nothing. Where his mind went black and where he felt calm, almost like a dream.
'Tis a pity that dreams don't come true.
Nadir had that blasted Jean-Charles in his mind for the passing days. He had requested for Lionel to go to him, but for what? What could he possibly want? Well he knew that as Lionel's friend and attorney, he had to go find out.
He was walking to the poor side of Paris. He had rarely been to his side and was almost astonished at the amount of poverty there was. Children were lying on the floor and he wasn't sure if they were dead or sleeping. Woman were selling themselves, others simply had their hands out for whoever was willing to give them some money. Nadir restrained himself as all of this affected him deeply… he never knew how bad it was until he actually saw it.
He made his way to the Jean-Charles's home, only to see the boy from the other night collecting money from a crowd of people. As he stepped closer, he noticed blood on his clothes and a body lying in front of him of what looked to be a older man. The older man's body had a tattered clothes as well and seemed larger than the boy yet he was on the ground––dead. The masked boy had slashed the man on his chest and one of his eyes was missing. It was a gruesome sight and Nadir had never seen anything more savage-like. They were fighting to the death and the winner received money. What kind of a life was that?
He noticed that the boy stopped what he was doing and his eyes averted to Nadir and stared at him. Nadir was no fool, he knew that that boy was telling him to keep walking and mind his business but that stare sent shivers down Nadir's spine. It was the most coldest look he has ever seen in someone so young. Nadir tipped his hat at the boy, not knowing how else to walk away, before he moved towards the home of Jean-Charles. It was a house that had no door, or windows; there were merely holes. He removed his hat and walked inside.
Nadir's first view was of Jean-Charles who looked like death was slowly sucking away his soul. The man was in the midst of coughing and Nadir was almost positive he saw blood spitting out of his mouth. Jean-Charles looked at Nadir before narrowing his eyes.
"Good morning, Monsieur Alime. I am Nadir Khan, attorney of Lionel de Chagny." he presented himself. Jean-Charles gave a mocking chuckle.
"So that bastard couldn't even come here himself. What a coward," he sniffed, before begin to have a fit of coughs. "Dying, in case you haven't noticed." he told Nadir. "I suppose he asked you to come here."
"No, I came of my own accord because it sounded important." Nadir corrected. "Why did you request a presence with Lionel?"
"To tell him myself that I am dying and that he needs to take back his son,"
"Son?" Nadir questioned, his eyes widening.
"Aye, that bastard child of his!" Jean-Charles spat. "The one he left behind after his disgusting whore died little after giving him life!"
"Lionel… has another son?" Nadir question, scratching his beard in disbelief. Jean-Charles sighed in annoyance and slowly trying to sit up, but he only began to cough viciously again. Nadir walked a tad bit closer to the dying man and narrowed his eyes at him. "How can you be sure?"
"As if I could produce a demon!" he cried out. Nadir stared at him in confusion and Jean-Charles chuckled. "So you've never heard of the Devil's Child, eh?"
"Obviously not," Nadir stated as he stood up straighter and huffed. Jean-Charles half turned and propped himself up on his elbows.
"Born with the face of a monster," he began. "Yet he has the strength of the a god. He is able to murder anyone that he wants… mercilessly. He doesn't care about anyone else and lives in misery. His face was branded by Devil and therefore he is his offspring,"
"You deem him that by the way he looks?" Nadir asked in disbelief.
"Don't you dare judge me!" Jean-Charles snapped. "You would reject him too if you saw what he looked like! He is a monster. But then he is the child of Lionel… that would make him the son of a monster."
Nadir forcefully grabbed Jean-Charles by his shirt and pulled him up closer to his face. "You will do well to keep your mouth shut. Lionel de Chagny is a good man and he is my friend. I will not allow you to spit slurs about him," he said angrily.
"He is not wrong."
Nadir turned to face the doorway of the home only to see the masked boy standing there with his eyes narrowing. Those eyes almost burned into his skin because they held such hate in them. He looked as if he hated the world, but keep down, Nadir could catch a hint of sadness. That boy needed to get out of this environment; everything in this part of town would turn him into a mad man. Nadir saw potential in the boy, he didn't know from where he was getting that feeling, but he was feeling it.
"Yes, he is." Nadir replied. "I am Lionel de Chagny's attorney and friend. I know him well."
"I recognize you from last time." the masked boy said, simply.
"Who cares!" Jean-Charles screamed. "I just want that spawn of hell to be taken from me!"
"Write a letter to Lionel de Chagny," Nadir said. "Tell him everything you know about where the boy came from and I shall deliver it to him."
Jean-Charles looked at the boy. "Go fetch me some paper!"
The boy stared at Nadir for a moment longer before he slowly backed away and went to find paper. Nadir turned to Jean-Charles and glared at him.
"What have you done to the boy to make him look at everything in anger?"
"You sympathize with him?" Jean-Charles asked in anger. "What about me?! What about what I went through because of him?!"
"You're blaming a child for your misery?" Nadir shook his head. "You poor, pathetic fool."
The boy returned and handed over the paper to Jean-Charles who began to write. Nadir looked over at the boy and found him staring back at him.
"Do you go to school?" Nadir asked him.
"No."
"Do you know how to read or write?"
"Do not ask me questions." the boy snapped. Nadir sighed and nodded his head.
"I apologize." Nadir said. The boy narrowed his eyes at Nadir who backed away to move to Jean-Charles who was finishing his letter.
Nadir couldn't help but feel sorry for the boy. He was put into a life that he never asked for. A mother who was in love with a rich man like Lionel, but then abandoned and left for poverty. Nadir had met the women and despite her background, she was a beauty. She had been such a strong spirited woman who was full a life. It was such a pity that her life ended in such a way. Now, she had left behind a son who was considered a freak and held such hatred for someone so young.
"Here," Jean-Charles handed Nadir the note who took it. Nadir put on his hat and tipped it before heading out the door. He stopped and looked at the boy who was still staring at him.
"I will be back for you," he softly whispered to him. The boy seemed unfazed and Nadir left.
.
.
.
Nadir arrived to Lionel's city manor and climbed out of his carriage. He was wondering what Lionel would think about him visiting Jean-Charles. He had no doubt that he'd be annoyed, but he had to know about his other son.
"Good afternoon, Monsieur Khan." a maid greeted. Nadir smiled at the young lady and handed her his hat and coat.
"Afternoon, Catherine. Is the Comte in his study?"
"Yes, I shall tell him you arrived."
"No need. I'll go there myself, excuse me." Nadir said as he walked past her and towards Lionel's study. Nadir softly knocked before opening the door.
Lionel was standing at his desk looking down at papers and putting on his coat. He looked up and smiled at the sight of his friend. "Ah, Nadir. Come in."
"Thank you." Nadir walked in and closed the door behind him.
"I have many documents here that I need you to look at. I don't know if they are still of any use or not."
"I'll revise them," Nadir said simply and observed that he was getting ready to leave. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes, I'm heading back to Vasing. My wife sent me a letter and told me that I was needed back home and that Raoul is getting ready to leave in the next month or so for his school." Lionel stated as he was packing some on his documents into a leather folder, observing the contents carefully.
"I see."
"Is there something wrong, Nadir?"
Nadir sighed and held out the letter to show Lionel. "I went to see Jean-Charles today."
Lionel froze before looking up to see his Persian friend. "Why?"
"I wanted to know what it was that he wanted the nights before," Nadir explained. "I know that you may not want to hear this especially after all he did–"
"He attempted to ruin my reputation! He spread lies about me all because his woman–"
"He gave me a letter to give to you," Nadir interrupted. "And I believe you should read it."
"I do not want to know anything about that alcoholic, sorry excuse for a man."
"Then I will read it." Nadir gestured for Lionel to sit before sitting down himself. Lionel was aggravated but deep down he was afraid of what he was going to hear.
"De Chagny, it is with my last strength that I am writing this.
It is too late for you to repay all the wrongs that you have done to me,"
Lionel cleared his throat in annoyance and disbelief, but Nadir kept going.
"And all the wrongs you did to her.
You are rich, handsome, and happy; well respected by the people. While I am living in misery and see death as my only chance at freedom from this hellhole.
There is no point in telling how much I despise you, as you already know. I would have enjoyed killing you but alas, the one dying is me and not from the alcohol rather the hatred that has finally consumed me.
Still, there is something I never told you–"
"Nadir, please." Lionel said feeling anger rising up in him. "This is absurd." Nadir, however, did not stop reading the letter.
"And I believe that it is time that you know.
There is a boy who is fourteen years old. He has never even been baptized.
She named him Erik.
But the people around here call him something else…
They call him the devil's child
Because that is what he is. A demon. He has little humanity in him... a savage. He does only what his instincts tell him to do. And do you know why?
Because he is your son."
"T-that's a lie… that's a lie!" Lionel cried out. "They nothing more than words from a peasant… from a coward!" Lionel shot up from his seat and because running out of his study with Nadir quickly coming after him.
"Where are you going!" Nadir called after him, trying to catch up.
"Let's see if he is man enough to say those things to me directly!" Lionel shouted before rushing to his carriage and getting inside with Nadir quickly doing the same.
Lionel was furious. His hands were clenched into fists on his lap, refraining from hitting anything around him. How dare that pathetic man create such lies? As if he could ever have a son with that woman. It was true, yes, he had had a intimate relationship with Jean-Charles's wife long ago when he was barely engaged with Celeste. Her name was Isabelle and she was truly a beauty despite the fact that she was poor. She played hard-to-get at first and in his younger years that drove Lionel wild. It excited him to see a women who refused him and did not want him like all the others. She was a woman who was looking for adventure and excitement.
It was true that she was newly married to Jean-Charles when he met her. But he didn't care; there was something about Isabelle that made Lionel want her. She drove him mad with desire even when she would tell him to leave her alone. Eventually, he noticed that she was fighting her feelings for him and it wasn't long before she had fallen in love with him. Lionel was no fool to know when a woman wanted him but for the first time, he had fallen in love with the woman back. They had made love and it was the happiest night of his entire life but after that, Isabelle had found out the truth and that he was engaged and had no intentions of running away with her. She never spoke to him again and Jean-Charles was furious that Lionel had soiled his wife's purity. Jean-Charles had attempted to ruin Lionel's reputation many times, but to no avail because Isabelle never spoke a word against him. Lionel couldn't let the people know the truth so he never went out to look for her.
Eventually, he had heard the news that she passed away and even though he never expressed his emotions to anyone, he was heartbroken. Lionel had always dreamed of reuniting with her and apologizing for never fighting for her, but he realized that it would never happen.
"Perhaps if you did have a relationship with her than it would make sense that there was a consequence from that?" Nadir said bringing Lionel out of his memories. Lionel frowned and rubbed his eyes in frustration.
"Isabelle hated me after I left her. Don't you think that if I had a child from her that she would have exposed it to everyone? Tell everyone that I had a bastard son?" Lionel said as the carriage was moving towards the poorer side of town. Lionel looked out the window and felt a pang of pity for all those beggars.
"Perhaps she didn't say anything from embarrassment?" Nadir suggested.
"What could she possibly be embarrassed about?" Lionel asked, astonished. There was nothing that Isabelle could have felt ashamed about. Nadir had warned Lionel in his younger day to leave Isabelle alone because he was to be married and it could cause problems. Lionel never listened and did whatever he pleased. He felt that his old decisions were coming back to haunt him.
"The time fits either way. It's going to be almost fourteen years since you last saw her." Nadir said and Lionel couldn't help but believe that he was right. The carriage came to a stop and Lionel opened the door before rushing out and making his way into jean-Charles's home.
Jean-Charles was coughing, sweat pouring down his face as he was lying in bed. He looked to see Lionel standing there in an aggravated posture.
"Well, well, well. Look what we have here," he said, chuckling before it became a fit of coughs. "You can cover your eyes if the misery of this place scares you."
"Why are you writing such lies?" Lionel asked, ignoring his previous remarks. The poor bastard looked as if he had no soul in him. He reeked of sweat and alcohol and Lionel was doing his best to refrain from covering his nose. The whole home was a dump and it smelled of rat droppings. He had to admit it would be hell to live in there.
"You think they are lies?" Jean-Charles glared at Lionel. Nadir sighed and rubbed his temples from the stress. "Once he removes his mask you will see his face. It is the face of the devil but every single feature about him is exactly like you."
"You're making up things. If it was true, why would you hide it after all these years? Why should I believe you?"
"You want to know why?" Jean-Charles lifted himself with the little energy he had left and propped his bodyweight on his elbows. "I wanted to make him in my own way–a murderer. A killer! Don't believe me? The Devil's Child has no soul, no care." He started coughing and Nadir noticed that blood was spitting out this time. "He is a disgraceful thief and murderer. If you take him, he will be the biggest misery that you will ever have. But if you abandon him, he will become a murderer and it'll be on you."
"LIES!" Lionel threw himself on Jean-Charles, his hands wrapping around his throat. Nadir quickly grabbed onto Lionel, attempting to pull him off but he would not. Jean-Charles, despite his sickness and inability to breath was laughing at Lionel and his anger. Lionel was furious! His face was red with anger and his eyes shouted hatred. He truly believed that if Nadir wasn't there, holding him back, he would have killed the already dying man.
Nadir finally pulled Lionel off and in that process they both saw a figure at the corner of their eyes. They turned to see the masked boy standing at the threshold, staring at them.
"You! How long have you been standing there?" Lionel asked the boy, angrily. The boy looked at him and his eyes narrowed.
"Long enough."
"Lionel, that's enough. Don't turn your anger on the boy." Nadir said and Lionel sighed before nodding his head in agreement.
"Fine. We're getting out of this hellhole." he said before walking out of the home, not bothering to look back at the masked boy even though he really wanted to but his dignity would not allow him.
Nadir followed him but stopped and turned to the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder. The boy flinched at the touch of companionship and his cold eyes stared at the Persian man. It was only then that Nadir truly noticed the color of the boy's eyes. They were golden and if even possible, glowing. His eyes were like something Nadir had never seen.
"Listen, boy. If you ever need anything… anything at all. Money, food, clothes, a place to sleep. Never hesitate to find me." Nadir said, kindly. "I live by the church on Rue Jevon. Just ask for Nadir Khan." Nadir patted the boy's shoulder before heading out never seeing the look of gratefulness in the masked boy's eyes.
Nadir walked up to the carriage and Lionel was sitting inside with his hands in his face. Nadir felt bad for his friend, but what could he possibly say to console him? This was an experience he never went through. Nadir climbed inside the carriage and closed the door before tapping the roof of the carriage with his cane, signaling for the driver to go.
"They're lies, Nadir." Lionel said in almost a whisper. Nadir sighed and scratched his head, not exactly knowing how to respond. "He's an alcoholic man who's always hated me." Lionel looked up at his friend whose face was one of sympathy.
"And what will you do about the boy?" Nadir asked. Lionel sat up and leaned back against the carriage before closing his eyes, trying to think about what could be the right decision. "I doubt Jean-Charles will live for much longer and he cannot stay in that horrid place."
"Take him to Vasing." Lionel said after a long pause. Nadir nodded his head in agreement and noticed that Lionel was staring, thinking carefully on how to say his next words. "Just… just don't tell a word to anyone of Jean-Charles's lies and madness."
Nadir didn't say anything, just turned and looked out the carriage window.
The following day, Lionel arrived to his land, Vasing where he had his grand estate. Behind his home was a large acres of land that had some forest. Lionel had stables for his horses and his workers' horses. The garden was beautifully kept by the hardworking people that were living in little one room homes farther into the land and away from Lionel's home. He had a large farm in the field where he had his workers grow different kinds of vegetables. Despite having his workers in small home conditions, Lionel was a man who was well respected among his staff. He was a fair man who treated everyone as they deserved to be treated. It was admirable and very well appreciated.
Lionel arrived early in the morning and was greeting by the sight of his wife, Celeste and his childhood friend sitting in the lounge. They were conversing amicably and Lionel hesitated to disturb them but it was his wife who noticed him. Lionel smiled and with no choice walked into the room. Celeste and his friend both stood at the sight of him. Lionel went up to them and planted a kiss on his wife's forehead before looking to at the man beside her and holding out his hand to greet him.
"Ah, Gustave." Lionel greeted. "I did not know you were coming." Gustave gave him a soft smile and Lionel felt a pang of pity for the man.
"I had meant to surprise you, old friend. But it seems I had come a little too early." Gustave responded.
Gustave was a generous man who had a passion for music like no one Lionel has ever met before. Baron Gustave Daae was quite the violinist and even went as far as to play on the streets. Whatever he earned, he would always give it away to the poor. Normally people saw that as pathetic as the money could go elsewhere, but Lionel had always admired that feature in Gustave. That man used to be full of life that was until his first wife died at childbirth and left Gustave alone with a daughter. Lionel knew that Gustave had been deeply in love with her. Celeste would tell him all the time the way that he spoiled her. Elizabeth was her name, if Lionel recalled correctly. Yes, Elizabeth and she was a good person and had the kindest soul. It was a pity that her life ended so soon.
Lionel was quite surprised when–about three years after his first wife's death–Celeste had told him one day that Gustave was to be remarried to a countess. Countess Miriam Perlou, to be exact. She was a widow with already one newborn daughter as well. Gustave had thought it perfect as his daughter Christine needed a companion and a sister. They were married right away and Miriam's daughter Marie became Christine's step-sister.
Miriam had become pregnant not long after their wedding, but there were complications during childbirth and unfortunately Miriam and her baby did not make it. Gustave had been depressed every since. Losing two wives and in the same way was horrifying. Lionel was told by Celeste that Gustave no longer played his violin and Lionel believed that Gustave was truly suffering.
"I apologize for coming unannounced–" Gustave began, but Lionel held up his hand and patted the man on his shoulder.
"You are always welcomed here, Gustave." Lionel said. Gustave gave him a grateful smile before turning over to focus on his daughters who were sitting on the floor. "Celeste," he called his wife and gestured that she follow him to his study. "Excuse us, Gustave."
Lionel and Celeste went into his study and Lionel removed his coat and hung it in the back of his chair. Celeste calmly looked at him and decided to speak first. "I thought you wouldn't come for at least another couple of days,"
"You asked to come home." Lionel stated going to the corner of the room where he had a bottle of brandy on a table and poured himself a glass.
"Yes, but I just assumed it'd take you more days."
"Well, it didn't." Lionel snapped. Celeste frowned and Lionel sighed before rubbing his forehead. Celeste walked towards him and placed a hand on his chest.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine." Lionel lied. "I apologize, I've just been very tired. How are things here?"
"Oh, they're fine. Things have been quiet." Celeste said. "I have just been comforting Gustave with now the death of his second wife. It's a pity what happened to Miriam."
"Perhaps you should provide Madame Giry's services over to him," Lionel suggested. Celeste widened her eyes and shook her head.
"Raoul's nurse? Why? She is needed here–"
"We only have one son, Celeste." Lionel interrupted. "Gustave is now a widower. He needs help with his two daughters and Madame Giry could be of great help to him. Besides, she has a daughter around Christine's age."
Celeste sighed and nodded her head. "I suppose you're right."
Just then, they both turned to the door as they heard footsteps running towards the room. Lionel put down his cup for he knew exactly who was coming and braced himself. Celeste took a few steps away in order to not block the door.
"Papa! Papa!" Nine year-old Vicomte Raoul de Chagny ran up to his father, throwing his arms around him. Lionel caught his son in the hug and smiled before ruffling Raoul's hair. Lionel looked down at his son who was gleaming up at him, his face lit up with happiness. His dark blue eyes held excitement and his toothy grin made Lionel chuckle. "Did you bring my a gift?"
"Of course I did," Lionel said. He went over to his coat and pulled out a pocket watch made of gold along with its chain. Raoul grabbed it and admired the watch and looked at it carefully. "I had it made especially for you. It has our family crest on it."
"I love it, thank you!" Raoul exclaimed, happily.
.
"You know what, Gustave?" Lionel was sitting in his study at his desk. He had called for Gustave because Celeste had been begging him with an idea that she came up with. She had wanted Lionel to be the one to tell Gustave her idea. "Celeste had proposed something."
"And what might that be?" Gustave asked, sitting in a chair across from Lionel.
"Well as you know, I will not live forever," Lionel began, lighting up a cigar and taking a few puffs. "Raoul will eventually have to take over this land as well as my real estates in Paris. I always like to believe that when Raoul grows older, he will receive a good wife who will obey him but that he will maintain her and his children well."
"Indeed," Gustave agreed.
"You are an educated man," Lionel said. "And I do admire that. You managed to pass down you musical ways on to your daughter, Christine. I've never seen a child so musically inclined at such a young age."
"Yes," Gustave smiled as he thought as his daughter. "I am extremely proud of her. She has the voice of an angel and I know that she will be amazing once she matures."
"I'm sure she will." Lionel sat up straighter in his chair and cleared his throat. "What I am trying to get at is that Celeste suggest that perhaps, when Christine reaches the proper age, she marry my son."
"Marry Raoul?" Gustave jumped up in his seat from surprise. Lionel nodded his head and brought the cigar to his mouth and took another puff. "But–but they're just kids… What if Christine–"
"Celeste believes it is much better to have them marry. While Marie is your daughter, she is not exactly blood; Christine is."
Gustave stared at Lionel not knowing what to say. Marry Christine off to Raoul? It wasn't a terrible idea, but Gustave always saw his darling daughter as the one to take care of him once he grew old. He expected so much of her and he longed to see her perform on stage… in an opera! She'd be a star! But if he married her off to Raoul then those dreams would disappear… but then again she would be financially stable and live comfortably. Oh hell.
"I suppose it could be arranged." Gustave said, hesitantly.
"Wonderful," Lionel grinned and watched as the other man stood up carefully. Gustave sighed before believing it is better to speak his mind rather than hold it in especially if when it comes to Christine. "What is it?"
"I don't want my Christine to feel like she will be forced to marry Raoul," Gustave started. "Christine is will not be a lady to just have around the house. She is my daughter and music runs in her veins, Lionel."
"Yes, Gustave I know that but I don't understand what that–"
"If she does not wish to marry Raoul when she is older, I will not stop her." Gustave said. "Christine will make her decisions once she has come of age."
"Why would she not want to marry Raoul?" Lionel asked, crossing his arms over his chest plainly stating that he was offended. Gustave looked at Lionel in the eyes and knew that he could not possibly understand what he would say next.
"Because she might decide to marry music instead."
.
Nadir was sitting at his office revising paperwork for Lionel's estates and looking at the will that he had written up as Lionel requested. Unfortunately, he was not concentrating much. The whole situation with Jean-Charles and the boy was terrible. Lionel had another son who was raised to be a murderer. To his disappointment, Lionel felt shame for his bastard child. Nadir understood that Lionel had every right to be confused and angry at the situation but that boy had no blame in this entire situation. He never asked to be born and never asked to be raised by such as despicable man.
Nadir felt pity for the boy and had such a desire to help him. The boy needed someone there for him and while Lionel opened his doors for him, Nadir still felt the need to be the boy's companion. No one should have to suffer the way he did and Nadir was positive that if anything were to happen, he would take him in.
"Monsieur Khan?" Nadir looked up to see his elderly maid peeking into his office. "I apologize for disturbing you."
"Not at all, Mary." Nadir reassured. "What is the matter?"
"There's someone here to see you." Mary said. "Shall I send them in?"
"Yes, yes." Nadir sighed and rubbed his eyes. He wasn't expecting visitors and he was already distracted enough with all these thoughts. He needed to get his work finished and hoped that whoever it was would not take very long. Yet, to his surprise, he saw the boy enter his office. He smelled of death and blood, his shirt had red stains on them and Nadir was entirely afraid to know where he got those from.
"I was not expecting you," Nadir said. The boy looked around the room and noticed the difference between his home and Nadir's. No mold, no rats, the floor wasn't dirt… it was entirely comfortable. "Jean-Charles–"
"Dead," the boy said. "I ended him myself." The was not the answer Nadir expected to hear and in a sense, it terrified him. That boy was capable of taking a life as if it was nothing.
"I see," Nadir said after a pause. "A-and why did you do that?"
"My hands took control and I wrapped them around his throat," the boy started to explain. "I ended his suffering as well as ended mine." Nadir could see the pleasure in the boy's eyes but he also saw the pain behind his actions. Jean-Charles was still the only father and the boy had ever known. He was not somebody to be missed and certainly not somebody who should have even been considered a great father. Yet, there was some longing behind the boy and that was to have a parent and companion.
"Son," Nadir walked over to the boy to stand in front of him. "Whatever that man made you believe your worth was wrong. You do not have to do these kinds of things."
The boy stared at Nadir skeptically. It was the first time that someone had ever told him anything like that. He was always made to believe that he was the devil and that no one would want a monster like him. The boy always felt that if he was going to be treated like a monster, he might as well act like one. But this man told him he was worth something? What game was he playing at?
"I apologize but I have seem to have forgotten your name," Nadir said. "What do you call yourself?"
"Erik."
"Hm, it seems to suit you." Nadir gave the boy a smile. "Well Erik, do you have any belongings?" Erik narrowed his eyes at Nadir and blacked a little away as if he was on guard. Nadir noticed that in the boy's hand there a paper with a drawing of a woman on it and it was holding onto it rather tightly.
"Why?"
"Well because you will be living with Lionel de Chagny." Nadir stated. Erik's golden eyes widened and his fist clenched in anger at the sound of that pathetic man's name.
"The hell I am!" he shouted.
"Oh?" Nadir remained calm. "Most people would jump on the opportunity to be fed, clothed, have a home to live in, and a bed to sleep in."
"I am not most people," Erik snapped. "I would never live with a man who raped an innocent woman."
"Is that what you believed happened between your mother and Lionel?" Nadir asked. Erik said nothing and did not look at Nadir in the eyes.
"I do not need that man," Erik growled. "I never have before."
"And looked how your life has been so far, Erik." Nadir grabbed the boy by his shoulders. "This could be a wonderful opportunity."
"I refuse."
"Don't be so stubborn!" Nadir said, exasperated. "Listen to me, son. No matter what that poor excuse of a man has told you about Lionel, I know him better than anyone. Lionel is an honorable man who takes his responsibilities–"
"Is that what I am?" Erik roughly pulled away from Nadir, his voice low and dark. "A responsibility?"
"All children are, Erik,"
"I am hardly a child." The masked boy retorted. Nadir sighed and rubbed his temples in frustration.
"Lionel can take care of you. He can give you everything you ask for." Nadir walked over to his desk and pulled his chair before gesturing Erik to sit in it. Erik walked slowly over to it, his guard up the entire time not fully knowing what Nadir was going to do. Nadir was no fool, he knew that Erik didn't trust him but to him, it was important to start gaining it. Erik looked like a boy with potential to be great and Nadir wanted to be someone to bring it out of him.
"Why can I not stay here?" Erik asked. "I can work for you."
Nadir was taken aback by what the boy asked. Stay here with him? It didn't seem like a bad idea, but he was Lionel de Chagny's son and Erik should be recognized by that. He had noble blood running through his veins and while Nadir was not a poor man, he couldn't offer the boy what Lionel could.
"Let's make a compromise, shall we?" Nadir suggested. Erik crossed his arms over his chest and waited for Nadir to continue. "Give it a month, son. Stay a month with Lionel and if you decide that you still wish to leave, I shall open my home to you."
Erik stared at Nadir, attempting to find any sort of lies behind the Persian's eyes. But Nadir was sincere about every word he spoke and the boy could certainly begin to feel a some sort of ease. Erik slowly nodded his head and Nadir smiled.
"Good," Nadir grabbed his coat and pulled an arm over his shoulder leading the boy towards the door. "Let's be on our way then."
.
.
"Have you spoken to Gustave?" Celeste asked Lionel as they were sitting together in a lounge room drinking their tea. She was spending her time broidering some roses on a white cloth and while this was not exactly her hobby, it certainly took her mind off the awkward silences she shared with her husband.
Celeste tried hard not to think about it but she knew what kind of a man he really was, yet it was not like she could do anything about it. He was a womanizer and he rather spend his nights in a whore's bed than be at home with her. Celeste all too remembered the scandal that happened when they were engaged. He slept with a peasant and impregnated her and while it was not uncommon for men to do that, there was a horrid man who caused such problems for them back then. Lionel was believed by everyone that it was only a man trying to get money out of him, but she knew the truth. Lionel probably impregnated many women and he didn't even know.
She hated him. There was a time in her life when–like all other women–Celeste was head over heels for Lionel and she was ecstatic when her father had told her that she was to be married to him. It was all like a dream come true; a fairytale that every girl wished for. Many of her friends were quite jealous and Celeste believed that she was truly a lucky women to be a wife to such a gentlemen but that all changed when he saw what he truly was. Yes, it's true he never abused her or took advantage of her like other men might have but she felt like dirt when he was with her. Lionel never fully acknowledged her as a women and they rarely conversed together. For Celeste, it all ended when they were making love and she heard him mutter the name "Isabelle". That was the moment that her hate began to grow and she believed that her only reason for being with him was because of her darling Raoul. He was her only reason of living and she was enduring everything she did for him, not for that blasted Lionel.
"Yes I did speak with him." Lionel replied, simply as he continued reading his newspaper. He didn't even bother to look up at her, his eyes remained on the paper.
"And?" Celeste pressed further. "What did he say?"
Lionel sighed expressing quite clearly that he did not want to have a conversation but replied, "He said that he agrees but if Christine does not want to marry Raoul when she comes of age then she will not."
Celeste gasped. "Why ever not? Raoul will be a respectable gentleman and he could offer her so much."
"I rather agree with him," Lionel said as he stood up and dropped the newspaper on the chair where he was sitting. He walked over the small corner table and poured himself some brandy. "All for the best anyway. Raoul should be able to choose who he wants to marry and he doesn't have to suffer with being a woman who he has no connection with," Like me. Lionel added in his mind.
"Christine will grow up to be a beautiful young women," Celeste defended.
"Christine can be the most beautiful woman in the world but Raoul could still prefer someone else," Lionel snapped back. Celeste bit back her anger from rushing across the room and smacking that horrible man across the face. "I hope that when Raoul grows older he will have enough wit to refuse to listen to you." Before she could speak any further, Lionel left the room leaving his wife fuming in her seat.
Lionel walked to the parlor and sighed as he rubbed his eyes in frustration. That woman was going to be the death of him. She cared too much about what society thought of her and her children, what she expects her son to have as an adult. It's all rather irritating, really.
"Comte de Chagny?"
Lionel turned to find Joseph Buquet staring at him from the threshold. Buquet was possibly around thirty years of age but the hard labor aged him very much. He had shoulder length hair that was always so scruffy and tangled. He had a beard that was not better than his hair and if Lionel could bet on it, he was sure there were insects living inside that hair. He smelled of liquor and piss, always refused when Lionel offered his bathroom chambers to clean up. However, he was a man who had never failed him in his working progress ergo Lionel kept him around.
"Yes, what is it?"
"There have been some problems with the ideas of the constructions of the opera house," Buquet began.
"What kind of problems?"
"The workers are not doing the job as quick as we thought," the dirty man claimed. Lionel rubbed his eyes in frustration and sighed. "What do you propose we do?"
"I suppose I going to have to–"
"Comte de Chagny?" A little maid named Patrycja stood at the threshold with her hands behind her back and her head bowed low. She felt the lingering eyes of Buquet on her and she attempted to not look his way. Lionel looked at her and waited for her to announce what she had to say. "Monsieur Khan is waiting for you in your office."
"Thank you," he dismissed. The little maid gave a curtsey before she left leaving Buquet ogling after her. Lionel did not miss the way the poor girl trembled under Buquet's perverted gaze but said nothing. "We shall speak later and let those workers know that I will not tolerate that kind of torpid behavior."
Buquet nodded and excused himself before leaving the room with Lionel scratching his eyes in frustration. The opera house was a gift for Gustave's daughter, Christine. After all, he was her godfather and he always believed it was proper to give her a gift. In all honesty, she was going to be a lovely women, he could see it already. Despite his argument with Celeste, he did believe that Christine would make a fine wife to Raoul and if he could choose anyone to become his son's wife, it would be his goddaughter. However, he could never admit that and he could never place the children into an arranged marriage. If they sustained a marriage simulating the one that he and Celeste shared, he would never forgive himself.
Lionel loved his goddaughter like she was his own. He had never seen such a beautiful and talented baby in his life. She was just a babe; three years old and already vocalizing! Surely that was impossible! But he was seeing it with his own goddaughter and it was absolutely beautiful. Celeste had found him ridiculous for constructing an opera house for Christine and Gustave had pleaded him that it was too much and he could never accept such a grand gift, but Lionel insisted and claimed that he had already bought terrain in which it was going to be built. He be damned if some lazy workers were going to ruin that!
Lionel sighed before he walked to his office. He had enough in one day and more and more he was becoming irritated with Celeste. He didn't know why, sometimes she would do nothing but he would rather sit in complete silence than to speak to her. It was some kind of hatred between them two and it grew so much more throughout the years.
"Nadir," Lionel greeted with a rather surprised tone as he entered his office. His eyes averted to the boy standing next to him and Lionel felt the anger in the boy's eyes. The masked boy did not want to be there and Lionel could understand that but the boy was his son and he was going to be treated as he deserved.
"Lionel, I apologize for coming unexpectedly but I assumed the sooner I came the better we could get everything sorted." Nadir explained.
Lionel nodded his head and said, "Yes, yes. Won't you both sit down?" He gestured to the two chairs in front of his desk. Nadir took the seat but Erik however remained standing with his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed. "Erik, was it?" Lionel asked but the masked boy said nothing.
"Erik," Nadir called in a warning tone, but Erik refused to move.
"No, it's all right, Nadir." Lionel said and put his hand up in a gesture to stop Nadir's persistence to Erik. "Hear me out, Erik. You are my son–"
"More than kin and less than kind," Erik muttered bitterly, quoting the Shakespeare play.
Lionel raised his eyebrows in surprise and leaned back in his chair before crossing his arms over his chest. "I see you've read Hamlet," he stated. Erik did not reply and Lionel smirked. "I'm impressed."
"Nothing impressive was said," Erik sneered.
"Papa!" Lionel stood up when his other son suddenly bursted into his office. Darn the timing! He had hoped that Erik and Raoul would meet under different circumstances. But once he saw Raoul freeze at the sight of Erik, he knew it wasn't going to be possible.
"Good afternoon, Raoul." Nadir greeted as he stood up. Raoul looked at the Persian man and gave him a toothy grin.
"Bonjour, Monsieur Khan!" the young de Chagny greeted. His averted to the masked boy and his smile hardly faded. If anything, he seemed rather excited. "Papa, who is this?"
How was Lionel to explain? He couldn't tell him that Erik was his son because it would be too much at the current moment. But he knew that lying would only cause more of a conflict with Erik as he could already assume that the boy had no tender feelings for him.
"I had Nadir bring Erik over," Lionel began. "I would appreciate if you both could become friends."
"A friend?!" Raoul exclaimed, happily. "Is that why you had Monsieur Khan bring him over? So that I could have a friend?"
Erik felt his fist clench from the anger that was bursting through his body. He had never felt more pathetic in the entire world. He was brought here not to be recognized as a son but to be a slave friend to a poor little rich kid? What kind of sick joke was this?
"What is going on?" a feminine voice called from the threshold. All turned to look at the elegant woman standing there, her blond locks all tied up to expose her sharp jawline and long neck.
"Ah, Comtesse de Chagny." Nadir turned and greeted the lady of the household. "I apologize, I did not see you."
"How are you, Monsieur Khan?" Celeste asked but honestly didn't care the hear the answer. She looked at the dirty masked boy who was stenching up the entire room. He had blood on his clothes! What in God's name was a street urchin doing in her home?
"Maman, look!" Raoul called. "Papa had Nadir bring me a friend!"
"W-what? Friend?" Celeste exclaimed. "Monsieur Khan, is this a jest?!"
"Lower your voice, we shall speak later," Lionel demanded and watched the way his wife's nose flared with anger. "Raoul take Erik to get cleaned up and have the maid give him some clean clothes.
"Oh Papa, I have suit that Aunt Margaret sent me from Spain. It fits me way too big, but–"
"New clothes?!" Celeste shrieked. "Raoul, are you mad?"
"Do not interrupt your son," Lionel snapped. "His noble gestures can speak a lot about his character."
"But Lionel... be reasonable!"
"Raoul had a sufficient amount of clothes!" Lionel's voice grew louder as his temper was beginning to rise. "Him giving Erik that suit is fine by me. Go on, Raoul take him up to your room." Raoul nodded, his happy energy slightly dimmed by his parent's shouts and walked out to lead his new friend. "Please go on, Erik. Follow Raoul." Lionel said.
Erik narrowed his eyes at Lionel before looking at Nadir as if asking if he should listen. Nadir nodded and patted his back and Erik slowly and cautiously followed Raoul out of the room.
"Nadir, you may make yourself comfortable in your accommodation." Lionel said. Nadir nodded and excused himself clearly seeing that Celeste had many questions for her husband. Once he was out of the room, Celeste rushed to Lionel's desk in flaming anger.
"Who is he?" she nearly screamed.
Lionel sighed and leaned back in chair before he said calmly, "His name is Erik and he's an orphan." Not entirely the truth but he didn't need to explain everything to Celeste.
"Where exactly did you find this scoundrel and why did you bring his here?"
"I said it already. I brought him because he is an orphan and he is very poor." Lionel explained simply. Celeste narrowed her eyes at Lionel before hissing through her teeth,
"Do I look like a fool to you? As if you were such a generous man! Why didn't you just hand him to Buquet to beginning working on your damn opera house? Why did you allow Raoul to take him to his room? Or give him a new suit? Surely the servants have clothes they can give him!"
"What happened to your religious character?" Lionel mocked. "Surely the bible says a thing or two about kindness."
"Yes, but I sincerely doubt that you did this out of the goodness of you heart," Celeste said, almost wanting to laugh. "So many children who are poor and are orphans… why is this one any different? Could it be that there is something that strikes in interest in this certain street rat?"
Lionel slowly stood up and leaned over in his chair to narrow his eyes at his wife. "Very well. Erik is the son of a man that I had... conflicts with in my younger years. That man is dead and my repayment is to look after the boy. Is that a problem?"
"You have had conflicts with so many people, Lionel and you have never brought any of their children to live with us." Celeste felt her blood begin to boil. "Could it be that this is a son of one of your whores? A bastard son of yours?"
"Enough!" Lionel roared. "Erik is here because I said it to be so and here he will remain, whether you want him to or not!"
Celeste felt the tremble of anger in her body as Lionel stormed out of the office causing the door to hit against the wall with a loud bang.
.
.
"I had to convince him to come," Nadir said as he looked across at Lionel. They were sitting in the living room of the home and Lionel had a uneased expression plastered on his face. "I had to make a compromise with him that I would take him back to live with me if it didn't work out here." Lionel looked at Nadir in surprise. "Erik is a good boy, Lionel. He's stubborn and strong, he acts as if nothing could hurt him but I see through his facade. He is an intelligent young lad who is capable of being great if he could just take the steps in the right direction. I see the de Chagny in him already."
"What de Chagny?" Lionel laughed in a mocking way and Nadir frowned. "He's here because I knew his mother… I owe it to her…"
"Look, Father!" Both men turned to see Raoul who walked into the room with Erik walking behind him. "Doesn't he clean up well?"
Both Lionel and Nadir looked in surprise when they saw the street urchin look like a proper gentlemen. His hair was slicked back and freshly cut, his mask was cleaned as well and it made his eyes display even better. Nadir observed the way everything was suiting him very well–except the pants that were slightly short and he was barefoot. But what frightened them the most caused Lionel to stand up in pure astonishment.
Erik stared at the man who is his biological father in an apathetic way. It seemed that all his anger had gone down but there was still emptiness in him that was meant to be filled. Erik looked at Nadir who was sitting with a face of approval.
"You look very good, Erik." Nadir said. "Raoul, why don't you show him around? I'm sure Erik would like to see the rest of the property."
"Of course!" Raoul said before looking at Erik. "Come, I'll show you the stables. It's my favorite place!" Erik looked down at the blonde headed boy before looking back at Lionel and holding his gaze. There was something in Lionel's eyes that Erik couldn't read even as he tried but alas he didn't last long as he turned around and followed Raoul out of the room.
"I-I can't believe…" Lionel couldn't complete his sentence. Nadir nodded his head, already knowing what he was going to say. "I couldn't notice it when he was filthy but now… I.."
"Yes, I never really notice how much he looks like you." Nadir said. Lionel felt his heart racing from the shock. There was no doubt now that Erik was truly his flesh and blood. The mask played a big part in hiding his features, but anyone who knew Lionel could entirely assume that under that mask, it was Lionel hiding, not Erik. That boy had his posture, his attitude, his hair, his visage.
Erik was truly the living reflection of Lionel de Chagny.
"Dear God," Lionel muttered as he sunk back down into his seat. "If he truly is my son… why, why did Isabelle keep it from me?"
Nadir said nothing but felt slight pity for his friend. He watched as Lionel stared at the doorway where both his sons left through.
"He's so hard and mentally strong, the complete opposite of Raoul." he stated, gulping. "What can I do, Nadir? Celeste would never permit me to legally make him my son but I cannot allow him to live like an orphan knowing who he is to me…"
Nadir sighed and looked at Lionel. "Then don't."
.
Erik was caressing the black stallion who was so fondly nudging into his hand for him to continue.
"You're a natural!" Raoul said in a surprise tone. "Caesar doesn't let anyone pet him!"
"Perhaps because he is being held against his will in this damn stable when he should be free," Erik snapped. Raoul cowered at his tone but it did nothing to ease his excitement to be with his new companion.
"I suppose I never thought of it that way." he replied. "What was it like? Where you used to live, I mean."
"I would murder people for money," Erik said as he began to walk away. Raoul ran to catch up to him and it was hard to keep up… he walked fast!
"B-but that's a sin!"
Erik halted in his step and Raoul almost crashed into him. "Dying of hunger and not having anything to eat is a sin,"
"But there's always something to eat." Raoul replied, ignorant to the struggles of the poor. Erik scoffed and turned back around.
"For you."
"But if you stay, you'll never have to go hungry!"
"I'll be damned if I put up with any of this. I do not like being commanded around and besides your precious mother almost fainted at the thought of me being here, as if I need another person to shame me. If anyone dare to look at me the wrong way, I'm gone."
"No stay, I want you to stay!" Raoul called after Erik as the masked boy ran off causing the little blonde de Chagny chase after him.
Erik kept his quick pace and quickly entered through a door but stopped in his tracks when he saw a man sitting at a piano playing almost too perfect with a little girl who was sitting right next to him, vocalizing each note. Erik had never heard such beauty in his life… that little girl sounded like an angel and that man… he was playing the piano so beautifully.
Erik suddenly went tense as the little girl stared at him and climbed off the piano bench. Her little legs ran towards him and looked up at the very tall masked boy. She put a finger to her lips and observed him carefully.
"Salut," the little girl said in a jovial tone and threw her chubby arm up to wave. Erik stared at the little girl before looking up at the pianist who had a smile on his face.
"Christine," he called. "Leave the gentleman alone, I'm sure he has somewhere to go." But the petite girl did not listen and grabbed Erik's hand, pulling him to follow her. Erik stood frozen in place no matter how hard Christine tried to pull. It wasn't until the pianist finally stood and walked over to him that he picked the girl in his arms. "My apologies, Christine is quite persistent in having an audience."
"You… how did you play like that?"
"Years of practice, my boy." the man said. "Oh how rude of me, I didn't even introduce myself! My name is Gustave Daae and this lovely girl is my daughter, Christine."
"Salut!" Christine repeated once more.
"Bonjour," Erik finally said to the little girl who suddenly became really shy and hid in her father's neck. Gustave chuckled before looking back at Erik.
"Are you a musician as well?" he asked. Erik gulped slightly nodded his head. In truth, Erik had played all the time. He remembered hearing the piano once inside a house and he believed it was the most beautiful sound in the world. He had found a music store with different instruments and snuck in at night to play the magnificent creation. But he was far from being considered a musician. "You must play for me! Here," Gustave went over to the piano, sat Christine down at the bench before putting out a music score.
Erik carefully sat down at the music bench and stared at the music placed in front of him. It was like he was reading a different language. He stared down at the keys and murmured, "I can't read music,"
"Oh," Gustave let out. "Don't let that stop you, play what you know."
Erik sighed and placed his fingers on the keys. He took a peek as the corner of his eye and saw the petite girl sitting there, patiently waiting for him to start. Erik slowly began to play but it was almost like in a trance, something took over him and he played rapidly exactly like he is supposed to. He felt amazing at the way music was carrying him and he suddenly remembered why he enjoyed the piano so much.
He stopped after a couple of minutes as he couldn't remember the rest of the piece. Erik looked up to see Gustave staring at him agaped. "My boy, do you know what you just played?"
"I heard it once," Erik replied. Gustave brushed a hand through his hair in utter amazement.
"Once?!"
"Yes, I heard it and just play it whenever I have a piano in front of me."
"You just played Beethoven's Hammerklavier. It is known to be a hard piece!"
"I didn't find it so hard," Erik replied with a shrug.
Gustave chuckled and shook his head with a grin. "Obviously."
"Did I bother you by coming here?"
"No, no of course not. You are a magnificent pianist!" Gustave smiled but came to a realization. "Oh, I'm sorry, son. I'm afraid I didn't get your name."
"It's–"
"ERIK!"
All three heads turned to where the shout came from only to find a panting Raoul who was holding his hand to his chest, attempting to catch his breath. Erik groaned but his head turned when the petite Christine ran up to Raoul and threw her arms around him.
Raoul hugged the girl back before looking up at his masked friend. "I have been looking everywhere for you."
"You would think you'd take the hint," Erik griped.
"I was about to give Erik a music lesson," Gustave said. Erik turned to the man in surprise and in gratitude. A lesson? He never had one before!
"Music?" Raoul scrunched his face in a disapproval expression. "Music is boring."
"You're a fool then," Erik insulted, resulting in Raoul looking disappointedly at his feet.
"Now, now we mustn't be so harsh," Gustave intervened. "We do not all have the same taste in interests. Perhaps you may do me a favor, Raoul. Do fetch your father, I'd like to show him what a treasure was discovered!"
"All right," Raoul said before running off to find his papa and Nadir.
Erik grunted when he felt someone touching him. Normally his instincts are to pull away but he watched as Christine put his hands back on the keys. She sat down and looked up at him, waiting for him to play something else. Erik looked up at Gustave with questioning eyes and the older man simply shrugged with a smirk on his face.
"My daughter can recognize a great musician," he smiled. "She wishes for you to play some more."
Erik nodded his head and began to let his fingers play another song.
.
"I feel as if I am to blame with this whole situation," Nadir said. Lionel frowned at his friend before Nadir continued, "If I had never gone to see Jean-Charles, you would have never known that you had another son."
"No, I do not reproach you, old friend." Lionel assured. "In any case, I will fix this situation with Erik. I despise that Jean-Charles for attempting to make him a monster, but I swear I will make a man out of him. No son of mine will be perceived as a monster, not when I can help him."
"And what about Celeste? I doubt she will approve of Erik's presence,"
"Celeste will do what I tell her to." Lionel said, brushing off that worry. Lionel's ears perked up when he heard Raoul calling him down the halls. "Come, I believe that is my son attempting to find me," he said with a chuckle. Both men walked out the room and descended downstair without noticing the lady of the house who had her hand over her mouth in shock and angry tears running down her cheeks.
After speaking to his son, Lionel, Nadir, and Raoul entered into the music room where Erik was sitting along with Gustave, listening to the instructions of each note and where they are on the piano. Christine had fallen asleep and was leaning her head against Gustave's shoulders, her tiny mouth slightly open with curls hanging down her face.
"Right, now try to play it at that rhythm." Gustave said and Erik did so with such ease. Gustave nodded his head in satisfaction. "Very good,"
"It seems we have found your talent," Lionel said with a smile as he walked over to where the musicians were.
"Indeed! This young man is very talented!" Gustave agreed. Christine made a moan of annoyance at all the noise and Gustave gave a little laugh. "I best take her to bed, excuse me." The man said before leaving the room with his daughter. Erik's eyes followed Gustave and noticed as the sleepy Christine slightly opened her eyes and gave him a tiny wave of goodbye.
"How are you enjoying this room?" Lionel asked, but Erik simply looked down at the keys of the piano.
"He says that he does not wish to stay here," Raoul told Lionel, sadly.
"Is that so?" Lionel looked at Nadir who shook his head in annoyance. "Care to give me a reason, Erik?"
"I don't belong here."
"Is that right?" Lionel crossed his arms over his chest. "Do you know how to read or write?"
"Yes."
"Other than music, what can you do?"
"Many things," Erik looked up at Lionel. "I can do many things that you are not aware of."
"Show me." Lionel challenged. Erik arrogantly took up and walked to the doors that lead outside. All three gentlemen followed the masked boy and stood there puzzled at what exactly he was doing. Erik grabbed a pot of plants, dumping out its contents on the grass. He gather dirt and plucked a flower from a bush before presenting it to his 3 personed audience.
"You like gardening?" Raoul asked.
Erik sighed before he brought the flower closer to his lips. He began to whisper to the plant causing Raoul to look up his father with a questioning face. Lionel, however, simply waited for what it was that he was trying to prove. Erik carefully set the potted flower down and all three gentlemen felt their hearts stop when the flower began to sing.
"Allah have mercy," Nadir muttered in utter shock.
The flower even flowed to the song that it was singing. It was moving as if it had a life of its own! Surely that was not possible!
Erik smirked at the way they all stared at him once the flower slowly began to flow back into it's proper position.
"I can do many things," he repeated what he had said before.
"You are indeed a person of many...talents." Lionel said.
"But you asked so I will answer, I enjoy architecture and music."
"Architecture? You know that has to do with mathematics." Nadir said and Erik nodded his head.
"That is of no consequence to me. Math is simple."
Lionel frowned at the way this boy was speaking. "You've been to school?"
"No."
"Then how do you know how to do mathematics?" Raoul asked.
"I read."
"B-but you can't possible learn math out of just books. You must practice it," Nadir stated. Erik said nothing but Lionel was beyond impressed.
"Well, perhaps you and I can come to some kind of arrangement." he suggested. "You stay and go to school just like Raoul and I will allow you to be my help."
"Help?"
"Yes. I am constructing an opera house for Christine. Perhaps you may help me design it."
Erik looked at Lionel with wide eyes. "Design it?"
"That's correct. Are you willing to stay?" Lionel asked. Erik looked at Nadir who had a smile on his face before looking back at Lionel and nodding his head.
One month later
Lionel was in his office and gave Buquet the final designs of the construction of the opera house. Apparently along with Erik's talents, drawing was another one of them. He had hand drawn many designs for the opera house to which was exactly how Lionel imaged his goddaughter's gift. Erik had a splendid mind and he had realized Nadir was right; the boy had so much potential. It would have been a pity if it would have all gone to waste in the streets.
After Buquet had left, Lionel had walked to the staircase and peered over to see down below where Erik was teaching Raoul how to play chess. That boy was a leader and he knew how to take control of that whether he knew it or not. He was born to be great and he was capable of being dangerous. But Lionel knew that deep down, all he needed was to be saved.
Despite still being skeptical the first days, Erik had grown accustom to Raoul and did treat like a friend… or at least, close to it. Erik had never had a companion and neither had Raoul (being the only son) and in a sense, it made Lionel proud to see both learn together on how to get along.
Lionel turned and went back to his office with the determination that he had needed before. He needed to make it legal. He had to set things right and makes things the way they should have always been. Lionel took out a sheet of paper before grabbing a pen and dipping it into the parchment.
Dear Nadir,
This past month, I have thought long and hard about what I wish to do. This is the reason why I wish for you to bring up the papers I need to complete so that Erik can take my surname and be legally recognized as my son. I refuse to dwell on the scandal this will create nor the tantrums that Celeste will throw. I believe this is the fair and right thing to do, and so it shall be done.
Lionel quickly signed it at the bottom and placed his family stamp on the letter. He blew on it to dry the ink and looked up to see his wife strom into his office, her face red as fire.
"I have held it in for too long and I can't take it anymore!" She screamed. Lionel looked up at her and began folding the letter and placing it in an envelope.
"Are you menstruating, Celeste?"
Celeste ignored the insult and proceeded, "How dare you… how dare you bring into my home that bastard child of yours, and don't you dare deny it!" Lionel closed the envelope with melted wax and stamped it closed with his family symbol. "How dare you bring that disgusting rat into my home and make him be close to my son!"
"Contain yourself, Celeste!" Lionel shouted.
"I DON'T CARE IF THE DEAF HEAR ME. I KNOW HE IS THE SON OF ONE YOUR TRAMPS THAT YOU LIED TO ME ABOUT. I WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS!" Celeste shouted. Lionel rubbed his eyes before standing up to face her fully. "Get him out of here or I swear on my life I will leave this place with only Raoul–"
"Neither things are going to happen," Lionel growled so deep that it sent shivers of fear down Celeste's spine. "Yes, Erik is my son. He was born before you and I were even married."
"We were already engaged!"
"HE WILL BE RECOGNIZED AS MY SON!" Lionel screamed before taking a deep breath. "He will take my surname and he will be a part of this household."
"You can't do that… don't you dare make me suffer this way!"
"This is the only thing you care about," Lionel jeered. "Your reputation, what society will think of you, those things are meaningless! What if I told the world of you neglecting your marginal rights with lies of sicknesses and migraines just to get what you want!"
"THAT'S DIFFERENT–"
"NOT AT ALL, THIS IS ABOUT EVERYTHING!" Lionel threw himself into her face in a threatening way. "I will not listen to you, Celeste. I have here the letter to Nadir that tells him to make Erik my son, and I will personally deliver it to him." Lionel spat as he put the letter into his coat and stormed out with Celeste chasing at him heels.
Lionel stormed out of his house and climbed atop his horse in a haste. Nothing was going to stop him from getting the letter to Nadir. Erik was going to be his son! Along with Raoul, Lionel was going to be a father to two brilliant young men who were destined to be powerful. They were going to be such great men and Lionel was going to see to it himself that Erik be respected everywhere no matter where he came from or who his mother was.
As Lionel rode off from his chateau, he didn't notice the person following behind until he looked back to see who it was. Lionel eyes widened and shouted as he saw a familiar face riding a horse with a gun pointed at him. Lionel tried to turn directions but the gun was faster and before he knew it, the gun went off.
And the body of Lionel de Chagny crashed against the pavement with a sickening crack as his head flew first to the ground. The mysterious person rode off faster than the wind in the opposite direction before anyone could see, leaving the dead man bleeding.
The dead man who was the only salvation for the Devil's Child.
Oh my. Seems like this story is going to be quite a bumpy one! What did you all think?
Who do you think was the murderer? What will become of Erik? And with Celeste now the head of the household, what will happen? Stay tuned!
Reviews are, as always, welcomed. (:
Xoxo