Author's note- Yes, I know. I haven't finished any of my other stories, but this has been eating at me for a while so I decided to go ahead and write it. I'll post updates as often as possible and I promise I will get back to my other stories. As for this particular story, I blame it on last week's movie night. Watching Anastasia, Phantom of the Opera, and Labyrinth makes for an interesting mix. Anyways, enjoy!
P.S. Yes, this is a crossover but because the focus is more on Erik then anything, I'm posting it here. :p
Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom of the Opera, Labyrinth, or Anastasia. I'm merely playing with them for a while.
Warnings: There will be mentions and scenes of domestic violence throughout the story. Nothing graphic but just a heads up.
Chapter 1
The Last Night
Eight year-old Evelyn cowered under her blanket. Her parents were fighting, again. The sounds of yelling and whiskey bottles being thrown echoed up the staircase, through the thin walls, and into Evie's bedroom.
"Why should I worry about feeding those little monsters?" her father yelled. "We'd be better selling them off to those gypsies."
"How can you say that? Those are our children!" her mother yelled back.
Evie felt tears spring to her eyes as she heard the familiar sound of her father's hand come in contact with her mother's face. She squeezed her eyes shut as the wet droplets cascaded down her cheek, and she buried her face in her pillow a she did her best to drown out the sounds coming from downstairs. Her little heart pounded and she prayed that her father wouldn't decide to come up here after he finished beating her mother around.
"Please," she whispered. "Please don't let him come in here."
Suddenly the little girl heard her door open and close a minute before she felt someone sit on her bed. Frightened, she gripped the blanket tighter. No, no, no. Please, no.
"Evie," her brother whispered. "Come out from under there."
Instantly she felt some of her fear evaporate. Slowly, she peeked her head out to see him sitting on the end of the bed. He didn't face her, gaze locked firmly on the door, as if their father would materialize there at any minute. His shoulders were squared, body tensed, ready for a fight.
"Erik, why does he hate us?" she asked, voice trembling slightly.
"Because we're different," her brother replied tersely.
"But we didn't mean to be different," Evelyn said. "We didn't do it on purpose. And why does he get mad at mama? It's not her fault we were born like this."
Erik suddenly turned to her, a frown on his face. In the dim lamp light she could see those familiar green eyes and black hair that matched hers. She could also see the deformity that was on the left side of his face. Just like hers was.
"Why so many questions sisi?" Erik asked. Evie shrugged and winced when she heard the kitchen table be turned over. "Come on, let's go to my room. Papa never goes up there. You'll be safer."
Evie nodded and pulled the blanket down, crawling out of bed slowly. She wobbled uncertainly on her feet and Erik immediately went to her side, letting her lean most of her weight on him. Her night-gown dragged on the floor as they quietly made their way out into the hall and up the staircase that led to his attic bedroom. He took her to his bed and tucked her in before getting in himself. As he reached to blow out the lamp, Evelyn grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Please, you know I'm afraid of the dark," Evie whispered.
"I'm not leaving the lamp on all night Evie," Erik told her. "Besides there's nothing to be afraid of."
"You're not scared?"
"No," her brother replied. "I like the dark."
"Why?"
"Because I don't have to hide in the dark. No one can see my face. I'm free in the dark."
Erik blew out the bedside lamp before laying down facing his sister. She had to admit he was right. In the darkness the deformity was barely visible. Still, the little girl couldn't help feel the fear that gripped her, eyes darting around the room at every shifting shadow.
"Will you sing to me Erik," Evie pleaded, frightened. "I won't be so afraid if you do."
"Anything for you, sweet sister," he replied, his expression softening.
She smiled as he began to sing her favorite lullaby.
Night time sharpens
Heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs
And wakes imagination
Silently the senses
Abandon their defenses
Slowly, gently
Night unfurls its splendor
Grasp it, sense it
Sweet and oh so tender
Turn your face away
From the garish light of day
Turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light
And listen to the music of the night
Erik wrapped his sister in a hug and stroked her hair, helping to chase away her fright.
Close your eyes and surrender to your sweetest dreams
Purge your thoughts of the fear you felt before
Close your eyes, let the music set you free
And you'll sail away on your moonlit wings
Softly, sweetly
Music shall caress you
Hear it, feel it
Secretly possess you
Open up your mind
Let your fantasies unwind
In this freedom that you know you cannot fight
The freedom of the music of the night
Let your mind start a journey to a strange new world
Leave all thoughts of the hurt you knew before
Let your soul take you where you long to be
Only then can you truly be free
Floating, falling
Know that I am with you
Touch me, trust me
Know that I love you
Let your dream begin
Let yourself give in
To the power of the music in your mind
The power of the music of the night
Evie yawned and snuggled closer causing Erik's heart to swell. How he loved his darling sister. His best friend, his muse, his little angel of music.
We alone can make our song take flight
Help me make the music of the night
"Erik, I love you," she said. Erik smiled, seeing her eyes droop.
"I love you too my sweet Evelyn," he muttered. "Go to sleep and dream about our opera house."
"Will I be the prima donna?"
"You'll be the most beautiful prima donna in the world."
Erik smile widened as he watched her drift off to sleep. Pretty soon, he too found himself entering the realms of Morpheus. He awoke an hour later to the sounds of gentle footsteps coming into his room. He bolted upright, stirring his sister, to see their mother enter.
Even in the darkness, the proof of their father's violence was evident. Erik could see the large, purple bruise blooming across his mother's face.
"Evie, you really should sleep in your own bed," the woman scolded, voice shaky and full of unshed tears.
"But mama," the girl protested sleepily. "I like it up here."
"Come now, I've got a new story book I know you'll like," their mother said. "Come down with me and I'll read it to you."
"What's it called?" Erik asked, curious to see if he and Evie had already read it.
"Labyrinth."
"Okay," Evie sighed, her lips pursed petulantly. Erik was sure the minute mother left Evie alone that the girl would be right back up here in his bed.
Erik watched as mama lead the sleepy girl downstairs. He thought to wait up for her but he was much too sleepy. Finally Erik closed his eyes and drifted asleep, completely unaware that it was the last time he would see his beloved sister.
Author's note- Well what do you think so far? This chapter was a little short, but it's just the beginning. The next chapter will be longer, I promise. Anyways, please R&R. I'm completely open to constructive criticism, but please, no flamers.