*-* The legend of the Phantom.
The Phantom was a well-known legend among the cast members. One whispered to the new comers both as a warning and a welcoming gesture.
"One day, eventually, you will meet him. You see, he has eyes everywhere, and you will know if your work pleases him or not. Better be on your best behavior, for he will reward you if you perform well. If you don't, well… You will not last long."
Some didn't care for the advice, and they were the first to run home and quit. This world, despite its magic and thrills, wasn't made for the weak hearted.
Those who cared admitted he always did a good job. Always rewarded faith and hard work. Be it money or gifts, the change of location they'd asked for months, or even promotions.
Another legend spoke of his voice. It could be beautiful and angelic, something otherworldly that they would never hear elsewhere. He often sang at night, and in the dark corners, his voice sometimes drowned out the ambient music. He did it as a reward, for everyone stopped working to hear his voice, the haunted beauty and longing they perceived. Most often, they heard him as a counter voice to the Bride of Phantom Manor, as if he was desperately looking for someone and couldn't find her. Their voices echoed around one another, never finding peace.
Those who didn't care for the story never thought twice when they heard his voice in the ride, as most guests were, but those attuned to its music could pay attention to its lonely ghost.
The oldest cast members swore he'd been here since the very beginning, always there, hiding, his presence nearly a comfort at times. No matter how great the changes, the turnover, the quitting and leaving, he was always there. Ready to please those who added magic to their world.
Some of them had tried to catch him, managers, directors, the ones in charge loathing the one who had the nerve to haunt a famed theme park known for its security measures, and disturb their wishes and actions for the park. But they all failed, for the Phantom was wise and cunning, and adept at hiding in the shadows, and there were plenty of them. He knew the field better than anyone else, and rumors said he had built it all, designed the famed rides and all the rest. He was as proficient in architecture as he was a skilled engineer and mechanic, with a talent for technology. And he knew how to use them to his advantage, either to drive away those he didn't like, or to reinforce his aura of power. Most of the time, he used them to improve the lives of the ones under his control, both the employees and the guests spending time in his beloved home.
All those who had tried once and professed their disbelief of him or disliked having to justify their decisions to a ghost were soon driven away.
But no matter who did well, or not, at the end of the day, the Phantom was alone to survey his domain, and he was beginning to doubt whether or not the situation would ever change. Unlike in his beloved stories, magic had yet to give him his happy ending. And truthfully, in his heart, he had never really believed he deserved one...