D.H. A.N.: I'm back with a longer chapter this time, and with some great news. My high school band is going to State Competition this Tuesday, so be patient, I only have one more after school rehearsal left; which is good and bad at the same time. Anyway, enough about the author's personal life, that's not why you're here. Let's get back to Erik and Christine's reflections, shall we?
Chapter Two: Waxing Moon, Waxing Desire
Erik just stood in the shadows the moonlight cast upon his hiding place, remembering that the moon wasn't always full. Sometimes the light would fade, slipping back into solitary cover of the Earth's shadow, where it would wait until the next opportunity revealed itself. Erik thought about the many times he had done the exact same process. There was, of course, the beginning, in which he had heard Christine Daae first sing with that naturally beautiful voice that could only become honed to perfection from there. Then, there was the night, when The Phantom of the Opera began to act as the moon, rotating around the soprano who was his world.
Flashback
There were a few candles lit in the room of the Opera Populaire where Christine Daae was staying as a chorus girl. But she was now Prima Donna for the Opera's production of Hannibal, after La Carlotta had a slight mishap with a backdrop. Erik had heard Christine sing many an occasion, and scoffed at the absurd idea that the owners, Andre and Firmin, thought that the haughty, over egotistical La Carlotta had what it took to be the Prima Donna. They only picked her because there was no one better. She is far too shrill when in the high registers. I hope that backdrop on the head teaches her a lesson or two. But my Angel Christine shall be more successful than La Carlotta will ever be. O, what do we have here, an old friend of Christine? She seems to be interested in him, but he seems to be pressing her a little too hard for my liking. The stranger then kissed Christine's hand. That made Erik furious. That's it! As soon as he is gone, I make my entrance.
End of Flashback
Little did Erik know that Christine had stumbled upon the same memory, the memory of how the Angel of Music came in the night.
Flashback
Raoul deChagny, a childhood friend who had become the Opera's new patron, had stopped in to comment on how well the young soprano had sung. He was gone now. Christine noticed some roses tied with black ribbon, and smiled, somehow knowing they weren't from Raoul. Then, a fierce gust of wind blew the few remaining candles out. She heard a voice, deep, comforting, yet commanding, boom, "Insolent boy , the slave of fashion, basking in your glory. Ignorant fool, this brave young suitor, sharing in my triumph!"
Christine was relieved, the angel her father promised her had come at last. She responded with "Angel I hear you speak I listen stay by my side guide me. Angel, my soul was weak, forgive me. Enter at last, Master." The voice then seemed to caress her ears with pleasure. "Flattering child you shall know me, see why in shadow I hide. Look at your face in the mirror I am there inside!" She looked and indeed there was someone on the other side of the mirror, a handsome man in black with a white half mask. She moved towards the mirror and didn't even know she had stepped through it, into the halls of the Phantom's lair.
End of Flashback
Erik took the time to chastise himself. Smooth move, Erik, take her to your lair. That's what got me into trouble. I should have done it in increments, rather than all at once. But alas what's done is done. He saw movement, and someone sitting just outside where he was hiding. Could it be? It was Christine Daae, sitting all alone on a bench within eyesight. Erik knew it would be foolish to try and establish contact, the mob was still looking for him. He waited, shifting into the moonlight, hoping that only her eyes would see him.
D.H.: Once again, I apologize for the short first Chapter. I hope this one is a little better. Thanks to Fallingwithstyle, GlimmerOfHope, Ron's Girly1100(You know who you are), and LovetheScottishAngel, for reviewing, and until after State competition is done, bye .
