Heya everyone! Vixxy here with chapter two! Hope you guys enjoy it! And remember! Reviews = LOVE!


-Six years later, 1881-

Crystalline blue eyes watched the opera from Box Five, a solitary figure in a navy gown. The bodice of the gown was laced with white, while the sleeves clung to her elbows before flaring out in a great arc. A single white rose sat in her lap as she watched the soprano on stage, refraining a grimace. The woman, La Carlotta as the world knew her, made a fool of herself on stage every performance. Yet the crowd loved her because they knew no better. She huffed indignantly as she listened to an aria she knew she could sing in perfection come ragged and shameful from the old woman's mouth. "Such a fool she is, attempting to cling to her youth."

"Hush now, Amariana," a familiar voice scolded from the shadows. The young girl smiled as a familiar form stood close to her.

"I was wondering if you would show tonight, father." The girl said, smiling fondly. "Will I be on that stage one day, father?"

"One day soon, my dear," Erik promised from the shadows. He kept his eyes on his daughter; he tried not to think of the beautiful 6 year old as an offering. That may have been what Christine had seen her as, but Amariana was Erik's life. He had yet to interfere with the Opera Populaire since Christine had married Raoul. Most of that had been due to Amariana. He fell silent as he thought back on when Christine had brought Amariana to him. The woman's words echoed in his head over and over sometimes: "I pray Amariana can bring you happiness in my stead." Amariana did not replace the hole from Christine, but she made the pain almost nonexistent. He was grateful for that, above all else.

Amariana was grateful when Carlotta left the stage to be replaced by the character Odette, the real star of the play. She knew the girl playing the fair, cursed princess was Meg Giry, Madame Giry's daughter. She thought of Meg as a sister, and she was happy that Meg was getting a lead role. "Father, have you seen this opera before?"

Erik's attention was brought back to the present at his daughter's question. "No, child. I have heard that it is an adaption from a Russian ballet." He explained. "What is it about?"

"A young princess who is cursed by a sorcerer because he wants her father's kingdom." Amariana answered quickly, her eyes shining as Meg sang beautifully on the stage. "She wishes to be found by her true love, a prince she grew up with." She sat back in her chair as she watched the blonde ballerina perform. "I must say I enjoy Meg Giry as our lead star," she commented, glancing at her father, who stood in the shadows beside her.

"She has a great talent, but none as fair as yours, daughter." Erik answered, a smile in his voice. He'd been smiling a lot since Amariana was given to him. He watched the young six year olds eyes stare in awe as the blonde ballerina danced her solo. His eyes repeatedly glanced towards the manager's box, narrowing his eyes at the managers Firmin and Andre. For the most part, however, he kept his gaze loving and on his daughter. As the play came to a close, young Amariana stood and applauded happily. She turned her eyes to her father questioningly.

"Father, may I speak to Madame Giry?" she inquired. "I want to congratulate Meg on her amazing performance."

"So long as you are home by the evening bells, it is alright." Erik answered, reaching out to take his daughter's hand and lead her from their box. He released the young girl's hand the second it was safe and watched her dart off towards the dressing room. He gave a small smile as the image of his daughter gunning for the room vanished among the crowd.

Amariana scurried as fast as her legs would carry her to the dressing room. "Madame Giry! Madame Giry!" she called out, soon coming upon the woman.

"Ah, hello my dear." The woman greeted in a thick French accent. "I trust you are here to see my daughter."

"Yes, Madame," Amariana said excitedly, practically bouncing. Her navy skirts fluttered as she bounced on her feet, grinning happily. "I want to see Meg!"

"Very well, my dear," Madame Giry replied before opening the door. "Meg, darling?"

"Yes, mama?" Meg asked, turning. She gasped as she laid eyes on Amariana. "Amari! You attended!"

"It was lovely, Meg!" Amariana chimed, scurrying to the older girl's side and hugging her. "You were fantastic on stage tonight!"

"Why thank you, darling." Meg answered, smiling as she hugged the child. "I was nervous, though."

"Pish-posh!" Amariana said, grinning. "You were wonderful! Even father thought so!" She smiled brightly at the mention of Erik, then blinked. "Oh, but I must return home before the evening bells. I will see you both tomorrow, yes?"

"Of course, Amari." Meg replied. "We shall see you then, dearest."

Amariana curtsied as if she were a princess, then smiled as she took her leave. She returned moments later to give the white rose to Meg, kissing the white petals before handing the flower to the play's star. Her gift given, she turned and vanished down the halls of the opera house, her movements seeming more like a dance.