Chapter One
Awakening
The Phantom quietly peeked into the abandoned lair. It was still in pristine order. He carried the boy over to a sofa and laid him down. The Phantom then took out some antiseptic and dabbed at the wounds. As soon as he was sure they were thouroughly cleaned, he took out a sutur kit and began sewing the more dangerous wounds up. As soon as the most threatening wounds were sewn up, The Phantom then dressed the rest of the wounds in gauze bandages.
The Phantom then left the boy a plate of chicken, a bowl of porridge and some pears with a pitcher of water to wash it down. The boy had a golden heart shaped locket in his hands the Phantom placed it on the table next to the food. He then sat at his organ and caressed its ivory keys...
The boy woke up, found his wounds all bound. He then smelt something. It smelt good and his stomach was growling heavily. The boy pounced on the food immediately and ate ravenously.
"If you keep eating at that pace," a voice said, "You will more than likely choke to death."
The boy stopped halfway through the porridge and looked up at who spoke to him. A man stood nearby dressed completely in elegant clothing with a flowing cloak. He was rather handsome, even with the white mask that covered half of his face. His dark hair brushed back.
"Slow down, young one," said the man.
The boy slowly ate his porridge. He didnt normally LIKE porridge but he was hungry enough to eat it, and to be honest, this porridge tasted better than most. He then nibbled the pears and gulped down the water. The boy laid back with a loud belch. The man frowned slightly at the boy for not excusing himself, but maybe he couldn't talk, but then again maybe he could.
The boy looked like he had been through a terrible ordeal and he was not about to force boy then noticed his locket on the table, picked it up and held it to his cheek immediately. Tears rolled down his cheeks. The man kneeled down before the boy.
"Why are you crying?" asked the man.
The boy did not answer.
"Are you able to talk?" asked The man.
The boy nodded and tried to collect himself.
"Do you need time?" asked The man.
The boy nodded again.
"All right," said the man.
As the man walked away, he heard the boy speak.
"Who are you?" asked the boy.
The man turned to look at the boy.
"Erik," he said.
The boy continued to look at Erik and his mind did a complete Three-Sixty.
"Opera Ghost," said the boy.
Erik smirked.
"One of many pet names," he said, "So...what happened to you?"
"Mother took me to see Don Juan Triumphant," said the boy, "We enjoyed it until the chandelier fell, as soon as we got outside, purse snatcher tried to take mom's purse, when she refused, he stabbed her. When I tried to KILL him, he brutally beat and stabbed ME. If I ever find that bastard..."
"A young man with a mind for revenge?" said Erik, "Or a young man grief stricken over the loss of his mother?"
"A little of both," said the boy.
"What is your name young man?" asked Erik.
"Chang. Chang Leung," said the boy.
"Are you Chinese?" asked Erik.
"Part," said Chang, "Father was French. I never knew him."
"I am sorry to hear that," said Erik.
"Who was the woman you were singing with on the stage?" asked Chang.
Erik's eyes looked a little emotional but he pushed it back.
"Christine Daae," said Erik.
"The daughter of that violinist?" asked Chang.
Erik nodded.
"Wonder if I will ever meet her?" asked Chang.
"I doubt it," said Erik.
Change seemed curious but something in his mind stopped him from asking. Erik sensed something in this boy.
"You seem to have desire of some kind in you," said Erik, "Tell me..what was it that you wanted to be in the future?"
"I wanted to be a singer," said Chang, "We could not afford lessons, too expensive, we were poor."
"How were you able to see Don Juan then?" asked Erik.
"Luck," said Chang, "Mother's boss at the factory enjoyed opera but his date was struck ill. I had met him before, a VERY generous man. He knew I shared his love for opera. He did not want to go alone. So he gave the tickets to me and mother. I thought we were in for a treat. But then disaster struck and then that oversize purse snatcher."
Erik suddenly saw a small piece of hope.
"What if I told you I could help you become a singer?" he asked.
Chang looked up.
"Do you mean that?" he asked.
Erik smiled and nodded.
"I do not make promises I can not keep young man," said Erik.
Chang kneeled before Erik.
"I pledge myself to you...Master," said Chang.
Erik rolled his eyes.
"Oh get up," he said, "I am an artist, not an emperor."
Chang did as he was told then spoke.
"When do we start?" he asked.
"Tomorrow," said Erik, "Right now I am very tired. So until tomorrow."
Chang nodded. With that it was settled, Erik now had an apprentice...
