Chapter 2
Creature of Darkness
The rumors that our current Manager would be leaving were very thin, everyone believe it to be a part of the idle gossip. Until, of course, the two replacements waltzed in beside him, examining the opera house with a smile on their faces. They were self made in scrap metal, the idea of them running an opera house had caused many of the more hard focused artists on a fit.
After one such display of anger by Ubaldo Piangi that everyone became aware of the truth in the rumors. I had been speaking to Erik for quite a while now, although our conversations were fleeting to say the least; I enjoyed every one of them. His focus was Christine Daae, I cannot tell you I wasn't jealous of the girl for she received his mysterious man's affection without seeking it, or at least, that's how it seemed. She seemed completely unaware of the strings which she held, that so happened to be tied around the mans heart. He never directly told me of Christine, but I knew by her behavior that something must be happening. After speaking with her, he'd be changed. If he hadn't had contact with her in the day we spoke; He'd be particularly crabby.
"Do you think that they will last long here, Monsieur?" I leaned against the bookcase, waiting for the beautiful voice of the stranger Erik to reply. Christine called him her Angel, as if he was not mortal, but I longed to see the man behind the bookcase, the man who owned such a voice and such passion. "No. Their place is in an office somewhere, not in a place of the arts - Certainly not in my Opera House." His voice was cold like ice as he spoke, I dare say the idea of these two imposters in his Opera House infuriated him. He considered the building his own, in fact it perhaps was for he knew hidden routes, secret places. He heard everything and saw everything. He was an everlasting presence.
"I believe you may be right Monsieur, but still...I wonder how Carlotta with react, my I can just see her now, leaving the stage and vowing never to return." I couldn't stop myself from jumping up and clasping my hand over my heart as Carlotta did. "I REFUSE! I will NOT be coming back EVV-ER, GET MY BABIES, WE ARE LEEAA-VING! I am serious this time, This is 'ze last straw!" I dramatically lifted my skirt as she would, even puffing out my chest as she did herself to bring attention to it, My voice straining but managing to get a half convincing Italian accent, not very hard when the girl you intimidate doesn't sound very good herself.
I heard the deep laugh of Erik, once again it surrounded me and I had to remind myself to not swoon. You wouldn't think a man could control a woman just by his voice, but if you heard Erik, you would agree with me. His laugh was something I enjoyed so much, hearing him laugh made me smile, in fact it made me so happy. I sat back beside the bookcase as he began to speak; "You are a far better actress than she, perhaps you would consider taking her place." He sounded rather strange as he spoke, almost as if he planned on Carlotta leaving. Although; from what he told me, I can see why. She was a cruel woman which was well acknowledged, but her vanity was sickening.
"I do not have the voice Monsieur, I dare say I would look a fool." I smiled and played with the fabric of my dress. I wondered if he would teach me also, for although we had been speaking for so long he never mentioned anything about teaching me to sing like Christine. Over their time Christine had improved vastly, In fact you could say she had a new voice entirely. He had a gift, but he was so enchanted by her I doubted that he would do the same for me, I believed that we were friends; Erik and I. We spoke to each-other almost every day but not with the same type of fire as Christine and him. He longed for her and she was so innocent in nature she didn't understand it. For all I have read about lust and love, I believe Erik felt that way for her, whilst I was just a simple friend. I felt a slight pang at the thought but it was the truth, it was acknowledged I wasn't a beauty like Christine, so why would he look at me in any way familiar to her if he could have her to begin with?
Erik's voice once again surrounded me, I felt almost drowned in it as he spoke, "Do you ever sing, Anna?" as he said my name I shivered again. I couldn't help but blush either; the way he said it was almost sinful in its self, it rolled so delicately off his tongue and yet contained a bite under the softness of the pronunciation. I wondered if many girls had fallen for that voice..
"No, I've never really had the opportunity to try. I'm far too nervous to attempt it, I would not wish to look foolish." I couldn't stop myself from smiling, although I wasn't usually one to be so pessimistic, I couldn't help myself being nervous at the idea of singing. In an Opera House you are surrounded by beautiful voices.
"Beauty can be hidden, even in the most surprising places there can be beauty, and with Music that beauty and be expressed." He whispered softly, as if reflecting on something personal. His voice sounded particularly sad as he spoke, the sadness was almost heart wrenching to hear.
"Erik, was it you who played the song when I was on the stage?" He reminded to so much of the tune which continues even now to haunt my dreams, so hidden and secretive and yet filled with a deep emotion; Sadness.
"Yes." He spoke matter of factually, almost not inviting any further discussion.
"It was so beautiful." I sighed, the memory of the song was blissful, To believe it came from a man was almost shocking. I could suddenly see how Christine referred to him as her Angel. "But it was sad." I couldn't help but wonder what made Erik feel this way; I could relate to feeling lonely, perhaps that was it, the man forever hidden in the shadows; Alone.
"Yes, Music gives me the chance to express myself." He sounded so somber. I placed my hand against the bookcase, wondering if he could see it. "Don't you ever wish to be seen, to be not so alone?" I couldn't help but ask, for my own loneliness without Erik was unbearable, even it is now as I cannot see him.
"Yes. But the world is blind." He sounded so heartbroken as he spoke I longed to see him at that very moment, as I stood I pressed my hands harder against the frame of the bookcase, begging for it to just release. I pressed my ear closely against one of the wooden panels. "How can I see?" It was at this moment I realised I longed to touch him. But I was greeted with a cold silence.
"Monsieur, please.." My hands searched for some kind of release on the panel but there was nothing. I thought him gone until he gently spoke to me; "You are not ready, you are too involved in the life of day that you couldn't possibly handle the darkness." He spoke softly,as you would to a child to avoid their disappointment.
With those words he left, leaving me in the flickering light of the Library. Alone.
The visit by the New Managers was something of a hectic scuffle.
First was the visit by the Viscount De Chagny, all the dancers were practically swooning at the sight of the man. I felt almost as if I was missing something as he smiled and woo'd the girls; Carlotta included. He had rather boyish features, his accent refined made me think of him as pompous. I could barely see why the girls were so worked up. I was surprised to see Christine following him so avidly. As he smiled once again and sent the dancers swooning, The fabled new Managers had made their entrance.
Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre looked around like excited children as Carlotta paraded around the stage trying to woo them. It didn't work, as they constantly looked towards the dancing beauties that were Meg Giry and Christine Daae. She throwed another fit, the other cast just rolled their eyes as the two ran after her to grovel, which was normal practice.
Their begging was pitiful to watch. "Beautiful, Bella! Our star, brilliant diva!" Their compliments strained and half meant, but this appeased the woman and she fanned herself childishly and began to approach the stage. "Si." She preened herself, her eyes lighting up at the sign of compliment. She looked so contented and smug as she stood, preparing herself for a performance. She even cast a glance to the dancers, her eyes alight with self confidence as she gave them warning not to steal her precious something. Her limelight.
Carlotta's voice was deep and filled with trills, she prided herself in showing off with often prolonged and pointless notes; Trying to look even more gifted than the talent she truly possessed. As she sang her over exaggerated acting somewhat ruined the illusion.
She paraded around the stage, her hands gesturing to make up for her lack of expression. As she began to prolong another word with her pointless trills, a loud crash disrupted her ever captured audience to look above; straight at the falling display which headed exactly for Carlotta.
Of course, Carlotta was far too absorbed in herself to notice the danger, and when she did it was far too late. She was crushed by it.
"GET EET OFF OF ME!" Her Italian accent was on over drive as she completely lost her temper, slapping her hands against the stage like a child would on a tantrum as the maids and even the Managers tried to get her up off the floor. She even screamed, accusingly pointing her finger around to find the culprit But there was none.
The mention of a Phantom pricked my ears, Erik.
The managers tried in vain to appease her as she went off on a colossal fit, I believe I have never seen her so mad. She didn't listen, even rebuking them as they tried to put it down to an accident. This seemed to be the last straw for the legendary diva - She took her dogs and actually left.
Carlotta was actually gone.
Everyone stood in silence. The arrival of a note which Madame Giry picked from the ground began to put things in motion, The hushed but aggressive whispers of the new Managers seemed to bring the dancers to a halt, craning their necks to hear what the fuss was about.
"We will have to Cancel, what else are we to do? We have lost our STAR!" Monsieur Firmin ripped the note to pieces throwing it to the floor in an act of minute aggression.
"Christine Daae could sing for you, Monsieur." Madame Giry stepped forward, smiling. She rarely smiled and yet there she was; grinning so openly.
"A chorus girl? don't be so foolish" Monsieur Andre seemed almost insulted at the notion of a chorus girl in such a role, and yet they had no options. "She has been taught by an excellent tutor." Madame Giry smiled once again; Her eyes though, were looking around her. She was so direct with her gaze I couldn't help but wonder if she knew of Erik, but her words seemed to just make it ever more likely.
"Who is this tutor?" Monsieur Andre acted as if he knew of the greatest tutors, but it was very unlikely. Christine's small voice interrupted "I do not know his name." She sounded saddened by this. I suppose, it would be a sad thing to admit that by knowing his name, I felt slightly less envious of her. It was very early for me to say it.
"Fine." Monsieur Andre waved his hand dismissively, looking somewhat defeated. They had no choice, unless they wished to refund a full house.
Christine looked so weak as she stepped forward. She took her place in the center stage, glancing around shyly. I believed she would've fainted, until I heard the voice which finally broke out from her trembling lips.
I was not the only one completely gobsmacked by this; Her previous singing voice was so lacklustre, nervous. Yet what stood before us was a brilliant confident performer.
Before we knew it she was dressed for the main part, her role as Diva was sealed. I could only watch with envy as she transformed before me from a shy dancer to this radiant, beautiful diva.
Madame Giry looked on with a look of pride; Meg hide her own sadness as Madame Giry looked so filled with joy at the sight of Christine. The other dancers stood back in admiration as they watched their fellow dancer in such a prestigious part. On stage - Fulfilling many of their dreams.
I felt my stomach twist with envy at the sight of her, she was truely beautiful. My hand found my own face in comparison. I felt my stomach twist again. Her voice grew higher until I thought she would choke on the notes, But as she hit the final beautiful finish I felt truly worthless in comparison. The crowd went crazy, the Maestro and Managers clapping and cheering with pride. Even all of the stage help and dancers were celebrating; one of their own had made it.
The after parties were quite something to behold, the dancers and stage help drinking openly and the more refined members of the audience and production charming in conversation.
Christine had all but disappeared. Meg was frantically searching for her.
I knew where she would be; With him.
Once again my stomach twisted with envy. As I walked down the halls I saw the room in which Christine would stay in; The room with the mirror. I didn't know the significance, I thought it a coincidence.
I went back to my quarters, I knew the next few days would be hard; Christine would be praised for the next few performances. By the crowds, the managers and Him.
As I awoke the next morning, I found myself surrounded by gossiping girls.
There was rumor Christine had left. She had disappeared.
Rumors were spreading like wildfire, that she had been seduced by a wealthy benefactor and ran away. All of these rumors grew worse by the second, until one struck me like a hot flame. "The Phantom has taken her." Josef Buquet laughed, grabbing one of the girls in a mock display of kidnapped. "The man in the shadows, lurking..watching always." The girl squealed but made no attempt to move as he openly groped her. "His face, if you can call it that, so distorted, never properly formed." He covered one side of his face with his hand, keeping one arm around her. "His eyes sunken like death, a deep hole where his nose never grew. His skin like melted wax." The girls squealed and gasped in fear. "He prays on the girls; Young dancers especially." He brought his drunken lips down onto the dancers, she resisted slightly but went along with it rather openly. "He took her, I tell you, heard her pretty little voice and snatched her away, with his magical lasso" He suddenly pulled a hangman's noose from behind his back, using it to trap the girl in a playful manner, causing the girl to erupt into little giggles. I felt myself blush just watching.
Madame Giry slammed her cane down, alerting all the dancers of her presence. "Those who speak of what they know, often end up silent." She approached, glaring with such hate towards Josef. She snatched her girl from his arms and pulled her away, the look which she was given scared even me as I stood from a distance. "Do not make such horrible stories." She removed the rope from his hands, bringing it around his neck in such a quick movement, I hardly noticed until she pushed it up and practically strangled him with it. The other dancers gasped at such a display, as angry as she was; She never acted in such a manner before. "Keep your hands at the level of your eyes Josef." She threw the rope down and dismissed him, he left with no objection. I could see how wise this was.
The practice was long and drawn, the constant gossiping if this mysterious man had indeed ruined her, if the Phantom had seduced her and stole her for himself. I felt myself growing jealous.
It grew almost to a boiling point as time passed; She had been gone for two days. The managers had a panic and it was all over the paris newspapers. It was a big story. I believe perhaps with her gone and no sign of Erik what they said was true.
Of course, everyone did. Even Meg believed she may never see her again.
After two days, she did come back. The Viscount himself was almost attatched to the Opera House, more specifically her dressing room as news of her arrival was made clear. "She will be seeing no one. She needs rest." Madame Giry snapped and closed the doors, even going as far as locking them behind her. Since this, Carlotta made a sudden return.
Nobody was allowed to see her after those two days, and the rumors just grew. They were saying an evil creature forced his way on her, that the phantom had quite literally made her do his will. She was apparently now bed ridden with trauma. Carlotta took advantage and got her attention from the Managers and many gifts; Order was restored it seemed.
Once again Josef was in the dressing room, scaring the girls some more with an updated tale. "He's coming for a new girl, you'll have to be on your guard ladies." The ladies giggles and laughter made me feel sick.
I left to the sleeping quarters. I was unable to sleep at first, the idea of them both together..I felt myself twist with a new found jealousy.
I longed to see him; and she did.
My dreams too were haunted by images of this mysterious man. Each one seemed to grow worse by the night.
Once again Carlotta was the Diva, she was about to take on her role as Countess, Usually I would have stayed awake to see the performance, but I couldn't. I didn't think I could stomach Carlotta as the Countess again, and so I went to bed early and found myself plagued by an overwhelming dream.
I found myself surrounded by water again, but I was on a bed, a haunting song surrounded me. Then I heard it; his voice..
It surrounded me completely, he was saying my name, calling for me. His voice moving around, from my side to in front of me, I didn't know where it was coming from, for all that there was, was a bed. Surrounded by water like from the path. That was when his hands found mine, but I couldn't look, only feel. "Anna" he whispered so softly I barely felt the feeling of breath against my neck. It was subtle but there. His hands were now roaming around my body, up my arms so softly. His caress with those hands, although I couldn't see- It intoxicated me. I longed for more, to be able to see, to feel more. His hands reached my shoulders and repeated the gentle whisper "Anna." His hands were so soft against my bare neck, I would've sworn his touch was of silk. "Anna.." His hands began to dip lower from my neck, lower to a more intimate place, his hands so gentle lingered for a second on my breasts, I felt myself gasping as his voice and breathing grew heavier and more urgent. "Anna" it pleaded almost, calling for me, begging. "Erik..Erik please" I heard my own voice but it wasn't me, it was passionate, wanting. Longing. His hands began to dip lower, following a sudden fire which ignited deep in my anatomy. I blushed as it burned feverishly, as his hands dipped to the source, so close to sating the burning...It went black. I woke up.
Oh god. It felt so real. My hand clasped against my chest, I was breathing heavily, I was sure I awoke with a scream. As I looked around, nobody stirred, in fact, nobody was in the room. It was rather odd.
I had to find him, My mind was racing. As I left the quarters, I silently made my way to the library, this area of the Opera House was strangely silent. I knew there had to be a way through the library, the silence gave me hope I could get in and out without being noticed.
As I walked in a I felt a sudden chill. I was only in a cotton nightdress, it was thin and barely left anything to the imagination, but it kept modesty. As a dancer I was only given basics, this was as basic as it could get. Now I was in the library I became aware of it.
I approached the bookcase, tapping the wooden panels for a release, but there was nothing. My patience began running out, I had to see him.
I began to tug on the books, each falling down to the floor. Three books later I hit one. The bookcases suddenly parted and led me to set of stairs. I couldn't fight back a gasp.
I began to make my way down the stairs; there was quite a few, my feet were bare and I swore I would have fell. As the bookcases closed I was in darkness. I tried my best to go down the stairs. I was relieved as I found the end, although it was dark the flickering of a distant light gave me direction. It was a long passage until I was met once again with water. It wasn't too deep, I took a breath and began to enter the water. It was up to my thighs.
The light grew more pronounced as I walked down in the water, at one point it grew rather deep, leaving me up to my shoulders in water. I felt sick, the water was so misty. As I continued down the path I saw it, the light. There was a small living space down here, light up with candles. The water began to go lower, although it was still rather deep it was nowhere near as bad as the passage.
My Nightgown clung rather tightly to my skin, but it wasn't cold that made me shiver.
He lived here.
There were steps, which I followed and found many things, beautiful drawings of the opera house and quite a few of Christine. It made me rather sad to see her sketched so beautifully by Erik's hands. I would've taken it worse if I had not seen two drawings of myself.
One of me dancing on the stage, the other of me sitting in the library, my hand against the bookcase. He saw me.
I wouldn't consider myself beautiful, but with his hand I had some beauty, In his drawings I was beautiful. I felt myself sigh. I felt rather nosy as I continued to walk along, he had so many things, Drawings, paintings, Candles burning beautifully. Roses were everywhere, he grew them down here.
That was when I saw a mask. I held it in my hands, I couldn't help but wonder if he had worn it. My hand touched the fine porcelain and I felt some how connected to him. Everything about this place made me feel connected to the man behind the voice. There was silence; He wasn't here. I couldn't help but wonder when he'd be back. Would I wait? should I leave?
I was considering leaving, until I saw an organ in the center. Surrounded by sheets of music. As I walked towards it, I saw his bed. A swan. I couldn't help but gasping at it. He slept there..
I was about to approach it until words of one of the sheets of music caught my eye. "Don Juan" His writing was beautiful, each musical note perfectly written. It looked beautiful. His writing was filled with passion, every stroke showing his concentration and dedication.
I began to approach the Organ. As I picked up the sheet music, I noticed. It was for a duet. Humming the tune I could hardly contain myself, it was beautiful..but it was heated with passion. I almost blushed at the lyrics. I could imagine a man and a woman, entwined together as they sung, fighting their passions. It read longing and lust.
It was so silent here, He wasn't here. I wondered if he would come back soon, what would he do if he saw me? What would he look like?
I touched the sheet music gently, it was a part of him. I could see how much he had put into it, how his longing was put into song form. I couldn't help but think it was for her..Christine
Yet, I couldn't resist. In the silence of the dim light hidden crevice, I found my voice.
I began to sing, at first I was shy but the words seemed to move me in a way I never felt before. Entranced, I began to gain courage, even more surprising as I hit each note, I imagine him singing with me and something light up inside me. A passion that lay dormant I longed for him as he longed for Christine. I understood the lyrics, the longing, the aching want.
I closed my eyes, but a sharp voice behind me broke me from my enchantment. "What are you doing?!" He was back. His voice booming from behind me to the point where I nearly dropped the sheet music. He sounded so angry and torn.
As I turned, I was greeted with the towering figure of Erik, his eyes showed signs of tears, but all that stood before me was a mass of rage. His hands, gloved in a black leather, found my arms and roughly yanked me, shaking me with rage. I felt myself want to shrink. "Erik..Erik I..I.."
"Come to laugh at the monster? To torment me with your flesh?!" He looked down at my clinging nightgown, as he spoke, staring for a few seconds and releasing a shaking breath before he threw me to one side, making me fall down quite defenseless. "Why did she do this to me? Why did she torture me?!" He shouted at me with such a fierce rage. I found myself shying away from him. He was intimidating a tall, strong man. His figure was looming. His face, covered with a mask. His eyes were dark and emotionless. They bore into my own accusingly. "You too? You come to taunt me?" His anger seemed to intensify, he even knocked down many candles in a show of aggression. Candles and paper flew all over. "I..Erik, no."
His eyes were red, he had been crying. He stood before me, angry. He was shaking. He was upset.
"She betrayed me. She...Betrayed me." His voice turned to a whisper before he fell before me, sitting in a doubled over huddle. "The Viscount pretty boy stole her from me." He was speaking of Christine. "All that I done for her, I gave her my music." His hands found either side of his face, his shoulders trembling with anger and heartbreak. He faced away from me, his back being the only thing I could see.
I slowly crept towards him in timid movements. I felt my own tears fall as I approached. His sobs were that of true heartbreak. I longed to soothe him. My hands slowly found his shoulders, he shivered at the contact - One hand even caught my wrist in warning, but I slowly began to take my hand away from his. "It's okay." I tried to calm him with a whisper, he slowly released my wrist and I once again began to rub his shoulders. "Everything will be alright.."
His tears came more freely. I knew his mask must be causing him some discomfort. As I touched his face he flinched and began to retreat. "It's okay, trust me." He didn't budge, . "I'll cover my eyes, you must be uncomfortable in the mask?" I tried to appease him by closing my eyes. My hand then once again found his face. I couldn't tell if he was looking at me, but he seemed somewhat more relaxed. "I promise, I won't open my eyes unless you say other wise Monsieur." I spoke as softly as I could mange, he seemed tense but allowed me to carefully lift off the mask. My hands then took their place on his face, his skin was smooth at first, wet with tears. As my hands moved up, I felt some scarring. In fact, I felt quite a bit of scarring, I couldn't hide my gasp. His hand came on top of mine and clasped against it. "Some things you do not want to see." He spoke softly, but I heard the pain in his voice. "Some things, people cannot handle. This face, a curse - It earned my mother's fear." He shook a little more with tears. "Perhaps even poisoned my love with Christine."
I gathered the courage to sing to him, I thought perhaps it may ease him. I began to sing in a weak voice, I blushed a little at it but it grew stronger and more confident as it went on;
"Try not to get worried, try not to turn on to
Problems that upset you, oh.
Don't you know
Everything's alright, yes, everything's fine.
And we want you to sleep well tonight.
Let the world turn without you tonight.
If we try, we'll get by, so forget all about this, tonight"
I couldn't imagine the pain he had gone through with such a disfigurement, the severity I felt on my hands was terrible. The scarring was deep and uneven. His sobs slowly began to end, until all that remained was silence between us. I didn't know how to react; Did my singing make him angry? He stood from my arms rather abruptly. It was only then I became aware of a prickling heat between us.
"Open your eyes." He spoke almost on command. As I opened his mask was back on and he looked as he did before; Although his eyes had changed. His eyes scanned my attire; which was made up of a damp, thin nightgown.
He held out his hand, which I took. He helped me to my feet and his eyes found mine. He stared down at me for a long time until he saw the song I was holding before he came. Don Juan. "Why have you come here." He sounded almost confused at my presence. He was unaware of how I felt.
"I longed to see you." I muttered but he seemed almost amused at my reply. "I couldn't help myself."
"Why are you here." He asked again, rather harshly. I didn't know how to answer in further detail and the idea of it made my cheeks flush red. "I wanted to see you, Erik." He looked down at me again, more closely scanning my vulnerable state and revealing clothing. The contact his eyes made with my body made me blush again, even tremble.
"You're cold." He stated like a fact, he held out his hand again and led me to the beautiful swan bed. As we walked I saw a life like mannequin of Christine, I even did a double take to see if it was in fact her, standing in a wedding dress. "You still stay here." He set me down onto the bed and went to the extra length of covering me with the blanket. I watched as he stood beside me, watching me intently. He took the place beside me, gently pushing my hair from my face as he lay near me. The contact of the leather on my skin made me tremble again. He began to sing me to sleep, his voice so soft and gentle I was easily lulled to bed. His hand pushed all the hair from my face and gently occasionally stroked my cheek. "Night time sharpens, Heightens each sensation, darkness stirs, and wakes imagination..Silently the senses, abandon their defenses.." The song was beautiful, I unknowingly curled against him as I lay there. He sung to me like he would to a child; Soothing me as I did him. With his encouragement, my mind drifted off into the darkness as he sang for me to do.
