I would like to wish all of my readers a happy new year :) As you know, constructive criticism and reviews are greatly appreciated :) So I know how to make my writing better :) Anything in italics is either when the Phantom is using his voice to influence someone or singing. I only own my OCs...anything else belongs to their respective owners :) Now on with the show :D
X-Men The Imperfect Angel Saga – Part One: First Love
Chapter Two: Keep Your Hand at the Level of Your Eyes...
Caroline's POV
When I woke up, all I could see was darkness, as my vision was still blurred. Once my vision cleared, I found myself in some sort of strange cave. All around there were candles, all lit and burning brightly. There was also a large organ on a high mound of rock, with sheets of paper strewn on its surface. But there was only one person who lived in a place like this; and I thought they had been dead for a hundred years at least. Suddenly, I heard a noise coming from behind me, and I turned around with my hand raised defensively in the air, as I didn't want to get on the wrong side of this person.
"I will only ask this once! Who are you and how did you find my home?" A deep voice boomed, feeling it penetrate my very soul. Keeping my hand at the level of my eyes, I replied slowly.
"I'm not sure...the last thing I remember was being on a snow-covered road, before losing consciousness. Wait...what year is this?" I asked suddenly.
"You didn't answer my question." He said slowly.
"Actually...I did." I replied matter of factly, surprised at my boldness, by answering back to a man, who could potentially kill me.
"It is the year 1881." He replied quickly. My eyes widened as the reality of my situation hit me. I was in the world of my all-time favourite musical; speaking to none other than 'The Phantom of the Opera' himself.
"I see you know about keeping your hand at the level of your eyes around me. Even though you appear to not be around here. Where are you from?"
"London originally; although I moved to New York when I was 16; more by accident than anything else. I've been living on the streets of New York for two years." I replied concisely.
"How has one so young survived for two years?" He asked curiously. I was about to reply, when something didn't feel right, and I stayed silent for a moment. How come I just spilled out half my life story without a second thought? It was like his voice had some strange hold over me; without him even realising it. Strangely enough, I found myself unable to teleport out of the situation. I guess because my powers have only just manifested themselves, I am still finding it difficult to control them properly. I mentally shook my head, when I realised the silence had gone on for too long.
"I sung on the streets, as well as stole what I needed, in order to survive." I replied quietly; ashamed of the person I had become, all because my parents were taken from me. I knew that if my parents were watching over me right now; they would probably be disappointed in what I have become.
"What about your parents? What happened to them exactly, to force you to live on the streets for two years?" He asked curiously.
"They were killed, when I was 16." I replied quickly, not wanting to elaborate on the fact I had in fact teleported to New York, on the night my parents were killed. I looked at him, to see the fact his demeanour had changed. His back had straightened, and he had this emotionless look across his face, at least from what I could tell; due to my autism and the fact he was wearing a mask, making it even harder for me to read his eyes or facial expressions.
"I'm afraid, since you know where I live, I cannot let you go." He said slowly.
"You will let me return to the world above, and allow me to gain employment, until I can return to my rightful home." I said slowly, hoping I could use his apparent power against him.
"Did you think you could use my own ability against me? Well your voice won't work on me. I don't know how you are able to use your voice to influence people; but it certainly won't work on me. However, I'll be lenient this once, and gain you a job as a chorus girl, where you will live in the dormitories, with the other chorus girls who live here." He said slowly, before continuing normally.
"Follow me. You can easily get lost in the passages here. Once you are settled down in the dormitories, I don't want to see you again. If I do, there will be consequences." With that, he led me towards the gondola that was residing on the lake's surface. How did I miss that detail before though? I mean, I knew about the lake and the gondola before, so why didn't I notice it? As we walked, I kept trying to think about New York, hoping I would teleport myself out of this situation. However, it appeared my powers were not cooperating, as I still followed closely behind The Phantom. We soon arrived at a room vaguely familiar to me; as we stepped into Madame Giry's room. Inside there were photos all over a small dark wood dressing table, and the room was unlit and dark.
"I think Madame Giry might still be at rehearsals. She shouldn't be long though." He explained. It was almost like she had a sixth sense, as she entered the room, just after he finished his sentence.
"You should be more careful; you could be spotted by one of my chorus girls. And you can't afford a mistake like that." She said seriously, before her eyes fell upon me, causing me to step back warily.
"Have you resorted to kidnapping random girls off the street? Although I thought you were interested in my newest student who recently lost her father. I hear her talking a lot about an 'Angel of Music' visiting her, and I suspected you were involved somehow."
"I have not kidnapped her. She just randomly appeared in my lair. She claims to not know how she got there though. I would like her to be hired as a chorus girl, and for her to live in the dormitories. I trust you can keep her out of trouble." He explained, whilst I just stood quietly, even though I could hear every word he was saying, before leaving out of the room through the mirror. I wrung my hands a little, as she looked at me with a discerning gaze.
"What is your name and how old are you my dear?" She asked suddenly in a motherly tone.
"Caroline Aves Madame. I turned eighteen just last week." I replied politely.
"I thought you were younger. So your birthday falls in October?" She said matter of factly.
"My birthday falls on the October 31st." I replied concisely.
"Well, I am in need of chorus girls. Can you dance and sing?" She asked.
"I can sing; I have never tried dancing before though. But I am a fast learner, so I should be able to pick up the steps pretty quick." I replied quickly.
"For now rest. We start rehearsals early, be awake by six o'clock in the morning, and I'll introduce you to my daughter and her friend tomorrow." She explained gently, before she led me towards the dormitories.
"You look like you are about my daughter's size. You can borrow one of her nightgowns for now, until I can procure some clothes for you tomorrow." She explained quietly. Once I got changed, I lay in bed, trying so hard to get to sleep, in a world unfamiliar to me.
I woke up early next morning, to the hustle and bustle of the girl's dormitory. But what was I going to wear? I couldn't wear the outfit I was wearing when I arrived, as it doesn't fit with the time period. Also I needed a ballet uniform to dance as part of the chorus.
"Ah you must be Caroline. My mother told me this morning about you when I awoke. She also wanted to give you this, but you were still asleep." She said matter of factly, as she handed me a ballet tutu and leotard, as well as a pair of ballet slippers.
"Don't worry about learning the dance. My mother has allowed me to take you to a private room to practise since I am well rehearsed with the dance. Monsieur Reyer also told me to give you the sheet music to peruse." She said matter of factly. After getting into the clothes she gave me; which strangely enough fitted me perfectly, I followed her out of the room, towards the dance studio. I just hope I would master the layout of the Opera House quickly, because if I didn't I would instantly get lost. Once we arrived at the studio, we immediately got down to learning the new routine.
After several hours of practising, I flexed my foot a little, trying to dispel some of the pain in my toes. I definitely admire ballet dancers, for being able to dance on their toes, for such long periods of time.
"For someone who hasn't danced before, you have picked up the steps really well. I'm afraid there isn't a lot I can do about the pain though. It will be something you'll have to get use to over time." Meg said breathlessly, as my stomach gave an almighty growl.
"I can't believe I've neglected to ensure you are well fed! We better get something to eat before you attend rehearsals, so you know your cues, and the notes you have to sing." And after giving a small stretch, we made our way to the kitchen, to grab some bread and cheese, before making our way to the stage area. I winced and covered my ears, when I heard the most horrendous noise, coming from the stage area.
"That's La Carlotta. She's been the diva here for five seasons now. Sadly, the manager doesn't seem to realise the fact she can't sing. Even the Phantom has expressed his distaste for her voice." Meg explained quietly.
"The Phantom? Although I can see why he doesn't like her voice, it sounds positively ghastly." I replied quietly. Even though I knew about The Phantom, I had to keep quiet and try to blend in, to not draw too much attention to my quirks, or the fact I am not from around here.
"Not much is known about The Phantom of the Opera. But he has been here since the Opera House first opened. He sends notes, with constructive criticism on how to improve the performances. The current manager; Monsieur Lefèvre, paid him 20,000 francs a month, and listened to his advice. Sadly he is retiring, so we will be meeting the new managers today." So I apparently came into this world, around the time the musical is based, as we see the events of the musical playing out in front of me. I then looked up when I heard three distinct male voices approaching the stage. Much to Madame Giry's and Monsieur Reyer's chagrin, as they interrupted the rehearsals.
"This way gentlemen, this way. Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production if Chalumeau's 'Hannibal'." I heard him explain to the two gentlemen with him. One of the gentlemen was tall and of average weight, with dark hair, and looked like he was in his late thirties, early forties. The other manager was short and rounder, with dark hair that wasn't as thick, and he also appeared to be of similar age to the other manager. However I found it hard to discern their age just from looks.
"Ladies and gentlemen, some of you may already, perhaps, have met M. André and M. Firmin..." I heard him begin, as each manager bowed in turn, when introduced, to which I worked out Firmin was the taller one, whilst André was the shorter one.
"I'm sorry, M. Lefèvre, we are rehearsing. If you wouldn't mind waiting a moment." The conductor interrupted.
"My apologies, M. Reyer. Proceed proceed..." Lefèvre said sincerely, before Reyer said.
"Thank you, Monsieur. 'Sad to return...', Signor." He said, after turning towards one of the performers.
"That's Piangi, Carlotta's husband and lead tenor." Meg explained. I heard the manager say:
" , our chief répétiteur. Rather a tyrant, I'm afraid." As the rehearsal continued, I heard Piangi sing:
"Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Rome's far-reaching grasp. Tomorrow we shall break the chains of Rome. Tonight, rejoice – your army has come home." Before Meg gestured for me to begin the dance I practised. As I danced, I still could pick up the conversation the managers were having, as they stood centre stage. But how was this possible? Especially when there was music playing? Was it something to do with the two mutants I met; the two who were almost animalistic in nature?
"Signor Piangi, our principal tenor. He does play so well opposite La Carlotta." Lefèvre explained, before Madame Giry said exasperatedly.
"Gentlemen, please! If you would kindly move to one side?" As she banged her cane on the stage angrily.
"My apologies, Mme. Giry." Before leading André and Firmin aside.
"Madame Giry, our ballet mistress. I don't mind confessing, M. Firmin, I shan't be sorry to be rid of the whole blessed business." He continued.
"I keep asking you, Monsieur, why exactly are you retiring?" I heard Firmin ask suddenly. However, instead of answering the question, Lefèvre instead called his attention to the ballet dancers.
"We take a particular pride here in the excellence of our ballets."
"Who's that girl, Lefèvre?" André asked curiously.
"Her? Meg Giry, Mme. Giry's daughter. Promising dancer, M. André, most promising." He explained. Suddenly, my attention was drawn to a girl with long curly brown hair, who absent-mindedly fallen out-of-step. I had to refrain from flinching, when I heard Madame Giry bang her cane on the stage again.
"You! Christine Daaé! Concentrate, girl!"
"Christine...What's the matter?" I heard Meg ask faintly.
"Daaé? Curious name." Firmin said to Lefèvre.
"Swedish." He said in reply.
"Any relation to the violinist?" André asked curiously.
"His daughter, I believe. Always has her head in the clouds, I'm afraid." He explained, shaking his head a little. I heard the cue for the chorus to resume, and I opened my mouth to sing and join in.
[Chorus]
Bid welcome to Hannibal's guests –
The elephants of Carthage!
As guides on our conquering quests,
Dido sends
Hannibal's friends!
I watched in awe as a life-sized mechanical replica of an elephant enters, before Piangi is lifted onto its back in triumph. I had to suppress the urge to wince as Carlotta started singing again.
[Carlotta] (Elissa)
Once more to my
Welcoming arms
My love returns
In splendour!
[Piangi] (Hannibal)
Once more to those
Sweetest of charms
My heart and soul
Surrender.
I opened my mouth and sang, as the final chorus sounded.
[Chorus]
The trumpeting elephants sound –
Hear, Romans, now and tremble!
Hark to their step on the ground –
Hear the drums!
Hannibal comes!
As the elephant was led off, revealing two stagehands that were operating it from within, I heard Lefèvre clap his hands for silence.
"Ladies and gentlemen..." However, everyone was still talking, and he was unable to talk over the cacophony of noise. I jumped a little, when Madame Giry banged her cane on the ground.
"Madame Giry, thank you – may I have your attention please? As you know, for some weeks there have been rumours of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you that these were all true, and it is my pleasure to introduce to you the two gentlemen who now own the Opéra Populaire, M. Richard Firmin and M. Gilles André." I clapped politely, as they bowed, before Carlotta makes her presence felt.
"Gentlemen, Signora Carlotta Giudicelli, our leading soprano for five seasons now." Lefèvre introduced.
"Of course, of course, I have experienced all your greatest rôles, Signora." André said sincerely.
"And Signor Ubaldo Piangi." Lefèvre said, as he introduced him in turn.
"An honour, Signor." Firmin said sincerely.
"If I remember rightly, Elissa has a rather fine aria in Act Three of 'Hannibal'. I wonder, Signora, if, as a personal favour, you would oblige us with a private rendition? Unless, of course, M. Reyer objects..." He said grovelling, before his tone turned somewhat acerbic.
"My manager commands...M. Reyer?" Carlotta drawled.
"My diva commands. Will two bars be sufficient introduction?" He asked stoically.
"Two bars will be quite sufficient." Firmin replied.
"Signora?" Reyer asked before making sure Carlotta was ready.
"Maestro?" Carlotta replied, before the pianist started to play the introduction.
[Carlotta]
Think of me,
Think of me fondly,
When we've said
Goodbye.
Remember me
Once in a while –
Please promise me
You'll try.
When you find
That, once
Again, you long
To take your heart...
As she sang, I looked up when I heard something coming from the catwalks. I saw the backdrop falling towards Carlotta, and without a second thought, I jumped forward, and pushed her out of the way, before it could crush her. However, instead of showing gratitude, she screeched.
"How dare you touch me you little wench?!" I felt tears prick the corner of my eyes, as I heard Meg, the ballet girls and the chorus sing panicked.
He's here:
The Phantom of the Opera...
He is with us...
It's the ghost...
"You idiots!" Piangi yelled as he looked up furiously, before rushing over to Carlotta.
"Cara! Cara! Are you hurt?" He asked quickly.
"Signora! Are you alright? Buquet! Where is Buquet?" Lefèvre yelled.
"Is no-one concerned for our prima donna?" Piangi asked.
"Get that man down here!" Lefèvre commanded, before saying to André and Firmin.
"Chief of the flies. He's responsible for this." Before the drop is raised, enough to reveal an old stagehand, holding a length of rope, which almost looked like a noose. I don't know what it was about this man; but he made me feel uncomfortable and on edge, as well as nervous.
"Buquet? For God's sake, man, what's going on up there?" Lefèvre asked angrily.
"Please, Monsieur, don't look at me: as God's my witness I was not at my post. Please, Monsieur, there's no-one there: and if there is, well then, it must be a ghost..." I stepped back warily, when he suddenly turned to me, before pointing at me accusingly and saying slowly.
"And you should watch your back! The ghost won't appreciate your meddling!" As Meg said nervously.
"He's there: the Phantom of the Opera..."
[André]
Good Heavens!
Will you show a little courtesy?
"Mademoiselle, please!" Firmin said exasperatedly to Meg and the others.
"These things do happen." André said to Carlotta.
"Si! These things do happen! Well, until you stop these things happening, this thing does not happen! Ubaldo! Andiamo!" She screeched, as Piangi dutifully fetched her furs from the wings.
"Amateurs!" Piangi yells, before they both left the building.
"I don't think there's much more to assist you, gentlemen. Good luck. If you need me, I shall be in Frankfurt." I watched as he left, whilst everyone looked towards the new managers anxiously.
"La Carlotta will be back." André said happily.
"You think so, Messieurs? I have a message, sir, from the Opéra Ghost." Madame Giry said, as she held an envelope in her hand, and the girls twittered and twirled in fear.
"God in heaven, you're al obsessed!" Firmin said exasperatedly.
"He merely welcomes you to his opera house and commands you to continue to leave Box Five empty for his use and reminds you that his salary is due."
"His salary?" Firmin asked flabbergasted.
"Monsieur Lefèvre paid him twenty thousand francs a month. Perhaps you can afford more, with the Vicomte De Chagny as your patron." Madame Giry explained. The ballet girls twittering excitedly, whereas Christine suddenly takes hold of Meg nervously. But why did she react this way? I mean I know she knows the Vicomte, so what has she got to be so nervous about?
"Madame, I had hoped to have made that announcement myself." André said haughtily.
"Will the Vicomte be at the performances tonight, Monsieur?" Madame Giry asked Firmin curiously.
"In our box." He replied.
"Madame, who is the understudy for this role?" André asked matter of factly.
"There is no understudy, Monsieur – the production is new." Reyer said nervously.
"Christine Daaé could sing it, sir." Meg said suddenly.
"The chorus girl?" Firmin asked curiously.
"She's been taking lessons from a great teacher." Meg said smugly.
"From whom?" André asked matter of factly.
"I don't know, sir." Christine replied nervously.
"Oh, not you as well!" Firmin said exasperatedly, before turning to André and continuing.
"Can you believe it? A full house – and we have to cancel!"
"Let her sing for you, Monsieur. She has been well taught." Madame Giry said slowly. I watched as Reyer paused for a moment, before saying with a slam of the music book.
"From the beginning of the aria then, mam'selle." I then watched as Christine nervously stepped forward, before opening her mouth to sing.
[Christine]
Think of me,
Think of me fondly,
When we've said
Goodbye.
I saw her try to walk away, before Madame Giry slammed her cane on the ground, causing both of us to flinch.
Remember me
Once in a while –
Please promise
Me you'll try.
I faintly heard Firmin whisper to André.
"André, this is doing nothing for my nerves."
"Don't fret, Firmin." He whispered in reply, before Christine's voice suddenly grows in strength and splendour, and a feeling of being watched overcoming me.
When you find
That, once
Again, you long
To take your heart back
And be free –
If you
Ever find
A moment,
Spare a thought
For me...
"Get Christine fitted for her costume. We need to be ready for the gala in a couple of hours." Firmin said, before he left the stage with André, presumably to make their way to their office.
"Come Christine, let's get you ready for the performance. Caroline, can you go through the music with Monsieur Reyer please?" Madame Giry said stoically, before leading Christine away from the stage. I watched with jealousy in my heart, as she went towards the costume department. Even though it was her destiny, to grace the stage as prima donna, for just one night, I still felt jealous for the lucky break she got.
"Caroline! Pay attention!" Reyer snapped. I shook my head, before meekly apologising for my absentmindedness. However, it didn't take long for Reyer to realise the fact, I didn't need his tuition, where the music was concerned.
"I see you don't need to learn the music. But how did you pick it up so quick?" He asked curiously.
"I pick up things quick. Plus, my parents taught me how to sing; including famous songs from operas." I replied concisely. I mean it was partly true that my parents taught me to sing. They got me to sing all sorts of different songs, including some operatic numbers.
"I think you should make your way to the costume department; to make sure there is a costume available for you to perform in." Reyer explained. With a nod, I sought out the costume department, as I remembered going past it, on my way to the dance studio. I reached the door, and after knocking, entered when I was allowed entry.
"Ah you must be the newest addition to the chorus. We should have a costume to your sizing though." One of the costume ladies said, before rifling through a pile of costumes.
"Perfect, with some slight alterations, we can make this fit you perfectly." She said happily, before proceeding to do some small alterations to it. Once done, I put it on, before making my way back to the stage, before the performance starts.
~Two to three hours later~
It was the third act, and I watched from the wings, as Christine sung her final aria. However, instead of watching in awe like everyone else, I watched with sadness and jealousy in my heart.
[Christine]
We never said
Our love
Was evergreen,
Or as unchanging
As the sea –
But if
You can still
Remember,
Stop and think
Of me...
Think of all the things
We've shared and seen –
Don't think about the things
Which might have been...
Think of me,
Think of me waking
Silent and
Resigned.
Imagine me,
Trying too hard
To put you
From my mind.
Recall those days,
Look back
On all those times,
Think of all the things
We'll never do –
There will never be
A day, when
I won't think
Of you...
I could hear applause and bravos coming from the audience. However, through all of the bravos, the ones from Raoul became evident.
[Raoul]
Can it be?
Can it be Christine?
"Bravo!" And I watched as he raised his opera glasses.
[Raoul]
What a change!
You're really
Not a bit the gawkish girl
That once you were...
He lowers his opera glasses, before continuing:
She may
Not remember
Me, but
I remember
Her...
[Christine]
We never said
Our love
Was evergreen,
Or as unchanging
As the sea –
But please
Promise me,
That sometimes,
You will think
Of me!
Applause rang around the hall, as the last note she vocalised, echoed around the room. I stood back, as the ballet girls all crowded her, and gushed over her success. She then handed each of them a flower from her bouquet, as Reyer stiffly gives his approval. However, I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes, as they gushed over her. Although I could see why The Phantom was so interested in her. I mean she is beautiful, popular and has the most angelic voice; all of the things I wish to be or wish to possess. I watched as Giry talked to Christine.
"Yes, you did well. He will be pleased." She then turned towards the dancers.
"And you! You were a disgrace tonight! Such ronds de jambe! Such temps de cuisse! Here – we rehearse. Now! Caroline, could you escort Christine to her new dressing room please? It's Carlotta's former dressing room." And with that, I stoically led her to the dressing room, knowing I couldn't argue with Madame Giry on the matter. All the while, Madame Giry kept time with her cane, as the girls settled into rehearsing upstage. However, I didn't notice Meg following close behind, as we approached the door of the dressing room, and I heard the Phantom's voice out of nowhere.
[Phantom's voice]
Bravi, bravi, bravissimi...
I saw Christine look around bewildered, before she goes to enter the dressing room. Meg follows close behind, which caused her to turn around in surprise. A look of relief graced her features when she saw her.
[Meg]
Where in the world
Have you been hiding?
Really, you were
Perfect!
I only wish
I knew your secret!
Who is this new
Tutor?
I watch as she enters the dressing room, followed by both Meg and I. However, she didn't seem to notice me, as she replies abstractedly.
[Christine]
Father once spoke
Of an angel...
I used to dream
He'd appear...
Now as I sing,
I can sense him...
And I know
He's here...
As the song continued, she sounded more trance-like, as she circled the room in a strange sort of daze.
Here in this room
He calls me softly...
Somewhere inside...
Hiding...
Somehow I know
He's always with me...
He – the unseen
Genius...
Meg looked uneasy, before she said in response.
[Meg]
Christine, you must have
Been dreaming...
Stories like this can't
Come true...
Christine, you're talking
In riddles...
And it's not
Like you...
However, it was like she didn't hear Meg, as she became increasingly ecstatic.
[Christine]
Angel of Music!
Guide
And guardian!
Grant to me your
Glory!
[Meg]
Who is this angel?
This...
[Both]
Angel of Music!
Hide
No longer!
Secret and strange
Angel...
[Christine] (darkly)
He's with me,
Even now...
[Meg] (Bewildered)
Your hands are cold...
[Christine]
All around me...
[Meg]
Your face, Christine,
It's white...
[Christine]
It frightens me...
[Meg]
Don't be frightened...
I looked on as they looked at each other, before I jumped when Madame Giry arrived.
"Meg Giry. Are you a dancer? Then come and practise." She said sternly, before Meg leaves meekly to join the dancers.
"Caroline. Could you give this note to Christine and help her out of her costume please?" I nodded, before taking the note from her outstretched hand.
"Madame Giry asked me to give you this." I said gently, before giving her the note.
"Here, let me help you out of your costume." I continued gently. Before I deftly undid the fastenings holding the skirt up, all the while I showed no emotion on my face.
"I saw you in the chorus. You dance really well. And your voice is beautiful. I haven't seen you before though."
"Thank you. I'm Caroline Aves. I arrived just today. Now let's get you out of this costume, and into something more comfortable. I have a feeling you will have a visit from the patron today. He might even invite you to supper." I replied, unaware I had used my voice to influence her, as I gestured to Christine to step out of the skirt. Once she stepped out of it, she went to pick out a dress, but wasn't she going to see her angel tonight? I shook my head, as I helped her into it, as the dress she picked had an in-built corset in it. I guess she bought the dress a while back with her wages. She then sat down, where I proceeded to pull the pins from her hair, and take the crown off of her head. She then quickly slipped off her ballet slippers, before slipping her feet into a simple pair of dark blue heels, which matched perfectly with the dress she picked out.
"Who sent you the note?" I asked, trying to make conversation.
"I'm not sure. All it says is: 'a red scarf...the attic...Little Lotte...'. But who could have sent me this note? I mean there is only one person who knows about Little Lotte and the attic and my red scarf. But it can't possibly be him can it?" She replied, as her brows furrowed a little in confusion. I looked up when I heard voices approaching.
"I'll leave you to your meeting with the managers and the patron." I said stoically, as I gave a curtsy and left the room. However, I stayed nearby, knowing what was to occur, once the patron leaves the room. I know The Phantom told me not to interfere, but I didn't want to see anyone get hurt, especially The Phantom. I listened intently, as I heard the managers and the patron approach her dressing room.
"A tour de force! No other way to describe it!" André said jovially.
"What a relief! Not a single refund!" Firmin said happily, holding a bottle of champagne in his hand.
"Greedy." Madame Firmin said teasingly.
"Richard, I think we've made quite a discovery in Miss Daaé." And I rolled my eyes at the irony of the situation. I mean if Meg and Madame Giry didn't come to her defence, she would still be singing in the chorus. In fact, if the Phantom didn't hear her singing in the chapel when she was seven, he wouldn't be so obsessed with her.
"Here we are, Monsieur Le Vicomte." Firmin said, as he indicated Christine's dressing room.
"Gentlemen, if you wouldn't mind. This is one visit I should prefer to make unaccompanied." Raoul said, before taking the bottle of champagne from Firmin.
"As you wish, Monsieur." André said, before they both bowed and moved off, as Firmin muttered to André.
"They appear to have met before..." And I watched Raoul knock on the door and enter, without even waiting for Christine to give her assent, for him to enter the room. I found myself coming closer to the dressing room, without even thinking about the consequences of doing so. I listened closely as Raoul began to converse with Christine.
"Christine Daaé, where is your scarf?" He asked teasingly.
"Monsieur?" She asked, confused at first.
"You can't have lost it. After all the trouble I took. I was just fourteen and soaked to the skin..."
"Because you had run into the sea to fetch my scarf. Oh, Raoul. So it is you!" She replied happily.
"Christine." As he said this, I slowly entered the room, without them noticing me enter, before hiding behind the dressing screen.
[Raoul]
'Little Lotte let her mind wander...'
"You remember that, too..." Christine said happily.
[Raoul]
'...Little Lotte thought: Am I fonder of dolls...'
[Both] As Christine joined in.
'...or of goblins,
Of shoes...'
[Christine]
'...or of riddles,
Of frocks...'
[Raoul]
"Those picnics in the attic..."
'...or of chocolates...'
"Father playing the violin." Christine said wistfully.
"As we read to each other dark stories of the North..." Raoul said excitedly.
[Christine]
'No – what I love best, Lotte said,
Is when I'm asleep in my bed,
And the Angel of Music sings songs in my
Head!'
[Both]
'...the Angel of Music sings songs in my head!'
I watched as she turned in her chair to look at him.
"Father said 'When I'm in heaven, child, I will send the Angel of Music to you.' Well, father is dead, Raoul, and I have been visited by the Angel of Music."
"No doubt of it – And now we'll go to supper!"
"I'll be glad to join you." She said happily. And after grabbing her cloak and scarf, she left out of the door. I crept out from behind the screen, before proceeding to tidy the mess we made. However, my musings were interrupted by tremulous music and the Phantom's voice coming from the large gold guilt mirror.
[Phantom's voice]
Insolent girl!
Meddling in
My affairs,
Once again!
Ignorant child!
This foolish
Young one,
Interrupting my
Plans!
[Me] (Bravely)
Phantom! I hear you!
I only did it
Because...
I don't want anyone
To get hurt!
But, Phantom
I know how
This ends...
Please forgive me,
Master!
[Phantom's voice]
Innocent child,
I shall forgive you,
But for this indiscretion:
I will take you down below!
Look into the mirror
My caged songbird
For I am here
In the flesh!
My eyes widened when I saw his figure become discernible behind the mirror.
[Me]
Phantom!
Ghost
And guardian!
Grant to me your
Presence!
Phantom of the Opera
Reveal
Yourself at last!
Show yourself, strange
Phantom...
The glass was glowing and shimmering, before it opened, revealing an inferno of white light, where the Phantom stood stoically. Suddenly, he reached forward, before fiercely grasping my wrist, causing me to gasp at the pain and coldness. He pulled me through the mirror, before it closed behind me. At first, I tried to struggle out of his grasp, as we walked windingly through the labyrinth of corridors.
"Your struggling is futile! I warned you of the consequences, if you disobeyed my instructions!" Eventually, I stopped struggling, and instead just followed closely behind, the silence deafening, as we continued to walk through the many corridors. Without a thought, I found myself humming, to try and break the silence, as I found it almost deafening. However, the humming somehow progressed to singing, as I sang a song familiar and comforting to me.
[Me]
In sleep
He sang to me,
In dreams
He came...
That voice
Which calls to me
And speaks
My name...
And do
I dream again?
For now
I find
The Phantom of the Opera
Is there –
Inside my mind...
I was surprised when the Phantom sang his part.
[Phantom]
Sing once
Again with me
Our strange
Duet...
My power
Over you
Grows stronger
Yet...
And though
You turn from me,
To glance
Behind,
The Phantom of the Opera
Is there –
Inside your mind...
[Me]
Those who
Have seen your face
Draw back
In fear...
I am
The mask you wear...
But am I truly a mask for him, when I myself wear a mask, to hide my quirks? And would he allow such a thing, since it is clear he doesn't want me in his presence?
[Phantom]
It's me
They hear...
I guess he wasn't totally uncaring, after he got me a job and a roof over my head, when he could have just tossed me out on the streets. Also, I guess I am his voice in a way, as I channel his love for music, through my passion for music.
[Both]
Your/my spirit
And your/my voice
In one
Combined:
The Phantom of the Opera
Is there –
Inside your/my mind...
I looked around as I heard voices singing.
"He's there, the Phantom of the Opera. Beware, the Phantom of the Opera..."
[Phantom]
In all
Your fantasies,
You always
Knew
That man
And mystery...
[Me]
...were both
In you...
[Both]
And in
This labyrinth,
Where night
Is blind,
The Phantom of the Opera
Is there/here –
Inside your/my mind...
We arrived at the lair, and he immediately dragged me out of the boat, without saying a word. He turned me to face him, still grasping my wrist, before asking angrily.
"I want you to explain why she is going out with that fop!"
"I don't know what happened! I just mentioned the fact the patron and managers were visiting, and that she should get ready for their visit. Then she just changed into a dress, rather than her nightwear." I replied tearfully, once again struggling in his grasp.
"How can you use your voice to influence people?" He asked seething.
"I don't know. It didn't become apparent until I encountered you. I couldn't use this ability before I met you!" I replied tearfully, as the tears started to fall heavily down my cheeks.
"Why do you always answer in riddles?!" He asked angrily, as his grip tightened.
"Please let me go! You're hurting me!" I pleaded. However he didn't let me go, but he instead kept trying to get answers from me.
"I won't ask again! How are you able to use your voice to influence people?! Only I possess the ability to do so! And I have been asking myself how that is so all my life!" I decided to keep my mouth shut, especially since the term 'mutant' hasn't been coined yet, even though I suspected he was indeed a mutant.
"There is something you're not telling me isn't there?!" He yelled suddenly. But everything around me became almost painful, as I felt myself going into a meltdown. I tried to cover my ears, but the Phantom was still gripping my wrist, so I found myself unable to do so.
"Please let me go." I pleaded weakly, before I started falling within myself. Trying to transport myself to a world, where I feel safe and comforted. I wasn't sure what occurred next, as I became totally lost to the world around me, and surrendered to the darkness...