APH/Phantom of the Opera
After months of practice, the cast and crew were finally ready to perform their opening night. Francis and Arthur never felt more ecstatic. Opening night, full house, and their first opera debuting! They sat in box number seven and observed their masterpiece. Everything was going smoothly so far. It's always good for a first impression to be outstanding. At every scene-change, the stage crew was quick and swift. The actors, or rather singers, knew their lines well.
When the time came for Elizaveta's song, "Think of Me", Francis and Arthur's heart fluttered with pride.
"She's magnificent! I'm glad we switched to her. But, Natalya is still our best star, yes?" Arthur said.
"Oui, indeed, she is amazing. But we need to get Natalya back as well." Francis said. Just then, when she finished her song, a strong voice bellowed "Bravo!" Francis and Arthur turned towards where the sound came from and found a young man with silver hair bolting to backstage as the curtains close.
Lizzie, how you've grown! You may not remember me but I remember you. We were childhood friends; that our fates would once clash and we find each other. The man with the silver hair dashed to Elizaveta's dressing room, eager to see his childhood friend.
Meanwhile, Elizaveta kneeled in prayer in front of a sacred statue. She missed her father dearly. When she was little and when he was dying, he said he'd send an angel to help her learn how to become a great singer. She smiled at the foolish yet comforting thought. She heard footsteps from the stairwell. Sophie stepped in.
"Oh Lizzie, there you are! Where in the world have you been hiding?..." she had asked in a sing-song manner.
"Hey Sophie, do you remember when you aunt took me in? Well, before my father died, he promised me that he'd send an angel to coach me in singing. Now, every night, I am visited by the angel of music." She said.
"Lizzie, you're talking of strange things. I-It's not like you." Sophie stuttered. They had already walked through the opera house to get the Elizaveta's room. Sophie said one last good-night before she left her with her aunt. Madam Katyusha held a red rose with a black ribbon tied to it. She walked over to Elizaveta, who was brushing her hair.
"This is for you, dear." She said, handing the rose to Elizaveta. She took it and stared at it, as if she knew exactly who it's from. She shook her head and thanked the madam. She left closing the door behind her. Elizaveta went back to brushing her hair. She hummed the tune she sang for the closing act. Just then, the door opened once again and immediately, a voice spoke.
"Hello, dear friend. Do you recognize my voice?" he stepped closer as Elizaveta smiled, not turning to meet her visitor. "Do you remember our little sword fights when we were kids?"
She turned to meet him, smiling brightly. "Oh of course I do! Gilbert, I've missed you so much!" she hugged the man before her. He returned her hug in the same manner and held out a bouquet of red roses. She took them and thanked him before placing them in a vase with water.
"Come with me tonight. We'll have fun!" he said, starting to sound a little mischievous. She laughed at the tone in his voice.
"Gilbert, I couldn't. The master is very strict. I mustn't stay up late." She warned. He wouldn't take "no" for an answer. He kept pushing so she would give in and go out tonight.
"I give you two minutes, to meet me downstairs at my coach." He said starting for the door. He smiled a wicked grin that she knew when he meant "fun", it'd be more than that, and left, closing the door behind him.
Stupid Gilbert, he never knows when to quit. She laughed at the silly thought. Suddenly, one the candles blew out, adding darkness to the room, save the moonlight coming in through the window.
"Foolish, ignorant boy," bellowed a mysterious voice. Elizaveta jumped at the sudden outburst. She looked around the room, hoping to find where the voice came from. "Taking advantage of you and basking in your glory."
Elizaveta had a sudden thought that might explain who this voice is. She sang to it, "Angel of music?"
"Yes," it cooed. "I am your angel of music."
Knock knock! Someone was at the door.
"Lizzie! Are you in there? Open up!" shouted Gilbert, banging and clawing at the door.
"I am your angel of music."
"Who is that! Lizzie!" Still no answer. On the other side of the door, Elizaveta stood in front of her mirror. She saw a faint figure looking back at her, clearly not her own reflection, though. She reached for the opening where the mirror swung open a bit. The mysterious reflection smiled maliciously and took her hand and led her through the mirror.
"Lizzie!" Gilbert busted the door down. He franticly searched the room for Elizaveta. But no trace of her was left behind.
A/N: Meh, this one's a "meh" chapter as well. Next chapter will be fun, for I will be introducing the phantom! Oh yeah, I don't own APH or Phantom. Credit goes to Hidekaz Himaruya and Leroux and whoever else is involved.