Hello everybody! Here's the next chapter! And we'll be following Erik here. And I'm just inform you ahead of time. We're going to be going back and forth between Erik and Gabriella POV's every other chapter. So the next chapter will be from Gabriella's POV, and then back to Erik after that. So don't get confused.
And this is gonna be pretty interesting, because if one POV ends in a cliffhanger, then you'll have to wait 2 chapters to find out what happens. Good luck ;P
Sandal Walker: Yea, the family is all nice right? Haha, kinda a nice change from Love Never Dies right? Raoul/Christine never bothers me, what bothers me is how many people are against it and how many people make Raoul abusive in the relationship when they do have it. Come on really?
Haha I went back and read it and got a bit of a Bambi vibe too! Which is weird cause I was listening to something TOTALLY different when I wrote it. Haha, Gustave in general kinda reminds me of Bambi. Has a nice loving mother that everybody loves but gets killed anyway (That won't happen in my thing I assure you)
Alrighty then. Here we go. PLEASE REVIEW! And thanks for reading!
Erik POV
Abastor is a good horse, I never had any doubts of that. But when he saw the ship that would take us to America, something inside him snapped. He didn't even look like the same horse, rearing and pawing the air, letting out crazed piercing screams.
I thought Abastor would trust me, but obviously he didn't, as he refused to get on the ship without Gabriella at his side. The crew members took a good 2 hours before they finally were able to get the stallion onto the ship, after another hour once we were underway, they managed to get him in the stall.
Did he think we were leaving Gabriella forever? Once the crew members cleared out of the holding area, I went up to the window of the stallion's stall door "Abastor, we'll return" I tell him. Gabriella talked to her horses all the time, my horses never needed talking to, I just rode and handled them in silence. But this horse was different, of course, he was Cesar's son. Cesar, who if you asked him something he'd actually give you an answer.
A grey nose poked it's way to the window and sniffed my hand before snorting and going away. I swallowed, yes he seemed to respond to my talking to him. "We're going to get Anne, and I'm trusting you to help me bring her home safely. You can do that can't you?" I ask him. His nose once again appears in the window and I place my hand on it.
This mutual agreement seemed to calm him, for as we arrived in America, he was calm and collected. The noble stallion we knew, loved, and trusted. However, though that problem was solved, another, much worse problem surfaced.
Standing on the deck of the ship, looking out over the strange country in front of me, I realized that finding Anne here would be like finding a needle in a haystack. It was so big, and there were so many people, from all different places. Where would I even start to look for her here?
Going through Ellis Island was an, unpleasant experience. But I reminded myself that I was doing it for Anne's sake. After all, she must have come through here as well, and how far could a little girl have gone from here?
Abastor took much longer getting through, at first I thought they held him away from me because of my face, but I noticed other passengers who had animals having the same difficulty, and I relaxed ever so slightly.
Finally my horse was handed over to me, and we headed into this city. It was much different, not a horse on the street, instead they had automobils that traveled just as fast, if not faster than horses. I rested a hand on Abastor's grey neck for reassurance as he tossed his head in fright at sight of them.
Where to start looking? There was no way I'd find her here, not a chance in the world. Mounting Abastor, I asked him forward, riding him in the street as though he were an automobil. Each street we turned down looked exactly the same as the last, were we going in Circles? I wouldn't have known. After riding for what seemed like forever, we ended up in an even stranger part of the city, Coney Island.
This place, I'd never seen anything quite like it, never even imagined it in my wildest dreams! Freaks, freaks like me, so many of them it made my head whirl. Nobody paid any mind to me, or my stallion. I was, normal here? I continued riding until it began to grow dark and bright flashy lights came on, illuminating everything in almost a haunting kind of way. That was when I decided it was time to find a place to stay.
Turning Abastor, I didn't see the little girl in black running up to my horse. If not for her father's bark, me and Abastor might have run her over by mistake. I stopped Abastor as she came up to him "Wow sir! I've never seen a horse as pretty as yours!" she said, stroking his neck.
I swallowed in nervousness, she was speaking english. How good was my english? I blink "Errr, T... Thank You" I stammer. Her father, a man that is almost as big as Abastor, comes up and takes his daughter's hand "Ariel, you don't run up to horses in such a manner. What if he'd spooked and hurt you?" he asked. The girl, Ariel, hung her head sadly "Sorry Papa" she replied.
This pair made my heart ache for my own little girl, as they were about to leave I called out "Um, Monsiuer! Have you perhaps seen a little girl by the name of Anne Destler?" I ask. He freezes on the spot, turning and looking up at me "Anne? You mean 'Little Miss Destler'?" he asks.
Little Miss Destler? Was that what they were calling her now, I merely nodded and he approached my horse, his eyes widening slightly as he noticed my mask "Do you have a place to stay tonight? Actually, no time for that, come with me Sir!" he said. He took my horse's reins and began leading me into Coney Island, to his house.
Not sure what was going on, I followed him almost in a daze into his house, Abastor was tied outside. He told me to sit down "Sir your name is Erik Destler!" he announced, seeming excited. How did this man know my name? I nod "Yes, I'm aware of my name" I reply as calmly as I can muster. He shakes my hand "You're Anne's father! It's an honor to meet you sir, Anne was such a pleasure".
I stand "What do you mean a pleasure?" I demand, feeling the Phantom begin to rise, if this man has done anything to her. He nodded, unintimidated "Yes, she stayed with me and my daughter for almost 4 years. Until that producer of hers decided to take her to Atlantic City" he informed me.
His daughter, who was sitting on the floor playing with the brace on her leg sighed sadly "I miss her, she was so fun to play with" she says. The man stands "Sir she was waiting for such a long time! I didn't think you'd come for her after so long, oh she'll be very please to see you sir!" he says.
"Where is this 'Atlantic City'? Where is she there?" I demand, he goes and shuffles through papers "Atlantic City is south of here, on the coast. It's where all the big performers and stars go. I believe their season starts tomorrow. She'll be performing for that!" he tells me.
He ushers me out the door "Sir, you'll never make it to there for opening day, but if you do, that's your best chance to see her. She's going to be at the opening ceremonies. Hurry Hurry!" he pushes me towards Abastor. Once I'm mounted he intructs me how to get out of the city "Just go, you'll know it when you see it!" he tells me.
I bow my head "Thank you Monsieur. I swear to repay you for your kindness" I say. He pats Abastor's neck as the grey stallion prances excitedly in place "No need to thank me Sir, her happiness is payment enough. Now go!" he said. I kick Abastor and we take off into the street.
Following the man's instructions, I cross a bridge and manage to get out of the crazy city. Even at this late hour, there were lights and people everywhere, they lit the way, but made it incredibly difficult to go very far very fast. Once out of the city, it became a lot easier, and Abastor and I set out to this 'Atlantic City'.
Galloping through the night, most horses would have tired by now. But Abastor's pace never slowed, and as the sun began to rise, something came into view. Another place, like Coney Island, but no freaks like me, here, there was nothing but talent.
People crowded the gates, and though according to my pocket watch it was only 8 in the morning, they were already finding prime spots for the opening ceremonies that would start, apparently, at 10.
Waiting for Anne to come was one of the hardest things I ever did. Abastor stood quietly now, spent from his long midnight ride. I patted him on the neck and whispered thanks under my breath, to both him, and his father.
Suddenly music started, and of all the things to expect, I would have never expected what I saw right then. Anne, lowered down on a red velvet swing, dressed in something a prostitute would wear, but with more sparkles. And on her head she wore a headdress with 5 white feathers on it, all spread out in a fan.
She had changed, oh my little girl, she was only 13! 13 and she looked like she was 18, all made up. She giggled and sang "Let's run away to Atlantic City, let's feel the wind in our hair! Sharing a grand and romantic city..." another man stepped forward and stood next to her "Sea and salty air!".
Abastor's ears pricked at Anne's voice and I tightened my grip on him as she sang again "Train's gonna take us to the sunniest hideaway" the man spoke "Troubles will slide away" she joined him "Just a ride away". Abastor lifted his head, trying to get to Anne, it took all my strength to hold him still.
The chorus came and joined them singing the oddest music I'd ever heard, girls performed high kicks to this upbeat music and the crowd whistled at them. During this Anne's swing had been raised slightly so she could see out over the crowd, and for a moment her eyes caught his. For a brief moment she stared in surprise, but quickly regained herself and acted as though she'd never known him in her life.
Just as quickly as they'd come out, the gates opened and all the people crowded in. Once the crowd had dispersed into the place I dismounted, resting my hand on Abastor's neck and staring into Atlantic City. "Where have I been? How did we change? Caught in this strange, new music. Say, was I away too long?" I sang softly. Abastor nudged me and I sighed "Say, when did they change the song?".
My first mission was to find Anne, and the best way to do that would be to find one of her shows. Sure enough even though she'd JUST performed the opening ceremonies, now, less than an hour later, was her first act of the day.
At first I was confused, all I saw was two tall beams, with a wire strung between them. Suddenly Anne appeared and the crowd began to cheer. This time she was wearing a short ballet skirt and pointe shoes. And her hair was ties in a bun like it always was when she was a ballerina at the opera. In fact, she looked as though she were stepping onto the opera house stage right now.
Instead though, to my horror and dismay, she began climbing up one of the pillars. At the top she raised her arms and the crowd cheered loudly. Oh please, she wouldn't walk on that wire would she?
Suddenly music began to play, something the people said was called the 'Coney Island Waltz' and was her carry over song from when she performed there. She rose up on pointe and walked out onto the wire. I could hardly breath as I watched her begin to dance, spinning and leaping on the wire as though it were a regular stage.
As the routine began to come to the end, she suddenly lost her balance for a moment. My breath caught in my throat and I feared greatly, to have come this far only to have her die before me. She regained her balance and finished, the crowd screaming and calling her name as she got to the other beam and climbed down.
Quickly I grabbed Abastor and began to follow her, pushing and shoving my way through the crowds of people. Having Abastor actually helped, as people practically leapt out of the way in fear of being trampled by the grey stallion. Anne didn't seem to notice me, as she walked back towards her dressing room.
Once we got there, I tied Abastor outside and entered the building. Silently as I had when I was the Phantom, I followed her down the hall and watched as she entered her dressing room, closing the door behind her quietly. Taking a deep breath I stepped out and went to her dressing room door.
Standing before it, I grew fearful. What was I to tell her? What should I say or do? Does Anne even remember me? Her father? The reason she ran away to be a star in the first place? Shaking with anxious feelings, I lifted my fist to the door and knocked.
There was a silence behind the door before I heard shuffling "Coming sir!" she called. After a few moment the door swung open "Hel..." she trailed off as she gazed up at my face. There was a silence, a very very long silence. Up close, I looked my little girl over in amazement. She was wearing makeup, and her hair was all done like the big showgirls. Her costume had already been changed and she seemed in the midst of putting her shoes on, as she had one on and one off.
"Father" she finally said, almost coldly. I looked down at her, feeling tears prick my eyes. "Anne, you remember me?" I asked, trembling slightly at all the emotions raging through me. She rolled her eyes as if I asked a rather foolish question and ushered me into her dressing room, closing the door behind her.
She went over to her makeup chair and sat down, as though she were the queen and that was her throne "What do you want?" she asked me simply. Blue-green eyes, identical to mine, practically glared at me as I swallowed and began to speak "I came to bring you home" I replied unsteadily.
How she laughed at me! I could not believe what I was hearing "Bring me back? You wait FIVE YEARS and then decide you want me back? That's" she chuckled coldly "That's not how it works". Was she purposely being cold to me? Was she pretending not to care? Maybe, I decided, I should test her.
Searching my inner soul for the Phantom, I felt his rage build up inside of me "YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE BRAT? FINE! YOUR FAMILY HAS BEEN JUST AS HAPPY WITHOUT YOU!" I turned on my heels and began storming out of that dressing room, but not before glancing back to see Anne's face.
Her eyes were wide and she stared after me in shock, as though I'd struck her. Her perfectly painted face began to run as tears began to stream down her face, ruining her eye makeup. Just as I reached the door she leapt up and ran to me "Father no please! I'm sorry I didn't mean to!" she wailed, collapsing on the floor behind me and grabbing one of my coat tails "Please don't leave me father PLEASE" she sobbed.
I turned around and knelt down in front of her "Anne please, why did you leave France?" I asked her. She was hystarical now, and I had to pick her up and carry her over to the nearby couch, where I sat and cradled her in my arms. How old was she now? 13? I remember last time I was with her it was a lot easier to hold her in my arms, when had she grown so big?
She buried her face in my chest and choked on her tears as she tried to speak "Oh father, I didn't mean to! You, you never came to visit me anymore. I thought you didn't love me anymore, that you abandoned me. So I abandoned you back!" she cried. I hushed her "Anne, you'll come back with me now, and I promise things will change. I was wrong". She wimpered and I stroked her hair "Please don't leave me again Anne" I said, feeling myself choke up slightly.
Anne looked up at me, she seemed to break even more when she realized what she'd truely done. She wrapped her arms around her neck and held onto me like she'd never let me go "I'll never leave ever ever again father. I promise. But..." she looked away and I looked at her "But what?" I asked.
"I... I'm a star here. I've made a life for myself here, and" suddenly the dressing room door burst open "And she can't leave 'cause she belongs to me. Don't ya girl?" he asked. She looked up at him, quickly wiping her eyes and pretending as though she'd never been crying.
This man, I didn't know who he was, but immediately I didn't like him "What do you mean she belongs to you?" I demanded angrily as I stood up "She's MY daughter!". He gave me a smirk and I wanted to punch him and wipe it right off his face "She signed the contract Mr. Destler. Anne's mine".
I turned to her "Anne what contract? Please tell me you..." I trailed off as she bowed her head, nodding sadly. "Mr. Smith, father can stay can't he?" she asked, this man, Mr. Smith, gave me a quick look over before he laughed "You're father'll have to find a hotel to stay in girl, I ain't payin for him" he answered her.
He went over and ruffled her hair slightly "You're on in 15 minutes, clean yourself up and get ready alright? Remember the rehearsal tonight! We have to start work on that new number k girl?" he asked. Anne looked up at him confidently and nodded "I'll be ready" she assured him. With that he glared at me before leaving the dressing room, slamming the door behind him shut.
"Who is that man?" I demanded. She smiled "My producer, Mr. Smith" she replied plainly, as if she answered that question every day. I walked to her and took her hand "Anne, I'm your father, you can come with me" she stepped away "You know what father, no I can't. You know, I do love you, and I want to come home to mother and Daniel and everyone. But what have you done for me?" she asked.
What had I done for her? I'd created her hadn't I? Wasn't that enough for her? That I made her and raised her? She crossed her arms "You promised me things would be different. I'm perfectly happy here. Prove to me that you'll make things better!" she declared, she almost sounded like me, when I was the Phantom. Her eyes narrowed "I've practically replaced you anyway" she threatened.
I stood there, disbelievingly, and turned to leave, she caught my arm, wrapping her arms around my waist "Father I love you. But you need to prove you love me too. There are people here who care about me too. Do you love me more than them? As my father?" I asked.
Of course I did! But how was I to prove it, all I could do was nod "Anne I promise" she stopped me "No, don't make me empty promises, just do the right thing". With that, she sent me on my way, closing the dressing room door behind me so she could prepare for her show.
Walking outside, Abastor pricked his ears and I mounted him, patting his neck "I have to think of a plan now Abastor, but first, let's find a place to stay". Turning him around, we headed out into Atlantic City in search of a hotel. There was no way I was ever leaving this place without my daughter, I'd make sure she was with me soon!
