Another chapter :) Sorry it has been so so so long :/ Combination of stress causing writer's block plus no laptop for nearly a week does that to you :/ But now I have a new laptop I can type again :) According to the experts my battery exploded and my hard drive was on the verge of dying...luckily I didn't lose anything :) Anyhoo...as you know I only own OCs and own lyrics :) Anything else belongs to their respective owners :) Reviews, follows and favourites are welcome as always :) Now on with the show :)
X-Men The Imperfect Angel Saga – Part One: First Love
Chapter Six: This is What Happens When You Push Yourself Too Hard...
Phantom's POV
I was locked away in my music room, when the alarm signalling someone had fallen into my torture chamber went off. With a sly smile, I went over to the lever next to the door, before pulling it down, to set off the heat in the room. However, when I proceeded to make my way to the music room, I heard a weak plea for help, and someone calling out my name. But how did this person know my name? After all, very few people knew my name; one of them being Madame Giry. It was at that moment I recognised the voice, who called out my name. Without a second thought, I turned off the torture chamber, before quickly opening the door. As I opened the door, the heat hit me, as my eyes fell upon the prone, unconscious figure of Caroline. However before I could pick her up, and bring her out of the still hot chamber, she suddenly jerked awake, causing me to step back in shock. How did she recover so quickly? Just moments before she was unconscious, and now she was alert and wide awake.
"You saved me." She breathed hoarsely, as she looked at me with wide eyes. I found I just stared at her in shock, until I mentally shook my head, when I realised that the silence had gone on for too long, and that there was something wrong with her throat.
"Don't talk...it sounds like you have strained your voice calling out for help. Let me get you some water." I said stoically, before leading her towards the kitchen, and filling a glass with some water. I then watched as she quickly drank the water, before giving me the glass with a small smile on her face. I then noticed the tear tracks which had dried on her face.
"You have been crying." I stated, as I found myself wiping the tracks from her cheek. I sighed when she stepped back, a look of shock and embarrassment evident on her face. I cleared my throat, before asking stoically.
"How did you know my name?" To which she looked at me with confusion; her eyebrows furrowing deeply.
"I heard you call out my name, just after I turned on the torture chamber. Now...very few people know my name, and I most certainly didn't say it to you. So how come you know it?" I asked stoically.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." She said stoically; to which I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes at her cryptic reply.
"If you won't tell me; I will find a way to get the information out of you." I said coldly, as her eyes widened in fear, and she shrank back a little.
"But more importantly...why did you come down here?" I continued slowly, hoping I didn't scare her too much with my threat.
"I wanted to see you...I was concerned about your wellbeing...so I wanted to make sure you were ok." She replied meekly, as she wrung her hands, and looked down at her feet.
"While I thank you for your concern, I am fine. But I should return you to the world above. It is getting late, and you need rest before the performance tomorrow evening." I said stoically, as I lifted her chin to meet my gaze, before clearing my throat, and leading her towards the world above. Once we reached the doorway which leads to the chapel, I turned on my heel, before leaving her without a word, with a swirl of my cape. All the while, I thought about how Caroline had come into my life and changed it; but was it for the better, or was it for the worst? I then sought out my student; in the hopes I would see her, before the performance tomorrow, and making sure she was ready to grace the stage once more. However, when I reached her dressing room, I growled and tightly clenched my right fist, when I saw the fop with her. But what was he doing here? Lately I have noticed the fop, spending way too much time with my student, leading her astray from her lessons, and from her Angel of Music.
"Christine..." I breathed into her ear, to which I smirked when I heard her ask the fop worryingly.
"What was that?" Before I left down the passageway with a dramatic swirl of my cape.
Caroline's POV
After the Phantom left me in the chapel, I fell to the floor with a sob, as I knew where he was going to go. But why was I feeling like this? Why should I be upset about the Phantom seeing his student; especially when the student in question is so totally perfect? Was it possible that I had begun to fall in love with the Phantom; something Christine could never begin to comprehend? I shook my head, and harshly wiped the tears from my eyes, before making my way to the dormitories; hoping to get enough sleep before the performance tomorrow.
~The next morning~
It was early morning, and I found myself walking to the roof, as I had a restless night's sleep the night before; my thoughts were plagued by the Phantom. Why were his emotions so changeable? One moment he was kind and sincere, the next he would be cold and distant. But why was I so upset about him visiting his student? After all, Christine is his student, so he is allowed to visit her before a performance. Was it because I knew of his feelings for his student? Was I jealous of Christine's voice and good looks; things I do not possess as readily as Christine? Why was I trying to attain something which was unattainable? I ran my fingers through my hair frustratingly, as my head began to hurt, due to all the unanswered questions running through my mind. I found myself falling to the floor, as the pain became too much for me, the last thing I heard, was a gentle voice saying:
"Caroline... This is what happens when you push yourself too hard."
I woke up some time later, feeling panicked as tonight was the performance. Had I missed it? Did the managers have to replace me? Did they have to cancel it instead? Will I be tossed out onto the streets?
"There is no need to panic Mademoiselle Aves, you haven't missed the performance. You still have time to get ready and into your costume." It was then I recognised the fact the voice belonged to the Phantom. But why was the Phantom being so formal? I mean earlier he used my first name, but now he is being so formal towards me. I then realised however that I was in Madame Giry's room; but why bring me here, especially since he was risking being seen by some of the chorus girls?
"This was the closest place to bring you, without putting your life at risk. Madame Giry should be here any moment now." The Phantom explained, just as the door opened, and Madame Giry stepped into the room.
"Are you feeling better?" She asked curiously, to which I nodded in assent.
"Follow me my dear, it is time to get into your costume, the performance is due to start in a couple of hours." She explained gently, before leading me out of the room; with a nod of thanks towards the Phantom, and taking me to the costume department. Once we arrived, I was left to get changed into my Page Boy costume, which gave me time to think about what was to occur at tonight's performance. But would the death of Joseph Buquet still occur? After all, he hasn't harmed any of the chorus girls, since my last encounter with the man, so he shouldn't have to die. Also, he hasn't been hunting down the Phantom; so there is no reason to kill him is there? Once I was in my costume, I made my way to the backstage area, to get myself mentally prepared for the performance, before I had to go on stage. I looked up nervously as the overture began to play; to which I got in position on the bed behind the drapes, as I heard the managers and Raoul conversing between them, as they made their way to their box.
"Gentlemen, if you would care to take your seats? I shall be sitting in Box Five." Raoul said haughtily, as my eyes widened in surprise, before quickly getting back into character. Why would he sit in the Phantom's box, knowing there is a great risk in doing so?
"Do you really think that's wise, Monsieur?" André asked nervously, and I agreed wholeheartedly with his question.
"My dear André, there would appear to be no seats available, other than Box Five." Raoul replied matter of factly, as I envisaged the scene that was on stage as the front cloth rises; the room revealed is an eighteenth century salon, with a canopied bed positioned centre stage. In this room there are two epicene or unmasculine men; one is a hairdresser and one is a jeweller who is attended by Meg. There is also an older woman who is the Countess' confidante. Everyone apart from Meg is gossiping about the Countess' liaison with my character.
[Confidante]
They say that this youth
Has set my Lady's
Heart aflame!
[1st Fop]
His Lordship, sure,
Would die of shock!
[2nd Fop]
His Lordship is
A laughing-stock!
[Confidante]
Should he suspect her, God protect her!
[All three]
Shame! Shame! Shame!
This faithless lady's
Bound for Hades!
Shame! Shame! Shame!
The curtain then parted, revealing the Countess and me kissing passionately, before pulling away suddenly, as I heard the managers talking amongst themselves.
"Nothing like the old operas!" André said jovially.
"Or the old scenery..." Firmin said.
"The singer the audience want..." André continued, as I noticed what he said, was different to what he said in the musical.
"The old audience..." Firmin continued.
"And every seat sold!" André said jovially.
"Nothing could possibly go wrong could it?" Firmin asked, as once again what he said was changed, and he nodded towards Raoul in Box Five, as I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his statement. Then I got into character, as Christine's angelic voice rang through the theatre.
[Countess]
Serafimo – your disguise is perfect.
I put my hand to my ear and leaned over, to which Christine did the same, when we both heard a knock on the 'door'.
Why who can this be?
[Don Attilio]
Gentle wife, admit your loving husband.
I watched as Don Attilio was admitted by the Countess. As I proceeded to start dusting the bed canopy with a large feather duster. As I continued to dust, I leant over and shook my behind with exaggerated motions.
"My love – I am called to England on affairs of State, and must leave you with your new maid." Don Attilio said.
I heard him step to one side, before whispering towards the audience.
"Though I'd happily take the maid with me." As he shook a little in excitement, and sort of cooed excitedly, as I looked up from dusting and rolled my eyes.
"The old fool's leaving!" The Countess said excitedly towards the audience, as her breathing increased.
"I suspect my young bride is untrue to me. I shall not leave, but shall hide over there to observe her!" He whispered towards the audience.
"Addio!" He said to the Countess.
"Addio!" She said in reply.
"Addio!" They both said to each other, before he goes and pretends to leave the room, but instead hiding and proceeding to watch the action.
[Countess]
Serafimo – away with this pretence
Before we stood in the centre of the 'room', and allowing her to rip off my skirt; revealing my manly breeches beneath.
You cannot speak but kiss me in my
Husband's absence!
We proceeded over to the chaise, before throwing the duster to the floor, and kissing each other passionately. We parted from each other, before I slowly started stroking her arm.
Poor fool, he makes me laugh!
Haha,
Haha!
Time I tried to get a better better half!
[Countess and Chorus]
Poor fool, he doesn't know!
Hoho,
Hoho!
If he knew the truth, he'd never, ever go!
We looked up simultaneously when we heard the Phantom's voice, seemingly from nowhere; although I knew it was coming from somewhere above our heads – probably from the catwalks.
"Did I not instruct that Box Five was to be kept empty?" I heard Meg whisper terrified.
"He's here, the Phantom of the Opera..." As I watched a general reaction of bewilderment befall everyone; including the audience.
Christine and I then muttered simultaneously.
"It's him...I know it...it's him..." I flinched when I heard a voice from the wings say.
"Your part is silent, little toad!" And I realised the voice belonged to Joseph Buquet, who for some reason was standing in the wings, rather than the catwalks.
"A toad, Monsieur? Perhaps it is you who are the toad..." I heard the Phantom mutter, as unease overcame everyone again. I then watched as Christine conferred with the conductor, before we picked up from the opening of the scene.
[Countess]
Serafimo, away with this pretence!
You cannot speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence!
And I noticed the opera would now continue without a hitch, as I knew the Phantom would never do anything to harm or tarnish his ingénue's reputation.
It was before the Act Three ballet was to begin, and I watched as the stage crew moved around the set, getting it ready for the next act. However, I heard something coming from behind me, and I turned around to see Joseph Buquet coming towards me.
"Please Monsieur...I have to be on stage soon...the managers will be displeased if I am not there." I pleaded, as I held up my hands in a gesture of surrender.
"You have interfered for far too long. I am surprised the Phantom hasn't done away with you yet." He said slowly.
"Please leave me alone." I pleaded again, as I felt scared of what he would do to me. He suddenly tried to pounce on me, and as I dodged, my powers manifested themselves, as a moment later I found myself on the catwalks.
"You are a freak just like the Phantom! I'll do away with you first, and then I will ensure the Phantom doesn't haunt these walls anymore!" He yelled, as I heard the music playing for the Act Three ballet below, and he pulled out a knife. As the music continued to play, I swear I saw a shadow pass behind me, and I knew it would cause Meg to dance out of step, as she becomes aware of the shadow's presence.
"Please don't hurt me." I said tearfully, as I backed away, unaware of the fact I was getting too close to the end of the catwalk, until it was almost too late. As I almost fell to my death, I felt someone grab my arm, before pulling me away from the edge. I shook my head, to see none other than the Phantom in front of me. But before I could express my gratitude, there was an inhuman yell, and I exclaimed suddenly.
"Look out behind you!" As Joseph Buquet came towards us, still wielding the knife; I felt the Phantom pull me out of the way suddenly. I looked on in horror, as he fell to his death, as the ropes wrapped tightly around his neck like a noose, before he hit the floor. I knew he immediately died, as the screams echoed around the theatre, causing me to cover my ears in pain, and for me not to notice the Phantom fleeing the scene. However, even though my head was pounding, I could still faintly hear what was going on below.
"Raoul! Raoul!" I heard Christine call out, followed by Raoul running on stage and embracing her, as the screams began to die down a little.
"Christine, come with me..." He said gently to Christine, as he led her away.
"No...to the roof. We'll be safe there." She said quickly in reply, as they hurry off towards the roof. I then looked down at the action, as stagehands and policemen crowd the stage, as Firmin tried to placate the audience, by announcing.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please remain in your seats. Do not panic. It was an accident...simply an accident..." Before running towards the roof, knowing what was to occur next, as Firmin's words rang through my mind, and rang so true compared to the musical. Although was it really murder in the musical? I know it is implied in the musical that Buquet was murdered, but could it have been in self defence? I eventually reached the roof, as I hidden behind a nearby statue, just before I heard Raoul and Christine approach the roof. Nearby there was a statue of 'La Victoire Ailé'; a statue consisting of three statues, the main one was holding aloft what appeared to be a lyre. I could also see Apollo's Lyre statue; where the Phantom was hiding. I knew what was about to occur, as I heard them start to sing.
[Raoul]
Why have you brought us here?
[Christine]
Don't take me back there!
[Raoul]
We must return!
[Christine]
Who will he kill next?
[Raoul]
Be still now...
[Christine]
His eyes will always be there!
[Raoul]
Christine, don't say that...
[Christine]
Those eyes who watch my every move!
[Raoul]
Don't even think it...
[Christine]
And if he has to kill
Everyone who gets in his way –
[Raoul]
Forget this waking nightmare...
[Christine]
The Angel of Music will kill...
[Raoul]
This Angel is a fable...
Believe me...
[Christine]
...and kill again!
[Raoul]
There is no Angel of Music...
[Christine]
My God, who is this man...
[Raoul]
My God, who is this man...
[Christine]
...who follows me...?
[Raoul]
...this man of legend...?
[Christine]
I don't think I can escape his gaze...
[Raoul]
Whose is this voice you hear...
[Christine]
...I never will!
[Raoul]
...with every breath...?
[Both]
And in this
Labyrinth,
Where night is blind,
My Angel of Music
Is here:
Inside your/my mind...
[Raoul]
There is no Angel of Music...
[Christine]
Raoul, I've heard him –
I've heard his
Heavenly voice,
The heavenly voice
That has haunted me
Since childhood...
Childhood...
Raoul, I've never seen him!
So is the voice
Even real?
Will I ever see
The Angel behind
That voice...
That voice...
However, I noticed her become trance-like, even though she had never met the Phantom, and so couldn't really fear or become infatuated with him.
Yet his voice,
Fills my spirit
With a strange, sweet sound...
Every night
I hear music
In my mind...
Through his music
And teachings
My voice was allowed
To grace
The stage...
And I sang
As I'd never
Sang before...
[Raoul]
What you heard
Was a dream
And nothing more...
[Christine]
Yet there was another
Voice which I do not
Recognise...
She suddenly appeared
Into my life,
And through some unworldly power
She changed my life
Forever...
I realised at that moment that she was talking about me. But how did I change her life? I mean she would have met the Phantom if I didn't interfere, but then that means she got to grace the stage, and the chandelier didn't fall. However, Buquet still died; although he wasn't murdered like it was implied in the musical. I then heard Raoul sing comfortingly.
[Raoul]
Christine...
Christine...
[Phantom]
Christine...
"Angel?" She breathed, as she looked around with a sparkle in her eyes, causing me to sigh sadly, as I knew what was to occur next. But the one thing I did not like about the situation, was the way Raoul proposed to her so quickly, especially after she saw a man die. But how was I to use my voice to influence them without them seeing me? I mean I don't think the Phantom's ventriloquism abilities were caused by a mutation. Then again, if I stopped him from proposing, the Phantom would think he has a chance with her, which he doesn't. Even though he would never know of my feelings for him. I then watched as Raoul knelt down in front of Christine, before beginning to pull out a small velvet box, as he sang.
[Raoul]
Then say you'll share with
Me one
Love, one lifetime...
Let me lead you
From your solitude...
Say you need me
With you
Here, beside you...
Anywhere you go,
Let me go too –
Christine,
That's all I ask
Of you...
[Christine]
Say you'll share with
Me one
Love, one lifetime...
Say the word
And I will follow you...
[Both]
Share each day with
Me, each
Night, each morning...
[Christine]
Say you love me...
[Raoul]
You know I do...
[Both]
Love me –
That's all I ask
Of you...
And they kissed passionately, before breaking apart for air. At least they spent a lot of time together, before getting engaged, unlike in the musical, when they didn't seem to spend much time together at all.
Anywhere you go
Let me go too...
Love me –
That's all I ask
Of you...
I then watched as Raoul spun her around, as her musical laughter echoed around the rooftop, before she broke out of her reverie.
[Christine]
I must go –
They'll wonder
Where I am...
Wait for me, Raoul!
[Raoul]
Christine, I love you!
[Christine]
Order your
Fine horses!
Be with them
At the door!
[Raoul]
And soon you'll be beside me!
[Christine]
You'll love me, and you'll lead me...
They then hurried off, as I came out from behind the statue, yet I hid again, as the Phantom came out from behind the statue. However, instead of anger gracing his features, there was something else instead, that I couldn't quite decipher...
