Hello again! sorry i took so long to update but i've been very busy lately

Erik: Busy?

Me: Yes busy. I have a life you know

Erik: Pffft

Me: -Sighs-

Any way enjoy this chapter it is my LONGEST CHAPTER EVER!!!!!! WOO :) DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!!!!!

After my departure from the room, I sat on my bed went over every memory I had in my mind like an old photo album of my life, trying to figure out what I had done wrong to deserve this fate, to be forever a shadow and nothing more.

I was so deep in thought that I did not hear a person come into the room, I wearily looked up to see the Master standing a few paces away. I looked at him with disapproval.

Had I not heard him cry last night over some mere lost love? And yet here he stood, tall and almost proud. If that was really him mourning last night, he disguised his anguish very well. There was no emotion whatsoever in his expression.

"It is time to begin your lessons" He said blankly.

I only nodded in reply.

"Firstly you must become familiar with your new…" he paused, searching for the right word for his home "environment" he said letting a dark chuckle escape the shapeless form where the lips were supposed to reside.

His yellow eyes were trying to read my expression but I gave him no hints to what I was feeling. In fact I did not know what I felt towards the Master anymore, did I hate him, did I feel grateful to him or did I even feel pity?

"How is your arm" he asked

"It is much better thank you, I think I could start using it in a couple of day's time" I said

"Good" was his reply

I reluctantly followed him to the lake, where a gondola lay at the water's edge to carry us across. He gracefully stepped into the boat while I carefully lowered myself in a sitting position at the front of the gondola, the boat rocked as I moved onto it, it made me a bit nervous.

When the Master saw the look on my face he immediately began to chuckle, the sound bounced off the walls of the cavern.

I shuddered at the sound. I noticed that he stopped laughing suddenly when he saw my reaction to his laugh and instead gave a weary sigh and began to push us through the water using a large pole.

Once on the other side he waited patiently for me to get out first.

I stumbled as I attempted to step off the boat making it what I hoped looked easy.

I could tell he was suppressing a smile and this did not help with the mood I was in.

I followed him through the dark passages; I could tell he had slowed his pace to match my own.

I let out a frustrated sigh.

"Is anything wrong?" The phantom said, not bothering to turn around and face me. I gritted my teeth and then put on a fake smile "no, every thing is perfect" I said in a pleasant tone.

He merely nodded.

He led me through the winding tunnels and some secret doors until we emerged into the rafters located above the mangers office, below there were voices floating up towards us.

"But we have no money left to pay his salary!" said a man below, his voice was soon joined by another male voice

"I know, I fear we shall have to close the Opera House for good! Ticket sales have gone down since…" The second man trailed off, his partner obviously understanding what event he meant.

I knew it was last year at the Don Juan Triumphant performance, nine people were killed and one severely injured, that one person being me

"I think we do have enough money to last another year or two but what do we do about the Opera Ghost?! There will surely not be enough money for him if he wishes to see his Opera House stay open!" The first man said in a frustrated tone.

I saw the Phantom stand up and I understood that is was time to leave. We travelled to the rafters above the stage and observed the rehearsals for the production of Carmen.

The Soprano playing Carmen had a beautiful voice; it was soft but very clear. Her glossy black hair was curled down her back.

I turned to ask what the Phantom thought of her only to find that he had left, leaving a note behind

I have some unfinished business to attend to. Watch the rest of the rehearsal and meet me above the manager's office when it is finished

O.G

I sighed and turned back to rehearsals, not really taking notice of what was happening. An hour later when it was finished I remained behind, watching the ballet rehearsals before carefully making my way towards the manager's office, finding the Master waiting for me impatiently.

I gave him an apologetic look but he only shook his head and turned, signalling me to follow him back into the dark tunnels.

Once we reached the cavern again he sighed and looked at me.

"What am I to do now Master?" I said earnestly

His yellow eyes seemed to start glowing, a smile spread across his masked face.

"Now it is time to test your musical ability" he said, walking towards the piano.

He then proceeded to test me, playing notes and asking me to identify them, asking me to play scales with my left hand.

He also tested me on my knowledge of music in general and I successfully answered every question with ease.

When he seemed satisfied with my understanding of the thing he loved most he let me go back to my room to rest before our lessons the next day.

Over the next few days my arm began to feel normal again. I could play the piano when the master wished me to and I did not have to be so careful dressing.

We usually ventured in the rafters watching all the panic before opening night as well as continuing with our piano lessons.

But the nights were still the same as ever, the Master was locked in his room weeping while I had nightmares of my mother.

After a few months I gradually became more familiar with the secret tunnels, knowing where each one was, although I easily got lost but the Phantom was always there to guide me out.

One day out of curiosity I asked Master what the date was.

"Why would you want to know the date?" he said, turning from the piece he was playing on the piano to look at me suspiciously.

I merely shrugged.

"It is the 23rd of June" he sighed before beginning to play again

"23rd of June?" I asked in disbelief

He did not answer.

"That must mean my birthday is next week on Thursday!" I said excitedly.

He payed no attention to my remark and continued to play.

My smile faltered slightly.

"Come boy you must play for me, I want to see if you've improved since your last lesson" The Phantom murmured.

I obliged his wish and sat down beside him and started to play my favourite song, Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven.

The song echoed through the cavern, vibrating off the walls making it more eerie and yet more beautiful in my opinion.

I went through the piece without I single mistake, letting the music flow through me, into my soul.

The last note hung in the air as I turned to the Phantom to await his approval. He did not reply at first, his eyes were closed, he looked somewhat peaceful.

As the last note died out, his eyelids began to open.

"You have truly excelled" he murmured

I smiled

"Thank you Master" I said quietly

"Wait here" he said.

He stood up and went to his room, shutting the door behind him.

I moved to the couch and sat down, waiting for him to come back.

He finally emerged from his room with a violin in his hand and a bow in the other.

He saw my eyes widen when I saw the instrument and chuckled.

He began to play a beautiful melody, the bow going up and down slowly, his long skeletal fingers moving to the different notes.

I had always admired the violin, it was my favourite instrument.

I had longed to play the instrument ever since I was a small child but my mother denied me that just like many other things.

I listened to the music letting my awareness drift in and out.

After he finished playing he suggested that I returned to my room to rest. I willingly obeyed.

That night, for the first time in a while, instead of nightmares, my sleep was filled with music and peace.

I hoped you enjoyed that chapter, i might not update until after Christmas but who knows! (reviewing might make me update before Christmas)

Me: -Randomly sits on Erik's lap-

Erik: -thinks about pushing her off but then sighs and decides to humor her-

Me: -giggles-