Chapter 11: The Final Challenge

By: PittsBurghFuzz

This was it. The final challenge. The final test to prove that Aricin was truly, his father's son. Although the first two challenges were difficult, Aricin estimated that the third challenge would be the hardest. Aricin took out his paper, and read:

For this final challenge, you will need to use Indira. Unless of course, you killed her. I know that you wouldn't, you know why? Because you are my son. However, like anyone, you could be capable of error. However, I still believe that you would not be stupid enough to that? Now comes the third and final challenge. Ever wonder why everything comes in threes? I was never able to find out myself, but here is my theory. One ends too quickly, two is well, too boring. However, three has structure, a beginning, middle, and an end. Well, this is the end, almost, and all I can do in my position is wish you good luck.

Aricin whistled for Indira, and the beautiful creature walked over. It walked so graciously, with so much dignity.

There should be a leather saddle right by the exit, so you may be able to ride your steed into the void.

Aricin found the beautiful leather saddle. He gently placed it on Indira, and hopped on. Aricin put reigns on Indira, and she accepted them with ease.

Now remember, never whip my Indira, understand! I don't want my pet to be damaged!

"Well duh!" Aricin said to himself.

Indira looked up at Aricin, as if she were awaiting his command. Her jade eyes were more beautiful than the most priceless gems.

"Hiya!" Aricin called out.

Indira gave a growl, and charged towards the door, which opened automatically. Indira stopped for a moment, appearing to be very cautious. Aricin looked around the area to make sure the close was clear, and signaled Indira to go on. However, right before their eyes, a huge fire appeared before the boy and his steed. Aricin and Indira stopped. However, Aricin did not feel heat. He knew the damn fire was an illusion, but Indira didn't. Aricin took off his shirt, so he could cover Indira's face.

"Come on girl, you can do it." Aricin told Indira gently.

Indira reluctantly came forward, and went through the mere illusion. Aricin took the shirt off of Indira, and mounted back on his steed.

"Good girl." Aricin said, petting the huge tiger.

Aricin and Indira continued into the void, tempted by his father's wishes.

I noticed you and the tiger made it out of that illusion. However, if you were expecting some sort of epic final challenge, then you are almost wrong. Currently, you should be by the gondola docking area. There should be an area for where the tiger can stay for a moment, because I do not think you will fit a tiger on a boat that is meant for at maximum, two physically fit people. So I suggest you get on the boat, and follow the tunnels to where you will get briefing for the final challenge.

Aricin dismounted off of Indira, and apparently found some meat lying around.

By the way, the old daroga left that there. You will need to feed her for the rest of the time you are down here.

Aricin took the oar, and went across the river which wreaked of death. He took a look at the beautiful design of the tunnels, of gods and deities clashing with each other for power.

"Only a genius could have done this." he said to himself.

Aricin came to a gate, and was afraid that he would crash into it. However, the gate seemed to rise with his thoughts, and it startled Aricin a little. As the gate rose, a velvet curtain followed. He saw the old daroga sitting there, smoking from his pipe.

"About damn time you got here!" the daroga said.

"How the hell have you been?" Aricin asked.

"Bored as hell." Nadir replied. "So now you are here to take the final challenge."

"What is it?" Aricin asked.

"I don't even know. Your father told me not to read it. So it is a mystery to me as well."

"Okay then. So is there anything else?"

"Yes, actually. Your father enclosed several designs of the Opera House, so you know the various safe exits and entrances. Also, Box Five is reserved for you."

"What?"

"You will understand soon enough. I will be leaving you now on the spare gondola. I will see you tomorrow, sound good?"

"Yeah."

Nadir left the lair through the spare gondola and disappeared.

Aricin found the letter on top of his father's grand organ.

Congratulations! You have passed tests one and two. Now the third act, how everything ties up. I assume that the daroga has told you what you needed to know. I presume you have heard the legend of the Opera Ghost? Well, guess what? That was no damn legend! That was real! I was the Opera Ghost! In fact, some people think I still prowl around these melodious halls, hoping to find my way to the next world. Anyway, I wouldn't want to disappoint, now would I? So that is why, I have selected my closest of kin to take my place. This is where the final test comes in. Its sort of a life lone test. What you need to do is bribe money out of the managers( I would recommend a modest sum of 20,000 Francs), and you get to have Box Five, for free! I didn't chose the seat merely because it is the best in the house, but because of the column next to it. Hidden with in that column, is an elevator, which can take you down to the lair. There is also a mirror in the Prima Donna room, where it leads you to another pathway. The method I gave you in the directions was an idiots entrance, someone like Joseph Buquet would use. Now, being the Opera Ghost, there is one important detail you must get head on: music. However, the music I have written has affected me like a drug, an overload of emotion which could explain every feeling a man could ever have, but cannot explain. So if you dare to examine my music, you are more than welcome to. However, remember this monsieur, the music will make you yearn for more than what you already possess. It will cause you to desire thing that we should never desire, things we can never have. I also have one other request. In my room, there is a dummy, wearing my costume. Think of the cloak and clothes, as your robes, and the mask and mask, as your crown. For you are the emperor of this vast domain, where you and you alone are a god! Have fun.

Your Father,

Erik!

Aricin dropped the paper and jumped in shock. "Could this be the Erik my father was talking about?" he said to himself. "My father was a genius beyond compare?"

Aricin went to his father's room like he was told to and saw the outfit. There was an black cloak, with a black jacket, as well as pants. The shoes were well polished, and the dress shirt was perfectly clean. His tie was also very nice looking. However, the most disturbing feature, was the mask. It looked like the head of a porcelain doll, and was almost the parody of a human face. However, there was a flap covering the mouth piece, almost hinting at something gruesome. The hat was simple, but somehow went well with this very elaborate costume.

Aricin looked at the costume, and decided to put it on. He took off his old clothes, and put on each piece one by one. He put on the pants, the shirt, the jacket, and shoes with socks. He topped it all off with his true coronation: putting on the mask. After this triumphant moment, he found a head cap and put it on his head, beneath his hat. Aricin went to his organ, and underneath that mask, he gave a eerie grin.