I do not own POTO :( BTW, give me some ideas on what to call the prequel.

Chapter 13: Visit to the Opera

By PittsBurghFuzz

After the two lovers got ready, they visited the upper level of the Opera House, which looked completed. They then found the new manager, Count Riscarri, and congratulated him.

"Riscarri, you have done a spectacular job with this venue! I have never seen it look this good in a long time." Erik complimented.

"Thank you Phantasmo, I also have to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"I was going to ask if you could present that material you have to use as our gala premiere."

"Riscarri, it would be my highest honor." Erik replied proudly.

"Excellent, now we will be premiering in three weeks time, I hope that isn't too much stress-"

Erik placed his hand on Riscarri's shoulder, "Don't worry, I have some costumes for the main leads and the extras and supporting cast can use the spare costumes you guys have right?"

"Yes of course, is there anything you request?"

"Well, the leading lady will be played by my wife, and I may or may not play the lead."

"Are you sure that is all?"

"For now, I won't ask for much, but you know, just in case."

"Of course, how can I reach you?"

"Why, Madame Giry of course." Erik walked away with such confidence that it was almost like he was acting. He was in a euphoria after he heard the manager accept his own piece of work as the Opera's re-opening. He and Christine went to an old restaurant to catch an early dinner. Erik ordered some chicken and Christine had some frogs legs. He paid the bill, and they went down once more into the lair.

"Did you have a good time Erik?" Christine asked.

"Yes, it felt good being up there, almost right." Erik replied. It seemed strange for Erik to say "almost right". He usually seemed to love being in his lair.

"Erik, why do you say that? I thought you loved it down here?"

"Yes I do. Its just that, it feels so good to be above ground and actually be respected by others."

Christine then held onto Erik's arms. "Erik, if they ever do lose respect for you, just remember that you will always have me."

She gave Erik a light kiss on the cheek. She went to their room to change her clothing. Erik then hung his cape on a hanger and went to his organ. He felt the keys and thought all that he had done with this organ. He not only created his best work with it, but he also expressed his emotions. Erik was unpredictable at times, but the organ was one of the few keys to understanding him. Christine sat next to Erik and sang to his music. It was part of his latest work. Erik then started to sing different lyrics, but the they matched so beautifully. When they stopped, Erik stood up and got changed.

"Christine, we have to get ready. The crew needs to prepare with you." Erik stated.

"Right, let me get changed and put on my make-up. Besides, I need to look different if I am to claim that I am 'Countess Phantasmo'." She replied.

"Ah yes, you make a good point there, 'countess'."

When Christine came out, her wig was as black as a raven, and her make-up made her look pale, but not stark white. She wore a red dress with white gloves. Erik was wearing a purple hat with a yellow feather with a light blue jacket and red shirt along with purple pants. Whenever Erik went out, it always looked extravagant. They went on the boat and rowed off.

As they arrived to the theater, crowds were throwing roses to Erik and Christine. It took them a good 20 minutes to get to the interior. Erik then rushed to see how the sets were coming.

"Riscarri, the sets are very good so far." Erik said as he placed his hand on Riscarri's shoulder.

"Thank you Phantasmo." Riscarri replied.

The sets included the rooftops of Paris, a cathedral interior, a bridge for certain scenes, and and a giant statue of angels. It looked simple, yet very artistic and effective for Erik's purposes. Christine took notice of Madame Giry guiding the ballerinas in practicing for the challenge ahead. Erik then looked up at the infamous 'box five'.

"Riscarri, have you sold box five yet?" Erik asked curiously.

"Well, no." Riscarri said simply. "We even tried to sell it at a lower value then its worth, and people still won't purchase it or consider it."

"Interesting." Erik said as he was holding onto his chin. "Anyway, I must practice with the cast, but I will see you latter."

"Yes, you too."

Erik went up to the stage and went into his costume. He wore a mask looking like that of a dragon. His attire included a long, black jacket, with a black jacket, black boots, gloves, pants, and a long cape. When he sang his first song, it was like God was speaking. Christine came out and was gorgeous. She was wearing a pink dress, a white cape, and was holding a basket. Erik partially based his character of the "lonesome gargoyle" on himself. He was an omniscient figure who looked over everything and fell in love with a beautiful young woman. However, he was a loathsome gargoyle placed there by God to protect Paris. His appearance was used to terrify sinners and punish them for their crimes. Christine played a young woman who was the fiance to a count. She was attacked by criminals when all of a sudden, she is saved. He helped her back to the Notre Dame Cathedral and was aided to health by the gargoyle. She teaches him about humanity, he teaches her about the pain of not being human or an angel, and it almost seems they are in love. However, her lover finds out and wants to kill her for betraying him. The gargoyle protects her and sheds blood for the first time. The gargoyle is about to get killed, the young woman is stabbed when she saves him. The count is then killed by the gargoyle and the two share a few last words and kiss. They die, and the crowd takes notice of a statue with an angel, protecting a young woman. The ending was a sad one, but the two main characters were resting in peace, watching over Paris.

Erik then sang about his character's misery and how serving for God like this was tortuous. He sang about how he yearns to be with the other angels in heaven , or at least live like normal men as opposed to representing the horrors of man and continuously having men scream at his appearance. It was truly heartbreaking. Erik and Christine ended practice and were trying to get to the lair, but they were met with praise. It took them some time to get out of the Opera House, but they did and went back to the lair.

When they were at the lair, Erik went to put his regular clothes on and so was Christine.

"Erik, you were great today." Christine told Erik.

"So were you my angel." Erik replied as he kissed her hand. They started to kiss each other passionately and went to the other room to rest.

"Would you like something to eat?" Erik asked.

"Sounds great." Christine replied.

Erik made Christine some soup. They ate and went back to their room to get some rest. Erik kissed Christine goodnight.