Another chapter :) So I think you know the drill by now :) I only own my OC and own lyrics, anything else belongs to their respective owners :) Reviews and constructive criticism are welcome as always :) Now on with the show!
X-Men The Imperfect Angel Saga – Part One: First Love
Chapter Thirteen: I Pirouette in the Dark...
Phantom's POV
It was the day of the Masquerade, and I was making sure everything was ready for my comeback. All of the Opera House staff - except for Caroline; believed I had left them for good. I had Madame Giry leave a note for the managers, stating that Caroline should perform the song I heard her perform nearly four weeks ago – without making it obvious the note was actually from the Opera Ghost. It appears my disguise of my handwriting worked, as they cannot tell who sent the note. However, they seemed to have learnt their lesson – as they are still following the instructions laid out for them. I also left a note for Caroline, to ensure she has access to her violin, before the performance. I then went out in search of Caroline by going down one of the passageways; as Christine had apparently vanished with the Vicomte, after the death of Buquet. Yet how did I not notice the fact she was gone? Why didn't Caroline mention anything? Was she afraid of my reaction if she told me? However, I think she knows more about Christine's disappearance than she lets on. I finally found her in a deserted practice room; practicing on her violin, the song she is performing tonight. I watched from the passageway as the bow was rapidly brushed over the strings; her eyes closed in rapture. It seemed music had a similar effect on the both of us; both allowing us to be lost to the world for a moment.
"You will do beautifully tonight." I breathed into her ear, once she stopped playing.
"You think so? Why did you do this for me?" She breathed quietly.
"Because you deserve such an opportunity, and the world deserves to hear your music." I replied humbly.
"Would you not rather have your precious little ingénue?" She asked quietly, yet I could detect a hint of venom in her voice. Yet what would my response be? A part of me would rather hear Christine sing; yet there was another part of me wanting to hear Caroline play. So what choice should I make?
"I would like to hear you play, and I would like to hear Christine sing." I replied evenly. I think this seemed to appease her a little; yet I could feel an air of hostility around her. But why did she dislike Christine so much? Why does she spend so much time alone, rather than with the other chorus and ballet girls?
"I'll leave you to continue practicing; I still have some errands to run. I'll see you this evening Mademoiselle Aves." I said stoically, before walking back down the passageway.
Caroline's POV
I listened closely as the Phantom left down the passageway, before going back down to practicing for tonight's performance. Yet, as I continued to play, I could hear the anger and jealousy I was experiencing, being portrayed through the notes. Yet I shouldn't be surprised with the fact the Phantom wanted to hear Christine sing. No matter what I do or say, the Phantom will always be entranced by Christine, and he will always love her. Yet deep down I hoped that he had in fact grown to love me. After all we carry so many similarities; so why does he still love Christine, even though she doesn't love him back? After a couple of hours of non-stop practicing, I decided to practice the dance one last time, before I get ready for the Masquerade ball.
It was in the lead up to the Masquerade, and I looked wistfully in the mirror, as Meg helped me into my costume.
"I can tell you are thinking intently. Do you want to talk about it?" Meg suddenly asked curiously.
"I'm fine, my mind is just wandering that's all; although I am nervous about the performance."
"You'll do beautifully. You learnt the routine so quickly, and I have seen you practicing constantly since you recovered from your comatose state. Now let's go and enjoy the night! The dance is due to start, so they'll want us at the grand staircase soon." And so after putting on my mask, I followed Meg out of the dormitories, towards the grand staircase. We got into position starting from the top of the staircase and working our way down; where Meg and I were in the front row. I heard the sound of cymbals playing; as I saw four of the dancers come into view. One was dressed as a monkey in Persian robes and playing the cymbals, the second was dressed as a soldier in a blue and red uniform with a drum, the third was dressed as a jester playing some bells, and the final dancer was dressed in a multicoloured mini skirt, with a heavily embellished bodice and diamond print tights. She was wearing an elaborate feathered hat or fascinator and playing a triangle. We then started to sing as we danced the routine we had been practicing – the routine starting with rising our left hand, before hiding our face behind our left arm, looking over slightly and pointing to gesture around the crowd.
[Chorus]
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade . . .
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
so the world will
never find you!
Masquerade!
Every face a different shade . . .
Masquerade!
Look around -
there's another
mask behind you!
Flash of mauve . . .
Splash of puce . . .
Fool and king . . .
Ghoul and goose . . .
Green and black . . .
Queen and priest . . .
Trace of rouge . . .
Face of beast . . .
Faces . . .
Take your turn, take a ride
on the merry-go-round . . .
in an inhuman race . . .
Eye of gold . . .
Thigh of blue . . .
True is false . . .
Who is who . . .?
Curl of lip . . .
Swirl of gown . . .
Ace of hearts . . .
Face of clown . . .
Faces . . .
Drink it in, drink it up,
till you've drowned
in the light . . .
in the sound . . .
I then heard Raoul and Christine joining in with the festivities.
[Raoul/Christine]
But who can name the face . . .?
[All]
Masquerade!
Grinning yellows,
spinning reds . . .
Masquerade!
Take your fill -
let the spectacle
astound you!
Masquerade!
Burning glances,
turning heads . . .
Masquerade!
Stop and stare
at the sea of smiles
around you!
Masquerade!
Seething shadows
breathing lies . . .
Masquerade!
You can fool
any friend who
ever knew you!
Masquerade!
Leering satyrs,
peering eyes . . .
Masquerade!
Run and hide -
but a face will
still pursue you!
We then became background, as I saw André, Firmin, Carlotta, Piangi and Madame Giry come into view with glasses in their hands, as Meg joined them also.
[Giry]
What a night
[Meg]
What a crowd!
[André]
Makes you glad!
[Firmin]
Makes you proud!
All the crème
de la crème!
[Carlotta]
Watching us watching them!
[Meg/Giry]
And all our fears
are in the past!
[André]
Six months...
[Piangi]
Of relief!
[Carlotta]
Of delight!
[André/Firmin]
Of Elysian peace!
[Meg/Giry]
And we can breathe at last!
[Carlotta]
No more notes!
[Piangi]
No more ghost!
If only they knew the truth like I did; well soon the truth will be revealed.
[Giry]
Here's a health!
[André]
Here's a toast:
to a prosperous year!
[Firmin]
To the new chandelier!
[Piangi/Carlotta]
And may its
splendour never fade!
[Firmin]
Six months!
[Giry]
What a joy!
[Meg]
What a change!
[Firmin/André]
What a blessed release!
[André]
And what a masquerade!
And that was when I noticed the necklace hanging around Christine's neck. Even though I already knew she was engaged, it still always surprised me that she doesn't wear the ring on her finger.
[Christine]
Think of it
(Spoken)
A secret engagement.
Look, your future bride.
Just think of it.
[Raoul] (Spoken)
But, why a secret?
What have we to hide?
[Christine] (Spoken)
No, Raoul, please don't let them see
I found myself speaking with Raoul, unwittingly using my ability to manipulate people with my voice on Christine, as it appeared to have a greater effect on her, than it does Raoul.
[Raoul/Caroline] (Spoken)
Well let them see.
It's an engagement, not a crime.
(Sung)
Christine, what are you afraid of?
[Christine/Raoul]
I'll let them see
(What changed your mind?)
Why should I hide?
(You're right, you shouldn't have to hide)
Let's leave whilst we still can
(Why do we need to leave?)
[Caroline] (Sung under breath)
Leave before he comes back,
Before it is too late...
I then watched as Christine and Raoul slipped away, lost amongst the masses of masked figures, before I joined in with all of the dancers again, as we reached the climax of the song. I covered half of my face, before lifting the hand up.
[All]
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
So the world
Will never find you!
Masquerade!
Every face a different shade
Masquerade!
Look around,
There's another mask
Behind you!
Masquerade!
Burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade!
Stop and stare
At the sea of smiles
Around you!
Both my hands in front as I moved them to the right, before slowly lifting my arms into the air, as the climax of the song was fast approaching.
Masquerade!
Grinning yellows,
Spinning reds
Masquerade!
Take your fill,
Let the spectacle
Astound you!
And that's when I heard the sound of dramatic organ music, followed by hushed whispers as the lights dimmed. I looked up to see none other than the Phantom dressed as the Red Death all in crimson with a death's head visible inside the hood of his robe, standing at the top of the stairs. I stood and stared at the man standing regally at the top of the stairs, before he woodenly descends the stairs and takes centre stage, as all breath seemed to leave my body.
[PHANTOM]
Why so silent, good Messieurs?
Did you think that I had left you for good?
Have you missed me, good Messieurs?
I have written you an opera
I then watched as he took out an enormous bound manuscript from under his crimson robe.
Here I bring the finished score
Don Juan Triumphant!
Before he tossed it towards the petrified managers.
I advise you to comply
My instructions should be clear
Remember there are worse things than a shattered chandelier!
I then watched as his eyes searched out for Christine; his protégé, before they fell upon me, causing me to step back warily.
You will tell Christine
That her chains are still mine,
She belongs to me!
Now behold the talents of Mademoiselle Caroline Aves!
Before throwing down a smoke bomb, and appearing at the top of the stairs. I wanted to go after Erik, instead of going in search of Christine, but I had to perform first as I couldn't let the patrons and the managers down. After tuning the violin, I placed it under my chin, before playing a song familiar and poignant to my heart. I then proceeded to open my mouth to sing Shatter Me, forgetting everything that had occurred and what I had to do.
After the performance ended, I placed down my violin and gave a bow, before going in search of Erik, hoping I could talk some sense into him. I eventually found myself in a familiar passageway, and once I boarded the gondola, I called out.
"Erik! Are you there? It's me, Caroline!" But once I reached the lair, I noticed the fact that the portcullis was down. Was Erik even here? Will he respond to me calling out his name? I then randomly prodded the bottom of the lake with the pole, in the hopes I would find the mechanism to open the portcullis. Eventually I found it, by more luck than judgement, as the portcullis slowly opened in front of me. Once the gondola hit the shore, I tied it up, before looking around warily.
"Erik? Please answer me...are you there?" I asked warily, as I kept my hand at the level of my eyes.
"What are you doing here Caroline?" A voice growled, causing me to step back a little.
"Please don't pursue Christine. You will only end up getting hurt; and I don't want to see you hurt." I pleaded, in the hopes he would listen to me, even though it was a lost cause.
"She will come to love her Angel of Music, and nothing you do will change that." He said stoically.
"Now you will deliver this note to the managers, and make sure Christine is there to hear it. You will also deliver my message to Christine! If you don't, there will be consequences. Now get out of my sight!" He continued demandingly, before pointing me in the direction of the gondola. So I guess I will be rowing myself back to the other side. As I rowed back towards the entrance to the surface, I thought about Erik and his pursuit of Christine. I knew it wasn't going to end well; but how could I make Erik listen to reason, without revealing why I know so much? After delivering the note to the managers, I fell into bed knowing I wouldn't be able to fall asleep that night...