[A/N] - Finally free to write the Epilogue I so didn't want to write. I cannot believe this story came to an end T.T. I wish I could write more but I was out of ideas. Erik, at least, got his very nice happy ending. Thank you all, who stayed until now and favourited my story. I am very pleased to hear that you liked it and I assure you that more will come soon. By next week, a new story will be added.
Now, which one of the many I had started but never finished; it is a very good question. I guess we all will wait and see what will come soon. However, I would like to ask you; would you guys be interested in a story with the next Generation of the Populaire. Of course, our heroes will make cameos and play important roles but what about a story that focuses on the lives of their children?
Let me know in PM or in the comments and I shall grant you the wish.
Until then, Farewell and for you who haven't check my other Erik Story yet; it is called 'A second chance in love'
12 years later
A now adult and matured Meg walked into the Populaire. She looked around, a smile on her rosy lips; feeling good to be home. She could still remember, 10 years ago when she left this beautiful place behind.
Oh, the tears that were shed on that day, but she had no choice. She had earned a position in the Russian National Ballet of Moscow and how could she say no to such chance? Especially when it was her dream.
She greeted the stuff, recognizing a few familiar faces between the maids and some of the dancers but the majority was either missing; due to the spring break. Or, where simply new to her and no more than a few words were exchanged.
She walked down the familiar halls, her body leading her subconsciously to her destination; her mother's office. Little after she left, the ballets mistress had bought the Populaire from the two useless managers and became its single one.
No one knew where she found the money or why such a big decision, only a few. However, there were no complaints since the notes were reduced and the same went for the troubles. She smiled as she gently opened the door, locking eyes with her older and slightly tired mother of hers.
The ballet mistress let her jaw to fall and almost dropped the tea that was held in her hands. Fast, she let it on the desk and stood up; only to run to her daughter who met her halfway. The two of them were embraced into a warm and touching hug, savouring the presence of the person they missed dearly.
"Mama, it has been so long", the blond said as they broke the hug but kept holding each other hands.
The blond hadn't changed much, having the same height but better fit body. Her face had also matured but her light blue eyes were still sparkling with innocence and joy.
The older woman hadn't changed either, being the same except for a few more wrinkles around her eyes and some grey strands on her braided hair.
"Yes, my dear. Too long and finally you are back"
"We have a break and I grabbed the chance to finally come and see you. I missed you, Mama"
"I missed you too my dear Marguerite"
A knock on the door drew the attention of the two women, making them turn their heads at the door. A second later, the old door was pushed to open and a grown-up Juliette entered. She stood tall, dressed in a simple lavender shirt with a dark purple skirt.
Her back straight and her hair braided into a halo while the rest landed on her back, flowing free and wild. What drew Meg's attention though were two kids no older than 6.
A boy and a girl that was holding each of her hands. Their hair was a dark brown, the boy having it sliced back while the girl had it in an identical style with her mothers. They looked nothing like her except for their purple eyes that stood out against their pale skin.
The boy wore black pants, a white poet shirt. The girl, on the other hand, wore the same with the exception that she had added a black vest and had finished the touch with a small black cape that hung from her shoulders.
"Meg?", the woman exclaimed as a smile appeared on her face.
"Juliette?"
A second later and the two women had embraced each other into a tight hug, the two friends finally being together. They had exchanged many letters but that was only something small, barely able to hold all the news and changes that happened in their lives as the years passed.
"I cannot believe that you are back! It has been too long for my liking", the albino girl said, and the two women shared a small giggle as they broke the hug.
"I am so happy to see you! I have been thinking of you and Mama all this time"
"So have we. We read the letters together. You made us miss you too much you know"
Meg smiled and it was then she noticed the man that stood in front of the open door, the two kids now holding his hands. The man she had seen only a few times but was clear now that he had fathered the twins.
"Monsieur", she said and gave a small bow with her head and body, holding always respect for the masked man that hadn't change a bit.
"Madame", he said in his husky voice and gave a small bow of his own, one hand above his heart.
Her light blue eyes then went to the twins, easily noticing the similarity in their faces and their odd chance of clothing; specifically the girl's clothing.
"Meg, this is Angelique and Amadeus. Children, this is your aunt Meg which I have talked to you about"
Juliette stepped aside and allowed Meg to take a step closer before bending down, her light blue dress touching the ground. She gives her one of her warm and sweet smiles while Erik gentle pushes them towards her.
"My, aren't you the cutest children I have ever seen?"
"We are not children. We are composers!", the girl said as she pushed her cape slightly for dramatic effect, earning an eye-roll from the father.
"Composers?"
"Yeah", the boy spoke next and stood with his chest puffed. "I will compose the best songs the world has ever heard of, and Angel will compose the greatest Operas of all time"
"Well then. I would love to hear both of you, and you know who else would love that? Your uncle Joshua", she said, mentioning the young man she was engaged to for around a year.
The man was half Russian and half French, coming from a rich but good family. They had met each other in Russia when Meg had finally earned the leading role in the Swan Lake. They started with a few dates and ended up being engaged a few months after.
Of course, the blond had shared the news with them immediately and couldn't wait to bring him to this very Opera; earning the chance to meet this unusual family.
"Let's go with your aunt then and let's show both of them what you can do", Juliette said as the kids grabbed her hands and the 4 of them walked out of the room; not before she peck the kiss of the masked man who was left behind.
They closed the door behind them, and a small silence appeared between the two very old friends.
"It has been too long with you as well Erik", the woman said as she sat behind her desk and motioned for the chair across from her.
"Indeed Ann. I was kept busy", the man said as he sat on the chair and accepted the cup of warm tea the older woman offered him.
"Yes, I can see that. Now that the Phantomess is occupied, care to stay with me for a while? For old times' sake?"
The man gave a smile and took a small sip of the warm liquid, amused by the pseudonym she used for his dear wife; which was very close to the truth.
Many things had changed as the years passed by. Many things which followed the Opening Night of the Hannibal and Juliette's freedom of her past. She had first become a permanent lead to the cast, getting all the big roles and performing them with grace and supernatural talent.
Her career kept skyrocketing for 4 years but came to a halt when she was left Pregnant. Of course, her mysterious suitor remained unknown to everyone but Madame Giry, of course. She was forced to retire and spent her time beneath the Opera, leaving with her masked lover.
However, knowing this wouldn't be enough. They had bought a simple apartment not too far away from the Populaire which they visited and even resided for some time when the kids grew up.
Because once they did, they showed their true talents for the mystic arts of music. Both had their parents touch, able to master different instruments and sing notes with proficiency.
Amadeus, named after Juliette's favourite composer, took more from his mother; having a love for stringed instruments and writing songs. While Angelique idolized her father in more than one way.
From her choice of clothing to preferring piano and organ. Of course, she had his vision as well and her imagination already granted her with ideas for many Operas which one day would be played in the very same Opera her parents met.
At the same time, Juliette had managed to persuade Erik to compose his work; using the pseudonym 'Erik Destler'. The people had loved it and he had already gained lots of fame and popularity, despite never showing his face.
Some of his greatest works had been touched by the magic hand of Juliette, adding her own imagination or offering her violin for a duet. However, their little adventure didn't stop there as Erik wasn't the only one with a pseudonym.
No, Juliette had also earned the title of 'Phantomess'; also known as the mistress of the Phantom. Ironically, she never chose it but after the letters started to be signed O. Gs (Opera Ghosts), Phantom & Phantomess or simple Phantomess, it was meant to happen.
She was far from annoyed though, enjoying hearing about the stories they had made and how she haunted the halls along with the masked man. In most versions, she was an angel which fell in love with his face, in others she was a woman who shared his pain.
All stories had one thing in common though, she was the Phantom's tamer; able to calm him down and even make the letters less harsh and threatening. Proving, that love can turn even the hardest stones into sand.
And thus my friends is how our story ends. The white fire melted the black ice and the steams of love graced everyone with beautiful happy endings that our heroes so much deserved.