Hello! I'm back with another chapter! TWO IN A ROW BABY! I FEEL SO PROUD OF MYSELF! Of course, this one took a while to write, and it's super long, but I think that's ok, cause you guys deserve a long chapter for every time I took forever to update these past 4 years. Basically, that's why I've taken so long hahaa.
I would like to thank grapejuice101, LittleJarvis, and Dragonmaster789 for reviewing the last chapter. It's nice to know that I still have people who read my story after all these years. I LOVE EVERY ONE OF YOU, EVEN IF YOU DON'T REVIEW!
Now this chapter is going to be veeeeery long, which I think is needed since I haven't been updating very well in the past year. I have been waiting and preparing to write this for so long, you guys have no idea. and this part is the part that I have been waiting for:
SCARLET'S COSTUME!
Here is what Scarlet's dress looks like: . /pin/465700417699704987/
Here's what her hair looks like: . pin/487373990915361441/
Here is what her mask looks like: . pin/70157706665862189/ but like less neon green and more of the green like the dress
Just highlight the link, right click and search it in google, including the dot, but if it's not working please message me for the link and I can try to provide it for you. If you don't want to go through all of that trouble, don't worry about it, I'll be providing lot's of detail in the story, hahaa.
I think that's all I have to say. I hope the links work as well as they can, fanfiction is funny about that sort of thing. If it doesn't work at all I'll figure something out. I hope you guys like the chapter. DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!
ALSO! IMPORTANT! Scarlet is going to be playing a song in this chapter. The first one is titled Hozier -Take Me To Church (Advanced Piano Cover) Just copy and paste these titles into the YouTube Search bar and you should find the right ones if you want to listen along. I'm also making a youtube playlist of all the songs in Of Masks and Roses, just search that into the youtube bar as well and it should be pretty easy to find. I'll be putting this info into my account bio for later reference as well. With every new song in a chapter I'll be putting on the playlist. I don't think every song is in there yet, and it's definitely not in order, but I'm planning on fixing that haha. ALSO I made a little video dedicated to this story. It will also be in the playlist. It's horrible, I made it in the middle of the night, but I don't care. Also there is a picture of the dress and mask in the vid, so if the links dont work theres another option.
Enjoy!
I sighed in nervousness as I looked out of the carriage. Days have passed quickly since I first tried on the dress at Madame DeGarnet's dress shop, and I soon found myself sitting is La Carlotta's carriage on the night of the masquerade. The sound of fireworks exploding above us with loud boom shook me to my core of nerves as we slowly pulled up to the Opera Populaire's steps. My heart was pounding hard in my chest, and I'm sure that Carlotta could hear it as well, who was sitting next to me quietly as she quickly adjusted her bodice. She wore a shimmering gold gown that pooled around her legs, with a black strip of tulle tied around her waist. Her hair was done up high, with a red and gold hat topped with black feathers.
Slowly and surely, we stopped at the steps of the Populaire. There were so many people bustling about, laughing and drinking together, not knowing the disaster that would ensue soon.
Carlotta looked over at me, "Are you ready for da party?" she asked with a smile.
I shrugged and chuckled softly, "As I'll ever be. I have to perform tonight, and I've never really done that before."
Carlotta rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling as she patted my hand, "Don't worry, piccola madre natura. You will be fine. Besides, you look bellissimo. Almost az good az me," she smirked. I chuckled.
"Yeah, sure."
I glanced out the window again as I watched the footman approach the door. He opened it swiftly and held out his hand gracefully for Carlotta. She smiled sweetly and took it in her own and hopped out of the carriage. I scooted to the door and he held out his hand for me, helping me out. My shoes touched the ground softly, and my dress smoothly fell around my feet. My dress was a soft, forest green with a pattern of swirls, the end of the dress flowing out around me. The end of the dress was covered in leaves of brown, red, yellow and green and sewn in around the leaves were pieces of thread of green and yellow, making it look like I was wading through an autumn field.
The top of the dress ended at my shoulders, the neckline a scoop fashion with a few leaves sewn on the front. Then while my shoulders were bare, I wore gloves that matched the dress that started at my upper arm. It also had some leaves sewn around the edges, and the gloves ended down by my wrists. My hair was done in a loose braid, with a few pieces of moss in the nooks and crannies. My mask was a forest green like the dress and was tied behind my head with white ribbon. The mask was sewn in with green lace that wound around the rim, and at the left corner of my eye there was a green flower, with ferns, ivy and leaves that seems to grow out from beneath it that framed my face.
Carlotta grinned proudly as her adoring fans pooled around her, snapping pictures and offering her roses. She laughed sweetly through her teeth, then gasped in sudden excitement, pulling her mask away from her face.
"Oh! I see Piangi! Dis iz where I leave you, Madre Natura. I will see you inside, then. I'm sure de managerz will be here soon." She said quickly, not taking a second glance at me as her eyes were set on Piangi, and after a hot second she was off to say hello.
I stood alone. I looked around and drew a deep breath, thinking about heading inside when I felt a hand on the small of my back.
"Mademoiselle!" shouted Monsieur Firmin as he appeared by my side. I smiled, happy to see a face that I knew. He wore a white suit with a black cape, and a headband on his head that had golden ram horns placed.
"Hello, Monsieur Firmin," I greeted.
He scoffed and pulled down his mask, "How did you know it was me?" he asked.
I shrugged, "I recognized your voice. And how did you know this was me?" I asked back.
"I saw you with La Carlotta a few moments ago. I've heard a rumor that she had your costume made for you, so I assumed that you'd arrive with her as well."
"Good rumor's I hope. How are you this evening?"
"Splendid!" he exclaimed with a large grin, "Isn't this a magnificent party?"
I nodded, "It is, you and Andre did a wonderful job!"
"Why, thank you, Mademoiselle Moore! And I agree! I don't think Paris will ever see a party like this ever again!"
I couldn't help but pale slightly, "Oh, I'm sure of it as well, Monsieur."
He laughed boisterously, "Ah, let's go find Andre. I'm sure he's around here somewhere. Then we shall show you to where you'll be performing tonight."
I nodded and laced my arm in his and he began to lead me to the doors of the Populaire. We quickly spotted Andre talking to a young woman. The two managers spotted each other as they approached, and when we got close Firmin pulled his mask away from his face with a large smile.
"Monsieur Andre!" he shouted. Andre pulled away his mask as well; a rooster.
"Monsieur Firmin!" The two laughed together, and the four of us began to walk into the Populaire.
"Dear Andre what a splendid party!" sang Firmin.
"The prologue to a bright New Year!"
"Quite a night, I'm impressed!"
"Well one does one's best!"
"Here's to us!" the two sang.
"A toast for the city."
"What a pity that the Phantom can't be here!" Firmin sang brightly, and I smiled nervously as we turned to a group of Photographers. The four of us struck a pose and the cameras flashed, and I silently prayed that my worries didn't show.
"Why don't we head inside?" offered Andre, "It's quite cold out tonight!"
"Of course!" I grinned and gazed inside, "Let the party begin!"
XxX
Although I have seen the masquerade scene in the movie hundreds of times, I couldn't help bust gasp in astonishment as I walked through the double doors, and into the foyer. People bustled about in their shimmering and extravagant costumes while they laughed, danced, and drank their cares of the past year away. I watched as a couple danced past us, wearing clothing of gold, making them look like moving statues.
I spun to Firmin and Andre, "You two did such a wonderful job!" I said gleefully.
"Why thank you, Mademoiselle! I agree, I believe we have done a splendid job!" agreed Andre proudly.
"Now, why don't we go and get you set up for your performance, yes?" asked Firmin. I smiled and nodded, and let Firmin lead me to the staircase. We walked up the stairs, my dress trailing behind me, and I gasped when we reached the middle landing. Sitting almost in the middle of the landing was a large, golden, grand piano.
"Wow," I breathed, taking a timid step closer. I placed my hands on the side and ran my fingers down, then reached over and pressed a key. It rang out sharp, loud and clear. I looked over at Firmin and Andre, "This is the most beautiful piano I have ever seen!" I laughed.
"Are you ready to play it for everyone, Mademoiselle?" asked Andre.
I grinned and nodded, "As ready as I'll ever be."
Andre clapped his hands together, "Splendid!"
"You two," said Firmin, snapping his fingers at two chandelier holders, then pointing at the piano, "Move this to the center, if you please." then as the two began to move the large instrument he turned to me, "We'll move it back once you're finished, then you can dance and drink all you want!" he continued. Then the two of them turned to the crowd.
"Attention!" shouted Firmin as the music came to a stop, "Attention please!" Everyone in the foyer stopped moving and turned their attention to the managers.
"Thank you!" shouted Andre, "This has been a marvelous year!" he continued, "We thank every one of you for coming tonight!" Everyone clapped and cheered at this, and Andre grinned brighter.
"We have a very lovely evening for you," Firmin said as the cheers died down, "And we have included a performance from our very own, recently discovered artist, Mademoiselle Scarlet Moore!" he said with gusto, and turned to me, raising his arms high. Everyone in the audience clapped, and I bowed, blushing slightly.
"We once again thank you all, have a wonderful New Year, and please enjoy the performance," finished Andre, and with that the two stepped away, leaving me all alone. I smiled and bowed again, and once again everyone clapped as I stood up straight and headed to the seat. Tucking my dress underneath me, I sat down softly. I could hear the audience whispering quietly to each other, and as I carefully placed my hands on the keys everything became still.
I took a deep breath, and slowly began to play (PLAY FIRST SONG NOW!). The soft notes of the song rang out clear and loud, and I felt my stiffened muscles slowly relax. My fingers glided across the keys swiftly and easily, happy that I could even remember this difficult piece. Softly the notes echoes around the room. I glanced up at Monsieur Reyer. He smiled down at me and nodded softly, and I smiled back. Looking back down at the keys, a small smirk glanced my face as the notes came to another slow stop, ringing around the room.
Slowly the tempo sped up, my hands dancing across the keys. I glanced over at the Managers. Firmin was smiling proudly at me, nodding his head softly. Andre was grinning ear to ear, as usual, but this time he seemed to be more proud. I looked up the stairs and saw Carlotta and Madame Giry smiling down at me. Carlotta held a drink in her hand, and she raised it up at me as I played. I felt courage swirl inside of me. I looked over at Madame Giry. She was grinning as well, in her gorgeous gown. It was black, with a black corset, except for her sleeves, which were of brown leaves and flowers. Her hair was up in a tight do, and she stood proudly as she gazed down at me.
I looked over beside the two woman, and my eyes widened slightly at who was standing there. Jacob Baseeri stood behind the two, glaring at me with his arms crossed. He was wearing his usual trousers, not any dancing gear, and a frayed cap upon his head. I glanced back to Madame Giry a tilted my head in his direction. She immediately got the hint, and spun towards him. She gasped and whacked him in the arm, whisper shouting at him that this wasn't his place to be. Jacob spun away, tail between his legs, and I giggled silently, the fear in his eyes forever in my memory.
I looked back down at the keys, a smile still echoed on my face as I took it up a notch, my fingers dancing wildly over the keys. My heart was fluttering in my chest, and I began to grin proudly. For the past few days I had felt all alone, but now, playing in front of all of my friends, I realize that I never was.
With a bang the song built up into a crescendo, the crowd burst into applause as the music flowed through me, and out of my fingers.
Several months had already passed between now and my appearance in this strange world. I had gained and lost friends, played for the Phantom, and in all of my wonders and horrors that I have faced whilst living here, I found myself not regretting a single moment of it. I looked around me, at the people, the building, and the friends I have made as I played for them. Firmin and Andre's proudness, Madame Giry's approval, the brief moment's with Simon, even Carlotta's friendship. If I had found myself disappearing at this moment and time, or finding out that this was all a dream, I would never regret a single moment that I had with the people of this Opera House. Not a single one.
The music slowed down a notch, and I found myself looking around me once more, where I spotted Christine standing with Raoul underneath the balcony. The two of them were talking to each other back and forth, but never took their eyes off me. Christine spotted me, and she gave me a small, timid smile, waiving a gloved hand my way. I smiled back and nodded at the two of them, before my attention was drawn somewhere else.
I glanced up at the empty balcony above the two, spotting red. I took in a deep breath as my eyes landed on the white mask of Red Death, hiding behind a pillar. Invisible, it seemed, to everyone except me.
The two of us stared at each other, my heart pounding as I played. The last time I saw him his eyes were filled with such anger. But now, they held a softness in them that I had never seen before. But as quick as it appeared it was gone behind a mask of indifference. The corners of his mouth slowly turned up into a smile, and I smiled back.
With another bang, the song build up into another crescendo, and I watched in amazement as a couple began to dance together, and as they danced, others began to join in as well. Soon, everyone on the floor was dancing to the music that I performed. I looked back up at Erik, but the smile on my face fell slightly when I noticed that he was watching Christine and Raoul dancing together. The two of them were staring into each others eyes as they spun and danced. Raoul began to lean in, but Christine leaned back, smiling, mouthing the words, 'Raoul, not yet.'
I looked up at where Erik was, but he had disappeared. I glanced around timidly as I played, but I couldn't see a speck of red in sight. He had left. I took in a deep breath, centering my mind, and focused back on the keys.
I quietly began to hum to the song as I played. I looked back up and watched as people swirled and danced around me.
No masters or Kings
When the ritual begins.
There is no sweeter innocence
Then our gentile sin.
In the madness and soil
Of that sad earthy scene.
Only then I am human.
Only then I am clean.
My fingers sped across the keys in a flurry.
Amen
I took a shuttering breath as a tear rolled down my face.
Amen.
I took another deep breath, "Amen."
With a last bang, my fingers sped over the piano, and I couldn't help but sing out the lyrics softly as I played.
"Take me to Church.
I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies.
I'll tell you my sins so you can sharpen your knife.
Offer me that deathless death,
Oh good God,
Let me give you my life!
Take me to Church.
I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies.
I'll tell you my sins so you can sharpen your knife.
Offer me that deathless death,
Oh good God,
Let me give you my life!" I sang to myself, not caring if anyone near me heard.
With a last push, I let out all of my built up frustrations and played as hard and fast as I possibly could, my fingers gliding over the keys. My heart soared as I played, and I could feel sudden calm wash over me as the song began to end. As my hands banged on the keys, the few people that weren't dancing began to clap for me, sparking me to end with a bang. Everyone who was dancing stopped to clap as well as I ended the song. A roar of applause and cheer met my ears as I stood up and made my to the front of the stairs. The managers rushed over to join me.
"Mademoiselle Scarlet Moore, everyone!" cried Firmin and Andre, and I bowed to everyone as they clapped.
"Now," continued Andre, "Let's get this party started, shall we?" he asked, and everyone cheered in response. Andre smiled, and turned to look up at Monsieur Reyer, "Maestro!"
Reyer nodded and lifted his hands in start position to the players, and they began to play. I smiled at the familiar tune.
"Care to dance, Mademoiselle Moore?" asked a man to my right, holding out his hand to me. He had curly, dark hair, and was wearing a black tailored suit and a mask that was half black and half white.
I grinned sheepishly, "I'm afraid I don't know how to dance, sir."
"Then I'll teach you. I'm sure someone as talented as you can learn how to dance," he chuckled.
Erik flashed into my mind. The look in his eyes as he watched me play repeated in my head. But the anger looking at Raoul and Christine appeared too. I raised my head up at the Mystery Man and placed my hand into his, pushing Erik into the back of my mind, "I'm all your's," I smiled. Hand in hand, the two of us ran down the stairs and into the crowd. He placed his hand on the small of my back, I placed my hand on his shoulder, and together we began to dance.
"Masquerade!" Everyone around me began to sing, and the two of us joined in as well.
"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!"
Mystery Man and I laughed as we twirled around, everyone becoming a blur around us.
"What were you talking about, 'I don't know how to dance?'" he asked me, amused, "You can dance perfectly well!"
I couldn't help but blush and rolled my eyes, "Well, I've never danced like this before! I didn't know if I'd be able to pull it off or not!"
"Well, you're 'pulling it off' perfectly!" he said, and spun me around, causing me to giggle uncontrollably. This is exactly what I needed. To dance and not have a care in the world.
"Flash of mauve,
Splash of puce,
Fool and King,
Ghoul and goose,
Green and Black,
Queen and Priest,
Trace of rouge,
Face of beast.
Mystery man lifted me up in his arms, "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,
He twirled me again, my gown flaring out around me, "Swirl of gown,"
Ace of hearts,
Face of clown.
Faces!
Drink it in! Drink it up!
'Til you drown in the lights,
In the sound
But who can name the face?"
The two of us stopped dancing, and I looked up at him in confusion.
"Watch this." he simply said, and strolled away from me towards the stairs.
"Masquerade!
Grinning yellows, spinning reds!
Masquerade!
Take your fill,
Let the spectacle astound you!"
I watched as he turned around to face everyone, and began to dance, moving his arms in a robotic motion. Everyone around him stopped in a funny pose to watch him dance. I giggled and did the same, becoming a teapot as I looked up at him.
"Masquerade!
Burning glances, turning heads!
Masquerade!
Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you!"
I laughed as his dance ended, and waited as he began to walk towards me. The song, grew quiet, and everyone began to whisper, and I couldn't help but join in.
"Masquerade.
Seething shadows, breathing lies.
Masquerade.
You can fool any friend who ever knew you!
The two of us jumped back together in sync, and began to dance again. To the beat we turned to each other, lifting an arm, then stepping to the other side and lifting the other; an elaborate dance that synced up with everyone else's in perfect rhythm.
"Masquerade!
Leering satyrs, peering eyes
Masquerade!
Run and hide
But a face will still pursue you!"
Mystery Man and I turned and watched as La Carlotta, Piangi, Meg, Madame Giry, Andre, his date, and Firmin began walking down the stairs, their masks held in front of their faces, and I marveled at their extravagant costumes.
"What a night!" sang Carlotta.
"What a crowd!" continued Piangi.
"Makes you glad!" sang Firmin, "Makes you proud. All the creme de la creme."
"Watching us, watching them," belted Carlotta.
"And all our fears are in the past!" chirped Meg.
"Three months of relief!"
"Of delight!"
"Of Elysian peace!" cried Andre.
"And we can breathe at last!"
"No more notes!" sang Carlotta.
"No more Ghost!" grinned Piangi.
"Here's a health," continued Carlotta.
"Here's a toast to a prosperous year!"
Firmin looked over at me and Mystery Man, "To our friends who are here."
"And may our splendor never fade!"
"What a joy!"
"What a change!"
"What a blessed relief!"
Madame Giry walked up to me, placing her large fan in front of her face, "And what a masquerade!" she finished. Then she uncovered her face and looked up at me, "How are you my dear?" she asked, snapping her fan shut.
I smiled, "I'm doing great. This is such a magnificent party!" I cried, "And how are you?" I asked, "Are you having fun as well?"
She nodded softly, "As much fun as I can. I'm not as young as I used to be. I'm more..., " she looked around at all of the dancers laughing and shrieking in amusement, "Mature."
"If you're so mature," Mystery Man asked suddenly, "Would you like to have this dance?" he asked, holding out his hand now to Madame Giry. She looked downright startled. I chuckled. He turned to look at me, "As long as it's ok with my best dance partner?"
"SCARLET!" shouted someone behind me, before I was tackled by Carlotta as she hugged me from behind with a screech. I laughed and turned to Mystery Man.
"I guess I'm now occupied at the moment. Go ahead. She's all yours." I smiled. Madame Giry, in my amusement, turned red, yet took his hand.
Carlotta spun me around and began to lead me up the stairs, "Izn't dis a fun party, no?" she asked, "Aren't you happy you came?"
I nodded my head as we stopped in the middle of the stairs, "Yes I am. Thanks, Carlotta. I owe it to you."
She waved her hand at me, "Bah! You don't owe me anyding! Consider it 'common courtesy'! You played well, tonight! I knew you were good, but I didn't know you were zat good!"
I chuckled and fiddled with my dress, "Thanks, Carlotta."
The two of us fell into silence as we watched people dance. They spun and twirled, black, silver and gold blending together and partners lifted each other in the air. I watched as Mystery Man danced with Giry, lifting her high in the air, and I smiled when I saw laughter etched onto her face. I looked over at Raoul and Christine, and they were dancing more calmly, staring at each other as they spun around. Close, and never moving an inch away from each other.
They were utterly, and totally in love.
"Zat little Daae iz only where she iz now because she'z sleeping with da Viscount." Carlotta grumbled, watching the two as well.
I nodded timidly, "Maybe," I whispered, " But she does have talent." I paused, "I think they're in love."
Carlotta rolled her eyes, "Whatever. I dink she'z trying to steal my spotlight. And zey just met, anyway. I've known Piangi for years, and only now ave we been starting something. Stuff like dat takes guts."
"They were childhood friends," I continued.
Carlotta turned to me, "How do you know dat?" she asked.
I paled, but shrugged, hoping she didn't notice, "Christine told me."
The two of us turned back to look at the couple, and watched as they finally stopped dancing and leaned in, kissing each other. I saw this as my cue as I watched other people stop dancing as well, heading towards the stairs.
"See you after the finale," I said to Carlotta, rushing up to the piano. I quickly sat down in my seat and placed my hands on the keys. I looked up as everyone stood together, fans at the ready. I took a deep breath and sang as I played.
"Masquerade!" Everyone sang, fans shimmering above them, my fingers pounding on the keys in tune to the music.
"Paper faces on parade!" The song began to speed up, my fingers gliding over the keys. I couldn't stop smiling even if I wanted to.
"Masquerade!" Then fans dipped and spun, they seemed to sparkle as they twirled around.
"Hide your face so the world will never find you!" Everyone was dancing in sync, perfectly choreographed as they began to step down the stairs.
"Masquerade!
Every face a different shade!
Masquerade
Look around
There's another mask behind you." I belted out the words as I played, confetti falling on the keys and in my hair, but I didn't care. I was having too much fun.
"Masquerade!
Burning glances,
Turning heads!
Masquerade!
Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you!"
I grinned, and sang and played as loud as I could.
"Masquerade!
Grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade!
Take your fill let the spectacle astound you!"
Suddenly the room dimmed, the music went dark, and gasps and shrieks filled the room. I stood up from my seat and stood next to the piano. I looked up at the top of the stairs. Erik was standing there, dressed all in red, a white skull mask upon his face.
Red Death had arrived.
Everyone cleared away, running to the other side of the stairs behind me. I was still standing almost in the middle of the landing but I couldn't move an inch, as if I was glued to the floor. My heart pounded in my chest.
He stepped down, "Why so silent good Messieurs?" he sang, taking slow, cautious steps down the stairs, "Did you think that I had left you for good? Have you missed me, good Messieurs? I have written you an opera!" he continued, reaching the second landing, "Here I bring the finished score. Don Juan Triumphant!" Erik shouted, slamming the music sheets onto the stairs, the papers spilling out. Suddenly he yanked his sword out and pointed it at me. My eyes widened and everyone near me shrieked and sped away. My heart leapt into my throat and I gripped onto the edge of the piano, my knuckles turning white as I stared at the tip of the sword. It looked very sharp.
"Miss Scarlet Moore will play as well," he sang, stepping closer and using the end of the sword to tilt my chin up to look at him. Our eyes locked and I wouldn't dare look away, "I trust her talents will not disappoint." he continued. I gulped, trying my best to control my breathing.
He turned away, dropping the sword and I sighed with relief, my heart feeling like it was seconds away from giving out.
"Fondest greetings to you all," he drawled, "A few instructions just before rehearsal starts." he moved toward Carlotta and pointed his sword at her, "Carlotta must be taught to act," he lifted the sword and fiddled it in the feathers of her hat, "Not her normal trick of strutting around the stage." Carlotta looked downright appalled, opening and closing her mouth like a fish and in any other circumstance I would have laughed, but my heart was still beating a 100 miles an hour in my chest.
Piangi took a step close to Carlotta to shield her from Erik, but Erik pointed his sword at him too, causing Piangi to take a cautious step back.
Erik smirked, "Our Don Juan must loose some weight," he continued, poking Piangi in the stomach with the tip of his sword, "It's not healthy in a man of Piangi's age." Erik then turned to Firmin and Andre and began to stroll towards them, "And my managers must learn that their place is in an office!" he shouted, thrusting the sword at them too, "Not the arts." Firmin and Andre looked two seconds away from fainting, Andre looking as white as a ghost.
Then Erik turned to look at Christine, "As for our star," he sang softly, putting the sword into it's sheath, "Miss Christine Daae."
Christine looked up at him, and for some reason my heart shot into my throat.
"No doubt she'll do her best," he continued, heading back up the stairs, "It's true her voice is good, she knows, though, should she wish to excel. She has much still to learn. If pride will let her return to me. Her teacher," Erik gazed at her in wonder, "Her teacher."
Christine was now looking at him in amazement, the dots finally connecting in her head. The two of them stared at each other, and slowly began walking towards one another. My blood was boiling inside me, and I couldn't understand why. The two of them stood toe to toe, gazing at each other fondly.
"Leave her alone!" someone suddenly shouted, "She's not yours!"
Erik turned to look up at me, and my eyes widened, realizing that I was the one who spoke.
Erik chuckled, "Is that so?" he asked, but the look in his eyes showed that he wasn't amused. I had ruined his moment with her. He then turned to Christine and grabbed the ring hanging around her neck, ripping the necklace away.
"Your chains are still mine! You belong to me!" he finished, Christine now looking at him in horror.
The audience gasped as Erik spun away from Christine, heading up the stairs. He skidded over to the large, stoned circle and looked up at me.
Everything became slow. We seemed to stare at each other for ages. My eyes widened as he reached out towards me, and grabbed my arm, spinning me around and trapping me between in his grip, my body pressed against his. I looked up at Christine, and she looked over at me with utmost fear upon her face. A flash of light and smoke exploded around us, and the trap door under our feet suddenly opened.
I screamed as the two of us fell into the mirror room. Our feet hit the floor with a thud and Erik half carried me past the mirrors and over to the wall on the other side. As the mirrors began to spin Erik slammed my back against the wall, and leaned close to my face.
"Stay here and don't move." he whispered to me, then disappeared.
I stared down at my feet, panting hard. My mind whirled with what I had just experienced these past couple of hours. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.
I listened as Erik baited Raoul, Raoul swinging his saber around wildly. A door opened near me and Madame Giry walked through, and passed through the spinning mirrors. I felt someone grab my hand and looked up as Erik pulled me away and out another door.
"Erik," I spoke a few minutes later as he dragged me through the catacombs. He ignored me, and sped faster.
I yanked on his hand, "Erik!" I shouted. He kept his head facing forwards.
I pulled as hard as I could, "For God's sake's, Erik! Let go, your hurting me!"
Finally we stopped and he dropped my hand. I rubbed my wrist as Erik paced back and forth, pressing his fists into his eyes.
"What the hell, Erik?" I said, "What was that for?"
Erik turned to me, "All you had to do," he spat, "Was keep your mouth shut like everyone else did," he turned away and began to pace again, running a hand through his hair, "But then you had to go and ruin everything."
I scoffed, "Like I'm not supposed to say something when my friend is being stared down by The Phantom of the Opera, who is, by the way, the one person she's scared of?"
Erik turned to me, his face red, "Friend?" I thought you two had a falling out?"
"Friend or not, I still care about her, Erik."
"As do I! Why do you think I'm doing this?! Everything I do I do for her!" he shouted, "That's all I've ever done!" Suddenly he rushed towards me, and I gasped as he pushed me up against the wall, getting close to my face and staring hard into my eyes, "You don't understand what it's like," he whispered, his anger falling and becoming sincere, "To love someone... who may never love you back."
Tears brimmed in my eyes, "Oh, but I do." I whispered. The two of us fell silent as we stared at each other. I felt myself begin to lean towards him, and I watched in amazement as he leaned as well. I held my breath.
Suddenly he turned away, his shoulders heaving as he leaned against the opposite wall. I stared at him, my heart aching. What happened? Why did he turn away?
Erik chuckled softly, "Look at us," he mused, "Life and Death battling one another. A tale as old as time."
Tears began to fall down my face, "We wouldn't be battling if you would listen to reason." I choked.
Erik turned around and stared at me, pain in his eyes. My eyes widened. He turned away from me, because he still loves her.
I shook my head, not being able to take another moment of this. I turned and sped away, running as fast as I could out of the catacombs, half blind from my tears.
Ta da! It's finished!
I hoped you liked it, and please REVIEW! School starts up again the 22nd, which as I am posting this, is tomorrow. I'm not exactly sure when I am going to post again, but I will try my best to work on this when I can.
I LOVE YOU ALL AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS CHAPTER! I've been working on this one for a looooong time. Like two weeks, hahaaa.
Did you guys catch the thing about Erik and Scarlet's costume? Erik said something about it :P
See you next time!