IT's TIME! Yall i'm so excited for you guys to read this you have no idea. I've been working on this for so long lmao. I couldn't find a good image of the dress scarlet is wearing but I absolutely love it and if I could wear it I would be wearing it rn lmao. Also, fun face, I am as old as Scarlet was at the beginning of the fic! I'm 22 baybeee! Much excite xD

The song that Scarlet is playing is Phantom Medly | Andrew Lloyd Webber, you can easily find it on yt but I will be adding it to the yt of masks and roses playlist right away. It took me so long to find the right one trust me guys I have been looking for YEARS lmao. The song starts at 00:59 and start playing it when you you wish. It will be bolded so its obvious xD

Also, chapters 1 to 16 are updated so give those a read! I did have to change a few things for plot reasons but everything is still basically the same! Tell me what you think of it!

A huge thanks to PriddyLily14, ghostwritten2, Friendly dude, Lylex96, Lucy, and 6senses for reviewing! Yall are amazing I love u guys!

Thank you so much and don't forget to tell me what you think! I've waited so long for this im so excited.

Enjoy!

That evening I found myself in my room, staring at my bed in wonder. Laying upon it was a dress, a green mask, and a letter. Gingerly I leaned forwards and picked up the note, prying the wax skull off and slipping out the letter.

"Dear Scarlet,

I apologize that I can not deliver this to you in person. I'm afraid that I am far too busy at the moment preparing for my opera to do so. Here is your dress for tonight. I am looking forward to hearing your performance. I know that you're going to be spectacular.

Your faithful servant and friend,

Erik.

P.S. I found your masquerade mask the other night. I thought you might like to have it back. As a memento. Your performance was truly wonderful that night, and I believe you should have something to remember that by."

I smiled, carefully folding up the note and stuffing it back into the envelope. I gingerly placed the letter and the green mask on the nightstand, next to my art book and mp3 player. Then my attention turned to the dress. It was a gorgeous ball gown. It was a deep shade of red, golden spirals swirling around the hem. The top was covered in a thin, gold and black lace that slowly turned to red around the waist. The sleeves of the dress were black and would hang off my shoulders, a row of small, red roses sewn across the bateau neckline.

I carefully picked it up, admiring every inch of it. I slipped out of my shirt and slacks and put on the dress; tying up the corset and adjusting the dress to my proportions. It felt lightweight as I spun around in it. I ran my hands over the skirt softly, when I felt them slip inside the fabric.

I laughed, "Pockets! Thank goodness! Erik, you are a lifesaver." Rushing back over to the nightstand I took all of my belongings; the book, the mp3 player, the mask, and even Erik's note, and stowed them away in my dress, marveling at how easily they fit inside. You couldn't even tell the dress had pockets, or that there was anything in them.

Then, looking back to the bed, I noticed a few small roses with golden tips sitting upon the blankets. Upon closer inspection I noticed that they were hair clips. I rushed into the small bathroom, grabbing a brush and some black ribbon and stood in front of the mirror. I tied part of my hair back, letting the rest fall neatly at my shoulders. Carefully I pinned the roses around the sides and back of my head, checking that they were snug and wouldn't fall out.

I stared at myself, biting my lip. In just a few hours it would all be over. What would happen after? What would-

I jumped, broken out of my thoughts as a knock sounded at my door. I sighed, rushing over to it and opening the door with a twist. Outside it stood Claire, dressed in a simple, blue dress and carrying a suitcase at her side.

I smiled, "Claire! I haven't seen you in a while!" I said, pulling into a hug.

She giggled, squeezing me back, "It's good to see ya, lass," she pulled away, glancing me up and down, "Look atchya! You look like a rose in that dress of yours!"

"Thank you! And look at you! You're all dressed up as well! I take it that you're leaving, yes?"

Claire nodded, "Yes, I'm heading home, right now, actually. I just wanted to swing by and give my farewell to you. And my thanks."

"Thanks for what?" I asked.

"I moved here years ago when I was a young adult. I moved here with my mother to escape a famine that was taking place at the time, but we had to leave the rest of my family behind. We've still been in touch, of course, but I haven't seen any of them since. Since the famine ended I've been slowly saving up to move back. Thanks to you helping me land that job with Miss Carlotta I finally have enough to go. And it's all thanks to you, my dear."

I shook my head, "Oh, Claire," I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, "I… I don't know what to say."

She took my hand in hers, "You don't have to say anything, my dear. Just promise that you'll write to me from time to time. Let me know all that's happening in the Opera Populair and whatnot."

My face fell slightly, and I bit the inside of my cheek as a nodded, "Of course, Claire."

She huffed, patting my hand, "Well, this is where I leave ya. I wish I could stay to watch your performance but I would miss the train, I'm afraid. I'm glad to have seen ya before I left, though. Well, I better leave ya to it, then," she bent down and picked up her case, "Good luck. I'm sure you're going to do great, lass."

I nodded, "You too, Claire. Have fun in Ireland."

She nodded, grinning as she turned away and walked down the hall and out of my sight. I closed the door, rubbing my eyes at an attempt to stop myself from crying, knowing that I would never see her again. To think, I had known her for so little, but it still hurt just the same.

I groaned, shaking my head, "Pull yourself together, Scarlet. It's not time to get emotional just yet. As soon as the night ends I can have my emotional breakdown."

XxX

I breathed out slowly as I hid behind the curtain, gazing out over the audience getting comfortable in their seats. I felt cold, yet I could feel my hands sweating.

"Are you ready?" Asked a voice from behind me. I turned, smiling a little as I gazed at Carlotta. She wore a black dress with dark red swirls here and there. Her hair had been dyed black and piled high upon her head, a red hat with a black veil sitting on top of it.

"I guess," I chuckled nervously, "As ready as I can be. It's been a while since I've performed in front of a crowd. And I don't think I've ever performed in front of such a large one before."

Carlotta scoffed, waving her hand, "Ah, it'z nothing. Once you get out dere and start playing it'z not so bad. And remember de masquerade? You did great and you had fun as well. I believe in you, il mio musicista."

I paused, tilting my head at her, "Thank you, Carlotta. You've been so kind to me. You've stood up for me, you got me my masquerade costume. Thank you."

She shrugged, "Well, it'z like I said. Us talented people must stick together, yes?"

I smiled, "Yeah." I held my breath, then reached out and gave her a hug, not caring for how she would react. She gasped slightly, then gently wrapped her arms around me.

"I'm sorry, Carlotta," I whispered.

"For what?" she asked, pulling away and looking at me with a confused smile.

"For all the times I spoke poorly about you. I regret it. You've been such a good friend to me, and I feel as though I don't deserve it."

She rolled her eyes and grabbed my hands in hers, "Ah, you weren't de only one. Everyone in dis Opera 'ouse 'ates me one way or another. Dat comes with being Prima Donna and a Diva. My only regret is dat I didn't get to know you sooner."

I opened my mouth to speak, but was interrupted when a sound of applause began. I turned around and peered onto the stage as Andre and Firmin walked into the center of it, waving their hands to the audience.

"Welcome!" called Firmin.

I felt my heart drop, "Oh God." I whispered. Carlotta placed her hand on my shoulder.

"It's alright il mio musicista. I know you'll do well."

I nodded, mouthing a 'thank you', then spun back around to look at the managers as they walked out of the curtain, it shutting behind them. I breathed slowly, in and out. But my heart wouldn't stop pounding.

"We have a wonderful show for you tonight!" boasted Andre, but the smile did not reach his eyes. They darted around wildly for a source of the Phantom, "But before the show begins we have a special performance for you tonight!"

Firmin grinned, "We discovered her ourselves. She worked in the bones of the Opera Populair, hiding her talents for the world, it seemed. But that all changes tonight. For tonight, she makes her debut!"

Andre turned to me and lifted an arm at me, "Introducing, Mademoiselle Scarlet Moore!"

The audience broke into applause as I walked out onto the stage, my dress swirling around me. I grinned as I reached the managers, the curtain opening for me and closing. I looked towards the managers and gave them a low curtsy, then turning to the audience and curtsied again. The managers applauded me, smiling and nodded their heads.

They turned back to the audience, "She is going to be playing a little piece to you all tonight, written by the composer of tonight's opera himself!" Andre's smile faded slightly.

Firmin stepped forwards, "Mademoiselle Scarlet Moore, everyone!" he called out, holding his arm out to me, and then gave me a low bow, Andre following his lead. I felt my face reden as the audience clapped once more, and I have them all another low curtsy. Then began to make my way down the steps placed at the bottom of the stage, walking to the piano and standing ready at attention at the seat. I gave the audience another bow, then sat down, placing my hands at the keys; the audience growing silent.

. I took a slow, deep breath, then slowly began to play, the soft notes of Angel of Music ringing all around me. I smiled slightly, my mind drifting back to the early days of my journey when I had woken up here and was given a home. Even though I had felt lost and alone, having lost my world and Emily, I had made new friends here that would always hold a special place in my heart. Christine, with her kind eyes and sweet words. She had a soft heart that could make anyone feel at ease. Meg with her caring smile and quick wit, though we hadn't gotten to know each other as well as I'd wished, I still very much considered her a good friend. The memories of us three eating breakfast together in the mornings and giggling over trivial things made me feel light and happy. My mind turned to Simon, who had accepted me right away as a female set crew member and had helped me when he didn't have to. I still missed him dearly, my heart panging as I played. I missed the way he laughed, the way he smiled. He was my first true friend here. No matter what happens, I will always miss him the most. The early days were full of mystery, fear, and worry, that I would never get back home and would be stuck here forever. But I knew I would never remember it for that. I would always remember it for the fun I had.

As I played, the notes of Angel of Music slowly began to melt and change into Music of the Night. My fingers strummed over the keys, and I could feel myself relaxing more and more as I played. The gaze of the audience seemed to drift away and I soon felt like I was the only one there. Yet, I couldn't help but take a glance up, spotting the managers. They were sitting in their box and were looking down at me with soft smiles, some of their anxieties washed away at the soft notes I played. Andre caught my gaze, and gave me a small nod. Although they weren't the best managers, they were still very kind. I couldn't thank them enough for all the opportunities they gave me; playing for them that day on stage, to even playing for Paris at the Masquerade. Perhaps, if they would have listened to Erik to begin with, this Opera House could have shown the most spectacular operas and would have turned into something amazing.

The song picked up, the notes growing louder as the music from the masquerade slowly made its way to the surface. I began to grin, the memories of that night returning to me. My dress, the masks, the music. It was truly such a grand night. Dancing with strangers and chatting with friends, I couldn't have wished for a better masquerade party. I had felt light and very happy for the first time in a while as I played for everyone, their costumes and dresses swirling and twirling as the music echoed around the foyer. I would do it all again, if I could.

But my smile fell slightly, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again ringing throughout the auditorium. I could still feel the loss of that day coursing through me. I had been mourning my past life and started to prepare to accept my new one. I sighed, my eyes closing for only a second. I still hadn't quite accepted it. That this was now my life and my home, and my old life would soon be far behind me; unreachable. Despite the fact that I knew nothing would ever be the same, yet I knew that with time everything would work out in the end, one way or another. I was sure of it.

All I Ask of You came next, and I could feel Raoul's puzzlement and confusion from here. That the Phantom had indeed been listening the whole time and had heard their song of love and promise to each other, as did I. My heart broke for Erik as I had listened to him cry over his loss of Christine's love, and yet, even in his grief, he had insisted on helping me. He had fixed my injuries and removed my stitches, and listened as I told him of my past and showing him my scars. That even though we were both disfigured in our own way, things would always get better in the end, even for him. That even though terrible things may happen to us in our lifetime, something bigger and better is on the way to make things right again.

The song quickly took a dark turn as the Phantom of the Opera Theme echoed around us. I pounded on the keys, the fingers drifting across them as I played. My life over these past few months had been both fun and happy, yet sad and heartbreaking. But I knew, even though it all would end in a few hours, that I would never trade the experience for anything. The Opera Populair had been my home, and within it was my family. And I would always hold everything in this Parisian building in a special place in my heart.

I sighed in relief as I finished, my fingers hovering over the keys as they rang throughout the auditorium. The audience began to cheer as they stood up, clapping and whistling. I turned towards them, grinning and standing on my feet. I placed a hand on my chest and gave a low curtsy, the roar of their applause ringing louder.

When the noise started to die down, I sat back down at my seat, looking at Monsieur Reyer as he stood up, holding his wand aloft and nodding at the musicians in the pit. The audience quickly quieted down, a few shushes here and there.

With a bang the music started, the curtains pulling away showing the red stage as actors danced together, laughing and giggling as they strutted around, then turned to the audience.

"Here the sire may serve the dam!

Here the master takes his meat!

Hear the sacrificial lamb,

Utters one despairing bleat."

Carlotta rushed to the front of the stage, grinning, "Poor young maiden,

For the thrill on your tongue of stolen sweets.

You will have to pay the bill,

Tangled in the winding sheets!"

The chorus began to back away, raising their glasses up high, "Serve the meal and serve the maid!"

"Serve the meal and serve the maid," Carlotta emphasized.

"Serve the master so that when tables, plans, and maids are laid,

Don Juan triumphs,

Once again!" They all sang, pointing at the curtain in the back. Through them came Meg as a maiden, Pasarino, Piangi as Don Juan, and mini Piangi. Meg giggled as a bag of coins was tossed to her, and she danced off, swirling her skirt as she left the stage with a few other dancers in tow.

"Passarino, faithful friend!" sang Piangi,

"Once again recite the plan!"

Passarino grinned, turning to him, "Your young guest believes I'm you!

I the master, you the man!"

Piangi turned to him, "When you met you wore my cloak,

She could not have seen your face.

She believe she dines with me,

In her master's borrowed place!

Furtively we'll scoff and quaff,

Stealing what in truth is mine.

When it's late and modesty

Starts to mellow with the wine." The three of them walked back over to the curtain, then turned to gesture to the audience.

"You come home I use your voice," sang Passarino,

"Slam the door like crack of doom."

Piangi smiled and gestured to himself, "I will say come hide with me,

Where oh where?

Of course my room!" Piangi handed Passarino his hat and sword.

"Poor thing hasn't got a chance!" Passarino commented.

"Here's my hat my cloak and sword,

Conquet is assured,

If I do not forget myself and laugh!

Ahahahahaaa!" and with that Piangi put his mask on his face and slipped through the curtain. I looked over to stage left as Christine walked onto the stage, running my fingers over the piano keys softly as she sang.

"No thoughts within her head but thoughts of joy.

No dreams within her heart but dreams of love!" her soft voice seemed to dance around us, and I could feel myself relax a little. But that quickly went away when my gaze turned back to the curtain as Erik walked through it, a cloak held up over his face.

Passarino looked at him in confusion, "Master?"

Erik turned to him, "Passarino," he drawled,

"Go away for the trap is set,

And waits for its prey." He looked over at Christine, who had set herself down on the stage and had begun fiddling with a rose.

"You have come here,

In pursuit of your deepest urge." Christine looked up from the rose, and slowly turned her head to look back at him. Erik walked around the fire pit in the middle of the stage and slowly began to make his way towards her.

"In pursuit of that wish which till now has been silent.

Silent.

I have brought you,

That our passions may fuse and merge!" Christine slowly turned away, slowly closing her eyes and letting Erik's voice roam over her, as did I. I shivered, feeling like his voice was reverberating throughout my body. I mentally shook my head, blinking to keep my focus as I continued to play along.

"In your mind you've already succumbed to me," he continued,

"Dropped all defenses, completely succumbed to me.

Now you are here with me, no second thoughts.

You've decided, decided."

He swirled his cape, Christine slowly stood up. I could feel my heart beginning to race as I played along, not taking my eyes off of them for a second. There was no turning back now. We were...

"Past the point of no return.

No backward glances.

Our games of make believe now are at an end." Erik began to make his way towards Christine, slowly walking around her. They couldn't take their eyes off of each other. Christine stared at him in both wonder and slight fear, though I could see she was trying to hide the latter.

"Past all thoughts of if or when.

No use resisting.

Abandon thought and let the dream descend." Erik rushed at her and wrapped his arms around Christine. Her eyes closed as he placed a hand on her neck. My fingers almost faltered but I quickly caught myself.

"What raging fire shall flood the soul?

What rich desire unlocks its door?

What sweet seduction lies before us?" Erik pulled away, dragging his hands across her arm and held her hand up to his face. Christine grinned, looking at him with wide eyes. Erik smirked.

"Past the point of no return.

The final threshold.

What warm, unspoken secrets will we learn?" Christine blinked and slowly pulled away, her eyes darting back and forth as she looked down at the stage floor.

"Beyond the point of no return?" Erik stared at her, trying to catch her gaze again. She slowly shook her head and took a shaking breath.

"You have brought me," she began, looking up at Raoul. Erik gaze drifted there as well, glaring at the patron.

"To that moment where words run dry.

To that moment where speech disappears into silence.

Silence." Raoul turned around in his seat, motioning to the officer standing with him then looked at the managers and nodded his head. Andre stood up, and left his seat, Firmin turning pale as he gazed down at the stage.

"I have come here,

Hardly knowing the reason why.

In my mind I've already imagined our bodies entwining, defenseless and silent," Christine turned back to Erik, smiling; her sleeves slipping and showing her shoulders. Andre returned to his seat with a guard in tow. Raoul shook his head and waived his hand at them. My mouth ran dry, who knows what my presence here could have changed.

'What if everything went wrong? What if nothing happened like it was supposed to?' I thought to myself. I bit the inside of my cheek as Christine slowly walked towards the Phantom, then stopped a few feet away.

"And now I am here with you, no second thoughts.

I've decided, decided." Erik stared at her, breathing heavily. I took a deep breath and slowly began to build up the music as Christine stared Erik down, slowly making her way to the spiral staircases.

"Past the point of no return.

No going back now." Erik began to mirror her movements as they climbed, Christine's voice and my music growing stronger.

"Our passion play has now at last begun!

Past all thought of right or wrong.

One final question.

How long should we two wait before we're one?" Erik peered at her in amazement as they approached the balcony.

"When will the blood begin to race?

The sleeping bud bursts into bloom?" Raoul slowly stood up, gazing at them in horror as they reached the balcony, looking at each other in hunger.

When will the flames at last consume us?"

They walked towards each other, singing together as Erik threw his cape to the side, "Past the point of no return!

The final threshold!"

When they reached the middle, they grabbed each other, Christine's hands on his chest and Erik holding her hips. He spun her around and she pressed herself up against him; his hands roaming over her body as their voices cried out all around us.

"The bridge is crossed,

So stand and watch it burn!

We've passed the point of no return!"

I held my breath as I stared up at them. I was sitting on the edge of my seat, removing my hands from the piano and gripping the edges of the bench in a vice. I bit my lip, hard enough to hurt as I watched Erik run his hands softly over Christine's body. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, knowing what was to come, but I just couldn't look away, nor could I stop it.

"Say you'll share with me one love,

One lifetime," Erik sang softly, running his fingers through her hair. I almost barely heard him, my ears were ringing.

"Lead me,

Save me from my solitude." I felt a tear fall and I covered my mouth with both hands. Christine opened her eyes, her gaze darting around as he sang.

"Say you want me with you here,

Beside you." Erik turned her around to face him.

"Anywhere you go let me go too!" He sang loud and clear, smiling at her. She smiled back but I could see the pain in her eyes. She reached out to him and cupped his cheek. I felt myself begin to tremble.

"Christine!

That's all I ask of-" And the mask was gone, ripped off by Christine's hand. Everyone in the audience began to scream at the sight, pointing and shouting. Erik looked at Christine in horror, not believing that she could do such a thing to him. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes pleading.

Erik looked up towards the ceiling, then out towards the audience and down at me.

Our eyes locked. For a second everything was still. Then I heard it. The click of a pistol's hammer being locked into place. My head spun towards the soldier sitting in the pit, who had stood up and pointed the gun at Erik; ready to fire.

His name came out of my mouth before I realized it had, my head spinning towards him as I screamed to him, leaping up from my seat. Raoul was shouting too, Christine was too close. The soldier pulled the trigger just as Erik shoved the lever holding the trap door up, having seen the soldier himself. The bullet soared through the air as Erik and Christine began to fall. I stared in horror as the bullet missed them by a foot and instead shot through a thick red rope. The rope hung together by a thread; a jingling sound coming from above me.

My heart sank as it snapped; the audience screaming.

Don't hate me lmao dundundun a chiffhanger oh no!

Thank you so much for reading! Don't forget to leave a review! Tell me what you think! What's gonna happen next, huh?

Until next time!