Author's Note: Krysten0216Wheeler and Literally Dirt I appreciate the comments. ^_^ 3 I know you guys were looking forward to Gareki finding out the others were there.. Sadly, this chapter is too long. I have to break it into yet a third 'Act'.
So, while looking up video links to the songs, I came across, not one, but TWO animated versions of the movie. Neither Anime versions, which would be awesome... Two? TWO! (Shaking my head) WTF is WRONG with you people...?
watch?v=d8ZsmgPDuEg
watch?v=4a5nahw3zi8
Ya' know, FOR KIDS! But, the 1987 version is a lot more like the book than the musical.
Music of the Night watch?v=TJHMMrVgd-I
Prima Donna watch?v=FBUlPqaVj88 - I skipped most of the song in favor of the conversation between Raoul, Madame Giry, and Meg, but this is what the audience would be hearing over top.
Masquerade/bi watch?v=8Bn4BAlp8NQ - They don't actually sing it, but I'm giving it to you just in case.
I like to imagine the Phantom's 'maniacal' laughter being something on par with Vincent Price.
Synopsis: The Show Continues
Karneval: Pyromancy
Chapter 25: The Show Must Go On Act 2
*The Phantom and 'Christine' arrive at the Phantom's lair, it's filled with lit candles and center pieces a large pipe organ. He leads 'Christine' off the boat and to the organ.*
PHANTOM: My dear Christine, I have brought you here to sweet music's throne, where all must pay homage to music. You've come here for one reason. One reason whence first I heard you sing, I knew I needed you to serve me and to sing for my music. *He begins to play the organ*
Night time sharpens
Heightens each sensation
Darkness wakes
Stirs the imagination
Silently
The senses
Abandon their
DEFENCES
Helpless against the notes I write
For I compose
The music of the night
Slowly
Gently
Night unfurls
Its splendor
Grasp it
Sense it
Tremulous and twnder
TURN YOUR FACE AWAY
*'Christine' turns away from him*
FROM THE GARISH LIGHT OF DAY
Turn your thoughts
From the cold
Unfeeling light
Listen to
The music of the ni~ght
*'Christine' turns back to face him. Her hands are trembling as she finds the nocturne hauntingly beautiful. She's eyeing him, hesitantly, staring at the white plaster mask covering one half of his face. Clenching a fist at chest level, she slowly approaches the Phantom, quietly building up her resolve.*
Close your eyes
Surrender
To your darkest dreams
Purge your thoughts
Of the life you knew before
Close your eyes
Let your spirt
Start to
SOOOAR
Then
You can live
As you've never lived
Befoooore
Softly
Deaftly
Music shall surround you
Feel it
Hear it
Closing in around you
Open up your mind
Let your fantasies unwind
In this darkness to know
You cannot fight
The darkness of the
Music of the night
Let your mind start my
A journey
To a strange
New world
Leave all thoughts
Of the world
You knew
Before
Let your soul
Take you
Where you long
To be~
Only then
Can you belong
To me
Floating
Fallingbrintoxication
Sweet intoxication
Touch me
Trust me
Savour each sensation
LET THE DREAM BEGIN
LET YOUR DARKER SIDE GIVE IN
To the power
The power of the music
The music
Of the night
*'Christine' becomes brave enough to caress the Phantom's mask. With no hint of removing it. She's become adjusted to the cold of the room, and the cold of his touch. The Phantom gently removes her hand from his face and took it in his own. He leads her to a mirror frame covered with a white cloth. He removes the cloth, revealing a two-way mirror. On the other side is a mannequin with a wedding dress. 'Christine' slowly approaches the mirror, until it reflects her face on the mannequin. Overwhelmed, she faints into Phantom's arms. He picks her up, bridal style, and carries her, the next room over, to a bed of furs*
You alone can help
My music take flight
Help me make the
Music
Of
The
NI ~GHT
TSUBAME (As CHRISTINE): *She awakes to the melodic tones of a music box, shaped like a barrel organ which is sitting next to her. It barely keeps her in a trance as she pushes herself into a sitting position. In the background, there's a distant sound of someone playing a pipe organ. She looks around, curiously, a hand raised to her forehead.* I recall being in a boat. Floating along glassy war covered in swirling fog... And in the boat... *She jumps as she there's a sudden, sharp note from the pipe organ and she looks in the direction from whence it came.* There was a man... *She rises to her feet.* Who was that shape in the shadows? Who's was that face in the mask? *She enters the next room, to find the Phantom strongly focused on his organ playing, occasionally stopping to jot the music down, but otherwise too preoccupied to notice her. Drawing one final ounce of courage, she grabs the mask and removed it.*
Just as Tsubame removed the mask and let out a startled shriek on stage, several of the audience members let out gasps, shrieks, and other sounds of surprise. Some had thought there was no way they would pull this scene off. Even Sesirie had waited until tonight to take a picture of the reveal. The makeup artist and lighting tecnitions had done an amazing job of making the actor's face look sunken and misshapened. Tsubame and Kiichi even covered their mouths as they have out a startled squeek. Again, Nai found himself curling in on himself, shirking away, not from the 'Phantom'; he'd seen plenty of things equally or more disturbing since Gareki rescued him from Lady Mine, but from the noise of the crowd.
Nah twitched and blinked back up toward the stage as he caught Shishi's voice whispering, "Man, I still haven't gotten use to seeing that!"he
PHANTOM: *He's quick to his feet and turns to face her. He begins shouting at her, further frightening her* Dammn you, you prying little Pandora! Little demon *He holds his hand to his face* is THIS what you wanted to see!? *He throws the music he'd been writing and the quill he'd been using across the stage as she quickly ducks behind a chair* Curse you, cunning little Delilah, now can never be free! *He folds in on himself, sobbing.* Damn you, curse you. *There was a pause. Even the orchestra goes silent for a full minute straight. Then, finally the Phantom begins to speak.* Stranger than you dare to dream, can you even bare to look at me, to think of me, this wretched gargoyle before you, who stands before you? Who burns in hell, but yearns for heaven? *He stands and turns to face her. She comes from behind the chair, a look of pity upon her face, her eyes seemingly lachrymose.* But, oh, Christine... Fear can turn to love. You'll learn to see, this monster before you, this repulsive carcass but secretly longs for beauty. *He holds out his and and she hands him back his mask. Which he puts back in place, before taking her wrist in his hand.* Come. We must go. Those two fools who run my theater will be missing you!
The Captains once again exchanged quite glances as the curtain closed again for another intermission. "Maybe I should have had Gareki act in this play after what happened in Karasuna to help him work through his emotions, instead of the parade," Hirato whispered.
"Or at least after Rinoll," Tsukitachi returned.
Yogi excused himself for the restroom, while Koroku and Nai headed to the concessions stand. Shishi stumbled into the restroom, grumbling about how he should have known better than to get the 'Super Delux' size cup of drink during the last intermission. Shishi and Yogi both end up at the sink washing their hands at the same time. "So, Lieutenant, are you enjoying the play, so far?" Shishi asked.
"Yeah, the actor's have all been amazing at their roles, so far, " Yogi acknowledged, "I'm really proud of Tsubame-Chan and Gareki-Kun, too. I never would have guessed she could sing so well, and he... What little stage time he's had he really seems to be putting his all into it."
"Yeah, well, that shouldn't surprise you," Shishi chuckled, "Gareki never half-asses anything."
Yogi laughed, "This is true. He always seems like he feels he has something he has to prove." Yogi sighed, and clenched a fist at his chest as he remembered what Michi Katashi had said, and everything he knew Gareki had been through. Just thinking about it was enough to make him want to cry for the teen. "I think he's just afraid no one will want him if they no longer see him useful," he thought out loud, more talking to himself, than to Shishi.
Shishi gave a quite sigh. "You care for him deeply, don't you?" He asked.
Yogi blushed, "An I really that obvious?" Shishi failed to hide a laugh, but nodded. "To be honest, I'm not sure what attracted me to him at first, but I was like a month to the flame. I could tell he was a good kid, who'd just been handed a bad lot in life, and I wanted to show him someone still cared. "... Ne, Shishi? How has he been these past few weeks?"/pp
"Really!? After all the hell I've given you over the phone, you still trust me to keep you updated on him?" Shishi asked./pp
"Why not? You're his friend, aren't you?" Yogi reasoned, "Gareki-Kun's not the type of person to admit he's lonely, or needs someone, and if I asked him outright, I'm sure he'd deny it. Aside from that, he's never given me any reason not to believe him. So, if there were something between you two, like you were suggesting, I think he would tell me."/pp
Shishi smiled and put an arm around Yogi's shoulder. "I've already apologized to him for all that, but I feel I need to apologize to you for it to. That said, you didn't hear this from me, or he'll kill us both, but he's been hugging that Nyanperowna every night since your last phone call." Yogi blushed, he wasn't sure what kind of answer he was expecting, but it certainly hadn't been that. Shishi chuckled. "Don't worry about Gareki, he still puts up his tough exterior. He's earned a lot of respect around here. But, I know he'll be happy to see you guys after the show, tonight." /pp
They returned to the auditorium together and went back to their respective seats./pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i :*Is scornfully reading the newspaper* 'Mystery after gala night's it says. 'Mystery of Soprano's flight'! 'Mystified ' 'baffled' it says we're 'MYSTIFIED' we suspect foul play! *He lowers the paper* Bad news on the soprano scene. First Carlotta, now Christine. Still, the seats get sold, gossip's worth it's weight in gold! What a way to run a business! Half your cast disappears, yet the crowd still cheers./center/pp
centerbiANDRE/b/i : DAMNABLE! Will they all walk out? This is damnable!/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : Andre, please don't shout. It's publicity... FREE publicity! *Begins sitting the mail on his desk.*/center/pp
centerbiANDRE/b/i : But we have no cast!/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : Yes, but have you seen the que? *He holds up two envelopes addressed from the Phantom and passed one to Andre.* Ah, it seems you've got one too./center/pp
centerbiANDRE/b/i : *They both open their envelopes and Aundre reads aloud.* Dear Andre, what a charming gala. Christine enjoyed great success. We were hardly bereft when Carlotta left. The chorus was none the less enchanting, but the dancing was otherwise a mess./center/pp
centerbi FIRMIN/b/i : *Reading* Dear M. Firmin, a friendly reminder my salary has not yet been paid. Send it care of the ghost by return of post. No one likes a debtor, so best my demands be obeyed./center/pp
centerbiBOTH/b/i : Who would have the gall to send this!? Someone with a puerile brain!/center/pp
centerbi FIRMIN/b/i : *Examines the letters* These are both signed O.G./center/pp
centerbiBOTH/b/i : OPERA GHOST!/center/pp
centerbi GAREKI (As RAOUL)/b/i : *Enters the room, flustered and carrying one of the Phantom's letters* Where is she!?/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : Of course, you mean Carlotta?/center/pp
centerbi GAREKI/b/i : *Irritabley* I mean Christine Daae! Where is she?/center/pp
centerbi FIRMIN/b/i : Well, how should WE know?/center/pp
centerbi GAREKI/b/i : *Demanding* I want an answer! I assume you wrote this note? *Wavesthe folded up note in front of Andre* Are you telling me she's not with you?/center/pp
centerbiBOTH/b/i : Certainly not!/center/pp
centerbi FIRMIN/b/i : *Takes the note from 'Raoul'* What is it we are meant to have wrote? *Realizing his grammatical error* Written? *He unfolds the note and holds it where Andre can read over his shoulder.*/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : *Reading* Do not for Miss Daae. The Angle of Music has her under his wing. Make no further attempt to see her. Signed O.G. *Andre and Forming exchange mystified looks.*/center/pp
centerbi GAREKI/b/i : If you didn't write it, who did?/center/pp
centerbi FIRMIN/b/i : Monsieur... *He offers the two letters they had been reading prior to his entrance.*/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : *Storms into the room, angrily waving around yet another note* WHERE IS HE!?/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : Welcome back?/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : Your precious patron, where is he?/center/pp
centerbi GAREKI/b/i : What is it now?/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : I have a letter here, a letter which I rather resent!/center/pp
centerbi FIRMIN/b/i : *Looks to 'Raoul* And did you send it?/center/pp
centerbi GAREKI/b/i : Of course not! Don't be ridiculous./center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : As if he would?/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : You dare to deny this is the letter you sent? *She slaps the note against his breast pocket, leaning in dangerously close.*/center/pp
Nai gave a quiet growl and glared at the actress. Not because he sensed danger from her for Gareki's sake; he understood this was a play and the actress was just acting out a roll, but because he sensed an unspoken attraction to Gareki coming from her, and the way she was dressed reminded him of Lady Mine. While he knew there was no danger, it still caused him to feel somewhat uncomfortable./p/p
centerbi GAREKI/b/i : *Takes the note from her and pulls away with a reaction suggesting the diva had on way too much perfume, garnering a few scattered laughs from the audience offstage.* And what is I am to have sent? *Begins reading the note* Your days at the Opera Populaire are numbered. Christine Daae will be singing in your stead tonight. Be prepared for great misfortune, should you try to take her place.
centerbiANDRE & FIRMIN/b/i : *Share a frustrated look and attempt to begin to sing* br
iFar too many notes for my taste. And all about Christine! br
Monsieur, no offense /i*They nod to 'Raoul', acknowledging his fondness for the girl*br
iBut it makes no sensebr
All we've heard since we came has been Miss Daae's name!/i/center/pp
centerbiGIRY /b/i : *Enters the room as if she has urgent news, followed by Meg* Christine Daze has returned!/center/pp
centerbi FIRMIN/b/i : *Dryly* I'm sure her midnigh oil's well burned out./center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : Where precisely is she now?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY /b/i : I thought it best she went home./center/pp
centerbiMEG /b/i : She needed rest./center/pp
centerbi GAREKI/b/i : May I see her?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY /b/i : No, monsieur, she will see no-one/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : Will she sing, will she sing?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY /b/i : I have a note./center/pp
centerbi Andre/b/i : *Everyone there their hands in the air in frustration, clearly tiring of this Opera Ghost and his letters. Madame Giry seemed to have a quiet look of knowing on her face as Forming let the previous four go firing into the air and fluttering about the room.* Another damnable note!/center/pp
centerbi GAREKI/b/i : *Takes the note from Madame Giry, with a briefed sigh and begins reading.* Gentlemen, I have now sent you several notes,all in the most amiable nature, detailing how bmy/b theater is to be bRUNb. *The Phantom'svoice begins to bleed in with his.* You have not followed my instructions, but I will give you one last chance./center/pp
centerbiPHANTOM/b/i : *Unseen, but his voice now overtaking 'Raoul's* Miss Daae has returned to you and I am anxious her career progress. Therefore, tonight you will cast Carlotta as the page boy and Miss Daae as the Countess! The role Miss Daae plays calls for charm and appeal. The role of the pageboy is silent, which for Carlotta, makes my casting, in a word, ideal./center/pp
Kiichi suddenly felt the eyes of the rest of the party quietly looking at her. Looking up, she saw they had all glanced her way. Remembering Koroku's earlier Jan about how she would probably be upset if given the role of Carlotta, she blushed, stuck her tongue out at them, and pulled down her lower eyelid. This free a stifled laugh from everyone. "Oh, whatever, forget you guys," she huffed , turning her attention back to the stage./pp
centerbiPHANTOM/b/i : I will watch the performance from my normal seat in Box Five, which bWILL/b be kept open for me. Should these commands be ignored, a disaster beyond your fathomable belief will occur./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i : I remain, Gentlemen.../center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : *Leaning in over his left shoulder* Forever your obedient servant./center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : *Leans in over the other shoulder.* O.G. *The two managers exchange disparaging looks.*/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :bChristine/b! This is all a plot to help Christine. I know who sent this.*She points an accusing finger at 'Raoul' the Vicomte, her lover!/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i : *Ironically* Indeed? *Looks to the two managers* Gentlemen, can you believe this? /center/pp
centerbiANDRE/b/i : *To Carlotta* Signora/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : This is a joke./center/pp
centerbi BOTH:/b/i : *They take turns trying to placate the diva* This man is mad. We don't take are our star/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : Christine will play the page boy- the SILENT role/center/pp
centerbiBOTH:/b/i : Carlotta will play the lead! *Madame Giry closes her eyes, a look on her face that says, 'You fools!'*/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :It's useless to try and appease me. You're only trying to please me! *Begins waxing melodramatically in Spanish* Non, non, no!n Padre Dr mio. DIO!/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : A word of warning to those who scorned his word. Beware!/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :*To the managers* You have reviled me!/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : The Angle sees all. The Angle knows!/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i : Why did Christine fly from my arms?
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :You rebuked me/center/pp
centerbiANDRE/b/i : Signora please/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :You replaced me!/center/pp
centerbiANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i :Signora, We beseech you!/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : This hour shall see your darkest fears./center/pp
*Carlotta continues to carry on in Spanish about how she has been abandoned and disgraced, as Meg and 'Raoul' resolve that they must find and speak with Christine.*/center/pp
centerbiANDRE/b/i : Your public needs you!/center/pp
centerbi FIRMIN/b/i : We need you too!/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :Would you not rather have your precious little angel?/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i :Signora, no! The world wants you!/center/pp
centerbi GAREKI, MEG, AND GIRY/b/i : What surprises like in store next?/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i : *Pulls Madame Giry aside as the managers break in song in attempt to further persuade their Prima donna.* Madame? Christine once spoke of an angel?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : *Nods* She has heard the voice of the Angel of Music./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i : Is THIS her angel?/center/pp
centerbiMEG/b/i : Is the ghost and Angel or a madman?/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i : *As of in thought* Angel of a madman?/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i : *Still singing. As an aside to one another* iLeading ladies are a trial/i/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Heaven help you, those w ho doubt!/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i : *Traces of worry and irritability in his voice* Orders, Warnings, LUNATIC DEMANDS!/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : This misscasting will will bring damnation./center/pp
centerbiMEG/b/i : Bliss, or damnation, which had claimed her?/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i : iTears. Oaths. Lunatic demands are regular occurrences!/i/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Oh, FOOLS to have flouted his warnings!/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i : Surely for her sake.../center/pp
centerbiMEG/b/i : Surely, he will strike back./center/pp
centerbi ANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i : /iSurely there will be scenes worse than this!/i/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Think before these/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i : I must see that these/center/pp
centerbiMEG/b/i : If his threats and/center/pp
centerbiALL THREE/b/i : DEMANDS ARE REJECTED!/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i : /iWho'd ever believe a diva happy to relieve a chorus girl who's gone and a lot with the patron? Reply and the soubrette, entwined in love's duet although he may demur, he must have been with her./i/center/pp
Even though he knew the action was fruitless, Koroku quickly threw his hands over Nai's ears. Nai blinked up at the stage, then twitched his ears to Koroku with a look that seemed to say, "iI can still hear them, you know? What's wrong?/i"/p,p
centerbiGAREKI & MEG/b/i : Christine must be protected!/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i : /iYou'd never get away with all this in a play, but if it's sung loudly in a foreign tongue, it's exactly the kind of story the audience is sure to adore. In fact, the perfect opera!/i/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i :*Detemined* His game is over!/center/pp
centerThe cast continues until the end of the song. Carlotta is now delighted, the managers are determined the diva will play the lead role. Madame Giry and Meh are worried, and Raoul had devised a plot to try and catch the 'Phantom./center/pp
centerbiALL/b/i i:LIGHT UP THE STAGE AND SING PRIMA DONNA, ONCE MORE!/i/center/pp
centerbiPHANTOM/b/i : SO, IT IS TO BE EAT BETWEEN US! If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur!/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: *The lights fade, focusing on 'Raoul', Andre, and Firmin, while the scenery is changed behind them.* Gentlemen, if you care to take your seats, I will be sitting in Box Five./center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : Monsieur, do you believe that's wise?/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: *As the lights come back to show the theater stands, all seats full.* My dear Andre, it appears there is no other seat than Box Five. *The three make their way to their seats.*/center/pp
center*The 'play' is taking place on 'stage'. Carlotta is playing the Countess, "Christine" is playing Serafimo the Page Boy, who is disguised as the Countess' maid, they are accompanied by a male Jeweler who is being attended by Meg, an old we woman who is the Countess' confidant, and a a male Hairdresser. They are discussing how 'Serafimo' has set the Countess' heart aflame and how she is being unfaithful to her husband.*/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : Nothing like old Operas!/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : And the old scenery/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : The old /center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : The old audiencescenery/center/pp
centerbiBOTH:/b/i : And every seat sold!scenery/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : Hardly a disaster beyond imagination. *They both chuckle to one another and nod to 'Raoul' across the way in Box Five, who acknowledges them.*
center*On stage, the 'Countess' is being informed by her husband That he is leaving for England to attend to "State Affairs" and as an aside, they break the fourth wall;/br
biHIM:/bi Though I'd gladly take the maid with me/br
biHER:/bi *Using her folding fan to hide her face from him, as though whispering to the crowd* The old fool is leaving!/br
The 'Married Couple ' day their goodbyes. Rather than leave, the 'Count' hides to watch as the 'Countess' removes Serafimo's skirt to reveal men's clothes and the pair begin to kiss.*/center/pp
centerbiPHANTOM/b/i : *Unseen, his voice loud and angered.* bDID I NOT ORDER BOX FIVE TO BE LEFT OPEN!/b/center/pp
centerThere is a reaction of bewilderment from the 'AUDIENCE ' and Meg and Christine both take on looks of fear.*/center/pp
"iNai get ready to cover your ears,/i" Koroku warned./pp
"iBut why, Koroku?"/i Nai asked. /pp
"iJust do it, ok?"/i the young scientist instructed./pp
centerbiTSUBAME (As CHRISTINE):/b/i *Frightened* It's him. I know it's him.
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :*Points at 'Christine' and hisses at her* Your part is silent, little toad!/center/pp
centerbiPHANTOM/b/i : *Still unseen* A toad, Madame? Perhaps byou/b are the toad?/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :*Uneasily looks to the conductor, who confirms with her that they should proceed.* Serafimo, enough with this pretense! You cannot speak, but kiss me...b*CROAK*/b/center/pp
This earns a laugh from everyone both on and off the stage as the full line was to be "Serafimo, enough with this pretense! You cannot speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence." Those in the REAL audience that knew what was coming we're already poised with their hands to cover their ears./pp
centerbiCARLOTTA as the COUNTESS/b/i : *She attempts to continue the scene, but every other word is a loud, unflattering bCROAK/b.*/center/pp
centerbiPHANTOM/b/i : *Laughing quietly at first, then more maniacally as the Croaking continues. The chandelier lights begin to flicker and Carlotta let's out one very loud biCROAK/b/i* Behold, she is singing so that she may bring the house down. *The chandelier crashes, smashing into seat in the on stage audience, glass shattering and scattering everywhere, 'Patrons' fortunate enough to do so within the vicinity, jump from their seats.*/center/pp
Off stage there were several gasps of surprise. Those who had known to do so had covered their ears, but those who either had no idea what was coming, or how loud the scene would be still let out a cry of surprise. Nai was suddenly glad Koroku had warned him to cover his./pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : *Faints into 'Piangi's arms*/center/pp
centerbiPIANGI/b/i : *Catches the fainted diva and holds her as the two managers run on 'stage' to check on her.* Cara? Cara!/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : Quick, someone fetch a doctor, the police!/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : This is it! He's really done it now. We're ruined, Andre, ruined!/center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME (As CHRISTINE):/b/i *Frightened and sobbing she runs 'backstage'.* Raoul! Raoul? /center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: *He runs to her and embraced her* Christine,are you alright? *He cradles her face in his hands, as if he's looking her over for injuries, released a sigh of relief, and hugs her again.* Christine, come with me./center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME (As CHRISTINE):/b/i *Realizing he's attempting to lead her back to her dressing room* No, Raoul, he'll be waiting there. To the roof! We'll be safer there. *The pair hurry to the roof*/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : *To a policeman* Was anyone seriously injured?/center/pp
centerbiOFFICER/b/i : *Shakes His head* There are a number of injured, but the doctors believe there's nothing fatal./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: *The lights fade out on the turmoil inside the Opera House and when they face back in, we join 'Raoul' and 'Christine' on the roof* Why have you brought us here?/center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME (As CHRISTINE):/b/i *Frightene and frantic* Don't take me back there./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: But, we must return! The police, Christine, they'll want to speak with everyone./center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME :/b/i NO! God, no! Not the police, he'll kill me./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: Don't say that!/center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME :/b/i His eyes will . *Sobbing* Those eyes that burn. *She clenches onto his arms, and buries her face into his chest.*/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: Don't even think it. *He gently lifts her head with a curled finger under her chin and places a comforting kiss on her forehead*/center/pp
Hirato removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose in attempt to hide he was actually wiping his eyes. "iYou know, Tsukitachi, /i" he sighed, "iSometimes I wish I didn't have a conscience./i" He put his glasses back on and quietly leaned back in his seat, suddenly glad Akari wasn't here to see this side of him./pp
"iYou know, with a teacher's pass I've seen this play several times, but THIS scene always brings a tear to my eye, /i" the person in front of Kiichi whispered to the person sitting next to him, "iThese kids put so much emotion into this scene, it's almost like they've actually lived through this. /i"/pp
Kiichi closed her eyes, shook her head,sprang from her seat, and ran out the door. "iKii-Chan?/i" Jiki quietly, worriedly, called after his partner./pp
Jiki started to get up, but felt his captain catch his wrist. "iShe needs some air, let her go,/i" Tsukitachi quietly suggested./pp
centerbiTSUBAME (As CHRISTINE):/b/i And if he has to kill a thousand men... *She covers her face with her hands*/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI (As RAOUL)/b/i: *Gently takes her wrists in his hands and pulls them from her face.* Christine, please. Forget this waking nightmare /center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i The Phantom of the Opera WILL kill and kill again.../center/pp
centerbiGAREKI (As RAOUL)/b/i: There is no Phantom/center/pp
Yogi cleared his throat and quietly left his seat. "iYogi?/i" Tsukumo asked./pp
Yogi shook his head, "iI can't...I can't watch this, Tsukumo-Chan. I've got to step outside for a moment,/i" he whispered, leaving the room./pp
"iWell that's done it, I don't think there's a single dry eye in the room,/i" Iva said, dabbing under her left eye with a handkerchief./pp
Yogi walked out of the auditorium and leaned against the wall. Looking up, he saw Kiichi was doing the same. "Kiichi-Chan?" He called to her, in reserved shock./pp
"What are you doing out here?" she snipped, "Aren't you missing your biprecious/b/i Gareki up on stage? Hirato-San and Tsuki probably wouldn't even have drug us here if not for your infatuation with the boy. "/pp
"I can't stay and watch... THAT scene with them," Yogi admitted , "I know he doesn't blame me, but I still feel like I failed them both with what happened to Yotika." Yogi wrapped his arms around himself and shook his head, "It feels like I'm intruding on something personal between them. What about you? What are you doing out here?"/pp
Kiichi wrapped her arms around herself and shook her head. "Same as you," she admitted, "The teacher sitting in front of me said those two feel like they've lived through something like this before. In a way, they have. We didn't cause what happened to her brother, but we were responsible for ending it. And I... I was awful, wasn't I?" She admitted, choking back a sob, "I say there, gloating about how we had used you guys as bait to draw out the Varuga, and scolded you for hesitating and getting injured, right there in front of his grieving family." She sighed, "I'm still not overly find of Gareki-Kun, Yogi. I don't get what you see in him. You're always so laid back and friendly with everyone, I thought that was just you being you," she folded her hands behind her back and looked away. "I get it, you were trying to help them, but you know if we hesitate, the civilians we're trying to help could get hurt. Or we could even get hurt."/pp
Yogi frowned and crossed his arms. "You sure picked a hell of a time to be humble," he scolded. He sighed and shook his head. "Whatever, if you want to ask forgiveness, you're talking to the wrong person. I've come to expect that kind of behavior from you and Jiki-Kun. It's Gareki-Kun and Tsubame-Chan you need to speak with, not me. But by the time we see him tomorrow, you'll be right back to your usual bossy self, and it'll be like this conversation never happened."/pp
"And you'll be right back to usual, happy-go-lucky, carefree self," she huffed ./pp
Yogi smiled, "Well, as long as we understand one another," he sighed, smiled, and held out his hand for a hand shake, "Truce?"/pp
Kiichi smiled, nodded, and surprised the lieutenant by throwing her arms around him. "TRUCE," he giggled. Yogi staggered back a bit, his hands flying into the air in shock. "But if you tell anyone Kiichi did this..." she started to threaten./pp
Yogi blushed, grabbed her wrists, and gently pulled the blue haired fifteen year old lieutenant off his neck. "Why would I ever tell somebody you slipped in a puddle of soda and fell on me?" He winked, pointing to a nearby puddle of soda that had clearly missed the nearby trash can./pp
Kiichi blinked for a second, then smiled, "Yeah, that's exactly what happened!" she huffed , turning her nose up at him, "They should really be more diligent in clean up around here!" she fumed in her typical hotty totty manner, "And you, you should look where you're going!" She smiled and returned the wink./pp
Yogi smiled and covered his mouth with a lightly called fist and stifled a laugh. He reached over and patted the top of her head, "Now, THAT'S more like the Kiichi-Chan I know. C'mon, if we spend too much time out here, someone might come looking for us."/pp
She nodded, "Right, but... They might have questions if we go back in together."/pp
Yogi smiled, "You go on in, first. I still need a little time to myself," he granted./pp
When Kiichi say back down, the cast was in the middle of "Masquerade". "iWhat was all that about? /i" Jiki asked./pp
"iKiichi had to go to the bathroom, mind your own business! /i" she snipped./pp
"iYes ma'am, i" he sighed./pp
center*The Masquerade comes to an end as The Phantom arrives on scene in the Opera House, revealing himself in person for the first time to the managers. He greets them and gives them the manuscript for a play he's personally written, 'Don Juan Triumphant'. He then turns back to 'Christine' and somehow beckons her to him. As if she's in a trance, she slowly approaches him.*/center/pp
centerbiPHANTOM/b/i : *He finds the secret engagement ring hanging around her neck and rips it off* Your chains are still mine! You will sing for me. *The rest of the cast cowers as the music crescendos and the figure of the Phantom disappears.*/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI (As RAOUL)/b/i: *Catches up with Madame Giry backstage* Madame, a word, if you please?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Monsieur, please, don't ask. I know no more than anyone else. *She tries to hurry away.*/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI /b/i: *In a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, he moves in front of her, a hand in the air, stopping her once again in her tracks.* Madame, please! We both know that's not true. You know something... You've SEEN something. Madame, please. Not just for Christine, but for all our sakes?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : *Relaxes a little, deciding she can trust him.* Alright... But not here. The walls have ears. Come with me. *She leads him to a secluded room full of unused props. She sighs.* Where shall I begin?/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI /b/i: From the beginning, please. Again, Madame, please! Poor Christine believed this Phantom an Angle of Music sent from Heaven by her late father. I find it hard to believe Signor Daee would send an Angle that would do her and those around her harm./center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Monsieur, no one has ever put it so logically before.
"iHe added that line himself, didn't he?/i" Koroku mused./pp
"iWell, the first time he and Nai ever went on stage, they had to do so under improvisation, /i" Tsukumo pointed./pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : So, from the beginning. Years ago. When I was still a little girl, there was a traveling fair that came to town. Tumblers, conjures, human oddities. And there he was, a young man in a cage./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI /b/i: In a cage?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : *Nods* In a cage. But he was a prodigy, monsieur! Scholar, architect, musician.../center/pp
centerbiGAREKI /b/i: *Crosses His arms.* Composer?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : *Nods* Oui, monseiur, and an inventor, too. They boasted he had built a maze of mirrors for the Shah of Persia./center/pp
GIRY : *Nods* Oui, monseiur, and an inventor, too. They boasted he had built a maze of mirrors for the Shah of Persia.
GAREKI: *Thoughtfully* Fun House Mirrors... *He glanced around the area with a hand cupped around his chin.* That certainly explains a few things. He was with a traveling fair, you say? What else, hypnotism?
GIRY : *Shakes her head and waves a dismissive hand about her.* I'm not certain, monseiur, perhaps?
Hirato choked back a laugh, covering his mouth with his hand, "Always looking for a logical explanation in everything, eh, Gareki? "
GAREKI : *Intreagued, but growing somewhat impatient.* Who was this man, Madame?
"Well, impatiece and irritation, there's a couple of emotions he can play naturally," Iva snarked.
"biNOW/b who needs to behave themselves?/i" Hirato scolded./pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : *Shudders* He was more monster than man. A freak of nature./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI /b/i: *Murmurs* Deformed?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : *Nods and shudders* From birth, it would seem./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI /b/i: My God!/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : But he went missing. Somehow, he escaped. They never found him, and assumed he died./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI /b/i:*Darkly* But he didn't die, did he?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Everyone forgot him, but I never can. That face, those eyes... *Becoming more frightened* Here, in the darkness of this theater house, I have seen him./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI /b/i: And so, our Phantom is this man?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : I've said too much, monsieur. And there have been too many accidents./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI /b/i: *Ironically* 'ACCIDENTS?'/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : *Trying to hurry away* Far too many./center/pp
*A quick scene change, and they're back in the manager's office, Andre, Firmin, Carlotta, and Piangi are all in an uproar over the Phantom's demands. They've all received notes making demands of changes to the orchestra and chorus. Carlotta and Piangi have both received notes that they both find insulting.*/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : It's an outrage!/center/pp
centerbiPIANGI/b/i : It's an insult!/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : Signor, Signora, please Monsieur Frmin and I QUOTE agree, but we daren't refuse!/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : *Cradling his head in his hand as if the very thought gave him a headache.* Not another chandelier./center/pp
*'Raoul and Christine enter.*/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : There she is, the cause of this whole atrocity!/center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME (As CHRISTINE):/b/iI beg your pardon?/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :*Points an accusing finger at 'Christine'.* YOU'RE behind all this!/center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME :/b/i Me!? *Glances at 'Raoul', pointing a finger at herself. She blinks, then looks back, angrily at Carlotta hands clenched in costs around a lace handkerchief.* HOW DARE YOU!/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i :I'm no fool, little girl, you haven't the voice for the role! This is your doing!/center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME :/b/i You evil woman, how dare you! I want no part in this plot!/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : But why not?/center/pp
centerbiPIANGI/b/i :*Baffled* Cara, what did she say?/center/pp
*Rationally* It's your decision... But why ever not?/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI (As RAOUL)/b/i: *In disbelief* This man has kidnapped and frightened her, yet you would ask why she wants nothing to do with his schemes?/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : She is backing out!/center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME :/b/i I cannot sing it!/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : But, you have a duty...!/center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME :/b/i *Frantically* I cannot sing it! Duty or not, I simply cannot!/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: *Comforting, his hands gently placed on her shoulders* Christine, Christine... You don't have to. They can't make you./center/pp
*Giry and Meg enter the room.*/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Monsierus, if you please... Another note./center/pp
centerbiANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i : *Exchange looks and sigh.* Read it!/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : *Begins reading* Fondest greetings to you all. A few instructions before rehearsals start; Carlotta must be taught to act./center/pp
This line was met with scattered laughter off stage as the actress playing Carlotta seemed to become fuming./pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : *Continues reading as the Phantom's voice slowly takes over, just as the first letter 'Raoul' read.* Not her normal trick/center/pp
centerbiPHANTOM/b/i : Of strutting around the stage. Our Don Juan needs to loose some weight. *Piangi Crosses his arms irritabily at this.* It's not healthy for a gentleman of Piangi's age. And my managers must learn that their place is in an office, NOT the arts! *Andre and Firmig exchange looks, both puffing out their cheeks in dismay; Andre's hands irratibily resting on his hips, as Firmin leans on his desk.* As for Miss Christine Daae. *'Christine' sucks in a worried breath of air.* No doubt she'll do her best. *She closes her eyes, clenching tighter to her handkerchief and pulling it to her heart.* It's true, her voice is good, but she knows, however, should she wish to excel, she still had much to learn. If pride will allow her to return to me. *'Christine' exhales and slowly sits in one of the manager's chairs.* Her teacher./center/pp
centerbiPHANTOM AND GIRY/b/i : Your obedient friend.../center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : And Angel/center/pp
centerbiTSUBAME :/b/i God help us all./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: *His eyes shining as if a new idea has just struck him.* By God, we've all been blind! Yet, the answer's been staring us all in the face! This is our chance to ensnare the devil!/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i : We're listening?/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: We play his game. Put on his little show. If Christine agrees to sing, our elusive friend is sure to attend./center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : Yes. Yes, I think I see where you're going with this. We make sure the doors are barred./center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : We make sure our men are there./center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: We make sure they're armed!/center/pp
centerbi ALL THREE/b/i: Curtain falls, his reign is at an end!/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Madness!/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : Not if it works./center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Monsieur, there is now way to turn the tide.
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: Then help us!/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : If only I could/center/pp
centerbi ANDRE/b/i : Don't make excuses/center/pp
centerbiFIRMIN/b/i : Or could it be your on his side?/center/pp
centerbiGIRY/b/i : Monsieur, I intend no ill, but I have seen him kill!/center/pp
centerbiCARLOTTA/b/i : I still say she's behind all this! Christine, this all her doing!/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI/b/i: *Irritabily pointing at Carlotta* Now that's enough out of you! Christine is just as much a victim in all of this as everyone else, perhaps even more so! This play WILL be his undoing./center/pp
Yogi quietly slipped back into the auditorium, a fresh batch of popcorn and drink in his hands. "iAnd I walk back in during an obvious moment of improve,/i" he thought. He took his place back next to Tsukumo./pp
"iFeeling better?/i" she asked./pp
He smiled and nodded, "Yeah, what did I miss/i" he asked./pp
"iA lot, you'll have to watch the video later,/i" she giggled./pp
centerbiANDRE AND FIRMIN/b/i : Viscont De Chagny, if you succeed, you did us all of this 'Angel'. We shall all be free! He has to fall!/center/pp
centerbiGAREKI (As RAOUL)/b/i: Angel of Music, fear my fury. Here is where you WILL fall!/center/p