A/N:  THIS IS NOT EDITED. BETA READER NEEDED. The movie Moulin Rouge, along with the characters used in this fanfiction, is copyrighted (©) to its respected owners (Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Productions, Baz Luhrmann, etc.). I do not take any credit for the characters from the movie Moulin Rouge that I have used in this fanfiction. All of the characters not from the Moulin Rouge movie are my own creations (Josilan, Henry, and others). Please DO NOT USE THEM without my permission.  This is collaboration between Viral Impact and Kalah Exclamation Mark so please contact one of us for any information. Thank you.

Side-note: Kalah has probably stopped writing. Until further notice, Viral Impact will be continuing this series.

! BETA READER STILL NEEDED !

Chapter Six: The Gray-Eyed Angel

Josilan jolted from her bed and gathered Isabelle into her arms. Satine flicked on a light and her emerald eyes flashed violently. Josilan relaxed and relived, she muttered, "Satine?"

As Satine approached the two, she saw a familiar glint in Josilan and Isabelle's eyes and she turned to gaze in the mirror. They shared the same eyes. They shared the same blood. Satine inhaled sharply and she turned to Josilan, her trusting and loving sister. Satine released the knife that she clutched in her hand and hissed, "It's time to leave and never come back."

Josilan uttered, "Satine? What is wrong?"

"Josilan, you must understand. You must leave." Satine paused and she felt tears form in her eyes. She couldn't believe it. She was about to kill her sister, her blood, and the last of Satine's own innocence. She swiftly lied, "Henry's after to kill you and I…I'm telling you to leave and never come back or else you and Isabelle will be killed." Satine pleaded, "Just go!"

"Kill Isabelle?" Josilan shook her head in disbelief. "I can't let it happen! I can't!"

Josilan frantically began picking up her things and pulled on clothes and her overcoat. Satin melted into a state of shock as she watched her sister. She heard the fabric of Henry's stained white gloves crunch as she clutched her hands into fists. Josilan had a suitcase packed and Isabelle ready within minutes. Satine gazed into Josilan's eyes as Josilan whispered, "Thank you sister. You will tell Christian that I will meet him back home?"

"I will…I will…" Satine lied. Josilan embraced Satine and she dashed out with Isabelle.

Several hours passed and Satine finally wiped her tears away and the smudged make-up. She flicked off the light to the apartment and she stuffed pillows under the sheets. She mumbled, "Josilan, so gullible…so…stupid." She slammed the door as she left.

Henry sat in silence as he spread papers over his desk. They were bills to be paid and he began to scratch down information when Satine slowly swished into the room and dropped his bloody gloves onto his papers. He gazed up as he touched the gloves. "You wouldn't?"

"I did." Satine replied hoarsely. "I killed Josilan and Isabelle."

Henry's face broke into a half-smile and he waved her away, "You are a waste. I will arrange to have flowers sent to the house." Henry pulled a piece of paper from one of his drawers and Satine watched. He was writing a condolence addressed to Christian. She paused.

"Henry…?"

"Tell Marie to come inside, will you?"

Satine walked out of the room and noticed Marie waiting down the hall. She motioned for her to come and as Marie entered, the door was closed in Satine's face and locked. Satine pressed her ear against the door and strained to listen to the words.

"I don't believe…Satine is lying…check for me." Her eyes widened and Satine realized Henry's plans. Satine bolted down the hallway and took time to grab a stranger's coat.

Satine madly dashed across the streets and finally reached the train station. It was still early in the morning and late at night for some so the station was nearly empty. She spotted Josilan and Isabelle boarding the train. Satine leapt towards their window and Josilan immediately noticed her. She opened the window and uttered, "The train is about to leave! You still have time to come with us."

Satine cried, "No Josilan. I came to tell you…" Satine paused and she never thought of the words that spilled from her mouth. "Christian is dead! Murdered in a brawl with one of those crazed bohemians."

Josilan, being the honest and trusting sister, replied, "Dear God! Not Christian!" The train blew its whistle and Satine saw Josilan reach out to her. Satine took her hand. "What do I do? Everything is so…unbelievable, but I trust you Satine. I trust you."

"Do not go to your home. Henry will look for you…do you have any other place to stay?"

"Yes, a friend's home! James and Alyse Bordeaux!" Josilan sobbed. "Christian is dead! Christian is dead!"

Satine cried as the train began to move, "Write to me Josilan. Be safe! I…"

Josilan hollered to Satine as their hands were separated, "I love you dear sister. Thank you a thousand times over for protecting me."

As the train disappeared, Satine mumbled as she wrapped the coat closer around her body, "Yes…She was always gullible."

…A Year Later…

          Only a thin blanket covered Christian and Satine's nakedness as they laid in silence. Satine awoke to Christian's groans, "Josilan…Josilan…" and she abruptly tore the blanket from his body and left the bed. She glanced around the dank apartment and as she flicked on the light, she saw the pale faces of Josilan and Isabelle for a fleeting moment. Christian rolled over and snorted, "Damn Henry…"

Satine smiled and whispered, "I agree." She pulled a heavy coat over her body and left the blanket hanging over a chair. She flicked off the light and tiptoed out of the room.

Satine entered the hallway and noticed Adele Murick creeping out of a room. Their eyes met and they walked down the hall in silence. When they opened the door to the street, they shielded their eyes from the bright sun and Satine finally uttered, "Adele, I still can't believe you're here."

Adele replied, "Chance and I need the money."

"The pianist?" Satine cried. She giggled with joy and she held Adele's hands, "You're in love aren't you?"

"Oh Satine, I know a piece of my heart is for him? But to give it all? We haven't even said we love each other yet! But I know we want to, it's just so big. You understand?"

Satine released Adele's hands and a strange feeling swept over her. Satine shuddered. She was jealous. She flatly commented, "I do and it's so wonderful."

"Chance and I were meant to be."

The music floated in the air and Henry was anxiously waiting for the arrival of The Duke and The Duke's distant cousin but good friend, Leroy Pére Magloire. Henry wrung his hands together and prayed that the two would come to his small gala in honor of Satine. When the two men entered the foyer, Satine paused from her champagne drinking to stare at the grand entrance. She heard some men gasp and whisper the word, "Angel!" for The Duke entered with his arm linked with Camilla's and she was absolutely dressed in her best. A dashing man entered with them and for a fleeting moment, Satine found herself sweating with anticipation as she noticed the strange gentleman. She realized he was the handsomest man she had ever encountered. Henry greeted the strange man with a smile and warm welcome. Satine grabbed another glass of champagne and sauntered over to the crowd. The stranger had his back to her as he introduced himself to Henry and she tenderly placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned slowly and Satine took a step back as her fingers released the glass. The glass shattered and champagne split at their feet. The whole crowd fell silent.

"Are you all right?" the stranger questioned as he gently took Satine's hand to steady her.

Satine touched her forehead and gasped for air as she gazed into his powerful eyes. She couldn't rip her eyes away. She gasped, "Who are you?" She crumpled to the floor and Henry lunged to catch her.

Inside one of balconies, Chance sat with Adele cradled in his arms and gently stroked her hair. "Shouldn't you be mingling?"

Adele nipped at his nose, "I'm mingling with you aren't I?" Chance chuckled as he tickled her under her chin. "Henry will never know!"

Chance kissed her nose lightly and fingered the fabric of her dress, "What's the color?"

"Blue. It is like your eyes." She whispered.

"Show me. Spin around!" Chance helped Adele to her feet and she spun around to show off the sky blue gown. The back of the upper half of the gown had no back and was only held together by thin ribbons that crisscrossed across her tan skin. It flowed nicely to the ground and gently brushed the floor. She returned to her seat in Chance's arm and he whispered, "Seducing."

Adele giggled, "I know."

Satine arrived much later to the party after she refreshed herself and fixed her make-up. Henry took her arm and whispered, "This is the new investor…the new master. I want you to behave and please him, yes?" She was introduced to the new man and she found out he was going to take The Duke's place as the top investor. He kissed the top of Satine's hand and said, "I am The Duke's trusted friend and distant cousin. I am Leroy Mattias, and you are the ravishing beauty of the Moulin Rouge?"

"Simply Satine will do." She whispered as she felt her heart flutter.

"Satine, shall I escort you to your room? Or shall we have another glass of champagne?"

"We can bring the champagne to my room?" Satine suggested.

"I do like this idea!" Leroy chuckled and the two left the room.

Chance's cold hands touched the bare spots of Adele's skin that the ribbons did not cover and she gasped as he unlaced the ribbon and gently massaged her back. She was still cradled in his arms and the two were very comfortable in their tiny private balcony. Adele laid her head over his shoulder and sighed heavily. "I have to go back soon…"

Chance replied in her ear, "I know." He was about to pull the whole bodice off when suddenly the curtains of the private balcony flew open and Henry was standing in the entrance.

Adele jumped to her feet and she hastily began to tie the ribbons back into place. Chance breathed, "Sir?"

"Adele, you know better. As for you," Henry pointed at Chance, "I'll talk to you tomorrow." Adele scurried out and Henry turned to study Chance's face. Chance brushed off his pants and adjusted his shirt while Henry turned on his feel and muttered as he left, "I do not approve Chance, not at all."

          It was the next morning and Henry was busily pacing around The Elephant. "You did what? You passed out! ANSWER ME!"

Satine pleaded from the bed as she crawled across it and grabbed Henry's hand, "I never meant to do it. Henry, it was an accident."

"So you…?"

"I was passed out!" Satine shrieked. Henry tore his hand away and walked over to the other side of the room with his arms crossed. Satine rolled over and clutched a vase. She threw it at Henry and he ducked.

Henry approached he with clenched fists and shouted, "Next time I'll never allow you to drink." Suddenly the door flung open. Leroy stood in the doorway with a bundle of roses and Henry cleared his throat. "Leroy, I'm glad you returned…I'll leave you two alone." Henry left quickly and Satine could hear him grumbling as he left.

Leroy handed her the roses and said with a warm smile, "I bought these while walking down here. Are you all right? I was worried about you last night."

Satine began to peel off her robe as Leroy set the roses on a table. He scurried over and she felt him pull her the robe back over her shoulders. Satine stood with a perplexed expression. He kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, "I like to take things slow. I'm not a hound like The Duke. Come here…" He took her hand, led her to the top of the Elephant, and guided her to sit and watch the sunrise. "Gorgeous, no?"

Satine was shocked. The simple act of taking her to watch the sunrise was the kindest thing any man, aside from Christian, had ever done for her. They sat until the sun was fully in the sky and breathlessly, she exclaimed, "Who are you?" She thought about the man from her dreams; could this be him?

"I've told you." He replied softly as he held her hand and he tickled her palm with his fingers. "As for you Miss Satine, what do you enjoy? What do you want to talk about?"

"I love to act." The words spilled from her mouth. Even though she only spent a few hours with him, she felt strange around Leroy. She felt almost magical and she trusted him. He had to be the angel from her dream, the angel with the gray eyes. She almost felt like she used to feel around Christian. "I want to act." Her voice diminished into a hoarse groan as she pulled her knees to her chest. "But I can't."

"Satine," he grabbed her chin lightly and pulled her face around to gaze into her sparkling eyes. "You can do anything if you put this," he tapped her forehead, "to work. Dreams aren't always intangible."

"My dreams are."

"How about I talk to Henry about changing the contract? Hmmm?"

"How did you know about Henry?" Satine cried in shock. "He didn't speak to you, did he?"

"He did and I promise you, I'll help you."

"Why?"

"Because how can I not help such a beautiful face?" Satine blushed as Leroy stood up and helped Satine to her feet. "Trust me."

Satine turned away and she shook her head back and forth slowly. Leroy dropped her hand and he nodded slowly, "I understand. See you tonight?" Satine nodded her head up and down and Leroy nodded slowly. "Goodbye for now."

          Leroy glanced around the streets before dodging into a dark and soggy alleyway. He frolicked down the alley while he hummed a sweet tune and he stopped at a small stairwell that led downwards to a heavy wooden door painted blue. A modest sign hung from the overhang of the building's roof and in thick and dark green letters it read Chez Amèlie. He clattered down the stairs and knocked on the door. A peephole slid open and brown almond shaped eyes greeted him. A feminine voice questioned, "Yes?"

Leroy uttered the password from his sharp memory; "My blood runs cold only until I have the treat to kiss the lips of the precious Evening Emeralds."

"You may enter." The voice replied and the door creaked open.

Leroy entered and Amèlie, his best friend and most trusted friend, immediately greeted him. Her raven colored hair hung at her hips and her eyes were painted to give them an exotic cat-like appearance. Gold hung from her neck and silver hung from her bracelets and the bells on her ankles jingled as she embraced Leroy and they kissed politely. She was dressed in a seducing satin emerald colored robe and it was synched tightly at the waist but teased her ankles as she swished around. She led Leroy down the hallway and it opened up to a smoke filled pub. Chez Amèlie was described as the underground Moulin Rouge that never closed its doors. It had a modest stage where an emerald curtain hung and a bar. Chairs and tables were scattered around the room and a staircase led upstairs to rooms. Leroy took a seat at the bar and Amèlie sat beside him while gently touching his arm.

She purred, "Have you talked to her?"

"I've met her."

"Is she as gorgeous as they say?"

The bartender slid Leroy's drink to him and he sipped it slowly. He replied slowly, "She's perfect for here. She's absolutely perfect." He paused and dipped his finger in his drink and Amèlie licked it. "She wants to act."

"And you showed genuine interest?" Amèlie licked her lips.

"I think." He drummed his fingers on the table. "I'm certain."

The curtain opened and the small crowd cheered. Amèlie took Leroy's hand and whispered, "Private?" She led him up the stairs and into her own private room. It was filled with lavish decorations and flowers.

He sat on the bed, hung his head between his legs, and groaned. "I'm hungry."

"I hate the Moulin Rouge." Amèlie hissed as she picked through a fruit basket. "Harold stole my idea…" She shook with anger and threw an apple at Leroy. "Is it a little hellhole?"

"He stole your idea because you let him steal it."

Amèlie turned away from Leroy and breathed as she wrapped her hand around her throat, "I trusted him."

"You let everyone trust you. Look at you Am." Leroy paused to take an enormous bite out of his apple.

Amèlie glanced into her mirror and whispered, "What am I looking at?"

"A drunk. A drunken lush."

Amèlie wiped the tears away from her eyes and she clutched the end of her dressing table for support. "I'm sorry…"

"Am," Leroy cried, "I was just playing a joke on you!"

Amèlie forced a smile and she forced herself to laugh, "I knew that. You're such a tease Leroy."

          Josilan stood outside the Bordeaux's mountain home dressed in completely black. A fog cascaded down into the valley and she watched the wisps of fog swirl and slowly disappear.  She clutched a letter to her chest and wept. In her world, Christian was dead and had been dead for a long time. She opened the wrinkled and tattered note and read it over again:

          Dear Josilan and Isabelle,

Christian's family decided to take care of the auctioning of the home. Enclosed is your half of the money. We, at the Moulin Rouge, mourn his death and wish the best of luck for you. Please stay in touch.

Love, Satine

Josilan blinked furiously and folded the letter to tuck it back into her pocket. She remembered receiving the letter two days after she left Montmartre. Isabelle dashed out of the room with her doll in her arms and she cried, "Mother!"

Josilan knelt down and hugged Isabelle while she stroked her hair gently. When they separated, Josilan took the child's small hand and asked, "What is Aunt Alyse cooking?"

"I don't know."

"So, you want to go upstairs and wash up before?"

"I don't know."

Josilan wrinkled her nose as she laughed, "Do you want to do something?"

"I don't know." Isabelle giggled as she shrugged. James suddenly swooped down and took Isabelle into his arms.

"Dinner's ready and I say we wash up."

Isabelle shrieked with laughter, "The big monster's got me! The big monster's got me!"

Josilan watched in silence as Isabelle and James disappeared around the corner. She followed them and she thought ruefully, "I wonder if Christian would've played with Isabelle like that…"

          Rain clattered on the roof and dark clouds hung over the Moulin Rouge. Satine was watching from The Elephant as Chance swaggered out of the Moulin Rouge and he braved the rain. The rain immediately soaked him and Satine could almost see him shivering. She realized the sadness that hung over the Moulin Rouge. After the performance was over, Henry beckoned Chance into his office and Chance came out with a broken heart.

"Chance!" Adele screamed as she pounded down the halls. "Chance!" She slammed against the door and frantically tried to open it. Without any luck, she pressed her face against the window and watched his dark silhouette swagger down the street. "Marie, come and unlock these doors." She pounded against the window, "Chance!"

Henry fumbled towards Adele and he pulled her away from the window. "He's gone."

Adele swung at Henry's chest but sorely missed as the force of the punch caused her to fall to the ground. She pulled herself up and twisted the doorknob. She panicked, "I don't know where he's going. I don't know. I have to catch up with him. Please open the door."

Henry unlocked the door and Adele burst down the street as Henry yelled after her, "You have to come back sometime! You know you have to!" Letting the rain inside, he stood in the open doorway and watched as Chance and Adele collided together.

"Chance, where are you going? What did he say to you? Did he hurt you?" Adele cried as he held her in his arms. "Please don't leave me."

"I'm going back to the studio but I promise, I'll visit every night." Chance ran his fingers through her hair. "I promise."

"If you leave, I want to leave too."

"He's insane Adele." Chance turned her slightly. "Look over my shoulder."

Adele peered over his shoulder and saw Henry's hands slammed in his white gloves and a…"He would never shoot you!"

"He would because he is still madly in love with you."

"I've told you, it is over between him and I." She whimpered. "It always was over."

"I know." Chance whispered. "Just walk back and I'll come to fetch for you. I will. He said if I left you he wouldn't kill either of us but I have a plan." Adele shook her head and cried into his chest. He assured her, "I promise."

Adele peered up into his eyes and she whispered, "It's just like some horrible fairytale."

"Then," Chance kissed her, "we'll have our happily ever after, eh?"

"Goodbye for now." They said in unison and Adele slowly parted. They held hands for a lingering moment before Adele parted and returned to Henry. He pushed her behind him and they both watched Chance blow a kiss to Adele and start his trek away.

Satine crawled into her bed and closed her eyes. She rolled over and groaned. The picture of Chance and Adele wouldn't leave her mind. They were in love and she was happy for her dearest friend but she was insanely jealous. They both grew up together and one was prospering while the other was withering away as a cheap whore. Satine sighed heavily.

Abruptly, a loud bang sliced through the air and Satine screamed. She ran to the window and the scene, which lay before her, chilled her heart. She clutched her chest and collapsed onto the floor.