Lady Farevay – Silly you. Thinking I was someone else. No worries.
RgGoth – I tried my best to make this long. I hope its enough.
Roguechere – Nope, Scott's a goner. Permanently.
Ishandahalf – Yet again you question common sense, or lack thereof. Just accept the fact that you are smarter then the characters. Once you do, the world is your oyster. Or the story at any rate.
Thanks to Spiffythefaery for not only beta-reading this entire story but also for pushing me along and getting me to write this and continuing writing it.
Before we begin just a brief announcement. I am looking for a beta reader for a new series that will begin in a couple of months. The reason I'm looking for a beta is because my usual beta will be co-authoring the story and I want to find a third party to beta read. If anyone is interested in this position, please contact me and I'll respond with more details.
With that out of the way, let's get on with the show.
The final disclaimer: I don't own Phantom of the Opera or X-Men: Evolution. But, hey, a guy can dream.
"You alone
Can make my song take flight –
It's over now, the music of the night…"
- The Phantom
The orange needle jarred against the plastic sheeting over the speedometer. It had long since gone past any of the white lines that indicated speed. But the rider spared no glance at the speedometer, having no interest in how fast he was going. In his mind it wasn't nearly fast enough.
The man wouldn't have applied the brakes at all, had it not been for the looming wrought gates of the Xavier Institute. He reluctantly skidded to a stop.
Remy's hand slipped into his pocket and withdrew a single playing card. In one smooth motion he brought the card up to eyelevel and charged it with a deadly energy. With a fluid flick of his wrist, he tossed the card with violent force. The projectile sizzled as it cut through the air until it collided with the imposing gates. In a brilliant outburst of light and sound, the gates crumpled into a massive heap.
Engine roaring, the motorcycle tore through up the gravel driveway. With his vehicle going at such an outrageous speed there would be no way for him to stop before colliding with the enormous mansion. At least, not stopping in a conventional manner.
With tires screeching, Remy brought the motorcycle down to the pavement as he simultaneously leapt from the vehicle. The motorcycle slid along the concrete driveway before slamming into the fountain.
Remy rose to his feet, his left arm gingerly cradling his right shoulder. The force of the impact had hurt him more than he had expected, and his shoulder bore the brunt of the blow. He gazed at the motorcycle for a brief moment, before turning towards the mansion doors.
Raven stood on the front porch, a slight scowl on her face. She was obviously displeased with the destruction – but this was no time for berating.
"Time is growing short, this way," she said, turning into the house.
Remy looked on in awe as Raven revealed the hidden entrance to the Phantom's web of concealed catacombs that ran through, and underneath, the mansion.
The entrance hidden within Cerebro.
"How many of dese things are dere?"
"I only know of this two. But I am certain that there are countless more." Remy nodded, his mind working over just how much access the Phantom had to the mansion. Raven stepped into the dark entranceway, running her hand along the wall as she did so.
"Give me your lighter," she ordered. Remy raised an eyebrow at the request but obeyed. With a deft motion, Raven brought a tiny flame to life and lit a torch.
"There are no lights in the catacombs. This is the only way to see where we are going."
"Lead the way."
Raven nodded and began to start the trek into the darkness, but stopped and faced Remy once more.
"There is one thing you must know before we go any further. Whatever you do, if you wish to survive this encounter, you must not look into the Phantom's eyes."
"Not look into his eyes? Why?"
"They are hypnotic. No one can resist their pull, should the Phantom use them at full force. That is no doubt how he was able to kill Creed and Scott so quickly, so quietly. If you do not block your eyes, then you will be at his mercy."
"How can Remy prevent dis?"
"Keep your hand at the level of your eyes. Then you will be safe from his deadly gaze. We must hurry, time is growing short."
"Let go of me!" Rogue screeched as she struggled to free herself from the Phantom's viselike grip, to no avail.
The Phantom said nothing as he lifted her off the boat and dragged her onto the elevator. As soon as they had reached the inner sanctum of his hidden lair, he released her. She glared at him, rubbing her wrist, trying to restore the circulation and warmth to her hand. Her glares were ignored however – the Phantom had his back turned to her, heading towards the indigo curtain.
Seeing that she was not the subject of the Phantom's attention, Rogue grabbed at the first item she could find - a metal paperweight on the Phantom's desk. Grasping the paperweight, she hurled it at the Phantom with all her strength.
The paperweight soared silently through the air, its trajectory heading straight for the Phantom's back. But the blow would not land. The object stopped in mid-flight, and the Phantom turned slightly to address the girl.
"Don't do that again," he hissed from the depths of his helmet. Rogue tried to match the fierce gaze, but failed.
"Why have you brought me here?"
The Phantom continued to gaze at her for a moment – a moment that seemed to last for eternity in Rogue's mind - but did not respond.
"Or have you satisfied your lust for blood and decided to move on to your lust for flesh!" she spat out acidly.
"What have I ever done to you to deserve such hate?"
"Need you ask?"
Silence was the Phantom's response.
"You want to know? Fine. You killed Mr. Creed, and probably Scott too, for that matter. You tried to hurt my friends, the only friend's Ah've ever had. You've tried to destroy everything that the teachers have worked for. And you used me for your sick game."
"I never used you for anything."
Rogue snorted. "You said that Ah'd be able to control my powers with your training. Well, here Ah am, still unable to do a damn thing."
"And that is why you are here!" The Phantom cried out as he tore down the indigo sheet. The walls behind the curtain were lined with monitors, showing all the rooms of the mansion and the catacombs above.
Sitting in the center of the wall was a large circular opening, with an enormous metal door swung ajar. It was to this opening that the Phantom directed Rogue's attention.
"Behold! The device that shall let you achieve control over your powers."
"What?"
"It has taken me months to complete. Months of planning, months of building, but now it is finished. All you need to do is enter the machine, and your powers will become enhanced to the point of full maturity. To the point where you have complete control."
"You – you can't be serious."
"I am serious, Rogue. Everything you've dreamed of is right before your eyes."
"But – but if this machine," Rogue gestured wildly with her hands, "is how Ah can control my powers, then what was all that training for."
The Phantom took a few steps towards her before answering.
"Because the enhancement process is severe. If you are not in peak physical condition then it is likely that you will not survive. Besides that, the enhancement will only increase your powers to their full potential, it will not give you mastery of them unless you had mastery before."
"So what's the catch? Ah go in and my brain gets tampered with or something?" Rogue snapped. The Phantom shook his head sorrowfully.
"No. There is no catch. Not if you go in now," he concluded in an ominous. "I suggest you go into the machine."
Rogue's emerald eyes bounced back and forth between the machine and the Phantom. Here was the chance she had dreamed of. Here was the chance she had prayed for. Here was the chance to be rid of her curse. But at what cost?
Narrowing her eyes, she looked at the Phantom.
"No."
"From here you are on your own," Raven told Remy as they stood at the shore of the underground lake.
"What?"
"I will go no further. There is nothing more I can do to help you."
Remy's eyes narrowed as his lips curled into a frown. "We are standing at the edge of an underground lake. Remy don't see anything else. How can you not help?"
Raven pointed to the small patch of land rising above the lake.
"That is the Phantom's lair. That is where he is. That is where Rogue is."
"How does Remy get in?"
"There is a small entrance at the apex of the island. It will be camouflaged, but it is there."
Remy nodded, ready to take off into the serene, dark waters. A nagging question in his mind stopped him.
"How do you know all dis?"
Raven froze, her features obscured by the flickering torchlight. "Let us just say that I have made some mistakes in my life."
Remy didn't need to hear any more. He knew that some people had pasts that needed to be kept secret. Shedding his trench coat, he looked at Raven.
"You let de Professor know where Remy is."
Raven said nothing, giving no indication that she heard Remy's request. Realizing that time was of the essence, Remy didn't bother to wait for any reply. Thrusting his arms forward the Cajun dove into the icy cold water surrounding the Phantom's lair.
Rogue's words hung in the air. She dared to say nothing more, only to look on her captor in defiance. Whatever the Phantom was thinking was unknown. His face was still covered by the helmet, preventing any insight to his thoughts from his features. Regardless that his thoughts were an enigma to Rogue, she remained silent. She had made her move. Now it was his turn.
"I suggest you reconsider your rash decision."
"No."
"This will be your last chance. Do not force my hand," the Phantom stated coldly.
"Ah ain't going in that damn machine."
"So be it."
With a thunderous clang the door slammed shut, revealing its smooth surface, marred only by the presence of two small knobs.
The Phantom slowly decreased the distance between the two, his ungloved hand snaking its way to her cheek. An icy finger caressed her skin for a moment before she jerked away.
"You should have gone in. But now you will realize your mistake," the Phantom said coolly as he turned to face the monitors lining the wall behind him. With a few quick, powerful strides he was beneath the monitors, his glowing eyes looking at the screens before him.
"And it seems we have an unexpected guest."
Remy looked down at the sandy island, his brow furrowed in thought. While he did not doubt what Raven had said, he could not find the entrance to the Phantom's lair. He was hoping to be able to surprise the Phantom, not announcing his arrival by destroying the island. Still, he seemed to have no other option.
Wiping the lake water from his brow, Remy bent over, his hands glowing with kinetic energy waiting to be transferred and unleash its destructive power. As he did so, the elevator rose from its hidden location on the island. It was empty, and remained still, as if inviting Remy to hop onboard. Remy scowled.
It was a trap. There was no doubt of that. His presence was no longer a surprise. The Phantom was waiting. He could either walk into the trap or continue with his original plan. There was no telling just what damage he would do. And there was no way to tell if Rogue would be hurt in the explosion. His scowl deepening even more, Remy realized that he had no choice.
He stepped onto the elevator, his stomach threatening to leave his body via his mouth on the way down.
Rogue watched as the elevator shot toward the innards of the Phantom's lair. As soon as she saw just who was on the elevator, she gasped. While she, more than anything, wanted Remy with her at this moment, at this place, at this time, she didn't want him to be in any danger.
That, however, was beyond her control.
As soon as Remy saw Rogue, he leapt from the elevator and rushed toward her. His path was blocked by the imposing figure of the Phantom. Remy stumbled backwards to create some distance between the two, his hand awkward shielding his eyes.
"Well, this is an unparalleled delight. I was so hoping that you would come. It seems as if my wish has indeed come true," the Phantom cackled.
"What? You wanted Remy to come?" Rogue balked.
"Indeed. Things will go much more smoothly with his presence," the Phantom replied without taking his burning gaze off of Remy.
"Let Rogue go!"
"Let her go? Why should I?" the Phantom sneered.
"Remy begs of you. Let her go. For pity's sake, let her be free."
"Such a passionate plea. Nevertheless, Rogue will remain here for the time being."
"Why have you brought her here?"
The Phantom turned and marched away from Remy, exposing Rogue "I have my reasons."
The Phantom's answer was ignored. Seeing that he was not preventing Remy from reaching Rogue, he rushed forward. He wrapped himself around her as she threw herself into his arms.
"Chere! You alright?"
"For the moment Remy. But you gotta get us outta here," Rogue replied in a low voice.
"Remy's working on it. Raven getting de Professor and de others down here soon."
Rogue gave no reply, merely nodded at these somewhat comforting words. While the two lovers took comfort in each others presence, neither was aware of the Phantom nor the long metal wire that was slowly rising out of the floor, looping itself into a noose.
"Don't worry Chere. We gonna get out of this."
"I think not. For you see, you are here for a reason, Cajun. You are here because I wanted you to be," the Phantom interrupted as he strode forward, eyes blazing. With his arms wrapped around Rogue, Remy was unable to block the hypnotic glare that he was receiving at full blast.
Against his will, Remy released Rogue from his grasp and roughly pushed her away.
"Remy?" Rogue breathed in confusion.
"And now you will understand, LeBeau, just why you are here," the Phantom spat as the metal noose securely fastened itself around Remy's neck.
"Raven, calm down," Xavier said. "Now, what were you saying?"
The night had been difficult for the headmaster. After removing Scott's body from the rafters and having Logan round up most of the students, he had returned home – only to find Raven babbling something about Remy and the Phantom.
"Remy figured out where the Phantom was entering the mansion. We entered the tunnel and pursued the Phantom and Rogue. Remy went after them into the Phantom's lair, while I returned here for assistance."
"You know where he is?"
"Yes Charles. But we must hurry. Remy is in danger."
"So is Stripes. Lead the way," Logan growled.
The assembled members of the mansion took off after Raven into the tunnels underneath the mansion. Lance followed slowly. The rugged boy paused before running to catch up, wondering where Kitty and the Trio had vanished to.
"Let him go!" Rogue screeched as the metal noose tightened around Remy's neck. The Phantom turned to face Rogue.
"Why should I?"
"Because – because Ah love him. And if you care for me you'll let him go."
"I think not, Rogue. But his fate is in your hands," the Phantom replied.
"What?"
"Go in the chamber."
"Ah already said no."
"Then his life is forfeit." The noose slowly lifted Remy off the ground. Remy's hands flung up to the metal wire, attempting to pry loose some space for his neck.
"I wouldn't charge that if I were you. The resulting explosion would sever your head," the Phantom said coolly as he cast a sidelong glance at Remy. If it weren't for the fact he was slowly choking, Remy would have scowled.
"Ah won't discuss anything until you set Remy down!" Rogue screeched. The Phantom made no physical movement, but Remy was unceremoniously dropped to the floor.
The Phantom raised his hand to point at the door of the chamber. "And now it is time for you to make your choice. That door has two knobs. The knob on the left will open the chamber and should you turn it, you will enter. The right knob will take the elevator back up top."
"That's the important choice that you kidnapped me for?" Rogue spat dryly.
"No. For there are consequences to either action, consequences that will alter your life. If the knob on the right is turned then a series of explosives, which I have placed in the mansion, will go off, killing anyone in the building. Which is currently," the Phantom took a quick glance at the monitors, "everyone. In addition I will also finish off Mr. LeBeau. But you would be free to go."
"And the left?"
"You will enter the chamber. Upon exiting you will bind yourself to me, for all eternity and I shall let LeBeau live. The choice is yours. Your life for his. Or his for yours."
"That's not much of a choice," Rogue observed bitterly.
"Rogue, don't do it. Get out of here," Remy breathed from the floor as he struggled with the noose.
"Ah can't let him kill you."
"Remy can't let you give up your life just so Remy won't be hurt. You can't do that Rogue. Don't let him win."
"But…"
"No buts. Remy won't let you sacrifice yourself. Go!" Rogue rushed towards Remy but was stopped by the Phantom.
"You try my patience! Now make your choice!" he cried, his violet cape swirling around his imposing figure. Rogue whirled around, anger filling her emerald eyes.
"You! Why are you doing this? Why won't you just leave me alone?"
"Because we are two halves of the same person."
"You're insane."
"I assure you that is not the case. You were cut off from the world because you could not touch. I was cut of from the world because of what lies behind this," the Phantom began, bringing a hand up to gingerly touch his helmet that obscured his face. "You think it was mere coincidence that it was I, and only I, who could touch you? Rogue – we were meant to find each other. We were meant to be together. We were meant to love each other."
"Ah don't love you. You're a monster and Ah love him!" Rogue thrust a finger at Remy, who slowly climbed to his feet.
"That is why I must do this, Rogue. Because you let my appearance sway you into thinking that I am a monster. Because you let his charm and good looks fool you into thinking he loves you. I am not evil. I am merely a man. A man who wants nothing more than to be loved. Is that too much to ask?"
Rogue paused, unsure of how to respond. Was that not the same sentiment she had expressed not so long ago? All she had ever wanted was to be loved unconditionally. Now, the Phantom was asking her for the same.
"Ah can't love you. You may be a man, but you had a choice about the life you live. You choose this path and you can't blame anyone else but yourself."
"Blame? I blame no man! I blame this!" the Phantom cried as he tore his helmet from his head, revealing his face. Remy choked, nearly loosing the contents of his stomach. Rogue looked on with horror, the sight no less repellent then it had been the first time.
The left side of the Phantom's face was extremely pale with snowy white hair tumbling across his brow. The right side of his face was completely disfigured. There was no skin along his cheek, all that covered the raw muscles of his face were large burn marks slashed along his jaw. A large scar cut a vertical path down his face above the burn, crossing his eye and lips, which were abnormally large. It ran down from the upper portion of his head to his neck. His) hair was extremely thin on the right side of his head, and the skin had been completely worn away, revealing the bone underneath. This was the face of hidden by the helmet. This was the face of the Phantom.
"You dare to tell me that I had a choice in my life!" the Phantom bellowed, his voice thick with rage. "I was cursed with this face. I was cursed to this life. And you have no right to judge."
So stricken with horror was Rogue that she made no reply.
"Enough of this dallying. Your time is up! Make your choice! Either spend your days with me or send your lover and the rest of this pitiful mansion to their graves! The choice is yours!"
"Rogue! Don't do it," Remy cried out. He would have said more but the Phantom tightened the chord. Rogue turned a sorrowful glance at him.
"Ah'm sorry Remy. But Ah have no choice," she replied, her eyes slowly filling with tears. Without looking at the Phantom she marched over to the chamber door and turned the left knob. With a loud creak it swung open and Rogue stepped in.
"You win," she said to the Phantom before looking at Remy. "Remy, Ah…" her words were cut off by the door slamming shut on her. A loud humming sound came from the chamber as the Phantom looked on with glee. Remy couldn't help the growing fear that was spreading in his stomach.
"How could you do dis!" he shouted at the Phantom. "You claim to love her, but you make her do dis! You can't love her and force dis upon her."
"I suggest that you hold your tongue. Or else I'll still it for you."
"And break your promise to Rogue? Remy thinks not."
"I agreed that you would be free. I said nothing about you being in mint condition," the Phantom replied.
Remy matched the Phantom's glare with one of his own. "You can't win her love by making her your prisoner," he said. The Phantom made no reply, instead he turned to take a quick glance at the monitors and saw what was going on above.
Suddenly the chamber door swung open with a thunderous crash. Rogue emerged, looking exactly as she did when she entered, with the exception that her hair was slightly longer.
The Phantom smiled when he saw her. "My dear, how do you feel?"
Rogue flexed her hands. "Ah feel the same."
"A test, perhaps. I'm certain Mr. LeBeau wouldn't mind." Rogue nodded and walked over to him.
"Chere," Remy breathed.
"Remy, Ah'm sorry. No matter what, Ah want you to know that Ah love you." That said, Rogue lunged forward and planted her lips on Remy's. He was shocked by the move, but quickly indulged himself in the kiss. It was over as soon as it began and Rogue made no move away from Remy.
This did not go unnoticed by the Phantom. His normally ice cold blue eyes had cracked, revealing some of the man underneath the mask. His lips twisted into a frown, his eyes flickering.
Rogue caressed Remy's face with one hand, her other grasping his. She couldn't stop touching him, since this was likely her only opportunity.
The moment she and Remy shared was shattered by a large alarm sounding. The noise brought the Phantom out of his reverie. His gaze shot up towards the monitors. The mob from the mansion was dangerously close. He still had time. They were no real threat. He whirled around to find Rogue standing directly before him.
"Ah look upon your face and you know what Ah see? Ah don't see a monster. Ah just see someone who isn't alone in this world. And Ah hope this can prove it to you," Rogue said calmly as she brought a hand up to caress his scarred cheek. Her left hand slowly moved around his head and she pulled him down into a long kiss.
Remy looked on in complete horror.
As they kissed, the Phantom felt a few hot tears slide down her face and he pulled away, looking into her wide glassy eyes
There were no words exchanged between the two. There was no need for them.
The metal noose that was around Remy's neck split in twain and fell harmlessly to the floor.
"I understand," The Phantom said quietly. He turned to face Remy.
"Take her and go. I will lift the elevator to the top, take the boat and leave. Forget about me. Forget all you've seen. Take her and go. Tell no one of this place. Tell no one of me. Leave!"
Remy nodded as Rogue rushed to his side. They embraced quickly and ran to the elevator. The metal apparatus slowly began to rise into the air, taking the two lovers away.
"Wait!" Rogue cried out. She leapt from the elevator and made her way to the Phantom.
"Thank you," she said and kissed his ruined cheek. His icy cold hand grasped hers as she began to walk away.
"Rogue, I love you," the Phantom told her. He released her from his grip. She rushed back onto the elevator and kissed Remy as they rose through the top of the chamber and out of sight.
Moments later the elevator returned, empty. The Phantom looked at it sorrowfully for a moment before looking at the monitors. He could see the boat slowly moving across the lake, Remy and Rogue happily together.
A tear slowly fell down the rocky, unfamiliar territory of the Phantom's face. She was gone. Forever.
Another alarm sounded throughout the lair. The mob was almost upon him. There was little time left. Picking his helmet up off the floor, the Phantom caressed it for a brief moment before securing it over his head once more.
"It is truly over now," he said to himself. He swirled his cape around his body as he turned toward his desk. Time was growing short.
"Are you sure this is it?" Kitty asked the boys as she looked around the large metal room.
"Just how many hidden underground chambers do you think there are under the mansion?" Bobby said.
The Trio and Kitty had slipped away from the play shortly after witnessing Remy and Raven take off. Tailing the two into the tunnels, they had lost their way in the labyrinth. It was luck, more than anything else that led them to the lake. From there, the four had made their way into the Phantom's lair, only to find it empty.
"Look at this. You can see the entire mansion from here," Kurt said in awe as he looked at the complex system the Phantom had set up to spy on the mansion.
"John, don't set fire to the curtain. We'll all burn to death," Bobby scolded and John sulked.
While the Trio had been interested in the technology in the chamber, Kitty had been drawn to a large oak desk. It was clean, although all the items appeared to have been removed recently. A large violet cape covered the chair.
"Guys, look at this," Kitty called as she took a close look at the cape. Throwing caution into the wind she threw the fabric off to reveal the item hidden underneath its majestic folds. She picked up the object slowly and showed it to the Trio.
It was the Phantom's helmet, abandoned by its owner.
THE END