Chapter 3: The Phantom's Liar
Talk was all over town about the incident that day, the young opera singer found in the dormitories. The talk continued with rumors that the Phantom has been seen several other places, presides the opera house. Word hit a certain charming investor's ears, 20 year old Pierre Puissant. Pierre is the son of a great government official, who chose to go into business. His sleek looks made him charming and one of the most eligible bachelors in all of France. He was not interested in the women that threw themselves on him, he was searching for another young woman that had caught his attention 2 years ago at a party. Her young and angelic voice had attracted him, her name was Michelle Ecorce, the daughter of the rich investor. Pierre took his check and went off to see if he could still get tickets for the opera.
" I wonder if she will be there," he thought
He was dropped off at the opera house and was greeted accordingly.
" Ah, Monsieur Puissant, what a pleasure to see you," Monsieur Love greeted him
" Thank you, may I ask what this weeks show will be?" Pierre asked
" Ah, it is the late Monsieur Leon DeVan's opera of the battle between demons and angels. It's musical number is just filled with wide eyed songs. Some say it is his darker side let out," Monsieur Love said
" Who is our leading soprano?" he asked
" Ah, that would be Mademoiselle Isabelle, she is our number one diva, and our leading male vocalist is Monsieur Philippe DeVan, the twin of Leon DeVan," Monsieur Love said
" Hello, water," Isabelle called
" Sorry mademoiselle," the stage hand said
" One can't sing if she doesn't have water," Isabelle said
Michelle walked out and looked at Isabelle, she was in her stressful moods.
" Again Mademoiselle Fleurs," the conductor said
" Yes, from the top," Isabelle said, " Michelle, you stand here…you must see how a real diva sings."
" Yes, Mademoiselle," Michelle siad
Pierre looked over at the girl standing next to Isabelle.
" Monsieur Love who is the girl beside the diva?" Pierre asked
" That is Mademoiselle Ecorce," Monsieur Love answered, " She is currently studying under Mademoiselle Isabelle and a mysterious task master."
" Follow me," Isabelle said
Pierre looked at the girl and nodded, Michelle looked over and saw him staring at her. She tripped over Isabelle's long gown. Isabelle fell face first into the wooden stage.
" Mademoiselle I'm sorry," Michelle said
" You clumsy child, you need to step with me," she said
Philippe walked in dressed half way for rehearsal.
" I have an announcement," Philippe said
" After rehearsal Monsieur," Isabelle said
" I will not perform tonight, due to a certain emergency that has come up," Philippe said
" What!" Isabelle exclaimed, " No!, No! this does not happen before a show! What can possibly be an emergency!"
Philippe looked at Isabelle, the diva and becoming too full of herself.
" Sorry sweet heart, but I have found someone to take my place, he's been studying under me for sometime," Philippe said
" If he does not perform, I don't perform," Isabelle said
" Mademoiselle!" Monsieur Love exclaimed
" No, I will not perform. Monsieur DeVan and I are partners…I am nothing without him," Isabelle said
" Please, do not do this," Monsieur Love pleaded
" Nope," Isabelle said, " I make my own decision."
She looked at Philippe and folded her arms
" Isabelle this is absurd," Philippe said, " I won't let you do it…not even if there was a replacement."
" There is a replacement Monsieur DeVan," Madame Cuivre said, " Michelle Ecorce can take her spot."
" See, now I go," Isabelle said, " Here's your chance, now we go Philippe."
" Isabelle," Philippe said
" Don't let the Phantom get you Mademoiselle Ecorce," Isabelle said walking off
The dancers laughed a little and Michelle looked at them. They smiled and walked off and Madame Cuivre walked next to Michelle.
" She's been taking lessons sir you know she has," Madame Cuivre said
" Madame Cuivre do you have any idea how this will effect the performance?" Philippe questioned
" It won't she is good, her teacher says she is good enough," Madame Cuivre said
Philippe looked at the old woman and narrowed his eyes. She was interfering with what he was doing.
" She can't, I refuse to even share this stage with a inexperience twit," Philippe said
" You were leaving sir," Monsieur Love said
" Still," Philippe growled
He stormed off and Monsieur Love nodded.
" Then let her play the lead," Monsieur Love said, " The show will go on."
That evening Michelle stared at herself in the mirror and propped her elbow on the table. She sighed and looked at the pieces of costume she had yet to put on.
" You are sadden why?" a voice asked
She looked up and the candles went out and the lights as well. She looked around and felt a cold feeling run up her spine.
" You have earned this Mademoiselle Ecorce," the voice said
" I have you to thank," she said, " If it were not for you I wouldn't be here."
" Your flattering child, I do believe you are right though. It was my power that made you who you are," the voice said
" You're an angel to me," she said
Suddenly, she felt a hand stroke her face. Piece by piece she was handed to get ready. She looked in the mirror and saw hands slip the gold mask over her face.
" Don't think tonight, just come to," a male voice whispered, " I am here to watch you."
" Angel of music," she whispered, " Stay by my side."
" I will, all through the performance," he whispered
He vanished and the lights came back on and there was a knock on the door.
" Mademoiselle Ecorce are you ready?" the stage hand asked
" Yes," she said
She got up and walked to the curtain part of the stage, and a note fell from the rafters. She knelt down and picked it up, she turned it over seeing the skull seal on it.
" The Phantom of the Opera," she whispered, " He's here."
Michelle broke the seal and read the letter and then set it to the side. The curtains opened and Act 1 began. She sang a long solo and then entered the leading male vocalist, his red attire and long draping coat tail followed. He wore black boots that came just under his knees. His black gloves were accented with gold tips. His mask was that of a devil and skull. He sang out and grabbed hold of the angel, Michelle played, and rested his hands on her hips. The audience stared and some gave a sigh at the romantic aspect of the angel and devil.
By Act 3 there was hate and sadness between the two characters, and death was the only way out that could save their souls. The guest gawked at the play and the young ladies of the audience, sniffled at the sad scene that was happening. There was no bitter feeling for the good and evil portrayed in the story.
By Act 5 the story had taken a darker turn then excepted. To the audience there was more seduction then romance, but to the two singers there was only magic. As their lips came together and there was gasping.
Philippe looked at the lead and looked at Madame Cuivre.
" This is your fault," Philippe said, " Leon's gift will be torn for this damn woman."
" You are wrong Monsieur, it will be greater, now that they have felt each other's flesh," Madame Cuivre said
" He is never to fall in love!" Philippe exclaimed
He looked as they broke away and breathed deep. He could feel the blood rushing to his head.
" Relax your brother will be fine," Madame Cuivre said, " He needs this more than you think he does…after all it was the tender heart of the real Phantom that saved your great grandmother and grandfather from his true wrath."
Philippe looked at Madame Cuivre and she nodded.
" You have gotten spared Philippe, but it was your brother's destiny to hide," Madame Cuivre said, " His gifts are due to the stories of the past, the one that stuck in his mind was that of the Phantom of the Opera."
At the end of the play Leon vanished before the others came to congratulate him in his performance, but Michelle stayed, slightly over whelmed by the attention. She fell faint and was taken to the private dressing room. Madame Cuivre followed in as they laid Michelle down.
" She's just a little faint," she said, " That is all."
Madame Cuivre placed a cool clothing on her head. She looked at everyone and shoed them off so she could have her air. Madame Cuivre locked the door and dimmed the lights.
" She's alright Leon," Madame Cuivre said, " She did well tonight."
Leon walked out of the darken shadows and looked at her. He looked at Madame Cuivre and Madame Cuivre smiled at the young man.
" She is yours now Leon, no one else can take her," Madame Cuivre said, " You have waited a long time to see her…now here she is."
Leon removed his gloves and handed them to Madame Cuivre.
" Michelle," he whispered gently in her ear, " Come to me."
" Angel of music," she whispered, " Where are you?"
" Over here, come to the mirror," he whispered, " I am standing there."
Dream
Michelle stood in a flowing white dress and looked around the empty hall. She could hear voices.
" Michelle, angel come," a voice called
She saw a shadow walking towards the light, she ran towards it.
" Angel of Music!" she cried, " Please, wait for me!"
Her long white dress flew behind her as she looked at the man.
" Take my hand and let me show you the reason I hide," the voice said
Michelle reached out and grabbed his hand and he pulled her to him.
" Where are you going take me?" she whispered
" Away from all of your troubles, come with me," he said
Michelle and the man walked through the light and suddenly the hall she stood in vanished.
End of Dream
Michelle opened her eyes and sat up and saw Madame Cuivre.
" Here, drink this," she said
Michelle looked at the glass of hot tea and took a sip.
" I heard him again, he's here with me," Michelle said
Madame Cuivre nodded and said, " He's very pleased with you Mademoiselle."
She handed her the rose with a black ribbon tied to it. Michelle looked at it and smiled, then lifted it to her nose.
A knock came on the door and Madame Cuivre walked over and opened the door.
" Monsieur Puissant," Madame Cuivre said
" Is she awake," he asked
" Yes, she is, but I'm afraid she's resting," Madame Cuivre said
" Please, I must see her," Pierre said
Madame Cuivre nodded and let him in. Pierre held a rose in his hand and looked at Michelle.
" Mademoiselle Ecorce," he said, " Her voice is an angel."
Michelle looked at him and smiled and leaned against the wall.
" You are flattering," she said
" I don't know if you remember me," he said, " But I remember you."
" Of course I do, Monsieur Puissant," she replied
He smiled and kissed her hand and handed her the rose.
" I see you are very well loved, it was very fortunate that Mademoiselle Isabelle pulled out at the last second," Pierre said
Madame Cuivre left the room and walked down the halls and looked around. She then entered an empty room and shut it, then took the stairs down to the cellar.
" She's with someone Leon," Madame Cuivre said
" I see, then we will have to get rid of him," Leon said
Leon slipped his white mask on and slipped the black vest on. He then slipped his black long tail coat on.
" Leon, this woman, what does she do for you?" Madame Cuivre asked
" She has revived me, she makes my soul take flight," he said, " I felt her flesh touch my own and I desire more."
" What if another was has seeked her out?" she asked
" Than I will make sure she is mine and secure her as my own," Leon answered, " Do you really think that foolish young man will steal her heart."
Madame Cuivre touched Leon's face and Leon looked at the woman.
" Your mother's last wishes was to see that this story was a story not real life, but I can not see that ever happening when it has already taking you into it. The Phantom's return is important to you," Madame Cuivre said
Leon nodded and looked in a mirror and stroked the mask. He closed his eyes and felt a single tear leave his eye.
" Philippe has put me here, so it is only right that I do take the Phantom's place, I have made my mind up, where he failed I will not," Leon said
Leon opened the trapped door under him and he jumped down. Madame Cuivre sighed and opened the door. She knocked on the door and Michelle and Pierre looked up.
" Monsieur Puissant, Mademoiselle Ecorce needs to rest," she said
" Then tomorrow Michelle, I will take you to your favorite spot," Pierre said
" I look forward to it," she said
Pierre kissed her cheek and then walked off and Madame Cuivre walked in. She got Michelle's things for the night and laid them out.
" You will stay here in this room tonight, it has everything you need," she said
" Thank you Madame," Michelle said
Madame Cuivre walked out and Michelle went and got ready for the evening. She undid her hair and let her long silk brown hair fall down. She slipped a white robe over her nightgown and sighed.
Leon locked the door and vanished in the shadow. Michelle looked in the mirror where the dresser was and brushed out her hair. The candles blew out and the lights went out. Michelle looked around and stood up setting her brush out.
" I am your angel of music," a voice chanted
Michelle felt a chill run up her spine and as she turned around she heard the voice again.
" I am your angel of music, come to me," the voice chanted
" Angel of music, here I am," she said, " Where are you Angel of music?"
" Look in the mirror and there you will see I am standing next to you," the voice chanted
Michelle looked at the full length mirror and there saw someone standing there.
" Angel of music, I see you," she whispered
" Come to me," he said
Michelle walked towards the mirror and stared at the man that stood there. She felt drawn to him, but had no idea he was truly real. Leon put out his hand and Michelle lifted her hand into his. His gloved hand closed over hers and he guided her into the mirror. All around them candles were lit and he led her down the lit hall, she stared at him. He glance behind to look at her and then walked her down some stairs to the end, where a horse waited for them.
" You're the Phantom of the Opera," she whispered
" To those fools I am," he replied, " but to you I am your angel of music."
He lifted her up and sat her up on the black horse.
" The loft, the dressing room, it was you," she whispered
" Don't be afraid," he said, " I am gentle."
Michelle stared at him as they walked away from that hallway and came to the edge of a watery passage. He helped her on a boat then got on, where he pushed off, she looked up at him. She was unsure how to describe what she was feeling at that very second. Her heart was beating and she could only wonder why this man wanted her. He came to the edge of his domain and got out, he took off his draping cape and put out his hand.
" This domain, is my own to pay homage to the music of the night," he said, " The music that you sing, and perform is all music that comes from the night."
She stood up carefully and grabbed his hand and he helped her out gently.
" You are not someone I would think to hide," she said, " Your mysterious aspects makes the opera house more exciting to live in."
" I hide because I am a prisoner of my own pride," he said
He stared at her and touched her face and gently stroked it with his thumb. She leaned her head into his hand, then pressed her hand on his. Her warm touch surprised him and he stared at her.
" Angel of music you are the reason I have become who I am," she said, " You are my teacher, so teach me…I am a naive little girl."
Leon looked at her and pulled her to him and grabbed her hand. He gently touched her face and trailed his hands down her form. She looked up at him and closed her eyes.
" You're naive and I am here to ask you to take your next steps to fully accepting the music that I write for you to sing," he said
He took her hand and placed it on his suave half of his face, she gently stoked his face.
" Allow your self to embrace the music that I give to you, let it soar through your mind. Just close your eyes and let it take you there, don't let the truth speak to you. It will only show you what you don't want to see," Leon said
" All I want to see is the music that you write and let my mind soar with it," she replied
Leon let go of her and walked her to a room, and pulled the curtain back.
" You will be the star, but tonight you must sleep," he said
She looked at Leon and touched his face and he grabbed her hand.
" Good night Mademoiselle," he said
She looked at him as her hand slipped from his, as he pulled away. The black curtain fell down and Michelle look at it. She turned and looked at the bed that was there, there was clothing for her as well. She knew that this was a step she had waited all along for, the start of becoming what she was to become. She laid down and fell asleep in minuets, listening to haunting tunes Leon played.
Leon looked at the candle light as it lit each page of music he played. His mind traveled and he looked back to where Michelle was.
" Let the music of the night play for you," he whispered