Bluerain: In this chapter, we used the words form the original Broadway soundtrack. I have seen the "Phantom" movie, and I prefer the words to the original.
Sir Larry: And don't worry, Clawfang, Li Zhou is still quite evil, he will never be a good guy.
Bluearin: He is however in love with Sango
Anyway, on with the story.
P.S. We own nothing
Chapter Two: Raucous Rehearsals and The Opening Night, Part 1
For weeks, the young players danced till their feet were sore, sang till they were horse, and stayed up so late they had bags in their eyes, but all that practice was paying. Three weeks ago, Inu-yasha had refused to play Bouquet because of his death scene. Whenever the rope would come around his neck, he would instinctively slash it, and nearly nick Yugi. So Pegasus left his performances in the chorus, and got Rex Raptor to take his place, and Weeval Underwood was given the task of costume designer-which he surpringly proved very good at. Turns out Weeval was quite good at a needle and thread.
"Hey, my mom taught me how to sew! So shut up already!" he shouted, as he looked at the unseen narrators.
(Authors) Sorry Weeval.
Anyway, the last dress rehearsal was upon them. Everyone came and went into full makeup and dress to run through the show. It was a disaster.
As Sango and Miroku were on the roof top stage, sining, All I ask Of You, His cursed hand slipped around and found itself in far lower than it should have been. Sango's face went white, she stopped singing, and she slapped him.
"Not again!" Pegasus cried, slamming down his script, scribbled with his own notes, "Miroku, how many times do I have to tell you that Raul is a dignified, suave lover. Not hiney grabbing pervert!"
"Forgive me, but being this close to Sango overwhelms my thinking,"Miroku said.
"So did being to close to Kagome, Yuka, Tea, and several other chorus girls!"
"I'm getting it out of my system," Miroku lied.
"Then make sure it's out of your system by tomorrow night. Places everyone, we're going to have Yugi Sing in a moment."
Backstage, Yugi and Yami were getting ready. The Phantom makeup wouldn't be applied till tomorrow, but the mask was essential. As he was putting the mask on his face, behind him, where is cough spray was sitting, a hand reached out of the shadows, and quickly replaced the bottle. Just then, Tea came in.
"Are you ready Yugi?"
"As ready as we'll ever be," he answered for himself and Yami. "But I have a tickle in my throat."
"Here," Tea said, handing hi the bottle. He took, and sprayed it with a smile. Then he dropped it, as his face went sickly green, and he grabbed his throat, coughing.
"Oh my gosh! Yugi!" Tea screamed. "Someone help! Something's wrong with Yugi!" Everyone ran backstage, cramming through the dressing room door.
"No! The production is ruined!" Pegasus cried. "How could this have happened?"
Kaiba knelt down and tasted the bottle. He came back up, and said, "This isn't cough syrup. This is pepper spray."
"Pepper spray!" everyone exclaimed, except Yugi, who was still gasping and coughing his lungs out.
"Wait a sec," Kagome said, "Why aren't you coughing?"
"Because I use pepper spray on my breakfast every morning," Kaiba answered. "One spray and I'm south of the boarded."
"Never mind that! We have no Phantom, the production is ruined!" Pegasus yelled.
"There goes my acting career," Rex said, peeved.
"The show isn't ruined," Sango said. She reached behind her and grabbed Bakura's hand. "Ryo has been practicing lines with me. He can fill in. Isn't that what understudy's do?"
"Well, the point of an understudy is never having to use them. But we're in jam! Bakura, get dressed and sing!" he said, getting another mask, tossing him a cape, and hurrying to the stage.
When Bakura was properly dressed in black, they started from the Phantoms entrance in Angel of Music.
"But Raul, the angel is strict," Sango, as Christine said, as Miroku (or Raul) exited the room. The door closed, and she turned, going back to vanity table. A gloved hand turned a key, and locked the door from inside, the disappeared as a voice from no where sang…
Insolent boy! The Slave of fashion,
Basking in you glory.
Ignorant Fool, this radiant suitor,
Sharing in My triumph!
And Sango looked around, singing,
Angel I hear you speak, I listen, Stay by my side, Guide me.
As they sang together, and the number merged into the Phantom theme, everyone sat enthralled, mesmerized by the white hot chemistry that Sango and, who the thought was, Bakura had. His every movement drew attention, and made every girl in the room wish they were Sango. And Pegasus sat with his face in rapture as the voices echoed through his theatre.
"Yes," he whispered, "This is my vision! This was my dream from the beginning! This passion! This energy!" As Sango began sang her octaves, Bakura gazing at her with wild eyes, Pegasus rose, and both cried, "Sing for me!"
Meanwhile, Yugi was gulping water, and Yami said to him in their minds "How did that bottle get switched?"
"I don't know, Yami," Yugi replied silently. "But I guess it was for the best. Listen to them. Listen to Bakura, he's amazing."
"Yes, but still doesn't answer why anyone would want you to lose your voice."
"Can we talk sometime when my tonsils aren't on fire?" Yugi asked.
"Very well," Yami said, going back into the Puzzle.
-Transition-
The next night was opening night. People milled around outside and inside. Seat were filling up fast as Shippo and Mokuba handed out revised programs, with Bakura as the title character.
"It's a shame," Yugi's Grandpa said. "I thought Yugi would have been pretty good. But Bakura has a wonderful voice, so I guess he'll do fine."
"Kagome's premire on the stage," Mrs Higurashi mused. "She always was a wonder dancer."
"Even if she is tone death," Souta said, gaining an ear pinch from their Grandpa.
"Your sister is an angel," Gramps said, "Now get to the seats before this place fills up"
"Joey's in this?" Mr. Wheeler said, looking at the program.
"Just sit and watch, you might not go to sleep," the former Mrs. Wheeler answered. "Serenity looks so cute. They'll do fine."
As the seats filled up fast, leaving only room to stand, and several more audience members looking for places frantically, Pegasus poked his head out the curtains, beaming.
"Oh, this is wonderful. This is magnificent! I feel like I could float on air!"
"Leave the drama for the show," Kaiba answered. "I have some business associates out there, and if this flops, I'll have your head."
"No worries, Kaiba boy."
"Hold still!" Weeval said, darning a tiny rip in Miroku's costume. "Who said you could horse around in my costumes anyway?"
"I wasn't horsing around" Miroku said, blushing as Yuka walked by, a smile on her face.
"Why you!" Weeval sneered, for he had developed quite a crush on Yuka these last couple of weeks.
"Forget it, bug boy, she's out of your league," Miroku said, patting his head. Weeval seethed.
"Why on the New Moon?" Inu-yasha said, missing his ears.
"Look on the bright side," Kagome said, "Now you won't have to wear that stupid hat."
"I like that hat," Inu-yasha said as she pulled him off stage.
Bakura/Li Zhou stood in the shadows, blending quite well. He smiled. "Everything is going according to plan. We have the lead role, and everyone is none the wiser."
"Yes, but did you have to sabotage Yugi's voice so violently?" Bakura asked.
"How else were we going to get the part? I'm no cliché villan who throws his victims in closets and locks the door."
"No, your worse." Bakura said.
"Indeed. For before tonight is over, I will not only have the adorations of hundreds of people, but of our dear Sango."
"What! You promised!" Bakura said.
"I lied," Li Zhou answered, flingin his weak side into the depths of the Ring. And he laughed in a very maniacal fit, thus he did not notice that there was another pair of ears listening in on him from behind another pair of curtains.
"So it wasn't Bakura at all!" Yugi said to Yami.
"We must warn Pegasus. The show must not go on!" Yami replied. They hurried to the billionaire's dressing room, and pounded the door.
"Pegasus!" Yugi/ Yami wheezed. "Open the door!"
"Yugi boy, what's the matter?" Pegasus asked, opening the door.
"It's not Bakura," he croaked.
"Whata are you talking about?"
"It's Li Zhou," Yugi/Yami coughed. "He's the one who's been singing all this time."
"I see," Pegasus said, seriously.
"Pegasus we have to do something," said the horse Pharaoh.
"Well it's too late to change the programs," Pegasus said.
"What?"
"Yugi, you didn't think I would shut down all of producton on account of a technicality?"
"It's no technicality! He's hatching an evil plot! He's a demon, for goodness sake!"
"One with a voice of an angel, you mean," Pegasus said, "He sings tonight Yugi, and their's nothing you can do to stop it."
"You're hopeless," Yugi/Yami said together. They turned, and started running through the backstage corrdors, warning anyone and everyone who knew of Li Zhou that the menace was upon them. But as he neared the stage area, the curtains opened, and the players came out. Tristan was already midway through his Auctioneer's role. The Chandelier was about to be unveiled.
-Transition To Show-
"And up for auction is one broken crystal Chandelier," the Acutioneer (Tristan) said. "It has quite a history. I believe everyone present is familiar with the legend of The Phantom of the Opera?" The elderly Raul (Miroku in age makeup) looked up, his eyes watering the mention of it. People murmured around them.
"I'm sure that with the marvel of today's electric lamps, it's former glory can be restored. Now, let us raise this artifact, and shed the last ghosts of the infamous Phantom of the Opera." Stage hands grabbed ropes, and pulled the massive fixture up, as around them organs and drums blared, and wind swept and blew around them, sweeping them all back in time. Back to 1876.
The stage lights flamed up, as actors and actresses, chorus girls and boys, and dancers rushed to and fro, putting up back drops, getting dressed, and preparing for another frantic night at the Opera Popular. Then, dressed extravagantly, and scantly, in gold and red and jade beads, Carlotta (Tea) strutted out on stage, with Ubaldo (Joey) her lover and her leading man in all productions, on her arm, both singing and blaring their overzealous voices, as any dancers, which included Christine (Sango) and Meg (Serenity).
Then, Messieurs Lefevre ( also Tristan) came out, followed by two very well dressed men (Kaiba and Pegasus) behind him.
After the introductions of the main characters were done, and Carlotta is nearly killed by the Phantom's 'accidents', the Prima Donna leaves, and Mm. Giry (Mai) says to the new opera owners, "Perhaps Miss Daae could take Carlotta's place?" Mm. Giry suggested.
"Who?" Andre asked.
"Christine Daae, she is very good."
"A chorus girl?" Firmin asked.
"She has been taking lesson form a most talented teacher."
"Really?" Andre asked, looking the girl up and down. "And who is your teacher?'
"I… I don't know his name," she said softly.
"We'll see. Maestro, play the aria from tonight's third act." The conductor (Hojo) tapped a baton, and Christine stepped forward, the spotlight beaming down on her as she sang.
Think of me, think of me fondly When we've said goodbye.
Remember me, once in a while Please promise me you'll try.
When you find, that once again you long To take your heart back and be free,
If you can still remember, Spare a thought for me.
As the orchestra picked up, the scene changed. Christine was now dressed in a beautiful white gown, and cheers erupted as people praised her.
-Transition: Out of Show-
Yugi hurried, and soon, only Miroku and Sango (and those who knew nothing of Bakura's double personality) were warned.
"But why would he plot to get your part?" Inu-yasha asked.
"I don't know," Yugi/Yami strained. "I only know that he wants the 'adorations' of hundreds."
"Maybe he's planning on brainwashing people with his voice," Joey offered.
"Now, I don't think-" Kagome said, but Pegasus walked up to them.
"Why are you all in here? You should be on your marks!" he whispered. "Miroku's singing now, the aria's almost over!"
Outside they heard Miroku's voice sing:
Can it be? Can it be Christine?
Brava!
What a change, you're really not a bit The Gawkish girl that once you were…
She may not remember me,
But I remember her…
And Sango sang:
We never said our love was ever green Or as unchanging as the sea.
But promise me that sometimes You will think…
Of me!
Everyone but Yugi scrambled, getting props and pieces and backgrounds ready, and rushing to their marks for the next scene.
"Everyone has gone mad," Yugi/Yami said as he sighed. He looked around, grabbed a costume, and headed off to the dressing rooms.
"If you can't beat 'em" Yugi said to Yami
"Join them" Yami replied.
-Transition-
As Miroku prepared for his private scene with Sango, he passed Serenity, who looked very distressed.
"Christine's room is this way," the girl said, in character. As Miroku took her arm, she whispered. "Bakura's being controlled by Li Zhou again."
Miroku went rigid, a sec, but didn't stop walking. "Are you sure?" he whispered.
"Yugi heard him. Warn Sango." Serenity opened the door, and Sango- as Christine- sat in a white dressing gown, looking more beautiful than Miroku had ever seen her. He suddenly regretted his fling with Yuka earlier. He wanted nothing more than to take Sango in his arms and…
"Raul!" She said, bringing him back to the show.
"Little Lottie has her head in the clouds again," he said coming back into character, and gently, hugging her (making sure not to grab her butt). They did the scene as planned, but before Miroku left, he leaned in and whispered, "Beware of Li Zhou. He's in control of Bakura."
"Wh?" Sango muttered as Miroku closed the door. She stood still a moment, and slowly went to her chair. While behind her the key was turned.
Insolent boy! The slave of fashion,
Basking in your glory Ignorant Fool, this brave young suitor Sharing in my triumph
Sango's head looked up, and shivers ran down her spine. All that time, it was Li Zhou! That demon offspring of Naraku, who'd tried to kill her countless time? This voice belonged to that monster? She knew she could not break character, could not stop the show, so she sang.
Angle I hear you speak, I listen.
Stay by my side, guide me. Angel, my soul was weak- Forgive me!
Enter at last, Master.
To her right, slowly materializing in the large full length mirror, The Phantom- or Bakura/Li Zhou- sang to her, spreading his arms and cape wide:
Flattering child, you shall know me.
See why in shadow I hide?
Look at your face in the Mirror;
I am there inside!
Sango looked at his ghostly image, into his brown eyes, and suddenly, she was drawn to him. Deeply drawn to him.
Angel of music, guide and guardian Prove to me your glory!
Angle of music, hide no longer!
Come to me strange Angel.
Bakura/Li Zhou stuck his hand out to her, beaconing.
I am your Angel.
Come to me Angel of music.
Outside the room set, Miroku returned, and started shaking the door knob.
Whose is that voice? Who is that in there?
Meanwhile, Sango walked, in a trance- a real trance! She couldn't control her own actions anymore, something had taken over! And she had a suspicion of what… or who. And Bakura/Li Zhou sang.
I am your Angel of music… Come to me Angel of music…
Then, Miroku broke through, and shouted, "Christine! Angel!" but they had disappeared through the mirror. Then, the stage changed, and the Phantom was leading his student down a row of corridors, leading her down to the catacombs under the Opera house, to the boat that would take the to his lair. And so Sango sang, transfixed on her co-star, her love, and her enemy in one's face…
In sleep he sang to me In dreams he came That voice which calls to me, And speaks my name.
And do I dream again, for now I find
The Phantom of the Opera is there… Inside my mind.
Then, Bakura/Li Zhou sang, his voice powerful and commanding, drawing the attention and gaze of all in the theatre, no matter who tried to resist:
Sing once again with me Our strange duet.
My power over you Grows stronger yet.
And though you turn from me, To glance behind…
The Phantom of the Opera is there… Inside your mind.
(Sango, as she is helped into the Phantom's barge under the theatre)
Those who have seen your face Draw back in fear.
I am the Mask you wear.
(Bakura as he pushes off and they float down stream)
It's me they hear.
(Together)
Your (my) spirit and my (your) voice In one combined!
The Phantom of the Opera is there… Inside my (your) mind.
The boat floated on to another set, where candelabras arose from the waters, the candles lit, and thousands of more candles lit the dark lair, an extravagant hideaway decorated in paintings and set designs, red velvet curtains draped everywhere, all in a surreal and yet beautiful setting.
(Bakura) In all your fantasies You always knew That man and mystery
(Sango)
Were proved in you.
(Together) And in this labyrinth Where night is light
The Phantom of the Opera is there…
(Sango)
Inside my mind.
As Bakura/Li Zhou got out of the boat, he held her hand, and said, "Sing, my Angel of Music."
(Sango) He's there… The Phantom of the Opera!
She began to sing the octaves again, and as she did, getting higher and louder, the man beside her gazed at her with lust and desire, his eyes wide and wild. Then, as he spread out his arms, he cried "Sing my Angle of Music! Sing for ME!"
When she finished. He took her hand gently, and his wild eyes went calm, yet his desire was still there.
"What did you do to Ryo?" She whispered.
"It was me the whole time, my dear." he answered. "Now… you will be mine." And as he led her up to where diagrams of operas past sat, with her figure in every model, and mirrors hanging beside paintings, he sang.
Nighttime sharpens Heightens each sensation.
Darkness wakes And stirs imagination.
Silently the senses Abandon their defenses Helpless to resist the notes I write.
For I compose the Music of the Night.
Slowly, gently, Night unfurls it's splendor.
Grasp it, sense it.
Tremulous and tender.
Hearing is believing. Music is deceiving.
Hard as lightening, soft as candlelight.
Dare you trust the Music of the Night?
(Bakura/Li Zhou's hand slowly slide over Sango's eyes, and he looks into them, pleading)
Close your eyes, for your eyes will only tell the truth,
And the truth isn't what you want to see.
In the Dark, it is easy to pretend That the truth is what it ought to be.
(His hands reach up, and they softly touch her face)
Softly, deftly, Music shall caress you Hear it, feel it,
Secretly possess you.
Open up your mind Let your fantasies unwind In this darkness which you know you cannot fight;
The Darkness of the Music of the Night.
(He turns to the audience, singing to them drawing them into the spell of his voice)
Close your eyes, start a journey to a strange new world, Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before.
Close your eyes, and let music set you free! Only then can you belong… to me… (sings as hr turns back to Sango)
(As Bakura/ Li Zhou was putting his arms around her and guiding her hands to touch his face, touching her more softly then ever, Sango feels her mind slipping away, and her rational mind leaving her)
Floating, falling, Sweet intoxication.
Touch me, trust me,
Savor each sensation.
Let the dream begin,
Let your darker side give in,
To the power of the music that I write.
The Power of the Music of the Night!
As the music reached it's beak, Bakura/Li Zhou lead her to a curtained cubby, where she saw the image of herself in a wedding dress. She had seen it before in rehearsals but now, as she looked at it, she heart suddenly lurched in fear and shock, for the dress on the mannequin was not the one from rehearsals. This one was longer, and was covered in the same twinkling gems that encrusted the tiara of the veil. And then she really did faint.
As the girl fell in his arms, Bakura/Li Zhou carried her to a round, drape covered bed, and gently laid her down in it. Then as he caressed her face and hands he sang:
You alone can make my song take flight.
Help me make the Music of the…
Night.
He grabbed a chord, and the drapes closed around her. And as they did, so did the curtains on the stage.
