Okay I have some things to clear up. I have read a script version of the play and I loved it, but seeing the movie was what sparked the idea for this story. I want to show more of the phantom's caring and innocent side, and have it that his more haunted side has disappeared for a time.

And I know I push things a little quick, but I feel that the plot flowed pretty well cause I'm trying hard to stay way from using too much dialogue and more visual descriptions.

I hope you guys like the following chapters and send me more feedback, because it really helps me fix small issues like these. And even though there is a more intense scene between Ericand Lotte don't get any ideas. He's only doing what any good father would do when his child is cold.

And for a small side note I love The Phantom.

Chapter 5: Lessons Begin

Yesterdays events had left Lotte very cold and tired. Erik had gathered her close and shared as much of his body heat with her as he could. He felt guilty faking the girl's death, but now she belonged to him. He would care for her as if Christine had presented this un-misshapen child to him as his own.

He began to sing a sweet lullaby and was surprised as Lotte snuggled closer. Suddenly she began to shiver again. Never before had he noticed the cold of the catacombs. Things like that had become a normal routine and bringing in something like a child could ruin the entire balance. He took her into the bed and covered both of them with the blanket. Holding her close he finally felt her body grow warmer. Sighing he caressed her hand and tried to give her a feeling of comfort and protection.

For someone who normally didn't sleep, Erik soon fell asleep keeping a strong grip on Lotte. As he slept he wondered what Lotte must have been like growing up. Was she anything like Christine? She already had the brown bouncy curls and the emerald green eyes. Was the personality the same or was she like Raoul? Then a haunting thought dampened his mind. As she grew would she ask about the mask and reveal him to the world like Christine had all those years ago? The last thing he wanted was his anger to come from deep within him and frighten the heart and soul out of the girl.

Lotte awoke the next morning in her father's arms. She gently stroked his cheek and was surprised when he flinched a bit. The memories of last night rushed through her mind and it came clear to her what her father had tried to do. "He was trying to warm me up. Oh how kind of him." She thought to herself.

Eager to quench her thirst she managed to crawl out of her father's grasp and went down to the water's edge. She cupped some into her hand and inspected it. It looked clean and it smelled pretty sweet, but before she could drink from it she had a feeling of being watched.

"Lotte what are you doing down there?" Erik asked pulling on his cloak.

"I was thirsty. Is this water bad or something?"

"Oh no, but if you had wanted some I could get some that was a bit cleaner. Do you mind waiting here till I get back then after a small breakfast we'll begin your lessons?"

"I would like that very much. What will we start with Father?"

"Can you play piano?"

"Yes I can."

"Practice what you know till I return. Then we will expand on that. Now repeat to me what I want you to do."

"To practice what I now at the piano until you have returned. And I'm not to leave the catacombs for I would probably get lost in the labyrinth of the opera house."

"Excellent. I hadn't even gone over that rule with you yet. Such a bright child you are."

He turned and got into the boat. But before he left he reached over and kissed her goodbye. Lotte watched him row away before going over to the organ. The instrument was well made and ever detail had been well thought out. She climbed onto the bench and warmed up her fingers. She wondered what to play. Lying next to her were a few pieces of score that looked rather promising. For too long she had to practice playing boring pieces and she wanted to try something new.

Placing the sheets on the holding tray she scanned the notes and was pleased at how easy they were. In no time the lair was filled with the sweet sound of a heart felt opera. "I was always told that Father was a terrifying creature willing to kill anyone in his path yet he shows such love and kindness towards me. And within this music I sense he has hidden feelings that he dares not to speak of. But why would he want to hide from the world? He gave my parents such an awful fright, but they never explained what it was about him that was frightening."

As she thought she continued to play, her fingers gracefully striking the ivory keys of the organ. Erik was returning and right away he could hear the music being played. Immediately he remembered the song as one he was sure to have been an unfinished piece. Yet as he listened to it he was struck with memories of Christine once again. How he wished to be holding her and leading her down to his home through the mirror.

As the boat pulled into the lair Lotte stopped playing and stared at him. "I'm sorry Father. I didn't do as I was told."

"What do you mean?"

"I didn't practice that which I already knew. I instead began playing one of your pieces, for it looked easy and it sounds so pretty. I don't see why you don't share these songs with the world."

Lotte covered her mouth the second after the final word had passed through her lips. Erik pulled the boat up to the dock and stepped out glaring at her the entire time he did so. Afraid that she would be attacked for her statement she crawled under the organ and curled herself into a tight ball.

He saw her fear. It was the same fear everyone had seen when he was a child. Being mocked and poked at for being what he was. He put down the food he was carrying and knelt beside the organ. "Come out of there Lotte. I'm not angry with you. A small slip of the tongue won't throw me into a rage. Didn't I also explain to you that I would never harm you?"

Lotte sniffed and nodded. She crawled out from her hiding place and hugged him. She felt more at home then she ever did before. Why couldn't the Phantom be her real father? What had happened all those years ago here below the opera house? There was more going on here then her father was willing to tell her.

"Let us eat something and then we will see if you can play that song again for me. I'm sure you'd have no problem. But I suggest you go and change into something a bit more fitting. And don't worry about that other dress I'll have it mended and cleaned for you."

After breakfast she sat alongside him dressed in a simple outfit her mother had made her for the colder nights. She began to play the song once more and after a few beats he joined in combining their talents into a harmonious duet. For awhile this was to be their routine, but soon he promised her they would move on to bigger and better things.

All right then. I have given you all plenty to think about until the next chapter shows up hopefully tomorrow. As soon as homework and classes are done I will work to get the next one posted. Thanks for all your wonderful support.