Chapter 1

A Baby, a Vicomte, and a Discovery

Christine arose quietly as to not awake her sleeping husband. She went over to her desk to write some more of her biography. Though, she found it useless to write her life story when she doubted anyone would ever read it. She often found herself wondering what would have happened if she had gone with her childhood love, the Vicomte de Chagny. But she loved Erik and that was all that mattered. Erik had provided for her, but she still found herself dreaming of that house by the sea, and the dark stories of the north Raoul used to share with her. It was too late to leave Erik now…not only had she been with him for five years since the famous accident, but she also had a child to care for. Oh, and did she love that child! Fantine had become her one thought since the baby's birth three months ago. Christine wondered what life would be like for a child in that opera house…cooped up in a small area with nothing but a few homemade toys and music lessons constantly. She placed her quill where it had been and went to enjoy a few more minutes of peaceful rest. As soon as she laid back down Erik awoke and kissed her. That was one of the reasons she had stayed there, Erik was always so loving towards her. Then, of course, Fantine started crying. Christine started to get up to go and get her but Erik stopped her and did it himself. He brought her back to the swan bed and the three of them fell back to sleep as a family. When Christine awoke again Erik was gone and Fantine was now in her arms. She instantly knew where he had gone, but she read the note he had left for her by the bedside anyhow. He had gone on one of his weekly runs up to the surface to get food and steal a few dollars if he managed to find it. Fantine could use the money if she wanted to go to a proper school one day. Christine placed the baby in her cradle and went to go say a prayer over a lit candle for her father. Afterwards, she lit all the candles in the lair and went to go start the day's work. She straightened the organ, her desk, and the many display tables and alcoves around her. Fantine woke back up, but did not cry, and Christine went to go and get her. She put her in the sawn bed, with its high sides, so that Fantine could play with the toys that Erik had so skillfully made for her. Christine heard a voice singing and realized that it was Erik coming back from his chores. He emptied out his bag. He had brought back two loaves of bread, a bottle of wine, and some meats and cheeses. Plus, 5 francs that he had stolen from Meg Giry's office. Madame Giry had recently died and Meg had become not only the new dance instructor, but the manager's assistant too. Christine felt bad for taking the Opera Populaire's money, but she also knew her daughter might need it someday. Erik brought the baby over to the organ and held her in his lap as he started working on his newest composition.

Christine and Erik watched as their child grew and grew until she was 16. Fantine was now the same age Christine had been when she first came to the lair. Each day Fantine grew more and more anxious to go into the outside world, and was practically identical to her mother, but in a younger form. After watching Fantine mature, and having 3 more children, Frederick, Erik II, and Gustave, after Christine's father, Erik and Christine were more cautious with their first born. Erik would take the teenager on various, short, journeys through the opera house, showing her places where her mother had performed and, if they would see Mlle. Giry, Christine's best friend. Finally, he let her go out on her own. She knew where everything was, Giry's office, and the kitchen. While Fantine was wandering, wearing her father's old cape, she came upon many things and people. She was sure to go at one of the show times so that she would see people. When she was sure everyone had either found their seat, or their box, she went to box 5 to see who was in "The Phantom's Box" that night. She expected to see the managers, but instead, there was a charming young man and an older man who seemed to be his father. The older man almost looked as if he was crying, which seemed strange to Fantine. She stayed out of sight as best she could. The son asked the older man why they had come there and his father replied.

"Phillipe…..my childhood love once performed here."

"Oh, you mean mother? I didn't know she was an opera singer…"

"No son…not mother….a young lady by the name of Daae"

Fantine gasped, trying to hide the noise as best as possible. The father had known her mother! But Fantine somehow doubted it…the old man went on:

"Her first name was Christine…"

Fantine's suspicions were confirmed….the older man had known and been in love with her mother….

"Father! I am 16! How come you have never told me of this…this…Daae?"

"I wasn't trying to hide it from you…it just hasn't come up yet"

"Haha….father, I can just see you 2!"

Phillipe started making fun of his father….

"Oh Christine! Oh Raoul!"

"Phillipe!"

"Sorry father…I just find it…entertaining"

The show ended soon after that and Fantine took off the cape, revealing her mother's old gown that she had put on to blend in with the crowd if necessary. She followed Phillipe and his father, Raoul, out into the lobby. She soon learned from all the people around them that they were the Comte de Chagny and the Vicomte de Chagny. The Count was talking to someone when Phillipe turned around, probably noticing the girl following close behind him, and introduced himself.

"Why hello there. I am the Vicomte de Chagny…and you?"

Fantine stuttered…she was quite nervous

"I…I…am….well…my name's Fantine"

"I'm guessing you have a last name Fantine"

"Of course I do!" she retorted.

"Well than……"

Fantine suddenly realized that she didn't have a last name…well she did…but it was Daae and she knew Phillipe would know exactly who she was if she told him that. So she tried to think up something. Her father didn't even have a last name that she could use. So, she used one from one of her books at home, Marie.

"My full name is Fantine Marie."

Phillipe took her hand and kissed it. She had never been so happy in her life.

"Well Fantine…it's very good to make your acquaintance. Now, I'd like you to meet my father"

Fantine panicked…she knew she looked exactly like her mother, and she was sure the Count, by the way he talked, had not forgotten what Christine looked like. Phillipe summoned Raoul.

"Father…stop your blabbering! Meet my new…friend. Her name is Fantine Marie."

"Bonjour Mademoiselle…what did you say your name was…?"

That is when Fantine knew he thought he recognized her

"My name is Fantine Marie"

"Where are you from Fantine?"

"A remote part of Sweden"

She used her mother's history…

"My father was a concert pianist"

Though she changed concert violinist to pianist…Raoul knew she looked familiar…he wanted to know from where though….

"Have my son and I met you before Mademoiselle?"

"No Monsieur…that I am sure of"

Just as she said that Erik came looking for her….he stared at her through a hole in the ceiling as she spoke with them…Mask or not…he rushed down into the lobby and went right up to her, his face covered by part of his cape…people stared but he did not care. He talked directly to his daughter

"Come Fantine! You have no business here! I am your father and you shall not defy me!"

"Father," she tried to act calm, "…I am coming"

Phillipe tried to keep her there…

"Monsieur…please can she stay for a few more moments?"

"I am sorry boy…she has business at home!"

Erik realized who he was talking to

"Excuse me…I do not mean to be so harsh boy…what is your name again?"

"Phillipe"

"Say goodbye Fantine…we are going home to your mother and brothers"

She said her farewells…

"Goodbye Phillipe…I am sorry again…Goodbye Count"

They left out the main doors and went around the back of the opera house to sneak back in. Just as they were walking out Raoul realized that Fantine was wearing the one of a kind ring he had once given Christine. He would have known that ring anywhere….His suspicions were confirmed…Fantine was Christine Daae's daughter…there was no doubting it…