"Should these demands be ignored, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur." –Notes

Chapter 7: An Idea Birthed Solely in Obscurity

Nasrin leaped out of the boat and landed on the cold stone floor of Erik's lair. She turned to face him as she removed her mask and cape, flinging them coldly aside.

"Here, I have a model of the theater over in the corner. We can plan there." Erik walked briskly over to the model and looked at it through critical eyes. Nasrin joined him, her eyes surveying every minute detail with the utmost care.

"What shall we do? Shall it be in accordance with the performers or the house itself?" Nasrin gazed at the colorful display of Il Muto, flicking over the figure of Carlotta with her pointer finger.

"Both. This needs to be a disaster of epic proportions." Erik glared triumphantly at the models, feeling as though he were the twisted god of the theater.

"All right. Well, if Carlotta does indeed play the Countess, she should bear the brunt of our mischief. But what can we do?" Nasrin glared at the pompous face of the aging soprano. "Can we destroy her costume? Or ruin it?"

"No, because there is no doubt that Christine will wear that dress after we're done with Carlotta. This needs to be something just with the horrible prima donna herself."

Nasrin pursed her lips. "Damn. What is she most afraid of?"

"Public humiliation. Or at least that's what it seems to me. Perhaps we can formulate a plan that can make the audience laugh at her expense." Erik stroked his chin. "But how?"

"Can we do something to her voice?" Nasrin suggested.

Erik looked at her with eyes wide. He scribbled down the idea with his quill pen. "Brilliant. I can switch her mouth spray to freeze up her vocal chords. There is a formula I've devised that can make her sound like the toad she is." He laughed maniacally, his eyes gleaming with malice. Nasrin smiled with malevolence; at least this should be entertaining.

"Did you honestly have to write that down?" Nasrin asked dryly, cocking her eyebrows. "Are you afraid you will forget?"

Erik sneered, but didn't reply, and only tapped his quill on the table impatiently. "Now, to figure out something that can make sure that this performance will never be forgotten," he murmured.

Nasrin carefully analyzed every figure and aspect of the opera house. "What about all of the lights failing at once?" she suggested.

"I have done that before. After a while, it will cease to impress and frighten. No, this must be much bigger."

Nasrin bit her lip, her eyes never straying from the model. "Can we take one of the actors out through a trapdoor?"

"We could. But then what?" he pointed out.

"We'd kill them," Nasrin said matter-of-factly.

"No, I only wish to kill Buquet this performance. We need to think of something else to wipe the grins off their faces," Erik mused, grimacing at the sea of smiles before him.

Nasrin gritted her teeth. Everyone looked so innocent and joyful. She grinned, realizing that will change. She lowered her gaze so that her eyes were cloaked in shadow. A loud evil cackle burst from her mouth, booming across the chamber and into the darkest corners of the opera house.

"I've got it!" she shrieked. "The biggest 'accident' in history will be credited to you!" The laughter grew more maniacal the longer it resounded off the cavernous walls.

"If it is really that evil, do me the honor of sharing it with me. I would much like to know," Erik roared over her laughter, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice. He expected another small, pitiful jest to answer his command.

Nasrin stood up, the light of a madman in her eyes. "You see, you were right. I was thinking too small. Yes, the perfect answer has been here all along, staring me in the face. You will be known around the world after this plan is executed." She flexed her fingers experimentally, looking at her nails, which were long and pointed, cat-like. She examined them closely.

"Really? How very intriguing. Please, enlighten me." Erik folded his arms, cocking his head and staring at her with his prying blue eyes.

"Quite frankly, I'm rather surprised that you didn't come up with it yourself. Perhaps you aren't as clever as I originally though you were." Her gaze wasn't showing much sanity.

"Just tell me what you're planning!" He began to get impatient.

Nasrin grinned, but remained silent. She swung her arm towards the model, her fingers tensed and her nails sharpened. In a moment, there was a sickening crash followed by her dark laughter.

Erik looked down at his model, his eyes widened as he saw the state of it. Most of it was destroyed and in physical turmoil, since Nasrin's nails had severed the thin rope that kept the microcosm chandelier suspended above the orchestra seats.

The labyrinth shuddered with their combined laughter.

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers!

Videociraptor: You're welcome for the shout-out. And low and behold . . . ANOTHER ONE COMETH! A SHOUTOUT TO VI EVERYONE! MWAHAHAA! (is hyper) Glad you liked the notes, lol. Now go get something to eat! Perhaps some ramen with chai tea . . . oh that is such a yay combination . . . Come to think of it . . . I want that now. (gets and eats it) Yum!

Mademoiselle Justicia: You know, I actually dressed up like the Phantom one time when my mom left the house and I ran around like him, laughing maniacally. It was fun . . . but then my mother came home early and saw me running around with a black blanket over my back with my hand covering the right side of my face, laughing as the overture played. (nervous laughter) At least some one recognizes how much awesomeness ensues when one dresses up like the Phantom. (gives thumbs up) Huzzah! And I am also glad that you liked this chapter. Here is your update!

Color Me Gray: (eats tart) (gives you a large cup of rich chocolate moose) Wow, this story is going to result in massive amounts of dessert consumption . . . WOHOO! And good that you had Nasrin back for this chapter, for it was important. (nods) Some madness will definitely ensue when Nasrin does meet Christine face to face . . . oh the madness. It is indeed the reason why the phrase, "What happens when her small tricks turn into a deadly game of life and death . . ." is so important in my summary. Mwahaha . . . foreshadowing! (lightning flashes) (creepy music not composed by Erik plays) Thanks for your review!

Maidenhair: LOL, I agree. I love Nasrin just because she is such a feisty little thing. She always has something to say to make her uncontrollable . . . or will Erik tame her eventually? (ponders) Hm . . . interesting.

Nasrin: Stop pondering about me!

Shade: Make me.

Nasrin: (pounces)

Shade: OW! (tussles with Nasrin)

Erik: (walks over) (grabs Nasrin around the waist) (hoists her in his arms) (walks away calmly w/ her kicking and screaming)

Shade: Thanks Erik! Anyway, here is your update, I hope that through this story, I make it clear how spirited our little Fire Rose really is! (winks)

xxXGoddessXofXdeadXloveXxx: LOL! OMG that would have been hilarious! You are right! Only, she would probably notice that, see the Phantom and freak out. Other than that . . . omg, perhaps I shall save that idea for a POTO humor fic! (not that I have any ideas . . . but if I did . . . XD!) If I do end up using that, I shall properly credit it to you. Thanks for the review!

Thephantomscookie: Well, thank you for the lovely review! (bows) I am pleased that you like this story so far. (Hmm, the Phantom plus chocolate chip cookies . . . I agree, two very wonderful and God sent things that help make my day complete.) (smiles widely) (light opens from above) (choir angelical) (looks up) Thank you Lord, for your gracious gift of the Phantom of the Opera . . . and of the wonderful chocolate chips cookies. Huzzah for such a lovely combination! Thank you for the review, and I look forward to hearing your feedback again!