I haven't updated in a while but here it is! Enjoy!

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DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN CCS OR PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

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The Phantom of the Opera

Chapter 3

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A shiver went up Sakura's spine and she wrapped her coat tighter around herself. The wind outside the cozy carriage was beating hard against the sides. Sakura's aunt was sitting across from her fast asleep. A single tear ran down her pale cheek and Sakura quickly wiped it away. It had been a long winter.

Syaoran leaving was just the beginning of her misery. Her home had been robbed and most of their fortune was taken. Without money, they couldn't pay for heat. Her beloved father had grown ill with the arrival of the cold winter. His cold quickly went from bad to worse when he was diagnosed with pneumonia. It wasn't long until he passed away, but she refused to cry. Sakura had to stay strongfor her father. He asked her to on his death bed.

FLASHBACK

There was a blizzard knocking the house about outside. Sakura could see it through her father's bedroom window. She took her father's hand in hers and squeezed it reassuringly.

Fujitaka was so pale and was breathing heavy. Sakura had given him all her blankets to keep him warm, but nothing she did would help his fever go down. It wasn't until the middle of the long night until he woke up.

"Sakura..." She cried and shook her head. He had a certain tone of voice and he spoke as if saying goodbye. Tears poured down her face as he weakly brought his hand to her face.

"No don't talk daddy. You're going to be just fine you'll see." She begged him.

"No.." he talked as if out of breath, "No... my daughter, I-I'm," he swallowed, "I'm dying."

More tears erupted from her emerald eyes. "But don't worry my child, you won't be alone." He closed his eyes. "I will send you the Angel of Music to help you and guide you wherever you go. Be strong for me until he has found you." A sigh escaped his lips and his last breath left him, leaving behind the orphaned Sakura.

END OF FLASHBACK

Sakura's Aunt Sonomi had come the next morning to handle the funeral. A few days later she was on the way to go live with her Aunt and her daughter in some opera house.

Sakura and her Aunt arrived at the theater after a the very dull carriage ride. It wasn't what she expected at all. The Opera house was in the dead center of the extravagant city, and was full of life. People were running around like madmen getting ready for the evening show. There was a main hall with a grand staircase. The theater was gigantic with velvet red curtains framing the stage lit by a golden chandlier.

Aunt Sonomi led Sakura backstage which was looking more and more like a circus. Men and women running around wearing bright costumes and drinking as much as they could grab. She led her up a few flights of stairs to a long hallway with many doors on both sides. As they walked down the hall, one of the doors slammed open revealing ayoung girl with long raven hair and bright amethyst eyes. When her shiny eyes rested upon Sakura's form they lit up and before Sakura knew it, she was enveloped in a tight hug.

"Tomoyo dear, I don't think Sakura can breathe with you squeezing her like that." The girl her aunt called Tomoyo let go of Sakuraand giggled, "Sorry. I'm just so excited to meet you!" Sakura let herself smile at the girl's enthusiasm.

"C'mon, you'll be staying in my room." Tomoyo took her hand and began to lead her down the hall. "I'll show you where everything is!" Aunt Sonomi laughed as her daughter led her niece away.

It had been six months since Sakura had moved to the stunning theater. She had become a dancer like her newly found cousin and best friend, Tomoyo, under her aunt's teachings. She still hadn't heard from Syaoran, but was slowly getting over him for the pain from her father's death still thrived in her heart.

The stage was packed with people in various costumes.It was a dress rehearsal for their new show,La Mei, when-

"CUT! CUT THE MUSIC NOW!" The music stopped and everyone turned to look at the source of the voice. Sakura wasn't surprised to discover the voice belonged to Meilin Rae ,the most famous star of the opera house.

"HOW IS EVERYONE GOING TO HEAR ME WHILE THE STUPID DANCERS ARE STOMPING AROUND ME!"

"Madam, the dancers are to add to the effect-"

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT THEIR EFFECT. I'M THE ONLY EFFECT AROUND HERE!"

The man who had stepped up tried his best to calm her down, but had no luck. Over her six month stay at the theater, Sakura had realized that it was always best to stay out of her way. She shook her head pitfully at Mr. Carsona, who had flinched at something Miss Meilin had said. The poor man was old and was already hard of hearing without her help.

The practice continued without anymore interruptions from Miss Meilin, but...

"Excuse me people! Quiet down for a minute!"All eyes fell on Mr. Carsona whohad been the oneto shout. "I'd like to make an announcement!"

Tomoyo walked up next to her and Sakura smiled at her before turning back to Mr. Carsona. "As some of you have already heard, I am retiring as of next week."

The crowd began to whisper amond themselvesandthe producer tried to quiet themdown. "Now now, don't fret. I have already chosen a replacement. Two young men who'll bearriving next week just in time for opening night. Let's put on a good show for them. Goodnight everyone."

Everyone quickly tried to leaveand the two girls rushed upstairs to their room. "Who do you think's going to replace him?"

Sakura shrugged. "I have no idea."

Who do you think's going to show up?

Please R+R

Twilight Night