It has come to my attention that there are different versions of the musical The Phantom of the Opera, and there are different versions to the songs as well. I based The Phantom of Nibelheim on the recently released 2004 Joel Schumacher film. The story line involves the music from the movie more than its plot. I thought I should add this for my Phantom of the Opera people, just to show I care about my readers. Forgive me for changing the lyrics a bit, but I had to for the story's plot to make sense. Any way, enjoy the second act.
I, Jade the Inujin, do not own The Phantom of the Opera, nor do I own Final Fantasy Seven. The story lines were changed to make this story my own. If you are a fan of The Phantom of the Opera or Final Fantasy Seven, bare with me on the changes. Italics mean singing.
The Phantom of Nibelheim: Act II
Scene One: "What's with you?"
A grand applause rose from the tavern guests as Chelsea brought her song to an end. Curtseying beautifully, the young lady smiled at the customers and skipped off stage. "Bravo! Bravo," Josh cheered from a front table as Chelsea came over to him, "Another perfect performance, Chels. It was beautiful, but you were singing about angels again; that's the third straight week, nothing else. Why the sudden interest in the beings?" The waitress blushed a bit and whipped out her pad. "Shh," she hushed him, "It's a secret, and what about you? You've come here everyday, for every meal, sounds a little stalker-ish to me." The lieutenant gave her a hurt face. "Me? A stalker - heavens no! - I just come for the singing; it helps keep the cooking down." Jade turned to assure Cook that the brat was just flirting.
As Chelsea served up some orders, Josh took little sips of his sun tea while watched her. He cursed himself for not following up on the flirting remark. Chelsea had just laughed it off, but that was exactly what he was doing, or trying to at least. Ever since they were kids, he'd always had the hugest crush on her. After messing up his first chance to date her, he joined Soldier to impress her. Now was his second time up to bat in the game of love, and the pitcher was brutal. He wasn't going to foul up again; still, he had to get over his shy nature around her, or he'd never be able to confess his love.
"Jade," Jason whispered to his twin, "What was with the 'brat' comment? Do I sense jealousy?" Jade glared at the young soldier dining by the stage. She muttered back, "No reason, really. I used to call him a brat when we were kids. What's wrong with it now?" Jason blinked a bit before chiming softly about someone being jealous. Jade bit back a denial just as Chelsea approached the bar. "He's right though, Sis," the singer commented, "You have seemed a bit edgy lately, especially whenever Josh is around. What gives? He's a friend of mine and you." The grouchy tender turned to do something that would take up time. Jason and Chelsea looked at each other and sighed defeat. Looking at her reflection in the glass, Jade said inaudibly, "I hope Red gets them all good."
Scene Two: "Unrequited Love"
Ten o'clock came strangely quickly that night, or that's what the three siblings thought at least. "I'll head up guys," Chelsea announced. Jason turned from his last table to his little sister. "Again, Chelsea," he asked in a whiny tone, "You've gone to bed early every night for the past three weeks." Jason suddenly gasped, "Jade, could our sweet, innocent, virgin, baby sister have a mysterious lover! Say its not so, Chelsea!" The waitress held her breath as her older brother forced her head straight into his chest.
As Jason received a thrashing from his twin, Chelsea smiled and climbed the stairs to their bedrooms. Opening her door, she entered and closed it gently as if she were trying to hide something. Dashing to the window, the young woman pushed open the pane and sat with a sigh. The night gingerly blew her a kiss that rustled her long, dark hair. "Is that you, my angel?" she called softly. With another soft breeze caressing her face, she smiled sweetly, "I shall grace you with my song that you love so, my dear angel…
"Father once spoke of an angel. I used to dream he'd appear. Now as I sing I can sense him, and I know he's here…" "What are you doing, Little Sis?" Chelsea spun around quickly at Jade's voice. "Jade… uh… I didn't hear you come in," she smiled in her cute, innocent way. Jade crossed her arms and eyed her younger sister. "Are you going to bed?" Chelsea nodded innocently. "Then why do you sing to the stars," Jade walked over to where her sister sat, "About your angel?" The younger of the two looked away. "Come on, Sis. You know you can tell me anything, right?" Chelsea glanced out of the corner of her eye and smiled. "I'm singing to my angel."
"I guess you're not going to tell me then, huh?" Jade shrugged in disappointment to which Chelsea whimpered that she really was. The older sister laughed lightly and told the young lady to get ready for bed. After pouting a bit, Chelsea went to brush her teeth and dress for bed. Jade then tucked her little sister in, mummy-style. The girl giggled, said goodnight with a yawn, and fell asleep. The older sister stroked the younger's hair gently as she reminisced about the day they had first met. "You were so tiny, for an eighteen month old," Jade whispered to the sleeping girl, "Dad said Jason and I were finally a big brother and sister. Mom never let you out of her sight for the next four years; after you turned six, I became the protective one.
"Its strange, now that I think about it, I can't remember a time I didn't care for you. Sure, when we were younger, it was innocent, but over the years, I never would have thought I'd actually love you." Kissing the sleeping girl's forehead, Jade looked at the peaceful face of her unrequited love. "I love you so much, but I could never have you in a hundred lifetimes. All I can do is watch over you and help your dreams come true." Brushing her fingers through Chelsea's hair once more, the older woman walked over to the vanity dresser and blew out the oil lamp. "Goodnight, my love." She turned to leave, took one last look, and closed the door behind her.
Scene Three: "Angel of Music"
As he did every night for the past three weeks, the dark figure sat on the roof of the maiden's home to listen to her sing. It had been a long time since music had graced his tortured soul so sweetly. Not only that, the angelic maiden that had given him this mystic medicine was so lovely; he couldn't stay away. In his mind, he debated whether or not to see her again, as he did every night. How long could he continue this listening from afar? "I'm so hideous and tainted; I have no right to even enter her presence. Still, I must at least see her, if only from afar." Covering his face, the dark figure descended before the maiden's window.
Inside the room, it was quite dark, but the darkness held no veil over his advanced eyes. Piercing the dark, he gazed on the sleeping, young woman in awe of her beauty. He scolded himself for acting like a stalker, but he pressed his gloved hand against the glass none the less. As the pane gave, the figure drew a quick breath in surprise. Thanking the gods – above or below – responsible for such luck, he entered the room carefully. Out of habit, he glanced around his surroundings before approaching the maiden's sacred resting place. Gazing upon her calm face, he stroked her cheek lightly. "A demon such as I," he thought, "Has no right to be such perfection." Backing away, the dark figure turned to leave the way he had come.
Eyes fluttering open, Chelsea saw a silhouette walk toward her open window. She sat up quickly, "Wait, please wait!" The shadow stopped; it didn't move as if it were frozen. She arose from her bed and walked over to the figure. Taking the red cloak in her hands, she buried her face in it and cried, "Please don't leave again. Please, my angel, don't go." When the figure didn't move, her soul cried out to him in song. "Angel, I hear you. Speak; I listen. Stay by my side, guide me. Angel, my soul was weak, forgive me. Enter at last, Master."
The figure gaped at her words to him. Him? An angel? He turned around to face the maiden. Looking at her through the slit between his head band and collar, his eyes widen at her pleading face as she begged him to stay. His right hand reached to stroke her soft cheek. "That you would call me not just an angel but your angel is more than I deserve," he said softly, "For I am fallen if I am such a being, and as such, I am unworthy of being near such holiness and beauty that clutches tome." Taking his hand, the maiden looked up at him, "Angel, sing with me and let me see for myself if you are unworthy." Smiling behind his collar, the figure mused at how long it had been since he had sung last. Out of nowhere, the sensation he felt from her hand holding his to her cheek stirred something within him.
"Flattering child, you shall know me. See why in shadow I hide." He turned her toward her vanity, "Look at your face in the mirror. I am there inside!" The young woman felt her soul move in sync with his as she flowed after him. "Angel of Music, guide and guardian, bring to me all glory. Angel of Music, hide no longer. Come to me strange angel."
Opening her eyes, Chelsea looked up at the tall figure. "We are bound to each other by the bonds of music; nothing can ever sever that, my angel. Not light or dark, nor good or evil." The figure gaped as she fell against him in an embrace. She wanted to be with him; some one actually wanted to be with him, of her own free will. He was so moved he dared to ask her a question, "Would you come with me, tonight? Now?" He felt her nod a yes. Stepping back, she whispered, "Let me change a minute." He turned to allow her some form of privacy. "I'm ready," she called quietly, walking up behind him. Pulling her close, he stepped up, outside the window. Chelsea gripped tightly around his waist at the sight of the ground below. "Don't be afraid," he said calmly, "Your angel will protect you." Suddenly, he leapt into the air and flew into the night with his maiden gasping in awe.
Scene Four: "The Shinra Mansion"
Chelsea looked at the ground as they sped past. "He truly is my angel," she thought silently and excitedly, "I only wish I could see his face." As they soared through the stars, Chelsea noticed that they were headed for the Shinra Mansion. Her thoughts were confirmed when he descended before the front door. The old house had been build over a century ago when Shinra had first come to Nibelheim. They had once occupied the residence, but some time afterwards, they had abandoned the old building. Looking up at him, she asked warily, "Are you with the Shinra?" Setting her down, the figure felt furry fill his soul at the name. Remembering that the woman was with him, he narrowed his eyes as he opened the door, "No." After he didn't say anymore, Chelsea ran to catch up to his side inside the mansion.
Chelsea couldn't help but cling to her angel's arm as they walked toward the stairs. Everyone knew the house was haunted. She could even see the creatures glaring in their direction. The figure could sense her fear, and he knew perfectly well what the town thought of the old mansion. Draping his cloak over her, he said, "Don't worry about these creatures. They only seek the sanity that was stolen from them. They hate the Shinra, and so, they look at any who enter as a Shinra. I am the only being they trust. They will not harm you, or they will face my retribution." She believed his words, and her fear faded as she clung to him.
Scene Five: "Bats"
He took her down the right corridor at the top of the stairs, leading to the bedrooms. The figure opened a door to one of the rooms. Suddenly, there was a screech as a bat flew toward them. Chelsea screamed, yet the figure yelled up at the creature, "Phellep! That's enough!" The young woman opened her tightly closed eyes and watched in amazement as the little, winged animal alighted onto the figure's right arm as if it were a pet. "Phellep, this woman is a friend. You and your kin must protect her, not harm her. My little friend, go to your family, for your protector and savior has returned home."
As the bat screeched back, the figure pushed against a brick wall. It gave way and moved to the side. Phellep flew through as Chelsea blinked in awe. He motioned for her to come closer. She nodded and walked up to the trap door; she gasped as she saw a spiral staircase leading underground. "You are just full of surprises, aren't you?" Chelsea smiled up at her angel. He gulped as her smile sent a chill through him. Taking her in his right arm, he leapt down the hallow center of the staircase. The girl squealed with delight, clinging to him in her excitement.
He landed with gentle grace on one of the last few steps and led her down the scone lit basement. Bats screeched at them as they walked. The figure laughed a bit when a few sat on him and greeted him home. Chelsea gazed at the creatures that had always scared the hell out of her with new wonder. "Bats are misunderstood by mankind and shunned as evil by society," he explained, "I share a bond of understanding with them and have become their friend." She looked at him as he spoke to the creatures ever so kindly. "That's so amazing," she said honestly, "I never thought bats could be so affectionate, but I then again I've never seen this side of them before. They're so cute!" The figure looked down at her in amazement as a few of the creatures flew about her.
He didn't notice as Phellep zoomed in on his headband, taking it right off. He looked up at the ceiling and called to his mischievous little friend, "Phellep! Give that back now!" As he yelled above, Chelsea looked at his face and blinked. The figure suddenly became aware at that moment that his face was exposed. Gasping in horror, he tried to cover it, but the maiden's hand reached his cheek before he could. He waited for some form of delayed reaction as she brushed his hair away from his eyes. All she did was gaze at him and say quietly, "Angel, your eyes are radiant rubies." He blinked in shock; she was unafraid of his face! The firry red eyes, his pale complexion, the pointed fangs, they didn't faze her at all. He almost felt like crying at the sight of her smiling face. "Only one other," he thought to himself, "Was unafraid of my demonic features. I never dreamed that a woman could find my face beautiful." In the back of his mind, the figure couldn't shake the feeling Phellep was laughing at him from the ceiling.
Scene Six: "The Phantom of the Opera"
He suddenly came to the realization that they were standing before a wooden wall built into the original stone one. Chelsea turned her head to see an aged door the figure was staring at. Tilting her head, the singer asked, "Angel, why is this wooden wall and door here? Why isn't it stone like the rest of the basement?" Reaching toward the door, the figure waved his right hand - as if stroking the air - and the door opened into a dark room. As the young woman gaped at the phenomenon, the figure answered her question. "This room was added some time after the mansion was built. The wall and door were made quite quickly, yet they have held strong for quite some time."
Suddenly, candles became lit inside the dark room from a single candle stick in the back of the room. The two entered, along with their nocturnal friends, and the dark angel snapped his fingers. Scones ignited instantly, revealing a room of coffins. Chelsea gasped in awe as she walked around the mid-sized room. Watching her admire the beds of the dead, the figure waited for a scream or something of the like. "Surely, this young maiden," thought the dark figure, "Has a limit to her tolerance." When she approached the center casket, lying down instead of propped upright like the rest, she stroked the polished, black wood before turning to look at her angel. Seeing the innocent gaze in her eyes, the figure's eyes locked with hers, and he waited.
"Angel," Chelsea asked innocently, "Are you…" The figure braced himself for the worst. "… Are you a vampire?" His knees gave way, and the tall figure fell over in shock. As she blinked at his reaction, he began to wonder how innocent she really was. Shaking his head for a no, he stood, saying, "No, no, I'm very much alive." Suddenly, she gasped, and the figure assumed things had finally hit her. She bowed low from the waist, saying, "Please forgive me rudeness. I haven't properly introduced myself!" Still bowing, Chelsea didn't see the red and black clad figure fall over yet again. He could feel his eye twitch as he tried to figure this child out.
After he stood up again, the young lady touched her chest, "Let's start again. I'm Chelsea Streeter." Extending her hand toward him, "Who are you, my angel?" Gazing at her soft hand, he glanced up at her face, taking it all in. Slowly reaching out, he took her right hand in his and kissed it. "When I lived in the light, I was called Agent Heart-Throb." Chelsea blushed a bit, thinking she agreed. "But," he continued, "My name is Vincent, Vincent Valentine." Chelsea thought his diction and charm mixed with his mysterious appearance gave him the persona of a phantom. Thinking of their bond of music, words began to come together in her mind. He looked at her with those ruby red eyes. Rising to his full height, the bats spilled in from behind him and swirled around them. The batting of their wing and the screeching of their voices became music to the two singer's ears. Gazing into his eyes, Chelsea began to sing.
"In sleep, he sang to me; in dreams, he came. That voice which calls to me and speaks my name. And though I dream again, for now I find, the Phantom of the Opera is here inside my mind!" Vincent felt his soul stir again, and he followed after her. "Sing once again with me, a strange duet. Your power over me grows stronger yet. And though you turn from me to glance behind, the Phantom of the Opera is here before your eyes!"
Stroking his pale, soft face, Chelsea let the music between them move her again, and she picked up after him. "Those who have seen your face draw back in fear. I am the mask you wear…" "Its me they hear," Vincent countered. Embracing each other, their spirits blended together, allowing a synchronized duet to flow forth. "The spirit and the voice in one combine. The Phantom of the Opera is here…" Chelsea looked up at the dark angel and finished the verse, "… Before my eyes!"
The bats around them spaced apart as Chelsea began to rise into the air. Her eyes never left his. She knew he was lifting her with his powers, yet fear was far from the maiden's heart as she felt chords forming in her throat. "He's here, the Phantom of the Opera!" As Chelsea held her note, Vincent watched the winged creatures revolve around her. Her voice had become a drug to him; he couldn't let her stop. He didn't want this feeling to end down in his soul. He called out to her, "Sing my angel of music!" She raised an octave in her note as she closed her eyes and lifted her head to the high ceiling. "Sing my angel!" She raised another octave, quickening the bats' speed about her. "Sing for me!" Another octave higher and the girl was still going strong. He whispered to himself, "Sing my angel." He suddenly shouted in an almost pleading voice, "Sing for me!" Chelsea's eyes shot open as she hit a note higher than she'd ever done before, but she didn't hold it for long. She fainted and slowly descended into her angel's embrace.