little note: when Erik calls Aeris mon fleurir la fille it means 'my flower girl'
Masquerade
"You what?" Aeris screamed.
Jewel jumped back at her friend's reaction, "He let me take off his mask too."
"What? No fair, and you didn't steal it for me? He has like six others I counted!" Aeris pouted.
"Sorry, Aeris, I didn't think of that," Jewel laughed.
"Well what did he do? Come on, I want to know everything about it!" Aeris squeezed her friend for info.
"He just sang me to sleep," said Jewel.
"After or before you kissed him?" Aeris asked.
"Before…he was singing Music of the Night to me,"
"He sang that to you? Damn I should have left his mask alone! I hate you right now!" Aeris yelled.
"Aeris, please…"
"You like him don't you? Okay, wait that is a stupid question. He only likes you because you remind him of Christine," Aeris snapped.
Jewel glared at her silently for a moment then turned moving away. Aeris didn't say anything about that again knowing she'd up set Jewel. She got up and cut her friend off quick.
"Hey, come on lets go out tonight. There's another club I want to take you," Aeris flashed another cute smile. Jewel could tell her smile was her way of saying 'I'm sorry, forgive me for being stupid' and quickly forgave her.
"Okay but this is the last club we go to okay Aeris?" Jewel smiled but with a stern look, "I think we've been to every night club in Paris thanks to you."
Aeris walked out of the bathroom after a late shower she was dressed in her bright pink PJ's and ready for bed. Jewel was already under her covers sound asleep. Aeris tiptoed through the dark room so she wouldn't wake her friend.
"Come on, Hiei, time for bed," she whispered taking her Hiei pushie from the night table. Aeris reached her bed and stepped back. She leaned over and turned on one lamp near her bed. Laid out in front of her was a kimono and ball gown.
The kimono was black and flowy with a detailed flower design in the color sugar pink. It came with a delicate fan matching in color and design of the Kimono and black cop sticks for her hair. The Gown was a deep forest green with a black lace cover. Next to the dress was a black face mask and the top was outlined with emerald stones and dark green feathers on the sides.
Aeris gasped in aw her fingers touching the kimono. She spotted the envelope with the very familiar red skull seal and ripped it open.
I Hope you like my gifts. Tomorrow night come dressed
to the opera house 12:00 pm.
Erik
Her heart skipped a beat she glanced over at Jewel spying a red rose by her pillow. Sighing to herself Aeris moved the clothing from her bed and pulled the sheets
"I feel funny," complained Jewel as she stared at herself in the mirror.
Aeris adjusted her hair and grined at Jewel, "Oh come on, you clean up good, "she joked.
Jewel rolled her eyes, "I hate dresses."
Aeris grinned again turning to her, "Too bad it's not pink."
Jewel gave a glare, "You know I'd die before I wore pink."
Aeris laughed, "Then you better die before my wedding day."
Jewel gave her friend a warm look," that kimono really suits you."
Aeris played with her fan looking at herself in the mirror. She was amazed at how well this beautiful kimono fit her. Not to mention she also looked quite stunning in it. The dark colors went well with her skin tone and dark hair she wore light natural makeup to enhance her features. Her long black hair was pin up in an elegant Asian style.
"You know wants odd? I don't remember there being anything special going on at the opera house tonight? Did you hear anything," Jewel asked.
"Just that one note from Erik," answered Aeris, "I wonder if he is planning something..."
Walking into the grand entrance to the opera house the girls were completely amazed. The place was packed with people dancing and laughing all in their own world. The colors of the different costumes were so clear and bright it was truly a sight to see. Jewel laughed happily at the crowd as if she was looking at something from a dream. Smiling, she and Aeris stood and watched for a moment the millions of mask spinning and dancing around them. Losing herself in an unfolding fantasy she placed her mask on her face and Jewel began to sing,
Masquerade, paper faces on parade!
Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you!
Masquerade, Every face a different shade!
Masquerade, Look around There's another mask behind you!
Masquerade, burning glances, turning heads . . .
Masquerade, Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you!
Masquerade, Grinning yellows, spinning reds . . .
Masquerade, Take your fill-let the spectacle astound you!
Aeris pulled out her fan covered her face starting to sing along,
Flash of mauve . . .Splash of puce . . .
Fool and king . . .Ghoul and goose . . .
Green and black . . .Queen and priest . . .
Trace of rouge . . . a Face of beast . . .
Faces . . .Take your turn, take a ride on the merry-go-round . . .
in an inhuman race . . .
The girls near the staircase and a man dressed in a tuxedo with his face painted white grabbed Aeris and by the arm and gave a bow. Before she knew it she found herself surrounded by different masks each face smiling at her pulling her into a dance.
Eye of gold . . . Thigh of blue . . .
True is false . . . Who is who . . .?
Curl of lip . . .Swirl of gown . . .
Ace of hearts . . .Face of clown . . .
Faces . . .Drink it in, drink it up,
till you've drowned in the light . . .in the sound
A butterfly and clown danced past Jewel bowing as they passed. Laughing Jewel struck a pose at the end of the large gold staircase
But who can name the face?
Jewels giggled as she saw a cat step up the stairs and strike a pose at a jester who spun past. Aeris laughed dancing by in the arms of a prince. Five dancers surrounded Jewel all of them with gold fans. One gave Jewel a fan of her own swinging his around. The dancers gathered at the staircase and Jewel long with them danced with the fans everyone singing.
Masquerade Seething shadows breathing lies
Masquerade!
You can fool any friend whoever knew you!
Masquerade, leering satyrs, peering eyes . . .
Masquerade,
run and hide but a face will still pursue you!
Jewel was startled by a flash of dark red feeling someone grab her arm. Her eyes widened as she stared face to face with the Red Death. She gulped as he held sliently his hand out to her. His dark gaze mesmerized her as he took Jewel from her chair. Jewel nervously took his hand placing her other on his shoulder. The Red Death slipped his hand around her waist holding her firmly. Slow they moved to the music. Jewel wanted to speak but his gaze made her mouth run dry. His skull mask and the paint around his eyes gave him a darker appearance. Twirling her around Jewel's world went a colory blur till she met his eyes again.
"Erik?" she whispered.
He nodded pulling her closer slowly he lifted her mask away from her face joining the song.
Masquerade, paper faces on parade
hide your face so the world will never find you…
"Did you do this for us?" She asked.
Aeris spotted her friend dancing with Death and she immediately broke away from her partner. She couldn't explain why but something about them made her blood go cold. Aeris pushed through the massive crowd to the side of her friend where she came face to face with the Red Death. She nodded to him and he gave a small bow. Looking at Jewel he was quick to change his partner now dancing with Aeris.
"And what do you have planned tonight?" she asked as they twirled around.
"You sound displeased,"
"Are you playing games with us," said Aeris.
Erik didn't answer.
"Why so slient good Messieur?" she asked.
He backed away bowing again then disappeared in the crowd. Irked by his sudden disappearance Aeris rolled her eyes. She spotted Jewel by the stairs and raced over to her.
"You doing okay?" she asked
"Of course," Jewel smiled.
The Red Death reappeared standing tall in the middle of the staircase his eyes fixed on Aeris. He marched down three steps towering over her. Aeris eyes fixed on the glow of his sword at his side then his face. Stepping down once more Death's eyes lay on Jewel. The crowd stopped and hundreds of eyes fell on the two girls. Erik took other step toward them drawning his sword The blade glowed in the dim light. Pointing the blade toward the ground he took another step. He slowly rose the blade toward Aeris with a serious gaze.
"Your chains are now mine. You belong to me…" he warned her.
With that Aeris jerked Jewel away and flew for the door.As they ran it felt like the big crowd was closeing them in. It felt like they had to fight their way through. Jewel struggled to keep Aeris's grip her face white. Erik's words felt like a cruse on her. Pulling her friend along with her Aeris pushed people aside so Jewel could get by. Aeris's hand slipped from Jewels in just moment as she felt herself being pulled to the side. She fought hard to stay close to Jewel but it was useless. Jewel disappeared and Aeris was being dragged away pulled further back into the crowd. Hidden in the shadows Aeris swirled around looking into those devilish green eyes.
"Leaving so soon, mon fleurir la fille?" He shook her.
Aeris freed herself from his grip and backed to the wall.
"What are you doing Erik? Have you just now decide to pull me into your sick game," Aeris snapped.
"You sound so displeased..."
"Don't mock me...she told me everything after you brought her back. I was right your just using her and now both of us. This is some sick game isn't it? I guess you're just gonna say no should love a monster."
Erik stepped back with a wicked smile, "I know Mon fleurir la fille, "Erik came closer touching her cheek, " but don't give me reason to harm you."
Aeris closed her eyes feeling Erik's fingers on her lips. He was so close to her now that he might kiss her. But to her dismay Erik changed the mood by swinging a lasso at her. It would have caught her if she hadn't raised her hand to the level of her eyes just as it came around her neck.
"That's right, Keep your hand at the level of your eyes!" said Erik and with a twirl of his red cape he was gone.
Aeris was breathless with her hands shaking as she ripped the lasso from her neck. Though he was gone she knew he was still watching her. Composing herself she rested her head on the wall. Remembering his words she smiled a little was that a real threat? But more to her suprize she looked around and saw not a soul. The once packed hall was now dark and empty. The people simply had disappeared like magic. Had it all be a illusions of Erik's?