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Chapter 10: Madame Giry's Visit

Cat sat at the organ, playing a simple tune over and over again, huming its rythm until here head felt like it would explode. Erik had been gone for several hours, and there were times where Cat was sure she could hear screaming coming from above. What had the Phantom done?

Cat had not realised how much energy she had spent playing the organ when she found herself being awakened by a strange old woman. Immediantly jumping back, causing pain to her ribs, she fell to the ground, frightened.

"Oh dear!" the old lady cried out as she was at Cat's side. "I'm so sorry to have frightened you!"

Cat clutched her chest, gasping at the pain. What on earth was this lady doing down in the Phantom's lair? Cat looked up to her as the pain slowly subsided.

"No...it's alright," Cat said between gasps.

"What on earth are you doing down here child? Don't you know this is a dangerous place?" the lady asked as she placed her hand on Cat's shoulder.

"No more dangerous then if I were living off the streets of Paris I'm sure," Cat mumbled. "I find a sort of comfort here madame, and as I am in no condition to leave, this has made my days here quite peaceful."

The lady made a slight gasp. "You do not realize what you are saying!" she exclaimed. "There is a ghost here! Has he not already warned you to leave, to go away?"

"Why would a phantom do that to a girl in my position?" Cat asked. "I have seen no ghost but found this place by accident and I am nearly well now to leave. And may I ask madame what you are doing here?"

"My business lies with the owner of this Opera House," the lady replied. "A girl has disappeared from our city and she was last seen on the Opera stage where the Vicomte di Chagny left her."

"Why are you looking for her?" Cat asked shakily.

"May I ask why this would concern you young lady?" the woman asked.

"Because I found her and she is the missing girl you speak of," spoke a familiar voice from the boat that had arrived unnoticed.

"Erik!" Cat exlcaimed in surprise. The strange lady bowed to the Phantom of the Opera.

"Madame Giry, what business have you with my new pupil?" Erik asked as he joined them near the organ.

"Madame Giry?" Cat exclaimed and turned back to the woman.

"New pupil?" Madame Giry also exlcaimed. "Sir! This is Catherine Revue, the missing daughter of Claire Revue and the woman who now lies in a hospital bed sick, dying, wanting to see her daughter again. You tell me she's been hiding under your hospitality?"

"Dying!"Cat cried out, she fell to the floor again, tears falling out of her eyes.

Madame Giry fell to the floor at once. "Oh my poor dear. I am sorry to be the one to tell you of such horrible news. Claire has been poisoned, how and by who we do not know for now but everyday she has called out for you, begged us to find you. Will you not go to her? I fear she has little time left," she stated. Madame Giry then turned to Erik. "But I fear the decision upon her leaving is of your opinion?"

"He does not hold me captive," Cat stated. "Erik may be the Phantom that many fear, he may be the man that murders others even though they are innocent but he no monster to me. He does not hold me as a prisoner. He has taken care of me, taught me, even helped to sing and yet you stand there to accuse him of harsh rumors."

"Do not blame Madame Giry, Cat. She has helped me in debts that I cannot fully repay," Erik said then helped the young girl to stand up. "Your mother needs you now more then ever. I will always be here but you do not belong here." He then turn to Madame Giry. "I will help you get her above but that is as far as I dare go."

Madame Giry nodded then lead them back to the boat, surprised at the Phantom's kindness. Erik wrapped the young girl in a hug.

"Friends forever, Catherine Revue. I promise, this meeting will not be our last," he stated before helping her into the boat.