Disclaimer: I don't own Phantom of the Opera, however I wish I did!
Madame Giry's Point of View:
Erik. That name could not escape my mind. It followed me in my dreams, in my thoughts, in my everyday life. Slowly, I kept recalling those days so long ago, when my poor, sweet Erik first arrived at the Opera. "Why?" I asked myself. Quietly, while laughing to myself, I glanced down at my very special necklace tucked safely inside of my shirt….
A bit later that night, Erik fell asleep on the soft, comfortable blanket that I had supplied him with. This boy was so unique. As I watched him slumber, I tried to imagine what a horrible, unjust life he must have had before I rescued him. Inside, I could tell he was a kind, loving person. However, on the outside anyone could tell he was scared and lonely. He appeared to be new to any sort of hospitality or compassion from another. How could one possibly be so cruel to such a gentle young boy?
For a brief moment, I left his side to check out what time it was. This night was incredibly risky for me. If I were to be discovered out of bed, the other ballerinas would surely gossip until their tongues fell out. Young girls are warned not to leave their homes late at night. Paris is extremely dangerous, especially for women.
After jogging up a few flights of underground stairs, a small window came into my viewing. The night was almost over, and by the hazy, lightening color of the sky, I knew that the new morning sun would soon rise in my dear Paris. Sadly, I walked back down the stairs to say a final goodbye to Erik before a new day began.
A few minutes later, I once more arrived into the cold, damp underground cellar of the Opera to bid my new friend farewell until later. Still, Erik was sleeping, a bit more at ease and perhaps carefree. I stood up above his figure contemplating whether I should wake him up or not. Suddenly however, he began to violent shake all over!
I gasped in shock and worry! What was happening to him? I didn't know how to treat any medical injuries or anything, and truly he would be discovered if he went to a doctor. What was I going to do?
Slowly, his body was transforming into a smaller, rounder shape. He was slipping out of his human form. His fingers were morphing together and his ears grew pointy and closer together. Small, white hairs crept onto his whole body. The partially disfigured nose he owned hours before shaped into a oval, black figure. Four minutes later, his changed body no longer showed the form of a human being, but… but… of a dog!
Truly, I was speechless as I stared at the body before my feet. Perhaps, I just had a daydream or a nightmare, and this whole night was just a figment of my imagination. Nervously, I began to chuckle to myself. Surely in moments I would awake in my warm, cozy in the ballet dormitory, surrounded by giggly chorus girls observing my bizarre state. Somehow, I really wanted to believe that, though deep inside I knew it wasn't the truth.
Cautiously, I bent down on one knee and tenderly patted his smooth, silky head. Baffled by his surroundings, Erik gradually opened his eyes. He gazed at me hard for a brief moment, and opened his mouth. A soft, calm bark escape from his lips.
He was more confused then I was. Rapidly, he began to move back and forth, pacing up and down the steep cliffs. This was truly beyond both our imaginations. What would happen now? Would he remain a dog forever? Instantly, I tried to reflect back upon past events that could have made this possible. One distinct thought crossed my mind… certain words I cringed at reflecting upon.
"For you, a monster; for upon you future nights and days, you will be half your hideous self, and half an animal, a dog! This spell will only be broken if somebody falls in love you, but really, who could ever learn to love you?"
The gypsy's horrible laugh tore through my head like a tornado. With tears streaming down my cheeks I ran to Erik and gathered him into my arms. "You're not unloved, my dear."
Madame Giry glanced outside her room to view the new risen sun of the day. Her body shook a bit from the memory. "Perhaps one day…" she whispered, as she rose up from her chair and left to find Christine.
Raoul's Point of View:
I was beginning to get frantic! Where could Christine be! She wasn't with me, and she wasn't at the opera house, and she wasn't outside Paris for any reason that anyone knew. Maybe she had returned a bit later. Quickly, I jumped onto my horse and dashed away.
Christine's Point of View:
I was at loss for words. Was last night real? Emotionally, I was in turmoil. I felt inspired by this indescribable spirit that filled my soul. Yet, I felt very scared of this dark angel, this man who lives only on music itself. He had a power that I couldn't resist, a power I was drawn to. What would happen next?
In a few moments, a familiar petite body placed himself into my lap. "Oh Angel", I sighed, as I gently stroked my silent companion's fur.
Ever since Angel saved me from Joseph Buquet when I was younger, we had become best friends. I shared all my secrets with him, knowing my words would never be spoken to another soul by my canine friend. Despite the fact that he was only a small dog though, it seemed as if he could understand every word I said. His eyes showed true kindness, as if he could really hear me.
"Oh Angel, life is so mysterious sometimes. I know nobody would listen to me but you right now, so I'm telling you what happened last night. My Angel of Music appeared to me, as a masked man! I felt drawn to him… his presence was like a magical spell over my body. He sang to me with his pure, angelic voice so beautifully I fainted. The experience was too much for me. Later, I woke up and saw him playing music at his organ. I became a little curious, and unmasked him! He became so angry and violent! I was terrified of him, that side of him was so scary and unheard of…and yet I cried for him. His poor face… it was disturbingly deformed and didn't even look like a face in some spots. I knew the emotions he felt at the moment. He was self conscious and scared."
Christine laughed at the irony of her comment.
"It's hard to believe my Angel of Music of all people would be scared of anything. The Phantom of the Opera seems fearless, having the entire Paris Opera under his fingertips. And yet, he's just a normal man as I am a normal woman. Everybody has insecurities I guess. I just wish I could help him a bit".
Gently, Angel stirred a bit and groaned with pity. Gracefully, he removed himself from my lap. He turned around, and gazed into my eyes with so many serious feelings inside it made me want to weep. Softly, he licked my cheek, and dashed out of the room. I loved that little dog so much.
Reluctantly Christine rose out of her bed to start a new day. Who knew what kind of rumors would be circulating the opera house by know.
Erik's POV:
I wanted to cry. I wanted to gather that beautiful girl into my arms and just love her for eternity. Her words were so kind, so sincere to me. How could she not be terribly repulsed by my hideous face? And yet, she still accepted me, she wanted to help me.
I also felt like a monster. How could I hurt Christine like that? Why couldn't I control my anger? She was just simply curious. I acted like a savage beast in that lair.
In a few minutes time, I realized what sort of nasty rumors could be circulating this noisy Opera House. Oh gosh, others could think that she had an affair with that Raoul! Or ever worse, people could be thinking she had an affair with me. Christine was such a good girl, she would never do that sort of thing. Thankfully, I had written a few "notes" to these certain individuals whom this situation mainly concerned. Courtesy of the Phantom of the Opera.
Christine would be the world famous Soprano she was born to be, and nothing would stand in her way, I ensured.
And with that very thought in mind, I ran off into the distance of the Paris Opera House.
Never underestimate the Opera Ghost.