A/N: Hi everyone! –waves- I must admit, I loved writing this chapter. I watched the scene at least eight times for reference, so the details should all be pretty accurate. –crosses fingers- Sorry this wasn't up sooner; I went camping with my family and didn't have computer access.
Disclaimer: Alright, if you STILL think I own "The Phantom of the Opera," you need to have your head examined. Check your local insane asylum for vacancy. If all nearby facilities are full, you can always just crawl into the basement of an opera and create your own nifty lair with a cool lake and candles and stuff. –giggles-
Never in my life had I felt so powerful. Every eye in the room was turned upon me. The women clutched to their husbands' arms while the men trembled in their boots. No one dared to move or breathe, for fear of attracting unwanted attention. The room rang with a deafening silence as I glared around the hall, raising my chin defiantly.
It took every last ounce of willpower to stifle a mocking chuckle as I took in the uproarious sight. Oh yes, they feared me… and fear meant respect. It was an utterly satisfying feeling to know that every last one of the elite swine was reciting "Hail Mary's" under their breath as I towered above them.
With deliberately slow, jolting steps, I descended the grand staircase, thrilling as the audience flinched at every stride. For a fleeting moment I glanced at the vicomte, sizing him up with a quick once-over. His face was twisted with a combination of incredulity and anger, but the second we made eye contact his eyes darkened challengingly. I responded merely by raising my chin a bit higher and sweeping my gaze around pointedly at the terror-stricken audience. I could not keep a small grin from the corners of my mouth as I began to sing.
Why so silent, good messieurs?
Did you think that I had left you for good?
I chanced a glimpse of the managers; the petrified look on their faces clearly answered my question. The continual urge to burst out laughing began to take its toll on my burning lungs, but I managed to keep my voice and expression steady and evasive. Now singing directly to the managers themselves, I watched amusedly as Andre visibly began to quake in terror.
Have you missed me, good messieurs?
I have written you an opera!
This prospect did not seem to surprise the two dimwits, nor anyone else in the room. I raised the leather-bound composition for inspection, but didn't dare look at the vicomte for fear of bursting into uncontrollable laughter.
Here, I bring the finished score:
"Don Juan Triumphant!"
In one swift, fluid movement I tossed the opera at Andre and Firmin's feet and unsheathed the sword at my hip. I glared suspiciously around the room once more, holding the sharp weapon menacingly in front of me. I recognized the danger of my situation; I was just one man, and I was surrounded by at least two hundred men of equal strength. If they so decided, I could be tackled, gagged, and whisked off to prison before a scream could rise in my throat. Fortunately, the fools were wildly superstitious, and didn't dare defy the Red Death himself. Humorous what one altered costume and an air of utter confidence could achieve.
Once I was sure that none of the bloody cowards within the room were brave enough to challenge me, I laid the blunt edge of the blade harmlessly in the palm of my gloved hand, adopting a more amiable posture and tone.
Fondest greetings to you all…
A few instructions just before rehearsals start
Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as the vicomte touched Christine's back reassuringly before ducking out of the room. I snarled inwardly at his cowardice— he was a most unworthy opponent. Did he not realize that with very little effort I could snatch up his fiancé and refuse to let her leave my lair? Of course, the thought of kidnapping Christine was positively revolting; I had never taken her anywhere without her consent, and did not plan to unless dire circumstances presented no other option.
Ignoring the boy's idiocy for the moment, I wheeled around to face my first victim, goose bumps shooting up my arms at the thrill of finally confronting my largest source of aggravation in person. It was good fun to play harmless little pranks on Carlotta from behind the scenes, but to publicly humiliate and degrade her to her overly-makeuped face was another thing entirely.
Carlotta must be taught to ACT,
Not her normal trick of strutting around the stage!
I jabbed the tip of my sword into her extravagant headdress (I believe she was dressed as a peacock, but she squawked and dressed in elaborate, birdlike costumes so often that I honestly couldn't tell the difference) and jiggled it around for good measure. The stupefied look on her face was worth all the gold in Persia, and I savored it for a moment before her portly manwhore stepped forward indignantly. I was ready for him, and shifted the tip of my sword to his gut with a condescending glare.
Our Don Juan must lose some weight
It's not healthy in a man of Piangi's age.
I offered him a small, sporting nod as I pointed the sword briefly at his turban-wrapped head. My lips curled in a smirk as I turned once again to the managers. They had been the ringleaders of this mad circus, and it was high time to remind them of their place in my opera house.
And my managers must learn
That their place is in an OFFICE, not the arts!
The expressions on the managers' faces were enough to make me double over in peals of laughter, but somehow I managed to tone it down to a triumphant smile; as I lifted the sword ominously at each of them, Firmin resembled a ruffled housecat while Andre's eyes bugged to the size of saucers. I could not help but wonder as I looked upon the latter whether or not he knew now from whom his wife's tip-off about Sorelli had come. However, while the two men were immensely entertaining, I had other, more important issues to attend to.
Softening my voice and expression, I returned the sword to its sheath and slowly spun to face my young pupil. Her eyes were lowered shamefully like a disobedient child.
As for our star… Miss Christine Daaé…
She raised her eyes briefly at the mention of her name, and I looked quickly away to address the rest of the audience.
No doubt she'll do her best
It's true, her voice is good…
I couldn't help but laugh at the understatement. None of the people assembled here had ever witnessed the true potential of her voice; she only sang with her entire heart and soul when trying to please her Angel of Music. I did not allow her to sing with anything less. Of course, as compared to Carlotta, it was understandable that the crowd still begged for another performance from the little chorus girl-turned-diva. I returned my gaze briefly to Christine, opening my arms to her as I descended another few stairs in her direction.
She knows, though,
Should she wish to excel
She has MUCH still to learn
If pride will let her return to me,
Her teacher…
I whipped my head around to look pointedly at Madame Giry for approval. How many times had she lectured me about the extent of my affiliation with Christine? By now I was so desperate for her presence that I was willing to accept any form of relationship, be it mentor, lover, or friend. I knew that the first was now the most appealing to everyone but myself, and was more than willing to adopt the role of Angel once again if it meant having Christine back. Giry dipped her head subtly, her eyes sparkling in approval. Encouraged by her consent, I turned my head hesitantly to search Christine's eyes for her feelings on the matter.
Her teacher…
My voice faded to a whisper as I looked into the depths of her wide brown eyes. Any air of haughty superiority dissolved in those beautiful pools. The look in her eyes melted my soul and lit a fire in my heart. It was the look I had longed for my entire life, and never been granted. She wanted me, longed to return to me as much as I longed to have her back. I nearly cried for the beauty of it.
Lost in her eyes, the world suddenly dissolved around me. Countless times I had read of such an experience in literature and scoffed at the mindless romanticism of the idea. Now I had no doubt. There was no one in the world except Christine and me, no barriers to separate us from one another ever again. My heart nearly burst as she took a step closer to me, her eyes soft and imploring. I returned the gesture a bit more hesitantly, fearing that even the slightest movement would break the spell and remind her of whom she was staring at. But she did not look away, nor did the yearning look in her eyes disappear. Instead, she took another step forward, and I responded eagerly with two of my own until she stood close enough to touch.
In the back of my mind I registered the quick tapping of footsteps on marble, but dared not break eye contact with my beloved. Our breathing was shallow and irregular as we remembered the last time we had stood so close…
My hungry eyes finally left hers to roam her beautiful face. I could almost taste the soft skin of her neck, feel the way her curls entwined with my fingers. Slowly, my gaze drifted downward of its own accord to her pale collarbone and further still…
But before my eyes could consume their fill, they snagged on the large, glittering diamond hugged between her breasts. My temper flared like an enraged dragon, spitting flames as it built power within me. Now I fully recognized the approaching footsteps as belonging to the vicomte… they were the same ones that I had carefully identified while lurking in the basement of the Setting Sun.
I met Christine's gaze once more, this time with a scornful disappointment blazing from my sharp blue eyes. I reached up to her neckline and snapped the chain with a single, harsh yank.
Your chains are still mine!
I leaned forward so our faces were mere centimeters apart, baring my teeth as I hissed at her, "You belong to me!"
Ignoring her confused and wounded expression, I whirled around and raced up to the seal of the Opera Populaire in long, quick strides. Without looking away from her, I snatched the train of my cloak up into my hands. At the bottom was a small burlap sack of gunpowder, sewed with thin, easily-breakable stitches into the hem. I had tucked a match into the folds of the fabric as well, securing it with only a few loose threads. I subtly grabbed each of these, pulling the ends of the bag open as I dug my toe into the corner of the seal. Giving Christine one last once-over, I struck the match and kicked down hard with my heel. The trap door gave way, and I tossed the gunpowder and match into the air above me as I fell, covering the movement with a whirl of my cloak. I could hear the audience gasp in glee and surprise as I "disappeared" in a puff of flame just moments before landing on the solid ground of the torture chamber.
Above me, I could hear the vicomte's stride pick up speed until he was positively bolting for the trap door. With a sigh of annoyance, I made for the mirror on the far left, prying into the hidden lever with a practiced hand. The mirror slid open easily, and I crept through just as the vicomte dropped down after me. I was careful to make sure the exit was securely closed before turning to the controls. Grinning maliciously, I placed the setting on shift, and spun to watch as the vicomte wheeled around in confusion. It was a simple contraption, really… the mirrors were all attached to a system of pulleys and springs which allowed them to shift in forty five degree angles in any direction. Nevertheless, it was a very effective illusion, making the victim feel dizzy and trapped.
Putting on my best menacing glare, I decided to up the vicomte's frenzy and remind him of my presence. I stepped between the two mirrors in front of me as they parted, so my reflection showed on every surface of the room. The boy was armed, and he slashed desperately at a mirror on the opposite side of the room. Laughing under my breath, I shifted to the next set of mirrors, watching with mounting amusement as he lashed out again, his eyes wild. His strokes grew more frantic and clumsy, and I finally grew tired of waiting. He had been idiotic enough to follow me… now he would die for it.
Turning back to the controls to the room, I pulled the lever which lowered the Punjab lasso just above the vicomte's head. He hacked wildly at it, whimpering as he panted for breath, but just as I was about to enter the room and finish him off, Giry appeared through the tunnel from the fourth cellar. She said nothing, but shook her head at the arrogant boy with a sharp sigh. Giry quickly snatched his wrist and glared at me through the mirrors before tugging the vicomte off in the direction from whence she had come.
I considered traipsing off after them, but quickly decided against it with a sigh of defeat. The costume was too burdensome and stifling, and I had no real desire to murder Madame Giry. She was one of the few people who kept my opera house together; without her, the Populaire would quickly spiral into chaos.
Swearing under my breath, I gathered up my heavy cloak and headed down the opposite tunnel towards home.
There will be other times, I told myself glumly. You will have the vicomte's blood soon enough.
A/N: Sorry, not a very good place to end. –sighs- Didn't know where to stop it. Okay, so now I have a favor to ask of you. WHEN you review (LOL—notice, not "if"), would you please cast a vote as to whether or not you want me to include "No One Would Listen"? I'm leaving this up to the readers. Thanks!
Kat097: LOL! Oh, your review had me in stitches. –giggles- I know, I know! Evil cliffie! It's a sport among phanphic authors: who can make their readers go the most insane?
Shadow Fox Forever: -bows- Oh, I'm very glad you thought so. It's those damned fillers… I hate 'em. HECK YES TIGHT LEATHER PANTS! LOL.
Moonjava: Woo hoo! Thanks! I'm so very glad you like it!
Ever Rin: OMG! LOL. You're making me blush like crazy! But… but… it IS! –sighs in defeat- Alright. For your benefit, I shall refrain from calling my work "measly." I'm sure I can find other synonyms. –cackles- But thank you… you are SO sweet! I hope you're liking the E/C too. :)
Arwen1604: Thank you! Aww, chocolates for ME? –beams- Well, how 'bout this? I'll keep updating as quickly as possible, and you work on trying to send electronic chocolates! Haha.
LoveroftheArts: -grins- Yep, gotta love Erik's appearances. :D He's so awesome… especially in the Red Death costume! –swoons-
RainsPhantom: Oh my, you've discovered my weakness! –melts- Erik and Nadir puppy eyes? Who can refuse! YAY! I'm glad you like the detail… sometimes I'm afraid I overdo it a bit. Haha.
LaPetiteChristine: -giggles- Yes, Hil, you get credit for the torture chamber idea. You're just so MODEST, my dear! LOL. Yeah, you'd BETTER update before leaving for Australia, or you'll have a livid Nade on your hands! Dun dun DUN!
Mam'selle Erin: YAY! –does new reviewer dance- Wow, I'm… shocked! You "compulsively read" my story? –gapes- I think I dun got me a fan! LOL. Thank you so very much… you've made my day! Umm, as to where to find Kay's book, check your local libraries. It was a limited edition print, so the copies available for sale out there are usually somewhere around $90. I do have a copy saved on my computer if you'd like me to e-mail it to you as an attachment. Just drop me a message in my box and I'd be happy to help. Good luck!
Inkie Pinkie: LOL! Yes, yes he should… I mean, come on, Erik! If you're hot, just take the damn costume OFF! None of the phans would mind… haha.
Venus725: Haha, your review had me doubled over laughing. XD I know… when you're the author, it's great fun to watch the reviewers rip their hair out over cliffies. When you're the READER, it's just plain aggravating! –giggles- We're all hypocrites like that. Aww, thanks! I'm still shocked to have so many reviews. –huggles-
Haizea: -blushes- I love your reviews! –grins- What to say to that? Thank you so much… you DO make my day, and it's your continued support which urges me to continue writing even when I'm convinced that I suck at it. Writing these stories is an escape from my dull life too… it's quite thrilling to write from the eyes of the Opera Ghost! Glad I can be of service. –bows-
Erik's Dark Lullaby: LOL! OMG, wow… XD Don't DIE, silly! –laughing up a storm- I'm updating, I'm updating! Hehe… thanks so much; you flatter me! Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE your screen name, btw?
Sakume: -blushes five shades of crimson- Oh, please… I'm not worth all THAT! LOL. I do heartily appreciate it, though. –huggles- Aww, you didn't get any cookies? –bakes a tray especially for you- I loved the long review; thank you SO much, love!
Bea: -does new reviewer dance- Thank you! Nope, it's going to follow the ALW storyline from now on. Sorry. :( Okay, there's a problem with the online version of Kay's Phantom, but I downloaded it to my computer and I can email you the file as an attachment if you'd like. However, I do need your email address… lol.
Joanieponytail: -glomps- Oh, I'm SO glad you reviewed! I was worried for a while that you'd forgotten this story… you should have heard my sigh of relief when I got your review! Thank you… thought some of the ladies out there might appreciate the hot and sweaty Erik bit. ;) LOL! Hadn't even thought of the OG brand connecting to slash! XD
DaydreamingTurtle: LOL, join the club! I'm giddy most of the time… but I'm SO GLAD you like my story so much! –beams- I try… don't always succeed, but I try. ;) Yep, OG is on the cover… I was very careful to include that detail because a friend pointed it out and I checked the movie to be sure. I know, that chappie was pretty short, and a great deal of it was lyrics… lol. I kind of cheated. But this one is a bit longer, so I hope you like it.
BONANZA: Yup, he's got a great deal of self-control, that is until his temper flares. –shakes head- I think our dear OG needs anger management. LOL. Well, you'll just have to wait and see, won't you?
Alli Lynn: HAHA, mood swings? ERIK? NEVER! LOL. Yeah, he's a moody guy. Cackling diabolically one moment, sobbing and whimpering the next. –sighs- He's fun to write, though. :)
Lady G: Ah, so much to say… I could take up a page responding to your reviews, dearie. –laughs- I do appreciate the fact that you pick up on little mistakes. I thought I had changed it to "release" before I updated, but there were several different versions and I think I might have upped the wrong one. Also, nice catch with the walking on the walls… LOL. –slaps forehead- Meant to say "floor." Silly me. He's ERIK, not Spiderman. –chuckles- Ohh, what else? Ah yes. Glad I can amuse you so much… even if it is with "Pootsie's" suffering. –pouts- Poor baby. And YES, the POINT of that chapter in "Evergreen" was to make the readers feel sorry for Christine. It takes more work on some than with you, so I had to kick up the tragedy a notch or two. I love babies far more than the average human being, so it was the worst thing I could think of.
Chocobo Surprise: "Christine Vs. World"… LOL! Indeed! You do make me laugh… it's great. :D Yay! I'm glad you liked the idea of Erik and Giry collaborating; it struck me as fitting because he knows the words to the song that the monkey box plays. –shudders- That thing freaks me out. Anywho, the leather pants… haha. That actually came around because in a close-up shot of Erik in his Red Death costume, you can see that he's wearing a white shirt underneath the red velvet. So I figured he'd also be wearing PANTS… and my infatuated-with-Erik side just jumped at the opportunity to picture Gerry in skintight leather. LOL. I probably phrased it oddly, but when he first donned the pants, there wasn't a heat issue, because it was freezing cold down in the cellars. In the ceiling above the lobby, however, it's quite a bit warmer. –shrugs- Anyways, yes, the lyrics to "Masquerade" are awesome, but I had trouble understanding them too until I saw them written out. Tssk tssk, chorus:P
Electricdragon: -does new reviewer dance- Why, thank you! –grins- Erik's got a great sense of humor, and he's very funny in his own cynical way. ;) Glad you're enjoying it!
LilyEvansPotter4456: -does new reviewer dance AGAIN- Whew, you guys are great! Welcome, and thank you very much!
Alright, all done! Now scoot and tell me whether or not you guys want "NOWL"!