Erik: the Vampire Hunter
Episode 8: Temperance
By: Elektra
CineScreen Theatre - Early evening
Erik studied the scene before him. The blood splattered screen was showing an arts film he couldn't identify, and the dead bodies laying motionless in the red velvet seats were drained dry.
Unaffected by such a sight, he simply pulled out his cell phone and made a call, "Tell the guild to send some assistance, and a cleaning crew to CineScreen Theater on West 32nd," he informed Antoinette Giry.
Once Erik disconnected, he walked around the area, surveying the damage.
Art house theaters were rare here, and only known to those who frequented them. He was grateful for that, for it would mean this incident could be tidied up rather neatly.
He closed his eyes, trying to sense if his quarry was nearby. He was sure there had been more then one, as one alone couldn't drain this many adults.
His ears picked up a soft sound, and he turned towards it, his eyes noticing a flash of movement in the back row. He quickly went up to it, and saw a girl sitting on the floor, hugging herself, sobbing silently.
She cried out and jumped up when she saw him, stumbling away as quickly as she could, "Don't... please... don't hurt me..."
She turned to run, but he grasped her arm and spun her around to face him, "I have no intentions of harming you, girl... but I need to know if you saw anything," he said.
She was far too frightened to speak, tears streaming down her face, struggling to free herself from his grasp. He took a deep breath, and met her eyes, changing the tone of his voice to one more soothing, "Calm now, I won't hurt you..." the sound was warm and silky, and he saw her fear begin to ease. She slowly stopped struggling and met his golden eyes, "Now tell me," he continued hypnotically, "Why are you here, and what did you see?"
She could not turn her eyes away from him now, "I came here with a friend," she replied languidly, "I went to the bathroom, and when I came back... I saw this," she closed her eyes, "I didn't know what to do. Emily wasn't here, and-"
"Emily is your friend then?" he asked, keeping his tone smooth. The girl nodded, "Do you know where she went?"
The girl shook her head, then opened her eyes and glanced at the purse beside her, "This is hers. She left it here. I know she wouldn't have gone home without me,"
Erik nodded and dropped his alluring tone, "May I have a description of your friend? And your name, if you please,"
The girl suddenly blinked as if just waking up from a dream. Erik was quite aware of the effect his voice could have on a person, "I... um..." the girl was nervous again, "Linda. My name is Linda," she slid a now-shaking hand into her pocket and pulled out her wallet, flipping through it until she found what she was looking for. She handed a picture to Erik with trembling fingers, "That's her. My friend, Emily,"
Erik studied the picture. A young blonde girl with a bright face and wide smile. He noted she was rather pretty. It was no wonder the monsters had taken her, "May I borrow this?" he asked, "It may help,"
Linda's eyes looked hopeful, though still frightened of the imposing man before her, "Can you find her?"
"I make no promises," he answered. The room was then filled with people - five cleaning crew and three hunters. The Guild had worked quickly. The Hunters came up to Erik, asking him what he knew. He informed them of the events as he understood them, and of the possible hostage situation.
He left Linda to the cleaning crew and headed out with the Hunters to find their quarry.
DeChagny Residence
Christine sat comfortably on the couch with Raoul as the two enjoyed a DVD on a television that would have cost Christine a year's pay.
"Chrissy..." Raoul began softly, "I'm worried about you,"
Christine looked up at him, brow furrowed, "Why?"
"You've been spending a lot of time with Erik lately... and I don't like it."
Christine allowed a small smirk to play on her lips, "Are you getting jealous?" She teased, but saw he was not amused. The smirk faded, her voice growing serious, "I understand your concern, Raoul. But don't be so quick to think the worst of him."
"What am I supposed to think then?" Raoul asked.
Christine sighed, "Think that he's just a guy who keeps to himself, and doesn't cause anyone problems. He's decent enough," Christine explained, "And he deserves better then what he's been given,"
Raoul studied her for a moment, "You seem rather defensive of him,"
"Someone has to be," Christine replied.
"And so it has to be you?" he asked, "Or is there something you're not telling me?"
Christine didn't like the tone of his voice, "I don't appreciate your accusation, Raoul."
"Have you even seen his face, Christine?" Raoul pressed.
"No," Christine lied quickly. The last person who had any right to know what Erik hid behind the mask was Raoul.
"Then how do you know anything he says is the truth? He could be lying to you about everything!"
"He isn't lying to me about his talent," she replied. "Professor Gudicelli was telling me how proud she was that my voice was advancing so well. She thinks it's because of HER teaching, of course..."
"Christine..." Raoul took her hand, "I'm just concerned he may try to take advantage of your good nature. He's ten years older than you, and-"
"And..." Christine interrupted, "...there's no need for concern," she then rested her head on his shoulder, her voice growing softer as she entwined her fingers with his, "But I do appreciate you caring so much."
"I've always cared," he said. Christine nodded in understanding, giving Raoul a kiss on the cheek before snuggling up against him as they continued to watch the movie.
Raoul found, however, that he could no longer pay attention to the screen before him. He was unable to stop his thoughts from wandering as he absently ran his fingers through Christine's silky curls.
He had to find out what Erik was hiding and protect his girlfriend from whatever plans the eccentric man had for her - whether she wanted him to or not.
Elsewhere
Erik shifted in the passenger's seat as he stared out the car window, his long legs scrunched up uncomfortably to make room for the two men in the back.
He was trying his best to ignore the idle chatter of the three other hunters he was with: middle-aged André and Firmin, as well as the newly transferred Reyer, who seemed the oldest. He knew the former two to be theater managers by day, and found out the latter had been an orchestra conductor.
Firmin was currently driving, prattling on about his lady love - whom Erik knew to be Antoinette Giry. The two had met, interestingly enough, through their children, as Meg was currently dating the divorcee's son, a fellow Ravelle College student.
"So Erik, I've heard a lot about you! You're apparently one of the best, if not THE best, Hunter the guild has," Reyer began from behind him, "But since Firmin is going on about his lady, I'm sure a young man like yourself must have a few ladies of his own to talk about."
The other two gasped at Reyer's harmless comment. André and Firmin knew better then to ask Erik about personal matters, especially when it concerned the opposite sex.
"Reyer," Firmin began quickly, catching Erik's dangerous glare beside him, "Did you say you were celebrating an anniversary?"
"Oh yes... my thirtieth," he replied brightly.
"Ahh, thirty years with the same woman. Must get tiresome," André joked.
"Oh! Not at all! My Pearl is wonderful. I could never tire of her," Reyer sighed wistfully. He then glanced back at Erik, "Tell me about yourself, son," he began, "Are you some wonderfully famous person who must hide his identity?" he joked lightly, indicating Erik's mask, "You'd be surprised at who you come across where I'm from. People you wouldn't expect to ever be Hunters,"
"Stop the car!" Erik ordered.
"Oh Erik... I'm sure Reyer didn't mean any offense by his comment," André replied nervously.
"STOP the CAR!" Erik repeated, his voice hard and cold. "Or we'll lose our QUARRY!"
Firmin quickly did as Erik commanded without question.
"Did you see something?" Reyer asked.
"No. I SENSED it," Erik replied as he jumped out and headed towards a building currently in disrepair, far ahead of the other three.
"I'm sorry..." André began as he came up to Reyer. "You should have been properly briefed before working with him," he explained, "Erik is a little different then everyone else. Don't ask him about his mask, his love life, or how he senses the creatures."
"I don't understand," Reyer began, "Humans CAN'T sense them!" he stopped as a realization dawned on him, "What, exactly, is he hiding behind that mask?"
Firmin took a deep breath and finally spoke, "I've never seen it personally, but from what I understand, he is rather... unsightly," he shrugged, "Which also explains why one shouldn't ask him about women."
"No wonder he's our best Hunter," Reyer muttered. "Poor man..." he shook his head and took a deep breath, "How often have you worked with him?"
"Only a few times," Firmin replied, "He usually works alone."
Reyer understood. "Have you ever wondered about him? He's certainly raised my curiousity," André and Firmin looked almost afraid to speak. Reyer just sighed, "Perhaps we should ask our supervisors a bit more about him."
"Do you think we should be concerned?" André asked.
"I don't know anything about Erik," Reyer replied. "Has he ever given you CAUSE for concern?"
The other two seemed a little hesitant to answer, but it was André who finally spoke, "He seems to enjoy the kill a little too much," he began, then his voice grew quieter, "And there's something about him that gives Firmin and myself a chill."
"Then all I can suggest is that we keep an eye on him," Reyer replied, "...And hope he never mistakes one of us for the creatures,"
"Reyer, Firmin, André! MOVE!" Erik ordered his fellow Hunters as he waited impatiently at a rusty door built into the warehouse before them. They briefly wondered if he had heard their conversation, though they knew they had been out of hearing range.
With Erik, however, one could never be sure.
"There are seven inside," he explained.
Reyer's eyes went wide, "But there are only four of us!"
Erik frowned, "I've fought five on my OWN," he replied, "I will take on the ones closest to the door. Firmin - take the left. André - take the right, and Reyer - take what's left. Are you ready?" the men nodded, following Erik's orders without question, "Then we go!"
The four men held their weapons ready - crossbows as well as stakes - and barged inside.
Erik immediately went after the closest three, leaving the other Hunters to deal with the rest. He swung a wide roundhouse at the first one who attacked, catching It across the temple. He then shot out a hard punch to It's stomach, sending It back against a wall, allowing It to become easy fodder for Erik's stake.
The second attacked from behind, and Erik spun around, his long leg swinging out and flipping his attacker to the ground. He quickly dropped a knee hard into it's stomach, pinning it to the floor as he easily finished It off.
He didn't have a chance to see how the other three were doing as another rushed up to him and kicked the masked Hunter square in the stomach, briefly knocking the wind out of him. The momentary diversion inadvertently allowed his quarry to land a couple of blows to his person, which didn't sit well with Erik.
A rush of anger filled him as he swung a fist up, clocking the creature with an uppercut that smashed It's jaw and sent tiny spatters of blood spewing out. He did enjoy the fact that these creatures bled as well as humans did.
Before the creature could gather It's thoughts, Erik caught his quarry in a headlock, forcing it down to the ground. He smashed It's head hard against the floor, indulging in the sickening crack of bone against cement. Once. Twice. Three times. It was overkill, he knew that, but it was too late to stop. This creature had raised his ire, and there was no turning back. Erik couldn't resist completely shattering It's skull with one more shot.
A cold dangerous smile spread across Erik's lips and a wonderful rush of adrenaline filled his entire body as he turned the motionless creature to powder.
Erik's euphoria didn't last very long as he sensed a fourth quarry coming up behind him. He whipped around to face it, only to find It become dust at his feet. Erik looked to see Reyer holding his freshly discharged crossbow a few feet away. The older man smiled at Erik and soon Firmin and André rid themselves of their quarry as well.
Once the creatures were gone, Erik's sensitive ears picked up a quiet sobbing. He followed the sound and came upon a locked door.
He motioned to the others, "There's a girl inside. I believe her name is Emily. Retrieve her!" His voice was harsh and demanding.
Firmin glanced at him, "And what about you?"
Erik looked away, "I am leaving. I'm not one to comfort a frightened woman," he said. The other three looked at him, saw the coldness pour off his body, heard the danger in his voice.
Firmin and André did as they were told.
Reyer signaled the other two that he would join them shortly, and caught Erik before the masked Hunter could leave the building, "You need a temperance," he spoke as he rushed up to him..
"A what?" Erik replied sharply as he paused to face Reyer.
Reyer swallowed nervously. Perhaps this wasn't the best time to confront him ... but... "Something that can pull you back. That can calm you." He took a deep breath, "Something that puts you at ease with the mere thought of it." He explained, "Like my Pearl does for me,"
"I doubt I will ever have much luck in such matters as you, Monsieur!" Erik began to walk on, but Reyer quickly followed.
"But surely you have something, Erik? Something that brings peace to the constant struggle inside you?"
"I HAVE no struggle! And you would do well not to speak of things you know NOTHING about!" came Erik's harsh reply.
Reyer stumbled back, frightened at what he saw in the man's eyes.
"I suppose I'm wasting my breath," he bravely continued, "But I suggest you DO find something, before it's too late."
He quickly headed back to the other two, and Erik watched as the three of them compassionately tended to the frightened girl they had found locked up. She had, quite literally, been through hell.
Erik wondered at Reyer's words. Could a time come when it would be too late? When the Hunt completely consumed him? And if so, what on Earth could possibly give him what Reyer insisted he needed?
Choosing not to think of such things any longer, Erik turned on his heel and headed out of the building.
Perhaps someday he would find the tranquility he so desperately required.
Erik's room - later that night
A soft knock on Erik's door caught his attention. Very few people knew he lived in the darkness of the Residence cellar. Only one ever came down to him.
Erik took a deep breath and glanced at the paper in his lap.
Maybe she would go away if he ignored her, allowing him to finish the musical composition he was currently scribbling. He really had no patience for Antoinette, nor her latest assignment.
He had even turned his cell phone off, preferring to be left in peace. He was attempting to find the temperance Reyer insisted he needed. Surely it was here, in his music.
"Erik?" came a voice on the other side of the door.
He froze. The voice was not Antoinette's. It, in fact, belonged to the very person who had inspired the composition in his hands. He had never expected her to visit his home of her own accord.
He moved off his bed and hid the paper in his desk drawer. He then grabbed his mask and slid it on.
"Christine," he acknowledged her with a nod of his head as he opened the door to allow her entrance.
The petite girl glanced into his room. It was dark save for the usual candle he always lit. Erik noticed her hesitation, and quickly flicked on the overhead light, extinguishing the candle between his thumb and index finger. He then saw she was hiding something behind her back.
"What's this now?" he asked as she suddenly held the object out to him. It was a book.
"I... thought you might like this," she offered, "Borrowed from the College library, so be careful with it. Or else you'll owe me whatever fines they charge,"
Erik slid the book out of her hands, trying to ignore the way his fingers accidentally brushed hers. He studied the cover, "Monsters of Myth."
Christine shrugged, "I saw it and thought it might be useful to you…" she studied the carpet, "Or maybe not. Maybe you already have it. I can borrow another book if you want…"
Erik took a few steps towards her, "No. It's fine. I do find these stories fascinating," he leaned down, his voice low as if divulging a secret, "Although most of them are quite far from the truth,"
Christine shivered at that, "Please... I don't want to know,"
"Then I'll spare you the details of what I've seen," he placed the book on his desk.
"Um, I have an ulterior motive for coming here," Christine began suddenly
Erik turned back to her. Of course there was another reason. He was foolish to think she had just come for his company.
"And what would your ulterior motive be?" he replied, hiding his disappointment expertly.
"My first semester vocal final,"
"Finals already?" Erik mused. He had forgotten the semester was almost over. The last few months had gone by so fast.
"Yeah. It's a good portion of our grade," she answered.
"And you want extra help, of course."
"Well, you've been teaching me so well," she offered a small smile, then realized how very near he stood now, "And... uh..." Christine swallowed nervously and took a step back, "I... really want to ace this,"
"Consider it done then," he replied.
Christine smiled up at him, "Thank you so much!" she said, "Is tomorrow ok? I mean... if you have time," she quickly added.
"Time is all I have," Erik told her.
"Thank you," she repeated softly, "I ... I'll stop bothering you now," Christine turned towards the door, but before she could open it, Erik shot out a hand from behind her, holding it closed.
She quickly spun around to face him, startled at the mere inches between them.
"Regardless of our various misunderstandings as of late," he began, "I don't find you bothersome in the least,"
Christine nodded numbly.
Erik slowly slid his hand down the door, his fingers whispering against her arm as he wrapped them around the doorknob, "Goodnight, Christine,"
"Good night..." she replied, though her feet didn't seem to want to move.
Erik met her eyes, "Christine, I can't let you out if you're leaning against the door,"
Christine quickly tore her eyes away from him. "Sorry," she muttered, and moved aside. She said good-bye once again, and he offered her a polite nod, then watched as she disappeared down the hall.
Erik shut the door and closed his eyes as he listened to her making her way up the stairs.
He released the breath he had been holding and went to his desk, quickly pulling out the music sheet he had been working on earlier. He sat on the bed and put pen to paper, new inspiration bringing his music to life.
The girl was so very blind to the strange effect she was having on him...
Dean Giry's Office - The next day
Dean Giry looked up from her papers as a gentle knock echoed in her office, "Yes, come in," she called out.
Christine Daaé opened the door and walked in, looking rather nervous and a touch uncomfortable. "Hello, Dean..." she began, "Um... I... I wanted to talk to you,"
Giry motioned to the seat in front of her desk, "Go ahead, Miss Daaé," she started, "How can I help you?"
"It's more of a personal thing... but... I was wondering how you knew... knew I was in Erik's room the other day,"
Giry pursed her lips, "I know of all the goings-on in this school, Miss Daaé. Especially about the ghost that haunts it,"
Christine furrowed her brow, "But how do you know he's here? And why do you let him stay?" she then quickly added, "Don't take this to mean I want him to leave. Not at all! I was just wondering if he'll be ok here. I don't want to jeopardize him in any way!"
"He's in no danger from me, Miss Daaé," she turned away, "To be honest, I am the one who brought him here. Oh, it was several years back now. He was a runaway, you see. I couldn't just leave him out in the streets," she looked back at Christine, "But that is all the information you'll get from me about him, you understand,"
Christine nodded, then nervously licked her lips, "Um... do you know... uh... what he does... at night?" she asked.
"He gives you singing lessons. Yes, Miss Daaé, I know,"
Christine opened her mouth to say more, but stopped, "Right..." she said quietly, "He tutors me. You're absolutely right,"
"Is there something more I should know?" Giry asked, testing the girl's resolve.
Christine quickly stood up, "No. Nothing at all," she answered, thinking Giry knew nothing about Erik's night job. "Thank you for talking to me, Dean," she smiled brightly, "I appreciate it," she headed to the door.
"Christine...?" Giry called out kindly, using the girl's given name for the first time, "Be careful,"
Christine turned back to her, "What do you mean?"
Giry leaned forward, "If you wish to be his friend, you must understand that he's been alone all his life. He may not know how to behave properly with young ladies,"
Christine let out a soft laugh, "Erik's been every bit a gentleman, Madame,"
Giry shrugged, "Gentle, perhaps. But he is still a man,"
Christine nodded slowly, "I understand. Thank you,"
"You're welcome, Miss Daaé," Giry replied, sitting back in her chair as she watched Christine leave the room. The older woman smiled slightly to herself.
Wouldn't Erik be amused to find that sweet little Christine Daaé was trying to protect the Ghost of Ravelle College...
DeChagny Residence - Philip's Study
"So... you're keeping an eye on the girl?" the tall broad male before Philip DeChagny demanded.
Philip nodded silently, trying not to meet his guest's eyes - dangerous eyes that could trick someone into doing things they wouldn't normally do. His eyes were almost as hypnotic as his voice.
"Good, good," the man replied, "We wouldn't want to jeopardize your finances, now would we, Monsieur DeChagny,"
Philip DeChagny paced his study, hands clasped behind his back, "I appreciate all you've done for us since my parents passed on... but ... "
"But nothing," the man snapped, "You inherited your parents' debt, and all I ask is that you do what I tell you! Be grateful I am allowing you to KEEP your monetary assets,"
Philip shook his head, "I don't understand your concern over this girl. She is no danger to Raoul,"
"It's rather arrogant of you to think it is your brother I am concerned for," the man replied. "I could care less about that boy. It is someone else I want her to stay away from."
He made himself comfortable on Philip's leather chair and leaned back, "I had put some of my own people on the watch for her, but when I found that the younger DeChagny was currently courting her, I realized he could rid me of the problem without the mess..."
Philip looked back at his visitor nervously, "What do you mean by that?"
The man's chuckle was cold, "Nothing nearly as horrible as you're thinking, Monsieur DeChagny!"
He placed his feet atop the mahogany desk, his long muscular legs crossed in front of him, "It's something very simple, and something I am quite sure he'd be willing to do! Tell your brother to... oh, I don't know... ask the girl to come live with him - or some such romantic thing. He will think you a wonderfully supportive brother who is encouraging him to find his future happiness."
The man smiled an icy, almost wicked smile, his next words more a personal thought then anything aimed towards Philip, "Perhaps they will run off together and get married, and HE will never see her again,"
Philip furrowed his brow, "And who, may I ask, is he?"
The man frowned, growing annoyed, "Someone whom I have my own plans for! Do not ask about my personal business, Monsieur DeChagny. Just suggest to your brother that he take the next step in his relationship with the girl,"
Philip was hesitant, but really - the request was simple enough. Raoul would be more then happy to pursue Christine in a far more serious manner. "Very well, so long as this doesn't harm my brother or the girl,"
"No harm to them at all," the man replied, flashing a mouthful of perfect, though perhaps sharper then normal, teeth.
Philip agreed to the plan, but after showing the man out, he couldn't shake the sudden feeling of foreboding.
Regardless of what his guest said, Philip was quite sure that things would not end well...
END OF EPISODE EIGHT