Title: Search for the Opera Ghost

Author: Pyrite a.k.a Serenity Hutchinson

Rating: R

Disclaimer: Everyone except Zuri and a few minor characters are copyright G.L., A.L.W., and others.

Summary: Zuri is a woman on a mission. Ever since the opera was burned and rebuilt she has been trying to find everything she can about the Opera Ghost. But when her search leads her into the opera house itself she finds that the ghost is not as dead as everyone thinks and that he is quite mad.

Author Note: I posted this on Aria under Phantasma. I hope everyone enjoys this story.

I. The Search for the Opera Ghost

Zuri concentrated on the papers on her desk. For two years since the burning

of the Parisian opera house, Opera Populaire, she had been searching for the

opera ghost. Her family had thought her crazy for such a expedition, however, she knew within her heart that he was out there. It was more than a obsession but a hardened resolve deep in her to know the truth.

She had interviewed most everyone who were there at the incident. They had given her reluctant and broken answers. It was as if they did not want her to know of the incident. As if the incident had never happened. She hated that they would not tell her. Slamming her fist on her desk she did the only thing she could think of.

She decided after two years of chasing the opera ghost she would go to the opera house and see him herself. 'He'll kill you!' A voice said to her. She remembered her brother telling her that when she began this search. She was to far in to leave it alone. She wanted to meet him. The Opera Ghost.

xxxx

The carriage carrying Zuri pulled in front of the renovated opera house. Thanking the driver after paying him she quietly walked into the opera house. Zuri felt nervous but she knew she would have to do this. The opera ghost surely existed and she would find him.

She had been able to convince Madame Giry, the ballet mistress, to let her stay for a week. If she couldn't find him in that time she would certainly give up the hunt for him even though she did not want to. Sighing, she called out for the ballet mistress as she entered the theatre. Madame Giry wasn't there but she had to stop to admire the beauty. For a moment she thought she saw a shadow move but dismissed it as the light.

"Mademoiselle." A strict voice said from behind her.

"Madame Giry. Thank you for seeing me on short notice." Zuri said to the ballet mistress while reaching out to shake her hand.

"Zuri, please be careful. Many have tried to discover the opera ghost and many have failed." Madame Giry told her as she led her to a private room. "This is where you will be staying. Be careful."

Zuri watch Madame Giry leave then sighed once more and began to unpack her things. Only a week to stay. Hopefully that would be long enough.

xxxx

"Madame Giry." Erik's menacing voice said from the shadows. "Who is she?"

"She calls herself Zuri. She didn't tell me a last name. She is here to learn more about you." She explained to him. She was almost afraid of what he would say.

"I'll take care of her." He told her then with a swish of his cloak he disappeared in the shadows.