Hey everyone! Sorry this chapter has taken so long. Marching band has consumed a lot of my time, like from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon so I've been really tired and not willing to write, but it's ok because got this chapter done over the weekend, and next week practices are shorter so I will have more time. Hurray! Anyways, this chapter is a bit more aggressive, but I still hope you all like it. If you do, let me know. I love reviews -wink, wink, hint, hint-.
A Few Thanks
shimmeringtears- Gah! You're in marching band too! Way too cool! And you play clarinet! ME TOO! AH! You are now my favorite reviewer on the planet! High fives for you! So glad you like the story. I promise I will have the next chapter up sooner next time. Have fun with your marching band! What marching band are you in? And thanks for the review!
Juilette Delphe- Sum, Sum, Sum. I love you girl, but you are the oddest friend I have- seriously. Lol, but if you want to do the next disclaimer...well... write it before you go to bed. Silly one.
Alright everyone. As always, please review, and I hope you enjoy! Laters!
-Olivia N.
Disclaimer- I own nothing from the Phantom Of The Opera... as sad as that it. I only own the made up characters for this story, and not Erik... but I can dream can't I?
It's almost ironic how things happen at the worst of times. It always seems that as soon as you believe things could not possibly get any worse, life suddenly feels like it must prove you wrong by doing just that- making it worse. When it feels as if your anger could not boil over any further, something else happens. I suppose you could say that Raylan was one of these people that when fate decided to smite her the punishment was delivered in several repeating blows, instead of one strike and then letting the person continue on normally. Her small disagreement with Vits had triggered this ironic chain reaction, so naturally upon crossing the stage on her way to the costume department the cause of her frustration was 'conveniently' there.
While walking across the stage she had noticed Ethan's presence in the auditorium, her quirky brother in his all too eye catching glory seated on the edge of the stage. She wasn't surprised to see him surrounded by ballerinas, each one trying to catch his gaze with an 'accidental' flash of their legs. He was being the polite sort and carrying on humorous conversations with the girls, but it was only slightly obvious by the way he kept glancing at the several set workers that he was their for Vits.
Raylan's frustration boiled again, and she practically stormed over to the little circle of flaunting girls that had surrounded him. Like expected they had all looked questioningly up to her, all acting innocent.
Raylan gave a sassy whistle and a nod behind her as she spat to the girls, "Get. I need to have a private conversation with my brother." The last part had been hissed as almost a warning to Ethan, and she had seen the sudden 'oh shit' look glaze over in his eyes. He knew exactly what this was going to be about.
The ballerinas gave Raylan a lashing glare of defiance, but theirs was swiftly defeated by one of Raylan's own. Under her crushing gaze they cowered and silently slunk away, leaving the two Americans to have their chat.
Ethan tried to play it off as nothing serious, rising to his feet and engulfing Raylan in a brotherly hug. He felt her body tense in his arms, and he rushed to say in a whisper that only she could hear, "Easy. Don't make a scene."
Raylan lashed out with the fury he had expected, digging her nails viciously into his chest and shoving him away from her with all the strength her body possessed. He toppled back, nearly flying off his feet. The attention he had been trying to avoid was most certainly lost now, every eye had changed to them once the thud of Ethan regaining his composure echoed across the stage.
"What the hell was that for?" He shouted, using the onlookers as a reason for Raylan to calm herself. It didn't work.
Raylan hissed, "Don't play innocent with me Ethan. I know you far to well to fall for that game."
They exchanged vicious looks, both standing rigged and glaring at one another as if daring the other to make a move. Ethan was the first to make a mistake, his eyes darting over Raylan's shoulder to stare wishfully at something behind her. She naturally whirled around, and it came to no surprise to her that it was Vits his eyes had fleeted to.
Her roommate was avoiding looking their way, being the wise one and not giving Ethan any looks of encouragement. She was respecting Raylan's feelings, but Ethan would not give in so easily. Raylan had barely felt him pass by her, and it was not until Ethan came into view that it registered what he was doing.
Her brother was striding determinedly towards Vits, passing Raylan as if she were not there and waving his arms towards the stage manager, trying to catch her attention. Raylan practically took off at a run after him. Ethan was mere inches away from Vits, preparing to place a gentle hand on her shoulder, when Raylan's arms latched about his center. She pulled him back, forcing him away from his goal. With Ethan surprised into submission Raylan took advantage of the moment, literally dragging her brother from the stage and forcing him into the backstage area.
She had tugged him about then like a mother handling a spoiled and resilient child, through the winding passageways, on and on until she had found one hall entirely absent of others. Once certain that they were alone she forced Ethan to the wall, shoving him firmly against it as she began to growl, "You're a damned fool Ethan, you know that?"
Ethan glared at her, his blue eyes blazing in anger. "I thought that's what you liked about me," he retorted in harsh, vicious sarcasm.
Anger flashed in Raylan's eyes, and she balled her fist, restraining herself as she forced her voice to come out gentler than before, "You know that's not true. I loved you for many other reasons, you being a fool had never been an advantage or a problem- until now."
He crossed his arms over his chest, a defensive gesture. Part of him knew she was right, but he refused to admit it. A true man. "How?" He refused to act calm, his tone still filled with frustration.
"I know what happened between you and Vits. Don't even try to lie to me, you know I can tell when you are lying," Her voice spoke the truth harshly, "Why, Ethan? How can you be so reckless? You know the dangers in getting attached, especially in you falling for someone. You have the hardest of times keeping secrets from the ones you love- you and I both know you would tell her if you let yourself fall. We can't risk it Ethan- we are in too deep of water for you to do this."
Ethan growled, angered that she was right. Still, he wouldn't admit to it. "No! Eb, can't you see? Can't you see she's different? She's not like the rest of them," He gestured in the vague direction of the ballerinas attempting to listen, and Vits's men thwarting their attempts beautifully, "She's different! She's like us! This time is different. I won't slip up! I swear! Look, she wants to run too! Don't you see how she can help us?"
"Help us! She knows nothing of us, Renold," Raylan scoffed loudly, "She's just like Melanie- just like her! Don't play with me, I know you are drawn to Vits because she reminds you so damn much of the Melanie you once knew. And if Vits is anything like her than you know how this will end- and I will not be betrayed again. Do you hear me? I refuse to be betrayed again!"
For a few seconds a tense silence held between them, and then the moment began its climax as Ethan exploded. "No she's not!" He shouted, taking a threatening step forward, "She's much stronger than Melanie ever will be! Do you know anything about her! Do you know what has happened to her! Do you even care?"
Raylan exploded in the same fashion, "I care about what happen to us! For god sakes use your brain! We will die, Renold! We will die if we are found! We can not take the chance!"
Ethan growled, he knew she was right. But still he really wanted to get to know Vits further, there was definitely more to her, things she was hiding. That and she was an amazing kisser. It was obvious to Raylan that Ethan knew she was right, but like all men, he was a stubborn ass. He said softer but in a strong growl, "If it helps us, we can. And she will. We need all the help we can get."
Raylan sighed heavily, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, "No Ethan, no one can help us. We can't drag her into this. It is our problem, our consequence for our stupid mistake. If she helps us they'll be after her too... and I refuse to let that happen to her. I know telling you to stay away from her wont do any good, but don't you dare tell her the truth. It is our problem, let it remain only our problem."
Ethan sighed. "I promised before any of this ever happened that I wouldn't tell another soul. I will keep that promise, Ray." He reached out and gently cupped her cheek. He still loved her, not as they once had, but instead a deeper love, that can only come from saving each other's lives. His tone was finally gentle as he continued, "What we did, is our problem. I refuse to hurt her by dragging her down with us."
Raylan nodded, sighing with relief. She placed her hand on his, stroking the soft skin with her fingertips. She could still remember the time his touch had taken the pain away, had freed her from the nightmares and regret, but that time had come and gone. His flesh to hers no longer made her feel safe, no longer made her feel loved. In the silence her ears suddenly caught the distant rustle of something, of some swift movement, and Raylan swiftly backed away from Ethan, pushing his hand away.
Her eyes darted suspiciously about, and she muttered without looking to Ethan, "I have to get to work. Madame Dacio is going to be furious that I am so late." After several more checks she finally looked to him, saying meaningfully, "I don't want you to return here unless you have heard something. Only come back if something's gone wrong, that way I wont be panicking every time I see you. Remember, you're on watch. I know you want to spend time with Vits, but do not forget to do your job."
Ethan nodded, his caress so easily forgotten, the pain brought back into her eyes. The fear seared through his soul. He understood the necessity of Eb-Raylan's coldness, it had saved their lives before. And it would, time and time again. He honored her for her courage to put feelings aside, and live as if nothing mattered, and no one did, but he knew that he couldn't. He never would be able to. Ethan nodded, silently.
Raylan looked to him. Her eyes displayed compassion and kindness, but her voice came out cold as she warned, "Be careful." With that she left him, walking briskly down the hall and turning the corner without so much as a second glance his way.
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Vits was alone on the stage, the set had been moved out, in various pieces. She carefully moved among them, inspecting each piece, noting various things that needed to be changed, or adjusted. She had ignored the questioning eyes of those who had caught on to the reason for Raylan and her brothers fight, dodged their questions. It was none of their business truly, but she had to admit she didn't like the unwelcome attention.
Ethan had emerged from the hall that Raylan had pulled him into, his head swimming as he walked in almost in a daze across the stage. He had been so wrapped in his previous conversation in fact that he conveniently walked right into Vits without realizing it, hitting her with light impact and then stumbling back, shaking his head to clear the fog he had been in.
Vits spun, around growling a strict curse, and roughly shoved him. "Watch where you're going. You great lummox!" She walked back into her shop to write down everything she had just inspected.
Ethan looked stunned. He stood there for a minute, mulling over what just happened and then finally decided to go find out. He entered Vits shop with a polite knock and said softly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to run into you. I was in a bit of a haze."
She barely looked up, and barked, "Door."
"What?" He looked questioningly at her.
She looked up, her hand still writing, "Close the door."
He silently did so, stepping further into the shop and closing it softly behind him. Ethan then returned his gaze to her, watching her write in uneasy silence.
Vits finished her writing, slow and measured, and then slammed the pencil down. Her look was sharp upon him, making him flinch. Her tone was even harsher, "I saw everything you've done today. Don't let it happen again. Here we don't know each other. Understand?"
Ethan's brows creased, "So you want to act like nothing happened? What is it? You ashamed that people might think you actually like someone?"
Vits glared at him, "No! You jeopardize my job, fool! These idiots live upon what they can pull from you. How they can make your life miserable. How much pain they can cause you. Whatever happens between us, will effect me and your sister. I will not put her through that. Do you understand? I spent most of my time trying to deal with the assholes who have power here. It took me years to realize how to deal with them-offer no weakness. I will not bow to them. I refuse." Her tone had not lost its harsh quality. She was not yelling at him, her voice remained it's level tone, but she sounded as if she were berating him, nearly physically beating him.
Ethan retorted quickly and coldly, "Maybe it would be better for me to just stay out of your life then." His jaw tightened, and again anger flashed threateningly through his eyes.
Inside his temper was growing, getting dangerously close to boiling over, and his fists constricted as he willed himself to retain his composure. Rejection, tossed away by another he had even bothered to care for. Why did he even bother to feel? Perhaps he should have taken Raylan's approach, tucking away all emotions and become as cold and distant as a bottomless pit. Was that the only means of not getting hurt?
Feeling like he could no longer contain himself Ethan retreated, giving a low and mocking bow to Vits before saying harshly, "Sorry to be such an inconvenience Ma'am." He exited then, slamming Vits shop door on his way out.
Vits watched him sadly, wondering if he were right. She sadly sank into the chair, her hand raising to her temples as she began to massage them in frustration. Part of her wondered about letting him in, would it be worth the torment she'd have to pay for? Her mind quickly snapped that shut, she had not wasted all these years of struggle just to change her ways. Besides, it was just a boy. Just a kiss. Still, her heart wondered if it indeed was just a kiss.
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Night settled around the city, and in so the Opera House. Midnight's performance was about to begin. The sole dancer stood, center stage, her cautious glance searching the room for the eyes that should not be watching. Gracefully she stretched, twisting her body, teasing the audience.
Suddenly she leapt into action, to a song only in her head, a rhythm which she commands. A music of her own feelings rushing beneath her, the grace coursing through her veins, as her body twirled crossing the stage with leaps and bounds, pausing merely to tell a story.
A tale of rage, fiery passion burning through the soul, flowing into defensiveness, a fight she was trying to win, and losing with every graceful step. She backed herself into a corner, then beautifully flipped out of the corner, breaking free. But that freedom was short lived as her music changed, her rhythm slowed, pain and sadness evident by her mesmerizing movements. Misery became a companion through out her dance, as questions interwove, wishing to know what was the right move.
Two paths stood before her-which to take? The puzzlement consumed her dance, the question plagued her, and showed through her body language. The possibility of happiness, but would it be worth the pain that it takes to get there? Would it out last the consequences? Or stay where she is, unhappy but safe? Just as her dance conveyed the questions to her audience, she sought the answer to them for herself. She did not have the answer.
Vits stopped abruptly, she truthfully didn't know. Her green eyes looked out over the empty, silent auditorium. There was no answer within the seats. No help lay within the busts of the statues. She shook her head, and slipped silently off the stage, into the darkness.
Raylan emerged mere seconds after Vits had abandoned the stage, only then departing from the shadows that had concealed her from her friends gaze. A single stream from a single tear drifted down her cheek, dripping from her chin to crash dreadfully on the ground below. She had caused the pain Vits danced with this night, the confusion in her steps was Raylan's mistake alone. If she had only kept her mouth shut, if she could have just ignored her damned fears than maybe Vits dance would have been of joy, of a new hope.
Raylan had crushed that hope, destroyed it once she began this imprudent battle with Ethan. Lord, if she had only let them be, would their have been peace in Vits steps instead of despair? Still, what other choice did Raylan have? Vits would enchant him, and he would bow before her as if she were a queen. He would break in Vits arms, and admit to her the secret that they held. Ethan would be weak with love, and in doing so destroy everything that they had worked so diligently to hide.
Raylan's walk was slow and grave as she headed down the aisles of seats, headed towards the abandoned stage. She walked almost in a haze, her mind elsewhere, leaving herself vulnerable and unguarded. Absent of her senses she had not noticed a presence when she finally stepped upon the stage, pacing slowly towards him.
He didn't not hide within his grandeur, nor behind his secrets and shadows. Instead the man of darkness walked boldly across the stage in its dying light. His anger hidden behind his mask, but his eyes trembling at the sight of her tears. Despite his anger his voice was soft and subtle as he questioned, "Why the tears?"
Raylan's head snapped up, and she stared at the Phantom with wide, alarmed eyes. He had startled her. Her hand swiftly went to her cheek and brushed the water away. "Vit's dance," She lied, in a rather convincing but timid tone, "Stirs emotions you know."
Instantly the tenderness vanished, the anger returned as his lip curled into a sneer. In slow, threatening steps he drew himself close to her, mere inches from her face as he spoke harshly, "Twice you have lied to me." His hands suddenly whipped from behind his cloak, and forced her back, "I will not stand for this."
Raylan stumbled, but rather abruptly regained her balance. So he had indeed heard the conversation she had shared with Ethan. She should have suspected him to be listening, should have been more careful, but it was too late for that now. Her bluff had been called.
She bravely shot a look of warning his way as she hissed, "You think just because you're the dreaded Opera Ghost that I must submit my past to you? My past, my reasons, my life is none of your concern!"
"But because I am the 'dreaded' Opera Ghost, you are under my rule. I will not be lied to!" He hissed, a threatening leer staring out from behind the mask.
Raylan mockingly scoffed, "You are the master of lies Monsieur. You will receive only as much as you give." There was strong command in her voice, a dominating tone, her own need to control.
Anger flared in those depthless eyes, and Raylan for a moment was socked by the sheer audacity of them. She did not see his hand lift until it had whipped across her face, reeling her head back with a sharp snap. "How dare you!" His voice hissed sharply, "You filthy little wench!"
There had only been an instant when Raylan was stunned, a few seconds that seemed to last as hours before instinct took over. Quicker than a flash her fist balled and flew forward, sending a shocking punch to the unmasked cheek of the Opera Ghost. From the combined rage and instinct to defend herself she had hit him harder than she had intended, making his head whip to one side and his stance waver.
Her hands remained raised, poised to strike again as she shouted, "Don't you ever strike me again you pitiable bastard!"
She instantly realized the horrid mistake she had made when his gloved hands disappeared within his cape, reappearing seconds later holding a thin rope. The smell of Death reeked through the air, as his snake like fingers manipulated the rope to form a noose faster than the eye could watch. He took a step backward, to give him more space, better throwing room.
He had had enough of this foolish girl. The noose snaked through the air, flying for its prey, but to meet it a dagger sung from the shadows, slicing the dried rope. The dagger sunk deep into the wooden stage, along with it the discards of the Phantom's lasso.
Raylan stared wide eyed, shocked by the sudden happening. Her eyes flew in search of the owner of the dangerous instrument, and to her wonder came upon the stern face of her companion, her brave Vits.
The green eyes watched from their darkness, her second knife glinted in the weak light. Her lips muttered, "Run! Run you fool!" but it was too late. Darkness came upon them as the lights went out. Vits silently cursed, letting her eyes adjust.
However, he was quicker than her eyes, seizing his chance hidden within his element. His gloved hands seized Raylan's pretty southern throat, and squeezed. Death filled her nostrils as the air was forced out of her lungs.
Only a small shriek emerged from her throat before all means of sound was cut off all together, along with it the very breath of life. Her eyes grew wide to stare this madman in the face, into those green orbs that flared with an uncontrollable, firing rage. Raylan's fists raised, beating at his arms desperately, praying to weaken his hold, but his hands remained firm and unyielding.
Gradually her strength waned, her strikes slowing and becoming softer by the second. In her ears she could hear the timed beating of her heart, drumming slowly her impending doom. It ticked ever slower, the gaps of dreaded silence growing lengthier between beats, but strangely she felt nothing, numbed to all except some distant relief. She had so longed for everything to be over, and finally that time had come.
Her heart announced weakly its last dying beat before a black haze consumed her, the night he so loved dragging her into the final seconds...
...and then there was nothing.
Oh! Raylan is in a little bit of a predicament isn't she? Will she live? Will she die? Will she suddenly rise from the dead and tackle the Phantom and begin to fondle him for no apparent reason? Only I know...and Sumner... but still... I know! Ha! And only the next chapter will tell. Hehe, please review, and thanks everyone!
-Olivia N.