In sleep, he sang to me. In dreams, he came
That voice which calls to me
And speaks my name
And do I dream again? For now, I find
The phantom of the opera is there
Inside my mind
Kai, the son of the Cronos the Ancient of Death, and his captivating mother Dreama the Ghost of Dreams watched the musical "The Phantom of the Opera." This was taking place in the Ghost Zone's amphitheater.
All of Kai's friends and their parents were attending. Tonight was the opening night of the Ghostly Theater Troop. In the Ghost Zone? Theater Season started a week after the Lunar New Year. Then it ran to the first new moon after Halloween. It remained an unwritten law that everyone in the Ghost Zone shows up to watch opening night's performance.
The Ghostly Actors Guild comprised departed showbiz individuals who accepted becoming phantoms following their demises. So they could eternally enjoy the limelight. Every year opened up with the same musical. "The Phantom of the Opera." To make sure show slightly different then the source? They changed things slightly, and every season employed fresh performers for it.
Currently, the role of Christine Dai was being played by a young teenage girl no one knew anything about. She undoubtedly was alluring enough for the part. But again, no one knew who she was. Other then the fact she wasn't a deceased human. Either way, she currently started singing her duet again with her partner.
"Sing once again with me our strange duet
My power over you grows stronger yet
And though you turn from me to glance behind
The phantom of the opera is there
Inside your mind,"
"Those who have seen your face
Draw back in fear
I am the mask you wear."
The actress's waist-length dark red hair swirled around her envious figure. Her alluring green eyes scanned the audience instead of her partner. Suddenly, Kai felt the unidentified female's eyes penetrating his soul.
He didn't appreciate how she made him feel. For one, he was gay. Two, he had a boyfriend, Empathy. Finally three? The manner she gazed at him was creepy as hell. Empathy noticing his boyfriend in distress, immediately shielded him with one of his wings. Then proceeded to glare daggers at the actress. She immediately resumed her character to finish her performance.
"It's me they hear
Your/My spirit and my/your voice
In one combined
The Phantom of the Opera is there
Inside my/your mind."
After the performance concluded, people began heading to the after-party. "Man, that girl was creepy as hell!" shuddered Kai as he and Empathy walked over to the refreshment table.
Empathy poured him a glass of fruit punch. Then sipping his, he sighed, "Yes, something peculiar concerning her. I mean, her name wasn't even listed in the program with the other performers."
"Yes, she's unquestionably odd. You'd think she'd utilize a stage name at least."
"Well, based on the gossip I heard a few days ago? The original actress who was to play Christine fell mysteriously ill. So they hired this girl as a last-minute replacement."
"Hmm, that doesn't seem smart. Still, not our problem," as he downed his beverage. Then, unexpectedly he heard a sickly sweet voice, "Excuse me?" Turning around, he saw it was the stunning nameless female.
"Yes? Can I help you with something?" he asked politely.
She smiled at him sweetly. Yet, even her smile wasn't ordinary. "I was wondering if you could help me with something," she answered innocently. Or at least she meant for it to be.
"What can I help you with? Shouldn't you ask the rest of the troop for help if you need something? I'm just a guest here for opening night. I don't think I know anything to help you out," getting increasingly uncomfortable as she started to intrude on his personal space.
Beware, the Phantom of the Opera
In all your fantasies, you always knew
That man and mystery
Were both in you
And in this labyrinth, where night is blind
The Phantom of the Opera is here/there
"I need a little help in my dressing room. I could use a big strong man like you," to which Empathy angrily cut her off.
"Hey, lady? Please leave us alone. I don't know what you're trying to pull. But leave my boyfriend alone. Now f-off, will you? Come on, Kai," as Empathy led him away from the nutcase.
The girl seethed while her claws grew slightly longer as she snarled, exposing her fangs. "I will have what I want!" she hissed, "Make no mistake about that!"
About an hour later, everyone was getting ready to go home for the night. There were only a few stragglers left behind. However, Kai and Empathy's parents had to finish some business with the theater before leaving. Kai leaned against the wall playing with his phone. Unexpectedly he felt someone seize him violently. Then rapidly hauled him away before he could yelp for help.
Whoever carried him was extremely strong. They're stronger then even him! Their claws dug so much into his skin they drew ectoplasm. Then, finally, they kicked open a trapdoor before flinging him into the pitch-black abyss beneath the stage.
Inside my/your mind...
Sing, my Angel of Music!
He's there, the Phantom of the Opera.
Before he could regain his senses, he discovered himself tied down. Plus, someone had removed his pants. He stared fearfully into the shadows as a seductive female loomed. He knew this was that mysterious girl's proper form. That of a succubus! No longer attractive but as hideous as hell. But by the wicked sparkle in her eyes, she'd chosen him as her target.
He couldn't protect himself as she thrust herself onto him. Going into a sexual frenzy as she ravaged his body. He couldn't scream past the gag in his mouth. Then suddenly, a golden glow lit up the darkness, and the whooshing sounds of wings came in. Empathy flew at the succubus in a rage. He manipulated his powers over sunlight to subdue her.
Once he'd knocked her unconscious, he quickly freed his boyfriend. Kai's worried parents cradled their son, crying inconsolably after being sexually assaulted. Quickly Walker showed up to incarcerate the succubus. Despite her going to prison for eternity? They knew helping Kai would take far longer. Empathy promised he'd help him in any way he could.
So ended the horrific night at the Ghostly Theater!
Sing, my Angel of Music
Sing, my Angel
Sing for me!
Sing, my Angel!
Sing for me!
Kai- Paul Mercier, Leon Kennedy's inspiration from Resident Evil 4 Empathy - Nolan North (voiced Smokescreen in Transformers: Prime) (he's the white/blue/red robot) Succubus: Olivia Hussey: Talia Al Ghul: Batman.
Millions of men in the United States have been victims of rape. As of 1998, 2.78 million men in the U.S. had been victims of attempted or completed rape. About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. 1 out of every ten rape victims are male.
An estimated 91% of rape & sexual assault victims are female and 9% male. Nearly 99% of perpetrators are male. Yes, it's hard to believe. But, there's strong scientific evidence.
Researchers have found that at least 1 in 6 men has experienced sexual abuse or assault, whether in childhood or adults. And this is probably a low estimate since it doesn't include noncontact experiences, which can also have lasting adverse effects.
A CDC study found that 1 in 71 men had been raped or suffered an attempt within their lifetime in the U.S. The same survey found that approximately 1 in 21 or 4.8% of men in a survey had been made to penetrate someone else, usually an intimate partner or acquaintance.
An NVAW Survey found that 0.1 percent of men surveyed had been raped in the previous 12 months, compared to 0.3 percent of women. Using these statistics, its estimated that 92,748 men had been raped in the U.S. last year.
In another study by the School of Public Health at Boston University, 30 percent of gay and bisexual men reported having experienced at least one form of sexual assault during their lifetimes. In addition, the rape of men has been documented as an underreported weapon of war.
A Ritual For Love
There is an excellent audacity in allowing yourself to love and be loved by another person. Imperfections and all. Here is a simple weekly ritual for love. Light a red or pink candle, sitting quietly as you repeat these words.
"May I choose love and allow me to be seen. May I let love break my soul open and dwell in my heart?
May I allow others to love me and return that wholeheartedly? May I be loved?
Joyful, discerning and, unwavering. May I always courageously choose love in whichever way fulfills me."
Then, allow all kinds of love to pour in.
