HI everyone!
If some of you are outrageously unhappy with me for not updating in what! Four months!—I must, first of all, apologize. But, for those of you who read my profile and realized that I had made an actual notice (clearly stating) that I would not even start writing until Epiphany (the official end of the Catholic Christmas season) I congratulate you. So yes, the twelve days of Christmas has been elongating my time away from the wonderful And the fact that it's an entire two months after that is totally not the point. I will rationally try very hard not to take this long to update again.
I explained a lot of exactly why I took so long in my profile. Usually, if something's up, and you guys don't know what's going on, then please a.) review me and ask, or b.) check my profile, because sometimes I explain reasons for stuff that happen.
Oh, and I must warn you all that this chapter is going to bepretty short. I apologize for that. I just want to get something updated, rather than nothing at all, you know? It just means that you have at least a little to read, and you're not completely in the dark. I'll get back to it as soon as I can, really.
I also wanted to ask what you guys all thought about flaming fanfictions. I've been seeing a whole lot of them lately on the stories I've read, and I hope none of you get horribly angered with me if I express how I feel about it freely.
Quite frankly, it's insensitive. I mean, this person spent a whole lot of time thinking of a plot, perfecting it, changing it, and doing what fits the person's imagination. And when someone comes along and gives them some sort of message that's so filled with vulgarity and insults (some are worse than others) that just repulses me.
Constructive criticism I can very well understand. Some people need correcting. Heck, I need correcting. But correcting is only for the benefit of the author, so that he or she can learn from their mistakes. And yes, sometimes there are those writers who just don't have much experience with authoring, and their stories aren't as greatly written as the ones who take an advanced journalism class. But that just means that they can only get better, which positive reinforcement usually helps with.
And, if worst comes to worst, and if you find nothing good to say about what your reading—you hate the pairing, it's written horribly, they spell easy words wrong, the story is rushed, all that good stuff—than just don't review the story. I've read tons of fics that I totally hated (mostly because of the reasons above) so I just didn't review. Hey, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all, you know? It's just that simple, when you think about it.
I once got a flame for this story from an anonymous reviewer (coward) who hated my story for all the wrong reasons. Firstly, this person hated the Phantom of the Opera movie that came out. I mean, if you decently read the first chapter, it said not to read it if you didn't like something about the Phantom-ish part of it. This person went on for like two or three long paragraphs saying how much the movie sucked, and then added as a short afterthought how much they hated my story (they seemed to hate the movie more). And I've seen many flames like that for other stories, and I find them needless and rude.
I don't want to go against any people who write flames. Not at all. I just wish they could be a little nicer with going about with their criticism. And—everyone—if you hate the pairing, I highly doubt the author will change it just because you don't like it. But all I know is that it really brings a person down (I know it does me) to read how much someone hates their work. And I honestly don't expect to change any of it by writing this, I just felt like it needed to be said.
Anyways, I think I've had a long-enough break from writing, don't you think? (I can see you're glaring at me, but I did apologize…). So I assume some review answering should be in order:
Darkmoon44- Thank you! I love to ever be referred to as creative, so you had just made my day with your review. Thanks!
Volleyball Queen- Thank you! I'm really glad you like!
Sandra Yvette- Oh, I know, I totally cannot wait until I write the next chapter or two! It's going to get exciting now! Yay!
Blaze123- heeheehee…although it sounds horribly irresponsible, I actually do have to blame school now…unless you want me to go on my infamous algebra rant (the main reason why I have absolutely NO TIME anymore), and I highly doubt anyone wants to hear that.
Valda- Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it! Was my itty bitty (yeah right) section about flames sufficient? I hope I helped. Thanks for telling me about it, I wouldn't have done anything because I didn't have much initiative to. But I hoped we can stop at least SOME flamers out there. Some people can be so mean…
Terra Strong- Thanks! I hope I haven't been too late in updating this. Hope you like it!
Nova Beam- Which book did you read? Because I know that in Gaston Leroux's novel, Erik tried to force Christine to marry him, or else he'd kill everyone. Was that the one? If not then it was probably the Susan Kay novel. Either way, you're right, he DID try to force her to marry him, but yes, you're right again in saying that he didn't do that in the movie.
Fan of this Fic- thank you so much! POTO does have beautiful music…I think it's my favorite music yet…oh, so pretty. I hope you like the update (took me long enough, don't you think?).
Mysterygirl- haha…thank you. Actually, my homework (stupid STUPID algebra…) is exactly the reason why it's been so hard to update. So sorry. I'm glad you liked it!
Swimmergirl642- Don't worry, I knew what I was doing when I mixed up Andre and Firmin's lines. I did it on purpose. You see, sometimes the (Phantom's) script gives more lines to one or the other. I usually give what lines I thought suited the occasion (or the character) better, given the timeframe and what they said. So yeah, I knew I was switching lines every so often. At first I didn't want to. But I'm glad I did. I thought it made it sound a little better.
Smart One- Oh, I didn't know you had already seen it. That's okay. And, it SO doesn't bother me with how late you review. Because, honestly, it's pretty nice to think that you're done getting reviews, and then later on some random person sends you a review. It just feels nice. Yeah, Raul's name is spelled…well, like Raul. Lol. Oh yes, when he was under the cage, I SO couldn't breathe. I always get like that if someone's drowning in a movie. It's just so hard to watch! What's French Imersion? Are you learning French? If so, then that's pretty cool, for fifth grade!
Tanaris- Thank you! There'll be a chapter or two after this, so I'm not there yet!
TTHPfan- One of your favorite chapters? YAY! I've accomplished something! Oh my gosh, how was your trip? I really hope you had fun, I wish I could have gone! Funny that you say when your birthday is, because my friend Alexis has the same birthday as you do! So while you were livin' it up on your b-day, I was at a party for her!
Ninjamonkey- I know, I know, I knew that most people (mainly Christine/Phantom fans…sorry…) wouldn't have agreed with the chapter. But hey, as long as it wasn't identical to another story, it's fine with me. And yes, I agree that Christine loved the Phantom, but I believed that she loved him only as a friend. But that's just what I think, and it's only an opinion. Most people would agree with you. My opinion is definitely not what all my friends think. They're all convinced that the Phantom should have gotten her instead of Raul, so I know exactly what you mean. I'm glad you liked it anyway!
Hanbags- I'm SO SORRY! Please don't hate me, I really did try…but it got really really hard to get on the computer without getting distracted…oops. At least I was finally able to update this time!
StakeMeSpike04- HI! I'm glad you were able to go over my story and point out the differences. Most people wouldn't have done that, I think. Phantom is coming to St. Louis (the city I see all my musicals at) in July…right in time for my birthday! So I'm going to see it again then. I can't wait though!
Strodgfrgf- If you ever fulfilled that threat, I have only one thing to say to you…that would REALLY hurt…
Green Gallant- Sure, you can print it off (which could take awhile, let me tell you...) or save it on a disk. Just please don't do anything to it (like, plagiarism or anything else illegal, please). I know you said you wouldn't, but I just wan to be sure. I hope your sister likes it!
Laurashrub- Yes, tension is exactly what I was looking for! Muahahaha! I hope it was emotional, because, in my opinion, I think my emotional writing sucks. Badly. But, they say you're your own worst critic, so I guess I should just work harder on stuff like that. You get to sing "Masquerade"? YOU DIE NOW! How dare you! THIS is unfair…UNFAIR I TELL YOU! I actually wish you luck. I keep telling my friends in choir that if they sung a song like "Think of Me" or something, it wouldn't sound as great as it did in the real thing. But "Masquerade" was actually meant for a full chorus, so it'll probably sound AWESOME when you guys sing it. I hope you do well!
Angel Saiyan 22- Dangit! I DID write "witch" instead of "which"! Darn my computer and its stupid lack of spell-check! Uck. Sorry about that. I usually catch all those mediocre grammar problems. Hope I do better this time!
GS Dragono- Finally! Someone who understands the stress school can make upon your writing! But you haven't updated your story since the summer? You must be so much busier than I am. At least that made me feel better about not updating for so long!
Jaina 12- Oops, you told me not to take months to update…lol…ironic, isn't it? You'd think weekends would give you all this free time, but you never really realize how busy they are as well until they're already over. It's hard, it really is. I'm so happy you liked it!
Soulless Warlock- Thanks! And you're right, Point of No Return is one of Phantom's best songs. The lyrics are partially my favorite thing about it. Glad you liked it!
I should start back up with the story again, shouldn't I…?
Kori's vision began to blur as she felt the numerous screams reverberate off her and echo across the auditorium. She stared at him, in utter bewilderment of what had just happened. She found that, even though her eyes were locked with his, she could not focus. Her lip quivered slightly as she saw, for the second time in her life, the true face of the Phantom.
His pale white skin almost matched that of his mask. Skin that had clearly never seen sunlight in over ten years. Scars clung to his cheeks and forehead; remnants of large gashes and cut wounds, signals of third degree burns, and marks of something deep crimson that she had never seen before. His cheekbones protruded from the face, like that of a skeletal creature.
As his eyes bored into her, those glittering black eyes that never changed from the moment the mask left him, she felt her knees tremble. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks as she realized what she had done. His eyes betrayed a hurt so horrible that she felt she could not stand. She had ruined him. Exploited him for what he really was. She tried to move, tried to find a way to validate her deed, but she could not stir. She watched in dumbfounded stillness as his tearful eyes slowly began to change.
Kori's limbs went numb as she stared, agape at that monstrous face. She was not frightened by his appearance, no, not anymore. The first time she saw it the image never ceased to leave her mind. That face had haunted her dreams, tortured her mind, no, she was far to used to it to be afraid of him now. It was what he could do to her now that she had officially betrayed him was what frightened her; it ripped her to her core, it was inevitable.
The tears leaked slowly from her eyes, they slurred her vision, but she could see it. There really was no going back. Her hand lost control of physical nerve, and the X'd mask slipped to the floor. She saw as his heart-wrenched face contorted into a twist of rage. Even though she had totally revealed him, she still remained completely helpless. She could not and wouldn't have been able to react to what would happen next.
Before her glossy eyes could retain focus, he lashed at her without warning. In the speed of lightning her arm was clutched within his hand. She couldn't fully register what he was doing, and shock had blinded her reflexes. The loss of circulation on her arm notified her of how hard his grasp was. Stifled pain seared into her arm as he gripped tighter.
With deadly agility he spun around; a knife was in his other hand. Kori panicked in his grip, squirming and pressing onto his arm that kept her trapped. His hold did not loosen. He then threw the knife towards the ceiling as Kori tried to cover her head in defense. She did not see where it hit; the screams were too loud. Then it clicked. The screams were getting louder. She spun her head around to look at him. His features revealed that he had done something crucial. And it was bad.
She immediately saw the source of panic. The new chandelier, alit in its fine glory, was falling. The center of the auditorium was in the midst of flight. Kori had no chance to cry out, for she suddenly felt the Phantom sweep his other arm under her legs and was now held bridal style in his arms.
Before her brain had enough stimuli to strike into common sense, she felt the floor sink from beneath them. Gravity struck at her body with all its force, and a shattering scream flew from her throat. She squeezed her emerald eyes shut, curled her legs into her stomach, and clung fast at her only source of stability, caring not who was holding her captive.
Richard leapt from his seat and ran toward the exit. He scanned the hall where the pandemonium of students erupted, searching for the one person who he knew could help him. He suddenly caught a glimpse of a black figure gliding towards him. He ran up to Raven and let his panic loose.
"Raven! Raven!" he cried, "Please, help! You know where she is!"
He looked back at the stage, where chaos had ensued. The chandelier was now a giant mass of shattered glass and gold. He looked beyond, where the empty stage had been strewn about with props when students had escaped the disaster.
"Please, Raven," his panicked stutter shook through his voice, "We need to find her, we have to…"
"I know where they are," she interjected. "But you have to follow me, you have to trust me."
"I know, I know!"
"And if I ask you to do something, no matter how odd it sounds, you have to trust that I know what I'm doing."
"What do you mean, Raven, this is serious! We don't have time for…"
"Just do it!"
Richard flinched. He had never heard Raven sound so nervous before. Before he could utter any word in response, he felt her cold hand clench around his wrist and she pulled him down the hallway. She turned down a hall that he had never noticed before. From here she opened a small door that was barely visible.
"Raven, what…?"
"Shut up!" she hissed.
Richard looked down the ghastly staircase that lay behind the hidden door.
"Come on, we have to hurry…"
Raven dragged him down the stairway and snapped the door shut. Before Richard could object to the gaping darkness that surrounded them, a flashlight flicked on in Raven's hand. He looked at her oddly.
"What?" her deadpanned tone rang through the air. "Don't you always carry a flashlight with you?"
"Uumm…not exactly…"
"Well, it's good one of us does," she said bitterly. "Follow me, and don't make any sound."
"Easy for you to say," Richard said, a bit irritated with her coldness, "you're almost like a ghost yourself."
Raven made a wry smile, and turned around to face him, so that her face was etched with the shadow throughout.
"Uumm…not exactly…"
Kori lost all sense of time as she and the Phantom fell through the air, for she was in a state of blind terror that distorted any thought that flashed into her mind. Colors whirled, her stomach dropped, and she felt her body slam into midair as they abruptly landed on the rocky floor. For several lengthy moments she dangled limply in his arms, petrified, paralyzed from the lack of impact. Like a lifeless ragdoll she lay, wide-eyed, motionless in his tight grasp. She felt her ruby hair sweep the wet ground, but she did not move.
Reason flooded into her, memories flashed back, and realism inked into her senses. Where she was, who was holding her, and how she got here suddenly came to light. She felt her mind slowly come back into focus. As Kori tried to lift her head, she suddenly felt the arm that supported her legs slip from beneath her, as a warning for her to stabilize herself on her own. Her feet struck the ground, and she stumbled for balance. She hoisted herself up, breathing heavily, with her muscles aching from strain.
She looked around warily, and realized exactly where she was. The tunnel. The lake wasn't too far from here. Oh yes, he had planned this. Before more sense could register, the Phantom gripped her arm fast and held her other shoulder in his other hand. He pulled her down the tunnel; she could not see his face, for it was far too dark to see.
Into the clearing they came, where the dark waters mirrored the black cavern surrounding. The boat was there, waiting. In it was a torch, their only source of light.
He dragged her towards the shore and shoved her in. She gasped as her unprotected body made harsh contact with the cold interior. Looking up in horror, she could scarcely see the rage covered face that leered at her through the darkness. She curled into a ball on the bench she sat upon, praying that he wouldn't hurt her. She jumped as he angrily grabbed at the oar, and began to row them through. When he finally spoke, her blood curdled inside her.
"Down once more
To the dungeon of my black despair!
Down we plunge
To the prison of my mind!"
His enraged voice echoed mercilessly off the walls of stone, where they all reverberated back to Kori, consuming her, piercing her skin.
"Down that path
Into darkness deep as Hell!"
He screamed at her fragile form as she squirmed beneath his gaze. She did not want this to happen; she didn't want it to end up like it had. It wasn't supposed to go this way.
She jumped again as the boat roughly ran upon shore. They had arrived at his lair. She now had no control over what took place. Not here. This was his home. She could never escape now. He gracefully stepped out of the boat and grabbed her shoulders, shoving her onto the cold land. He spun her around to face him.
"Why, you ask,
Was I bound and chained
In this cold and dismal place?
Not for any mortal sin,
But the wickedness of my abhorrent face!
He shook her violently, causing her head to flail from side to side. She felt as if she could no longer see, her eyes burned, her body shuddered. She looked him in the eyes and saw no mercy there, no remorse, only hatred. Only hurt.
The Phantom suddenly went silent. Kori wondered for a split second what he was doing, and then realized what had caused his muteness. He was listening. Off in the far distance of the dark tunnels and slick tavern walls, a foreboding chant of a mob could be heard. From the sounds of it, it mainly consisted of police, students, and teachers, mainly men, but a few women, who could be heard. Their deadly words bounced off the caved barriers and could be heard almost vivildly:
"Track down this murderer
He must be found!"
Before she could listen any longer, she felt a violent tug on her arm by her captive. He drug her towards his lair, shaking her as he went.
"Hounded out by everyone,
Met with hatred everywhere!"
He yanked her up further, and she slipped. Her knee came close to scraping the ground, but he caught her. After supporting her up, he pushed her on.
"No kind word from anyone,
No compassion anywhere!"
He swung her arm around, forcing her to face him. He grabbed her neck and pushed her jaw upward. Candlelight pooled onto her tanned face and into her fearful eyes as he forced her to look at him. He yelled at her with a stifled cry of agony.
"Kori…Kori…"
His anger exhaled through his voice and his breathing began to stagger. His lips trembled and he clenched her throat tighter.
"Why…Why…?"
Far above the two, Raven and Richard were feebly making their way down the dark, stony flight of steps. They had gone down very far, Richard could tell, for the walls were far damper than they had been when they first started out. The steps were slicker now, and the two had to be careful not to slip. The mob could be heard around them, but they were a good distance away from them.
"Come on, Dick," Raven said, "We want to find them before everyone else does. That would certainly cause more problems than we want."
"And remember what I told you," Raven's eyes stiffened as she turned her head to look at him, "Hand at the level of your eyes."
Several minutes later, Raven jumped abruptly, causing Richard to almost topple over. Raven gasped as a small group of rats scurried past them. Richard found this very strange for Raven, for he knew for a common fact: Raven was not afraid of rats. Something was making her jumpy, and if he knew Raven as well as he thought he did, he knew that he had much to fear if it made her skittish. As another rat scuttled past them, he heard her cry out fearfully,
"Your hand at the level of your eyes!"
Richard flew his hand back up to his forehead, his musings had made him forget. He repeated her words as the full meaning began to sink in…
"…At the level of your eyes…"
With pending horror, he heard a soft distant repentance of his words. The mob softly sang out into the darkness.
"Your hand at the level of your eyes…"
At that moment Raven and Richard appeared upon a clearing. The lake was clearly visible from here.
"He lives across the lake, Richard," she said slowly, "This is as far as I go."
"Thanks Rae." As he turned towards the murky waters, he heard her voice loom over him.
"Richard…be careful. He's smarter than you think he is. He probably knows you're going to come."
"I know." He said, and looked down. "But I can't let him hurt her. Who knows what he'll do to her Raven! I need to do this."
"I know." And she disappeared up the stairwell once again, as her black figure lost itself into the darkness. Richard spun around and looked over the lake. With a deep breath, he plunged in.
Even though Richard neared Kori every minute, as did the impending mob. The tunnels vast walls were being filled with flashlights and angry voices. They marched through the underground, chanting angrily.
"Track down this murderer,
He must be found!
Hunt out this animal,
Who runs to ground!
Too long he's preyed on us,
But now we know,
The Phantom of the Opera is there,
Deep down below…"
The few amount of women who consisted of the mob were Kori's friends, Jinny being one of them. The little ballet girls gaped around their surroundings, shocked to the very core that Kori had been coming down here all this time. They looked about fearfully, but steadfast. They finally reached the lake, and all present took a step back in surprise. They weren't expecting this. They knew not how to pass it, for it was very deep. They looked to eachother and decided to find another way to the lair. Suddenly, a ghostly splash was heard across the lake, and ripples fled from side to shore. The girls, in their fear, cried out into the gaping dark.
"He's here: the Phantom of the Opera…"
I know it was short, but I did warn you. I'm really sorry about the lack of update, I really am, and I'm going to try extra hard next time!