Chapter 6: The Problem
By: PittsBurghFuzz
Erik was on top of the Paris Opera, looking down upon the few people that were still lingering on the streets at that ridiculous hour. Erik liked watching the people bellow him. Although he could never enjoy these pleasures himself, he felt a surrogate joy thanks to the people of Paris. Erik heard of Cocteau's masquerade ball, and wanted to attend the event himself. Unfortunately, there were two things preventing him from attending.
His face.
It would have to be covered up the entire evening. This could arouse suspicion among the guests, and could cost Erik's head.
No Date
Since 1881, Erik had been definitely single, with no relationship prospects. All of the women in his life had reasons for not going with him anyway.
Madame Giry was too old.
Meg Giry= Big mouth.
Christine. Well, if the reader doesn't know this one, they should punjab themselves.
Then, Erik's dark mind had a bright flicker.
The de Chagny Girl! Paulette!
Yes! Why hadn't he thought of it! This party was sponsored by Cocteau, and it would be a perfect way to get at the pitiful lover.
But how could Erik disguise himself, without giving it away that he was once the Phantom.
Well, he had three days, several gallons of coffee, and a determined mindset to accomplish the task.
Erik remembered his Red Death mask.
Of course there was no way Erik would wear it, but he remembered the mouth mechanism. It was able to move according to the wearer's jaw movements. If Erik could only perfect it.
Then Erik decided to scrap the idea, because it was not practical enough. Erik continued to think until he saw a metal box. It was labeled "LC". Erik opened the box and found some odd tools. Erik grinned at the thought of what he was going to do.
"Yes, I could easily use this makeup to cover the undesired part of my face!" Erik said to himself.
Paulette was in Paris that evening, because she promised to visit Nicole and her fiance, but the two had to cancel. Paulette decided to visit the Opera.
When Paulette finally arrived, there was a strange laugh. It didn't sound like Erik.
"Excuse me, who is there?"
"It is I Erik." the voice said again.
"I'm serious."
"Fortunately, so am I." the voice told Paulette.
Come out.
The man came out.
"Erik, what did you do with your mask?" Paulette asked in shock.
"Oh this? A simple process, I guarantee you." Erik resumed to his normal voice.
"The other half of your face is fine." Paulette said.
Erik frowned a bit, for he knew Paulette did not know of the real face behind the mask.
"No my dear, this is not my real face, unfortunately."
"Oh, then you did that yourself?"
"Yes."
"But won't people recognize you because of the other half of your face?"
"Keen observation Paulette. However, lets think about something here. What part of my face do you look at?"
"Your mask."
"Exactly. They don't remember the man, only the monster! What can I do for you?" Erik asked.
"Well, I am sure you heard of Cocteau's ball."
"Indeed. Thus the facade." Erik said pointing to his face.
"I need someone to accompany me. You know, as a friend."
"Of course. What shall I play?"
"Well, I told Jean that my 'chaperone' was an ex-earl of England who defended his honor."
"Oh, I like it! Did you find me a good name?" Erik asked, as giddy as a five year old.
"Well, no. I haven't gotten that far, yet." Paulette admitted.
"I have an idea. I will create a fake name. For the ex-earl."
"But why?" Paulette asked.
"Why? Very simple. I am trying to disguise the fact that I am an ex-earl. Unfortunately, you have told him my name, but that is good, for that means there is no way of tracking down how legitimate it is."
"But what if Jean contacts the queen herself?
"Oh please, the queen had better things to do then discuss ex-earls."
"Like what?"
"Well, like creating ex-earls of course!"