~CHAPTER 5: INTENTIONS AND IMPENDING THREATS~
A/N: Hi guys! Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I kinda lost inspiration with this story but found it again! ^_^ I must say the events in this chapter have provided an interesting turn to this story. I hope you enjoy! Ciao!
Raoul was currently sitting in the office, going over some paperwork for the upcoming performance. He looked at the paperwork and chewed on his quill thoughtfully as he was trying to figure out what the next performance should be and where to assign the staff. Cordelia had done very well, and the managers and himself had made her an offer of taking on future roles as lead soprano. Cordelia was shocked that they had offered her a long term position, and confided in them about her uncertainty involving her ability to fulfil such roles. She knew it was true that she had a very good voice and that people adored its' uniqueness, but she also knew that as a novice singer she had a long way to go in this career to be a great star which is required for lead soprano.
"I am not as skilled as the previous soprano Miss Daae and even though I know I performed well this performance, I don't know if I can reach her level of mastery." Cordelia confided truthfully. The managers and himself had nodded and acknowledged her concern. However, they implored her to think it over and that should she accept she would be given as much assistance as possible. She however left smiling and cheerful as always, thanked everyone for a wonderful experience, and promised she would think about it.
Raoul was now waiting in the office for her reply as it would be 3 days since she had departed. A knock on the door signalled his visitor, and he jumped up quickly before opening it and smiling welcomely. At the welcome, Cordelia beamed and entered the room, before sitting herself on the opposite chair from Raoul's. No one followed in after her, and Raoul was a bit confused as to why.
"Lady Cordelia, forgive me for asking, but are you not suppose to have a chaperone with you?" he asked quizzically. Cordelia chuckled. "Yes" she replied. "I am supposed to be accompanied; however I do not care for such things. Besides, we are friends Raoul, and my cousin trusts you" she answered, a cheeky grin on her lips. Raoul was taken aback. This woman could be shy at one stage, and playful and daring the next. It made him feel light and young again.
Raoul grinned in return and took the seat opposite her. "So Lady Cordelia, what have you decided?". Cordelia raised a playful eyebrow. "Honestly Raoul, just Cordelia is fine. I think formalities between friends is rather dull wouldn't you say?". There it was, she had surprised him yet again. Raoul actually threw his head back and laughed. This woman surprised him countless times. She was a woman far ahead of these times, and understood that formalities were often unnecessary and rather...painful.
Cordelia leveled him with a playful glare. With a final chuckle, Raoul leaned forward. "So, what is your decision?" Raoul asked seriously. Cordelia took an intake of breath before leaning forward and meeting Raoul's eyes. "Actually, I wish to decline, however I have noticed that a position is open for a stage writer position, and I wish to apply for it".
Raoul was stunned. He had expected her to accept or decline the position, not ask for another position, especially that some would consider only a male role.
"I am not sure that-" but he was cut off by Cordelia's desperate plea.
"Please Raoul. I have immersed myself in countless arts as you know, and have only felt true affinity with two that are very much alike; creative writing and calligraphy. Leading the life of a duchess is tolling and very...boring, and I wish to do something I enjoy with my life, regardless what others think. When I write I feel invigorated. Of course I enjoy all the arts! Art is invigorating! But I strongly feel that writing is what I am called to do".
"That is why you agreed to help us!" Raoul pointed out, realization dawning on him. "You wanted to get close to me and the managers so you could increase your chances of obtaining the position!". Raoul felt momentarily cheated.
Cordelia looked slightly guilty. "Yes and...no. At first that was my ambition; however don't think that I didn't want to help. I care about you a lot Raoul, and I care about the arts! I also truly wanted to help in any way I could" She said sincerely, looking at him, eyes alight with warmth and truth.
Raoul didn't doubt her sincerity. It was just a lot to take in. This role that she wanted was a man's job. Though, Raoul didn't agree that a woman could not accomplish the same feats. He had known many women in his time. They could be sharp, conniving, and determined creatures and were capable of no less talent than a man. Society just could not acknowledge that yet.
Deciding to give her a chance, an idea struck him. "Would you be willing to take on both roles? I know you love singing, and you will improve. Just because I offered you one position does not mean you can't occupy two?" Raoul said honestly.
Cordelia looked away for a moment in thought. She hadn't wanted to just sing. She wanted to be seen as more than just a pretty opera singer; a woman. She wanted to rebel against the 'noble' upraising that she had had at home. She didn't want to be thought only as the 'shy, well-bred girl' that was destined to marry and raise children, never knowing the world or its' adventures. But she did enjoy singing immensely, and singing her own pieces would allow her to be in better contact with her work, and to express it.
Smiling, Cordelia met Raoul's eyes and nodded. "I accept."
Raoul grinned. "Excellent."
Cordelia bowed and was about to make her way to the door and bid Raoul farewell until she remembered something. "Oh Raoul?"
"Yes Cordelia?" he answered, smiling gently.
"How are you going to explain a woman taking the playwrights role to the managers?"
Raoul grinned. "Just leave that to me" he said confidently.
Cordelia smiled at him and nodded, before bidding him farewell, and exiting the room.
Now that all was settled, Raoul felt the stress of the past few weeks lift off him. He thought about his last encounter with Erik and smiled softly. Their relationship had been mended, so where did that leave them now? Did Erik even recognise his feelings for him? Raoul didn't know where they stood, but he was sure that it would all work itself out...when he could admit his feelings for him.
Raoul was currently at his manor, going through various papers when there was a knock at his door. "Come in" he called. His maid hesitantly popped her head through and addressed him. "Excuse me, Monsieur, but there is a gentleman here to see you".
Raoul eyes furrowed. "Did he not tell you his name?" he asked confused.
"No Monsieur but he states that it is very urgent." She said quickly.
Raoul nodded. "Let him through" he said, wondering at this mysterious man and hoping that it was who he wanted it to be, but knew it was impossible.
A few moments later there was a knock on the door, and at Raoul's acknowledgment, the door opened and in walked a man Raoul had never seen before. He was tall with brown skin and dark curly hair fell to his chin. He also had a clean tidy beard and was dressed in a modest, grey suit. What was most striking about him were his eyes. Intense, and honey-brown in colour, they were eyes that screamed wisdom, eyes that had seen so many things. Intense, like Erik's. He looked to be of Middle-Eastern decent and Raoul immediately knew that this man was important. There was something about him.
They stared at each other, Raoul speechless and lost in wonder, and the man studying him thoughtfully. Finally, Raoul shifted uncomfortably.
"How can I help you?"
The man seemed to shake out of his thoughts, and bowed slightly. "Forgive me Sir, I was trying to make sure I definitely had the right person before I spoke".
"Right person?" Raoul echoed deeply, confused and a little troubled.
"Yes, you are Monsieur Raoul de Chagny are you not?" He asked carefully.
"Yes I am." Raoul answered. "Sorry, but who are you?" he asked quizzically.
The man smiled and offered his hand. "My name is Nadir Khan. It is a pleasure to meet you Monsieur" he said pleasantly.
Raoul shook the offered hand and inclined his head to the right.
"A pleasure also. Please take a seat. What brings you here Mr Khan?" Raoul asked curiously. This man fascinated him. There was something dark that drew him to him. And Raoul felt that the purpose of this man's visit was extremely important. That this encounter was fated somehow?
Nadir took a shaky breath. "I have come to Paris in regards to a friend. I am aware of the recent events that surround the Opera Populaire, especially the involvement of you and your previous fiancée, who seems to have disappeared. Some disturbing news has reached me from Persia, and knowing that you are among the managers of the Opera Populaire and have formed a truce with the 'Opera Ghost' you are the only one I can turn too."
By this stage, Raoul was terribly mystified and engaged. Friend? He was looking for a friend? That friend sounded like he was in danger! Was his friend Erik? A bolt of fear surged through him.
"Monsieur-" but he was cut off.
"Tell me Monsieur, and please answer this question with the utmost sincerity. It is very important that you do. Do you harbour vengeful feelings towards the Opera Ghost for what happened to your fiancée? The truce suggest otherwise, but I need to know."
"What?-No-No I don't" Raoul stuttered honestly, surprised once again but snapping out of it the next moment.
"Please Monsieur, is Erik in danger?" Raoul asked desperately, just realising that after he had said it he had forgot himself due to his fear.
Nadir gasped. "You know him personally?" he asked incredulously.
"I-yes we are acquainted of course, and have formed somewhat of a shaky friendship, but a friendship nonetheless" Raoul answered.
Nadir got over his shock and studied Raoul quickly before saying. "I see."
Raoul was now becoming a little agitated with all these cryptic replies the man gave and wanted to get to the crux of the matter, before Nadir offered:
"It's just that Erik doesn't open up to others often due to his mistrust of people. It took him a long time to open up and trust me and a lot struggles endured together. He has given you his name, and he doesn't divulge that information lightly. He only gives his name to people he considers worthy of his trust. You must be important to him."
"I-", Raoul flushed. "We've had some differences, but in saying that, we have some very common situations that have allowed us to empathise with one another. That is where our friendship stemmed from. I still don't know a lot about him, but I want to" he said earnestly. What was he saying! He was spilling his heart out to a complete stranger he had only known for five minutes!
Nadir smiled, picking up on the boy's feelings he humoured:
"You must really adore him, and he you. "
Raoul jumped, face red. "What!".
Nadir smiled lightly. "Erik only risks his heart when he sees worth, and pieces of himself in others. He has often had a taste for things and people that I don't understand. But if he wants something, nothing or no one can stop him, but he often hurts himself along the way. I never thought he would put his heart out so readily after that girl left" he said honestly, his affection and worry for his friend apparent in his voice.
A sudden realisation dawned on Raoul and he felt like he had been literally slapped in the face. He was suddenly upset, flustered, a little angry and felt incredibly stupid. Not at all directed at the man in front of him, but at himself, due to the realisation of how little he knew. 'I feel like such an idiot-like a small child' he thought agitatedly. But maybe that was how Erik saw him, as an overgrown baby. Sure he was attracted to him, and sure they had comforted one another and had tremendous chemistry but how much did he know him really? He had spent his time with Erik mostly fighting, being demure and avoiding him because of his own feelings. How stupid he was. No, compared to this man, a long lost friend. He knew nothing. He was too engaged with his own feelings and his own little world to really consider the whole picture. He thought that once he admitted his feeling, which knowing him probably would have been never, everything would fall into place if Erik was so inclined. He had had the intention of asking Erik to spend some quality time with him, but always grew hesitant because of his fear. No he didn't know much about him at all, but God did he want to. So taking the first step in full awareness and surety of his situation, he entreated:
"Please Monsieur! Please tell me everything you know about him so that I might finally understand him!" Raoul pleaded.
Sensing the boy's determination and regard for Erik. Nadir spent a couple of hours telling him of those days long ago in Mazenderan. He told him of: the legendary Russian Magician, his architectural talents and his genius, his travel to Persia, of the cruelties Erik endured from the Khanum and others, and of the horrifying contraptions he was forced to build for her entertainment, his addiction to opium, of the rare kindness his bestowed on ordinary civilians, the fevered nights during his sickness where he would cry out ghosts of his past. Of his mother, and of the rare bond that was formed between them and how they had saved each others' life in their struggles."
Raoul listened raptly, more so than he had to anything in his whole entire life. The story was epic and tragic, almost fairy-tale like; akin to the many stories Raoul had read as a child like Robin Hood or King Arthur. But it was also very real and confronting. He could now see how this all came together, and finally everything made sense. The horrors reflected in Erik's eyes finally made sense, and although Nadir only knew a fraction of his life, Raoul's eyes were finally opened and by the end, he had tears in his eyes and all he wanted to do was go back to the Opera Populaire take him in his arms and hold him.
"I can see that you love him" Nadir murmured gently. There, that infinite wisdom again. How does he do it? And finally Raoul admitted it out loud; too tired to deny it and to aware of his delusions after his epiphany.
"Yes, I love him... but I could love him so much more."
Nadir looked a bit confused at that, so Raoul briefly explained, telling him of the events dating from Erik's discovery to their last encounter. And quite acutely of his realisation, to which he added he owed Nadir a lot and was grateful, otherwise he wouldn't have known and came to this realisation.
"I loved him at one stage too..." Nadir spoke softly. "But I was too reserved and had not enough courage to say so..." he spoke wistfully, eyes far away.
Raoul gasped. Something tugged painfully inside of him, but he contained it. He had the utmost respect for this man in front of him and the bond he shared with Erik. He would not impose on it in any way. But he needed to know.
"Do you love him still?" Raoul asked ever so softly, afraid, though captivated by his confession.
Nadir smiled and gave a light chuckle. "Of course I do. But he needs someone who can share themselves wholly with him. I can't. After losing both my wife and Reza-I-I can't. You have my blessing Raoul. But I do miss his presence and his friendship a great deal, and I would be devastated if any harm came to him, though he often does bring it upon himself" he mused. "Anyhow, my loyalty to him is why I am here. My contacts and sources of intelligence have informed me that he has assassins after him".
Raoul stood up in shock. "WHAT!" he snapped, shocked and rooted to the spot with fear. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately!
Nadir nodded gravely. "The Khannum has wanted revenge on him ever since he had left ten years ago and has allied herself with others who seek revenge upon him. They have now sent a bunch of assassins after him. And now they have found him." he answered solemnly.
"But surely they can not reach him under the opera house! That is his domain after all! I mean he built it himself and there are traps! I've seen them myself" he affirmed strongly, panic apparent in his voice also.
Nadir nodded. "Yes I have no doubt Erik keeps himself well protected. But these assassins are the 'crème de la crème' as you French tend to say. They are highly intelligent and skilled, and have had a lot of experience. And they could find him. What about when he has to leave the Opera House for supplies? They will encounter him eventually..."
The bolt of fear intensified. "What are we going to do? Are you going to inform Erik? Should I?"
Nadir shook his head. "No. Erik has a tendency to be rash. I have a plan, but I don't want him aware until I figure it out. I do, however, want you to help me protect him. He mustn't know I'm here in Paris by the way."
"That is insane! If there is a bounty on an individuals' head I think the person should be made aware! It's logical to survival!" Raoul proclaimed incredulously, throwing his hands around in frustration.
"Please Raoul, as Erik's friend I implore you not to say anything. This is for his safety. There are certain facts that I can't tell you about the assassins at the moment and knowing his nature and how emotionally vulnerable he is right now he might react irrationally."Nadir pleaded.
Raoul stared at him, eyes narrowed. His eyes widened."Revenge." He said quietly.
"I beg your pardon?" Nadir asked, shocked at the boy's insight.
"If Erik knew he was to be assassinated and by whom. He would wish to seek revenge, therefore putting himself in danger. That's the only rational explanation I can produce for your decision for not telling him. Am I right Daroga?" Raoul said not with derision, but respect.
Nadir was surprised to hear his officer's title, but considering the subject of conversation, and that he was acting as an officer for the first time in ten years to protect a friend, it was somehow appropriate.
"Correct." Nadir affirmed.
Raoul nodded, the weight of this subject settling in.
"I will do whatever it takes to protect him. You have my word." Raoul said resolutely, finally seating himself in the chair once again.
"Thank you Raoul." he said gratefully, deep respect evident in his tone.
Raoul nodded and smiled slightly. "Your very welcome Nadir".
Raoul then looked serious. "What do you want me to do? How can I protect him?"
Nadir nodded, acknowledging Raoul's concern. "Watch who enters the Opera House, have guards posted at every entrance and do not allow Erik to leave it under any circumstances. Not until I've figured this out. These men may also be a threat to the general public. Speak to your managers recording the names of everyone who purchases tickets, restrict entrance to the opera house and watch your staff. Buy Erik's supplies for him and bring it to him if need be."
Raoul nodded but his eyebrows knit together at a certain thought, "Don't you think Erik will grow suspicious? I mean he is not stupid and he takes the welfare of, should I say, his, Opera House very seriously. I mean I don't know if I can keep it from him for very long." Raoul confided matter-of-factly.
"You must Raoul. There is no room for fail. Erik is not the only one in danger, but others could be as well. You included. For now, you must be discreet!"
Raoul nodded in understanding. "Yes I understand. I will do my best." He affirmed ardently.
Nadir nodded and stood. "I'm sure you will" he answered sincerely. "It was a pleasure meeting you Raoul. But for now I must go." He held out his hand for Raoul to shake and Raoul stood as well and complied. "It has been pleasure as well Nadir. I have great respect for you. You're a good friend to him. Thank you". Nadir gave a sincere smile. "No, Thank you, Raoul" he said honestly before smiling broadly and walking to the door before saying "Oh and Raoul?"
"Yes?" Raoul asked.
"Take care of yourself! I would highly suggest you tell Erik how you feel. Spend some time with him. I trust you with my friend's heart. He needs someone like you."
Raoul was momentarily stunned, but then gave a beaming smile. "I intend to. His heart is in good hands. Don't worry."
"If you should need to contact me, I left a note with my address on the chair. Goodbye for now".
"Goodbye..." Raoul whispered to the closed door, looking after him for a while
It was only a couple of minutes after when Raoul snapped out of his thoughts and walked over to the chair to pick up the note. He gave a wry smile.
Officer Khan
Central Paris Police Station.
'The lengths that one would go for a beloved friend' Raoul thought warmly.