Hello my fellow Phantom Fans!
Christine and Saria both perform in this chapter. Raoul along with Andre and Firimin enter the storyline. Enjoy!
I don't own "Music of the Night!"
It belongs to Andrew Lloyd Weber.
Saria's POV
A month passed since I began taking my lessons with Erik. However that wasn't the only thing that kept me busy. Rehearsals for both Hannibal and II Muto were underway. That's right II Muto was added to the schedule so I had to work twice as hard when it came to my job. But as always I didn't mind. My voice lessons with Erik were getting better however I still had a long way to go. We had a lesson once a week since my work schedule was crazy. Sometimes after my lessons Erik and I would talk about things, I felt like I knew him my whole life even though I didn't. I always felt comfortable being with him and he seemed to feel the same about me. I never asked him to remove his mask nor did he ask the same when it came to my eye patch.
Finally after a month of busting my ass tonight would be the one and only opening night of Hannibal, so everyone was working hard today. I wore a white poet shirt with dark brown pants and my black boots, I had the sleeves rolled up to my elbows, I also wore my black vest and my hair was in a pony tail. Reyer made us take a break so he could hear Carlotta sing. I saw Carlotta's maids put ear plugs in their ears and I had to hold a hand to my mouth so I wouldn't laugh my ass off. Some of the other orchestra members were chuckling too and Reyer sent us a shut-up look before he held up his conductor stick and I placed my violin back onto my shoulder and started to play with the others. I tuned out while Carlotta and the other main singers began to sing so I could focus on my violin. Well I focused until Piangi screwed up his line and vocals again. I groaned along with the other orchestra players.
"Nice going Piangi!" I heard Boquet shout from the rafters. I smirked at Boquet's remark and Piangi shouted something to him in French which I wouldn't doubt was a bad word. We were about to resume playing when I saw Lefevre clear his throat. With him were Firmin and Andre, so I guess Lefevre was about to announce his retirement.
"Monsieur I am rehearsing at the moment" Reyer told his boss in disapproval.
"Sorry Reyer but I want to borrow Saria"
"Alright but make it quick" Reyer growled as I stood up. I carried my violin with me and I walked over to Lefevre.
"Gentlemen this is Saria as you have seen from previous shows she plays the violin very well"
"I intend to agree" Firmin said as he took my left hand and kissed it.
"Thank you Monsieur your words are appreciated"
"Come with us onstage my dear we want to hear you play after we talk with the rest of the cast" Andre suggested.
Reyer look annoyed but Lefevre shot him a death look. I only smirked as Lefevre offered his arm out to me and we left the music pit and joined the other cast members onstage a second later. While Lefevre addressed the other cast members about his retirement and that Firmin and Andrew were the new owners I went over to Christine and Meg. The two of them were in their slave costumes for Hannibal as were the other chorus members.
"It looks like the new owners like you already Saria" Christine said to me.
I was about to reply when a flash of movement got my attention as well as Meg and Christine's. Raoul also known as the Vicomte de Chagney walked onto the stage and Christine burst into a smile.
"Uh oh I see a thing going on here" I teased Christine.
"That's because that's Raoul we knew each other since we were children" Christine began. "You could say we were childhood sweethearts, he used to call me Little Lotte"
"Christine he's so handsome"
"Actually Johnny Depp is better looking"
Both Christine and Meg shot me a confused look and I only smirked. Raoul talked with Carlotta and Piangi for a few more minutes before he took his leave. He passed us and Christine looked disappointed.
"He wouldn't recognize me anyway"
"He didn't see you girlfriend" I reassured her. "I better get out of the way"
I then pulled myself away from Christine and Meg just as Madame Giry gave her dancers the commanding look to go ahead and start dancing. With grace and beauty all of the male and female dancers went onstage to show off their skill for the new owners. A hand suddenly touched my shoulder and I jumped out of my skin.
"Gotcha" teased Derek.
"Derek you bastard I told you a thousand times not to scare me!" I scolded him in a quiet voice.
"Sorry but I had to tell you something" his tone told me he was excited about something.
"What's up?"
"Meg is my true mate I plan on telling her after the show tonight"
"Holy congratulations pack mate!" I exclaimed as I hugged him. Derek awhile back had told Meg and her mother that he was a wolf shifter and Meg of course didn't care. She had been in love with Derek for a number of years now. Carlotta and Piangi began to sing once again and I watched the rest of the performance from the shadows with Derek at my side. Carlotta however realized Firmin and Andre were eying the female dancers and looked pissed because they weren't paying attention to her. I only sweat dropped while Derek rolled his eyes as the dancers and the other cast members finished their routine. Meg and Christine came back over to me when Madame Giry dismissed them with a wave of her hand.
"I'd better get back to the rafters before I'm missed" Derek then pressed a quick kiss against Meg's forehead which made her giggle.
"Have you chosen a new song for tonight Saria?" Christine asked turning to me.
"Yep" I replied. The three of us continued talking while Carlotta continued to bitch.
"Get the ear plugs ready" I growled nodding to see the Primma Donna was about to sing "Think of Me"
As Carlotta started to sing Christine. Meg, and I all winced. I bet Derek was doing the same thing. Meg's scream suddenly got me to jump and I turned to see the backdrop falling towards Carlotta. When it fell on top of her she whined.
"Looks like our friend couldn't stand her singing either" I joked seeing Erik's shadow in the rafters.
"You sound like you fancy him" Christine said in a teasing voice.
"Hey don't put damn words in my mouth Christine! Besides Derek also teases me about the same issue" I protested with a blush appearing on my face. Carlotta was now freed from the backdrop and she stormed offstage ranting about having enough. Lefevre bid his farewells to a now panicked Firimin and Andre. He came over to me and I walked over to him and we hugged. This man had been very good to me and I would miss him. Once our embrace was over Antoinette came over to Firmin and Andre.
"I have a message from the Opera Ghost" Antoinette said to them.
"Oh god in heaven you're all obsessed!" Firmin snapped.
"He welcomes you to his Opera House" Antoinette said ignoring Firmin's comment.
"His opera house?" Andre questioned.
"And commands that you continue to leave Box 5 empty for his use and reminds you that his salary is due"
"His salary?!" Firmin protested. "Just how much are we talking about here"
"20,000 francs a month"
Firmin and Andre looked shocked and Firmin snatched the letter to see if Madame Giry was reading the Phantom's words right. Antoinette simply shrugged and suggested that Raoul could afford the salary since he was the new patron. Firmin only growled as he tore the letter apart and barked that the show had to be canceled thanks to Carlotta taking a hike.
"Christine Daae or Saria Moore can sing it sirs"
Wait? What?!
"A chorus girl and an orchestra member that's blind in one eye, don't be silly" Andre stated.
I swore underneath by breath at Andre's comment because it made me angry. I did not like it when people think I couldn't do something because of my blindness and Andre's comment really pissed me off. Antoinette came over to me and Christine.
"Saria already has a commitment to playing her solo tonight"
"She is right" I agreed. "Besides Christine has had lessons with a great teacher"
I was glad Antoinette saved my ass because I was not ready to sing in front of an audience just yet, not a chance in hell. Andre and Firmin looked to each other for a second before Andre ushered Christine forward. Reyer then started to play "Think of Me" and Christine began to sing. As she did my jaw dropped. I knew she sung well in the movie but in person well damn!
The other cast members heard Christine singing and they walked over to see her doing so. Christine only sang the first part of the song but it was enough to satisfy Andre and Firmin. Once it was decided she would play the lead for tonight, Antoinette nodded at me. I approached the front of the stage and got ready to play my solo for tonight. The theme song from Game of Thrones filled the air as the new managers watched. I had practiced with this song many times and it was ready for me to play. As soon as it began my solo ended for the new managers and when I removed my bow from the violin they were clapping.
"Madam you're playing is astounding" Firmin said coming over to me.
"I couldn't agree with you more" Andre added.
Opening Night
Since I would be performing my solo I choose to wear a dress. The dress was short sleeved and dark red. Matching flats rested on my feet. Christine did very well throughout the show, but when it came time for to sing "Think of Me", well she blew the whole thing out of the water. By the time the show ended I was already a damn nervous wreck which wasn't normal for me. I had played in front of a large audience in this opera house for a month and for some reason my nerves got to me. Once the rest of the cast bowed and after Christine got a large amount of applause and roses, Firmin and Andre came onto the stage and announced it was time for my solo.
At the mention of my name the audience got excited and they clapped loudly like that had done for Christine. I took a breath before I stood up and headed in the direction of the stage. Andre came over and led me to the where Firmin was standing. I thanked him before the two of them backed away and I got ready to play. Soon the thrill of playing the instrument I loved overcame me and I let the music take me under its wing as my solo filled the ears of everyone around me. While I played I glimpsed at Box 5 where Raoul was watching me. Those damn idiots gave Erik's box to him?!
What the hell were they thinking?!
I shook that aside as I continued to play my solo until it was over with. Like with Christine the audience burst into cheers and applause. Once a lot of roses were thrown onto the stage did I hurry to make myself scarce. I didn't need another ambush by the public. I dropped my violin off at my room and fell upon my bed because I was tired. I heard the mirror open and I smirked.
"Don't even try to scare me my friend I have good hearing" I teased Erik.
"You did well tonight as you always do Saria, I'm very proud" Erik said as I sat myself up.
"Christine also did well better than me in my opinion" I stated.
"Both of you outdone yourselves tonight" Erik countered. However from the way his tone spoke of Christine it held more affection and a spark of jealousy sparked to life inside me.
What the hell was wrong with me?!
I shook my head and the jealousy faded. Erik approached me and he slowly brought me into his grasp.
"Um Erik what exactly are you doing?" I asked the Phantom of the Opera. He had told me his name during one of our lessons. But Erik didn't answer with words instead he answered with his next move. He pressed a kiss against my cheek underneath my right eye. I felt my face go blood red when he did that. He then released me and I felt my heart going a thousand miles a minute. He then went back to the mirror door and he closed the mirror behind him. I could not believe had just kissed my cheek. I smirked before I decided to go and see Christine. However while on the way to the Primma Donna room I was ambushed by fans. I was able to get past them and came upon the dressing room.
"Bloody hell" I said as I shut the door behind me.
"I take it your fans want to see you" Christine teased.
"Yeah and I'm tired" I stated. I then walked over to Christine.
"Girl you did awesome tonight you should be proud, no doubt a certain Vicomte saw you" I teased. Immediately Christine's face turned and I smirked.
"Consider that payback for teasing me earlier"
Christine then chuckled before the door opened.
"Oh I'm sorry" both Christine and I turned to see Raoul standing in front of us. He held a bouquet of flowers. He set them down before he approached.
"Hello it's a pleasure to meet you Saria your performance was fantastic this evening" he said to me.
"Thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it I'll let you and Christine talk" I told him. I then turned to give Christine a wink before I walked past him and opened the door. To my dismay I was ambushed my more fans, and Antoinette was there to get to me safety.
"Damn public" I growled as she led me to where the other cast members were celebration tonight's performance. Meg was out of her costume and was next to Derek. The male wolf shifter was beaming and I knew he had told Meg she was his true mate. I wasn't that hungry since my nerves were still all over the place but I did manage to eat a bit of bread and cheese and some wine. Derek and Meg walked me back to my room since I had a bit of a buzz. Hell I needed it. Once outside my room I parted ways with my friends and closed the door behind me. By now everyone was probably leaving the opera house and Christine would soon meet face to face with Erik. The thought of that got my jealous spark to come back. I growled and shook my head again before I began to undress. After pulling on my night clothes the alcohol inside me was making me drowsy. It didn't take long for me to get to my bed and soon I was out like a light.
Erik's POV
Christine had passed out after I had showed her the mannequin that had a wedding dress that I designed especially for her. She was glad to finally meet me, but the shock of what I revealed to her made her faint. She now slept in my bed and I would sleep on my couch for the night. What irritated me was that my Angel of Music had a damn suitor!
That only annoyed me because that fool was in my way to win Christine's affections. I was about to head to bed when I felt uneasy for some reason. I decided to go and see where the source of my tenseness was coming from. I quietly left my lair so I wouldn't wake Christine. Suddenly a scream got my attention. It belonged to Saria and immediately I headed in the direction of her room as fast as my feet could carry me. When I opened the mirror door to her room my other student was asleep, but her body was thrashing. She was having a nightmare and by the sound of things it was a bad one. She still had her eye patch as I approached her.
Saria's POV
"Saria wake up!" a familiar voice called out to me. It belonged to Erik and as soon as I heard him my left eye shot open. The Phantom of the Opera was sitting on my bed and he looked worried.
"Erik?" I asked to make sure it was him.
"It's me you were having a bad dream" he said.
"F**k" I growled as I sat up. I had fallen asleep with my eye patch which I had meant to take off before I fell asleep, but blame the alcohol for that.
"I had felt uneasy so I came up here to find out the source it turns out it was you" Erik explained. "And it's a good thing I did"
"Thank you for coming to check on me that was sweet of you" I said looking to him. The two of us looked at one another for a second before I suddenly felt my face turn red and I turned away. Erik chuckled before he placed a hand underneath my chin.
"Are you trying to seduce me or what?" I teased Erik for the hell of it.
"I saw you blushing Mademoiselle"
"Oh don't you start too I get enough crap from my friends" I growled as he removed his hand from my face.
"I will stay with you until you fall asleep if that will comfort you" he offered.
"Could?" I then shut my mouth feeling like a god damn idiot for what I was about to ask.
"Could I what my dear?" he asked arching an eyebrow.
"Could you sing to me I know that's lame for me to ask but your voice calms me down"
"If that will help rest easier"
I nodded before I lay myself back down and I closed my eyes.
Then the Phantom began to sing a song that was my favorite and it had been the song to let me have the courage to run from Joseph the night my life could have ended.
Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination
Silently the senses abandon their defenses
The way Erik sang to me was quiet enough so only I would hear him.
Slowly, gently night unfurls it splendor
Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender
Turn your face away from the garish light of day
Turn your thoughts away from cold unfeeling light
And listen to the music of the night
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams
Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before
Close your eyes and let your spirit start to soar
And you'll live as you never lived before
Softly, deftly, music shall caress you
Hear it, feel it secretly possess you
Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind
In this darkness that you know you cannot find
The darkness of the music of the night
Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world
Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before
Let your soul take you where you long to be
Only then can you belong to me
Floating, falling, sweet intoxication
Touch me, trust me savor each sensation
Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in
To the power of the music that I write
The power of the music of the night
Erik's POV
As soon as I finished singing Saria was asleep once more. I stayed for fifteen more minutes to make sure she would be alright before I stood up to leave. As I looked to her a feeling, the same feeling I was felt towards Christine was now pulling me towards Saria. If Christine wouldn't love me.
Was it possible Saria could?
I don't know if what I was feeling for Saria was love, but the desire to be with her was the exact same thing I felt for Christine. It was late and I needed to get back to my home or what Saria called "The Lair". I bent down and not caring I kissed her on her lips. The moment my lips touched hers seemed to relax her body even more. When I pulled away her lips broke into a smile. A smile of my own came onto my lips and I turned to back to the mirror and left my mysterious violinist to sleep.
Andre better watch what he says around Saria, because she doesn't take too kindly when others doubt her because of her disability!
Also is Erik starting to fall for Saria as well?
You need to read to find out!