Chapter Six: The Masquerade Ball

It had been six months since the murder of Señor Carlotto, and business was booming. People came from all around France just to see a performance on the very stage where Carlotto was hung. While Andre and Firmin thought it was quite strange that so many people were intrigued by a haunted Opera House, they were very appreciative. So appreciative, in fact, that they decided to throw a lavish Masquerade Ball to celebrate the year's substantial income. All of the richest and most powerful people in Paris were invited, and each came wearing a scintillating mask.

The chances of seeing the Opera Ghost had been slim to none, since he had not made an appearance since the night Carlotto died. This had been a wonderful relief to all who worked in the theater, and everyone was hoping to put the tragedy of the Phantom behind them. In place of the deceased tenor, Christian had become the new voice of the Opera House. He and Señora Pianga had starred together in a plethora of shows and sold out thousands of seats. Christian and Renee were now engaged, and were planning to make the announcement during the party that evening. They were very happy.

However, that night, Renee could sense that Christian was nervous about something. "Christian, what has been bothering you?" She asked him as they made their way to the ballroom of the Opera House.

"Nothing, love." he responded quickly.

She could see that he was not being fully honest. "Are you sure you want to tell them?"

There was a brief silence. Then he spoke. "Of course."

"You hesitated. Why don't you want them to know about us?" She was growing paranoid, again. Ever since the night of Carlotto's death, she had become very concerned with Christian not disclosing with her the full story of his encounter with the Phantom.

"Renee, please, I'm fine. I love you. I do want them to know." He took a deep breath. "I just think that maybe tonight is too soon."

She took a moment to ponder this. It was so strange to her how sensitive he was about promulgating their relationship. Nevertheless, for Christian, she would be patient. "Alright, love. We will wait." She wrapped her hand in his, and they continued to walk until they reached the massive ballroom.

The room was huge, and it was filled with swarms of people dressed in glamorous clothing and masks. Every color you could imagine was swirling together as they waltzed on the ornate floor. Christian and Renee made their way to the giant marble staircase that led up to the balcony. They squeezed passed the cliques of party guests who whispered to each other, gossiping about their obvious romance.

Andre and Firmin were atop the balcony, socializing with potential investors. When they noticed Christian, they flocked to him and introduced them to the successful magnates with whom they had been consorting. Renee was then of course asked about her family's fortune, and they spent a good deal of time discussing money and the business of the theater. It was beginning to bore Christian quite a bit until Meg finally found him and pulled him away. It had been far too long since the two siblings could spend time alone together, and now was the perfect opportunity to catch up.

They eased their way down the stairs, through crowds of colorful party guests until they found themselves an empty corner of the ballroom to talk. Meg was elated to see him. "So, is it true that you and the Viconte are soon to be married?"

"How did you know?" He asked, shocked.

"It did seem quite obvious, brother dear!" She replied.

He looked around nervously. "You mustn't tell anyone. Now isn't the right time."

"Christian!" She grabbed his arm. "What are you afraid of?"

He sighed in frustration. How could he even begin to tell his sister the reason? That his enigmatic attraction to a psychopathic killer scared him from publicizing his relationship with Renee. And not to mention that said psychopathic killer was a man!

However, he had not time to respond when for some reason, there came several blood-curling screams from the balcony. The room grew silent and everyone turned to see what was wrong. Somehow, the lights had grown dim. All the people that were on the staircase had parted down the middle, and standing right atop the steps, was him.

He was wearing a menacing, scarlet "red-death" costume complete with a cape and skull mask. The headpiece was large with crimson feathers spiraling off of it, and the eye sockets of the skeletal mask seemed to pierce the soul as they scanned the room wickedly. The people stood frozen in fear as the Phantom made his way down the staircase. Christian was horrified, and began to tremble although he could not bring himself to move.

"Did you miss me, my beloved Opera House?" The Phantom asked playfully. "You did not think that I would be gone forever?" His voice was muffled by the mask, which made him seem all the more terrifying. "I do believe that it is time for a new production, is it not?"

The people continued to stand petrified. "In fact, it just so happens that I have written an Opera, myself. I call it, 'Don Juan Triumphant'." Out of nowhere, in his hands appeared a large stack of papers, apparently the score. He held it out before him, now reaching the bottom of the stairs and still searching the crowd for something.

Finally, he found what he was looking for: Christian. He began to laugh. It was a sinister, evil laugh that sent chills down Christian's spine as he approached him. The Phantom held out the score of 'Don Juan Triumphant' to Christian, who took it reluctantly.

"Christian Daae," the Phantom hissed, "You do realize that I still have you?" He continued to cackle hysterically, before turning around and charging back up the stairs. Then, in a flash of light and smoke, he vanished. Everyone stayed silent as they watched Christian stand there, holding the score of Don Juan and realizing that his days of being tormented by the Opera Ghost were only just beginning.