Chapter Two: Unfamiliar Place

I slowly opened my eyes, still in a daze from my fall. Sitting up, I rubbed my temples and tried to recall what had happened. It all came back to me as soon as my mind cleared. If Michael had been serious about punishing me, then that meant I was definitely not in Kansas anymore. Any mind reader from the future would have shot me for my lame joke. After all, the Wizard of Oz wasn't due to exist for awhile.

All cracks aside, I took the time to analyze the unfamiliar place that I was in. My current location was a chilly alleyway, the moon high above my head. I looked up at the moon, finally realizing how beautiful it could be. This was the first time I had gazed at the night sky from below; I was already beginning to feel homesick. If I wanted to get home as soon as possible, it was time to get this show on the road.

I stood up on shaky legs, using the icy brick wall for support. Walking was an odd feeling, as was breathing. Flying was the main transportation in heaven, and breathing had never been required. Focused on getting used to these human habits, I wasted a little time walking up and down the alley. Once I got the basic idea, I headed for the exit, only to trip over something an odd lump.

"Not even ten minutes here and I fall…" I nearly jumped out of my pale skin as I heard a low moan. It seemed that I had stumbled across a sleeping man. Quickly I got to my feet as the man stood up. He was not much taller than me, but the darkness made him seem like a giant. "I'm sorry, sir…I didn't mean to trip over you…"

The man looked at me through cloudy eyes, and I saw that he carried a bottle of dark liquid. "'Ello there, Missy…long way from home, ain't ya? Pretty lil' thing, too. Why don't ya come with me, Missy? I can show you a good 'nough time, that's for sure…" He came closer to me, laughing as I cautiously backed up. I don't know what was on his mind, but I turned on my heels and ran as fast I could.

I thought I heard the man stumbling after me, but I couldn't be sure. Once I caught my breath, which took a bit, I reassessed my situation. Looking down, I saw that my dress was ruined. It didn't take much for me to realize that this was definitely not a good start to my unwanted mission. However, the dress was in my least concern.

My body ached from the fall, and I had no idea where to start looking for the man that I was supposed to help. As if on cue, I heard the faintest whisper. "Paris…opera..." It sounded like Michael's voice, but I couldn't pinpoint the location.

"Michael, wherever you are, shut up and let me do this on my own! I know you can see me down in this hellhole, so pay attention!" (Also, I do not mean to offend any humans who might be reading my tale; at that time I did not find your world the best place, so my opinion was a bit biased.) I imitated my mockery of Michael from the council meeting. It was immature, of course, and it made me look a bit insane. A few townspeople gave me strange looks as they passed by. It must have been because I had been shouting at the sky.

Though I was in a bad mood, I was secretly grateful that Michael had given me a couple clues. As I walked down the streets, I evaluated the little information I had. "Paris…so I am in France, but opera?" Sighing heavily, I turned to a passerby. "Opera, sir? Where can I find opera?"

The young man gave me an odd stare, but answered my question. "You must mean the Opera Populaire, mademoiselle. It's right around the corner." I thanked him and ran off in the direction he was pointing.

I found the opera house soon enough. Even from the outside, it was a grand sight to behold. My mind suddenly turned back to my nasty outfit. How was I supposed to get into the building looking like I did? Surprise hit me as a carriage rolled by, a small suitcase conveniently falling off the back. To tell you the truth, I found it too convenient. Something told me that somewhat divine intervention was helping me, and that intervention would get in trouble if he was caught doing so.

Picking up the trunk, I walked to a place where I would not be seen. I rummaged through the clothes until I found a dress. It wasn't the fanciest article, but it would do. Once into my new outfit, I marched up the stairs of the Opera Populaire with my head held high. This was the place where my so-called client was, lurking somewhere in the halls. Mustering up what courage I had, I opened the door, ready to march into the world of this magnificent opera house.

Author's Note: Thank you to the people who read this chapter, and the chapter before. Story is still in Jesabelle's point of view…I'm debating whether I should add chapters in the Phantom of the Opera's POV later on in the story. If you think I should, don't hesitate in letting me know. (:

Important: I do not own Phantom of the Opera or any of its characters. I only own the characters of Jesabelle and the angels.

Thanks for reading; hope you like the story. =]

xoxo,

Jezebel Denver