A/N
And the final performance is here! I hope you like it and enjoy! Oh, and I am really sorry that I have slowed the updates. I got sick (again!) and school is about to start :/ Stupid school…
Anyways! If you guys have any recommendations for future Zagrs, just let me know ;). Now, on with the story!
The day of the final performance had finally arrived and Gaz and Zim had been on the edge of their seat the entire day. To top it off, they rarely got the chance to see each other besides during lunch. Zim nervously made his way to the auditorium after skool, scanning the area for Gaz. She was inside, waiting on the stage. But one fact made him smile to himself as he made his way to her: she was completely alone. Keef was no where near her and that was exactly how he wanted it. She hopped off the stage, meeting him halfway.
"Hello," he purred happily.
She smiled and looped her arm through his.
"I haven't seen Keef much. Do you know what happened? One minute, I couldn't get rid of him but now every time I see him, he looks afraid."
Zim smiled wickedly, shrugging.
"Let's just say I took care of him."
She immediately thought of the first time Keef and Zim had met and cringed as she thought of the way he 'took care of him' the last time. She could only imagine what he did this time. Worried, yet relieved, she led him onto the stage while Mr. Elliott made his way across the room.
"Okay everyone! Gather around! Today is the day of the final performance and we all know that we have worked very hard for this one day," he hollered.
Gaz blocked him out and poked Zim in the side who squeaked at the touch, jumping and looking down at her.
"Are you nervous?"
"A little," he shrugged. In all honesty though, he was completely terrified. Whenever it came to performing with Gaz, each time he got excited, yet nervous all at once. He could not explain the odd feelings so he merely accepted them each time they came. They turned and faced the teacher once more.
"…so I want The Phantom, Christine, and Raoul to get into costume. We also have someone to do your makeup so be sure to stop by at least twenty minutes before the final performance. The rest of you, I want you to also change into costume and rehearse your lines together. Okay, let's get going!"
Both Gaz and Zim shuddered as they thought of makeup. Perhaps you did have to sacrifice a lot in order to do activities like this. The pair, along with a frightened Keef, made their way to the dressing rooms. Zim stepped to the other side of Gaz, between her and Keef, and wrapped an arm protectively around her. Keef's eyes widened and he stepped further away, adding to the distance between him and the extraterrestrial. Zim smirked at his fear but frowned sheepishly when he saw Gaz eyeing him in confusion.
They finally made their way to their rooms and separated to change. After about five minutes of struggling with her dress, Gaz stepped out into the hall to find Zim leaning against a wall as he waited patiently. He glanced at her, clearly bored, but did a double take and stared at her. She crossed her arms and smiled flirtingly.
"What?" she laughed.
He stepped over to her, mouth agape.
"Y…You look wonderful…" he replied, distracted.
She smiled and shoved him playfully.
"And you look good in a cape and mask."
He looked down at his costume and smiled charmingly.
"Do you expect anything else from The Mighty Zim?"
She quickly covered his mouth, silencing his victorious hollers, and chuckled.
"The Mighty Zim better shut up before he gathers the attention of the whole skool."
"Zim cares not of the opinions of these filthy worm babies! Let them stare!"
She shook her head, seeing that he would not stop yelling anytime soon and began walking away. After he was finished ranting, he followed behind closely. She stopped smiling when her eyes landed on the stage, the students anxiously rehearsing their lines.
"So this is it, huh?" she asked nervously. "Today is the day."
"What is wrong with that, Gaz-love?" he raised an eyebrow in confusion.
She faced him.
"You don't think anything will change between us, do you?"
He shook his head, wondering where the sudden fear had come from.
"Gaz, what are you saying? Why would it change?"
"Well, the play is what brought us together in the beginning and this musical is the one thing we have been mostly doing together. What if when it ends…"
He could see she was worried that, when the musical ended, so would their relationship. He furrowed his eyebrows, quickly grabbing onto her. She did not expect it when he dipped her towards the ground.
"Z-Zim?"
"It will not end. My love for you will never end. Perhaps these other filthy humans would have ended it after the musical was finished, but I am not one of them."
He saw her eyes darting to the side and glancing at the students who were watching the scene unfold. He shook his head.
"Let them look."
With that, he kissed her deeply. She gasped, not expecting it. Her hand ran up his neck, the other resting on his chest. Whispers filled the room as the students realized they were not rehearsing anything; the kiss was something Zim had decided to do according to his own desires. He made it last as long as possible before they needed to breathe and only then did he pull back.
"I will not leave your side. Should another musical or play come along, we will do it together, but if it does not come, then who cares? We make our own happiness. We do not rely on this learning facility to hand us our feelings for one another," he pulled a strand of hair out of her eyes.
She could see that he meant each word he said and nodded. He grasped her hand and showed her the ring.
"I made this promise for a reason. And every word I said that day, I still mean today. I will forever remain by your side, I will always love you, and I will always protect you. If anyone ever tries to come between us, they will find that their ridiculous judgment means nothing. And if they ever hurt you, I will make sure they pay."
She smiled and hugged him tightly.
"I love you," she whispered.
Dib was watching from the corner of the stage and his eyes widened as he watched the scene unfold.
"He really does love her, doesn't he?" he said to himself.
"Hey, Dib?"
Dib jumped at the unexpected sound of the boy's voice. He gripped his chest, feeling the harsh beats of his heart and sighed.
"What is it, Keef?" he breathed.
Keef inched closer to him, glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one was looking.
"Can I talk to you about something?"
"Sure."
"It's about Zim."
Dib eyed Zim before returning to Keef.
"Zim? What about him?"
He kept his voice low, still watching over his shoulder. "Listen, I know I am going to sound crazy, but you have to believe me."
"What, Keef? What are you trying to tell me?" Dib was growing annoyed with the kid all ready.
"The other night, Zim came to my house. And no matter how crazy this sounds, I have to tell you." He stepped even closer and leaned his face down, whispering. "Zim is an alien."
At first, Dib was completely shocked that Keef above all people had figured this out, but then he soon realized something. That night that he had found Zim at Keef's house, he had a feeling Zim had told him what he really was. Dib shook his head, about to tell the kid to go away. Though instead, he decided to have a little fun and help Zim out with making sure he stayed far away from Gaz. He widened his eyes and put his hands on his hips.
"You don't say?" he said in fake interest.
"It's true! He showed me the other night!"
"Wow, Keef. That's just…" he shook his head and brought a hand up to his face in utter shock. "That's just almost too much to take in."
"I know!"
"And you are sure he is an alien?"
He nodded harshly.
"He showed me. That's not really his hair or his real eyes. He really has antennas and ruby eyes!"
Dib nodded as he listened closely, but was really busy thinking to himself. Is this how I sounded whenever I was trying to expose Zim? No wonder everyone though I was crazy!
"That's really interesting Keef. You know what? I'm going to help you!"
Keef smiled but it quickly faded.
"Help me? With what?"
"Well obviously you want to expose Zim or you wouldn't have told me this."
His eyes widened as he thought of what the alien would possibly do to him should he find out he was telling someone what he had discovered. Certainly something far worse than death.
"Dib, I don't kno—"
"No, come one! Let's go expose him once and for all!"
He grabbed Keef's arm and began dragging him towards Zim and Gaz. Keef struggled the entire way. Right away, Zim saw the boy and grew angry, but he smiled evilly when he saw Dib wink.
"That's it, Zim!" Dib hollered dramatically. "I am finally going to expose you for the alien scum you really are!"
Gaz eyed her brother as if asking "What are you doing?" When Gaz and Zim had gotten together, Dib decided he would no longer try to expose him for the sake of his sister. Plus, whether the alien or the big-headed human would ever admit it, they had grown to be friends over time.
Zim crossed his arms.
"Is that so, Dib-stink? And just how do you plan on doing that?"
Dib picked Keef up and plopped him directly in front of Zim who smiled down at the boy.
"I have another witness! Go ahead, tell him, Keef," he elbowed him and returned to smiling triumphantly at the Irken. But Keef remained silent. Dib nudged him harder.
"Come on, Keef. Tell Zim what you just told me."
"Oh?" Zim raised an eyebrow. "Keef? Did you just tell the Dib-worm something about me?"
"I, um…" he stuttered.
Zim stepped forward, still holding onto Gaz, and leaned closer.
"Perhaps I need to remind you of what happened the other night." He glanced around the room, seeing that no one was paying attention besides Dib, Gaz, and Keef. He glared at him and slightly raised his wig off of his head, enough for Keef to see the antennas that lay beneath. Keef began shivering and without warning, took off running. Zim laughed and hollered after the boy, "Don't be late for the performance!"
Dib and Zim went to each other, discussing their planned performance and laughed. Gaz smiled and shook her head, leaving the two boys to talk. She knew that a small part of them liked competing with one another and they would gladly take up the chance to return to their previous 'relationship'. If you could call it that. The relationship they were referring to was Dib exposing Zim and Zim making everyone else believe that Dib was crazy.
The auditorium was quickly filling as Gaz peeked out the curtains. She made her way to the back of the stage and into the makeup room. Zim was seated at a tall mirror, a lady dabbing away at his face. She finished right as Gaz came in. Zim, unaware that she had come in, held the mask in his hands and stared down at it. She watched him for a moment until he realized she had entered the room.
"Even in the fiction world, people are judging," he looked up at her, "if you look different."
He was referring to the final scene when Christine pulls the mask away and reveals the Phantom's distorted face. But he was also referring to himself. She walked over to him, running a hand smoothly along his jaw line.
"But there are also people out there who don't care if you look different," she reassured.
He smiled and nodded.
"And I was fortunate enough to have found one," he kissed her lightly and she half-expected to hear Zita's pleased giggles. He pulled her back and admired her beauty.
"You should wear dresses more often, Gaz," he commented.
She laughed.
"You're lucky you even got me to wear it for the performance."
He chuckled and placed the mask on his face, covering the makeup until the final scene. Holding out his arm like a gentlemen, he smiled down at her.
"Shall we?"
She gazed at the clock, saw that the time for the final show was quickly nearing, and nodded nervously. He patted her hand reassuringly and led her onto the stage. The maroon curtains hid the students occupying the stage as they hastily made their way to their planned spots. Zim and Gaz waited on the sidelines for their parts, watching each other closely and blocking everything else out. Mr. Elliott stepped onto the stage and began the narration. The pair felt that his monologue was lasting forever, yet passing too quickly all at the same time. The curtains were finally drawn and many of the students stepped forward and began singing. In the beginning, the Opera house had acquired new owners and Carlotta/Zita, being the spoiled opera singer she was, was complaining. She was the lead singer of the opera that was to be performed that night, yet she ended up quitting. Madame Giry, Christine's caretaker, then volunteered Christine to sing for the lead part. Gaz stepped onto the stage, nervously eyeing her at the sudden, unexpected turn.
"Christine Daae could sing it, sir." Madame Giry suggested.
"The chorus girl? Don't be silly!" Dirge/ Monsieur Andre scoffed. Andre and Firmin were the new owners of the Opera house.
"She has been taking lessons from a great teacher," Madame Giry pressed on.
"Who?" he asked, directing the question to Gaz.
"I don't know his name, Monsieur," Christine hesitated. Her teacher though, was really the Phantom.
Madame Giry grabbed Gaz gently by the shoulders. "Let her sing for you, Monsieur, she has been well taught."
Andre thought for a moment before nodding, "All right, come on, don't be shy, come on, come on"
Christine nervously stepped forward and the music began. She stared through the crowd, acting as though they weren't there, and began.
Think of me,
think of me, fondly,
when we've said
goodbye.
Remember me
once in a while -
please promise me
you'll try.
Everyone looked to see who the new one was that was singing. They were used to Carlotta's awful opera and were eager to see who it was that had taken her place. Whoever it was certainly had a wonderful voice.
When you find
that, once
again, you long
to take your heart back
and be free -
if you
ever find
a moment,
spare a thought
for me...
Down below, in the dark passages that were beneath the Opera House, the Phantom walked, but stopped. He slowly turned and peered up at the sound of Christine's voice.
We never said
our love
was evergreen,
or as unchanging
as the sea -
but if
you can still
remember,
stop and think
of me ...
Along with the Phantom, Raoul/Keef watched from one of the balcony-like corners on the side.
Think of all the things
we've said and seen -
don't think about the way
things might have been...
Mr. Elliott smiled madly as he watched his play unfold according to plan. He was also very proud of Gaz. She had opened up so much since Romeo and Juliet. Who knew the shy girl held such talent?
Think of me,
think of me waking,
silent and
resigned.
Imagine me,
trying to hard
to put you
from my mind.
Raoul looked confused as he started recognizing Christine. After all, they had been childhood friends. Though, they were separated for a few years which led to him not recognizing her at first..
Recall those days,
look back on
all those times,
think of the things
we'll never do -
there will
never be
a day, when
I won't think
of you ...
Raoul stood as he realized who is was. Can it be, he sang, Can it be Christine? He clapped his hands, "Bravo!" He left his seat and began walking away, singing as he did so.
Long ago
it seems so long ago
how young and innocent we were
She may
not remember
me, but
I remember
her...
Back at Christine's performance, she continued.
We never said
our love
was evergreen
or as unchanging
as the sea -
but please
promise me,
that sometimes,
you will think
of me!
There was applause from the students on the stage and from the crowd in the auditorium. Christine smiled, as did Gaz when she realized her father sitting in the front row. The next scene involved Raoul meeting up with Christine. They held their reunion in a private changing room as Christine explained where she had learned her singing from. She told him it was an Angel of Music, or the Phantom, but he did not believe her. He nodded as though he did believe her, but quickly changed the subject when he rose abruptly.
"Come, we shall go to supper."
Gaz shook her head. "The Angel of Music is very strict."
"Then I shan't keep you out late," he laughed.
"Raoul, no," Christine called after him but he was all ready heading towards the door.
"You must change," he faced her, "I'll order my carriage. Two minutes, Little Lottie." Little Lottie was the nickname Raoul had given Christine when they were children.
"No, Raoul. Wait!" She stood.
But he closed the door and left. Little did they know, the Phantom locked her door behind him. She changed and was about to leave when she heard someone singing. It was the Phantom, but she could not see him.
Insolent boy, this slave of fashion
Basking in your glory.
Ignorant fool, this brave young suitor
Sharing in my triumph
Gaz glanced around the room, unsure of where he was at and sang back.
Angel I hear you, speak I listen
Stay by my side, guide me.
Angel my soul was weak, forgive me.
Enter at last, master.
Zim smiled to himself, still out of her sight.
Flattering child you shall know me
See why in shadow I hide.
Look at your face in the mirror
I am there inside!
She faced the mirror that was behind her and could see the image of the Phantom slowly appearing. She stared as if in a trance and slowly walked closer and closer as she sang.
Angel of music, guide and guardian
Bring to me your glory.
Angel of music, hide no longer
Come to me strange angel.
He slid the mirror to the side, revealing a tunnel behind it. He reached his hand out as he sang. His song and voice were hypnotizing. She found herself unable to resist him.
I am your angel of music, come to me angel of music.
I am your angel of music, come to me angel of music...
She hesitated, but slowly grasped his hand. He smiled and new music began playing as soon as they touched. He began leading her down the corridor, glancing over his shoulder at her every so often. She stared, still in a daze, and began her next part.
In sleep he sang to me
In dreams he came
That voice which calls to me and speaks my name
And do I dream again for now I find
The Phantom of the Opera is there
Inside my mind
They entered a new part of the long hallway and stairs came into view that led down even further. Zim held onto a torch and faced her as he sang.
Sing once again with me
Our strange duet
My power over you grows stronger yet
And though you turn from me to glance behind
The Phantom of the Opera is there
Inside your mind
They finally walked up to a small lake-like formation and there was a boat waiting. He helped her into the boat before stepping in and grabbing a long staff to row the boat. She sat calmly with him standing behind her, her voice echoing off of the stone walls as the passageway grew darker.
Those who have seen your face
Draw back in fear
I am the mask you wear
He glanced down at her and she looked up at him. He smiled devilishly as he continued. It's me they hear.
Their duet came and their voices blended perfectly like always.
Your/My spirit and my/your voice in one combined
The Phantom of the Opera is there
Inside my/your mind
He's there, the phantom of the opera, Christine sang while Zim sang, In all your fantasies, you always knew that man and mystery… Gaz continued, singing, . . . were both in you . . . before joining Zim in singing, And in this labyrinth, where night is blind, the Phantom of the Opera is there/here inside your/my mind . . .
Gaz began vocalizing as Zim listened closely, obviously pleased.
"Sing, my Angel of Music," he half-sang.
The boat began entering a small cavern which was where the Phantom had lived all those years.
"Sing, my Angel…" he sang slowly, clearly loving the sound of her voice.
She sang even louder and he ran his hand through her hair.
"Sing for me…"
She continued even further.
"Sing for me!"
Her voice drew the song to an end after holding the last note for quite a while. She glanced around, taking in the sight of the beautiful, yet odd home. He stepped out, took off his black cape, and turned his back to her.
Night-time sharpens,
heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination
Silently the senses abandon their defenses ...
Facing her once again, he held out a hand and she took it, accepting the help out of the boat. Still her eyes remained, seemingly stuck on the mystery of the man that was before her. He gently turned her body around and brought it close to his.
Floating, falling, sweet intoxication!
Touch me, trust me savoir 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 ...
He stopped singing for a moment, leading her to the other side of the room. He stopped in front of something and Gaz, who had been facing him, looked to see what he had stopped at. A mannequin was standing there, dressed in a wedding dress and veil, only it looked exactly like Christine. She had not expected it and fainted. He quickly caught her and carried her over to a beautiful bed that resembled a peacock. He placed her on it gently before leaning beside her. Her moved the hair off of her face and smiled down at her, his voice nearly a whisper.
You alone can make my song take flight -
help me make the music of the night . . .
He stood back and admired her as she rested. Rest, my angel… he thought to himself.
INTERMISSION!
A/N
HA-HA! I bet you didn't see that coming! I know, I'm cruel. But you will have to wait for part two until I update next ^-^. I know you are either A.) Cussing out your computer B.) Calling me random names or C.) Unplugging your computer to throw it out the window in the midst of a tantrum lol, but I just want to make it more exciting for you guys! Don't worry, you'll appreciate it in the end :).
Oh and I just wanted to tell you a few things before I end this author's note. First, one of the students mentioned in this chapter, Dirge, you may not be familiar with. If you do not know who it is, it is the kid from the episode Bestest Friends. He was the one with the webbed toes XD. Also, the last song that Zim sang, I cut short so that you didn't have to read so many lyrics. And I think that is all I wanted to tell you. Oh! One last thing! The part where Zim is reassuring Gaz that they would not change towards each other, I was listening to music when I typed it and I'll be honest: it sounded completely epic! With the dialogue and the song, it sounded so dramatic! I want you to see what I mean! Go to YouTube, Look up Requiem for a Dream – Theme song and it should be the first one. It will show Lord of the Rings and it is about four minutes and eleven seconds long. Start it when Gaz says "You don't think anything will change between us, do you," and listen to it until she whispers "I love you". It is so epic! Lol, but that may be just me.
I hope you liked the part where Dib and Zim messed with Keef ^-^. Review and please don't hate me for making it a two-parter
Until Chapter 14!
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