Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom.
Alright this is by far the longest chapter I have written so far! So hope you enjoy it!
Echo and Eve silently got ready with eachother. Eve slightly on the edge for today was her big day. She had spiral curled her hair and applied make up and wore a rather obnoxious puffy velvet dress with lace on it, making her look like a proper lady from this time period. Eve helped Echo tighten her corset. As Eve pulled tightly, Echo gasped still not use to these contraptions yet. Eve sighed." I`m glad you are better, but what if your voice comes-"
"She won`t." Echo cut her off. Eve sighed but Echo continued." It takes something I say hurtful or a hurtful action for her to usually come back. I am fine, trust me."
Eve knew not to push it farther so switched it to a different topic as Echo tried to decide what to wear." Maybe I`ll get Erik to let you come with me. That way we can both meet her at the same time and if we see Raoul or Christine we can both be a team together!"
"Maybe," Echo smiled thoughtfully finally deciding on a dark gray dress, dark enough to keep her hidden in the shadows and be intimidating but nice enough to make her fit in and look decent. As for her hair, with Eve`s help she managed to get her curly hair that she hadn't yet to brush it straight up in a messy mass of curls, and yet have her light blond streak of bangs pinned back. Another thing that showed she wasn`t normal, she had been born with blond almost white bangs. Though she didn`t really care, she thought it added character to her. She looked at herself and sighed." Well I guess now I do look like I fit in."
"You? Never! But you have to admit it isn`t that bad wearing a dress." Eve grinned. Echo rolled her eyes but grabbed her friend`s hand." Come on let`s go."
As they got out they found Erik sitting on his organ bench playing a composition he was still working on. Echo cleared her throat. Erik looked up but his eyes froze on her as he stood. She advanced with a smile on her lips. Erik bowed his head." You look becoming as always."
"I'm always becoming?" Echo smirked, her eyes holding question. Eve giggled." Oh don`t push him. Come on!"
"As you wish," Erik smiled and offered his gloved hand to Echo. Echo took it, with Eve following behind as he grabbed a torch and led them through a mirror passage. He led them up some stairs and through some passages. He first gave Echo a tour and Eve another tour, to ensure that both girls knew secret passages and doors in case they needed to use them and how to work and avoid traps and doors. It took two hours before he had effectively shown them the whole Opera houses through his view but now it was time to let Eve go to see Madame Giry and Echo to tag alone, though he was reluctant to do so. He couldn`t help to feel somewhat possessive over Echo. He had found the strange girl first, she was his in his mind, but he didn`t voice his thoughts. Instead he looked at both the girls with a stern look as they stood at a passage that would lead them to the outside of the opera house." Remember all that I have taught you and instructed you. These people aren`t as… accepting or generous as I am. If you do not act the way a woman in this time would or show them anything from your time, you could easily find yourselves in an asylum or somewhere I may not to be able to get you out of. Now Eve what will you say if some asks you where you`re from, who you are and who you wish to see."
Eve cleared her throat and said clearly." My name is Evelyn Maria Smith and I am from New York City in America. I have come to see Madame Giry and wish to be in the ballet. Of course I have heard you are in need of a lead Ballerina, I also offer my services in that. I have much experience in the art of dance."
"Excellent." Erik nodded and turned to Echo and sighed. She was going to be harder. He frowned as he looked at her hair. It was perfect of course, all expect for her blond bangs, he found it to just add to her character but many may find it strange." What are we to do with your name and hair? Should the dye not be fading by now?"
"It isn`t dye… It has always been like this since I was born." Echo mumbled looking down. Erik was surprise and almost said that the possibility of that was absurd but he knew not too. He knew she was telling the truth in some way. Another strange thing he didn't know. Yet it only made him even more interested in learning more about this young woman. To slowly take away each mask until he finally came to know the true woman behind the masks, but for now he`d leave them in place. He let out a sigh." Very well, your name then? Do you not have a proper name?"
"I do, but I will never use it again. It is not who I am, just a ghost of who I was… I do not care if they find it strange, I will not change it." Echo grunted not meeting his eyes. Erik sensed frustration and anger radiating off her. He went silent , but nodded." Understood, tell me what you will say."
"My name is Echo Angelina Dobrev, I live in New York City as well but was born it London and not brought to America until I was ten. I am not here for any certain reason, only to support Ms. Smith as her friend." Echo said in a perfect British accent. Erik blinked at her once again surprised for what seemed the hundredth time throughout the duration of their stay. Echo smirked." Another thing you didn`t know about me? Geesh you`re the first person who hasn`t notice the British ting in my voice. Guess I`ve lost most of it from living in America so long."
Erik nodded silently still in awe, now that she had pointed it out, he in fact noticed that some of her words had an accent to them. Was he really that unobservant to her? Perhaps it was time for him to spend more time observing her. He sighed but nodded." That will be good enough… after you meet with Madame Giry, you may wonder around for some more time but I will come for you before supper. And remember I will be watching."
"Yes sir!" Eve squealed. Echo gave him a smile and a smirk before following her friend out of the passage way and on the Parisian street in front of the Opera House. The two girls looked in amazement at the people, buildings and activities around them. Eve smiled as she looked around." Yeah we defiantly aren`t in New York anymore."
"Biggest understatement of the year." Echo nodded. There was no arguing at all. They officially were in the 1800`s. As they stared gentlemen passed them nodding their top hats. Eve and Echo smiled and curtsied it reply, but turned to look at the Opera house, both struck silent again. It was truly amazing to see it in real life and take in its grand scale. It was captivating, beautiful, and almost unreal. Echo smiled and nudged Eve." Stop gaping it isn`t lady like. Now come on Miss Future Prima Diva."
Eve giggled, but nodded as both girls went to the door. The doormen dressed in red and gold with a white wig nodded and opened the doors for them. Eve and Echo nodding in thanks before once again being amazed, by just the Lobby, but Echo stopped gaping and gently nudged Eve in the ribs as she saw a large woman wearing a maid`s outfit come to them." Good day, Misses how can I help you?"
"We are here to see the Managers and ballet instructor, I believe." Eve spoke using her pimp and proper voice. The Maid nodded." May I have you`re names?"
"Of course, my name is Evelyn Maria Smith and this is my dear friend Echo Angelina Dobrev." Eve nodded. The Maid nodded taking a double glance at echo`s hair but ignored it." Very well follow me."
The Girls sent eachother smiles as they followed the maid. As the maid led them through the opera house they couldn`t help, but to gap at the beauty all around them. Erik`s work obvious in some of the structure. But it was when they entered the Auditorium was when their breath had left them. It was even more beautiful than in the movie. The room was absolute huge, rich and beautiful. They both stared at the grand chandelier that obviously had been rebuilt. There was no evidence of there ever being a fire, but they brought their attention to the stage where most of the company was practicing their newest Opera, Othelia. It was easy to spot Madame Giry and the Managers both on stage. The Maid bade them to stay there as she went to get them. Echo observed her surroundings with a smirk, but in time the Managers and Madame Giry were meeting them. Andre spoke up." Ah Ms. Smith. We have been awaiting your presence; we have heard only good things about you! I am Andre and this is Firmin and Madame Giry the ballet instructor."
Eve smiled and curtsied." A pleasure to meet you Monsieurs, Madame."
"And who is your beautiful companion." Firmin spoke up smiling at Echo. Echo tried not to roll her eyes with disgust. What a perv! But she kept on a smile." I am simply here to support my friend`s choice. However my name is Echo Angelina Dobrev."
"What a creative name." Firmin nods though frowning some. Echo bit down a sarcastic remark as Madame Giry sighed." Yes, yes a delight to meet you both, why don`t we move this somewhere else?"
"Of course come we will talk in the manager office." Andre nodded and led them out of the Auditorium and too there office. Echo kept glaring at Firmin whenever he tried to give her a pleasant smile. That was one thing she didn`t need, a perv old guy who was horny for her. As they entered the office, Echo couldn`t help but to let out a rather unladylike snort as she found that half of the office was fall of anything that had to do with kittens and the other half normal. Andre went to the cat side, but gave Echo a strange look." What is the matter?"
"Nothing is the matter I was just uh admiring your pleasant décor it`s very flamboyant." Echo smirked. Andre grinned thinking ti was a complement."Why thank you!"
Echo rolled her eyes but stayed standing as The Managers offered Eve a seat, while Madame Giry stood with them. Firmin cleared his throat nervously. "Let us be frank now that we are out of hearing range of gossiping ballet girls. You must know Miss Smith that our opera ghost has left a note regarding you and your position to be our lead Ballerina. Have you had any contact with this Phantom?"
"Why of course he`s my best friend."Echo smirked sarcastically. The managers paled as their eyes grow and Madame Giry paled. Eve glared at Echo and nudged her hard in the rib cage." She kids, neither of us have ever had contact with him. We have heard stories of course, but I have always dreamed of coming to the Opera house. Though one can hardly help it if this "Opera Ghost" has taken a fancy on their talent can they?"
The Managers looked happy enough with the answer, but Madame Giry glared at both the girls as if she could see past their game. Andre spoke up now." He also notes that you are a talented girl. Tell us do you have family?"
"No I do have a older brother you could say and I have Echo who I consider to be a sister. All I ask of you is for is a chance to prove that I could be a part of your Ballet." Eve calmly spoke. Madame Giry sighed as the Managers nodded she spoke." Very well what will you dance for us?"
"Just a couple basic moves, Madame." Eve smiled barely being able to hold her excitement. Echo rolled her eyes and sat down slouching but as a voice hissed in her ear to sit up straight she rolled her eyes but did. She knew Erik was watching them and Erik had been that voice. Why not flatter him for a bit. Eve stood in the middle of the room and took off her laced up boots replacing them with Ballet shoes. She began to dance the routine Erik had her practice endlessly until she could perform it without a flaw, smoothly, with the grace as a dove and the pride of a lioness. Echo had to admit it, she had improved a lot, she was now just not good, she was perfect. The Managers and Madame Giry saw this as well. When Eve stopped dancing, not even Madame Giry could find a thing wrong. She cleared her throat and stood up straight." If we admit yo into the Ballet Crop you will have to practice hard, often and endlessly, the performance is only three weeks away and to get you ready for the lead, you will need to practice even when you want to fall down and cry. Ballet girls are not weak. Are you ready for that?"
"Yes, yes I`m ready." Eve nodded eagerly. The Managers grinned." Well than welcome to the cast, Ms. Smith! We will look forward in seeing you at practice and on Stage, of course Madame Giry will help you find a room."
"Oh actually I already have a ro-" But Madame Giry cut her off. "No with your position and how often you`ll have to practice you must have a room here and not elsewhere. Is this a problem?"
"No…no of course not." Eve mumbled put out a bit as she looked at Echo. Echo simply smirked, but than stared at her in horror. Oh no, with Eve gone she was practically being throw to the dogs, or rather a ghost. Certainly Erik wouldn`t let that happen? Would he? Not that she minded being alone with Erik and not having to worry about Eve`s random actions and side comments. No Eve was like her second arm! Together they were unstoppable. She sighed but was forced away from her thoughts as Andre spoke to her." And you Miss Dobrev? Are you planning on staying maybe you have a talent that could find it`s self useful to our company?"
"Well to be frank I wasn`t planning on it. I just came to be her moral support." Echo shrugged. She`d rather just lay around, being lazy, freaking out Erik, and getting on Erik`s nerves. Yes that was the job she was best at, but of course Eve spoke up." No! Of course she has talent! I couldn`t leave her. She can be my assinat!"
"Your assistant, what do I look like your frickin maid? I think not! Assist yourself you lazy as-" But Echo was shut up by Eve who slapped a hand over her mouth. The manager seemed appalled by her language and slowly nodded." Of course… we will find a room for you as well."
"Excuse me if I`m being rude, but to be blunt. I already have somewhere to stay so no thank and don`t try to argue. It only bugs me." Echo cut them off. No way was she staying around here. She was already being forced to be Eve`s assistant. She had to draw a line somewhere. The Managers looked like they wanted to protest but simply nodded." It is settled than, Madame Giry show them to Miss Smith`s new room."
"Of course, follow me." Madame Giry nodded. The two girls followed Giry out of the managers' office. Echo hissed in Eve`s ear." You are so dead when we are alone."
"I know." Eve just smiled happily. Echo rolled her eyes muttering under her breath as they continued backstage. While eve was looking around in awe smiling at literally everything. Echo was looking around but scowling at pretty much everyone, only because she was really a people kind of person and they were whispering about her, she knew they were…. But then again she always thought that. Finally Madame Giry brought them to the lead ballerina room." This will be your room for this show, You may assume that you will be rooming with the rest of the Ballet crop afterwards unless something changes."
"Thank you Madame Giry and when will practices be?" Eve asked politely. Madame Giry cleared her throat." Breakfast is at 7 we start at 8 and practice all day, for you will need the extra practice on becoming the lead ballerina on such a short notice."
"Alright, Thank you I love forward in being taught by you. You certainly must have plenty of experience." Eve dipped her head with a kind smile. Madame Giry gave her a small smile before looking at them both and exiting the room. Once alone Eve squealed jumping up and down." I get my own room! It`s so Pretty! I love it!"
"Erik gave you your own room as well." Echo rolled her eyes in boredom as she looked at the over down rich colors and fancy things. Eve shrugged and flopped on the bed." Of course I know that silly! It`s not like I`m not living with you anymore! Someone has to be there to make sure you two don`t kill eachother. I`ll just come to you in the middle of the night and leave before it 7 and when they come to wake me up I`ll be there and whenever I have a break or days I don`t have to dance I`ll spend them with you both!"
"Joy!" Echo smirked before going to the door." Oh and no way in hell am I being your personal assistant. You can assist yourself, you lazy bum. Well this has been an amazing chat but I`m going to go and look around by myself for a bit.
"Ew I wanna come!" Eve jumped from her bed and raced to follow Echo. Echo sighed shaking her head but allows Eve to follow her. The Girls explore Around a bit before Eve gets stopped by a group of ballet rats welcoming her to the group. The bluntly ignore Echo, throwing stares and unwanted glares at her, not that Echo cares. Echo scoffs and leaves Eve with her new group of "friends" As she does a little exploring on her own backstage. She takes time to look at the props room , costume room and backstage. It is when her attention is on the back drops does she notice she`s being watched. She turns around narrowing her eyes at the source. A man dressed in stagehand clothes, with a mangy beard, long blond hair and a rough looking face is looking at her rather hungrily and lustfully. Echo scoffs and rolls her eyes as she walks away." Old Pig."
As Echo continued on walking she felt as if she was being followed. She rolled her eyes, did the old pig get that she could hurt his sorry ass in less than a second. Apparently a lesson was in order. What happened next wasn't entirely her fault. Echo`s reflexes came in and she whipped around taking hold of the hand with her right hand and performed a move she had learned in self-defense class. She pulled the hand forward over her shoulder and bending her back just a bit, as she flung the owner of the hand on the floor. When she looked down she couldn't believe what she saw. Sprawled on the floor, staring at her with a piercing gaze of amazement, anger, some pain and stunned, was the Phantom of the Opera. Echo quickly recomposed herself as she smirked." You shouldn`t sneak up on people."
"How did you-"
"Learned it in Self defense class, pretty handy isn`t it?"
"But you`re a fe-"
"Don`t be sexist."
"But-"
"It`s alright, don`t think about it too hard dude, you'll give yourself a stroke." Echo smirked patting Erik`s head and talked to him as if she was talking to a child. Erik shook his head and away his discomposure as he stood fixing his apparel. He however was curious on way she had reacted in such a way. Granted she was weird, but this was even strange for her, but part of him expected no less. He simply looked at her with his eyebrow raised in question." Do I receive any explanation of your sudden reaction?"
"Oh that… nothing, just don`t like people sneaking up on me, Always must be prepared… Anyway great that you're here now, I was becoming terribly bored. If one more ballet rat or chorus prep dares to glare or stare at me, heads will roll." Echo grumbled. Erik looked at her but couldn`t help to smile a bit, at least he wasn`t the only one who found the gossiping ballet rats and giggly chorus members to be annoying. He did not want to admit it, but he had gotten bored also with simply watching the cast and secretly missed hearing Echo`s snarky, witty comebacks and comments. But since she seemed bored, perhaps he could use this in his benefit. He offered out his hand to her." Accompany me to the roof?"
"Fine, but only if you promise not to try to knock me off the roof." Echo smiled, not caring to hide her excitement to get away from the Opera members. Erik cracked a smile learning to not take her words literally anymore seeing the joke behind them. He inclined his head." I will try my best not to get the impulse to throw you off the roof."
"Alright then, lead the way Phantom." Echo smiled brighter this time placing her hand in his. Erik hid his excitements as she gave him her hand. After all he didn`t want her to think that she possibly had that kind of effect on him. God help him if she found out! He pulled her into one of his hidden passages and led his dear bipolar friend to the roof.
Erik: And as always reviews are pleasant.
