Chapter Twenty-Four – Coming to Life

"We must get to work at once," Adelshire chirped. "We'll need to make the announcements and start casting and practicing. I thought that perhaps we might complete this as a 'farewell send-off' to our dear friends Moncharmin and Richard. They recently got in contact and said that their search is going well but they need more time. We have another two weeks or so, so why don't we complete the play by the end of the month?"

"A-A month?" Erik gasped, his mind racing with excitement and concerns. "But this is- I mean, there's so much to do, and so little time! This is all new to the cast…wait a moment. You want this performed as the 'farewell performance'?"

"And as your introduction as the new manager of the Palais Garnier," grinned the elder. "It shall be a spectacle that no one will forget! What do you say, Erik? Can you handle this project?"

A harsh, sudden laugh escaped him, startling both Adelshire and Angelique. They watched him as he shook his head, slowly breathing as if to calm himself. "…all my life, I have waited for such a moment…to take charge and credit for something of my own…to be loved for my work…to be accepted…little by little, these are all happening, and it's so sudden…is this all real?" Looking up to Angelique, his haunting, gaping black eyes brimming with tears, Erik took her hands, gripping them as if his life depended upon it. "Is this all real? Or is it a dream? Erik cannot bear to have his hopes dashed once more-!"

Angelique pressed her mouth to his, silencing him with a sweet, gentle kiss, squeezing his hands within hers. She could feel Adelshire's amused gaze on them but ignored him, her thoughts only on Erik. Pulling away, she knelt down beside him and pressed her hand to his masked cheek, her thumb slowly wiping away the tears that came out. "This is real, Erik, so very real…and it is yours. All you have to do is reach out and grab it."

His lips stretched into a shaky, weary smile as he glanced at the beaming Adelshire and returned his gaze to his beloved angel, bringing her free hand to his lips and kissing it reverently. "So I shall…"

~OG~

"You want me to what?!" Adrien gaped at Erik, his eyes as large as saucers as the entire household sat down to supper. Both Lamar and Fanette stared at their new friend also, unable to believe what he had suggested.

"I shall repeat myself for clarification," Erik answered curtly, his sarcasm bringing out a smirk on Angelique's face as she continued to eat her meal in her uncle's home. "My magnum opus has finally been completed and published and it shall be performed as so to announce my presence as the official new manager of the Palais Garnier Opera House. I already have a cast in mind, and I should greatly appreciate it if you – with your family's consent, of course – be trained under my guidance for one of the male leads."

The family remained agog at his announcement, stunned to even consider that their boy would be chosen for a lead role and perform before Parisian society on a grand opera stage. It was absolutely enthralling, and terrifying. "M-Monsieur Erik, don't these things take time-?" Lamar asked, struggling to regain his composure.

"Oh, most assuredly," Erik nodded. "I can promise you that practice sessions will occur everyday, and I am a bit of a perfectionist-"

"A bit?" Angelique grinned mischievously.

He pouted at her before correcting himself. "I am a perfectionist, but I know that if Adrien puts his heart and soul into this, he shall stun all of Paris with his voice. If he truly wishes it-"

"I do, I really do!" Adrien said suddenly, startling everyone at the table. His head snapped over to face his parents, his eyes glistening with hope while he pleaded, "Oh please, Father, Mother! Can't I do this? I shall still do my chores and help around, but please, just this once, I want to do something for myself! I know I can do this! Monsieur Erik is musical genius, really – you haven't heard him, but I can promise you he's incredible!"

Erik coughed and covered his mouth with his fist, struggling to hide back the pride he felt as the boy poured out praises about him. While he was growing accustomed to it, he still felt quite awkward as he was given so much positive attention from so many people all at once. His eyes traveled to Lamar, who absorbed the boy's words with great contemplation. At last, the man held up his hand, silencing his son. Everyone held their breath in anticipation, waiting for his response.
"…this is truly what you want, isn't it?" Lamar asked, turning his eyes to his son.

Adrien nodded his head, determination glistening in his eyes. "With all my heart, Father. I know I can do this with Maestro's help."

Erik could not hide his delight as he heard the boy recite the nickname he had bestowed upon him since he first heard him sing. He had only briefly given the boy lessons on how to improve his scales before returning to Paris, but he heard him as they had driven back, his singing greatly improved. He was a fast learner, and his rich baritone would prove to be perfect for the role he had in mind.

Lamar turned his attention to Erik, a small smile growing on his half-deformed lips. "Then I give him to your care, Erik. Make us all proud."

Erik and Adrien beamed at this, exchanging excited glances towards one another before showering Lamar with words of gratitude. Fanette laughed at their eagerness, rising from the table. "This calls for a celebration – I have fresh strawberry tarts waiting in the oven!"

"I'll help," Angelique volunteered, excusing herself from the table. She hurried after the matronly woman, delighted to see Erik in such an ecstatic state. He was already quite deep in a discussion as to what they could expect from the practices and what his opera was about. "He's so like a little boy showing off his new toy to friends…he deserves some time to himself."

"I'm so happy for your darling beau and my dear Adrien," Fanette confessed as she handed the oven mitts to her mistress, preparing a beautiful glass platter to place the pastries upon. "I've never seen Adrien so excited…we both knew he loves music, but we never imagined it would come to this! My boy has voiced his dreams before, but of course, that's what he stated they were – just dreams that he was sure he would never be able to accomplish…oh, to see my child upon that grand stage!" She sighed, placing her hand over her heart. "Wouldn't that be something…? Oh, phooey, what am I saying?" she giggled, shaking her head and placing the elegant tray before Angelique. "Lamar and I could never afford those tickets-"

"Erik will get you some, I'm certain of it," she intercepted. "If not, I could always purchase them."

"We couldn't let you-" she protested.

"You and your family have been so kind and welcoming to both me and Erik…it's so wonderful to be loved, to be happy…so it's the very least I could do."

"Oh! You're an angel, child!" she gushed, reaching out to the girl. "May I-?"

"Don't even ask," she smiled, embracing the woman in turn. She closed her eyes as she felt Fanette's arms encircle her. She breathes deeply and smelled the delicious desserts her motherly maid had created, her ears full of the sounds of laughter and playful banter from the dining room where the men remained. "Home…I'm home…"

Pulling apart after a blissful moment, Fanette dabbed at her eyes before putting on a huge smile and taking the loaded platter. "Shall we?" she asked cheerfully, leading the way out to the dining room once more.

After sharing the delectable treats and clearing off the table, Erik played his violin for them as they gathered around the drawing room fire, sipping their coffee and tea while listening on in amazement and wonder. Angelique read a few verses of the Bible shortly afterwards before she and Adrien pleaded for Erik to play something else, which he happily obliged as he strode to the piano.

"Such talent," Fanette sighed, rising from her seat. "Truly, monsieur, you are blessed by God."

"Blessed and cursed," Erik commented, touching his mask unconsciously. Raising his eyes, he caught sight of Angelique's face, glowing in the firelight. "…perhaps more blessed than cursed."

With a final 'goodnight' wished to one and all, the family departed to their rooms, ready for a good night's rest. Angelique arose from her seat when she felt Erik's thin, bony hand curl around hers. Peeking over her shoulder, she raised an eyebrow at him curiously.

"I must ask you, Angelique…" He waited until she had turned around completely to face him, taking both her hands in his. "…you had told Erik you would think about it, and now I must ask once more…" His eyes burned with such intensity that Angelique almost believed that they were on fire. "…will you play the part of Isabel?"

It all came back in a rush, a gasp escaping her as she remembered her discussion with Erik, so many days ago during a carriage ride. "I shall think about it," she had told him. She bit her bottom lip, a motion which Erik found himself staring at suddenly. Everything about her called to him, and he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and kiss her until she could not breathe. "Control…control," he told himself, knowing it was most ungentlemanly to do such a thing, especially now that they had company around them in the same building. The last thing he needed was to impugn her honor in the public's eye.

"…do you truly believe I can do this, Erik? With what I've learned, and what I'll continue to learn before the performance?" she asked solemnly, gazing into his eyes. "I want the truth – don't tell me 'yes' simply because you are my beau."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You know that Erik is rather blunt when it comes to music, dearest…yes, I am certain you can do it."

"And is this what you truly want?" she asked, already knowing the answer, though her heart continued to pound madly within her breast. "I'm no Christine Daae-"

"Forget about Christine, mon ange," he said softly, watching her shiver as he touched her hair. "If I had wanted Christine, I would have sought her out…no, Angelique, it is you that I dream of seeing on that stage. The part was written explicitly for you, and I am certain beyond the shadow of a doubt that you can do this. Just this once…just this one performance, and you may never have to worry about going back out there again. Please? Will you do it?"

Her lips stretched into a heartwarming smile, sending his heart into a happy frenzy. "I'll do it, Erik."

"Thank you," he breathed, embracing her. "All of Paris shall love you, just as I do."

"I'm not singing for Paris," she informed him. Pulling away from him, she tugged him up the steps to her bedroom and shut the door, leaving them in complete darkness. His eyes glowed like golden embers, blinking at her in bewilderment. "I'm singing for you, Erik, and for you alone."

His chest ached with a pang of happiness, freezing as he heard her softly sing a line of his music that he had practiced with her during their stay in Rouen. She sang it sweetly, her memory the only sheet music she needed. The words tugged at his soul, just as he imagined they would if she had consented. As she completed the final line, he took her in his arms and drew nearer to her when she stopped him by placing her hands on his chest. He opened his lips, wondering if he had gone too far, when he felt her hands gently take his mask from his face, exposing his deformity to her in the darkened quarters.

"Kiss me goodnight?" she asked, inclining her head towards him.

Understanding why she had brought him all that way just to explain her answer, he smiled back at her before leaning forth. "Anything for you, Angelique."

~OG~

Rupert Adelshire shifted through the papers on his desk, stroking his mustache pensively when a knock on the door drew his attention. He sighed as he arose from his chair, adjusting his tie accordingly. It had been nearly a week since the announcement had been made that the next production would be Don Juan Triumphant, sending the whole opera house into a frenzied panic and excited haze at the notion of performing a new, unfamiliar work. Everyone was being pushed to do their best, constantly practicing numerous times throughout the day and deep into the night. While Erik sent messages and continued occasional mischief as "the Opera Ghost", he remained occupied during the daytime, claiming he had an important project he absolutely had to complete before the month was up. So it was that Adelshire continued to work as the acting manager with the occasional hand from Monsieur Mercier.

"Come in," he said at last, watching the door open. His eyes widened as he saw the slender figure enter, his face lighting up. "My dear, darling girl! How have you been?!" He leapt forward, with arms wide open as he embraced the beaming visitor.

"Hullo Grandpapa," the teenaged brunette replied, kissing his cheek. "I thought I'd come and visit, Mum said you'd be here. I had no idea you were so interested in the opera."

"Believe me, I have found an extremely worthwhile investment," he chuckled, ushering her into the room. "So, Mary, how have your studies been going?"

"Very well, thank you. I've made it to the top of my class," she grinned at him, earning a jolly laugh from her grandfather.

"You always were competitive. I take it that the gents in your class don't care to be beaten by a young lady in management and accounting, eh?"

"Not in the least," she answered smugly. "They keep telling me to look into being a librarian or secretary, but you know I'll have none of it."

"That's my girl," he said, kissing her temple. "You're ahead of your time, that's for certain."

"You taught me well," she winked.

"Indeed. She's quite the catch, wouldn't you say?"

Grandfather and granddaughter froze at the sound of the smooth, sly voice, their eyes moving towards the open door of the office. In entered a handsome gentleman of twenty-four summers, his dark hair slicked back smartly while his attentive brown eyes found their target. He smiled at the pair, sending shivers down their spines as he strode confidently into the room, adjusting his cufflinks.

"Randall," Mary stated coldly, her own chocolate colored eyes glaring at him. "What are you doing here?"

"I imply couldn't resist – I had to come to Paris to see what dear old Rupert was up to. Besides, I can't bear to think of being parted from you," he cooed sweetly.

Adelshire stepped in front of his granddaughter, shielding her with his arm. "You were stalking her, weren't you?"

"That's such a distasteful term…I prefer, 'keeping tabs' on her," he chuckled menacingly. Clasping his hands behind his back, the smile never fading from his face, he asked, "Do you mind if we take a look around?"

"I'm afraid not," Adelshire answered curtly. "I have quite a bit of work to get through, and you are most certainly not welcomed here."

"You cut me to the heart," Randall winced, mockingly placing his hand over his heart. "Do you honestly think that will deter me?"

"Perhaps not, but the police shall," Adelshire frowned. A slow smile grew on his face as he added quietly, "If they don't, then the Ghost will."

The smirk from Randall's face vanished for an instant, his eyes flickering with fear, before he quickly masked his concern. "Ghosts? Really? In this opera house?" he scoffed, waving it off.

"Oh yes, we have a particularly stern Opera Ghost who owns and runs this place, and I take great care to obey his commands, lest there be accidents," he answered coolly.

As if on cue, a soft, eerie voice whispered into the room swirling around them. "Be gone from my opera house…be gone!"

"D-Did you hear that?" he gasped, jumping upon hearing the voice.

"Hear what?" Mary asked, catching a glance from her uncle and playing along though the hairs on her neck stood on end.

Randall pointed an accusing finger at them, his eyes large and bloodshot. "You've got something up your sleeve, Rupert…so be it! You haven't seen the last of me!" As the hidden voice began to chuckle darkly, he scrambled out of the room and made his escape.

Adelshire peeped into the hall, watching the young man split. As he started to laugh, a secret passage in the wall opened silently and out stepped Erik. The old man chuckled, casting him a knowing wink. "Ah! Erik! I'm so glad you could come. I realize you're extremely busy-"

"I needed a bit of fresh air…it seems a good idea that I did," Erik explained casually, sending a dirty look down the hall. Returning his attention to his partner, he lifted his hat, displaying a rather normal-looking face. Adelshire blinked, stunned by the sudden reveal – Erik had never shown his face before, and to display it now was very out of character. At least, he thought it was Erik…how else would he have known about the passage? This man was as tall and lithe as his partner, with the same voice drifting through his lips, but his skin was a pleasant, lightly tanned hue, his dark-golden eyes gazing out from normal eyelids and eyesockets. He had a rather angular face with profound cheekbones and a prominent nose. There was nothing terribly handsome about him, but there was also nothing terribly hideous about him. "Erik? Is that you?"

"Of course it is," he answered calmly. "Is something the matter?" He couldn't contain the grin on his face as he stepped into the room and bowed to the young lady. "How do you do, mademoiselle?"

"Oh! I didn't realize there was someone else here," she gasped, blushing as he took her hand and kissed it. She shivered at the feel of his clammy lips on her skin, but there was something about this strange gentleman that made her feel at ease compared to the crook who had followed her from London.

"I'm sorry if I startled you," he said earnestly.

"This is Erik Chevalier, Mary. He's the brilliant new manager I've hired – I wrote about him in my last letter. He's also the gentleman who wrote the opera we will be performing within a month's time," Adelshire stated, motioning towards the man. He kept his mouth shut about the mask, deciding it was best to remain silent until they were alone.

"You flatter me too much, Rupert," Erik said modestly, bowing his head to them both.

"Erik, this is my granddaughter, and the apple of my eye – Mary," he said, kissing the girl lovingly on the nose.

"A pleasure," Erik nodded.

"The pleasure is all mine," she curtsied.

"Would you like a tour, Mademoiselle Adelshire? I believe there is a practice going on at this very moment," he offered, motioning towards the open door.

Her eyes lit up at once. "Oh, I'd hate to be a bother-"

"Not at all," he smiled, winking at the elder. "Shall we?"

Adelshire chuckled, offering his arm to his granddaughter. Following Erik, he held back his wonder and confusion for the moment, guiding his granddaughter through the vast passages to the stage. When at last they arrived at the stage, there was a young woman singing a mournful piece, holding her audience of friends and fellow workers captivated.

"No, it is not I –

I'm not in his eyes.

He vies for another's love.

And I shall abide

By my mistress's side –

The silent, obedient one."

No one moved while she sang several more verses describing the heartache she suffered, though she resolved not to impose herself on the one she called "Don Juan". The moment she stopped, everyone applauded. The girl blushed as she modestly accepted their praise, a red-headed woman embracing her at once.

"Angie, I had no idea you could sing like that! These past few days, you've been so silent working on the costumes, and now…gracious, you've given me goosebumps!" The lady laughed and kissed her cheek when she suddenly caught sight of three new figures. "Oh my," she said, jutting her chin out at them to point out their presence.

Adelshire laughed, walking over to the singing seamstress and embracing her. "You were breathtaking, Angelique! Erik has taught you well."

"Merci," she said softly, her eyes falling upon the two new figures, one of them making her brows furrow. He looked rather familiar…

"Ah, ladies and gentlemen," Adelshire announced, earning everyone's eyes and ears. " I have a rather important announcement. I have two very important people I should like you all to meet. The first is my granddaughter, Mary Adelshire, visiting from London." He motioned for her to step forth and as she did, the company clapped politely for her arrival. "It was a lovely surprise for myself, and I assume you shall be staying a while, my dear?"

"I do hope so," she winked.

"Excellent. The second person I'd like you all to get acquainted with is Monsieur Erik Chevalier, your new manager and the author of Don Juan Triumphant!"

"Oh my," some of the ballerinas gasped and giggled, startled by his commanding presence as he strode over to the star-struck seamstress.

Erik readily accepted the applause, pleased that his new creation had given him such freedom. Really, why didn't he think of this sooner?! Seeing the look of utter shock and awe on Angelique's face made him smile as he took her hand in his and kissed it.

"Mon ange," he whispered.

"Erik…?" she gasped, staring at him in disbelief and wonder.

"Thank you for your warm welcome," Erik said aloud, quieting the masses. "It is a great honor and privilege to be here with all of you, and I am most excited to see my work performed…I'm afraid I must go, however. I have my hands full at the moment. I should very much like to steal 'Isabel' away for the time being, though." Giving a flourished bow, he wished them all a good day before guiding Angelique out.

She said nothing, biting her tongue as she impatiently hurried by Erik's side. It was not until they arrived at Box Five that she grabbed him by the shoulders and stared into his eyes. "Erik, is that really you?!" she whispered, still unable to believe what she saw.

"Who else could it be?" he chuckled.

"But…but how-?!"

"It took Erik some time, but he came up with the formula on the first day we returned. It was just a matter of chemistry to figure out what consistency would we appropriate to mask my face. Of course, I also made one for Lamar-"

"That's wonderful!" she beamed, embracing him tightly. "You're a genius, Erik!"

"So Erik has been told," he grinned. His smile vanished as he saw her stare at him with her brows furrowed. "What is it?"

"Can you…I mean, does it come off?" she asked, cautiously reaching out and touching his skin-like mask. It moved nearly seamlessly with his facial expressions, with only a few positions that remained stiff when he tried to frown or smile too widely.

"Of course it does – you may touch it, dearest, it shan't bite you – but why do you ask?"

"Take it off," she pleaded, watching him stare at her.

"Why? Are you not pleased?" he asked, almost hurt from the request.

"I'm quite pleased, and very impressed. I have to say you look rather dashing…but when it's the two of us, Erik, you don't need it. I love you just the way you are."

His heart melted at her words, his hand moving to his hairline so that he could dig his nails under the thin film and gently tug it off. Stuffing it carefully into his coat, he felt her hands on his exposed cheeks as she stood on her tiptoes to claim his mouth. He greedily accepted, pulling her into his embrace so that he might wrap his arms around her and never let her go. Never had he felt so alive until she walked into his opera house and changed his life forever.

A/N: Thanks to Filhound for the constant support and reviews :) Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please let me know what you thought of it! See you next time!