The Phantom of the Opera: A Beauty and a Beast (Guile and Melody)

[Guile]

It hurt Erik a bit that she did not remember his name. She was but a young child! How could you ask her to remember your name when she hardly saw you? He scoffed lightly at her last words. "Too good for you? Dear, I'm sure you were too good for him. You say you haven't seen him in quite a while? Then, perhaps it's because he felt this way too. He was not worthy of your presence and knew it. So, he dared not return to you." Erik confessed his feelings to her, thankful that he could do so without telling her that he was actually the boy. If she knew...well, what would she do?

 

[Saiyan Princess]

She smiled at his words. They were so warm, so very familiar. "I don't know if he's coming back after what I said to him." She sadly confessed. "I was so very rude to him, sir, that I ran him off." Christine had a feeling that she knew who was speaking to her, but, what if she got it wrong? What would he think of her? Listening to every word that Erik uttered, Christine waited for him to be done. "You're right. It's my fault he's gone." She grinned. "But, at least I have you, Master."

 

[Guile]

"It is not your fault, I am sure. It is his. He let hope into his heart. For, what would a normal young boy be doing down here all alone? Surely, something must have happened to him. Something that made him loose hope in the world, fear it so much that he dared not try and enter it during the day time. Then, he sees you." Erik was ranting now, not angrily though, but he was letting his thoughts that had burning in his mind for the last several years come out all in one go. He didn't know that any of this, in fact most of it, was probably giving him away. He hardly thought about anything at all in this moment, and didn't even realize he had begun to pace around what little space he had. "Oh! Just imagine what happened to the poor boy then. Of course he doubts himself - doubts his ability to even speak to you, let alone be a friend to you. Then, you let him in, or so I suppose as you seem to have been somewhat close for a little while. You let him into your heart as a friend and...and then you, well, do whatever you did to him. Which, I'm sure wasn't much. You mustn't blame yourself, really. People like that boy - hopeless people, abandoned people - they are very easy to break. Very easy, indeed. No, I'm positive what you did that hurt him was unintentional and, had his heart been a normal one - used to being loved and cared for by people - I'm sure he would have come around a long time ago. But, no. He cannot face you again and it is not because he is upset with you, I'm sure. For who could be? It was because he cannot stand to see disappointment or...or hate even in your eyes. Yes, he does not with to be rejected once again by the one person that brought him light." It was only after all of his words had come spewing from his mouth, unable to be controlled, did Erik realize his mistake. He had said too much - far too much.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine listened to Erik rant and rattle on and on and on for a good five to ten minutes, or, so it seemed, for Erik wouldn't take a breath between sentences. His words were exactly what she had expected her music teacher to say. "So, there is something physically wrong with him." She started off. "That's why he hides behind that tragedy mask." She let this sink in. "We were indeed very close. He was so much like a father to me that I hardly get upset when I speak of my true father." Looking directly at him, Christine smiled through the glass. "I have no hatred for anyone about anything. Erik, you can come to me now."

 

[Guile]

"Wh-what?" Erik didn't expect her to guess that this boy, or he, rather had a physical...problem. The fact that she now knew, or at least assumed, frightened him. Well, at least she doesn't know... And then, she did. She addressed him directly - him. She said his name. How does she remember? She was so young! She said she didn't... Erik ceased his thoughts. Thinking these things surely wasn't going to do him any good. For, no matter what he did, his heart was going to continue this unhealthy racing out of fear and...and no! Stop this, you fool! You're going to get yourself hurt like last time... She wanted him to come to her? But...why? If I go out there I'm just putting myself in harms way again. I can't put myself out there like this. I have to go home...I just need to get away form here...from her. But Erik couldn't go. He couldn't force himself to turn from her. Oh, God, why was his life so complicated? Shaking, his head in his hands, Erik tried to decide what he was going to do. In the end, his emotions won over once again. I...I can't abandon Christine. If I turn from her now and go home...I'll never be able to come back and face her again. But...if she takes off my mask... He didn't let his thoughts wonder any further. He had made up his mind and was going to take action before he started to doubt himself again. So, he stepped through the portal of this mirror and stood in front of Christine once again. Of course, this time Erik was much taller, more filled out but still thin as ever, and just generally looked to be more of a man than a boy. Which, was obvious.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine stood there, stunned at the fact that she had actually accomplished getting him to come through the glass. "In all honesty, I wasn't expecting you to listen to me." She read his eyes. "Oh, and, you and Madame Giry seem to talk a lot. She addresses you by your first name all the time when the two of you are together." Unable to contain herself, Daae threw her arms up and over his shoulders. "I knew it was you the whole time, but not even Meg will believe me." Speaking of which, the young Giry girl knocked. "Christine, are you alright? You must stop talking to this voice."

 

[Guile]

Erik was probably just as stunned as Christine. He didn't know why he did it, all he knew was that he was there now and he couldn't pretend like this had never happened. At the same time he felt he had doomed himself to a lifetime of endless nightmares and heartache, Erik felt a strange sense of peace - as if he were meant to have come out again, meant to be near her again. "Seeing as you know who I am now..." but not what, "I wish to apologize for never coming back...well, as the boy you knew. I should have let you know. It was rude of me to-" he was cut short by the feeling of Christine's arms around him. It was a feeling he hadn't felt in so long...he couldn't help wrap his arms around her, despite how hesitantly he did so and how long he took just to place his hand on her. I'm ruined now...I won't be able to ignore this anymore...I've let my guard down again and now I'll pay for it later. But right now...her touch is so gentle...so warm. Oh, God, have mercy on me...His thoughts were interrupted by a knocking at the door, then, Meg's voice. Oh, little Meg. I remember when you were born. Please, God. Don't let Meg talk Christine out of speaking to me...I need her.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine heard her long time friend and sighed. Turning her head up to Erik's, she whispered to him. "Don't let this be another goodbye." She pleaded as she was close to tears, then, "Meg, I'm alright. No one is here with me. Run along, child." Meg heard Christine, but stayed there. "But, it's time to rehearse the whole play today. And, apparently, La Carlotta wants us all to be on time. She hates waiting." Christine waited in silence. "Meg, I know. I have to practice my routine. I'll be there in five minutes." She assured her friend. "Alright, I'll see you there." Meg left.

 

[Guile]

Erik heard Christine's plea and looked into her eyes for what was probably the first time in ages, only to see tears forming ever so slightly. It broke his heart to see this, though at the same time made him warm inside. She's upset because she doesn't want me to go...not for good, anyway. At last! A pain that he could fix. As Meg ran off, Erik assured her he had no intentions of this being a goodbye. "Christine...I could not leave. I don't think I could leave you even if you wanted me to, in all honesty. Not for good, anyway." He smiled warmly down at her, and his eyes softened from the hardened gaze that had glazed over them throughout the years, from endless nightmares and sadness. Oh, how warm she felt in his arms! There was no way Erik could stay plain and emotionless with her so close...touching him. "Don't be upset. I will always come back to you, I promise."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine's eyes lit up whenErik promised her to stay with him. "I-I don't want to just leave you here, but I must go to my managers. That Prima Donna Carlotta needs to learn patience, don't you think?" Without waiting for an answer, Christine hugged him once more. "Oh, I can't be late! Don't the new managers come today!?" She had.completely let that little factor slip her mind.

 

[Guile]

"Please, Christine. I understand that you must not be late." Erik smiled at her again, then remembered the arrival of the new managers only when she spoke of it again. "In fact, I will be there too. I should like to welcome these managers...in my own way." Chuckling, Erik gave Christine a look that one could call...playful. "And, of course, I'd like to see what our lovely Prima Donna is up to." He chuckled even. God, what Christine does to me! "I agree only too well with you, Christine. She also needs to learn to act and sing." Erik muttered under his breath, distaste for Carlotta growing the more he thought about her.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine just kept running. Running. Not sure where she was going because there was much on her mind. "I'm here!" She cried, almost slipping when she reached the stage. "I'm here, Madame!" She spoke to Madame Giry, who was showing the new managers, Debienne and Poligny around the area. "And, this is my student, Christine Daae, Monsieurs." She explained, waving a hand over the girl. "Ah, Miss Daae!" One took her hand. "We've heard so much about your dancing, child." The shorter man spoke. "Yes, orphaned at a young age, I brought her here to study dance." Giry explained. Christine barely took notice of her stinging heart as she left them to start practice. "Is she of any relation to the famous Gustav Daae?" This was the other man. Madame Giry nodded. "This is his daughter." Carlotta pushed her way through, smiling in the spotlight. "I am your star!" She exclaimed, happily. "But, of course." Madame Giry agreed.

 

[Guile]

Erik watched her go, the smile never leaving his lips. Still, there was a part of Erik that had a feeling he might end up regretting his decision to come out again, to reveal himself to her once more. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Erik remembered the new managers. Heading out of Christine's room, Erik made his way through the shadows and towards the stage. Making his way silently up and into the rafters, Erik grinned and watched everyone from above. Of course, his attention was diverted to Christine more than once as he stood above them all, his hands wrapped around the railing. Then, there was Carlotta. Oh, how her appearance irritated Erik to no end.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Giudicelli smiled jovially as Madame Giry agreed. Her eyes lit up at this. "Perhaps, a tune?" Poligny asked politely. "Just to know what we're in for?" Debienne agreed. Carlotta couldn't be happier with the request. "Oh, if I must." She called for the stage to be cleared. "Especially you, little toad." She growled toward Christine, who immediately left the stage. "From the beginning, then?" Debienne asked. Carlotta waited for the music. "Maestro..."

 

[Guile]

Erik watched this horror take place and found himself growing physically ill. How dare she speak to Christine in such a way?! Why, the insolence! Fury boiled up inside Erik. Had had never cared for Carlotta in the slightest. The woman's acting was ridiculous and he wasn't sure how people could actually sit in the audience and listen to her singing for more than ten seconds! And still, Erik waited. He wanted the managers to hear Carlotta - he had hopes that maybe someone would finally see through her talentless flaunting and croaking and that, perhaps, they would dismiss her without Erik having to cause mischief.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

When Carlotta sang, the people were in awe when her voice reached her ears. "Beautiful, my dear!" Poligny stepped up on stage when she had finished. "Absolutely splendid! You are definitely going to be our beloved Countess in Il Muto." Christine heard this and allowed a tear or two to fall. Meg saw this. "Christine, please don't cry." She hugged her 'sister'. Christine stopped almost immediately as Carlotta celebrated her victory. "Thank you, Monsieur." She threw her arms in the air.

 

[Guile]

Erik was enraged by this. Damn them! They're just as ignorant as their predecessors! He looked to Christine, remembering what she had once told him - how it was her dream to be the Countess one day. She deserves it far more than Carlotta! Christine, at least, can act and sing! Beautifully at that! Unable to control his fury and distaste at their selection, Erik pulled a knife from his pocket and sawed at the ropes to one of the backdrops until, at last, it fell. And, thankfully, only on Carlotta.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

The whole room was sent into a frenzy as Carlotta was helped out from under the curtains. "Madame, are you alright!?!" Debienne asked as he helped her up. "Madame, our predecessors warned us that things like this would happen. Please, calm down." It didn't work, Carlotta was long gone. Headed for her dressing room. "Until you stop these things from happening, this does not happen!" She yelled. The two managers talked. "Oh, well! What do we do now? There goes our star! We will have to fund a full house!" They were livid.

 

[Guile]

Erik chuckled softly to himself as he watched Carlotta storm off in a frenzy, loving how angry she was. Oh, yes...why don't you just leave and never come back, Carlotta. No one will miss you but the fools you've tricked into thinking you could act and sing. He knew, unfortunately, that the had most likely not seen the end of Carlotta though. But, as for now, Erik had two new managers to deal with. Feeling rather bold, Erik decided he would speak directly to them and not give them a letter just yet. He wanted to assure them right from the start that he was, indeed, real. "Hello, gentleman." Erik's voice echoed throughout the room as always, as he hid up in the shadows above. "I should like to welcome you to my Opera House. I do hope you enjoy your time here, however, there are a few things I would like to mention. Firstly, box five is to be kept empty for me. Secondly, you would do well to remember that an accent does not mask talent - for Carlotta has none and it is blatantly obvious. And thirdly...I should like to suggest Miss Christine Daae for the role of Countess. I do believe I have heard she has been training for several years now. She has a lovely voice. You would be wise to listen."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine's heart fluttered against her breast as she heard the Phantom speak, quite calmly, clearly, among the shadows of this building. She was frightened when her name came up in the mix. What was she to think? Her name was getting mixed in with the chaos that her teacher just caused. "He's here." Meg whispered. "It's the Phantom of the Opera." Christine didn't acknowledge her friend, for she.was still listening in. Noticing a slight smirk on Madame Giry's lips, she calmed herself. "Miss Daae?" Debienne questioned his colleague. "The chorus girl?" Poligny added. Both looked at the young woman and left the stage. "Let her sing for you, sir." Madame Giry spoke up at last. "She has been well taught." The two managers looked at each other. "You give in to this...Opera Ghost?"


Madame Giry nodded. "Of course. He is very generous and kind when he isn't angered."

 

[Guile]

Erik said no more, smiling at Madame Giry's kind words about him, but still waited to see what they did. He had to know the outcome of this visit with the new managers. Perhaps, seeing as their leading lady was gone, they would be smart enough to realize they had no other choice than to allow Christine to play the part of Countess. Erik smirked at his plan, hoping that it would work. He had never forgotten that Christine had told him she longed to play the Countess one day - he hoped her day was coming soon. If he had anything to do with it, it would.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"You act as if this thing is human, Madame." Debienne argued. "The child is only eighteen years of age. She has no reputable training, my dear lady." Christine heard everything that the managers were saying. "Fine, just this once will we allow her to be the leading lady." They agreed together. "God, I cannot believe we're giving in to this creature." Christine didn't catch who said that most evil of comments. Meg squeezed Christine's arm, grateful that her friend would finally be given a chance to do what she did best. "Thank you, Opera Ghost." Christine whispered to herself. "You've been so kind to me." Madame Giry smiled at Christine, but the managers left with annoyed faces. "Rehearsal is done! Have your parts ready by tomorrow evening."

 

[Guile]

Erik couldn't believe they had agreed! Oh, he was so happy for Christine for he knew she deserved the part. Her voice had become so beautiful over the years, in Erik's mind it had even surpassed his own. Though inside he wanted to jump for joy, Erik remained passive on the outside - only letting the slightest hint of a smile show on his lips and brightness back into his eyes. With everyone clearing out, Erik waited a few moments more for them to clear out altogether, then he left the rafters and headed back to his familiar, dark corridors. He wanted to congratulate Christine - she had worked so hard for so long and now she had finally gotten the part she wanted, at long last. In this moment, he was more than just a proud teacher, he was a cheerful friend. So, he let himself wander back toward her room and wait behind the mirror for her to return. She was not expecting him, so Erik figured she would be awhile. No matter. I can wait. This is a big moment for her, she deserves to share it with her friends - enjoy the exhilaration of the shock of being chosen.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine did indeed enjoy time with her friends, specifically Meg, who wouldn't stop talking until Christine would hold up her hand, asking for silence. "Just think of it, Christine. You, the Countess in Il Muto!" She gasped at the thought. "You'll be so beautiful, my friend." Christine smiled at Meg's enthusiasm. "I know, I cannot wait, but, if you'll excuse me, Meg, I must rest." Christine shut her dressing room door behind her, leaving Meg alone to roam further down the hallway.

 

[Guile]

Erik stood behind the mirror until, at last, Christine entered and shut the door. He heard what she had said to Meg. Ah, yes. She has had a long day...I don't wish to hold her up. But... "Christine," he forced himself to speak before he turned and walked away from her. He couldn't do that, when she deserved so much praise - whether she wanted it or not. "Forgive my intrusion, you were not expecting me. I just came to congratulate you on receiving the role of Countess. You deserve it, Christine. You've worked hard for many years and you have earned this."