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

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine looked at her fellows on the stage, who all looked rather confused as to what she was doing, why she wasn't singing her part. Madame Giry mouthed the words of the song to herself, as though she could help Christine fight through this shock of being in the spotlight after so very long. Christine thought of everything that happened over the past few hours, few days. Feeling a strong presence watching her, she immediately glanced up at Box Three, where Raoul was also standing. This wasn't the presence she felt. Her gaze went to five. He's here. She thought. He's really here and I can't remember my lines! Please, my friend! Help me!

 

[Guile]

Erik knew she was in trouble, that she was panicking. He searched his mind frantically for a way to help her out of this mess. At first, he could think of nothing, then and idea came to him. A crazy idea, one that could ruin his anonymity, but one that could save Christine. Immediately, Erik left Box Five, his heart pounding nervously in his chest, and raced below to the stage. He knew his presence would cause confusion, but it would subside once the show was going again. Left with no other choice, Erik ventured onto the stage, his eyes locked on the Count. He walked up to the rather unfortunate man and whispered in his ear so that no one could hear, but him. "You will exit this stage now, if you know what is good for you." With that threat, Erik turned to Christine and locked eyes with her. He let a small smile of assurance come to his lips as he nodded ever so slightly as if to say it's alright. I am here. Go on. To his surprise, he was going to replace the Count. It was the only thing he could think of that might help Christine remember her lines. This way, she could see him - she could look into his eyes and truly sing only to him.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

A cold shiver went down the spine of the man who was supposed to be the Count at the time. He stuttered his words as he whispered back. "Wh-Who are you, man?" Others on the stage seemed to be asking the same exact question. Debienne and Poligny looked as though they've given up on Miss Daae. "Why?" One whined. "Why did we listen and give in to the Phantom?" That's when they spotted the masked man on the stage. They stood together and went behind the curtains themselves, ready to yank Erik off. Madame Giry stopped them. "Hold, Monsieurs. Remember, we cannot do anything at this time. Miss Daae has been saved by her Angel of Music. He shall not harm her." Christine stood on the stage, in complete ecstasy, wanting to hold her Count. "Erik...." she whispered, so that none could hear her. "Thank you." When she took a last, deep breath, she sang at once, to the man's presence. "Think of me, think of me fondly when we've said goodbye. Remember me once in a while, please promise me you'll try. When you find that once again you long to take your heart back and be free." She stepped further onto the stage, into the light. "If you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me." Raoul smiled at his Christine, the thought of her feeling better making him smile.

 

[Guile]

Erik stood there looking into Christine's eyes, his eyes shinning with all that he longed to say to her but couldn't at the moment. He faintly heard her whisper his name and her gratitude. Oh, how it brought an electrifying warmth to his heart. No, to his whole person. Then, everyone, including himself, watched in awe as Christine stepped into the light and sang. It was a beautiful sound, heavenly, that graced everyone's ears. In fact, it was so beautiful that the question of who Erik was and why he was there seemed to leave everyone's mind. He was no longer important. They were now all locked on Christine in the best way possible.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine also noticed that everything seemed to be going according to plan, as if Erik was the key to her secret, which, in a way, he was. "We never said our love was evergreen, or as unchanging as the sea, but if you can still remember, stop and think of me." Her voice got louder, of the purest tune, as she sang her heart out to her master. "Think of all the things, we've shared and seen. Don't think about the way


Things might have been." Giry relaxed her arm, knowing that the two men wouldn't object to this turn of events.

 

[Guile]

Erik felt as if he were in a trace, much like most of the audience felt at this point as well. He couldn't stop staring at Christine, but that was alright, considering the Count was not supposed to do anything at this point, other than watch her. Her voice was so beautiful, Erik couldn't have been more proud. He also couldn't have been more in love with her. Erik had the urge to hold Christine to him and lavish her with kisses, but all he could do was stand and watch. It wasn't hard to do either - she was magnificent. Christine...you are perfect...

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine decided that she had gone on long enough without holding Erik. It had been well over two whole hours and that was enough to kill Christine. Looking back at Erik, she ignored the audience and threw her arms around the man. "Think of me, think of me waking silent and resigned. Imagine me trying too hard to put you from my mind." Truly, these words were impossible. She couldn't take her mind off of Erik, especially now that he was her Count. "Recall those days, look back on all those times. Think of those things we'll never do. There will never be a day when I won't think of you." It was true. Every day, she would think of Erik while they were apart. "Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade. They have their seasons, so do we, but please promise me that sometimes, you will think of me!"

 

[Guile]

Without even realizing it, Erik let out a soft sigh when Christine's arms were wrapped around him. As she continued to sing, holding onto him, Erik wrapped his own arms around her tightly, making sure not to obstruct her singing. He was so lost in the moment, in Christine, that he was no longer thinking about the audience. The words of the song touched his heart in many ways, which was now beating rapidly. As soon as she cut off the last note, the audience erupted into a thundering applause and shouts of congratulations. At that moment, Erik pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his own shimmering with pride and joy. Without pausing for a second to think, Erik pressed his lips to hers, causing the audience to clap even harder, only heightening the sensation of the moment for him.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine allowed the kiss to happen, let the audience enjoy this time that they had together. It truly was the greatest moment of her life, until she heard a shout from behind the far curtain. "NO! Christine, get away from him! He's a monster!" Raoul came onto the stage, just as the curtain closed and they were hidden from view. The audience was left wondering what was going on as Christine was torn between the two men that meant the world to her. "Raoul, no! Stop screaming! Calm down. It's not what you think. He's my friend, I swear it." There were now tears in her eyes as she rested her right hand on his mask, but didn't peel it off. "A likely story, Christine. He's a man that you decided to kiss when you already promised yourself to me." Raoul was heartbroken. "Come away, Christine."

 

[Guile]

As the curtain fell, Erik held Christine close to him, not breaking the kiss until he heard the voice of Raoul screaming at him. "A monster, sir? You do not know me, or anything that I have done. What right have you to come to Miss Daae and try to order her away from me? Clearly, she does not mind being near me." Erik didn't want to make this any worse for Christine, but his heart broke when Raoul mentioned her being promised to him. He did his best to ignore the Vicomte and turned to Christine, his eyes glazed with pain that he tried to hide. He was afraid - afraid that she would leave with Raoul. "Christine, you do not need to go." Erik whispered to her, and only her. "Do not feel like you must obey his commands."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine felt the tension between the two men. She had to stop this madness before it began. "Erik, I have to do this. I don't want either of you hurt, alright?" She pushed away from Erik. "Don't worry, we won't be apart for long. I promised you that as well. I will never break that promise." She kissed his cheek once, hoping that it would be enough to sustain Erik, for now. "I have to just take a break, please." She left the area. She even left Raoul, who followed her ready to ask something that would change everyone's lives forever.

 

[Guile]

Erik's heart ripped open when Christine pushed away from him, but he let her go. The kiss she placed on his cheek made him feel that she truly would come back to him soon. "Alright, Christine. I trust you." Erik stared into her eyes, hoping that she could read what he was thinking. What he had meant was 'I trust you with my heart. I trust that you really do love me. I trust you will come back to me.' Erik watched as she left. He glared at Raoul for just a moment, watching sickened as the young Vicomte ran after Christine. What does he want? Can't he see that she wishes to be left alone? Erik almost let out a growl, but held it in as he left the stage. He did not follow the two of them at first - he wanted to respect Christine's wishes and let her be for a while. However, Raoul seemed intent on saying something to Christine. Erik had to know what the man was going to say to her. He was going to make sure he wouldn't hurt Christine with offensive words relating to her kissing another man. Erik wouldn't stand for that. But, at the same time, Erik didn't think Raoul was after her to say something like that to her. Curious, he followed them, not allowing either of them to know he was doing so.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Raoul felt a stab of pain in his side as he followed her, finally getting breathless as he came up to the rooftop, where Christine seemed to be waiting for him, lost in thought. She needed help. Part of her was still scared of the sight that was behind the mask. Still in pain that she had hurt her friend so very badly. She didn't want either of the men that she loved to be hurt, but she had to make a choice as to who she loved. She wanted freedom, she wanted light, she wanted...Raoul, who found her alone, in the cold, crying. "I-I cannot go through with this..." Christine cried. "I don't want to go back there with him!"

 

[Guile]

Erik followed them up to the rooftop, silently slipping out onto it without either of them noticing. He hid behind one of the numerous statues that were placed there as decoration, and listened intently. The sound of Christine's tears tore at Erik's heart and he longed to go to her and hold her comfortingly - to tell her that he was here and that everything was alright. Then, she said the words that destroyed all of the hope she had built up in his heart over the past few days. She doesn't want to go back with me? But...I thought...I thought she loved me! Erik felt a horrible ripping pain in his heart that hurt so bad he actually clutched at his chest. This was physical pain now, and it was frightening Erik that one woman could do this to him with only a few words. Tears stung his eyes as he leaned his head against the cold, hard stone and fought back audible sobs that threatened to come. Reality was hitting him hard - she didn't love him. She never did and never would. Christine loved Raoul and there was no way Erik could ever win her heart. She had been toying with his heart the last few days or, in the best case scenario, she had just been pitying him and went along with whatever made him happy at the time. I...it felt so real. I felt love...true love. I am such a fool!

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Raoul took just one step further before saying her name. "Christine." The woman started, hearing him, and yanked her head in his direction. "Raoul!" She pulled herself up and hugged the Vicomte. "Raoul, he scares me! Oh, that face! It was horrible. It wasn't even a face!" She started crying, not thinking that she had possibly hurt Erik with her words. "Christine, please, stay calm. He can't harm you anymore. Just block him out. Have the mirror taken out of your dressing room, do anything that will keep you here." He kissed her temple as it started to snow. "Raoul, he'll find me. He won't let me go as long as I sing. It was his idea to.come on stage today!" Raoul was at a loss for words, so all he uttered was "I shall protect you."

 

[Guile]

Erik didn't know what to do with these words, Christine's confession. It was slowly destroying him and God, his heart was aching. Unable to understand or suppress this pain, he sank to his knees silently, still clutching at his heart. If Erik didn't know any better, he would have thought he was having a heart attack. "God..." Was all he could whisper, as she talked of his face. How could she? Christine...she told me that... Her actions of that night before that came back to him. They had kissed! They made love, both of them, for the first time. Oh, Christine! Why? Why are you doing this? All I ever did was love you! 'It wasn't even a face!' Her words were swirling around in his head, causing the tears to flow from his face and onto the cement of the rooftop.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Raoul smiled at her as he wrapped his arms around her waist, singing to her as he swayed, causing her to do so as well. It was such a lovely feeling, being with Raoul. "No more talk of darkness. Forget these wide-eyed fears. I'm here, nothing can harm you. My words will warm and calm you. Let me be your freedom. Let daylight dry your tears." He wiped her tears for her, knowing that he didn't want her to move a muscle. I'm here, with you, beside you. To guard you and to guide you." Christine answered his song, enjoying her time with such a wonderfully beautiful man. "Say you'll love me every waking moment. Turn my head with talk of summer time. Say you need me with you now and always. Promise me that all you say is true. That's all I ask of you." She sang ever so beautifully into the fresh Paris air.

 

[Guile]

The voice of the Vicomte made Erik's fury grow to an intense level. How he longed to run out there and wring the prick's neck with his bare hands! Then, Christine replied to the man's song and Erik's sorrow returned. He felt weak, and in that moment Erik longed to just die. His life was being ripped from him with each second that she drew closer to Raoul. In fact, Erik started dreaming up things that would be better than being here, hearing this right now - torture and death were two of the things that came to mind. At least then it would only be physical pain and his heart wouldn't be on the line. Why don't you just kill me, Christine? Tell me you hate me! Stab me in the heart! His fury grew, along with his sorrow. It would feel better than what you're doing to me right now! And yet, Erik couldn't stop loving her. If I had done this to her, she would have never forgiven me. She would have hated me until the end of my days. But no matter what she does, I can't stop loving her! Why am I cursed to endure this?

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Raoul smiled at Christine's voice, hanging onto every word that she said. Reaching into his pocket, he felt the ring there, then let go and spun Christine in his arms, then held her steady. "Let me be your shelter, let me be your light. You're safe, no one can find you. Your fears are far behind you." Christine's next words, she felt, were absolutely true. "All I want is freedom, a world with no more night, and you, always beside me, to hold me and to hide me." Raoul did just as she asked, placing his coat around her shoulders. "Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude." He took her hand and started walking away with her. "Say you need me with you here, beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go too. Christine, that's all I ask of you."

 

[Guile]

Christine's words were too much for Erik to bear. She was confessing her love for Raoul and it killed Erik. I...I can't take this. He wanted to leave, but he was trapped. If he tried to leave now, they would see him. The next thought that came to his mind was 'jump.' And, honestly, Erik was thinking about it. It would have been less painful than hearing Christine declare her love to Raoul. Erik knew where this was going. He knew exactly what Raoul had in mind for Christine...and he knew what Christine would say. Unable to let out the sobs that wanted to come so badly, Erik's body started shaking and he felt lightheaded, as if he might faint.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine let herself be immersed in this beautiful moment, letting the snow fall over her body as Raoul warmed her with his love. "Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Say the word and I will follow you." Then, they both sang together. "Share each day with me, each night, each morning." Then, Christine broke off alone. "Say you love me." Raoul answered her. "You know I do." Then, together again, as though they knew what the other was thinking. "Love me, that's all I ask of you." Raoul moved hair from Christine's face so that he could kiss her passionately, though Christine's hand lay against her stomach, breaking the kiss, they both sing again, louder, with a proud and happy air again. "Anywhere you go, let me go too.


Love me, that's all I ask of you."

 

[Guile]

Erik cursed his hearing. Covering his ears with his hands, he was still able to hear the sweet words of love that Raoul and Christine were singing to each other. At this point, Erik longed for the blessing of deafness. Tears still streamed down his face, they had not stopped falling once, actually. As he put his forehead to the cold cement now sprinkled with snow, Erik's mind was filled with their voices, but also of memories - memories of Christine and himself. The one memory that kept coming back to him was her kiss. She had looked at him so sincerely, with such a kind gaze in her eyes that, at the time, Erik thought was a look of love. They had given themselves to one another that night - Christine had allowed him to take her innocence. And yet, here she was, declaring her love for another man. Erik didn't understand this! How could someone just give themselves away if they were not in love with the other person? How could Christine betray him like this? True, they were not sworn to one another, but there had been so much love! So much passion between them! And she didn't even look like she cared! In fact, Christine didn't even look like she remembered! She was so lost in her pretty boy over there that she had entirely forgotten her Erik!

 

[Saiyan Princess]

They stayed out there in the cold a while longer, until Raoul started to show signs of hypothermia. Christine walked him inside and into the warmth of her home. "Raoul, don't move. You'll be alright soon." She laid him on a nearby couch and threw his coat over him, trying to warm him up. "Raoul, please wake up." She took a hot rag from Meg, who had witnessed everything from inside. Placing the rag on Raoul's forehead and dabbing his face with it, she smiled. "Now, don't move."

 

[Guile]

At last, Christine had taken Raoul inside. As soon as they were behind the closed door, Erik collapsed to the ground and let out his sobs. "Christine! Why?" He kept screaming her name, not caring who heard, but he doubted anyone did. No one cared about 'poor Erik' any longer. He was simply the hated Opera Ghost again. For a while he had gotten the taste of what it was like to be Erik, the man. Now he was doomed to live the rest of his life once again as the Phantom who everyone feared - the monster everyone hated. "I gave you everything! I gave you my music, my heart, my body! How could you do this to me?" Erik wailed in agony, but didn't move despite the cold. In fact, he hoped he would become sick. He wanted to die. At least this way he wouldn't have to do it himself.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Madame Giry was the only one that seemed to be listening for Erik, hoping that the Phantom was okay. She heard his yells and immediately watched as Christine tried to stand, but thought better of it and sat back down, beside Raoul, though she spoke to her mistress. "Madame, I'm sorry. I didn't know that he was watching. I didn't want to stay down there for the rest of my life, with someone so different from me." Madame Giry placed her hand on Christine's for a while. "What will you tell your child, then?" Christine couldn't answer. "I don't know. I do love her father, though." Giry smiled, leaving with the information that she had, to fetch Erik from the cold. Coming behind him twenty long minutes later, she sighed. "Get up, Erik. Come inside, at once."