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

[Saiyan Princess]

As they traveled, Madame Giry couldn't help but feel a sense of joy that she.was actually helping her friend, or at least, attempting to help him get over Christine. The cool breeze, the salty air hit her at once. "Erik, perhaps you would like something to eat?" Meg asked, offering an apple to him. "You need your strength. You'll love what Coney Island has to offer you. It will take you away completely from Christine." She attempted to make him feel better. "I just want you to be happy." She took his hand and squeezed it, moving ever closer. "My friend, you must move on."

 

[Guile]

Erik felt the ship beneath him rocking and that was all his mind focused on as he stared down at the ground a few feet away. He felt hollow, and was glad for this. If he felt nothing, then at least he felt no pain. He looked up at Meg as she tried to offer him the apple. Erik was about to deny it, but for her sake, he took it gently from her hand and took a bite out of it. Even the sweet, juicy flavor tasted bitter in his mouth. Nothing would ever be satisfying again, not with Christine gone. "Thank you, Meg...for trying to help me. I'm afraid it is no use." Oh, why did Meg have to speak of Christine? Erik's voice was soft, and he was seemingly unmoved by her gesture. It was as if he hadn't even felt her hand this time, for he didn't take notice, nor did he acknowledge it. "I cannot move on with my life. I can't live happily in America when I have left my heart in Paris."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Feeling hurt that Erik practically refused her, Meg backed off. "I-I understand, Er-Erik." She sucked in air, trying to sound brave and strong. "The trip shouldn't take more than a few days." She looked to Madame Giry to help. "Meg is right. Once we get to America, there will be joy." She listened to what sounded like people talking, no, yelling and screaming. For, under them was a traveling circus of freaks and supposed monsters that were being locked away in cages. "Mother, I am going to bed." Meg left the scene and disappeared behind closed doors. Madame Giry took Erik's hand. "I tried to tell you."

 

[Guile]

Erik furrowed his brows in confusion, but did not look Meg's way. He could hear the pain in her tone, but didn't understand it. His attention was drawn to Madame Giry's words, and then to the noises below. Oh, the horror of those screams! Erik pressed his eyes closed and shook his head to try and clear it of such noises. He was brought back to their reality when Madame Giry took his hand - it was then that he realized Meg had gone. "I am sorry, but I don't quite understand. Have I said something to upset Meg? And what do you mean? What did you try to tell me?" Erik's head was beginning to pound and he placed his fingers to his temple to try and sooth the pain.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

The old female shook her head. "It's nothing that you need worry about right now. You just focus on opening up to people rather than staying quiet forever." Madame Giry pat him on the arm again. "You'll understand when Meg wants to tell you. I must understand what is happening below." She left him on the upper deck, going below to the horrible sight of creatures just like her 'son'. "This is horrible!" A man laughed. "Yes, we are here to strike fear into the hearts of humanity." He was accompanied by a fatter man and a dwarf person, all dressed in red and black.

 

[Guile]

Erik was more confused than ever by his friends words. In fact, he was so lost in his thoughts that he said nothing at all and, before he knew it, Madame Giry had gone below. He had no idea what was below them, but whatever it was Erik didn't wish to confront it now - there was too much on his mind for him to be putting more into it. Sighing, he walked over to the edge of the ship and leaned against the railing, resting his head in his hands as he watched the waves. What does Madame Giry mean? What could Meg possibly have to say to me? Surely she's just upset that she has to share this new experience, this arrival on new land, with someone that must hide from the world. Once again, I have become a burden.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg was there as well. "Who's with Erik?" She asked her mother, to which she received no answer. The woman was lost in the faces of madness and sorrow. These beings were human, yet they were treated so horribly. "Erik..." she whispered, having flashbacks of the whole Devil's Child experience. "These people...are like him!" She turned back to the door, trying to leave, but the fat man wouldn't let her. "You've seen too much!"

 

[Guile]

Erik leaned against the railing for so long that his arms grew numb. It was then that he looked up at the blue sky and sighed, wondering what sort of trouble his dear friend had gotten herself into. "Actually...she has been gone for quite a while. It seems like ages that she's been down there." He whispered to himself as he turned around and looked about the ship as if she would be there. "Why hasn't she come back yet?" Erik took a few slow steps foreword, as if contemplating what he should do. The horrible screams from earlier ran through his mind and he wanted to hit himself. She could be in danger, you fool! Why would you let her go down there alone? He ran off immediately, making a beeline for the door that she had disappeared through. Erik could have cared less about the people he was knocking out of his way. He ran down the stairs in a frenzy. When at last he reached the door, he threw it open and ran inside, not prepared for what might be behind it.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

The three people laughed, leading both women around the room to look at their freaks. Madame Giry took Meg and yanked her away. "Stop it!" Fleck, Squelch and Gangle stopped immediately, but not because the woman told them to, it was because they weren't alone anymore. Meg sensed Erik, made a dash for him, and buried her face in his chest. "They're horrible, Erik." She was crying. "Make them stop." The three laughed. "He is not our boss, little lady. We work alone."

 

[Guile]

As soon as Erik burst through the door he froze from what he saw. Freaks. Every last one of them...just like...me! His breathing was steady even though his heart was racing - he hadn't known what to expect when he came barging in here. He was only calmed when he realized that Meg and Madame Giry were not hurt...just frightened. Who can blame them? They were unlucky enough to know me, but to see so many other people like me is just...gruesome - for people like them of course. For the normal ones. Erik was ripped out of his thoughts when he felt Meg buried in his chest. It was a strange thing, to feel her holding onto him like this, for she had never done it before. Why would she want to? She knows what I am. Then again...she's just witness all of this. Who could blame her for seeking comfort...even in the likes of me? Unsure what to do, he hesitantly placed his hands on her shoulders and attempted to console her. "It's alright, Meg. I will get them to stop." It was then that Erik wondered how he would be able to do this. He spoke to the three that had been frightening Meg and her mother. "I am asking you to leave them be. They do not need to be shown this...it is unnecessary. They are good people that understand..." Erik sighed, reached up, and took off his mask - revealing himself to them because there were no other people in the room that weren't like him or had not seen his face before. "They understand what it is like for us. They don't deserve this treatment when all they're trying to do is help me."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

The dwarf woman waddled her way toward him, staring him dead in the eyes. "He's just like us, boys." She smiled at him. "He can help us with our circus, our financial instability." She cackled, looking at his clothing which, compared to the.things that she's seen before, looked expensive. Meg continued to sniffle, though she was still frightened. Had they just offered what she thought they offered? No, Erik wouldn't accept to work with them, would he? Madame Giry watched this. It could be healthy for Erik to associate with people like him. A grin spread across her face.

 

[Guile]

Erik raised his brow in confusion, not because he didn't understand what the woman was saying, but because he didn't understand why they would ask him such a thing. Then again, wasn't it obvious? He was just like them, so why would he be shunned by them. He did have money, a good bit of it, and could be rather useful to them. Placing his mask back on his face, Erik contemplated what she had offered. Perhaps this could be a way to take his mind from Christine. A distraction. It would be nice to not think of her all day and night. If he put his mind to working out this...circus, was it?...then maybe he wouldn't think of her. No, he would just think of her less. Still, it was worth a shot. Besides, where else would they go? What would he do when they reached America? He had no job, no way of making more money. Eventually, what he had would run out. He needed a job and no one but other freaks would be crazy enough to hire him. "Well, Miss...I believe it would be in our best interest if I helped you with your...circus?" He half-asked, to clarify things for himself. "I just need to know what you all need me to do."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

The taller two, the larger one especially, circled him, examining him. "I don't know, friends. He's probably not into this kind of life." He tried his hand at a tease, hoping to force him into a decision to say 'yes' to their offer. "No, he wouldn't be interested in taking our boss's place." The taller one agreed, smirking at the Phantom. "No, he doesn't want this."

 

[Guile]

Erik saw the smirk on the taller one's face and he returned it. "And just how do you know what I want, sir?" He stared into this man's eyes. Could he even trust him? After all, weren't these three just parading Madame Giry and Meg around, hoping to frighten them? But, then again, did he have any choice? They needed this, him, Meg, and Madame Giry. They needed the security that when they reached America, they would not end up on the streets. "Besides, it's not a matter of what I want. It's what I need. What you need. I need security, for myself and my friends. You need a boss, you say?" The flash of confidence in Erik's eyes couldn't have been clearer. "Then you will find no better one than I." He reached out his hand, waiting to see if he would shake it and accept him...or not.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

The three exchanged glances, their devious little grins widening between them, when the man spoke again, extending his hand. "I know that you need someone who knows what you're getting into when you reach the great United States, sir." He took Erik's hand. "It's done, then! Welcome to our family!" Somewhere in the room, sparks went off, as though in celebration. "We should really watch what we say. The circus has eyes. It can sense excitement." He grinned as his fellows howled with laughter. The lights came on, revealing the freaks. "Welcome, Monsieur!" The fat one chuckled, kissing the hand of Madame Giry.

 

[Guile]

Erik was...relieved. Simply that and nothing more. He could not say that he was happy, for he would never be truly happy ever again, or so he felt. However, he was comforted in the fact that he had found a way to provide for Meg and Madame Giry, as well as keep himself busy. "Thank you, my friends." Erik jumped slightly, startled by the sparks and then the lights that came on. He looked around in amazement, his mouth open just slightly, at all the freaks. There are so many...I had no idea that...that there were so many people like me. For once in his life, Erik felt...welcome.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

The trio of friends, called Fleck, Squelch and Gangle, all laughed at their reaction. "That looks like a job for you as soon as we start, don't you think?" Squelch, the fat one, told Erik, still smirking as the women behind Erik sighed in relief. They could see at last. They weren't lost in the dark any more. "Oh, stop that, you." Gangle, the short woman chimed in, her own squeal mixed in. "We hope you like it here with us, sir." She added to Erik. "Now, our only problem is where to go when we reach America. We know we are going to the island, but where?" The tall Fleck asked as he wrapped an arm around Erik's shoulder with a toothy grin.

 

[Guile]

Erik chuckled softly, still off in a daze and quite unused to such kindness. "Yes, well, I'm glad to know that I'll have a job as soon as we land. I guarantee I will enjoy being with you. I-I've never seen so many people like me. To be honest, it's a bit...well, comforting." As soon as he felt the arm of the tall one around his shoulder, Erik smiled weakly. "Where? Well, to be honest I don't know much about America. Still, we will need to go somewhere populated on the island, but where we have the room to set up such a circus." He sighed. "I suppose we'll figure that out when we land. We can go out and search for a place that suits us once we see the island for ourselves, don't you agree?" Erik turned around and noticed Meg and Madame Giry standing behind him, looking rather relieved. Oh, dear. I hope they weren't too frightened all this time. And now...they can see all these freaks. The Giry's are understanding people, but...is this too much? Too overwhelming for them? "Are you two alright?" He asked, and for the first time since Christine had left him, he smiled sincerely in the hopes to comfort them.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Oh, absolutely, sir." Squelch nodded his agreement. "It will have to be huge! The perfect spot, and we have just a couple of days left before landing." Madame Giry had Meg around her shoulders, kissing her temple. "I'm just happy that we aren't facing a whole chaotic mess of trouble when we land." Meg nodded her agreement. "I just want off of this boat right now." She was started to turn green, even greener then a lizard man that watched from the shadows. His laugh was even a hiss. "Just two more days." Madame Giry consoled her child.

 

[Guile]

Erik saw how upset Meg looked and he didn't blame her. This was so much to take in at once, even for a man like himself. He knew it was probably best to get the two of them out of here for now. Soon enough they would get used to it all. Meg seemed to be the one that was troubled the most, but she would come around. "Excuse me, my friends." Erik said to the trio. "I think it would be best if I took the women up above for now to get some air." He smiled, hoping they would understand. "We can discuss business more when we land or, if you've anything you need to discuss sooner, you may come find me." Erik put his hand hesitantly on Meg's shoulder, as if to inform her that they were leaving - to get her to let go of her mother.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Still, Meg refused to move. Madame Giry was reminded of her child as an actual child once more. "It's alright, darling. You can let go now. Everything is fine. I'm here and no one will hurt you with either me or Erik around." She peeled her daughter off, with difficulty. A sense of pride came over the three in red as they saw the blonde leave with their new boss and her mother. "That's what we do best." Fleck told the freaks, watching them. Still, Meg would not release Erik now, not until they came above. "I-I'm happy for you, sir." She assured Erik.

 

[Guile]

Erik didn't understand why Meg was clinging to him. After all, wasn't he just as bad as the people down below? How could it be that Meg wasn't frightened of him as well? "Meg you needn't be frightened of them. I'm sorry that they forced you to look upon all of that in such a way, but they won't do it again. I won't let them do it again, alright? Thank you for being happy for me, but I don't want you to be afraid of those people. They're...misunderstood...I am sure. If they are anything like me," he added in a dazed whisper, "they are very misunderstood. Yet, quite harmless."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg released Erik, glad to finally be in the light again. "I-I'm sorry." Her face was bright red right now, not realizing how tightly she was holding onto him. God, why couldn't Erik love her in return! She leaned over the railing and took in the salty sea air. "Ah, America, the country of freedom." Madame Giry smiled as the night came over them. "Just one more day on this boat and we will finally be home." Together, Meg and her mother took to their room.

 

[Guile]

Erik was admittedly grateful when Meg released him. It was strange, how tightly she had been clinging to him. Then, her face...it was so red. He turned his gaze to the waters, not sure what was happening with her. The young woman was acting so strange lately. At last, her and her mother went off to their room, leaving Erik standing at the railing as night fell over the ocean. He looked up at the moon and stars and, for the first time in weeks, he cried. Luckily, he was silent about it and there was no one near to see the tears running down his face as he thought of Christine. "Where are you...what you are you doing right now?" Erik whispered, wishing Christine were here with him. "Do you even think of me anymore? Do you care at all? What about our son?" His heart ached as he rested his forehead on his arm. He hadn't realized it until just now - he was never going to get to see his child.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine was on a boat an hour ahead of Erik's. It was so very difficult not to think about Erik at a time like this. Still, she was now married to Raoul and were planning on taking their son to America to be free of the forced music. "Oh, Erik...why did you not come for me?" She was looking out over the ocean, through the window in her room. She was lying in bed with Raoul's arm wrapped around her. He was in a dead sleep, a drunken stupor after a night of bliss with his new wife. Christine couldn't help but feel a hot tear travel and fall onto her pillow. "Gustav needs you."