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

[Saiyan Princess]

Three. Two. One. Crash! The anchor dropped into the ocean. Meg couldn't help but fall into Erik. She wasn't the only one that stumbled. More than half of the occupants of the boat did as well. "Oh, I'm sorry." Meg blushed and removed herself from Erik. "I should...go help....well, you know." She couldn't keep the smile from her face, even.when she bumped her head on the door before going below and helping with the freaks below. Truthfully, she was still a little nervous, but she swallowed her pride and helped them up above. "Fleck, Squelch and Gangle, at your service, Miss Giry." They told her. Meg sighed and helped them unload. She knew, full well, that Erik was going to search for Christine, who was still at the Pier, her belly grown to an enormous size now.

 

[Guile]

Erik chuckled nervously as he placed his hands on Meg's shoulders and struggled to keep the two of them balanced. He hardly noticed her blush, for his own face was red hot as well. "No, no. I-it's alright." He smiled awkwardly before letting to of her shoulders and allowing her to slip off below. Meg couldn't have been more right - the first thin he needed to do was find Christine, if at all possible. There was so much he wanted to know - answers he was seeking that only she could answer. Why did you leave me? He pushed through the crowd as quickly as he could and eventually found his way onto the dock. There were so many people though, that he couldn't see her. Even if you do find her, what will you say to her, fool? Her precious husband is with her. She probably doesn't even want to see you. She probably wants you dead and gone form her life. Still, his heart wouldn't let him give up searching. "Christine? Christine!" He began calling out her name in a desperate attempt at finding her, but he felt helpless in this crowd.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine was busy with nothing at all, actually. She was watching as Raoul loaded their things into a carriage. She couldn't exactly help right now. She was still very much pregnant. "Quiet now, Gustav." She muttered under her breath. Raoul looked up. "It's done." He kissed her. "After you, my wife." He opened the door for her. "Be careful." He helped her up and sat her down, paid the driver and they started riding away.

 

[Guile]

A glimpse. That was all that Erik was able to catch of Christine. He noticed her at the last minute, far enough off to not hear him at all or even see him. The first thing he noticed was how beautiful she looked - even from far away. Many people say that pregnant women have a glow about them, but this time it was actually true. God...she's still so beautiful. It was then that Raoul finished loading their things into the carriage, came around, and placed a kiss on Christine's lips. Fury built up inside of Erik rather quickly and he started to shove people out of his way again, but the effort was futile. Their carriage was already leaving and there would be know way of catching up. Heartbroken, Erik sat down out of the way of the crowd and waited, his head in his hands, just thinking about her.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg was busy helping their last friend onto dry land. "Are you alright, my dear friend?" Madame Giry asked Erik, finding him on the ground. "I saw them, too. She's very beautiful, still. Raoul seems to love her very much." She helped Erik to his feet. "Come now, no more tears. Believe it or not, I have a surprise for you." She pulled him back to their family, smiling. "I found the perfect spot to set up before we even left Paris. Phantasma will be wonderful with you as the new owner, my friend." She smiled as they followed the others away. Everyone was helping with their things. Meg couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness seeing Christine leave.

 

[Guile]

Erik looked up at Madame Giry as she approached and forced a weak smile. "I will be, Madame. Thank you." He whispered to her as she helped him stand. "Thank you for understanding." Feeling numb and rather light-headed, Erik found himself reaching out for her support every now and again as she pulled him along. "You've found a spot for us?" His smile was less fake now, and a small flicker of light came back to his eyes at his friend's complement. "I'm glad you think so. I must say, I'm a bit nervous to be taking on such a responsibility. I hope I do well."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Well, I know for a fact that you will be such an amazing leader for them. They need you." She seemed to lead the group on forever, until they reached a spot. Little did she know that this spot was right behind the new de Chagney home. "We'll be so very happy here. Meg is searching for another dancing opportunity at a local studio tomorrow and she would be very happy if her friend could make it...if you don't have any plans, that is. I thought you would be searching for Christine?"

 

[Guile]

Once they arrived, Erik inspected the view from the outside with the group. "It looks perfect, Madame." He smiled and it truly wasn't forced. Then, she mentioned Meg and Erik's face reddened. He couldn't help feeling ashamed of what had happened between the two of them. True, Erik never led Meg on, but just the idea that...that he had taken Meg's innocence was enough to make him feel uneasy around Madame Giry. "I've nothing to do. Yes, I would like to search for Christine, but what would I even do if I found her? No, Madame, I need time to think things through. I don't believe Christine will be leaving the area anytime soon if she has business here. Besides, I owe it to Meg, I believe. I should be there for her. I would like to be there for her."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Madame Giry looked relieved by this fact that Erik would be attending the performance that her daughter had planned with the theater. The girl paced the area, nervous. She had no idea what the routine would be at all. She was still a mess, physically, from what happened on the boat. Praying to God that she wasn't pregnant, Meg helped set up. No, there was no way that she was expecting. Both would have to enjoy the experience, or, so she thought. She wasn't sure. Erik, she knew, didn't enjoy a minute of it. He even made it a point of telling her so. "Well, I will leave what you say to...Madame de Chagney...to yourself." Giry told Erik. "Just, take your time and plan this out this time." She smiled and turned away to help as well.

 

[Guile]

"Thank you, Madame. I will keep that in mind." Erik smiled, though he was thrown of by the mention of 'Madame de Chagney'. Oh, how it made him cringe! Still, when Erik regained his senses, he wandered around the area before finding Meg trying to set up. Feeling as though he should do something to help her, as she looked rather distressed about something, he made his way over to her. "Here, Meg. Let me help you." He smiled warmly, hoping that she wouldn't object to his presence. "Your mother tells me that you have a meeting at a local studio tomorrow - something like an audition, correct?" Erik tried to make small talk, hoping to try and smooth things over between them. "I was thinking about attending. That is, if you don't mind. I don't wish to intrude."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg was busy trying to put two and two together when it came to building the tent, really. She wasn't expecting Erik to come up behind her. When he did, Meg fumbled with the peg she was holding and dropped it. "Oh, damn it all." She tried again. "Yes, I am auditioning tomorrow, sir." Meg spoke calmly, warmly to him. "I would like to have a familiar face, but I doubt you could do anything here. People aren't scared of the Phantom of the Opera.here."

 

[Guile]

Erik saw how flustered Meg was and he couldn't help chuckling at her words. "I suppose you're right. I've no power over them...however, I don't think you need me to influence them. You are a tremendous dancer, Meg. I wouldn't lie to you. I've watched you dance for years, and you've always been phenomenal." He smiled, hoping that his words would reassure her. "Still, if these American's are as blind as our old managers at the Opera House and do not accept you, remember that you are always welcome to work for me. I won't allow you to go without dancing, if that is what you wish to do here in America."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg could not believe what she heard. "Y-You saw me?" So, he wasn't just eyeing Christine all these years. With that reassurance, the majority of Meg's heartache went away. She hugged Erik quickly, careful to avoid his lips this time. Sighing, she said something that she knew would hurt, but that would let Erik smile. "You should go find Christine. I will be just fine." She took a deep breath. "If she took a trolley, she's close." Meg finished, finally able to properly stick the peg into the ground.

 

[Guile]

Erik was startled by her embrace, but this time it was not entirely unwanted. In fact, he smiled a little bit and hesitantly wrapped his arms around her to return the kind gesture. "Of course I saw you. I was there the day you were born. I've watched you every step of the way, as I have done for Christine." It was then that Meg told him that he should find Christine. Erik's heart leapt at her words. "Truly, Meg?" He asked, looking down into her eyes with a soft smile. "You...you won't be hurt if I go search for her?" But he knew Meg had made up her mind about this - she had always been a kind girl. I knew her heart was in the right place. She was just hurt and confused this morning. That's why...that's what caused her to act in such a way. Unable to contain his joy, plus as a way of making up to her for earlier, Erik placed a soft kiss on her cheek. "Thank you so very much, my dear." His eyes flashed with pure gratitude, but then he hesitated and his heart sank a bit as he thought about what he would do when he found Christine. "I don't...I don't even know what I will say to her, though."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"It will hurt, I admit that to the fullest extent." Meg answered him. "But, I know that I can't keep you from your own happiness at the expense of my own. The pain will go away, I hope." She left him alone now. "Please, just go find her if that's what...if that's who you desire." She would always treasure the kiss upon her cheek, but the guilt of her lips on his and him not returning the affection still burned in her mind. "I just want every happiness for you, Erik." She mumbled to herself.


Not even a mile away, for they were in the mansion that bordered Phantasma, the de Chagney family, Raoul and Christine, looked over the letter from Hammerstein. "Raoul, it'll be alright." Christine kissed the top of her husband's head, feeling her baby kick at the same time. "We should focus on Gustav right now. It's almost time."

 

[Guile]

Erik knew by the tone of her voice, the shattered look in her eyes, that Meg was in pain. Unfortunately, Erik knew that type of pain all too well - the pain of loving and not being loved in return. He could not just run off to Christine and leave her like this. At least...not without showing her how much he cared for her, and that he knew how she was feeling and didn't take her emotions lightly. "Meg, you are an angel." Strange...I've never called anyone but Christine that before. As confused with himself as he was, Erik's caring tone was very sincere. "You will find a good man to take care of you someday. One that will love you and only you. I am not worthy of you, Meg. I would ruin your love because I would never be able to let go of my love for Christine. You would give me all your heart while she still had a piece of mine. It isn't fair to you." He wouldn't let Meg leave him, not yet. He had to do something first. "Forgive my selfishness, but I cannot go after Christine without first showing you that I do care about you." With that, Erik had Meg face him again and he bestowed upon her lips a soft kiss. It was not a heated kiss, but is certainly was compassionate. Within mere seconds Erik broke away and begged her one last time to forgive him for kissing her - surely it wasn't helping with her pain - before turning and going off to search for Christine.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg stood there, completely flustered by the kiss that she was given. Though her face was completely burned with blood, she continued to help the others. She really shouldn't get her hopes up, but she didn't have a choice in the matter. Her heart was still Erik's. "Please don't disappoint me tomorrow, my friend." She whispered, watching the back of his head disappear down hill. Christine looked out her window, standing on the balcony and watching the tent being put up. "I bet you'd like to see it, wouldn't you, Gustav?" She rubbed her belly. "Maybe some day, when you're old enough, you, your father and I will see it together." She promised her unborn baby.

 

[Guile]

Erik went around the area nearby to begin his search. At first he was just walking around, looking out for her. There was always the possibility that she was outside, wandering around the city, wasn't there? But no, it was no use. He would never find her this way - she had to be in a building nearby. The problem was, where were they staying? It wasn't hard for Erik to find out - the local paper had covered it all in an article. Apparently, it was big news that the famous Christine de Chagney had arrived in America. With a few persuasive word, Erik was able to get the address in which the Vicomte and his wife were staying out of a man. He went straight there, but as he arrived he hesitated. "The Vicomte will be in there, will he not? I cannot just barge in. I must see Christine alone." Erik waited, pacing for a few moments, trying to figure out what he could do.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine didn't notice the man in her front yard. She was far too entranced by Phantasma. It was strange, yet beautiful. "It reminds me so much of my life at the Opera Populair, little Gustav." She walked away from the balcony, into the kitchen to start on that evening's meal. "Raoul, what would you like, my darling?" Raoul merely grunted, his code for 'I don't care.' Christine sighed. "Raoul, you must have an opinion." Raoul put down his work and grabbed his coat. "I'm going out. I've got work to do." He kissed Christine and fled the room. Christine was alone.

 

[Guile]

Erik waited a few more moments. Well, pacing here in the yard will get you nowhere but caught, you idiot. He thought angrily to himself - his anxiety increasing with each passing moment. I must go into the house and see if she is alone. If not...I shall sneak out and come back later. It was then that Erik saw Raoul leaving. Startled and needing to hide, Erik ducked around the side of the large house and waited. Five minutes...he should be gone now. With that thought, he dared peek around the house. To his relief, the Vicomte had gone. Now is my chance... With his heart pounding faster and faster with each step he took to getting closer to Christine, Erik made his way through the large building. He searched the various rooms until he opened one door silently - just a crack - and peered in. There she was, in all her angelic perfection, not even looking his way. His heart caught in his throat as he opened the door the entire way, stepped in and closed it behind him, now allowing himself to be seen. "Christine..." Was all Erik could say, no louder than a whisper, to announce his arrival.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine was still cooking at the time that Erik was searching the house. She raised the spoon to her lips, feeling another kick. Why did Raoul decide that now was a good time to leave me alone? She breathed deeply, avoiding, or, attempting to avoid labor until her husband could make it home. "H-He'll be home soon." She kept telling herself. The wait was agonizing. She hadn't noticed the whisper in the room. No, her child's father wasn't here! How dare he come here now! "Gustav, please, be still for a little while longer." She couldn't take the pain. She turned off the burners and moved away from the stove, leaning over the sink with her hair held behind her, by her hands. "God, please wait!"

 

[Guile]

Erik saw the strange way Christine was acting, but he didn't understand what was making her do so. As soon as he realized she was in pain though, he knew exactly why. "Christine!" Erik went to her side, not caring anymore about speaking to her before touching her again, and put his hands on her shoulders to steady her. He knew what was happening. The baby was coming. "Christine, don't be afraid." Erik whispered as he lifted her into his arms and carried her into a bedroom. He laid her down on the bed before running off to get wet rag, and a dry one. When he returned, Erik put the dry towel nearby, for the baby when he was born. The wet one, Erik placed on Christine's forehead after he dabbed her cheeks lightly to cool her down. "I am here, Christine. Your Erik is here...he will help you."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine's eyes widened at once, hearing her ex lover's voice for the first time in forever. The pain had disappeared now. She could feel nothing. "You!" She whispered. Part of her was angry. This man wasn't her husband, yet he had the audacity to come here and hold her and touch her as if she belonged to him! "Get away from me at once or you'll regret it." She warned him. That's when she started screaming again, the baby kicking. Their maid sprinted into the room. "Madame!" She barely noticed Erik before she took Christine's hand and started helping her. "Madame, silence." She whispered. "Just relax. You're going to be fine. Monsieur Raoul will be here soon."

 

[Guile]

Christine's words stung Erik's heart, but her screams stung more. "Christine, I am only helping you. You need help." He insisted, not planning to leave anytime soon - not while Christine was in pain. Despite her situation, Erik couldn't help getting upset with her. "How could you say such a thing? How dare you be angry with me? You were the one that left. The one that lied and betrayed me. Now you will be silent and allow me to help you, for your sake and the baby's." He stopped suddenly, slowing his words and what was left of his anger, as the maid came into the room.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine did as she was told and remained silent as Erik helped her. All her morals were being ignored, or so she thought. She was having one man's child that wasn't her husband while he was away. She was feeling one man's hands on her while she was wed to another. "I left to protect my son and give him freedom. There was no way that he would survive down below, in the sewer. Please." She had to beg for his understanding. "There was no way to get medical attention for him while with you." She was so broken right now. "Please, just help me, then go." She held tight to the maid. "Please, send for my husband." She begged the woman, who immediately left Christine, though she felt nervous at the same time.