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

[Saiyan Princess]

"Someone looks pleased with himself." Madame Giry watched her friend from the shadows. "I thought I would never see that smile again." She was truly happy with Erik's happiness as of late. But, she had hoped that somehow, Erik would have chosen Meg, simply because her mother was the one that saved him. "Has everything been sorted out?" She was thinking of not only Meg, but Christine and Phantasma as well. "Or, will you be too busy to help us? The last time I checked, it was you that those clowns gave the job to, not Meg or I." She was still smiling. "Don't forget your responsibility here."

 

[Guile]

"Oh, yes, yes. Forgive me, Madame, for not being here to help. Today has just been so...eventful." Erik's grin had not subsided even as he answered her question. "I do believe everything has been worked out. I spoke to Christine today and..." he was so excited he didn't even know how to say it, so he just spit it out. "She had the baby today, Madame - while I was there. Raoul went out and while he was gone Christine went into labor." Erik's eyes flashed with pride and immense joy. "I saw my son born today, Madame. I held my Gustav in my arms. I've never held a child before." He sighed joyfully, thinking about the moment before bringing himself back to reality to finish answering her. "Phantasma seems to be perfect. You all did a wonderful job setting up today while I was gone. Thank you once again. Ah, and I spoke to Meg." Guilt slowly crept into Erik as he spoke to the mother of the young woman that he had been with - even if by force - just that morning. "I explained myself to her - my feelings about all of this - and she seems to understand. I couldn't believe it, but I think she may have accepted that our fates were not meant to be linked in such a way."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Congratulations, my dear." She thought about how well Meg seemed to be handling this right now. "She sounds very happy." Silence spread between them as Meg's laughter and singing could be heard behind them. "I must ask how you will actually handle being a father, along with doing this, knowing that your son is being raised by another man." She didn't mean to sound cruel, but that was just her nature, really. "Won't it be difficult to actually tell Gustav that you are his father, and not Raoul?" She wondered that for some time. "Christine is raising your boy with Raoul right now."

 

[Guile]

Madame Giry's words certainly put a damper on Erik's mood, but he couldn't blame her for being curious. In fact, he had been thinking the same things, but had been recently trying to push them to the back of his mind to worry over later. "I think, if given the chance, I could be a decent father." Though, Erik grew nervous and slightly embarrassed. Could I be a good father? I was once a father-figure to Christine, but that is far from the real thing. Could I handle a child? "I can learn quickly - pick up on things that children tend to do and know how to handle them. Christine could teach me...if she'd ever let go of that no-good Vicomte." Erik's blood started to boil, but he did his best to calm himself. "It will be difficult to tell Gustav the truth, I suppose. But, perhaps, if Christine allows me time with him as he's growing up...maybe it won't be such a shock to the boy. That is, if Christine would agree to tell him the truth someday." He sighed, running his fingers through his hair just once. "I don't know what she wants, Madame. When I showed up she was furious with me for just touching her, to help her to the bed because she was going into labor. The next thing I know...she's kissing me, handing me my son to hold again and telling me that we should spend time together. But she's married to Raoul and I know she loves him. I don't know how to win her love, my friend. All I want out of life is her and our son. I want to be a normal man, with a family that I can walk around in public with." I suppose God believes that is too much for me to ask of Him...

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"And, tell me, Erik..." Madame Giry continued. "What are the odds of Christine actually returning completely to you?" The old woman's glasses fell to the end of her long nose. "She just married him a few months ago. They are happy." She inclined her head to the tent, Meg still singing, but said nothing. "She is a married woman, yet you choose not to seek out other opportunities." She smiled at him, a rather devious grin on his lips. "I will say that and no more. Think about it, my son." This caused her smile to be genuine. "Gustav needs you."

 

[Guile]

"Well, I..." Erik stammered, her words having caught him off-guard. He said no more to her, for he was lost in his own thoughts. Christine...she told me not so long ago that she loved me. She never was completely mine, but maybe there is a chance. That's when Erik took notice of Meg's singing - she was good. Meg was not at Christine's level, but she was very good, he had to admit - she had a lot of potential. Yes, and she loved him a great deal. The question was, did Erik love her? He certainly cared for her, but could he love her like he loved Christine? Erik himself wasn't sure. At the moment, I don't feel like loving anyone but Christine. She and my son are my world. Yes, she may not have ever been completely mine, but she was never completely Raoul's either. Yes, there is still a part of her heart that belongs to me. There is still a chance. However, is it worth the pain it might cause all of us? Christine's love is worth any price that I might pay, but I could not bare to risk her happiness for my own selfish gain. Should I give Meg a chance? Oh, I don't know. Christine...what can I do? Erik felt quite confused and desperate for answers to questions that no one could give him the answers to. And yet, over all of this inner turmoil, Meg's singing still rang in his ears as if trying to pull him into that direction. Oh, now I know I have gone mad.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg didn't want Erik to come to her as a second chance, a last resort. She wanted him to come to her if he really and truly loved her, and not because she and Christine were best friends. No, Meg would never force Erik's love on her. She decided that now was the perfect time to leave for that audition, so, that's what she did. "I'll be back before dark. I promise." She hugged her mother and took Erik's hand for a second as a kind of thank you to him. Then, she disappeared among the trees and into the city nearby.

 

[Guile]

Erik looked into Meg's eyes as she took his hand. It was if he were searching for the answers there, but of course, he found nothing of use - just a reminder of her love for him. However, he did notice that as her skin touched his, his heart seemed to quicken. No, this can't be. I love Christine...but she doesn't love me. Should I wait around all of my life for a married woman to fall in love with me? Could I fall in love with Meg if I were able to push Christine from my mind? Oh, but I could never do that...could I? Either way, Erik knew that he had promised Meg that he would be at her audition and he wasn't about to go back on that promise. With a quick goodbye to Madame Giry, Erik followed after Meg. For some odd reason, Erik didn't make his presence known to her. He wasn't following her to watch her, just to find his way to the audition so he could watch that. However, there was something that made him keep his whereabouts a secret. Perhaps it's a habit. Either way, I need to think.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Madame Giry waited back at their home. She wanted to be there for Meg, but someone had to be here with the others. To protect them. Meg ran as fast as she could, faster than normal, to say the least, because they were going downhill at the time. "I'm here!" She ran into the building. It was another opera house/dance studio kind of building. "I'm here." She told the man at the front, reading off a list of names. "Meg Giry." She whispered to him. "Giry...Giry...ah, here we are. Meg Giry." He checked her name off and indicated that she should begin with a wave of his hand. "Don't be shy, dear."

 

[Guile]

Erik entered the building unbeknownst to the man at the front and Meg. He slipped through the shadows until he found a spot which he could see clearly from, then he waited. Meg seemed timid, or at least her voice was rather soft, but Erik had confidence in her. He had just heard her singing and she was wonderful. He prayed she would do well now that she was in front of someone that might possibly hire her. The last thing Erik wanted was for her to fail because she was nervous. Meg had the talent, now she needed to show it. "You can do this, Meg. Have confidence..." He whispered to himself as he waited in anticipation.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg opened her mouth and sang something very different from how Christine would sing it, if she knew the song. She was quite timid, to say the least. She now knew how Christine often felt on stage. She would much rather be in the back, dancing. She wasn't a singer. But, there was no turning back. She had to continue if she wanted this as badly as she thought. She took a deep breath, and sang her song.

 

[Guile]

As soon as Erik heard Meg sing again he knew that she wasn't like Christine in this aspect. However, it didn't necessarily mean that she was a bad singer. True, Meg was a wonderful dancer, but singing wasn't a far-fetched dream of hers. Perhaps if I taught her... Erik snapped out of his thoughts with a shake of his head. What am I thinking? Christine was the only one that I have ever taught - the only one I ever wanted to teach. Then again, if that were true, why would my mind instantly bring up the idea of teaching Meg? He found himself trying to will Meg to be calm and just breathe, but it was a silly thing to do. She couldn't know that he was there - he was hidden in shadow. Or could she?

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg felt that ominous feeling that she was being watched. "Who's there?" She whispered, though she physically saw that she was being watched by the theater troop around her. "Is there something wrong, Miss Giry?" A young woman asked her, to which Meg shook her head and started singing one of Erik's old favorites, or, so she thought. Well, it was one of the two that she had ever witnessed either he or Christine sing. "Don Juan, Triumphant is a wonderful piece, truly genius." She whispered. "It's my favorite."

 

[Guile]

Erik knew that Meg sensed she was being watched just by the way she was looking around. Part of him wanted to stay hidden, simply to ensure that no one else saw him there. However, he stepped just slightly from the shadows so that only Meg could see him. He didn't want her to back away from this audition because she felt unnerved that she was being watched. Plus, he hoped that his presence could provide some kind of support to her. After all, he had promised her that he would come. As soon as she began singing the piece - his piece - Erik felt his lips twitching up into a satisfied smile. Meg liked my piece? My Don Juan? I didn't think anyone did that night. And she's performing it so well...

 

[Saiyan Princess]

As Meg was singing, the man with the clipboard read the remaining name. The single person that was not here, was the very same one who's husband was financially supporting this building. When Meg was finished, he cleared his throat. "de Chagney, Christine?" He called, for what he counted as the third time. Meg's heart skipped. Her friend was coming! She automatically felt that she had lost the part, if Christine showed up, which, she did, a few minutes later. Raoul held a little blanket bundle in his arms and sat in the audience. Meg, though she didn't want to, smiled at her friend as they embraced. "Meg!" Christine was overjoyed. The blonde, on the other hand, knew what was coming, and stepped away.

 

[Guile]

Erik was torn as soon as he heard Christine's name being called. He immediately stepped back into the shadows, not wanting to risk being seen by the Vicomte or any others. Erik couldn't help the way his heart fluttered in his chest when he saw Christine, nor the way it sank when he saw Meg's disappointment. He didn't know whether to be happy for Christine or sorry for Meg - he felt strongly both ways. Erik had been Christine's personal tutor, he knew her voice like he knew his own - there was no way Meg would be able to get this part if Christine sang. Meg was delightful, but she was not at Christine's level. Then, Erik saw Raoul carrying a small bundle that he knew all too well was his own son. That brought another strong emotion to his heart: jealousy.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg knew it was finished. She was done. "Good luck, Christine." She walked off stage, down the aisle and out the door. There, she sat on the front steps of the building, her face in her hands. "I honestly should have seen this coming. Christine was bound to know about this." She wanted to cry so badly. Meanwhile, Christine sang the very same song that Meg just got applause for. Meg could hear it from outside. She hated herself for believing that she had a chance with the student of an absolute genius. Still, she wanted to put on a brave face for Christine and Erik. "She's so beautiful and talented." Meg admitted, watching through the window. Christine's voice rang out to the heavens. Without saying goodbye to anyone, Meg went back to the circus.

 

[Guile]

Erik saw Meg leave the stage and head out the door. He was about to follow her - to tell her that she had done well and to apologize for Christine's sudden appearance, though he had nothing to do with it. Still, he wasn't sure what compelled him to stay. Perhaps it was his natural instincts as a teacher to be there for his student. More than likely, it was how compelling Christine's voice was and how enticing she looked up on stage once again. Erik quickly forgot that he had wanted to console Meg and was lost to the daze Christine put him in, as always. Even as he watched Christine, his heart still felt torn. I should leave. I should go to Meg and speak with her. She is hurt and Christine does not need me here. She has her fop. He thought bitterly to himself before her voice grew louder and interrupted him. God...I have not heard her sing in so long. I cannot just leave while she is performing. Whether she needs me or not, I have never walked out on her. I will not start now.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine was none the wiser when it came to Meg being gone or her former teacher being there. She was locked on her husband and baby. "Ssshhh..." Raoul whispered softly to the crying baby, to which little Gustav only cried louder. "Excuse me, Madame." The manager looked back at Raoul. "Sir, if you please, take the baby outside." Raoul got up. "Pardon, sir. My son is a little hungry, that's all." Raoul cradled the baby closer, waved to Christine, and walked away with the boy.

 

[Guile]

Erik cringed at the sound of his son's wails. Does that fop even know how to comfort a child? I would cry too if I had to listen to his wretched 'shushing' and be in his company for more than five minutes! It was ridiculous, Erik knew, to become so furious over such a small thing. Gustav's crying was of no fault of Raoul's, and yet, Erik couldn't help let his jealousy turn everything back around on the man. When he left the room with the child, Erik had the urge to follow - to take his son from the arms of the Vicomte and comfort him. But, that was unthinkable. To show his face would ruin his chance at freedom in this new country, and to announce Gustav's true parentage could ruin Christine's marriage. Perhaps that wouldn't be so bad for me...but, no. I could never hurt her in such a way.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Raoul took him outside and sat in the carriage, rocking him. "Hush, child...please." he begged the boy. "Everything's alright, your mother is right inside. She'll be right back and then you can eat." He kissed Gustav on the forehead and started humming All I Ask of You. That was working, for a few minutes, until his wails started sounding louder, which they probably were. "Gustav, please, five more minutes and everything will be fine." He was getting frustrated already. Christine watched them leave. "My dear, you were absolutely stunning. The best we've seen." The unknown manager told her. Without waiting to hear whether she was accepted or not, Christine rushed out.

 

[Guile]

Erik found that he could not enjoy the rest of the song. Christine was marvelous, as always, but his heart was being pulled in so many different directions - his head was spinning with too many thoughts - that he simply wanted to lie down and die. He longed to be with his son, holding him and comforting him. At the same time he wanted to be holding Christine, congratulating her on her wonderful performance. Those thoughts made Erik dread returning to face Meg, whom he wished all the happiness in the world on but seemingly could not provide what she wanted most. Feeling horribly empty inside, Erik did the only thing that he could do: he left the building and headed back to the circus. He knew he had to speak to Meg. The poor girl was probably devastated and it would be entirely unfair to not at least speak to her - to try and console her.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg sat on her bed again, her face in her hands. She wasn't crying, but she still felt hurt. Christine was there! She ruined everything, once again. Now, Meg felt that it was appropriate to remove her earrings and lie back down on her bed, her face in her pillow. She still wouldn't cry. It wasn't Christine's fault that she was second best all the time. "Well, I forgive her, even though it wasn't her fault." She threw her blanket over her face and laid there.

 

[Guile]

Erik made his way through Phantasma, searching for Meg. However, it didn't take him long to figure out that she would be in her room. If I had just faced that today...I believe I would wish to be alone as well. He made his way there immediately, although each step he took was filled with dread. Erik didn't know what he would say to her, what he could say, to make her feel better - to make her understand what he saw today on that stage when she performed was amazing. All too quickly he was standing outside her door, his thoughts having had no time to gather themselves. Erik knocked softly, hoping that she was not asleep and that she wouldn't be too upset with him to refuse his entrance. "Meg?" He called out to her, his heart pounding nervously in his chest as his anxiety rose. "Meg, it's Erik. May I come in, please?"

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg sniffled, wiping her face on her sleeve and trying so hard to look brave in front of her friend. "You can come in, Erik." She rubbed her face, trying to make the puffiness recede. "I was just getting done looking over my work, that's all." She lied. "Any work I do for you would make me cry." She told the truth this time. "I just love your art." She wanted to avoid talk of the audition, as she curled up, her knees to her chest.