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

[Guile]

Erik double-checked that everything was set for the performance. When he was satisfied that everything was going as planned, as Meg had assured him before he left to see Christine, Erik allowed himself to just stop worrying. Since returning to the grounds he had been a nervous wreck on the inside, thinking about all the things that could possibly go wrong tonight, but were highly unlikely. now, he just laughed softly at his ridiculousness. Everything will be fine. He reassured himself as he stood, looking out at the stage from the wings once again.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg noticed how strange Erik was acting. "Hey, Erik, it's going to be alright." She unknowingly started messing with her hair, a sign of flirting that some girls do. "I promise that I won't let anything go wrong." Meg appeared very happy, completely the opposite of who she was days ago. The white rose that Erik had given her was braided into her hair. Her dress was a baby blue. "You must trust me." She hugged him for the thousandth time. "And, now, the debut performance will begin, in a few hours." Madame Giry joked, not her usual nature. "We will be such a success, Monsieur. No one need know about you being alive. But, what shall I address you as, sir?" She didn't want to use his real name.

 

[Guile]

Erik was pulled out of his thoughts by Meg's words. He turned to face her, a small smile forming at her reassurance. He couldn't help noticing she was acting rather strange herself. She was uncharacteristically happy, though Erik couldn't complain. It was nice to see a smile on her lips. "Meg, you look lovely." He mentioned rather randomly, taking notice to how her dress brought out her eyes. Erik was also unable to ignore the white rose that was braided into her hair. That's when he quickly changed the subject, trying to keep his face from reddening at how odd his comment must have sounded. "I do trust you, Meg. I was just thinking the same thing - you will do wonderfully. I look foreword to watching you again, after all, it has been a while." Her hug caught him a little off-guard, though it did keep the smile on his lips. Yes, she is unusually happy today... Erik contemplated her question for a few moments. Well, it is a circus. There's no need for an outlandish name, however... One corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he came up with the perfect name. "Call me Mr. Y. Only in front of those who shouldn't know my true identity, of course. I won't have formalities with close friends." He smiled at her as he said this, still feeling rather pleased with this new persona he was taking over. Mister Y...yes, I think I like it. It fits, after all. Mister Y...'mystery'. It's a rather clever play on words, I think. Yes, he was undeniably pleased with himself, though it would take some getting used to.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg smiled. "That's quite clever, Mister Y." She laughed, just at the mere sound of the name. "I shall address you as such, or rather, Mother will, for I shall be performing beside you." She reminded him with the biggest smile that she ever dared allow to grace her lips. "I'll be certain to let her know." The sky outside was getting darker. In town, the show was all the citizens were talking about. Everyone, it seemed, planned to take the evening off of work to go to the spectacular performance. Christine heard more than she needed to. She was definitely going out, whether her husband came or not. Christine readied herself and the baby.

 

[Guile]

Erik was taken aback by Meg's laughter, though he didn't outwardly show it. I can't remember the last time I heard her laugh so genuinely. What has gotten into her? He smiled at this, for it truly was nice to see her in such a pleasant mood. And her smile... I've never seen her smile in such a way before. It's quite nice. "Of course, Meg. Thank you. I look foreword to our performance. It's been so long since I've been on stage." He sighed, trying not to think of how it had ended for him last time. "It will certainly be nice to feel that rush again." Erik half-whispered almost in a dazed sort of way, as if picturing the sensation he had felt so many months ago.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Well, for someone who has played a part in theater, even as an infant, I can personally tell you that it truly is a rush." She smiled at him. "Even now that I am a woman, it is still a rush." She reveled in the glory and beauty that came with performing. "I will gladly be beside you when we are there." Madame Giry interrupted. "Our guests have arrived. Meg, straighten that dress." She ordered. Meg did so, her heart palpating rapidly.

 

[Guile]

Erik turned his head to look at Meg again, surprised by her words. Mainly, the last thing she had said. Is that why she is so happy? He hardly had time to contemplate it, for Madame Giry was there, speaking to them. "Wonderful! Thank you, Madame." Erik, too, found that his heart had started hammering away inside his chest in anticipation of what was to come. I haven't done this in so long. I can hardly wait to perform again... "You will do wonderfully, Meg. I have no doubt about it. I am honored to be sharing the stage with you." He reassured her with a smile, assuming that she was feeling as anxious as he was right about now.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Now, I will introduce the two of you." Madame Giry rushed out, dressed in her usual black. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you a show that will stun the mind and satisfy your very fears!" She was improvising her introduction, for the most part. "Now, we invite you to relax and enjoy the show!" There was thunderous applause. "And, now, allow me to present, for your entertainment, the very charming, yet frightening tonight, Mister Y!" She stepped away, so that Erik could join her at the center.

 

[Guile]

As Madame Giry rushed out on stage, Erik pulled on the fabric of his coat to make sure it was straight. His heart was racing as his friend introduced the show and he almost audibly sighed at the applause of the crowd. Erik took just a moment to smooth back his hair with his hands before smiling at Meg, giving her a little wink of reassurance, as he was introduced. Without waiting a moment longer, he stepped out onto the stage. He was made breathless by the sight of all the people waiting to see them perform. He had never performed like this in front of hundreds of people, but he did his best to bring out his old Phantom confidence and act as though he had. Erik walked out to meet his old friend with his broad shoulders back and his head held high, a lopsided, yet rather charming, smile on his lips. When he finally stood beside his friend he said not a word, but crossed his arms behind his back and waited for Meg to be introduced and join him on stage. Erik only acknowledged the crowd with his smile and the smallest of bows - a simple nod of appreciation, more like.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"And now, a very lovely, yet equally as confident young woman that astounds everyone that she meets, I present...Meg Giry!" Her mother held out her arm in Meg's direction, but the poor child was still quite nervous, even after Mr. Y's reassurance. Still, she sucked in her gut and walked out, taking Erik's hand and bowing, as was normal in a theater performance. She was just excited to finally have something over Christine Daae. "Prepare to run, for once you see what's in store, you'll have to fight for your lives to escape unharmed." Meg announced, trying to add some flair to this speech. "Mister Y, would you like to say something?" Madame Giry asked, smiling at him.

 

[Guile]

As Meg's entrance was announce, Erik turned his head to look at her, smiling as he did so. When she was about halfway out, Erik extended his arm to her, taking her hand and squeezing it lightly to reassure her again as she approached him. He only stopped looking at her when Madame Giry asked him is he would like to say something. He paused for just a moment, letting it sink in to the crowd, before he opened his mouth and purred out his welcome in his deep, velvety tones. "I should like to welcome each and every one of you to Phantasma. We are delighted to see so many people here tonight, thankful that you have all given us a chance to show you our world. Hopefully, you will enjoy it as much as we do." He chuckled then, softly and not for long, but it was almost sinister sounding. That just made him smirk even more. "And now, let us begin." He nodded to Madame Giry, a silent 'thank you' for introducing them, before turning to look in Meg's eyes, a sign to begin.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Madame Giry left the stage at once helping move her coworkers in and turning the lights on as Meg gave the signal. It was as though Meg were saying some sort of magic word when this happened. "Now, I must ask you all to remain quite silent." She put a finger to her lips. "This gruesome creature does not like to be awoken, especially not by thunderous applause. I warn all of you with young children right now. Keep them quiet." A being was revealed, rather gruesome looking, with red eyes and spidery hair. As well as fangs. Christine clutched her child close.

 

[Guile]

Erik stood beside Meg, watching as the different 'creatures' were revealed. At first, it was painful to watch. With each passing, unfortunate human Erik's insides ached. Putting people on display sickened him and all he could think about was what he had been forced to endure so many years ago. Horrible images of his Master came back to him - the laughter in of the crowd as he was beaten and whipped by that cruel man. And yet, all of this horror stayed inside Erik. He didn't let on how he was feeling, but if someone were to have seen his eyes up close, they may have been able to see his inner turmoil. It isn't the same. Not here. In Phantasma they are treated with respect. We put on a show for the amusement of the crowd as well as the workers. There is no abuse here. It isn't the same. He tried to reassure himself and it did work mostly. He felt better about the show, but he still had flickering memories of his childhood even as he stood there watching. On his lips there was the slyest of smirks and a look of evil in his eyes, simply to add to the 'terror' effect. He waited, taking turns with Meg announcing each of these creatures, for the next one to come out.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

As each person was revealed, they seemed to grow more and more in love with their jobs, trying to frighten the crowd. Still, they remained silent, especially the children, though Gustav was proving especially difficult to pacify. "Now, Mister Y, should we show them the final creature..." it also stung her, for she could see Erik's pain. "I'm sorry, being? Would anyone like a better view? In his mouth, perhaps?" She laughed. Christine lowered herself in her seat.

 

[Guile]

Erik laughed with Meg, his menacing chuckle blending in nicely with her own laughter, just adding to the intense fright of the performance. "Why, yes, Meg...that's a splendid idea." His grin looked wicked as the last one came out. He was a particularly frightening man with spindly limbs and a death glare that admittedly made Erik shiver - though it was well hidden. The worst part about this man was the sickly way he look - though in good health as he was - the sharpness of his teeth, and his tongue. It was long and black, only God knows how that was so, but he used it to his advantage perfectly. He showed it to the crowd, letting out a threatening hiss as if he were a snake.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

The three assistants, still in red, took this opportunity to scan the audience for a volunteer. "Anyone?" Meg asked, though there were obvious volunteers that were almost jumping out of their seats to get closer. "Well, Mister Y, you should pick our friend's first victim." She glanced at Christine with a look that clearly told Christine that she and Gustav would be safe. "There are a whole bunch of lovely ladies here tonight. Obviously their husbands are tired of them, or the wives wouldn't risk their necks. The creature chuckled, still hissing.

 

[Guile]

Erik scanned the crowd. He didn't let on to what he was thinking, but he certainly saw some frightened faces. Not wanting to frighten anyone traumatically, he picked one that looked rather eager to get a closer look. He avoided Christine purposefully, not wanting to cause her such fright. Though he knew that none of these people would ever harm her, or anyone in the crowd for that matter, he still couldn't bring himself to have her come up here - especially not with little Gustav. Instead he stopped looking around, froze, and pointed to a young woman in the front row. "You." Erik chuckled then, smirking as his eyes flashed wildly. He said nothing more, but beckoned her foreword with his index finger.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine was utterly relieved with the fact that she wasn't chosen, but was also quite confused. Surely Erik was aware that she was here and that she wanted to be near him while it was perfectly acceptable. "And, what am I doing?" The woman asked, as though in some sort of magic show. Meg unlocked the cage. "Ladies first." She smiled at the young woman, while the creature beckoned her inside. The woman looked back at her seat and appeared frightened, though something told Christine that it was fake. She stepped inside and was locked in.

 

[Guile]

As much as Erik wanted Christine up here with him, simply because he longed for her to be near him, he wouldn't let her be put into a cage like that. He wasn't sure how she would have reacted, being so close to someone that looked so horrifying. She was close to you, wasn't she? Christine has placed her lips on yours. Still, Erik was no stranger to her. Christine had seen his face, yes, but she had also seen his heart. Gustav is with her. I won't put such a young child through an ordeal like this. Erik stepped aside, giving the audience a better view of the cage, and watched along with them, his smirk not once leaving his lips - not even when the creature hissed and began moving toward the woman, his black tongue flicking around like a snake's. "Say hello to our friend, Miss. He doesn't bite, I promise." Erik laughed at his own joke, a sinister laugh, as if the woman were in actual danger.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"I do apologize to the audience, but, seeing as our little friend has missed dinner, I should like to leave him in peace." The woman in the cage couldn't hide her laughter. Something was different. Questions from children could be heard all the way around the room. "Mama, is he gonna eat her?" Came out the most. Meg threw the man's tarp back over him. Minutes later, 'screams' could be heard and Meg pulled off the tarp.

 

[Guile]

Erik smirked, knowing what lie beneath the wooden floors of the stage. Trapdoors. Oh, he had always loved trapdoors and, being the magician that he was, he couldn't resist throwing a little 'magic' into a show such as this. The screams from the woman in the cage came and then, as the tarp was pulled off the cage once again, nothing. The woman was gone, much to the surprise of the audience, leaving just the creature, flicking his tongue and hissing 'angrily.' Before anyone could even question what had happened to the woman, she appeared at the back of the theater, a spotlight directing the audience's attention to her. Trapdoors and secret passageways, my specialty. Erik let out another deep laugh at the confusion of the audience, but naturally said nothing to clear their confusion. Where would the fun be in that?

 

[Saiyan Princess]

As the woman came back to them, unscathed, she received tumultuous applause. She took her own bow. "Thank you! Thank you!" She took the key from Meg and unlocked the cage again, so that her tormentor could emerge. "Thank you for sparing me." She smiled and kissed his cheek. Christine was holding in her breath the entire time and was relieved when she was allowed to let it go.

 

[Guile]

The creature stepped from the cage to stand beside the woman. In response to her kiss he smiled, and let out a soft hiss and if in approval. Erik watched this exchange smiling. It was nice, not only to provide entertainment for the crowd, but to be able to show them that these people were humans at the same time - not vicious monsters. Another difference between Phantasma and he hell I had to endure as a child. His eyes flickered with the pain of those memories and, for a split second, he could have sworn that he felt the burning lash of a whip against his back, but then it was gone. "There you have it, my friends." Erik purred once again, smirking at the audience.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Unfortunately, the woman had to leave her new friend, but not before the applause got louder, people stood, clapped and cheered in every direction. "Goodbye, friends." She blew a very special kiss to the snake man before disappearing into the crowd. Christine was one of the very few that stayed behind. Most of the others were women with children, children who wanted to meet the cast of Phantasma. "Well, Gustav, let's go say 'hi' to Mister Y, don't you want to?" She laughed and followed the children toward Erik and the others. "Erik, darling." She kissed his hand.

 

[Guile]

As soon as the show had ended and everyone began to clear out, Erik breathed a soft sigh of relief. It was good be done with such mental stress as this show put on him. It's going to take some getting used to. Still, I suppose it will stop reminding me of my past one of these days. I just have to give it time. It was then that Erik saw Christine and, before he knew it, her lips were on his hand. "Christine!" He chuckled and his eyes shone brightly. He was so very pleased to see her. "Hello, Gustav..." Erik cooed as he smiled down at his son, taking his tiny hand between his fingers, and placing a soft kiss on the back of his hand. "Did you enjoy the show?" He looked at Christine again, praying that she hadn't found it too disturbing.