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

[Guile]

Astonishingly, Erik let out a low growl from somewhere deep in his throat at the sight of people occupying his box. Oh, how he wanted to do something right then and there about it. He wanted to make the managers pay for this - show them what would happen when they denied his requests. But...then he caught sight of Christine. She was dancing with several other girls, but not once did Erik move his gaze from her. She was absolutely stunning - her costume, her dancing, everything was marvelous and she was doing so well! How could he interrupt her performance? It would be unforgivable! Plus, at this point, he was so wrapped up in watching her that he had almost completely forgotten about his box. I shall wait until her performance is done. I will not ruin Christine's moment for my petty wishes. And so, he waited and watched her from where he was, looking down over the boxes and the audience and the stage, for the only place he could go to see the show was high above everyone else. Amazingly, he could still spot Christine. It was most likely because he had familiarized himself with the way she moved - each little mannerism of hers. Or, perhaps it was because she was one of, if not the, best dancer out there.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine felt that presence that she was so used to feeling now, but that still made her slightly uncomfortable, just because it was like a darkness, an omen in the opera. He's here. She thought to herself. It's him. The Phantom of the Opera. Trying not to show how nervous she truly was, mostly due to this being her first performance, but also due to her teacher watching her, she continued her routine for what felt like an eternity. Oh, God. Please let this be just a visit. Don't let the words of my tormentors be true! The music finally slowed, then stopped. Christine's time was over. Immediately, Daae grabbed Madame Giry. "You feel him too?" She asked, shaking. "He's here!" Madame Giry pulled her close and pat her on.the.back. "He's just wanting to make sure that you're alright." She assured.

 

[Guile]

Erik watched, entranced, until at last the music stopped and Christine's time on the stage was over. Alright...he took a deep, nervous breath. It's now or never. Unable to think of anything else to do, Erik let his voice echo over the crowd, which he aimed at the managers. "I believe I instructed that box five be kept open. I ask that from now on you comply to my requests, lest you wish me to take matters into my own hands, my dear managers." There was an air of contempt in his voice and Erik did nothing to hide it. To prove his point, if only a little, Erik found his way closer to backstage - out of sight of anyone - and took the lights in the entire house and caused them to go out. If he was not going to see the show from his preferred seat, then no one would watch it. Next time...it will be far worse. This is nothing, my friends. Erik thought to himself, anger still boiling inside him because of the manager's ignorance.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

The children all started freaking out when the lights turned off. When the lights came back on, thanks to one of the stage hands, things finally calmed down. Christine was still very nervous, but decided that she, at least, should remain calm in the face of disaster. "Go to him." Madame Giry told her, then pushed her in the right direction. Christine hurried along the corridors until she felt her friend's presence. "Thank you for waiting until I was finished, dear one." She giggled.

 

[Guile]

Erik was distracted by the everyone else's confusion and did not notice Christine approaching. When she spoke it caused him to jump a little and hit the wall behind him. His face went red from embarrassment at how ridiculous he must have sounded. He was glad he was hidden in the shadows so that Christine could not see him God, you've been sneaking around here for years. If you keep doing things like this, you'll be caught by someone who isn't friendly to you! He thought angrily to himself. "Well, there was no way in the world I was going to interrupt your lovely performance." He smiled at calmed down a bit. "You did wonderfully, Christine." That's when he remembered that he had something to give her, but at the same time he remembered something else. She doesn't wish to see me again! How did I expect to give this to her? "Christine?" Erik asked after several moments of silence. "I've something to give to you. I...I understand if you don't wish for me to come out. If you would prefer, I can leave it in your room." He swallowed hard, feeling a little embarrassed again. "It's nothing big...it's just something for...well, for doing so well."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine smiled in Erik's direction. "I'm sorry that I hurt you, sir." She reached out her hand to the darkness, wanting to find his hand, but stopped. "You're right. It's best not to let me see you, though I couldn't say 'no' to another hug from you." Immediately, she tackled him, disappearing into the darkness with him. "I am comfortable just being with you." She found his hand at last. "Oh, I miss you."

 

[Guile]

Erik eyed her hand, wondering what she would do, then she stopped. A part of Erik was saddened by this. In actuality, it hurt him quite a lot, but it wasn't Christine's fault. She doesn't mean to do this to you...it's your fault that you're hurting. You let your guard down...you let emotions- before Erik could even finished his thought, Christine's arms were wrapped around him and that beautiful, warm feeling was radiating through his body again. Then, she took his hand and Erik found himself smiling uncontrollably. "Oh, Christine, don't apologize. It was my fault..." Erik found that it was, once again, hard to speak. "I never meant to make you uncomfortable or frighten you away. I miss you too." He whispered before pulling back just a little to reach in his coat and pull out the gift he had for her. He wasn't sure if she could see it or not in the dark, but Erik could - his eyes were adjusted to it just enough that he could see the red rose he had in his hand, a black ribbon tied around the stem to mark it as a gift from him. "I'm sorry it isn't much." He smiled as he handed her the small sentiment. "I just wanted to give you something to show my appreciation. Plus, as I said, you did very well tonight."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Oh, thank you!" She took the little rose. "My, it's lovely, Phantom." She eyed it with admiration. It was the most stunning thing that she had ever held. "Thank you, my friend." She brought it to her nose, then heard the clock chiming. " I really wish our time together wasn't always cut short by that clock!" She broke away. "I saw them in your box."

 

[Guile]

Erik smiled warmly, her words of admiration filling his ears like a beautiful melody. He could hardly speak, but his face did turn red, feeling a little embarrassed by this, but his thoughts were interrupted by the clock's chime. Chuckling at her words, Erik nodded in agreement and tried not to feel so broken when she removed her arms from around him. "I wish it wasn't either, Christine." Erik sighed softly, not meaning for it to have been audible. He thought about his box being filled and shook his head, exasperated. "Don't worry yourself with that, Christine. It is...well, I will work something out with them." Erik smiled, a new thought coming to him. "And do not fret, for we shall see each other again soon. I do believe I owe you a lesson. Do I not? Seeing as I've slipped up and not given you one for quite some time."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"But, of course, Phantom." She sighed in agreement with his last statement. "Is there somewhere that you'd like to meet? Can I go to Raoul and play with him while I wait?" She kissed his hand, still clenching her fist around the exquisite flower. "And, I also wanted to ask you why you chose a rose other than a lily or tulip." She was truly curious, because, as far as she knew, it could have just been the tradition for roses to be given to performers. Or is there something that he isn't telling me? She thought about this question, choosing not to speak it. "Why?"

 

[Guile]

"Wonderful!" Erik grinned at her agreement. And, though he didn't like the idea of Christine spending time with Raoul, he could not refuse her when she looked so sweetly up at him the way she was. "Of course, Christine. Please, take your time with your friend. Then, you can simply meet me in you room again. We shan't be easily interrupted there, I hope." Though, in his heart Erik was unsure why he gave her a rose, he had a feeling he did know why. There was a feeling deep in his heart that Erik wished he could ignore. He didn't want to feel this way for it would only cause him heartache. But, whether Erik chose to accept his own feelings or not, he could not express them to Christine. And so, he lied. "Apart from the tradition, the rose has always been my favorite flower, simply because I find it to be the most beautiful." The most sentimental. "Only the best for you, Christine." He smiled at her, hoping his cute little lie worked.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

She couldn't see the smile, for he was still hidden in shadow, but she felt it. "Thank you, Master." She turned on her heel and let her feet lead her away. The fib fooled the child. She knew nothing of his true feelings and intentions. But, would he ever reveal the truth to her? No one knows. Perhaps one day, maybe. Christine kept the pace until she spotted Raoul in the front hall of the building. "Raoul!" She charged him, but he was upset. "Lottie, I must go." Christine wasn't sure what he meant. "Well, when you get back, we'l-..." she was cut off when Raoul held up his hand. "I won't be coming back. Father got a job overseas." At these words, Christine broke down. "NO!"

 

[Guile]

Erik smiled at her thanks once again, waited until she had disappeared, then started to make his way to her room. The whole way there he felt like kicking himself. Why didn't I just tell her the truth? It will only make it harder for me to confess to her later. Or...will I ever? God, I don't know... He was almost there when he heard Christine's wail. It sent a shiver down his spine and a deep pain in his heart. Hearing it was almost unbearable. Concerned, Erik raced off - mindful of staying out of sight - in the direction it had come from. At last he found Christine. She was with Raoul, which did not surprise Erik. He made sure to keep his distance and watch from the shadows, making sure neither of them knew he was there. Erik made up his mind that he would stay only long enough to figure out what was wrong, then he would return to her room and wait behind her mirror for her. But, with a scream like that, Erik could not just leave Christine without finding out what had hurt her.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Now, as Christine was trying so hard to stay with the boy as someone was trying to pry her off, she thought, again, of her father leaving. "I cannot let you go!" She argued. "No!" She kept going and going until the hands holding her tensed and finally got her off of Raoul. "Monsieur De Chagney, please. Just go." Madame Giry held Christine like she would Meg. The Vicomte's wife took her son's hand and walked him out. Giry didn't let go until the carriage turned a corner and disappeared. "LET GO!" Christine kept shouting. "RAOUL!"

 

[Guile]

Erik watched the scenario before him with an aching heart. As much as he did not like Raoul, Erik could not rejoice at his departure because Christine was pained by it. He shook his head, mixed feelings running through his heart, and silently made his way back to Christine's room. He longed to comfort her, but surely she would not want his comfort. All Christine seemed to want now was Raoul. And how can you blame her for that? He is her friend...the only one left that she had - that could be seen by other humans. As Erik now waited behind her mirror, all he could think about was Christine's screams. The poor girl had sounded as though someone had ripped out a part of her soul and taken it from her forever. It tore him apart, those screams of hers.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"There, there, Christine. Fifteen years is nothing to worry about." Giry tried her hand at comforting the little one. "You still have the new friend that you made." She dared not speak his name out loud, for people continued to watch her every move. "Cheer up, he'll want you to be happy." Christine couldn't take this. Breaking away from her mistress, she broke into a run and then, upon reaching her destination, threw herself on her bed and sobbed

 

[Guile]

Erik was brought out of his thoughts suddenly as the door to Christine's room flew open and slammed shut again. He hardly noticed Christine, for she wasted no time in running directly to her bed. Then, she began sobbing and Erik's heart broke even further. Oh, God...what can I do? All she wants is Raoul and I cannot bring him back to her. Would I...would I even want to? Erik was unsure until he heard another cry escape from her lips. Oh, yes! Yes, God, I would bring him back if only to make her happy. Tears threatened to fall from Erik's own eyes, but he refused to let them. He stood from his spot on the ground and faced the mirror, watching Christine as she continued to cry. When he could take no more, Erik began to speak softly to her in a desperate attempt to make her happy. Or, at the very least, stop crying. "Christine? My angel, I...I am so sorry." He truly was. Erik was sorry she had to hurt like this. "If I can do anything...anything at all to take the pain away, I will. Just tell me." Erik found his heart sinking deeper into his chest. He knew what Christine wanted, and he could not give it to her. She only wanted Raoul.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Sniffling as she wiped mucus along her sleeve, puffy eyed and red faced, she turned her chocolate curls toward him. Her heart was filled with sorrow and anger. She was angry at the Vicomte. "H-He didn't h-have to go with them." She held her pillow over her face. "Why does everyone leave me? My mother, my father, Raoul, everyone that I thought cared about me and loved me, then they leave!" She screamed into the pillow. "Why?!?" She then realized something. Her angel was right by her side, always. "I'm sorry. I look like a blubbering fool! I forgot that I still had you!" Her face was red with embarrassment now.

 

[Guile]

Erik had never before felt more guilt. "Christine, they could not help it. They didn't want to leave you, I am sure of this. You were probably the only thing in the world that they wished to stay for - you bring light to everyone's life." He confessed, his face starting to flush from embarrassment. "Do not apologize for being upset, dear Christine. No one blames you for the heartache you feel. You are right to be upset. Though...I wish you didn't have to suffer this way. You don't deserve the pain you've felt over the years." Erik went silent for a long time, wishing he could tell her right then how he felt. But, how could he do that to her? She just had a dear friend taken from her. How would it help her to tell her she was loved by a monster? All he could do was reassure her. "I will always be here for you. You need never worry about me leaving you. I could never, I promise you this."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine looked at her friend with a new smile on her face. She felt so very reassured. "I'll feel much better if you tell me the truth." She had to know the truth about his feelings. "Please, if there is anything that could possibly help me it's the truth from you!" She thought again about what he had said and a burning question escaped her. "Do I bring light to your life, Phantom?" Knowing what the answer was, because of the rose, she breathed slowly and calmly to relax herself. "Do you love me?" Being a child at this time, she really didn't have a true concept of love and longing to be with the one that loved her. "Please, just let me know."

 

[Guile]

Erik was confused by her first statement. The truth? What truth does she long for? Then, as she went on to explain, Erik found that fear and embarrassment were filling his body. Oh, God, what will I tell her? He almost started to weep for the decision was so hard on him. I don't want to lie to her but...she doesn't know me! She doesn't know what I am! If she knew... Erik had no choice. He had to answer her, but what would he say? Finally, he choked out...the truth. "You...you do, Christine. You've brought a light to my life that I have never known before. A light that not even Madame Giry, bless her soul, cannot bring. I..." Erik's heart was racing and he didn't know how to go on. He felt his palms growing sweaty and his body was shaking tremendously. Erik was glad that she, at least, could not see how this confrontation was making him act. "I do love you..." He managed to whisper, wondering if she had actually heard him or not, for his voice had been so quiet. Immediately, he sunk to his knees and put his hand against the glass of the mirror. "Forgive me. I shouldn't feel such things. I do not deserve...I could never ask you..." But Erik was helpless to finish any of his sentences.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine smiled. The poor, innocent girl had known all along that there was something more, but she didn't know how to express that he always made her smile. "Oh, I knew it!" She was so very happy with this news that she forgot all about her sorrow from Raoul leaving. "I knew it!" Then, suddenly, it hit her. They couldn't be more than just student and teacher, for her heart was Raoul's.

 

[Guile]

Erik looked up at her, astonished at her excitement. For a moment, for just a brief moment, Erik's heart had become overjoyed at the thought that she might care for him too. Then, he saw it. Erik saw that look of remembrance in Christine's eyes and he knew she was thinking of Raoul. Oh, how that hurt worse than if she had just told him she didn't feel for him that same way. But, no, he was rejected because she wanted another. That never failed to hurt worse than being rejected simply because you weren't the one. At this point, there's someone better and it's no longer 'you aren't the one' - now, it's 'you aren't him'. Erik couldn't have felt more broken, but he forced his tears to stay silent. He would not show his weakness to Christine. Unfortunately, he couldn't say anything to her. One, because he didn't know what to say. And two, because his throat was so tight that he could not speak if he wanted to. He simply sat there, clinging to the mirror for dear life.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine backed up. "Forgive me, Master. But, I cannot return your love." She had tears in her eyes. "Raoul will come back for me." She was so upset now after she said his name aloud. "He'll come back and we will be together." Christine was also upset that she had hurt the Phantom, but really couldn't take her mind from Raoul.

 

[Guile]

As Christine confessed to all that Erik had been thinking to be true, the tears in his eyes started flowing more down his cheeks. He still sat there, the words stuck in his throat, for a long time in silence. When he spoke again, Erik tried desperately not to sound upset, but his voice cracked from the tears several times, causing his face to flush. "I...I understand. I don't blame you." He started shaking now, as if his sobs were building up inside of him and threatened to expel themselves from his lips any second. "No one has ever loved me. Why should I ask you to?" Erik had no intention of using his words to make her feel guilty, he made that clear with his tone. He was only speaking what he felt was the absolute truth - no one would ever love him. To Erik, it was a fact of life that he had to learn. And this, today, was his lesson. "I..." he paused, that word having come out as a squeak, then tried again. "I will never mention it again." Though my feelings will never go away...