The Demon of The Opera

Chapter 1

The Paris Opera House
1870

The performers and crew all ran around backstage, preparing for a new show. The true chaos of the opera was hidden behind the curtains. Grell took her place center stage and began "singing" as her background singers and dancers followed suit. "Pardon me everyone but may I have your attention please?" William, the owner of the opera house spoke up.

"For many weeks now there have been whispers of my retirement. I can now say these rumors are true. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Monsieur Fred Abberline and Monsieur Arthur Randall , our new owners." Polite applause rang out on the stage. "And it is our pleasure to introduce our new patron, The Earl Of Phantomhive."

More applause. The ballerinas walked out from their dressing rooms to see what all the fuss was about. You gasped quietly and leaned over to Elizabeth. "It's Ciel. Before my father died...at the house by the sea. We were somewhat of childhood sweethearts. He would always call me little lottie."

"He's quite handsome (Y/N)."

The navy haired Earl spoke up. "I am honored to help support the arts. Especially the world renowned, Opera Popularé."

"Lord Phantomhive, Monsieur Randal, Monsieur Abberline, allow me the honor to introduce our leading lady for many months now, Grell Sutcliff."

"Excellent to meet you all but I believe I am keeping you from rehearsals. I shall be returning this evening to share in your victory." Ciel said bowing his head before turning to leave. The Earl, followed by the new owners passed the group of dancers on the way out. "He wouldn't recognize me.." you said sadly. "He didn't see you!" Her friend defended.

Madame Red, the dance instructor called the ladies forward encouraging them to rehearse. "We take quite pride in our Ballet Monsieur." She spoke to Abberline. "Yes I can see why. They are all exceptionally talented. Especially that little blonde." He pointed her out. "Yes, my Niece. Elizabeth Midford."

Randal joined the two. "And that exceptional beauty, no relation?" He pointed to the (hair color)nette. "(Y/N) Daie, very promising talent." "Daie? Perhaps related to the Swedish Violinist?" "Oui. His only child. She came to live and train in the ballet dormitories at 7. Now gentleman if you would stand to one side, give my girls some room."

The music came to an end the performers finishing their role. From across the stage Grell was throwing some dramatic fit about not performing while Abberline and Randal tried to convince her to do a private rendition. After much convincing she took her place on stage and began singing terribly off key. Everyone near her was trying desperately hard not to wince.

She had gotten to the second verse when you heard something above you. You looked up to see one of the set supports had "broken" and was quickly falling to the stage falling directly on top of Grell. She screamed and flopped dramatically to the ground. Lizzy looked at you, "He's here, the phantom of the opera."

"For gods sake man! What the hell happened?!" Someone yelled up at the stage hand. "I'm not sure sir it wasn't at my post. There's no one there." He tried to defend. "Unless it was a ghost!" Madame Red looked up to see a letter flittering to the floor. "Señora, these things do happen." Abberline tried to console Grell. "Yes! These things do happen but until you stop these things from happening, this thing-" she gestured to the stage. "DOES NOT HAPPEN!"

She stormed out of the space. "She- she will be coming back right?" Abberline asked. Everyone around him shrugged or shook their heads. "Pardon me Monsieurs but I have a message from the opera ghost. He welcomes you to his opera house."

"His opera house?!"

"And commanded that you continue to keep box five empty for his use. And reminds you that his salary is due." Madame red handed the letter off.

"His salary?" Randal questioned. "Oui. Monsieur William used to give him 20,000 franks a month."

"20,000 FRANKS?!"

"Perhaps you can afford more, with the Earl as your patron." Randal huffed. "See that would be just fine but considering we shall have to cancel as we have no star!!" He yelled. "Well perhaps there is an understudy?" Abberline suggested.

"(Y/N) Daie could sing it sir. She has been taking lessons from a great teacher." Madame Red spoke up. "Who?"
"I'm afraid I do not know his name Monsieur."

"Let her sing for you Monsieur. She knows what she's doing." Madame Red placed a hand on your shoulder. "Very well then. Come along. Don't be shy. From the beginning of the Aria then."

"Think of me, think of me fondly, When we've said goodbye. Remember me, once in a while
Please promise me you'll try. When you find that once again you long, To take your heart back and be free. If you ever find a moment Spare a thought for me"