What If He Wasn't Alone? (A Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction)

(I do not own Phantom of the Opera or any of the characters (except Isa) or any of the songs (much to my disappointment...)

"Isa!" I heard Meg call "hurry up!" I half-ran down the stairs and I'm surprised I didn't trip on my ballet shoes and fall flat on my face. I arrived in the wings just time to see Christine Daae sing her solo. She was the star, ever since Carlotta quit, in the Opera Populaire's production of "Hannibal". Watching her preform, I found myself wishing I was up there in the spotlight. But this was impossible, no one had ever heard me sing and I intended to keep it that way. So I was a dancer, rarely noticed, certainly never the star but that was how I liked it. I wouldn't ever be able to stand under the gazes of the entire audience, I'd faint first.

Christine finished her song and the opera house burst into applause. That was our cue to take the stage. The fourteen other dancers and I walked out past Madame Giry, the dance instructor, who motioned for us to straighten up and smile. With that, we stepped out on the stage.

Spotlights blinded me momentarily, my eyes adjusted quickly, in time to see the huge crowd that was seated in the opera house. They all looked like noblemen and women, those were the only people who ever came to watch, it cost a great deal to watch one show. My mind had no time to worry about all the people staring at me; it was occupied in the steps. I remembered each movement, each twirl, and preformed perfectly. The show went wonderfully as usual.

The next morning everyone was in an uproar, Christine was no where to be found. She's been kidnapped, everyone whispered, by the Opera Ghost. The managers had received notes from the ghost stating how his opera was to be run. Later that day, Christine returned, much to the patron's relief.

I was in the dormitories when Christine came. "Are you okay?" I asked

She jumped and spun around to face me. "Oh Isa! Yes I'm fine."

"If you don't mind my asking, where were you?" I asked.

"In the Phantom's home." She answered.

"He exists?!" I whispered. Since the notes first appeared, he occupied my thoughts. Even though he terrified me, I found myself wanting to meet him.

Madame Giry knocked on the door and called "Girls rehearsal!"

By the time rehearsal was over it had grown dark. I was wandering the opera house aimlessly when I saw a shadow of a person. Without a moment's hesitation, I hurried to follow it. I followed it down, down to the basement. Who is this mysterious shadow? I thought. Could it be the opera ghost? Before I knew it, I was standing on a rocky island in the middle of an underground lake.

I didn't have any time to look around before my foot slipped and I let out a yelp as I fell. I felt a rope tighten around my neck and I heard the Phantom's voice growl "What are you doing here?!"

"I... I'm following you." I said, my voice shaking with fear.

"Why?!" he turned me to face him. His blue eyes were lit with anger.

"I... I don't know." I said as tears started forming in my eyes. I'm going to die!

Then something in his eyes changed and he loosened the rope. I gasped and took a deep breath. "You let me go." I said in shock.

"I don't kill girls." He said "But I'm afraid I can't let you leave."

"What?!"

"You found my home. I can't let you go running back and tell the police, can I?" he asked. "I'm sorry child, you're staying here."

"Are you going to keep this noose around my neck the entire time?" I asked.

"No." he said pulling it off and storing it away somewhere.

"Then I think we've come to an agreement." I said.

"You're not afraid?" he asked a bit surprised.

"Why would I be?"

"I am the Phantom of the Opera." He said holding his arms out. "You must have heard the rumors."

"That doesn't mean I am afraid."

"Well I guess it doesn't." he said. "Mademoiselle, wait, forgive me, I don't recall your name."

"Isa" I said "Do you have a name? It would seem strange to call you Phantom or Opera Ghost."

"My name is Erik." He said.

"Erik." I smiled.