Angel of Music

Chapter Twenty-Two: Preparation

"We have all been blind," Hans told the managers as he walked down the corridors. A crowd followed his steps. Madam Terpsichore, Siniora Grimhilde, Vladimir and others crowded in to listen to the Vicomte.

"And yet the answer is staring us in the face," the Vicomte declared to the crowd who grew. They were all intrigued to listen to the Vicomte's plan to capture the Phantom.

"This could be the chance to ensnare our clever friend," Hans declared as he now looked forward. The managers grew closer to the Vicomte, desperately wanting to hear his plan. They were more than willing to help get rid of the so-called Phantom of the Opera.

"We're listening..." Lumier stated to the Vicomte with a firm voice.

"Go on," Cogsworth stated as he stared at the Vicomte.

"We shall play his game," the Vicomte told the crowd, "perform his work, but remember we hold the ace. For if Miss Winter sings he is certain to return."

"We are certain the doors are barred," Lumier declared as they continued to walk beside the Vicomte. Lumier was beginning to understand the Vicomte plan and he believed in the plan just as much as the Vicomte.

"We are certain the police are there," Cogsworth added as he caught on with the plan. Lumier and Cogsworth glanced at one another nodding their head in agreement to the plan.

"We are certain they are armed," Hans announced causing Madam Terpsichore to stiffen. Maybe he wasn't what he appeared to be. She wished now that she hadn't told him anything. The Phantom was not a dangerous man, he just got himself into severe situations.

"The curtain falls, his reign will end!" All three men yelled, which caused Terpsichore to stand still. They were going to hurt him. They were going to put an end to his artistic creations, his perfect choreography, his astonishing verse.

Armed police came marching into the Opera. The guests all watched with worry and questioning gaze. They were not informed of the amount of police that would be occupying them.

The Phantom was above the Chandelier making sure that everything was in order for the events for tonight. He checked on the rope which was in place. Making sure the knots were strong and firm, the Phantom grasped the iron chain and placed it elsewhere.

Anna ran around the Opera searching for her dear friend, Rapunzel followed behind her. Realising that there was only one place Elsa would be, Anna changed her path.

Both girls ran down the stairs that would lead them to chapel. When they glanced Elsa, they stopped. Gradually they came towards her and sat either side of her, Anna rests on the left and Rapunzel on the right.

Two candles were lit. One for Elsa's mother and another for her father. The two candles seemed to be dying as if both candles had been used a lot, which was true. Elsa had been down here and lighting the candle ever since she found the chapel. It was a secret sanctuary.

Anna glanced at her best friend and noticed that she seemed calm and collected about the plan. If Anna were her she would have been crying and begging not to go forward with the plan, but Elsa was calm and ready to play her part in the plan. It was as if she knew what would happen as if she knew that everything was going to be fine.

"Elsa, why are you not frightened?" Rapunzel asked quietly as she placed a gentle hand on Elsa's shoulders. Obviously, Rapunzel had noticed that same observation as Anna.

"Why would you go forward with this plan? You know he will take you. You know he will never let you go once he has you. You can't go through with this, you just can't!" Rapunzel exclaimed as small tears began to stream down her face. She did not desire to lose her friend. Elsa and Anna were like family to her and she did not wish one gone. Both were needed in Rapunzel's life.

Elsa hushed her and grasped her within her arms. She stroked the young girl's hair like a mother. Smiling down at her friend and pushed her away so she may see her face.

"We'll be parted forever, Elsa. He won't let you go," Rapunzel told Elsa as she wiped the tears from her face. Elsa only smiled at her comment.

"Whatever happens, happens. I want the two of you to know that I love you and I think of you as a family," Elsa confessed to the two girls. She took a quick glance towards Anna who smiled while tears streamed down her cheeks. All three girls hugged one another, letting out soft tears.

After a few minutes had passed, Anna retreated as well as Rapunzel. The two girls laughed at their silliness.

Wiping her tears away, Anna spoke, "you love him don't you, Elsa."

Elsa smiled at the comment. Looking down at her lap she twiddled with her fingers. She was shy with her answer, she knew her friends may be distressed with her answer. "Yes, very much."

"We are happy for you, whatever or whoever you chose, we will be by your side always," Anna stated as she softly grasped Elsa's hand and gave it a soft and gentle squeeze.

"Yes, whatever you chose we will by your side," Rapunzel added as she too grasped Elsa's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Again they all fall into a hug with slight laughter in the air.

The stained glasses window that was an image of an Angel glowed brightly as the three girls laughed and held each other. All was well with the girls. All were content.

Deep down below, in his lair was the Phantom. He spoke to himself as he prepared for the night ahead.

"Seal my fate tonight," he said to himself as he removed his white mask and swiftly placed a whole black mask upon his face, "I hate to have to cut the fun short, but the joke's wearing thin."

He turned towards his sculptured stage and smiled at all the characters that were from his opera. The stage was red as if in flame and various wooden characters stood on the stage. All from his own opera.

"Let the audience in, let my opera begin!" The Phantom declared as he positions a certain doll with brown hair into the correct position. She was placed next to a masked figure with a black cape.