Angel of Music

Chapter Twenty-Six: That's All I Ask Of You

Jack pulled harder. It was time Hans was punished for his crime. It was time he received what he deserved.

Hans stuttered at the rope around his neck became tighter. Spluttering and gasping for breath, Hans continued to attempt to breathe. The sound was merely a whisper, but yet Elsa still overheard it.

No. This was not how Elsa hoped for it to end. This was not what she desired. It was not right.

"No, Jack, stop," Elsa yelled as she swirled around to witness her Angel and Hans. Turning to Elsa, Jack slackened on the rope as he glanced over to Elsa with confusion.

"Elsa, this man is a murder and he tried to shoot you. He deserves this fate," Jack explained to Elsa, As she watched with horror as he pulled harder on the rope. He loosened again.

"No, Jack, this is not right," Elsa yelled towards him with desperation clear in her voice.

"He deserves this," Jack shouted towards Elsa.

"Go on, kill me, prove me right. Show Elsa that you're precisely what I performed you to be. Show her your true nature," Hans spat out as he taunted Jack to proceed to kill him. If Hans could not have Elsa, he would make certain that the Phantom couldn't either.

Elsa, realising that Jack would soon kill Hans, stepped into the lake. Not caring if her gown got wet, she continued walking towards Jack. With a soft and gentle voice, she said, "Jack, listen to my voice and my voice alone."

Jack turned slightly towards her, forgetting Hans for a moment. Both men watched her as she came towards them like an angel.

"Yes, Hans deserves to be punished..." Elsa sang sweetly towards Jack, "but not by your own hands. It will only prove that he was precise, and we both know that is not true," Elsa sang with her heart.

Then calmly standing in front of him, Elsa kisses him long and full on his lips. Thre rest of the world seemed to disappear. Only Elsa and Jack existed. In the moment, they were all that mattered.

Horror, Hans looked away. He could not watch the scene. He was disgusted that an alluring woman, such as Elsa, could kiss a beast and freak, such as the Phantom. To him, it was unnatural. He believed it should have been him. It should have been him to kiss Elsa in such a way, not the Phantom.

The kiss ended. Jack turned to observe Hans. Taking a step towards him.

"I am no monster," Jack stated with a stern voice.

One last tug and the rope dropped from Jack's hands. Hans was still alive. Elsa made sure of that. She had saved the very man she feared.

Jack turned back to Elsa. Noticing that she stood firmly in her place as she watched him, he made his way towards her. As he stood before her, he placed a stray piece of hair behind her hair gently.

"Elsa, I love you...." He sang with his anaesthetized voice. Placing his hand on her cheek, creasing her jawline with a gentle touch. Closing her eyes in bliss, Elsa leant her face into his hand.

"Track down this murderer -he must be found! Hunt out this animal, who runs to ground," screamed the mob from the distance. Elsa and Jack looked passed Hans and through the gate, expecting to see the mob. Still, they continued to yell, " Too long he's preyed on us -but now we know: the Phantom of the Opera is there deep down below."

"Can you hear it? They're coming after you... We need to hurry, there must be another way out..." Elsa panicked as she grasped onto Jack's arm. Her hold was strong and firm, yet not too strong for Jack to feel any pain.

Smiling down towards his love, he spoke, reassuringly "there is. We'll be long gone before they arrive here..."

Lifting her in a bridal carry, Jack walked back to the shore. As he placed Elsa down, Hans began to yell unflattering comments about the two, promising he would find them someday.

"Do not listen to him, my love. He will never take my love for you away," Elsa reassured her Angel as she placed her hand on his distorted cheek. Elsa knew he had listened to Hans' horrible comments. Knowing full well that Jack would fill with anger.

Sending her a smile he took her hand in his. They moved as one. He guided her as she began to speak flattering and hopeful words,"You've walked too long in darkness, forget your lonely days. Let's leave no one will find you. We can leave it all behind..."

They had paused. Observing her carefully, he stood still as he came to the end of their path.

"Say you want me with you, now and always, say these words and all this can come true..." Elsa sang sincerely with all her heart, "that's all I ask of you..." Elsa finished with a grand smile.

Taking her hand, he placed a tender loving kiss upon her knuckles. He adored her. He adored her voice, her beauty and her character. She was perfect to him. His Angel of music.

Turning away for a moment, Jack grasped a red material that covered a single decorative mirror. Elsa studied the mirror with wonder and admiration. It golden detailing was exquisite. Swirling detailing with in-depth carving surrounded the glass.

"This shall buy us some time before they discover it," Jack declared as he too analysed the mirror before them.

"Behind the mirror? Where does it lead?" Elsa question as Jack moved away for a moment. Following Jack with her eyes, she saw him grasp a cloak.

Placing the cloak over his love, he replied, "Into the stables. I've prepared for this day. I am nothing if not resourceful, Elsa."

Elsa suppressed a giggle at his comment and managed a smile. Leaning up she placed a gentle kiss on his malformed cheek, whispering in his ear, "you are more than resourceful, my love."

One small press and the mirror opened.

They were free and most of all, they were together. Together they were the Angle of music. Together they were one. Together they were free.