Raptor Of The Opera (Storm Hawks X Phantom Of The Opera)

Chapter One - A Date In The Opera

On Terra Neon, Aerrow and Piper go on a date by attending an opera rendition of a historical event on Atmos revolving a forbidden romance. Aerrow was dressed in a dashing black and white suit while Piper was dressed in a ravishing red dress. Aerrow and Piper take their seats as the performance prepares to begin.

Piper: This is going to be so much fun! I just love the opera!

Aerrow: That's why we're here Piper! Wouldn't be a date if you didn't like it.

Piper smiled and blushed at her boyfriend's comments. As the lights began to dim, the opera began. It starts off with the lead male and female singers confessing their love. But as they do, the female singer suddenly becomes violently ill as she collapses onstage. 

Male Singer: Someone! Get some help! 

Aerrow and Piper get off from their seats and ran onstage to check on the female singer as the curtain closes. 

Piper: What's wrong with her?!

Male Singer: I.....I don't know! She was perfectly fine an hour ago! It must be that damn Phantom! 

Aerrow: Phantom? What Phantom?

As Aerrow said that, the owner of the Opera House entered the room. 

Owner: The Phantom is the invisible hand of this Opera House. He controls what goes on in this Opera House. 

Aerrow: Why haven't you tracked him down?

Owner: We would not know where to look. Now we will have to cancel our performance. We cannot go on without our lead!

Aerrow: I'm sorry the night got ruined Piper. I'll make it up to you!

As Aerrow said that, Piper came up with an idea that could save the performance. 

Piper: I can take over.

Hearing Piper's suggestion caused the other actors to mutter to themselves. Even Aerrow was confused. He never saw his girlfriend sing to the extent of an opera singer. The owner was speechless.

Piper: I know this play like the back of my hand! I can help! Please, will you let me help you?

Owner: I don't know.....can you sing?

Piper then takes a moment and begins singing a line from the performance. As she does so, everyone is amazed at Piper's voice. Hearing Piper sing made Aerrow fall for her even more. When she finished, everyone was left speechless. 

Aerrow: Piper.....

Owner: We have found our star! Everyone! Prepare to resume the performance! I'll see to it that she makes it to the infirmary. 

Aerrow: Piper.....how....

Piper: My mother used to sing to me when I was very little. I.....I guess I just picked up on that.

Aerrow then pulls Piper in for a kiss. She returns the kiss with a loving embrace. After wishing her luck, Aerrow returned to his seat. Some time later, the performance resumed with Piper taking over the role. As she sang her lines, everyone became mesmerized by her voice. In  Box Five in a vacant seat, the masked man known as the Phantom watches the performance and becomes entranced by Piper. 

Phantom: Do my eyes and ears deceive me? Is this the one I knew so long ago? The one who holds my heart? The voice of an angel.....truly an Angel of Music! Piper.......

When the performance ends, the crowd erupts into thunderous applause. Piper was nearly overwhelmed until her eyes fell on Aerrow. Seeing her beloved Sky Knight eased her anxiety. After the show, Aerrow rushes to Piper and picks her up bridal and kisses her. 

Aerrow: That was amazing Piper! 

Piper became flustered with Aerrow's words as he put her down. But before Piper could say anything, the owner walked up to them with a huge smile on his face.

Owner: Bravo young Piper! Never in my life have I seen such wondrous singing! 

Piper: Thank you! I'm glad I was able to save the show! 

???: You did more than that, eh Janos?

Aerrow and Piper turned around to see a man wearing a Cyclonian aristocratic clothing. Aerrow and Piper instinctively feel uneasy. 

Piper: What's a Cyclonian doing here?!

Janos: This is Kraton. He is our benefactor!

Aerrow: What's your game Cyclonian?

Kraton: I feel insulted by your slander, Sky Knight! I am a simple patron of the arts on behalf of the Cyclonian Empire! I was.....moved by your friend's voice! Such a magnificent voice!

Kraton then took Piper's hand and kissed it. Piper felt sick to her stomach while Aerrow felt an urge to punch the smug Cyclonian in the face. Piper eased her boyfriend's rage as Kraton began to speak with Janos.

Kraton: I trust the next performance will go as planned? 

Janos: If the Phantom allows it, Kraton.

Kraton chuckles at the thought of the Phantom. As he does so, Piero: main stagehand of the Opera House enters the conversation. 

Piero: The Phantom is very real Kraton. Very real and very dangerous. He is the true owner of this Opera House! We simply obey his commands. 

Kraton scoffs Piero's warnings while Aerrow and Piper took the warnings very seriously.

Kraton: I think I shall retire for the night. I am very much looking forward to seeing your next performance Piper.

As Kraton flashes a smug smile, Piper simply glares at him while Aerrow gets close to him. 

Aerrow: Make one move on Piper or anyone here and I'll show you how I deal with Cyclonians!

Kraton: Sky Knights.....always the ones to rush to violence.....

Kraton then leaves. After that heated exchange, Aerrow begins speaking with Piper. 

Piper: What a creep!

Aerrow: Are you sure you want to go through with this? This Phantom could be trouble. 

Piper: I'm sure Aerrow. What is it that you always say? The sky is never the limit?

Aerrow chuckles as Piper kisses him on the cheeks. 

Aerrow: You're not wrong. 

Piper: Janos, we'll be more than happy to help out with your future performances and with the Phantom.

Janos: That would be much appreciated! Thank you! 

As Aerrow and Piper began their mission, the Phantom watched from the balcony. His gaze solely focused on Piper. 

Phantom: Piper......we shall soon be together.....soon my love........

With those words, the Phantom's plans were set in motion. Aerrow and Piper's date turned into a temporary career in the Opera and a mission to find the Phantom of the Opera.