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

Chapter Four - The Phantom's Demands

Days after Piero's murder, the Phantom had not been seen or heard from. Despite the cold trail, Aerrow continues the investigation. Meanwhile, Piper had perfromed her role to critical acclaim. Janos holds a celebration for the success of the performance. 

Kraton: A fine celebration Janos! Truly a fine celebration!

Janos: I couldn't agree more Kraton! I'm just glad everyone here is in such a joyous mood! 

As the party goes on, Aerrow and Piper slow dance to the music playing. Piper couldn't shake the feeling about Erik. She knew Erik wasn't gone. But she hid those feelings as to not ruin the mood. Aerrow gazes into Piper's eyes, losing himself in her beauty.

Aerrow: You're so.....beautiful.

Piper blushes deeply as she kisses Aerrow's cheek. But as he does so, the lights suddenly turn off. As everyone looks around, they see the Phantom wearing red aristocratic clothing. As he walks down the stairs, the room becomes silent. 

Phantom: Why so silent ladies and gentlemen? Did you think that I had left you for good? Have you all missed me? I have written for you an opera! 

The Phantom then pulls out an enormous manuscript from under his robe and presents it to everyone.

Phantom: Here I bring the finished score! "Don Juan Triumphant"! My instructions should be clear! The lead role of Don Juan shall be left uncast! The seat on Box Five shall remain empty!

Kraton: And why should we follow the word of a madman?

Kraton moves closer, but is stopped when the Phantom pulls out a Crystal Blade and stops him dead in his tracks.

Phantom: As as for you Kraton, you must learn that your place is in an office! Not the arts. The same goes for you Janos! 

The Phantom then glances towards Piper. He slowly walks towards her with the sword still in his hand. Aerrow moved closer to Pier, preparing to attack. The Phantom looks at Piper and sees the ring he gave her put in a necklace round her neck. Piper could see the rage and sorrow in his eyes from beneath the mask.

Phantom: And as for our star Piper. I have no doubt she will excel. Her voice shall soar to the heavens! Her voice shall outshine everyone in this opera! 

Aerrow then moved towards the Phantom, ready to fight. The Phantom and Aerrow lock eyes. Fear gripped Piper as the two men fought for her affection. After the short exchange, the Phantom turns to Piper.

Phantom: Till we meet again.....

As the Phantom said that, he runs to the middle of the stairway and disappears into the floor hidden by fire. Aerrow attempt to chase after him, but is stopped by Piper. 

Piper: He's gone......

Aerrow becomes frustrated as the Phantom eluded him once more. He wanted more than anything to stop the Phantom almost to the same point as stopping Dark Ace. At least Dark Ace wasn't after Piper. Piper then took Aerrow to her room to discuss what their next move would be. 

Aerrow: So what now? 

Piper: We go along with it.

Aerrow: What?! That's crazy! I'm not going to put you in danger! I'm not.....

Piper: I know you don't want to, but what choice do we have? If we don't do as he says, he will kill again! You saw what happened to Piero! I don't want anyone to die because of me! 

Aerrow: Piper......

Piper: Please Aerrow. You have to trust me on this! Please......

Aerrow then hugged Piper to comfort her. He wanted to trust her, but he didn't want her to risk her life to stopping the Phantom. But he knew she was right. 

Aerrow: Okay Piper. I trust you. I'll.....I'll go tell Janos of this. I love you.

Piper: I love you too. 

Aerrow and Piper then kiss in a loving embrace. As he leaves the room, Piper quietly called out the unseen figure in the room.

Piper: Erik....

The Phantom then walks out from behind the mirror and reveals himself to Piper.

Piper: Please Erik! You have to stop this! It's gone too far!

Phantom: I asked that you be faithful. I asked that you love me. That is all I asked of you. And yet you deny me. 

Piper: It's not like that Erik! Please! Don't hurt anyone because of me! Don't hurt......

Phantom: Aerrow?

Piper stopped herself as she looked away from the Phantom. As the name left his mouth, the Phantom was left enraged. 

Phantom: There will be consequences for your actions. You will curse the day you did not do all that I have asked of you! 

As his voice raised, Piper looked at the Phantom and placed her hand on the Phantom's face in an attempt to talk him out of whatever he was planning. 

Piper: Erik.....please! Don't do this! You don't have to do this! This isn't you! This isn't the Erik I grew up with! This isn't the boy who wished to become a singer! This isn't the Erik......

Phantom: People change. I changed, Piper. I changed. As I said, I'm looking forward to your performance Piper.

As the Phantom left, Piper sat on her bed with thoughts plaguing her mind. She couldn't help but feel guilty about everything. If she did what the Phantom had asked, none of this would be happening. But her heart truly belonged to Aerrow. But now the thought of Aerrow potentially fighting against the Phantom in what would most likely be a battle to the death brought Piper to the verge of tears. But for now, she had to keep strong for the performance. For Aerrow.