The Angel Of Music - |P.O.T.O.|

Down Once More

Miss Daaé could see the pain and the sweetness in his eyes, and she knew it was her Angel of Music there, in front of her, singing to her with the most soft words to come from him. She knew the acceptance was important for him. So, in a matter of seconds, she took his mask off, to finally reveal to the world that he wasn't a Phantom. No! He was a human being, just like everyone else, who needed love and compassion to be a better person.

Erik glanced at her with apprehension, waiting for a scream or a disturbed look. But the woman expressed none of those feelings, and he couldn't understand. It was indeed his most wanted dream, yet when it stared at him in the soul, he just couldn't believe it was happening at last. He was fully accepted by someone. It can't be true. Of course it must be a joke, for who could ever learn to love a beast?*

As this thought took over his restless mind, the man finally escaped from that tempting and engaging atmosphere, noting the chaos which ensued in the Opera House. The abomination had been revealed. All were frightened and disgusted by its distorted face, and Erik was taken by insecurity and dread. They needed to leave that place right now, and the guards were everywhere.

— Don't shoot! — Raoul shouted from Box Five, where he watched the whole play, afraid they would hit Christine. The Vicomte could notice the sincerity in their words during the song, but he wouldn't leave it cheap for that man. He would save his woman from that abomination, whatever it takes.

Erik's first movement was to firmily hold the soprano's waist, for the next step was to cut the rope which opened a lobby under where they were. And they fell in it. Yet, there was a mistake committed by him, for the first time in his life. The rope was one of the many others that supported the chandelier on the ceiling. Suddenly, the great candled chandelier fell down, mercilessly smashing and destroying anything on its way to the ground, besides setting the theatre on fire. What a disaster had occurred on that place!

As both escaped from that chaos, Carlotta found her beloved Piangi's dead body hanged on the backstage, the saddest view she could ever imagine in her life. She was destroyed, just as the others, which were lost and frightened by the occurrences. They would never be the same since that memorable disaster. Raoul ordered the guards to escort all the guests and artists outside, so no one got hurt, as Madame Giry fastly accompanied him to the only passage she knew, which lead to the Opera Ghost's hiding cave. She watched the show, pacient and fearful, following Erik's careful movements with her cunning eyes.

— Come with me, monsieur! I'll take you to him! — And she stressed. — But remember, keep your hand at the level of your eyes!

They rushed as rapidly as they could, yet the Phantom of the Opera was already down to the place he wished never to return again.

— Down once more to the dungeons of my black despair!  — His voice was desperate and full of disappointment. — Down we plunge to the prison of my mind! Down that path into darkness deep as hell!

The disturbed man almost dragged the woman down to his place, what made her frightened and angry by his action. How dared him do it with a lady? Why did he do all he had done until that day?

— You must be asking your self why was I bound and chained in this cold and dismal place. — He stared at the humble soprano with disgrace and scorn. — Not for any mortal sin, you see, but for the wickedness of my abhorrent face!

As they finally arrived, Christine's arm already felt the pain of Erik's tight grip. What was that changed man? How could somebody alterate its personality just like this? It scared the woman.

— Hounded out by everyone! Met with hatred everywhere! No kind word or compassion from anyone, anywhere!

The Phantom of the Opera clumsily brought her from the crossed misty lake, putting her on the ground and looking at the singer in the eyes.