> The Operatic Angel
>  by misskoifishpony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapitre Un
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

1905 Paris, Prance

The clock tower, across the street from the opera house, began to ring and ding twelve times. This signaled to all of Paris that it was noon. After the twelfth ding, a withering and crippled mare slowly approached L' Opéra de Cheval. She was using a light brown cane to support her front left leg, while her right front leg was being supported by a bulky black cloaked pony. The black hood on the cloak covered the mysterious pony's face. In fact, the pony' s cloak and bulky structure prevented any pony to know if it was a stallion…or a mare…or just something else. However, despite its unsettling appearance, the black cloaked pony held the elderly mare's hoof with great care and gentleness. The mare at his side, was wearing a slender and elegant black laced dress which contrasted with her bright yet slightly wrinkled white body. Her mane was wavy, long, and silver with blonde streaks in it. The only feature on her face that still holds her youth were her eyes. They were big, and they glowed with the deepest shade of navy blue. Any pony, no matter how old, could get lost in those eyes.

It was fall in the fair capital today. The trees and parks that spread throughout the city were painted with the colors of burgundy red, fiery orange, faded brown, and greenish yellow. Even though it was late in the fall season, and most of these beautiful leaves have fallen upon the grey streets, the air was still fresh with the fall crispness. The bareness of the tree branches actually accented their dark colored beauty of the branches themselves. The crisp breeze gently blows all the dead leaves around, making them dance and swirl all around the ponies on the streets. The fall sky was decorated with dark grey rain clouds and peaking streaks of sunshine.

L' Opéra de Cheval…Despite its holey and uneven roof top, it's ashy smudged white walls, its dusty stairs leading to the front entrance, the gathering of trash and rubbish decorating the front doors and side alleys of the building…. L' Opéra de Cheval still hold some of its redeeming beauty. Even after years of its sudden closure, the finely sculpted stone gargoyles and other stone mythical creature statues that lurked on the roof top edges looked ageless and timeless. The arches over the front entrance of the opera were still standing…still glimmering in golden paint. The rounded front entrance doors were still dark brown and complimented with heavy iron knockers and door handles. It was as if the iron had never seen moisture…or fire. The doors still had the triangular pattern carving…a carving so deep and complicated that you could feel the hard work from the artist who made the doors. Most of its beauty comes from its towering structure of course. Even though ponies have made many more tall and modern buildings since the opera's prime, their height and spectacle and style can still never match of L' Opéra de Cheval. And the name sign that hangs in between the arches of the front entrance…it is still intact. No burnt pieces, no decaying edges, no chipping paint. The cursive and delicate writing was still fresh and clear.

The old mare didn't show any signs of pain or agony when wobbling around in her crane. In fact, she felt like she could speed up those stairs leading to the front entrance of the old opera house. But when she reached those big and round doors…she paused…and looked up slowly to take in all of the details making up the door and the arches. When she was done looking at the front entrance, she focused her attention on the large iron door handles. When the black cloaked pony turned its head to face the mare, the pony saw that the lady expressed a solemn but also petrified look on her lovely face. This caused the cloaked pony to squeeze its hoof onto her hoof. When the elderly mare felt this comforting squeeze on her hoof, she turned her attention to the pony next to her and gave it a sweet grandma-like smile. The squeeze on her hoof gave her the courage to enter into the L' Opéra de Cheval.

When the two ponies opened the doors, they were greeted by an overwhelming whirlwind of dust and the smell of ash, old costumes, and old sewer pipelines. The elderly mare's slightly confident smile faded a little when she saw the condition of the opera house on the inside. The opera house…the place of all her memories…both good and bad…was empty…and bare. The once elegant polished floors were now scratched and covered in what appeared thick muck like dust. The walls were so lonely without the master piece art collections, the only thing that gave the walls company were the star spiders and their silky webs. Even the high and beautifully arching ceiling was lonely…lonely without its crystal chandelier. The chandelier that was here years ago wasn't as grand and wide as the one….that hung above the stage….but the crystal chandelier had a welcoming charm to it and captured the sunlight from the high windows so well. Without the chandelier in this front room, the room was dark and filled with shadows. From the corners of the old mare's eyes, she can see pigeon nests in the dark corners of the ceiling along with piles of trash gathered by rats on the floor. The one thing that didn't change was…the black marble stairs before them that lead to the opera stage inside.

Seeing those stairs drew the elderly mare out of her thoughts and it gave her the determination to climb, as if she was about to face the demons of her past. She started to walked, which immediately encouraged her companion to walk with her. Time certainly passed quickly walking up those prestigious stairs….or at least it felt like it to the old mare. Her heart was pounding wildly the entire time. And the black cloaked pony could hear her increasing heart rate and it made the mysterious pony worry about her. However, this pony knew better to stop her when she was on a roll. So the black hooded pony did its best at being her strong and supportive cane on her right side.

By the time they got to the top, the elderly mare was panting and slowly catching her breath. While the old mare lowered her head to the ground, the black cloaked pony brought its head to her eye level to make sure its lady was alright. The black cloaked pony even gave her a small nuzzle on her nose to show its concern. She chuckled slightly at her companion's gesture. She brought her head high into the air to show her status and strength, and opened the small but skinny doors before her with no fear. She didn't even need her friend's help to do so, which made the elderly white mare smile.

When the doors were opened, the two ponies saw a large area covered by crushed and destroyed theatre chairs, giant pieces of wood and stone all around, a sadly collapsed stage in the back, torn box seats on the walls, old and burnt burgundy curtains hanging all over the collapsed staged, and a medium size gathering of ponies before the broken stage. Luckily, there was some space left on the stage in the front to allow some ponies to climb up there and present the important news that were soon to be announced. The elderly mare noticed, while she and her companion, were walking slowly towards the stage that there was a massive white piece of cloth on open part of the stage. More so towards the left side, as if it was coming from the backstage. The cloth was covering some kind of huge yet clumpy looking object. What is that thing? She wondered.

As the two ponies got closer to the group, they began to actually hear their multiple conversations going on at once. Most of the ponies in this gathering were in this mare's age group. Some of the ponies were smiling and laughing with each other, catching up on old times and such. While others held what sounded like more solemn and serious conversations, portraying a sense of anxiety and worry of what was going to happen next. When the old mare approached the group, she smiled at them. Showing a sign of relief on her face, feeling thankful to see familiar faces in a time like this. Even though the black cloaked pony's face cannot be seen through the hood, the pony smiled with the lady at its side.

The old mare scanned the group with ease, looking for more acquainted friends she knew many years ago. During her scan, she noticed an elderly purple unicorn stallion on the stage. His mane was shaggy and copped looking, it was pure grey with streaks of pink it. Her eyes widen at the sight of him….Dusk Shine? It wasn't long before she noticed that the two regal brothers, Prince Solaris and Prince Artemis, were standing next to Dusk Shine. For some reason, they were all guarding the mysterious object underneath the white cloth. Dusk Shine shared a relaxed and vigilant look on well-aged face. It was true that unicorns had an act of aging well due to their magic, although she never thought that about herself. Despite being a unicorn herself, she always felt that there were mares much prettier than her. She also noticed that Dusk Shine looking extremely healthy and handsome for a stallion of his age. She assumed that was because he was in the radiant and powerful magic of the princes, him being their advisor and all. But the most important detail she noticed was the expression on the princes' faces…they expressed royalty and beauty naturally…but it also expressed graved yet emotionless frowns…they were very stern and hard.

Before the elderly unicorn could get a closer look at the princes, she was interrupted with some pony calling out "Miss Bluebell!"

She quickly directed her head towards the direction of this sound, and saw a grown yellow stallion waving excitedly at her. He was very muscular and well built, with large and hard hooves to prove this. He had a thick red mane with some streaks of grey in it, along with some crow feets around his bright child-like eyes.

She joyously answered him "Apple Buck!"

She wobbled as fast as she could, with her faithful companion by her side, towards Apple Buck so that she could give him a big hug. And he did the same. Despite the crowd separating, they didn't have trouble getting to each other. Apple Buck gave Miss Bluebell a big bear hug, just to let her know how much he missed her. Miss Bluebell enjoyed the tight embrace of her old friend, and grinned widely at him.

The strong old stallion remarked to Bluebell in a southern drawl "How have you been Miss Bluebell?!"

Bluebell answered in a giggle "Nothing much really. Just been living the simple life as a dance teacher out in the country. In a town called la ville de jaune."

Apple Buck responded "My! It sure sounds like a mighty fine place Miss Bell."

Bluebell then asked "More importantly, how are you? How's dear Macareina been doing? Where is she?"

Apple Buck answered in hesitant tone "Well not too good, I'm afraid….you see, the old carriage business took quite a stoll on her. She been doing it for so long, and being the hard worker she is…she…she's paralyzed."

Bluebell gasped at this and covered her mouth with her front hooves. Apple Buck closed his eyes and continued "Not just from the waist to the back hooves, but all of her. She can't even move her neck and head by herself. My wife and I have been taking care of her out in Applaosa, but…she's on her last stride."

Bluebell then placed her wrinkled and soft hoof on Apple Buck's shoulder, which made the tall stallion looked into the beautiful eyes of the unicorn before him.

She comforted him with "I don't know what to say, but…I'm so sorry Apple Buck. Please….Please give your sister my love. She will always so kind and understanding about me, the least I can do is…do the same for her."

Apple Buck gave the elderly unicorn a soft smile and placed his large hoof over Bluebell's hoof, "Thank you Miss Bell….I will…without a doubt. I think…that will make my sister…"

Then the country let out some soft sobs before answering with "very happy…"

Bluebell then lifted her hoof from Apple Buck's shoulder, and used it to wipe the tears away from his face like a grandmother would do for her sad grandchild. Yes…that's exactly what he was to her…a child….a grandchild…that she will never have….

When Apple Buck was finally able to see clearly through his teary eyes, he noticed the black cloaked pony behind Miss Bluebell. He gave the pony a surprised yet suspicious look before proclaiming "Who's this stranger?"

Bluebell quickly answered "This is my friend Apple Buck. My dear friend….whom I have known for so long….he's been my caretaker ever since I couldn't walk by myself." She then tapped her front hoof on the cane on her left side.

Apple Buck noticed this and began to understand that this mysterious pony doesn't mean any harm, especially to the precious Miss Bluebell. He smiled at the stranger and offered his hoof to him "Well, any pony friends with Miss Bell is a friend of mine! What's your name stranger?"

The black cloaked pony didn't take Apple Buck's hoof in return. In fact, he didn't say anything to Apple Buck. The mysterious pony just stood there quietly and stiffly in front of Apple Buck. This sent an unsettling feeling down Apple Buck's spine. Apple Buck slowly took his hoof back towards his side and turned his attention back to Miss Bluebell.

Bluebell answered with a soft smile "He feels like this event is for me…not for him. He feels like it isn't his place to speak and interact. Plus, he's a little…shy."

Apple Buck then returned his gaze to Miss Bluebell's companion to give him one last suspicious look. He remarked to her "Alllright…if you say so Miss Bell."

Apple Buck and Bluebell's conversation was interrupted by the sound of some pony tapping on an old fashion and bulky mic stand on the stand. It was Prince Artemis who was doing the tapping. The sound wasn't painful to hear, but it was annoying. However, this annoyance was proven effective by the fact that every pony in the room stopped their chit chat and focused on the princes on stage. Once Prince Artemis saw this, he stepped aside and let his older brother come to the mic stand.

Prince Solaris cleared his throat before announcing "Bonjour, madams et monsieurs. Welcome…I'm sure you all know why we are here. We have come here to not only to properly announce that L' Opéra de Cheval will be revived and furbished into a historical museum, but also to properly hand back the valuable items that rightfully belong to all of you…the staff…the musicians…the dancers….and the singers…of this once beautiful opera house."

Prince Solaris faced his brother for strength and hope before continuing to his audience, "My brother and I want you to know that… L' Opéra de Cheval will never be forgotten. Not because it is in the heart of Paris itself, but because of what all of you have done to make it so special. All of you, in some way, made art…beauty…and life. And that my citizens is why this opera house will always live on. L' Opéra de Cheval will always live on through those three things and by all of you….and nothing more. Today my subjects…let us chase away the ghosts and demons of the past….and bring hope into this opera once more…."

When Prince Solaris finished his speech, the advisor Dusk Shine went backstage and returned with a plain light brown wooden box. Dusk Shine placed it in Solaris's golden platted hoof. The prince lightly caressed and traced the outside of the box before turning his attention to Bluebell. Bluebell returned his gaze, expressing longing and hope for the box he held in his hooves. Prince Solaris floated towards the old unicorn and gently placed it in her grip.

Bluebell took a small breath in before lightly opening box. Inside the box was….a delicate and gorgeous blue stain glass ballet dancer pony. She was dancing and spinning in a small room of gold and silver. The dancer was wearing a big and beautiful dress along with an elegant mask on her face. She was dancing to a tune that Bluebell too well…a melody that always haunted her dreams…a melody that she always knew the lyrics too…but if she sang them out loud…she would be scared on what would happen next.

Instead, she sang a different tune in her head…a more haunting and slow tune…contrasting to merry and joyous melody in the music box….

A collector's piece indeed . . .
Every detail exactly as he said . . .
He often spoke of you, my friend ...
Will you still play,
when all the rest of us are dead?

The black cloaked pony placed both his front hooves on her shoulders, and gave his lady a warm and soothing warm from behind…in order to ease her mind of…the memories…soon to come. Once the memories come, it's hard to get Bluebell out of her head sometimes…it's like she in her own little world. She can't hear him…she can't see him…she can't even feel his touches and hugs…her memories take hold of her. He silently prayed to himself that once this day was over, they would return back to the way that they were.

All the while, Dusk Shine went back stage once more and returned back with a dusty and aged brown cowboy hat. He handed it to Prince Artemis who then took the hat to Apple Buck. When the Prince landed in front of Apple Buck, Artemis couldn't look into the eyes of this country pony…both of them clearly knew who it belonged to…the prince handed the hat to Apple Buck as if it was a feather ready to travel into the breeze. Apple Buck immediately clutched tightly onto the hat and began sobbing into it…in order to hide his grieving face.

The rest of the hour proceed just like that. Dusk Shine would go back stage, find some kind of item and hand it to the princes. Then the princes would personally and gently give these gifts to each pony in the group. Each gift received with reactions like crying….or anger….strange trance-like states….or no emotion at all in order to hide their vulnerabilities. But each pony and each reaction reflected the trauma and tragedy that happened to the opera house….long ago. Each gift and reaction build deep and soul shattering heaviness into the princes' hearts and into Dusk Shine's heart as well.

By the end, every pony was silent…every pony couldn't look at one another but only at their hooves. Bluebell was still holding the music box and listening to its strange yet classical song. Her companion, still clinging to her tight, hoping that his friendship and love will get through to her this time. Prince Solaris was the only pony trying to stay strong during this, raising his head and eyes high into the many rows of the opera house. Trying to hold back the tears and sobbing building in his eyes and throat.

He muttered hoarsely to his brother, "It's time…"

Prince Artemis nodded his head at his brother, and turned his body towards Dusk Shine still lingering near the sides of the stage. Artemis nodded solemnly to Dusk Shine, which signaled Dusk Shine to go towards the mysterious object on stage. Both Prince Artemis and Dusk Shine grabbed the giant cloth with their magic on two opposing sides. They dramatically lifted the cover off….and revealed to their audience…a chandelier. But not just any chandelier…the chandelier…the massive and spectacular chandelier they though they lost. Every pony gasped at the sight of this, and it brought Bluebell out of her memory trance. Her eyes widened to their fullest at the sight of the chandelier…looking new yet lifeless on the stage floor…but how? How was it possible?

Prince Solaris then announced to his surprised audience "We were able to fix and renew the famous chandelier that lived in the opera house. With the help of brilliant pony technicians, the chandelier will be lit once more…only with bright and illuminating light bulbs…this is gift from my dear brother and I…it can never erase the memories of what was…but it will lit a way to a new future!"

After Solaris proclaimed "lit a way to a new future!", Prince Artemis and Dusk Shine turned on the grand chandelier with their magic and magically lifted the chandelier to its original spot in the middle of the high ceiling. While every pony awed and smiled at the chandelier gracefully flying in the high to its home, the black cloaked pony turned his full attention to his Bluebell. Her eyes were filled with the lights of the chandelier, but her face didn't expressed awe. It expressed her wandering mind and her lost soul. She was going back to the way things were at…. L' Opéra de Cheval.

> Chapitre Deux
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1881 Paris, Prance

It was a calm, misty, and spring morning in capital. All the pony citizens were still sleeping in their warm beds because it was twenty minutes till six am. Once the clock tower strikes the hour of eight am, all ponies will go to work and have a productive but busy day. The opera house at the heart of the city was still empty and at peace….waiting for its staff, musicians, and singers to enter in and create lovely melodies to fill the city air. And the first three ponies that were about to enter the opera house. And they were Zircoro, Bluebell, and Butterscotch.

Zircoro was the oldest of this trio of ponies. He was a strong looking grey and white zebra, with a striped and wiry tail. He also had a very stiff striped mohawk, which had a long grey and white wiry pony tail on the back of it. He wasn't as tall as most muscular looking earth ponies that would pull the carriage on the streets, but he was certainly stronger and taller than most males of his species. Zircoro was also more graceful and agile than most stallions his size. Like the ponies that surround him, he too had a cutiemark. However, his sun shaped cutiemark looked like a birthmark due to the fact that his sun's cutiemark was grey just like his grey stripes. His cutiemark looked like it could blend into his fur coat. Zircoro had beautiful and alluring forest green eyes that contrasted with his white and grey face. He also had a short goat-like beard on the tip of his chin. To top it all off, he decorates himself with a thick gold bangle bracelet on his front left hoof, a thick and heavy gold necklace on his neck, multiple gold earrings on his left ear, and three gold piercings on his left eyebrow.

On Zircoro's right side was a light yellow, adult, male pegasus named Butterscotch. He had a short but thick well groomed pink mane with a long but slightly curled tail to match. Butterscotch's mane was so thick that if he dipped his head slightly, the pegasus could easily hide his face in his mane. Like most pegasi, he had a more agile and lean built body. A body designed for his light and feathery wings to carry him into the sky. However unlike most stallions his age, Butterscotch had a more feminine and soft framed face. This kind of face was highlighted by his big and wide teal eyes. But Butterscotch had eyes that were rare to find in most stallions in Paris…his eyes were sincere, innocent, and kind. His cutiemark were three pink butterflies to demonstrate not only his graceful ballet abilities, but also his sweet and gentle demeanor.

On Zircoro's left side was a white, adult, female unicorn named Bluebell. She was slightly shorter than the small Pegasus not too far from her. Bluebell was truly considered a beauty in the capital city. She had a long, endlessly wavy blonde mane and tail that always seem to glisten no matter where she was. Her coat was as pure as snow, and her hooves naturally shined like pearls. Her cutiemark was an eight pointed gold and purple star to demonstrate her elegant yet unique beauty and personality. Her horn was slightly longer than most unicorns which gave Bluebell an air of sophistication to her look. But what made this unicorn beautiful was her alicorn-liked face and her deep and dark navy blue eyes.

Both Bluebell and Butterscotch were carrying medium sized saddlebags as their group approached the side entrances of the opera house, instead of the front entrance. "I can't believe it! Today is the day!" exclaimed Bluebell. After the white unicorn exclaimed her excitement, she added a little skip in her step.

Butterscotch softly giggled at his friend's excitement, then added in his soft yet gentle voice "I know what you mean Bluebell. I'm excited too. Woohoo."

Zircoro chuckled at his company's joy and anxiety before remarking in his deep yet soothing voice "I am so excited for you my children, but don't get too caught up in your bewilderment. Remember….to never roam…in the deep and dark catacombs. For the creature you fear the most….is…."

Then Butterscotch and Bluebell casually finished their father's sentence with "the opera ghost."

Bluebell added with a giggle "We know baba, we know."

Zircoro then responded seriously "You do not knows, only baba knows. Baba knows best…of what you least expect…."

Butterscotch then said to his father "Please do not worry about us baba. You taught us well to be weary and cautious of the opera house. We promised to stay by your side and focus on our dancing."

Zircoro smiled at his children, then sighed "I trust you little ones, I just…don't trust the secrets in which the opera owns. Do not be alarmed. For nothing in L' Opéra de Cheval will cause you harm. Ah look and wonder! My friends! There yonder!"

Zircoro pointed his hoof straight ahead to a large barn/stable area just to the side of the opera house. Butterscotch and Bluebell looked in the direction of their father's hoof and saw three ponies in this area. There were one orange earth stallion, a red earth mare, and a small light yellow earth colt. The orange stallion was a very strong looking pony and certainly a pony taller than any other stallion in Paris. He fancied himself with an old and dusty cowboy hat, which complimented nicely with his long and untamed blonde mane and tail. The red mare standing next to the stallion was very strong and toned looking as well, despite her slightly smaller structure. Just like the stallion next to her, she had a long and untamed mane as well. Her blonde hair was slightly darker than the stallion's hair. As for the small colt in front of them, he had a bright red mane and a bright green handkerchief tied on his neck. It didn't take too long for the three barn ponies to notice Zircoro calling out to them.

"Howdy Zircoro!" called out the orange stallion while waving at the zebra coming towards him.

Zircoro and his two older children smiled at the three friendly ponies in the stable. The small colt then said to them "Good morning Zircoro!" while the red mare gave them a small but humble smile and nod to them.

Zircoro was the first to say "Good morning my friends. For today seems very splendid. I have news to recommend. These are my children, Butterscotch and Bluebell. My little ones, I want you to meet Applejack, Macareina, and Apple Buck…these ponies will always treat you all very well."

The orange stallion named Applejack then said while shaking each of Bluebell's and Butterscotch's front hooves "Well it is certainly a pleasure to finally meet you two. Zircoro always brags about ya."

Applejack's last statement made Zircoro blush a little out of embarrassment. The yellow colt named Apple Buck jumped up and down with glee while exclaiming "I can't wait to see you guys dance. Y'all are lucky to get the best dance teacher in all of Paris to teach you all his moves."

Macareina nodded her head and remarked in her deep yet comforting voice "Eeyup."

Bluebell and Butterscotch chuckled to each other in embarrassment before Bluebell answered with "Well, we will…certainly try our best to make our baba proud."

Zircoro put each of his front hooves on his children's shoulders "Baba is already proud. That is something that I will always say out loud. "

This made Butterscotch and Bluebell smile at their father with love and devotion, and the three earth ponies could feel love radiate from the group in front of them. The barn ponies knew this kind of love too well….and they smiled at Zircoro and his children.

Butterscotch turned his attention to Applejack and asked "So what's your guys' job here at the opera house?"

Applejack answered proudly "We're L' Opéra de Cheval's official carriage pony company. We help bring musicians, singers, and other important guests to the opera house."

Apple Buck happily added "We also help out with backstage stuff. You know, lifting the curtains and settings and all sorts of fun things!"

Applejack then said "And speaking of our jobs, we better get going. We have to get 'Sir Elusive' back to his castle."

Apple Buck then questioned Applejack "But Applejack, aren't we also supposed to bring Mr. Dusk Shine and the new…"

Applejack quickly whispered while covering his little brother's mouth "Apple Buck….the surprise…remember!"

Once Applejack saw the memory returning to Apple Buck's mind, clearly expressed in his eyes, the orange stallion released his grip and let Apple Buck said "Ohhhh, right. I almost forgot!"

Apple Buck turned his gaze back to the new ballet dancers and told them "Don't mind me! I was just…uh…"

Macareina chuckled softly at her silly younger brother, while putting her large front hoof around the colt's shoulder to indicate they had to go. Applejack called out to Zircoro and his children "We'll see y'all later!"

Apple Buck quickly shouted after that "See ya!"

Butterscotch, Bluebell and their father laughed privately to each other while heading towards side door entrance to the opera house and the carriage ponies headed towards the back of the opera barn to get their carriage ready.

When Zircoro and his students opened the side door, they saw a shadowy, tall, spiral stair case leading towards the highest levels of the opera house. High above the stage and close to the opera house's roof top. This meant that the rooms up there will be cold and freezing. The spiral stair case was dimly lit by a variety of fiery torches attached to the narrow stone wall around it. Zircoro was the first to enter in and the first to climb the stair case. He showed signs that he had done this intimidating stair case before, and he waved one of his front hooves at his children to follow.

Bluebell calmly and happily followed Zircoro to the stair case, while Butterscotch was still waiting outside the side door. Butterscotch was barely hiding in the shadow of the door, and looked at the dark stair case with anxiety and fright. In fact, the yellow pegasus was releasing beads of sweat from his forehead because of his deep and irrational fear of the dark. Butterscotch always scolded himself of his scaredy cat tendencies…it was so foalish! He was a grown up! An adult! He shouldn't be afraid of the dark! However, Butterscotch couldn't help it…the darkness is a the perfect hiding spots for monsters and ghouls to hide….the perfect place for a creature like the opera phantom to hide….

"Butters? Are you coming?" gently asked Bluebell to Butterscotch. This question brought Butterscotch out of his internal struggle. He looked up the stair case to find Bluebell only ten steps up. He smiled nervously at her, trying to hide his obvious fear from her, "Oh yes Bluebell, I'm coming."

Bluebell looked at Butterscotch with sisterly concern, trying to figure out a way to help Butterscotch and his fears of the dark. Bluebell had known Butterscotch too long to not notice all the things that scare him. Bluebell also knows that because he was a stallion, he was ashamed of those fears because he knew that other stallions would mock him for it. Bluebell felt that Butterscotch shouldn't be afraid to admit he was scared sometimes….just because he was scared of certain things…that didn't make Butterscotch a coward. To Bluebell, he was the most wonderfully sensitive pony she had ever met. 

She blushed and then hesitantly asked him "Um Butterscotch…do you want me to…hold your hoof all the way to the top?" She gestured her front hoof towards the yellow pegasus, while still trying to hide her small blush from him.

Butterscotch was slowly approaching the stair case and its daunting first steps. Once he was able to take that first step, he let out a sigh of relief and a small smile. He responded to Bluebell's question with "It's okay Bell, I think…I think I got this."

With each step, Butterscotch became a little more confident about himself and with the lurking darkness around him. Once he next to Bluebell on the tenth step, he said to her "But thank you for offer."

Bluebell's eyes followed the calmer and more go-lucky Butterscotch up the stairs. She was happy that Butterscotch was able to face his fear on his own…but…she wanted to be the one to help him with that. And maybe touch his hoof…in a more tender and magical way. She let out a saddened sigh before quietly following Butterscotch and her father up the spiral stair case.

After ten minutes of climbing the daunting stair case, the three ponies finally made it to the top. Butterscotch and Bluebell saw their father open the medium sized yet rusty looking door in front of them. When Zircoro slowly opened the door, the door let out an echoing screech throughout the top floor of the opera house. Opening the door also released a small gust of cold air into the pony's face, which made Butterscotch and Bluebell shiver a little and wrap their shoulders with their front hooves in order to keep themselves warm. Zircoro's children looked into the room closely and observed that there were five twin sized beds on the right side and on the left side of the room. The multiple twin beds made the tiny room even smaller, but despite the size, Butterscotch and Bluebell smiled at the room.

Zircoro told them "I apologized about the harsh coldness, but I hope both of you find warmness in the space's dampness. This is the stallions' room. While on the other side is the mares' room."

Zircoro then took his daughter's arm and lead her to another medium sized door that was a couple feet away from the stallions' room. Bluebell gave Butterscotch a small yet nervous smile before leaving with their father, and Butterscotch returned her smile with a happy smile. Not noticing the nervousness in her expression. The only reason why Bluebell felt nervous was because she shared her room with any other pony besides Butterscotch. It will feel a little strange not having him by her side before she sleeps. But she was also worried about the other stallions that Butterscotch might room with. She didn't want those stallions teasing Butterscotch, but she knew that her father will be sleeping in the stallion room too. And her father will make sure that those stallions treat Butterscotch with respect.

Meanwhile, Butterscotch went up to the bed in the far left corner of the tiny room. He put his slightly heavy saddle bags on the twin sized bed and looked out the window that was on the wall next to the bed. He smiled and awed at the sight of the capital city out his window. Paris looked so big and wide…it could go on for miles in Butterscotch's eyes! All the traveling ponies on the streets looked like bugs from his view, which made Butterscotch giggle a little. He also saw that he had the perfect view of the clock tower across the street from the opera house. As he stared at the clock tower, he began to see all the unnoticeable and crafted details in the clock tower. He became fascinated with the art and work that went into creating that tall and magnificent tower. Soon his ears were filled with its ringing bells and dings, as the hour stroked six times for 6 am.

Most ponies cursed this loud sound in the morning, but Butterscotch didn't. He loved the clock tower's bells and dings. He loved any kind of harmonious sound, or any noise that could create music. After the fifth ring and ding, Butterscotch's ears picked up on an echoing yet faint note made by a piano key along with it. This made Butterscotch open his eyes immediately.

He pondered on where that mysterious music note came from. Butterscotch knew he didn't just imagine the sound. Once the room was silent from the clock tower's ringing and dinging, Butterscotch stood still and shifted his ears in all directions to hear if the unknown piano will play again. He closed his eyes in order to help his mind focus on the sound. After what seemed like minutes of waiting, he heard another music note coming from a piano.

When Butterscotch opened his eyes, the unseen piano began to play more notes. And all these notes were coming together to make…a song. A very melodious, serene, slow, beautiful song. Despite the song being almost muffled and faint, Butterscotch could still recognize how wonderful the song sounded from where he was standing. His ears perked up to find that the song was coming from….the middle of the room? How could that be? Butterscotch looked towards the center of the room to find a small, circle shaped, dirty rug. He slowly lowered his head towards the rug to find that the song was coming from…underneath the floor.

He lifted one half of the rug and discovered a circle shaped trap door hiding underneath it. Butterscotch was surprised yet curious on why would this room need a trap door. Does any pony else know about this trap door? It appears to be so since this rug was mysteriously the same shape and size of the trap door. Why would some pony try to hide it? Did his baba know about this? Despite his suspicions and questions, he tossed the whole rug aside and opened the circle trap door by its dark iron handle. Inside the trap door was a dark, spooky, spiraling stair case leading down into the depths of the opera house.

Butterscotch then thought to himself Oh dear, not another stair case. Butterscotch looked deep into the stair case to see if he could find an end to it. But no matter how many times he looked into the darkness below him, he couldn't find the point where the stair case ends. The piano's song was getting louder than it was before and began bouncing off the walls of the narrow stair case. As Butterscotch was to shut the trap door and give into his fears, he heard a mare softly sing…..

Night time falls and wins my adoration

Chaos stirs from my imagination

Butterscotch froze when he heard this mare's angelic voice. He had never heard a pony sing this way before. Was she playing the piano? Why was she in the dark depths of the opera house? Was she a singer here at L' Opéra de Cheval? There was only one way to find out…unfortunately for Butterscotch…that means he had to climb another spiraling stair case.

He gulped before journeying into the trap door. As he closed the trap door behind him, Butterscotch decided to fly down the stair case instead of climbing down it. He didn't trust the first stair case, so he was certainly not going to trust this one as well. While Butterscotch was fluttering quickly down the daunting stair case, he heard the angelic mare sing…

Listen as the trees creates music in the breeze

When the mare paused in her singing, Butterscotch felt like he was being drawn to her…like he was put under a spell…a spell created by her voice…but not with magic. Yet Butterscotch didn't want this enchanted feeling to end, he wanted to follow her voice. He wanted to hear her sing more and more. He silently begged for this angel to continue singing. Even though her voice was very distant at this point, the distance couldn't take away the loveliest in her voice. Her voice gave him courage to trek through the darkness and the mysterious danger that lurks in the opera house. Butterscotch forgot all about the phantom and all of his father's warnings. Butterscotch was simply in a dream….

Butterscotch's prayer were answered when his angel began to sing once more….

Slowly, as you, dream a land of splendor

Take the chance to live a life of grandeur

Appearances deceive, look me in the eye, and believe

I do not intend to cause you any fright

As I create the chaos of the night

Butterscotch felt like he was getting closer to her as he was noticing the distinct characteristics of her voice. She had a soft yet powerful operatic voice. She was a high alto, an alto voice with some soprano characteristics. A very unique kind of voice to find a mare, especially in a mare to sing opera. Her voice was clear and crystal like a fresh spring morning. All Butterscotch could do was sigh in his lovely dream with her.

The tempo of the piano slowly started to increased, and the hidden mare's voice followed this tempo…

Close your eyes and I'll cure you of your darkest dreams

Purge your thoughts of the beast you knew before

Spread your wings, let your feelings come alive

And together we will both sky dive.

During the pause of the mare's song, Butterscotch slightly opened his eyes and found himself surprisingly at the bottom of the stair case. There was a short pitch black hallway leading towards a bright corner at the end of it. Butterscotch quickly went towards the corner, and found a long hallway that stepped down like a hill. The walls were decorated with fiery green and purple torches and black armored pony knights. The pony knights were holding sharp, tall, and fearsome spears in their front hooves.

Butterscotch cowered in fear at the sight of these pony knights and their spears, but once the angelic mare began to sing again, he forgot his worries and dreamily followed the sound down the hill like hall.

Softly, deftly, chaos shall surround you
Hear it, feel it, closing in around you
Open up the door, and you'll find out what's in store
As you turn away from Harmony and light
And relish in the chaos of the night

Before Butterscotch knew, he was at the bottom of the hilly hallway and approaching around its corner to face another hallway in this underground labyrinth. But Butterscotch was shocked to find, instead of a hallway, a lake. A lake underneath the opera house? Was there a pipeline flooding? It didn't appear to be so. Butterscotch also saw on the lake that long and elegant candlesticks were standing out of the lake, all beautifully lit with sunset orange flames in the darkness of the underground.

The magic began to pick up in speed and tempo, along with adding the sounds of other kinds of instruments to accompany the piano. The mare's voice proudly echoed out…

Let your thoughts roam, devise itself a whole new world
Memories, forget them, they're in the past
Let your heart take you where it longs to be!

Butterscotch looked above the lake and saw…a grand piano. Magically floating in the air above the misty waters below. Instead of a female pony playing the piano, there was a tall yet slender creature with a long black cape on her back creating and singing the song. She appeared to be some kind of dragon or serpent, as Butterscotch noticed a red snake like tail with a white feathery end peeking out of the black cape. She had a thick, white, edgy mane that went to the end of her back, along with two mismatched horns on top of her head. Butterscotch was about to question what creature she was…then his mind was soon enraptured when she slowly sang…

Only then will you belong to me….
Floating, flying, dancing here together
Hold me, love me, dearest, darling treasure
Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in
To the power of the chaos I incite…

She titled her head back ever so slightly, and loudly yet beautifully sang to the heavens…

As I create the chaos of the night! 

Her powerful note not only echoed and spread its sound throughout the underground maze…it also echoed deep inside Butterscotch's soul…in all of Butterscotch's life, he never heard a sound so pure and so magical before. Butterscotch felt his heart skipped a beat, it made him wish that she was singing to him. But yet he felt like her song was speaking to him, as if her song knew everything about him. As if she knew everything about him. What was it about her voice and her music that just made his wings flutter? What was it about her that made his head spin with daydreams?

The instruments soon began to progressively calm their speed and tempo, and the mysterious creature in the piano stool relaxed her posture and crouched her back towards the keys…
You alone can make my heart take flight
As I create the chaos of the night….

"Brava!" exclaimed a very thrilled Butterscotch while clapping his front hooves together.

The singing creature instantly straighten her back, clenched her teeth in stress, and rapidly turned her head to see Butterscotch down below her. When Butterscotch finished his applauding, he noticed that she was looking at him. Her yellow and red eyes made Butterscotch cover his mouth with his front hooves and cower in fear. He titled his head away from her, trying to hide his head in his mane….however he still kept his gaze on the strange beast that was above him. Even though Butterscotch was petrified about what was soon to come, he was also embarrassed about the way he acted just now.

That moment….when those two looked into each other's eyes…felt like an eternity…to the both them…they were frozen in their hesitation and confusion….

The female dragon/serpent was the first to break off this stare off by shaking her head from side to side. As if trying to erase her own embarrassed and doubt. She snapped her fingers, and immediately transported herself in front of the light yellow pegasus.

This made scared Butterscotch and he let out a girlish squeak to show his shock and fear. The creature was floating in the air…right before his eyes! Her magic was incredible! Now that he was so close to her, he was able to see all the parts that made her so different from all the dragons and serpents he had read about in fairy tales. She had a grey pony-like head and face, a long yet hour glass shaped brown snake body, a lion paw on her left, an eagle claw on her right, a goat leg and a dragon leg on the bottom of her snake body. As the beast lowered her head closer to Butterscotch's face, Butterscotch saw that she was wearing a mask. A black mask covering her gold and ruby eyes. The black mask had golden accents under her eyes, along with a golden line to the side of each other in order to look like eyelashes. On top of the black mask was a golden painted, upside down, crescent moon. Butterscotch also couldn't noticing that the left side of her mask was larger than the right side. The left side of her mask covered the entire top part of the left side of her face. She also had a large fang sticking out of the left side of her mouth.

"Who are you?" said the dragon/serpent in her deep, soothing, yet serious voice.

Butterscotch began to sweat profusely all over his face and body. He could feel his wings getting soaked in sweat. Even if he wanted to fly, he would be too scared to try. Her speaking voice was just as lovely as her singing voice. Despite her appearance, Butterscotch felt like he shouldn't be scared of a creature who could create such beautiful music. Perhaps her voice and music were a sign of her inner beauty. He gulped before answering nervously "B-B-Butterscotch…Butterscotch Daae."

The creature let out a soft and warm chuckle at the pony in front her, then softly smirked at him. Her laugh helped Butterscotch relax a little. He observed how her smile helped lighten and beautified her pony-like face. Seeing her smile his way made Butterscotch shyly smile back at her.

She took her face away from Butterscotch's and extended her neck back to its normal height, which made Butterscotch remember how tall she was. Her height simply amazed him. In a much more joyously yet mischievous tone in her voice, she asked Butterscotch "Do you know who I am?"

Butterscotch titled his head to the side, perplexed by her question. How could he know some pony he never met before? He was so confused by this that all he could do was slowly shake his head no.

His answer made the masked snake-like creature laugh in profound glee. Butterscotch was troubled about how his answer made her laugh so hard that she could bust a gut. After she was done laughing in her magical floating state, she wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled at Butterscotch with great mischief in her eyes. What was she up to? Butterscotch thought to himself.

She floated herself closer to Butterscotch again, and spoke to Butterscotch in a voice very similar to his father's "Remember to never roam in the deep and dark catacombs. For the creature you fear the most is….the opera ghost."

Butterscotch's eyes widen, he back away slowly from her and let out a panicked "You're-You're the opera phantom?!"

She responded in a cheerful "Ding-Ding!"

Butterscotch couldn't believe it…the spirit of myth and legend…the demon of his childhood nightmares…was…standing right in front of him!

"You seemed so surprised by this." She said in a low yet playful voice.

Butterscotch answered "It's just…you don't look…dead. You look like you are flesh and blood like me. Aren't ghosts supposed to be the souls of ponies who have passed on?"

She smiled proudly at him while admiring the claws on her lion paw "I'm a soul beyond life and death my little pony. My powers are forces from Tartarus itself, making me a living goddess among the mortal ponies."

Butterscotch then remarked in a gentle voice "You don't seem be like a soul from Tartarus."

The opera phantom, amused by this statement, responded with "Oooohhh really? How so?"

Butterscotch replied sincerely "No soul from Tartarus can have a beautiful voice like yours."

Her face blushed at Butterscotch's compliment. She could feel every inch of her cheeks heating up like the candles on the lake. Why was she reacting this way?! Why did he have to give her a compliment in such sweet and sincere way?! The immense heat in her face made her heart pound wildly in her chest, she had to grip on the fur on her chest with her eagle claw to calm it down. She couldn't deny to herself any longer…he really meant his applause and cheering at the end of her performance.

Butterscotch then remarked nervously, while tumbling with his front hooves "You see that's why I came down here. It was because I heard you singing that amazing song….Anyway, I-I didn't mean to disturb you. It was very rude of me to do so. If you wish, I can leave. But before I go, I just wanted you to know that your music and singing is…wonderful. I hope more ponies in future hear you sing your lovely songs."

Butterscotch turned away from the opera ghost, about to go back down the hallway he came from…but he was interrupted by a loud "Wait!"

The yellow Pegasus quickly turned his head back towards the female serpent like dragon, and saw her reaching out to him and her face expressing a desperate plead to him.

It took the opera phantom a moment to realize the position she was in. This made her instantly return to elegant and straight posture she had before, and cleared her throat in order to fill the awkward silence.

"I-I mean….Your presence wasn't displeasing to me. I was just….surprised to find an audience in my mist. Not many ponies journey into the depths of my opera house, and for good reason. You must be very brave." Said the opera phantom.

Butterscotch, feeling flustered by her compliment, rubbed the back of his neck nervously "I-I don't know about that."

He took a moment to look at the creature in front of him, and it reminded him of the first question he asked himself when he saw her "So…who are you?"

She answered him with a slight chuckle "I already told you who I am."

Butterscotch added "No, I mean who you are really? You know…your name? Your real name?"

The female beast answered Butterscotch with a small smirk on the side of her face "You're a very perceptive pony, aren't you?"

She lowered her head in front of Butterscotch like she did at the beginning of their encounter, and explained in a slight playful tone "I will tell you my name…if you promise not to tell a soul about all you've seen and learned."

Butterscotch smiled at the ghost and responded sweetly "Deal!"

Seeing this handsome pegasus smile at her made her heart pound rapidly in her chest again…however she didn't mind it this time…all that she could do was smile back at him, "Eris. Eris is my name."

> Chapitre Trois
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Butters? Are you ready yet" said Bluebell while knocking on the closed door of the stallions's room while wearing her long and wavy mane and tail in buns and fashioning a tight black ballet tights for rehearsal.

She allowed a minute or so for her friend to answer, but nothing happened. She knocked again while nervously asking "Butterscotch?"

When she didn't hear a response, she began to worry. What was Butterscotch doing in there? Was he even in there? No, of course he was. Maybe he can't hear her knocking on the door? Yes...yes that was it.

She quickly looked to her left and right before opening the door. "Hey Butterscotch, can you hear me?"

Bluebell was greeted by a small yet empty room. She slowly closed the door behind her before investigating the room. She was panicking about the sudden disappearance of her dear Butterscotch. Yet, she couldn't help be suspicious. Why would he leave his room? Especially in a short amount of time. This isn't like him! What if...the phantom took...no! There's no such thing!

Bluebell then noticed a small circle rug tossed aside next to one of the twin beds. She went over and picked it up, trying to figure out where the rug was before. She scanned the old water stained wood floor and found...a small trap door with an iron handle. What was this doing here? She thought to herself.

The white unicorn quietly went over to this mysterious door in the floor. She lifted the heavy handle up and down before opening the trap door wide open. Her eyes widen at the deep and spiraling stair case that lived underneath the floor. Bluebell's jaw almost dropped to the floor when she looked deeper into the darkness surrounding the narrow stair case. She then whispered out loud "Don't tell me that he...?"

Bluebell's question was answered by the echoing sounds of water dripping coming from the stair case before her. She groaned to herself while slowly sliding her hoof over her face "Why am I going to do this again?"

Then an image of Butterscotch's warm and beautiful smile flashed inside Bluebell's mind. The image was accompanied by the sound of Butterscotch's light and gorgeous laughter.

"Oh yeah, that's why." She sighed to herself.

Bluebell scooted herself closer to the edge of the opened trap door. She took deep calming breath before venturing down the stair case.

She wanted to quickly run down those creepy stairs, however one slip could either crack the entire stair case or send Bluebell tumbling down all the way to the bottom. She was thankful to have the light coming from her horn to guide the way. With each step she took,Bluebell's breath became more and more uneasy. Her new breathing pattern didn't help with her racing mind and heart.

Bluebell had a natural instinct to worry about Butterscotch. She felt that this instinct didn't come from her big sister mentality or from family love..but from a love beyond words. Bluebell was always disturbed by the fact that she wasn't creep out by her crush for her adopted brother. Even though they came from two different parents, they were still raised by the same father. Their Baba. Oh Solaris,what would he think of her feelings for Butterscotch? What would he say if he found out about her rule breaking? She's not suppose to be down here! But she had a good reason to be in the dark catacombs of the opera house. So Butterscotch should be punished for running off! No, she couldn't do that to Butterscotch. That pegasus had soft puppy eyes when he's sad and it breaks her heart to see him like that.

Before Bluebell knew it, she was at the bottom of the staircase. This joyous new revelation made Bluebell gallop down the short hallway. As the white unicorn was turning around the hallway corner with speed, she bumped into something. She charged at it so hard that it made her fall backwards towards the wall. She noticed how hard and bulky this thing was when she bumped into it. And she also noticed that it said "Ouch!"

While Bluebell was rubbing her now sore front legs on the ground, she heard a voice asked "Oh gosh! Are you alright Madamesoille?"

Bluebell rapidly looked up and found herself staring into the face of...a hunchback pony! It appeared to be a light grey stallion wearing a large burlap tunic to cover the large hump on his back. He had a shaggy blonde mane along with crossed eyed yellow eyes. The hunchback pony was smiling at Bluebell while offering his front hoof to her, showing her that he wanted to help her up. But Bluebell wasn't paying attention to his smile or his kind gesture, her mind was occupied with her father's stories. The phantom was a large, misshapen pony with golden eyes...and the creature before her had all these things!

"Wow! You look...just like her." sighed the cheerful hunchback pony.

This made Bluebell scream in the stallion's face and galloped back towards the stair case down the hall.

"Oh! Bye-Bye Madamesoille who looks like Esmeralda!" waved the happy grey hunchback, completely ignoring her terrified response.

The crossed eyed stallion continued to wave even when the white unicorn completely disappeared from his view. His wave over the last couple of minutes began to slow down, and he gradually developed a large goofy love struck grin on his face. He kept thinking to himself how that mare looked exactly like Esmeralda from his "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" story. Even though Esmeralda in the story was a earth pony with a brown and white spotted coat, along with a dark black mane...the mare he just met was beautiful just like her. She had pretty eyes just like Esmeralda. I bet she's nice just like Esmeralda. I bet her name is Esmeralda he thought to himself.

As the hunchback pony slowly turned in the way opposite direction, he bumped into a familiar face.

"Oh oopsies! So sorry Mistress! I-I didn't see you there." said the flustered grey stallion to Eris.

Eris softly smirked at her serving companion and told him "You seem to be in a good mood today Dopey. Let me guess...Esmeralda came by to visit again?"

The draconquees knew that her little hunchback friend loved that Notre Dame story so much that he created an imaginary Esmeralda to keep him company. For some strange reason, Eris found this adorable.

Dopey blushed while answering "Actually, it's a different Esmeralda."

Eris raised her white hairy eyebrow at this and remarked "A different Esmeralda?"

Dopey answered with great enthusiasm "Yeah! Oh Mistress, she was so beautyful! I mean she didn't look exactly like her, but still!"

Dopey added a little sigh and held his hooves over his chest to calm his beating heart. Meanwhile, Eris was confused and suspicious about this new imaginary friend. She asked Dopey casually "What did this Esmeralda look like exactly?"

Dopey quickly said "She was white! All white! And-and she had this shiny blonde hair! And she was a unicorn! And...!"

Eris interrupted with "I think I get the picture."

Eris knew exactly which pony he was talking about. She certainly wasn't surprised that the little unicorn came down here. This thought made the opera phantom smirk evilly to herself.

Eris patted Dopey's head before journeying into the hallway, "It seems, Dopey, that my opera house has some new ballet dancers."

Dopey's ears perked up when Eris revealed this, "Oh that's wonderful news Mistress!" Then he followed Eris down the dark hallway.

Eris darkly chuckled "Indeed...it is."

Then she turned her attention back to Dopey and instructed "Make sure to lock up all the stair entrances. Make sure to camouflage them properly this time. Also, keep checking the sanctuary room every fifteen minutes or so for important messages...and visitors."

Then the tall draconquees handed the light grey stallion an envelop sealed with a golden pony skull wax seal. She said to him "But the first thing you need to do is deliver this...there are more guests coming today. And I can't wait to meet them."




Bluebell raced up those steps like there was no tomorrow. Her high pitched girlish scream echoed throughout the narrow stair case. Bluebell felt like she has been screaming and running for ages. However, she was more concerned about the phantom following her up the steps. Bluebell perked her ears behind her head, trying to pick up any sound. She can only hear the sound of her own hooves galloping on the steps.

She thanked Solaris when she saw the room light above her. Bluebell literally leaped out of the floor and slammed the trap door behind her with her magic. She collapsed upon the old and dusty floor, and took some slow deep breaths to get her regular heart beat back.

"Bluebell! Oh goodness! Are you alright?"

The white unicorn looked up and found Butterscotch with a brotherly concerned look on his face. He lowered his head towards her, so that they can talk at the same eye level.

She immediately lunged herself towards Butterscotch's neck. Once she got a hold of his neck, she tightened her grip. The combination of Bluebell's weight and her indestructible grip made Butterscotch fall over backwards.

Bluebell shouted "Butterscotch! Thank Solaris you're okay! What happened to you?! Where did you go?! You could have gotten yourself killed! You had me worried sick about you! Oh that doesn't matter. What matters is that you're alright."

Butterscotch choked out "Um Bells...can't breathe."

Bluebell's cheeks flared up when she realized what she was doing to Butterscotch and how close she was to her crush. She whispered "Oh oops. Sorry."

Butterscotch took a deep breath before telling Bluebell "Don't worry Bluebell, I'm alright."

Bluebell didn't answer Butterscotch. Instead, she tried to hide her red face from Butterscotch and praying that he didn't notice.

Butterscotch then said "I'm so sorry that I...disappeared...without telling you. It's just that...there was this...rat. Yes a rat. The poor thing broke his leg. I just had to help him. Not only in casting his little leg, but also getting him home. So I...took him down that one stair case Baba showed us, and took the little thing back to his hole in the barn."

Butterscotch's story helped Bluebell forget her embarrassment, which the blush on her cheeks to fade away. She smiled at her adopted brother, knowing that he had such a deep and compassionate love for all animals big and small. She was thankful that he didn't go down the staircase she explored. Of course he wouldn't go down there. Butterscotch is too smart for that. Bluebell decided not to tell Butterscotch of her encounter with the phantom. Butterscotch would have a heart attack if he knew.

Meanwhile,Butterscotch felt horrible in lying to Bluebell. He had never lied to her before. Plus, he wasn't a very a good liar to begin with. Hopefully she bought it Butterscotch thought to himself.

If Bluebell knew about her...and the phantom...Butterscotch couldn't bare giving his adopted sister a heart attack again. Plus, he promised Eris not to tell. Butterscotch's mind wandered back to his time with Eris just minutes ago...




After Eris told Butterscotch her name, she then magically summoned a staircase...made of water! In the middle of the underground lake! This strange water staircase tower all the way to the stone ceiling. Eris created a hole into the stone ceiling for the water staircase. Butterscotch's mouth was opened so wide that a fly could fly in without the pegasus knowing it. This made Eris smile and slightly chuckle at him.

Eris offered her lion paw to Butterscotch and said "Come. Let me help you walk back."

Butterscotch was touched by her generosity and kindness. He gave her a small shy smile before placing his hoof in her claw. Eris smiled back at Butterscotch,with her eyes glued upon his eyes.

They flew towards the bottom of the staircase. Butterscotch was amazed by how Eris didn't need wings to fly over the lake. He couldn't hear any wings flapping from under her black cape. Eris was the first one to climb up the steps. She lets go of his hoof so that he can follow her up,although Eris didn't want to stop holding his hoof. It was so soft and warm...oh Eris could have held his hoof for an eternity.

Butterscotch had to tap the bottom step with the tip of his front hoof to see if the water staircase was truly solid. And...it was! It wasn't slippery or cold like ice, it was like walking on a cobblestone road. This made Butterscotch laugh in revelation.

Eris laughed softly "You like my magical creations?"

Butterscotch blushed, realizing that he laughed out loud, "Oh yes. I do."

Eris smiled. This was all a strange experience for the phantom. No pony had ever liked her magic before. Her magic was always looked at with scorn or with disgust or with annoyance.

As the two creatures progressed closer to the hole in the stone ceiling, Butterscotch asked Eris "What was the name of that song you were playing?"

Eris proudly responded with "Chaos of the Night. It's for my opera. It's called..." Then Eris sang out loud "Donna Triumphant!"

Eris recomposed herself and continued "Chaos of the Night is a love ballad from the main character Donna to her gorgeous lover."

Butterscotch's sparkled with excitement and joy, he beamed "Oh my, an opera! That's wonderful!"

Eris let out a shy smile and blush at Butterscotch's response. She was thankful that the little pegasus could only see her back. Eris never thought in a million years that she could find some pony just as excited as she was for her opera. She sighed out loud "Indeed. Wonderful."

At first, Butterscotch was feeling unsure when into entering the giant hole in the ceiling. But when he saw Eris enter into it with ease, Butterscotch was able to gather enough courage to do the same. He closed his eyes...took a cleansing breath in...and...

"You can open your eyes now."

Butterscotch slowly opened his greenish blue eyes and he was surprised to find himself back in the stallion dancers bedroom once more. He was in the middle of room, standing on top of the trap door.

Eris was standing by the window next to Butterscotch's twin bed. She had a playful smirk on her face,while her arms were crossed against her chest.

Butterscotch let out an embarrassed chuckle when he looked around the room, and this made Eris chuckle along with him. Butterscotch then saw Eris raising her eagle claw, as if to snap herself magically out of the room and leave Butterscotch forever. But Butterscotch didn't want her to leave! Not yet! Not after he just met her!

"Hold on!"

Eris paused and was shocked at Butterscotch sudden outburst. For a shy little pony, he can be quite loud when he wants to be.

Butterscotch's face reddened immediately, as he softly sat himself on the ground. He lowered his gaze from hers, and started playing with his front hooves. It took a full minute for Butterscotch to gather up enough nerve to spit out, "W-W-What I meant to say was...when will I see you again?"

Eris's eyes widened at that moment. Her face flustered red, her palms became sweaty,and her heart raced wildly in her chest.

Butterscotch continued "I would love to hear you play and sing again, but...I might be asking too much. Forget that I asked. You can go now, if you wish..."

Eris responded quickly "You're not asking too much!"

This made Butterscotch look back up to Eris.

She coughed into her arm in order to recollect her calm and dignified persona. "You can visit me if you wish. All you have to do is write me a letter to let me know of your arrival in advanced. Drop the letter off at the sanctuary room near the dressing rooms backstage, and I shall respond."

Then she swirled one of her lion claw fingers in the air, and she magically made a neck appear on Butterscotch's neck. Butterscotch looked down and saw a gold pony skull head key on his necklace.

Eris continued while twirling the key in her paw, which made Butterscotch simply uncomfortable, "Once I have given you permission and the time to visit, you use this key and enter it into the hole next to the altar. A door will appear and the door will lead you back to my lair."

Their conversation was soon interrupted by the sound of muffled screaming from underneath the trap door.

Butterscotch uttered "Bluebell?!"

Eris the proclaimed with a cheeky smile "That's my cue."

As soon as Butterscotch turned around, Eris was gone...

Butterscotch quickly stuffed his necklace into his saddlebag before Bluebell blasted through the trap door.




After Butterscotch dressed into his black rehearsal ballet tights and put his mane in a pony tail, he met with Bluebell outside the stallion room.

They gave each other a comforting smile, before descending down the staircase by their rooms. They were on their way to meet with the other ponies on stage for their first rehearsal. However, the two siblings didn't notice...that in the shadow of the stallions' room door...was Zircoro. Looking at his children with a very stern look on his face.

> Chapitre Quatre
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack pulled the one horse black carriage to the front steps of the opera house. He traveled all the way from the outer east side of Paris, which was a long distance from the opera house. However,Applejack found the trip to be worth it...for one of the passengers inside.

When Applejack stopped, with chains of sweats dripping down from his face to his neck, the carriage door opened. The first passenger to come out was a white unicorn stallion. He had elegant purple curls in his mane and tail, with crystal blue eyes. The stallion was wearing a red designer jacket with slick black boots on each hoof to protect them from the dirt and grim. He was also wearing a soft gold cashmere scarf because of the chilly morning.

The white unicorn took a deep breath in through his nose. He sighed out peacefully "Ah, at last we are here."

He look over his shoulders and proclaimed "Come Sweepy, come Barbara."

As the white stallion progressed off the carriage steps, a white unicorn colt named Sweepy Belle followed him and groaned "Coming Elusive."

The colt also had a swirly but puffy purple and pink mane and light green eyes on his small face. He struggled to go down the carriage steps due to the heavy gold saddle bags on his back,while carrying a light blue fan in his mouth. As soon as Sweepy step off the last step,he quickly joined Elusive by his side and started fanning Elusive with his magic.

The two unicorns ignored Applejack as they passed him. They didn't give him a thank you as they approached closer to the opera house, but Applejack didn't expect a thank you from Elusive. This was part of their routine with each other. Applejack was waiting for the next passenger to get out of the carriage.

A small, female, purple dragon with green spines on her head and tail came out of the carriage door. Applejack always notices in the corner of his eye her piercing, jewel-like, green eyes and her long black eyelashes. He always notices her cute little nose, and the tiny fangs sticking out of her sweet smile. However, his heart always aches when he sees the dragon carry heavy suitcases and saddlebags in her claws. He wanted to carry them for her, but Elusive and Barbara wouldn't allow it.

After Barbara slowly got off the last step, she settled the bags down to the ground. Just to give her little arms a break. Barbara noticed while slightly looking over her shoulder Applejack. He was smiling at her with his face fully towards her direction.

This made Barbara grin bright and waved excitedly at Applejack "Hi AJ!"

What Barbara didn't notice was the fact that Applejack was smiling at her without even knowing it. He was in his little daydream with her. In a world without Elusive. Just him and her...in their eternal bliss.

What snapped Applejack out of it was Barbara calling his name. He felt so embarrassed. He could already feel his face turning as red as an apple. He just hoped that Barbara doesn't notice his current blush on his face. However, Barbara is the type of gal to not notice other stallions,aka Applejack,crushing in front of her. This is due to her own crush for Elusive,her innocent naive nature, but also due to...their friendship. To Applejack,their friendship was both a blessing and a curse.

Applejack felt his heart skip a beat when she called him his AJ nickname, along with the wave in his direction. It made Applejack feel like he was important and treasured by Barbara. He shouldn't think much of this gesture,but...he couldn't help it.

He slightly stuttered while Barbara was walking towards him "H-Howdy Barbara. H-How are ya today?"

Barbara responded cheerfully "You know me. Can't complain. But I especially can't complain today because of the visitors coming today."

Applejack chuckled "I know how you feel Barb. I'm real excited too."

Barbara then pulled out from behind her back a red apple. She whispered while handing the red apple to him "Here. Red Delicious. Your favorite."

Applejack, extremely touched by Barbara's generosity, then sighed softly "Oh Barbara, well thank..."

Their conversation was soon interrupted with Elusive calling "Barbara! Are you coming darling?"

Barbara quickly diverted her attention away from Applejack, and called back with hearts in her eyes "Coming Elusive!"

She rapidly gathered all the suitcases and saddlebags in her and and ran towards Elusive. While running, she proclaimed to Applejack "See you later AJ!"

Applejack whispered sadly back while watching Barbara run into the opera house "Bye Barb."

He gave the small dragon one more look before quietly returning the carriage back to the barn.




When Butterscotch and Bluebell enter the main stage from backstage, the two ponies couldn't believe how many ponies, props, and settings could fit into one stage. Ponies flash and dash before them in their colorful and multi-fabric costumes. Each pony had something to do and they had to get it done quickly. Butterscotch and Bluebell could also hear the orchestra pit warming up. All the while, white hair old stallion conductor was reviewing his music sheets. The two siblings were in awe of all this splendor.

What brought the two ponies back into reality was the sound of Applejack's voice. "I take it that y'all like the view?"

Butterscotch looked over his shoulder and found Applejack wrapping his foreleg over his shoulders. The shy yellow Pegasus felt a little uncomfortable being this close to a stallion, due to many colts that bullied him when he was young. However, Applejack's confident smile comforted Butterscotch. In response, Butterscotch gave him a small grin.

Bluebell told Applejack with glee "It's beyond anything Baba could tell us in his stories."

Butterscotch "I agree. It's too lovely for words."

Applejack chuckled in throat "Glad that L'Opera de Cheval is meeting with your satisfaction. Anyway, your pop told me to show y'all around till he gets here."

Butterscotch asked "What's he doing? Do you know?"

Applejack answered "He's going to meet with our special guests today."

He looked side to side before whispering into their ears "I'm not suppose to spread this around, but...the opera house is getting itself some new mangers. The old manager couldn't take anymore, so he left. Without anypony knowing it! Because the Princes help fund L'Opera de Cheval, they found some new mangers to replace him. The mangers are coming to rehearsal today. AND they are accompanied the Princes' royal advisor!"

Bluebell whispered cheered "Wow! That's amazing!"

Butterscotch nervously asked "Um, how come the old manger left?"

Applejack teased him with "Some of the crew like to say it was the phantom that scared him off. The poor fella just couldn't take it anymore."

Butterscotch uttered with fear and guilt in his voice "The Phantom?"

Applejack then exclaimed "Oh there he is!"

They walked over to the ballet practice pole located on the back wall of the stage. There was a pink stallion with pink poofy hair, stretching one of his back hind legs on the pole. As soon as his leg was on the pole, he bend his back so far back that his front hooves can touch the other back hoof. Butterscotch and Bluebell were amazed by this dancers flexibility. It was like he had no bones in his body.

Applejack then told the pink stallion "Hey Bubble Berry."

Bubble Berry cheerfully responded "Hey there Applejack! How's it going up there?"

Applejack laughed "Nothing much with me, but I have some new friends I wanna introduce you to."

He pointed one of his front hooves towards Bluebell and Butterscotch, and this immediately made Bubble Berry untwist his flexible body. He let out a dramatic gasp while jumping high into the air. His poofy mane and tail extended into the sky and his jaw almost dropped all the way to the ground. His eyes were bugged out of their sockets.

Berry's dramatic display almost bumped into the skyway bridge high above the stage. There were two ponies working with the setting ropes on the skyway bridge. One was a rainbow named blue coat pegasus stallion named Rainbow Blitz. Another one was a small orange pegasus colt named Scootaroll.

When Rainbow Blitz saw Berry near the sky bridge, he shouted "Whoa! Watch it Berry!"

Scootaroll added "Yeah, watch it!"

After Bubble Berry floated back to the ground, Rainbow asked Scootaroll "Hey Scoots, could you go to stage left and pull up rope five?"

Scootaroll saluted and responded with "Sure thing Blitz!"

Butterscotch and Bluebell stared at the recently landed and cheerfully smiling Bubble Berry. Was this pony scared of new ponies? Did this pony just being funny and dramatic? Or was this pony just plain looney?

Bubble Berry took in deep breath before dancing and singing with great gutso,
Welcome, Welcome
To L'Opera de Cheval today!
Welcome,Welcome
We like to sing all day!
We're horse famous
From Manehattan to Duval
Welcome new friends
To L'Opera de Cheval!

The end of Berry's performance was meet with awkward stares and silence from Bluebell and Butterscotch. However, this didn't waiver the pink stallion's enthusiasm. He took each of their hooves and shook them rapidly.

He quickly said while shaking their hooves "Hi! My name is Bubble Berry! Bubble as in bubble baths. And Berry as in Berry's rock farms. Are you excited?! I'm excited! I've never been so excited! Well, except a couple minutes ago when I first met ya! But over than that, it's so super trooper to have some new friends for the ballet team!"

Once Berry finished in his long and powerful hoof shakes, Butterscotch and Bluebell gave their new friend wide yet sweet grins. Awhile, massaging their new sore hooves.

Applejack let out a hearty laugh while wrapping one of his forelegs around Berry's shoulders, "Bubble Berry here is the nicest and all the around the best ballet dancer y'all can know around here. Stick him and he'll show ya the ropes."

"Did somepony say ropes?"

All the ponies looked up and saw Rainbow Blitz sliding down a rope before them. While carrying Scootaroll on his back.

Once they landed gracefully and stylishly on the ground, Rainbow remarked "The only pony that knows the ins and outs of this opera house is me."

Scootaroll added "And me too! Right Blitz?"

Rainbow responded while giving him a play noggie, "That's right Scoots, you too."

Applejack then said "And this here is Rainbow Blitz and Scootaroll. They're in charge of backstage and placement of settings."

Both Blitz and Scoots responded with a smooth yet cool "What's up?"

Butterscotch and Bluebell both said "Hello."

Applejack then said to Rainbow "Showing off as usual Rainbow?"

Rainbow smirked "Not showing off, just being awesome as I wanna be."

Scootaroll asked Butterscotch and Blubell "So, who are you guys? Are you guys the new mangers?"

Bluebell answered "Oh no, we're not the new mangers. We're the new ballet dancers. I'm Bluebell. And this is Butterscotch."

Butterscotch gave them a shy and small wave.

Rainbow Blitz remarked with "Oh. So you're Zircoro's kids, huh?"

Bubble Berry added "Mhmmm. I love butterscotch candy. You're so lucky in having a yummy piece of candy as your name. Is butterscotch your favorite kind of candy?"

Butterscotch answered shyly "Well actually, caramel is my favorite kind of candy."

Rainbow interrupted with "Isn't butterscotch and caramel pretty much the same thing?"

Berry exclaimed "Are you kidding?! They are not the same thing! Butterscotch and caramel are two completely different things!"

Butterscotch and Bluebell giggled at Bubble Berry's explanation. It was then Butterscotch noticed something wonderfully unusual in the corner of his eye. He turned his head...his face brightened...he never thought in his whole life would he see this.

"Oh my goodness!"

He ran past Bluebell and the group of his new friends. He galloped towards Barbara and halted right before her face.

He cooed "Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before. She's soooo cute!"

Barbara was speak less. She felt extremely uncomfortable by the sudden appearance and cooing by this new stallion. She also felt embarrassed, "Um?"

Butterscotch's vision of Barbara was soon blocked by Elusive's death glare. His death glare made poor Butterscotch back away in fear.

Elusive harshly scolded Butterscotch "No pony can tell my Barbara she's cute except for me."

Barbara sighed out lovingly with her claws placed over her chest, "Elusive..."

Applejack stepped in and placed himself between Elusive and Butterscotch. He gave Elusive a death glare right back at him. Applejack barked "Leave him be Elusive! He's new, he didn't know any better."

Elusive responded with "Hmph! What's your name pegasus?"

Butterscotch was shaking in his knees, with Bluebell standing by his side to support him. Butterscotch felt like he couldn't breathe...all the ponies on stage were staring at him...his worst fear playing out before him. His response to Elusive's question was a scared whimper.

Elusive demanded "For Artemis's sake! What is your name pegasus?!"

Applejack interrupted with "His name is Butterscotch. He's Zircoro's son. So you better back off before Zircoro comes around...seeing you bullying his boy."

Barbara whispered while gazing at Applejack "Applejack..."

Elusive and Applejack were frozen in their deadly glare match with each other. Every pony was silent, waiting for either Elusive or Applejack to make the next move.

Elusive lifted his muzzle high in the air and turned away from Applejack. He huffed "You got lucky this time...Butterscotch...stay out of my way! Let's go!"

While Elusive walked towards the other side of the stage, Sweepy fanned Elusive's face. Barbara gave one last sad look at Applejack before following Elusive. Applejack took a small step forward, with a desperate look on his face, as if he wanted to follow Barbara. But he knew he couldn't do it here...not now.

As Bluebell was helping Butterscotch up, she asked with disdain in her voice "Who's the jerkface?"

Rainbow Blitz answered "That's L'Opera's 'Primadonna', Elusive. Every pony follows his whim in order to avoid...well...that. The guy is such a drama queen that he forces his own brother to be his servant."

Butterscotch quietly asked, while still getting over shock, "Is the little dragon his friend?"

Applejack commented without really hearing himself "Friend...servant...pet... who knows."

Butterscotch was the only to notice the sadness and disappointment in Applejack's voice. He was about to ask his new friend if he was alright, but he was interrupted by his father approaching the stage.

As soon as Zircoro got on the stage, he proclaimed "Attention stallions and mares on the stage! Let me present our new managers, here to lead and amaze."

After Zircoro's introduction, two mares popped out from behind the zebra. The two mares appeared to be twin unicorns. They had light yellow coats with long, red and white, striped manes. They were wearing blue and white striped vests with matching straw hats.

The one with the edgier looking mane started singing,
I'm Shiimmm

Then her sister with the curlier looking mane joined in with,
I'm Shaaammm

As soon as they finished their musical note together, they both joyously exclaimed "We're The Shim Sham Sisters!"

They flipped over Zircoro and landed in perfect splits before their employees. They present the ponies with charming and innocent smiles, however they recieved the sound of one pony clapping for them. And this pony was Bubble Berry.

He cheers while clapping for Shim and Sham "Woohoo, great show! Finally! We get some mangers with musicality."

Zircoro clears his throat into his front hoof, then proceeds with "May I also present the Princes' Royal Advisor, Dusk Shine. Make him feel welcome and be kind."

Dusk Shine then walked up and joined Zircoro on stage. He was a purple unicorn with a choppy pink and dark purple mane. He had twilight purple eyes, which was complimented by his dark blue and gold jacket. The jacket had the symbol of the princes' cutie marks on his upper pocket to show his position within court.

He smiled while graciously stating "Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Dusk Shine knew the reason why he was there was because he had to keep an eye on The Shim Sham Sisters. By order of the Prince Solaris. Even though Shim Sham Sisters are good nature mares with success in this new apple cider business, The Sisters also had greedy and con-men tendencies. Dusk Shine was always happy in carrying out Prince Solaris's orders. He felt honored in taking this mission dealing with the Princes' favorite opera house. However, Dusk Shine couldn't help but be feel like his position dealt with issues closer to the Princes. Not the arts. Dusk Shine had nothing against the arts. But he was the royal advisor, not an opera house manger.

Elusive quickly walked over to the new mangers and Dusk Shine,with Sweepy and Barbara following right behind them. He slicked his mane back slightly,cocked his invisible eyebrow seductively, and gave them a beautiful but fake smile.

He remarked confidently "Well how do you do? Enchanté. My name is Elusive. And let me just say that it's..."

WHAM!

Elusive was pulverized by one of the setting panels closest to the orchestra pit. The slightly heavy panel hit in the middle of Elusive's back. However, this didn't make the white unicorn pass out. He struggled ferociously under the panel. He was trying to figure out what was on top of him,while calling out for assistance. Sweepy and Belle awhile were struggling to get the setting off Elusive.

All of sudden,a grey bucket gracefully flew from high above the stage and landed on top of Elusive's head. Out of the bucket, white slightly gooey and thick substance oozed all over Elusive's mane. Feeling the strange substance drip all over his face made Elusive scream like a little filly.

Everypony on stage were fighting to contain their laughter at Elusive's expense. If they helped,Elusive wouldn't be in this funny position anymore. The Shim Sham Sisters, Dusk Shine,and Zircoro helped Sweepy and Barbara remove the heavy object off Elusive.

When Elusive stood up,his face was fuming red underneath the metal bucket still on his head. The bucket and the white substance covered Elusive's eyes and nose.

Bubble Berry went over to Elusive with an inquisitive look on his face. Berry examined the angry yet sticky unicorn all around, like he was Sherlock Horse. He looked closely at the white goo dripping from Elusive's bucket. He sniffed it first before licking Elusive's cheek. This lick made Elusive jump in shock and gag in disgust.

Bubble Berry licked his lips, then happily concluded "Yummy! Marzipan."

This whole incident made all the ponies on stage burst out laughing, they couldn't hold it in any longer. Tears of joy were coming from their eyes. The only ones that were not laughing were Dusk Shine, Zircoro, Sweepy Belle, Barbara, and Butterscotch.

Butterscotch looked up to the rafters up above the stage...nothing but darkness and shadows.

Elusive aggressively took the bucket off his head and threw it off stage. Steam was flaring from his nostrils,his crystal blue eyes were now red. Sweepy used a towel to wipe off the marzipan from his face and mane, but this didn't calm down the Primadonna.

Elusive shouted "That's it! I can't take anymore of this! Do you hear me Phantom?! I can't take it!"

Dusk Shine asked "Phantom? Who is this Phantom? Does he work here at the opera?"

Elusive loudly responded with "It's a she actually. And no, she doesn't work here! She's the no good, over bearing, low life, scum of a ghost that lives in the shadows of the opera house!"

Dusk Shine retorts "No offense Monsieur Elusive, but there is no such thing as ghosts or phantoms. There's no scientific proof of their existence."

Rainbow Blitz casually adds in "Oh she's real alright. She's as real as you and me. And her power is as real and as deadly as dark magic itself."

Rainbow Blitz slowly walked towards the middle of the stage, and positioned himself into a crouched cat-like position. He had a cocky smirk on his face, preparing for his story telling moment.

He darkly proclaimed to his audience "Dark grey stone is her skin. A great black hole served as the nose that never grew. Yellow gold eyes that pierce through the shadows. You must always be on your guard...or she will...turn you into stone!"

Blitz's last statement terrified the ponies on stage and made some of them gasp in fear. This made the rainbow pegasus laugh in his accomplishment.

The crowd parted for Zircoro. He slowly approached Rainbow Blitz. The blue stallion was unaware of the zebra's presence until...he started to sing in a haunting tone,
Those who speak
Of what they know
Find, too late, that prudent
Silence is wise.
Rainbow Blitz
Hold your tongue!
She will freeze you with the
Ice in her eyes!

Zircoro stared Rainbow down. Zircoro's glare made the cocky stallion crouch all the way to the ground,with his head almost bowing to Zircoro.

Blitz nervously remarked "Relax Zircoro, I was just kidding around."

Zircoro responded seriously "But the Phantom never kids. With your life, you would promise to never bid."

Dusk Shine says "Oh Monsieur Zircoro, please don't tell me you believe in this ghost too."

Zircoro answers "I don't just believe, I see...I see her."

Butterscotch gasped quietly. His father knows Eris?! But how? And why? Why he didn't he tell them?

Dusk Shine responds "Wait? Y-You've met her?"

Zircoro pulls out an envelope with a gold pony skull wax seal and presents it to Dusk Shine and The Shim Sham Sisters. They eyed the mysterious envelope with deep curiosity and wonder.

Zircoro then tells them "The Opera Ghost welcomes you all ...to her opera. She looks forward to what her new mangers have to install."

Shim exclaims "Her opera?!"

Sham adds in the same tone "Her new mangers?!"

Dusk Shine quickly opens the envelope,and scans all the letter with great precision and speed. He immediately noticed at the bottom of the letter,there was a signature. It said O.G.

But Dusk Shine also noticed another important yet daunting detail, "She...She wants 10,000 bits..."

The Shim Sham Sisters both shouted "WHAT?!"

Dusk Shine continues without really hearing the twin sisters, his eyes still glued to the letter, "She wants 10,000 bits...every month."

"Let me see it!" The Shim Sham Sisters both yelled. They both harshly grabbed the letter from Dusk Shine and closely examined it.

Zircoro explained "As you can see, all mangers...even the old manger...pay this monthly fee. Or else."

Shim turned away from the letter and barked at Zircoro "There is no way that we're paying 10,000 bits!"

Sham continued Shim's statement with "Not for any pony or for any ghost!"

Shim finished it with "Especially for a 'phantom' that does nothing more than torment and scare others!"

Elusive proclaimed "Then what are you going to do then? Get rid of it once and for all?! I suggest you do it soon or I'll be leaving!"

He lifted his face high in the air and retreated back to his dressing room, with his little brother and his little dragon by his side.

Dusk Shine then conversed with Zircoro "Zircoro...if you know this 'phantom', then please reason with her. There has to be a way to solve all this...without bowing down to the demands of a 'ghostly' dictator."

Zircoro was silent. He turned his gaze away from Dusk Shine.

This encouraged the purple unicorn to say "The Princes and I can help Zircoro. Please."

Zircoro responded solemnly "L'Opera de Cheval...and O.G...will always stand through it all."

Dusk Shine slightly backed away from Zircoro with a surprised yet grave expression on his face. Even though he still believed that this phantom was a living mortal pony, he also had a feeling that this ghost pony had great magical power. Why else would Zircoro be so afraid of her? Why else would all these ponies be scared of her too? Dusk Shine also had another mission during his visit...to investigate.

Zircoro walked towards the new mangers and explained in a deep tone "Keep box seat one open, or more shall happen."

He gave them one last look before gently head back towards the dressing rooms. Everypony was quiet...and all eyes were on Zircoro, Dusk Shine, and the Shim Sham Sisters. All were pondering on what will happen next.

Bluebell and Butterscotch followed their Baba to the dressing rooms. However, Zircoro stopped them when they reached a small male dressing room door. Zircoro comforted them with "I'm alright truly. I just...need some time to calm these thoughts that are unruly."

He slowly went in and closed the door behind him.

Bluebell was the first to say while staring at the door, "I just...I can't believe that he didn't tell us."

Butterscotch answered "I...I know what you mean. But...if he told us, we would always worry. We would have seek the phantom and..."

Bluebell finished his thought, "and got hurt."

Butterscotch wasn't thinking about that, but he knew he should have finished his statement with that. Even though, he didn't believe that Eris would hurt them.

There was a soft moment of silence before Butterscotch mentions to Bluebell, "Um Bluebell? I think...I'm going to the sanctuary. Before heading back up. Is that okay?"

Bluebell answers "Yeah, sure. It's okay. I'll see you later." She leaves him with a sweet sisterly smile before heading towards the staircase leading to their bedrooms.

Once Bluebell was out of sight, Butterscotch quickly runs to the sanctuary room. However, his gallop was light and smooth so that way no pony could hear rushing through the theatre. He followed Eris's directions and found the room old stone room.

It almost looked like a cave to Butterscotch. The entrance and the room was round and circular. The sanctuary was filled with aging and deeply melted candles. The candles' flames still lit bright and their glow felt holy...magical...and warm. There was stain glass windows on the left and right walls. But the main focus of the room was the altar painting.

It was a chipped, dignified, ancient, beautiful, brown and hold portrait of The Two Royal brothers. Two candles on each side of the painting to signify the importance of the altar. Butterscotch noticed a small brown bench before the altar...and it had pieces of parchment and a writing quill. Butterscotch wondered if Eris left these for him.

He quickly wrote down,
Dear Eris,
Can we meet this afternoon? Please respond ASAP.
Sincerely,
Butterscotch

He let the ink dry and settle in first before folding the parchment in three folds. He found a small crack between the stones in the wall next the altar painting. He stick the letter right through.

> Chapitre Cinq
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once Zircoro was in the small dressing room, he went to the tall standing mirror in the corner. He observed his surroundings from side to side. Then, he tapped on the mirror's smooth reflective surface three times. The mirror opened inward automatically. And it lead to a dark alleyway inside.

Zircoro climbed inside the mirror. He calmly walked down the darkness, without a guiding light. No fear...no regrets. Before Zircoro knew it, torches began to lit up the alleyway. Zircoro walked through the maze of hallways, descending deeper into the underground shadows of the opera house, as if he has traveled them a million times.

Zircoro finally reached his destination after five minutes of traveling the hallways. There was an underground candle lit lake. But next to this lake...on the wall in front of Zircoro...was a gold stone cave-like lair.

The lair was decorated with tons of old but classic red velvet stage curtains. Creative gargoyle and abstract creature marble statues everywhere. Desks, music sheets, and ink scattered all around. Craft materials accompanying the desks and their chairs. The center of this lair was a giant, towering, gold and red velvet organ. Next to the organ was a group of instruments,covered in a light see through curtain to protect it from dust.

Zircoro walked to the small wooden dock to the left of him. He takes the old row boat next to the dock,and rows towards the lair. When Zircoro's boat got closer to the lair, he noticed Eris was sitting on her organ stool in front of her organ. She was facing Zircoro with a cocky smudge look on her face. She was waiting for him. He rolled his eyes at this. Her legs were crossed, awhile tapping the tips of her claws together in a conceiving manner.

Once Zircoro's boat landed at her dock, she proclaimed joyously "Ah Zircoro...my dear old friend, you finally came!"

As the zebra approached the powerful musical organ, he was about to open his mouth to speak...

"Oh wait a moment though!"

Eris snapped her eagle talon with glee, then motioned her friend to speak. "Okay then, tell me the good news!"

Zircoro tells her in a deadpan tone "Hello Eris..."

He then realized what she did and let out an annoyed sign. He proceed with "Must you always do this."

Eris responded with a smirk on her face "As much as I like rhymes and riddles, yours gets real old real fast. But enough about that!"

She then magically poofed by Zircoro's side and curled him up in her snakey coils, "Where's my 10,000 bits?!"

Zircoro answered with a nod "They refused."

"WHAT?!" Eris shouted.

Zircoro ignore her exclamation and climbed out of her coils.

Eris yelled while Zircoro walks forward, "How could you let this happen?!"

Zircoro answered simply "I told you that the Shim Sham Sisters will never let money go...even to threats and ghosts."

Eris remarked "Ah but that's what persuasion is for my dear boy. But no! You couldn't even do that! What happened?!"

Zircoro couldn't take it any more. He couldn't hold it in. He halted immediately and turned dramatically towards Eris. He yelled "How could you do this to Butterscotch?! How could you trap him in this sick and twisted secret circle of yours?!"

Eris's harden expression dropped and relaxed. She let out a realized "Ohh, so that's what happened. I knew something was distracting you today. You had me worried for a moment." She finished it with a classic smile.

However, her smile only irritate Zircoro more. He shouted "How can you be so calm about this?!"

She answered with a cheeky expression on her face, "Who better to trust my secret with than the son of Zircoro himself?"

Zircoro's eyes widen and his jaw dropped to the harsh stone ground. He slowly backed away from Eris...he was speechless.

Eris continued smoothly "That cute little Bluebell is also your daughter, am I correct?" She chuckled in her throat then approached Zircoro slowly. "But that's not all I know. Honestly Zircoro, you think you can hide your secrets from me?"

Eris started crawling on all fours and sleeked around Zircoro like a wild cat. His gaze was at his front hooves and the ground, trying to ignore the draconquues slithering around him. She then whispered in his ear, "So, I guess it wasn't enough to just have a filly like her? Huh?"

Zircoro harshly whipped his head towards her, staring straight into her cruel eyes and growled "That's not what's important here! My point is..."

Eris waved her paw and claw defensively, while telling him "Don't worry, I know exactly what you're going to say. I will not harm a single pretty pink hair on his pretty little head. On the contrary, just like you, I will do whatever it takes to protect him."

Zircoro eyed her suspiciously and asked "Why?"

Eris shrugged her shoulders casually and responded elegantly "My reasons are my own. Just like your reasons are your own."

She stood up from her wild cat position and returned back to her towering height, "Since I'm in a...forgiving mood...I'll let your little slip slide. For now. But, make sure to have those fools pay me by the end of the week. Promise?" She showed him her toothy grin with her famous over sized fang sticking out.

Zircoro answered in a deep parental tone, "Only if you promise to stay away from my son."

Eris hide the feathery end of her tail in her cape, so that way, she crossed her tail feather like fingers. She lied "Deal."

Zircoro gave Eris a deadly glare before heading back to the boat. His path was blocked by a galloping Dopey. The hunchback pony almost knocked over the zebra.

Dopey panicked while trying to catch his breath "Oh gosh! I'm so sorry Master Zircoro! I-I..."

Eris snapped her eagle talon behind her back. Zircoro interrupted with Dopey "There is no need to worry. I know that you were in a hurry. On that note, I must scurry."

They gave each other an understanding nod and smile. Then they continued on their original paths. Before Zircoro stepped into the boat, Eris called out "There's no need to row back. Let me assist you!"

She snapped her lion paw and magically transported Zircoro back to the male dressing room. She turned to her loyal companion and asked "What's the sitch Dopey?"

Dopey panted "Mistress...he's coming..."

Eris uttered "Butterscotch? Here?...Now?"

Dopey answered while still trying to catch his breath "He...he left...a letter. At the...sanctuary. He wants...to come down...now."

Eris's mind was racing, trying to figure out the best solution to this new development. She wasn't expecting him so soon. Her heart was beating at the speed of light. She almost lost her breath. However, she was able to regain enough composure to say "On the letter, tell him that he can come this afternoon. At four o'clock. Slip the letter back in the sanctuary, and await his response."

All that Dopey could respond with was, "Oh...um, about that...I..."

Eris's blood began to boil. Her claw and paw were now hard fists. She growled "Don't tell me that you...let him in already?!"

Dopey slightly crouched down in fear and squeaked out "He'll be here in five minutes."

"ARRGHH! Why did you do that?!" screamed Eris while throwing her arms around in a child-like tantrum.

Once she was done letting out her anger, she ordered Dopey "Begone with you! Get on with your other duties and keep an eye on Zircoro! If you don't, so help me...I'll..."

Dopey struggled to gallop once more and scattered away like a bug out of the lair. He kept repeating in a frightened tone "I'm going! I'm going!"

As soon as Dopey left, a terrified Eris quickly cleaned up the lair. She used the mixture of her magic and moving the objects physically with her hands. Then, she dusted off her cape and straightened it's neck line. She even dusted herself off for an extra measure.

She went her golden vanity, which was on the far left side of the giant organ. The vanity mirror, like most of the lair, was covered by a red velvet stage curtain. Eris softly petted the vanity and curtain. Reflecting on whether she should remove the cover. She also reflected on why she was doing all this. What was this pegasus doing to her? Why was she feeling this way? This has all been happening so fast. For the first time in her life, she couldn't stand the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

She harshly removed the curtain and it revealed a glimmering un-cracked mirror. For some reason, Eris couldn't smash this one like the others around the lair. Eris had an admiration and fascination with cracked mirrors. They're so beautifully chaotic and imperfect. Plus for Eris, it was fun smashing mirrors. However, the vanity mirror cast a spell on her.

Eris, in a rush, fluffed her edgy yet messy hair with her fingers. Just to give it a little luscious volume. Then, she adjusted her black mask to make sure it was properly covering her face in the right places.

"Um hello? Eris?" Butterscotch's voice echoed throughout the lair.

Eris turned away from her vanity, brought the cover back over the mirror, and search for Butterscotch by the small dock. She saw the small yellow pegasus enter out of a glowing purple portal. The phantom instantly smiled at him, awhile calmly catching her breath and ignoring the buckets of sweat dripping from her back. All that she can hope for is for Butterscotch not to notice how hard she was trying to make a good impression.

Butterscotch was shocked to find a piece of land by the underground candle lit lake. He could have sworn that this lair wasn't there earlier. Then again...he was dealing with an all powerful goddess-like creature. He gave a quick look over his shoulder found the magical portal to the sanctuary gone. Butterscotch couldn't help but be awed by all these magical phenomenas.

"Butterscotch my dear! What brings you to my humble lair so soon? Not that I'm complaining of course...or not that I was waiting for your arrival." said a slightly nervous Eris. However, she hid her nerves through a giant fake smile.

Butterscotch responded meekly "I'm so sorry to intrude so soon Eris, but...I have to talk to you about something."

Eris's heart fluttered in her chest, her gold and ruby eyes glowed bright. She sighed to herself He came down here to talk to me.

She then summoned two cotton candy clouds for them to sit on. Butterscotch felt a little uncomfortable with his tail and legs sticking to the cotton candy, but he was willing to ignore it. Eris lied on her stomach and rested on her elbows. She replied "But of course! You can tell me anything. What's up?"

Butterscotch explained while trying to get over his hesitation, "I...I need to talk to you about...what happened today."

Eris inched her cloud closer to Butterscotch's cloud. She brought her head and her alluring eyes closer to Butterscotch's face. She playfully asked "What about today?"

This made Butterscotch's cheeks and ears burning red. He gulped before calmly continuing "I wanna talk about what you did to Elusive."

Eris cracked up at this. She replayed in her mind the humiliating prank she played on the cocky stallion. She laughed "Oh wasn't it just hilarious?! Did you see his face?! Priceless!"

As Eris chuckled some more of her devious accomplishment, Butterscotch whispered "Well I..."

She stopped her laughter as soon as she heard Butterscotch's guilty tone. Eris then asked softly "You...you didn't think it was funny?"

Butterscotch quickly defended "Oh I-I would have laugh but I was too busy worrying if Elusive was alright."

Eris answered casually "That prank was harmless I can assure. Why you are so worried about him anyway? Especially after the way he treated you!"

Butterscotch replied "I'm sure that all was just a big misunderstanding. I guess my question is...how come you prank Elusive all the time? What has he done to you?"

Eris looked away from Butterscotch and looked down at her claws. She commented with "Elusive has been a prickly thorn on my behind ever since he got here. He's been a pain to every pony! He has no talent. No vision, no emotion, no passion in his voice. Plus, he doesn't allow room for improvement in his voice because of his irritating ego. He doesn't deserve the title of Tenor! He is, as every pony says, a Primadona!"

Butterscotch peacefully proclaimed "He may be...disagreeable...but that doesn't mean we should be rude in return."

Eris barked at Butterscotch "Are you calling me rude?"

Butterscotch quickly remarked "Oh no! That's not what I meant! What I meant to say was...just because somepony is mean...doesn't mean that we should do mean things to him back."

Eris questioned "Why not? He deserves it. I'm simply playing out karma's plan for the little trout. Is that so wrong?"

Butterscotch responded simply "Well it is wrong because...our lives are measured by how kind we are to our friends, our enemies, and to strangers."

Eris scratched her chin and said in deep thought "Hmmm. How interesting."

Butterscotch asked "What's interesting?"

"The way your mind works. I've never met anypony who thinks like you. I like that." said Eris.

Butterscotch looked up sincerely to Eris and smiled, "So, does that mean that you won't pick on Elusive anymore?"

Eris responded cheerfully "No. This means that I'll think about it."

Butterscotch's spirits faltered a little, "Oh."

"Anything else on your mind?" Eris added.

Butterscotch needed to know more about her. He needed to see who she really is, not her phantom persona. His inner little voice is telling him to be wary of Eris. This the creature that strikes fear into ponies hearts. This is the phantom that turns others into stone. He shouldn't trust her. Yet...whenever he's around her, she has proven to be the opposite. She's kind to him. She can sing like an angel. She can create music from the heavens. Her magic can be good. She's playful and mischievous. What Butterscotch didn't like was her mystery. He needed to know the truth.

"Um...I know this is alot to ask, especially after I intrude into your home so soon. But, can I come back? Maybe tomorrow morning?"

Eris was cheering for herself inside her mind. If she really let her inner joy out, she would squee if she grinned. She told herself Yes! Totally nailed it! However, Eris knows she has to be play it cool.

She poof herself thin glasses and a thick planner for herself to flip through, "I might I have to switch some things around. But..."

She made her glasses and planner disappear before exclaiming "for you, I can make an exception."

Butterscotch smiled shyly and sweetly said "Wonderful! It's a rendez-vous then! Is eight in the morning good?"

Eris uttered out nervously "R-R-Rendez-vous? I mean...yes. Eight is good."

She quickly summoned that magical purple portal to the sanctuary for Butterscotch. The yellow pegasus let out a kind "I'll see you later Eris" before disappearing into the portal.

Eris's mind was jumbled. Her world was spinning, but not in a good way. She gripped the top of her head with her lion paw. She kept thinking to herself

...rendez-vous?! As in a date?!

> Chapitre Six
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A magically, glowing, floating hairbrush was brushing through Eris's long white hair. The brush had soft cream hairs and a gold carved handle. Each stroke of the brush turned Eris's edgy yet messy hair into a long...luscious...fluffy...slightly wavy and curly...cloud-like mane. Eris allowed herself to relax and close her eyes during the brushing. Eris has been stressed out ever since yesterday...ever since Butterscotch asked her out for a...date.

Whenever her mind wandered on the "D" word, her eyes spin all over and send her into a whirlwind. Not the fun kind of whirlwind that she likes to create from time to time, but the more motion sickness kind of whirlwind. Was this pegasus possessing some kind of dark magic like her? What was this spell he was using on her? How can she break it?

Eris's thoughts interrupted by the brush floating away from Eris's hair and landing on the golden vanity before her. Eris opened her eyes and looked down at the animated hairbrush. It had big filly-like eyes, a sweet cartoon smile,and tiny gold arms and legs sticking out from it's carved handle body.

The hairbrush bowed to the Phantom and proclaimed in a very squeaky voice, "You look lovely Mistress. Anything else I can do for you?"

Eris bowed her head back at her brush and answered "That will be all sweetie." She waved her glowing lion paw in front of the hairbrush and took the animation spell off it.

Then she directed her attention to her reflection in the un-cracked mirror. She was surprised on just how good her hair looked. She knew she wanted her hair to be gorgeous today,but she never thought she could make it...this good. She lightly ran her eagle claw through her white locks and admired how silky soft it was. Eris concluded that it was the miracle of trying.

She traced her long jaw line with her eagle claw, and slowly..traced it all the way to her tall slender neck. Then...to her neck line...soon she found her self tracing over her full chest. She lingered on the soft silk material of her new dress. She decided this morning that she would wear a red, long sleeved, Victorian Marie Antoinette corset gown. The neck line and sleeves were accented with delicate red lace. The black of the dress had a long trail of black cloth buttons. The gown's specialty was simple. It emphasized beautifully her curves. The gown also brought out the shining gold and the bold black paint on Eris's mask. Eris decide that she wouldn't wear her usual black cape today...in order for her dress to stand out. Eris traced her eagle claw from her chest to her waist...then to her curvy hips.

She whispered out loud while still gazing upon her reflection, "I wonder...will he...like it?"

"The lair is spotless Mistress."

Eris turned around in her stool and found Dopey standing three feet behind her. The hunchback was sweaty...a little...from cleaning and polishing the lair all last night and this morning.

She asked him "What time is it?"

Dopey looked down at his hoof watch and replied "It is...7:50."

Eris remarked with a bright smile "Excellent! Now, get the table, the marzipan, and the caramel ready. But before that, wait for Butterscotch by the portal."

Eris stood up from her stool and summoned the purple portal by the dock.

Dopey joyously exclaimed "Yes Mistress." before happily running for the small dock.

As soon as Dopey scurried off, Eris levitated the light red and brown see through dresser panel. She placed it in front of the golden vanity and in front of her. She slowly slumped back into the stool and scavenge through the vanity's drawers. Eris found it. Her wooden music box. It never failed to calm her nerves. Just touching it's smooth top can transport Eris's mind into a whole other world. It was her muse. Her confidante.

She didn't open it,but instead softly pet it's top. Eris began to wonder about Butterscotch. His words began to echo in her head...

Our lives are measured by how kind we are to our friends, to our enemies, and to strangers.

She mumbled to herself "If that were the case, what would my life measure up to? How can one measure my life?"

Despite this depressing thought, Eris's couldn't help but feel the warmth of Butterscotch's wise and compassionate statement. His words had the power to linger in her. His kindness had the power to linger in her heart.

She sweetly sang to herself...
Loveliness, Tenderness,
Warm as the summer,
Offer me their embrace.
Friendliness, Gentleness,
Strangers to my life.
They are there in his face.
Goodness, and sweetness,
And kindness,
Abound in his place.
I am in love with the things
that I see in his face.
It's a feeling
I know time
Will never erase...

All of sudden,Eris heard new hoof steps on the dock. She quickly put her music box away in her vanity drawer. She stood up from her stool and positioned her back to face the panel. Eris decide to pose casually yet seductively in front the panel. So that way, it can lure Butterscotch to her instead of having the draconquues crawl over to meet him. It was perfect!

Butterscotch slowly walked out of the magic portal. He was still wary and cautious of it. He had this irrational thought that it might close on him in the middle of his crossing. He let out a sigh of relief once he passed through and the portal closed behind him.

"HELLO!"

Butterscotch squeaked in fear and jumped back at the sudden greeting. He cowered himself down to the ground and covered his face with his wings.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you, but I was so excited to meet you."

Butterscotch peeked through his wings and saw the grey hunchback pony named Dopey. His eyes widen at the sight of him. Butterscotch had never seen a pony like him before. Butterscotch wondered if he was one of Eris's magical creations.

Butterscotch slowly rises up and folded his wings back to his sides. When he returned his gaze back to Dopey,the hunchback pony exclaimed "You're a pegasus, just like me!"

Dopey then removed his brown tunic over his shoulders and head. Butterscotch questioned what the stallion was doing until he saw the grey wings...on each side of the pony's large yet strange apparent hump on his back. The yellow pegasus felt ashamed for staring, his father always taught him to never stare at others. All ponies are different, it's part of life.

Dopey grinned joyously at Butterscotch. He then fluttered his wings and lifted himself five feet in the air. In order to show Butterscotch how similar they were. Dopey added "See?"

Butterscotch smiled back and said "I see. You were right."

Dopey's grin grew wider and it made his small dimples show. He fluttered back on the ground and put his tunic back on.

Butterscotch asked him "What's your name?"

"My name is Dopey." he responded.

Butterscotch happily shook Dopey's front hoof and said "Nice to meet you Dopey, my name is..."

Dopey interrupted him with "Oh I know who you are. You're Butterscotch. I remembered because your name is a piece of candy."

Butterscotch stopped shaking his hoof and remarked "Oh...I see. How do you know my name?"

Dopey happily answered "Mistress told me."

Butterscotch uttered "M-Mistress?"

Dopey continued "Yeah, she told me how nice you were. She told me how much you liked music. Oh! She also told me how friendly you were. That's why I was so excited to meet you."

Butterscotch blushed "Oh. She talks about me?"

Dopey nodded his head and casually said "Yup. Alot. I'm so glad that Mistress has a friend. Especially a friend like you. Can I be your friend too?"

Butterscotch nodded his head and softly answered him "But of course Dopey."

Dopey surprised Butterscotch with a big tight hug. Dopey exclaimed while swinging his new friend around,"Yay! You're the best! Thanks!"

Butterscotch squeaked "No problem. It's my pleasure."

As soon as Dopey released Butterscotch, he realized "Oh! I better get going. I have to get everything ready."

Dopey pointed one of his front hooves to the dresser panel and Eris's golden vanity, "Mistress should be over there."

While Dopey left in the opposite direction, Butterscotch tells him "Thank you."

Butterscotch looked back at the dresser panel and saw a shadow outline that looked like Eris. He didn't notice anything special about Eris's pose, but focused on not disturbing her. Butterscotch just hoped that he wasn't too early. He gently walked towards Eris in the corner.

When the yellow pegasus was in front of the panel, he lightly knocked it like a door and quietly questioned "Eris? Is that you?"

A red dragon tail rapidly pushed the panel away to the wall. It revealed Eris's back...and the back of her red dress. Butterscotch's eyes almost bugged out of their sockets at the sight of her glistening white hair. Flowing all the way down to the end of her back. Eris looked over her shoulder playfully, and fluttered her eyes at Butterscotch. She swish her tail from side to side in a graceful manner. Butterscotch backed away from Eris carefully.

Eris teased in her deep yet alluring voice "Hello Butterscotch."

She then rotated herself swiftly towards Butterscotch...to show him the front of her dress. His entire mouth fell wide open. Butterscotch immediately noticed that she wasn't wearing her cape. No cape to hide her figure from him. Plus, the gown drew great attention to her full chest and her round hips. This all in all emphasized the index in her waist. Butterscotch kept telling himself not to look at those areas,but he couldn't help it. It was the dress that was doing it! Not him!

Butterscotch felt a giant lump forming in his throat. He was sweating to no end. It was like meeting Eris all over again...only much worse. He needed salvation from his 'racing to no finishing line' heart. He couldn't breath.

He felt like he couldn't speak, but he had to answer. She was waiting for his response. He nervously stuttered "H-H-Hi. H-How are you today?"

Eris giggled, knowing she had succeeded in making Butterscotch nervous and flustered. The dress worked. She hunched over on all fours, and smiled at Butterscotch with great mischief in her grin. She stopped Butterscotch's backward pace by slithering her body behind her. Her head now to his left, and the feathery end of her dragon tail on his right. However, Eris didn't wrap her serpent body around him because it would scare Butterscotch away. Plus, it was too much for a first date.

Her feathery tail cupped and petted Butterscotch's chin and neck. His entire face and neck was deep red, covered in sweat, and flaring to the heat of fire. Butterscotch's little dilemma made Eris smirk with joy.

She soothed her guest with "My day is wonderful...now that you're here."

Butterscotch at that moment was finally able to swallow that huge lump in his throat. But swallowing it was both a relieving experience and a disgusting experience. His knees were shaking. He prayed to himself "Oh Solaris."

Eris used her tail to turn Butterscotch's face towards her face. Butterscotch was petrified at the sight of her deep gold and ruby eyes. He also stared at her long fluttering eyelashes, and every single detail in her beautiful mask. The more Butterscotch stared at the mask...the more he wondered what she was hiding behind it. Perhaps this is where her secrets lie he thought to himself.

Eris then seductively asked him "How are you my dear?"

Butterscotch nervously whispered "Oh f-f-fine. Thank you."

Eris chuckled in her throat warmly "You're welcome. So...what would you like to do today my dear? Hmmm?"

"Um, I was thinking...that is if you want to. Maybe...we could...perhaps...play some music? From your opera?" Butterscotch responded while playing with his front hooves and staring away from Eris.

Eris's eyes glowed brightly at this suggestion and immediately grabbed one of Butterscotch's front hooves. She proclaimed while happily dragging him to the organ "I thought you would never ask!"

Before Butterscotch knew it, he and Eris were promptly placed on the organ stool together. Side by side. He immediately followed the organ pipes traveling to the top of the gold stone ceiling. Butterscotch awed at it's height and it's enormous width. He marveled how the pipes glistened in the candlelight. Then he gazed upon the smooth and gorgeous white and black keys. Butterscotch always wondered what an organ would sound like it. He couldn't wait to hear it's divine sound.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?"

Butterscotch drew his attention back to Eris. She was smiling at him. It was so warm...gentle...and soft. She lightly ran her fingers over the musical keys like she was dipping her nails in water.

She softly continued with "She's my Bebe. Fixed herself up myself. The poor thing...scattered into tiny dusty pieces back stage. Without a friend in the world."

Butterscotch added with a small smile on his face "Well, it's a good thing that you were there to rescue her."

Eris's smile grew deeper and wider on her long face, she sighed casually "Yes well, in the end...Bebe saved me."

Butterscotch remarked "She saved you?"

Eris ignored his question and continued "So, which song would you like me to play?"

She straightened and laid out all the musical sheets on the stand above the keys. Butterscotch scanned for the title that interested him the most. He squinted at the musical sheet in the middle of the pile. The style of the title was messy and the musical notes were smeared with ink and dried black spots.

He read aloud to the best of his ability "The Beauty Underneath?"

"Oh, that one. Well, it isn't a song for my opera. It's just something I've been working on the side." Eris explained.

Butterscotch grinned sweetly, "That's fine. It sounds very interesting. I wanna hear it."

Eris grinned at him back, "Alrighty then! Here goes nothing!"

Eris almost made Butterscotch jump out of the stool when she slam both her hands onto the organ keys. It was a loud sound. But not an unsettling sound like he expected. It was a strange, dark yet hypnotic sound. Soon, more instruments joined in with the organ. But Butterscotch had never heard these kinds of instrumental sounds before. He noticed in the corner of his eye that the feathery end of Eris's tail was glowing.

The tail was waving around as if it was conducting an orchestra pit. Butterscotch looked all around and found multiple instruments to the side of the organ. They were glowing...floating in mid-air...and playing by themselves. Incredible Butterscotch pondered to himself.

Eris, still staring at her music sheet and her organ, rocked her body to the music. She was already into her composition. She then sang with great gusto in her operatic voice...
Have you ever yearned to go
Past the world you think you know?
Been enthralled to the call
Of the beauty underneath?

Have you let it draw you in
Past the place where dreams begin?
Felt the full breathless pull
Of the beauty underneath?

When the dark unfolds its wings
Do you sense the strangest things?
Things no one would ever guess
Things mere words cannot express?

Butterscotch, completely entralled in the beauty of the music and in the truth of the lyrics, happily whispered "Yes."

Eris continued but with her eyes closed...
Do you find yourself beguiled
By the dangerous and wild?
Do you feed on the need
For the beauty underneath?

Have you felt your senses surge?
And surrendered to the urge?
Have been hooked as you looked at the
At the beauty underneath?

When you stare behind the night
Can you glimpse its primal might?
Might you hunger to possess
Hunger that you can't repress?

Butterscotch then flied away from the stool and fluttered into the sky. High above the candlelit lake. He gracefully glided and danced in the air. With his eyes closed, he softly sang in his operatic falsetto voice...
Yes
It seems so beautiful
So strange yet beautiful
Everything's just as you say

Eris was in awe. His voice so clear...so pure...it was the ringing of bells or the ringing echo of a violin. She was lured away from her organ and floated towards Butterscotch. While still conducting the organ and the instruments with her magic, she sang slowly...
And he's so beautiful
Perhaps too beautiful
What I suspect cannot be
And yet somehow, we both see
The very same way

Butterscotch then notice Eris in front of him and grinned with great glee. He sang and danced with great passion...
It's the music in your head
Have you followed where it led
And been graced with a taste
Of the beauty underneath?

Does it fill your every sense
Is it terribly intense?
Tell me you need it too
Need the beauty underneath

Then they both sing and danced together...
When it lifts its voice and sings
Don't you feel amazing things?
Things you know you can't confess
Things you thirst for nonetheless

Butterscotch sang sweetly...
It's all so beautiful
Eris whispers "Can it be?"

Butterscoth continues his singing...
Almost too beautiful
Then they both harmoniously sing together...
Do you see what I see?

Butterscotch exclaims "Heavenly!"
Eris continues to sing...
To him it's beautiful
My world is beautiful

Butterscotch sings divinely...
How can this be what it seems?
Then he and Eris sing in harmony once more...
All of my most secret dreams
Somehow set free

The song reaches it's crescendo and the dancing pair draw closer...and closer to each other...Eris swirls around Butterscotch like a flying serpent dragon. Eris then sings with fire in her soul, with each note building more and more momentum...
You can feel the lift
Come closer
You've no fear of the beauty underneath

You can face it
You can take it
You see through to the beauty underneath

To the splendor
Butterscotch sings backup (Splendor)
And the glory
Butterscotch (And the glory)
To the truth of the beauty underneath
Butterscotch (The beauty underneath)

You'll accept it
You'll embrace it
Let me show you the beauty underneath

To the splendor!
Butterscotch (Splendor!)
And the glory
Butterscotch (And the glory!)
To the truth of the beauty underneath
Butterscotch (The beauty underneath!)

You'll accept it!
You'll embrace it!
Let me show you the beauty under...

Accidentally, Eris's tail tied around too tight around one of Butterscotch's back legs during their dance. When the yellow pegasus twisted this back leg to dance, it made him lose his focus and balance in his flight. Butterscotch started to fall towards the organ. Because Eris's tail was tied to his leg, Eris was falling with him.

When she saw Butterscotch heading towards the organ,she quickly gathered him in her arms and pulled him into her chest. In order to shield him from their incoming impact. Eris opened her wings so that she control and slow down their descend. The falling pair headed towards a curtained room next to Eris's golden vanity instead of the organ. Before they knew it, they crashed into Eris's round red velvet bed.

Butterscotch groaned in pain. And this pain was coming from this new slightly throbbing headache. The yellow pegasus rubbed his forehead and the back of his head in order to find any bumps. To his luck, no bumps. Butterscotch slowly fluttered his eyes open despite his throbbing headache. When he was able to properly gain a clear vision...he gasped and blushed.

He was standing over Eris. Well at least the top upper half of her long body. Her tail was no longer tied to his back leg, but instead hanging with her feet over the end of the bed. Butterscotch immediately noticed that they were on a bed...probably her bed...due to the soft plush feeling under his hooves. His front hooves were on each side of her head. She was awake. She was staring at him. Butterscotch didn't know what to do!

Eris fluttered her eyes half closed. Her cheeks, her face, and her body were overwhelmed with the feeling of over passionate desire and the heat of fire. Eris was able to gaze and admire the depth of Butterscotch's ocean teal eyes. She could look at them all day. Then again, Eris could stare at his face all day.

Now that Butterscotch was this close, she could see how masculine his chin was. She could see how softly framed his face was. She could see how soft and smooth his mane and his ears looked. His front legs looked so strong...so powerful...it made her feel like she was a damsel in a gothic novel.

But the most important feature that Eris paid attention to was...his lips. They looked so luscious and smooth. Sure, they were small but they were also full looking. And this fullness can make up for it's smallness. Her lips hungered for his lips. She couldn't hold it in any longer.

After what seemed to be of eternity of this awkward staring contest, Butterscotch was able to spit out "Oh Eris, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! It was an accident! I uh..."

Eris began to slowly yet gently lift her head towards Butterscotch and pursed her lips towards his lips. Butterscotch freeze when she started to do this. She carefully shut her eyes closed...and lost herself in the moment. Butterscotch began to sweat profusely. His deep red blush turned into a dark maroon blush. He couldn't understand what was happening and what Eris was doing. What should he do?!

Just when her lips were centimeters away from Butterscotch's lips...

"Food's ready Butterscotch and Mistress!"

Dopey barged in Eris's curtained room with a bug goofy grin on his face. But this grin quickly dropped and his left eye began to twitch when he saw the...particular...situation that his Mistress and his new friend were in.

Eris and Butterscotch were stuck in their position. Their heads turned towards Dopey, with their eyes as big as dining dishes. They all blinked at each other for a moment or two.

Eris let out a fake joyous but awkward laugh which deeply confused Butterscotch and Dopey. Eris smiled at Butterscotch before slithering out of their position. She picked Butterscotch up and sat him down on the end of the bed. The phantom walked backwards towards Dopey, while keeping her gaze on Butterscotch.

While clinching on the curtain, Eris said graciously "Excusez-moi for a moment." Then she closed the curtain which leaves herself and Dopey alone outside her room.

There was a second of silence...before Eris screamed out "DOPEY! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"

Butterscotch almost jumped off the bed at Eris's scream. Then his ears perked up at the sounds of pots banging, dishes clanging, Eris growling, Dopey's panicked yells, galloping hoof steps, horns honking, papers flying, and squeaks of all variety. Butterscotch shuddered at every way. He kept wondering what she was doing to poor Dopey. He didn't mean to barge in. During Eris's rampage, he wondered what was Eris going to do to him earlier. Why did he freeze like that and allow her to do it? Was it fear or curiosity? Or both?! Butterscotch felt like his head was about to explode.

All of the sudden, the noises and sounds stopped. Butterscotch couldn't hear Eris or Dopey anymore. He huddled his front legs and back legs close to him, trying to predict what will happen next.

The curtain rapidly opened and revealed a exhausted sweating Eris. She tried to smile at Butterscotch despite being tired and frustrated. Her glorious white mane was slightly damped by her sweat and frizzed by her chase for Dopey.

Eris happily sighed out while wiping the sweat from her forehead "Sorry about that."

Then she slithered herself closer to Butterscotch and cupped Butterscotch's chin. She remarked seductively "Now, where were we?"

Butterscotch stuttered "Uh..um..we were about to...have something to eat!"

The shy and flustered pegasus bolted out of the bedroom. He galloped towards the ding room table on the other side of the cave. Leaving Eris in the dust and...alone in her room.

She uttered out sadly while looking towards the bedroom curtain "Oh. Right."

After that, she slowly floated after Butterscotch.

> Chapitre Sept
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As soon as Butterscotch reached the long golden dining table on the other side of the lair, he took a moment to catch his breath. That was a close one! Butterscotch thought to himself.

Butterscotch felt like he was being extremely rude for leaving her in the dust just now. She didn't do anything wrong. As soon as they have breakfast, he will apologize. However, he can't tell her the reason why he left. If they continued...what they accidentally started on the bed...Butterscotch could lose his sanity. It was happening so fast. All his emotions and the blood was rushing to his head. It was like having a heart attack. Butterscotch wasn't expert about these kinds of situations. He has never had a special somepony before. He's never been kissed before. In his mind, he was a weak...spineless...awkward...rude...virgin. Butterscotch hate to admit that he was a virgin. Stallions at his age shouldn't be virgins still.

So then, what excuse can I tell her? Butterscotch asked himself. Before he could arrange his thoughts, he heard a chair skate on the floor along with Dopey saying "Your chair... Mr Butterscotch?"

Butterscotch looked up and saw Dopey pulling out a chair for him at the golden table. Dopey's head was bowed towards the yellow pegasus. Dopey's tone was refined and gracious. Butterscotch questioned Dopey's lack of happy enthusiasm. Butterscotch tells his new friend "Mr. Butterscotch? What happened to just Butterscotch?"

Dopey remarked with his head still bowed "Mistress told me to be on my best behavior for now on."

Butterscotch then remembered what happened earlier between the two of them and replied meekly "Oh. I see."

He then walked up to the chair that Dopey offered and sat down. Butterscotch noticed that the chair's cushion was red velvet...and it felt nice. But then memories of Eris's bed and the incident made Butterscotch squirm uncomfortably in his seat. When Dopey scooted Butterscotch's chair in, the yellow pegasus smiled at the hunchback pony. This made Dopey smile back at Butterscotch.

The grey pegasus bowed at Butterscotch before leaving the dining area. This made the shy pony to observe the food presented on the black laced table cloth. He saw a beautiful arrangement of white marzipan chocolate squares and balls, chocolate covered caramels, regular caramel squares, and other kinds of caramel candy. There was enough sweets to feed all the ponies in the opera house. The candy were placed on gorgeous yet colorful plates of all shapes and patterns. There was a milk chocolate foundation, almost towering to the ceiling, on the center of the table. Butterscotch looked into his pink checkered teacup and noticed that there was no tea in it. He took a slip and uttered out "chocolate in milk?"

"I like to call it chocolate milk."

Butterscotch looked up and saw Eris sitting on the other side of the table. Her elbows were on the table and her chin was resting on top of her hands. She had, surprisingly, a sweet smile on her face. Butterscotch wondered how she got in without him noticing. Oh wait, she had magic. He realized. Butterscotch also pondered why she was smiling at him. She had every right to be mad him. He deserved it.

Eris continued "I made itself. Do you like it?"

Butterscotch answered "Oh yes, I do. It's very sweet. Thank you." Then he placed his tea cup in front of him.

"So...what's for breakfast?" Butterscotch asked.

Eris joyously replied "This is breakfast!"

Butterscotch uttered out in confusion "But...there's sweets on the table?"

Eris happily remarked "Not just sweets, but our favorite sweets! I have marzipan for yours truly. Then, I have caramels galore for you! I have all kinds of caramel just to give you the pleasure of choosing. Let's see there's..."

"Um, how did you know that caramel was my favorite?" Butterscotch meekly questioned.

Eris hesitated to reply for a moment, with tiny drops of sweats running along the sides of her face. Then, with a fake smile across her face, she nervously stated "Lucky guess."

Butterscotch had a feeling that Eris was listening on his conversations with his new friends on his first day yesterday. After all, she was there to prank Elusive. So she had to stick around before, right?

Eris cleared her throat, and suggested to Butterscotch "Anywho, please enjoy yourself!"

Butterscotch admired all the caramels at his selection. They all looked so good, he just couldn't decide. Normally, Butterscotch wouldn't be in the mood for desert in the morning. After thoughtful reflection on his choices, Butterscotch decided to try the regular caramel squares.

It took just one bite for Butterscotch to groan in pleasure. Most caramels are sometimes too hard or too chewy, this caramel square was soft...smooth... creamy...and it just melts in the mouth. He quickly gobbled down the caramel square in his hoof, then stuffed his face with the other caramel treats.

Butterscotch's display of appetite made Eris giggle in glee. But she had to cover her smile and laughter from him. In order for him not stop eating. Eris adored how this little pony is filled with little surprises. As she chewed on her marzipan, Eris couldn't help seeing the glimmering caramel shine on Butterscotch's lips. She could just tell that his lips were sweetened with the taste of caramel...and she wanted to taste it. She felt ridiculous thinking such a thought and paying such close attention to his lips. It's not like she just likes Butterscotch for his looks. Butterscotch has alot more to offer besides his looks. He has depth. He has kindness, gentleness, purity, passion, musicality, and more. It's just that...ever since the display earlier on her bed...when his lips were so close to hers. It's hard not to think about and see his lips. Or gaze into his eyes. Or imagine burying her face into his neck. She can't get enough of him now.

Eris then realized how much her heart and her body aches for Butterscotch. That moment between them was too short. She wanted to embrace him into her chest again. She longed to be in his strong forelegs once more. There was an intense chemistry when they touched. She can't deny it. And either can he.

But if he does deny chemistry in their touch, there is one thing he can't deny. The chemistry and harmony in their singing. Their duet in the song just proved that there was something between them. Eris couldn't name what it was, but it was something.

The memory of their duet made Eris asked "Um Butterscotch?"

This question made Butterscotch stop eating. He realized just how much a pig he was just now. He blushed awhile quickly wiping away the caramel all over his mouth. He replied while feeling embarrassed "Yes Eris?"

"Why didn't you tell me that you could sing?" was all Eris could say.

Butterscotch's blush grew redder. He stuttered "Oh no, I can't sing. I mean, I can. No. What I mean is...I'm not a good singer. I just like singing. That's all."

Eris explained "I beg to differ! For years, I have heard the best of the best come in and out of my opera house. And you, my dear Butterscotch, can be one of the greats! You can sing. With a little bit of training and practice, you can be The Tenor of my opera! Not that Primadonna Elusive."

Then a lit candlelight literally appeared above Eris's head to signify that she had an idea. She shouted with glee "And I can teach you!"

Butterscotch exclaimed "What?!"

"C'mon! It'll be great!" Eris reassured Butterscotch.

Butterscotch pointed out "But-But I can't! I have..." Then he whispered "stage fright..."

Eris replied with "Stage fright? How can you have stage fright? I mean, you can just sing with me just fine. So what's the difference?"

Butterscotch remarked "The difference is...well...you weren't staring at me. I mean, we did have to look at each other every now and then. But you were busy dancing and singing the song. If I was on that stage...it will happen again!"

"What will happen again?" said a concerned Eris.

Butterscotch answered with terror in his voice "Yesterday, after Elusive asked for my name...every pony was staring at me. They were judging me...just waiting for me to mess up...ready to laugh at me or call me names...or..."

Eris immediately stood up from her chair and ran to Butterscotch's side. She took his shaking hooves into her hands. Butterscotch looked straight into her worried yet compassionate eyes. She asked softly "Butterscotch? Have you been bullied before?"

Butterscotch was speak less. He turned his attention to his hooves in her hands, instead of looking at her eyes. He didn't know if he had the right words to explain his past experiences with stallions picking on him. Plus, he didn't want Eris to worry about him.

He answered her question with "Not bullying per say...just some playground teasing when I was younger...nothing too serious. But it went away when I grew up."

Eris scolded gently "Butterscotch, don't lie to me. You have been bullied."

Then she took his face in her paw and claw,which made Butterscotch's face fluster. She spoke sincerely "Do not defend those ugly ponies who hurt you."

Butterscotch saw the empathic pain expressed in her face. Her eyes revealed the same kind of hurt he went through when ponies at the playground teased him. In the moment, she looked like a lonely young filly...without a friend in the world. She looked like him when he was a sad little colt. Butterscotch carefully lifted his left front hoof and placed it over Eris's lion paw.

While still holding his face, Eris then whispered "Butterscotch, when you sing...you will make ponies forget their ugliness. Your voice will make them feel beautiful. Ponies will not bully you...they will not judge you...once you start singing on that stage."

Butterscotch leaned into her lion paw and closed his eyes. His little frown expressed fear and doubt. Eris continued while bringing her face closer to his, "You will not be alone. I will be there. The music will be there. You can never to be alone."

Butterscotch opened his eyes. Eris gave him a small yet hopeful smile. Butterscotch took Eris's hands and brought them back into his hooves and in front of him once more. He smiled at her with his eyes gleaming with hope. He then tells her "If it's your music,then yes...I'll never be alone. I suppose we could..give it try."




It was around eleven am when Butterscotch left the sanctuary and the portal leading to Eris's lair. He quietly trotted through the empty and silent opera house. He kept praying that no pony would hear him. With each step he took, he would swiftly look around his surroundings to make sure no pony was following.

However, Butterscotch was glancing from side to side too much. It caused him to not pay attention to what was in front of him and crash into somepony.

Butterscotch immediately squeaked with his eyes closed "Oh dear! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!"

A familiar voice responded "It's okay, I'm alright. Don't be sorry."

Butterscotch opened with one eye and uttered out "Monsieur Dusk Shine."

Dusk Shine offered his hoof to Butterscotch. The purple unicorn wanted to help Butterscotch get up. Dusk Shine smiled and replied "Just call me Dusk Shine. Every pony does."

Butterscotch opened both his eyes and slowly took Dusk Shine's hoof. Once the yellow pegasus was back on all fours, Dusk Shine kindly "So, what brings you to this part of the opera house at such an hour?"

Butterscotch shyly answered "I was...um..praying. At the sanctuary."

Dusk Shine then softly questioned "Were you praying about the phantom?"

Butterscotch hesitantly replied "You could...say that."

Dusk Shine comforted Butterscotch with "There is no need to fear my friend. I'm working on a...solution...to stop this phantom once and for all."

Butterscotch uttered out "You are?"

Dusk Shine proudly stated "Yes, I am. You see, this is why I'm out and about."

The purple unicorn looked side to side before whispering to his new friend, "Can you keep a secret?"

Butterscotch sighed out "Unfortunately, I can."

Dusk Shine continued "I've been using my magic to track down the phantom. With my dark magic tracking spell, I should be able to find her."

Butterscotch, with streams of sweat trailing down from his forehead to his neck, nervously stated "Y-You don't say?"

Dusk Shine then pondered out loud "Although so far, I haven't pin point a strong dark magic signal yet. Base on my analysis of the spell performed yesterday, this ghost's magic is certainly not light magic. However, it's not quite dark magic either. It's strange...it's like she's a master of a new kind of magic. A magic that combines both light and dark."

Butterscotch added "I never knew that there could be such a thing."

Dusk Shine explained "Yes well, nevertheless! It's easier to track traces of dark magic versus light magic due to the fact that unicorns use light magic."

Butterscotch warned "Well, please be careful Monsieur Dusk Shine."

Dusk Shine smiled and replied with "Thank you Monsieur...?"

Butterscotch whispered while trying to hide in his mane "B-Butterscotch. Butterscotch Daae...Monsieur."

Dusk Shine replied happily "Well Monsieur Daae, I shall let you be on your way. It was a pleasure to meet you."

Butterscotch smiled and joyously whispered "Oh um, it was a pleasure to meet you too Monsieur." He gave Dusk Shine a wave before quietly trotting back to his room.

Dusk Shine waved back at Butterscotch...before he went to go investigate the sanctuary. Dusk Shine knew that there had to be a reason why Butterscotch was running away from the sanctuary. He saw the opera ghost but cannot tell a soul in order to protect himself and his friends.

Dusk Shine's glowed with a hue of black, purple, and green magic. He closed his eyes and slowly walked with the magically pull of his horn. The horn glowed brighter...and brighter...when he slowly approached the sanctuary. His magic opened the door and he quietly crawled down to the cave-like church.

When his horn tapped against a stone wall, he opened his eyes. He found that a magical residue was left just on the side of the picture of The Two Royal Brothers. He concluded that the phantom just recently opened a portal here. She used dark magic. Dusk Shine "Haha yes!"

Dusk Shine just knew he could find her! He closed his eyes once more and focused on the dark portal spell that Prince Artemis taught him not too long ago. His horn lit up like fire and radiated a bright hue of black, purple, and green. Dusk Shine concentrated all his might towards that spot on the wall, with sweat and heat pouring out of his face and body.

A spiral of green flames began to arise and swirl on the wall. It started out small..but with every passing second...it grew...and grew! Dusk Shine could sense that the spell was working. So he opened eyes and saw the giant green flame spiral.

But then the green flame conjured up a shape! It grew spines...and claws...a long serpent body...and thin long wings...a narrow snout...and glowing green eyes. The green flame spiral became a green flame dragon! His spell back fired!

The dragon roared and growled at Dusk Shine, which made the unicorn back away quickly. This encouraged the dragon to chase Dusk Shine out of the sanctuary. He galloped as fast as he could, avoiding the snaps and bites of the fiery dragon's green flame teeth. He rapidly shut the down behind him and pushed against the door with all his hooves. He waited for the dragon to burst through...but the dragon never came.

Dusk Shine panted out "What sorcery is this?!"

> Chapitre Huit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Butterscotch was journeying back to his room, Applejack was spending his morning in the barn. He was quietly washing and polishing the carriage gear. He was hoping that doing some cleaning would get his mind off of what happened yesterday. Unfortunately, it didn't. The silence of the morning made it worse actually. Because he was alone, he couldn't help but think about the whole incident.

He whispered out loud "Why couldn't it just be simple?"

"What's not simple?"

Applejack nearly jumped out of his furry coat when he heard the voice coming out of the blue. He quickly looked up to see who scared him.

He squeaked out with a nervous smile on his face "Barb!"

But he immediately coughed into his hoof soon after "Ugh I mean.."

Then Applejack emphasized in a deep yet smooth voice "Barbara."

Barbara, little confused by Applejack's change of tone, asked slowly "Did I...scare you?"

Applejack coughed into his hoof before replying "Not scare, just...take me by surprise. That's all."

Barbara meekly said while holding her claws close to her chest "Sorry."

Applejack remarked softly "No need to apologize sugar cube."

He smiled at her before returning back to his cleaning duty. She shyly walked towards him, feeling thankful that Applejack was focusing on something else.

When she was just a couple of inches away from him, she nervously whispered "Did you like your apple?"

Applejack stopped polishing and washing, and turned his attention back to Barbara. She was looking down at her feet and twiddling with her fingers. He was taken back by the lack of her usual cheer.

Applejack knew something was wrong. He hesitantly answered "Uh y-yeah, I did. I always do."

When Barbara lifted her eyes to meet AJ's eyes, he quietly questions her "What's the matter sugar cube?"

Barbara asked with great sadness "Are you mad at me?"

Applejack replied quickly "What? No! Of course not. I would never get mad at you. What made you think I did?"

Barbara slowly explained "After your fight with Elusive yesterday,...you didn't see me afterwards. You didn't say good bye. Did I do something wrong?"

Applejack cooed while lowering his body down to the ground next to Barbara, "Oh no no Barbara. You didn't do anything wrong. I was just mad at Elusive and...I needed to cool off. In order to cool off...I needed to stay away from him. I'm the one that needs to apologize...not you. I'm so sorry."

Then, he softly nuzzled his muzzle into her right cheek. And Barbara responded naturally by nuzzling gently into the other side of his face. They both closed their eyes while doing this.

Applejack deeply enjoyed feeling Barbara's baby soft scales on his nose. He could feel the sweet warmth that radiated from her cheeks. Applejack wondered if his coat was soft enough for Barbara. He wanted her to enjoy this experience just as much as he did. He wished he could embrace her like this forever. Then again, he always wished for so many things that they could do together. But it always ends up the same. Sweet yet incredibly short moments together. Applejack had to learn quickly to linger in these moments...for as long as Barbara could allow him.

Barbara gently pulled away from Applejack with a big yet kind smile on her face. That smile of hers instantly melted Applejack's heart. He grinned back at her and fluttered his eyes half closed. His mind was taken over by their blissful moment together.

Barbara then responded with a twinkle in her eye "Thanks AJ. I don't know what I've done if we were...well...fighting. It just wouldn't feel right, you know?"

Applejack sighed peacefully "I know what you mean. I wouldn't feel right neither."

Barbara then wondered "Hey Applejack?"

Applejack smiled while lowering his head a little closer to Barbara "Yeah Barb?"

Barbara turned her head slightly to the left while commenting "How come you and Elusive always have to fight?"

That question rapidly evaporated the sweet feeling in their moment. He lifted his head back to it's original position, and took a moment to think. He couldn't tell her the real reason why they fight. Applejack loves her, but she loves Elusive. Elusive wants no pony to have her except for him. Applejack, unfortunately, is jealous of that jerk.

Applejack carefully explained while scratching the back of his thick neck, "Elusive and I...are ponies that just...don't see eye to eye. And when stallions don't see eye to eye on...certain things...they fight. It's what we do."

Barbara remarked "Well, why do stallions have to do it that way? It makes no sense!"

Applejack sighed out "Yeah, I know. It is pretty silly, but that's how things are. Once stallions set their minds on something, they can't let it go. Stallions are too stubborn to change."

Barbara crossed her arms and mumbled "You mean, Elusive is too stubborn to change."

Applejack's eyes widen at Barbara's conclusion, almost taken back by her critical tone. But he was silent for a moment, just so Barbara would continue to explain her thoughts.

Barbara sighed out "Just say it Applejack, you don't like Elusive and you think he's a jerk. Just like every pony else."

Applejack defended "Barbara, it's not like I don't like him. Like I said before..."

Barbara interrupted "Please Applejack, just admit it! Just say it!"

Applejack was speechless. He never seen her like this. He didn't know that she cared about what every pony in L'Opera de Cheval thinks.

Barbara uttered out sadly "I'm sorry AJ, it's just...I'm so tired of every pony assuming the worst out of Elusive. Just because he has certain expectations for things...does that make him a bad pony?"

Applejack lowered his head back to her eye level and whispered "No...no it doesn't."

Barbara continued while looking into Applejack's eyes "If every pony...got to know him like I did...they would see that he's really sweet. And kind,and...special. He's a gentlecolt and.."

Applejack interrupted her softly "It's okay Barb, I understand."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before continuing "I'll tell you what Barb. I'll give Elusive a chance and...be his friend? How's that sound?"

Barbara gasped. Her eyes and her smile grew big. She squeaked out with excitement "Really?!"

Applejack chuckled out "Ugh really?" Then he added a big fake smile at the end.

Barbara immediately hugged Applejack around the neck with all her might. Applejack blushed in this new embrace. She exclaimed "Oh thank you Applejack!"

"Barbara!"

The small dragon and the earth pony turned towards the opened front barn door. In the light of the morning sun...was Elusive. The white unicorn was wearing a blue velvet jacket with a fine white ruffled shirt underneath.

Barbara waved happily at him while still hugging Applejack. Applejack's face turned red at the sight of Elusive. Barbara proclaimed joyously "Hi Elusive!"

Then, Barbara jumped out of Applejack's lap and ran towards Elusive with a smile on her face. Elusive welcomed her into his forelegs and returned her smile.

He tells her "I was so worried about you."

Barbara adds "Sorry Elusive, but I wanted to talk to Applejack before the day got started." She turns her gaze back to the earth pony and exclaims "And Applejack has some great news for ya!"

Elusive cocks his head to the side and utters out "You do?"

Applejack, feeling completely embarrassed, explained "W-Well I...uh...I just wanted to say...that I hope that we can forgive and forget about yesterday. You know, let bygones be bygones. Um...whatya say?"

Then Applejack offered his hoof towards Elusive and gave him a small smile.

Elusive was very hesitant, confused, and skeptical of Applejack's apology and offer. However, he can see little Barbara looking at him with such hopeful eyes. As if waiting for him to shake Applejack's hoof.

He let out a small sigh before shaking the orange stallion's hoof. Elusive gave his new 'friend' a fake grin while saying "I say let bygones be bygones as well. So glad that we are finally to make...amends."

Their little hoof shake was short and straight to the point. Elusive turned towards the opera house and told Barbara "Come Barbara, the opera awaits."

Then Elusive looks over his shoulder at Applejack and adds "Have a good morning...Monsieur Le Pomme."

Elusive elegantly walks back to the opera house. Barbara gives Applejack a cheerful good bye before following her unicorn crush. Applejack waves back at the cute dragon and returns her good bye. He mumbles through his smile "What have I done?"

> Chapitre Neuf
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Butterscotch was grateful that the old staircase did not squeak or crack with each step he took towards the dancers' bedroom. He was sweaty and out of breath, but thankful to finally reach the door. He sighed out of relief before pointing his front hoof towards the door knob.

Just as he was about to open the door...

A soft femine voice said "Morning Butterscotch."

This calm greeting made Butterscotch almost jump out of his skin and squeak in fear. He looked like a scared fainting goat during all this. He tucked his wings in tight and fell to the wooden floor with a THUD!

"Oh no! Butterscotch!"

Butterscotch felt his head and neck being lifted by some pony. He slowly opened his eyes...

He whispered "Bluebell."

Bluebell exclaimed in a panic stricken voice "Butterscotch?! Can you hear me?!"

Butterscotch groaned while trying to get up "Yes Bluebell, I can hear you. Sorry about that...I don't know what came over me."

Bluebell softly answered "Let's get you back to bed."

She gently lifted Butterscotch's forelegs over her shoulders and dragged Butterscotch through the door. She was careful to not bump Butterscotch's knees and hooves on anything on the bedroom floor. This was hard to do due to the narrowness and the amount of twin beds in the room.

Once they reached Butterscotch's twin bed by the window, she tenderly tucked the yellow pegasus in. She softly smiled at him, and Butterscotch responded in the same manner. The mighty clock tower began to ring and ding across the streets. It sent a soothing chill down Butterscotch's spine. He closed his eyes and sighed in the sweet sound.

"Butterscotch, have you taken ill? Tell me, is it the room's chill?" said Zircoro as he quietly opened the door.

Bluebell replies "Don't worry Baba, Butterscotch is not sick."

Butterscotch placed himself in a sitting position on his bed and explained "It's nothing to wrong about, I was just...taken by surprise. By Bluebell. And...I actually stumbled over my own hooves. Silly me."

Zircoro groaned in a worrisome tone and carefully approached Butterscotch's bed. This made the shy pegasus extremely nervous. Is his own father suspicious of him?

When Zircoro was by Butterscotch's side, he softly proclaimed "My son, where did you go? Tell me...what is giving you fright and woe?"

Bluebell's eyes widen at her father's question. She didn't know that Butterscotch was out and about early this morning. How did her Baba know this fact but not her?

Butterscotch answered with great hesitation, "I-I was...at t-the sanctuary...Baba."

Zircoro questioned further "Why? Tell me why there? Tell me what truly makes you quiver and sigh?"

Enormous beads of sweat and anxiety were flooding Butterscotch's face. How much does he have to lie?! Especially to the ones he loves?!

He gulped before meekly responding "I'm not quivering...nor sighing...Baba. I was just doing my usual prayers. But I wanted to do it somewhere peaceful...for today Baba."

Zircoro narrowed his eyes..brought his head down towards Butterscotch's face...and muttered "Is the Phantom consuming your thoughts? Please...tell me that it's not."

Butterscotch's mouth was dry. His mind was racing, his heart was struggling to breath. Why did he have to harbor such secrets within himself?! Why?!

Bluebell could feel tension and heavy emotion in the air. Especially between Zircoro and Butterscotch. What is going on between them? She thought to herself.

Butterscotch stuttered "She's not consuming my thoughts Baba. J-Just like every pony else, s-she's in the back of my mind. Just to be c-cautious and mindful! Nothing more!"

Zircoro closed his eyes and slowly drew his head away from Butterscotch. The zebra's tense body relaxed and slightly slumped over. His children's eyes were glued on him, and he could feel it.

He opened his emerald eyes and looked down at their hooves. He sighed out "Forgive me. Please...don't not fear what you see."

Butterscotch quickly responded "No Baba, we're not...I'm not scared of you."

Bluebell immediately went to her father's side and hugged him around his neck. She comforted him with "We would never fear you."

Zircoro gave into his daughter's embrace and nuzzled gently into her mane and neck. When he slowly pulled away from Bluebell's hug, he gave each of his children a comforting and tender smile.

He then gently said "Thank you my watoto. It's just that...I wanted to know what was true. But...I need to be truthful too."

His sweet smile slowly faded away. He motioned Bluebell and Butterscotch to follow him to his bedroom. Zircoro's bedroom was the small room in between the male dancers' room and the female dancers' room. Bluebell and Butterscotch still couldn't understand why their Baba would want to sleep in this room. He could have any other room in the opera. But...Zircoro picked this one.

The cramped room was filled with glowing red wax melting candles on each shelf and corner of the space. There were books, jars of herbs, painted wooden masks from his homeland, and brown and yellow pictures of his children. Right next to the tiny bed that consumes the room...was a small writing desk. Zircoro sat down at the writing desk...and turned his gaze on the picture frame on the left side of the desk.

Butterscotch looked at the picture frame and saw that it was a portrait of a beautiful white pegasus mare. She had long curly and wavy dark brown hair, along with piercing brown eyes on her face. She had an angelic smile while playing a violin with her light wings. She was too gorgeous for words. Butterscotch felt strangely drawn to this mare in the portrait.

"She and I...The Phantom and I. We didn't always exist here. The Great and Powerful Presto's Freaks Galore Show, we came from there."

Zircoro began to remember the ring master. He was a blue unicorn with a light blue slightly curled mane. He had evil looking purple eyes, and always had an twisted cocky smile on his face. Always. Presto also loved to wear that star patterned light purple suit. With the light purple top hat to match. But the worst thing for Zircoro to remember about Presto was...his voice. His out-landish, exaggerated, yet cruel voice.

Zircoro continued narrating "When I was young, I was taken away from my homeland. As a colt, dancing and rhyming at the freak show was my only plan. At the time, no pony has ever seen somepony like me. Yes, I was mocked and ostracized, but I had it easy. The phantom, you see, is an immortal being. She ages differently from you and me. I don't know how long she was there. But I had a feeling that...she had been living too long in Presto's care. Her magic was her spectacle. Presto was in love with all things magical and whimsical. She was his star. But when she disobeyed him, her punishment were...scars. Despite his lack of magic and power, she allowed him to whip her. She was so scared and fragile then..."

Butterscotch silently gasped at the thought of Eris being whipped. How come any creature, pony or not, do something as vicious as that to another living soul?! His heart break and sank in his chest. Her sadness and loneliness came rushing through him like a gust of wing. This is why Eris understood, he thought to himself, because she was just like me. Except her bullying was criminal, tortuous, and just plain abuse.

Zircoro continued "Even when she committed no sin, he would still punish her. His favorite place to whip her...was her face."

Butterscotch could literally hear Eris's screams echoing inside his mind. He could imagine hearing...seeing...and feeling every strike...that Eris received on her face. He pondered to himself Oh Eris...if only I knew. Then I would have...

Zircoro then narrated "She tried conjuring a spell to fix her facial scars, but there was no cure. She tried hiding it away, but with Presto...there was no way. Ponies laughed, ponies sneered. Those ponies gave her no kind words to hear. One day...she couldn't take it anymore. With vengeful scorn, she turned Presto into stone. She was no longer owned. She took pity on me, and set me free. We escaped into the night. We made it to the opera house, despite the tight bind. She found sanctuary underground, but I was rescued and found. By her..."

Zircoro paused and caressed the picture of the beautiful pegasus in his hooves. The zebra looked at the mare with tenderness and sadness in his eyes. He sighed before softly retelling "Her name was Christine. She was so pure and pristine. I loved her, but...she did not love me. To her, we were just friends...that's all we could ever be. She was an angel and she played like one too. She was in L'Opera de Cheval's orchestra...with the conductor Monsieur Charles La Rue. She loved Charles La Rue, but he was shallow...selfish...and crude. He loved her only for her beauty...and wanted to take away her purity. One night, in the orchestra pit with no light...Charles defiled...my pristine Christine. I heard her screams and cries. I ran to her side. The police took him and locked him away for good. But this left Christine with child,...and her delivery was far too soon."

Zircoro gazed away from the picture and looked at Butterscotch with tears in his eyes, "Butterscotch...that baby was you."

Butterscotch and Bluebell both gasp at this. The yellow pegasus felt faint for the world around him was spinning to no end. But he couldn't faint now! He needed to know more. Butterscotch quickly asked "I..I..but h-how? When? I...Where is she?! Where's my mother?!"

Zircoro choked back some tears before answering through a sob, "She sacrificed her life to give you life my son."

Butterscotch instantly felt the hot rush of tears and grief come to his tears. He couldn't hold them in. He muttered out sadly "No..."

Bluebell immediately wrapped Butterscotch in her forelegs...and held him tight. She wanted to get rid of his pain and overwhelm him with the feeling of love once more. Awhile, trying to hold tears in her eyes. She had to be strong for him.

Zircoro uttered out the best he could "My mwana, her battle was something that could never be won. The only thing I can do...was take care of you."

Zircoro slowly turned his face towards his daughter, which grabbed her attention right away. He choked out with a raspy voice "Binti, from the moment I saw your little eyes...like her eyes...staring into mine...at the orphanage...I couldn't leave. You are truly Christine's daughter, this is what I truly believe. Maybe not by blood, but your face so serene. Christine's serene face..."

Then Zircoro completely broke into a moaning sob and slowly crawled himself on the floor. His children quickly cuddled to each side and embraced him in a loving hug. Bluebell and Butterscotch were crying soft silent tears in their closed eyes.




Butterscotch couldn't sleep that night. He was lying wake on his bed, with the covers climbed tight to his chest. While the rest of the male ballet dancers are able to slumber peacefully. Butterscotch was even jealous of Bubble Berry. The pink stallion was sleeping sideways on his bed, with his head and legs hanging on each side of the bed.

Butterscotch knew the reason why he couldn't sleep. His mind was too occupied with what he learned today. The shy pegasus feared that he would have a nightmare about Eris's abuse...or about his mom. He wondered if she was the angel of music in Baba's stories. She had to be now that he thought about it. This made him groan and cover his face with his bed blanket.

Butterscotch didn't notice that sparkling magical pink star dust gracefully floating on top of his yellow and pink head. The dust disappeared once it reached the tips of his ears. His ears flinched a little as if feeling snowflakes fall on top of his mane. Butterscotch removed his blanket from his face, and looked up to see what was dripping on him. His teal eyes caught some of the magical pink star dust.

His eyes immediately grew heavy and sleepy. His head soon followed their lead. He yawned before collapsing into his pillow. With a sleepy smile, he closed his eyes and drifted into his dreams.

In the dark shadows of the corner ceiling, a pair of glowing but soft gold and red eyes were gazing at Butterscotch. The creature smiled sweetly, showing her sharp fang sticking out of her mouth.

Eris whispered with tenderness in her voice "Sweet dreams Butterscotch."

> Chapitre Dix
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

That night, Dusk Shine demanded an immediate emergency meeting between himself, The Shim Sham Sisters, and Zircoro. He told them to meet him in the opera manger office aka Shim's and Sham's new office. The Shim Sham Sisters were awoken from their slumber, and they were certainly not in the mood to talk. They feel that the matters concerning the opera house can wait till morning. Luckily, Zircoro wasn't sleeping at this time. He couldn't sleep...not after what he confessed today to his children. His confession brought back too many memories...most of them full of regret and agony.

Dusk Shine explained to them his secret investigation into the whereabouts of The Phantom. He told them how he found traces of a magical portal that lingered of her magic and how he tried to open it. But more importantly, he told them how her magic was different from any another form of magic he had ever encountered. Neither light magic...or dark magic...but something unholy.

Dusk Shine then concluded "This is why I gathered you all here tonight. This Phantom's magic is not just from trick magic prank. Her magic is something unnatural to Equestria. If these rumors by the staff are true, her magic can put every pony in mortal danger. Not just those in L'Opera de Cheval, but every pony in the land! We need to act now! We need The Princes!"

Zircoro put his hoof on Dusk Shine's shoulder and comforted with "Monsieur Dusk Shine, calm yourself. This stress, this anxiety, this panic is not good for your health."

Dusk Shine harshly pulled his shoulder away from Zircoro. He then angrily glared at the zebra and shouted "Zircoro, I'm not panicking! Don't make me out as a paranoid lunatic! I'm trying to save ponies' lives from a mad mare! How can YOU, of all ponies, be so calm about all this?!"

Shim and Sham were resting on their forelegs propped on their long wide work desk. Because they were twins, they leaned into the same direction in order to match. The two mares both had sleepy glossed over eyes.

The conversation between Dusk Shine and Zircoro made Sham yawn. While Shim groaned "Ugh! Both of you be quiet. Now listen Monsieur Dusk Shine...there's no need to get The Princes involved with all this."

Dusk Shine's eyes widen. His mouth was open and he couldn't contain his shock. Dusk Shine trotted over the desk and placed his front hooves on top of it. He exclaimed with disbelief "What?! Do you mean The Princes shouldn't get involved?! Don't understand what happened to me today? Did you hear what I just say? Don't you realize that our very lives are in danger?"

Shim slowly arise from her cushioned tall work chair and leaned forward on her front hooves on the table. She then lifted her face right into Dusk Shine's gaze. She gave him a very charming yet unsettling smirk.

She calmly explained like a business mare selling a carriage "Monsieur Dusk, it is true that this Phantom is a disturbance and certainly an annoyance here at the opera. However, just like you said before this investigation, she is doing this through parlor tricks. Cutting sky bridge ropes and disappearing without a trance? Parlor trick. A fiery green dragon coming out of the wall? Parlor trick. Believe us Monsieur,..."

She looked at her sister with a playful grin. Sham returned her sister's playful grin. Shim looked back at Dusk Shine with an all knowing smirk "My sister and I know all about parlor tricks."

Dusk Shine groaned to himself in his mind Of course you do.

Shim continued while quietly walking around the desk and towards Dusk Shine "Our girlie ghost will soon leave us be once she receives her pay."

Then the red head unicorn pulled out a thick yet durable envelope from her vest pocket. Dusk Shine and Zircoro eyed the envelope with great intensity. Shim waved it in front of Dusk before walking towards Zircoro. She casually puts it in his hoof before heading back to desk with a devilish smirk on her face. Her sister displayed the same smirk.

Zircoro carefully opened the envelope and found tons of bits inside. However, the zebra pulled out one of bits in the envelope. He examined it closely and remarked "It's fake. Did you make...?"

Sham interrupted him with "Why yes Zircoro, my friend, we did make it. Looks just like the real thing, huh?"

Shim chuckled "That old Phantom won't know the difference! In other words...you're welcome."

Zircoro knew that this does not satisfy Eris's deal. This will only enrage her to no end. It's not about the money, it's about the dominance over...her subjects. If they question her rule, more stone ponies will appear. And Zircoro can't bare seeing one of those again.

Zircoro put the fake but back into the envelope before it closing it. While giving The Sisters their envelope back, he then stated "You two...this is will not do."

Dusk Shine then added "Zircoro's right! A couple of fake bits are not going to satisfy this creature. This opera ghost is on the brink of destruction. She will lass out whether she gets her way or not!"

Sham got out of her chair and walked around the table in order to reach Dusk Shine. She cooed like a sly con pony "Monsieur, Monsieur. There's a no need for any of us to fear. And you know why?"

Shim continued her sisters reasoning with the same soothing yet slimy tone, "L'Opera de Cheval is being protected by one of the mightiest unicorns in Equestria. The Royal Visor. You...dear Monsieur."

Sham intervened with "Dusk Shine...The Next Swirly Star The Magnificent they say! There's a reason why The Princes chose you to be their visor."

Shim finishes it with "This is why they chose you to come here in the first place. Don't you see Monsieur? They trust you to lead their precious opera house... through Tarturus and back." Then she pouted while faking a sad tone "But if you call them now...you have broken their faith in you. They would be so heartbroken. Oh...such a tragic thought."

Sham added happily "Buuuttt...if you defeated this Phantom monster yourself...imagine how proud The Princes will be. Your victory will be glorious! The Princes would knight you and all of Equestria will know your name!"

The Shim Sham Sisters gathered back together in front of their desk. They gave each other a sly wink before stating at the same time "What's it gonna be Monsieur?"

Dusk Shine was very hesitant and scared in that moment. He didn't know why he was feeling so speechless, but...he was. Zircoro couldn't believe how low The Shim Sham Sisters had gone. They were playing on this stallion's insecurities. Zircoro had to say something.

"Monsieur Dusk Shine! Don't listen to their lies!"

Dusk Shine ignored Zircoro's words. It was like the words past through him. It was like Dusk Shine was a ghost. The thought of being ghost sent a chill down his spine and reminded him of the dire situation at hoof. This issue required immediate action. But was he the one to wield this? Was he, the royal advisor, suppose to transform into a leader and protector? Dusk Shine couldn't fully understand why The Princes sent him here. But now...the story is setting itself for him to become the hero. However, the little voice of reason in his head kept telling him to not listen to this sly twins and call for The Princes. But this might be his own paranoia working against. Maybe...he was suppose to take this as a test? Could this be the next step in his journey with The Princes?

Dusk Shine then announced in a very serious and deep voice "As Royal Visor, I will protect L'Opera de Cheval with my life. But in terms of The Phantom...we need to take care of her my way. That means real bits."

Shim and Sham gasped and then held on to each other for support. They exclaimed "Are you serious?!"

Dusk Shine explained "We need her to think that we are on her side. Gain her trust. That way, she won't expect her 'loyal opera staff' to attack. Do you understand Shim and Sham?"

They look at each other in order to consent with one another silently. They nodded and smile before turning their attention back to Dusk Shine. They recited together while showing the sign of crossing their hearts "We understand."

Dusk Shine nodded back "Good. You are all dismissed."

The purple unicorn was the first to exit out of the office. Zircoro was going to follow in Dusk Shine's lead, but he was blocked by his managers.

Sham placed the thick envelope full of bits back in Zircoro's hoof. Shim whispered after that, "You are going to give this to the Phantom. Tell her that they're real and that your managers are completely loyal to her."

Sham added in the same hushed tone "Do not tell Monsieur Dusk about this. For if you do..."

Then they both recited together "You will be fired." After that, The Shim Sham Sisters walked out of the door...and left Zircoro all alone in the dark office.

Zircoro sighed out with his head hung low "Oh what shadows have we... doth weave."

> Chapitre Onze
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three weeks later...

The morning sky was filled with colors of the breaking and cracking dawn. It was dark purple with some streaks of yellow and orange and red. The little ponies across Paris were still asleep...except for one little ballet pony named Butterscotch.

Ever since he agreed to Eris teaching him how to sing, Butterscotch had to wake up before dawn for their music lessons. Butterscotch didn't mind waking up around this time because Butterscotch is naturally a morning pony. He loves to wake up early in the morning and watch the sunrise with the sweet birds singing. Plus, Butterscotch gets to do something he loves to do...singing. The yellow pegasus was so grateful to have a friend that he can express his passions with. Butterscotch never thought in a million years that he would be able to sing in front if any pony. He can't even sing in front of Bluebell and his Baba...but he can with Eris. Maybe it was because Eris was even more passionate with music than he was. Butterscotch never thought he would see the day where something like would happened.

But with Eris...anything was possible.

Butterscotch thought it was so crazy that he would get so close to some pony within a few weeks. She wasn't family like Bluebell or his father. It was like he and Eris knew each other before they met. They were like...kindred spirits.

But because they were so close...Butterscotch has noticed how Eris would sneak in little intimate moments here and there. Moments where her claw would brush ever so smoothly across his hoof. Moments where she would wrap her arms around him slowly. There were even moments where her tail would be completely wrapped around his waist. These moments made Butterscotch get so flustered and embarrassed. He would always freeze and become speechless. It's not like he didn't like Eris touch him, but...it deeply reminded him of their moment on her bed three weeks earlier. It reminds him how much he doesn't know about...well...matters if the heart.

There were still things he didn't know about her. Eris still has her walls. There are still some things that Eris hasn't shared with him. And this deeply disturbs Butterscotch. When his father told him of Eris's past, it did shed some light on certain things but...it didn't answer all his questions.

He wanted to ask her these questions, but Butterscotch is scared of Eris shutting him out completely. She would get angry at him. She would despise him. Was he worried that she would break their kindred spirit relationship? No...Butterscotch felt like there's a better reason. Their relationship wasn't friendship...it was something beyond that. But Butterscotch didn't know what it was.

Despite Eris's powerful and confident facade, Eris was a very sensitive and frail soul. Her soul was alot like his. The only difference between was that Butterscotch wore his heart on his sleeve, and Eris didn't.

It's funny...their relationship blossomed from Butterscotch's own curiosity. This thought made Butterscotch smile a little.

Butterscotch slowly and quietly sneaked out of his bed and past his snoozing roommates. For once, Butterscotch was thankful to have such delicate and dainty mare-like hooves. It took Butterscotch awhile but he finally reached the front room door. He quickly looked over his shoulder before carefully opening the door.

Butterscotch pulled his head through the opened door and looked side to side. Just to make sure that no pony was in the hallway. Once the coast was clear, Butterscotch sneaked quickly through and closed the door with great care.

The yellow pegasus continued his tip toe walk down the hallway and down the stairs. Being careful to not make the old wood crack or creak underneath his hooves.

But Butterscotch was unaware that his adopted sister, Bluebell, was eyeing him from behind the opened door to the mares's room. Bluebell took notice about a week ago that Butterscotch have been visiting the sanctuary every morning. Or at least...that's what Butterscotch says he goes every morning whenever she asks.

Butterscotch would always show signs of nerves and stress whenever she questions him about his supposedly morning prayers. It's as if he was...lying to her. Butterscotch never lies. And he would never lie to her! They were best friends and siblings! It would be blasphemy if he lied to her!

But she can't confront Butterscotch right away...she needs evidence. She needs to know exactly where he goes. Then she can confront him. As much as she didn't want to do this, she felt she had no choice. In order to keep their relationship sane and loving, she has to do this.

When she hear Butterscotch's steps end at the bottom of the staircase, Bluebell gently closes the door and scurries after him.

Once she gets to the bottom of the staircase, she took in her empty surroundings before quickly following Butterscotch to the inside of the opera house. With each step getting closer...and closer...to the sanctuary...Bluebell focused all her energy on making her hoof steps as quiet as Butterscotch's. Butterscotch was like a mouse softly walking about at night. His steps had great lightness but also a tinge of fear in them as well. So Bluebell had to make sure that she was as silent as the shadows themselves.

Butterscotch's pace slowed down as he approached the door. Bluebell hides behind the giant grand curtain on one of the pillars on stage. Bluebell saw how Butterscotch leaves the door open as he enters into the sanctuary.

Bluebell waited for...about ten minutes...to see if Butterscotch will come out. But he never did. Her worries and her curiosity out the best out of her and she charged towards the sanctuary. She closed her eyes and hoped for the best.

When Bluebell felt like she was inside, she carefully opened her eyes one at a time. She saw no pony in the room. Butterscotch wasn't here! Where is he?! she exclaimed inside her mind.

Bluebell panicked and searched all over the room for him. He couldn't have just disappeared! No pony can just disappears out of thin air! Unless...Butterscotch left the sanctuary without her knowing. No, Bluebell pondered to herself, my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. She knew what she didn't see and what she did see.

Bluebell also told herself Yeah I'm not going crazy.

Bluebell stopped in the middle of her panic search and carefully scanned the room. She realized that she had been acting like a mad mare searching for Butterscotch in the room. She groaned and face hoofed herself.

Meanwhile, Dopey the hunchback pony was hiding in the dark shadows of the sanctuary ceiling. He was lying on the wooden high beams above Bluebell's head. His golden crossed eyed eyes were glued on Bluebell. He was in a trance...he was under her spell...he couldn't help but feel his heart flutter in his chest. He sighed out lovingly whenever he saw her.

Dopey did feel bad for Bluebell when she quickly searched the small cave-like room for Butterscotch. However, he couldn't help be fascinated by the way she moved...by the way her long blonde mane danced in the air...or by the way her eyes widen to reveal their navy blue depths. Eris had told him to just observe the unicorn, but not talk to her again. Dopey found the command to be a blessing and a curse. He wanted to talk to her and become her friend. But at the same time, by keeping watch over her in the shadows, he can admire her properly without her running away again.

He propped one his forelegs up and leaned into his hoof. Just to get a closer look at her and enjoy the view. But dear Dopey didn't hear the small buckling sounds coming from the beam underneath him.

A loud crack soon echoed the quiet sanctuary. Dopey looked underneath and whispered "Uh oh."

Dopey let out a little shout as the wooden beam collapsed to the sanctuary floor. Dopey was almost knocked out by the fall, and his body was covered by pieces of old wood and dust. Bluebell screamed when she saw the one of the ceiling beams crashing down before her.

Bluebell tried to clear the dust away from the air surrounding her. She coughed into one of her forelegs as she approached closer to the disaster area. As the dust cleared, Bluebell was able to make out a shape...a very hunched over shape.

Her eyes widen as the bulky shape started to rise from the broken beam. Then it let out a hearty cough. She slowly backed away.

When Dopey opened his eyes, he was able to make out Bluebell from the dusty fog before him. He slowly approached her,while battling the soreness in his body. Bluebell saw his golden eyes, and exclaimed in her mind It's the phantom!

He weakly smiled and said "Hehe sorry about that."

Bluebell, taken back by that statement, uttered out loud "Huh?"

Dopey repeated "I said 'Sorry about that.' I hoped I...didn't scared you."

Bluebell, confused by the whole ordeal, proclaimed "The Phantom of the Opera...is worried about scaring me?"

Dopey softly chuckled "I'm not the Phantom. That's my Mistress."

Bluebell questioned as she carefully approached Dopey once more, "Your Mistress?"

Dopey answered "Yeah, she's the Phantom. She's the one who takes care of me and the opera house."

Bluebell commented "She...takes care of the opera house?"

Dopey introduces cheerfully, "I'm Dopey! What's your name?"

Bluebell, surprised by the pony's cheerfulness, replies "Oh. My name is Bluebell. It's nice to meet you."

Dopey then asked "Are you sure that your name is Bluebell?"

Bluebell answered in a awkward tone "Ummm...yes. I'm sure."

Dopey, with his ears flopped down, his tone quickly changing to a depressed one "Oh. That's too bad. I was hoping that your name would be Esmeralda."

Bluebell then realizes "Esmeralda. As in the gyspy pony from 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'?"

Dopey's ears perked straight up. His eyes gleamed and his big grin returned, "You've heard of that story?!"

Bluebell responded with a sweet smile on her face, "Heard of it? I've read it at least a thousand times. It's my favorite story."

Dopey exclaimed with glee "Really?! Mine too! Who's your favorite? Mine's Esmeralda."

Bluebell answered with sincerity "My favorite is Quasimodo."

Dopey blushed and twiddled his front hooves together like a shy young colt. "R-R-Really?"

Bluebell's smile grew bigger and she added "Really."

Dopey tried to turn his red face away from Bluebell and clinged onto his brown tunic as he exclaimed "Oh gerosh!"

Bluebell giggled sweetly at her new friend's friendly yet gentle nature. She grabbed his attention again by telling him "Dopey...I'm sorry that...I called you the Phantom earlier. I didn't mean to."

Dopey let go of his grip on his tunic and directed his eyes back on Bluebell. He replied with great happiness "That's okay, I wasn't insulted. In fact, I take it as a compliment."

Bluebell exclaimed "You do?!"

Dopey explained happily "Yeah, I do. My mistress is the nicest pony I know. She took me in...when no pony did. She gave me a home. She had a room with a bed just for me. She taught me how to read and write. She even taught me all about music. Well, maybe not everything about music. I just know the basics for the piano and for singing."

Bluebell's eyes sparkled with interest and compassion, she asked softly replied "Really? Your mistress seems to...care for you very much. Why else would she would do all those things for you? You must be...very talented. Do you think that you could...sing me a couple of notes?"

Dopey's pupils turned into little hearts, his blush returned to his cheeks once more. He sighed out "For you...anything."

Dopey cleared his throat and closed his eyes. He placed one if his front hooves over his chest, and took a deep breath in. He cleared his mind and focused on all things Eris told him to remember about singing and music.

He sang out sweetly, as if singing from the heart...
So many times out there
I've watched a happy pair
Of lovers walking in the night.
They had a kind of glow around them,
It also looked like Heaven's Light.
I knew that I would never know
That warm yet loving glow
Though I might wish with all my might.
No face as hideous as my face,
Was ever meant for Heaven's Light.

Bluebell began to feel sorrow for Dopey when his song mentioned his face and his doubt on finding love. In her mind, any pony can find love...no matter who they are.

Dopey opened his eyes with excitement and his smile gleamed bright...right at Bluebell. He then continued to sing...
But then suddenly an angel has smiled at me, 

and looked my way without a trance of fright

Dopey took Bluebell's hooves and began to dance with her around the sanctuary. They didn't care that there was no actually music around them b This caused Bluebell to giggle and smile. Dopey then sang proudly...
I dare to dream that
She might even care for me
As the clock tower sings later tonight.
My cold dark hour would seem so bright,
I swear it must be Heaven's Light!

Dopey and Bluebell joyously laughed together when the song was over. Both ponies leaning into each others embrace, and feeling so comfortable with one another. In just a matter of minutes.

Bluebell beamed at Dopey and proclaimed "That was great Dopey! Your mistress has certainly taught you well."

Dopey responded with disbelief and glee "Really? You think so?" He tightened his grip on Bluebell's soft hooves and he brought them closer towards him.

Bluebell confirmed "I know so. Also, did she also taught you how to dance? Because you're pretty good at it."

Dopey blushed and tried to hide his red face behind his messy mane. He replied meekly "No, she never really taught me how. That was something I made up. But you're the good dancer here, not me."

Bluebell felt so flattered by Dopey's words. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. This is probably the first time, ever since she arrived here at L'Opera de Cheval, that Bluebell felt so carefree...and happy.

Dopey's ears perked up and rotated towards the back of his head. This made Dopey to examine what's behind him and search for the source of the sound. Bluebell questioned "What's wrong?"

Dopey responded sadly "I'm sorry, but I gotta go."

He slowly released his hooves from her hooves, instantly regretting his decision to leave her. He had to leave before Eris finds out about his reveal to Bluebell. If she finds that out, there would be no desert for a month. Or worse...not allowed to see her again.

As Dopey approached the door, Bluebell asked another question "Already? But why?"

Dopey replied "The ponies will wake up soon, I have to get going before they see me."

Bluebell added "I...I guess that makes sense. But before you go...can I ask you something?"

Dopey turned his gaze back to Bluebell and replied "Sure thing. What's up?"

Bluebell uttered out "Did you happen to see a yellow male Pegasus come by here this morning?"

Dopey hesitantly answered with sweat on his forehead, "N-No, I-I didn't."

Bluebell's spirits faltered, and her voice clearly expressed this "Oh...good to know. Thank you."

Dopey hated to see Bluebell's lively soul wither with sadness and worry. Dopey then asked sweetly "Um Bluebell? Can I...call you Esmeralda? Even if...it isn't so?"

Bluebell's beautiful smile returned to her lovely face once more. She whispered while her eyes shined like stars, "You may...my dear Quasimodo."

Dopey's heart began to soar his chest when Bluebell called him Quasimodo. He almost lost his breath at that moment. That was when Dopey knew...that he was in love with her.

Dopey sigh softly with a goofy grin on his face, before quickly exiting out of the door.

Bluebell giggled to herself, while holding a hoof to find her smile. Her smile lingered...untill thoughts of Butterscotch wandered back into her mind. She looked around the sanctuary hopeless. She knew that the only way to find Butterscotch again was...to wait for him.

> Chapitre Douze
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapitre Douze

"Oh Butterscotch, we shouldn't be doing this."

Eris sighed out lovingly with a smile across her blushing face. Her eyes are closed, and her face turned away from Butterscotch. She sat upon her round, red velvet bed with her lion paw resting on her forehead. Her white mane was once again fluffy and luscious like a cloud and draped over her cape less body. She had no dress on either. She looked like a vulnerable, precious gothic damsel...waiting for her lover to take her.

Eris then added "It just wouldn't be proper."

Butterscotch, just a foot away from the bed, replied in a unusually deep seductive tone "I don't care if it's proper."

Butterscotch fluttered slowly to Eris and her bed. He crawled on her bed like a small cat stalking it's prey. Then, he grabs her by the shoulders and dips her head with his hooves. Eris opens her eyes gently and saw Butterscotch...with a smoldering sexy smile on his face. His beautiful light gem eyes glistened in the candlelit.

Butterscotch whispered into Eris's ear "What I care about is you. I want you Eris."

Butterscotch's whisper intoxicated Eris. She felt like she could melt in his arms. Eris sighed in reply "Oh Butterscotch, I'm just putty in those strong hooves of yours."

Butterscotch uttered in a dramatic yet mournful tone "But...my hooves can't hold you all at once. What kind of stallion am I if l can't do that for the one he loves? You deserve some pony who can do that...some pony better than me."

Butterscotch closed his eyes and turned his head away from Eris, but while still holding her in his hooves. Eris used her eagle claw to bring his face back to her. When Butterscotch opened his eyes, he saw Eris staring at him with sweet love and passion in her eyes.

Eris cooed at her little Pegasus "I don't need somepony to hold me tonight...I only need you to hold me. Only your touch can make my heart soar..."

Eris whispered into Butterscotch's ear while smirking "Besides, I rather be the one to hold all of you tonight my dearest. In other words,..."

Eris quickly grab a Butterscotch by his shoulders and flips him over on his back. Then, she wraps his hind legs and waist with her tail. She towers over her lover on her bed. Eris, still wearing that adorable smirk on her face, proclaimed in a seductive tone "I'm on top."

Butterscotch chuckled softly "As you wish."

Eris lowers her head towards Butterscotch's face. Both of them closing their eyes...and allowed their lips to meet in a passionate and warm embrace.



"Good Morning Mistress!"

Dopey exclaimed happily beside the sleeping draconequus.

Eris's legs and tail were spread out all over her round, soft, red bed. All her blankets and sheets were kicked out and on the ground. Her mask was slightly crocked on her face. Dopey knows that his mistress never takes her mask off, even when she's sleeping. Dopey has never seen her without it. It's been this way ever since he was little, but Dopey wasn't the type of pony to get bothered by things like this. He just accepts ponies for who they are. Her head and arms were snuggled closely into her cushiony pillows. While her eyes were still closed, Eris was peacefully kissing...and drooling...into her pillow. Her mind still enraptured by her dreams of Butterscotch.

Dopey exclaimed again with glee while lightly poking Eris "Mistress! Wake Up!"

Eris groans before groggily waking up. She props herself on her elbows and turns her half awake eyes towards Dopey. He had a silly, too joyful face for the morning. At least in Eris's mind anyway.

Eris whispers "Ugh, what time is it?"

Dopey replies with glee "It's a quarter till six."

Eris then pondered to herself Good, I have time to get ready before he gets. I'll need all the time I can get.

Eris then tells Dopey "Good, you're dismissed."

Dopey bows at his authority figure and answers "Yes Mistress." Then he quietly leaves Eris's room in order to attend to his morning chores.

Eris yawned and stretched out of her bed like a cat waking up from a nap. She slowly crawled out of her bed on all fours. She rose up, one long vertebrate, into a standing position. She sluggishly went to her golden vanity not too far from her room.

The first thing she did was magically summon a boiling highly caffeinated tea for herself. Her tea was in a china mug that looked like a wooden beer mug. She rapidly chugged down her tea and poofed away the mug. Then, she gently adjusted her mask so that it was straight on her face once more. She pulls her hair out of her mask's strings before tighten the strings.

She surveyed all the objects on her vanity and noticed a small brown pouch near the mirror. Eris evilly smirked at it. It was the fake payment that her dear mangers gave her three weeks ago. Zircoro tried to convince her that they were real coins, but she knew better. She didn't live to be a thousand years ago as a fool. Their fake craftsmanship was poor and the coins had hardly any weight to them. She was angry at first about this insulting payment, however, she decided to release her anger through revenge. Very clear yet wonderful revenge. Not only would she benefit from it, but Butterscotch and the rest of her opera would benefit too. It was a win-win situation.

Eris snapped her talon and her magical talking hairbrush appeared once more. The hairbrush bowed and sweetly squeaked "Good morning Mistress."

Eris groggily answer "Morning."

Her hairbrush then asked "Will it be...?"

Eris groaned "Yes yes, the one from before. Less chit-chat, more brushy."

Her hairbrush smile and bowed again "As you wish milady."

Then, Eris's hairbrush floated to the middle of the draconequus's long mane and began the process of making her mistress's hair fluffy...luscious...shiny...and new. Eris has been wearing her hair like this ever since her first "date" with Butterscotch three weeks ago.

Butterscotch always blush and stares at her mane when she styles it this way. For some strange reason, Eris always found deep satisfaction in catching Butterscotch's eye. Was it because of...her building feelings for him?

It would explain why she would always try to be intimate and close to Butterscotch during their lessons...why she thinks their lessons together are the best part of her day...why she can wake up early in the morning for him...and why she keeps having these dreams about Butterscotch every night. Each dream becoming more passionate and personal than the next. The first dream started off with Eris receiving her first kiss from him in a innocent and shy manner. And now, her dreams are leading her into sexual fantasies in bed!

Eris then thought to herself Could it be? Could it be that...I am in...? No! It can't be! I can't be in love! If I fall in love with him, and tell of him of my feelings, he'll...

Eris looked deeply into her reflection in the mirror...with fear and sadness in her eyes. She finished her thoughts with reject me...

She closed her eyes and sighed quietly to herself. And her hairbrush continued to smooth out her hair with tenderness and care.

Eris knew that she can't let that happen. Even if she had to face an eternity of bottling up these feelings, having their relationship the way it is will always make her happy. Just to have him in her life...to have him as her Tenor in her opera...will always keep her heart full.

She let out a small smile and opened her eyes back to her reflection in the vanity. Her hairbrush finished it's job and floated back to the front of her mistress. Eris sweetly thanks her creation and poofs her away. She grabs her black cape and puts it on. She heads towards her Bebe...her sweet organ. Her Bebe was almost as sweet as...Butterscotch.

"Um hello Eris, good morning."

Eris turned around, knowing exactly where that soft whisper came from. She smiled sweetly and whispered "Good morning my dear."

Butterscotch turned into a light shade of pink. He still wasn't used to Eris calling him "dear" or "dearest". What especially catches him off guard is when she calls him "darling". Just the thought of it made his whole face heat up. But luckily, she didn't call him "darling" often.

Eris then remarked "Is my little protege ready to start?"

Butterscotch answered happily "Indeed, I am."

Eris clapped her hands together and exclaimed "Excellent! But first, let's warm up with some scales...shall we?"

Eris turned around and faced her grand organ. She flipped her cape out before she sat down. Butterscotch climb on to the organ stool and sat next to her...with an excited but shy smile on his face.

But before Butterscotch could place his hooves on the keys and play, Eris's tail wrapped itself around Butterscotch's waist. Her tail lifted him off the stool and placed him softly on her lap.

Butterscotch's flustered face expressed his sudden shock and his beating heart. He looked up at Eris...and she was smiling sweetly at him. He could have sworn that he saw a twinkle in her eye. But how could that be?

Then, she leaned forward and placed her chin over Butterscotch's shoulder. She gracefully placed her claws on the organ keys...ready to play.

Butterscotch nervously asked "Um Eris? W-What are you doing?"

Eris whispered into his ear "I thought we could play the scales together this morning. Just go through what I taught you and I'll take the sides."

Butterscotch gulped before placing his hooves on the keys. He could feel her smooth mask against so nicely against the side of his face. He could feel her fuzzy warm fur all over his back...his shoulders...and his forelegs. He felt like he was sitting on a smooth yet fluffy pillow when sitting on her lap. Her full yet soft chest was pressed entirely against his shoulder blades. He could feel her heavy yet cashmere-like hair drape over his shoulders. He couldn't help but smell her mane...it smelt like marzipan and roses...a strange yet wonderful combination. How could he possibly focus on the scales when his sense were being overwhelmed in all directions?!

Butterscotch tried his best to ignore all this by closing his eyes and imagining the notes in his mind. Eris followed in his lead. Soon the lair was filled with beautiful simultaneous harmonies. The couple at the organ were completely lost their music. Sure it was simple notes, but playing side by side in different directions...added with the energy flowing from the creatures playing on the keys...made the song sound like a symphony.

Butterscotch was drawn out his musical state with Eris humming beautiful to the tune. The yellow Pegasus opened his eyes and turned his eyes towards Eris. But he never stopped playing. Eris's eyes were still closed while she was playing and humming the melody. She didn't notice Butterscotch staring at her.

She looks so...sweet...when she sings. Butterscotch thought to himself.

Another perk about these lessons was having the opportunity to hear Eris singing. As beautiful as her voice is singing dramatic yet fiery songs, Butterscotch loved it when she sang softer songs. Songs like the one he heard when they first met. Truly, there's great magic in the softer tone of her singing voice. She sounds like the Angel of Music in his dreams.

Butterscotch pondered on what would his own mother would sound like. Would she have a voice like Eris's? Or something different? Would his mother approve of what he doing now? Would she approve of Eris?

Butterscotch turned his attention to the glimmering gold shining off Eris's mask. In his mind, her mask is a thing of great craftsmanship and beauty. However, this beauty was tinted by the mystery and tragedy of her past. It was the barrier that separated them...the wall that kept them apart.

He slowly and carefully reached to touch the side of her mask. His touch made Eris quickly open her eyes and blush slightly. She stopped playing. Eris removed her chin off his shoulder and faced her head in Butterscotch's direct gaze. Eris was surprised by Butterscotch's willingness to touch her.

Butterscotch rapidly apologized "I-I'm sorry, forgive me. I just..."

Eris replied meekly "It-It's alright. You may continue." Then she brought his hoof back to the side of her mask.

Butterscotch couldn't believe it. She wanted him to unmask her...right before his eyes...she trusted him. This is it. He replied with utter disbelief in his voice "Ar-Are you sure?"

Eris smiled meekly, feeling butterflies flutter in her stomach, "Yes."

She couldn't believe how excited she was. Butterscotch wanted to caress her face...just like in her dreams. She always thought her mask would drive him away,but...it didn't. He wanted to touch her mask.

And his touch was what she anticipated and more. Having Butterscotch lightly tracing the sides of her mask sent shivers down her spine. She melted into his touch, and closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation. Her heart started to beat faster when he placed his other front hoof on the other side of her mask. Her face was in his hooves. She was sighing and grinning like a puppy dog being petted. But she didn't care. This moment was about Butterscotch...and how close he was to her.

Butterscotch gently slides his front hooves into Eris's white mane. This made Eris's mind into a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings she had never experienced before. These thoughts and feelings were happy and joyously. Eris couldn't remember a time where she was this happy.

Butterscotch carefully moves his hooves around in her hair in order to find the mask's strings. He quickly finds it and...slowly un-ties the knot. Eris doesn't pay attention to this, for she was already in a blissful world of her own. And Butterscotch was in this world with her.

Once the knot was no more, the mask strings fell to the sides of her face. Butterscotch places his hooves on the sides of her face once more, feeling incredibly nervous. He could feel the sweat already building. He carefully holds and removes the mask like he was handling a baby bunny in his grip.

Time passed way too slowly during this process...

Butterscotch slowly brought her mask towards his chest...and takes a moment to see the scars of her past. Eris instantly felt a breeze blowing across her now naked face. Her eyes opened and widened to their fullest capacity.

"HOW DARE YOU!"

Eris slapped Butterscotch across his face, and this slap made Butterscotch fall hard off the stool. Eris's mask flew out of Butterscotch's hooves and far to the other side of the room. Eris rose furiously from the stool and towered over Butterscotch...with great darkness and fury in her eyes.

Eris shouted "HOW COULD YOU!"

Butterscotch uttered while holding his sore cheek...and his tears, "B-But Eris,I-I don't understand."

Eris screams out while blocking the left side of her face with her lion paw...tears streaming down her face "You're right! You don't understand!"

Butterscotch replied in a more hurt tone, "But I thought you were giving me permission to...see your face."

Eris screams once more, "Well I wasn't! So there! That's what you get for assuming!"

Then, she turns her back towards Butterscotch. The small pegasus pleads "I'm so sorry Eris. Please, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just wanted to..."

Eris exclaims "You just what?! Wanted to solve the big mystery?! Wanted to reveal that the Phantom is a big old monster after all?!"

Butterscotch chokes out with tears streaming down his face, "I just wanted to be closer to you."

Eris perked up when Butterscotch soft voice spoke those words. He meant it. He truly meant it. Eris never thought he would say something like that to her...but he did. All that she can choke out was "What?"

She slowly turned herself around and witnessed Butterscotch carefully getting on his hooves. He wiped away his tears before lifting his face to return Eris's gaze.

Her heart ache when she saw her dearest's face red with her slap and his cheeks stained with tears. Butterscotch then explained "Baba told me everything. He told me how you and he came from the same...traveling show."

Eris retorted "You mean freak show."

Butterscotch's eyes widen and felt speechless when Eris said that. He was about to say more, but Eris interrupted him with "It's alright, it's a fact of life that I have accepted long ago."

Butterscotch continued his explanation "But still, that show...that horrible show...and it's ring master...were the true freaks. Not you. Not you and my Baba. He told how you were there for too long and how you saved him and..."

Eris interrupted Butterscotch once more...only in a spiteful tone, "Did he also tell you how we were truly escaped the ring master? Did he tell you that I turned the ring master into stone?"

Butterscotch whispered "Yes...but you only did it was because...he abused you." He felt his tears returning, but he had to stay strong...for Eris and what she had been through, "He abused you Eris. He hurt you. He did unspeakable things to you!"

Eris was silent. She removed her face away from his gaze.

Butterscotch continued but in a more determined yet loving tone, "Eris...they're just scars...nothing more."

Eris mumbles angrily while holding back her own tears, "You wouldn't say that if you actually saw my face."

Butterscotch whispered gently "You and I will never know if you don't let me in."

Eris returned her attention back on Butterscotch...she almost lost her breath in that moment. Tranquility and sweetness filled the atmosphere around them.

Eris kneeled onto the cold stone ground, while Butterscotch immediately went up to her. While Eris was still covering the left side of her face, Butterscotch tenderly cupped her head in his hooves.

They stared into each others eyes...trying to figure out what the other is thinking...trying to find the right words to say...trying to understand the feelings coursing through them.

Butterscotch comforted Eris with "Eris, it's okay. You can trust me. I'll only see you...I promise."

Eris couldn't bottle it in any longer. Before she knew it, she was crying. She was sobbing right in front of Butterscotch. She didn't know any other way to express the pain of her scars and the fears about what will happen. It's been so long...since she has felt this vulnerable and weak.

Butterscotch placed one of his hooves over her lion paw and soothed her crying with "Shhh. Shhh. It's okay Eris, I'm here. No pony else, just me."

Eris opened her tear filled eyes and saw her beloved's sweet smiling face. His smile...gave her the courage to do the unthinkable.

With Butterscotch's help, she slowly slides her paw off her face. She closed her eyes...and took a cleansing breath in.

She waited for the worst. She waited for his scream. She waited for his sounds of disgust. She waited for his hooves to harshly pull away from her grotesque scarred face. She waited for all the usual things...but none it came. Just a moment of pure silence.

Eris opened her eyes to see what was going on. She saw Butterscotch...smiling at her. That sweet bright smile that he only shows when he's really happy. She couldn't understand all of this.

Butterscotch whispers happily while pulling some of Eris's hair away from her jawline, "There you are."

Eris's jaw dropped. He wasn't afraid. He wasn't running away. He was still in her life. He's staying. He's really staying! He was taking in all the details of her horrid face and admiring every single part of it! He was happy.

Butterscotch added "Like I said Eris, it's just scars."

Left side of Eris's face did have scars...more scars than one can imagine. They were long, deep but they were also healed. They weren't red or covered in stitches. There were so many of them that there was little fur to cover them all. It was all skin. Grey skin. The grey furless skin,with the scars, revealed the skull outline of her eye socket and her jawline. Making the left side of her very sunken in and almost hollow. The scars especially brought her left eye out, making it stand out versus the right eye. However, Eris still managed to have both her eyebrows, both full and white. This brought character and personality to her face. The scars went all the way to her scalp. The scars covered only three inches of her scalp. That part of her scalp had no white hair on it. It was furless and grey skin tight. Butterscotch could see why Eris would part her mane to cover the left side of her head.

In Butterscotch's opinion, the left side of her face didn't look hideous at all. She didn't look like a monster at all. It didn't deformed the rest of her face. It didn't change how he saw her. To Butterscotch, she was still the mischievous yet kind Eris he come to know.

Eris couldn't believe her own ears. Even when witnessing her terrifying face, Butterscotch still saw her scars as just scars. She could tell that in his eyes that he was seeing all of her face. He could still see her through it all. She thought that one of her impossible wishes had just came true. She had found not only somepony who has accepted her, but also...somepony to love...for the rest of her eternity.

Eris couldn't deny it to herself anymore! She was in love in Butterscotch Daae! Her heart felt so full, new, and light! She felt like she can fly with Butterscotch without wings or magic. Her dark and lonely days were over, now there is a bright future with Butterscotch ahead.

Eris felt a rush of joyful tears break through her eyes as a warm smile sprouted upon her face like a young flower. Butterscotch asked with concern in his voice, "Oh dear. Eris, did my words upset you?"

Eris whispered in her wonderment "No my darling, your words did the exact opposite. Your words...gave me heavenly joy and bliss."

Before Butterscotch could register in Eris's words, the draconequus pressed her lips aggressively against his. The small pegasus muffled through the passionate kiss to show his astonishment and shock. His whole body stiffened like a straight board. His wide surprised eyes were on Eris's closed eyes and her lips. The Phantom placed both her paw and talon on the sides of his face so that Butterscotch couldn't escape. For an added measure,her tail wrapped itself tight around his waist and back. This brought Butterscotch close against Eris's curvy, glass hour shaped, serpent body.

Butterscotch kept screaming in his head over and over again WHAT'S GOING ON?!

Butterscotch's body became over-sensitized by the feeling of Eris's body and tail against his. Kissing her lips felt like kissing the soft flame of a firework. Even her large fang sticking out of her mouth was soft against the side of his mouth. Were first kisses always this way?! Or...was this experiencing Eris's kisses?! Or both?!

Butterscotch began to realize Does this mean that...she loves me?

That question put Butterscotch's mind in a massive chaotic whirlwind of a headache.

Meanwhile, Eris was lost and consumed by the soft embrace of Butterscotch's lips against hers. His lips were beyond what she could ever imagine them be. She wanted more. She wanted the full experience of kissing his mouth. She wanted to fully express her undying love for him.

Eris then slightly parted her mouth and used her tongue to open Butterscotch's mouth. And it worked quite easily. This petrified Butterscotch even more and his body felt as stiff as a stone.

Butterscotch wondered if he was actually doing this right. Wait...why am I even thinking that?! He exclaimed to himself.

Eris wasted no time. She immediately explore the inside of his mouth with her tongue. She covered every inch and corner of it,...and he tasted like caramel with just a hint of butterscotch. It was glorious. Sure the taste made her giggle in her mind, just because of the irony of it all. But tasting his mouth just aroused her even more. She moaned in her pleasure.

Her tongue even twisted and interacted with his tongue. And Butterscotch...let it happened! And in return, his tongue shyly explored the inside of...her mouth. She tasted like...honey. Sweet honey. He wasn't expecting that kind of taste from her. Then again, he never knew that each mouth had a taste of their own. His eyes almost fluttered half close when he tasted the sweet nectar of her kiss. Completely unaware to him, Butterscotch was slowly relaxing into the kiss.

Eris instantly felt this relaxed ease in Butterscotch's kiss, and took it as a sign to begin the next step. Eris slide her hands away from Butterscotch's face and placed them on his waist. She quickly released her tail and stood up,thus carrying Butterscotch in her arms. She continued her passionate yet fiery kiss with him while walking. She continued to moan in her blissful kiss.

Butterscotch's eyes widen once more when he noticed that he was moving. Or should he say when they started moving. She was taking him away from the organ.

Butterscotch panicked in his mind What's going on?! Where are we going?!

He muffled in their kiss "Mris! Mris!"

Eris's eyes were closed, but somehow her body knew where they needed to go. Butterscotch tried to look behind him just to see where they were heading. But the draconequus didn't let him. She held his body so tight that Butterscotch had no choice to but face their kiss head on.

Meanwhile, Eris relish in the feeling of his soft mane in between her fingers and the softness of holding his body in her and and claw. Everything is playing out her deepest fantasies and more. This moment was just taking her breath away.

The couple were soon approaching the destination that Eris had in mind...her bed. Butterscotch turned his head slightly and saw in the corner of his eye Eris's bedroom curtains.

Butterscotch uttered in his mind Oh no...

Butterscotch tried to reason with Eris during their kiss "Mris! Mrait!"

But Eris didn't hear his cries over the sounds of her own groans and moans in the kiss. The Phantom used her tail to remove her cape off her shoulders and neck. She pushed the curtains out of the way...and passionately dipped Butterscotch into the bed.

Butterscotch couldn't let this play out any further. He used all his might to push Eris away from his lips. But her desire to embrace him and caress his lips made her incredibly strong. But he kept trying.

After his third push, he was able to separate his lips from the kiss and exclaimed "WAIT!"

Both the shy pegasus and the draconequus were panting. They were out of breath, flustered, red-faced, and their manes unraveled by the fiery make out session. Butterscotch's hooves were pressed against Eris's chest, while she was towering over him with her palms on the spaces next to Butterscotch's head on the bed.

Eris panted out in a worried tone "What's wrong darling?"

Butterscotch quickly responded with "This is going too fast!"

Eris moved herself little bit away from Butterscotch and asked "What do you mean?"

Butterscotch innocently answered with a deeper blush glowing on his cheeks, "I'm not ready."

Eris whispered "Not ready for what?"

Butterscotch turned his head towards the pillows to the top of Eris's bed. Once she saw what Butterscotch was looking at, she knew what he implied.

She smiled sweetly at him and said "But it's okay sweetie. You see, I'm a virgin too. So..."

Eris took one of Butterscotch's hooves off her chest and placed it on the top of her rib cage on the side. She continued with a innocent blush on her face "It's my first time too."

Butterscotch felt his body heat up and tingle when Eris placed his hoof on the side of her. She was a virgin...just like him. But she didn't seem scared. Why?

Eris slowly brought her lips towards Butterscotch's lips once more, but he interrupted this with "I'm sorry Eris, but..."

He crawled out from underneath her, looked straight into her golden and ruby eyes and said "I want to take this slow. I hope that...you understand."

Butterscotch then felt Eris's tail slow wrapped itself around his waist. He looked up and saw Eris smiling softly towards him. Her eyes gleamed...as if she was staring into a beautiful sunset. Butterscotch wondered why her eyes gleamed that way...especially towards him. Mysteries never end with Eris.

She softly commented "I understand darling."

Butterscotch then squeaked when she put her arms around him. He felt the fine fuzziness of her fur against his face. Plus, she was also extremely warm. This strangely comforted Butterscotch. Eris then sighed in a peaceful tone "We can take things slow my dearest. As long as we can be together...like this...I'll always be satisfied."

Eris pulled Butterscotch away from her chest and brought her face close to his. She whispered tenderly "Don't worry, I can wait for you."

> Chapitre Treize
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapitre Treize

Eris offered to walk Butterscotch back to the sanctuary. She figured that his lesson was over for today, but more importantly...she felt like he was ready. He was ready to become the lead for the upcoming opera. She told him of the great news, however he didn't react in the way she wanted him to.

"I can't do it Eris."

The vast narrow tunnel filled with armor of pony knights carrying spears and torches. This place use to give Butterscotch fear, but now...his mind was filled with something far worse than spooky hallow figures in a hallway.

"But darling, you can do it. You just needs a little confidence in your stage presence. That's all."

"That's all?!" Butterscotch exclaimed, "Eris!"

Eris soothed him, "Please Butterscotch, you must have faith in your voice. If you don't, your talent will be hiding in the dark forever."

Butterscotch mumbled sadly "But...what if...?"

Eris whispered softly "Sweetie. If you keep asking what if...then you'll never take action and find out for yourself."

Butterscotch reflected in his silence. During these three weeks, Eris has been praising him on his voice. Even when his voice cracked, she would a way to solve the problem and bring beauty to his singing once more. He wondered...was she just saying that because of her feelings for him?

He looked over at Eris,who wore her cape but not her mask on their little stroll. He asked out loud, while he still had the nerve "Do you believe in my voice because it's good...or because of your affection for me?"

Eris stopped dead in her tracks. Her face expressed the deep hurt spreading to her body. How could he say that? Butterscotch saw this in the corner of his eye, and stopped to comfort Eris. He carefully reached his front hoof towards her...and she grabbed it immediately. This made Butterscotch blush instantly.

Finally, after an eternity of waiting for her response, Eris muttered with great sincerity "My dearest...your voice is not defined by my praises. Your voice...is worthy of the presence of the Angel of Music."

Butterscotch's eyes widen. He quickly asked "Wait, you've heard of the Angel of Music?!"

Eris continued in the same tone she started with "Of course I have. She gave me hope in my darkest hour."

Butterscotch whispered "You've seen her?"

Eris nodded and explained "Yes...and she was beautiful. She came to me...in the sanctuary...told me to fix Bebe...and make beautiful music in the opera...for the opera house was my new home."

Eris squeezed Butterscotch's hoof tighter. This brought the pegasus closer to her. He could feel the warmth in her claws and in her breath. Eris broke the silence with "Have you ever seen her?"

Butterscotch answered "Well...not in the real world. Only in my dreams."

Eris then pleaded to him "Then sing Butterscotch. Sing so that the Angel of Music can visit you and bask in your glory."

Butterscotch finally understood Eris's sincerity. He may be confused on many things, but music...was the one thing that still remained the same. He felt foolish in letting his confusing feelings for her get in the way of their friendship. He couldn't hurt her after doing so much for him.

All he needed now was a moment to breath and relax from...all that happened this morning. It wasn't a bad experience...it was just sooo...stimulating. Too stimulating for his heart to bear.

He quickly shook off his recent memories and proclaimed to Eris "Well, I guess...it wouldn't hurt to just try out."

Eris released her grip on Butterscotch's hoof and cheered "Yipee! Look out Elusive, Butterscotch is coming to town!"

Butterscotch laughed at Eris's comment, knowing just how much she disapproved of his attitude and his singing. Then, they continued down the hallway to reach the sanctuary.

Once they got to the tall door at the end of the hallway, Eris lightly placed her lion paw on the door's surface. As soon as her paw made contact with it, the door transformed into a mirror. It ripped underneath her touch like water.

The mirror door was a special kind of mirror. The ponies inside the sanctuary can see inside the sanctuary, but the ponies in the sanctuary can't see the ponies in the hallway. A creation specifically designed by Eris.

The Phantom and Butterscotch looked through and saw Bluebell sleeping in a small huddle near the altar. Probably freezing in the cold prayer room.

Butterscotch exclaimed "Bluebell?"

Eris stated soon after "My my, isn't she persistent?"

Butterscotch then pondered out loud "You think that...she knows?"

Eris scoffed "Of course not! But, she is getting suspicious. Make sure to give her a good lie this time."

Butterscotch then nervously replied "I'm actually running out of lies to tell her. Oh, it's so hard to be a liar with Bluebell."

Eris confidently confides him with "Not to worry,I have a Plan B. I can just poof you and Bluebell in her room and you can try to convince her that her morning journey to the sanctuary was a dream."

Butterscotch uttered "I guess...that's a sound plan."

Eris smiles at Butterscotch and sneaks in a quick peck on his soft yellow cheek. This catches the shy pegasus off guard and jump in the opposite direction. His flushed face faced the giggling draconequus.

Eris squeaked in the middle of her giggles "Sorry dearest, but I couldn't resist."

Her small peck on his cheek was so warm and fiery...just like their first kiss.

Stop thinking about it! He mentally kicked himself.

He wondered why Eris was so calm and collected after their incident this morning. Was it because she started it? Was it because of her desire for him? Her desire...was so overwhelming...so crazy...it made him sweat profusely to just think about it. How was he suppose to feel in this situation?

Butterscotch calmed himself before approaching Eris again. She grinned at him, showing all her pearly fangs before bringing her face towards Butterscotch's. She happily flicks her index claw against his forehead and poofs him to Bluebell's room. Her magic in that moment also poofs Bluebell away from the sanctuary.

Eris let out a romantic sigh when her beloved Butterscotch left. She placed her talon gently over her beating chest. The morning...was like a beautiful dream to her. His touch still lingered in her arms, in her paws, and on her cheeks. That feeling of his lips were still fresh on her lips. She wished that his touches and kisses could last for the rest of the day. Maybe she will search for a spell to do so...

She closed her eyes and drifted down the hallway. While the draconequus floats down the hallway in her loving fantasy, white roses began to bloom behind her in a trail. The roses looked as if they just opened on the first day of spring. Dew drops were sprinkled on their petals. Light green thorns and ivy also followed the trail of roses. Eris was unaware of this gorgeous trail behind her.



Bluebell...

A faint, kind, yet familiar voice called the white unicorn from her dreams.

She slowly opened her blue baby eyes and saw Butterscotch...warmly staring at her from the side of her bed. She loved waking up to his face in the morning. It's been so long since he had greeted her in the morning. Usually, he's so busy.

Butterscotch sweetly greeted with a smile on his face, "Good morning."

Bluebell yawned with a smile on her face, "Good morning." Then, she stretched out her forelegs behind her along with stretching out her neck.

Butterscotch quietly asked "How did you sleep?"

Bluebell answered peacefully "Oh good." She scanned the room,and noticed that the female ballet dancers were still asleep. This was very risky for Butterscotch to come into the room at this hour.

But this made Bluebell curious, and she asked him "What are you doing here?"

Butterscotch happily answered without hesitation "It's been awhile since we've really seen each other. I miss talking to you and hanging with you."

Bluebell blushed slightly and she softly responded "Really? Because I did too."

Butterscotch grinned at Bluebell, unaware of the light pink shade on her cheeks.

> Chapitre Quatorze
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapitre Quatorze

Butterscotch felt his heart pound in his chest as he and Bluebell walked to the stage. After Bluebell and him ate breakfast together, they changed into their rehearsal gear and strolled to practice together. Today was the official start of auditions for each role, even for the leads. Even though, no stallion ever had the courage to audition against Elusive. And because of this, Elusive gets the lead male role for every play.

However, this time was different. Butterscotch was going to audition. Or at least, that's his plan. But as he approached closer and closer to the grand Proscenium stage, his inner frightened colt had other plans. The little voice inside his head kept telling him to go back to his room and hide in a corner. His legs were weak and wobbly, he could feel with each step he took. The blood in his body was coursing throughout way too fast due to his racing heart. Except the blood was not getting to his head and he felt light-headed.

Despite this, he retreated to what Eris use to remind him in practice. To breath in and out. Deeply and slowly. The deep breath helps give life and longevity to the notes, and letting them out slowly brings clarity to the song. Breathing is the key essential tool for singing. Plus, it will help with his nerves. So Butterscotch focused on that while climbing up the steps to the front of the stage.

Everypony was warming up for the auditions. The ponies in the orchestra pit were loudly warming up their instruments and reviewing their music sheets. Even the white haired conductor was mentally preparing himself for the auditions on his stand above the pit. He sharpened his conductor baton and reviewing his score.

Even Elusive, L'Opera de Cheval's tenor, was warming up by practicing his scales in his most bravado voice. Barbara felt weak in the knees hearing her beloved stallion sing, her cheeks felt so warm and they were getting hotter by the second. While, Sweepy Belle was squirting a special water spray into Elusive's mouth between each break. This water was mixed with lemon, ginger, and a hint of honey. This spray deeply relaxed Elusive's voice and allowed him to sing in high quality. But even in practice, he knew that he will nail the audition and fame will soon to be his.

Rainbow Blitz and Scootaroll were busy checking and lowering the lines off stage. Applejack and Apple Buck were there to help for strength support on the lines.

Bluebell and Butterscotch walked towards the dancers who were clustered near the far corner of the stage. They were all listening to Zircoro and Blueberry on how auditions will go today and what the play will be about. Zircoro emphasized how the dancing part of the story is just as important as the actors and singers on stage. While Bubble Berry told them to simply have fun and dared them to be daring. Butterscotch shuddered at the thought of "being daring". Bluebell noticed this, and wondered why Butterscotch seemed so nervous today. He had no reason to be. He was a great dancer. There are more female dancers versus male dancers in the group, and the theatre is always in need of male dancers for the majority of their plays. Therefore, Butterscotch had a great chance of getting in. He even had an awesome chance of becoming a lead dancer.

Finally, Shim and Sham along with royal advisor Dusk Shine arrived into the space. They decided to watch the audition process through the box seats. As mangers, it was their duty to see who will star in the opera's next production...in order to plan out how to advertise the play to the public. Dusk Shine was there...knowing Eris would be here. She had to be. If there was a time to prevent any chance of stardom for Elusive,this would be the time. He had been relentlessly searching for her for weeks, but he keeps running into dead ends. Whenever he got a lead on her, the lead would take him back to where he started. With each night patrol,Dusk Shine becomes more wary and frustrated. He couldn't sleep, he couldn't think, his magic was slowly starting to fail him. He felt like the whole ordeal will never end. Despite this, he prepared his horn for detection of Eris's magic.

The conductor cleared his throat and tapped his baton on his stand. The ponies on stage and in the pit silenced themselves and began the audition process. Rainbow Blitz,Scootaroll, Applejack, Apple Buck,Barbara,and Sweepy Belle excitedly watched off stage. Meanwhile, in the shadows of the empty box seat reserved for the Phantom, Dopey witnessed the auditions...in order to see his lovely Esmeralda dance. Seeing her dance reminds him of when they danced together in the sanctuary. His heart still skipped a beat whenever he recalled that precious memory.

The conductor first started the auditions for the dancers. He led the music, while Zircoro instructed the specific routines for the dancers to follow. Bubble Berry followed him with energetic and bouncy glee. Though, he added way too many jumps into his audition. But his bounces and jumps were expressive and full of great grace.

As expected,Bluebell was the most graceful in her routine compared to the other female dancers. Her beauty entranced most of the males on stage. In fact, her beauty entranced the mares on stage as well. They were so memorized by the way she moved and the way her mane just danced in the air, they felt like they couldn't be jealous of her. They just wanted to fan girl over her all. Dopey was so tempted to cheer loudly to the heavens at the end of her routine, but he couldn't let the others know of his existence. So instead, he smiled and sneaked back into the shadows of the opera house.

Then, it was Butterscotch's turn. Despite having dancing as his natural instinct, he still felt nervous when dancing in front of others. However,he closed his eyes and swayed his body to the music. He didn't follow the routine exactly, but Zircoro and every pony agreed that Butterscotch's twist to the routine was beautiful,raw,and pure. And that was the key to dancing. Meanwhile, in the high shadowy rafters of the stage,a pair of glowing gold and ruby eyes followed Butterscotch's every move. Eris was hypnotized by the way he danced to the music, it was like he was singing with his body. In that moment, her deepest wish was to dance with him. She knows that it would be awkward due to their height difference,but she had a feeling that Butterscotch wouldn't mind it. They could make up the height difference somehow. Maybe at the end of their dance...they could kiss. The thought of that made Eris smile and a sweet blush caressed her face.

Dusk Shine couldn't believe that...during Butterscotch's dance...he picked up a trance of Eris's magic! And it was somewhere on Butterscotch! He couldn't believe it. At last, a light in the darkness! His search was soon going to end. But what he didn't understand was how. How could Butterscotch have a small trance of Eris's magic? He pointed his horn closer to Butterscotch in order to read how much magic Butterscotch processed, but it was too late. Once Butterscotch's dance ended, Eris's magic disappeared. Dusk Shine groaned and mentally kicked himself. He was so close!

Soon the dance auditions ended, and the acting/singing auditions began. Butterscotch's jitters returned once more. His dancing can help him forget so many things, but for such a short time. Once the music ends, Butterscotch's fears resurface. He concluded that he'll audition at the end, build his courage as the auditions progresses.

However, each audition felt like an eternity to the shy pegasus. Instead of building courage...he was building anxiety. He's going to embarrass himself, he just knew it! Then, he saw Elusive proudly strut to the center of the stage. While strutting to the spot light, the white unicorn stallion gave the yellow pegasus a dirty look. Butterscotch cowered at The Tenor's dirty look.

Once all eyes were on him,Elusive proclaimed like a prince "Maestro!"

The conductor commanded the attention of his orchestra and they began to play the song. High in rafters, Eris groans at the sight of Elusive. She summons two ear plugs and stuffs them in her ears.

She sighs out "Ah, much better."

Elusive proudly sings in his deep operatic voice...
I will be there
Beside you
Through the lonely nights that fall
So close your eyes
Remember my embrace
I will be there
Like mercy
I will find you through it all
This do I swear
I will be there

His voice sang all the notes correctly, but his tone was not with the lyrics. He was smug and happy when singing it. The song demanded softness, a lover's promise, dedication, longing, loyalty, devotion, sadness, and hope. He didn't understand the song. He didn't understand his role.

When his audition was, he bowed to his conductor and to his observers in the box seat. Then, he bowed to the ponies on stage. Every pony clapped moderately for him...that is except for Barbara and Sweepy Belle. They clapped with pride and joy.

The conductor tidied his stack of musical scores and announced "Well, splendid work every pony. I will post the results tomorrow and-"

"Wait!"

Every pony turned around and saw Butterscotch raising his hoof and trying to step out of the crowd. They gasped when they realized that he was the voice behind that interruption. Elusive was especially shocked.

Butterscotch squeaked out nervously, "Um, I would like to audition too?"

This caused the crowd to murmur and talk within themselves. They were trying to figure out what would convince the newbie to do this. Elusive snarled at Butterscotch, his eyes looking like daggers piercing through the shy pegasus.

The conductor looked at Butterscotch for a moment, reflecting on the hesitant but sincere request. As much as he didn't want to anger Elusive, his curiosity got the best of him.

"Very well then."

Elusive barked "What?! You can't do that!"

The conductor raised an invisible eyebrow to Elusive, expressing an unamused expression on his face, "Why not?"

Elusive quickly stuttered "Because y-you just announced that auditions were over. That means they're done! Finished! You c-can't make just exceptions!"

The conductor the replied trying to contain his smirk "Can't I?"

This made Elusive utterly speechless. He couldn't believe it. His own conductor...turning on him.

The conductor tapped his baton on the stand and raised it to command the attention of his orchestra and now Butterscotch who was now in the center. Applejack,Apple Buck, Bluebell, and Bubble Berry cheered for their friend. Zircoro smiled proudly at his son. And yet...he feared that his son was being controlled by Eris to do her bidding. He had known for weeks about their lessons. He knew that Eris was controlling his son through music. As much as he wanted to stop Eris and her mind-controlling ways, he knew that he was no match against her magic. He had to wait...talk to his child...and pray that he will understand.

The Shim Sham Sisters were intrigued by this yellow pegasus. They leaned in closer with devilish smirks on their faces. If this stallion was good, they could have a new face to advertise for the opera. Bright, shining, new faces always brought in a crowd. Dusk Shine leaned in as well, with his horn pointing towards Butterscotch...glowing slightly with an aura of dark purple and gold magic.

Eris watched Butterscotch from the darkness above the stage with great anticipation. She whispered sweetly "C'mon my dearest, you can do it."

Butterscotch looked like a deer staring into a forest fire. The stage lights blinded his eyes. He could barely see the kind conductor before him. He couldn't hear his friends cheers, he couldn't hear anything. The only thing he could hear was his small heart pounding and beating in his ears. He almost forgot why he was there.

But all of that quickly went away when he heard beautiful, poetic music. The peaceful sound set his mind at an ease,and it allowed him to catch his breath. He closed his eyes and placed one of his front hooves over his heart. The music reminded him of Eris. It was breathtaking...full of depth and indescribable emotion...and yet has glimmer of hope at the end of each note. The image of her flowing white mane and her mischievous smile can to his mind.

The lyrics came came to him, as if by magic...
In the light that falls at moonrise
In the rhythm of the rain
In the miracle of ordinary days
In the hush of night
I will be in the whispers of lovers
Everywhere
You will find me there...

His voice, thanks to Eris's lessons, had became much deeper...more bold...and more tenor-like. And yet, Butterscotch's voice still kept it's soft falsetto quality. His voice was like a dream...and every pony was consumed in this dream. They were speechless. They couldn't take their eyes off him.

Bluebell couldn't believe that he was singing...in front of a crowd...no fear and no regret...and it was beautiful. He had never sing before,so...how was he doing it? Was this why he disappeared each morning? In that instant, Bluebell felt a sting of sadness in her heart. They were friends...brother and sister...and yet he couldn't share his passion and talent with her.

Zircoro felt a wave of memories crashing upon him. His voice reminded him...of his beloved Christine's music. His voice was like her violin. The way he looked on stage...it was like having Christine back on stage. It was like she had risen from the dead. He felt so happy yet heartbroken all at the same time.

Dusk Shine's horn was lighting up like crazy when Butterscotch started singing. Dusk Shine couldn't control it. He had to hide it's glow with The Sisters, but luckily that they didn't notice. All of this didn't make sense to Dusk. Why did Monsieur Butterscotch process some of Eris's magic? Is it possible that...Butterscotch is Eris in disguise?

No, that couldn't be right. He thought to himself while shaking his head. No,there has to be something more like...contact. Maybe...just maybe...he's her accomplice! Of course! That explains everything! Why he keeps going to the sanctuary every morning. I have to confront him.

Butterscotch continued to sing, but with each note and lyric, he slowly flew higher into the air...
In the rustle of a curtain
In the bustle of the world
In a thousand little unexpected ways
When you lift your gaze
I will be like the shimmer of one small star
Out there
Shining everywhere
I will be there
Beside you
Through the lonely nights that fall
So close your eyes
Remember my embrace
I will be there
Like mercy
I will find you through it all
This do I swear
I will be there

At the end of his solo, Butterscotch slowly returned to the ground. Once he did, all the ponies cheered and stomped their hooves happily for Butterscotch. This caught the shy Pegasus by surprise. He squeaked and cowered in fear when they start surrounding him and giving their congrats. Every pony, that is except for Elusive and Barbara and Sweepy. Elusive scowled at his rival while his brother and Barbara tried to soothe him. Especially Barbara. But Elusive ignored their concerned attempts, and focused on the cause of his fury...Butterscotch.

Meanwhile, high in the shady rafters above the stage, Eris was smiling proudly at her sweetheart. Her eyes gleamed with her love for him. She knew that he could do it, and...he exceeded her expectations. Everything was coming together nicely, and her heart is filled with his song.

She slowly sang to herself in the darkness, using a spell on to mute her song to the ponies below...
In a language never spoken
With the promises we made
In the endless low that owns me heart and soul
In the certainty I will always be true and as near as my next prayer
You will find me there
In the echo of the ocean
In the haunting of the wind
In mysterious extraordinary ways
Through the darkest sky
I will be like the shimmer of one small star
Out there
Shining every where

She closes her eyes and begins to gracefully float and dance in the air to her song...
I will be there
Beside you
Through the lonely nights that fall
So close your eyes
Remember my embrace
I will be there
Like freedom
I will find you through it all
This do I swear
I will be there




After two weeks of dedicated and intense rehearsals, it was finally opening night. So far,the play was running smoothly and beautifully. Every pony in Paris came to watch the new upcoming star in action. And they were not disappointed. Butterscotch's performance has been spectacular. And Shim and Sham were rolling in the bits.

Then, it was the end of Act One and Butterscotch was singing his big solo. The one he sang for the auditions. The emotional core song of his character and his connection to his character's lover. Butterscotch was determined to focus all his might on the music, instead of the thousands of ponies watching his every move.

With his eyes closed, he sang with great gusto...
In the harbour quarter!

Butterscotch could then hear Eris's voice echo behind him, as if she was a ghost wandering through the vast wide open space of the set. However, he had a feeling that she casted a spell to mute her voice from the audience, so that way...she could sing with him...just like before. She beautifully sang...
In the stone and mortar!

Then, they both joined in at the harmony...
In the star that we both share!

Butterscotch:
In the sound of laughter!

Eris:
Now and ever after!

Both:
Look for me I will be there!

Soon Butterscotch flew towards the crowd and amazes them with his swift and passionate flight. His voice, along with Eris's soft echo, ringed throughout the walls of the opera house...
I WILL BE THERE
BESIDE YOU
THROUGH THE LONELY NIGHTS THAT FALL
SO CLOSE YOUR EYES
REMEMBER MY EMBRACE
I WILL BE THERE
LIKE JUSTICE
I WILL FIND YOU THROUGH IT ALL

This do I swear
I will be there...

Eris softly adds in...
This do I swear
I will be there...

They end their duet together, as if whispering to one another...
This do I swear
I will be there...

After the orchestra ends the song on a serene tone, the audience gives Butterscotch a stomping and joyously standing ovation.

> Chapitre Quinze
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapitre Quinze

Butterscotch could feel the adrenaline. The rush. The excitement. He tasted the sweet limelight and he actually enjoyed it. He felt so overwhelmed yet exhilarated when the crowd cheered at the end of his songs. He especially felt their joy at the end of the performance when every pony had bowed.

He couldn't believe it. He did it. The shyest and most awkward stallion in all of Paris...performing at L'Opera de Cheval...as a star. It takes his breath away just thinking about it. He really did it.

And it was all thanks to Eris.

Butterscotch left the stage with a big smile on his face. He felt like he could conquer the world. His Baba and sister Bluebell drew him in a tight but joyous group hug. Which cause Butterscotch to laugh happily in their embrace.

Zircoro was the first to say "So proud, so proud! My son...the star the reached beyond the clouds."

Butterscotch remarked in an embarrassed tone, "Oh, I don't know about that Baba."

Bluebell argued "Baba's right, you were a shining star tonight! The brightest that there'll ever be!"

Butterscotch's cheeks turned deep red as he lowered his head to smile.

Then, the happy family walked back together to Butterscotch's dressing room.

Their journey had a great amount of obstacles to over come. They had to maneuver around the staff and performers congratulating Butterscotch on his opening night. And Butterscotch gave his congrats to them as well. Then,they had to push through the enormous crowd surrounding the dressing room door.

Every pony was there! The paparazzi, the critics, actors and singers from other opera houses, aristocrats and business owners across the city! The first to greet the family were the mangers...Shim and Sham.

They pushed Zircoro and Bluebell aside as if they weren't even there. The sisters hanged their forelegs over Butterscotch's shoulders with excited smiles on their faces.

"Congrats dear boy!" Shim proclaimed.

"Indeed, congrats!" Sham added.

Butterscotch nervously smiled and softly replied "Oh um thank you. It was nothing."

Shim burst out laughing "Nothing?! Ha! Did you hear him sis?! He said it was nothing!"

Sham joined in her sisters laughter "Oh you're rich kid! Real rich! Thanks to you,L'Opera de Cheval is real rich now!"

The Shim Sham Sisters left Butterscotch laughing and returned to the praises and cheers of the paparazzi in the mob.

"Well done Monsieur" said a very soothing yet regal voice.

Butterscotch turned around and felt himself awestruck by the sight of...Prince Solaris. Standing before him! His jaw dropped and he felt so small in the tall alicorn's presence.

He squeaked out "P-Prince S-Solaris?"

Then Prince Artemis came from behind his brother and elegantly spoke "We thank you Monsieur for your condemnable performance."

Butterscotch felt even more terrified and nervous. He was now in the presence of two princes! The immortal gods that controlled their land and their day and night! He couldn't breath. Butterscotch felt like he was going to choke.

He squeaked out in a higher tone "Prince Artemis?"

Then, he realized that he wasn't bowing. Why wasn't he bowing?! He quickly collapsed down to one knee and lowered his head before the noble princes.

Prince Solaris gently spoke "It is alright Monsieur. There is no need for you to bow."

The Sun Prince helped the surprised yet scared Butterscotch back on his hooves. Solaris gave the yellow Pegasus a warm smile before letting go of his hoof. Then,Butterscotch noticed that Prince Artemis also shared the same warm smile. The shy Pegasus didn't expect the Prince of the Night to have a smile like that.

Prince Solaris explained "My brother and I are great lovers of music and art. And your performance surely assured us that L'Opera de Cheval will always be our favorite opera house. So thank you."

Then, the princes bowed their heads towards Butterscotch. Butterscotch looked at them with a dumb found look on his face. But soon,he realized that he had to bow his head back at them. In order to be polite. The Princes calmly left the new star...leaving him wondering What just happened?

"Butters!"

Bluebell rushed up to him in a giddy whirl, with a giant grin on her face. Expressing the excitement that dear Butterscotch lacked for the situation. Zircoro serenely walked behind her and gave both his children a warm smile.

Bluebell continued "I can't believe it! You actually got to talk to the Princes! Tell me, are they just as regal as every pony says they are?!"

Butterscotch hesitantly answered "Actually,...they were very intimidating...up close. Nice,...but intimidating."

Zircoro let out a soft yet deep chuckle. Then, he placed his hoof on his son's shoulder. As if to let him know that he shouldn't be afraid of the praises of others...especially praises from royalty. Butterscotch warmly grinned at his Baba,appreciating the support he has been giving him today...and every day.

"Butterscotch!"

The shy Pegasus turned his gaze away his father and sees his friends approaching him. Applejack, Apple Buck, Macreina, Rainbow Blitz, Scootaroll, and Bubble Berry. He especially sees Bubble Berry darting towards him like a bullet.

Bubble Berry called out again "Butterscotch!"

Butterscotch whimpers "Oh dear."

BAM! The pink stallion tackles his friend to the ground and gives him a tight bear hug. Butterscotch gasps for air in his energetic friend's embrace.

"I am so happy for you! You were awesome!" Bubble Berry happily shouted.

Butterscotch replied in between his gasps for air "Thank...you...Berry."

Luckily,Rainbow Blitz helped separate Butterscotch from Berry's clutches. "Alright B,I think Butterscotch gets the point."

Applejack added "We're real proud of ya partner."

Apple Buck cheered "You were just super!"

Macreina nodded her head and let out a smooth "Eeyup."

After that,Rainbow warmly smirked and confessed "Even though operas aren't the coolest thing in my book, your performance made them...ten percent cooler."

Scootaroll added "Maybe even twenty percent since you included in all that flying! That was awesome!"

Rainbow chuckled at the young colt's comment and ruffles the patch of mane on top of his head. This makes Scootaroll playfully push away Rainbow's big hoof and snicker.

Butterscotch's heart felt so warm and full and lively inside. When he first came to the opera house, he didn't have any friends. All his life, he never had a group of friends he can call his own. Yet here he is. Surrounded by friends...so happy for his success...praising in his talent...complimenting him to no end. Butterscotch felt like he didn't deserve all this.

All that he could do was smile and feel thankful for the love and kindness he was receiving tonight.

His blush began to lighten up to a nice shade of pink. He softly uttered "Oh thank you. Thank you every pony. It means so much to me to have you all here. Really."

Applejack smiled and remarked casually "It's the least we can do Butters."

Rainbow added "Yeah, it's no biggie. So,there's no need for you to go all sappy on us." This causes the group to laugh together.

Butterscotch's friends then disappeared into the mob in order to let him and family have some peace in the dressing room. It was amazing how quiet and serene the room was. It was as if the outside world didn't exist. Butterscotch finally understood why great stars loved their dressing room.

He also awed at the amount of flower bouquets that decorated his small room. There were roses and flowers of all sorts, colors,and smells. Was it really all for him? It was like being his little garden back at his old home. All he needed now was his animals friends. Thinking about them...made the yellow Pegasus miss them dearly. The rats and bats and bugs at the opera house are lovely company, but his first animal friends...they were priceless.

He shook his head of these thoughts, trying to focus on his joyous present instead of things he couldn't have anymore.

Bluebell awed in a breathless tone "These flowers are so beautiful! Aren't they Butterscotch?"

Butterscotch quietly nodded his head and answered "Oh yes,very lovely. It's like they gathered all the flowers in Paris into one room."

Bluebell smiled with a gleam in her eye "Well, who better to admire all the flowers of Paris then the garden stallion himself?"

Butterscotch lightly chuckled at Bluebell's remark. However, it reminded him of the life he left behind. The life he had before L'Opera de Cheval. His heart instantly felt heavy and hard. Why did he feel this way? Why couldn't he be happy and thankful for once?!

A familiar and deep voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Bluebell, could you give us a moment? I need to give Butterscotch some fatherly advice and sentiment?"

Zircoro warmly instructed Bluebell. The white unicorn gave her adopted brother one last sisterly smile before exiting out of the room.

There was an awkward silence between the two. Butterscotch knew that his father sent Bluebell for a reason. A reason that had to do with the new tension that has developed over rehearsals. He didn't know why his Baba has been so tensed yet anxious lately. Especially around him. What did he do wrong?

Zircoro then calmly broke the silence "I'm so proud of you my son. I know that...my feelings, over these past weeks, haven't been shown. But that's because...do you trust me? Whatever you need to confess,I will believe."

Butterscotch felt taken back and confused by his baba's train thought. What was he trying to get at? What's going on? He then hesitantly confessed "Of c-course I trust you Baba. Why wouldn't I? If there was something...going on with me...I would tell you. Baba...is there something wrong?"

Zircoro took a moment to reflect on his son's words. Butterscotch didn't sound brainwashed or controlled by Eris. But rather scared and concerned for his father. He soon realized that maybe he should accept this sudden change of Butterscotch's confidence as a gift. A gift from Eris. She may be using her son's good nature to keep her secret, she is however kind enough to help Butterscotch with his passion for music. She was sweet enough to help him come out of his hard shell. A task that he had never accomplished. For years. He shouldn't be punishing his son like this, but rather...keep a sharp eye on Eris.

Zircoro put his strong hoof on Butterscotch shoulder and sweetly whispered "Nothing is troubling me. I'm just happy. So very happy."

Seeing his father smiling so kindly and full of pride at him caused Butterscotch to smile too. He even gave him a hug. A warm and tender hug...between father and son. Zircoro slowly parted from the shy Pegasus and peacefully exited out of the room. Leaving Butterscotch alone in his bouquet garden.

The young tenor decided to take a short nap on the long and red dressing room couch. Just to give him more energy to socialize later with the mob outside. He's certainly a pony not use to hit chatting with other ponies for long periods of time. He rested his head on one arm of the couch...and doze off into his dreams.

Butterscotch couldn't help but dream of a garden. A garden similar to the one back at his old home, but bigger. With more flowers and trees. With more grass to roam on and even take a nap on. A garden with all kinds of animals. Animals both mythical and exotic, like the ones in story books and wise stallion's tales. Just the thought of befriending these magnificent creatures brought a sweet smile to his face.

His dream...felt so real. It was like he could feel the sun rays on his wings. It was like the breeze was gently blowing through his tail and mane. Butterscotch could have sworn that birds were singing all around them. Oh how he loved their adorable little songs. Wait...birds singing?

Butterscotch slowly opened his eyes to see if there were actually birds in his room. He was still on the couch,yet...why could he feel a gust of warm spring wind? Was the window open? He looked up...and his eyes behold the most extravagant garden he had ever seen.

The grass on the floor was so bright and green. It looked like the grass was still fresh and new. Instead of the flowers being buddle into bouquets and strings, they were growing and climbing all over like wild ivy. There were roses, daisies, peonies, kermits, hydrangeas, sunflowers, lavender, tulips, and more. The trees in the wide and vast garden were so tall,strong,beautiful and full of delicate spring flowers. And blue birds perked on the branches of the beautiful trees...singing their songs for all to hear. Butterscotch also saw squirrels, chipmunks, and flying squirrels scamper about. Out into the horizon was a pond. A pond filled with lilies and lily pads along with colorful and spirited fish of many shapes and sizes. A mighty manticore was lying by the pond...nuzzling and grooming a white baby lamb. Not too far away from them was a pride of lionesses. They were napping in the sun with little baby goats at their side. The sky was so blue in this garden world...Butterscotch couldn't spot one cloud.

"I must be dreaming." He muttered to himself.

"Oh you're not dreaming."

Eris magically appeared in front of Butterscotch slowly like silver mist. She had a loving yet mischievous smirk on her face. It was strange for the shy pegasus to see his friend in the day light because...they have only seen each other in the dark corners of the opera house, in her candle lit lair, and just indoors in general. Butterscotch was able to see how pure white her mane was, how her large fang sticking out of her mouth glistened in the light, and how her grey and brown fur looked soft and tamed in the sun's rays.

"Are we...outside the opera house?"

"Nope! Actually,we're still in your dressing room."

Butterscotch's eyes widen. He took in the grand garden they were in once more. Aweing once again at the feet of Eris's amazing yet chaotic magic.

Eris interrupted his thoughts with "Gardens and flowers aren't usually my thing. However, your dream was so imaginative that I just had to bring it to life! What do you think?"

Butterscotch nervously replied "It's amazing Eris, but...did you peeked into my dreams?"

Eris squeaked in a playful tone "Only a little. You were sleeping when I got here, and let's just say I have a way of seeing dreams pop out of ponies' heads. And these dreams just magically present themselves in my presence. I can't help it."

Then,she whispered and winked "Don't tell Prince Artie. He might get jealous."

Butterscotch giggled sweetly "Haha deal."

Eris leaned over to her beloved's face and magically pulled something out of his ear. Butterscotch saw a white rose with a black ribbon bow tied on it's thorny stem.

Butterscotch blushed at the sight of the rose and carefully took it out of her hands. He stuttered shyly "Oh, um, t-thank you."

Eris whispered with a soft smile "You're welcome."

Butterscotch added "You're really shouldn't have."

Eris replied "Oh please, it's the least I could do. I'm the one that should be thanking you."

Butterscotch titled his head to the side in a confused manner. He carefully put his rose next to him and asked "Thanking me? What I did do?"

Eris chuckled "What did you do? I think the real question is what didn't you do? You became the perfect Tenor for my opera house. You brought glory to it once more. Not to mention that..."

She paused and decided to place herself next to Butterscotch. She gently wrapped her tail around his stomach and scoot him closer to her hip. His face reddened instantly.

Eris softly continued "You're the only pony who listens me."

Butterscotch hesitantly added "But that's not true. My Baba listens to you."

Eris retorted "He only listens to my commands. He doesn't listen truly to what I have to say. He doesn't want to hear my opinion...or my dreams...or my fears...or my jokes...or anything that's me."

Butterscotch then asked again "But what about Dopey?"

Eris smiled while explaining "Dopey is a kind and sympathetic stallion but...he doesn't truly understand the complexities of this world like I do. He's a child to me. Not an equal. Only you are my equal."

Butterscotch was catch off guard when Eris cupped his chin with her eagle claw. She stared into his beautiful teal eyes as if her eyes were swimming into his ocean like depths. Her gaze made his heart pound so hard in his chest. It made it hard for the little pegasus to breathe.

Eris lovingly whispered, as if she was praying into the night, "You have given me friendship...hope...and above all...love."

That last word. That one little word...sent Butterscotch's into all too familiar whirlwind. Flashbacks of their first kiss and what it lead to were swirling his thoughts along with the feeling of weakness in his muscles. There was no denying it. She loved him. She truly loved him. But what did he feel about her?

Even though his intense and two week long rehearsals have helped giving him a break from their...current emotional situation, Butterscotch also felt like it denied the inevitable. Eventually, he had to confront his fears and listen to his heart. Why did everything have to be so complicated and rushed?! Why was this so hard for him?!

Because...it could be your first love his little voice answered.

That answer terrified him to the core.

Butterscotch mentally kicked these thoughts of his head and decided to change the topic with Eris.

Yes...Focus on something else. He thought to himself.

Butterscotch then explained to Eris with a friendly smile "Well, it was the least I could do. It's easy to be kind and friendly with some pony who does the same. Although...I feel bad in having nothing to give to you. I mean, I still don't have enough bits to pay you back for all those lessons. And..."

Eris interrupted his worried little mumbling with a light yet infectious chuckle. He looked at her as if silently wondering what he said that could make her laugh.

Her laughter slowly died off. She titled her head slightly to the side and she gave him a look. In Butterscotch's mind, she looked very curious yet suspicious to him. What was going on in that chaotic mind of hers?!

Before Butterscotch could take back what he said, Eris cupped the side of his side with her lion paw. Her paw slowly slide towards his mane and continued to weeve her fingers through his mane. She relished in the delicate and cashmere hair running through her claws. Butterscotch felt his entire face and neck growing hot at her touch.

Eris whispered into his ear "I know a way you can make it up to me."

Her tail tighten it's grip around his stomach. She used her tail to lift her small lover to her chest. He stiffened at the immediate contact. Then, Eris passionately wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled her face into his shoulder.

She sighed "Oh it's been so long since we've done this. I've missed you so much my dear."

Butterscotch slowly melted into their hug as Eris massaged his back. Her firm yet soft touch was so soothing. He could tell that she really missed him. And in a way, he had missed their quiet moments. As much as he is terrified of their intimate moments, Butterscotch still enjoyed seeing the warm and tender side of Eris's personality.

He uttered out meekly "I...I've missed you too."

His answer made Eris cling closer to Butterscotch. His heart began to race even more and the blood was rushing to his face and head.

All of sudden, Eris gently pulled Butterscotch from her chest. Just ever so slightly...so that way...he can still be close to her. Butterscotch's eyes search for a answer from her. What was she going to do?

Eris sighed softly to herself while placing her forehead against his. She loved how soft and warm his face was against her cold fur. Butterscotch had to admit that her cold fur kinda helped with the heat building inside him.

She began to stroke his red cheeks with the side of her paw in a repeated pattern. She closed her eyes and focused on the sweet heat radiating off her darling's fur. Her stroking helped Butterscotch to relax slightly once more...he carefully closed his eyes.

However, Eris's gentle stroking made him ignore the fact that the two of them were slowly sinking into the couch. To be more precise, Butterscotch was leaning his back into the couch. While Eris's body was leaning with his body.

Butterscotch could soon feel Eris's breath getting closer...and closer...to his mouth. Before he could react to it...there was a knock on the door.

Both of their eyes flew wide open. Eris quickly retreated into the darkness into the room while Butterscotch rushed towards the door. In the mist of her retreat, the dressing room returned to it's original.

Butterscotch opened the door with much anxiety...and fear.

"Monsieur Dusk Shine?"

"Good evening Monsieur Daee, can I come in?"

> Chapitre Seize
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapitre Seize

"Y-Yes, of course. Come on in." Butterscotch replied in hesitation.

Dusk Shine calmly walks in,slyly inspecting the room for Eris's magic...and her magic was everywhere. Especially on Butterscotch. He had to keep a straight face and hold his head high so that way his horn doesn't glow like crazy.

Butterscotch saw the unicorn's stiffness and strange curiosity of the dressing room. This urged him to ask "Can I...help you with something...Monsieur Dusk Shine?"

"Yes...you can." Dusk answered in a solemn tone.

He turns around and faces the yellow pegasus with a very stern expression on his face. This terrified Butterscotch, and he slightly cowered his head in defense.

"But I will need your full cooperation. Do you understand?" Dusk commanded.

Butterscotch nodded his head slowly and whispered "D-Don't worry, I-I'll cooperate. But...cooperate for what?"

Dusk approached Butterscotch...getting closer and closer to him. He uttered "I need to cast a spell a you."

"A spell? For what?"

"I'll tell you once the spell is complete. Now...may I?" He asked while bringing his horn closer to Butterscotch's forehead.

The young tenor was concerned for Dusk Shine. He's acting so...unusual. He's so stern...cold...and above all suspicious. He must be getting closer in finding Eris, and he figured the only to get to her was to get to him. However,refusing the spell would only rise his suspicions even more.

Butterscotch figured that this spell would not harm him. It just wouldn't be in Monsieur Dusk Shine's nature to harm his fellow pony. Besides, this spell couldn't trace Eris's magic...no matter how Dusk may try...Eris was too smart for her magic to be tracked down by any pony.

Butterscotch closed his eyes and calmly stated "You may."

Dusk Shine's horn began to glow like a burning fire place in the dark dressing room. He closed his eyes and concentrated on Butterscotch...and Eris. Beads of sweat began to multiply all over his face as his spell...began to lift Butterscotch high into the air.

Eris quietly exclaimed while hiding in the darkness of the room, "What the?!"

As her dear Butterscotch floated higher and higher into the air...Eris's eyes narrowed on Dusk Shine. And she sprang into action.

Butterscotch,all of the sudden, heard a deep growl from the other side room. Then, the spell released and he fell to the hard ground. When he opened his eyes, he saw Eris...crouching defensively in front of him...and snarling at Dusk Shine like a Jagur.

"E-Eris!" he pleaded.

Unfortantely, she didn't hear his plea. Her fury was focus on the terrified purple unicorn before her.

Dusk Shine whispered in disbelief "Eris..."

She growled "How dare you. Not only do you utter my name in such a disgusting manner, but you also dare to use magic on Butterscotch. You will pay for this."

Faster than lighting, she harshly grabs Dusk Shine by the throat and lifts high into the air. He tries to beat away her grip with his hooves, but he was quickly losing his oxygen and his strength. He was rapidly becoming helpless.

While trying to get back on his hooves, Butterscotch shouts "Eris stop!"

Dusk Shine chokes out "Please. I wasn't going to hurt Butterscotch. I was trying to use the magic within him...to summon you."

Eris barks out "Butterscotch doesn't have magic. Just admit it! You were going to blackmail me by using him as bait!" She clenches her claw tighter on his neck.

Butterscotch goes up to Eris and begs "Eris please! He's telling the truth!"

"How do you know?!" She yells.

"Ask him how he knows your real name. If his tone is sincere, then release him."

"But if it isn't...I'll turn him into stone right here. Right now."

Eris slightly loosens her grip on Dusk Shine's neck and brings his face closer to hers. She then sternly commands "Tell me mortal...how do you know my name?"

Dusk Shine whispers in his weak breath "I heard it. In the mist of Zircoro's prayers two days ago. I was passing by his dressing room and...I overheard him. I swear! I swear."

Eris looks deeper into his eyes...in a very skeptical manner. She still didn't believe him. She wanted to turn him into stone so badly, then crush his statue body into dust. But then, she turned her gaze towards Butterscotch...and his tender yet loving teal eyes. No pony,not even the great Phantom, can say no to those eyes.

So, she had punish this unicorn... in a different way.

She slowly brings her free claw towards Dusk's forehead and...flinches it at him. This immediately puts the unicorn under a sleeping spell.

"W-What? What did you do?" Butterscotch questions.

"I casted a memory swipe spell. When he wakes up, he'll forget all about his little quest for finding me. And nothing more."

Eris quietly walks over to the couch and gently lies Dusk Shine on it. Butterscotch slowly joins Eris's side.

He smiles and tells Eris "Thank you Eris."

"For what?"

"For being merciful."

She smirks at him and replies "Yeah well, this doesn't mean that I forgive the guy. He's still on my list."

"I know, but still...mercy is the first step towards forgiveness."

"How many steps are there in this 'forgiving' process?"

This caused Butterscotch to giggle a little. His light and bell-like giggle made Eris to warmly smile.

"So how long will he sleep for?"

"Oh probably till morning."

Butterscotch then wanders around the dressing room in search of a blanket for Dusk Shine. Eris, in a sleek manner, poofs up a blanket on the chair not too far from Butterscotch.

He smirks at Eris and says "Thank you."

"I have no idea what you're talking about it."

While Butterscotch softly places the blanket over Dusk Shine,Eris points "Oh I almost forgot to ask! Did you see the Angel of Music tonight?!"

"Oh. N-No...I didn't." He answered in a slightly somber tone.

"Oh darling, I'm so sorry." She cooed while placing her hands on his shoulders.

When Butterscotch turned around to face her, Eris tried to comfort him with "I'm s-sure you'll see her the next time you perform."

"Thank you for trying Eris, but it's okay. I actually had a good time performing tonight. Despite not seeing The Angel of Music."

"Really?! Oh that's wonderful sweetie!"

"Yeah, but I would have never had the confidence to do so without you."

"Oh that was easy. Believe me. You just needed a little crack in your shell. That's all."

Butterscotch blushed softly remarked "But still...thank you."

That little blush of his was so precious to Eris. Especially since he was blushing because of her. And that made it all the sweeter. She wanted to stay with him and enjoy this night with him...just a little longer.

"I uh...have to get going. Before well..."

"More ponies barge in. I...I understand." he answered in a slightly disappointed tone.

Eris hated seeing her beloved so disappointed. She had to cheer him up some how. Then, the memory of their moment on the couch slowly sneaked in her thoughts. A cheeky smile quickly appeared on her face.

She kneeled before Butterscotch and placed her hands on his shoulders. She sweetly whispered while staring lovingly into his eyes, "Don't worry, we'll see each other soon. I promise."

Then, she surprised her little lover with a quick yet tingling kiss on the lips.

And like silver mist, she disappeared...right before Butterscotch's eyes.

Butterscotch's heart may gave been pounding and his face may have flushed,...surprisingly his mind wasn't spinning like the last time they kissed. Was it because it was quick? The shy pegasus couldn't tell.

Yet all he could mutter was "Oh...my."

> Chapitre Dix-Sept
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapitre Dix-Sept

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE LEAD TENOR ROLE IS ALREADY TAKEN!"

Elusive shouted to the mares sitting across from him. He, along with Sweepy Bell and Barbara, were in a meeting with the Shim Sham Sisters in the opera managers office. The little colt and dragon were hiding behind Elusive's chair, while the unicorn mares were smiling at him. Looking so comfortable in their chairs.

Elusive pounded his front hooves on their desk hard and fast, "How can you give some pony a lead role without an audition?!"

Shim, amused by the posh stallion's attitude, simply explained "Well, the stallion we've chosen has certainly proven that he could handle the lead role in Figara."

Sham added in the same calm yet mischievous tone, "After all, we saw him perform last night. And the crowd went wild for him."

"What?!" Elusive uttered in disbelief, "you're giving...the role...to that scrawny excuse of a stallion!"

"Elusive," Barbara kindly whispered, "that isn't a very nice thing to say."

But the unicorn stallion didn't hear the sweet dragon's plead,for his furious attention was on the smirking twins.

Shim then counseled "Say what you like about him Monsieur, but that scrawny stallion is rolling in bits for the opera."

"The audience wants something new." Sham added in, "They want something fresh. Business is a harsh mistress, just like..."

Shim finished their her sisters statement with, "Theatre! If you can't can-can, then you can't-can't."

Sham comforted Elusive with, "But look on the bright side my good fellow, once the audience gets tired of Monsieur Daae, you're back in the game."

The twin sisters began to laugh. To the former Tenor, their laughter was mocking him. They were gloating...gloating to the fullest intent. They wanted him to suffer...just for fun. He growled under his breath and his hooves clawed into the floor. Sweepy Bell and Barbara at this moment were extremely worried about Elusive, looking up at him with compassionate eyes.

"Madamesoilles," the gentlecolt hissed, "you seem to forget one thing."

"And what is that?" The managers answered together in the mist of their laughter.

"Where the majority of your funds come from."

The sisters immediately seized their laughter and looked at the devilish smirking Elusive.

Sham then asked, "What are you implying good Monsieur?"

"Oh, you really didn't know? The donor that has been with L'Opera de Cheval for years and has always given generously is...me."

The managers' jaws dropped to the floor.

"Or more precisely my family...and my dear and departed father. They, along with myself, have supported this fine institution through the good times...and the bad times. And our generosity is never cheap...and always full. As for me, well...I have tirelessly volunteered my time here at the opera with no expectation of pay. No...all I ask are for things I deserve. And what I deserve is the role of Tenor. If you don't shove that tone deaf mouse off the stage,..."

"You wouldn't..." Shim pleaded.

"You couldn't..." Sham pleaded along with her sister.

"Brother please," Sweepy Bell begged gently, "that's enough."

But Elusive finished his threat with pleasure, "My family's loyalty and support to the opera will disappear right before your very eyes."

Oh Elusive. Barbara sadly sighed in her mind. Don't do this.

The managers were silently furious at cocky stallion. How dare he, their employee, question their authority?! However, their love for money and success...will out weigh their pride and dignity.

Shim growled "You drive..."

"A hard bargain..." Sham added in the same tone.

"Mr. Elusive." Shim finished it off.

Then, they both relutcantly hold out their hooves to the smug unicorn and said sharply "Deal."

"Glad to see that my managers see reason." Elusive stated while shaking their hooves. His smile plain for both if the sisters to see.

"Come darling and brother of mine." Elusive called out to Sweepy and Barbara while exiting out of the office. Leaving the twins to shake their heads in defeat.

Elusive and his two assistants strolled past by a painting right outside the managers' office. It was an old Rein-assance painting of a regal yet plump mare, wearing a dress of the finest fabric, pearls, and golds. The eyes of the painting went from being flat and unamused...to being 3-D, alive, and red and yellow.

The painting's mouth gained a large fang and it turned into a devilish smile. She chuckles deeply in her throat, "Tsk tsk Monsieur Le Toad, how very...tacky...of you. How very tacky indeed."



"Can you believe it?! The nerve of those mares! Questioning my talent and appeal! If they weren't Madamesoilles, I would have...Grr!"

Elusive announced when entering into his fancy and grand dressing room. Sweepy and Barbara followed him in...with guilty and worrisome expressions on their faces.

The posh unicorn furiously slams the door behind them with his magic. Then, he stomps over to his dressing room chair and table and looks into the tall table mirror.

Elusive groans once more and squishes his hoof against his forehead. "The nerve of them...picking that...falsetto pest over me. Me!"

"But that doesn't matter now brother." Sweepy tried to cheer Elusive, "You still get to perform and that's all that matters. Right?"

"Oh Sweepy," Elusive moans while sliding his hoof off his face, "it's not about the role. It's about the principle."

"What do you mean by...principle?" Sweepy asked innocently.

Elusive, looks away from his brother and draws his attention to the picture frame on his dressing room table. It was a picture of a rather plump and older pink unicorn stallion. He had a purple mane that he tied into a large bun. This stallion was a well dressed and jolly looking fellow.

Elusive uttered aloud while keeping his eyes on the picture, "Sweepy...this opera is our birth right. Our family has been here longer than any pony else here. Even longer than that despicable Phantom. We may not own L'Opera de Cheval, but...this place...is like our family estate."

Then, Elusive's mind began to wander. Wander far back into his memories of his colthood.

It was a lovely and summer night at L'Opera de Cheval and young Elusive was entering into the main hall with the plump pink unicorn stallion from the picture frame. The white unicorn colt was bouncing all about, while the older unicorn smiled and chuckled at the youngster.

"Come on father!"

"Hold on son, I'm coming!"

Soon, young Elusive and his father were climbing up the steps to box seats inside the theatre. Elusive loved the view from the box seats. The stage and all the ponies in their seats looked so tiny from up there. He felt like a sailor on the top pillar of his ship. It was an adventurous. But the best part of it was seating in the box seat with his father.

He loved spending time with his father, he rarely sees him during the week. So Elusive didn't care that he had to see a boring old play to have fun with his dad, making his father happy made him happy.

The lights started to flicker. Elusive's father happily took his seat and patted the seat next to him, "Come Elusive, the show is about to start."

With a big smile,the young colt jumped into his seat and waited for the show to start. And when it did...the whole proscenium space was filled with great and powerful music. Music that sent Elusive's father's heart flying. The stallion was on the edge of his seat.

Elusive loved watching his father enjoy opera. It's a surprisingly entertaining experience. His father would have the goofiest expression on his face. To the young colt, his father would look like a giddy foal just like him. His father couldn't take his eyes away from the ridiculously dressed ponies on stage, singing out words that the young lad couldn't understand. His father's cheeks would get all rosy and his eyes were so bright. The five hour play would just fly by whenever he was with his dad.

And when the show was over, Elusive's father slowly rises from his chair and stretches out his limbs, "Oh boy, what a show! Huh son?"

"Sure was father. As always."

"You know what I was thinking son?"

"What father?"

"Wouldn't it great to be down there? You know...be on stage."

Elusive then saw his father looking over his shoulder at the stage below them...with a smile on his face. The young colt...suddenly felt the need of that warm smile on him.

"Father?"

The stallion took his gaze away from the stage and on to his son.

"What if...what if I was the one on stage? On L'Opera de Cheval's stage!"

This made the proud father beam and chuckle, "Oh boy! I can see it now! Ponies will cheer 'Encore! Encore! Elusive...The Tenor!' Oh son..."

Then, the giddy aristocrat picked up his son and spinned him all around. Elusive giggled in blissful joy. The plump father continued to laugh "That would make me the happiest father alive!"

Elusive was drawn out of his ideal colthood and back into reality. He gave one last look at the picture of his dearly departed father before turning his gaze to his innocent sibling and friend below him.

Sweepy and Barbara reminded him so much of his father. Sweepy had his naive yet loyal soul,while Barbara...well...let's just say that she resembled so much like his father in so many ways. Her eyes...warm and kind and full of life like his. Her smile...jolly and rosey like his. Her positivity...her kindness...her sweetness...even the way she talked...everything about her was like him. She truly was the best gift that his father had ever given him. That's he needs them. That's why he needs her.

Elusive then gently tells Sweepy, "I...I hope you understand what I'm trying to say brother dear."

"I...think...so." Sweepy hesitantly answered.

"Elusive," Barbara questioned in a concerned tone, "are you alright?"

"I'm...I'm fine darling. Just...getting lost in my thoughts. That's all."

> Chapitre Dix-Huit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapitre Dix-Huit

"Hello?"

Butterscotch's voice echoes in the pure white space less space. He didn't know how he got there, but all that he knew was that he was lonely, confused yet strangely comforted by the serenity of this place. It wasn't hot nor cold, it was almost airless. It was silent...that until Butterscotch began to call out.

"Anypony? Hello...Bluebell? Baba? Eris? Eris, is this you magically transforming my dressing room again?"

Then, all of the sudden, he heard perfectly indescribable singing. Singing that ringed in his ears and made the white space less void echo with it's music.

"Eris?!"

It sounded like her voice. He was sure of it, or at least...he hoped it was. He doesn't know any other pony with a divine voice like hers.

Butterscotch galloped straight towards the voice. The faster he galloped, the more things stayed the same in the void. For a moment...Butterscotch thought that this place was getting bigger. But what kept him sane despite this fact was lyrical-less soprano note that the voice kept singing.

Finally, after losing his breath, and probably losing it faster than the stallion should, he stopped and stood still. That's when a bright yet warm light shined right into his eyes. He looked up and saw...her.

His mother...

She was floating above him...wearing robes made of cloud white light and sashes of gold. Her wings were spread out wide, and they looked bigger than her once pegasus wings. They looked like alicorn wings tipped in gold paint. Her wavy brown mane and tail were flowing and moving in the air all by themselves, glowing like sunlight. Her white coat looked so pure and flawless and it had a heavenly glow to it. Her front forelegs were spread out wide and she towered over Butterscotch.

The young stallion stared into her brown eyes. Her brown soulful yet gentle eyes that beheld the glory of love, compassion, and beauty. She truly was the Angel of Music.

Especially when she started to sing...
Never knew I could feel like this
It's like I've never seen the sky before
Want to vanish inside your kiss
Seasons may change
Winter to Spring
But I will love you
Untill the end of time
Come what may, Come what may
But I will you until my dying day...

Her voice was like Eris's, that he couldn't deny. However, he couldn't deny that her voice sounded heavenly. It was unnatural in the most beautiful and immortal way. Her voice is what dreams and fantasies are made of. Her voice was higher and more soprano than Eris's. In fact, it was more operatic than Eris's, which Butterscotch never knew that such a thing can be possible.

When her song ended, she looked down at Butterscotch and smiled warmly like the warm day sky.

"M-Mother?"

"My son."

Her speaking voice echoed through his soul, almost piercing his heart when she uttered those words. Was this reaction of sadness or joy? Butterscotch couldn't tell. However, tears began to stream from his eyes...without him really knowing it. Yet his tears...became his doom.

The tears stained his hooves and started to magically transform them into stone. The stone spell quickly traveled to the rest of Butterscotch's body. He soon noticed it when the grey matter reached his withers. Naturally, he panicked.

"Ah! Mother!" He screamed out to her, "Help me!"

Yet...she did nothing. She stared at him blankly. She was waiting...for him to do something.

"Mother! Please!" The stone was now reaching to the top of his neck.

She still didn't respond.

Now, the stone was reaching his cheek bones and tears streamed down his face once more. "I don't...I don't understand." Butterscotch muttered sadly.

"Come what may..." was the last thing he heard before his world turned black.





"Butterscotch. Butterscotch. Butterscotch baby."

Eris tried to soothe her sweetheart while shaking his shoulders gently.

He was sleeping on his dressing room couch. He only planned to take a short nap. At least, that's what he told her. She came into his room to wake him up for the opening night of "Figara". Luckily, he was dressed in his costume. His character, the messenger! The silent role ironically.

What worried the mask draconequus was her beloved muttering in his sleep in a desperate tone and sweat pouring out from his body. He kept uttering "M-Mother...Mother...please...help."

"C'mon my sweet, wake up. It's me."

But he continued to moan in his nightmare.

"Alright, this is getting old. Time for a more...immediate result."

Eris then shook Butterscotch's shoulders violently, resulting in his head banging back and forth on the pillow.

"WAKE! UP!"

This caused to Butterscotch to wake up immediately, grunting in his shock and his eyes to pop wide open.

"Huh?! Huh?! I'm wake! I'm wake!"

"Good morning sweets." Eris said with a pleasant smile, still towering over him with her hands on his shoulders.

Butterscotch yawns while rubbing his eyes "Good morning Eris. Wait...Is it morning?! Did I miss the show?!"

"Don't worry silly," Eris giggle, "you didn't miss it. You still have a thirty minutes till show time. Did you honestly think that I, your teacher, would let you miss your own performance?"

"I guess not." Butterscotch chuckles tiredly with a soft smile.

Eris smiled warmly at Butterscotch, taking in all the details of his sweet sleepy face. However, this did not last long...for the plague of his nightmare haunted her mind.

"Butterscotch?" She asked hesitantly, "your nightmare...what was it about?"

Even though she knew, she had a feeling that Butterscotch needed to talk about it.

"Oh...um...well...it was...about my mother."

"But that's good, isn't it? I mean, you've been working so hard to see her. And now, here she is. In all of her Angel of Music glory. It might have not been a real world encounter, but isn't this the next best thing?"

"Yeah but...she wasn't what I expected her to be."

"What was she like then?"

"She was beautiful...more beautiful than I could ever imagine. And her voice...I was not worth to be in the presence of such a voice."

"Don't talk that way my dearest, you know much I hate it when you do."

"I'm sorry Eris."

"It's alright, now please, continue."

"Right. Anyway, she seemed so impossibly real. Like some pony like her could never exist in the real world. However..."

"However?"

"However...when I started to turn into...stone..."

When Butterscotch uttered "stone", Eris could sense horror and fear in his voice and yet regret as well.

"She just...stood there...watching me coldly into my own demise. It was as if...she didn't care for me at all."

"But how could she not care for you? Not only are you her only son, but...you have so much love to give. And the love you give is so...magnificent and dear. How can any pony dismiss that kind of love?"

"But...she doesn't know me Eris. That's the problem."

There was silence. Truly unbearable and restricting silence. And Eris hated silence with a burning passion...especially with the one she loved.

"To be honest Butterscotch, I think that mother of yours is then missing out."

Butterscotch looked up at her, wide eyed and surprised. Yet somehow, curious.

"If she's not going to take the time to get to know you then...that's her problem. Not yours. Butterscotch...I know that it's hard to bear a life without a mother to guide you. Believe me, I speak from experience. I never meet my own mother either."

"Eris." Butterscotch uttered sadly yet with concern.

"But, that's doesn't mean that you can't live on without her or find new love. You have many ponies who care about you and..."

Eris looked down into Butterscotch's innocent teal eyes, and soon felt at lost for words. Her heart fluttered in her heart and butterflies consumed her stomach.

"And..." She whispered.

"And you care about me too, don't you?" Butterscotch finished her sentence.

"You know that I more than just care for you. I...I love you Butterscotch." She whispered with breathlessness in her tone.

Butterscotch's eyes widened and his heart stopped beating. His throat became clogged with nerves and tension. There it was...she said it...as clear as Solaris's day. His doubts about her affection were completely wiped clean, and he couldn't believe it.

Heat flooded into his heart,and made it feel full and tight. Butterflies soon join his heart and began fluttering all around it. His chest felt so restricting and tight that he couldn't breathe,but only sweat out his nerves.

"E-Eris...I..."

"Anyway my dear,you should get ready. Tonight is a big night for you." Eris interrupted with a smile on her face.

"But Eris, I..."

"You'll do great, like you always do. I'll see you after the show. Break a leg!"

And before Butterscotch could say another word, Eris was gone in a bright white flash.

Butterscotch kept staring at the spot where the masked phantom disappeared from...sadly...and with frustrated confusion consuming his mind. It wasn't because of Eris, but...about himself...and how he felt...when she finally said those three little words. It was as if it wasn't a big deal...it was natural for her to say...it was simple.

Why couldn't his own feelings be that simple?

His thoughts were interrupted by two ponies walking through his door. It was his father and sister, waiting in the doorway with excited yet proud smiles.

"Hey Butters, are you ready to go?" Bluebell asked.

"Uh, y-yeah. Sure." Butterscotch answer hesitantly.





L'Opera de Cheval was packed full tonight. There were no empty seats, and every aristocrat was eager for Figara. And the audience's expectations were fulfilled with great ensemble singing, a light hearted orchestra, lovely scenery, graceful ballet dancers, and delightful characters. Although, they were slightly disappointed that their new favorite stallion, Butterscotch, was not the lead Tenor. In fact, no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't recognize Butterscotch in the mist if the ensemble. They couldn't hear his beautiful voice anywhere. The audience could only get quick glimpses of yellow and pink flying on and off stage every now and then. So, they had no choice but lay their attentions on the solos of Monsieur Elusive himself...who was enjoying every moment of his rightly earned limelight.

Meanwhile, Butterscotch's mind was somewhere else. The young stallion was too occupied trying to find Eris in the corner of his eye. He didn't know why he needed to see her while performing. Often, he could only see her shadow...or her eyes...or even just hearing her heavenly voice behind him. But he wanted more than that for some reason. Was it to settle his nerves? Or was it to help slow down this quick and rushed night? Butterscotch couldn't say. Yet all he knew was that...he was thankful that he wasn't singing tonight because...he would probably sing out her name instead of the lyrics.

But Butterscotch wasn't the only pony who felt lost that night. Dusk Shine was wandering backstage,searching for some kind of answer as to what he needs to do at L'Opera De Cheval. He was going to sit with the managers, but he told them that he had to help the crew backstage with...organization and call cues. Complete and utter lie. Although, that was something that Dusk Shine wished he was doing. Ever since Monsieur Butterscotch's lead performance night, he couldn't remember the real motivation of why he was particularly interested in this opera house. He knew that he was here because of the Princes, but...he felt like there was more to this duty. His purpose lied in the darkness of L'Opera de Cheval...there was a dark secret waiting for him.

As for our dear Phantom...she was waiting in the shadows of her box seat...with an evil grin on her face. As soon as Butterscotch and Elusive went off to stage left, she poofed herself high into the rafters above the stage.

She used her large ears to get every single word.

Elusive pushed Butterscotch rudely to the side and hissed "Step aside ensemble."

Then, the unicorn stallion went directly to a small table where Sweepy Belle and Barbara were waiting for him.

"That was amazing Elusive." Barbara stated excitedly.

"I agree, you were great. As usual of course." Sweepy Belle added in the same tone.

"Thank you. Now, spray." Elusive commanded before opening his mouth to them.

The small dragon pulled out a red perfume bottle filled with lemon, ginger, and honey water sprayed into the Tenor's mouth. Sweepy pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the extra moisture on the sides of his brother's lips.

Elusive sang out the basic note scale before heading back out to the stage. Meanwhile, when no pony was looking,Eris poofs Elusive's red perfume into her claws. She waved one of her claws over it and magically turned the liquid inside...green. She cackled like a witch at her creation,then poofed the bottle back onto the table...and watched the show unfold.

"Huh?" Butterscotch whispered while looking into the rafters.

For a moment...he thought he heard Eris's laugh...

"Butterscotch!"

The young pegasus turned around and saw Bluebell standing behind him with a smile on her face. She then surprised him with a hug around his shoulders.

"You did great out there!" She exclaimed.

"Oh, I don't know about that Sis. I mean,I didn't do much."

"Well, you're certainly doing alot better than Elusive."

Butterscotch looked over to the purple haired unicorn on stage. He particularly noticed the almost blank expressions on the audiences' faces. When comparing their faces to the expressive face on Elusive's, Butterscotch couldn't help but giggle.

"Bluebell," Butterscotch tried to scold his sister in between his giggles, "that isn't a very nice thing to say."

Both siblings soon laughed with each other,awhile trying to keep their laughter in a hushed tone.

The audience reluctantly applauded for Elusive's performance. He bowed graciously and smiled at his fans before exiting the stage. When he went past the chuckling siblings, he scrowled "Keep it down will you. I can hear you two all the way from center stage."

Butterscotch immediately stopped, due to his daunting fear for Elusive. Meanwhile, after the Tenor walked past them and directly to his little table,Bluebell stuck her tongue at him.

But Elusive didn't notice that. But rather, smiled and approached Barbara and Sweepy who were holding the perfume bottle. They sprayed the liquid into his mouth and he went off to wait for his next scene. Luckily, Bluebell and Butterscotch didn't have to wait with Elusive for they were dancing in the big ensemble scene.

Eris...on the other hoof...was not paying attention to her beloved in the dance scene...was instead glued on the the patient Tenor. The draconequus looked like a filly waiting for candy to rain from the sky. She will soon be bathing in glorious chaos.

Meanwhile, Dusk Shine caught something swinging and white in the corner of his eye. He looked deep into the rafters above the stage. At first, he couldn't see anything. However, the swinging white thing reappeared to him.

"Is...is that...a dragon tail?" He asked aloud.

By instinct, he went over to the stairs leading to the rafters, but he was stopped by...

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?"

Dusk Shine stepped back and saw that it was Rainbow Blitz. When the rainbow stallion recognized who was trying to tresspassed, he changed his tone. "Oh. Monsieur Dusk Shine. What are you doing here?"

"Monsieur Blitz,I saw...I saw a dragon tail."

"A...a dragon tail?"

"Yes, a dragon tail! High up in the rafters!"

Rainbow Blitz chuckled, "Hahehe! Still on that Phantom investigation huh?"

"Phantom?"

"Don't worry Monsieur, there's no Phantom up there. Trust me, I was just up there and no pony was there."

"Ugh, I don't have time for time! I don't care about a phantom, I just saw a giant dragon up there and I need to protect L'Opera de Cheval from this threat."

Dusk Shine pushed Rainbow Blitz out of the way, and galloped up the steps.

"Wait! Monsieur Dusk Shine wait! Ugh! Great!"

Rainbow Blitz then flew after the royal advisor.

After the ensemble dance scene was over and the dancers left the stage, Elusive trotted back on stage. This is the scene where he sings with Figara. The unicorn looked to the old conductor to start the next piece. The elderly stallion rolled his eyes before waving his baton.

Beautiful music flowed out of the orchestra pit. Figara and Elusive sang harmoniously together. Nothing revolutionary or spectacular, but they simply sounded...good...together. But it was time for Elusive's solo in the duet...and when he switched notes...he...

CROAK!

Literally.

He croaked like a fat toad.

The music screeched to a sudden halt. Every pony in the audience, backstage,in the orchestra pit,and even the mare playing Figara were staring at Elusive. They gasped deeply. Even Elusive gasped. He covered his mouth quickly and stared down at his hooves.

What just happened?! Elusive screamed inside his head. Maybe..I should just...try again?

He opened his mouth to sing again, but instead was rewarded with a loud...

CROAK!

This made everypony gasp again and stare at the now embarrassed Tenor. Elusive's face was tomato red and his covered his mouth so tight with his hooves. Meanwhile, Eris was cracking up silently high above the stage. She too was covering her chuckling mouth. There were tears of laughter in her eyes. Her fist was pounding hard on the old wood rafters. She could break it if she wasn't careful with her strength.

And...before Elusive knew it...POOF!

The regal and handsome unicorn turned into...a small, fat, warty, toad...right in front of every pony's eyes. The old conductor dropped his baton,his mouth wide open. Every pony's jaws dropped to the ground. Silence filled the opera house.

With a snap of Eris's fingers, a spotlight appeared on Elusive the toad. Then, the two opera managers appeared side by side with their Tenor. With awkward and surprised looks on their faces. After that,a top hat magically appeared on top of Elusive's head and jazzy music began to play. Out of nowhere.

Before anypony knew it, the trio in the spot were dancing the Can-Can together and Elusive was singing...but in a voice that was not his own...
Hello, my baby!
Hello, my honey!
Hello, my ragtime gal!

Send me a kiss by wire!
Baby, my hearts on fire!

If you refuse me
Honey, you'll lose me!
Then you'll be left alone!

The twin sisters and Elusive couldn't controlled their movements or their bodies. They were puppets on invisible strings...handled by Eris high above. She was dancing and smiling along with her puppets. And she kept dragging them all over stage, having a grand old time.

As a finale, Elusive the toad and the managers sang out of forced will...
Oh baby, telephone
And tell me I'm your own!
Live on the rag!

Dusk Shine and Rainbow make it to the top of the stairs. Rainbow's eyes widened at what he saw in front of the royal visor. Two wooden puppet string holders were floating in mid air, and dancing about it. To Dusk Shine, it looked like some unicorn was using an invisibility spell. A very advanced spell, one that he hasn't seen performed often...but not impossible.

"Hey you!" He commanded.

The wooden puppet string holders freezed in mid air.

Dusk Shine looked below to see what the invisible pony was controlling. His eyes widen at their fullest capacity. A full body controll spell?! For three living bodies?! Dusk Shine couldn't believe it.

"Release them! At once!"

The invisible pony chuckles before revealing herself. It was...Eris. In all her Phantom glory with a sharp fang smile on her face.

"T-The Phantom?" Rainbow whispered with fear in his voice. His knees started to shake and he took a step back.

Even Dusk was surprised to see this creature. He didn't know what she was...yet she somehow looked familiar.

"As you wish." Eris uttered in velvet tone.

She threw her puppets all the way to stage right and into backstage. Harshly and will result in much pain for her toys.

"Elusive!" Barbara shouted as she ran across stage to Elusive. Sweepy and Applejack followed her.

While pulling on the giant red curtains, Bubble Berry announced to the audience "Hehehe,nothing to see here folks. We will...be back soon! Bye!"

This caused a bustling and gossiping audience, waiting impatiently for some answers to this crazy incident.

Meanwhile back stage, Butterscotch stomped his hoof while hissing under his breath, "Eris! You promised you wouldn't do this anymore!"

"Who promised? And who's Eris?" Bluebell asked.

"No pony!"

Butterscotch cleared his throat and tried to hide his flustered face from her. "I mean, l-let's go see if they're alright."

The two ponies then gallop to the other side of the stage to see if Elusive and the Shim Sham sisters were injured.

Meanwhile, high in the rafters,Eris uttered in a cheeky tone "Oopsie!"

"By order of the Princes," Dusk announced to the enemy, "I hereby arrest for disturbance of peace and use magic against civilians!"

"Oh, the Princes! I'm so scared! I'm just shaking in my boots." Eris mocked.

Then,she magically summoned two black boots on her feet.

"Turn yourself over or face dire consequences."

"Dusk." Rainbow whispered to the purple stallion.

Eris then started to slowly approach the two stallions in front of her. She looked so tall, so fierce, so powerful from where they stood. "My, my. Even without your memory, you're still a nuisance. Oh well, it's your own fault for wasting your own second chance."

"My...my memory?" Dusk mumbled.

"Monsieur Dusk Shine! Run!" Rainbow exclaimed whip pushing Dusk to run far away from Eris.

He stood between the Phantom and the foolish unicorn, and was ready to face certain...dire consequences. He stared into the eyes of the Phantom...lunging towards he and Dusk Shine.

When Butterscotch and Bluebell arrived to the other side of the backstage, there was a huge crowd surrounding Elusive and Zircoro. It looked like their father was giving the Tenor some kind of check up.

"Is...is he going to be alright?" Barbara asked.

"No bruises, wounds, or injuries...that I can see. But as for the magical damage...nothing can't be seemed."

"WHAT?!" Toad Elusive shouted, "You mean...you can't fix this?! You're a zebra witch doctor for Artemis's sake!"

"You know as well as I...that the Phantom's spells can't be fixed by you or I...in a blink of an eye."

"No...no...THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!" Elusive cried out before hopping off into the dark shadows of the theater.

Barbara and Sweepy Belle ran after him, calling his name so desperately. Zircoro tried so hard to not hear their cries. Applejack stepped forward, reaching out to them. He was tempted to follow them, but...the stallion had a feeling that he wouldn't be much of a help. Especially to Elusive. With a heavy heart, he returned back into the crowd of ponies. Bubble Berry,with a heavy heart, gave his friend a pat on the back.

Shim stepped forward towards Zircoro and said "But...Zircoro! What about...?"

"The show?! What about our Tenor?!" Sham finished.

"There's nothing that I can do. It's up to you,to go forth and journey through."

Then, Zircoro left the managers and the crowd surrounding him. They were at staring at him. Lost, frazzled, and out of luck. He didn't even give a departing glance to his children. And they were deeply surprised by their father's sudden cold shoulder.

Silence quickly dissolved into multiple, loud and quick questions to the managers. The sisters couldn't handle all at once. Questions were coming from all directions.

They were able to stop this madness when they both stomped on the ground together and proclaimed "QUIET!" And their audience did as they commanded.

"Ah, much better. Anyway, do not panic my friends." Shim announced.

Sham continued this announcement with "For we have a solution to this...current...dilemma. Presenting...!"

"Our new Tenor for the evening...!"

"Butterscotch!" The two sisters announced together while pointing to the shy pegasus in the back.

Soon, all eyes were on Butterscotch. And he could already feel his heart traveling up his throat and heat burning in his cheeks. "M-M-Me?" He squeaked.

"Well of course you! Dear boy!" Shim replied.

"Aren't you his understudy?" Sham asked.

"Y-Yes. But..."

"Then it's decided!" Sham proclaimed while wrapping one of her forelegs around Butterscotch.

Shim joined her in wrapping one of her forelegs around Butterscotch, "Butterscotch is our new lead!"

"What?!" The terrified stallion whispered.

Every pony cheered for him and gave him their deepest congrats for saving the show. Even Bluebell was doing it and showing pride in her adopted sibling. This pressure landed heavily on Butterscotch's shoulders and back, and he felt like he could collapse at any moment. But he knew it, he was pulled away by the costume team. They immediately started changing him into his new outfit.

Before Rainbow Blitz could even strike Eris, she swiped her lion paw across his face. And that swipe send him to the ground in pain.

"Rainbow!" Dusk called out to his friend.

Eris disappeared into the shadows surrounding Dusk, and tormented him with the echoing sound of her soft but evil laughter. The unicorn slowly kept swirling all around him on the rafters, with his horn glowing. Ready to attack.

"Poor Monsieur Dusk Shine," Eris mocked in a devilish yet hushed tone, "so naïve. So innocent. So ignorant of what truly is."

"What...what do you mean?" He asked in an angry yet serious tone.

"You seek to protect L'Opera de Cheval...for them. The Princes. You think this opera belongs to them. Oh hahaha! Monsieur, you are sorely mistaken. This opera belongs to, and will always belong to...me. Oh, don't you just love the irony of it all?!"

"Is that so? Well, I don't see your name on it...Mademoiselle."

"Haha! Well...I don't see your precious Princes' names on L'Opera de Cheval either."

"Ugh! This is ridiculous! Surrender now creature of darkness or face...!"

"Dire consequences? Monsieur, monsieur, so repetitive. Do you honestly think your sweet Princes can protect you? Especially now? In the clutches of the Opera Ghost?"

"No creature or 'ghost' has the power to defeat the Princes! Especially not yours...you harpy."

"My my, you just love to flatter and riddle a girl...don't you? Now let's see...what has more power...than two Alicorn brothers? Hmmm. Oh I know! Riddle me this Monsieur. What's stronger than harmony?"

"W-What?"

"What's stronger than harmony?"

"Nothing..."

"Wrrrong! I'll give you a hint..."

Rainbow Blitz gently opened his eyes and rose his head above the wooden floor. He saw a glowing pair of yellow and red eyes...a horrid smile...and sharp fangs ready to take a bite out of Dusk's shoulder from behind.

"It's..." Eris whispered.

"Dusk look out!" Rainbow called out on the top of his voice.

Dusk turned around rapidly and gasped.

"CHAOS!" Eris roared before lunging towards Dusk's face.

He dodged her attack and returned her strike with a blast of his magic. She dodged it by magically splitting her face in face. And then putting it together.

"What are you?" Dusk asked in horror.

This made Eris laugh darkly "I am...a mystery. I am a riddle. I am chaos itself! I...Am...The Phantom of the opera! Bwhahaha!"

In the mist of her cackling, her claws began to glow. They soon rose towards Dusk Shine's direction.

Rainbow fanatically flapped his sore wings and flew towards the defenseless stallion, "DUSK SHINE!"

Meanwhile, down below on stage, Butterscotch was straightening his costume as he positioned himself center stage. The mare playing Figara was next to Butterscotch and she was going through her calming exercises. These exercises included blowing air through her lips, pronouncing her "A's, U's, O's", and taking deep breaths through her nose. Butterscotch kept wishing that he could calm himself quickly like this mare. Sweat consumed his coat underneath his costume and his knees felt so weak and sickly.

The ponies running all around him were either getting ready into their positions or getting the sets and lights re-set into their original positions. Before Butterscotch knew it, he heard the distinct tapping of the conductor's baton. "No!" He whimpered.

The crew, the singers, and dancers murmured and rapidly went back to backstage. Shim and Sham returned to their box seats and instantly heard the audience calmed down...when the giant red curtains began to rose.

Butterscotch stared into the silent theater...like a rat caught by a trapper in the night. His own night...right now...felt like a utter nightmare. His heart beat began to race when the orchestra started to play. The mare next to him gave him the signal to sing. He opened his mouth weakly and...

CRASH!

Dust consumed the stage. Pieces of old wood were everywhere. Silence filled the area surrounding the stage. Everypony in the orchestra pit, on stage and back stage struggled to see what landed harshly upstage. Everypony coughed and tried to blow away the dust consuming the air.

When Butterscotch was finally able to catch his breath and refocus his eyes, he saw a grey stone statute on stage. He took some hesitant steps towards the statute. He saw that it was a statute of a stallion...with short edgey hair...and wings...

Butterscotch gasped in horror and covered his mouth with his hooves. He backed away from the statute with terror and tears in his eyes.

It was Rainbow Blitz...


> Chapitre Dix-Neuf
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapitre Dix-Neuf

Butterscotch, with wide yet fearful eyes, slowly walked towards the stone pony. He couldn't call it statue. Statutes were inanimate objects, and this was...

The audience lingered on his every step, hearing the wooden stage creep and creak. The female lead, the mare behind Butterscotch, was frozen. Frozen with fear and with strange curiosity. Sweat dripped slowly down from her wig to her neck.

As Butterscotch approached closer to his destination, he began to see the eerie details of this stone pony. He wanted to be wrong, but the little details kept proving him wrong. The stone pony had Rainbow Blitz's spikey and wild hair. He could see the individual stripes in it's mane and tail. Butterscotch could see Rainbow's thick and dark eyebrows, you couldn't miss those.

But the most terrifying details of all was...the detailed expression of horror on the stone pony's face. It's screaming mouth had so many wrinkled creases in the corners of it's mouth. There were bags under those petrified and big eyes. The way it's neck and head was cranked to the sky...it was like this pony was frozen in time. Screaming in agony as it's life was taken away from him. These details...too skilled and life like for any sculptor to accomplished. Not to mention the attention to detail in the individual feathers in the stone pegasus's wings.

It was like this statute was flying away from danger. It was like Rainbow Blitz was flying from...

"Rainbow Blitz..." Butterscotch finally admitted aloud.

The mare accompanying Butterscotch on stage heard Butterscotch's statement as clear as day. She gasped as if gasping for air under water. She covered her mouth with her hooves.

Butterscotch turned around and saw his partner trembling. She slowly took one of her hooves away from her mouth pointed towards Rainbow Blitz. She quietly stuttered before screaming in blood chilling murder, "T-The Phantom! She-she! She turned him into stone! She turned him into stone! AAAAAHHH!"

Butterscotch began to breathe in and out in a panicked pace. His sweat rushed in profusely. He turned towards the audience and saw mares and stallions shouting and calling out for their lives. Some started to gallop out of their seats while some are too scared to move.

"Oh no." Butterscotch squeaked as he backed away from the audience.

The giant red curtains swinged in,to hide the actors and the Rainbow Blitz statute. The twin managers quickly trotted from stage left and right to present themselves in front of the curtains.

With fake yet sweaty smiles, they announced "Do not panic! Do not panic!"

Shim then stated alone, "Please mares and gentlecolts, this is only..."

"A technical difficulty! There's no such thing as a phantom!" Sham finished the panicked sentiment.

"Please, remain in your seats and the show shall start shortly!" Shim announced once more.

Meanwhile, in the rafters high above the stage,Dusk Shine looked over the railing with horror. His breath was shallow and weak, his knees shakes and buckled. He stared at the Rainbow Blitz statute with a lost expression on his face. 

Eris floated above Dusk Shine with a trickester smirk on her face. She chuckled with glee, "Well, that certainly didn't go as planned. However, this proved to be the better result. Tehee! It was a pleasure working with you Monsieur Dusk Shine! Enjoy the guilt!"

With a snap of her lion paw,Eris was gone with a bright but not illuminating white flash. But Dusk Shine paid no attention to the Phantom. His eyes were still on the stone pony down below.

Meanwhile, every pony back stage was freaking out. They were screaming and galloping for their lives. There was chaos. Pure, wild like fire chaos. In the mist of this panicked mob, little Scootaroll was scrambling through calling out "Blitz! Blitz! Blitz, where are you?!"

Then, he accidentally knocked his head against something hard and smooth. Scootaroll was knocked down to the ground when he bumped his head. As he rubbed his now bruised skull, his eyes drifted to what was in front of him.

Once his eyes fully adjusted, he gasped softly at the stone pony in front of him. It looked like Rainbow Blitz, but it couldn't be.

"Rainbow?" said Scootaroll with tears starting to form in the corners of his eyes.

He reached his hoof to touch the lifeless form, and the surface sent chills down his foreleg. It's corpse like coldness made Scootaroll cry even more. "Rainbow? Rainbow? Rainbow?!"

Butterscotch watched Scootaroll from afar silently. And yet his mind and heart were racing like wild fire through a dry forest. He knew that he had to do something. This madness had to end. He needed answers. He needed to know why Eris did this. He thought that she had changed. She promised that she wouldn't...but then again...she only promised to not pull pranks. She never promised that she wouldn't turn her supposed enemies into stone.

No...there had to be a good reason!  Butterscotch wondered, There had to be, or else...I need to find Eris.

With a determined look in his eyes, he trotted through the terrified performers and towards the other side of the backstage. He blazed through the mob, he didn't care if he bumped into them. He was on a mission, and his hooves were speeding underneath him. He could only see his target and no pony else.

"Butterscotch? Butterscotch!" Bluebell called out to him.

But when Butterscotch didn't stop for her, she galloped after him. 





Eris poofed herself in middle of the small sanctuary. She dusted herself and her cape before relighting all the wax candles decorated all over the room. As the candles glowed of a soft yet ashy ember, Artemis's moon shined through the stained glass windows. The nightly glow mixed in with the crystal colors of the windows and the sunset light of the candles. The atmosphere was warm, daring yet subtly romantic and this made Eris giggle and clap her hands in glee. 

While her beautiful chaos keeps the ponies distracted, she and Butterscotch can have a moment. She had a feeling that her beloved would come here a minute of peace, and she would be ready for him.

Her suspicions were proven correct when she heard hoof steps quickly coming towards the sanctuary. Her tail feathers snapped and she poofed herself to hide behind the altar. She wanted to surprise her sweetheart when he arrived. Eris waited for him with an anxious smile. 

Sure enough, Butterscotch had arrived. But out of breath and rapidly looking for the wall portal into Eris's lair. But his search seized when he heard galloping steps behind him. Eris heard these steps too and peaked from the side of the altar to see another pony in this sacred space.

Butterscotch spinned around and remarked, "Bluebell?"

Bluebell came into the sanctuary. Out of breath and her head down towards her hooves. Sweat staining her costume and her hair frizzy and out of place. Once her heart slowed it's rapid beating, she looked up at Butterscotch with tired eyes.

"What you doing here?" He asked with concern.

"Funny," Bluebell mumbled, "I was going to ask you the same thing."

Butterscotch took a step back, then looked away from her nervously. Trying to think of a reasonable lie to tell her.

He bit his lip before telling her, "I was...I just needed a moment alone."

Bluebell took a step forward and questioned, "Why do you keep doing this?"

"Doing what?"

She pointed towards all him and emphasized, "This...this alone thing. You never want spend time any pony more. Not your friends. Not Baba. Not even me."

"Bells." Butterscotch uttered softly.

"I know that you've been busy with the plays, but..."

Butterscotch walked towards her and explained, "Sis, this has nothing to do with you, or Baba, or our friends...it's just...the plays...this opera...all of this has made me so nervous. Well, more than just nerves. You saw what happened out there. It's madness! But my point is, Sanctuary helps clear my mind. That's all."

He gave her a reassuring smile, hoping that it could ease her pain and anxiety. While Eris, her ears lingering on their every word behind the altar, thought to herself  Exactly! There you go sister, now leave! So that my beloved Butterscotch and I can be alone.

But Bluebell didn't return his smile. Her eyes became wide yet sorrowful. She looked deep into Butterscotch's teal eyes and whispered, "You can find peace in an cold and old sanctuary, but not in the comfort of your own family?"

"No Bluebell, that's not what I meant."

"Then...what do you mean?" She replied, with her tone slightly louder than before.

"I mean that..I can't just burden you and Baba with every small woe I encounter."

"But these woes aren't small!" She proclaimed, "Especially not to family! To us!"

"Bluebell, it's not like I...!" Butterscotch tried to explain.

"Your problems are never small Butterscotch! Not to me!" She emphasized once more pounding her chest with her front hoof.

Geez,Eris groaned in her head, what is this mare's problem?

She rolled her eyes before returning her attention to the siblings fighting in the room. 

Tears began to form in Bluebell's navy blue eyes. She squinted hard to hold them in. But she continued on, "Not to me..."

"Oh sis." said Butterscotch as he drew her into a comforting and warm hug.

She sobbed softly into his shoulder and wrapped her forelegs around him. She could even feel his soft and warm wings hug her so sweetly. Butterscotch also stroked her back gently, like a big brother would whenever their little sister would cry. "I'm so sorry." Butterscotch whispered to her. 

Bluebell slowly parted her face from his shoulder, and whispered with tears still in her eyes "And you know what the worst part is?"

Butterscotch's wings folded back and he slightly pulled Bluebell away from him, so that way he could see her downcast navy blue eyes. 

Her voice choked up when she uttered, "You don't even know why I worry about you...why I love you so much."

"Oh nononono Bell, I do know why you love me." Butterscotch sweetly cooed at his adopted sibling, "Believe me, I do. I'm your brother, and you're my sister. No matter what any pony says, our love is true and comes from the heart. We don't need lineage or blood to prove that. All we need is each other and Baba. Not only that, we're best friends. Thick and thin to the end, with the Angel of Music by our side! Remember? Oh Bluebell, please tell me that you remember."

Bluebell began to sob once more, and Butterscotch gently held her face in his hooves. He slowly wiped the tears from her eyes with the soft tip of his hoof. His eyes kept searching for hers. But her lips uttered through her sobbing, "Oh Butterscotch. Don't you see? You don't know. You truly don't know. And it's all my fault...all my fault."

"Your fault? Y-Your fault for what? Oh sis, please talk me. I don't understand what you're trying to say."

She opened her eyes and lifted her face close to Butterscotch's. Tears were still in them, but there was something different about them now. It is true that they looked sorrowful and full of pain, but they were so warm and gentle. Her eyes were longing for something. Something that Butterscotch couldn't understand what it could possibly be. Her eyes were riddles to him, far more confusing than Eris's eyes that's for sure. And yet...he still carried her the sides of her face in his hooves.

Eris leaned in her head a little closer towards them, while still hiding from behind the altar. Good thing that she had a long neck.

Then softly, she placed her hooves on his cheek and sadly sighed, "Oh Butters, please forgive me."

And before Butterscotch could even respond, Bluebell hushed him with a kiss. Her lips quickly met with his, yet when her lips touched his, the contact was gentle and softly placed. Her lips slightly pushed against his, but her kiss wasn't forceful. It was like a small stream of water was caressing the sandy shore. 

Eris's eyes widen to their fullest capacity, her mouth slightly parted open. After watching the kiss for a full thirty seconds,she couldn't watch it anymore. She leaned her head and back against the altar, and clutched it's stoney surface harshly with her lion paw. Thus, cracking the back of the altar with her emotional might. While her eagle talon clinging against her thumping chest. 

Meanwhile, when Bluebell started kissing Butterscotch, he expressed his shock with muffled sounds of his squeak. His wide eyes stared at his adopted sister, who's eyes were closed and yet soft looking. Butterscotch in that instant felt like a stiff statute, a frozen ice sculpture...speak less in a silent winter. He couldn't believe that this was happening. He kept blinking his eyes to make this crazy illusion to go away, but everytime he did...it didn't vanish.

Eris's breath became shallow and restless because of her thumping heart. Soon,her thumping heart dropped to the pit of her stomach,making her belly and legs feel heavy and numb like marble. With each silent second, her breathing became worse and worse. Sweat began to trail down from the top of her head to her shoulders. Either the room was getting warm or...she was getting too warm. No matter how many times she closed her eyes and then re-opening them, she couldn't get the image of her dearest Butterscotch's lips pressed against other. Her small, white, pure little lips against his smooth perfect lips. Their lips fitting together so nicely, lining up together as if they were...

No! She couldn't say it...admitting to it would mean...

"Ah!" Eris quietly cursed under her breath. Her talon went up to the left side of her face,where her deformed yet scarred side was. The scars were starting to act up on her,but...it's been years. She hasn't felt this kind of pain in years. Her scars don't usually sting unless she...

Then suddenly, she felt a wet yet warm tear trailing from her left eye and down her elegant black and gold mask.

I have to get out of here.  Eris thought to herself. 

Eris then used her magic to open the invisible portal in the wall, and escape into the tunnels leading to her lair.

Meanwhile, Butterscotch noticed something during his kiss with Bluebell. It was true that her kiss was gentle and kind,there was no warmth or heat to it. It was soft yes, and no forces me push, but nothing urged Butterscotch to push back. He was no longer stiff but nothing urged him to wrap his forelegs around Bluebell in this intimate moment. He wanted to hug her and comfort her before,but not during this kiss. He couldn't even close his eyes during this kiss.

This kiss was not like his kiss with Eris. Sure, both of these mares took him by surprise with their kisses, but...there was a spark in Eris's kiss. This spark would travel through her lips into the rest of hid body. True, her lips forced themselves too much to his lips at first but...after a while...her passionate lips comforted and soothed his tensed lips. Her kiss helped his body relax and welcome her touch. In fact, her kiss encouraged him to embrace her fully. Even though he didn't act on his desires, he still wanted to wrap his forelegs and wings around her. He was too shy and shocked to act on these desires. However, in a way, she kinda read his mind and acted on the act of embracing for him. The feeling of his body cradled in her arms was wonderful. It was like cuddling with a group of kittens all over his body, it made him wonder if Eris could purr like cat. Her paw and claw caressing him was always oddly calming. Her touch always massaging him in the smallest of ways. He always strangely enjoy the feeling of her tail wrapped around his waist. He secretly took in pleasure of his cheek pressed against her chest when she embraced in their kiss. Hearing her heart,so loud yet so strong and deep made his heart beat wildly. Yet, her heart beat so clear and passionate. A heart with this kind of sound couldn't be terrible or awful it cruel.

When she kissed him...when they were down underground in the lair...when they were alone...when they sang together...they were always in a world of their own. He was always in a new world,beyond reality, with her. With her, it's like magic. And this magic couldn't be explained. 

The more Butterscotch lingered in Bluebell's kiss, the more he thought about Eris. The more he thought about her eyes, her laugh, her cheeky smile, her voice, her everything. That's why he couldn't think about her being evil again or being just the Phantom of L'Opera de Cheval. Whether the good or bad, the mistakes or trails or joys, he...

Bluebell's lips began to tremble and tears streamed down her face. Butterscotch took the moment to part his lips from her and grab her by the shoulders. "Wait." He uttered.

Bluebell looked up at him, silently praying that he doesn't hate her but instead professing the kind of love that she has always dreamed tor them. A love that could make him husband and wife someday, have children, and live off in the countryside someday. Far away from the L'Opera de Cheval. 

But Butterscotch looked down at her hooves,away from her gaze. Even though their kiss was just a minute or two long, it felt like an eternity to him. It was far too long for him. 

"I love Eris." He whispered breathlessly.

He said it. He finally said it with doubts and no hesitation. There was no turning back, his heart belonged to her and she may do what she wishes with it.

Bluebell heard love, but her name was not mentioned with this love. It was another, but she had never heard of this name. Her teary eyes widened, her heart began to sank in her chest, she choked out softly, "W-What?"

Butterscotch looked up and then rapidly stated, "I have to go!"

"W-wait...Butterscotch!"

But it was too late, Butterscotch's hooves quickly released their grip on her shoulders and galloped out of the room. Leaving Bluebell all alone, cold, hopeless, and broken in that tiny sanctuary.

"Butterscotch?" She muttered through her eyes and clogged up throat. She sobbed heavily into her hooves and her whole body fell slowly to the floor. She wept heavily into the stone yet dusty ground. 





Eris walked down the catacombs of her domain, with her head down and her feet dragging along with her heavy tail. She tried, with all her might, to hold in her tears. She tried to keep her own sobs silent,but...her sobs quietly echoed. Her tears leaked through her shut tight eyes. She couldn't let...

"Mistress! Mistress!" Dopey cheerfully called out for her.

Oh no, not now.she groaned in her thoughts.

She didn't turned around, she just stopped. Her face still down and close to her chest.

"Mistress, how was the opera?" Dopey asked with what Eris would probably guess to be a smile.

"Fine." She replied in a cold yet posed tone.

"Did you prank Elusive? Huh, did ya? Did ya Mistress?"

"Yes, I did Dopey."

"Tehee I bet it was funny. Your pranks are always funny." Dopey giggled.

Eris didn't respond.

"Did you see Butterscotch?"

Eris's eyes widened. Her breath paused.

"Was he there with my Esmeralda? Huh, was he?"

Immediately, the pain returned. The stinging sensation returned back to her scarred left side. She covered it with her paw and she hissed quietly in her agony.

"I'm sure he was, they're always together. Was Esmeralda good tonight? Oh, I bet she was." Dopey sighed, with a blush forming on his cheeks, "I bet that she was the most beautiful..."

Strike one, the pain in Eris's scars increased.

"the most wonderful..."

Strike two, it was worse.

"the most amazing..."

Strike three, she couldn't ignore the pain anymore.

"dancer there ever..."

"Silence!"

Eris's command made Dopey cower towards the wet stoney ground. His eyes, full and wide at his care taker. His ears pinned back with fear. Eris was now in front of him, standing tall and mighty like a dark shadow. The only source of light were her glowing yet angry red and yellow eyes.

"Your...precious..." Eris growled with her fangs bare and gleaming, "Esmeralda. Your sweet Esmeralda...is a traitor." She emphasized at the end.

Dopey was silent and confused, his eyes grew bigger. But Eris wasn't stopping there. "She betrayed you. Butterscotch..."

It hurts...just to even say his name...

"...betrayed you." Eris finished with a hiss.

"But...But Butterscotch wouldn't betray me." Dopey answered hesitantly, "He's my friend. And Esmeralda, she..."

"Is no longer yours." Eris stated bluntly and harshly, "And as for Butterscotch, he is no longer your friend."

"B-B-But why? I don't understand. Why isn't he my friend anymore?" Tears forming in his golden crossed eyes.

"Because he betrayed you. He deceived us and betrayed our trust. He does not deserve your friendship."

"Mistress, I still don't understand!" Dopey cried out.

"It's what I've always told you Dopey, the world above is a cruel and hopeless place! Filled with vile and careless ponies!"

"But..." He sobbed.

"You are better off with them! We don't need them. We don't need anypony! All we need is each other."

Dopey's sobs then became louder and full with more sorrow and confusion, "But I want Esmeralda too!" His body sinking more into the floor, letting his heart ache control his limp body. 

"SHE DOES NOT YOU! SHE WANTS BUTTERSCOTCH!" Eris screamed. 

"W-What?" Dopey seized his crying. His gaze returned back at Eris, who was panting and trying to catch her breath. Her gaze down towards the floor, but her heart was racing and hurting in her chest. Tears began to return to her eyes.

Then, she muttered breathlessly "She kissed Butterscotch."

Dopey took a moment to process his Mistress's words. His legs felt weak and shaky. His breath was shallow and his heart stopped...for just a second. His mind soon found the words again, "N-No...it...it can't be. Can it Mistress?"

But her silence, unfortunately, answered his question. Eris couldn't even return his gaze.

"N-No..." He cried, "It can't be true. It can't!"

Dopey galloped into the pitch black catacombs,searching for his answers and...way through this betrayal and confusion.

When Dopey disappeared,Eris allowed herself to cry aloud. Her tail snapped it's furry feathers and teleported her back to her lair. When she reached her destination, Eris collapsed onto the floor and cried like a weeping widower. Her long body was limp and dead on the ground, the only part of her that moved was her shoulders and her face buried in her elbows. Her mournful sobs were muffled. Her tears felt like they were tearing her face apart. 

Tearing off her scars, her fur, her eyebrows, her muzzle, her everything...

Her hot tears poured into her hands, and the heat didn't stop. It took all her strength just tear her head away from the floor and crawl towards her golden vanity. But her sobbing followed her with each inch of this treacherous journey. It was official, every part was her was dead. It was like magic was gone from the very fiber of her being. Her voice was horribly clogged by her tears and draining mucus from her stuffy nose. 

Eventually, her paw touched a wooden yet cushioned surface. It was her vanity chair. She positioned her elbows on top of the seat of the chair and pulled herself up. She couldn't look at her reflection in the mirror. Through these tears, she couldn't see anything. 

She violently pulled her mask from her face and threw it towards her bed. Her talon rapidly searched through her drawers, almost throwing every item out of each drawer. Her hand stopped when she found her music box.

Her soft, beautiful, warm music box.

Eris quickly placed it on top of the vanity and opened it's lid. She wiped away her eyes in order to see the blue glass ballet dancer inside. Spinning and dancing in her little room of gold and silver. Then, it's light hearted yet elegant tun began.

Eris's sobbing soothed into a whimper. She was able to take a moment to breath in deeply and out. Her heart stopped racing. But what the dear Phantom notice was...what was happening with her scars. Before her music box started playing it's tune, her scars were red and almost bulging out of her face. However, the music took Eris's mind off the agonizing pain and the scars healed back to their original state. Soft yet deformed grey skin.

Memories of her youth, the days where he...would whipped her for causing mischief with her magic...she would take her special box from her hay stack bed and let it play it's song...to somehow heal her new scar.

Eris began to singing quietly, while fighting through her small tears...
Masquerade
Paper faces on parade
Masquerade
Hide your face for the world will never find you
Butterscotch...
I love you...

That last verse made Eris sob once more. She buried her face into the top of the vanity, while her long hair covered her mournful state. Her music box; still playing it's lullaby like a bell chiming in the breeze. 

How could this be? she wondered to herself, I thought that he...that we could be...but he shared a kiss...with me. Did that...mean nothing to him? He returned the kiss...he saw my face...we embraced together...our songs...I don't understand

"What went wrong?" Eris asked herself.

"He used you, that's what went wrong."

Eris quickly looked up and saw what may looked like reflection, but it was far from it. It was her face, but instead was looking down at her with an un-amused scrowl. It's eyes looked like daggers.

"You!" Eris proclaimed angrily, "How did you return?! I got rid of you from my thoughts hundreds of years ago!"

"Oh Eris," The dark reflection replied with an unsettling smile on her face, "don't you know that your worst critic is yourself? As long as you doubt, I will always be here."

"I'm not doubting myself."

"And yet...I heard a very distinct 'Oh, what ever went wrong? Woes is me.'"

"My problems are none of your concern."

"Oh, but they are dearie. And you know why? Because somepony just used the Phantom of the Opera."

"Butterscotch he...he didn't use me!"

"Geez, not only have you gotten soft on me but, you've also gotten naive on me too!"  The reflection scolded, "Looks like I have to spell it all out you."

Then, she enunciate slowly and clearly with a slight hiss in her delivery, "Butterscotch used you." Then, her tempo  increased along with the rise of her annoyance, "He played you like a fool. No! Worst! He played you like a sad little violin that no pony wants."

"You jealous little...!" Eris threatened.

"Why do you did think he came down here in the first place? Hmmm?"

"Well," Eris's tone softened, "because...he liked the sound of my voice. My songs and..."

"Wrong! He liked how gullible and yet talented you were." Her reflection ended her statement with a malicious yet small grin.

"Are you trying to imply that my Butterscotch...?" Eris remarked defensively.

"Used you in order to become the new Tenor of your Opera. Indeed, I am." She answered confidently.

"But...that doesn't make sense." Eris commented with panicked confusion, "Butterscotch had no ambition to become  the new Tenor until I insisted."

"Which was, again, a foolish mistake on your part by the way."

"Besides, what would he gain from it? Butterscotch is not the egotistical type. In fact, he didn't even want to sing in front of ponies in the first place."

"Ugh! Don't you see?! It was all a facade! A trick! An act! A very convincing one if I might add."

"No! If it was, I would have..." Tears again started to form in her eyes. Her hands clutched the sides of her head.

"No, you wouldn't have. And you know why? You were too blinded by your own affection and fancy to realize...he's just as bad as every other stallion that sweeps the stage of your opera."

"No..." Eris choked out.

"He's just as bad as Elusive. He's just as bad as Charles La Rue."

"NO!" Eris screamed out, gripping onto her head even more. Her eyes closed tight.

"There there my dear," Her reflection soothed her sorrow filled friend,with ooze dripping from her tone, "do not despair. All you have to do is teach him a lesson. Just like..."

Then, she poofed a small stone sculpture in her paw. She reached it past her glass barrier and placed it in front of Eris. Eris looked up and saw that it was a stone sculpture of Butterscotch.

"The others..." Her reflection happily finished.

"But," Eris softly protested, "I don't want to lose him."

"But that's the beauty of it. You don't have to lose him."

As Eris took the mini statue in her hands, her reflection explains "In this stone state,  your Butterscotch can never leave your opera. He can never astray. He would be frozen in time, forever at your beckoning. He can become whatever you want him to be. And best of all...that temptress Bluebell shall never have him again."

A smile twitched gradually on Eris's face, her grip on the tiny stone pony tightened. She muttered in a voice consumed with thoughts of darkness and revenge, "Y-Yes...she can never have him. Only I can have him! She will pay. Above the others, she shall pay the most!"

"Yes! That's spirit!" Her reflection cheered.

Eris let out a loud and evil chuckle before singing triumphantly...
You will curse the day you did not do!
All that the Phantom asked of you!

"MWHAHAHA!" Eris cackled at the end of her song, her laughter consuming the very air of her catacombs and her dark lair.

Dopey, while hiding in his secret place deep in the labyrith underneath the opera, heard his mistress's laughter and uttered in horror "Oh no." 





Butterscotch ran for Zircoro's dressing room. Eris told him a couple of months ago but a secret passage to the lair behind  his Baba's mirror. Eris may have closed the portal in his room, but there were still many other portals lingering in each room of the opera.

Butterscotch was thankful, in a way, for the chaos running rampage backstage because no pony would question him on why he's going into his father's dressing room. The yellow pegasus just hoped that Zircoro wasn't there or...not confronting Eris for her mistake.

When Butterscotch entered the room, he let out a sigh of relief. His Baba wasn't here. All he needed to do was find the mirror, which wasn't easy in this dark yet messy dressing room. As Butterscotch looked for the mirror, he couldn't help but feel regretful. He made his poor Eris want for an answer. And answer about his own affections. She said "I love you" and he, the hesitant and doubtful coward he was, couldn't say back. He was a fool,an idiot, and scum of the earth to make his beloved relish in this agony.

That's why as he sees her, he will take her paws into his hooves and tell her that he loves her. He loves her more than music, and that she is the breath to every song he sings. Then, he will beg for her forgiveness and as well convince her to fix the great injustice she did upon poor Rainbow Blitz.

I'm sure that...with some proper communication and understanding, everything will go back to normal. And Eris and I will be together. Forever. Butterscotch pondered to himself.

Finally, Butterscotch found the tall standing mirror behind a large yet faded curtain. Butterscotch pondered to himself.

Finally, Butterscotch found the tall standing mirror behind a large yet faded curtain. But as soon as his reflection, he then told himself aloud "Wait a minute...what's the password?! Oh no, ummm...I know it's three times something. Oh what am I going to do?!"

After pacing back and forth in front of the mirror, the password finally came to him. "Wait! It was tap the mirror three times."

Butterscotch went up to the mirror's surface and tapped it gently three times. He waited for the portal to open but...nothing happened.

"What?! This...this can't be! The password should have worked!"

Butterscotch tapped on the mirror again, only with more persistence. And yet...it didn't work. Butterscotch kept trying, over and over again, for some result. But nothing came.

"What's going on?" He whispered.





"You can't be serious!" Dusk Shine exclaimed to Shim and Sham.

Along with Zircoro, Dusk Shine and the Shim Sham Sisters were discussing their important matters in Elusive's dressing room. It was the only dressing room big enough to fit all of them, and they needed their privacy...away from the chaos rooming around outside.

"I agree," Zircoro added, "she will continue to terrorize. If we continue to perform, more problems shall arise."

Shim and Sham were sitting at Elusive's vanity mirror and make up stand. Uncharacteristically, the two sisters were looking at the two stallions solemnly yet with some annoyance. While Sham was rubbing her temples, Shim was tapping her forehead with the tip of her hoof. 

Shim mumbled in agitated tone, "What do you expect us to do?"

"Close down the opera?!" Sham added, "Wait for this Tarturus filled spirit to just go away untill we're bankrupt?!"

"But ponies' lives are at stake! You saw it all right before your very eyes!" Dusk argued back.

"She wouldn't be attacking if you haven't start snooping around! This is all your fault!" Sham shouted.

Dusk wanted to respond, but...his mouth couldn't find the proper words to justify himself. He instead took a step back and hung his head in shame. He may not remember much on what happened during his stay at L'Opera de Cheval, he still could tell that whatever actions he took was indeed...a grave mistake. 

Zircoro intervene into the conversation with, "Shim...Sham...we need Prince Solaris and Artemis. They will..."

"No," Shim interrupted, "We can't have them know about this. It would only make matters worse."

"But..." Zircoro whispered.

"Don't you see that if we take action we could lose the opera forever?! Or..." Shim explained, "would actually prefer the great Phantom to take the opera for herself? Oh better yet! Have the opera burn in the crossfires of a magical war!"

Zircoro was silent, he kept staring at Shim with wide yes and his jaw slightly open.

"That's what I thought." She hissed. "Now, we must let the others know that the show will go on."

Shim and Sham then headed towards the door, with Dusk following behind them. But Dusk gave Zircoro a look over his shoulder, as if to sadly encourage him to follow in their hoof steps. And Zircoro did, only slowly and with his proud head down towards his front hooves.

As traveled through the backstage of the opera, reaching towards the mob of the performers and stage hoofs. But Zircoro sang sadly to himself in his deep bartone yet operatic voice...
Another hero, another mindless crime,
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime,
On and on, does any pony know what we are living for?
Whatever happens, We leave it all to chance;
Another heartache, another failed romance,
On and on, does any pony know what we are living for?

Shim and Sham interrupted the roaring chaos of the ponies backstage by singing loudly yet profoundly...
The show must go on!
The show must go on!
Outside the dawn is breaking
On the stage
That holds our final destiny!

Then, Dusk Shine, Zircoro, and the rest of ponies join in the managers song...
The show must go ooooonnn!
The show must go ooooonnn!

Meanwhile, Bluebell was crying into the bottom steps of the altar in the sanctuary. In between her sobs, she softly sang...
Inside my heart is breaking
My will may be flaking
But my love still lives ooonnn...

Back to the dark and dimly lit backstage of the opera, the managers and their employees continued to sing passionately yet solemnly...
The show must go oooonn!
The show must go oooonnn!

Then Dusk sang a short yet triumphant solo...
We'll top the bill, We'll earn the kill
We will find the will to carry on
Soon, the rest of the chorus joined him...
On with the
On with the
On with the shoooww!

"On with the show!" Shim proclaimed.

"On with the show!" Sham proclaimed.

Then, Zircoro finished the song with a big and bartone...
The Shoooowww must go ooonnn!!

The stage curtains opened and the stage lights shined brightly on them like the dawn itself.

Author's Note: I'm soooo sorry my readers to leave you with, yet again,another cliff hanger. Also, with more not so good news, not sure when the next chapter will be out. I deeply appreciate your guys' patience and always enjoying the chapter despite the long updates for them. I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving/great rest of your November:) if you excuse, I must protect my sweet Bluebell from an angry mob with pitch folks. Run away Bluebell! They can smell fear!


P.S. DF I hope you don't mind that I used the Discord mirror conversation thing from Bride of Discord. I couldn't think of another approach that could have worked better for that scene for Eris. I hope you don't mind, please forgive me if this upsets you. FYI to all I don't own that whole idea with Eris having a mirror double, DF did it first.