Paris
1919
Raoul’s car stops in traffic, drawing the Vicomte out of his memories to notice a young couple, deeply in love, looking longingly toward the windows of an elegant jewelry store. Seeing the happy couple reminded the Vicomte of his own youthful days when he was in love. He keeps watch as the couple moves along, his eyes taken in by the dazzling display of expensive jewels as his mind begins to wander deep into the flashing lights of the gems…
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Paris
1870
BOOM! KABOOM!
Over the Opera Populaire, a spectacular explosion of fireworks ignite in the starry sky. After three months, it was now New Year’s Eve; the night of the Gala’s annual Masked Ball. By that time, Raoul had proposed to Christine mere days after Rarity returned to see Erik again. Of course, when Rarity told him, the Phantom seethed with rage but tried his best to contain it for Rarity’s sake.
Speaking of which, prior to New Year’s Eve, the two spent nearly every night after their reunion. Every night, Rarity would sneak out of the manor while every pony slept and made the long run toward the Opera Populaire. Once they were together, just those two, they’d spend the evening talking, singing, or some nights, Rarity would help Erik compose his latest masterpiece. Now songwriting was a different skillset compared to her fashion work, but it was a good enough excuse to spend more time with the mysterious man.
A new year was dawning for the Opera Populaire, meaning a new season of shows, and what better way to kick this off with a massive masquerade ball to bring everyone together? As the fireworks explode in the sky, showering the night with a blanket of bright colors, dozens of people flocked to the prestigious Opera House. Gentlemen and ladies arrived in elaborate costumes and masks, while some dressed as kings, jesters, peasants, and even animals. For them, this night was destined for greatness.
Monsieur’s Andre and Firmin were most excited, not only for the new year, but because the Phantom hadn’t bothered them in three whole months! No letters, no threats… Nothing. In that time, the entire Opera House was in a state of relief. Firmin happily walks up the steps, holding his mask before his face, when he spots his old friend, Andre.
“Monsieur Andre!” He called.
“Monsieur Firmin!” Andre responded, laughing happily.
Firmin removed his mask, which was pure gold, his hat made to look like a mountain goat with curled horns. His outfit was a blend of silver and gold, with a black cloak to keep off the chill. A woman held onto his arm, smiling in glee. Andre grinned, pulling his mask away, which looked like the feathered face of a rooster. His hat matched the mask and a woman accompanied him as well. The last verse was a joke on Firmin’s part, as he, Andre, and the two women stuck a pose for a camera just before it flashed.
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Inside the Opera House, the most spectacular opera ball was in full swing. More of a promenade than a dance, all the guests reveled in their own magnificence. They were all dressed in their elaborate costumes, splashing all sorts of colors, prints, designs and characters throughout the Opera House. For all this, there is a strangely eerie aspect to the ground, too many Phantom Look-Alikes and Skeletons for comfort. But still, they all laughed, smiled, and danced, just enjoying the joyous atmosphere. The crowd sang and dance, each person stepping around the lobby seeking their dance partners.
They gesture to all the masks on their faces, defining the fact every mask in the party stood out in their own way. The guests ascend the stairs, standing in a line, each one in a unique costume. Two people with masks resembling those of pieces of a clock stuck a pose at the top of the stairs, smiling as Monsieur Reyer conducts the orchestra, wearing his own mask. Nearly every person in attendance had a fan, one side gold and the other silver.
Everyone sang in unison, twisting and flicking their fans in harmony. As the guests spread throughout the entire Opera House lobby, singing, dancing, and rejoicing, a man in a full-face mask, half-black and half-white, ran to the top of the grand staircase, turning and artfully dancing. His movements were completely fluid, quite astonishing to all the other party attendants, who watched in admiration.
Everyone gave delicate claps for the skillful dancer, smiling proudly. They turn to their dance partners, grabbing their left forearm delicately, lifting their other arm above their heads in a light curve. The music quiets down, becoming light and soft. For a while, they sing in a whisper as the couples each move to different spots in the lobby. The music swells again, as the excitement returns to its previous level.
As the night carried on, Carlotta descends the stairs with a grin, holding Piangi’s arm. Her dress is gaudy and gold, low cut, and her hair in massive curls on her head. Her hands and forearms were covered in black velvet gloves, a golden mask held in one hand, and an excessively large ostrich feather was pinned to her hair. Piangi is garbed in a golden costume, with a match turban and mask. The two actors were obviously meant to match each other, and Carlotta was especially happy having had no interruption in the Phantom’s absence.
Joining the pair, along with Andre and Firmin, Meg herself is with the group with her mother not far behind. Her dress was pure, unstained white lace with a neckline decorated with feathers, matching those in her hair and a matching mask. Wings were attacked along the back of her dress, making her look like an angel.
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As everyone sang and danced, the best they’ve ever felt in so long, Christine, Raoul, and the ponies walk together through the main entrance of the opera house. All the ponies wore wonderfully designed dresses Rarity made for each and every one of them, just for this occasion. Even Spike wore a specially cute little tuxedo Rarity also made. In all the time spent seeing Erik again, Rarity one day decided to forgive her friends seeing it did her no good to hold a grudge. Designing all these outfits for her friends was her way of saying, ‘All is forgiven’.
“Wow!” Twilight exclaimed, in awe.
“I’ve never seen such a beautiful party!” Spike agreed. “It buries what we’re used to back in Canterlot!”
Pinkie Pie bounced toward the front of the group; her mouth dropped in excitement.
“Oh… My… Gosh! This is going to be the most super-duper, extra-ordinary fun we’ve had in all three months! Just look at all those people! In their funny looking outfits and, OH! Look at those masks! They look really cool and creepy at the same time; you know what I mean…”
Pinkie ran ahead to have fun, rambling with all the guests as everyone just laughed. No doubt Pinkie can be a little ‘much’ at times, but they all love their spunky, party-crazed friend. Suffice to say, Rainbow Dash kept tugging her dress.
“Do I really have to wear this dress?” Rainbow complained.
“Yeah, not tah complain ‘bout yer designs, Rarity,” Applejack agreed. “But ah feel like a mummy wrapped in this fancy-schmancy garb for this here shindig.”
“Oh, come now, girls,” Rarity replied, happily. “We may never get another opportunity to experience a masquerade ball in another world. Let’s just… Enjoy the moment.”
Rarity wandered off to join in the fun, mingling with the guests she came to know in all this time. As she danced and laughed, her thoughts returned to Erik. Last time they met, he said he had something big planned but wouldn’t tell her what it was. This made her slightly nervous since last time he surprised everyone… It didn’t go well.
The others soon start frolicking and mingling, as Christine smiles toward Raoul while admiring her diamond engagement ring.
“Think of it” Christine said happily
She grinned at the sparkling diamond ring on a chain around her neck. Her hair was pulled back slightly, decorated with small pink flowers and matching bow, the curls in perfect ringlets. She wore white gloves and a beautiful pink ball gown, which was adorned with beads and a flower at the waist. The skirt poofs out and flails about when she spun around, but all she could look at was the ring.
“A secret engagement! Look! You’re future bride!” Christine told Raoul, in delight. “Just think of it.”
Raoul grinned at her, holding her right hand. He wore a navy-blue jacket with gold embroidery on it, draped over one shoulder and matching the shirt he wore. His blond hair was pulled back into a low ponytail at the nape of his neck with a navy-blue ribbon. He soon stopped her, so they could face each other.
“But why is it secret?” Raoul questioned, curiously. “What have we to hide? You promised me.”
Raoul took Christine’s face in his hands, leaning forward for a kiss. Christine stepped back, a hand along his chest.
“No, Raoul,” Christine pleaded. “Please don’t, they’ll see.”
The ponies and Spike were the only ones allowed to know of their secret. Being Christine’s friends, they would have found out sooner or later, and Christine hated lying to them. Sure enough, they happened to notice their discussion and approached the pair.
“Then let them see,” Twilight encouraged Christine. “It’s an engagement, not a crime.”
“Twilight’s right, wut in tarnation are ya’ll worried about?” Applejack asked.
“Sooner or later, everyone is bound to find out,” Rainbow pointed out. “Tough to stick out when you walk around with a huge rock on your finger.”
The two walked out in unison toward the lobby, which was now a dance floor. Christine holds her mask in one hand, and they begin to dance, which becomes a well-paced waltz.
Rarity danced beside a fellow member of the Opera, having the time of her life. Her mane was loose, the slight curls and waves of her mane free to fall about her shoulders, small crystals were tied into her mane, and as she spun about, it looked like her made had drops of rain glittering in it. Her dress was a gorgeous rose-red ball gown, the bodice adorned with tiny crystals, creating swirling patterns, and the skirt billowed around her legs, fanning out as she spun around. The skirt itself had a spray of black beads descending from the bottom of the bodice, creating similar patterns.
Soon, the waltz called for them all to change partners, and as she spun to go to her next one, she found herself willingly taken into Raoul’s arms. He grinned toward the unicorn and she in turn grinned back as they danced. She was light on her hooves, knowing exactly what steps to take and which moves to do when. She was just happy for Christine and Raoul, knowing they were best for each other.
One party attendant stayed in the shadows, awaiting his time to emerge from hiding. Erik, the Phantom himself, stealthily hidden in the shadows where no one could see him. However, he could see all of them, and he didn’t like what he saw. There was Rarity, so beautiful, so angelic, looking gorgeous in her party gown, holding her blood-red mask with black beads, making the shape of a rose on both sides of it. But what greatly upset him was Raoul, currently waltzing with her. He grinned at her, easily sweeping her across the floor. That fop was staling away Rarity, just like he stole Christine, and Erik simply would not stand for that. He felt the jealousy bubble in his chest, stabbing his heart as he glared at the man. He would have to take drastic measures to save Rarity and Christine… But mostly Christine. Even if that meant being a little… Violent.
Backstage, many of the Opera’s company members had a party of their own. They drank, laugh, and danced in manners deem inappropriate if they had been at a real party. At the lobby, Raoul spun Rarity around, past Carlotta who lifted her mask and scowled at the girl, a gesture indicating how much she wanted to smack her with her mask. Soon afterwards, Rarity moved herself from Raoul’s arms, so he can return to Christine. She brushed a strand of hair from her face, smiling at the fun she was having.
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Every pony and Spike grinned and danced, while watching the others. People gathered along the stairs, holding two fans, taking the entire staircase. Carlotta and Piangi, as well as Andre and Firmin, moved to stand at the railing, watching as well. Christine turns to Raoul and the two smiled, sharing a small kiss, as confetti fell along the grand staircase.
Christine pulled the ponies and Spike beside her, as they all grinned at the group of dancers. Suddenly, the singing stops as the lights dim dramatically, causing everyone to turn and stare toward the left, to the very top of the stairs. There stood a man, dressed elegantly, but everyone knew who he truly was:
The Phantom of the Opera a.k.a. Erik…
Gasps and screams resound throughout the near silent lobby. Erik wore an almost completely red outfit: His shirt was black and covered by an elegant velvet red coat, embroidered with simmering golden thread on the sleeve cuffs, the hems, and the lapels. The collar was high, reaching his jaw. His trousers matched the coat and a velvet cape was pinned to his left shoulder, equally as elegantly embroidered, and trailing along the floor behind him. A black belt sat around his waist, and he wore black knee-high boots and black leather gloves. His black hair was slicked back as usual, and he wore a different mask this time. This one went all the way across his face – it covered his forehead, nose, and just under his cheekbones, the bottom covering the upper lips. The mask was white and sculpted to resemble that of a skull. His eyes were painted black so it appeared they could peer out from the empty sockets of a skull. A rapier hung at his side, and he stood looming down upon the entire crowd, back straight, and appearing very terrifying and intimidating.
Raoul, Christine, and the ponies stare in shock, Christine’s face completely crest fallen. Madame Giry couldn’t believe her eyes, while Meg’s jaw dropped. Carlotta stared at the man atop the stairs, finally able to see the man who caused her all the trouble she’d gone through. Rarity seemed to be the only one who wasn’t terrified beyond wits. In fact, unbeknownst to everyone, she was happy to see him… Having grown to know him.
With slow, steady steps, Erik climbed down the stairs, one step at a time, grinning evilly. Everyone move out of his way, leaving him to walk down freely. All were silent as they watched, even the golden candelabra carriers stared at him emotionlessly. Eventually, Erik made it to the top of the main stairs, pausing for a moment, eyeing a few individuals. The Phantom reveals a leather-bound case for all in the room to see.
The Phantom bellowed, tossing the score along the steps, the music sliding out, and he pulls out his rapier. Rarity eyed the music, knowing a few of the songs, having sung a few with Erik himself as he finished putting it together weeks before. The Phantom slides a hand along the blade of his sword as he continued.
Raoul slowly backs away, planning to strike down the man before him from behind. He placed a hand on Christine’s shoulder, before quickly dashing off, leaving the ponies and Spike to guard her. Erik turns to face Carlotta, pointing the rapier at her. Piangi glares toward him with pure, seething hatred.
The woman’s mouth dropped in utter shock, as the Phantom put the tip of the sword in the feather piece in her hair, moving it around for effect. On the other hand, everyone silently thanked Erik for the insult but were still terrified to acknowledge it. Piangi stepped forward in Carlotta’s defense, when Erik turned with the sword directed at him.
Erik pushed the tip of the sword lightly into Piangi’s bulging stomach, stepping down further. He removes the sword and turns around, smirking at the two men standing below him.
Erik thrust the sword at them, as the two stared at him in a mix of shock and absolute fear. Erik’s eyes then shifts, and his voice begins to soften. The Phantom sheathed his sword, looking toward the girl surrounded by her friends. The entire company turn toward Christine, some beginning to panic. A quiet audible gasp resounded around the room as everyone stared, shock on their faces… Shock and fear. Despite their fear, the ponies and Spike, minus Rarity, assumed their defensive positions refusing to back down.
He spread his arms out to his sides, smirking. He descends a few more steps before pausing, pointing to himself.
Erik looks at Christine, eyes flitting to Rarity for the briefest of seconds, while everyone looked in utter shock. Erik’s eyes stayed on Christine’s and hers to him. Every person in the room watched those two, seeing their intent gaze upon each other while Erik’s breathing was heavy. Madame Giry watched on, knowing something could only go wrong.
Christine slowly stepped forward towards him, and after a moment, he stepped down a few steps. Christine stopped along the base of the stairs, looking up at Erik, who was standing three steps above her. He stared down at her; their gaze never broke. Christine couldn’t understand why she felt so inclined to stare into his eyes, as if she couldn’t look away. That something made her want to stand there forever, just looking at him.
Raoul ran around the perimeter of the lobby, his jacket cast aside, and a sword now present. He looked out as Erik stared down at Christine, until he reached out, grabbing the ring, and breaking the chain, causing her to gasp. The Phantom spun around, running toward the top of the stairs. Finally, Rainbow Dash had enough.
“Not so fast, creep!” Rainbow shouted, rushing toward him.
“GET HIM!!!” Spike followed.
“WAIT!!!” Rarity shouted.
But it was too late, the pair flew toward the Phantom, who stood in the center of the landing, watching them. He flicks his cape into his arms and in a flash of smoke and flames, the force blew the pair away as he fell through the floor… Which turned out to be an opening where a design had once been. With surprising grace, the Phantom disappeared.
Twilight and the others gathered around their fallen friends, as Rarity stands before Christine, who stared in shock. Rarity noticed Raoul bolt down the stairs, sliding across the floor…
“No Raoul!” Rarity shouted.
But it was too late, the hole before them sealed tightly… Leaving Raoul to face the Phantom… Alone…