Arriving back at the De Chagny Manor, Rarity remained silent as Raoul led her and the others toward her room. She stared at her hooves while she sat on her bed, while hugging her knees. Raoul eyed her for a moment before shutting the door, leaving her to her privacy. As for Rarity, for the first time in months, she was terrified.
“What if Erik is upset for not actually stopping Raoul?” Rarity thought. “What if he no longer trusts me? I can’t bear to live with myself if he didn’t.”
It was then Rarity realized how much she’d come to rely upon him. She’d been so used to hearing his opinion when they spent time together. She only wanted to know if he was upset with her… Or someone else.
Suddenly, the door bursts open as the rest of her friends walked in, as concerned as they were several didn’t hide the fact that they were angry.
“Rarity, what were you thinking?” Twilight asked, loudly
“Don’t ya’ll realize what coulda’ happen ta yah out there?” Applejack added.
“That crazy Phantom could’ve made shish-kabob out of you and Christine!” Rainbow said.
But Rarity did not answer nor acknowledged their presence. She just stared downwards, hugging her knees tightly. So much ran through her head and the last thing she needed right now was hearing all the unnecessary scolding from her own friends. Not once since they’ve been here had Erik did anything to hurt her and he ‘saved’ Fluttershy. Yet all they see of him is a horrible, violent man.
“Rarity, are you even listening right now?” Spike asked.
“Spike, maybe she’s still shaken up after everything that’s happened,” Fluttershy suggests, softly. “Perhaps it would be better if we just let her rest.”
“I get that, but I’ll tell you what: If it weren’t for that Phantom…”
“ENOUGH!!!”
Every pony and Spike jumped and stared toward Rarity, who just screamed at them. She was clearly upset if the hint in her eyes did not give it away.
“Ever since we’ve met Erik, the only thing any you have done is pass horrible judgment on him!” Rarity snapped.
“He killed a man, Rarity!” Rainbow Dash restored. “We have every right to pass judgment!”
Rarity walked closer toward Rainbow Dash, until the two ponies were practically nose-to-nose.
“You don’t even know him at all, Rainbow Dash! You have NO right to judge him!”
“Oh, and ‘you’ do?”
“As a matter of fact, yes I do!”
“Let me guess: It’s because you’ve been sneaking off to see him in the middle of the night these past few months?”
This caught Rarity off guard, taking a single step back in shock. How could Rainbow Dash had possibly known? Rarity made sure she was so careful on nights she’d sneak off, making sure no pony was awake. Or perhaps, she wasn’t as careful as she thought.
“H-H-How could you possibly know that?” Rarity stammered, nervously.
It was then Spike slowly stepped forward, raising his claw in the air, drawing the attention onto him.
“I did it,” Spike confessed, feebly. “I’m the one who told them, Rarity.”
Rarity turned down toward the little dragon, her eyes showcasing both shock and hurt.
“You Spikey-Wikey?” She asked.
The little dragon nodded his head, almost regretfully. Tears started to flow down her face, as Rarity took it in.
“Why would you do that?” She asked.
“I’m sorry, Rarity,” Spike apologized. “I really am. But I just couldn’t bear to think what that Phantom would’ve done to you if you went alone. I secretly followed you that night you went to see him. I told the girls about it when I came back.”
“Now, don’t you go givin’ Spike a hard time, Rarity,” Applejack said.
“He only did what you should’ve done,” Twilight added. “He came to us and told us the truth.”
“If I came to any of you,” Rarity spoke. “You would have stopped me anyway.”
“No kidding, of course we have stopped you,” Rainbow argued. “There is no way we’d allow that maniac to lay a finger on you!”
“For the last time, he NEVER HURT ME!!!”
“Girls, please, please, please stop arguing!” Fluttershy squeaked, hiding in her mane. “You know I hate it when we fight!”
But Rarity and Rainbow Dash just glare at each other, not one budging an inch for a few seconds. Finally, Rarity pulled away and turned from her friends, as the tears began to pool down her eyes.
“Well, seems you have all shown me something here today,” Rarity choked out. “Perhaps you’re not the friends I thought you were. Maybe I want nothing to do with you any longer!”
“Come on Rarity, don’t say that!” Spike said.
“Let’s just take a moment ta relax,” Applejack suggests, trying to defuse the situation.
“Just let it go, try to live in the now,” Pinkie said. “In fact, how about some deep-breathing exercises, like this?”
Pinkie began taking huge breathes, expanding her stomach to the size of a beach ball, before slowly letting the air out. Every pony eyed her curiously, before turning back to Rarity.
“Rarity, please…” Twilight began.
“No, Twilight!” Rarity interrupted. “You’ve said quite enough! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am off to see the only ‘true’ friend here and make sure he is alright. But before I go, I hope you all see what I’m about to show you. Maybe think long and hard about how you’ve judged him.”
Rarity lit her horn with her magic, as every pony suddenly became engulfed in her aura. One by one, memories of Erik’s past life, which Rarity witnessed in Madame Giry’s flashback, flooded through their minds. Once it was said and done, Rarity encased herself in her own aura and teleports out of the room, leaving every pony else in shock. By the time she disappeared, they had seen the horrible memories, the terrible acts Erik had to endure. All at once, a hint of extreme guilt appears on their face.
“Sweet Celestia…” Twilight muttered, regretfully. “What have we done?”
“We done messed up,” Applejack added, lowering her hat.
<>
The teleportation spell faded away, as Rarity found herself standing at the foot of the underground lair beneath the Opera House. She turned and caught Erik sitting at his desk, crafting the model of the stage for the production of ‘Don Juan’. Rarity smiled brightly, the tears pooling in her eyes before free falling.
“Erik!” Rarity said, happily.
Erik froze in his seat, his eyes widened at the beautiful angelic voice he had come to know and love. He quickly spun around in his chair, seeing Rarity standing there, smiling at him with huge tears rolling down her beautiful face. Seeing her once again brought a smile on his own face.
“Rarity,” He smiled.
Erik stood from his seat, and in a blink of an eye Rarity quickly galloped over to him leaping into his arms. They held onto each other for what felt like an eternity, as Rarity cried into his shoulder. Erik rubbed her back soothingly, calming her as she held onto him for dear life. Almost like if Rarity were to let go at any moment, he’d fade away into nothingness. After a lifetime in each other’s sweet embrace, they both finally pull apart.
“Erik, I am truly sorry for what happened at the cemetery,” Rarity apologized. “I hope you’re not cross with me.”
“Of course not, mon petit angel,” Erik assured. “I could never be angry with you.”
Rarity smiled at him again, before looking behind him. The very model of the stage intrigued her greatly.
“You’ve certainly been busy,” Rarity said.
Motioning around him, Rarity trotted over to the desk to study the model. She took notice of the figurines of Christine center stage and another figure garbed completely in a black robe and matching hood. She also noticed another figurine of Rarity standing alongside her, right on that very stage. Before long, her eyes drifts over to a few pieces of sheet music on the desk. She read them over, as she couldn’t help but form a huge smile across her face. It was the most beautiful music she ever read.
“What is this?” Rarity asked Erik.
Erik walks alongside her, kneeling down to her height.
“A surprise,” He smiled.
Rarity slowly turned toward him, realizing just what he meant.
“F-For me?” She asked, surprised.
Erik nodded his head to her, as she stared back at the aria in jubilance and wonder. To think, Erik himself had written an aria just for her. It made her heart swell with joy and happiness, as her eyes scanned over the notes. She slowly turns back toward Erik, as he looked at her. They both stare into each other’s gaze, losing themselves in complete bliss. Neither realized they were leaning closer and closer to the point where their lips almost made contact.
“Would you care to practice?” Erik asked, quickly.
The moment completely gone, no words came from Rarity’s mouth, only vigorous nodding in excitement.
For the next few hours, the two rehearsed the aria she was to perform to open ‘Don Juan’. As time rolled by, Rarity’s eyes were so heavy she had a hard time keeping them open. Erik took notice, smiling.
“Perhaps you should return home and rest for tomorrow,” Erik suggested.
“N-No!” Rarity shook her head, with a serious tone. “I do not wish to return to that manor tonight.”
“Why ever not?”
“Well, you see… My friends and I… We… We sort of…”
Poor Rarity had a tough time explaining what happened, the spat between her and her friends was so painful. She practically fell to her knees, bursting out in tears once more. But Erik was quick to rush to her side, offering her comfort as she wept.
“Perhaps, you would prefer to stay here?”
“Please…”
Nodding with understanding, Erik lifts Rarity into his arms, holding her close to his chest. Rarity lays contently in his arms, listening to the soft rhythmic music of his beating heart. Slowly, she drifts off to sleep as Erik carries her toward the swan bed, placing her gently upon the bed. She snuffled into the soft material, as he places the silk covering over her tiny form. He stands there for the longest time, watching her sleep, as thoughts ate away at his subconscious.
“What is this feeling I have for this unicorn?” Erik thought. “Could it be possible, that maybe… No! Impossible! Improbable! My heart belongs to Christine and Christine alone… And yet…”
The thoughts continued racing through his mind, as he walked toward the edge of the stone ground, kneeling toward the murky water. What feeling he had made little to no sense. In his mind, he wanted his plans for Christine to work. And yet his heart was telling him that a different story is at work, whether he knew it or not. As he pondered, thinking of the beautiful fashionista and this relationship they shared, he couldn’t help but sing. He ran his fingers of the water, feeling the cool liquid ripple under his gentle touch.
https://m.As his song came to an end, he found himself sitting at his desk once more, a red rose pressed to his lips. He set the rose aside, placing his head between his hands. So much confusion over what he wants… Is it already too late after coming so far?
<>
The very next day, Andre and the others gathered in the main hall of the Opera House. Together, they discuss what is to be done about the elusive Phantom. Raoul stood, pulling his coat on, making his way downstairs, where Andre, Firmin, Carlotta, Madame Giry, Meg, Reyer, and Piangi waited to hear the plan Raoul said he’d come up with. He began to cross the backstage corridor, the crowd following him including the ponies (Minus Rarity) and Spike.
“What is your plan?” Andre asked.
“The Phantom requested we do the Opera her wrote, yes?” Raoul asked.
Seeing everyone nod in unison, he proceeds to layout the plan.
“We’re listening!” Andre said.
“Go on!” Firmin added, anxiously.
https://m.
<>
The night of the performance came, police marched in an orderly line into the front doors of the Opera House. The other theatregoers murmured of their presence, wondering why they were there. One by one, an officer stood at each of the doors, making sure they were secure and keeping watch should The Phantom appear.
In the meantime, Erik slipped and slid around the rafters, through the crawl spaces, making sure everything was in place. He slides over toward one stained glass circular window, pulling a lever with gloved hands, making sure the window was sealed shut. Then, he pulls the other lever making sure it was locked and unhooked the chain keeping the window open, dropping it to the ground. Everything had to be in the right place for his plan to work.
While both plans were in motion, Raoul, the ponies, and Spike, searched for Christine Daae and fortunately they didn’t have long to look. They found her, kneeling near her father’s memorial in the Chapel. Candles burn on the alter, bathing her in a soft light.
“Christine… I know you don’t want to do this,” Twilight said, softly. “We know this must be difficult for you…”
“Twilight, I’m frightened,” Christine said, softly. “Don’t make me do this…”
“I wish we didn’t have to,” Fluttershy spoke up. “But this is beyond our control right now.”
“It scares me—” Christine continued. “Don’t put me through this ordeal by fire… He’ll take me, I know… We’ll be parted forever… He won’t let me go… What I once used to dream I now dread… If he finds me, it won’t ever end.”
The ponies listened silently, breathing in all of Christine’s deepest fears. Not just the deep fear he’d sweep her away from her friends… But if he allows Erik to take her, she’d be parted from Raoul forever.
Christine turns away, trying to hide her unhappiness. It doesn’t really work, as the ponies can sense that feeling looming over them.
Raoul, very tenderly, approaches Christine. He leans toward her, so she can turn her unhappy eyes to his reassuring gaze.
Christine, overcome by her conflicting emotions, buries her head in her hands. The ponies and Spike turn toward the picture of Christine’s father on his memorial, thinking how The Phantom had used his ‘idea’ of an ‘Angel of Music’ trying to guide her to be the woman she is now. Yet, still they were wondering: Was the Phantom truly as horrible a person as they initially thought? Or did he ever truly care about Christine at all? They then turn back as Raoul takes Christine’s hand, gently kissing her as they silently pray that the night does end up as they fear it will. And for Rarity’s sake… They can only hope that she was truly right to believe there is a trace of good in The Phantom.
<>
Deep below the theatre, within the vaults, Erik prepares for the performance much like everyone else. He pulls on his wig, fixing it so it stayed in place.
Erik sang to himself, while pulling on a black hood that completely covered his face. He grabbed a candle, walking over toward the mock-up stage, which had been designed to match the one made for Don Juan. He crouched down, looking at all the figurines.
Erik drops the candle into the circular piece in the middle of the stage, setting it afire. He grins, while standing straight. He had to finish getting ready if he hoped to make it to his cue on time.
<>
Later, the audience sat with great anticipation for this new performance, which they hoped would be a real showstopper. Backstage, Rarity adorned her dress just for this performance and she was mighty proud of her work.
The dress was a midnight blue, with black lining around the neckline and the midsection. There were two blue sleeves along her arms, with puffy white cuffs at the end. She truly was radiant for this night; yet she still felt like dirt.
After the way things went downhill with her friends, she only wished things could get better. All at once, she felt someone tap on her shoulder and she quickly turns around. There before her all her friends stood there, smiling at her.
“Girls? Spike?” Rarity asked, surprised. “What are you all doing here?”
“Like we’d ever miss your performance,” Twilight smiled. “And, we just want to say… Break a hoof. You’re going to be great out there.”
“Ooh… Um, thank you. That means a lot.”
“Look, about the way we acted,” Spike spoke, twirling his claws. “We just wanted to say…”
“Actually, do you think we can talk about this after the show?” Rarity asked. “It’s been a real trying experience.”
“Of course, Rarity,” Fluttershy nodded. “Whenever you’re ready.”
The rumble of the applause is heard signaling Rarity’s cue to go onstage. The ponies and Spike look on from the side, hidden partially by the curtain, as Rarity made her presence felt, the spotlight illuminated her dress which sparkled due to the stars on her dress. The orchestra prepares to pick up a beat, as Rarity takes a deep breath and the audience brace themselves.
https://m.
The crowd erupts into cheers as Rarity gracefully bows before the public’s eye and turns to the side as her friends applaud to her. Rarity makes her exit off the stage and wraps her arms around her friends, with a tear-filled hug.
“I’ve missed you so much,” Rarity cried, smiling.
“We’ve missed you too,” Twilight said. “We knew you’d be great.”
“Thank you… Thank you, so much…”
<>
Later, the actual show could finally proceed. The orchestra begins to play, Reyer conducting them artfully. The music was quick paced and mysterious, so fast the actors jogged to get on stage, all dress in their costumes and ready to perform. Against Erik’s wishes, Raoul took his seat in Box five (again), with a policeman guarding the doorway. Raoul’s heart beats at an accelerated tempo, his nerves consuming him. His fingers tap a nameless beat on his leg, as he gazed around the theater. The red-and-gold curtains suddenly draw back, revealing the stage.
The overall color scheme is a blend of red, black, and gold. On stage left and stage right were two wooden spiral staircases, joined by a catwalk-like walkway that spanned the stage. Large ropes with tassels on the ends looped about the stage ceiling, dangling into view. The ropes were white, crimson, pumpkin, pale green, red, and brown in texture and color. A curtain of black and red hung at the back of the stage, concealing an exit, and also another section of the stage, meant to be another room. Fire burned in braziers around the stage and other set pieces along the sides of the stage were carved and painted to resemble flames.
The actors, including Christine, were dressed in costumes reminiscing Spanish in design and some would consider it fairly scandalous, showing shoulders, elbows, and a bit too much of the women's chests.
You had me at women's chests…
Oh God, man… Show some class, will ya?
They were all grouped together at center stage, leaning around each other before spinning out to face the audience.
https://m.
As they sang, their words echoing out toward the audience, they all stare in shock. Obviously, many of the women were supposed to be portraying prostitutes. The audience whispered to one another, glancing at each other as well, unable to turn away from the stage.
The actors skittered about the stage, holding goblets, and clinging to their fellow actors, grinning, and giggling. They all gather around Carlotta, who was wearing a dress with a beaded black bodice, the skirt a golden yellow, a blood red fan in her hand, her lips bright red. At the movements they began to make, the audience wondered who on Earth had written the show this way.
They all belt out, pointing toward the audience, before slowly turning their pointing fingers to center stage, where billowing pieces of red fabric gave off the impression of a bonfire of sorts. From the black and red curtain, Meg and Piangi appeared, a bed visible just behind the curtains as they stepped through. The blonde young lady’s hair was piled atop her head, her dress red and black. Meg bounds toward the front of the stage, spinning. Piangi tossed her a bag of what was supposed to be ‘money’. She grabs it from the air, grinning to the audience, twirling once more.
Piangi wore a maroon-velvet waist length coat, high waisted black trousers, a white shirt with a ruffled neckline and a sword hung at his hip. His eyebrows were painted to look arched and his goatee had two small red bows tied to the end of it. He was Don Juan.
Piangi sang to another man on stage, who wore a mask covering the upper half of his face, his bushy beard covering his jaw. Raoul glanced toward the ground floor, eyeing the policemen marching to their places. He nervously tapped his fingers, turning back toward the stage. Piangi and the man walk back to the curtain, as Piangi removes a cloak off his shoulder.
Piangi hands a hat, sword, and the cloak to the other man, Passarino. Christine stood offstage, awaiting her cue to come on. She bit her lip, the nerves mounting in her mind.
Piangi pulled on a black hood, identical to the one Erik put on earlier. He lets out a laugh, disappearing behind the curtain. After he disappears and adjusts the curtains, he prepares to come back on, but that time would never come. He gasps as a shadow leapt from the catwalks, jumping on him. Fear overcame the man, as he fell to the stage, staring up at what he perceives to be the devil incarnate.
Ignorant to all the happenings backstage, Christine slowly walks onstage, smiling softly to herself, staring at her feet. Her costume was, in truth, beautiful. The top was made of purely white lace, loose ruffled straps that sat upon her shoulders but were so loose they hung along the tops of her arms. She wore a deep red half corset, laced tightly in the back, but thankfully loose enough for her to breathe comfortably. On the bottom of the corset, a few small golden coins were sewn on. A bright yellow, slightly transparent skirt hung to her ankles, split up the side, the slit ending just at her mid-thigh, a darker gold scarf tied around her waist, sloping to one side, becoming asymmetrical. Her feet were bare and touched the worn wood of the stage. Her light brown hair was still curled and now pulled over her right shoulder, the rose pinned I her hair A thick golden bracelet encircled her left wrist, and a second bracelet with red crystals hung from the same wrist. Her cheeks were a lovely shade of pink, her lips a rosy pink, and her blue eyes were cast to the floor. She held a basket full of roses in her hands as she strolled on stage. She is portraying the role of Aminta.
She sings with a gorgeous voice, captivating every single person in the theatre, emotion ringing out not only in her voice, but it was visible on her face. She smiled as she looked towards the audience, seemingly lost in her own world.
Christine stopped just left of center stage, slowly kneeling down, setting the basket on the floor. She picked up one of the roses, a sleeve falling off her shoulder. She smelled the flower, lightly brushing the petals against her lips. She closed her eyes, smiling at the sweet scent.
The silk curtains pull apart, and out stepped ‘Don Juan’. His eyes were watching through the hood hiding his face, the black cloak pulled up to hide his body and lower face. The man looks upon the hooded person before him. It was, most definitely, not Piangi.
https://vimeo.com/226633728
(Click link and stop at 7:05 when chapter ends)
As Erik sang, beneath the hood a half smile spreads across his face as he looked toward Christine kneeling on the stage. At the sound of Erik’s voice, Christine’s eyes quickly opened. She turned her head slightly, looking upstage. She saw Erik, even with that heavily concealed disguise, she recognized him and as she looked back at her flowers, her head spun. He was there…. On stage… With her. She was confused as to why he was there, but then again it was his own production. It only makes sense he would want a part of it and, somehow, she felt a bit pleased he was there, the very thought made her blush. She started to play with the roses again, trying to ignore Erik, who watched her every move.
The ponies, Spike, and Raoul stared in shock. There he was, the Phantom, on stage! Raoul felt utterly shocked – no one expected him to appear on stage. He was too close to Christine for Raoul’s liking, even Rarity felt a slight concerned. But all they could do is helplessly sit there and watch, with Raoul sitting on the edge of his seat, ready to jump up at any moment. At the sound of Erik’s voice, and not Piangi’s, people began to gather toward the wings of the stage, watching.
Erik sang, slowly walking towards her. Christine places the rose down and begins turning over to him, very slowly. Erik met her eyes, holding a finger up to his lips, not only a gesture for the acting, but also tot ell her not to alert anyone it was him.
Rarity listened to him sing, closing her eyes, enjoying the pure happiness she felt surge through her. She smiled at the sound, her eyes still shut, and witnessed by Raoul, staring at her in confusion. His brows scrunched together wondering, ‘What was happening?’.
Erik dramatically swished the black cloak on his shoulder behind his arm. He wore the same costume Piangi was wearing underneath; only it looked better on him. The coat was tailored to fit him; the shirt’s deep neckline fell open a bit, revealing his chest, the loose ruffles scrunching a bit. The black trousers fit his legs perfectly, his knee-high black leather boots matching perfectly. They were seen only for a quick second before the whole robe dropped back. He had a smile on his face, which no one could see under the black robes and hood.
Christine’s heart was beating faster as she watched him, listening to the words sung to her. She didn’t know why she was reacting to Erik this way, her eyes unable to leave him, and just the excitement of seeing him there with her. She met his eyes once more, and then she slowly began to stand, her second sleeve sliding down her shoulder. Erik stared at her, her gorgeous pale skin exposed on her shoulders and the top of her chest. He grinned a bit more, knowing she was perfect. Not only for the role, but just as herself. He slowly walked towards her…
Erik slowly circled Christine, their eyes completely locked on each other. Christine’s lips parted slightly, her breathing beginning to match the pace of her heart.
Madame Giry stood at the edge of the stage, a nervous look on her face. She knew he’d show up, but this? On stage, in front of dozens of people? Something could go horribly wrong at any second. Police began showing up backstage, ready to do anything when needed. No one could rush on stage to stop him; it would only make things worse.
The Phantom pulled her to his chest, one arm circling her waist, the other gently holding her neck. Christine’s eyes shut; her head fell to rest on his shoulder. She felt like her entire body melted into Erik, a pleasant feeling warming in her stomach. She knew that she probably shouldn’t be enjoying the closeness of his body, but she did. His lips were right by her ear, a smile began to pull on his lips.
He eventually released his hold on her, only to trail his hands across her skin to take her right hand. She opened her eyes, a grin spreading across her lips. She couldn’t believe how… Happy, how… Good she felt.
Raoul’s eyes began to sting, as he watched Christine, not believing what he saw. The man completely hypnotized her; she wasn’t scared of him. Raoul could see poor Christine’s heart slowly fall for the Phantom, allowing him to use her, and Raoul didn’t like it one bit. That man would not and could not have Christine, Raoul would not allow it.
Erik led Christine across the stage, his hold still on her hand He slowly released his grp, allowing her to step back a bit. She fixed one of her sleeves, and then her face turned to one of thought, reflecting how she felt.
As Christine began to sing, she couldn’t believe how true the words actually were.
Erik looked up to Raoul, sending him a glare, before returning his attention to Christine. Raoul nodded to his guard, and then to Andre and Firmin, who nodded anxiously, leaning forward to watch more closely, then Andre stood, disappearing from view. He returned with a policeman, standing at the ready. Christine’s mind reeled at the feelings arising her mind and heart. She looked over at Erik, who eyed her intently.
She turns to face him, taking a step closer, drawn towards him.
Erik actually saw the realization upon her face, the words she was singing rang true, like a confession. The ponies and Spike, looking off to the side, wondered what that realization could be.
The two watched each other, walking towards the spiral staircases – Christine to stage left, Erik to the right.
The two paused, staring. Erik scans her face, almost disbelieving the emotion she sang with. What changed? What made her sing the best she had yet? He saw her eyes glint with happiness, and his eyes widened. She was singing truthfully; the words of the song reflected her feelings. She hadn’t ‘given in’, it was her choice. She truly felt what the song was saying.
The Phantom wanted so strong to believe she was truthful. Another look from her completely convinced him.
Erik gripper her forearms, she grabbed his jack, and he spun her around, pulling her close to his chest once more. Her hands rested on her stomach, his hands over hers. She leaned back into his embrace, feeling relief wash through her as she finally understood why she felt so happy.
As the final word was sung, Christine quickly pulled the hood off the Phantom’s head, his masked face revealed to the entire world. Everyone backstage watched the pair in shock. Meg, joining her mother, also watched in shock and worry. Christine’s tears rolled down her face, as Erik looked at her in the most shock out of all. It had all been a trick to lure him out and he fell for it. The crowd of technical crew, the actors, and the ponies stared at him, unsure of what was going on.
“Damn…” Erik muttered, under his breath.
He tried to run around her to make his way offstage, but found his path blocked by a police officer pointing his gun directly at him. He looked around, for another means of escape, only for the ponies and Spike blocking every exit point with the police. Only unlike the police, the ponies weren’t as hostile toward Erik as they were before, but instead… There was concern on their faces. Either way, he was completely and utterly trapped. How could he possibly get out of this?
The Phantom looked down at his hand, where he still had the engagement ring, which he snatched from Christine the night of the masquerade ball. An idea quickly came to his head.
The Phantom (Sings):
Say you’ll share with me
One love, one lifetime…
Raoul made out the words and tune of the song, his eyes widened. The Phantom was using their song to lure Christine.
“No… No… No!” Raoul shouted, in his head. “Not her! Not Christine!”
Erik quickly removed the ring from his finger, turned back, and rushed over to Christine. He took hold of her arms, keeping her from running anywhere, but also keeping the guards at bay with Christine in his grasp.
He grabbed her hand, quickly thrusting the ring onto her ring finger.
Suddenly, Christine wrenched the wig and mask off his face, revealing the deformed half of his face to the audience.
“NOOOOOOOO!!!”
Everyone screamed, gaping at Erik, scrambling about in their seats. It was the most horrifying face they’ve ever seen: A gash on the right side of his partially balding head with exposed skull tissue, an elongated right nostril, a missing right eyebrow, swollen lips, and a wrinkled, warped right cheek like yellowish-pink parchment. Raoul began to run out of Box Five, trying to get downstairs.
“Christine!” Rarity shouted, shocked and angry. “What have you done?!”
But Christine had no regret on her face, just sheer determination.
Erik angrily grabbed Christine’s wrist, yanking her away from the stage area. A police officer made ready to shoot the retreating Phantom, but Twilight Sparkle used her magic to throw off the man’s aim, and he shot the ceiling instead. As he ran, Erik pulled a knife from under his black robe, slashing the main cable holding the giant chandelier over the performance hall. The chandelier shook, the crystals rattling. Not realizing what was happening, Rarity rushed onto the catwalk.
“ERIK!!!” Rarity shouted.
The Phantom turned back but he did not stop running.
“GOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”
From the rafters, the rope Erik cut slid through the pulleys, flying free and chains began to rip from their places. Rarity looks up and sees the massive, sparkling chandelier began to swing, dropping toward the stage, the chain ripping through the painted ceiling. The crowd screamed, trying to make a break for the doors. It made its way towards the stage as Reyer urged everyone in the pit to get out as he pulled himself out. Rarity stared with a horrified, wide-eyed expression as the chandelier came close.
“RARITY!!!” Spike shouted.
Before the Chandelier crashed, Spike quickly flew and pushed Rarity across the stage when…
CRASH!!! BOOM!!!
The chandelier crashed within the first few rows of seats, the orchestra pit, and the front of the stage. Everyone luckily got away, but the candles from the chandelier fell, lighting the papers in the pit, spreading fire along the wood of the stage. People scrambled out of the theater in panic, screaming as the Opera House began to catch fire. Amidst all the chaos, Carlotta rushed onto the stage searching for Piangi. She suddenly spots a form on the ground.
“UBALDO!!!!”
Carlotta rushed over, dropping to her knees over Piangi’s body, a noose tightly wound around his neck and he was dead.
“Piangi, my love!” Carlotta sobbed.
Carlotta leaned her head upon his still chest, sobbing and stroking his hair, her sorrow consumed her as the fire spread all around the stage. Many people forgotten she was a person, focused only on her bratty attitude. But in this one moment of loss and tragedy, Carlotta Giudicelli was purely human. The two managers looked out in horror, watching the flames consume their Opera House.
“Oh my God!” Firmin yelled, pulling Andre away. “We’re ruined, Andre! RUINED!!!”
As the two managers made their escape, Raoul seized a golden rope, repelling from Box Five, landing on the stage. As he rushed backstage, passed the screaming actors and stage crew, the flames grew so large they burst through the windows, sending shards of glass flying everywhere. The fire slowly consumed the Opera House, its grandeur burned away.
Raoul met up with the ponies and Spike, together they ran toward Madame Giry, keeping pace with her quick walk. Raoul’s eyes searched for Christine, but she was nowhere in sight.
“Where did he take her?!” Raoul demanded.
“Come with me, Monsieuer,” Madame Giry instructed. “But remember: Keep your hand at the level of your eyes!”
While instructing him, she raised her hand to the side of her face demonstrating.
“But why?” Raoul asked, confused.
“The Punjab Lasso, Monsieur,” Madame Giry explained. “First Buquet and now Piangi.”
“I’ll come with you!” Meg said, rushing up.
“No! Meg, No!” Madame Giry shook her head. “You must stay here! Come with me, Monsieur! Do as I say, but hurry or we shall be too late!
Together, Madame Giry led the way with Raoul and the ponies ran after her in hot pursuit. They knew exactly where the Phantom would be and if their suspicions were true, there was no time for them to waste.