Well, I finally got it done! Yay, me! This is a little fic that just popped into my head one day. At first I was going to do it as a one shot (like all my others:( ). But now I'm thinking of making it a whole story depending on the reactions to it. So please review, it makes me happy and in a writey mood. And no flames, they singe poor Erik's hair! On that note…
Disclaimer: None of this is mine! bursts into uncontrollable tears at the unfairness of the universe But I will be bringing in a character of my own later. This is not an E/Giry or an E/Meg. If you'd like an E/M try Snowfox2's – 'The voice that calls to him' it's good
Now, on with the tale, enjoy!
He wasn't lost. He knew that he wasn't lost. He couldn't be lost...
The Phantom of the Opera had stepped through the shattered mirror into the passage, a broken creature of darkness with nowhere to go. From there he had simply let his feet guide him down the myriad tunnels of his home, not caring where he ended up and therefore not paying attention. These black hallways were made to be confusing, a way to lose your enemies. Much like the Minotaur's maze that so many prisoners of King Minos entered, never to return… He loved that story. Until the end when that infernal Prince ruined it for everyone!
He cried out in desperate anger and smashed his fist into the rock walls repeatedly, like a child having a tantrum. Blood began to seep down his fingers. It felt warm. Odd that, he mused bitterly, when his skin was always so cold. Perhaps it was just his environment, his lair that did it to him. After all, not much heat got down to the lower levels of the Opera House. His beautiful home, his inspiration, his downfall... He let out yet another body wracking sob, starting to weep once more. A strong but tender voice addressing him made the Ghost jump.
"All these years and you're still just a lost little boy crying in the dark."
Erik gasped. It couldn't be.
"Giry? Is that you?"
He reached out into the darkness, groping around blindly. There was a sudden piercing brightness as the Ballet Mistress lit a match. He covered his eyes for a moment, the light being painful to his delicate pupils.
"Oh, Erik... You have gotten yourself into terrible trouble this time. Killing those men, Piangi and Buquet…"
He looked at the elder woman, the brokenness of his heart blazing in his eyes. He tried to steady himself with a deep breath. It didn't work.
"Piangi, perhaps, yes. But I didn't kill Buquet."
"Oh really?"
She looked sceptical, an 'I'm unimpressed' look. But then, she always had that look with him.
"I was only trying to scare him. He was always too nosey... His heart was weaker then I expected," the Phantom mumbled, trying to excuse his actions.
Her expression slowly changed from one of harsh sternness to mercy. After all, it was she who had nurtured this boy, raised him and taught him. Surely his mistakes were also hers in part. Or at least so she believed, and that was enough for Madame Giry. She quickly put the dieing match to a torch on the wall, Erik still regarding her in wonderment.
Giry reached out to touch his cheek but he ducked back, now desperately avoiding the human contact he'd previously yearned for. Most people would have taken the hint. But Antoinette Giry was not most people. She was a mother, teacher, widow and friend. Besides all that, she knew him. She knew well that sometimes when someone whispers 'no', they are really trying to scream 'yes'. So she gently took his bloodied hand in hers and reached out again. Much as he pulled back this time he couldn't get away.
"Please don't Madame," he begged to no avail. She touched his face.
Giry gently wiped away his tears with her thumb, only to elicit more. It was all she could do then to stop her own poring out. In that moment she realised what she must do. She knew what she should have done a long time ago.
Not letting go of his hand, she took the torch from its sconce.
"Come, we must go quickly."
With a reassuring squeeze and a gentle tug of encouragement they set off on a new journey. The Phantom, once again, let his guardian lead him to safety.
Well, what do you think? You can tell me by pressing the little button in the corner! I've tried to be different to other stories but it can be tricky.