Chapter Two: Angel of Music

“It’s over, now, the Music of the Night!”

Earth, Paris, 1871. Deep in the catacombs of the Opera Populaire, the man known by many as the Phantom of the Opera – and by few as Erik – fled the angry mob that had invaded his underground home.

He’d planned this emergency escape route when he first came to the Opera Populaire, just in case things didn’t go well. He had a spare mask and cloak tucked away in the corridor en route to his horse, Cesar.

He needed to get to the horse, because only he knew where to get where Erik wanted to go. He could remember nine years ago, when that strange girl saved him. In more ways than one.

In 1861, when he’d just started living at the Opera House, the former manager, M. Lefevre, had tried and failed multiple times to evict him. This girl – Lisa was her name – claimed to be not only from the future, but an alien life form as well. It had been true, for Erik had been shot and she had closed and healed his wounds. She also had wings.

Fresh tears filled his eyes as he thought of her. And of Christine. Just minutes ago, a sudden surge of compassion caused him to free Christine Daaé and her lover, the Vicomte de Chagny, from his lair.

It had been that kiss Christine had given him. It changed him. He couldn’t be the ruthless man he had been. Not after that kiss. So, he’d let them go and, now, he was trying to find the only other person who had meant so much to him.

Cesar looked up as Erik clucked his tongue to get the equine’s attention. He quickly put on the saddle and bridle and led him to the hidden exit.

Erik shivered as the biting wind blew snow onto his face. He pulled his cloak tighter around him and whispered into Cesar’s ear, “Take me to Lisa.”

Cesar blinked and nickered, and Erik repeated his request. The horse nickered again and nudged him, blowing air out of his nostrils.

Erik mounted and squeezed with his legs, urging the horse forward. Trusting what Lisa had said those nine years ago – that Cesar would know where to go – Erik did not steer.

Cesar took him into a forest, which shielded them from the elements somewhat. He walked until they came upon two large trees. Between them was a shimmering mist located at the base.

Erik was confused at the sight, but Cesar seemed to be heading towards it. He was so tired and cold, he let the horse plunge in.

End chapter two.

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