The Past Descends {The De Changy Family + Erik?}

[Christine De Changy]

The Past Descends



Today was a huge day for Christine; a day when she looked her fears in the face and confronted them. Christine was stood on the stone steps that lead up to the foyer of the Opera House. She nervously twisted her hands as she gazed up at the grand building, it had been just over 12 years since she had last stood on these steps and the whole affair was incredibly nerve racking for her. She knew she had to get over the fears that where battling inside of her right now but she was terrified of stepping foot back in the Opera House…into his domain.

Christine was waiting for Raoul, Charles and Lizzy to arrive she had been to lunch with Meg and had said she’d meet them outside the Opera House so they could all look around together. She knew that when they restored the building they had used the original plans so she guessed it wouldn’t be too different from how she remembered it. Trying to distract herself from worrying about the visit she busied herself with checking her dress was neat, she was wearing a blue fitted dress that was of course corseted at the body but came out slightly at the skirt. The neckline was decorated in white lace and a deep blue ribbon tied neatly at the back. Her hair was up on her head with a blue bonnet to finish it off. Being a counts wife she had to take her appearance very seriously when they made formal visits although often she couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable and out of place. She was brought up being happy in her simple ballet outfits and although she had become accustomed to the fine clothes she often missed the comfortable outfits.

Christine’s eyes drifted up to the large gold statues that adorned the corners of the Opera House gazing down at the people below like Gods. The last time Christine had looked at these she’d been on the roof of the building professing her undying love for Raoul, it was strange she thought, how far the two of them had come since then. Of course it would be naive for Christine to assume that Erik…the ghost…her angel was no longer here. She knew this was the only place he saw as home and so long as it was still standing and his underground house remained a secret that would be where he would stay.

Was she mad for returning to this place? For taking up a job where disaster was sure to find her? Or was it right for her to confront her fears? For she was sure while the Ghost still haunted her mind she would never be able to fully move on and live her life. Christine turned away from the building that held so many feelings for her and waited for her family to arrive her heart skipping a beat every time someone brushed by her. Christine get a grip she thought, you can’t be like this when your children arrive…


Word Count. 508
Status. Finnished.
Extra Notes.
Fun Fun Thread!

[Raoul de Changy]

Today was a big day for the whole family. Christine and Raoul had been talking about taking the children to see the opera house, and now they had decided that today they would finally do it. He knew that they were both feeling the same way about it: What if something went wrong? What if the Phantom was still lurking there?

But looking at the excited expressions on Lizzy and Charles’ faces he relaxed a little. How could anyone be filled with sorrow when their joyful voices filled the air? He watched them for a while, intending to just listen to their conversation, but suddenly he realised that he was staring at Charles. Intently… Almost (though he hated admitting it to himself) suspiciously.

Turning his head to look out through the car window he saw that the streets were filled with people, all going about their business like it was just any other day. It was a normal day – for them. Raoul had been so caught up in his reveries that he had practically forgotten that a larger part of the Parisians had no idea what had really happened all those years ago.

But furthermore, none knew what would happen next...

[Charles De Chagny]

Paris was a beautiful place, and today the family was visiting the most beautiful building there. The Paris Opera House was known far and wide for its beautiful statues, stunningly intricate designs and amazing acoustics. It was the pinnacle of architecture. Something that all aspired to beat. Charles adored it. He had spent all last night reading up on it, but had found that it only covered the outside, the entrance hall and the main theatre. The person who had written it had obviously only been to one or two shows in the Opera House yet had declared themselves knowledgeable to write a book about it.

Charles had decided to take matters into his own hands and had brought along paper and pencils in his waistcoat pocket. He was planning on taking notes and sketches on key areas of the backstage areas, and he hoped his family's influence would get him in there. Looking away from the window and into the car he smiled warmly at the sight of his excited sister. He quickly pulled her into a warm hug. "Are you looking forward to it?" He asked her, excitement creeping into his own voice. It would be such a wonderful thing to see, and if they were lucky it could be a few days before a show and they could get caught up in all the excitement of the players.

He gave Lizzy a light squeeze before pulling back. "We'll have to plan what we want to see first. From what I've heard the Opera House is too large for us to see all of it in one day." He said ever the voice of reason, though he honestly did not know why he had said that, he already knew what she would say.

Turning back into the car to look at his Father he pushed aside the thoughts of how small the car itself was. So cramped, tiny, suffocating.... He instantly stopped his train of thought. If he continued like this his claustrophobia would take hold. He didn't know how he had come to have claustrophobia, it had just always been there at the back of his mind. This niggling fear that ate and ate at his rationality whenever he was in a small or narrow space. He had never told anyone about it. Fear was a weakness and he couldn't risk anyone finding out his, he was the proud heir to the De Chagny fortune, not some pathetic child.

He noted his father suddenly turned to look out the window and wondered what was wrong. Normally Raoul was happy to join in on their conversations, but today he was oddly silent. Choosing his words carefully he addressed his father and mentor. "What parts of the Opera House would you recommend Father?" He asked politely, the way a child should address their elders. Lizzy had not yet grasped this fact and often prattled on, but a quick look from Charles could make her remember her manners.

They grew nearer and nearer to the Opera House, and as soon as the car had stopped, Charles who was sitting next to the right door, pushed it open and stepped out. Looking like he was being polite and helping his Father and Sister out. Though he was doing this it was also a good chance for him to collect himself and let the color back into his face. He couldn't let Lizzy, Father or Mother see him pale or they would worry about his health, which would eventually lead back to his claustrophobia, and that was a talk he did not want to have with anyone.

He looked around him and upon spotting his Mother let a warm smile cross his face and waved at her. Was he seeing things or did his mother look paler then usual? He brushed it off, mentally stating he would ask later when there was no one around and looked up at the Opera House itself. The small snippets he had seen of it and the paragraphs he had read about it did not do it justice! It was spectacular. Every line and curve was smooth and the whole thing looking like it had been created by the clever hand of God himself. Charles hoped that one day he would be able to meet the maker but none of the books had given a name for the genius. He would have to ask Father later.

[Elizabeth De Chagny]

Lizzy sat happily in the seat between Charley and Papa. Her little legs were too small to reach the car floor, so she settled for swinging them excitedly as she stared out of the window. Turning back to the two boys, she smiled her eyes wide and excited. "Paris is so beautiful, the houses are all so big. Did you miss it when when you were away, Papa?" She asked happily, before pointing out a beautiful fountain with excitement. "Will you show me all the best places in Paris?" She asked happily, surely if Papa and Mama had lived here Papa would know all the beautiful spots and Lizzy could barely wait, she fidgeted on her seat as she waited for the Opera House to come into view.

Lizzy giggled happily as Charley pulled her into a hug and nodded her head vigorously "Yes very much so! I can't wait to see the statues, the paintings, the dancers, the lessons, the leading lady, Mama...." She squealed happily before throwing her arms around Charley. "This will be so wonderful, and we'll get to see it all first hand because Mama's that singing teacher and Papa is the Patron." She said excitedly as she pulled back from her brother only to bounce happily on the seat once again.

She had seen pictures of the Opera House and it always looked like a place out of a fairytale. She just knew wonderful stories could form there and wonderful things could happen. She was just hoping that she might be involved in one of them. She was a little to young to get a big part but surely she could have a little one. Maybe not very little, an important one, but not too big as Mama and Papa would be a better hero and heroine then her. When she was older she would love to be involved in a story, a really big one filled with lots of romance, but Papa said that could not happen until she was older.

When the Opera House came into view Lizzy was not disappointed. It was even more wonderful then the book had made it out to be. An excited gasp escaped the young girls lips. "Mama was so lucky, getting to live in a place like that..." She said amazing, the bubbilyness leaving her voice and being replaced by pure awe. "I hope I get to see the dancers first. Madame Giry said she'd like to teach me so it would be wonderful if I could get a sneak preview. Then I would be able to tell what to expect and I might be able to make some friends ahead of time."

The car ground slowly to a halt and Lizzy barely had time to blink before Charley was up and out. He held the door open patently and Lizzy giggled lightly before curtsying in reply. She watched as Charley turned to look at someone and spotted Mama. A happy "Mama" issued from her lips before she sprinted towards the older woman and flung her arms around Christine's waist. Her small bonnet blew off in the run but Lizzy barely noticed in her excitement.

She was dressed in a white lacy dress, fully equipped with gloves and a matching white bonnet. Charley had commented earlier that it made her look angelic, but Lizzy didn't really notice only liking the dress for it's look rather then the way it made her look. She looked up at her Mama and smiled brilliantly. "I missed you so much this morning Mama. It was sad without you in the house to sing with me." Christine was rarely away from her family but Charley had informed Lizzy that she would have to get used to Mama being gone as she had a job now and couldn't stay at home. Lizzy nuzzled her face back into Christine's dress. Feeling the warmth that was Mama and breathing in the comforting scent that was purely Mama, but that Lizzy could never correctly describe.

[Christine De Changy]

The Past Descends




Christine smiled as she saw the family car pull up, Charles got out holding the door for his sister and father. Always the little gentleman, she thought with a smile. She couldn’t help but worry about Charles future although he was clever beyond his years if Raoul disowned the child Charles would be on his own in society and Christine’s reputation wouldn’t help him much she was sure. Especially if word got out about the child’s parentage…

"I missed you so much this morning Mama. It was sad without you in the house to sing with me."

Christine hadn’t noticed her youngest child shoot up the Opera House steps towards her, she had had her eyes fixed firmly on Charles. Christine laughed lightly stroking her daughters head gently “Hello darling” she said trying to keep the tension she felt inside not visible on the outside. Christine smiled down at Lizzy “you know darling I wont be around all the time now, but I’m sure you will have a lot of ballet to practise while I’m working” she said lightly her eyes flicking to Raoul’s face. She was aware he looked rather tense too and she flashed him a weak smile. She was sure everything would be fine so long as they all stuck together and kept a low profile.

Christine needed to speak to the manager about her job hours and she was sure Lizzy wanted to watch the ballet dancers. “Hello Charles darling” she said giving him a smile and holding out a hand to him. She knew he wasn’t too keen on public signs of affection but he often humoured Christine, she sometimes needed Charles to be her little boy again because she found it one of the hardest things watching him grow into a young man and know soon he wouldn’t need her.

Christine looked back to Raoul her dark brown eyes searching his for a sign of how he felt, she knew if he felt anything like she did right now they would both need each other to get through today. She wanted the experience for the children to be exciting but she just couldn’t wait for the day to be over and for her and her family to be safe at home. “Raoul” she said his name softly so the children wouldn’t pick up the fear she felt but so that Raoul would hopefully understand how anxious she was.



Word Count. 404
Status. Finnished.
Extra Notes.
YAY for family threads xD I hope this post makes sense..

[Raoul de Changy]

"What parts of the Opera House would you recommend Father?"

Raoul was tempted to say ‘the exit’ but knowing that would only make them even more curious (if that was even possible) he settled for talking about the foyer, with it’s grand staircase and multitudes of sculptures and chandeliers. The one thing he didn’t mention was the trapdoor that had been there. Then he fell silent again, wondering whether or not it was still there. Since the actual building they were going to wasn’t the same as the one that used to be there, but merely a replica, there was perhaps a chance that all such things were gone now. It was hard to believe that the owners would allow the workmen to rebuild all the details that had caused them so much trouble.

“Paris is so beautiful, the houses are all so big. Did you miss it when you were away, Papa?” “Will you show me all the best places in Paris?”

At Elizabeth’s questions he simply nodded before turning to look out the window again, this time under the pretense of looking at all the beautiful buildings she had mentioned. Well, it wasn’t entirely a lie. He had missed Paris since they left and he would to show Lizzy around.

When the car stopped outside the opera house Raoul followed the children out on the pavement. Here he stopped to scan the area for any familiar faces, both for any he wished to see to also for the one he did not want to meet. Both Charles and Elizabeth saw Christine before he did and they made their way toward her, Lizzy running ahead and throwing her little arms around her mother. Raoul followed in the back behind Charles. When he heard his name he looked at Christine, meeting her worried gaze.

But worried that the children might it too he quickly walked up to her and gave her a kiss. “How was lunch?”

[Charles De Chagny]

Charles listened as his father explained about the Foyer. It truly sounded magical. It seemed that every part of the Opera House had been built to awe the viewer, but he honestly wasn't surprised. It was only natural to make something like an Opera House fancy. It was mostly to make it like the people were stepping out of their own mundane worlds and into the worlds of the characters. Something that was easier to do if you were taken away from your own world as soon as you got near to the Opera House and even more so as you stepped in the door. It was almost like it slowly lead you into the other persons world.

He laughed silently as his sister curtsied then rushed up the stairs to their Mother. It was typical of her to not really regard things such as public displays of affection, or how one should behave in public and Charles knew that she would have to be told off or calmed down many times before the day was out.

He waited patently as his Father came out and flashed him a warm smile. It was nice to get away from it all as a family, though Charles couldn't help but think that some dark cloud was hanging over the day and his parents moods. Though why that was he didn't know. He gently closed the car door behind his Father and then walk up a little ahead of Raoul to Christine. A warm smile crossed his features at the little figure buried into her before he bowed gently to the woman who had brought him into this world. "Good Afternoon Mother. Did you enjoy your Lunch with Madam Giry?" He asked typically polite. His eyes flickered to Lizzy "You were sorely missed." He said laughing lightly.

As Christine extended her hand to him, he smiled gently. Taking the warm hand his, he gave it an affectionate squeeze. He could see light worry in both of his parents eyes and he silently hoped it would alleviate her fears a little. He was not exactly sure how to do that for his Father. Raoul had barely answered all of the questions directed at him, which meant he didn't want to talk, and seemed worried about Christine. Charles hoped that by making her feel a little better his Father's fears might also disperse, but he couldn't guarantee it.

He looked silently between his parents and decided to get the conversation moving a little. "I have already asked Father, but were would you recommend? Lizzy is looking forward to the dancers and father recommended the foyer. Both would seem exceptional, but I am wondering if either of you need to carry out any business before we start doing what Lizzy and I would like too." He said warmly as he looked between the two. He needed to get in there before they thought it was necessary to look after the children first. Charles could occupy Lizzy if needs be, so they need not feel any guilt about carrying out their own work first. Charles just hoped they understood that without him having to say it out loud and upsetting the youngest member of the family.

[Elizabeth De Chagny]

Lizzy stayed nuzzled in her Mama's dress, before she had the oddest feeling that her head was hotter then usual. She reached a small hand up and felt the back of her head lightly. A small squeak issued from her lips, before she pulled away from her Mama and looked around. She spotted the Bonnet a few feet away from her. Running back quickly, she scooped it up and ran back to her family. Lightly smoothing down her hair she pulled on the bonnet, and smiled up at the Mama. "Did I fix it right?" She asked happily.

Lizzy nodded excitedly. "Yes I hope so! But it will still be lonely training without you Mama. If your not too tired will you help me once you get home from work?" She asked happily. Listening to Charles carefully, she smiled and nodded."Charley is right, Mama and Papa's things should come before ours. It would be wrong if we burdened you." She said smiling her typical sunny smile. Her head tilted lightly to the side as she waited for the two to reply.

Noticing that Charley was holding Mama's hand Lizzy gently took hold of Raoul's index finger. It was something she had done ever since she was little. It gave the adults a chance to choose without her having to voice the question out loud. From there they could lightly brush it off, if it wasn't the right time for something like that, or take her hand in their own. It had started when Lizzy's hands were to small to be able to hold anything but an index finger and had just developed into a habit from there. She sent Papa a sunny smile when she realized she hadn't gotten a chance to smile at him much today. What with her excitement, missing Mama, reading, being with Tom-Tom (Who had been left at home) and seeing Mama again.

[Christine De Changy]

The Past Descends




“If your not too tired will you help me once you get home from work?…”

Christine nodded at Lizzy “Of course I will love” she said with an encouraging smile, “Although I will have a job now we will still dance and sing together, we just wont be able to do it as often as we normally do.” Christine smiled as Charley took her hand, she was comforted by this greatly and returned his light squeeze with a smile. She knew he was a lot more perceptive to the feelings of people around him and sometimes she felt he needed more reassurance that everything was fine rather than Lizzy as he was more aware of the consequences of things.

"Good Afternoon Mother. Did you enjoy your Lunch with Madam Giry?"

Christine smiled, he was always such a gentleman so polite and proper he rarely forgot his manners, Christine was sure that one day Charles would make a woman a wonderful husband and she was ever so proud of him. “Yes, it was wonderful Charles, thank you very much for asking” she replied softly.

“have already asked Father, but were would you recommend?…..”

Christine nodded at Charles, yes Lizzy would like to see the dancers and she most certainly would as soon as Christine had spoken to Monsieur Isaacs about her employment. Christine thought about what Charles would find most particularly interesting she knew how he was fascinated with mechanics and machinery “Well what might interest you is under the stage where all the stage hands work with the machinery that controls the stage” She said pausing before adding “Although if you do choose to look down there take your father with you, I don’t want you getting trampled or hurt by any of the machinery” she said firmly before looking back at Raoul, “Well I need to speak to Monsieur Isaacs briefly, that wouldn’t take to long though” she said directly this mainly towards Raoul.

“How was lunch?”

Christine smiled as he kissed her and she returned the kiss before looking at the floor “It was fine darling” she said glancing to Charles then back to Lizzy who had taken her fathers index finger as she waited patiently for them to enter the building. “Shall we proceed?” she asked holding her hand out for Raoul to take…




Word Count. 387
Status. Finnished.
Extra Notes.
Rawr.

[Monsieur Le Fantome]

While most people would agree that life could be difficult, fate was especially cruel to one Monsieur Opera Ghost. Since the repopulation of his abode he had been quite busy with general hauntings and introductions, trying to ensure that the populace within were firmly entrenched in the superstition and lore that surrounded the building. Doing so would make his job and existence all the more acceptable. And so it was that he was skirting the corridors that ran, unseen, about the grand foyeur. He made note to suggest to Isaacs that the fresco be repainted. It was beginning to show age and, because it was still intact, had been neglected in the renovations. Before he could move on to the next item of distraction, the most terrible thing happened.

The door opened and she appeared. Only she wasn't alone. The boy was there, though he rather resembled a man after over a decade, and they had brought along what surely must be their spawn. It was like a dagger to the heart. Erik stumbled, his breath strangled in his throat as he gaped down at his angel.

Oh, she was so beautiful it hurt. His eyes drank in the form he had only dreamt of for twelve long years. She was a bit heavier now, her curves more supple and full - more feminine. Likely pregnancy and motherhood had wrought such a feminine, sensual change in her once waif-like body. Though fear and apprehension was clearly written on her face, her features were ever so lovely. Looking at her was like drinking deeply of the world's sweetest water after an eternity in the desert. He didn't think he could bear the pain of it.

"Oh, Christine.." he breathed, leaning upon the cool wall inside of his secret passageway for support. As they bustled in, Erik forced himself to look away from his only love and take in her companions. There was the boy, of course, as bloody handsome as ever and just as infuriating for it. He placed his hand upon Christine's back with the casualness of a lover, leaning close to whisper in her ear. Christine smiled at whatever he said and the interaction made Erik's skin crawl. At their feet a little blonde thing that could only be described as cherub-like flittered about with laughter on her lips and a glowing smile. She looked exactly like her mother and somehow, exactly like her father. She was the combination of all things beautiful and perfect. She was exactly what Erik had imagined a child of Christine's would be.

A moment later they began to move again, further inside, and Erik's gaze fell upon yet another member of the happy little family. An older boy who, somehow, looked distinct from the trio he accompanied. Oh Erik could certainly find traces of Christine in his features, but it was difficult to pick out the distinctive de Chagny features. He was no less lovely than the little angel-child now clutching her fathers hand, but something about his too-intelligent gaze unnerved Erik. His lips curled back into something of a sneer. Faced with the de Chagny heir and his too-happy parents had come as quite the surprise to Erik.

What the hell were they doing in his Opera House?

[Raoul de Changy]

Raoul felt Elizabeth take hold of his finger and closed his hand around hers, perhaps a little tighter than he had intended, and looked down at her. Seeing her smile he felt somewhat guilty for his haughtiness while they were in the car… Even if he was nervous about today didn't mean he had to take it out the children, in any way shape or form. So he smiled back at her (and truth be told her smile had made him feel slightly better).

He took Christine's hand and led her, Lizzy and Charles inside, his face one big (albeit half fake) smile as he introduced his family to the magical world that was the Opera Populaire. A world where both dreams and nightmares could come true. As they continued walking he put his arm around Christine, unaware that there was someone watching them. If he had known he probably would have turned and walked out, taking his family with him.

"Where do you want to go first?" he asked, his question being directed mostly at Charley since Lizzy had made it clear that she wanted to see the ballet dancers. Maybe she and Christine could go and see them while the men of the family went to check out the opera's machinery.

[Charles De Chagny]

Feeling his Mother relax, Charles felt his own nerves ease. Christine had always had a calming and soothing effect on him, and Charles knew it was from all the times he had held him and chased away his pain or his fears with a gentle kiss on the head, or a warm hug. His Mother was so very gentle and as a young child, Charles had often delighted Christine by "protecting" her when Raoul was gone. After Lizzy's birth he had continued only extending it so he offered both fragile women protection. Looking back on it now, Charles thought it was silly of him to think a mere child could protect them, but he still felt a fierce need to see both of them smile. It was, after all, the least he could do.

Charles watched as his father took Lizzy's hand, then resisted the urge to laugh as her smile brightened nearly a thousand watts. Lizzy adored Raoul, it was plain to see in everything she did, and if Lizzy married a man like Raoul later on Charles would not be suprised. She was far more romantic then Charles, as poor Charles had resigned himself to the fate that had befallen all De Chagny men, other then his father. The little thing called an "Arranged Marriage". He had seen the way the other elders in the De Chagny family sized him up and how they often introduced him to other noble children his own age, while they looked on and commented on the "fine children" he and whichever girl it was this time would have. Charles knew he couldn't escape it. With Raoul marrying an Opera Singer, the family needed a good marriage to hold it's head up, and what helped the family helped his own little family, and Charles would do anything for them.

“Yes, it was wonderful Charles, thank you very much for asking”

His Mother's soft voice snapped Charles out of his musings and he smiled warmly at her. "There is no need to thank me, I am always interested in my precious Mother's affairs." He said calmly, before giving her hand another squeeze as an unspoken "Especially if they cause her grief or worry" shining out of his eyes. The bells of Notre Dame rang out in the background and Charles felt his eyes gentally closing. He had always retained the same thoughts regarding their song ever since he had first heard it. It was a strong and slightly haunting melody. Charles noted that depending on the day the mood could change, today was an ordinary day and because of that it was a simple piece. Charles loved it on Sundays, as the bells and the whole church seemed to be alive with joy.

Charles followed his family inside at a slightly slower pace. He was merely content to watch them, he had seen many other Upper Class families and no matter how hard those families pretended they were never as happy or content in each other as his own. His hand was still holding Christines, and Charles felt a little guilty that he caused hers to be slightly pulled behind her rather then in a more comfortable position by her side, but something about the Opera House made him feel slightly odd. Almost like he could feel eyes watching him in a way his family could not. He decided to ignore it but was already focused and it would take a while for his now hyperactive mind trying to figure out where it was coming from. It was annoying how he was hypersensitive like that, but his cunning mind often worked out how to use it to his advantage.

"Where do you want to go first?"

Charles turned to his father and smiled. "I think poor Lizzy will pass out from excitement if she does not see some dancers soon, but I myself would like to see the mechanics. What one can do on a stage has always facinated me," He said thoughfully, before pulling a few sheets of paper out of his top pocket. "And perhaps I may be allowed to sketch a few," Charles's smile widened, until laughter danced in his eyes "If I promise not to take too long." He said tilting his head. The whole family knew Charles was a nutorious perfectionist and often spent hours on one part of a sketch.