literature

Hybrid of The Opera: Chapter 11

Deviation Actions

HydeCorner's avatar
By
Published:
2.7K Views

Literature Text

Chapter 11

     "What?" Steele asked, completely stunned by what he just heard. "Are you serious?"

     Jenna nodded, "It's true, Steele. Balto is the real Opera Ghost. I didn't believe it at first, but it's true."

     "And he lead you down to his lair? Why would you do something like that?"

     Jenna looked away, "I don't know, I...I felt like I was in some kind of trance...his voice was so beautiful, it was so divine, I thought I would burst when he first started to sing...it seemed to fill me with a sweet, strange sound, and I felt like I was filled with all of the majesty that only an Angel could bring."

     "Well, what happened after that?" Steele asked, somewhat eager to hear more. Jenna immediately continued.



     Jenna awoke, her eyes somewhat dreary from what seemed like an eternal slumber. She found that she was no longer in the velvet red bed that was in the underground lair, instead she was back on the couch in her dressing room, almost like that entire experience was some kind of absurd dream.

     One unlike any she had ever experienced. She could still remember the voice of the ghost leading her towards the mirror, the voice that turned out to be one of the strangest dogs she had ever met. She couldn't believe it, it didn't seem real, but it was. This dog…Balto was his name, had sang to her, and she could still his soft yet powerful voice still echoing in her ears, his cold paws caressing her body, gracefully cradling her in his arms. It was something that she wouldn't ever forget.

     I have to see him again, Jenna thought. Whatever the masked hybrid had done seemed to work. She was so allured by him that she had to see him once more. She knew she would the next day during her practices, which would occur in Balto's lair beneath the Canine.

     As the next day came, Jenna excitedly waited for Balto to appear in the mirror, and he did, and they soon ventured into the underground lair below. This went on for several days, but Jenna soon began to spend more hours with Balto, singing duets with him, her voice almost equaling to his, yet his always overpowering hers.

     At times they did not practice, and they merely sat and seemed to get to know each other better, especially when Jenna had asked where Balto had come from, as they sat in the small parlor.

     "I was born in Alaska, just like you, and I was abandoned as a pup. That was, of course, until a great music teacher…I forget his name…anyway, he adopted me, and he soon found that I was extremely talented in music. Of course, I was unable to attend any of the schools since…well…" His voice trailed off, as it did whenever he seemed to speak of personal things. Jenna didn't mind too much, but it was rather odd.

     "What happened after that?" She asked.

     "Well, I soon left Alaska, and I ventured across the Bering Strait into Russia, and I was soon found by a traveling carnival that had come from a band of gypsies. They picked me up and I performed amazing feats of magic, so much so that it stunned all those that saw it, even the Czar of Russia awarded me for my performances. For some reason, they didn't really appreciate me…and after a certain incident…no, several incidents, I ran away from them, and well, I met Charles Canine, the one that created this Opera House."

     "Really? I didn't know that." Jenna replied.

     "Yes, it was a very nice dog. I found that he was creating an Opera House here in Paris, and he ventured to create a landmark of sorts. I asked if I could help in his funding, and he gladly accepted my offer. So, now you know why this little place of mine is here, and why this lake is here as well. I built it, I practically created this Opera House!"

     Jenna was somewhat surprised. She had no idea that this wolf-dog had done such things, but, there were still a few things she didn't understand.

     "Well, why do you live down here? Why not buy a house? I mean, I know you get money from the Managers, so why don't you move elsewhere?"

     Balto chuckled, "I would, but this is my sanctuary. It's a place that's full of the wonders of music and theatre. It's a place that no one has ever been too, besides you of course, and I intend to stay here."

     "But, you don't have to hide away in here, Balto. Why don't you come up to Paris? You used to, so why don't you? It must be lonely down here."

     The hybrid seemed to stare at the ground, "Well, it's complicated…it's mainly due to certain, uh, circumstances that I can't explain…" He then got up from his spot, "Now then, it's getting late, I suggest you get going before you're missed."

     Jenna thanked Balto for his time, and he lead her back to her dressing room. This went on for quite some time, and Jenna never minded spending time with Balto. He was full of surprises, and would always impress her with whatever kind of feat her could accomplish. He could throw his voice on objects or statues, making them practically come to life. He could make things disappear, like a quill or a piece of paper or a coin or (if she was considerate enough) Jenna's bandana. Jenna never understood how he could do such things, but Balto never spoke of his secrets.

     In those hours underneath the Opera House, Jenna never wanted to leave that place. Sometimes she would spend the night in the guest room, where he would sing her to sleep. She didn't know what it was, but no matter what the circumstance, she would always return to that lair on the lake, where Balto was always waiting for her.

     However, after about 2 weeks of being with Balto, things were getting complicated. Not only was Jenna being asked by her friends and the acting-manager where she had run off to, but she was also interrogated by Inspector Jean-Claude, who asked her if she knew anything about the Opera Ghost. Of course, Jenna knew that she had to lie, as no one would really believe her, but she definitely had to worry about Jean-Claude.

     "The Inspector of Police has been asking for you," Jenna told the hybrid as she was lead into the lair.

     "I know," Balto snickered, "he thinks he so smart, but, he can't catch a ghost!"

     "But, Balto, aren't you the slightest bit worried about what might happens if you're found out?"

     "There's nothing to worry about, Jenna. Everyone in this Opera House had been completely fooled. They actually think that I'm a phantom! A ghost! True, that Inspector is good, but he won't find out. No one else has dared face me, and it's very unlikely that someone would just come down here." His ears then perked up, "Someone like you…"

     "What are you saying?" Jenna asked, confused.

     The hybrid then came close to the husky. "Jenna, have you told anyone that I'm down here, or anything about the Opera Ghost being real?" His voice seemed rather desperate.

     "No, I haven't." She said, reassuring him, "You can trust me, Balto, I won't tell any dog, I swear."

     Balto smiled, "Good, I knew I could trust you. Now, to our lessons."

     Later that day, when Jenna got out of the Canine, and found a carriage that was ushered for her. It was a strange sort of brougham, with dark red curtains and overall Gothic sort of style to it, with pointed tips at each side, and the horses were black as night.

     "Mademoiselle Daae?" The driver asked the husky, "I was asked to pick you up."

     Jenna was a bit confused as to why a carriage was here for her, "Who told you that?"

     "He's inside, Mademoiselle." Jenna walked up to the door, and it opened. Inside, she could see the black figure of Balto sitting in the corner, a seat adjacent for her next to him.

     "Balto?" She said to the hybrid, "What is this?"

     The wolf-dog's eyes lit up, "I know this sounds weird, but would you like to take a little ride with me?" Jenna had planned on heading home, and she was about to decline, but she felt it wouldn't be so bad. What's one ride?

     She entered the coach, and sat down on the equally red seats next to the hybrid. Upon closing the door, the carriage rode off.

     Jenna hadn't been told what Balto was planning, but she assumed it was just a regular carriage ride. As she sat next to the hybrid, she noticed that he was oddly close to her, and she shifted over to the side. She hadn't noticed that it was rather cold inside, and she shivered.

     "Are you cold?" Balto asked, "Here, take my coat." The masked wolf-dog gladly took off his cloak and offered it to the husky.

     "Are you sure you won't be cold?" Jenna asked, as she though Balto's suit jacket wouldn't exactly keep him warm.

     "It's fine, you take it. You're shaking like a leaf." She nodded, and wrapped the cloak around her. As she looked out the window, she noticed that this was almost similar to the carriage ride that she and Steele had had during their first (and rather unsuccessful) date. Upon thinking of the malamute, she wondered as to what was going on with him.

     I hope he's OK…I wish he'd try to understand…but I can't let him find out about Balto…but… She realized that it hadn't occurred to her as to what kind of feelings that went through her whenever she was with the hybrid. When she was with Steele, she felt like they were somehow apart, almost like they've never even met. But in this short time with this masked wolf-dog, she felt like she was spending a life time with him. Did she have feeling for him?

     Well, he certainly is nicer than Steele. Strange, but nice. I don't think he would hurt a fly… She then remembered earlier that day after the terrible death of Buquet, and when Jean-Claude had asked her about her knowing something about the Opera Ghost. Ironically, she did, she was sitting right next to him…but was the Inspector right? Was she really associated with a criminal, and maybe even worse, a murderer?

     She looked over at the hybrid, who had his glowing yellow eyes fixed on his paws. Had her feeling somehow blinded her? Was this masked wolf-dog that acted like such a gentleman to her, really the monster that everyone in the Canine had thought he was? She couldn't help but shiver at the thought of him actually being a killer. It was dangerous enough that she was seeing him.

     But, there was something that seemed different, something off about him. At first, she was afraid of him, but suddenly, he would offer his paw to her so graciously, and would always praise her in the letters to the Managers, and even during practice he would be overjoyed whenever she was around him. This was completely different from how everyone thought of him. He seemed like some kind of gentle creature, one that would never bring harm to her. She was almost touched by how kind he was, how soft his voice was to her, as he never yelled at her when she made a mistake, almost like he treasured her like she was his prize possession.

     Did he have feelings for her? Did she have feelings for him? This was all so strange, but Jenna seemed to get used to the idea that Balto was the Opera Ghost, as the coach headed down the road somewhat slowly.

     She broke the silence between them, "Balto, can I ask you something?"

     The hybrid turned, his eyes fixed on hers, "Yes, what is it?"

     She fixed the cloak around her, "Why me? Why did you choose me to be your student? Why not anyone else?"

     The hybrid blinked, "Because, I think you deserve it, Jenna. I think you deserve all the praise in the world."

     "But why? Why me?" The hybrid then drew closer to the husky, as were a few inches away from each other.

     "Because I love you." He answered in such a tone of voice that it nearly made Jenna's heart flutter. It sounded like it was the first time he had ever said that to someone, let alone hers.

     "Y-you…you what?" She asked, completely aghast.

     "I love you, Jenna," He repeated, "I always have. I know I haven't been honest with you, but the thing is, that's the reason why I brought you down into my lair. I've watched you from behind the walls of the Canine, and as soon as I did, I felt something that I've never felt before. It seemed like…you were the one for me…" He smiled. Jenna couldn't believe what she was hearing. That was the first time anyone had ever confessed their love to her. She didn't know how to respond, her cream-colored cheeks nearly turning as red as her fur.

     "Balto, I…" She replied, almost trembling, "I don't know what to say," She then gasped lightly when the hybrid took her paw in his.

     "Don't say anything," He said, as their eyes gazed into each other's, "I just want you to know that I love you, and that you mean to me, so much more than my music, or my voice, or the Canine, or all of Paris…" He then paused, his yellow eyes averting to the side, "…and I was wondering if you felt the same."

     Jenna couldn't think straight, as all of this was happening so fast. She began to question herself almost immediately. Being told that you're loved by someone was something that she had never experienced before. True, her and Steele had a friendship since they were kids, it didn't seem like love. Of course, she didn't know how Steele really felt, so she merely thought he didn't exactly care.

     But this masked wolf-dog, this dog that had given her voice back, her courage back to sing again, the happiness that she once felt with her father had returned to her, she never thought that this, all of this, was for her.

     Love, it was all out of love.

     She almost teared up at the idea that Balto had feelings for her, feelings that seemed so much greater than her and Steele's childhood friendship. She didn't know what to feel at that point, nor could she think of anything to say.

     "Balto, I..." She began, but stopped herself. She still wasn't sure why, but there was still something off about Balto. Was it because he was a criminal, or a murderer? True, she didn't think he was a bag dog, probably misunderstood, but still…

     "Why did you kill Buquet?" She asked, as she remembered that Jean-Claude's suspicion of him killed the stage-hand was still fresh in her mind.

The hybrid chuckled, "Um, that's not the answer I was looking for."

"No, I mean it. Why did you kill him?"

"I killed him…because of what La Carlotta had done." Jenna then saw something change in the hybrid's eyes, almost like they became darker in hue, "I also did away with that annoying critic Monsieur Harris…" He chuckled, "I hope they find his body soon…"

Jenna was now shocked, as Balto had actually murdered two males…because of her.

She remembered what Jean-Claude had told her, that the Opera Ghost (Balto) might have had some feelings for the her, but it had never crossed her mind that he had killed for her. The Inspector's assumptions were pretty much true. This proved to her that he really was a criminal.

A criminal that had just confessed his love for her.

But, she had somewhat expected that he was going to obsess over her, like a crazed madman would. It did seem like obsession. But the way he spoke to her, how he acted around her, it seemed like he was just an ordinary gentle-dog that wouldn't harm a soul.

So why did he kill Buquet and Monsieur Harris? Why did he steal from the Canine? Why did he have to hide within the Opera House? There were so many questions that she wanted to ask, but she didn't know what to say at that moment. Balto saw this, and slowly moved away from her.

He sighed, "Listen, I know you might be upset, but I couldn't stand what that poodle had done, nor what kind of garbage that Monsieur Harris had written about you."

"But what about Buquet?" She asked, almost disturbed that he would do such a thing, "He didn't do anything."

"I don't see why he didn't have to die. He speaks badly of me, and of you. That alone brings death." As he said the word death, it seemed to be in a deep, dark sort of tone. Jenna wasn't sure whether to scold him for committing murder, or to be scared that she was alone with him inside this carriage.

"You're…afraid…aren't you?" Balto said, his demeanor changing into a rather gloomy one, "I understand. Perhaps I shouldn't have told you…I just couldn't stand what that poodle did to you, nor can I ever stand seeing you so…unhappy, Jenna. I can't help myself. I'm sorry."

Jenna found the strength to place a paw on the hybrid's, despite how cold it was. Balto looked up, somewhat shaken that she was touching him.

"Balto, I understand what you were trying to do. But, you shouldn't have done something like that. Don't you think that they didn't deserve it? I know what Monsieur Harris did to me, but I didn't believe it for a second. And what La Carlotta did was somewhat pathetic. But I don't think that Harris or Buquet needed to die. You shouldn't have done that Balto, even if it was for me."

Jenna could see that Balto seemed almost sorry for what he had done. "Jenna," He began, "I understand what you mean. I guess I was…angry. I'm sorry that you feel this way. I promise to never harm anyone ever again. Would that still make you trust me?"

What? Trust him? Jenna thought, somewhat confused that despite what he had done, he still loved her, almost like that's all that mattered to him. She wasn't sure why, but this was exactly like what had happened before. Despite her doubts about the hybrid, she still seemed touched by his feelings for her, even though he literally told her that he had committed murder.

This was all too confusing for the husky, as all these conflicting emotions were starting to make her head hurt. Instead of responding to his question, she merely rubbed her sore head.

Balto didn't say anything after that, instead, he turned away from the husky, his yellow eyes occasionally glancing at Jenna next to him.

After their little carriage ride, Jenna had been dropped off by Balto at her apartment.

"I will see you tomorrow, my dear," He said, "Be prepared. I have an offer for you, one that you must no refuse." He then shut the door, and left the husky at the door to the apartments. She sighed, as she realized that the hybrid had left his cloak with her, and she went into the building, and went into her small apartment.

She turned on the electric light, and quickly sent herself to the bed that was originally her Father's. She laid herself down on the old pillows, and reminisced what had happened. She couldn't understand what had occurred between the two of them. Why did she associate herself with this dog, that lived underneath the Opera Canine, and was literally a criminal? What drew herself to him? Was it his voice? Was it his strange demeanor, and the mysterious aura that was about him?

Or was it something else? Yes, indeed, everything that he had done for her struck with awe and wonder and adoration, and the love and care that he felt for her touched her heart. But, there was still something that racked at her brain, something that she was somewhat afraid to ask about.

It was that mask. That black, ebony façade that was always placed upon the hybrid's face, one that covered his snout, his nose, and his entire face. She was always curious about that mask, and it was one of the things that seemed to draw her attention. It was hiding something, something that she longed to see. But what was it? What was he hiding?

Maybe he's been injured? She thought, or maybe he was burned in some kind of accident that scarred him. I just have to know what's behind that mask of his. Maybe I can ask him tomorrow. If he really does trust me, then he would probably trust me with seeing whatever he's hiding.

Unfortunately, she would soon learn that it's nothing what she imagined it would be.

Later that next day, Jenna had been called by Balto to his lair, much like she always did. But this time, Balto seemed somewhat excited, probably for whatever he had in store for the husky.

"Um, Balto, can I ask you something?" She said to the hybrid, who was busy locking the front entrance.

"Anything, Jenna." He replied.

"Well, you told me that you had some kind of surprise for me?"

"Oh, yes, I do. Well, it's more of an offer, one that I've been dying to tell you." He then ran over to his desk, and from inside one of the drawers, he pulled out a black folder which was filled with pages, all so neatly placed inside.

He then displayed it like it was a trophy, "This, Jenna, is my greatest work, my greatest achievement!" He declared, "It's my very first full symphony, I call it Don Juan Triumphant! "

"How long have you been working on it?" Jenna asked.

"It's been in the works for some time, and I'm almost finished…but, there's still something missing." He then walked over to his piano and placed the work on the music stand, "But I don't know what."

"Can I hear it?"

"No, it's not finished."

"That doesn't matter, Balto. Maybe I can help you w-," The wolf-dog then turned his head to face the husky.

"I knew you would say that!" He smiled, "You see, it's been my dream to become a great composer Jenna. I've always wanted to show the entire world of what I can achieve. Much like you, Jenna. I can tell that you've always wanted to show off your skills as well. So, with that combined, I've had some kind of spark, a kind of jolt in my mind." He then paused, "You see, Jenna, you are my inspiration to finish it. Don't you see? The real reason why I've brought you here, it isn't just to make you a star...it's to show the world my music. If only they could see past...my...oddness, then they would be able to accept me for who I really am. I'm not evil, and I am not wicked, and I am not a ghost. I want to be around other dogs, I want to be around their parties, their social outings, I wish to see the world like a normal dog would ...not like a dark, mysterious shade would. Don't you see that I've done all of this is for you to shine? It's because I care about you, it's because you deserve the glory, and I deserve the recognition. That is why you must sing in my work, and after you have done so, after my words are put to your angelic voice, the entirety of Paris," He then paused to look up, his yellow eyes gazing at the ceiling, "No, the world will see my name...Balto...alongside the great composers of the classical age, probably alongside the new age as well. Don't you understand what I intend to do Jenna? With my work and your voice, we can be great together!"

Jenna had never seen Balto this eccentric before, and she sort of felt sad for him. It almost felt like he was some kind of lost soul, pining away for the world above.

"So, I'll be singing in your piece?" Jenna asked.

"Yes, it's going to be a song of love, passion, and desire…" He then opened up the folder, as Jenna sat next to him on his stool, "Unfortunately, I haven't written it yet."

"Would you like me to help you write it?"

"Of course!" Balto replied, "If you're going to be singing it, then you might as well have some kind of contribution towards it."

In the next few days, the two dogs spent hours brainstorming, coming up with what some kind of song that would fit the extremely dark piece that was Don Juan Triumphant. At times, Balto played the notes of his massive organ, the notes coming out with a thunderous power. Jenna couldn't believe how incredible his work was, as he played it with such skill and passion, almost like his life depended on making it perfect. As for the one song that would play at the end, Jenna obliged to help, and seeing how the composition was had a dark, mysterious feel to it, with low, black notes that seemed like it was trying to display the passion and soul-absorbing power of love, she came up with a song that wasn't really her style, but Balto of course helped in that, seeing how dark he was.

Finally, at long last, on September 25th, 1885, the two had come up with a song that was filled with incredible passion, the lyrics flowing together as one, almost like it was meant for the both of them.

"You're going to be onstage?" Jenna asked, as she realized that the piece was written for two singers. "Won't you be bothered?"

"No, not really. I mean, I'm just the composer, and no one will really care."

"But, you're mask it…" She stopped herself, as she saw that he seemed somewhat disturbed when she mentioned the dark façade on his face.

"You…you want to know about my mask?" He asked somewhat solemnly.

"Well, no, I was just…curious that's all." She knew this was a rather touchy subject with the hybrid, but she couldn't help but ask.

"Well, I suggest that you didn't…" He replied solemnly. His eyes stared at her, almost as if he was saying 'I know what you want to do. You probably want to see what's behind this mask.' It's true, that black mask, that shining ebony mask that held so many secrets had puzzled the husky's mind for several weeks. I she truly longed to see his face, to see as to why he had to shield himself from her, from the world above. Surely it wasn't bad, right?

"You...you want to see what's behind...this...don't you?" He said nervously, one of his large paws gently touching the smooth cheek of the black facade. "I... can't..."

"But why not?" Jenna answered desperately, "You trust me don't you?"

"Don't do that!" He exclaimed, "You're making me feel guilty. I've already told you once, and I will tell you one last time. You must never remove my mask."

"Balto, you know I don't mean you any harm. Is it something bad? Is it an injury? If it is, just tell me, I'll understand."

"No, you wouldn't," He replied sternly, turning his back to Jenna, "This is something far worse than any injury. Far worse. Your heart and mind would not comprehend what lies beneath this mask, what kind of...terror that lies on my face."

Jenna then gently clutched his shoulder with her paw. He turned to look at the husky, an apprehensive and pitiful look on his face.

"Balto, please, I truly understand what's wrong with you. You're afraid of whats out there, what others would think of you. You don't have to be afraid to show anyone who you really are. I mean, look at what you've done already. Your voice is incredible, your music sweeps the world off its feet, and you've given me the most amazing gift that no other dog could give. Don't be afraid to show me your face, Balto. I won't be afraid if you're not."

"No!" He cried aloud, " I can't! I can't show you!"

"But why? I'm not afraid."

"You would be; I know you would. Everyone else has. Even my mother...my poor, unhappy wolf mother never wanted to see my face. Even my husky father never saw me. He left after I was born! I wear this mask to hide away this horror, to protect you from what lies beneath it. Please, can't you respect that?"

"I do, Balto, but I told you don't have to be afraid anymore. I trust you more than any other dog in the world. I trust you as a teacher, and I trust you as a friend. Can't you trust me?"

He then sighed, and looked at her, his face clearly showing pity.

"Jenna, I trust you as well. You're the only friend I've ever had, and you're far more than just a mere student in my eyes. You've shown me compassion, and friendship and... and...love." He then took my paw, "I would do anything for you, I would jump into the Siene if you told me to, but please, I beg of you, don't make me do this."

"Balto, I…" Jenna realized that the hybrid was clearly uncomfortable about this, and merely trying to take his mask off was somewhat disrespectful. Perhaps he really was that embarrassed of whatever was behind it. Jenna sighed, as she tried to control her curiosity. "I'm sorry I asked. I was just curious, that's all."

Balto nodded, "Thank you, Jenna." He walked over to the piano, and slowly opened the folder of his composition, "Now then, shall we rehearse our song?"

Jenna nodded, as she walked up to the piano. Balto turned to the very end of his piece, and much like she did with the song he sang to Jenna on that first day, he took a deep breath, and slowly lifted his wolf-like paws, creating a slow and gentle symphony, and began to sing.

"You have come here…in pursuit of your deepest urge…" He sang in a deep, somewhat seductive tone, "In pursuit of that wish which till now has been silent…silent. I have brought you, that our passions may fuse and merge…in your mind, you've already succumbed to me, dropped all defenses, completely succumbed to me…now you are here with me…no second thoughts. You've decided…decided…" He then slowly made his way over to husky, and suddenly, Jenna began to see a change in the hybrid. It almost felt like he too was in a trance, but this time, he moved in a more entrancing way, far than he did when they first met.

"Past the point of no return…" He continued, his body slowly swaying side to side, "No backward glances…The games we've played till now are at an end…Past all thought of if, or when…no use resisting! Abandon thought and let the dream descend! What raging fire will flood the soul? What rich desire unlocks its door? What sweet seduction lies, before us?" On saying that last line, a sly smile appeared on his lips, which made Jenna blush.

"Past the point of return…the final threshold! What warm, unspoken secrets will we learn…? Beyond the point of no return…"

Jenna hadn't noticed it, but this song was certainly romantic, almost 'sexy' in a way, and she felt like he was singing his heart out at this point. She knew she had to somehow upstage him, perhaps even try to match his skill. It was his piece after all, and she definitely wanted to make him proud.

"You have brought me…" She began, as her crystal-clear voice flowed smoothly out of its throat, "To that moment where words run dry…to that moment where speech disappears into silence…silence. I have come here, hardly knowing the reason why. In my mind I've already imagined, our bodies entwining, defenseless and silent. And now I am here with you, no turning back, I've decided…decided…"

The husky decided to lead the masked wolf-dog over to the guest room with the satin bed, for reasons she couldn't fully understand. However, as she sang, Jenna could feel something rile up in her body. At first it felt like some kind of chilling sensation. It felt different from whenever she sang on stage or during practice. It was a new kind of feeling, an incredible, but dark sort of feeling. She could feel it in her bones, her hairs standing on end, and her body trembled with ecstasy. She wasn't sure why she was feeling this way, but since she started singing it began, and there was no way she could stop it.

"Past the point of return...," She continued, flashing an artful expression on her face, "No going back now, our passion play has now at last begun," As she sang, the husky slowly made her way across from Balto, playfully rubbing her bushy tail against his cheek. The hybrid shivered, as he wasn't expecting her character to somehow change, but he loved it either way.

"Past all thoughts of right, or wrong," She then made her way over to the bed, and placed a paw on it, "One final question," She slowly rolled onto her back, her slender, furry body being displayed for the hybrid next to her, "How long should we to wait, before we're one? When will the blood begin to race, the sleeping bud burst in to bloom, when will the flames at last consume us?"

She then laid down on her side, as Balto slowly caressed her face, smiling, his eyes glowing. He then slowly lifted her head with his paw, as they both sang, their voices almost matching in power and passion, "Past the point of no return…the final threshold!" They then drew their arms around other, as they held onto each other for dear life, "The bridge is crossed, so stand, and watch it burn!" They both trembled, almost like they couldn't control the emotions that were flowing through their bodies, their voices slowly down and becoming soft, "We've past the point...of no...return…"

The song was complete, but neither dog made a sound. They continued to stare at each other, almost like they truly believed in each other, and the love they felt had encompassed them both.

Suddenly, seemed to have a look of sadness come into his eyes, as he softly sang a line that was not present in the song they had written, "Say, you'll, share with me…one love…one lifetime…lead me, save me from my solitude…say you'll want me, with you, here, beside you!" His voice then became a loud cry, a sob of desperation almost, "Anywhere, you go, let me go too! Jenna, that's all I ask of…" In a swift motion, he grabbed the mask that lied the secret that Jenna had longed to see, and one that Balto finally decided to reveal, and tore it off from his face.

"Then what?" Steele asked the husky, who seemed completely frozen in fear, "He tore of the mask, and then what happened?"

Jenna was practically shaking with fear at this point, but she had no choice but to continue...

Time seemed to stop, the entire lair became dark, with the candles barely illuminating the walls around the two dogs, who were almost frozen in their spots. Balto had suddenly broken that barrier between him and his face, for the first time in many a year, and he let the ebony mask drop to the floor, presenting the face before the husky, who was mere inches away.

However, she realized at that very moment, as her expression turned from shock to complete and utter horror, as that terrifying visage stared at her with a kind of terrible, sick grin, she could feel a scream almost come out of her chest, but nothing came out.

The face was a dull red, but it wasn't normal. By God, she wanted to, she had to look away! But she couldn't, there was no way she could look away from that monstrous face. The fur from the once enchanting hybrid's face was somehow not there, it simply was not there. All that was left was that redness, that dull blood tissue that had somehow incased over his face. She shook with fright as she saw that his nose was not present, but instead of a regular cartilage, there lay a large, black hole, from where she could see the inside of it clearly. As her gaze shifted to his mouth, the fur on his chin was still present, as it was on his ears, but that didn't exactly help much. She noticed with disgust that his lips were no longer present to shield that horrible grin on his face. It wasn't exactly a grin, it was more like the entirety of his canines were showing, up to the part where they ended on his cheeks. His yellow eyes continued to stare at her, as they seemed to be lodged inside large, black holes. His face truly was a skull head; the rumors had been proven. He truly had a face of death.

Neither of the dogs made a sound, and they scarcely breathed. The rest of the world seemed to fade away, and all that was left was the husky, staring with complete shock at the gruesome image before her. Somehow, in some horrible way, the incredible dog that she once knew was somehow replaced with this creature, his desperate gaze turning into that of pain and anger. Suddenly, Jenna's vision failed her, and she fainted away.

The husky awoke to the sound of some kind of booming crescendo, pulsating and almost shaking the very walls of the room she was in. She then drearily remembered what happened moments before. The song that Balto and her had sung together, and Balto tearing off the mask, that was still on the floor of the bedroom. She couldn't help but shiver when she remembered every gruesome detail of that awful face of him. However, her ears perked up at the sound of the organ that was vibrating all around her. She knew Balto must have felt terrible, and she couldn't help but feel bad for him. He probably wanted to show her his face, despite his previous protests.

No wonder he wears a mask, she thought, walking over to the door, to hide that…face… She shook her head, trying her best to get rid of that image in her head. She slowly opened the door, and upon poking her head out, she saw Balto, with his back to hers, as he sat on his stool, his paws pounding away at the organ keys. He struck every key down with incredible force, the pipes on the organ blasting out note after note. It was almost like every single one of his emotions was being taken out on that instrument.

"I can hear you…" He said depressingly. Jenna sighed, as she slowly made her way out of the room, and she crept over to the hybrid.

"Balto…" She began, "I'm…I'm sorry about what happened. I didn't mean to-,"

"I knew it," He interrupted solemnly, "You…you're just the same. You're just like all the rest."

"Balto, please, I swear I didn't mean to be-," The hybrid spun around on his chair, to reveal his hideous face.

"Afraid?" He growled, "You're afraid, aren't you? Even after you said you wouldn't be," The wolf-dog then chuckled, his soft, pure voice was now like that of a monster. It sounded deeper, and darker, "It's truly something, isn't it? How easily one can change their opinions on someone, based on their overall appearance." He then placed his paws on each side of his face, rocking that sick head back and forth, "Well, are you satisfied? I'm very handsome, huh? I'm exactly what you wanted me to be, huh? You're a liar, Jenna, you lied to me. I…I thought I could trust you…"

"Balto, please, listen to me, I'm sorry for what I did," Jenna wasn't sure what to do, as this didn't seem like Balto. It was almost like he was a completely different dog. Considering her previous assumptions, she knew that Balto was still a criminal, and if this is who he really is, then who knows what he could be capable of. "I really want you to know that."

"Don't you see, Jenna? Don't you see that this is who I am?" He slowly walked towards the husky, who couldn't help but slowly back away, that face getting closer and closer. "Well, I'm still regular Balto, your Angel of Music, the Opera Ghost, and your incredible teacher and friend. But this," He then drew himself up on his hind legs, "this is what I hide, this is the true horror that lurks within the Opera Canine!" He then squinted darkly at the husky, "And you found him."

Jenna didn't answer, as she wasn't sure what to do. She had to find some way to make Balto calm down, but she was too afraid to try anything.

"You think that I'm a bad dog, don't you? All those rumors about me are somewhat true, but they don't know everything. I'm just a lost soul, who wants nothing more to be accepted, but this face of mine is a curse, a terrible disease that decays the body, and unfortunately it has started on my face, ever since I was born. I thought you could take, I thought you could handle it!" He soon became desperate again, his voice almost breaking out of sadness, "I thought you, my dearest friend, would love me back, and after all this time, this was my final task for you to accomplish. I thought someone as kind, as generous, and as beautiful of a dog like you would understand." He then slowly turned away from the husky, "But, I was wrong."

"Balto, please, I was afraid, but there's nothing wrong with you. Your face isn't the problem, it's-," Jenna was once again interrupted as the hybrid suddenly, as he forced Jenna to the wall behind her, as he shook with a furious anger, as he angrily gazed down at her.

"You don't know anything, Jenna!" He whispered, "I've had this all my life. It's been a problem that I've never been able to fix. Sure, a mask can hide it away, but I can't deny it forever." Jenna could see the tears forming in his eyes, "I…can't even…look at myself in a mirror…every night, I dream of a better place for me, a place where I can touch my face, and there will be fur, just like the rest of my body, but no! I can't have that kind of happiness. That's why I live down here, that's why I can never show my face, nor can I ever be with others. It's because of that dangerous curiosity that you clearly have, you just had to look, didn't you?" Jenna cringed the hybrid's awful face drew closer and closer to her, and she turned away, "Look…look at me!" He growled, forcing her to make contact with him once again, "I want you to see, Jenna, I want you to look at the face you wanted to look at. You think this is another mask, but you're wrong. Oh, you are so wrong. Go ahead, scream, try and shield yourself from the horror that's before you. Feast your eyes, and glut your soul on my cursed ugliness!"

Jenna was shaking like a leaf as she couldn't tear herself away. Her heart was beating 100 miles per hour, and she felt like she was going to die of fright.

"Please, Balto," She whimpered, "I'm sorry, please, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Please, don't be angry, I didn't know, I swear I didn't know."

"So, I should just let you go after all of this?" He backed away from the husky, leaving her frozen on the spot, "You'd probably tell that Jean-Claude, or the Managers, or you're friend Monsieur Vicomte, wouldn't you? You'd tell the whole world about me. I know you, I know dogs just like you. One minute they love you, the next their running away from you!"

"Balto, please, can't you just listen to me?" Jenna begged, "I'll say it again, I'm sorry for what I did. I'd never hurt you, much like you'd never hurt me." She then walked up to the hybrid, who turned his face away, "I'm not like the rest of those dogs, Balto. I don't see you as a monster, I really don't. I've trusted you as a friend, and as a teacher. You're an amazing dog, Balto. I know you don't really think I'd ever hate you."

The hybrid then sighed, "How can I trust you? I thought you'd…love me…" Jenna then took hold of the hybrid's paw, making him gasp.

"I know what I did was wrong, Balto, but you have to understand that I'll never forget all that you've done. You're still the same wolf-dog that I know, and I know you can trust me again. Please, Balto." The hybrid looked down at the floor, and he seemed unconvinced. Jenna knew she was running out of options, and there just had to be some way to cheer him up.

His mask, she thought of the mask that was still left on the floor of the bedroom, and she immediately went over to fetch it. Upon returning, she handed it over to him.

"You…you really do understand, do you?" The hybrid's confidence seemed to be coming back, but Jenna could still see the doubt in his yellow eyes. He then took the mask from the husky, and he quickly placed it on his face.

That face of his was finally gone, for now.

"I guess I should apologize, Jenna. I didn't mean to snap at you." He made his way over to the coat rack, and took his cape and hat from it, and placed it on himself. "I'll take you back to your dressing room, now."

Jenna followed the hybrid across the lake and up the long staircase in complete silence. They had nothing to say to each other, and Jenna was still perturbed from what had happened, and she knew Balto was just as doubtful as she was about him.

Finally, they were near Jenna's dressing room. "I will leave now." Balto said, but before Jenna could turn to leave, he spoke up, his face had a hopeful expression, "You will come back, right?"

Jenna replied, "Yes, I promise to come back. Good night, Balto."

The hybrid nodded, "Bonne nuit, Mademoiselle." With one final smile that Jenna could make out in the dark, the hybrid vanished into the pitch-black darkness that surrounded them.

"Then what happened?" Steele asked, as he was somewhat excited by what he had been hearing.

"He left me there, and to tell you the truth, I didn't feel safe in my dressing room, nor did I feel safe in any part of the Canine. So, when I went home that night, I immediately wrote to you, saying that I needed your help."

"And now where here." Steele answered. He looked around him, and noticed that night had fallen on Paris. He hadn't realized that it was so late, but he didn't feel like leaving.

"And that's everything you wanted to know, Steele." Jenna said solemnly, "I'm sorry I've kept all of this from you. I just didn't know who to turn to."

"I don't get it, Jenna." Steele began, "You said he loves you, but then he acts crazy when you took of his mask. Hmm, sounds like a psycho to me."

"I don't know, Steele. That's the thing. I don't know how to feel about him. I…I just don't know what to do." Jenna sniffled, "He's done so much for me, and he's by far one of the most amazing dogs I've ever met, but his face was so…" Jenna couldn't finish. She felt conflicted. Could she really be this cold-hearted towards him? No, she'd never felt that way towards anyone before. She never looked down on anyone, no matter what kind of flaws they had, but this time, she wasn't so sure.

Steele wasn't sure either. He had sat there and listened to one of the strangest stories he had ever heard, and he really wasn't sure if he wanted to really believe in what she was saying, but it sounded so absurd. Jenna had never expressed such terror in her eyes, such pity in the way she spoke of this 'Balto' that he seemed somewhat guilty that he had accused her of seeing another dog.

Looks like I was right, he said, but I didn't think it would be this crazy. But, if she doesn't love him, does that mean…

"Jenna, you said he loves you?" Steele inquired.

"Yes, he does, far more than any other dog."

"So, does that mean you're going to go back to him tomorrow?"

"That's the problem, Steele. I don't know what to do. After what happened down there, I don't know whether to pity him for being deformed, or be afraid of him for having committed murder. He seemed so nice to me, his voice was so entrancing, and his eyes were filled with all the sadness of the world. But he…he…" Jenna lowered her head in her paws, "I'm afraid, Steele. I don't know what he's going to do to me, now that I know his secret. Now that he's confessed his love for me, I don't think he'll ever let me go. He treats me with so much respect and he's by far the kindest dog I've ever met." Steele silently scoffed to the side, "I just…I don't know what to do." She then placed her paws over her eyes. Steele saw that she was upset, and he did his best to comfort her.

"Jenna, look, I don't know him, this Balto guy seems kind of weird, to me that is," He whispered, placing a paw over her shoulder, "but do you love him back?"

"I don't know, Steele," Jenna replied, "He loves me, and he's done so much for me, but I don't know what to feel anymore. I don't know what it is, but I feel like he's no longer the same dog he was before I took off his mask. I feel like I've unleashed a monster…a monster that loves me." The husky sank to the ground again.

"Come on, Jen, don't you know that he's obsessed with you?" Steele added, "Don't you see he's manipulated you into loving him? I mean, it's sounds like he's just some creep to me."

"Why do you care?" Jenna responded, shifting her head on her paws, "I thought you didn't really care about me, or anything that has to do with our friendship?" She tried to sniff away the tears that were coming down her face, but she let them fall, "I'm just so confused, and lost, and afraid…"

Steele seemed to see that Jenna was clearly upset (and this time it wasn't his fault). He hadn't really understood Jenna's relationship with Balto. He almost thought that they were just friends, but after she had said he loved her, he seemed a bit jealous. But that all seemed to fade when he had suddenly become violent with her when he took of his mask. This, along with what she said about him being the Opera Ghost, and a wanted criminal by the Inspector Jean-Claude, he realized that Jenna wasn't at all too conflict with who she wanted to be with.

His eyes lit up, as he gazed down at the weeping husky at his feet. This was his first, and only chance.

But, how was he going to comfort her? He had never done anything like this before, he had never ever shown any kind of affection towards anyone. True, they were friends, but he had never said the three magic words that every other love-sick canine said to their mate. Even when he had admitted his feelings to Philippe, he still seemed somewhat embarrassed. But now, something seemed change in him. He almost felt like the brave, naïve, and nostalgic pup he once was, one that always wanted to be the best at everything. And the one that had come to Jenna's rescue, all those years ago, when he had rescued her bandanna.

It was kind of like that now, but this time, their entire relationship depended on it. He had to act quickly, but how? How? Come on brain, he thought hard, think of something to say! You have to do something! But what am I supposed to do? Hug her? Kiss her? Sing to…He suddenly froze, that's it. That's how I'll do it…no, that's a stupid idea. Steele de Chagny does not sing. It's girly…He then looked down again at the husky, who seemed sadder than ever. He breathed through his nose, realizing that he had to act fast. He had no choice, he had to do it. It was the only way. He quickly thought of a random jumble of lyrics in his head, one from some corny love song that he once heard someone sing in a bar.

The malamute took a deep breath and tried to find his diaphragm. He then slowly sank down on his paws, his face close to Jenna's, and began. "I could bring you flowers…to mingle with your hair…but what, good would be flowers? They only last for hours."

Jenna slowly looked up from her paws, to look at the malamute in front of her. What was that? Jenna thought, did he, the famous Vicomte de Chagny, the toughest dog in all of Paris, really just…sing? She was somewhat confused as to what he was doing, but it seemed like he was trying to comfort in some way. She almost thought it was cute.

Steele, on the other hand, was blushing red. He inwardly cringed as the words left his untrained vocal chords, the notes somewhat flat. He felt like a complete loser for doing that, as he sat on his haunches, looking away from the husky.

Jenna sat up, "Steele, did you just sing to me?" She asked. The malamute turned to glance at her, his cheeks visibly burning on his snow-white cheeks.

"Yeah…maybe…I guess…" He said, darting his eyes about the place.

"But, why?"

The malamute sighed, "I don't know," He replied, "I just thought…maybe…you could use some cheering up…"

Jenna didn't know what to say. The Steele she knew wouldn't really care less about her, but now, he was kind enough to try and make her happy?

Steele…I knew it…under all that muscle you really do have a soft spot in your heart? Jenna thought, chuckling to herself.

"Don't laugh!" Steele whined, "I thought it was, you know, a good idea, seeing how you're a singer and all. I guess I'm not though." The malamute turned to face her as she felt her put a paw on his shoulder.

"Steele, you'd really do that? For me?" She asked.

"Yeah, kind of, sort of, I guess," He blushed again, "I don't think it's a good idea, though…"

"Nonono, it's not a bad idea," Jenna responded, "It's actually kind of cute. A big, strong dog like yourself doing something 'feminine' for once." She giggled. "I actually like that song, but it could be a bit better…much better in terms of lyrics…"

"Well, you're the expert on these things, not me."

"Maybe I can help, if you really want to do this." She said, "I think we can make it better."

"Right now? Up here? Won't somebody hear us?" He had forgotten that they were outside, and that some kind of figure had been following them. He wondered if it was still around.

The husky came up to the malamute, "No one's around, I hope…" She looked over her shoulder, and around the platform they were on.

"Come on, let's just get this over with," Steele sighed deeply, "I just thought it would help you."

"I didn't think that you'd do something like that. I thought you didn't care about our friendship."

"Jenna, I know now…" He abruptly began, "…what I have to do…" Jenna then gasped when the malamute suddenly took one of her paws. He then reached out and kissed her on the lips, almost making the red husky stagger back. Her eyes went wide with surprise, as she was completely taken aback from Steele's lips pressing against hers.

They then broke the kiss, and they fell silent, their faces blushing fiercely. Jenna had both paws over her mouth, not sure what to do or say. No one had ever kissed her that way, and even though it was only a few seconds, it felt like a lifetime. She didn't know how to react to the kiss, but her body was getting warmer, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

She looked over at Steele, who had his back turned, his fur blowing in the cold wind brushing past them along the rafters of the Canine. She couldn't believe it. This was really him; this was really the Steele that she once knew. Only that Steele from Perros, the little malamute dog that rescued her banana from the ocean. Only he would kiss her, and probably love her too. Her heart fluttered, even more than when Balto confessed his love for her. It was a feeling that she longed for, after all those years of being alone, of being lost and afraid of the world.

Could this really be happening? Does this mean that...Steele...

"Steele," Jenna began, breaking the silence between them, "You...do you...do you really..."

Jenna was then silenced, as Steele came up to her, and placed a paw on her mouth, silencing her. He had a glimmer in his eyes, one that Jenna had never seen before, one that she hadn't seen in a long time.

"No more talk of darkness...forget these wide-eyes fears...I'm here, nothing will harm you...my words will warm and calm you," He sang this in a somewhat an almost great sort of tone, his bass was quite fantastic, as it made Jenna's heart skip a beat. The malamute felt more confident this time, as he then put his and Jenna's paws together, "Let me be your freedom, let daylight dry your tears...I'm here, with you, beside you, to guard you, and to guide you..."

Jenna felt a bit of inspiration fill her brain, as she continued the song, "Say you'll love me, every waking moment," She could almost hear the instruments playing in the background, "Turn my head with thoughts of summertime...say you'll need me with you, now and always...promise me, that all you say is true...that's all I ask of you..."

Steele then quickly responded, "Let me be your shelter, come with me tonight, your safe, HE will not find you...your fears are far behind you..."

"All I want is freedom, a world with no more night...and you, always beside me," She then caressed his face, "To hold me, and to hide me..."

The malamute replied with a much more louder tone, "All I ask is when this nightmares ended...when your fears and woes have died away...you'll recall the dog you once befriended...now a man, a man in love with...love me, that's all I ask of you..."

"Say you'll share with me, one love, one lifetime...say the word, and I will follow you..." Their voices then collided with each other, their voices in unision, "Share each day with me (Share each day with me) each night (each night), each morning (each morning)..."

Steele then placed his paws over Jenna's body, as they slowly rose up on their hind paws, "Say you love me..." Jenna sang, smiling.

Steele replied with a grin, "I love you..." They then sang together again, "...That's all I ask of you (That's all I ask of you!)...!" The two then kissed again, and Steele drew her up in his arms, and the two began to do a little waltz, as the music in their heads guided them safely across the platform. The two could feel the warmth from each other's fur, as Jenna laid her head against Steele's strong chest. Nothing could pull away or prevent them from loving each other; they were in sync, their love destroying any fears or doubts that Jenna had held within her. Eventually, the two finally reached the end of their song.

"Annnyywheeerrrre… yooou go," They loudly vocalized, "let me go toooo…!" The two then stared into each other's eyes, as they got closer and closer to each other, "Love me…that's all I ask…of…yooouuu…" As their voices slowly dissipated, and the imaginary music around them finally faded away, they two kissed one final time

After they broke the kiss, the two then started laughing with each other, as Jenna playfully tackled the malamute on his back, as she snuggled up next to him. Steele smiled as he looked at his love, and Jenna laid next to him, her paws in the air. A strange, fuzzy feeling suddenly came into his chest. It was something that he hadn't felt in a long time since they were pups and the two felt happy. It was a nostalgic feeling that had been lost for 15 years, and it finally returned not just as friendship, but as true, passionate love.

"I love you, Jenna," Stephen said, licking her face. Jenna winced as she was licked a few times, and smiled back at the malamute. She felt so much better after that, and much like the lyrics had said, she no longer felt scared or worried, despite the feeling like someone was still watching the two lovebirds. They stayed there for a while, as they watched the night stars' twinkle over the city, which seemed to be filled to the brim with romance and love.

Stephen breathed out through his nostrils, taking in the cool, night air, but when he opened his eyes, he saw Jenna get up from her place.

"Jenna, where are you going?" He asked, rolling over on his side.

"I just remembered, I have to perform as Marguerite tonight. Are you coming to watch, Vicomte?" She asked, wagging her tail slowly, caressing it over the malamute's chin.

"Oh course I am." He said, quickly getting up, "You lead the way…love," He smiled, and Jenna smiled back. The two huskies then slowly descended the steps from the platform, their warm love still fresh in their hearts.

As moon finally rose up over the city of Paris, the cold, swift winter breeze came over the Canine's rooftops, all the way up to Apollo, who, if one looked closely enough, was being perched by what might be confused as a black bird, with his large, black cloak outstretched by the wind, almost like wings, and his cold, dead paws scratching at the gold lyre, his claws leaving marks on the strings.

He had been standing behind the statue of Apollo's Lyre, listening in on the two husky's conversation. He heard every, single, word, every sentence that was said, and every note they had sang, and he nearly clawed his already horrid face off as he heard the song they were singing and their little dance upon the parapet, almost like they were involuntarily mocking him behind his back. This dark figure was a wolf-dog, his face covered by a black mask. He groaned and cringed, as his lean, lanky body scaled up the statue's back, where he now stood, his hind legs skillfully balancing on Apollo's outstretched arms, his front paws dangling down over the golden instrument above him.

Why...why Jenna...I thought you...grrrrr...He felt a slight pain somewhere in his chest. I thought you loved me...I thought you would somehow understand me...and look past my...grrrrrrrr! The pain suddenly came back, this time even harder than before.

"You...you...l-lied to me..." He whimpered, his body shaking violently. He felt his lead lean back, yellow eyes gazing up into the night sky, "I gave you...my music..." His voice trembled with pain and sorrow, "Made your song...t-take wing...A-And-d n-now...how you've r-repaid m-me..." He then sobbed, "Denied...me and...betrayed me..."

He then hung his head, as it positioned itself right on the golden lyre's strings, "He was bound...to LOVE you...w-when he heard you...sing..." He couldn't control himself, as he felt hot tears of pain pour out of the holes in his eyes, and trickle down his blood red face. He had never felt this sad in all his life, he felt like the entire world around him was crashing down.

Until...he heard it...was it in his mind...was it some kind of sound off in the distance? No, it was crystal clear in his head, the voices of his beloved Jenna and that other dog, their voices echoing and vocalizing in his mind.

"Say you'll share with me...one love, one lifetime..." The hybrid's eyes went wide, as the voices penetrated his skull. He clamped his cold paws on his ears to try and drown out their voices, but it was too much for him.

"No...stop..." He begged, but the voices drowned him out, "Say the word...and I will follow..." Balto nearly screamed as he pictured Jenna dancing again with that other dog. Balto never liked Steele de Chagny, though he never spoke of him around Jenna, for fear of possibly losing her. But now, it was far too late.

"Aaaargggghhhhh!" He cried, as the pain returned, only this time it was a pain that made him groan and grunt. He howled out in agonizing pain, his body aching with grief the likes of which the hybrid had never felt before. That cry pierced the silent night, as he clutched his chest, his heart almost collapsing in on itself from the strain. He hated Steele, he hated Jenna. He wanted to destroy them, and ruin them, so they could never belong to each other ever again.

Wait...he thought, as he felt a small twinge of pain in his head, now I know...now I know...what to do...

Finally, the voices in his head slowly faded away, "Share each day with me...each night...each...morning..." He growled, his teeth bared, as he felt something snap, something deep inside the pits of his mind. It left him with only one feeling, one emotion, one thought:

Revenge

He drew himself up at his full length, his voice booming out against the peaceful night, "You will curse...the day you did not do...! All, that the Phantom...asked...of...you!" He raised his arms to the heavens, as he felt some kind of darkness over take the entirety of Paris, the moon slowly fading away from sight.

If one raised their ears to the Canine as they walked past the majestic House, they might have heard a laugh, one that was hysterical and insane, as madness seemed to descend on the black figure atop Apollo's Lyre, who triumphantly raised itself up to the darkened sky.

The audience roared with applause, as the rust-colored husky stepped out from behind the curtain to accept her bows as Faust came to a close that night. A few threw flowers, and some shouted and howled with praise. Jenna bowed gracefully, glancing over at Steele, who was positioned with his brother Philippe, who seemed somewhat proud of his brother, having heard the news that they were really in love.

However, in the midst of the ovation, a laugh could be heard, which seemed to overpower the applause of the audience, and as they fell silent, the laugh boomed and thundered forth a terrible, familiar voice that caused Jenna, Steele, the managers, even Madame Aurelia to freeze with fear.

"BEHOLD! SHE'S SINGING TO BRING DOWN THE CHANDELIER!" The voice roared and continued its insane laughter, and a terrified scream could be heard from somewhere in the balcony. The husky drew her eyes to the painted ceiling, and gasped, covering her mouth with her paws, as she saw that massive, 600 kilo chandelier give way, its chain breaking off its hook, as it rapidly plummeted to the stalls below. As it crashed down on the audience, the entire theater, which was once filled with happiness and joy, was now a cesspool of fear and panic. As the canines below dashed out of their seats, screaming and scrambling their way to the exits, jumping over each other and crashing into each other, a few of the canines remained where they sat, as they viewed the broken and destroyed object before them, covering their eyes as they reluctantly viewed the crushed, mangled bodies of dogs that had been unfortunately too slow to dodge their impending doom.

Jenna was frozen in her spot in shock, knowing exactly who had caused this tragedy, as she watched everyone run out of the theater. Her stationary form vanished in an instant, as the curtain came down in front of her, the sounds of frantic screams and terror-filled howls echoing through the night.

End of Part 1

Well, ladies and gents, that's it for the first half of my story. I do hope you all enjoyed most of it, and seeing how I've got other plans in store, I do hope to continue with my new version of Hybrid of the Opera.

The songs featured in this chapter come from Andrew Lloyd Weber's Musical, The Phantom of the Opera. Feel free to listen to them on Youtube, Spotify, etc. so you can understand what they mean. lol.

For All I Ask Of You, I recommend Steve Barton and Rebecca Caine (my favorite Christine), and for Point of No Return, I recommend Micheal Crawford (the original and greatest Phantom) and also Rebecca Caine. Both versions can be found on Youtube.

This is probably my longest chapter, and the one I worked the hardest on. I really tried to make it look perfect, seeing how this is pretty much the climax of the entire story, and it features probably the most famous scene in the Phantom of the Opera.

Hopefully you all have enjoyed. I will continue it as soon as I'm done outlining the 2nd part.

Thank you all for viewing, and I'll see you soon.

- Dante

Balto © Universal

The Phantom of the Opera © Gaston Leroux

Inspector Jean-Claude belongs to me.

All I Ask Of You, All I Ask Of You (Reprise), and Point Of No Return © Andrew Lloyd Weber

I changed a few lyrics from All I Ask Of You to somehow fit the parody. Some of the lyrics are based off of the song's original 'cheesier' lyrics.

© 2015 - 2024 HydeCorner
Comments75
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
Fail-Seeker's avatar
I feel this suits where she comforts him and shows her care for him which he isn't used to after showing his face: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwuFm-…