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Disclaimer:
Rather than the lists of movies or books this may remind you of keep this in mind. If you recognize it, IT IS NOT MINE!!
Author's notes: AGAIN, Bear with me as I am just learning. If you have not already read my revisions, please do so there were mainly grammar errors with one name change.
If this is the revised version, I don't want to know what the original looked like.
Nothing major just a few minor adjustments so someone's head doesn't go into a tizzy trying to read it.
Jack: Too late for that.
My apologies for any headaches or blurred vision this may have caused.
Jack: *points to previous comment*
Special thanks to a few of my readers who have helped with the grammar errors of my text.
Harvey: They obviously didn't help you enough.
AND to my Beta, a huge Wonka Bar with a golden ticket, girl! You are fabulous and would not do this without you.
Last time on Love upon the Sea: Old friendships were rekindled. Raoul is trying to rekindle a childhood crush with the young governess, Christine.
Jack: I didn't know Christine was a governess.
While Erik is trying desperately to compose again.
Instead of looting and pillaging and stuff, like a proper pirate...
He was coerced into a rescue attempt for Meg to retrieve Captain Jack Sparrow from prison. Erik will receive an inspirational dance from Meg in return for this service.
That sounds dirty.
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Chapter 5-Aspiring Futures
In this late Baroque period, several musicians are searching for inspirational voices and dramatic dancers to help in their musical creations.
The composers have exhausted the styles and technique of this period. Many find composing a daunting task thus seeking ways to rectify the situation. In Italy, they have turned to opera as a means to express the importance of the story nature of their concertos. Raoul has told Christine of these developments and this new style intrigues her. The thought of elements of dance and theater mixed with beautiful music and melodious voices. It arouses a vibrant passion within her that can only be released by her heartfelt expression in the confines of her own musical conservatory.
Harvey: Contrived reason for Erik to want Christine and Meg around, ahoy!
Although Christine seeks to enlighten her father about her desire to sing, the governor wants greater things for his little girl. Alana strongly feels that her daughter's time would be better spent in pursuit of a husband and a fulfilling, prosperous life.
Sounds like a typical 17th-century parent.
However, much to the dismay of her mother, William is in the process of having a famous composer hear his daughter's melodious voice.
Harvey: Uh, what?
He always tries to make sure that his daughter enjoys the finest things, especially the arts, for they bring her heart joy.
In the conservatory of the Kesslar Estate, Christine is singing with the background of a harpsichord and violin, both players of the highest quality. The diva begins a familiar piece. It begins soft and slow, her passion rising with every chord. As the soprano continues to test her abilities, she adds higher notes, feeling completely free. Christine allows her eyes to close drawing her heart and mind deeper in the music's tune. Totally immersed in the tune, her spirit lifting her off the ground with the melody
Jack: *tries to understand what that just said* *fails*
Finishing with a high note, the brunette hears a faint clapping sound. Startled that anyone else was in the room, the young singer opens her brown eyes
Because it's essential we remember Christine has brown eyes.
to find a familiar man standing near the entrance of the room…Raoul…
The man is dressed in elegant silk brocade with silver ribbon trim. The woven shades of green are distinguished by the pattern of doubloons in its fabric.
Jack: *laughs* I'm no fashion expert, but that sounds ridiculous.
Christine has only heard of this fashion so she assumes he had it brought from Paris. He looks so dashing and regal,
Hell yeah, he does!
Harvey: Raoul-fangirl.
*ignores him*
standing in awe clapping loudly.
Jack: Weren't they already speaking French?
A perfect beaming smile crosses his face as he walks towards her. Christine looks down with a giggle. The singer is slightly embarrassed that he had heard her sing. The Vicomte approaches her with his arms extended. Upon reaching her, Raoul places his soft hands on the outsides of Christine's pale arms causing her to quiver.
"You sang like an angel tonight." he says.
Christine bashfully grins as the he moves his hands up and down slowly on her arms thus increases the quaking of the young singer.
Dammit, Raoul. You were doing so well, but now you're veering into creepy territory.
"Are you cold, my dear?" He adds with alarm.
"A little." she lies trying not to draw attention to her feelings. "The wind coming off the sea is cooler this evening."
Raoul removes his hands from her arms and approaches the open window. The ocean's wind is thrashing the draperies like a servant shaking them for cleaning. He throws up his hands so as the catch the whipping fabric. He glances outside noticing the rain splashing against the glass.
Harvey: I thought the window was open.
"Is that better, Little Lottie?" He asks as he raises her chin slightly with his gentle touch.
Raoul allows his sky blue eyes to embrace her dark amber ones tenderly.
How do eyes embrace each other?
Christine responds timidly with a nod and sits upon the divan. Smirking,
Jack: Why is he smirking?
the man sat close beside her causing her to redden.
They continue their discussion much like previous nights, talking of Paris, the arts, poetry and satires. Raoul feels confident that his charms are winning over the young governess.
Harvey: This is Christine's POV. How does she know how Raoul feels? And I don't think the author knows what "governess" means.
Christine enjoys his visits, for teatime has become a rather dull affair. She gets pleasure from his wild stories of the north.
Harvey: I thought Christine was the one with the wild stories of the north.
But still she feels that something is absent from this relationship.
Jack: Namely, the stalking and kidnapping, like Erik did to her...
Raoul's voice fades into the background as Christine begins to ponder: Raoul would make a fine husband. He is handsome and of good breeding.
The dark hair girl cringes at that notion but continues her thought. But would my life be any different? I want adventure in the great wide world. I want it more than I can stand. It would be splendid if someone silently shared my feelings on this. I want so much more than what is expected of my life.
Why, hello there, Beauty and the Beast.
Belle (Reprise) - Beauty and the Beast
The curly brunette speaks up abruptly cutting off Raoul's deliberation.
Jack: I don't think this author knows what "deliberation" means, either.
"Have you ever wanted to travel?"
Raoul stops his elaborate gestures and looks at her; his head turns slightly to the side wondering what this question had to do with his story.
I've had enough of this bad writing. From now on, I shall edit this story in red...assuming I can work out what the author meant.
Upon seeing her earnest expression, he responds, "Everything I want is here." Christine looks at him, disappointed. He continues, "I have seen other places, France, England, Italy, and now the Caribbean. Why would I want to be anywhere else?"
Jack: Which is...where? Here in the Caribbean? This makes no sense.
Raoul finds this idea amusing. "Christine, do you not feel that the life of a Vicomte is adventure? I have full command over my parents' affairs,
Harvey: Wouldn't that be Philippe's job?
Adaptations tend to write him out. The musical was one of them.
plenty of money to spend at my leisure, and now here, I have a rank of Admiral and command the ships of the armada without ever
leaving the island."
I don't think that's how navies work...
Raoul grins at the thought of his important life and awaits his friend's reply. Christine sighs, knowing he does not understand.
Just then, Andre opens the door to the conservatory. "I am sorry to interrupt you, Monsieur le Vicomte, but..."
Jack: (Andre): I have to bring in the next plot point.
"My apologies, Admiral, but it is imperative that I speak with you at once. It is about the pirate we captured," informs the vice-admiral, causing the girl's ears to perk up.
Could they have captured Erik Sebella? she wonders. Is my nightmare coming true?
She looks down as Raoul takes the officer aside to speak privately.
Harvey: Thus ensuring Christine will overhear their conversation, because plot.
Jack: This thing has a plot?
Christine's ears tuned sharply toward the men's low voices.
"Sir, tomorrow is the Sabbath, so we will be unable to hang the pirate. Do you wish me to move him in case of a rescue attempt?" questions the uniformed man.
"Rescue? What makes you think that will occur?" Raoul asks.
Jack: (Raoul) And why couldn't you have waited to ask me this until after my visit was over?
Harvey: (Latimer): The plot demanded it.
Christine sighs with relief as she hears the pirate's name. The voices fade as Raoul moves out of earshot of the young girl.
Jack: How big is this room?
"I do and I will not have any man try to make a mockery of our Port Kesslar. They are a lying, cheating breed and we shall make a warning out of this so-called captain at first light after Sabbath." the Vicomte replies confidently.
"But, sir..." The vice-admiral began.
"That will be all, Vice-Admiral Latimer," the prominent man retorts as the uniformed man salutes and brusquely leaves the Kesslar estate to carry out the Vicomte's orders.
Now red in the face with anger at the incompetence of his men, Raoul runs his fingers through his blonde hair with frustration. His mind rotates with the thought of his first hanging and has almost forgotten Christine.
"I am sorry, my dear. Erm...Where were we?" Thinking for a moment the man adds, "Ah, yes, you were asking if I wanted adventure."
Raoul points to the door, in jest, of the adventurous conversation that had just taken place in front of her eyes. The curly-haired brunette feels ashamed for questioning the man.
Why is no one in this story ever called by their name?
She fiddles with her hair and claims, "Raoul, it is getting late and I am tired. Could we continue this another time?"
Christine halfheartedly responds, "I would like that."
Raoul, sensing her unhappiness, continues, "I am hoping to speak with Dr. Covent about your condition."
Christine quickly looks up. Raoul bends slightly forward, brushing one curly hair away from her face and explains, "I believe the doctor may allow you to go on an outing with me. Would you like that?"
Christine's brown eyes fill with joy. She has not been outside in over two weeks.
Harvey: Over two weeks? Didn't she get sick just a few days ago?
"Thank you, Raoul. I would like that."
The confused girl sits in the silent room. Alana enters to inquire about Raoul's visit.
"My dear, how was your visit with Raoul?"
The girl does not respond. She is lost in thought about the evening's events.
"CHRISTINE?" her mother shouts, awakening her from her trance.
The startled girl replies, "Oh, hello, Mother."
"So, the Vicomte seems to be enjoying your company more every day," the governess states,
Jack: Now Alana's a governess?
hoping Christine will tell her more.
"Has he asked you anything special?" her mother questions hopefully.
Christine smiles, raising her mother's hopes. "Yes!"
"Really? What is it, dear?" Alana asks in anticipation.
"Raoul is going to call again tomorrow. He said that he would speak with the doctor about taking me on an outing," the brunette replies, hoping to satisfy her mother's curiosity.
This sounds like a promising relationship, Alana thinks to herself. She calls the servant to attend to her daughter's bedtime needs. Scheming as usual, Alana goes to find her husband, William. The governess informs him of the recent events.
Christine retires to the quiet solitude of her room for the night. Even if her resting is only to betray Raoul in with dreams of the legendary pirate, Erik Sebella.
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Erik has been true to his word to the blonde pirate, Meg. The Phantom is sailing toward Port Kesslar to save Jack from an untimely death by hanging. It would take a normal ship two days to make the journey. However, The Phantom is capable of sailing at night, like every other ship, having a black hull and sails that make it difficult to see. Some consider it a ghost ship, for no soul sees it approaching before or leaving after an attack.
Eustace the Monk called. He wants his ship back.
Not even the fastest ship of the French armada, Le Conquérant, navigated by Vice-Admiral Jean Latimer, is capable of such an achievement.
Erik grumbles in frustration, as the nights have been far too quiet for his taste. "Aye, matey."
"The men be glad we're not to be hearin' more womanly voices upon the breeze," Naider informs the captain.
"Womanly voices...yes." Erik says with a far-off look in his eye.
"Cap'n?" Naider asks, pulling him back to the task at hand.
Erik shakes himself from his thoughts and orders, "Right...um...keep steady toward starboard. I want to be at Port Kesslar by nightfall on God's day of rest."
Bowing his head respectfully, Naider replies, "May He bless our rescue. Amen."
Listening to the man's prayer, the captain, wearing a half-smile and shaking his head, orders, "You superstitious imp, sail my ship! I will be in my cabin."
Erik stands at the door of his quarters and listens. With a half-smile,
Jack: You just said that.
he hears squealing and hissing from inside the cabin. As he enters, Ayesha jumps into his arms with a growl. Meg is standing on a chair, holding up a candlestick to defend herself.
"You...she...RRRRR!" Meg snaps.
Brushing her blonde hair out of her face, dropping the weapon, and stepping off the chair, Meg approaches the captain and his feline slowly and angrily. "That cat... IS A DEMON!" she screams.
Ayesha replies with a violent lunge and a hiss. Erik chuckles at their reaction and gently strokes the Siamese's soft pelt. "Now, girls. We must learn how to treat one another kindly."
The blonde pirate accuses, "She attacked me."
"HISSSSSSSSSSS!" the feline responds and jumps from her owner to the wooden desk.
As opposed to the marble desk.
"But I thought you wanted me to dance for you," Meg replies seductively, glancing up and down his muscled body.
Her words anger Erik. "Have you forgotten that I am not a drunken sailor looking for a wench? You will come to me, but only when I request it of you."
Turning her attention to Ayesha, Meg warns, "You wait, kitty. When I get my hands on you, you'll be swimming for your dinner." She turns to leave in a huff.
Erik quickly grabs her by the arm before she exits and asserts, "Save your strength for tomorrow. We will need you for the fight ahead. Good evening, Meg." Erik smirks and bows like a gentleman as the blonde leaves his cabin.
Erik closes the door behind him and walks over to sit at his mahogany desk. Ayesha lays on top, flicking her tail in annoyance. The owner addresses his devilish pet, "Is that any way to treat a lady? I wonder how I ever tamed your heart."
The upcoming battle is not on the pirate's mind tonight. Erik begins to think of the men's fears as they travel to Port Kesslar...the same port that a maiden's voice upon the wind had warned them to avoid a few days before.
That voice... a voice which for now remains a mystery...
Do I know this maiden?
Harvey: Obviously not, or her voice would have sounded familiar.
Why would she warn me? Why do I need her protection? Is this a mere trick of the armada to hide said pirate from the grasp of the Phantom? Erik continues through the night to contemplate the significance of this message and their upcoming battle...
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OK! Before I am again publicly flogged. I apologize once again for the R/C scene.
Don't.
You must understand however, that it must occur to further the story. Raoul is the only one that she knows and is being pushed to marry. Erik is a fantasy and the man of her dreams (literally).
And in one sentence, the author sums up quite a bit of what's wrong with this story.
But they have not met as of yet only in a haunting ghostly wind. I PROMISE this meeting will come shortly within the next few chapters.
Also, Raoul holds the title of Admiral but he has no naval training
Then why is he an admiral?
nor doesn't leave the island that fact will become clearer in later chapters. I am also going to apologize for the rescue delay. Next chapter will start there, keep reading!
Now Reviewer responses:
jtbwriter: Thank you for your kinds words about my character development. I am trying to do each character justice.
You're failing.
I am not completely satisfied with Erik yet. But I will be working on Erik more in the next few chapters even adding a beloved pirate Jack. I hope you continue to read.
the Mouse in the Opera house: The authoress feels sorry for said mouse and decides to grant her wish. Although the squeaks ahve sometimes kept me up at night (now 1:37 am), I hope that the mouse can sqeak in satisfaction this night. Good night!
zeeksmom: Just to thank you again. I know you are tired of hearing from me. I hope you keep reading!
Me: The mysteries of Meg are really what every woman wants...a piece of what they can not have. Erik does not love her. He used her to further his music with an inspirational dance. I hope you continue to read and review!
phantomlver: Meg and Erik was a playful thing. Trust me it is all one sided longing for Meg. Erik's part is a means of getting a composition only nothing more. A woman wanting and a man not totally selling. He is lost...doesn't know what is wrong. He will know when he finds it! ;) Keep reading!
Skoteinos Metamfiezomai: Sorry again for our eyes! The fop fluff will burn once again but I promise that next chapter is fop fluff free.
I want to know who started the PotO fandom tradition of calling Raoul a fop. I'd like to kick their ass.
We have to to further the story and get to the much needed E/C pairing. Also, Jack will emerge from his hanging trials shortly. The Phantom to the rescue!
rikku ree: Sorry about my summary, I need to modify that I guess. I was not sure what to do with it being my first phanphic. Any suggestions?
Fix the grammar and punctuation, cut out the filler, and actually give this thing a plot.
PM me! Keep reading!
Lothiriel: Good guess! But Erik will not kidnap Christine. The more you read the more you know! LOL! Have fun!
superphan:( Sorry about the FOP!
Someday, I am going to write a Phantom of the Opera/Scarlet Pimpernel/Zorro crossover titled "Revenge of the Not-fops."
But as you can see in my notes it is necessary. I am getting to E/C but the more she has drawn the fop in the more dramatic the absence of her too. Please continue to read and review!
anges raddieux and Kailia: Thank you for reading and I hope you are enjoying it so far! Sword fighting is coming up soon!
kriegle98: I enjoyed your review. Thank you for the kind words. I have apologized so many times for the fop but I promise that the E/C will be worth the wait.
canangelscry: Thank you so much for your help and guidence on this. You are a wonderful friend and Beta. Togethr we make a fine writing team. I hope you are enjoying your Wonka Bar and golden ticket. Speaking of which...
erm...EVERYONE CHECK OUT A NEW STORY CALLED DARK CHOCOLATE BY CANANGELSCRY. It is a bright little tale with a romantic and humorous twist. I am enjoying helping with it.
If it's anything like this story...no.
Well, boys, any final thoughts?
Jack: This is the most un-piratey pirate story I've ever read. It's boring. Pirate stories aren't supposed to be boring. And the author needs a new beta.
Harvey: Christine really doesn't come off in a good light here. She's so in love with her fantasy of a handsome pirate captain sweeping her off her feet that she fails to notice the very real man standing right in front of her. The story itself is a mess. There's no clear plot, the characters are OOC, and the writing hurts to read.
Thanks. You're dismissed.
*Jack and Harvey leave the sporking chamber*
See you all in the next chapter.