"Dialogues"

"Toughts"

Foreing vocabulary

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It was dark. She couldn't see anything.

"Hello?"

The raven-haired woman called out. But she only received an answer from the echo of her voice. She tried again, getting the same result.

Kagome took a few steps backwards and felt herself bump into something solid. She began to feel the surface.

"A door?" the miko said in confusion as she touched what appeared to be a doorknob. She struggled a couple of times, trying to open it. She sighed in resignation when she didn't succeed. She blinked in bewilderment as she noticed that her hand was minimally visible due to a light source behind her and then realised that a curtain of mist was swirling at her feet.

Kagome turned and gasped in surprise. A few feet in front of her stood a beautiful antique full-length mirror with a delicately carved gold frame, though what puzzled her was that the light and mist were emerging from a small gap on the left side of it.

She moved to get closer but didn't move an inch when something in the reflection stopped her. A silhouette. It was hard to make out but it was clearly a human. As it became clearer and clearer, the blue-eyed miko began to hear...

I am your Angel of Music

Come to me, Angel of Music

The voice seemed to come from everywhere. It was deep, seductive and consumed her in an automatic trance. The clear image of a man occupied the mirror.

He was the owner of the voice. A bone-white mask covered half of his face, the other half was submerged in shadows. Yet his eyes stood out. As intoxicating as the music emanating from his mouth.

I am your Angel of music

Come to me, Angel of Music

She moved in rapt attention, longing to be closer. She stopped just long enough to raise an arm and touch him.

The man held out a black gloved hand.

"Viens à moi, mon petit oiseau en cage..."

She lost herself in his gaze, and as she was about to place her hand over his...

『 °*• •*°』

Kagome awoke gasping and covered in a thin layer of cold sweat. She ran the back of her hand across her forehead to wipe away some of the beads there. She rose slowly from her bed and walked calmly to a bowl filled with water that sat on the wooden dresser. She splashed some water on her face and dried it with the hand towel next to the bowl.

When she looked up, the miko was confronted with her unhealthy reflection, whose appearance was worsened by the memory of the dream. She rested both hands on the furniture to support herself. Certain words spoken by the man in the dream echoed in her mind.

"Angel of Music..." Kagome murmured in astonishment. A smile appeared on her face. She began to twirl as she laughed euphorically "Angel of Music!" she exclaimed, raising her arms. The woman spun around so many times that she fell flat on her face on the bed as she felt dizzy "Finally... after three bloody centuries!" Kagome put a hand to her mouth in disbelief that it was finally happening, tears of joy soon flowing. "Yes!" unable to contain her excitement, she gave a high-pitched squeal as she jumped up and down on the bunk causing the springs to rattle under her weight.

Loud banging from the next room interrupted the raucous merriment "Shut up and let the rest of us sleep in peace!" cried an angry male voice.

Kagome grimaced "Sorry!" she replied apologetically. That didn't dampen her happiness though.

She curled up under the covers ready for sleep as she would be leaving for her new destination first thing tomorrow morning. And with luck, perhaps her last.

『 °*• •*°』

Paris, France. 1870

In the busy streets of the capital, a carriage stopped in front of an imposing building. The driver left his post and went to open the passenger door, holding out his hand to the person inside. A delicate, pale hand took his and a small female figure emerged from the vehicle, earning the curious and impressed stares of passers-by.

Not because of her clothing or her luggage, but because of her appearance.

She was a beautiful woman with Asian features.

"Why do they see me like this?" thought Kagome extremely confused as she realized she had several eyes on her. "I dressed as simple as possible" she inspected her outfit for anything out of place "No, everything's fine" she shrugged and decided to ignore the stares on her person.

From a pouch tied around her waist she pulled out some gold coins to pay the driver.

"Merci beaucoup" he thanked her with a deep bow. "And... mademoiselle?"

"Tell me." Kagome nodded.

"It is not common to see foreigners like you, let alone such a pretty young woman" the man explained with a gentle smile as he noticed the miko's bewilderment and her face flushed brightly at the compliment. The driver laughed at her reaction and resumed his seat. "Good luck, madame" he nodded goodbye and drove away.

Kagome turned around and gasped at how amazing the place was, for she had not observed it in detail until that moment.

"Sugoi..." she murmured in shock. A lady passing by stopped for a second and looked at her strangely. The raven-haired miko smiled sheepishly and hurried inside.

If she thought the outside was beautiful, the inside was magnificent.

"It's as beautiful as Buckingham Palace..." Kagome walked towards the majestic marble staircase, rested a hand on the, excuse the redundancy, handrail and climbed up appreciating the feel of the cool, polished material under her palm. She looked up at the ceiling "It reminds me of the Sistine Chapel. Well, supposedly this is where my Angel of Music is haha."

The asian woman followed her instincts and walked towards where she sensed the auras of several people. Stirring auras. She ended up in front of a door, from which she heard muffled chanting behind. Excited for what she could see, she entered.

"Kami, is the whole place a work of art?" she thought incredulously at the equally incredible auditorium "Aish, if only I had a camera. I miss the technology of my time in these moments."

... from the enslaving force of Rome!

A particular female high note brought her out of her reverie. She turned her gaze to the stage just in time as the choir arrived. She quickly took a seat in a corner as hidden as possible.

With feasting, and dancing, and song

Tonight in celebration!

We greet the victorious throng

Returned to bring salvation!

She admired the sequence with fascination. The costumes, the scenery, the props. "If this is how fantastic a rehearsal is, I can't imagine the play."

The chorus boys and girls made way for a burly man.

Kagome put a hand to her mouth to cover the laughter that escaped her at the thick accent.

The practice was interrupted by the appearance of a middle-aged gentleman along with two other men with funny moustaches. She half paid attention to what they were talking about, something about a 'change of direction', and continued to look around.

She looked back when they resumed their rehearsal.

"Move it!" the miko grumbled internally at the two men and a woman who were in the way of her view of the scene "Thank you! Tch" she snorted when they finally got out of the way.

Captivated by the performance, she inadvertently clapped when it was over. Those present looked around in confusion but Kagome managed to hide behind the seats in time.

They were distracted by a woman's complaint, evidently Italian.

The blue-eyed peeked out slowly and, seeing that everyone was already chatting, took her seat again.

"He's just as excited about girls dancing as his new managers! Because I won't be singing!" the Italian woman shouted at the two men. "Andiamo tutti! Now it's finito! Give me my doggy! Goodbye!"

Kagome laughed to herself at the woman's attitude, more amused at how the managers went after her. The fear she generated in them was palpable, though apparently not just in them but in everyone based on the way people quickly backed away from her. After several blandishments they managed to convince her not to leave and 'begged' for a song.

The asian raven-haired confusedly noticed some maids putting earplugs in their ears. The rest of the people present were also upset but knew how to hide it.

Think of me, think of me fondly...

When the woman began to sing, Kagome rolled her eyes, "What an exaggeration, her voice isn't so bad."

But...

Suddenly, a backdrop fell over the singer. And the miko, without a second thought, grabbed one of her bags and rushed to help. She nimbly climbed onto the stage.

Those who were removing the beam above the woman let go of her in surprise at her sudden appearance, but when they heard the Italian's screams, they snapped out of their stupor.

As soon as they managed to move the curtain, Kagome knelt down beside the woman. "How are you, madame?" she asked.

She didn't expect her to respond dismissively, "And who are you?" the singer refused the miko's proffered hand.

"Yes, mademoiselle. Who are you?" asked politely, unlike the singer, the gentleman who had arrived earlier with the others.

"Long story. The important thing now is that luckily I have medical knowledge" she said seriously.

Those with the funny moustaches looked at her incredulously "You? A woman?" they questioned in mocking unison, which infuriated her.

However, Kagome calmly replied "Yes, so you can let me examine your Primma Donna to rule out anything serious and then interrogate me. Or..." she paused for a moment to stand up "You can do that now, fetch a doctor who knows what time he'll be here and waste time." she said indifferently.

The Italian pointed to the male pair "You two! Enough with the stupidity" she demanded.

"But..." the woman raised a hand, silencing them instantly "As you wish, signora." they nodded with well-camouflaged annoyance.

"And you..." she gave Kagome a scornful look, who didn't flinch. "You'd better know what you're doing." she said in a warning tone.

"Don't worry." the miko replied politely.

The managers introduced as Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur André and led her to a room along with the lady who walked with them across the stage, Madame Giry. Monsieur Lefreve, the kindly man, remained on the stage.

At Kagome's command they had to carry the Italian, called Carlotta, by the shoulders so that she would not exert herself, which she accepted without any trouble, glad of the attention and thus overlooking the annoyed expressions of the managers.

When they reached the room only Madame Giry entered with them.

It was a large room papered in pink, full of flowers. But on the opposite side of the door was an object that caused Kagome to drop her suitcase, stunned at what she saw.

"I-it's... it's the mirror from my dream." She blinked a couple of times, not believing it was real. A hand on her shoulder snapped her out of her daze.

"Are you well?" Madame Giry asked, examining her with a kind but calculating look.

Kagome gave her a carefree smile, "Yes, sorry. I got lost wondering what I could give Carlotta depending on what she has." she excused herself, trying to sound as convincing as she could. But the miko could tell by the older woman's countenance that she didn't believe her, but she said no more. The raven-haired cleared her throat uncomfortably and approached the dressing table where she placed her suitcase, from which she began to remove medical supplies. "Madame Giry, would you please untie Signora Giudicelli's corset and gown while I prepare what is needed?" she heard a 'finalement!' from the singer, but ignored it.

"Of course" the french woman replied.

As the miko prepared the items, she couldn't help but catch a glimpse of the object of her dreams in the mirror on the counter. "No Kagome, not now. Concentrate." she scolded herself, trying to ignore the damn thing. She used all her self-control not to look at it every second as she examined Carlotta.

"You may dress again, signora." she announced as she finished.

"Well?" asked the Italian impatiently, biting her finger in nervousness.

"You have a slight bruise, nothing serious." Kagome reassured her. The singer sighed dramatically, to which the miko laughed. "Apply this cream to the area, massaging in a circular motion" she indicated, holding out a small jar, receiving thanks from her under Madame Giry's surprised gaze.

She put her things away, waiting for the singer to get dressed. As Carlotta left the room, she gave the two men a look that could freeze hell and stomped away. Firmin and André obviously ran after her.

Kagome raised an eyebrow and turned to Madame Giry, who sighed "She's always like that." the old lady shrugged, already accustomed to the diva's tantrums.

The miko shook her head in amusement "Admittedly, it is a funny thing in a man's world to see them so fearful of a woman."

Madame Giry paused for a moment "Yes... it is." she agreed with a slight smile and they both laughed.

Near the stage, they heard Carlotta's screams. Madame Giry walked off in another direction and Kagome managed to see her pick up something from the floor, it looked like a piece of paper.

"Signora, these things happen" said a nervous André at the Italian's furious state.

"For the last three years these things have been happening!" she exclaimed indignantly and looked at Lefreve, who became a little self-conscious "And you have stopped them from happening? No!" she returned her gaze to the other two "And you are as bad as him! These things happen? she repeated sarcastically "Until you stop these things from happening, this...!" she pointed to herself "... it doesn't happen." then, she pointed at Kagome, who froze as the eyes of everyone in the room were on her. "She's the only competent one in this place!"

"Uh..." the miko stammered in confusion. "Grazie?"

"Ubaldo! Andiamo! Bring my dog and my coffer" Carlotta ordered, leaving followed by her entourage for the second time, though this seemed to be the final one if the commotion in the hall meant anything.

"Amateurs." Ubaldo sneered at the two men. He looked at Kagome and gave a small bow in her direction before leaving.

"Gentlemen, good luck. If you need me, I'll be in Australia." Lefreve said "Goodbye, mademoiselle." like Ubaldo, he bowed to the miko, who returned it.

Firmin and André looked on the verge of collapse. "She will be back, won't she?" asked the second one to the conductor, who shrugged his shoulders.

"Do you think so? Monsieur." Madame Giry appeared, holding something.

"I knew it! Well, it's a letter, actually. But a paper indeed."

"I have a message from the Phantom of the Opera"

That caught the miko's attention "Phantom of the Opera? I came for an Angel, not a ghost. This place is crazy" she thought with a mixture of surprise, annoyance and curiosity.

"He welcomes you to his Opera..." continued Madame Giry.

Firmin snorted in disbelief "His Opera?"

"And he orders you to continue to leave box five free for his use." she gestured with his cane to the stall. "Also, he reminds you that you owe him his salary" Madame said, showing them the letter. "Monsieur Lefreve used to give him twenty thousand francs a month." Firmin snatched the paper from her when he heard this. "Perhaps you can pay more, having the Vicomte as your patron" she said, arranging her hair as if it were nothing.

"Ah, so he's a simple man then" Kagome reasoned. "Though I can't imagine what he could need so much money for. Maybe being a ghost costs dearly."

"Madame, I had hoped to make that announcement when he came to the gala. But obviously we must cancel since we apparently lost our star!" furious, he tore the letter to shreds.

"Surely there is an understudy?" André asked in despair. His mood worsened when the answer was negative.

"We'll have to return the money to an entire ward" said his companion in the same state.

Kagome, who so far hadn't said a word and only watched pitifully, blurted out:

"I could help you." Instantly, she had the attention of the entire room. A slight blush appeared on her face at the intensity of the stares.

Firmin opened his mouth to reply but kept silent. And instead of saying whatever he was going to say before, he questioned "And how would you do that? mademoiselle..." at that moment he finally realised that she had not yet told them her name.

"Kagome Higurashi." the miko introduced herself, bowing with such elegance that they were impressed. Which helped the credibility of her next words "And to answer your question, I have a frère aîné who is something like a Duke in my homeland. I could also be your patron." at her statement, the room erupted in uproar.

"A Duke?"

"She must be incredibly rich!"

Those were some of the comments that could be heard.

"I hope Sesshomaru doesn't murder me for this" Kagome pleaded to herself.

The thing is, after seeing that in Carlotta's room, she kept thinking of a plan to investigate it and find out if it was like in her dream. She needed an excuse, something that would allow her to stay at the Opera or visit it frequently. She couldn't come up with any feasible ideas until the Italian woman left the play, causing the managers to despair of financial well-being. Then Kagome saw her chance. She was going to offer herself as a sponsor. But with what money? With the same money that made her world travels possible. Although she didn't want to abuse Sesshomaru's favor, the occasion warranted it. There was no way she was going to pass up the occasion to finally end her three hundred year ordeal.

Now, moving on from what the miko said...

The managers' faces turned corpse-pale. "My Lady!" they both exclaimed, bowing not so gracefully.

"A-a thousand pardons, madame, for our previous behaviour. Truly, our most sincere apologies." stammered André. He seemed on the verge of a nervous breakdown, as did Firmin.

He approached her (who was struggling to hide her amusement) and awkwardly placed a kiss on the back of her hand "What fools we were! Only a lady of such high standing would possess the impeccable manners and refined appearance that you display!" he proclaimed in the same fawning tone they had used with Carlotta. Small beads of sweat covered her brow.

Though Kagome was amused by the twist in their attitudes, she took pity on them "At least they'll think better of it before they belittle someone.". She nodded with a smile that reassured them a bit. "So, gentlemen, do you accept my proposal?" she spoke with a calm demeanour, but inwardly she was dying of anxiety as to what they would say.

Fermin and André looked at each other. "It would be an honour, mademoiselle." they said bowing... again.

"Yes!" Inwardly, she did a victory dance. "Excellent, messieur." she returned the gesture.

"However, there is still the problem that we don't have a Prima Donna." Firmin complained.

Madame Giry's voice attracted everyone's attention "Christine Daeé could sing." she said next to a pretty young woman with chestnut curls whose eyes were wide as saucers at the woman's statement. "She's been taking lessons with a great teacher. She was well taught."

"A chorus girl? Don't be silly." laughed André. But at the serious expression their newly included patron sent him, he dropped his petulant posture and cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Who taught you?" he asked politely.

"I don't know his name, monsieur." replied the shy girl in a low tone of voice.

"In my opinion, you should let her audition" spoke Kagome, receiving a grateful look from Madame Giry. The managers agreed resignedly, they had nothing to lose. She gestured Christine to come closer "Come on, don't be afraid, come on, come on." she insisted, giving her a friendly smile. The young girl walked towards her with hesitant steps. "Perfect." the miko placed a hand on one of the girl's shoulders when she reached her side and gently pushed her towards the centre of the stage.

"Perhaps it would not be a bad thing to have her here" Madame Giry thought, appreciating the remarkably good energy emitted by the foreign beauty "I only hope he agrees."

"From the beginning of the aria, mademoiselle." said the conductor from the orchestra stand.

"André, this is not helping my nerves." Fermin whispered to him.

A touch on her arm distracted Kagome and she looked up at the person, it was Madame Giry. "Thank you." the old lady murmured with a look on her face that showed her gratitude.

"You are welcome." smiled the miko and they both looked back at a nervous Christine.

And when she began to sing, Kagome gasped. "Totemo utsukushīdesu... The voice of the angels must sound like this... She is an angel of music." Her eyes crystallized, moved at the feeling the girl's voice projected. She looked at the managers for a moment and laughed to herself as she saw them equally impressed.

When the brown-curled girl finished, the room erupted in cheers.

"Magnifique!" exclaimed the miko.

"Unbelievable, Miss. Unbelievable!" said a revived Fermin. With that girl's talent the play would be a success. One look at his companion and he knew he thought the same.

Immersed in the emotion of the moment, Kagome failed to notice the shadowy aura of an outsider watching her, hidden in the shadows of the infamous box five. Not that she could have known either. Not knowing the workers, she was unable to distinguish anyone strange.

Deep light green eyes narrowed at the laughing asian beauty who congratulated Christine. With a dramatic billow of a dark cloak, the individual disappeared.

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End of Chapter One

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Translations:

Viens à moi, mon petit oiseau en cage...: Come to me, my little caged bird...

Merci beaucoup: Thank you very much

Monsieur: Mister

Mademoiselle: Miss

Sugoi: amazing

Andiamo tutti: Let's go, everybody!

Finito!: finished

Primma Donna: First lady of the scene

Signora: Mistress

Vicomte: Viscount

Frère aîné: older brother

Messieur: gentleman

Magnifique!: Magnificent

Totemo utsukushīdesu...: So beautiful...

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The actress i chose for Kagome is Satomi Ishihara. Such a preety woman *dreamy sigh*