Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, any of its versions, or any of the characters.

Title: Le Spectacle des Merveilles

Summary: Swept into the world of a traveling circus, Christine unexpectedly encounters two men who will forever change her life. One: a young man with dreams and aspirations that go beyond the limits of the circus. The second: a monster.

Author's Note: Welcome one and all! I'm back! I haven't posted anything on here in a long time, but what better way to come back then with a Phantom of the Opera fanfic? Recently I went back and reread one of my Phantom of the Opera fanfictions and it got me in the mood to write another. I took a little inspiration from the Joel Schumacher film, but mostly I like to use the Gaston Leroux book version and the Andrew Lloyd Webber broadway version. I am typically not a full Erik/Christine shipper, but I tend to find that writing their romance is much more interesting. Yet, I'm not entirely sure yet if they will end up together in this story or not. I may favor my darling Raoul in this one.

I'm not entirely sure how I came up with this idea. I'm sure it has been done before. But, I was instantly interested in it. So this is at least my take on this idea. I appreciate comments and reviews, as they inform me of how I am doing. I also like some interaction with readers, like suggestions of where to go next and ideas about what is happening. So please enjoy!

Chapter 1 – Audition

"This is our chance, Christine," Gustave Daaé told his daughter as they hurried through the dirt and mud toward the small tent that had been erected next to a booth sporting a sign that said 'Tickets.' The top of it had faded to a dark red, while the base wasn't much better with its multicolored stripes. "If we're hired, we'll have a roof over our heads, consistent meals, and some income. It's perfect for us."

"A roof of sorts," Christine muttered under her breath. But, she sighed and then said, "Let's hope that Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur André think so, as well." Her heart pounded in her chest.

She knew how much this opportunity meant to her father, especially since they had been living day-to-day as mere street performers as of late. He had jumped at this chance to do what he loved most: playing the violin. Of course, it would be in the shadows, providing enthralling music to which the audience would escape, but that didn't matter. He looked forward to being able to release his creative genius and provide for his family at the same time.

"Carnivals have become popular entertainment," he continued, talking just as quickly as his feet moved. "Mark my words, my dear, if we land this, and we will, we'll be sitting pretty for a while, at least."

The carnival had arrived on the outskirts of Paris just a couple of weeks before. Gustave had seen it as some sort of sign or opportunity. He had acted at just the right moment. The carnival was on its final performance for the area then would board its personal train and depart.

Christine scurried to keep up with her father, quite uncomfortable in her environment. She had never attended a carnival before, since she had grown up with very limited means. Luckily, it was still fairly early, so there weren't too many people out and about. She did her best to keep her gaze focused on the ground ahead of her, though, because she was certain whatever she saw would shock and terrify her.

A well-dressed man with grey hair loitered outside of the large tent and waved at them as they approached.

"That's Monsieur André," Gustave whispered to her. "He's one of the managers of the show."

It was too late for Christine to respond, for they had closed the distance to the man. He seemed cheery enough, wearing a large grin and all.

"You made it!" he greeted. "Don't mind the racket. We have our final performance later today then we are heading out again immediately after."

"Can I just say again how grateful I am that you have given me, well us, a chance, Monsieur André?" Gustave gushed, shaking the man's hand enthusiastically.

"Yes, yes, of course." André pulled his hand away. He gestured for them to enter the tent. "Just this way. After you."

They ducked into the tent, passing through a single flap that was tethered open. It took a moment for their eyes to fully adjust to the torchlight inside. As the tent was merely a means to pass through into the carnival grounds, there wasn't anything to see. The torches had been set up in two straight lines, leading the way to the opening at the farther end. In the center, though, two chairs had been set up, one of which was already occupied.

André came from around them and lead them toward the chairs. "Firmin," he called as they neared. "Here's the man I told you about."

The man with the grey-streaked dark hair stood up and turned toward them. His nose was long and hooked at the end, and he stood a head taller than his partner. "So pleased to meet you," he greeted with an outstretched hand. "I can't wait to hear what you can do."

Gustave shook his hand with the same fervor. "It is such a pleasure." He stepped back and motioned toward Christine. "Gentlemen, this is my daughter, Christine."

She shook both managers' hand. "I'm so pleased to meet you," she said softly.

Both men grinned at her and responded in turn with pleasantries bordering on lechery.

André sat in the other chair. "It is fantastic to have you here, Monsieur Daaé," André said. "I had been pestering Firmin here for a while about hiring on a full time violinist. I think it will do wonders for our shows." He ushered to the empty space in front of them. "You may begin whenever you are ready, monsieur."

"Thank you." Gustave hastily drew out his violin and plucked at the strings as he moved into position.

Having ensured his violin was fully tuned before setting out that day, Gustave took one more deep breath before acquiescing.

Christine listened to him play the notes that he knew so well. It was a song that they often performed, as it always ended up being a crowd favorite. And, he could play the tune to perfection. A small smile upturned her lips as she watched him. His eyes closed as he allowed the music to take him away. She had always admired his passion. She always sought to perform with the same fervor.

"Pardon us, Monsieur Daaé," André interjected, causing the song to come to an abrupt stop. "I don't mean to offend, but there's no point in us wasting time. We've heard playing like this many times before. We were hoping for something a little different."

Gustave found his voice after having been taken aback by the interruption. "I can do whatever you request. My style is quite flexible that way."

"Well," Monsieur Firmin asked, notching a finger toward Christine, "does she do anything? Is she part of your act?"

Christine's eyes went wide, as if caught by surprise, which she very much was. She was so out of her element that she didn't know what to do. She glanced from Monsieur Firmin to her father, shaking her head vigorously in the negative.

"I-I'm just here to support my father," she told them dumbly.

"But such a pretty girl would certainly be an asset to any show," Monsieur André coaxed.

Gustave strode to his daughter and placed both hands upon her shoulders. With a big smile, he told, "She can sing, monsieurs. She can accompany me right now, if you'd like."

"Lovely!" André beamed. "We don't presently have a singer."

"Don't let La Carlotta hear you say that," Firmin whispered to his partner, and they both shared a laugh. After taking a breath, he continued, "If you wouldn't mind, mademoiselle, we would be delighted to hear you." He motioned for her to take front and center with her father.

Christine sighed. The last thing she had ever thought she would have been doing in this place was singing. Looking at her father and seeing the pleading in his eyes, she mustered up her courage and moved in front of the two men. Her hands shook, so she gripped the folds of her skirt to try to still them. She kept her face hard, determined, not betraying any of her nerves.

It was really just for the love of her father that she was able to perform. It was a song they had done many times before, so despite being a bundle of nervous tension, she was able to recite the lyrics with no issues. She never was able to get fully into the moment, and kept her eyes on the managers sitting in front of her.

Afterward, despite everything working against her, both men stood from their seats and clapped loudly, even issuing forth several cheers of "bravo" and "perfect." She somehow had managed to pull off a great show.

Finding some more words, Monsieur André praised, "That was pleasantly unexpected, mademoiselle. Really, the both of you two together were phenomenal."

Firmin, whose eyes had become disjointed, as if staring at something beyond the two of them, altered his gaze onto his partner. "Now, now," Firmin interjected, the level-headed one of the two. "Let us regard this professionally." He turned to Christine and her father, smiling warmly. "If you two wouldn't mind, we would like a moment to deliberate. You are welcome to poke your heads outside there and see what our show has to offer."

Christine looked to her father, who, after a pause, swiftly put his violin back into its case.

"Of course," Gustave said, moving toward the other opening with his violin case under his arm. "Take all of the time you need, gentlemen."

Christine followed her father to the opposite opening in the tent. Glancing over her shoulder, she spied the two managers walking toward the break in the two sections of the tent that had been tethered together to form one wall. It seemed curious to her, but otherwise she paid them no mind.

Stepping back outside, her eyes had to adjust. Once they did, though, she spied sights that she had never seen before. There was a larger tent just across the yard. Two small tents, almost like booths draped in canvas, were erected to the left of the main stage, staggered and with a small ticket booth in front of one. To the right of the large tent were makeshift stables with four snow white horses within. Railcars acted as barriers around the vicinity to keep unpaying guests out and to offer the impression of a sectioned off area for the show.

There were a few people wandering about the grounds, ensuring everything was prepared for the final performance. Christine took a few steps to the right, her gaze hooked on the horses. She could see them well from where she stood, and they were beautiful creatures. A man had his back to her and was tending to their needs. She watched him in his duties, tossing hay into each stall, and noted how the muscles in his back shifted with his movement. He turned to the side, as if being called by someone she couldn't see or hear. Her eyes traced the line of his jaw, and when he smiled at this unseen person, she felt her heart flutter, and the want to smile with him.

"Christine," Gustave called, jarring her from her interest.

She spun to look at her father, the young man lost to the present.

"Come along. They're ready for us," her father said.

Without another glance back toward the stables, Christine followed her father back into the tent. Monsieur André and Monsieur Firmin were seated again and staring in their direction expectantly. She followed quickly behind her father, bowing her head.

Once they were in position, Firmin cleared his throat. "Monsieur Daaé, it is obvious that you have quite a talent. We were very moved and impressed with today's performance. As you are well aware, we are in need of a violinist, and you certainly fit the bill. However, we would like to make an offer beyond what initially called you here today."

Gustave glanced between both men. Excitement rose in him, which was apparent on his face. "Yes?"

Firmin looked briefly to André then continued. "We would like to inquire about your daughter joining our stage, as well."

"Christine?" Gustave smiled apologetically. "She was merely here for support. I know that you enjoyed her voice, but I'm not quite sure my daughter would be comfortable-"

"We wouldn't wish to force anyone into any sort of position that wouldn't be comfortable," André interrupted swiftly. "Please just know that she possesses a great gift that we wish to share with the world, that is all. And," he hesitated, "we are not entirely certain there would be a place for you here without her."

The words sank in, and Gustave's smile faded. He looked at his daughter. Christine's eyes were wide. She hated that these men were putting this pressure on her. Their words were empty and fake. It was what had given her caution from the beginning. But, knowing their fate rested on her shoulders now, she took a brave step forward.

"It would be an honor for me to perform in your shows, gentlemen," Christine insisted. "And, I know that my father's presence here will be a great asset, as well."

The two men smiled and stood.

"Wonderful!" André exclaimed. He shook Gustave's hand then Christine's. "You both are sure to find yourselves at home with our little family here."

"Please come back this afternoon for our final performance," Firmin invited. "We will be departing immediately afterward for our next destination, so either way you should be here no later than midnight."

"Of course," Gustave breathed, swept up in the moment.

"And, of course," André said in his natural showmanship tone, "welcome to Le Spectacle de Merveilles!"

Le Spectacle de Merveilles: The Show of Wonders