THE CRIMINAL CRANIUM CAST

I've had this thought in my mind that I really wanted to cast actors for my cast of characters here, so here they are. These are some people who look like (not amazingly though) my characters here.


MELANIE WILKES



Olivia de Havilland. She was brunette most her live, but the brunette did go blonde for a while, but I can't find really any good pictures-especially since she was in black and white films!


CHARLIE WILKES

Alex Pettyfer

I apologize for the fact that he doesn't have a shirt on, but I think we can live. BREEAATTHEEE

PHILLIP DUFOUR



I originally based him off the twenty or so year old PATRICK WILSON (See swag above) but seeing how the man is in his 30s or 40s and has two children, I think we need a younger actor now.

Ladies, meet Matt Barr. Seduced yet?

HOW ABOUT NOW!! haha

DRESELLA WILKES

Meet Elizabeth Reaser. She has played the mama bear in twilight as the Cullen's maternal figure, but Elizabeth Reaser has also played some bad-ass roles. I think she could soooo handle being my mother.

FMA!! I saw this and died.

ANGUS FREDERICH WILKES

See the little adorable red head? Meet Charlie Manton. Sexiest child ever. This is him at 15. Unfortunately, he is currently 18.

See the beauty? So, stuck on Aggie. Sorry little dude.
For the time being...FAN DRAWING

Of young larten crepsley. Suck it.

GUSTAVE DUFOUR

Meet Jack Lyall. Adorable right? Innocent? No. This is him as Gustave.

Now, meet Jack Lyall, bitches. lol.

MAMMY

Oh, Mammy Darling...

VICTORIA HEGEL WILKES

I literally just spent like half an hour and this is what I came up with. SO. SAD. EMMY, YOU ROCK, BUT YOUR TOO OLD TO PLAY A 14 YEAR OLD.

TOMMY DJLAS

I JUST REALIZED THIS IS HOW I ALWAYS PICTURED HIM!!! GO LOUIS!! Need I introduce? Can he even act? *sigh*

Of course, we know who Niall and Zayn are based off so no need for pictures.
Uh...who else?...
AUDREY AND INDIA

INDIA HAMPTON

Obviously, she was named after Alicia Rhett's character, India Wilkes, but not physically. Physically and in some parts of her character, she is based off one of my best friends, Demytra Nom. Also, obviously, Alicia Rhett can't play her because Alicia Rhett has been dead for some time. R.I.P.

I know this is who Dem-dem would love to portray her. :P

AUDREY

Elisha Cuthbert...I'm sorry she doesn't have a shirt on.

I definitely have to go with Lindsay Pulsihper though.




JOHNNY POTTER

BOO BOO STEWART. Couldn't find anyone to match what Johnny looks like in my head. Johnny though was half native american, so Boo Boo could fit the description if he grew his hair out a little and curled it in big curls. Not like big like off his head poofy, but big as in wide curls. Got it?

ONTO THE FREAKS

LIND




CETO

Picture on the right. There is not a doubt in my mind that Ashely Greene could play the mermaid

SCORPIUS

Kaito as Scorpius

KEKO

Miku as Keko with her mask on.

PETER

Jeremy Sumpter. Anyone else weak in the knees?

DAMIEN

Did you honestly think anyone but this sexy beast would play my stalker? GO RAMIN KARIMLOO!

FLECK

GANGLE

SQUELCH

MADAME GREYWALD

Miranda Richardson. She plays the amazing Mdm. Giry in the phantom of the opera 2004 film. She also stars in one of my favorite chick flicks 'The Prince and Me' as a Danish Queen. Look closely at her (YES YOU CRYS). Who is she?




RITA FRICKIN' SKEATER



CHARLOTTE GREYWALD

Again, Viv, very old. Possibly dead. Idk.


Caroline Keiff. Former Nessarose actress.

CHRISTINE

DUH.

CARLA

sierra boggess


I do believe that is mostly everyone. I think. Of course the criminal minds cast plays the criminal minds characters. Duh.

Alright. Gonna go finish chapter 21. Enjoy these faces just to give you ideas!


I've looked at this pic. a thousand times and I think this girl could be and awesome Melanie! Gahhh! Who are you??

-MEG

Chapter Twenty-Ardely: Home At Last

Chapter Twenty

Ardely: Home At Last

     "Here she comes," Rossi said in answer to Hotchner's question of attendance. All heads turned the way the SSA agent's was and saw the missing girl. It wasn't like Melanie to be late, Phillip however....

The two were holding hands, laughing. Melanie's gloved hand covered her red mouth. She had on her red cardigan with the white oxford and tie. Plaid tie and skirt with grey knee socks-the same outfit she had worn the first time she walked into the BAU office next to her brother, chewing on her scarlet lips. Phillip tossed her empty coffee cup into the trash can and lead her up the stairs and into the conference room like he did every day.

"How nice of you to join us, Miss Wilkes," Hotchner teased.

"I'm sorry, Proffessor, I was talking in the hallway. Do I get a demerit?"

Hotchner laughed, a rare occurrence.

"Bye, Melbabe," Phillip sighed.

"Phillip, wait," Hotchner said. "This may be a case that interests you."

"Where is it?" he asked.

"Neeses, South Carolina," he said. Melanie dropped her purse.

"Jesus, Hotch! We just got back from Coney and you're telling me something is dreadfully wrong in our home town?!"

"I'm going," Phillip growled.

"Don't tell me anything till I get on the plane. I may want to turn around."

***

"What's the deal?" Melanie asked.

"Around three murders, but your police station is making the biggest fuss I've ever seen."

"Only three? Doesn't surprise me Mr. Klein is making a fuss. His daughter was the the same way."

"Tammy," Phillip said, smiling,"I remember her." Melanie slapped him.

"God, I can't even make a joke."

"It. was. not. funny. Keep going, Hotch."

"They seemed to have the person pegged, but from what I've seen, there's not a speak of physical evidence. They just can't FIND her."

"Who?" Melanie asked.

"A young woman. B-C average in school. Never got in any trouble from the looks of it."

"Who, Hotch?"

"Uh, India Hampton." Melanie's heart stopped, Phillip grabbed her hand to hold her down, but Melly was up and roaring.

"India? India? For God's sake, India couldn't hurt a fly!"

"You knew her?" Hotchner asked.

"She was one of my best friends," Melanie whispered. "And it's not her. She's different from the popular crowd and that must make some people upset but for Christ's sake-"

"Melanie!" Phillip said,"Preaching here won't do you any good, love." Melanie held in the tears.

"It's not her," she whispered, her white face turning green.

"I know. Lay down. It's too early. You're tired."

"Yeah...tired..." she whispered, but she turned to Hotchner. "It's not her."

"We don't know that-"

"But I do, Hotch. Trust me..."

"You know it doesn't work that way, Melanie."

Melanie's sad look wiped away to anger.

"I know."

***

"Audrey!" Melanie saw her old friend, whom she hadn't spoken to in two years.

"Tell them it's not her!"

"It's all I've been saying for the past two days, Melly. God, look at you!...What you wearing?"

"It's called clothes. And see this? It's a skirt. It's what you wear on your legs. You might want to put one on."

"Are you patronizing me about my shorts? God, two minutes here after two years and you're already starting in," she leaned in and hugged her friend.

"And you're too tan. I told you to stay out of the sun. You're going to get skin cancer." Audrey rolled her eyes at her friend.
"But it is true? FBI agent...Definitely never saw that coming...Hey, guess what I heard from my mom. Annette Greywald called-Phillip is coming to town! You haven't seen him in quite some time." Audrey smiled at her friend, eyebrows raised. Melanie stared, then figured it out. Audrey didn't know they were engaged because Madame Greywald and Charlotte didn't know they were. They knew they were together, though, and Melanie would have to play on that. She was thankful Phillip was out of sight at the hotel. Maybe he would move into Ramblings soon, maybe Ardely...Ardely....Melanie had forgotten this. She quickly realized Audrey was staring.
"Oh, yeah, uh, actually, I met up with Phillip a while back. This summer, actually."
"Really?"
"Yeah. He and I kinda...hit it off...again," Melanie's voice went up at the lie, but Audrey seemed to mistake it for nervousness that always hung in Melly's air. Melanie thanked God that she was wearing gloves that covered her ruby engagement ring.
"For your red lips," he had said, slipping it on her finger. Hotchner called Melanie over.
"Melanie, I know how you get and I think, when we have personal cases like this, I can't ask you to work them. Go home to Ardely. See friends. How long has it been since you've been there?"
"Too long. The hotel was full right? That's why Phillip went there to try and get something? Why, there's more than enough rooms at Ardely. And I could at the very least keep an eye on the case, even if I can't work it, and you know you'll need me for some reason, Hotch, especially in this case. I'll ask Mother and it will be grand! Everyone at Ardely...and it is late Hotch, and she wouldn't stray that far from here, she's got a younger brother...oh, Freddy, poor darling!...she loves him so, truly. Oh, come on! Please?"
"Alright, to Ardely."
***
The black suburban was trucking up the drive, when the gate stopped. Melanie sat impatiently until she couldn't stand it. She hopped up and squeezed through the iron gates just as they were swinging open for the car. She sprinted to the top of the hill where the old ivory house sat. Melanie knocked repeatedly on the door without stop and Morgan laughed as he slammed his door shut. Finally the door opened and Melanie fell in.
"Xylen!" she cried, wrapping her arms around the house worker.
"Why...Miss Melly..." he said,"My heavens..." his copper hair was receding and he was a bit plumper around the waist, but still Xylen. He gently patted Melanie's back, not eager about the hug, but missing his Mistress all the same.
"Xylen! Why you makin' that ruckus fo'? Whose at the door..." the old black woman stopped, the candle in her hand flickering, staring at the blonde girl-now a young woman-in the door way.
"Mammy," Melanie sighed. She ran to her nurse maid as Xylen let in the BAU. "Mammy! Mammy!" Melanie cried as the nurse maid wrapped her child in her big arms.
"Miss Melly, child. Look at yous, all grown up and-child, what is yous wearin'?"
"By golly, Mammy! I'm not in town for an hour and already I've had everyone criticize my outifit!"
"Well, when you is wearin' skirts like that..."
"Oh, Mammy, I shall scream!" she cried.
"Later, I is gonna take you to change into your good dresses, Miss Melly. Walkin' 'round, dressin' like white trash..." she mumbled.
"Mammy!" Melanie cried again. "A fine welcome I get! I've only come home to my plantation-"
"Which you ain't been to in two years. Hows you think every one feels when yous don't come up for Christmas or Thanksgivin'? Huh, chile?"
"I am dreadful sorry, Mammy. But that's the past and there's just nothing to do about it now and-"
"Mammy? Who is at the door?" Melanie froze when she heard the tenor voice and straightened her spine. Charles Wilkes stepped out from the stair case and his face looked strained when he caught sight of his sister. They stared at each other for a moment, both had there eyes scared and there posture too straight.
"Masta Charlie, is that anyway to greet your sista?" Mammy yelled. Charles stepped closer and bowed over his sister's outstretched hand.
"My apologizes, Melanie."
"It's quite alright, Charles." Charlie never called Melly by her full name unless it was a serious topic-or he was mad. Melanie wasn't sure. Melanie didn't know why she said Charlie's full name, she just did. And Melanie never did that.
"Welcome home, sister." Charlie said. Melanie nodded.
"It's good to be home."
"Now, if you'll excuse me," Charlie said, leaving his other guests in the door frame. Melanie stared after her brother. She started to turn toward the team, but they were soon interrupted by Melanie's other siblings.
"Is it true? Is it true?!" Little Aggie came first, barreling down the stairs. The boy was almost six and yet was as fast as a rocket. He saw Melanie, and his small blue eyes started sparkling. He screamed as he ran in to hug her. Melanie picked him up and spun him around. His orange hair was cut and neat, but Melanie ruffled it and made it stick up two inches. Kissing his forehead, Melanie's ears heard her younger sister before she saw her.
     Victoria was fourteen, and it didn't surprise Melanie how her younger sister dressed. She had on a fusha sparkled tank top with a short skirt and heels Melanie would cry if she had to wear. Her copper hair was still frizzy, but it was composed into an elaborate braid, the curls at the top of her head threatening evilly. She blew a bubble with the gum in her mouth, and her brown eyes lit up to see her sister. Victoria and Melanie often fought over petty things, but now they were both older and that was behind them. Hopefully.
"Melanie!" she cried, wrapping her arms around her eldest sister, only briefly. "What are you doing here!"
"Duty calls," she sighed.
"Ew. FBI. I couldn't do that in a million years. And look how they make you dress!"
"I dressed myself this morning, Vi," Melanie sighed.
"Oh. Well, that's your fault," Laughed the younger girl as she trodded away.
"Oh, Victoria Hegel, if I wasn't a lady what wouldn't I say to you!"
"But you is a lady and you is gonna have the tongue of a lady!" Mammy said to her Mistress.
"Yes, Mammy," Melanie sighed. "Oh, Mammy, darling?"
"Don't you start with me, Miss Melly! I knows you want somethin'. I'va known you since the first day I putta pair of diapers on ya. Whadda want?"
"Rooms. For my unit."
"Oooo, you is just like your pa! Always doin' 'fore ya askin', ain't ya? Oooie! I remember yo pa did the same thing, brought in all his Ambassador buddies and they all stayed in their chambers and yo Mammy had such a mess to clean up."
"Oh, Mammy, you needn't worry. And if it's dreadful bad, I'll help you."
"You is layin' on yo' flattery thick, Miss Melly, but it ain't gonna work on me. Xylen!"
"Yes?" asked the butler.
"Show these folks to their rooms. And nobody double bunks. Mista Charlie canna bunk with Masta Aggie if he need to and the same goes fo' da girls."
"We won't mind double bunking," Rossi said. "May help in fact. Less space."
***
"What is you wearin'?"
"Goodness gracious, Mammy! You've asked me enough times! It's like your catch phrase!"
"Don't you get angry with Mammy!" The team, who was happily eating pancakes made by Cal in the huge dining room, laughed at Mammy and Melanie who had been playfully arguing since Melanie arrived last night. Melanie had on a creme lace dress with a ribbon in her hair. Her ballet slippers were laced up to her knees.
"You is gonna get freckled."
"Mammy-"
"You tried to hide the ones on yo face with make-up but Mammy sees em." Spencer leaned in to try to see them, but failed. "You go upstairs and put on a high collared dress."
"Howabout a shawl?" Melanie asked.
"Fine. But do something. And a bonnet!" Mammy yelled as Melanie sat down next to her brother, ruffling his orange hair.
"What are you wearing?" Emily asked after the nurse maid left.
"I'm going down to the theatre. They are starting rehearsal today for Faust . I missed auditions but I can still very well be in the chorus. At least I'm finding something to do with my time."
"Uh, hello, handsome rich fiance. What else do you do?" JJ said. Melanie got a napkin to cover her mouth and Reid was pretty sure he caught sight of some milk out of her nose.
"Funny, Jen, funny."
"This house is amazing..." Garcia mused.
"It really is," Melanie smiled,"You honestly can't imagine what it was like to grow up here. Amazing....It's an old Civil War plantation. It's really great. And be careful down here, guys. Sometimes, in the South, they don't take too kindly to strangers. Especially government guys. A lot of people down here are stuck in the past. Oh, and don't believe the rumors."
"What rumors?"
But Melanie was gone.
***
"Audrey, honestly, what did you do last night to get your hair in this many knots?!"
"It's called studying, Melanie, not all of us chose to be freaks and graduate early."
"They gave you the option, too. You should've taken it. India did-"
"And look at you two now. One of you is off at Quantico doing a job she never imagine she would do and the other is being hunted like a buck. I'll stick it out here in senior year for another month." Audrey smiled as Melanie brushed back the girl's curls into on pony tail over the rest of her falling hair.
"I honestly can't believe the costumes..." Melanie sighed, looking down at her tapestry like skirt with slits up each side, and the top of the same material which was nothing more than a brassiere.
"Guess who's performing in the chorus with us?"
"Uh, I saw Christine and Carla. I saw Tommy, but thank God he didn't see me. I saw Niall and Zayn."
"Phillip Dufour! God, you two should so date again! How cute would that be!"
"He's defiantly handsome...What about you and Tommy?"
Audrey stared at her friend,"What about him?!"
"You two would be cute together," Melanie sighed as she placed the dress-band into her hair.
"I can't stand him!" Audrey sniffed, as they walked out to the wings, putting the rosin powder on their slippers. Melanie leaned back as far as she could go, until she was in a bridge position. She smiled.
"Been awhile since you did that, huh, Melbabe?" Melanie fell down at the voice.
"Tommy, for Christ's sake-!...Phillip," Melanie smiled. She needed to talk to the boys. Now. Luckily for Melanie, Mr. Rickman called for Audrey.
"I need to talk to all of you. Now."
"What do you need?" Zayn asked.
"Mother didn't tell anyone about our engagement," Melanie informed Phillip in a hushed whisper.
"So?" he asked.
"So, there's a reason for that. Have any of you told anyone?"
"...Don't believe so," Niall said. The rest of the boys agreed they hadn't, even Phillip hadn't informed Madame Greywald because he thought she already knew. She didn't know.
"We have to keep it a secret," she whispered to her fiance. Phillip pulled her away from the group.
"But I love you," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her.
"Stop," Melanie whispered. "We'll talk about this tonight. Bring your Mother and sister over for dinner at Ardely. We'll talk before then. "
"I love you," he whispered again.
"I love you, too."
"...When are you ever going to let me kiss you?"
"When I know I'll never forget it."
***
"Whose the prima donna?" Melanie asked Audrey. The ballerina's had just rehearsed for an hour and were getting a break. The girl was shortish. Her blonde hair peeked out from under her turban on her costume. Her eyes were black under the gold and blue paint on her face.
"Hon," Audrey smiled,"Can't you tell? It's Charlotte."
"Charlotte Greywald?!"
"She'd been performing somewhere in New York, she said."
Melanie scoffed,"Yeah, New York state. She was in Coney performing vaudeville strip teases." Audrey gaped.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes!"
The two girls fell apart laughing.
Mr. Rickman came in a few moments later, two strange men in tow. He gently stopped the rehearsal, asking pardons from all.
"I'm sure you've all heard of the rumors of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you, they are all true. I would now like to introduce your two new owners. Monsieur Fray and Monsieur Lon Carlin." The two men bowed, and Melanie laughed at the other ballerina's talking on and on about how rich the two much be. "This is Mister Phenshee, our leading Tenor for three seasons running," the fat tenor bowed," and Miss Greywald, our leading soprano," Charlotte bowed and smiled at them sneeringly. However, the two men did seem to be fixated on some of our more busty ballerina's. Disgusting. Charlotte immediately started in.
"Your two new managers are more interested with dancer girls and that's perfect because I will not be singing!" the two managers looked at the former for help. He pushed them along to grovel in her path. The girl was upset and would come back in time to save the show. But the new managers didn't know.
"She will be coming back, yes?"
"Who knows?" Cried the director of the orchestra.
"Surely there is an understudy-"
"Understudy? There is no understudy for La Charlotte!"
"...Isn't their a rather marvelous aerie in act three of tonight's performance?"
"Yes."
"Melanie Wilkes could sing it, sir." Melanie stared at the man in the back of the room. Charlie.
"A chorus girl? Don't be silly."
"Don't be so sure, Monsieur," Phillip Dufour-the theatres patron-spoke up," she has been well taught."
"Fine, let's hear you sing." Melanie stepped forward.
"From the beginning of the aerie, Mademoiselle."
Melanie stepped again timidly toward the front of the theatre, but she felt the stage lights and it made her stronger. Much stronger. She began gentle with her song, leading up to her strong and pure voice. Charlie smiled in the darkness of the back of the theatre.
"Think of me...think of me fondly..."
***
"I just can't believe it, Mother!" Madame Greywald patted her daughters head. "Why wouldn't he tell us? Melanie Wilkes is pale faced ninny and I hate her!"
"We must respect Phillip's decision, my dear." Anette left Charlotte by the river at the back of Ramblings with that.
"But...it can't be true,"Charlotte sighed,"Phillip loves me."









I know that wasn't much, but it is an intorductory chapter. Things are about to get epic. Be prepared.

Chapter Nineteen-My Love For You Will Never Die

Chapter Nineteen

My Love For You Will Never Die

Spencer stared silently at Melanie as the curtain went up and the beginning of the aerie began. Phillip and her Master were on either side of the stage. Reid could take him now, but it would cause a scene of panic, and how many would die in the chaos? Gustave was in the Prima Donna suite, sleeping. JJ was with him, petting him as he sighed in his sleep, her hands holding another case file.

     Melanie's eyes were glowing and her expression of escasy showed as the music swelled around her. Her breathing was heavy and ragged and Spencer wondered what it was like to have one's stomach in so many knots. Her chest rose and fell more urgently as the music quieted, allowing the song bird to ready her voice. She stared into the audience as she began:

"Who knows when love begins

Who knows what makes it start

One day it's simply there

Alive inside your heart
It slips into your thoughts

It infiltrates your soul

It takes you by surprise

Then seizes full control
Try to deny it

And try to protest

But love won't let you go

Once you've been possessed," With a sparring glance at her Master, Melanie stepped forward toward the audience, smiling as she sang:
"Love never dies

Love never falters

Once it has spoken

Love is yours
Love never fades

Love never alters

Hearts may get broken

Love endures

Hearts may get broken

Love endures,"She looked at her feet, the reality in her words scaring her. She held her stomach, as if to keep her together, as if she might fall apart at any moment.
"And soon as you submit

Surrender flesh and bone

That love takes on a life

Much bigger than your own
It uses you at whim

And drives you to despair

And forces you to feel

More joy than you can bear
Love gives you pleasure

And love brings you pain

And yet when both are gone

Love will still remain
Once it has spoken

Love is yours

Love never dies

Love never alters
Hearts may get broken

Love endures

Hearts may get broken
Love never dies

Love will continue

Love keeps on beating

When you're gone

Phillip sighed, he spared one glance at his fiance, and mouthed an "I love you" her way. She would never see it. He slowly backed away from the wings, planning never to see his childhood love again.
Melanie smiled. The light tickling her skin, her eyes glowing, her arms raised. She loved this.

"Love never dies

Once it is in you

Love may be fleeting

Love lives on

Love may be fleeting

Loooooove liiiiiiiivessss on."

   Melanie's tears sparkled down her face as the crowd cheered she watched as the flowers were thrown her way. Roses. Roses in all colors. White, Yellow, Blue, Pink...Red. The curtain closed and Melanie ran off the stage. Reid had called the whole team (minus JJ) to come backstage and be ready for her master. They had him. Melanie looked around, seeing nothing but looking frantically.

"Ah, Melanie-" Melanie turned to look for the face to her master's voice. "Ah, Melanie-" he crooned again, and Melanie ran into his arms. "What a triumph you gave me tonight. Melanie...all the dark silent years now set right...Melanie," he gripped her tight as he spun her 'round and 'round.

Melanie removed herself from her master. "The song was beautiful...it sounded beautiful...every note, every word. And it felt beautiful and I felt beautiful!" Melanie twirled like a little girl in her dress, sighing. "Lost in the music once more, feeling it rise up and soar, alive once again!" Melanie bounded into her dressing room, but stopped dead at what was on the desk.

     A red rose was tied to an envelope with a navy ribbon-the one Melanie had lent Phillip for his hair. Melanie opened it and read aloud:

"My dearest wife," she put a hand to her mouth. "Melanie, I beg you, forgive me...Phillip, no...Melanie, forgive me. What fools we once were, long ago, in our youth, at Ardely, at the opera. Romantic idiots. Those two people...are gone. Now I must go, our choices are made. The opera is done, and those notes have been played. May your master of music watch over you now, and give you what I wish I gave you, somehow. Yours, in regret...Phillip."

Her master reached out for her, but she pulled away.

"You...made a bet? That's what this whole thing was about? If I had known...Oh, God, I'm going to be sick..." Melanie put a hand to her mouth. "Where's Gustave?" she whispered. "Where is he?!" she growled.

"With JJ," Spencer blurted out. Melanie turned. She hadn't noticed the BAU.

"You're here for him." she stated. "Don't take him. Please." Melanie whispered, hanging on her master's arm. "Please," she pleaded plaintively.

"I'm sorry, Mels," Morgan whispered. He took out his gun, and leveled it at the Master's head.

"Damien Maguille, you are under arrest for 12 counts of first degree murder and the human trafficking of Melanie Wilkes," Derek said.

"No he's not," Melanie whispered.

"Mels, he used you as a prize in a bet."

"So? I didn't say he could keep me or anything. I'm going to find Phillip."

"Melanie!" her master screamed. "I saw you on the stage tonight and I looked into your soul and I saw what was inside. You belong on that stage, Melanie. What are you going back to? A drunk husband and a brat that isn't yours?"

"Hush," Melanie whispered.

"A job that was chosen for you. A wardrobe that you've never loved. A family whose abandoned you. A world that doesn't care. Melanie, I care."

"Stop, Master...please..." Morgan's gun was still leveled at her master's head, and Melanie stood in front of him. "Damien, you have to go. Leave here. They will kill you. You can't die...you can't."

"I love you," he wept.

"And I love you. As a father and a master. You must go."

"You chose me..."

"I swear if you leave here now, I'll tell my children about you. About the man who made me stronger. Killed my grief. Inspired my voice. I promise, if you leave here now, my love for you will never die."

"I love you," he whispered. The team blinked and he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

***

Morgan called Phillip, and explained to him all that had happened. The Vicomte was already on his way to France, but once their he planned to catch the first flight to Quantico. Gustave slept soundly once he knew that his father hadn't abandoned him, and his mother wasn't going anywhere, but the face he saw would haunt him night after night.

***

Melanie sat on the side of the stage, Morgan's arms around her. Morgan had leaned in for a brief hug and now she was hanging on him like a safety blanket.

"Keko," she whispered.

"What?" Reid asked.

"Keko! She ran off! Where?"

"Melanie!" Peter flew in over head. "Hurry!" he picked Melanie up from under her arms and flew. Morgan and Reid started at a sprint behind them. "Ceto's got her."

"What's happened?"

"We found her down at Suicide Hall. Melly, she tried to drown herself."

"God," Melanie whispered. One of her tears flew down and hit Reid's cheek. He let it slide off him and into the wind of Coney, were it belonged. "Is she-?"

"No...not yet. She was far off and Lind and I came back and got Ceto. Can your guys get her to a hospital in Manhattan. No witch doctor here can do what needs to be done."

"Yes, they will. I'm coming Keko...I'm coming..."

***

Melanie came to say goodbye to her friends, gathered on the stage after all five performances of the day. They were tired. It was two in the morning, and after all that had happened that night, Melanie wanted to find a hole and stay there.

"The Master left," Lind whispered, stroking his snake.*

"I know," Melanie whispered, sitting beside him.

"What are we supposed to do?" Ceto cried out, her tank sloshing as she hit it angrily with her fists. "What's to become of us?!" she sobbed.

"You can do anything," Melanie whispered.

"We're freaks, Melly. You can do whatever. We belong here. It's the only place we belong."

"Run the freak show yourselves. Do you know how much money the master has in his office? Enough to feed you all for twenty life times. Keep up with the performances and everything. Pay the bills. You will be fine and you will do great."

Lind grabbed his friend's hand. "Don't leave us," he whispered.

"I have too." Lind sighed. Looking down, he let a tear drop onto Melanie's palm. She leaned in to kiss his cheek.

"Howwabout a kiss for me?" Peter asked, his voice still down cast. Melanie kissed Peter's forehead, and she repeated this for all the freaks in the room.

"This is your time. When the hospital releases Keko, bring her straight here. Watch her. Always. Keep her safe."

"We will," Scorp sighed, shaking his blue hair.

"Goodbye," Lind whispered. Melanie shook her head.

"I'll be back. Maybe not soon, but I will come back. Too much of me is here. So it's not really goodbye at all." Ceto grabbed Melanie's bag off her arm and pulled out her shawl.

"The black blanket. You still have this?"

"I can't sleep without it," she smiled.

"Does it still have all our stitching inside?"

"Yes."

Ceto reached for Melanie's hand and kissed her palm. "I will miss you. Until we meet again, Alianna, Angel of Song." Melanie closed her eyes, but the tears pushed through onto her smile.

"Do you ever wish you could freeze a moment and keep it?" she asked. Peter squeezed her hand.

"All the time."

***

On the plane, the team slept soundly. Melanie hummed to Gustave quietly, until he fell asleep in her lap. Spencer sat beside her.

"Just four days and I've learned so much about you. You've always been nothing but a mystery."

"So that's why you hung out with me?" she smiled.

"No. Because you're amazing."

"He'll come back for me eventually. You couldn't understand the love he has for me. I'm the only thing he's ever known he could love...Do you think Philly will forgive me?"

"Yeah. You're too precious to let go." Melanie blushed.

"I think I should just stay in Quantico for awhile...think about what I want to do. I think this is what God called me to do."

"You're staying with the BAU?"

"...Yes. I think for quite some time. Until I'm married at least....Maybe after. Maybe I can talk Phillip into it-"

Spencer laughed. "Yes, Special Supervisory Agent Vicomtesse Melanie Dufour." Melanie laughed too, careful not to wake anyone on the plane.
"You never did say what happened on Coney while you were there," Reid reminded her.
"...The Master had a son. The son was raised by a woman-who was a rape victim-and her husband. I'm not sure the husband knew the boy wasn't his biologically, but whatever. I was doing a vaudville circuit at the time. Mouth closed, Spencer. The woman came back for the master, but he got shot. The Master tried to claim his son, but I sent him away with the father that raised him. To this day, Damien doesn't know I did this. He doesn't know what became of his own son."
"...Why did you do it?"
"I didn't want that boy to live in, what I know is considered, hell on earth."
 She let her head slump onto Reid's shoulder as she slipped into another nightmare, but she didn't cry out because of the safety blanket on her lap and the man on her side.

Chapter Eighteen-Before the Performance

Chapter Eighteen

Before the Performance

      "Ow, Lind," Melanie sighed, swatting at his hand.

"Sorry. Your hair is REALLY tangled," the snake boy said, still running Melanie's wooden hair brush through her hair.

"I can brush my own hair, Lind. I'm not THAT much of a dumb blonde," she teased, slapping at her friend.

"Let me brush Melanie's hair!" Ceto, the girl in the tank sighed. "I want to try something."

"Please don't break me, Cee," Melanie cried, moving her stool in front of the tank and handing the brush to the girl.

"So," Ceto asked,"you really told them I had gills?"

"Yeah," Melanie shrugged. "I told them everything about every one. Nothing personal, what just...made us freaky."

"There's nothing that makes you freaky, Melanie," Keko sighed. Melanie leaned forward and ran her hands over the lime green hair with the aqua tinge.

"It's on the inside Keko...it's on the inside. I'm not sure any of you know what it's like to be afraid of your own mind..." Lind leaned down to kiss Melanie's cheek, and smile sheepishly at her. He left behind a few scales and slime, which she waited to wipe away when he wasn't looking. She played with a larger scale in her hand, running her thumb over it's smooth surface, watching it shine in the stage lights. She was tired, staying up all night, afraid. When she went to open the door that night to look for Phillip, his unconscious body slumped in the room. He had passed out at the door without enough energy to come in. Melanie made the hangover cure and he was dandy after, bouncing Gustave on his knee, and the two were at the zoo this morning. It was around noon now and they would be back any minute.

     Ceto twisted the hair in an odd way on Melanie's head, forming a gold loop. Ceto reached into her tank and pulled out a wet piece of glass, or a shard of mirror. Melanie looked at her reflection.

"Oh, Ceto, it's lovely! Thank you," she said, kissing her friend on the cheek.

Peter flew down at that time. "Hey, I got some news. Do I getta kiss?" He smiled.

"Wipe the grin off your face and tell me the news first," Melanie said sweetly, a little of her southern accent coming through on certain words.

Peter's grin twisted to a frown fast as Reid and Morgan awkwardly stumbled up unnoticed. "Fine, just don't shoot the messenger," he sighed. "Squelch told me that the Master said that you weren't to perform as a freak tonight. You're only to sing the aerie."

Melanie's eyes went wide and her eyebrows furrowed together. "Why, whatever for?"

Spencer stepped up. "To complete the fantasy. He's waited years to here you sing, not with freaks and fun songs he wrote in two seconds to entertain the public, but a song that he spent hours on and dreamed of hearing you voice with. He's infatuated and he's got this night down to a T. He's got this. Somethings happening tonight, Melly. And  I don't think you should be here for it."

     Melanie stared," I don't understand..."

"He's got something planned Melanie. I think if he gets you tonight...he won't let you go again." Melanie stared at Spencer's words as her head spun around.

"He wouldn't...he'd never..." Melanie sat. "What is he planning?"

Spencer looked at Morgan,"We don't know. But we will be outside your dressing room all night. Promise," Derek said.

"I-"

"Miss Melanie?" Melanie turned to see one of the stage hands call her name. She couldn't recall his name. Stan? Maybe.... "You need to report to the Prima Donna suite. You need to then come to the main dressing room by 6 o'clock for the 6:30 aerie."

"Thank you," Melanie said, rising.

***

"Hey, Gustave!" Melanie said, pulling the boy into her arms. Reid and Morgan were right outside the door. "Where's Papa?" she asked him.

"Sleeping. I just got back," smiled the boy.

"...How do you feel?" she asked him in a whisper, checking him over for anything out of place.

"Fine. I had a lot of fun. He's a nice man."

"Yes..." Melanie whispered,"He is."

***

The hairdresser finally left her room and Melanie examined herself in the enormous round dressing room. There was a silver mirror that dominated behind the vanity. Her hair was up in a bun, with two curls falling on either side of her face. Her dress was satin and silver, with a slit up one leg. It fell down her body in a river, showing her lithe and slender frame. Her cheeks had rose to them, her ruby lips had been painted pink, and her eyes were a slathered with silver sparkles on the lids, making her blue eyes pop.

     Gustave was hopping up and down on a chair in the corner.

"Gustave?" Melanie asked,"Could you hand me those earrings? The diamond ones on the left." He did as he was told and Melanie kissed him. "There. How do I look?"

"Momma! You look so beautiful...so very beautiful...like a queen in a book."

 Melanie laughed and kissed his slicked back hair. "You too are beautiful...so very beautiful...once this performance is through we'll spend some time, just us two. Won't that be fun?" Melanie asked. Gustave smiled and Melanie turned away from him, to reach for her necklace.

"Father!" Gustave's tinkling voice cried, and Melanie turned on a heel. "Doesn't Mother look lovely tonight?"

Phillip nodded stiffly, looking longingly at his bride. "Indeed she does. As lovely as the first time I came to her dressing room door."

"And look at you Phillip!" Melanie sighed, brushing lint off the jacket of his opera dress clothes,"You look just like that handsome boy in the opera box. The one who would always toss me a single red rose..." Melanie looked at her feet.

"Please, Gustave, if you don't mind, would you wait outside a while?"

"Mother, may I go exploring? By myself?" Melanie sighed.

"Yes, but stay backstage, my darling. When I'm finished, meet me here."

"I will," he promised, running off.

Melanie sat down in the vanity chair as Phillip got to his knees at her feet.

"Since our proposal day...things have gone astray..."

"Phillip-"

"I'm not proud of the way that I've acted."

"We've both been-"

"The demands I've made. All our hopes, misplaced. I'm aware of the price they've exacted. Though I've no right to ask you to, there's one thing more I'd ask of you, if you love me as I love you."

Melanie took his hands and kissed them. "Anything, darling."

"Don't sing the song, dear."

"What? But, Phillip-"

"You have to know somethings terribly wrong here."

"But I have to do this. It's what we agreed to."

Phillip sneered,"That hell spawn demon! He's had us playing his game all along, dear."

"Let me just get through this, listen, please. I need to."

Phillip kissed her hands. "You need so much, I know. And I've denied you. You need the man you knew, back here beside you. You'll have him back I vow, just ask it of me. But we must leave her now, if you still love me."

Melanie stared skeptically at her fiance,"You mean it, Phillip? Truly?"

"I booked a passage for three on a freighter to France. Let's be on it for both our sakes...and the child's. Leave this place behind..." Phillip left the dressing room, where he was met with his adoptive sister. Charlotte surrounded him with all her condolences. On what though was a mystery. He just prayed that Melanie wouldn't sing. If she sang, he had to leave her. He made a bet. He promised.

Keko entered Melanie's dressing room that night, and removed her mask. Melanie didn't flinch at the festering, rotting skin falling off her friends face. She hugging her friend and excepted the congratulations she gave.

"You look amazing!"

"Thank you, dear," Melanie sighed. Keko's skin was sagging lower from the last time Melanie had seen her, and it had gone from Green to a dark royal blue.

"I was thinking, after the show-"

"Mother, I was-" Gustave bounded into the room, and dropped whatever he had been holding in his hand. He let out an awful scream, to which Morgan and Reid entered. Reid caught sight of Keko's face and had to catch the door frame. Melanie thought she might cry for her friend's sake when Morgan held down the vomit. Gustave continued to scream all the way out of the room.

"Gustave!" Melanie screamed as the green haired girl fumbled for her mask. "Keko-" but the girl was out the door. Melanie bolted for one or the other. "I've got Gustave," Reid promised. "You stay here."

"Reid-"

"Make your choice, Melanie. You don't have much time."

***

Melanie sat at her vanity. 16 minutes till curtain. She would be on stage at 2 minutes before. Her breathing was heavy and her stomach was in knots. She couldn't calm her breathes. Melanie hadn't been this nervous before he first major performance, why now?

    Melanie looked in her mirror, then down again. She ripped the necklace of diamonds off her neck and stood. Before she could rush out the door, a hand caught her shoulder.

"...You didn't hurt him today," Melanie whispered.

"And I expect to be payed for it."

"...Did you kill all those people?" Melanie asked.

"Only because I hoped the BAU to make a visit."

"So you did plan all this? You killed...Just to get me down here."

"I killed for you."

"I have to stay loyal to Phillip. He's made me an offer I cannot refuse."

"That's because he knows his love is not enough. He knows he isn't what you need. He's knows your made of finer things. I think on THAT we're all agreed. It's time to leave him in the dust. It's time to be who you should be. It's time to do now as you must and set the music in you free." The Master knew Melanie was hooked. She was staring at their reflections in the mirror, and was admiring what a picture they made. The Master smiled.

"In moments...mere moments...drums will roar. There you'll stand, just like before. The crowd will hush...and then in one sweet rush, I will hear you sing once more. And music, our music, will swell and then unwind. Like two strands of melody, at last entwined! Will fill us, complete us, make us whole. Seal our bond forever more.... Tonight, for me, embrace your destiny. Let me hear you sing once more!" How Morgan  hadn't heard her master's lamanent was beyond Melanie, but she was dizzy and honestly had to consider singing. He had placed the net of diamonds around her neck again, and the dressing door flew up. Her master disappeared.

"Miss Wilkes? It's time." the stage hand shut the door to give her two minutes.

"Twisted every way what answer can I give? I know I can't refuse, and yet, I wish I could. Oh God..."

Melanie remembered Phillip, young and brave in her old ratty dressing room in the town's theatre. Showing her the newest red rose he'd bought for her triumph. She still had every one in a box at home.

She remembered her master, tall and strong. He knew her soul. Phillip knew her heart. It was breaking. Her soul was crying. Melanie didn't know what to do. Gustave...what if Reid hadn't found him? Melanie looked around. She saw the gold papered dressing room and vanity. This could be her home. Or a castle in France, spending summers at Ardely and Ramblings. Melanie thought of her master's promise to her once, letting her inherit the theme park when she died. Melanie thought of Phillip's promise, to change into her perfect suitor. Perfect husband in months time. Gustave...Phillip...Master.... Her head was aching. Her heart was pounding. Melanie stepped out of her dressing room, and on her way to her adoptive son, she caught sight of the stage, the set, the lights. She heard the mumbling crowd behind the curtain-a full house. All these people...Melanie walked out toward the light as the stage boy said in his head set-

"Curtain."

Chapter Seventeen-Devil Take the Hindmost

Chapter Seventeen

Devil Take the Hindmost

     Phillip choked down another shot. It was probably number eight or so. He'd be passed out soon and then Melly would come looking for him. He'd wake up in bed, in his pajamas, and Melanie would make the hangover cure her Mammy once taught her to make for her father.

     Phillip repeatedly asked the bartender why any girl like Melanie could love a man like him. Phillip was only 22, but he already felt like an alcoholic. He knew he was upsetting Melanie. He knew he acted like a cad when he got dead drunk. He knew he was a disappointment to his parents, his future wife, his adoptive son.

     What would happen when Melanie got pregnant? Could Phillip change? If he couldn't change for Melly, whom he'd loved for so long since that summer at Ardely, how could he change for the sons and daughters she would give him? No...Phillip couldn't change. What about when took office? What if he didn't let him? His mother had quadruplets, all of them age seven or so now. Could they handle that? Traditionally, it was the second son. Phillip was a disappointment. He knew it. But he couldn't change. 

    Phillip asked for another shot, but the bartender had gone. He swore, then saw the stranger at the end of the bar. Out of the corner of his eye, the strange nodded.

"Vicomte," he smiled crookedly. Phillip's eyebrows furrowed.

"Sir," he replied.

"You don't know me, Comte," the strange stood, and Phillip's eyes went wide and he sputtered out of his seat.

"You!" he cried, pointing at the man with the mask.

"I've not come to kill you. I was thinking we could play a little poker. Make a few bets?"

"What do you want?" Phillip asked, still backing away from the stranger.

"Melanie is to choose tomorrow night."

"What do you mean?"

"Is she yours or mine?"

"Draw the line," Phillip sneered.

"If she sings, you lose. You leave here, disappear."

"And if she won't? If I win?"

"All your debts, wiped away."

"Very well, let's begin. Devil take the hindmost." Phillip laid the cards out on the poker table as his fiance's master poured two drinks.

"A toast," he said,handing one glass to Phillip. He took it and drown it back.

And everything went black

And Phillip woke up in his bed with Melanie sitting beside him with the hangover cure, just the way he thought he would.

Chapter Sixteen-The Phantom Confronts Melanie

Chapter Sixteen

The Phantom Confronts Melanie

        "Of all days of all places we run into them!" Melanie huffed. She was sitting at the vanity brushing out the pony tail then twisting back into the bun. She rolled the sleeves to remove the dust from her violet gown. It had slick sleeves, which formed to her skinny arms and fell down her body. It had a low v-neck, but not low enough to show any cleavage. Reid didn't like to spend time thinking about it, but how was Melanie busty some days and some days skinny as a ram rod? Melanie dusted off the gold hem of her skirt and sighed. Derek laughed her, and Melanie turned.

"And what is so funny Derek Morgan?"

"You. Upset." Melanie rolled her eyes. Phillip came to stand behind her and kiss her neck. His hands on her shoulders, Melanie took some comfort in the picturque the made.

"I know, I know, dear. Where's Gustave?"

"In his room. Would you help him dress, dear?"

"Yes, Melanie," Phillip said, leaning down and kissing his fiance on the cheek, and left.

"So what's the deal with that?" Derek asked.

Melanie turned around to face the boys and sighed. "When Phillip left Coney for the first time, he didn't return to Ramblings. He got on a boat to France. He called in advance. His mother, whom he spoke to, was thrilled and she called Phillip's older brother, whom he had never met. The Count rode a boat down with his wife, leaving their newborn son at home. The boat sank and both died, and they left Gustave in the care of Phillip. Phillip has lived in France till he came and spoke to me the night of my engagement party. That was the first time I had seen him in six years. I didn't know if he was alive or dead."

"So, your engagement was arranged?" Derek asked.

"Yes. I put out the fake date so Spencer could figure it out, but he was still mad like an ass because I didn't tell him and I didn't know! By the way...Gustave has taken to calling me mother recently. He'll call Phillip father accidentally, which makes Phillip upset. Phillip feels he is responsible for the death of his brother and sister in law. He will raise the boy but he doesn't believe he deserves the love that comes with the role. He pushes Gustave away when he shouldn't but still...I try to give him all the love I can. He reminds of me of my brother." Melanie smiled.

"Angus, right?" Spencer asked.

"Yeah...Aggie. He's sweet." Melanie hadn't told them the thought that Aggie was her half brother. She didn't need to. It wasn't important. "There's my boy!" she screamed as Gustave bounded into the room with his miniature tuxedo on.

"How do I look, Momma?" he asked in his little boy voice.

"Oh, just dapper Gustave!" She pulled the boy onto her lap and he wrapped his arms around her. "Papa said he'd take me to the zoo, but now he says he won't."

"That won't do," Melanie sighed. "I'll talk to him later. He'll take you to the zoo. What do you want to see?" she asked.

"The tigers! Raaawwwrrrr!!" cried the boy, making his hands into claws and pawing at the air.

Melanie laughed,"Alright, alright. Papa will take you to see the tigers and whatever else you want to see, alright?" The boy nodded and his bronze hair bounced on his bronze skin. "Some one needs a hair cut!" Melanie cried, using her fingers to pretend snip at the hair. Gustave wrapped his arms around his head and Melanie laughed at the boy again, then kissed his arms. They lowered for her and she smiled. "Just a little, and then you'll look super charming! But for now..." Melanie reached for a jar on her vanity and undid the lid. Dipping her fingers into it, the pulled out her coated in blue goo. She ran her hands through the boys hair until it was slicked back. Melanie laughed. "Now you and Dr. Reid have matching hairstyles." Gustave smiled.

"He's got good taste.

***

"You sure you'll be okay tonight, Mel?" Derek asked.

"Yes. Derek, Spencer, you guys are working really hard. But focus on the case. I'm not a victim you need to protect."

Spencer sighed,"But Phillips out drinking again..."

"I'll be fine. I've got Gustave so I won't freak out over anything. I'll probably stay up all night and droop around at rehearsals tomorrow. I'm fine."

"Maybe Gustave should spend the night in the hotel...?" Spencer asked.

Melanie shook her head. "He's safe. I wouldn't risk his safety. You know that. I know he's safe. If you wanna watch someone, watch Phillip. I'm worried for him."

"'Kay, Mel. 'Night," Derek said, hugging his friend.

"G'night Derek. 'Night, Spencer," Melanie said, hugging Reid. He threw his arms around her awkwardly. The two departed and Melanie shut the door and locked the double deadbolts. She leaned against the door for a moment, unsure of what to do. Gustave had been tucked into bed hours ago. He would be fine. Locking the third deadbolt, she sighed.

"It will take more than that to keep me out." Melanie stopped and felt her blood run cold. Her knees began to wobble and she didn't bother to wish for her smelling salts. She felt the hands on her bare shoulders, running down her arms, her waist.

"You're still here...you haven't ran," she breathed. Her knees finally gave out, but he caught her and carried her to the couch. He touched her hair, pulling out a pin, it all spilled down her back.

"I couldn't leave...you were here," he whispered. He put his hand on her chest, over her heart.

"Stop..." Melanie breathed.

"Doesn't that feel good? Has your heart been aching as mine had these six years?"

"Don't do this..."

"I love you. I do."

"Master," Melanie sighed, moving his hand away. He went fast from hurt to outrage.

"Six years I've waited for you! And now you come with son and husband!"

"You've hired Madame Greywald and her daughter, friends of mine."

"If I did I'm not aware. I've just composed these few years. I know not of what has become of the state of this theatre. And no song is good. I can't write without imagining you singing for them."

"The one you wrote for me was amazing. It's very beautiful...but I can't sing it."

"What?"

"I-" Melanie heard a scream coming from the left room as her future adoptive son came barreling in the room.

"Mother, please! I'm scared! What a dream, and awful dream! Someone strange and mad...seething me and drowning me!" he attached to her skirt as her master stared.

"Shhhh, it's alright. Come and meet a friend of mine," Melanie gestured to her master.

"Gustave, this is Mr. Y," Melanie smiled. Gustave stared.

"This place...is yours?"

"Every inch of it," he smiled. "Hows about tomorrow, I take you on a tour and show you whatever you wish?"

"Oh, yes!" he cried. Melanie looked between the two. "Back to sleep now, Gustave."

"Yes, Mother," he sighed, returning to his room.

    Melanie watched afraid as her master circled the room with a smile on his face.

"You won't sing will you? It's a shame for the poor boys soul..."

"What?" Melanie asked.

"He might lose his way on Coney Island..."
"No!"

"He might disappear on Coney Island..."

"Please, don't! I'll do anything, I swear! Please....I'll sing. I swear. Just...don't hurt my boy...please. It's all Phillip has left..."

"Ah, yes, the drunk husband."

"Fiance," Melanie corrected.

"What a fool..." the master cried. His mask was getting to big. He had lost weight over the six years and his face was longer and sadder. Melanie reached out to touch it, but he caught her hand.

"I'm sorry..." she whispered.

"I'll see you later, Melanie. If pride allows you to return to me. Your teacher." he sighed. "Melanie..." he whispered, but he tore himself from her gaze and fled.