Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original characters such as Meg, Madame Giry, Erik etc. But I do own the characters such as Rebekah and her friends which will be mentioned.

The Phantom Returns

Erik sat on the floor of his chamber crying; there did not seem to be any point to life now that Christine was gone. Erik guessed it had been about seven days since she had left him for that boy. He had barely been aware of the time passed and he could not remember anything beyond the pain and the guilt that battled for his soul, it was too much to live under.

"Christine, why?" he muttered. Staring at the ivory handled dagger in his trembling hands; for the last few minutes he had been trying to calm his trembling body enough to give himself a quick and clean death, but so far he had not been able to do so.

Rebekah hurried along the passage ways down to the underground caverns where many believed the mysterious Phantom lived. She had been down here once before, the night of the infamous production of "Don Juan, Triumphant". For the past few days Rebekah had had a feeling urging her to return.

As she reached the lake's edge she jumped in and swam across the lake. Nearing its shore she looked for signs of life, she could see none. Walking up on the dais at the water's edge she looked carefully around knowing that there must be a passageway nearby. So many mirrors, but why? Only then did she notice one was half covered by a large piece of velvet sitting in the shadows. Nearing the mirror she saw most of the glass was missing and was actually a passage way.

Despite the lack of light Rebekah stepped through clinging to the walls until she came to a door slightly opened. As she stepped through the door she heard the sound of someone crying.

Quietly she made her way through the house following the sound. She paused outside the door when she heard a man's voice muttering from within. Cautiously she peeked into the room and saw a man kneeling on the floor with a dagger in his hand ready to plunge it into himself.

Just as he had steeled himself against the sting of death he felt a pair of warm hands grasp his, stopping the blade's progress. He gave a cry of despair dropping the dagger from his hands as he hid his face in them while trying to stop the new surge of grief which had overcome him.

He was not sure if he was dreaming but the hands which had stopped his dagger reached around him pulling him close. He felt a head on his neck and tears spilling on his neck. Finally he raised his head to find himself face to face with a young girl. She had large brown eyes with flecks of green. Her hair hung around her face and was thick and brown. Instead of a look of terror or pity he saw a look of complete concern. Though he had pulled away, he still felt her kind touch.

She moved closer to him as he lowered his head again. As he felt her come again towards him he pushed her back.

"Leave, you don't belong here. I am meant to be here but you are not," said Erik. He expected her to draw away, to leave him but she did not.

"I am not leaving you here alone, you don't belong here either," replied the girl.

"Yes I do, I, am a monster," he replied bitterly.

"No, you are not a monster. You are a man. One that has been horribly scared by life, but you are not a monster," replied she again. Erik looked up again into her face. She still had the look of concern but now there was another element added determination. Erik could see he would not be able to push her away and right now he didn't want to.

"Do you believe anyone could honestly care for a monster like me? Why do you suppose I am down here?" countered Erik. The girl was quiet for a moment before replying.

"I could if you would let me," she whispered. Erik was silent at this. Rebekah moved closer and put her arms around him again and she was surprised when he in turn put his arms around her and drew her even closer onto his lap. As she sat there with him she could feel new tears on the back of her neck lessen but still he held fast to her. This was not the phantom she expected to find. Then again she hadn't been sure exactly what to find.

Erik held onto her for a long time until he had stopped crying. He had never held anyone this close and have them holding onto him as well. This girl was probably going to think he had no self control but after being alone for so long he was glad to have someone with him. Reluctantly he loosened his grip on her so she could face him. She faced him half smiling.

"I guess I should have introduced myself, my name is Rebekah," she said. Erik was silent for a moment before replying.

"My name is Erik, otherwise known as the phantom as you may have guessed," he replied. Rebekah smiled nodding but not sure what to do now. She had come down here and stopped him from killing himself but what was she supposed to do now?

Rebekah wondered what she should do with this man she had found. She couldn't very well leave him here alone and by himself.