AN: I do not own Phantom of the Opera. I will use music from all genres, whatever best fits the scenes I write. I edited this chapter again to give Phil a little more background.

Beckley's POV
Beckley sat down in one of the audience chairs, rested his elbow on the arm of it, and put his face in his palm. How could he pull this off? Proprietors said that restoring this business would be easy. Having the lead singer quit after it took some convincing for her to return was too much at the moment. There were so many others things he needed to worry about.

He didn't want any attention brought to the voices or the ghosts that seemed to still haunt the Opera House even after it was rebuilt. He certainly didn't want everyone to know that the Phantom of the Opera was once again employed, alive and well.

Also, he was having trouble securing a patron; as if the Opera Populaire was cursed. Beckley worked himself to the bone trying to find one. Aldric Bergeron was coming to Paris this evening to learn more about the business before investing. Beckley could only pray that this man would find it in his favor to part with his money. Without a lead actress though, he was uncertain how much luck he would have.

Aldric Bergeron's POV
Aldric Bergeron came to Paris with some of his friends, hoping to find a new venture to amuse him. He heard of the Opera Populaire in all the newspapers from the terrible fire; he was intrigued that someone actually rebuilt it. The arts were always an area that Aldric treasured. If the talent fit the bill, then he would gladly oblige Monsieur Beckley.

When he and his company arrived at the Opera House's doorstep, it was rather late. Most of the performers were elsewhere. Beckley told him that he was free to wander the large building to get acquainted with it.

Aldric sighed as he stood in the center aisle of the audience seats for a moment. He remembered performing when he was a child. Everyone said that he was a musical genius; but that was a long time ago.

Now, he was a respected businessman. Though he was a man without a title, he made a name for himself. This new modern world accepted those who worked hard, not just those of royal roots.

Phillip Okoro, though a colored man, was one of the best businessmen Aldric had ever encountered. The man's genuis afforded Aldric to grow his wealth and reputation in the development of royal bonds and currency. Aldric never shared his unruly past with Phil, but he looked up to him like an older brother. His best friend, moved from the exit door to where Aldric stood. Phil's dark skin glowed in the soft lighting of the hall. He fiddled with his cufflinks as he looked at his friend. "What are your thoughts?"

Aldric nodded. "This could work out wonderfully. I cannot find where the old structure ends and the new renovations begin. The integrity of the building seems sound. Tomorrow we shall watch the troupe perform; and I'll make my decision then."

Celeste's POV
She climbed the long winding stairs, thinking of the dispute that occurred earlier that day. Carlotta demanded that she be removed from the play altogether. Celeste didn't understand why anyone ever caused drama for the whole Opera House. There were too many things to be done for such interruptions.

On the positive side however, Carlotta was now completely gone from her life. Never again would she have to encounter such a narcissistic person. She didn't know who would take the primadonna's place, but Celeste could only hope that it wouldn't interfere with the roles that she was used to receiving.

She loved performing more than anything in the world. It was in her blood to express herself through movement and sound.

A sad smile crept to her face as memories of her childhood. She thought of her parents and her sister. They were all so happy back then. The world was perfect.

And Pan. Pan promised her that they would wander together to the ends of the earth. He wasn't able to keep his promise.

She now sat on the roof of the Opera House. Staring at the city, she dreamt that she never dreamed that the world was peaceful and kind; and, that now he could be with her.

She took in a deep breath, and began singing. You were once my one companion. You were all that mattered. You were once a friend and father, then my world was shattered. Wishing you were somehow here again. Wishing you were somehow near. Sometimes it seemed if I just dreamed, somehow you would be here.

Aldric's POV
He looked up from where the echo seemed to emanate. "That voice, I know it."

How could it be possible that she was here? Intrigued by this mystery, he turned towards the balcony seats in the direction that the singing came from; but then again, the angelic voice seemed to be everywhere and nowhere.

Wishing I could hear your voice again, knowing that I never would. Dreaming of you won't help me to do all that you dreamed I could.

Phil laughed. "Aldric, I don't hear anything. You keep seeing ghosts, and hearing voices. I think you're dreaming again."

Passing bells and sculpted angels, cold and monumental, seem, for you, the wrong companions. You were warm and gentle. Too many years, fighting back tears. Why can't the past just die?

Aldric raised a brow. "You're telling me that you cannot hear that? I can hear her sing, but I don't hear her voice."

He rushed towards the stage.

Wishing you were somehow here again, knowing we must say goodbye.

"We need to get backstage. I think that she's close."

Try to forgive, teach me to live, give me the strength to try…

Aldric ran as fast as he could to the stage. He needed to find her; this was the first time in years he had heard her voice.

No more memories, no more silent tears. No more gazing across the wasted years. Help me say goodbye.

They reached the stage, but the voice faded away. There was no more singing. Aldric was holding his breath to listen better for any sign of movement backstage. However, Phil ran up behind him, panting and out of breath. "Who do you think it is anyway?"

Aldric put a finger over his mouth, gesturing for Phil to be quiet. "I think I can make her start singing again. Maybe she'll come back."

Phil narrowed his eyes. "How?"

Aldric took in a deep breath, and began singing. No more talk of darkness, Forget these wide-eyed fears. I'm here, nothing can harm you - my words will warm and calm you.

Phil shook his head. His friend had heard him sing this before; but it was different this time. If she would lend her voice, the song would be whole again, like when they were young. Let me be your freedom, Let daylight dry your tears. I'm here, with you, beside you, to guard you and to guide you.

Aldric stopped singing, and pointed upwards like he was giving someone a cue.

The same feminine voice rang from the darkness. Say you love me every waking moment, turn my head with talk of summertime. Say you need me with you, now and always. Promise me that all you say is true. That's all I ask of you.

Aldric's heart skipped a beat. He knew it was her; only she knew the lyrics to this song, only she could possibly be the one singing. When she finished the verse, he began the next one. Let me be your shelter, let me be your light. You're safe; no one will find you your fears are far behind you.

Her voice became louder. All I want is freedom, a world with no more night, and you always beside me to hold me and to hide me.

Aldric turned back towards the stage, where she seemed to be clearest. Being on the stage invoked the performer in him as he belted out the next line. Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime, let me lead you from your solitude.

He searched the hall for the source of the voice as she sang. Say you need me with you here, beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go too.

As he held the note, a woman appeared at the rail for the balcony seats. He grinned as they gazed at each other. Luna, that's all I ask of you.

She was more beautiful than he remembered. He watched as her tiny body made such wonderful music. Say you'll share with me, one love, one lifetime. Say the word and I will follow you.

He grinned as he joined in, singing the next few lines together. Share each day with me, each night, each morning, Say you love me. Love me - that's all I ask of you.

Their voices faded into the silence. They stared at one another, not sure of what to do next.

Phil pointed at her. "You there. Who are you?"

Luna was startled. She gasped, and ran away from the railing.

Aldric grew sad at her departure. Why would she leave him? He thought about chasing after her, but Luna had always been wily; she would not be found if she did not wish so.

Phil furrowed his brow. "You're not going to go after her? That was no damn ghost. That was a flesh and blood person, a girl."

Aldric took in a deep breath. "I know. That woman is the girl that's been haunting my dreams since I was a child." He put a hand on Phil's shoulder. "Now that I know she's here. She will not be able to hide much longer."

AN: The song is obviously from the Phantom of the Opera play. I really enjoy the duet! As always, please let me know of anything I can improve upon. Thank you.