Disclaimer: The Phantom of the Opera does not belong to me (though I think if it were up to him, he wouldn't belong to anyone), only my own characters do.

Author's Note:

To pegasus5406: Thanks for reading and be prepared for more Brownie mischief.

To Nakia-Park23: Hmm, torture by Brownie…Erik will have to consider that. And what will happen at the Gala? You'll just have to read on.

To foxgodess07: Yes, those darn Brownies are a trip, a really weird trip. Madame Giry loving? Goodness, I've got enough couples and triangles to keep track of, but we'll see what the future holds in store for our ballet mistress.

To inubaka101: Sacrifice yourself to the Goblin King to ensure Erik and S'ray's continued happiness? I don't think we'll need to resort to that, but I'll keep you in mind should we need a sacrifice to keep Jareth placated.

To guest: Glad you're loving it, why don't you sign up for an account so you can be automatically notified of updates to your favorite stories.

Thanks to FanFictionAddiction4EVER, MourningGlorie, GoblinQueen18, inubaka101, Butterfly on the Wind, jigokunooujo and Naja-san for subscribing or adding this as a favorite story. Thanks to Blue Angels Song for favoriting me as an author. Silent support means as much to an author as verbal, though the verbal type does encourage us to update quicker. Don't be afraid to drop in with a review the next time you read a chapter.

Thanks to all who have read and reviewed; the more you review, the faster I write the next chapter. Now, on with the story.


PotG: Family Ties

Chapter 9

A Night at the Opera Part 2

"Did you enjoy the opera?" Erik asked as the curtain went down one final time.

"Oh yes, it was wonderful dear," she smiled as they rose from their seats. "I was looking forward to this since you first told me."

"One thing I'm not looking forward to is the Gala," he said putting her cloak around her shoulders.

"Well, you look very handsome with the glamour, I doubt anyone will even recognize you," she said as they exited through the door to Box 5.

"Would you prefer I use it all the time then?" he asked as she took his arm.

"Certainly not," S'ray smiled as he escorted her to the ballroom.

"I fear I will never understand women," he sighed.

"Good, we like it that way," she laughed.

"I'll be looking forward to leaving the Gala," he sighed as they entered the lavish room.

"Good evening Monsieur Destler," Phelon greeted as they entered. "I'm so glad that you could come tonight."

"A pleasure as always," Erik said shaking the vampire's offered hand.

"Messieurs Andre and Firmin, I would like to introduce you to Monsieur Destler my new partner," Phelon said introducing Erik to the managers.

"Gentlemen," Erik nodded to the managers.

"Good evening," Andre smiled. "Were you here for the performance?"

"Yes, we did attend," Erik replied putting his arm around S'ray's waist relying on her calming presence.

"And who is this exquisite creature at your side?" Firmin asked.

"This is Mademoiselle S'ray, who I am courting," the Phantom replied, making sure to dash any hope that either man had of making a play for her.

"Enchante," Firmin smiled kissing her hand.

"If you will excuse us," Andre smiled.

"Of course," Phelon said and the men moved off into the crowd to greet other attending dignitaries.

It wasn't long after the managers had left that they were approached by a woman. She was of medium height; pale skinned and had long dark hair. "Hello Phelon," she purred draping herself on his arm. "Are you going to introduce me?"

"Of course my dear," Phelon smiled kissing her cheek. "This is my partner Monsieur Destler and his companion Lady S'ray. Monsieur and Mademoiselle, this is Phaedra my consort."

"Oh Phelon," she laughed, "Surely you jest with me."

"Phaedra, I never joke about business," he said with a slight frown.

"Then you shall have to explain to me how you come to be in this," she paused to look Erik and S'ray up and down, especially S'ray, "embarrassing situation. And with a creature of indeterminate parentage no less, I must hear this tale."

Erik silently bristled at the vampress's haughty appraisal of himself and S'ray. He was about to make a biting remark, when he felt a calming hand at his back.

"Phaedra, I wish for you to accompany Merrick for the time being," the elder vampire said coldly.

"But you must tell me what happened," she pressed giving the Phantom and his lady a disdainful look.

The Phantom frowned and gave the impertinent woman a dark look in return.

"Do as you are told woman," Phelon said with a growl edging his normally calm voice.

"Yes my lord, gladly," she said and then sneered. "There is the foul scent of Elves and Pixies in the air here that you know I cannot stomach."

Phelon gave her a hard look and she coldly walked away into the crowd.

"She has never been good at holding her tongue," Phelon said. "Now if you will excuse me, I must see to His Highness."

"Of course," Erik said and the vampire left.

"That was unpleasant," S'ray said when they were alone.

"I would have thought his consort would have better manners," Erik frowned.

"She's a vampire, I expect that kind of behavior from them," she said as they joined the crowd.

"I don't care, I expect you to be treated with the same courtesy as anyone else," he said, clearly angry at the exchange.

"For her, that probably was good manners," S'ray explained. "Remember to them, we're the main course."

"She still needs better manners," he grumbled.

"Forget them," she smiled as the music started up. "Dance with me Erik."

Unable to resist her smile, he took her in his arms and they joined the rest of the dancers on the floor.

"So when can we leave to be alone again?" she asked as they moved around the dance floor.

"Normally, the managers would formally introduce the season's patrons, but seeing as there are no patrons I assume that they will introduce the owners," he said a bit of apprehension entering his voice.

"Don't worry," she whispered. "I'm right here with you, everything will be fine."

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" he smiled down at her.

"Several times, but I like hearing it," she replied with a laugh.


"I demand you release us!" Brandji shouted from within the torture chamber.

Tavlyn rolled his eyes and continued setting things up as Erik had requested. The Brownie had been making this racket ever since Erik had tricked the pair into going into his little "fun house" as the Alve called it. He sincerely hoped that the little pest wouldn't keep up that noise the whole night; it would definitely put a damper on the romance his friend had planned for the rest of the evening.

The Elf looked at the clock; it was time for him to change if he was going to join Meg at the party.


The dark skinned man moved carefully through the crowd. Even though he was obviously an exotic foreigner, no one seemed to take particular notice of him. Truth to be told; that was the way Nadir Khan preferred things. It was much easier to listen in on conversations when one wasn't noticed.

He was late getting to the gala and had missed the introductions of the new owners of the Opera Populaire. That wasn't the only thing he had missed, he had also missed the disaster that everyone was still speaking about in hushed tones. They talked about the young ingénue that the Phantom had kidnapped and how she escaped with her now husband, the Vicomte DeChagny. They also talked about the fallen chandelier during Don Juan and how the Phantom had appeared onstage as Don Juan himself before abducting said soprano.

Nadir Khan frowned; he should have known something like this would happen. He regretted taking that trip Russia now; he should have been here to stop Erik or at least have tried to talk some sense in him. He continued to listen carefully to the gossip going around the ballroom, hoping for hints at what happened to his old friend.


"That's over," Erik said, relieved when the formal introductions were done. "I don't like it when people stare at me, especially in large groups."

"I know," S'ray smiled as he led her to the dance floor once more.

"All I could think of the entire time was the glamour dropping, the crowd panicking and being shot," he said as they began dancing.

"It didn't happen, relax," she said caressing his shoulder as they moved to the music.

"Only because you kept it from happening," he said with the hint of a smile.

"I did nothing love, that was all you," she replied.

"What?" he asked surprise clearly showing on his face.

"It was all you Erik," she smiled. "Your glamour never even wavered, I'm so proud of you."

"Are you positive?"

"Yes."

"Are you certain it's not wavering?" he asked. "I can still feel people staring at me."

"Those are women," she replied with a sly smile.

"Why are they staring?"

"Mmm I believe they are wondering about the handsome and mysterious partner of Monsieur Phelon and hoping our relationship isn't very serious," S'ray explained.

"I see," he said with a slight frown. "I also don't like the way that some of the men are looking at you."

"Oh I imagine that they are wondering the same things about me," she smiled and felt him tense more. "I'm feeling rather warm. Can we find some fresh air somewhere perhaps?"

"Of course, there's a balcony we can go to," he said leading her from the dance floor.

Erik quickly led her through the crowd to the balcony. Along the way he snagged two glasses and a bottle of champagne. Once outside, they both took a moment to breathe deeply of the cool night air. S'ray closed her eyes and took a deep breath; she had grown much too warm in the human dress with all the accompanying layers of undergarments. Erik, on the other hand let his breath out slowly, willing himself to calm down now that he was away from the crowd and all the old fears it brought back to him.

"You are easily the most beautiful woman here," Erik said, popping the cork on the bottle.

"Flatterer," she laughed taking the glass he offered her.

"Monsieur Phelon spared no expense," he said looking at the label on the bottle.

"I'm not surprised," S'ray sighed taking another drink. "One more way to demonstrate his power."

"When would you like me to spirit you away from all this?" he asked motioning to the filled ballroom with his glass.

"How about one more dance and then you whisk me away to your lair," she smiled.

"Good evening lovers," Tavlyn said as he stepped from the shadows.

"Hello Tavlyn," S'ray greeted her cousin.

"I trust that everything is ready?" Erik asked finishing his glass of champagne.

"It is," the Elf replied.

"What are you planning?" S'ray asked.

"You'll find out later," Erik smirked. "And I trust the little ones are still safely tucked away?"

"They are, but they're not happy," Tavlyn replied.


"Don't they make a lovely couple," S'ray smiled as she stood by Madame Giry.

"I must say he looks very handsome now that he's cleaned up," Madame Giry observed.

"Tavlyn isn't one for fancy trappings, much to the chagrin of many at court," she replied.

"I'm surprised that he didn't disguise the eye patch," Antoinette added.

"He won't ever, that's a badge of honor for him," S'ray explained.

"Meg does look very happy," she sighed as she watched the Elf make small talk with her daughter. "Wait, did you say 'at court'? What do you mean 'at court'?" she asked clearly surprised.

"Erik didn't tell you?" S'ray asked.

"Tell me what?" the ballet mistress asked concerned.

"Tavlyn is a Prince at the Seelie Court," she explained.

"So are you royalty as well?" Antoinette asked.

"No, my mother is the King's half-sister so I am only those titles which I've earned," she explained and added with a laugh. "Erik was very relieved."


"How dare you imprison a person of my personage?" Brandji demanded after Erik opened the door of the torture chamber and entered.

"I have a job for you," he said ignoring the outburst.

"What makes you think we would do anything for you after locking us in here?" the Brownie asked.

"What is it?" Brule asked going up to the Phantom.

"Don't give in so easy!" Brandji yelled stomping his foot. "So what is it?"

"Upstairs is a vampress who was very rude to S'ray," Erik began.

"You have my attention," Brandji said coming closer to stand beside Brule.

"I'm giving you permission and I can't believe I'm actually doing this," he said. "I'm giving you permission to harass and otherwise annoy her."

"What's in it for us?" Brandji asked narrowing his eyes.

"I let you out of here," Erik replied.

"We shouldn't be in here in the first place," the Brownie argued.

"If you were actually trustworthy you wouldn't be in here," he sighed.

"Dorks," Luniana piped in as she landed on Erik's shoulder.

"Why isn't she in here too? She causes just as much trouble as we do!" Brandji demanded.

"Because I listen when I'm told to do something," Luniana said sticking her tongue out.

"You are as much of a pest as we are, you do lots of things you're not supposed to do," Brandji told the pixie.

"That's true, but she also causes much less damage than the two of you," Erik said.

"You always take her side!" Brandji yelled. "Does she have some sort of pixie nookie spell on you that makes you love her and hate us?"

"I do not!" Luniana yelled stomping her tiny foot on Erik's shoulder. "And he does not always take my side!" she squeaked. "Though I wish he'd spank me instead of just scolding me when I'm naughty."

Erik just rolled his eyes. "So do you want out of here or not?" he asked the brownies.

"Of course we want out," Brandji replied.

"There are some conditions attached to this," Erik said.

"Now what?"

"You are only allowed to deface, destroy or steal things that are her personal belongings. You are not to destroy or ruin any fixtures or items belonging to the Opera or anyone else," he instructed.

"Aww, you took half the fun out," Brandji groaned.

"And you have to work with Luniana," Erik smirked.

"What?!" the pixie demanded, stomping her foot on Erik's shoulder.

"Ow, not right in my ear Luniana," Erik winced.

"Sorry, but…but…but…but why?" she squeaked.

"Because you're dealing with vampires and I don't want any of you to be caught or seen," he replied.

"I get it, an undercover mission," Brandji grinned maniacally and rubbed his hands together. "I will need a disguise, Brule follow me. You too flutter pants."

"I don't wear pants," Luniana protested.

"You will if I tell you," Brandji said over his shoulder.

"I will not!" the pixie fumed.

"I am in charge of this covert operation and you will do as I say," the brownie said with an air of authority.

"Who put you in charge? Why can't I be in charge?" Luniana challenged.

"You're a girl," Brule said.

"At least I'm not a dork!" she threw at Brandji.

"I am in charge because brownies are sneakier than pixies and so I am in charge," Brandji said. "And he put me in charge, so there!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"Well, he didn't put you in charge, so I am in charge by default!" Brandji grinned triumphantly.

"That doesn't even make sense," the pixie frowned.

"Why can't I be in charge?" Brule asked.

"Because you are second in command," Brandji said.

"Oh, OK," Brule grinned.

"So what am I?" Luniana demanded.

"You are….you are my first lady," Brandji nodded.

"I am not! I don't even like you that much," she protested.

"Oh, so you do admit that you like me," he said waggling his eyebrow at her.

"I'm going to be sick," Luniana squeaked.

"Not on me you don't," Erik said plucking her from his shoulder.

"But he's gross and disgusting," she said.

"That is why I picked Brandji for this…mission. I feel it calls for his…unique skills," Erik explained and released her.

"See? I am unique and have skills!" Brandji crowed. "How do you like that Miss Fancy-Pantsy Glitter-Butt?"

"I don't wear pants!" she said and turning around, lifted her skirt and wiggled her bare bottom at him. "See?"

"Are you flirting with me?" he asked intrigued as to the turn the fight was taking.

"What?" she demanded and turned to face him.

"Are you flirting with me?" he asked licking his uni-brow. "Because, as you see, I can also flirt with you."

"Ewww!" Luniana squeaked squeezing her eyes shut. "Cannot unsee!'

Erik didn't react to the brownie's display; however, on the inside, even he was cringing.

"Once you go brownie, you never be frownie," Brandji grinned.

"That's enough!" Erik finally snapped. "Get what you need and get upstairs!"

"Sounds like someone needs to get laid," Brandji said leading his troops away.

"That's what I'm planning on, but it's not easy with you three around," he replied.

"I don't mind if you and S'ray get frisky in front of me," Luniana twittered. "Especially if you let me join in the fun too."

"I'm a one woman man Luniana," Erik sighed.

"Is that your way of saying you couldn't handle me?" she asked.

"What?" he said surprised.

"Is that your way of saying that I'm more woman than you can handle?" the pixie pressed.

"Yes, that is it. You are too much for me to handle in bed," he said. "Now get going."

"Awww," she pouted and followed the brownies.

"First we need disguises so nobody recognizes us," Brandji said going out the door of the torture chamber.

"I'm still not wearing pants," Luniana twittered flying after him.

"You will wear what I tell you or nothing at all," he barked.

"Oooo, then I'll wear nothing!" she chirped happily.

"You will not! I have just the disguise for you," he grinned.

"You're bossy," she frowned.

"Because I am in charge!" he crowed.


"What is it Erik?" S'ray asked as he stopped in the middle of carving the pheasant.

The Phantom didn't reply, he just pointed with the knife he was holding.

She turned to look in the indicated direction and saw the odd parade passing through the lair. Brandji was in the lead, dressed as Hannibal including the frizzy red wig. Next in line came Brule wearing a white ball gown and curly brown wig that had rhinestones in it. Completing the bizarre group was Luniana wearing the pants from Don Juan and Aminta's top.

"Brandji," she called with a smile. "Where is your mighty elephant steed?"

"It was too hard to move," he answered not looking back.

"I told you I couldn't push it in these shoes," Brule said picking up his skirt and running to catch up to his partner.

"You should have left your own shoes on instead," Brandji replied.

"But they didn't go with my dress," Brule explained.

"Dorks," Luniana said flying over them.

"What?" Brule asked. "You wouldn't wear shoes that didn't match your dress."

"I didn't get to wear a dress!" she angrily squeaked as they left the lair.

"What was that all about?" S'ray asked turning back to Erik.

"I got rid of them for the rest of the evening," he shrugged.

"Why are they dressed like that?" she questioned.

"That I do not know and I'm fairly positive that I don't want to know," he replied.

"Why are you sending them upstairs?" S'ray asked. "I thought you vowed to never turn them loose in your opera house."

"We had a chat in the torture chamber and I reconsidered my decision, for tonight at least," he explained and went back to carving the pheasant.

"For some reason I have the feeling that the Phantom is up to something," she sighed.

"On our special night?" he asked shocked. "Certainly not!"

"I think you're up to something," she said with a small smile.

"I assure you, I'm not up to anything except showing you a wonderful night," he replied.

"Are you certain of that?" S'ray asked suspicious still.

"Positive," he nodded sitting down across from her at the small table.

"Uh-huh," she replied, doubt still obvious in her voice.

"You sound as if you don't believe me," he said.

"Well old habits do die hard, plus I can usually tell when you're up to something," she said.

"I swear I'm not up to anything," he answered. "However, I can't speak for the little people."

"Erik Destler, you put them up to something," S'ray said looking him right in the eyes.

"I don't know what you mean. And since when do the three of them get together to do something for me?" he asked in response.

"So you'd let them out of that torture chamber," she replied.

"I was just keeping them safe in there, there are a lot of traps in the tunnels," he said. "Besides, nothing was activated. They were perfectly safe."

"Traps that you built," she said matter-of-factly.

"I would never…" he started and then stopped when she gave him a look. "All right, I built the odd trap for my protection, mind you."

"Erik, what kind of mischief did you put them up to?" she finally asked.

"My darling, I would never do that," he said reaching across the table and taking her hand in his. "We simply came to a mutual understanding of what they can and cannot do in my opera house."

"Then why do I smell trouble?" she asked.

"That's the lake," he smirked.

"It's not the lake," she replied.

"The sewers then? Perhaps the catacombs?" he suggested.

"Whatever you are up to had better not come back to bite me," S'ray warned.

"I guarantee that I'll be the only one indulging in that privilege down here," he smirked.

"Filthy man," she laughed.

"I am not, I had a very thorough bath before dressing this evening," he protested. "In fact, Brandji took a bath with me."

"What? He hates water, especially bath water," she said in disbelief.

"He, ah, kind of fell in," Erik explained.

"Just what goes on down here that you never tell me about?" she asked.

"It's not as bad as I'm sure you're imagining right now," he said.

"I can imagine some very strange things," she replied.

"S'ray," he said getting up and going to kneel before her. "S'ray, my dearest love, nothing stranger than what happens in the glen, happens here."

"That covers a lot you realize," she sighed.

"I promise they won't get hurt," he said taking her hand in his. "As long as they're not seen."

"Erik," she sighed.

"I love you," he smiled and kissed her cheek.

"Smooth way of changing the subject Don Juan," S'ray laughed.


Author's End Note: Don't worry, this is not the last you'll read of the Gala. It's still going on upstairs and things are happening.

Coming up in Chapter 10 – A Romantic Evening

Erik and S'ray alone in the Lair.