Chapter 11

' Compromise....'

It had been several weeks since Erik had last seen Kristy in the tunnels but topside, was a completely different story. Several times a week, they would do lunch over a cup of hot tea with Fish and Chips, or sometimes, Shepherd's Pie----depending on what type of mood both were in. Slowly, Kristy was beginning to realize that she was falling in love with Monsieur Maurer---- yet she still missed the times of being with her opera ghost, but she had not relented on the fact that she would not do Christine if he would not portray the Phantom, making any type of compromise out of the question. Both Evey and V had discussed the problem with her-----although, neither knew the real reason why she had turned down the part, and Erik wasn't helping things----he gave them the same answer every time they brought the subject up-----' she says she is not ready for the part and would make a fool out of herself......' Finally, everyone had given up-----auditions would start being held within two months, and a new Christine and Phantom would be chosen.

The restoration work on the opera house was months ahead of schedule thanks to De Chagney, and very soon the doors of the new London National Opera House would open to the public. Already, most of the levels above the underground were completed and awaiting the final touch ups before the inspectors did their walk through. Evey and V had already sent the call out for the ballet troop and extras to submit resumes within the next 3 weeks. Yes, everything was falling into place----except Erik's broken heart.

He watched as Kristy showed workmen where the new curtains and paintings were to be hung and slowly walked toward her. " Could I speak with you for a moment if I may?"

Kristy dazzled him with a bright smile, taking her hand in his. " Give me a minute to finish up here."

Nodding his head, he pulled away.

" What's up?" She asked joining him.

" I've spoken with your so-called ' ghost '...." Eric began.

" Oh?" Kristy fringed disinterest. " What did he want?"

" He's very upset that you still refuse to do the part of Christine." Erik replied as they walked toward the building's entrance.

" Oh, Erik, " She huffed, " Why can't he see that he is the Phantom? He has a beautiful voice----damn it! That part was meant for him. Why does he have to be so stubborn?"

" Maybe it's because he's been hurt before." He answered, pausing a long moment studying her. " Let

me talk to him, maybe I can think of a way to solve this."

Kristy sighed heavily. " Good luck!"

" Have you been continuing your lessons?" Erik asked as they stepped out into the brilliant sunshine.

Kristy looked up at him. " How'd you know about that?"

Erik had to think quick, or let the prodigal cat out of the bag. " We have talked about your training before."

" Oh?"

Erik looked at his watch. " I should get back to the office before I am missed."

" Now?"

" Yes now, Mademoiselle."He smiled gently as his lips captured hers.

" Will I see you tonight?"

" I have something I want to show you----will you meet me at the tunnel junctions tonight around nine o'clock?" Erik asked looking into her eyes-----eyes that held his heart.

" Of course."

" You don't think that we will disturb your teacher if we go exploring?" He grinned.

" I haven't see him in almost a month-----he probably isn't around any longer because of the renovations going on down there."

Erik laughed softly, " Maybe he's hiding in the shadows still, just biding his time....."

" Maybe."

" I will see you tonight, then." He kissed her hand then turned, walking away.

Kristy sighed to herself, and wondered why the Phantom couldn't be more like Erik.

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Raoul De Chagney looked over the final plans for the opera house. He had done a remarkable job of bringing the renovations in several months ahead of the deadline. His father had just visited the work site and smiled, pumping the young man's hand as he looked the building over. It sent a chill up your spine to stand and look at what the original Palais Garnier looked like when she first opened. Soon, the building would be budding with life once again as the ballet dancers begin arriving.

" Mr. De Chagney!" Raoul heard his name called, and turned to find Evey and Samuel walking toward him, the latter walking with the help of a beautifully carved cane.

" Dr. Penway, Miss Hammond, it's a pleasure to see you once again." He greeted shaking V's hand. " Well, what do you think?"

V grinned, " I believe you should ask him." He nodded to an approaching Erik, shirt opened at the collar, sleeves rolled up.

" Samuel, Evey..." He greeted, " Comte...."

" Young De Chagney here, was about to ask a very important question....." V said.

" Pray tell, what was that?" Erik said as he crossed his arms.

" Mr. Maurer I would like to ask, if everything is up to your standard." De Chagney said, looking at him.

Erik's eyes moved slowly over the Baroque styling. It brought tears to his eyes as he stared up at the building that had once again become his home. He took a deep breath. " I must admit, that in the beginning Comte, I did not believe that you had it in you....." His eyes wandered across the outside of the opera house, " But, I have to admit, you have outdone yourself." He extended his hand toward Raoul, as a small smile crossed his lips." You have done a remarkable job."

A wide grin broke across Raoul's lips as he shook Maurer's hand firmly. " Thank you sir, that means a lot coming from you."

' It should.' Eric thought to himself as he saw a very petite red-head walking toward them.

" Excuse me, " She spoke softly, as she approached where they stood. " I was told I could find a Dr. Penway here?"

" I am Stephen Penway. How may I assist you?" V smiled at the young girl.

" My name is Meg, Meg Leary. I've come to audition for one of the ballet parts in the opera you are doing." The Irish brogue she spoke with caught and held Raoul's attention.

" I would be the one you need to see." Evey smiled extending her hand. " Evey Hammond."

A shocked expression covered the girl's face. " You were the one who helped that terrorist-----what was his name-----oh yes, V." She answered as Stephen and Erik looked at each other.

" You are mistaken, I did not help him, " Evey straightened out the girl quite quickly, " I was kidnapped by him and held for almost a year as his prisoner." She looked over at V------who bowed his head slightly at her remark. Reaching over, she squeezed the gloved hand gently, took a deep breath and turned her full attention back to the red-haired beauty. " And what part are you interested in?"

" I would like to audition for the part of Christine Daae." Meg answered as a wide smile broke across her full lips.

" That's blasphemous....." A voice spoke from Erik's side. He found Kristy standing there, arms crossed staring at the young girl. " Christine wasn't Irish, she was English....." She huffed.

" Since you won't commit to the part, we have no other choice...." Erik paused as he watched her. He could see a furious expression developing on the beautiful face.

" I have been working hard on my singing, I know I can do the part.......it's just....."

" Just what?" Erik questioned her.

" You know what....." Her eyes bore through him.

" Maybe he will come around before rehearsal begins." Erik replied as Evey and Meg began to walk away. " I will speak with him."

" Can you guarantee it?" Kristy asked as she watched Evey and the girl uncomfortably.

" All I can do is try to persuade him." Erik looked at her." I can do no more."

Kristy suddenly realized that if there was any man on this earth that could persuade the ghost, it was Erik. "All right, I'll do it." She smiled up at him. " But you have to promise to try."

Erik grinned. " I'll do my best."

" Thank you." Kristy reached up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek, then ran to where Evey and the young woman had stopped by a nearby table. " Could I speak to you for a moment?" She asked laying her hand on Evey's arm.

" Would you excuse me please." Evey smiled as she followed Kristy a few feet from where they had been standing.

" What is it Kristy?" She asked looking at the girl.

" I've changed my mind------Evey, I'd like to do the part of Christine, " She paused for a moment, looking away then back, " if it's still available."

A wide smile broke across Evey's face as she took Kristy by the hands. " I think that can be arranged."

" Thank you." Kristy sighed, thankful that she hadn't be foolish enough to loose the part after all. " Now, all I have to do is get the ghost to play the Phantom." She sighed heavily, " Erik has agreed to speak with him, but I don't know if it will do any good-------I don't even know if he's still in the labyrinth...."

" He's still there." Evey answered, " Stephen saw him just the other day. The Phantom wanted him to know how much he appreciated the fact that he had restored his home----said he would be forever in V's debt-----" Evey paused thoughtfully, " V might be able to call in that debt."

" Do you think he might talk to him too?" Kristy asked hopefully.

" I don't see why he wouldn't. I'll ask him." Evey replied, " Now, I have to go break the bad news to Miss Leary." She smiled, walking away.

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Erik Maurer sat quietly in front of the dressing table, his eyes never leaving the mirror, or the reflection that echoed in his eyes. He ran the comb through his newly cut dark hair before placing the mask upon his deformed face and sealing it in place. He rose from the chair, and slipped the black brocaded half-coat on, securing the buttons. He was to meet Kristy in a matter of minutes, and he was in a hurry to be away from his home. Grabbing the black cape, he disappeared through one of the secret doorways that led to the underground tunnels.

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Kristy moved slowly through the darkened tunnels, the torch she carried lighting the way before her. Her heart beat faster as she approached the rendezvous point she was to meet Erik at as her mind continued to fight with her heart. Stopping, she lowered the torch till it's beams highlighted the dirt on the floor. She took a deep breath, and tried to quiet the voice in her head. Was she doing the right thing by meeting Erik here, in the dark? She really didn't know that much about him still-----only that he was French, a wonderful architect and almost twice her age------but one thing she did know was that she was in love with him. Raising the beam back to it's rightful place, she continued onward for several more minutes, finally arriving at the tunnel junctions. She glanced around for any sign of Erik.

" Hello Kristy." The voice sent chills through her-----it was the Phantom's voice, not Erik's.

" Where is Erik?" She asked staring into the darkness.

" I sent him back to the surface." The voice answered.

Kristy crossed her arms. "You had no right to do that." She retorted angrily.

" This is my domain----I have every right." The voice grew deep, a hint of anger showing.

" He was going to show me something....." She broke off abruptly, " You didn't hurt him did you?"

" Mr. Maurer is fine." The voice had shifted in direction, moving closer to her.

Kristy moved to the right quickly, straining into the blackness. " Where are you?" Suddenly, she felt a gloved hand on her shoulder, turning her around.

" I felt I was better suited to show you, since I know the underground better that he." The Phantom spoke softly as Kristy looked into the white half mask that covered his face. " Do you regret that I sent him away?"

Kristy stood looking at him-----she tried to speak, but no type of formed word would leave her mouth, so she shook her head instead, her eyes never leaving his. The Phantom smiled slightly as he raised his hand to her face, brushing it lightly across one of her cheeks. Closing her eyes, she leaned into the leather, its softness nestled against her. " I-----I......"

" What my angel? What do you want to tell me?" His voice low, hypnotic.

Kristy felt tears beginning to well in her closed eyes as emotions raced through her--------why did it have to be like this? Why couldn't she choose between them? Why was she drawn to both?

" Come....." He took her by the hand, smiling as he lead her through the tunnels toward his lair. He would make her forget about his alter ego-----

" No!" Christy cried, pulling her hand from his, " I can't do this......" She rationalized, stepping away.

The Phantom stopped, standing perfectly still, barely breathing. " I thought you loved me." He whispered.

"Oh god....." Kristy cried softly, her eyes taking in the broad back in front of her. " I don't know...."

Turning, he grabbed her hand roughly, dragging her behind him as the flame from the burning torch lit the way. She tried to pull away, but it was of no use----then quite suddenly, he stopped, his hand releasing hers. The Phantom turned fighting with himself not to drag her into the catacombs of his home, but as sanity replaced his temporary madness, he knew he couldn't. " I have no right to bring you down into this hell of mine-------go, be with the one you love......." His head lowered as his voice softly trailed off into the silence.

Kristy reached out with her hand, gently touching his bare face. " I will never forget you or what you did for me.......I just wish....."

" Go!!!" His voice bellowed off the walls as he stared at her, " Before I change my mind!"

Fear engulfed Kristy as a feeling of dread over took her, and she turned, running from his sight.

After she had vanished into the darkness, a grin covered Erik's face as he crossed his arms. ' Ah, my love, you have not seen the last of your ghost.........' He thought smugly to himself, ' You will curse the day you did not do all that the Phantom asked of you.......' He sang softly, then walked away into the shadows.

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" You want me to what?" Evey asked, looking up from the desk at V.

" Really Evey, I'm afraid that I am not in the habit of repeating things I have already said-------you, of all people should know that." He tilted his head to the right, looking at her.

Evey sighed, " Yes, I know---------but what you are asking me to do seems to be really unfair to Kristy."

" I know....." V sighed heavily, " but, be assured this is for a good cause."

Evey's eyes narrowed. " V, " She began, " whatever you two are up to, I don't believe anything good can come from it."

V leaned over the desk, his hands planted firmly on the top, " Believe me my love, no one is going to get hurt." His blue eyes shone with amusement.

After studying him for a moment, Evey relented and gave in. " Ok, I'll go head and put the call out for the lead auditions. Rising from the chair, she placed her hands just opposite V's, their faces inches apart. " But mark my words, if Kristy gets hurt, both of you will be in hot water. Do I make myself perfectly clear, Dr. Penway?"

V smiled, " Perfectly clear, Miss Hammond." He purred as his lips caught hers.