A/N-
There are too many reviews for me to write back to them all (And I LOVE EVERY one of them!)
For this, I thank you. Love your reviews, guys. Even if you're mostly snapping at me. Seriously, did you all have to go THAT overboard with it?
Geez.
But I'd like to say thank you to Oreocookiesrock, MaskofEvil, and spokawoka5678! Those were sweet reviews. And I love your usernames! :)
(not to exclude ANY of my other current reviewers- you guys rock!)
Here's the next chapter. Enjoy, and please R&R!
Oh, and Stardash19? I AM going to use your idea. It was brilliant!
.::PART TWO::.
Chapter Fourteen (Christine's POV)
Erik. I'm so sorry.
The thoughts constantly pulse throughout my mind, resound strongly through my being. The constant flutter of my heart has grown weak with unrelenting disappointment and rash anger. I'm flooded with the consistent feelings, and they soon take hold of my whole. I repeat over and over, never ending. I want to stop. I need to stop.
But I cannot.
Erik..Please..forgive me..
There is a distant sound, much like a whisper of a song. It lifts my spirits, heightening the thread of hope that binds me together. It strengthens its iridescent bonds, and creates something unknown to internally emerge.
Christiine...
It dims, softens, the yearning crescendo dying with the tiny hopeful flame of the hushed word that inhabits my core. Although the whisper in my mind has faded, intertwined along the dust within, the thoughts and love stay there.
He has spoke into my mind once again.
...
(Raoul's POV)
The dawn arrives with a swift benevolence, gifting us with a formal light. It proves helpful for only a brief amount of time as it lights our various paths, yet blooming to a sweltering heat as the day progresses.
I run the back of my hand along my brow, and push through the day, persevering with a familiar vengeance.
Christine...
I repeat her name in my head, reminding myself this is all for her, and she will be mine once more in fleeting time. The weapons and ammunition arrive as expected. I turn on my heel from my latest duties to greet the men who I have taken account for.
They haul the countless weapons to and fro, passing them carelessly to each astounded member.
Meg dumbly brandishes a pistol, and I relieve her of the loaded weapon. "Perhaps you shall have the honor of carrying this weapon if you do well in training." I mutter.
I glance over to a small group of men, Sam included. I gaze at the smug young man, and take note upon his weapon of choice: a sharpened sword.
Damageable, true. But a correct choice?
I continue my hesitating stare. What does the future hold for him?
I greatly alter my stance, and I shift into a light jog as I near the center of the group. "Gentlemen, ladies. It is come to my attention that you all are in desperate need of a bit of training. You surely cannot catch the Opera Ghost with no experience. Now, I will let all of those signs of displeasure subsided. Let us commence in a way with determination and happiness! Shall we begin?"
There are a few collective grunts of approval. I take it as my best shot.
"Come! We have much to do!"
...
(Christine's POV)
The day progresses. Erik and I sit in an silence that proves to be so. I gaze upon his quivering form with high uncertainty, my lack of faith wavering as the time lengthens. In the darkness, I watch his parted mouth move with a unknown rhythm. His breath billows unstably through his lips, frightening me all the more. My eyes run along his battered body, my throat tightening as tears jeopardize to destroy the thin barrier of resolution I have built.
I hunch down to him once more, this certain process seeming utterly repetitive. I curl up against him with my cheek resting upon his chest, and am at last thankful he has the burden of unconsciousness; he is not able to see me break down yet another moment. I know it is a wicked thought, but I cannot force it away.
Erik. . .
There is no reply. I snake around to face him, and allow my face to hover a foot above his own. I cradle Erik's cheek, my tears ceasing as I lean down. One option left.
The kiss is an illusion of limitless time. I pray within the aroused walls of my mind that he will survive, and wake renewed. Erik's eyes flutter open before my own. Mine open and widen with shock, mixing with a softened glee. I give a cry and rest against his form, the smile never leaving my face.
"You..you're still present. You have not left?" Erik asks dryly.
"Well of course not. Do you not remember-?"
"No, I fear I do not. What were you speaking of?" His quizzical expression throws me overboard as the news settles: he did not hear my earlier confession. Not one word.
"It was nothing you should be concerned of." I say. My face plasters a fictitious grin.
Erik tilts his head to the right to stare down the dim passage, then winces as pain takes full control. I flinch myself and do my best to steady.
"We must go, Christine. The longer I stay here, the longer I break."
I shift in position and allow what little light we have to be cast down upon Erik. He grimaces as fresh pain electrifies his senses. I help him to his feet, and try to steady my own as well. I find both of our lower limbs wobbly, thus forcing us to continue at a snail-like pace.
"This is all my fault, Erik.." I hiss. We stagger along, growing closer to the desired destination.
"Yes. Yes it was." Erik growls. When I look up, his lips are tilted up in a..smile.
I exchange one of my own, and we limp once again.
"Erik..?"
"Yes?"
"So, you did not hear a word of what I was telling you before you blacked out?"
"Can't say I do.." Erik replies.
I sigh, allowing this misfortune to slide by as well. Perhaps he will remember in time.
After all, is it not the best medicine?
A/N-
yay for no cliffe! Erik is fine, I presume...? I wouldn't kill him off, you sillies :)
So, sorry this one was short. I hadn't expected it at all.
Terribly sorry. Please review! ;)