It had been a year since the performance of 'Don Juan'. A year since anyone had seen or heard from Erik and Christine. All of Paris marked Christine as missing and Erik as dead. The one man that had not given up on the search was entering the opera the Viscount Raoul De Chaney. Meg and Joshua stood in the dressing room hallway talking and laughing when Raoul walked in. When Meg spotted him her mood changed to ice cold and stormed away. He walked up to Joshua and stated simply "I need you to take me down there." Joshua crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. "I've told you there's nothing down there. We've already checked."

Philippe walked up behind Raoul. "Joshua just take him, we've all been down there and it's nothing. So just take him so he will shut up." Raoul turned to his older brother annoyed. "Fine, if you want to see dust that's fine by me."

Raoul rolled his eyes and the three of them went into Christine's former dressing room. Joshua was quick to find the latch this time. They went to the boat on the lake and went across to find the small home. It was a strange sight to see because there were lights in the house. Joshua shrugged it off thinking it might be Gerard or one of the girls. Raoul stated to hear a strange sound coming from the water, not knowing what it was exactly he leaned over the boat wondering what it was. It seemed to hypnotize him for he did not hear Philippe or Joshua trying in pull him back to sit in the boat. It was one of Erik's many traps. Joshua had a trained ear so the trap was useless on him and Philippe had come down enough times to avoid and ignore it. But Raoul had never taken this way before, so this easily drew his attention. Raoul tipped the boat over being plunged into the water along with Joshua and his brother.

Something had come into the water and pulled him to shore. "Raoul!" he heard from what seem like a distance away but was right next to him. From the corner of his eye he saw Philippe, Joshua, and another figure with his back to him. "Raoul." The angelic voice said again. He looked up to see the face of his Little Lottie looking down at him. "It's going to be alright Raoul. It's going to be alright." And then everything in his world was dark.

Raoul opened his eyes slowly. He could feel the warmth of the fire on his now dry skin. He had a dull ache in his head and all thought went away from him when he heard a very familiar giggle. There she was laying curled up in a ball on the sofa with the very much alive masked man whispering to her making her laugh. He finally was able to make out what was being said after many laughs between the two. "Shh, don't you have someone to go bug besides me." She whispered to him. He shook his head stroking her hair "No one I can really think of." They laughed again. Erik moved forward capturing her lips. After a moment she pulled away "Stop, someone will see." She complained. He rolled his eyes and scoffed "The only one that's in here is out cold, and the other two are probably asleep in the other room."

"Think again." Philippe said coming into the room taking a seat. Christine giggled at how annoyed Erik seemed and kissed his cheek. Standing up and moving to check on Raoul. She took a seat next to him and reached for a cloth in a small bowl of warm water. She took it and dabbed it on the place of his head where the pain was more intense. He winced. "Christine?" she put a finger to his lips shushing him. "Keep still and relax." She advised. Erik came to stand behind her looking down at Raoul. "Ah, seems that someone finally decided to wake." Then there was a wail that came from another room what sounded like from an infant. "Yes, and it seems someone else has too." She quickly folded the cloth placing it on Raoul's head and pulled the blankets over his arms. "Keep that there it should bring the swelling down, and try to keep under the blankets, it gets pretty cold down here." She stood up and grabbed Erik's arm. "And you!"

"What?"

"Play nice." She said teasing him. "I make no such promises." He said playfully in reply as she left the room. He then went to join Philippe on the sofa. When Christine reentered the room she was not alone. Christine had a small child in her arms, from the looks of it only a few months old. Erik smiled and stood Philippe by his side. "Someone wanted their Papa." Erik looked at the infant that had out stretched arms. He reached out and took the baby holding it up in the air, and then he brought him gently to rest in his arms. He squirmed around making all sorts of baby noise Erik just laughed and glanced at Christine. She was looking at their baby making all sorts of faces. They laughed at how he hid in his father's chest every time she made a face he didn't like. She patted Erik on the arm "I'm going to go see where Joshua ran off to." Erik nodded and turned to Philippe. The child made a very curios face at this new comer. Philippe smiled at the infant giving a small wave "Hello there little one." He said.

"Philippe meet my son." He stated proudly. "Well then let me correct myself, hello there little Mcgalla." The boy laughed and hid in his father once again. A son! A child as beautiful that is his! Raoul's thoughts screamed why would Christine willing have his child? She told me herself that the last time was a mistake, why would she do this again? Raoul could see that baby boy's face it was perfect, not one flaw on his skin. Dark small curls rested on his head. The infant had Christine's nose and Erik's chin, but his eyes were golden. Those eye reminded Raoul of his last fight with the Phantom. The Phantom's eyes, the eyes that shined like fire in the dark. Raoul was amazed that the child would be as beautiful as his Little Lottie. Joshua came in with Christine play fighting like they did as children. He walked over to the fire where Erik and Philippe sat playing with the boy. Joshua looked down as Christine took a seat in Erik's chair smiling at her little boy. "So this is the new edition, eh." The child stopped crawling to his father to inspect this new voice. Joshua sat down on the floor next to Erik and the boy gave him a strange look. Erik and Philippe laughed because it was worse than the look Philippe got. The boy went on his belly and started waving fists around talking in a language only he could understand. "Yes Erik that's defiantly your boy." All but Erik laughed. He turned to Joshua with a look. "I'm going to remember this the next time you come to me asking for a 'favor'." Joshua's eyes widened

"Do I even want to know the other end of this?" Christine asked.

"No!" Joshua was quick to answer. During this little laugh the child had begun crawling again with the curious mind set on the glowing thing that made the room warm. "Erik!" Christine said quickly and he picked the boy up sitting him on his lap "And where do you think you're going little mister?" He asked playfully as the boy examined the artistic hand of his father. He brought one finger to his mouth and began to suck on it. His eyes began to droop after awhile. "I think someone's sleepy." Erik put him back down on the rug and he began to crawl to Christine, who happily welcomed him. She picked him up cradling him in her arms humming softly. "Philippe could you wind up the music box?" He nodded and did as asked. Christine softly began to sing Erik's lullaby to him. Before they knew it he was in a deep sleep "I'm going to go lay him down." She whispered quickly then resumed singing. When Christine left the room Philippe was the first to speak. "So, how long have you three been here?"

Erik started to think. "Well," he began "He is only three months and that's how long he's been here. But Christine and I have been here for almost four months now."

"Does anyone besides us know you all are here?" Joshua asked. "Meg." Erik answered. "She was actually the one who helped deliver our little one." Joshua looked somewhat surprised at this information. "You've only been here for four months? Where were you two the other eight?" Erik shrugged and said "Here and there. Christine kept better track than I did." The three laughed again Erik and Christine were both very happy to be back among friends.

One candle was lit in our small room. Erik was sound asleep while I had been in and out of dreams since we first laid down. I rolled over on my side getting a better look at the clock. 3:32. Gustave will be hungry soon. I thought to myself. I slowly sat up and turned to look at my sleeping husband. I leaned down and kissed his head, then quietly drew back to covers, slipped out of the bed, and put on my robe. When I got to the small nursery I was right my little Gustave was wide awake and ready to eat.

After he was feed he fell back to sleep. I gently placed him back in the crib and pulled blankets over him. I went through the house into the room where the boys were sleeping. Joshua laid in what looked like a very uncomfortable position in Erik's chair, while Philippe laid stretched out on the sofa. I went over to the fireplace to put another log on and try to get it back to the way it was before everyone went to sleep. I turned and went to the end of the room where Raoul was laying. I sat next to him taking the damp cloth from his head. His eyes slowly came open and I smiled down at him. "Hi." I whispered. "Hey." He replied. He tried to sit up but I stopped him "Easy, you took a pretty good fall." I said lying him back down. "What happened?" He asked confused. "One of Erik's traps. You fell into the water and doing so hit your head on a rock."

"Well, that explains why my head hurts. But where have you been Christine? That night, he, he died, and then you just left. Why?" I smiled at him.

"I honestly didn't know what they were planning. Erik said he wanted it all to look natural. The gunshot we heard was Joshua on one of the upper levels. Not long after you left to find the house Erik showed up and explained everything to me. We left and we assumed you would eventually find the house, and when you did we would explain things to you. But you never came. That morning Erik and I went to the docks and headed toward Italy, where we were married a day after we docked." I smiled remembering how good it felt to finally put on my wedding gown. Remembering the realization that I was truly Erik's wife when we walked out of the church. "After that we saw the world. We went to Germany next and that's where we found out I was pregnant."

Raoul smiled at how my face lit up by just the thought "Gustave, after my father. It was Erik's idea. Gustave Nathaniel Mcgalla. After Germany we went to England, Spain, Persia for a short time, and even to China. We came back when I was eight months along, and spent some time with Molly at the Liveria house. We came down here for memory sake and found Meg down here after. We explained to her where we had been, how long we had been back. Then it seemed Gustave didn't want to wait any longer. Meg delivered him and we've been here ever since." It confused Raoul at how I told this story like it was nothing. There was still a question that plagued my mind. "Raoul," I began. "Why did you come down here?"

He sighed and looked away from me. "I came hoping to find you or a hint to where you might be. I wanted to make sure that you were alright."

"Well as you can see I'm doing just fine." Raoul looked at me strangely "I have a loving husband, a beautiful son, and a whole world that we can see. What more could I possibly ask for?"

Raoul just shook his head at me "Christine, just listen to yourself. What life can he give you and this boy other than a life on the run? He is a wanted man Christine."

"Wanted for something he cannot help." I stated quickly. "The world fears and misunderstands him. I don't, I never have even when I first looked upon his face as a child. The only reason we came back was because we both agreed that Gustave would be born here, in Paris. And even if a life on the run is all I would have with him, then I would accept it full heartedly. I've told you before I love him Raoul, and nothing anyone says or does will make me feel otherwise. This is the kind of love we used to dream up in fairy tales by the fire with Papa."

"Except this monster cannot be transformed into a prince or man." I pushed back the voice telling me to smack him across the face and start yelling at him. My Erik may not be a prince, but he was no monster either. "In the eyes of the world maybe," I stated calmly "But in my eyes, and in the eyes of our son, he is the greatest man that God ever allowed to grace this earth." I placed my hand on his, "Tomorrow Philippe, Joshua and Erik will take you back up, and when they do I don't want you to ever come back Raoul. If you do Erik will strike and when he does he will strike you dead, and I fear that I will not be able to stop him then." I heard footsteps approaching and knew it was Erik. I quickly stood up finding him at the door leading into the room. "What are doing up?" he asked. I smiled "Gustave was hungry, and the fire was going out."

Erik turned to see the fire roaring once again but did a double take when he saw how Joshua was sleeping in the chair. "Oh, now that has to be uncomfortable. He is defiantly going to be sore in the morning." He said turning back to me. I was now standing to front of him and I placed my arms around his waist, leaning upward to kiss him. He returned the gesture placing his arms around me pulling me closer to him. I pulled away "Why don't we go on back to bed. You have to take the boys back up tomorrow." Erik sighed and nodded.

There were voices just outside the house as Raoul stood next to Philippe who was doing something for Erik. Raoul let himself wander next to the door leading outside the house. He leaned out far enough so he could see what they were doing. Christine was standing ankle deep in the water as Erik and Joshua prepared the boat. Raoul spotted Erik and Christine's loving looks every now and then. Christine would blush and look away for a quick second and Erik would just smile at how innocent she seemed. Erik gave Joshua some instructions and then went to join Christine. He came up behind her wrapping his arms around her waist, then placed feather light kisses on her neck and cheek. Placing her hands on his she smiled, then slightly turned her head to place a brief kiss to his lips. They smiled at each other. She glanced over at Joshua who was rubbing the back of his neck and wincing at the soreness. "You know, I think you were right." Erik looked at her in confusion "Joshua looks very sore this morning." He laughed at her looking at Joshua from the corner of his eye.

"Erik we're ready whenever you are." He turned and nodded. Christine turned and was lead to the front door by Erik hand in hand. "Philippe get that brother of yours and let's go!" Erik called then set his sights back on Christine. "Are you going to be alright here with Gustave for awhile?" he asked pulling her closer. She smiled and said "Erik I'm not a little girl anymore, I think I can take care of not only myself but our son as well." He nodded and lightly laughed. Philippe and Raoul passed them leaving the house heading to the boat. Erik sighed putting his arms around Christine kissing her forehead. "Alright, I'll be back as soon as I can." Erik left Christine's embrace walking to the boat. She looked to Raoul and said "Don't forget what I said. Never come back or you will regret it." And with that Christine disappeared into the house. The boat ride and walk back up to the world of light was silent. Erik led them down a path that was unfamiliar to Raoul. They stopped at what seemed like a dead end. Erik placed his hands on the wall and began to feel for a lose stone. When he found it and pressed it back into the wall, it moved aside and showed a small office. Erik was the first to enter followed by Joshua, Raoul, and then Philippe. When they entered they were not alone for there stood Gerard, Jessica, and little Meg. Jessica stepped forward and addressed the brothers first. "Sophia is waiting for you in a carriage up front."

Philippe nodded and Raoul followed him out the door but just before he left Erik called after him. "Raoul, I don't know exactly what it is that my wife has told you, but do just what she said. Don't ever come back." Raoul slowly nodded and left the room. "Where is she?" Gerard asked.

"Safe." Erik replied "We need to speak with all of you. Molly will arrive shortly, and when she dose I want all of you to come down to the house so we can talk." Jessica nodded and with that Erik was off.

Molly stared at little Gustave in amazement. She glanced up at Erik "He looks like you a little bit." Erik laughed from his spot by the fireplace next to where I was sitting in his chair. Erik stood with a hand behind the chair loving the fact that that was his son, our son. Giry sat next to Molly letting the boy play with her fingers. "I know that you two aren't planning on staying down here with this little one." Jessica began. "So what exactly is the plan here?" she asked. Erik looked to me and I nodded knowing he was seeking permission to explain all of our plans. "We were planning on leaving of course, but I know this is going to sound crazy but we will need help with what we do next."

Gerard gave us a strange look and asked "Where are you three going?"

"America." I said

"America!" Meg exclaimed. "Yes, America!" Erik said with a mocking laugh. She rolled her eyes and then Joshua asked "What exactly is in America?"

"A fresh start." I stated simply. I looked to Erik to feel them in on the rest. "We were planning on leaving after Gustave was born, but Christine is still not ready for that kind of travel and neither is Gustave. I will need some of you to travel there with me so I can get the basics out of the way. Meaning somewhere for us to live and get some money."

"So you're asking us to leave France, and move to America with you just like that? As if it is the easiest thing in the world." Gerard asked. Gustave then started to stir not wanting to be with the girls so Molly handed him off to me. Erik looked down and laughed at how his attitude changed completely. Gustave smiled up at his father reaching out to him. Erik sat on the arm of the chair and reached his hand out that Gustave grabbed instantly. Then he replied to Gerard's question still hanging in the air. "France is not a place for my son. America seems like the best option. Like Christine said it will give us a fresh start, but I need to know who is with us on this. Because I will need some to come with me and some to stay here with Christine until I can get the money to send the rest of you over. So, who's with us?"

Everyone looked to each other Molly was the first to answer "I'm in, I'll stay here with Christine and help with Gustave." I nodded and looked to Meg in the corner with Joshua. "I'm in." she said. Joshua laughed and said "Well you mind as well count me in too, it sounds fun." Erik looked to Gerard and Jessica "I'm going to need an answer tonight if you don't mind." Erik said. Gerard shook his head and looked at the odd sight that was our little Mcgalla family. "Alright, I'm with you." Then all eyes were on Jessica.

"Come on mother." Meg said.

"Jessica, we're going to need you." Joshua chimed in. She shook her head and laughed a little then looked back to Erik and I. "He's right. I will need your help with Gustave, both here and when we start getting settled in America." I sat Gustave up on my lap and turned him toward Jessica. She looked at the sweet instant little face of our boy and then through her hand up in defeat "Alright fine call off the boy, I'm in." Gustave laughed and started clapping his hands. We all laughed at how excited he seemed by everyone's agreement.

Erik stood up from the chair to explain how everything would go. "I will need Gerard and Meg to come with me. Giry you will stay here to help Molly with Christine and Gustave. Joshua, you'll stay here with the girls, because I am not leaving my son alone with three girls." He said playfully getting a terrible look from all three of us Molly piped up and said "Excuse me." Her eyes spitting venom in Erik's direction. After we settled everything and put Gustave down we sat there in front of the fire dozing off. Erik said to me in a very dreamy voice "So, what'd I tell you." I opened my eyes and turned to him "What are you talking about?"

"'Romeo and Juliet' this is a much better ending Mon ange." I reached my hand up and stole his mask away then tossed it away carelessly. I brought him to my lips then pulled away "No my love, this is only our beginning."

FIN