So Eriks been unmasked, and Christine's poorly :( Not good! But thank you for all your reviews. I hope I did the unmasking justice I know how key that is as part of the POTO story. I hope you continue enjoying it.

Lets see how Christine's doing...

There is alot of Nadir in this chapter hope you dont mind, I needed him to help though, I promise the next chapter will be Erik filled.

*Once again I dont own anything :( mush to my dismay.

Chapter 26-Christines POV

I had the oddest dream. I was in water, black water, it was freezing cold. I was being pulled down by some invisible weight, further and further away from the surface. I tried desperately to reach up and escape, but it was no use, the weight was too great. The cold water filled my lungs, my eyes began to shut, I was going to die. Then as if from no were a strong arm wrapped around me and pulled me up out the darkness. It all felt so real.

The dream flickered, then my Maestro had me in his arms, I was wrapped in a quilt of some sort, his face was unmasked, showing me its ugliness, its deformities, I wished to turn away from it, to look away, to be repulsed. But the way he held me so gently, and sung to me so softly, showed me that I shouldn't fear him. That he had a good soul. Tears rolled down from his sunken, mismatched eyes and down over the grotesque raised cheek bones. The sight moved me, then darkness took me.

Once more dream changed. I panicked I couldn't see my Maestro anymore, he was gone. I had ruined him, broken him, betrayed him, all because I took away his mask. I had done this to him. I had brought the poor mans defences down around him. I tried to reach out to him, I tried to call to him in the lonely darkness. But he wasn't there.

I opened my eyes quickly, my head was aching, I didn't recognise the room I was in, nor the sea of quilts I was under. I panicked slightly. Then Madame Giry came through the door, followed by a pale looking Raoul.

'Christine your awake, how do you feel?' Madame asked me in a strange

voice.

'My head hurts a little, but I'm more confused then anything.' I looked from Raoul to Madame then round the room, my stomach plummeted, my Maestro wasn't here. He had let me go hadn't he.

'Here drink this it will help with your head,' Madame passed me the steaming cup she had in her hand, I smiled, but I was still beyond puzzled, the drink was ghastly, completely bitter and disgusting. Erik always added sugar to my drinks, he seemed to know I liked things sweet. My heart stopped beating when I thought of him.

'Now what happened Christine was that you fell into your Maestros lake. I don't know how though.'

Raoul was pacing up and down, looking angry.

'He probably pushed you. That beast.' He spat.

I didn't understand I was confused. Who was Raoul talking about.

Then I remembered my dream about the lake, but it wasn't a dream, I had fallen in my Maestros lake, he had sent me away, after I had ripped away his mask, I had fallen. He had saved me, he must of. I had opened my eyes, and he was there, his unmasked face, with its tears rolling down burnt in my mind. I gasped. Raoul raced over to my bedside.

'Are you okay Christine?' He looked worried, I smiled at him then explained.

'I fell in, my Maestro saved me. He saved me even after what I did to him. Even after the awful thing I did to him, he saved me, rescued me. I remember I woke up in his arms. He was singing. Oh gosh, my poor Maestro.' I felt tears come to my eyes, Raoul took a sharp intake of breath and Madame Giry looked at me sadly.

'Christine. How do you know it wasnt the Phant- I mean your Maestro who pushed you in?' Raoul was kneeling next to my bed looking me in the eyes confused.

'No, no, no. Raoul, he saved me!' I said firmly, why didnt he understand, why wasnt he happy, I could be dead if it wasnt for Erik.

'But Christine. Hes a murderer you know that dont you? He kills people. Hes the phantom. Maybe he got cold feet at the last moment and then dragged you up here.' Raoul was saying desperately, I felt my jaw drop.

He didnt know my Maestro at all, I knew he was the Phantom now, I knew his past was less then pretty, that there were horrors there, that he had blood on his hands. But always even, before I knew Erik was the Phantom, I wanted to know why this man acted out in such a away, what horrors he had to face, and I wanted to make him happy. And now I was certain, my Maestro wouldnt kill in cold blood.

'Raoul! He saved me, he didnt push me in, I was in the boat. I couldnt steer it. I couldnt manage. He sent me away.' I was crying now, thinking of how my Maestro had been huddling on the floor trying to cover his face before he begged me to go.

'Christine please, please listen to me he is controlling you this monster is controlling you.' Raoul had taken my hand in his and was shaking it slightly, his eyes wide and pleading.

'No, Raoul, my Maestro let me go. Hes not a monster. Even after what I did to him, he saved me and let me go free.' I said looking into his deep blue eyes, my voice was shaky, I was so confused, why wasnt Raoul just happy that Erik had saved me? Madame Giry just stood in the corner biting her thumb, looking worried.

'Christine! His face! Its the face of a monster a beast. No man, no Maestro could have that face. He is a creature of hell.' Raoul was saying loudly, slightly frustrated I noted. 'Forget him now, Iam here for you.' I was crying, how could he say such wretched things? My Maestro wasnt a monster. He wasnt.

'He isnt a beast Raoul! And so what if his face is deformed. He has a kind soul-' I raised my voice slightly, I adored Raoul but I wouldnt have him say such things.

'Kind souls, do not murder Christine.' Raoul said quietly. I leaned forward from beneath the covers and put my hand on Raouls shoulder, looking him in the eye.

'There would of been a reason Raoul. He isnt cruel.' I told him firmly, I saw his eyes drop from mine as he sighed and I saw him look at something else.

'So he has you in real chains now, does he?' Raoul spat, I saw that the little necklace my Maestro had given me was hanging from my neck. My heart plummeted.

'Stop saying such things Raoul. You needn't worry, he sent me away. He doesnt want to see me again. He doesnt like me anymore. All because I looked at his face. I was so cruel to him Raoul but still he saved me, can't you just be happy that I lived.' I sobbed, Raoul stood up, sighing at me shaking his head.

'I cant lie to you Christine, Im glad you and him arent working together anymore. To think all this time you were in the hands of the Phantom. I hope you feel better Christine, and Ill be watching for you as always.' He said with a sad smile, kissed my hand then left the room. I followed his movements with teary eyes, my head throbbing.

'Come on Christine, lets get you changed. You might feel better, I thought you could attend rehearsals, see how you feel, if you dont feel ready you dont have to do it.' Madame smiled at me as she sat on the end of the bed, I sniffed in.
It had finally hit me with a cold grasp, that my Maestro was done with me, that I might not see him again. I needed to see him, I had to. I needed him now, I wanted to hear his soothing voice, the way he made me laugh, his shy, nervousness and his music. All in all I missed his presence. I wanted to know so much more about him, especially now he was the Phantom, I had so many questions to ask. And now, because of my stupidity I might not get an answer. No wonder he wanted to hide his face, that mash of skin and bone. But even after my stupidity, my betraying him, he had saved me. That showed me that even if he was the Phantom, he must have some good in him, that he had a good soul beneath his haunted exterior. I let the tears roll down my face.

'Oh Christine, do not worry about the Vicomte, he doesnt mean it. He adores you. He and I were both worried for you.' Madame Giry appeared to interpret my tears, I wasnt crying them for Raoul. I just nodded, I didnt want to try and explain. I had got it through hers and Raouls body language, that they were rather happy that my Maestro had sent me away. I didnt understand why. I got out the bed, my head throbbing again, Madame Giry pointed to some clothes for me to wear and I thanked her, as I slipped on the gown, I saw the little glass rose catching the morning light. I gave a sad smile, it twinkled and glittered, just like my Maestros eyes, I would wear it always.

Me and Madame Giry walked to the stage were I could hear preparations being made for the performance later on. My stomach panged, I was supposed to sing? I wasnt sure if I could. Surely I couldnt, without my Maestro the stage looked so vast and scary, the sea of seats were glaring at me, as if getting ready to eat me up. It felt like a piece of me had been taken away. My stomach hurt and I felt confused. Madame Giry and Raoul had been so joyous over my Maestros leaving me, I didnt understand that, and they just didnt seem to understand how great he was. Yes, he was the Phantom, his face, his rage, his anger scared me, oh gosh, he positively terrified me at times. But there were parts of his soul that were magically beautiful. So beautiful they could cover the ugliness. And I had betrayed him. What was I going to do? I wondered as I stood ont he stage, feeling my world come crashing down, if I couldnt sing, I wouldnt have a job, I wouldnt be here, Id be turned away, I was Prima Donna, I had a duty now. But without my Maestro I was scared stiff of the mere thought of singing for a large audience. My mind swirled, and my head banged, as people of the cast walked on stage to make adjustments and changes after last nights performance, loud voiced filled the room. I needed to get away, to think clearly. I knew were I would go. I ran from the stage, no one noticing me, to my room, grabbing a cloak I rushed out the foyer and into the streets.

The cold, sharp air automatically made me feel slightly better, made me feel as if I could think. I walked on, ignoring the people who walked past me, muttering 'is that Miss Daae?' The streets were rather busy, Christmas was on its way and people were beginning to do their shopping. The thought of Christmas made my stomach drop, without Papa I wouldnt have anyone to spend it with, I expected I would be performing anyway, if I could perform that was. I sighed and walked on. Leaves filled the path to the graveyard, they danced gently in the soft wind, I felt a smile draw up on my face, I skipped through the leaves like a little girl, letting them tickle my ankles in their explosion of reds and browns, I giggled.

'You look like your having fun. Are you Miss Daae?' A heavily accented voice asked, I turned quickly to see a man dressed in strange robes with a top hat on. His well weathered face reminded me of someone, but I couldnt think who.

'Yes, yes I am.' I said quietly.

'Do not fear me Miss Daae, Im a big fan of yours. I hear your voice is that of an angel.' the accented voice said softly.

'Thank you Monsieur, you are too kind.' I blushed, I felt silly at how he had caught me kicking the leaves.

'Are you going to the grave yard Miss?' he asked, with a smile that warmed my heart.

'Yes sir, to see my father, I need his guidance.' I smiled sadly back to him.

'Im going too, shall we walk together?' he said kindly, I accepted, and we began to walk together.

'Have you always sung so magnificently Miss Daae?' he inquired, walking at a brisk pace, at his question my stomach dropped.

'No Sir. I had a great teacher. The best there is. He is a genius, Sir. An utter genius. A master of the arts.' I said proudly, but a little tearfully, the large stone graves loomed at us now.

'I see. Does he not teach you anymore?' The man looked at me with his kind hazel eyes.

'Sadly not, I did something wretched. I let him down. I ruined him. I dont deserve him Sir.' I said sadly, the graveyard was silent. The cold angels started at us with their unfeeling eyes. We had stopped walking now, the path forked, my Papas grave was in sight.

'I hope he can learn to forgive you Miss. Can I give you some advise Miss?' he asked looking at me oddly. I nodded, I needed any advise at the moment.

'Look at these angels Miss, these concrete angels, they seem cold and grey, dont they?' I nodded, he walked over to one and with his nail scraped off a layer of thick grey, revealing a stunning white marble. 'But if you look underneath, you can see beauty. It is concealed from many eyes. Only those special few, see the beauty underneath.'

I looked at him puzzled. He saw this and laughed.

'Just remember that Miss Daae. It might some in use one day. Farewell. I hope you find you teacher once more.' He smiled and walked away.

I walked quickly to my Papas grave. The strange accented mans words rung in my head, about the beauty underneath. What did he mean? I ran the last few steps to my Papa, collapsing to my knees at the grave. I sobbed, letting all my emotions out. I needed his more I sat at the grave, the more the accented mans words ran round my head. I told my Papa all about my Maestro being the Phantom, and what I had done. I knew he's be disappointed in me for that. I described his face to my Papa. The I realised. The beauty underneath, that applied to my Maestro. I needed to show him I could see it. I wanted to know more about him. To try and show him his face was no horror to me.

Most of all I yearned for his forgiveness.

xxxxxx

Nadir POV

I found Erik maskless sitting on the stool of his organ. He was rigid, staring at his long fingers which were balanced on the bone white keys. He turned to face me, hearing my presence. His face, his twisted deformed face, was now covered in a new ugliness, long gashes were down his high boned cheeks and round his eyes, his bloated upper lip was split. I sighed. This was his own doing, I had seen it before a long time ago.

I had walked into the bathroom, the one place in me Persian house that had a mirror, Erik hadn't heard me enter, but what I saw repulsed me, he had his strangely long fingers up to his face, then with each heavy breath he would claw at the mash of skin upon his skull, the blood poured down his face, down his fingers, as he sobbed, cursing his ugliness. He was trying to scratch away his face, trying start again. It was disgusting, seeing a nearly full grown man, sobbing and clawing at his own face, begging to be 'bearable to look at.' I had turned away and shut the door behind me, I was violently sick outside, the vision of his long fingers covered in his own blood stayed in my thoughts for a long time.

'So. My ugliness wins again.' His voice croaked, it had lost its beauty and now was like the scratching of sand paper, he waved his long hands as he talked , I could see the droplets of his blood upon hs fingers. I was confused, what did he mean? I knew Erik had his mood swings. He saw my confusion.

'Christine has gone.' he said shortly, I saw the pain it caused him to say this, I saw his defences crumble.

'What, why?' I stammered, utterly bewildered, I knew how much she meant to him.

'My face Nadir. My damn face! She saw, she knows. She knows who and what I really am!' he roared, though his voice cracked with emotions so strong and powerful that no mere man could ever feel them. I stood not knowing what to say, I grimaced at the thought of Christine seeing his face, I knew her reaction would of hurt him, would of meant to world to him.

'She was frightened Nadir. Terrified. She couldnt even look at me. I sent her away, she is free now. Free of this,' he said pointing with one bloody finger to his newly clawed at face, 'she wont ever wish to see me again Nadir and who can blame her? I dont. I only regret the way I acted, I was enraged. What a fool I have been. Shes my everything Nadir, my world. She means more then music to me. And because of my face I lost her.' He said quietly. I was shocked at what I was hearing he had let her go? I knew how hard that must of been for him.

'She fell into the lake, and nearly drowned. I saved her and took her to Madame Giry. God Nadir, what a fool Iam. Because of me she nearly died. As I had carried her she felt like a corpse, she muttered things, delirious things, I was too far in her mind Nadir I was making her like me. But thats the thing, I was built for the darkness, for the shadows, for hell, she was built for the heavens for the light. I let her go Nadir, because I love her.' he said this so quietly, so softly, but still I felt the pain in every word. The sheer pain this man was feeling, it was written all over his bleeding face, and in his mismatched eyes.

'Erik, surely she was just shocked.' I tried to reason.

'Shocked, oh Nadir, oh innocent Nadir. She was not shocked, disgusted is more the correct word.' He gave a laugh as he said this, a laugh of pure self mocking, he slumped on the floor now, his long, long legs pulled up to his chest, which he held with his pale hands. He reminded me as he sat there of the skinny boy I had saved, the one with the rags, broken arms and bleeding buttocks, that same lost and frightened look was in his eyes, but as always they were covered in that guard he seemed to always have up.

'I thought maybe, just maybe, she would forgive me for my ugliness, for my sins.' he said with a sad smile, his bloated lips rising in a grotesque way. I shook my head sadly.

'Im sorry Erik, but maybe there is still hope. Maybe she just fears what she doesnt know about you. Did you try and explain to her or talk to her?' I asked.

'There is no hope Nadir. Angels and Demons never mix. I was a fool to ever think they would.' He said in a way that caused a lump to rise in my throat, he looked at me in the eye before saying 'I wish to know how she is though Nadir. I want you to see that she is okay, that she is comfortable. I do not wish for her to have me as a burden any longer, but I cannot live without her. But before I make, further arrangements I need to know she is okay.' I nodded, I knew he had asked me here for a reason, I didnt mind, but the talk of 'further arrangements' worried me.

'I will of course Erik I will go right away, I will let you know. But dont give up hope yet my friend. There always hope.' I said softly, he appeared not be listening, a spider ran around just near him, his eyes transfixed on the way it scurried.

'Im afraid for me there is no hope.' he replied not looking at me, he had the spider in his hands now, it ran quickly over his pale skin, he was amazed.

I sighed 'I shall find out how she is for you Erik.' I went to leave then turned as Erik spoke in a strange far of voice, as if voicing the past.

'You know Nadir, I think I would of been happy as a spider. Even spiders have right to love.' He looked up at me, his deformed face expressing such strong emotions I had to quickly leave the room.

I walked out onto the streets, I was breathing deeply. The fresh air clearing my nose and lungs. Couples of people walked past me, smiling and happy. I wondered if they realised how lucky they were to have that right, I wondered if they even thought about people like Erik, people confined to the shadows, people who would never feel love. I sighed at the thought of Erik. I had really thought Christine could help him, but she seemed to have been like everyone else, onyl able to look at the exterior.

I walked to the Opera Populaire entrance, I wished to book tickets for tonight's performance in order so I could see Christine on the stage and how she was bearing up, I wondered if she ever had thought of Erik at all or if she missed him. I entered the foyer were the managers were ordering the young men who were helping raise the large fir tree that was in order for the up and coming Christmas festivities. None of them noticed me, as they all barked orders at each other and the tree wobbled threateningly. I coughed loudly and one of the men turned.

'May I help you?' he said shortly, as if I was wasting his time.

'Yes, you may. I wish to purchase tickets, for tonight's performance.' The man became rather more accommodating when I said this, and showed me over to the desk, he whittled on, as I paied my money and took the ticket. I watched as a girl dressed in a blue gown and navy cloak raced down the stairs, her long brown curls bouncing down her back as she ran to the doors and outside. It was Christine. I knew straight away. I took the tickets and followed her, just far enough behind as she walked. Her face was pale, her eyes slightly red, and her hair untamed. But still she was beautiful. As I walked behind her, I saw her shoulders shake, she was crying, I wanted to comfort her but I waited for the opportunity, I doubted that she would remember me. I followed her further, wondering were on earth she was going, then suddenly she stopped. Began to laugh and kicked the leaves that were around her ankles on the cobbled path. It was a beautiful sight, her cheeks flushed red, her little laugh like the sound of a bell, but even so I could tell she wasnt completely happy, her laugh lacked something, and sounded slightly desperate.

I decided to approach her. She jumped when I said her name, she looked embarrassed, but greeted me with a sad smile, she thankfully didnt recognise me. She explained she was going to to the grave yard to see her Papa, and accepted my request to walk with her. I could see why Erik would adore her, she was a sweet girl, polite and innocent. The thought of Erik, made me ask about him, I slipped in a question in a tactful way, as we walked up the graveyard paths, the tall angels cold and monumental reminded me of him.

'Have you always sung so magnificently Miss Daae?' I asked as we marched on, Christine's little feet walking silently.

'No Sir. I had a great teacher. The best there is. He is a genius, Sir. An utter genius. A master of the arts.' She said proudly, but a little tearfully, the way she said it made my heart leap, and my stomach twirl. She was talking about Erik in a way that was proud and full of longing, I tested the water further.

'I see. Does he not teach you anymore?' I looked at her now, trying to see her reaction.

'Sadly not, I did something wretched. I let him down. I ruined him. I dont deserve him Sir.' I nearly gasped, she blamed herself! She blamed herself for Eriks sending her away. Just as Erik was blaming himself. I could see this was upsetting the girl, I could see as she said each word they were filled with regret, she missed him, I could tell.

'I hope he can learn to forgive you Miss. Can I give you some advise Miss?' I asked, looking at her now properly and into her eyes.

'Look at these angels Miss, these concrete angels, they seem cold and grey, dont they?' I walked over to one and with my nail scraped off a layer of thick grey, revealing a stunning white marble. 'But if you look underneath, you can see beauty. It is concealed from many eyes. Only those special few, see the beauty underneath.'

I saw her eyes look at me puzzled. I hoped she would of known what I meant. She was a clever girl, she would get it in the end I was sure and when she did I hoped she would return to Erik.

xxxx

Madame Giry POV

Christine had been missing all afternoon, I began to worry, had Erik gone back on his word and taken her again? I didnt know. The way she talked about her Maestro, stood up for him, defended him, even despite knowing he was Phantom worried me. I had put it down to just tiredness from the previous night. I was pacing up and down the top of the grand stair case. It was nearly time for the evenings show and still Christine hadn't returned. I heard the doors open and in she walked, she looked at the large Christmas tree which had just been erected with a small smile, then on seeing me rushed up the stairs.

'Christine were have you been?' I asked worried.

'To see my Papa, Madame.' she said quietly, I could see she was shaking all over and pale.

'Are you okay Christine?' I asked, she nodded. 'Come on then lets get you ready.'

We walked to her dressing room together, already it was filled with flowers from admirers, she walked slowly and the colour had drained completely from her face, making her look ghostly, she was trembling all over now. I worried, and asked her again if she was alright, but once more she insisted she was and I proceeded to help her get ready. As I brushed her hair, I noticed the necklace.

'You should take that off Christine.' I said firmly 'It doesnt go with your performance.'

'Im sorry Madame, but I will not do such a thing.' Christine replied in a way that was determined.

I sighed, the rest of the time getting ready was filled with Christines rather shaky vocal warm ups. Once she was ready, we walked to the stage, I could hear the tornado of hundreds of voices that chattered behind the curtain waiting for their star. Christine fell behind, her steps slow, her breathing had increased, her face had gone a slight shade of green, her hands were visibly trembling.

'Christine are you sure your okay?' I was worried now, it was too late to get another person in. She would have to sing, but never had I seen anyone so nervous, she said quiet thanks to the other cast members who wished her luck, but her confidence, her enthusiasm, her normal energy seemed to have vanished. To have gone, all that was left was nerves. The orchestra began to warm up, and the audience hushed, I saw Christine holding the little red rose of the necklace between her fingers, her knees were hitting each other under her dress, her face was so pale now, making her eyes look dark and magical.
I pulled her into an embrace.

'Dont be so nervous Christine. You will be fine.' I said as I felt small tears fall from her face to my shoulder. The stage hand beckoned her on, she left me and walked, dragging her shaking feet, her shoulders slumped and her fingers still twiddling the glass rose until she was int he centre of the stage and the curtain lifted.

I saw a giant shake go through her body, and her face return to its slight green colour as the audience was no revealed to her, she took a little step back. The orchestra began, I could see her eyes darting wildly her mouth opening and shutting, she let go of the little necklace. I willed for her nerves to go away her first line was coming up, she needed to control her nerves if she was to sing a single note.

But she didnt sing, her mouth opened but no noise came out.

I hope you liked it.

Sorry there was no Erik, but I just felt Nadir was needed.

I would love to hear your opinions on Nadir, obviously he belongs to Kay and so do the lines about the spider.

Id love to know if you like him, if Im writing him okay etc. (:

Im trying my hardest with my spelling, grammar etc.

Thank you for reading!

Ohh and have a great new years, Ill see you all in 2013!

*Eriks jumping in the leaves with reviewers :)*