Dislcaimer : I do not own any of the following, it all belongs to Gaston
Leroux. Gerard Carriere, Inspector Ledoux and Alain Choletti belong to
Misters Yeston and Kopit. I make no money out of this, it is only for
entertainment.
Author's note :Woohoo! My Creativity Tank (CT) is full, and I'm back to write the end of this story! Not much of Erik or Christine in this chapter. I'm making a little trip into the mind of our *cough* dear *cough, cough* vicomte de Chagny. *choke* We also see Inspector Ledoux for the first time. (played by Jean-Pierre Cassel, fantastic actor, and charming character)
Raoul's point of view.
Damn Gerard, damn that freak! Damn them both! I wouldn't let them get away with such humiliation. They would pay one way or the other. I returned to my estate after that dreadful
masked ball, took a bath, put on dry clothes and made my way to the police station. Ledoux would have to listen to me after what had happened that night. Poor Christine would never have
rejected me in such a fashion. That masked fiend must have bewitched her in some way, or coerced her into avoiding me, there was no other logical explanation. And Gerard! How could he
possibly defend that monster? The carriage stopped before the police station, and I stormed in looking for Ledoux. He was sitting behind his desk, listening to an irrate Choletti telling him the
same story I was about to tell. Once Choletti had said his piece, I started on mine, and Ledoux listened impassively for the most part, except for the episode of the stage, where the man had the
nerve to let his mouth twitch. How could he possibly think this abomination funny? I snarled at him as I asked what he intended to do about it. "Monsieur le vicomte, please calm yourself. We
will do everything in our power to stopd this creature from bothering us all further." He said placidly. The three of us spent most of the night working on a plan to rid us of that pest, finally
settling on using Christine as bait, preferably without her knowing. That madman could frighten her into confessing her intent. I left the station feeling much better, thoughts of revenge being a
satisfied smile to my lips.
Inspector Ledoux's point of view.
I endured Monsieur Choletti's tirade, controling my laughter as best as I could. Truth be told, I didn't think the phantom's prank at the ball was all that terrible compared to what he had done in
the past. Things that could have been avoided if Choletti had listened to common sense instead of his own foolish pride. I privately agreed with the phantom about Carlotta's voice, it was horrible.
The same held true for the woman in general. However, the phantom had killed two of my men, kidnapped a young singer, and injured many people by cutting down that chandelier. To think it
would not have happened had Gerard still been the manager of the opera house. A commotion outside my office brought me back to Choletti's ranting about his humiliation and to my office
door flying open, revealing a fuming vicomte de Chagny. Here we go again, I thought sadly. I was right, as soon as Choletti stopped speaking, the vicomte launched into a retelling of the same
events, with a slight variation. I could not prevent a smile from escaping when I heard about his being bound on the stage with all those girls, unfortunately he noticed it, and that infuriated him
to no end. "Monsieur le vicomte, please calm yourself. We will do everything in our power to stopd this creature from bothering us all further " I promised. I honestly didn't care if the
phantom played tricks on Choletti and his wife, but I could not ignore the danger mademoiselle Daae was in. We decided on a plan to lure the phantom out of his hiding place and dispose of
him. The vicomte suggested that the best way to do that was to use mademoiselle Daae as a bait, without telling her if that was possible. I agreed reluctantly. Whether mademoiselle Daae was
coerced or willing to be with the phantom, she was not responsible for his actions, and in no way deserved to be treated in such a fashion. I would go and see Gerard with this, he knew more about
the phantom than he cared to admit.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
It was with weary resignation that I left the opera house to return to my home. Erik's prank had been harmless, and amusing, but it had sealed Choletti's resolve to eliminate the phantom, not to
mention how Raoul had reacted. It was bad enough that I had soaked him through with icy water, but to end up on display like this was the "coup de grâce". He would not attempt anything against
me, not with me knowing his dirty little secret. His reputation would be ruined if it came to ears of the tout Paris, and the newspapers would have a field day. It eased my mind greatly that
Christine had chosen Erik, at least with him she would be in no danger of such a humiliating experience. I still remember that day three years ago, and i wish I could forget it. He was in the
prop room with two of his friends... and Loraine. Poor Loraine, forced into "entertaining" the young vicomte and his friends, then abandonned like something filthy and unwanted. The young
men were never allowed back into my opera house, but Raoul made me promise never to tell anyone. He bought my silence, I'm ashamed to confess it, but without his aid the opera house
would have become a ruin. He refused to help Loraine when she returned to him, with child. This revolted me so that I took on myself to help the poor girl, but it was in vain. She died of
consumption a few months later, taking the unborn child with her. I shook my head to clear it, realizing that I was standing in front of my door, key in hand. I went in, determined not to let
these dark thoughts haunt me tonight. It seemed that fate had no intention of letting me dwell on them anyway. I saw carriage lights coming down the lane, and I went to the window to see who it
was. It was Inspector Ledoux.
Inspector Ledoux's point of view
My relief knew no bounds when Choletti and the vicomte left my office. Working so late in the night was bad enough as it was, but having to sit through endless rants about public humiliations
and insane monsters was torture. I left the lieutenant in charge of the place, wanting to pay a visit at Gerard's place. Choletti had informed me that he had attended the ball, and there was a good
chance that he was still up. I took my carriage and made my way at a comfortable pace. Gerard was no morning bird, he liked to stay up long after dark. Even though he was no longer manager,
the employees of the opera house had blind faith in him, and it would be best to have him on place when we set the plan into action. Gerard's house came into view, a charming little place,
hidden from the road by a oak trees. I saw movement in the window, he had seen me coming. By the time I had my horse safely tethered to a nearby tree, he was on the doorstep, waiting for me.
Such courtesy I could never expect from Choletti or de Chagny. Once we were comfortably seated in his drawing room, I got straight to the object of my visit.
L- So, Gerard, tell me about the phantom.
G- You know as much as I do.
L- I don't think so, I think you know much more than any of us do.
G- If there was anything I could do to help, I would.
L- Gerard, you must understand that people have been hurt, some killed, by the phantom. If you can do anything to stop this, you must do it. G- ..................................................I will help in any way I can.
L- Thank you Gerard. We have a plan of sorts. Monsieur de Chagny suggested that we use mademoiselle Daae as bait to force the phantom out of his hiding place. After the disaster of her
debut, she will not refuse a second chance to prove herself, and the phantom is sure to attend, his kidnapping the girl proves that he has an interest in her. When he shows up, my men will take
care of him. I want you to be at the opera when we do this, in a week from now. Will you help us?
G- ...........Very well.
We shook hands, and he saw me to the door.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
I watched the inspector go with a heavy heart. It was all decided then, they would kill Erik, and I was powerless to stop it. I could warn him, but if he decided to attend, there was no stopping him,
and if I told the girl, she would refuse to perform, and that would anihilate her career. I hit the wall in frustration, I could cope with not being in complete control, but being helpless was
unspeakably infuriating to me, a trait I had passed to Erik. I sat in my favorite armchair and let my head fall in my hands. There was nothing I could do to prevent this from happening.
**********************************TWO DAYS LATER**********************************
Christine's point of view
I was reading "David Copperfield", by Charles Dickens in Erik's drawing room. Erik had left a few minutes ago to check on something, but when I asked he only said that it was nothing of
importance. While it was not uncommon for Erik to keep secrets, I suspected that it was not so insignificant, because then he would have been more precise in his answer. I set the book aside
and looked at the clock. 10:00 in the evening. He had agreed to let me spend the day above ground, but I was to return to him after work everyday. I was content with that arangment, it
allowed me to walk in sunlight. I realized how much I had missed the sun after spending a whole week in the underground. Two days ago, Monsieur Choletti had informed me that he was willing
to give me a second chance to sing Marguerite in Faust. I was so overjoyed by the news that the first thing I did when I returned to Erik was to tell him, but he had not seemed all tha excited
about it. "Well, at least that saved me the trouble of convincing our dear manager". He had remarked dryly, and I had smiled. If anything, he had seemed disapointed that the manager didn't
need to be convinced. Yesterday held a less pleasant memory though. Raoul had cornered me in my dressing room, offering me a bouquet of red roses, saying that he was the one who had
convinced Choletti to let me have another chance at Faust. I felt torn between annoyance and grattitude. I was grateful that he had spoken in my favor, but annoyed that he wanted more than
grattitude from me. I tried to protest, to refuse the flowers, but he would have none of it. He grabbed me by the shoulders and kissed me roughly, holding me so that I could not escape his
embrace. I returned my mind to the present hastily, picking up my book and resuming my reading. No point in dwelling over that. I barely had time to find my page when Erik slammed the
door open, clearly infuriated. "You! Out! Now! Return to your precious little vicomte!". He snarled. What had I done? "Go! Now!" He shouted again. He seized me by the arm and pulled
me to the door, shouting insults at me. I felt my eyes well up with tears. He pushed me brutally outside, slamming the door shut behind me. He must have seen the kiss, or heard Raoul boasting
about it (that was more than likely). I got to my feet unsteadily, brushing off the dirt from my hands. Tears were flowing freely down my cheeks. I called to Erik many times, tried to explain to
him what had happened, but he would not respond. I gave up eventually, making my way to the surface, but I was so distressed that I took a wrong turn and ended up in a place I had never seen
before. I fell to my knees in despair, feeling utterly wretched. A hand fell lightly on my shoulder, and I muffled a scream. I turned around, half- expecting to see Erik, but it was Monsieur Carriere.
"Here child, dry your tears" he said, offering his hankerchief to me. I took it gratefully and dabbed at my eyes, fighting down the urge to bury my face in his shoulder and cry my heart out.
"Now, let me escort you back upstairs" he said gently, put an arm around my shoulders and guided me through the corridors. "Erik is furious at me". I sobbed. "I know, he told me" he said.
"I encountered him before he arrived at the house" he explained at my confused expression. "It wasn't my fault! Raoul forced me!". He didn't reply, he simply squeezed my shoulder and
quickened his pace. I followed without protest until we arrived to my dressing room. "What can I do to show him I haven't betrayed him?" I pleaded. "Don't worry my dear. I'm sure he will
realize it was a misunderstanding. Just give him some time" he said, leaving me to my own thoughts. I looked about the room in misery, at loss for what to do. Waiting would do no good, I
knew that. My eyes fell on my diary, laying open on the page I kept for rehearsals schedule. Faust... At the performance! I could show him I loved him during the performance. He would
hear, and then he would know that I sang only for him, that I loved him.
**********************************THREE DAYS LATER**********************************
Raoul's point of view
Tonight was the night. That fiend would pay for all he had done, and Christine and I would be free to live our life together without fear of him. I had to say that Lady Luck was on our side,
Christine had returned deeply shaken from that underground prison. From what she said, the monster had returned to her one night unexpectedly furious, and had told her to return to her
"darling little vicomte". He could mock me all he wanted, tonight, he would get his come-uppance. The plan had gone remarkably well, Christine knew nothing of it, she was eager to go
onstage, and had full confidance that she would not fail this time. I sat back in my armchair in box 7, waiting for the moment of triumph.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
That was it, everything I could do had been done. After tonight, my life would never be the same.
I just hoped I had made the right decision. I decided to stay backstage to watch the performance, it was more discreet. The curtain was going up...
Christine's point of view
I usually was very nervous before a performance, but this time I felt strangely serene. It was as though nothing mattered but getting my message through to Erik. Music was the only way for me
to make him believe that I truly loved him. I would sing for him tonight, and that was all the evidence he would need.
Raoul's point of view
Halfway through the performance, I stopped worrying about the phantom. He obviously had decided not to show up for the gala. That was just as well, for once we could enjoy an opera
without incident. Christine was magnificent tonight, and I intended to show her how much I had enjoyed her performance as soon as it was over. I smiled at the thought.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
I was beginning to think that he would never show up, but I should have known better. She was singing with all her soul, and I knew very well for who she was singing. During the final trio,
Christine suddenly turned away from Alfredo (the lead singer) and stared up at box fixe. I followed her gaze, and saw Erik standing there, draped in his cloak, looking down on Christine
with an almost trance-like intensity. As she sang "c'est toi, je suis tienne", he took over to reply "oui, c'est moi je t'aime. Marguerite. Je t'ai retrouvée. Je t'ai retrouvée. Te voilà sauvée. C'est
moi viens, viens sur mon coeur". They sang together like angels, their voices joined in perfect harmony. A pity it had to be so short lived. As soon as the last note died out among the
tumultuous applause, gunshots started banging from all directions. Erik leaped on the stage like a feline, lifted Christine in his arms and ran backstage with her. I rushed after him, coming between
him and a group of police men. "Don't shoot! Don't!" I shouted at them. Not only didn't I want Erik hurt, but they could very well misfire and touch Christine. Erik fled upstairs, making his
way to the roof. I followed along with Raoul, Ledoux and his men. I would prevent blood from being shed if I could. Raoul ran at full speed to catch up with Erik and Christine, and by the time
I arrived with the policemen, he was already struggling with Erik. I could only watch helplessly as Ledoux ordered his men to surround Erik, who had just hit Raoul square in the face, the latter
hanging on for dear life from the banister. Erik was about to drop him to his death when Christine pleaded to let him live. "Erik! Please! Erik, if you love me! If you love me please!" He hesitated
a moment, then helped the young man to safety. The two men glared at each other, but eventually, Raoul went away. The policemen had taken the opportunity to surround Erik, their
guns pointed at him. He climbed up on the banister, looking around for a way to escape. "Hold your fire! I want to take him alive!" Ledoux instructed. Erik turned around and stared at me
imploringly, pointing at his masked face as explanation. He feared above all things to end up on display, like some animal. I knew what I had to do. I took out the weapon from my breast pocket
and aimed it at him. I met his eyes, and he nodded. I closed my eyes and pulled the trigger.
Christine's point of view
I stood transfixed on the spot, staring at the display before me. He had shot him. I could not belive it. He had shot his own son. I saw Erik clutch his chest, the blood soaking his shirt and
flowing through his fingers, leaning forward and falling, falling to thelower part of the roof, where Carriere and the policemen were. I flew down the stairs, I had to talk to him before he died, I had to say how sorry I was. When I reached Monsieur Carriere, he was cradling Erik in his arms, telling him how sorry he was. I knelt next to Erik, took his hand in mine and held it tight.
"Christine...Ohh.. Christine" he sighed. I looked in his eyes, I wanted him to know that I loved him, and not Raoul. I reached out and pulled at the strings holding his mask in place. "No.. No
no..." he moaned, but I pulled of the mask, regardless of his weak protests. I looked at his deformed face without revulsion, and kissed his forehead. When I drew back, I smiled at him
with all the love and tenderness he had ever shown me. I replaced his mask just as he closed his eyes for the last time. I looked at Monsieur Carriere sadly, he was rocking Erik in his arms. A
loving father losing his only son.
Author's notes.
Whew! Next chapter will be the last one. I hope you enjoyed this. I just love making Raoul a complete jerk. Oh, I forgot, he IS a complete jerk! Sorry for the sad ending, but I think it is best to keep to that part of the story. It wouldn't be half as wonderful if Erik survived. Here's the translation to the lyrics in French, in the order they appeared. C- It is you, I am yours. E- Yes, it is I. I love you. Marguerite. I have found you. I have found you. You are saved. It is I, come, come upon my heart.
In the next chapter : How Christine's goes on with her life.
Author's note :Woohoo! My Creativity Tank (CT) is full, and I'm back to write the end of this story! Not much of Erik or Christine in this chapter. I'm making a little trip into the mind of our *cough* dear *cough, cough* vicomte de Chagny. *choke* We also see Inspector Ledoux for the first time. (played by Jean-Pierre Cassel, fantastic actor, and charming character)
Raoul's point of view.
Damn Gerard, damn that freak! Damn them both! I wouldn't let them get away with such humiliation. They would pay one way or the other. I returned to my estate after that dreadful
masked ball, took a bath, put on dry clothes and made my way to the police station. Ledoux would have to listen to me after what had happened that night. Poor Christine would never have
rejected me in such a fashion. That masked fiend must have bewitched her in some way, or coerced her into avoiding me, there was no other logical explanation. And Gerard! How could he
possibly defend that monster? The carriage stopped before the police station, and I stormed in looking for Ledoux. He was sitting behind his desk, listening to an irrate Choletti telling him the
same story I was about to tell. Once Choletti had said his piece, I started on mine, and Ledoux listened impassively for the most part, except for the episode of the stage, where the man had the
nerve to let his mouth twitch. How could he possibly think this abomination funny? I snarled at him as I asked what he intended to do about it. "Monsieur le vicomte, please calm yourself. We
will do everything in our power to stopd this creature from bothering us all further." He said placidly. The three of us spent most of the night working on a plan to rid us of that pest, finally
settling on using Christine as bait, preferably without her knowing. That madman could frighten her into confessing her intent. I left the station feeling much better, thoughts of revenge being a
satisfied smile to my lips.
Inspector Ledoux's point of view.
I endured Monsieur Choletti's tirade, controling my laughter as best as I could. Truth be told, I didn't think the phantom's prank at the ball was all that terrible compared to what he had done in
the past. Things that could have been avoided if Choletti had listened to common sense instead of his own foolish pride. I privately agreed with the phantom about Carlotta's voice, it was horrible.
The same held true for the woman in general. However, the phantom had killed two of my men, kidnapped a young singer, and injured many people by cutting down that chandelier. To think it
would not have happened had Gerard still been the manager of the opera house. A commotion outside my office brought me back to Choletti's ranting about his humiliation and to my office
door flying open, revealing a fuming vicomte de Chagny. Here we go again, I thought sadly. I was right, as soon as Choletti stopped speaking, the vicomte launched into a retelling of the same
events, with a slight variation. I could not prevent a smile from escaping when I heard about his being bound on the stage with all those girls, unfortunately he noticed it, and that infuriated him
to no end. "Monsieur le vicomte, please calm yourself. We will do everything in our power to stopd this creature from bothering us all further " I promised. I honestly didn't care if the
phantom played tricks on Choletti and his wife, but I could not ignore the danger mademoiselle Daae was in. We decided on a plan to lure the phantom out of his hiding place and dispose of
him. The vicomte suggested that the best way to do that was to use mademoiselle Daae as a bait, without telling her if that was possible. I agreed reluctantly. Whether mademoiselle Daae was
coerced or willing to be with the phantom, she was not responsible for his actions, and in no way deserved to be treated in such a fashion. I would go and see Gerard with this, he knew more about
the phantom than he cared to admit.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
It was with weary resignation that I left the opera house to return to my home. Erik's prank had been harmless, and amusing, but it had sealed Choletti's resolve to eliminate the phantom, not to
mention how Raoul had reacted. It was bad enough that I had soaked him through with icy water, but to end up on display like this was the "coup de grâce". He would not attempt anything against
me, not with me knowing his dirty little secret. His reputation would be ruined if it came to ears of the tout Paris, and the newspapers would have a field day. It eased my mind greatly that
Christine had chosen Erik, at least with him she would be in no danger of such a humiliating experience. I still remember that day three years ago, and i wish I could forget it. He was in the
prop room with two of his friends... and Loraine. Poor Loraine, forced into "entertaining" the young vicomte and his friends, then abandonned like something filthy and unwanted. The young
men were never allowed back into my opera house, but Raoul made me promise never to tell anyone. He bought my silence, I'm ashamed to confess it, but without his aid the opera house
would have become a ruin. He refused to help Loraine when she returned to him, with child. This revolted me so that I took on myself to help the poor girl, but it was in vain. She died of
consumption a few months later, taking the unborn child with her. I shook my head to clear it, realizing that I was standing in front of my door, key in hand. I went in, determined not to let
these dark thoughts haunt me tonight. It seemed that fate had no intention of letting me dwell on them anyway. I saw carriage lights coming down the lane, and I went to the window to see who it
was. It was Inspector Ledoux.
Inspector Ledoux's point of view
My relief knew no bounds when Choletti and the vicomte left my office. Working so late in the night was bad enough as it was, but having to sit through endless rants about public humiliations
and insane monsters was torture. I left the lieutenant in charge of the place, wanting to pay a visit at Gerard's place. Choletti had informed me that he had attended the ball, and there was a good
chance that he was still up. I took my carriage and made my way at a comfortable pace. Gerard was no morning bird, he liked to stay up long after dark. Even though he was no longer manager,
the employees of the opera house had blind faith in him, and it would be best to have him on place when we set the plan into action. Gerard's house came into view, a charming little place,
hidden from the road by a oak trees. I saw movement in the window, he had seen me coming. By the time I had my horse safely tethered to a nearby tree, he was on the doorstep, waiting for me.
Such courtesy I could never expect from Choletti or de Chagny. Once we were comfortably seated in his drawing room, I got straight to the object of my visit.
L- So, Gerard, tell me about the phantom.
G- You know as much as I do.
L- I don't think so, I think you know much more than any of us do.
G- If there was anything I could do to help, I would.
L- Gerard, you must understand that people have been hurt, some killed, by the phantom. If you can do anything to stop this, you must do it. G- ..................................................I will help in any way I can.
L- Thank you Gerard. We have a plan of sorts. Monsieur de Chagny suggested that we use mademoiselle Daae as bait to force the phantom out of his hiding place. After the disaster of her
debut, she will not refuse a second chance to prove herself, and the phantom is sure to attend, his kidnapping the girl proves that he has an interest in her. When he shows up, my men will take
care of him. I want you to be at the opera when we do this, in a week from now. Will you help us?
G- ...........Very well.
We shook hands, and he saw me to the door.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
I watched the inspector go with a heavy heart. It was all decided then, they would kill Erik, and I was powerless to stop it. I could warn him, but if he decided to attend, there was no stopping him,
and if I told the girl, she would refuse to perform, and that would anihilate her career. I hit the wall in frustration, I could cope with not being in complete control, but being helpless was
unspeakably infuriating to me, a trait I had passed to Erik. I sat in my favorite armchair and let my head fall in my hands. There was nothing I could do to prevent this from happening.
**********************************TWO DAYS LATER**********************************
Christine's point of view
I was reading "David Copperfield", by Charles Dickens in Erik's drawing room. Erik had left a few minutes ago to check on something, but when I asked he only said that it was nothing of
importance. While it was not uncommon for Erik to keep secrets, I suspected that it was not so insignificant, because then he would have been more precise in his answer. I set the book aside
and looked at the clock. 10:00 in the evening. He had agreed to let me spend the day above ground, but I was to return to him after work everyday. I was content with that arangment, it
allowed me to walk in sunlight. I realized how much I had missed the sun after spending a whole week in the underground. Two days ago, Monsieur Choletti had informed me that he was willing
to give me a second chance to sing Marguerite in Faust. I was so overjoyed by the news that the first thing I did when I returned to Erik was to tell him, but he had not seemed all tha excited
about it. "Well, at least that saved me the trouble of convincing our dear manager". He had remarked dryly, and I had smiled. If anything, he had seemed disapointed that the manager didn't
need to be convinced. Yesterday held a less pleasant memory though. Raoul had cornered me in my dressing room, offering me a bouquet of red roses, saying that he was the one who had
convinced Choletti to let me have another chance at Faust. I felt torn between annoyance and grattitude. I was grateful that he had spoken in my favor, but annoyed that he wanted more than
grattitude from me. I tried to protest, to refuse the flowers, but he would have none of it. He grabbed me by the shoulders and kissed me roughly, holding me so that I could not escape his
embrace. I returned my mind to the present hastily, picking up my book and resuming my reading. No point in dwelling over that. I barely had time to find my page when Erik slammed the
door open, clearly infuriated. "You! Out! Now! Return to your precious little vicomte!". He snarled. What had I done? "Go! Now!" He shouted again. He seized me by the arm and pulled
me to the door, shouting insults at me. I felt my eyes well up with tears. He pushed me brutally outside, slamming the door shut behind me. He must have seen the kiss, or heard Raoul boasting
about it (that was more than likely). I got to my feet unsteadily, brushing off the dirt from my hands. Tears were flowing freely down my cheeks. I called to Erik many times, tried to explain to
him what had happened, but he would not respond. I gave up eventually, making my way to the surface, but I was so distressed that I took a wrong turn and ended up in a place I had never seen
before. I fell to my knees in despair, feeling utterly wretched. A hand fell lightly on my shoulder, and I muffled a scream. I turned around, half- expecting to see Erik, but it was Monsieur Carriere.
"Here child, dry your tears" he said, offering his hankerchief to me. I took it gratefully and dabbed at my eyes, fighting down the urge to bury my face in his shoulder and cry my heart out.
"Now, let me escort you back upstairs" he said gently, put an arm around my shoulders and guided me through the corridors. "Erik is furious at me". I sobbed. "I know, he told me" he said.
"I encountered him before he arrived at the house" he explained at my confused expression. "It wasn't my fault! Raoul forced me!". He didn't reply, he simply squeezed my shoulder and
quickened his pace. I followed without protest until we arrived to my dressing room. "What can I do to show him I haven't betrayed him?" I pleaded. "Don't worry my dear. I'm sure he will
realize it was a misunderstanding. Just give him some time" he said, leaving me to my own thoughts. I looked about the room in misery, at loss for what to do. Waiting would do no good, I
knew that. My eyes fell on my diary, laying open on the page I kept for rehearsals schedule. Faust... At the performance! I could show him I loved him during the performance. He would
hear, and then he would know that I sang only for him, that I loved him.
**********************************THREE DAYS LATER**********************************
Raoul's point of view
Tonight was the night. That fiend would pay for all he had done, and Christine and I would be free to live our life together without fear of him. I had to say that Lady Luck was on our side,
Christine had returned deeply shaken from that underground prison. From what she said, the monster had returned to her one night unexpectedly furious, and had told her to return to her
"darling little vicomte". He could mock me all he wanted, tonight, he would get his come-uppance. The plan had gone remarkably well, Christine knew nothing of it, she was eager to go
onstage, and had full confidance that she would not fail this time. I sat back in my armchair in box 7, waiting for the moment of triumph.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
That was it, everything I could do had been done. After tonight, my life would never be the same.
I just hoped I had made the right decision. I decided to stay backstage to watch the performance, it was more discreet. The curtain was going up...
Christine's point of view
I usually was very nervous before a performance, but this time I felt strangely serene. It was as though nothing mattered but getting my message through to Erik. Music was the only way for me
to make him believe that I truly loved him. I would sing for him tonight, and that was all the evidence he would need.
Raoul's point of view
Halfway through the performance, I stopped worrying about the phantom. He obviously had decided not to show up for the gala. That was just as well, for once we could enjoy an opera
without incident. Christine was magnificent tonight, and I intended to show her how much I had enjoyed her performance as soon as it was over. I smiled at the thought.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
I was beginning to think that he would never show up, but I should have known better. She was singing with all her soul, and I knew very well for who she was singing. During the final trio,
Christine suddenly turned away from Alfredo (the lead singer) and stared up at box fixe. I followed her gaze, and saw Erik standing there, draped in his cloak, looking down on Christine
with an almost trance-like intensity. As she sang "c'est toi, je suis tienne", he took over to reply "oui, c'est moi je t'aime. Marguerite. Je t'ai retrouvée. Je t'ai retrouvée. Te voilà sauvée. C'est
moi viens, viens sur mon coeur". They sang together like angels, their voices joined in perfect harmony. A pity it had to be so short lived. As soon as the last note died out among the
tumultuous applause, gunshots started banging from all directions. Erik leaped on the stage like a feline, lifted Christine in his arms and ran backstage with her. I rushed after him, coming between
him and a group of police men. "Don't shoot! Don't!" I shouted at them. Not only didn't I want Erik hurt, but they could very well misfire and touch Christine. Erik fled upstairs, making his
way to the roof. I followed along with Raoul, Ledoux and his men. I would prevent blood from being shed if I could. Raoul ran at full speed to catch up with Erik and Christine, and by the time
I arrived with the policemen, he was already struggling with Erik. I could only watch helplessly as Ledoux ordered his men to surround Erik, who had just hit Raoul square in the face, the latter
hanging on for dear life from the banister. Erik was about to drop him to his death when Christine pleaded to let him live. "Erik! Please! Erik, if you love me! If you love me please!" He hesitated
a moment, then helped the young man to safety. The two men glared at each other, but eventually, Raoul went away. The policemen had taken the opportunity to surround Erik, their
guns pointed at him. He climbed up on the banister, looking around for a way to escape. "Hold your fire! I want to take him alive!" Ledoux instructed. Erik turned around and stared at me
imploringly, pointing at his masked face as explanation. He feared above all things to end up on display, like some animal. I knew what I had to do. I took out the weapon from my breast pocket
and aimed it at him. I met his eyes, and he nodded. I closed my eyes and pulled the trigger.
Christine's point of view
I stood transfixed on the spot, staring at the display before me. He had shot him. I could not belive it. He had shot his own son. I saw Erik clutch his chest, the blood soaking his shirt and
flowing through his fingers, leaning forward and falling, falling to thelower part of the roof, where Carriere and the policemen were. I flew down the stairs, I had to talk to him before he died, I had to say how sorry I was. When I reached Monsieur Carriere, he was cradling Erik in his arms, telling him how sorry he was. I knelt next to Erik, took his hand in mine and held it tight.
"Christine...Ohh.. Christine" he sighed. I looked in his eyes, I wanted him to know that I loved him, and not Raoul. I reached out and pulled at the strings holding his mask in place. "No.. No
no..." he moaned, but I pulled of the mask, regardless of his weak protests. I looked at his deformed face without revulsion, and kissed his forehead. When I drew back, I smiled at him
with all the love and tenderness he had ever shown me. I replaced his mask just as he closed his eyes for the last time. I looked at Monsieur Carriere sadly, he was rocking Erik in his arms. A
loving father losing his only son.
Author's notes.
Whew! Next chapter will be the last one. I hope you enjoyed this. I just love making Raoul a complete jerk. Oh, I forgot, he IS a complete jerk! Sorry for the sad ending, but I think it is best to keep to that part of the story. It wouldn't be half as wonderful if Erik survived. Here's the translation to the lyrics in French, in the order they appeared. C- It is you, I am yours. E- Yes, it is I. I love you. Marguerite. I have found you. I have found you. You are saved. It is I, come, come upon my heart.
In the next chapter : How Christine's goes on with her life.