Disclaimer: I don't own these magnificent characters…or the rights to any of the ideas on this page except for my own.
Author's Note: Alicia CorbinwoodMini NickaletthedreamdescendCountess AlanaForever in a bottle, Star Sheep, and LittleLottie1991 thank you all so much for your reviews! I really do appreciate hearing positive feedback. –Hands you all Erik plushies-
Alicia Corbinwood: I'm glad you like the way I mixed the two, there just isn't enough information in the movie for me to write about! And about the fop, I'm assuming you mean Raoul…
Letthedreamdescend: I'm going to be updating almost every day- I hope! So please check back soon!
Mini Nicka: No, this is not a one-shot deal; I'm going to be adding chapters often.
Countess Alana: Hopefully you won't have to wait long, I'm glad you like the beginning.
Forever In A Bottle: Yes, I do plan to continue. I'm very glad you like it; I am worried that people aren't going to…Anyway, back to the story.
Star Sheep: Yey! Someone loves my story! Yes! –Hands you another Erik plushie-
LittleLottie1991: I like chapter three too. I'll work on making them longer, thanks for the feedback!
Chapter Four
The Magic Journey
Erik glanced back often, his forehead etched with worry as the duo descended the mossy stone steps that led to the lair's murky lake. 'She's going to be there every time.' He reasoned in an attempt to stop himself from checking on her. It was impossible; he couldn't bear to keep his eyes off of her, not even for a brief second.
Catching onto what was troubling him so; she smiled sweetly each time he turned around. "I'm not leaving you." Christine said finally after it had gotten to be too much. "I'm here behind you and I'll be here when we reach the lake. Stop turning around, I'm afraid you'll fall." She gave his hand a comforting squeeze.
Certain that she spoke the truth, Erik forced himself to relax. His grip on her hand loosened ever so slightly as he led her through the dark and musty catacombs hidden beneath the Opera House.
"We are here." Erik's voice broke the silence that had formed between them. In one fluid motion Christine was transferred from the dock to the small gondola that bobbed gently in the water. "There you are." He nodded, pleased with how smoothly he had lifted her up. Picking up an intricately carved oar, decorated with angels, music notes, and an assortment of other unique designs, he began to maneuver the gondola with graceful strokes through the narrow passageways that created the entrance to his lair.
Christine, not as captivated with Erik as was the case the first time she had been taken to his lair, allowed herself to fully take in her surroundings. Her mouth opened in awe as she noted the rotting Opera posters, menacing gargoyles, their jowls open in a silent roar; and golden angels that called the rough stone walls home.
Mist swirled over the lake, creating a dream-like scene as they drifted towards Erik's lair. "Oh!" Christine breathed as a mother swan glided beside the gondola, trailing behind her – four fluffy baby swans. The swan tilted its graceful head towards Christine, inviting her to touch it. Reaching out tentatively, Christine stroked the white downy feathers, a smile playing across her full lips. "Thank you." She mouthed to the bird which with a fluff of her wings, slowly swam away from the gondola. Erik looked down upon his angel, making friends with the creatures of his lake and was forced to smile. Christine had been transformed in the few hours she had spent with her Angel. Gone was the sullen pout. Her eyes now held the sparkle of life that only Erik could restore within her.
With each new room Erik rowed through Christine discovered new wonders. Hundreds of flickering candles illuminated the watery passageways; red velvet curtains partially covered ancient paintings; Water dripped from the ceiling, making eerie notes as it fell into the lake. All too quickly the magical journey was over and a large gate lifted to allow for the gondola to enter Erik's hidden home.
Jumping out into the water, Erik dragged the gondola to rest on the rocky shore of his lair. His pants, from his knees to his ankles, were soaking wet as he lifted Christine with ease onto dry land. "Welcome to my home." Erik lowered his torso into a sweeping bow. As he straightened he realized that Christine was no longer standing in front of him; she had traveled up the small bank and was sitting at his organ, her fingers brushing lightly over the keys. As he stood behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders, she began to sing.
"I remember there was mist... swirling mist upon a vast glassy lake. There were candles all around, and on the lake there was a boat. And in the boat there was a man." Tilting her head back, she leaned against his stomach.
His fingers found her hair and grew tangled in the mass of curls. "Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude. Say you need me with you here, beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go too. Christine, that's all I ask of you."
"Anywhere I go, I want you to go too." She replied in spoken words. "I am staying here yet I have no garments, save for this, that I can wear. I brought money; may I take a trip into town tomorrow Erik?"
"Of course you may. No, don't use your money, I'll provide you with whatever you might need." Erik detached himself from her and walked towards a large wooden desk centered in the middle of a candle-lit room.
Feeling empty, Christine impatiently waited for Erik to return. When he did he had a stack of paper money clutched in his hands. "I want you to purchase everything that your heart desires." It was a soft order yet an order all the same.
She reluctantly took the money, but not before reaching into her shoe and taking out her own savings. "Then have this, please, take it. Use it for my provisions." He pocketed the money with a curt nod. "Thank you Erik." She was genuinely grateful for his generosity and as she rose from the bench she kissed his forehead, her lips resting on the smooth skin before she reluctantly broke the contact.
With wide open eyes, Erik felt his heartbeat quicken in his chest. She had willingly kissed him and yet she still breathed. She had not died after touching his cursed skin!
"You look like you've just seen a ghost." Christine commented as she gazed upon his pale face.
"No, I've just been kissed by an Angel."
"Your Angel wishes to know where she will sleep." With a yawn, Christine stretched her arms towards the damp ceiling. "She is very tired."
Erik snapped out of his trance, although he was still amazed at how easily she had kissed him and how nonchalant she was acting afterwards. "I've forgotten my manners, forgive me." He said apologetically, swooping her up into his arms and walking towards the iron swan bed. "This is where you will reside."
She was asleep before her head touched the pillow. "Goodnight my Angel." With one last glance towards his sleeping beauty he lowered the black lace curtain that hid her from his view.
