Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again

A Phantom Fanfiction

Fairywings817

Author's Note: -grins- Yay! I got more reviews. And I have a few replies for those reviewers… After I get to my usual nonsense of talking and updating you people on what's going on with me. Yes, yes. I know you probably don't want to hear it…. But read anyway. –snicker- I just got five pounds of gummi bears yesterday… So I shall be writing like crazy. Trust me. –innocent look- Okay. So now onto the responses!

Monroe-Mary: -grins- So, you were surprised that I did not have a cliffhanger, eh? And if anyone has read my past works… a chapter never went without one. But this story… Well, this story I have ideas. Big ideas. And I know it's something a lot of readers would not suspect. I don't know.. I may change it.. I may not. But until I figure it out, there may be a lack of cliffhangers. Unless I figure one out for this chapter. Which I might. –grins again- But, -cough- Yes. Thank you for your review! –hands you cookies-

LazyCat: Looks like I have a faithful reviewer so far! –claps- But, thank for the hope. I mean, I got so happy that I had one more review than usual this chapter. I guess, my expectations are set a bit high, since I usually lurked in the InuYasha anime fanfiction crowd, and received 5-10 reviews an update. I could get used to this though. Thanks for another review! –hands out Starbursts-

Bobmcbobbob1: -smiles- Glad you liked my work. I never really noticed that I have a slightly different style – until I went through my writings. I guess – I tend to focus more on thoughts and reflections, rather than actions which are still somehow mixed in with thoughts. oO;; I don't really know. –nervous laugh- But, Thanks for the review! –hands Skittles-

Okay – Onto the third installment of Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again!

Chapter Three: 'That Moment When Words Run Dry'

She had eyed her surroundings warily. The vast labyrinth before her, only a glimpse to the madness her angel had endured. This was her second time down in the endless catacombs, and it did her no justice.

"Angel!" She cried out as she had done for so many uncountable years. And through all of those very years, this was the first time she received no response. He wasn't there, watching her, attempting to calm her.

Her angel was gone.

And the reality had hit her so fast that she had almost allowed her legs to give way. She almost allowed her whole self to be submerged in such chilly waters.

"A-Angel…" She whispered, her voice strangely uneven and distant. And once more, she was left with nothing.

So why couldn't she just let herself slip? Let herself become victim to one of the many traps that hung on every turn? What was holding her back… if she knew her angel was gone?

'Because he isn't gone…'

No – he couldn't have left. She held onto that thin, transparent strand of hope, praying that she would see him once she reached the shoreline to his mysterious home.

And still, the words echoed through her mind…

'It's over now, the Music of the Night'

Was it true? Had her actions of leaving him, sent him into such despair that he would not continue his song?

But… Music was the Phantom's life. If he ended his music… It would end—

"His life…" Christine breathed out in sudden acknowledgment. A burst of adrenaline coursed through her veins as she forcefully wadded through the waters.

"Please, Angel. Please still be there…"

It took so long for him to finally tear his gaze from the glassy lake once more, and move away from the waters. He was through, and fury raged through his body.

The damn fool!

That young man who had stolen everything from him in one instant! He would pay for all of the crimes committed upon the ever famous Phantom. He would realize the mistake he had so unknowingly made as soon as he was able to string that lovely lasso around his pretty little neck. All of his plans; all of his work; all of his love! All gone in a selfless act of triumph.

That Bastard!

His body shook as he tried to conceal the pain, the torment, the loss. It was all present, his own inner demon beckoning to be released like the old days.

So why, even now, was he holding it in? He had no more fears – the only thing he cared for, now gone. The mob would find him if he did not run, that was certain. But he was still at a loss.

He had the choice.

The choice which would alter changes already made. He could run from the world. He could run, and find shelter with the few old friends he had kept. But would they even take him in, or shun him after the actions he had previously performed? He had ruined his own opera house, and had killed many countless souls. All for her.

But then he was brought to the second option. The option which repeated itself in his mind, forever to engrave the thought, taunting him with its simple, easy pleasures.

He could stay, and end his life for good.

He could end the remorse, if any, felt by Christine. He could end that damn fop's troubles. He could end the search for him. …Oh so much power in a simple decision as the minutes were ticking down. Soon, he would be left with a spontaneous reaction. And soon – he would probably hate himself for decisions made, therein.

And then – it would all be too easy, wouldn't it?

It would give that boy the satisfaction he yearned for. It would give those two a happy life they wanted. And he did not want anything less than the torment they had put him through.

The frustration was building inside of him, in a swirl of anger and despair. The answer lie before him, and yet he chose to fight it. For, it was the harsh reality that plastered in his soul. He loved her. He loved her with all of his cold, unwanted heart – and he couldn't bear to do anything less than love her.

Swallowing another frustrated cry, he began his way through his lair, not bothering to collect any items along the way. His mask was discarded, his hand bleeding only slightly from the ring in his palm. Yet he dared not release it. It would never leave his hold, the constant reminder of the love he once had, next to her rose scent, lightly wafting through the air. But even time will end the warmth he felt only by her scent.

The ring was the last solid remnant of her, which he had to cherish.

Looking to his marred reflection as he stood in front of the many mirrors the room held, he could only watch on emotionlessly. How could she have possibly loved him?

'Because she didn't.' There it was. The painful voice that he was left with. His inner voice tormenting him with the realities he had chosen to ignore.

No. She couldn't have loved him. He gave her the ultimatum. He gave her the choice… and she had chosen him only to save her damned fiancée. No matter what, that was what was bound to happen. She had to choose the monster to save the prince… And that was what she did; not knowing the pain it had caused him.

Crouching down carefully, he held the thick, cold brass in his hand, gripped tightly. The ring was pressed between the metal and equally cold flesh, puncturing his skin even further.

He would live… If only to see her from afar – as he angel never to be discovered again.

And with that, he swung at the reflection, the damned reflection of a fallen angel, mercilessly. And still – once it had shattered, revealing more of the image he wanted to rid himself of, he was not satisfied. His gaze turned to each and every mirror in the room, narrowing as he advanced towards them.

Yes, their games of make-believe were at an end.

Author's Note: Okay… Meh. This chapter was rather spontaneous, and I kind of like the ending, since it was written only moments ago, and I didn't have it previously written on paper, as I usually do. I guess I shall have to copy it on paper, when I get the chance, of course. But – I have some bad news. I'm slowly getting sick again, even though that means I may be able to write a bit more, I can not guarantee an update, due to writers block that tends to set in once past 99.0 degrees temperature. But, the good news is : I made High Honor roll this year, with all As, and one B, this quarter. W00t! Do you all think I'm a geek, especially if I told you I have a 100.2 in Computer Apps, 96 in Sci Fi, 94 in Spanish, and a 90 in Geometry? W00t! –does a little dance- Anyway, reviews are welcome, and most certainly wanted!