A/N: Hey guys, I'm back, woohoo! Finally, eh? I know this chapter is supposed to be a big thing, but I am apologizing ahead of time. . . It probably sucks. I've been feeling a bit low for the past couple days, but I don't want to make my readers wait! But I promise I will try to make it not so crappy, lol. And thank you all soooo so much for the reviews! That is the most I have gotten in one chapter so far, and they brightened my day! And also, this chapter is somewhat short, but it is mushy! Whee, E/C mush! Haha. The next one shall hopefully be longer. . .

Caz: Awww, you really like it that much? Sends Erik to give you a kiss. I feel so loved, lol. I am gonna try my best to make this chapter worth the wait!

Seablue4u: Hmmm. . .I dunno that she's the one that needs the saving. But you will soon see!

Erik-Meister: Haha, and your words were in my head the entire plane ride there! Lol. And thank you for the praise . . . Though I'm not so sure I deserve it.

Kerrie-A: Lol I'm sorry, I know it was evil. And I'm glad you liked it.

Pertie: Oh no, don't die! I'm updating, see see! Lol.

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Chapter Five: Regaining The Peace

Christine turned to the door, just in time to see Raoul squeezing the trigger of a gun--a gun pointed directly at Erik.

"No, Raoul please no!" She screamed, a high blood curdling scream as the gun went off. She didn't have the courage to look towards Erik, and instead marched over to Raoul.

"How dare you!" She slapped him hard across the face, and shoved him backwards with surprising strength. "How dare you come in here like that, and try to kill him! When you know I love him, and you swore Raoul!"

She breathed deeply, trying not to get too excited--now was not the time to faint from lack of air.

"You swore you would leave us alone! Go, Raoul." She looked downwards, not out of shame or guilt, but trying to control her anger. "Leave me Raoul, or I will not restrain Erik from killing you, if he is still alive!"

At her words, Raoul ran from the room, and Christine fell onto the floor and sobbed.

However, her tears were not long lasting, as she suddenly remembered Erik. She stood and turned to where he was, but gasped at what she saw.

He was not there. The mirror was half open, and Erik was nowhere to be seen.

He escaped! Oh, lord I thank you for letting my beloved Erik escape, I just hope that he is not harmed.

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Christine ran down the passageways, searching for Erik. It was hard to see in the dark, even though she carried a lit candle to aid her journey. She turned down a second hallway that she thought would lead her around the lake, and smacked face first into something tall, solid, and warm.

She fell backwards, but did not hit the ground.

Erik lifted her up, and inspected her. "Oh, Erik!" Christine sighed, relieved that he was alright.

"I didn't know what happened, Erik, I--I expected the worst and--"

"Christine, hush." Erik put a finger gently over her lips to quiet her, and embraced her in a gentle hug.

"Now, tell me, what was it you were going to say?" His eyes narrowed with anger. "That is, before the Vicomte so rudely interrupted."

He spat Raoul's title with such venom, as if it left a bad taste in his mouth.

Christine sighed, and looked away. "I was just going to tell you that, I. . . .I. . I love you, Erik!" She said the phrase so forcefully, she nearly screamed it.

"I love you, I don't want to be with Raoul, Erik. I don't want him. I want you!" She wrapped her arms tightly around Erik's neck, fully expecting him to return the gesture.

He didn't.

When she looked up at him, she saw that he was crying. Oh, my poor, beautiful Erik! What could be bothering him so?

Erik choked on a sob, trying desperately to regain control of himself. "Oh, Christine. I am so sorry that I ever doubted your love for a minute. I just heard you in your room with Raoul and--oh Christine, I love you ever so much, can you ever forgive me?"

Christine smiled, a kind and gentle smile that spoke of love, kindness, and forgiveness.

"Of course I forgive you, my angel. How could I not?"

Erik smiled, and then suddenly turned serious. He gave Christine a questioning look, then stepped back from her.

"Christine. I. . . Will you. . . ." He sighed. "Will you marry me, mon ange?" As soon as the words were out, he was relieved. However, he was also frightened, and very much so.

Will she reject me? Oh God, if you really do exist, and if you truly care for all of your creations, bless me with her acceptance, please.

"Erik." Christine smiled fully, and tears shone in her eyes. "Yes, I will marry you."

When Erik heard those five words he had been longing to hear, he could hold back the sobs no longer.

His whole body shook with violent sobs, and as he held onto Christine, he could feel her crying too.

They stood like that for what seemed like forever, holding each other and crying. Christine broke the silence by pulling away from Erik, she wanted to know how he escaped Raoul's bullet.

"Erik, when Raoul shot at you, how did he not hit you?"

Erik looked at Christine, and smiled. "I simply saw him pull the trigger, and jumped behind the mirror. And watched you smack him and yell at him--it was quite amusing my dear."

Christine hit his arm playfully. "Eavesdropping isn't nice, Erik!" They both laughed, and headed towards Erik's home."

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A/N: Sorry it was so short. But please review, because I love you all! Hehehe.