A/N: Here it is at last! The chapter you all have been waiting for! Erik and Christine meet! Face-to-face! Long suspense I know but wasn't it worth it? But it's not over. This has 3 more chapters left to go and they won't be disappointing. Thank you to all of my reviewers and my beta Megan! Now… on with the chapter!

Chapter 11- Masquerade and Meetings

-3 Months Later-

Christine was in higher spirits than ever since she came to the Opera Populaire. She was sad to see the season end, but at least Carlotta wasn't singing at the moment.

Ever since they're little "battle" Carlotta refused to admit her loss to Christine. If anyone asked the diva about it, she would simply say, "I felt sorry for her so I let her win." Those who were there knew better and everyone had a likely suspicion that Carlotta didn't let her win.

But Christine never gloated about it. She knew the hurt Carlotta must have felt losing to a mere "chorus girl" and never attempted to stop her from her lies.

Then there was Raoul. He was acting strange lately even more so. They talked more often and a few times they went out to lunch. The man was awfully nice and Christine felt guilty for her earlier harsh treatment towards him. The boy appeared not to have a bad bone in his body! Though it didn't exclude his odd behavior as of late.

He still acted as if they were being followed, checking their surroundings and always on alert. He was also bringing up the Phantom in their conversations and wanted to know more about him. Christine, of course, didn't have any answers to his questions but she assumed his interest of the Opera Ghost was due because of the managers. The Masquerade ball was approaching and they were worried the apparition would end up crashing it.

Christine has been to all kinds of parties, except a masquerade. Meg was shocked to hear this, but went on excitingly about the details and costumes. Before Meg was never allowed to go but this year her mother decided she was old enough to attend. Christine was happy for her friend and she had to admit the idea of dressing up to conceal your identity sounded like fun.

Then came the discussions of escorts. Henri, one of the young stagehands, had asked Meg to go and she was squealing for joy when she told Christine. Henri was quite handsome with a charming smile and pleasant aura. Christine had to admit he was dashing.

It was the eve of the party and everyone was in a hurry to get ready. The chaos ensuing reminded Christine of her prom back in her senior year. When it came to any dances at school she never had a date that asked her out on their own means. Meg was the lucky one and Christine usually ended up with an old admirer of Meg's who would spend the entire evening flirting with the blonde. And even now it seemed like that, only she didn't have one of Meg's boy-toys to tag along.

She didn't mind being alone. There weren't many people she would consider going with, but she decided if Raoul asked her to dance she would.

Her and Meg were in a rush to get ready. Already Antoinette was growing impatient with them.

"I told you to be ready minutes ago!" she snapped.

"Maman, we're almost done!" came Meg's voice.

Seconds later both girls came out giggling. Meg's blonde hair was pulled up and being held up by a large white feather. Her dress was a long snowy white gown with feathers outlining her chest and ending as straps. In her hand was her mask—a pearly white with golden glitter tracing the face in shape of a cat.

Christine came out in a pale pink ballroom dress with ruffles as sleeves and large bow at the back of her waist. Her chestnut tresses were pulled back by a flowered barrette with her ears being cascaded down with sparkling teardrop diamonds, borrowed from the costume room. Around her throat was the butterfly necklace that Meg whined about for her to wear. Her mask was black with tiny rhinestones around the holes for the eyes.

Antoinette smiled warmly at the two. They looked like angels in their glorious sound. And at noticing the necklace, she beamed at Christine. She knew the importance it was to her and seeing her now putting the past behind by wearing it made Antoinette proud of her.

Though the image ended as both began to snicker and smirk at Antoinette's outfit. The older woman went with her ever-present black dress with little gems and stones sewn along the sleeves. Her honey-brown hair was pulled up in a fashionable bun and her mask was creatively enough a fan with eyes.

"Let's go," she said.

All three came out on the stairs to the main entrance of the theatre. All the guests were dancing to the catchy tune provided by Monsieur Reyer and his band.

In front of them were the managers and their dates, which Christine recognized as Mrs. Andrews and Foster. Carlotta and Piangi were behind the managers, which Antoinette noticed the singer throwing Christine a dirty look. But it didn't seem to bother the young girl for she intended to have a good time no matter what.

Meg grabbed her friend's arm, pointing and letting out a girlish shriek. "There's Henri! Oh he's so handsome!"

"Go over to him," Christine suggested. "He's looking right at you."

"Are you sure Christine? I won't leave you alone…"

The brunette shook her head. "Don't worry about me. Go and have fun with your beau. But don't go too crazy, okay?"

Meg giggled and ran off to join her date. Christine felt Antoinette's eyes on her and she forced herself to smile. She didn't want her to think that being dateless and all was affecting her. It wasn't. Just seeing the energy that was being filled with the dancers and the costumes reminded her of how much Erik would have enjoyed this. She blinked back the sudden rush of tears and tried to focus. Don't think about him. Just go and relax. Yeah right.

Christine scanned the room looking for any familiarity for her to talk to when she settled on the newly arrived Vicomte. He was wearing a royal blue navy suit making him appear as a strapping officer. But there was something in his eyes that seemed to be troubling him and she wanted to know what. She crossed the threshold and went over to him.

Her arrival startled him and he offered a shaky grin. "Hello Christine."

"Hello Raoul," she softly replied, gazing up into his countenance. His attention wasn't on her at the moment, but on the dancers. Christine turned to see Meg and Henri twirling on the floor as an idea came to her.

"Would you like to dance, seeing that we both don't have a partner?" Christine asked.

Raoul blinked. "Huh? Dance… all right. If you wish."

"I do." Christine held out her hand waiting for him to take it.

Raoul cautiously did so and led her on the dance floor. The voice in his head was screaming at him, but he ignored it. All that matter was the beginning of a new song and the beautiful willing lady in his arms. He saw the necklace and cringed, remembering what Ray had told him. Though it didn't make any sense as to why she would wear something that her torturer gave her. He mentally shrugged to himself and moved them in time to the beat.

Christine swayed in his arms and she smiled up at him. Even though she loathed Ray she couldn't bring herself to share the same feelings for Raoul. She was a bit suspicious of him (that wasn't going to change) and his intentions for Daae, but since they were in a room full of people he wouldn't dare to try and do something.

She slowly began to relax, feeling confident in his arms, as he swung them around in a circle with the colorful costumes and masks as the music came to an end. Christine stared up in Raoul's awestruck bluish eyes when they suddenly warped to horror. She pulled away from him and turned where he was looking at and gasped.

By now the guests' attentions were captured by the newest arrival—a single man cloaked all in crimson save for a white mask in shape of a skull, covering the upper part of his face, standing at the top of the majestic stairs. She watched enthralled as he slowly moved down with the grace of a panther, his red trailer pouring from behind like… Like blood, she thought fascinated.

Her doe brown eyes finally settled on the rapier secured to his side. He looked absolutely… frightening, yet powerful and sensuous at the menacing presence he brought immediately.

"Why so silent good Messieurs?" He inquired, nearly purring, as his arms stretched out and the piercing icy blue eyes bored into the trembling Andre and Firmin.

"Did you think I have left you for good?" he went on, never faltering in his step.

Christine closed her eyes, his painstaking beautiful voice ringing in her ears that sent tremors through her body. She vaguely wondered if this was the Phantom, but her mind was thus preoccupied on that voice. It was so cool, harsh, and in control. He seemed to be taunting the mystified crowd but there was something else behind it that she couldn't put her finger on where.

A persistent tug on her hand ripped Christine from her thoughts back to reality. Raoul mouthed the words "I'll be right back" and quietly left. Christine didn't care where he went or if he ever came back. She was once more being drawn back into that stranger's voice.

"Have you missed me good Messieurs? I have written you an opera. Here I bring the finished score, Don Juan Triumphant!" He pulled out a dark case and threw it down the floor, its contents spilling out to the spectators below. His shining rapier was taken out as the Phantom went on speaking.

"Fondest greetings to you all, a few instructions just before the rehearsals start. La Carlotta must be taught to act, not her normal trick of strutting around the stage."

Carlotta took offense to his observation as her mouth was hanging open unladylike. The tip of his blade went up to her feathered head and tussled it when Piangi jumped forward to protect his ladylove. Instead, the sword was pointed at him, inches from his throat as the Phantom shook his head at him.

"Our Don Juan must lose some weight. It's not healthy in a man of Piangi's age." To prove his point, the weapon was now poking the tenor's large belly.

Turning on his heels, the Phantom smirked as he made his way over to the owners. "And my managers must learn that their place is in the office not the arts."

The blade was pointed at each of them with Andre nodding uncontrollably.

"And as for our star." The Phantom withdrew his rapier back into its sheath and locked eyes with Christine. The intensity of them overwhelmed the girl that any moment she expected to melt over their gaze. "Miss Christine Daae. No doubt she'll do her best it's true her voice is good she knows though. And now she has returned to her love for music I better expect her as Aminta."

Oh my God! What did I get myself into? She thought wildly. It hadn't registered yet that every word he spoke he came closer to where Christine stood. It was too late when she realized his hidden face was inches away from her own.

His eyes momentarily drooped down to her chest to see the necklace. Something unreadable flashed in his eyes as he reached out to gently touch the pendant. Her breathing stopped as she watched his face carefully studying the jewelry. He then drew up to stare deeply into her hazel eyes.

"You will sing for me. You can't deny it in your soul," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

Her mouth dropped slightly as she recognized the voice from Box Five. It must have shown in her features, as his lip curled up in an arrogant smirk. Before she knew it, his hand snuck its way around her waist, forcing her up on her feet as his mouth swooped down and crushed her lips with his own.

Her heart stopped pounding as his mouth moved over hers, tasting what she had, before pulling back in a haughty grin. His once icy eyes were now burning with desire.

"You belong to me!" he hissed. He turned around from her and ran up the stairs. He turned back to face her before he disappeared with a puff of smoke. The people reacted at once, screaming even as Raoul jumped down after him.

Christine stood in shock as people pushed past her to leave the opera house. Her hand went up to her swollen lips, still tasting his kiss. It couldn't be! Could it?

She needed to talk to Madame Giry, but Meg's mother was nowhere in sight.

"Christine!" Meg called. The dancer and Henri ran over to the dumbfounded brunette. "Are you all right? He didn't hurt you!"

"I'm fine Meg… I'm—" But Christine didn't finish. She fainted dead away in her friend's arms.

"Clearly, Madame Giry, genius has turned into madness," Raoul said once Antoinette finished her story about the dealings of the Opera Ghost. With a determined visage, he moved to leave only to have the ballet mistress blocking him.

"Monsieur le Vicomte you do not understand. To mess with him is your death warrant. I beseech you to stop any future attempts to foil him and to leave Christine be. If you value your life you will heed this warning."

"So Christine is in trouble? Madame, I would have thought that you would do more to ensure her safety. Isn't she, after all, like a daughter to you?"

Antoinette didn't reply. Growing irritated, Raoul went on: "I have a source that tells me the Phantom is one dangerous man that has brought pain upon her. You may think you're protecting a misunderstood creature, but he knows exactly what's he doing. I will put an end to all of this, once and for all."

"An end! Monsieur, you don't know what you're implying—"

"Ah, but I do! And you, Madame, know what I mean," he interrupted. "He's not just a murderer and a madman, but the master of manipulation. He has tricked you and probably other innocents without knowing. He won't stop until he's dead."

He forced his way through her, leaving Antoinette alone in her room. She closed the door and absentminded sank into her chaise. By the time she reached it, tears were coursing down her face.

What have I done?

Erik always knew there would come a time when he will be betrayed, but never did he expect it to be from Antoinette Giry.

He heard everything what was said and felt no pity for her tears. The fact she betrayed him to that fop was unforgivable. He left her to her tears of regret, fuming over the situation.

So the boy thinks I'm dangerous and a threat to Christine! He chose to mess with the wrong person.

Christine sat up on her bed, looking out the window to the streets of Paris below, sighing. A week had passed since the masquerade and her kiss with the Phantom.

Or who claims to be the Phantom, she thought cynically.

Meg came in earlier to tell her it was the anniversary of Daae father's death. Daae usually goes to the cemetery to pay her respects and recollect the past year to her father.

It was cold out and Christine felt she might as well continue on with the tradition, as it was the same day for her father's death as well.

She got up and headed out to the stables. On her way she heard some of the chorus girls talking about the latest opera.

Christine already read the script and found the plot wonderfully written. But the suggestive overtones in it made it unsuitable to the time period. Carlotta had been complaining about her lack of a role and demanded to play Aminta. The managers didn't comply with her wishes this time, in fear what the Phantom would do. It was his opera and he was in control of the casting.

Christine, believe it or not, accepted the lead role. She wasn't sure what she was getting herself into but she felt she had to do this role. Even though her experience of singing opera only extended to singing along CDs and her father's teaching. Monsieur Reyer taught her notes she was sure she was going to have trouble with and managed them perfectly. The score was obviously written sorely for her and Daae's range.

In all of the lyrics of the songs, especially The Point of No Return, held the hidden message towards lust, sex, and depravity. Christine found the tragedy of Don Juan and Aminta brilliant despite the frowns and disapprovals of the others. She had heard Firmin tell Andre this would surely cause destruction to the Opera Populaire.

"Where to Mademoiselle?" asked the heavyset driver.

"To the cemetery," she answered.

Christine went inside the stables to find something dress in warmly. While she was walking by, all wrapped up, she found a vase with roses. She grabbed a handful and made her way back to the hansom.

She hopped inside and leaned into the cushion as the carriage jerk with a start. The driver was covered up as well, more so than she. Christine shivered and pulled the cloak closer to her body.

Erik noticed the little movement as she tried to warm herself and fought the urge to jump beside her and keep her warm.

It was his luck he overheard little Giry tell Christine about Daae's tradition of going to her father's tomb. He was hoping she would go and she did! He briefly wondered if it was the same day for her as well as Christine Daae. She wasn't crying he could tell (or if she was she did a good job of hiding it) and he became overcome of emotions that she might be doing it in honor for Christine Daae.

Erik whipped the reins as the carriage picked up speed. It was in his favor that no one knew she had left.

Raoul tried to keep himself busy but failed miserably. His curiosity towards Monsieur Chandler's companion had been driving him crazy for some time. He knew by now he must have met her before but couldn't fathom where or when. Whenever he was in the same room as she, the girl was always hiding her face and refused to talk to him. He was hurt she wouldn't speak to him, but Chandler did tell him about her sensitivity towards others.

As far as he can tell, she was about Christine's height and the same long, raven mounds of curls down her back.

When he stopped walking he found himself outside her room. His hand rested on the doorknob and as he went to turn it, he heard a faint sobbing.

Confused, he pressed his ear against the wooden door to listen.

"Angel where are you?" he heard her cry softly.

Angel? Raoul's head snapped up. Is she sick in the mind as well?

He was about to go in until a familiar voice stopped him.

"There you are Vicomte. I've been looking for you."

Raoul turned towards the stoic Ray. "Don't mind her. She's homesick as you can imagine," he explained upon seeing the distressed Vicomte.

"I don't think so. She was calling for an angel," Raoul said, his hands twisting behind his back nervously.

"An angel? The only Angel I can come up is her dog she had when she was younger. Terrible story actually. Angel had run off and never was found. Poor thing still can't get over that dreadful night."

Raoul couldn't believe his counterpart's coolness and serenity to his concern. He studied his face for any hints of falsehood, but found none. There was something horribly wrong occurring behind his nose that Raoul didn't have the power to find out.

"Also too, her father had died a year ago this day. She believes him to be her Guardian of Angel I suppose."

Father's death? Raoul vaguely recalled Christine telling him about her father when he inquired of the man's health a while back.

"This Phantom you told me about sounds like Erik. He was into that mystic stuff," Ray went on and paused. "You did say he kissed her right?"

Raoul nodded.

"Damnit! I was right! He does want her back! You have to go to her and find a way to bring her back here. She will only be safe that way away from that beast."

Hearing the urgency in his friend's voice, Raoul was on his way getting his coat. If Christine was in danger then everything else can be put on hold. He headed towards the door, but at the last minute went back for his sword. You never know, he thought grimly.

The ride to the opera house was quick and thankfully Raoul ran into Meg.

"Meg! May I speak to Christine? It's an emergency," Raoul pleaded.

"I'm afraid she went to visit her father's grave. Why?"

Terror filled him. The cemetery? What if the Phantom knew as well?

"Meg, I need to borrow a horse now!" he ordered.

The blonde nodded, not sure what to make of the sudden change in the Vicomte, and showed him to the stables. Raoul grabbed the nearest horse, a snowy coat one, and took off bareback.

Christine was dropped off by the quiet driver and maneuvered her way around until she finally came to Daae's crypt.

Damn. This place is huge! Anymore walking and I would have left, she thought. Christine made her way towards the steps and kneeled down, her cloak spread across the ground like a wilted flower.

Making the sign of the cross, Christine murmured a few prayers and finding the courage, she looked up to the engraved profile of Gustav Daae. Tears began flowing as she saw her father's resemblance on the stone markings.

"Oh Daddy!" she choked. "Why am I here? Why? Daddy I need you so much right now. I miss you and I miss him! I thought that everything would be fine if I escaped Ray, but it's not! I miss my friends, heck I even miss Caroline. And what of Christine Daae? If she's where I think she is, then it's unfair. She doesn't deserve it! She's an innocent! She's innocent."

Christine's voice was cut off as more tears spill to the snow-covered ground. She covered her face with her hands, dropping the bundle of roses at her side. She sat there crying for what it seemed like an eternity until a deep, rich voice call down to her.

"Wandering child,

So lost so helpless,

Yearning for my guidance…"

In her frazzled state, Christine thought it was Daae's beloved father calling her from Heaven, watching her from the top of the crypt. How should she answer? Or was it Daae's Angel? After what she's going through, she could use a heavenly being's advice right now.

"Angel or Father, friend," she paused as images of the Phantom came flooding in her mind. Could he have followed her? "Or Phantom?" she added, "Who is it there staring?"

"Have you forgotten your Angel?" the voice sang back, full of tenderness and sadness.

"Angel oh speak! What endless longings echo in this whisper?" Christine asked, a childish glee erupting in her at hearing Daae's Angel of Music.

"Too long you wandered from winter.

Far from my far reaching gaze…"

"Wildly my mind beats against you."

"You resist…"

"Yet the soul obeys!"

"Yet your soul obeys!

Angel of Music!

You denied me turning

From the true beauty of music.

Come to your angel and

I'll protect you…"

His powerful tenor voice cast Christine under its spell and she slowly began making her way to him… her Angel.

"CHRISTINE! No!"

Erik and Christine looked to see Raoul flying through the graves on a horse. "No!" he yelled.

"Raoul?" Christine asked, stunned.

He jumped off the animal, unsheathing his rapier, and fled towards her. "Whatever you believe, this man this thing is not your father!"

Christine was about to ask what he meant when she saw a black figure dart down at them. She let out a cry of surprise once both men started fighting.

Her mouth hung opened as they charged with sheer force and hatred with the intent of killing each other. Could the man all in black defending her be Daae's Angel? Christine couldn't see his face very well, but when Raoul knocked him to the ground she did.

"No Raoul! No! Please not like this!" she begged desperately, her eyes pleading with the Vicomte to spare him.

She could see the uncertainty in his features and pressed on to end this madness. He wanted to hurt him, for reasons she didn't know, but she wouldn't let it happen.

Christine held her breath waiting for his decision and to her relief, he backed away from his rival stowing away his sword. Christine glanced apologetically to the Phantom and then something clicked. Could it be…?

"Christine." Raoul called, urgent and tired. He helped her up on the horse's back and galloped off.

Erik couldn't believe that fop defeated him! And she had left him! He thought she hated and feared the Vicomte, but apparently he was wrong. He angrily whipped the snow off his cloak, breathing heavily.

"Now… let it be war upon you both!"

The trip back to the Opera Populaire was silent. Raoul figured after the ordeal Christine was still in shock, but he was far from it.

Christine didn't want to talk to him; in fact she wanted nothing to do with him. Her face twisted in disgust as Raoul pulled her closer to him, his knuckles turning white from the hold on the reins. She had to fight the impulse of throwing him to the ground and returning to help the Phantom.

If she did then what were the odds of him accepting her help after she so cruelly left him to the harsh winter?

But I saved his life! But it wouldn't matter. Erik would have pushed me away if I acted so foolishly like I did back there, she thought unhappily. She couldn't get over how he looked like her Erik… her Erik! As much as she would have liked it to be him she knew it wasn't the one she fell in love with. This was Daae's Erik and she made up her mind long ago if she had met him she wouldn't let the same heartbreak happen twice. It would be best if she went to a convent.

By the time they reached the stables, Raoul began plying her for answers.

"Why did you go in the first place? Who was that man? Why did he try to kill me? Christine? Christine!"

Christine was walking away from him, but before she could get away he grabbed her arm roughly and pulled her back to him.

"Answer me!" he growled, his nails digging into her chill flesh.

"Answer me you bitch!" screamed Ray before he flung Christine on the bed. "Fine! Don't answer but you'll regret it!" He told her as he began ripping her clothes off.

"Why did you lie to me baby? Why? I was so good to you and you had to go and look for that bastard Erik. He's never coming back. Never!"

"Ray don't! Stop! Please look at yourself! This is not you!" she cried.

Her answer was a full-blown slap across the face and him plunging into her helpless body.

Christine whimpered as Raoul's grip tightened and a loud sob escaped.

Raoul, realizing his actions were scaring her, released her. "I'm so sorry Christine!" he said softly, rubbing the redden spots on her pale arms. "I didn't- didn't mean to—"

"Go Raoul," Christine snapped. The tone in her voice surprised him and for a crazy second he wanted to hit her.

"I said, 'GO!'" she yelled and shoved him away.

"My life does NOT revolve around you! How dare you touch me? How dare you assume that that man would hurt me! Did it look like he was going to harm me? Like you, he was protecting me jackass!"

Her outburst struck a chord in Raoul. She was right. He assumed the worst and felt terrible about it. Then all of a sudden his temper flared.

He meant good! He could have been right! He was doing the right thing! She had no right to accuse him of his intentions. And her insult only aroused his anger more. She had no right to call him that name to his face! He was the Vicomte and in such title he should be held with the utmost respect and honor!

"Protect him all you want Christine!" he sneered, his blue eyes now darkening in his heighten fury. "But I will stop him! This reign of his has gone on far too long!"

And with that Raoul blew forcefully past her, knocking her down into a pile of hay.

"We have all been blind and yet the answer is staring us in the face," Raoul told Firmin and Andre. "This could be our chance to ensnare our clever little friend."

The other day when Raoul returned to his estate, his anger had began to pacify. Mostly because of what Christine revealed to him.

"Like you, he was protecting me!"

And at the Masquerade, Raoul witnessed the kiss shared between them before the Phantom's disappearance. He spent the whole night contemplating what to do when he came up with a way to stop the Phantom once and for all by using his own opera as bait.

"We're listening."

"Go on!"

"We shall play his game. Perform his work but remember we hold the ace. For if Miss Daae sings he will certain attend."

"We are certain the doors are barred."

"We are certain the police are there."

"We are certain they're armed," Raoul said.

"The curtain falls. His reign will end!"

TBC…

Oooo. Wonder what might happen next?