A/N: Whoa, I didn't expect to get that many responses from last chapter:grins: Glad to know that the last cliffie caught everyone's attention. Sadly, this is the last chapter but the next one is the Epilogue. You guys had been wonderful in your reviews and I thank you all! Erik cookies for everyone! And some extra ones for Megan for the wonderful betaing job.
Chapter 13- The Butterfly's Return
Time had frozen once Erik Destler, the love of Christine Dallas's life, had emerged from his hiding spot. No one said a word nor made a sound as his eyes swept and scanned each flabbergasted person. But when they settled on Christine, his entire countenance melted into deep adoration and love.
"My God," she whispered, as tears started to slide down her redden cheeks. "You're… you're back."
She wanted to run over and kiss him and slap him. But Ray's deep chuckle brought her back to the reality of the situation.
"My my. I take it you became buddy buddy with your past life as well?" Ray said mockingly.
Erik smirked. "I see you did as well. Except I didn't have to manipulate mine with false promises and lies." Ray grunted in reply.
"Come on Chandler. I know you want to kill me so go ahead. Here I am." His arms were widespread, presenting a very welcome target.
Ray shifted from the unmasked Erik to the other before lowering his revolver. "Too easy," he muttered. If there was one thing Ray Chandler didn't like it was an easy battle. It just isn't fun when one won't participate in a fight.
Erik gracefully strolled over to Christine. Their eyes locked as both breathing came haggard. He raised a tentative finger to trace her jaw line, his thumb barely grazing her skin as he traced her lips. Tears of happiness started to well up in his blue eyes as his voice cracked. "My butterfly… you're safe."
The mood ended as a shot rang out. Ray stood with the gun hoisted in the air, glaring at the reunited couple.
"It was you!" he shouted.
Erik stood in front of her, blocking her from Ray's view with his intimidating height, as he grinned victoriously. "Would it have been anyone else?"
"Enough of the riddling comments! Could someone please explain what is going on!" Raoul spoke up, finally finding his voice over his shock.
Erik took pity on the hapless fellow. He was sadly another pawn in Chandler's little scheme. "It's rather interesting. But I hope by now you see this man is a liar."
Raoul glared at Ray before nodding. "I'm sorry I ever let you talk me into this."
Ray rolled his eyes. "Well, you were pretty desperate to win Christine over to be your wife. Don't blame me for your gullibility."
Raoul was about to fire something back when Christine's soft voice penetrated the tense atmosphere with the question she been wanting to know the answer to for so long:
"Erik, why did you leave?"
Erik swallowed. He knew it would be inevitable and he felt like a fool for the reasoning behind it. But before he could answer, the other Erik blew up.
"You LEFT her!"
Both Eriks stared at each other—the Phantom in disbelief and the future one in shame. "I know how it sounds but I didn't mean to. There's no excuse to it but at the time I wasn't thinking and I didn't mean for you to get hurt." At that he reached out to Christine, cupping her face in his large palm. "I'm sorry!" he choked.
Christine's hand covered his own. "But why? I don't understand… I waited for you and you never came back and Ray—"
"I know what he did. Mrs. Gary was the one who found me rotting away at my old apartment and told me."
"Yet you still never came back? Or call?" Christine couldn't help her voice from rising. Now that he was here in front of her the anger she kept in was now reaching its bubbling peak. "I can't believe it! I was stuck in his Hell for months and you knew what he was doing! You never came to rescue me!" Her fist flew out connecting with his jaw. The blow stunned him (along with everyone else) but he maintained his ground. He rubbed the spot where she punched him and sighed.
"I admit I deserved that," he spoke quietly. "But I only left because I thought you didn't love me anymore. That you found Ray's company better than mine."
"What?" she asked in disbelief. "What could make you think that Erik?"
"Later that night after our fight, Ray stopped over. He told me how you were growing weary of me and that the hiking trip was a romantic getaway for you two. He felt awful for me that you hadn't told me yet and he felt 'sorry' for me. I was still upset over our fight and after hearing that my whole world crashed beneath me. I thought he was telling the truth and feeling like a complete loser and a has-been, I decided to save you the trouble from breaking the news to me and leave. I couldn't bear to but I wanted you happy and it seemed Ray did just that."
"Oh Erik," Christine whispered. "But you believed him! I don't know what hurts more you gone or believing the guy who's wanted me for a long time. Didn't you trust me?"
"Yes I do trust you Christine!" he cried. "I wasn't in the right mind and I'll forever regret that decision until the day I die."
"Shut up please!" Ray cut in, annoyed. "So what? That happened months ago and Christine is now my girlfriend and she belongs to me!"
"She BELONGS to ME Chandler!" Erik thundered back. "You hurt her you son of a bitch! You're lucky I figured a better way to get back to Christine without killing you first. Here it's over for you. It's out of your hands now."
"I don't believe it. There are two Phantoms?" Raoul exclaimed.
Erik chuckled. "Technically yes but not in the way you're thinking. He-" indicating to the unmasked Erik— "is the Phantom of the Opera. My suitor name is known as the 'Phantom' for I'm a musician. I guess I owe you an apology for threatening you earlier. I thought you were Ray."
Raoul's lip quivered as he replied, "T-that was you?"
"I don't care who threatened whom, I want to know is why was Christine hurt? Both in fact!" cried the true Erik.
"Yes," Antoinette piped up once Christine Daae had calmed down. Her eyebrows furrowed angrily at Ray. "How dare you lay a hand on either of them! What had they ever done to deserve such treatment?"
To her surprise, Ray burst out laughing. "I have a right to be upset when my girlfriend cries over the jerk who left her. I was the one who should have had her the whole time and not him! I'm the one who has known her whole life, the one who knows her secrets and dreams. Me! Not some masked pianist who thinks he can charm my girl into his bed!"
The part visible on Erik's face turned beet red, his fists clenched tightly to his sides. "Me? I'm to blame? Oh no Chandler. She loves me! Me not you!" He faced Christine, boiling from Ray's words. "And for contacting you. I did… I tried. But somehow they were always intercepted and sent back with another handwriting telling me that you moved on. I'm forever indebted to Antonia for explaining it all to me. I was able to take you away from him and his abuse."
"Yeah only to put another in her place!" Ray spat.
"I didn't know that would happen! Neither did Antonia! I'm sorry Erik but if I had to do it over again I would just to be with my Christine again," Erik cried, desperation and shame creeping into his tone. "I didn't know I would put your Christine in harm's way. I never would have meant for it to happen…"
Christine Dallas sympathetically raised her hand to touch his quivering shoulder. She cast a glance over to Daae who nodded, an understanding passing through them. "Erik," she whispered. "It's all right. We… we both understand and you're not at fault."
Helplessly, he gazed into her warm, loving eyes and wanted to fight back. But he kept his tongue and relished in her soft touch once more.
Pleased with herself, Christine stepped back and knew this was it. If she didn't right now do something who knew what Ray might do in his jealous rage? She finally had Erik come back to her and she wasn't going to lose him again. She would fight for him… even die if she had too. Ray had been her tormentor for too long and it was time he got back what he deserved.
"Ray, I'm not going back with you. Do to me what you wish but you will not threaten or hurt any of these people or Erik." She flexed out her chest and raised her chin. "I'm no longer afraid of you."
"Christine!" Erik hissed. "Stop it! You don't know what you're doing."
She ignored him and went over to Ray, her eyes not once leaving his or the gun. If I can just distract him long enough…
"That isn't going to solve anything," she said. "Ray you don't need me. I'm sure there's another there for you. So stop spending your time on chasing me. I'm not worth it. Just accept that I love Erik and I want to be with him, please."
Everyone held his or her breath, waiting for Ray's next move. He stared at Christine who kept searching for the man she once knew. The good kind-hearted man that would end this mess by seeing how absurd this had gotten. "Please," she repeated, her voice ever so softly.
For a moment she thought this was it. He was going to give up. She saw it in his eyes and just had to wait…
If only I can get to my Punjab lasso, Erik thought, stealing a glance to where his coils of rope were discreetly hidden. If only I can…
"Erik," Antoinette murmured, loud enough for him to hear. She shook her head, plainly telling him to forget it. This was Christine's battle and so far it looked like Ray might accede. But it didn't matter. This man not only trespassed on his home but also hurt the one thing he cared most about the world. His troubled expression couldn't escape his façade and timidly he felt a soft smooth hand encasing around his own.
Stunned, he looked down into the beautiful depths of Christine Daae's eyes. She seemed to sense his eagerness to take part, but smiled at him graciously for holding his ground. They're both right, he thought in dismay. This is not my fight. As much as I would love to strangle that handsome boy's scrawny neck.
Christine wasn't sure how long she held her breath, but eventually she released it as Ray returned the revolver into his pocket. "Thank you," she whispered, relief flowing through her.
But he didn't hear her. Ray marched over to Erik, until they were practically face-to-face. "Listen pal, I'm not going to argue with you anymore. Christine is coming back with me and that's final."
Christine gaped at his words. No! He…
Erik stood there expressionless. In a grave tone, he sneered, "I don't believe so Chandler. Antonia won't certainly let you through making Christine comes back with me."
Ray scowled. "Then how would you possibly explain my absence, hm?"
"I'll think of something," he replied, his mouth quirking upwards into a devious smirk.
"Gentlemen please!"
Erik and Ray stopped bickering as Antoinette bravely stepped in between them. If someone can't stop these squabbling children then I must, she thought.
"Enough of your silly behavior!" she scolded. "Christine is not some toy to fight over. She's a human being and therefore should be treated as one. Let's pray that you both got that out of your system so we can settle this peacefully."
Erik looked away guiltily like a kid caught in the cookie jar, but Ray stood there stone-face and impassive.
"Will one of you explain yourselves?"
Erik's lips were set in a firm line, contradicting the amusement glittering in his brilliant cerulean eyes. "Ah, I believe you already know Madame Giry or Antoinette if I may."
Everyone except Ray stared in shock at her. Ignoring their looks, she nodded for him to continue.
"When my dear friend Antonia told me or rather suspect of Christine's trouble, I did try to get a hold of her. Ray returned all of my letters saying how she was fine and didn't want me bothering her I knew it had to be a farce. So I decided to take matters into my own hands with Antonia's help. Christine you have no idea how truly grateful I am that you introduced us because without her we wouldn't be here now."
Christine gasped. "Are you saying that the time traveling ritual actually works?"
Erik nodded. "That's how I was able to bring us here."
"Us? How can that be? Wouldn't I have to be there with you in order for it to work?"
"The necklace," Erik replied. "Ray had it sent back to me once you stopped wearing it. That was our link to each other and it was strong enough to go to you to lead you here back to me. When you were here I could barely contain my joy, but you were so self-drawn and upset I was afraid I would startle you more than make you happy. I waited out until the opportune moment arises and I was able to get that Erik to help me. I attended the Masquerade and I convinced him to kidnap you during the performance. When I realized Ray was here I was terrified I would lose you again. That's why it was so sudden. I knew I was taking a risk being transported to our past lives."
"Past lives? But wouldn't we coming here send them in our place?" Christine asked, confused.
"Yes but we were, well, I thought it would keep them here. Antoinette was able to keep my past life and seeing the Vicomte here as well from leaving. Something went wrong with yours but I didn't know until I saw you assuming the life of Christine Daae. I never would have thought she would be found on Ray's doorstep."
"She did," Ray cut in. "I knew it wasn't my Christine from the start. So I paid a visit to Mrs. Gary. You'll be surprised how being held at gunpoint can make a person do anything."
"You didn't harm her, did you?" Erik barked.
"No. Running into my past life was sheer luck. Now that's over I'm taking the girl."
"No Ray," Christine stated firmly when Ray went to get her.
"Christine," he gritted. "You're coming back with me now."
"No."
"Very well." Ray whipped out the revolver and pointed at Erik's head.
A shot echoed deafened by Christine's scream.
Meg didn't know why her mother left so quickly as she did with the Vicomte. She tried following them but the people fleeing kept pushing her further back she lost sight of them.
She heard Carlotta's distant cry and a storm of voices crying out, "Piangi's dead! The Phantom killed Piangi!"
No! Meg thought. This cannot be happening!
The fire from the stage began to spread rapidly, glass was shattering, and the roaring screams made it impossible for the blonde to escape. But she wasn't ready to part with the Opera Populaire just yet. Her main concerns were finding her mother and Christine and no one was going to keep her from her goal.
Luckily, she didn't have to guess where they might be. They were with the Phantom that she could bet her life on. She suspected her mother had dealings with him for years, but something must have happened that made him kidnap Christine.
She spotted a group of people with the police gathering to hunt down the murderer. Should I? she wondered.
She made up her mind knowing there was a chance the people she loved were in danger and hurried over.
"I know where his lair is at!" she cried. "Follow me!"
Without questioning her they followed the ballet dancer.
A long time ago Antoinette brought a very young Meg down the twisted paths until they came upon the forbidden underground lake. On the shore was a man who greeted her warmly and gave her a doll as a present. Despite how distant that memory was she always remembered that day for the image of a pale white mask stuck out in her mind.
Feeling confident in what she was doing, Meg led them to a secret door. Please let this be right.
Silence filled the lair.
No one dared made a sound as Ray's unconscious body laid on the chilly ground, the gun no longer in his hand.
For a moment, Christine thought he was dead. But Erik's face told her he wasn't.
Blood covered his forehead from where he hit his head after the bullet ricochet from the wall and grazed his shoulder. His flaxen head was matted with his blood yet she could feel no tears for him. Yes he wasn't dead but seeing him hurt didn't bring on any remorse. Finally her eyes looked up to the dazed Vicomte, whose countenance was ghastly and his body trembled uncontrollably.
He saved Erik…It had been all too sudden—Raoul jumped at him, knocking Ray to the floor as the bullet was shot, missing Erik's head by a few inches. The bullet barely wounded him but the rock he hit his head on was enough to render him unconscious.
"I… I… didn't mean—" Raoul sputtered, his voice shaking so much it was hardly coherent.
Ironically, the only brave one to come forward was Christine Daae herself. She crept over to the unmoving form and pick up the discarded weapon. She inspected it with intrigue fascination before throwing it into the underground lake. Beaming with radiance of a heroine in battle, she floated over to Christine and embraced her warmly.
"He won't bother us anymore," she said with clear rapture. Looking over to her childhood friend, she bowed her head reverently. "Raoul, my friend, thank you. But like my future self here, I'm staying with my Angel, my Erik. I hope you understand."
Raoul's features fell but he did his best to show her he respected her decision. "There's nothing I can say, but I wish you the very best. And perhaps, we could remain friends?"
Christine's cheerful laugh echoed the stillness of the caverns. "Of course! There's so much for us to catch up on. But first—"
She stepped over to her Erik, tenderly caressing his deformed cheek. "I've always dreamt of this moment ever since I was a little girl," she whispered. "And you are just what you appear to be in my dreams. You're beautiful mon ange and if you'll have me I will follow wherever you ask me to."
A lump rose in Erik's throat, making speech incapable at the moment. He was trying to adjust to the fact she had chosen him! Him despite his face! She loved him! She didn't have to say the words. It was there shown by her face and actions. He wanted to get down on his knees and weep for whatever force brought him his angel. "Christine!" he practically sobbed as he pulled her to him, allowing his lips to touch her forehead.
Raoul watched the couple embraced and sadly turned his head away. It was clearly apparent that Fate wasn't destined to give him Christine like he thought. She deserved happiness after the horrible ordeal she went through, and he wasn't going to deny her that wish to stay with her angel. He was no monster like his future self. That he would make sure of.
Antoinette couldn't believe the joy she had at seeing the girl she grew to love as a daughter and the man who she had rescued as a boy were at last brought together. When Christine kissed his marred cheek, she couldn't hold back the tears falling down. He's finally loved and by the right woman… she thought.
Christine Dallas and Erik tenderly watched the scene unfold, as it should be. Christine gazed up at her love as the other Christine so lovingly embraced her Erik. He smiled softly and kissed her forehead, his chin resting on her curls. He felt bad for the boy, but was proud that he refused to behave like Ray. If only he could take lessons from him…
His thoughts were interrupted as his mask was removed swiftly. Grinning devilishly, Christine pulled him down to meet her eager lips. "I love you," she murmured, once they broke apart.
"And I never stopped loving you," Erik said. "I hope you'll forgive me for my past actions. I never intended for any of this happen…"
"Well, hearing more of that might help erase the pain from the last nine months. And I can see some fancy expensive dinners and presents in the near future and—"
"I get it! Just as long as you'll stay and put up with my sorry arse," Erik teased lightly, nipping her earlobe.
Antoinette coughed getting their attention. "All right, I'm happy the two of you have found each other at last but I believe it's time for you to go."
"Already? But couldn't they stay a bit longer?" Christine Daae asked disappointed that her new friends had to leave so soon.
"I'm afraid not child. They had come here to be reunited and now time must be restored in its proper place and everyone in it."
Christine left Erik's hold and ran over to the couple. "I don't know what to say to you two, but thank you for helping me find my Erik. If it hadn't been for everything I might have made the wrong decision and I don't want to spend the rest of my life regretting it." She hugged them fiercely. "I know this may sound strange, but I feel like I'm losing a sister," she confessed to Christine.
"You always have Meg, who missed you terribly," Christine offered weakly. "But I know what you mean. You'll never be far from my thoughts."
She nodded, blinking back tears. "And you won't be far from my mine. Take care the both of you."
"You as well," Christine said, embracing her once last time.
"Ahem," Antoinette cleared her throat. She came over and hugged Christine. "I will miss you as well."
"Thank you for everything Madame Giry. I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
"You have. By bringing the two people I care most about together. Their happiness is all I need. And for you," she went over to Erik. "If I hear that you leave her one more time, be expecting a call from my cane."
Erik laughed. "I don't attend on letting her go. I learned my lesson for the last time."
Christine went to Raoul who seemed like the third wheel there. She hugged him her farewell. "I'm sorry for this mess. I only—" he began.
"I understand Raoul. Just continue to be a good friend to them. And I know you'll find the right girl one day."
He smiled. "Thank you."
She moved away from him to approach Erik, the Phantom. "I'm sorry we didn't have a chance to get to know one another, but thank you for being there for me and giving me my muse back." She stood on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek and hugged him. "I wish you and Christine the very best."
He choked back on his tears and nodded wordlessly.
Erik came from behind and shook his "twin's" hand. "Thanks once again for everything. I couldn't have done this without your help."
The other Erik nodded. "Thank you. There are no other words to express my gratitude for giving me Christine. I have to admit I thought you were lying to me that she would love me."
"Hey man, I've been down the same road too." Erik cast a glance to Christine. Taking her hand, they walked back over to Antoinette.
"Wait! What about Ray?" Christine asked, completely forgetting that he was there.
A groan came from him as he slowly started to regain himself.
"I'll send him back too. Just until he settles down so he won't go after you," Antoinette promised. "After spending a few days with me he'll be a perfect gentleman as before."
"And me," Raoul announced, coming from behind.
"Are you ready?" the older woman asked.
Both nodded. Christine knew she was going to miss the Opera Populaire and its inhabitants. They had helped her find her soul again and her heart. She looked over to Christine and Erik who appeared to be lost in their own little world, making her smirk. Everything is where it should be, she thought, laying her head gingerly against Erik's broad shoulder as the lair disappeared from their very eyes.
By the time Meg and the mob reached the Phantom's home, only Antoinette Giry and the Vicomte awaited them (Ray was hidden in one of the rooms).
They both quickly told the police that the Phantom and Christine had escaped by the time they arrived here. Accepting their story, the officers left to chase after the fugitive couple. The rest of the mob either dispersed or went to help the gendarmes.
Meg was solely upset to hear the news, but her mother told her that Christine Dallas was with her Erik back where they came from. And to their Christine… she sends her regards and once the mess dies down she'll return to visit her best friend.
Meg was happy knowing her friend was back and safe with the man she was meant for. She watched the Vicomte sadly as he went over to pick up what she assumed was Ray. She knew he had loved her friend but when time has healed he could move on and find another that is worthy of his heart.
As they were about to exit the lair, Meg bent down and picked up a conspicuous object near the shore. She picked it up carefully tracing the edging of the half-shaped mask.
TBC…
One more to go...