Part Nine

They arrived at the lair safely. The Phantom took Danny and placed him on a bed for he had fallen asleep. Then he went to Crystals' room to talk with her.

"I hope you are fine staying here again. It's only until your parents come to get you."

"I love it down here and the truth is, I don't want to leave."

"Why not?"

"I don't want to leave because of you. You are my first true friend," she said smiling. The Phantom smiled back, but then turned away.

"I'm so sorry," said The Phantom sadly.

"For what?"

"For all the trouble I've caused you since I met you. I frightened you and made you my prisoner against your free will. Yet, you trusted me with your life. You changed me. You understood me. Can you ever forgive me?"

"I forgave you when I first met you. I was alone in my life until I met you. Danny is the only friend I had until now. I love you and I'm thankful for everything you've done for me. How could I ever repay you?"

"You already did. You loved me and that's all I could ever ask for." Crystal smiled and kissed him. After that, The Phantom left the room and Crystal went to sleep. When she awoke, she went to go see The Phantom. When she came out of her room did she notice that he was not there. Neither was Danny. His bed was empty but a note was lying on his pillow. It read:

Dear Crystal,

We went to go and check for your parents. We will be back shortly.

Your Friends,

Danny and The Phantom

Crystal ran up to the mirror, which was now open, and into the dressing room. There was another note on the floor. This note was from Danny. It read:

The Phantom was taken by that man. Meet me at the balcony.

Danny

Crystal ran up to the balcony and met Danny.

"Danny, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, but The Phantom's in trouble. He is locked in a room with that man."

"Do you know where?"

"Yes. Follow me, quickly."

They hurried off to the room that The Phantom was being held in. Crystal opened the door and saw a body lying on the ground. It was dressed like The Phantom, but she couldn't see his face. There was a noise from behind them and Crystal quickly turned around and saw a man that looked like the body in front of her. His hood was up, so she couldn't see his face either. She started backing away, making sure Danny was with her.

"Wait," he said. "It's alright." He took down his hood to reveal his face. It was The Phantom. "The man is now truly dead," he said. Crystal and Danny walked up to The Phantom.

"Are you alright?" Danny asked The Phantom.

"I'm fine."

"I thought I lost you," said Crystal.

"You'll never lose me," he said. "We must go and find your parents." Just as he said that, Christine and Raoul came around the corner.

"It seems that they have found us," said Danny giggling.

"Crystal, Danny, Phantom, are you alright?" asked Christine and Raoul.

"We're fine," said Crystal. "The man is dead." Danny pointed to the room where the body lay. Raoul shut the door to the room.

"I'm glad. Now we can live in peace at the opera house once again," said
Raoul.

"Crystal, can I speak with you alone?" asked The Phantom.

"Sure, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to ask you something." The Phantom took her to the opposite side of the hall and asked her his question, and then they returned to Christine, Raoul, and Danny.

"Crystal, you look tired. I think you should get some rest," said her mother.

"I think you're right," Crystal said. "I'll go to my room and try to get some sleep." Crystal said goodbye to everyone and went to her room. Her mother went with her.

"What did The Phantom ask you?" asked her mother.

"He asked me to marry him," she said with a smile.

"He did?" Christine asked surprisingly. "What did you say?"

"I said yes. Mother, I'm engaged to Phantom."

"I'm so happy for you. I must go and speak with your father. Goodnight Crystal."

"Goodnight mother." Christine left the room as Crystal fell asleep.