Lysette sat in front of the dresser in her hotel room, fixing her hair and putting last minute touch-ups to her evening ensemble. She had to admit that she was excited to be going out even if it was just as friends. No matter what Melinda had told her, she couldn't help but be attracted to Fox Mulder. There was just something about him that she could not place. But she knew she had to try to keep her distance from him. She took her hair and pulled it up using two hair combs encrusted with rhinestones. She sighed slightly as she remembered who had given them to her: Melinda. When two sopranos were in competition for the same part, one would think there would be animosity between them. But that did not told true for Lysette and Melinda. It was almost like these were two kindred souls who had known each other before. And now that Lysette had witnessed what she had in Melinda's room, she understood that connection. It hadn't all been in her head, had it? She picked up the choker from her dresser and placed it around her neck. She then started to hum softly as she closed the clasp.

You must practice for tomorrow night, my angel.

Lysette looked upward. "Rose? Is that you?"

You must be in fine voice for tomorrow.

"Tomorrow? But Rose…I don't even want to think about that now. I'm going out for the evening and…"

It is of no importance. What matters is the music. A performer is always prepared and always practicing. Now…sing for me.

Lysette took a deep breath and began to sing. "Think of me, think of me fondly when we've said goodbye. Remember me once in a while please promise me you'll try."

No, sing The Phantom of the Opera….the duet. I shall sing with you.

"But…I don't have any music."

It doesn't matter. Just sing.

"In sleep he sang to me in dreams he came. That voice which calls to me and speaks my name. And do I dream again for now I find, the Phantom of the Opera is there inside my mind." Lysette gasped as she suddenly heard music coming from nowhere followed by the most beautiful voice she had ever heard. She slowly rose from her chair.

Sing once again with me our strange duet. My power over you grows stronger yet and though you turn from me to glance behind…the Phantom of the Opera is there inside your mind!

Mulder made his way to the address of the hotel he had been given where Lysette was staying. For the second time that week, he wore a tuxedo. When it came to going out to fancy places a tuxedo was really all a man could wear. He still felt like a schmuck the second time wearing it as the first. He'd had a hell of a time getting away from the office and Scully to get home to change. It almost seemed to him like Scully knew where he was going and was trying to stop it. But she didn't know that he and Lysette were just going out as friends and nothing more. That was what they had agreed on at the hospital, right? So why was he thinking otherwise right now? He couldn't get that beautiful smile of hers out of his head no matter how hard he tried. It was almost like she literally haunted him. And the feeling that coursed through him whenever he was near her was unlike anything he had ever known. Was this what love felt like? Not the so-called love he had experienced in the past with others but…true love? But if it was….how could it hold true for someone he had just met? And Lysette didn't think of him in that same way either. Part of him now wished he had never met Miss Lysette Willoughby otherwise he wouldn't have had these feelings to worry about. He sighed as he made his way to the stairs and took them to Lysette's floor. He walked down the hallway and to her room. He was about to knock when he heard singing coming from the room. He placed his ears to the door and listened.

The voice that Lysette heard coming from thin air could have been compared to a lyre or harp. It was melodic and flowing never losing tone or pitch. She was completely entranced by it as she listened. It almost seemed to be plucking the inner strings of her own body-like harp. Rose was truly among the other heavenly inhabitants and angels. And as she sang with the voice, Lysette felt as if she were literally floating toward heaven with it. "And in this labyrinth where night is blind, the Phantom of the Opera is here! Inside my mind!"

Mulder took on a puzzled look from behind the door. Was that a male voice he was hearing singing with Lysette? It certainly didn't sound like The Phantom from a few nights ago that was for sure. He continued to listen quietly.

Sing my angel of music.

"He's there, the Phantom of the Opera."Lysette took in a breath and began to sing her obbligato as the music crescendoed. As her voice flowed up to each high note, she could almost feel as if something was pulling her.

Sing!

Lysette felt her head spinning as she continued with the obbligato with her voice soaring to notes she had never achieved this way before. She closed her eyes as she almost felt invisible hands caressing her skin.

Sing my angel of music!

Lysette could feel her skin tingling and strange sensations running through her as her voice climbed even higher. She could feel the invisible hands slowly moving down her face, under her chin and across her collarbone. She literally felt as if her very soul were on fire.

Sing for me!

As Lysette reached her last high note, she felt as if her body was ascending up into the universe. She held her arms outstretched to the mirror. She then heard a knock at her door.

"Lyssa?"

Lysette's eyes blinked and her mind began to clear as she heard the voice. She lowered her arms as she caught her breath. "F…Fox?"

"No, it's Placido Domingo." He joked. "Yeah, it's me."

Lysette stepped away from the dresser and opened the door. "Hi, Fox."

"Hey." Mulder then noticed how pale her face was. "Lyssa, are you ok?"

"What…what do you mean?"

"I mean you look white as a ghost."

"I'm ok Fox." Lysette replied reassuringly. "Really I'm…" The next thing she knew her head was spinning again and her body went numb. She was slowly sinking toward the ground when Mulder caught her in his arms.

"Whoa! Take it easy!" He carefully picked up Lysette in his arms and carried her to the bed. He gently laid her across the bed and for the first time could see the green gown she was wearing. He could also see the shining from the rhinestones in her hair combs. She truly looked beautiful to him. She reminded him of the fairy tale of The Sleeping Beauty for that is exactly what she was. He took her hand in his gently. "Lyssa? Can you hear me?"

Lysette moaned and slowly opened her eyes. "Fox?" She whispered.

Mulder squeezed her hand. "Hey, I thought I'd lost my dinner date there for a minute. Was afraid I wasn't going to get my money's worth for this rental tux." He decided not to question her about the male singing voice he had heard for the moment. "Are you ok? Are you too ill to go out tonight? I mean if you are, I understand."

Lysette slowly raised her head. "No, I'm…I'm ok. I…I don't even remember what happened."

"Well, what happened is that you answered the door and the next thing I knew you were passed out in my arms." He paused. "Not…that I minded of course but I do appreciate when I can get some kind of warning."

Lysette slowly rose from the bed as she felt Mulder give her back support. "I'm really sorry about that, Fox. I honestly don't know what came over me."

"You aren't going to do that to me tonight at dinner, are you?" He asked with a grin. "If so, I could always bring a pillow for you to…"

"Fox!" Lysette replied as she playfully punched him in the shoulder.

Mulder looked at her and gave a pretend wince. "Ouch! Looks like this date is off to a good start huh?"

Lysette pushed herself off the bed and walked back over to the dresser. "Yes, well this is how some typical dates start out at times." She checked her reflection in the mirror. "But remember this is a date just as friends, right?"

"Scout's honor." Mulder answered as he gave her a Boy Scout salute. He climbed off the bed and over toward her. "You do look beautiful by the way. All the men at the restaurant will be staring and envying me." He held out his arm to her. "Shall we, Miss Willoughby?"

Lysette giggled before taking Mulder's arm. "With pleasure, Mr. Mulder." She walked with him toward the door. "So, where are we going anyway?"

"Oh….you'll see." Mulder leaned and whispered in her ear. "It's a surprise."

As they walked out the door and closed it behind them, an image of a masked figure appeared in the mirror. As it slowly faded, a crack began to form from the top. It slowly made its way down to the bottom until the mirror had a large crack completely across it.

Mulder pulled his car into a driveway and watched as a young man came up. He opened the door and climbed out before handing the young man a fifty-dollar bill. The young man nodded and went over to the passenger side to help Lysette out of her seat. He then climbed back into the car and drove off. Mulder turned to Lysette. "So, are you ready?"

Lysette nodded as she took his arm. "I just wish I knew where we were going."

Mulder smiled as they walked. "Wait, I need you to close your eyes."

"What?"

"Please, Lyssa? I promise you won't be disappointed."

Lysette gave Mulder a look and then closed her eyes. "This had better be good." She followed Mulder as he carefully led her up a path. She could faintly hear what appeared to be classical music from ahead of her. She then heard it get louder as she heard a door open. She could hear voices around her as she was led inside. "Fox, what is…"

Mulder leaned into her ear. "Ok, open them now."

Lysette slowly opened her eyes and saw a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling. She then saw stone pillars in the lobby. Her eyes then moved to another area where she could see people waltzing and a small orchestra with a tenor singing in front of it. "Oh, Fox." She breathed.

"Do you like it?"

"It's…it's wonderful." She turned around to face him. "Thank…thank you."

"What are friends for?" Mulder asked as he led them over to the maitre'd. "Hi, I have a reservation for two under Fox Mulder?"

The maitre 'd looked at the paper in front of him. "Ah, yes Mr. Mulder here we are." He motioned to a server. "Follow him, please."

Mulder led Lysette through the elaborate restaurant as he followed the server. He had to admit he was pretty impressed by the place as well. If Scully knew where he was at right now, she would laugh. And he had to agree that Spooky Mulder at a fancy Italian restaurant was not exactly normal. He was beginning to wonder now if he had gone over the top with his restaurant choice. After all, he had made these reservations when he thought they would be more than just friends. But it was too late to turn back now. He pulled out Lysette's chair for her. "M'lady?"

Lysette smiled before taking a seat. "You are too kind, Sir."

"Can I start out the two of you with some wine perhaps?"

Mulder took his seat and looked back at the server. "Why don't you bring us your best red wine? If…that's all right with you, Lyssa?"

Lyssa nodded. "I think that sounds just wonderful."

"Very well, Sir." The server placed a menu in front of Mulder and Lysette before walking off.

Mulder placed a napkin on his lap. "So, what do you think?"

"What do I think?" Lysette asked as she put her napkin on her lap. "I think this is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I've always dreamed of being in a place like this. You have truly left me breathless, Fox."

"Good. I just wanted to make this night special for you." He watched as the server brought the wine and two glasses. After he set the glasses in front of them, he uncorked the bottle. He then poured the wine into the two glasses. Mulder nodded. "Thank you."

"Please, enjoy and I'll be back to take your orders." The server then walked off again.

"Well." Mulder raised his wine glass. "What should we drink to?"

Lysette raised her glass. "How about….to new friendships?"

Mulder smiled. "To new friendships." He then clinked glasses with her before taking a sip as he stared at her. She did have the most beautiful eyes to him and they sparkled even more from the wine.

"Excuse me, aren't you Miss Lysette Willoughby, the young lady who performed the role of Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera?" Came a voice from the side of the table.

Lysette turned to see an older man dressed in a tuxedo. "Yes, I am."

The man bowed to her. "It is indeed an honor to meet you Miss Willoughby. Forgive this intrusion but I wondered if you might sing for us?"

"You…you want me to sing?"

"Your beautiful soprano voice would add much to this evening here." The man turned toward the people in the restaurant. "And I'm sure everyone here would love to hear you sing. Wouldn't we, ladies and gentleman?" He then applauded and encouraged the rest of the restaurant to follow suit. Soon the whole restaurant resounded with clapping.

Lysette turned to Mulder. "Fox, I…I can't do this."

"Why not? It's just like singing back in the theatre right?" Mulder took her hand gently. "They can't help that they recognize pure talent." He grinned. "Come on, Lyssa. Show them just why they think so highly of you. Please? For me?"

Lysette sighed. "Well…all right since you arranged this for tonight." She smiled. "I'll sing for you, Fox."

"Thank you, Lyssa."

Lysette rose from her chair and the clapping began again instantaneously. She walked with the man toward the orchestra where she had seen the tenor singing when they arrived. She nodded politely as she took her stance.

"Do you know any arias? If not we can have the orchestra play something from The Phantom of the Opera?"

Lysette's eyes then brightened. She had done this aria years ago at a college recital but had never had the chance to do it with something other than a piano. "Actually, I do know an aria. Can they play Les oiseaux dans la charmille from Les Contes D'Hoffman?"

"You mean The Doll Song? Of course!" The man replied. "Now, why don't you prepare yourself and I'll take care of everything else." He walked over to the conductor and whispered something in his ear. The conductor nodded and then the man walked back to the front. "Ladies and gentleman may I have your attention please? Thank you. The La Tattoria is deeply honored to present a most unique treat indeed. Tonight Miss Lysette Willoughby who performed the role of Christine Daae so beautifully will charm us with her rendition of Les oiseaux dans la charmille or The Doll Song from Les Contes D'Hoffman." He turned to Lysette. "Miss Lysette Willoughby."

Lysette took a breath and mentally prepared herself as she heard the applause. Touching her choker, she closed her eyes and assumed her doll pose. She just assumed that the conductor would be familiar with the piece. She heard the music start up and a slight rubbing against her back, which told her that he did. He was winding up The Doll. She slowly opened her eyes and began to sing. "Les oiseaux dans la charmille, dans les cieux l'astre du jour,tout parle a la jeune fille,tout parle a la jeune fille d'amour!Ah!"

Mulder sat in his seat and watched as Lysette charmed the entire restaurant with her voice and doll movements. And as she sang, he almost felt as if a spell had been cast upon him. He was completely enthralled with her voice and her beauty. It didn't even matter to him that he had no idea what she was singing about. She sounded better than the night he had seen her perform Christine and she even sounded more lovely than he had heard in her hotel room. He still wondered who was responsible for the male voice he had heard singing with Lysette. And he still intended to ask her before the night was done. As he continued to watch Lysette perform, he saw another image.

It was a restaurant much smaller than the one he was in and there was no orchestra but just a piano. He could see a young lady standing in front of a piano wearing a long blue dress but not from this century. Her dark brown hair was pulled up and she wore the same choker that Lysette had on. Her voice soared above the piano and left the entire room silent. The room remained quiet until she had reached the end of her aria and then burst into applause.

A young man rose from his seat and added to the applause. "Brava, Christine!" He then made his way over to the young lady who was bowing and kissed her hand.

Mulder blinked his eyes and the image faded to reveal Lysette bowing to the restaurant as it echoed with thunderous applause and shouts of brava! And encore!" He observed as the man who had asked her to sing stepped up to her and kissed her hand. And then he watched as Lysette slowly crumpled to the floor. "Lyssa!" He practically dove over his chair to reach her. He bent down and lifted her head gently. "Lyssa? Can you hear me?"

Lysette's eyes slowly opened and through the screams and murmurs of the concerned crowd, Mulder heard her utter one word. "Raoul?" She whispered before she closed her eyes again.