A/N: Hey! Sorry it's been a while since I've updated. Well, actually it's only been a few days but still. I've been busy. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I might not be able to update as often as I usually do anymore. I have soccer starting tomorrow and we have to practice every day except Sunday, so that will probably be the only day I'm not too tired to write. I'll try to get at least one chapter a week if I can. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. : )

Chapter 25

"I'm so tired of being here, suppressed by all of my childish fears

And if you have to leave, I wish that you would just leave

Because your presence still lingers here, and it won't leave me alone

These wounds won't seem to heal; this pain is just too real

There's just too much that time cannot erase…"

-Evanescence, "My Immortal"

After quite a few minutes of descending several stories underground, Julianna arrived at a large underground lake. She searched for some sort of a boat, but in finding none, she decided she would have to wade through the icy cold water. She didn't even consider turning back. She'd already come too far to even think about going back. She was sure this had to be where Erik's old home was … somewhere down here. She slowly inched her way into the icy cold water, shivering as it soaked her clothes up to her waist.

Seeing her shivering in the cold water made Erik want to run to her and keep her warm, but he knew he couldn't. He silently slid into the frigid water and followed, hoping she could figure out which way to go. She's a pirate, he thought. She must have a good sense of direction.

Sure enough, she did. She arrived at Erik's old home in record timing. No one could have navigated those underground labyrinths that fast … no one except an expert, which Julianna most definitely was. She eagerly climbed out of the freezing water, staring in horror at the devastating disaster that was Erik's old home. "How could they…?" she whispered out loud.

Erik couldn't help but let a tear slide down his cheek. How could they, indeed… His life's work … operas, compositions, beautiful music … all burned to the ground. It was almost more pain than he could stand. All of this gave his life some sort of purpose, some reason for his being, his existence … and now his many years of hard, painstaking work was destroyed. There was nothing left… nothing at all.

Erik watched Julianna walk over to his old organ, which was smashed into several pieces. She ran her hand along one of the smooth pieces of Erik's once beautiful organ, feeling all the pain that he had poured into it. His heart, his music … destroyed. Strangely, she could feel his presence there still. Tears started to fall down her face, thinking of how he had lost everything… all for love. So much pain lingered there… his pain. Erik's breath caught in his throat at the sight of her tears. Is she crying for me? he wondered. For what I lost?

Julianna looked around, suddenly wanting to bring him something from his old home. Most everything was destroyed, but she had to find something. She had to. She gently lifted some wreckage from the ground, surprised to find several sheets of unburned music underneath. Don Juan Triumphant, it read at the top, unmistakably Erik's handwriting. Wasn't that the opera that was playing when the fire happened? Erik must have kept a copy of it down here, she thought. She quickly picked up the sheets, folded them neatly, and stashed them in her pocket. Erik saw her pick up something, but he couldn't tell what it was. Her back was to his hiding spot, obstructing his view. He couldn't help but wonder what she'd picked up. I'll find out soon enough, he decided.

Erik watched as she made her way back to his old bedroom. Julianna looked around in astonishment, realizing that the room must have been Erik's bedroom, even though it was barely recognizable. The only thing that was distinguishable was a large wooden armoire, which had been smashed and damaged but surprisingly not burned as everything else had been.

Julianna cautiously made her way over to it, being careful not to trip over the scattered debris that littered the stone floor. When she got to it, she made several attempts to open it, but it was smashed in so much that it wouldn't budge. She quickly gave the side of its door a firm, hard kick with the back of her heel, hoping it would dislodge it. "Ow…" she said, rather calmly, clutching the back of her boot, where she was sure a bruise would form on her heel.

The force of her kick had cause the front of the armoire to crack and splinter, just enough so that it was barely hanging on its hinges. Julianna smiled, forgetting the pain in her heel, and pried open the front of the armoire. Much to her surprise, large heaps of clothing spilled out on top of her, practically knocking her off of her feet. She quickly steadied herself, holding the clothes in her arms.

Erik's clothes, she though, running her hand over the smooth fabric. She brought the clothes up to her face and buried her nose in them, taking in the unmistakable scent of her beautiful Erik. Oh yeah, they are definitely Erik's, she thought. "Mmm… Erik…" she said, sniffing Erik's clothes once again, taking pleasure in his delightfully enticing smell.

Erik stared at her intensely from his hiding spot. Oh God, what is she doing? he thought, feeling a tightening sensation in his groin. He wanted to turn his head away. He really needed to, but he couldn't tear his eyes from her captivating body as she continued to fondle his clothes. He desperately massaged his throbbing erection, biting his lip in a frantic attempt to remain quiet and unseen.

Julianna breathed in the scent of her Erik's old clothes one last time, deciding that she needed to bring them back to him. He would probably appreciate having some of his old clothes. She looked around for a bag or something to carry them in, but she found none. She settled on wrapping as many of his clothes as she could fit into one of his long, black capes, made into a makeshift bag. Then she tied it off with a bit of rope that she found in the corner… a bit of rope that strangely looked like a noose.

After that, she poked around a bit more, but didn't find anything else interesting, so she decided she should be leaving. It was getting pretty late … and she still had one last stop to make before returning home.

Erik continued to follow her, out of the Opera House and towards the far end of town, having no earthly idea where she could be going now. He gasped as he rounded a corner, and a huge house came into view … the de Chagny house. Oh God, he thought. She's going to see Christine. He seriously considered staying where he was and waiting for Julianna to come back, but his curiosity got the best of him. He tied his horse and silently followed Julianna up the road to la Maison de Chagny.

Julianna approached the door and thought about knocking, but then decided against it. To the Vicomte de Chagny, she was Elizabeth, one of Christine's old friends. She doubted that what she was wearing could pass her as friend material in the eyes of the Vicomte. So to avoid any contact with him, she decided to sneak around to the back of the house, hoping Christine might be outside, enjoying the nice spring weather, before the scorching summer heat would confine people to their cooler homes.

Sure enough, much to Julianna's relief, Christine was sitting under a huge oak tree, reading a rather large book … alone, thankfully. "Christine!" Julianna hissed, as quietly as she could, to get Christine's attention.

Christine glanced up from her book, looking rather startled. "Julianna?" she called out quietly, looking around for the woman that she was sure she just heard. But why would Julianna be here now? she wondered. It's much to early for her to bring my Angel back. The guards are still looking for him.

Christine jumped in shock as Julianna stepped out from behind a nearby tree. "I'm sorry," Julianna said, forcing a kind smile at the woman who hurt Erik so bad. "I didn't mean to alarm you."

"No, it's alright," Christine said, jumping up to give Julianna a quick hug. "How is he?" she asked, eyes brimming with curiosity about her beloved Erik.

"He's fine," Julianna said. "He's doing quite well. Of course, there was the initial shock of being in that godforsaken pri-…" She stopped herself from saying 'prison', just in case someone was listening. Though, she doubted anyone would have a hard time figuring out whom they were talking about anyway. "He's quite recovered now. Safely hidden away at my house."

"Good, good…" Christine said. "I take it you like him then? He's a very likable man, once you get to know him…" At that point, Erik had to try his hardest not to snort at her words. She actually thought he was likable. Christine continued, "…can be violent at times and a bit stubborn, but I love him all the same."

Erik frowned deeply. Christine really did love him. He could never really believe that she did for sure, but now he knew. If only she could have admitted that before … but then he never would have met Julianna. He'd never thought it was possible … but he had two women that loved him. Two. And he loved them both, but he undoubtedly knew who he loved more. The woman who accepted him and loved him just the way he was and didn't treat him like a monster, the woman who saved his life numerous times, and the woman who showed him what it was like to really be in love. His very own untamable pirate woman… Julianna.

Julianna smiled at Christine, not knowing exactly what to say. "Yes, I like him very much," she said, innocently. "He's quite the gentleman."

Christine gazed off into the distance, apparently lost in her thoughts. "Yes… he is," she agreed, distantly. Suddenly, she looked over at Julianna, the dreamy look gone from her face. "Does he ever talk about me?" she asked, curiously.

Julianna's face became expressionless. "Of course," she replied quietly. "He speaks of you often."

Christine's eyes opened wide. "What does he say?" she asked, eagerly.

"Um… well, he says how much he loves you…" Julianna said, trying not to tremble as she spoke. She was giving Christine false hope… because Erik wasn't in love with her anymore. "… and how much he misses you…" she added, softly.

Christine smiled. "I miss him, too," she said, quietly. "I feel so bad…"

Well, you should, Julianna thought, angrily. After everything you've done to that poor man. You don't deserve him. All he ever did was love you. Is that such a crime? But to you, he was nothing but a monster … except for the fact that he had a beautiful voice. Why do you suddenly feel guilty now, Christine? Why?

Christine swallowed hard. It was almost as if she knew what Julianna was thinking, so she continued. "I feel bad about … leaving Raoul," she said, sadly. "He's been my good friend for a long time, and I love him … as a friend should. But I just know his heart will be broken if I leave…"

"If?" Julianna asked, suspiciously. Was Christine having second thoughts? God, I hope, she thought. That would make everything so much easier…

"When, I mean," Christine corrected herself. "He will be devastated when I leave him."

"I'm sure he will," Julianna said. "You just have to look deep within your heart and soul, and then you will find the solution you seek. You must choose once again… Raoul or Erik," she said, whispering Erik's name.

"Erik?" Christine whispered. "His name is Erik?" When Julianna nodded her head, Christine spoke his name once again to get the feel for it. It was, in fact, the name of the man she hoped to soon be with. "Such a beautiful name…" she breathed.

"Yes," Julianna agreed. "Beautiful name…" for an incredibly beautiful man, she wanted to add.

Christine looked at her curiously, but only for a second, and then she continued. "You know I choose Erik," she whispered. "I just don't know what to do about Raoul…"

"Well…" Julianna said, trying to hide the disappointment and frustration in her voice. "You think about that … and I'll be back to see you in a few days. I should be going, then. It's late."

"Goodbye," Christine called, as Julianna quickly ran back to her horse. Erik eagerly followed, not liking the way being around Christine was making him feel. He'd been reminded of all the pain she caused and how many times she told him that she hated him. It awoke the anger within him, and he had no plans of allowing himself the opportunity to express it. Besides, Christine was much too young for him, just barely a woman. And next to Julianna, she looked quite immature and, he was sure, inexperienced… unless she'd allowed Raoul to… but still there was no way that she could ever give him the pleasure that Julianna did.

Julianna frowned, noticing that the sun was very close to setting. She'd been planning on getting home before dark, but that would be impossible now. She just hoped Erik wouldn't worry too much. Julianna wasn't used to having someone care that much … enough for them to worry about her.

In only a few minutes, the streets were completely dark, except for the occasional street lamp. Julianna decided to lead her horse the rest of the way through the city, so she wouldn't accidentally run over any pedestrians. She hurried through the dark Parisian streets, leading her horse behind her, and hoping that she wouldn't meet anyone. Though the only people she would be likely to meet were whores, homeless people, and the occasional group of young men who liked to start trouble… the one's that make sport out of taking a woman unwillingly, raping her.

No sooner than Julianna started to think about that, she could have sworn she heard someone behind her. She turned around to see if someone was following her, and Erik quickly ducked into the nearest alley, praying that she didn't see him. He didn't want her to think he was a stalker. He'd probably end up injured or dead knowing Julianna.

Satisfied that no one was behind her, Julianna turned back around … only to find three young men blocking her way, clearly drunk. Of all the people she could have met, these hooligans were the worst. She wanted nothing to do with them. She stopped in her tracks, suddenly realizing she was outnumbered three to one. She had no doubt she could easily fight these three men though, if need be. She was, after all, a pirate.

"I have no patience for drunks," she spat. "Out of my way!"

The one in the middle, who appeared to be their leader, chuckled quietly. "We're just lookin' for some fun, darlin'," he slurred, grinning at her wickedly.

Julianna rolled her eyes at him, mocking him even though she knew it would enrage them further. "Get the hell out of my way, damn it!" she yelled.

The leader of the three nodded to the other two, signaling for them to bind Julianna arms so they could have their way with her. One of the men pulled out a length of rope and started toward her, the other one at his side. Julianna didn't move … she waited.

When they got within a few feet of her, she let go of the reins she was leading her horse by. Duke whinnied loudly and reared up, bringing his hoof down on the chest of the man with the rope. The man screamed, and there was the sickening sound of ribs cracking. Apparently his broken ribs had pierced his lungs, because he was coughing up large amounts of crimson blood, and in minutes, he slumped to the ground dead.

The second man stared at his dead friend for a moment before violently lunging at Julianna. She effortlessly, almost lazily, stepped to the side, and he fell on his face, unmoving … either passed out or knocked out. Before Julianna had time to react, the third man grabbed her by the neck and flung her to the ground. She cursed in surprise and pain. This man was quite a bit smarter than the other two. He'd pinned her to the ground with his bulky weight on top of her, pressing her hands firmly against the ground with his own, so she couldn't punch him. She was at a complete and total loss. She couldn't move an inch … she didn't know how she was going to get out of this situation.

The man pressed a fierce kiss to her lips, trying to force his tongue into her tightly closed mouth. Then she bit him as hard as she could, in hope that he would try to slap her. That would free one of her hands, so she could seriously beat the hell out of this bastard. But he didn't slap her. He just looked up at her angrily, blood running down his chin where she'd bit him. He looked like he was about to slap her but then his eyes glazed over, and he slumped to the ground, a knife buried to the hilt in his back.

Julianna looked up at the hooded man who just saved her. God, he looked so familiar, but it was hard to tell, it was so dark. He extended his hand to her to help her up, and she took it gratefully. The second she touched his hand, she knew… "Erik?" she asked, pulling the hood from his head. "Erik!" she cried, flinging herself into his arms.

He wrapped his arms around her protectively, and just held her, glad that she was safe. There was no way in hell that he would have let any man have his way with her … except for himself, of course. He kissed her forehead, and rubbed her back affectionately. She melted into his warmth, burying her face in his neck. Just when she thought she couldn't possibly love him any more…

He caressed her cheek gently. "Are you hurt?" he asked, softly.

"No, I'm not hurt," she whispered, pressing her lips to his. "God, I love you, Erik."

He smiled. "I love you, too, Julianna."