Another short one, but it's basically just a continuation of the last...

Erik's Angel...how did you become so clever? ;)

-Nico

"Rae!" Gerard yelled, hurrying over to where the Phantom of the Opera knelt in water, holding the woman's limp form close to his body.

"Let go of her," Gerard demanded.

Erik rose to his full six feet, clutching Rae in his arms like a child. Her head hung back, her mouth slightly open.

"She needs medical attention," Gerard continued forcefully. "Surely you don't intend to keep her down here to die!"

In truth, Gerard was fully aware of Rae's fainting spells; he had no way of knowing how dire her situation was.

But, he hoped that the urgency his words brought to the situation would be enough to convince the Phantom to release Rae to his care.

Although, from the way she had kissed the Phantom, Gerard wasn't certain that's what she would truly want.

Erik seemed to consider his options. He looked down at the woman in his arms and back to Gerard, who stood, his very being seething with desperation.

"You try my patience," Gerard growled, becoming increasingly worried over the strange blue tint Rae's skin was taking on.

Erik didn't have a chance to respond.

Wind of an incredible force suddenly whipped through the lair.

Both Gerard and Erik fought to stand still against the force of the air stream. Water from the lake splashed them both.

And then, a brilliant white light forced it's way into the darkness of the depths of the opera house in an explosion of radiance.

Just as suddenly as the atmosphere had changed, it returned to normal, save the quick breaths of both Gerard and Erik.

"Erik?"

The voice, which sounded like a bell, came from where Gerard had entered.

Both Erik and Gerard turned.

Standing beneath the still raised, dripping iron gates, was a beautiful woman dressed in all white.

She was pale and obviously confused.

But the spark of recognition that flared across Erik's face told Gerard exactly who she was.

Christine.

Christine walked slowly through the water, her face contorted in confusion and pain as she regarded the woman in Erik's arms.

"Who is that?" She asked, her voice lilting against the cavernous walls.

"Christine?" Erik said, disbelieving his eyes.

Gerard moved closer to Erik, holding his arms out to receive the unconscious Rae.

Wordlessly, Erik gently handed Rae to Gerard, his eyes locked on Christine.

"Christine, is it you?" He asked quietly.

Christine nodded.

Gerard watched, clutching Rae's cold body to his own, as Erik moved closer to Christine, dwarfing her small frame with his height.

Christine looked up at him, her eyes shining in the dim light of the lair.

"Erik," she whispered, sounding like a frightened child. "What's happening?"

Erik sighed, raising his hand to grasp hers. "You've been brought back to me," he said softly. "You've been brought back to me…"

Christine's breath hitched on a sob as she collapsed against Erik's frame, crying into his chest as he slowly stroked her hair.

Erik locked eyes with Gerard over Christine's head.

Gerard nodded to Erik, who closed his eyes in response.

And with that, Gerard turned and waded out of the lair, leaving the ghostly Christine to weep in her angel's arms.