AN: Finally back. Sorry for the delay. Blame it on Ebay!

Part 18:

Erik ran outside to find Willow… just in time to see her being driven off in the back of a car.

Rafe's car.

Red streaks flashed through Erik's vision. He hadn't seen like this since… since… since Joseph Bouquet had been talking about him in such a vile way; Since he saw Raoul and Christine embrace.

It had been many years since Erik had saw the color of murder… his hand reach for his Punjab, strapped securely around his waist. It was time for the real Erik to return.

--

Willow woke up with a splitting headache and the vague sensation of unfamiliarity. She didn't know where she was, and no matter how much she widened her eyes, it didn't seem to get any clearer to her.

The last thing that she could remember was… what was the last thing that she could remember?

She closed her eyes against the semi-dark, strange surrounding around her. What was the last thing that she remembered?

Practice… she remembered practice… and then… Erik. She once again flashed a look around the room. Erik wasn't there.

What else? She prompted herself. What else was it that was lurking at the back of her mind, and couldn't seem to pull out.

Erik and Carlotta kissing!

No… that wasn't right. For a moment her heart thudded dangerously. Why was her head hurting. She reach her hands up and… made it half way before the ropes binding her halted the movement.

Rafe! She remembered now. Rafe had hit her… that was why she had a headache. No wonder… he packed quiet a punch.

She twisted furiously, praying that she could loosen herself and get away from… wherever she was. She had no idea where Rafe lived, or if he had even taken her to his house. The only thing that mattered at the moment was getting loose.

Twisting violently, she worked up a sweat. She bent her shoulder over to wipe her brow… and hit uncovered skin.

Her mask was gone!

Horror shot through her, and she moaned softly. "Where is it?"

Suddenly, a voice jolted through her. "Looking for this?"

Rafe stood in the door way. Her mask was in his hand.

--

AN: I know, short, but I have to think out the last chapter, which will probably be the last next to the epi. Any suggestions for a story for me to do after this are openly accepted. I'd almost totally re-do Phantom and the Fop… but… I don't know if I can make myself do it. Anyway, suggestions are welcome, and all that jazz.