Authoress' Notes: In regards to original PotO characters:

Roses are black

The lake is too

Me no own

So please no sue!

Elaine, the minor ballet rats and Gallin are mine...ALL MINE! Go make up your own:ahem: The lyrics of the two songs are also mine, AND copyrighted too! So NO STEALING! Relax. Stay cool. ENJOY.

P.S.- For the song that the pair plays think "The Point of No Return" or better yet "El Tango de Roxanne" from Moulin Rouge... kay I'll shut up now.

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A Twist of Faith

Chapter Six: Dark Dreams and Desires

--

The large oaken door closed behind her, shaking the wall with its immense size. She entered the room, familiar as ever except for the silence. It seemed the air was made of ice, frozen and still. No laughter, no music. Nothing. There was a long form on the large bed. Elaine's young eyes knew it to be her mother. Surely she could make the silence go away.

"Mama? Why is it so quiet? Where is all the music?" She heard herself ask. Her mother turned to face her and Elaine jumped away. Her mother suddenly was deathly ill, her once rosy cheeks now paper-white and drawn. Her eyes, no longer their sweet, honey-gold color, were blank white discs of nothingness.

Then, without warning, a long, shrill scream tore the silence apart. Elaine leapt back and screamed as well. Her mother convulsed and shrieked in the bed, like her soul was trying to break free from her sick, dying body. An intense feeling of helplessness and rising panic made Elaine tremble terribly and she backed away from the bed.

:thud:

Someone standing behind her stopped her in her tracks. She turned and shrieked. A tall specter shrouded in tattered, ragged black robed loomed over her. His head was hooded and in his dead hand rested a long staff topped with a glittering blade. There was an awful, dry stench around him and the floor beneath him grew rotten and black. Lifting a skeletal hand, he reached out to her mother.

"Die," he intoned in a thick, clotted voice. A dull white form floated out of her mother's body with a lost moan.

Immediately the convulsions stopped and she lay still. The stink in the air grew more stifling. She was dead.

Elaine began to breathe hard, her terror was so great. The ghostly form drifted to the tall figure in black, disappeared into his hand, and was gone. Blood flowed around his unseen feet beneath the shroud. Then, he looked down at her, and she saw his fleshless face underneath the dark hood.

"Come..." he whispered, reaching for her with his soulless hand...

"NOO!"

--

Erik wrenched himself from his reverie and stood up. His eyes widened with sudden worry. He had been keeping watch over Elaine for the past two nights since their outing, hovering behind the paneled wall. She was always a little restless in sleep, but this was the first time she had ever cried out. He pressed himself flush against the wall, barely restraining himself from bursting through the panel to go to her.

"Elaine," he whispered fervently, "What's happened? Are you all right?" Through the crack, he saw only darkness and found it difficult for even his eyes to cut through the blackness. Soon, he could dimly make out her form on the wooden floor.

At the sound of his voice, she faced his direction and Erik could see her eyes, shimmering with unshed tears. "Erik? Is that you? Where are you?"

He could hear a hitch in her voice and he calmed his own, afraid that he had frightened her even more than she already was. "I'm here with you, cherie. What has troubled your sleep, and why did you cry out so painfully?"

"I... it was... a dream. A... Erik, I'm so scared. Please come closer to me. I need to see you."

She sounded so lost and frightened that Erik forgot his initial hesitation. He turned his lantern down to a dim glow and gently pushed the panel open. Stepping softly, he approached her and knelt down. In the soft orange light, her could see that some tears had slipped down her face. He felt the urge to reach out and wipe them away, but hesitation returned to him and he stayed his hand.

"Elaine, what is it? Why are you so upset?"

Elaine looked down and sniffled. "It was a dream; a terrible, horrible nightmare. I... oh Erik, listen to me. I'm acting like a child."

Erik frowned at this and was suddenly unafraid. He cupped her moist cheek and turned it towards him. "You most certainly are not. You are in no way childish. I think no less of you than I ever have."

"But why should anyone be so upset over a meaningless dream? It's foolish, isn't it?" Elaine looked deeply into his eyes and saw such honesty in them that she needed no answers. Her eyes brimmed with fresh tears and they overflowed onto his hand, but he did not draw away. "I'm sorry."

"I do not need you to apologize to me Elaine," he whispered, lowering his hand to rest on her shoulder. "What was it?"

"I dreamed of... when my mother died. But it was different...horrible...I'm frightened Erik!" she moaned, burying her head in her hands, shaking with repressed sobs.

Erik's heart nearly broke for his troubled angel, reached out and touched her hair. She tensed briefly then relaxed against his touch. He continued to brush through her thick curls, savoring this moment of trust. "What can I do?" he asked both to her and to himself. For a moment, Elaine just sat there in a little huddle, gazing into the darkness. Then, she turned her head swiftly, her eyes molten gold in the lantern light.

"Hold me!" she wailed hoarsely, and threw herself against him. He nearly fell back, astonished at her strength as she fell into his arms, crying full force. "Just hold me Erik! I'm so scared!"

It took him a moment to regain his immediate thoughts. She was flush against him, curling her little fingers around the lapels of his dress coat. Her skin was slick with sweat and she was shivering. In a moment, Erik drew her into his lap and draped the wing of his cloak about her, enfolding her in his arms. Gently, he began to rock her to and fro, humming a simple, soft tune.

Elaine's weeping slowed as his song floated about her, wrapping her in a blanket of secure warmth, even warmer than the silky velvet against her skin. She snuggled deeper into his strong warmth. Erik took a deep breath and stroked her soft hair, letting free a quiet sigh as the thick, silky curls yielded to his fingers. The thin material of her chemise fell loose against her back, making her seem even smaller and softer in his arms. Her breathing had slowed to a relaxed calm, and he could even hear hints of her beautiful voice in her deep even sighs. Her hair smelled sweetly of jasmine and honeysuckle mixed with her own aroma. She was so beautiful that he was having trouble with merely holding her. He fought down a surge of wanting and returned to his previous frame of mind; she was a frightened child who needed a comforting father. And that was who he needed to be this night.

"You are tired cherie. You should try to sleep," he whispered, earning a flash of gold from her frightened gaze when she locked her eyes with his.

"No!" she cried, curling against him again. "It'll come back! The dream will come back!"

"Shh... hush now..." he whispered, boldly placing his hand on her back, rubbing it in a gentle circle.

"Erik...I can't think of when I've ever been so frightened," she murmured through the last strains of tears.

"Do you think you could sleep if you were not alone?" he asked, barely recognizing the words escaping his lips. She looked up, puzzled. "But... there isn't a place for you to sleep."

"Not here. In my home; there is a bed for you and it is warmer there anyway." He took her hand gently and the lantern and led her to the panel in the wall. She seemed to favor her right foot and leaned heavily on his arm. He wrapped one arm around her slender waist, supporting her as he pushed the hidden door open and helped her through the narrow opening.

They walked slowly down a stone staircase, the air growing moist and cool around them. Elaine suddenly became acutely aware of the pain in her ankle and sagged against him, wincing in pain. Erik paused for a moment, bending down to examine her ankle. It showed very slight swelling, but he knew it could be serious. He looked up at her questionably.

"I...I must've landed on it when I fell out of the hammock," she muttered, discomfort and mild embarrassment written on her brow. Erik said nothing but took off his cloak and swirled it about her. He then began to probe her skin very gently, glancing at her for signs of pain. His fingers pressed into the swelled knob of her ankle, eliciting a cry of pain from her throat.

"It's sprained," he muttered. "You shouldn't walk on it for a while," he added and scooped her up in his arms, carrying her as if she weighed nothing. Elaine felt a rush of dizziness as she felt his strength holding her firmly, yet so gently. She began to feel irresistibly sleepy, and curled up closer to the wall of warmth. A low, resonant murmur rolled deep in his great chest as she slipped away into sleep.

The path soon ended at a black, coarse shore that bordered a great glassy lake. A gondola was moored near a tall rock. Erik, careful not to disturb her, laid her on the floor of the boat, resting her head on a little cushion. He untied the boat and pushed away from the shore. Cutting through the water with a long pole, he ferried them both across the lake. Twice he glanced back at her, all curled up in the cocoon of black velvet.

The lake grew shallow as they reached the other shore. He docked gently and picked her up out of the boat. Careful to keep her balanced, he drew out a key from his pocket and unlocked a large, wrought iron gate. They crossed to the inside and he turned, locking it securely. She stirred and sighed in his arms, her eyelids lifting sleepily. She glanced about her, but only caught flickers of soft light. There was the click and scrape of a door and a puff of warm, slightly fragrant air greeted their entry. Drowsiness set in again as the wall she was leaning against shifted. She felt herself being gently rocked and cuddled and sighed contentedly. Then, she was being lowered onto a bed of clouds, sinking into the fragrant pillows. A layer of silken warmth settled over her and someone gently kissed her forehead as she drifted into a dreamy, peaceful sleep.

"Goodnight Elaine. Sleep sweetly," Erik whispered, never releasing her hand as he settled into the plush chair beside her. She murmured in her sleep and he smiled as he extinguished the candle. The light guttered beneath his gentle breath and winked out, leaving him to guard her sleep.

--

Sleep receded from Elaine as morning crept into her awareness. All around her she felt warmth and softness. She opened her eyes and looked around in delighted, sleepy surprise.

The lamps on the walls glowed with hazy light, simulating morning sunlight. She felt peaceful and safe, but... where was she? This certainly wasn't her room, it was much too rich, and it was not her hammock she lay in, but a fine, downy soft bed of mahogany wood. Then she remembered; she'd had a nightmare and Erik had brought her here to sleep.

She sighed and moved to stretch her arms but could only raise one. Puzzled, she looked at the unmovable appendage and smiled. Erik sat beside her in a plush chair with his head resting on the nightstand and her hand enclosed in his. In spite of his awkward position, he looked very peaceful... and so right.

Seeing him so near to her while she lay there, his large, warm hand in hers, the beautiful room; everything seemed right and perfect. A scandalous thought entered her brain, making her wish that he were lying with her on the bed. She shook her head and shoved the thought to the back of her mind, inwardly scolding herself for such dangerous thoughts.

She must have stirred more than she thought, for she felt Erik stirring, his fingers subtly tightening around hers. A low groan issued from him and he raised his head from the little table. He rolled his head around, loosening the little kinks in his neck and looked down at her. He smiled warmly when he beheld her waking form.

"Good morning Elaine," he said, laying his other hand on her already captured hand.

"Good morning," she whispered. "Sorry I woke you up."

"You didn't entirely my dear. I was beginning to wake already."

Elaine sat up, resting her back on the headboard. "Were you sitting there all night, Erik?" He nodded. "I must apologize Erik. I must have caused you some inconvenience."

Erik smiled and shook his head. "Sweet Elaine. Are you always worried for my comfort? You'll remember it was my idea to bring you here. You could never be a bother to me," Erik's boldness trembled but did not stop his next thought. "I think I should never tire of your company."

"You'd be surprised at how easily bored you'll become with me."

"Never cherie. You are an intriguing, lovely woman, and you never cease to amaze me." He stood up, a look of solemnity crossing his brow. "It, perhaps will be you who tires of a monster's company."

Elaine sat up quickly, disbelieving what he'd just said. "You are not a monster Erik! How could you ever think such a thing?"

"Because, it is true. People have said this all my life."

"Who told you such a thing!" Erik stared at her, surprised at the furious flames in her eyes. "Who! They ought to hang!" Suddenly coming to herself, she looked up at him. Did I just say that?

"I don't know if you could possibly hang all who have... told me that. Most of them are dead anyway. But no one really had to tell me. It is something I have known all my life and-"

"Enough," She said shortly, standing up to look into his eyes, completely ignoring the pain in her foot. "I won't hear this talk Erik. Whoever told you this, or made you feel this way is the monster. You are the most caring, wonderful person I've ever known. You are my best friend. Do you know that?" He stared at her, transfixed by the intense flames in her eyes and the unquestionable honesty in her voice. He could barely nod before she reached up to cup his cheek gazing deeper into his eyes. "And I will never hear you calling yourself a monster again. Do you understand me Erik?"

The sensation of her petal skin on his cheek was nearly overwhelming for his will. He struggled not to let his tears fall. "Elaine... my face..."

"Has nothing to do with who you are..." she laid her hand over his heart, feeling its strong beat beneath her palm, "Right here. Believe me Erik."

He rewarded her with and soft, strangely sad smile. "Thank you. You are truly an angel." He stopped himself quickly before he utterly confessed his feelings, which were still somewhat uncertain. What terrible timing that would be! "Now, you must be famished. Would you like some breakfast?" A faint hollowness prodded in her stomach and a barely audible grumble issued from it. She glanced up, mild embarrassment painting her cheeks rosy pink, and sat on the bed again, laughing softly, "Now that you mention it, I did have a rather small dinner last night. Yes, thank you."

Erik returned her smile and swept out of the room, the door scraping shut behind him. Elaine stretched lazily and accidentally flexed her foot. A sharp twinge of pain snaked through her leg and she whimpered in pain. She'd completely forgotten about her injury. "Erik..."

"Elaine? Did you call me?"

Elaine glanced up surprise. Had she said his name that loud?

"Elaine?"

"Yes. Yes I'm, sorry it's...my foot..."

From behind the door, she heard him utter something foreign and the door swung open. Erik looked at her pale prone form for a moment and went to examine her injury. The foreign word escaped his lips again. Her ankle had doubled in size and the skin had gone a worrisome purple color. His expert fingers closed around her tiny foot and applied very gentle pressure to it, causing it to flex very slightly. Elaine's eyes widened to the fullest and she emitted a choked scream. Darkness clouded Erik's masked face.

"It is seriously injured. I'm sorry cherie, I should have tended to this last night."

"Don't apologize Erik. Both of us fell asleep. I'm sure it will heal soon."

"Not as soon as you think... not for a few weeks..."

"Oh... that is a problem. Reyer will be missing me." The momentary trouble in her eyes melted and she grinned at him. "So... how long do you estimate I'll be here?"

Erik looked up at her surprised. "You wish to stay here? Elaine I don't...do you even know where you are?"

Elaine gave Erik a sly grin. "I suspect that I am in the LAIR of the OPERA GHOST himself!" She replied eerily before letting free a giggle. "Do you want me to stay?"

"Yes," he blurted out very quickly so certain in that answer at least. But what puzzled him... She wished to stay here with him in this tomb. Why? This was no place for her. The last time he'd had someone down here, it had been a disaster! But then again, Elaine was wholly different. She accepted him despite the fact that he was...the way he'd always been. Even if she hadn't seen his face, and she never would, she wanted to be around him. Anyway, it was her idea to stay, and she would need to have her injury looked after, and someone to help her rehearse. And he would have companionship, something he'd been without for years. He took a deep breath, his resolve returning.

"Yes Elaine, I do want you to stay. I'll look after you and make sure Reyer understands."

Elaine grinned and wrapped her arms about Erik's neck. "Thank you Erik. You're wonderful."

Erik blushed hotly, not only in gratitude but also in response to her body against his. He swallowed hard. This might be a little more difficult than he imagined.

At the end of a particularly good and tiring rehearsal, Elaine entered what she had deemed her room and fell upon the huge, soft bed. With care, her ankle slowly recovered, and as the days passed it grew stronger until she could fully walk on it. Still, Erik was extremely picky about what she did on it. She never objected though. She felt Erik knew best, and she loved that he cared so much for her.

She'd already spent two weeks in Erik's home and everything in her life was just wonderful. He was the perfect teacher. He was much stricter than Reyer by far and never let a mistake go uncorrected. But unlike Reyer, he never raised his voice when she faltered. The atmosphere in the room was always incredible, almost electric with a strange power. Of course, it was like this most of the time with Erik. The feelings he could stir in her couldn't be compared to the finest music.

As she mulled over this newest thought, Elaine realized two very important things. First, that she was a better player than ever in just weeks under Erik. And second that she was hopelessly in love with her tutor. He made he feel like no other. Her heart thrilled when he vocalized the patterns of the notes she was to play, or reached over to position her fingers correctly, or patted her gently on the back when she finished a perfect phrase. His hands were supremely gentle and caring when he tended her ankle and Elaine couldn't get enough of them. She never asked about his mask and found she didn't really care about what lay beneath it. It just never seemed to find its way into any conversations. It was a secret she was content with not knowing of. Still, Erik remained nervous around her when her hand strayed too closely to it. She only prayed that he would believe that it didn't matter to her.

Little did she know what it would take to prove it.

--

What will become of Erik? What will become of Elaine? What will become of my story? I need reviews please! Ahhh, it's good to be back!