Disclaimer: I do not own Erik, daroga, or other references of Leroux's novel. They belong to the author that created them.

A/N: I this chapter, you finally get to see another Phantom inspired element—the MASQUERADE!—(hums the tune) Ahem. Please review… I know that I am so… desperate… lol… Anyways I apologize for being so bossy and whiny at the same time. Oh well… I promise the story only gets better as time goes on. I hope the story is progressing well for you guys. If you have ANY suggestions, questions, or comments, please review so that I can answer anything that you might be confused about. I am so busy these days with school and now I am more strained with a new piano teacher. He's a professor at the college and he's agreed to teach me. YAY! I must have some talent. So I have been practicing my rear off. So enjoy the chapter. (whispers) My piano teacher scares me (looking around paranoid) My hands shake so badly when he's nearby. I think it's his Doctorate in Piano that frightens me…. OH WELL READ AND REVIEW good people.

Ziroana: Thank you for liking my story andtaking the time to actually REVIEW ---gives a hinting look to the readers who've read but not reviewed.--

Harem98: Yes I know you've actually read my story until chapter seven, but I am HAPPY you reviewed my story the part you have already re-read… lol. I expect more reviews for the parts you've read so far. I haven't forgotten what I owed you. I am working on it now. Multi-tasking is so much fun. THANKS! Anyways… you never did tell me what you thought of my new ideas for upcoming chapters… I signed off before you could tell me.

Twinkle22- I am glad you like my story! I like it, too. PLEASE continue to review. Any questions or things that bother you about this or previous chapters?

Katelyn- I was so excited when you reviewed my story TWICE swoons Please continue to check it out and kick your friend into reading and REVIEWING lol. I appreciate your reviews.

ChristianAngel7- Aw… I reviewed your story as always. I love your story and I hope you like my very different story. Enjoy chapter six. I can't wait for the update to your story… I think all PHANTOM PHANS will like this chapter.

Misstmuse: Thanks for putting me on your favorites list! smiles ear to ear I love you! ok… a little overdramatic! Anyways, I HOPE you review sometime. I hope more people are as nice and as loving of this story as you are.

PhantomsAngel: Girl, you better be reading this… School is no excuse… well… at least not a very good one! I will talk to you later!

HUGGLES FOR ALL MY REVIEWERS!

Chapter Six- Masquerade Fiasco

Everything was spectacular when the preparations for the masquerade were finished. William and I arrived at the entrance to the Cathedral dressed in our finest. Smells of cooked food permeated the air and fire works lit up the starry, cold night sky. Floods of masked faces could be seen underneath a massive chandelier. William wore his usual all black tuxedo and black mask. His tail-coated jacket was decorated with black sequins that developed in a swirl pattern. His trousers were jet black and lined with satin. He looked so handsome, despite his black mask, I kept staring at him. Even though I was aware that he hated when people stared. I wore a full-length lavender gown with cubic zirconium crystals embroidered in the dress while glittering in patterns all over. I put my wedding ring on a silver chain on my neck. My long brown hair was curled down my back and the front pulled back by bobby pins and clips. I wore a white mask with silver glitter on it.

From what William told me, many Russians complimented me on my beauty. His full face mask covered all of his face except his lips and chin. His sunken golden eyes darted back and forth, suspicious of everything and nothing while his mask glared at all who glimpsed at his face. One would think he would be comfortable and at peace in a masked setting, but ironically, he was more nervous.

Becoming fearful, I clutched his cold, bony hand for support. To give me courage, he squeezed it lightly. "I'm scared."

His usual impassive demeanor showed as he held my hand tighter. "Stay beside me."

We sauntered through the immense crowd and sat at a dark table in the corner. I took a seat, staring at the delicious-looking food, my appetite gone. Nausea swept through my system causing me to push my plate away. I felt his cold hand touch my neck and under my masked forehead.

"You have a slight fever. Just drink this." He pulled his glass of water over and retrieved a pill. As soon as he dropped the pill and let it dissolve, he stirred the medicated water clear again. "It's a fever-reducing concoction."

"Thank-you." I slowly drank it, grimacing sometimes at the taste. When all was settled, he turned to me. "Would you like to dance?"

Surprised, I nodded, placed my hand in his and traveled through the crowd. When William and I were dating, he was an extravagant dancer while I was an amateur. Nothing had changed. While we slowly danced, we gazed into each other's eyes. His smell of rain flooded through me and I became strongly tempted to kiss him.

For a brief moment, fear coursed through his eyes, and he seized me tighter in his arms. "Hold on to me. Don't let go. I will protect you. We will escape."

Before I had time to comprehend his words, a man with a red mask and black attire fired rounds into the screaming multitude with what appeared to be an AK-47. I do not remember running through the crowd. All I could recall was a mass wave of cries of terror and guns firing off rounds.

Glass from everywhere exploded violently and went hurling, sending an upsurge of jagged edges into the running, screaming group. During our escape, William and I passed a collection of wounded or dead bodies. Eerily they both looked the same.

The color red materialized all over the place. However, the last terror I would witness that night would be horrifying. I heard a large creaking noise of the chandelier as it veered from side to side. Suddenly, all the ropes snapped and the colossal chandelier plummeted down in the crowd.

I witnessed the shrill cries of those who escaped being crushed, but the cries were cries of death. But most, most people lay dying, were crushed, or were mortally wounded.

Once safely outside, William whipped out his cell phone to call his men who no doubt were already on their way. We bolted to his car and drove off. Both of us sat in silence, reliving the nightmare in our own ways. Trying to find answers to the terrifying ordeal, I asked the only man that would know. "William, how did you know?"

His grip on the steering wheel tightened, turning his knuckles white. "The daroga and I discussed what date it would be when Franz would make his move. It seems that we were right. Sadly, all the blood-lust and gore was meant for only one person, Granz Horbachz. He had replaced the General's position."

"So, all those people's deaths were for nothing?"

"Yes. Franz wanted to show Russia the power he has gained."

"Why did he not kill you?"

"You are the forensic scientist. You analyzed crime scenes. You tell me."

Thinking briefly, I responded, "Because he wishes you to chase after him. This is all a cat and mouse game. Whoever kills the other wins." Half-smiling he retorted, "Good work, Holmes."

Smiling slightly myself, I buried myself into his cloak while he continued to drive. "William, before Franz targets our family, I need to know something." "Yes?"

"Did you ever love me? Since you will not answer me now, will you answer me that?" The car slowed down.

"Of course, I loved you, Stacy. You were my world, my life, my reason to smile."

"Has that changed?" Averting his eyes he did not say anything. "William, please," touching his arm, I continued, "please… I need to know. I still love you." Not answering my question again he stopped the car and said, "Well, we have made it to the Embassy. A room has been prepared for you as I have instructed. We will stay here."

As we entered the room, my anger at his apathetic attitude has festered tremendously and was about to rear its ugly head. "You never answered my questions…again!" Turning around to face me, a slight look flashed in his eyes. "Some questions don't need answers."

I slammed my balled fists on the wall and hurled a book at him which he deftly dodged. "Mine do! Let's see, William. You lied about your death, evaded sight for a year, kidnapped me, said we are still married, claimed you were brainwashed, also claimed you were tortured terribly, moved me and our children around, nearly get me shot to death…tell me this is only the beginning! You have killed, only God knows how many innocent or guilty people! And now you say my questions are irrelevant! You must hate me so much to try and break my heart. Good job, William, you succeeded. I am so madly in love with you despite everything and you cannot even answer if you love me, too."

For a moment, his stony countenance dissolved and he appeared like my old husband. His voice, wavering but full of resolution, softly replied, "I never stopped loving you, Stacy. I love you… I love you… I love you." He spoke 'I love you' three times and it only took that to bring my guard down.

I ran into his arms and he held me for a long tie. When I gazed into his teary eyes I brought my hands to his face where his ask lay. Touching his lips chin and jaw line I sighed. Wanting to see my husband after a long time my hands coursed through his hair. William's eyes closed his guard down he relished in our love. He never knew my intentions until it was too late. With one tug I pulled the mask free, emitting a cry of rage fro William. Before I got a glimpse of his visage, he flung himself out unto the balcony and was gone from my eyes. I vainly tried to run after him. "William!" It was too late. He was far away.

Sighing heavily I turned, and all of the sudden, a hand pressed a foul smelling cloth covered my face I slowly lost consciousness after nearly suffocating on the cloth. I was not awake but I felt someone carrying me and… gunfire? When I awoke I saw Richard's blurry face hovering over mine. "R-Richard?"

"You need to get out of here. Some men were carrying you out through the back door. Luckily I have been following you and William Addams." A lump started to develop in my throat. "Richard you've got to leave. H-he will kill you if he finds you here."

However his eyes reflected defiance. "I won't leave you here alone with him, Stacy!"

"Please Richard go! I cannot have your blood on my hands! He won't hurt me! He loves me Richard, but he will kill anyone who he feels is a threat. Go Richard."

"Stacy, this is too big for you to comprehend. You're driving yourself and your kids into a terrorist war!" Before I could ask him how he knew, he smirked and responded, "Don't you know me by now? The evidence… the evidence… I trust your judgment and will go. But I will be watching. Following the evidence. Stacy, follow the evidence."

A/N: Ok. I know that maybe Richard finding out where Stacy went is a little far-fetched, but hopefully this does not perturb most of you. I hope that you enjoyed the chapter… I will give you a hint of what is to come. In chapter seven William becomes even more aloof and detached from Stacy with devastating consequences. Review please. Stalks to closet and unties Nadir who swiftly tries to run and escape. RainsP. runs and, like a football player, tackles him. Nadir screams like a girly man.

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