Thank you guys so much for the wonderful reviews! They are my number one reason to keep writing, and I love you guys! Sorry this chapter is so short, I promise things will speed up soon. Thanks again for all of the reviews! I can't say it enough! ...And now, on to the action! ;)

Chapter 5

Erik stared at the spot Christine had just stood in. "Christine!" he called sharply, trying not to panic. All he had understood from her was that somehow they had traveled back in time. Erik slowly poled his way back across the lake, thinking hard. He believed that they had truly gone back in time, what other explanation could there be for where he was now? Christine was probably swept up with time at this exact moment, he thought wryly.

Erik winced. What was that feeling?

Suddenly memories were flooding him. His mother was turning from him as he felt someone pulling him away… People were laughing as he felt the harsh sting of a whip on his back… Oh! Now there was a rope around the person wielding the whip's throat, he, Erik, had the ends… someone- Madame Giry- was motioning him towards an opening in the Cellars of the Opera House…

Now the memories picked up speed. He was singing to Christine through a hollow wall... Christine was kissing someone- Raoul! - on a rooftop, anger like fire surged through Erik at this, and the cold trickle of betrayal… Now he saw himself writing something… Notes upon notes written on parchment titled Don Juan Triumphant… passion, passion overflowing poured into the notes… and now, glimpses of Christine… Christine… Christine!

For Christine had just appeared standing unsteadily near the organ in front of him. Erik inhaled harshly and ran to her; catching her as she stumbled and helping her sit down on the organ bench.

Afraid to take his eyes off of her, Erik slowly exhaled, trying to reassure himself that she was really there. What was wrong with him? Never, never had his thoughts been so occupied with one person. Why was Christine so different?

Maybe, he thought, studying her face, it was the air of innocence about her. The sadness that seemed to be there, in the darkest corners of her eyes, as if the ways of the world and its hatefulness had disappointed her.

"Are you alright?" Erik asked tentatively, a look of worry upon his face.

Christine nodded slowly and blinked. "Erik…" she mumbled. "We've gone back in time…" Christine then became limp. Erik shook himself slightly, then lifted her gently, and took her back to the dormitory.