A/N: Sorry for the long wait! And finally the Masquerade scene! And I haven't forgotten Kanye, if any were interested. He's back in here. Thank you all for the feedback and to my beta Halley. Enjoy and please don't forget to review!

Chapter 16- Return of the Red Death

Christine had been in deep surprise to know the truth of Adele Garrison. To learn that she, too, was a reincarnated soul was almost a joy, a kindred spirit to her. At least Christine had found someone to understand her feelings quite well. But she was a little apprehensive of what she must do to help Erik. Adele had told her the answer was already known to her, but what did that mean? Did it mean that she would have to belong to the Phantom? Though what of Raoul?

She had told Adele about Raoul and how he had taken the news. Adele, admittedly, was shocked and upset by her good friend. Like Meg and Christine, she had assumed that with the troubles of before he would have been more opened and willing to the brunette. Yet, it appeared that they were all wrong with their perceptions of Raoul de Chagny.

Adele had said not to give up hope on him and Christine wasn't. She loved Raoul very much and she wasn't ready to lose him just yet. The only difficult obstacle in the way would be whether or not if he would accept Christine's true origins. If only she or Adele were able to know if Raoul was another reincarnated being as well. The visions of the former had revealed a look-alike to him, but that didn't mean he was the Vicomte in a past life.

The three women concluded after the meeting there would be no talk of this to anyone, not even Raoul, in case he were to overhear and learn of their intentions. When the right time came Raoul would learn all of this and hopefully by then Erik would be in peace.

Before leaving the sanctity of the church, Christine confessed to Adele her recent dream involving Erik, his wish to make her his living bride. Clasping the young woman's hand, Adele boldly stared into her hazel eyes with her own grays.

"Next time, do not let him near you, as hard as it maybe," she warned. "He's a spirit and can easily kidnap your spirit through your dreams. Do not let him win. He's no match when he's not in his physical form."

The warning had sent chills throughout her body. She had been very close to losing her soul that night.

xxXXxx

Panting hard, Meg heaved the heavy armful of bags onto the table. Brushing back a strand of honey-brown, she looked over to the couch where the still raised hand of Christine's laid.

Chuckling to herself, Meg shook her head. The last two nights had been hard on her friend. Christine spent the most part awake contemplating what to do if she were to fall asleep and face Erik.

Meg knew she should wake her up, but Christine was in dire need of some z's and she was going to give it to her while keeping watch. She began to go through the bags, taking out the milk and eggs to put in the refrigerator when a low moan came from the living room. Not risking it, Meg ran over to see Christine. The brunette's face was twisted into a grimace and her whimpers were getting louder.

Fearful, the dancer began shaking Christine's shoulders, exclaiming for her to wake. At last, the spell broke and the soprano started up. "A dream," she murmured, rubbing the sand from her eyes.

Meg gazed down at her worried. "Was he there?"

"Yes and no," Christine responded and let out a loud yawn. "Sorry."

"Don't be."

Christine smiled softly. "On the bright side, I wasn't in it deep."

"Yeah." And Meg laughed.

Glancing over at the bags, Christine asked, "Do you need help?"

Meg said, "Naah. Try to get some more rest. I'll be nearby."

Christine nodded. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Meg went back into the kitchen and started to unload the groceries as the phone began ringing. She ran over and grabbed the handset. "Hello?" she whispered.

"Hi is Christine there?" It was Raoul.

"Um, sorry. She's taking a nap right now, can I take a message?"

"Oh," he sounded disappointed. "No, no. I'll call back later Meg. Is everything all right?"

"Everything's peachy," she answered in what she hoped was cheerful. "Bye Raoul."

"Bye Meg."

Hanging up, Meg whirled around and stopped in her tracks to see Christine in front of her. Her face was crumpled and near tears.

"It was him again?" she choked.

Meg assented silently. Christine shook her head, trying to keep the tremors from spilling. "He must think I hate him."

"No he doesn't! Otherwise he wouldn't continue to call," Meg pointed out, hoping to bring a smile.

"I haven't spoken to him in what three days? Meg… I don't know what to do anymore. This thing with Erik is taking my strength. I want to talk to him, to tell him everything, but what if Erik hears? What if he hurts him? I can't have that! I don't want anything to happen to Raoul. I-I love him…"

The blonde startled her with a high-pitch squeal. "I KNEW it!"

"Meg!"

"Sorry," she said sheepishly. "Excited."

"I'm so messed up!"

The separation was killing Christine, it was plainly obvious, and she wanted nothing more than to run into his arms for shelter. But at what expense? She would be risking Erik's jealous wrath and who knew what he would do to poor Raoul. She needed him, though at the same time, she knew it would be too dangerous, possibly for both of them.

But…

"Meg?" she asked. "Could you do me a favor and call Raoul and tell him I'm on my way over to his place? I can't take this much longer and I think my sanity would be intact if I spend time with him."

"Are you sure?" her friend questioned carefully.

"Completely. I won't tell him what went on or anything. I just want to be with him. Ghost or no ghost. I want to be with my boyfriend."

xxXXxx

Luckily, the couple met no ghostly temper. Raoul was happy to be around her and the argument from before was forgotten. At least, to him it was. Christine would never be able to forget it. She was in a better mood by the time Raoul left her at her apartment and she wasn't bothered by any dreams or visions. Thoughts of Raoul and what their future may bring kept her from falling into the darkness.

She hadn't told him of her feelings yet, she was saving it for the Masquerade, which was around the corner. The last performance of Faust had concluded a week prior and had been a big cry-fest for everyone involved. This meant that Christine would have to leave soon… that's what they thought.

The soprano didn't even tell Meg about Raoul's proposition, wanting to surprise her and the rest of cast and crew on Halloween. The only person she had told was Heather, who was both thrilled and sad for her. It meant Christine wouldn't return home and they wouldn't be roommates. Though in her own way, Heather passed it off with a, "Now I have a reason to go to Paris!"

Her good friend was happy to know that she was in love with the Frenchie and wished her the very best.

"Don't let him get away," Heather advised and Christine was taking that to heart. No way would she let Raoul leave or her from him.

Now, all that remained was to find a costume to wear.

Meg had settled on being a Priestess. Her dress was dark violet velvet, almost black, and a sparkling midnight mask with rhinestones circling the eye and tied around her head.

This would be Christine's first Masquerade and she had no clue what to go as. Every suggestion Meg had offered were turned down until she found the perfect outfit and automatically bought it without telling Christine. She showed it to her and was love at first sight.

This was going to be one evening she would never forget.

xxXXxx

"Meg! Hurry up! Raoul's going to be here any second!" Christine yelled.

"I'm almost done!" Meg cried back from behind the bathroom door.

She shook her head, laughing softly. Christine smoothed out her outfit, smiling to herself. Formed accordingly to her figure was a pristine white domino set with a sleek velvet ebony mask. Meg told her when she first tried it on that she looked like a virgin sacrifice for some pagan ritual. Christine had laughed outright at the comment and became partial to the idea. It was Halloween after all so why not?

There was a knock and Christine quickly headed over to answer it.

"Hey… Zorro."

In the doorway, stood Raoul, dressed like the elusive fox completed with the cape, sword, and a fedora on top of his head.

Coming from behind, Meg looked over Christine's shoulder and chuckled. "Is that sword real?"

He patted the sheathed rapier at his side, grinning. "I wish. I borrowed it from the prop room."

The girls exchanged looks and giggled. Raoul clicked his tongue at them in a scolding manner. "I didn't steal it you crazies. It's my theatre and besides, if I return it with no damage I'm safe from the costume Nazi."

"Whatever." The blonde snorted.

"And who are you suppose to be?" he asked the dancer.

She smirked. "A Priestess. The make-up around the eyes was a last minute idea to have them appear to be sunk in."

"With the mask on no one would know," Christine pointed out.

She shrugged. "At midnight when they come off I need something to look the part. So are we going to stick around in the hall and chat? We have a party to go!"

xxXXxx

It was a quarter of eight by the time they arrived. The grand entrance was crowded with the many invited patrons and cast and the DJ.

Christine spotted Jamie and Stacey off to the side, near the refreshments. Specifically, the spiked punch bowl.

Turning to Raoul, Christine said, "Meg and I will be right back. I see Stace and Jamie."

He nodded. "Okay. Promise me a dance?"

"Of course!" she laughed, playfully hitting his arm. Grabbing Meg's hand, they hurried over to their friends. Jamie was Princess Leila and Stacey was one of the Playboy bunnies.

"'bout time you tow showed up. We were afraid you wouldn't come," Stacey teased.

"Nice outfit," Meg commented. "But shouldn't you have dressed up as somebody else for Halloween, Stacey?"

"Cute Garrison."

Christine admired Jamie's dress. It was the white gown from Episode IV, buns on the side of her head and all. "I didn't know you were a Star Wars fan."

Jamie huffed, crossing her arms across her chest. "I'm not. It's my mother's."

Stacey shook her head sympathetically. "Mrs. Jameson wasn't too keen with her being my partner bunny. Though, I think she makes a good Leila. I told Jamie a lot of guys were going to think she's hot in it."

"To a sci-fi nerd," Jamie grumbled.

Stacey smirked. "Dawson, saw your boyfriend. Nice by the way."

"Dashing, huh?" Christine chuckled.

"Totally. Wish he's with me."

"Don't worry Stacey. I'm sure the right guy for you is around," Meg told her. "I thought I saw Hugh Hefner somewhere."

"You're full of jokes tonight aren't you?"

Meg fought to keep a straight face. "Maybe."

"Well, at least Hefner is rich. I could bypass the age thing."

"Ah, excuse me ladies," Raoul interjected, emerging from a conversation with some associates. Sneaking an arm around Christine's waist, he lovingly smiled down at her. "I'm stealing this one for a dance."

Without giving her a chance to speak, Raoul was pulling her out to the floor. Wrapping their arms' around the other, they swayed to the beat of a slow song.

Meg sighed happily. "Don't they look cute together?"

Stacey nodded. "She's lucky. You can't find a good, honest man nowadays."

"Ye-ah. Sorry girls, but I see John from lights. See ya!" Meg moved away with a grin on her face. Stacey groaned and turned to say something to Jamie to find her friend already at the arm of one of the straight male dancers.

"I better find a man before the night's over," Stacey mumbled.

Christine saw poor Stacey and sighed. "Raoul, I think you should ask her to dance. Stacey looks so lonely."

He pretended to contemplate it while the petite brunette nudged him. "Raoul!"

He smirked deviously. "So my choices are a very sexy bunny or a very sexy and gorgeous Angel already in my arms. Hard to choose."

"You." She wrinkled her nose as he laughed. "If you like, I will, only because she's your friend and you're my girlfriend. But you have to give me a kiss to seal the deal."

"A kiss? Oh all right," she said, teasing, placing a chaste one on his mouth. "Deal."

Before Raoul could get a word out, a hand clamped on his shoulder. Christine turned pale as thoughts of Erik came falling on top of her. Of all places and moments, she had almost forgotten her dilemma with Raoul near. But to her chagrin, her worries got the best of her when it was only Raoul's brother.

"Raoul!" Phillip greeted, hugging his older brother. "Almost didn't recognize you until I saw the sword. Always the hero."

Raoul laughed and returned the friendly gesture. "Phil, I want you to meet somebody. This is my girlfriend and latest leading lady, Christine Dawson."

"It's a delight to finally meet you, Mlle Dawson," Phillip said, taking Christine's hand and planted a light kiss on her knuckles. She blushed deeply and murmured her own salutations.

Phillip was an inch taller than Raoul with a darker shade of sandy-brown. Amiable green eyes gazed at her with a charming smile and he was handsome as his brother, Poindexter glasses and all. If Christine hadn't known, she would have thought Phillip was the oldest from the mature and intellectual airs around him. That and the lack of a costume. No doubt Raoul was the partier one of the two.

"Hey, Phil, you do know this is a Masquerade party, right?" the oldest de Chagny teased.

The youngest sheepishly shrugged. "Yeah but I wasn't the one to dress up in anything crazy. That and I have a business dinner to go to later for Dad."

"Ah, c'mon Phil!" Raoul hit his back. "Join the party! Stay for a while."

"Maybe." Phillip looked at Christine. "I saw your last performance and you were marvelous. I can see why Raoul wanted you here."

"Thank you. I'm glad I did sing at the Garnier. It was my mother's dream to come here and I'm doing it for her."

He nodded. "I hope you intend to stay for another season. I heard plenty of praises from the patrons and it seems you might be able to surpass Signora Giovanni. Maria," he added quickly.

"We'll see," Christine replied, no hints slipping through. Raoul winked at her.

"And the Mlle Carter did another wonderful job in her dance. Raoul, I've been telling you she ought to be the Prima Ballerina and not what's her face."

"I've been thinking of a promotion for her. Adele was telling me how much improvement she's making and I see it for myself."

Phillip was happy to hear this. "Great! She's as graceful as a swan, is she not?"

Christine mustered in the giggles at Phillip de Chagny's description of her friend. Stacey graceful? Only when she wanted to be, which wasn't often.

"Say, you know, she's here," Raoul told him. "Over by the punch."

Phillip looked over to the direction, his cheeks burning. "I-I couldn't—"

"Nonsense! Go over and ask her," Raoul pushed his little brother towards the unaware dancer. Christine watched the fluster de Chagny approach Stacey and after a few brief seconds, Stacey was pulling him out to the floor.

"Phil has a crush on her since the moment I hired her," Raoul whispered in her ear. "He doesn't have much experience with women and was always intimidated by Stacey. I've been trying to help him loosen up whenever she's at any function, but I never had the luck. Must be my lucky charm at my side."

"Raoul," Christine breathed, locking eyes with him.

"Dance with me," he whispered huskily, drawing her closer, as another slow song started up.

Christine held him, her heart soaring. This had to be what being in love feels like, she mused. Anymore of her fears had vanished as Christine forgot everything about Erik. There was Raoul… only Raoul in her mind.

Away from the couple, Meg watched her good friend and boss dance and grinned. This has done the trick. She looks so peaceful and for once I don't have to worry about her.

The blonde tightened her arms around John, as she too, got lost in the power of the music and dance.

Laying her dark head on Raoul's shoulder, Christine inhaled the musky scent of his cologne. There was nothing that could have match this moment. This was where she wanted to be, with him, in his arms. Lifting her face up, her lips curved upwards, her hazel eyes becoming lost in his ocean blues. In all of her life she dreamt of meeting her Prince Charming that nothing compared right now. Raoul was the man she loved, and whom she decided her future lay. If he hadn't asked her to stay, then she would have done so on her own. She wanted him to be her light, her love, and her mate. And all she had to do was the say the words…

"Hello M. de Chagny, Mlle Dawson."

Christine stiffened in Raoul's embrace, breaking apart from her hazy thoughts.

Standing beside them was Detective Kanye. It had been months since Christine had last seen the Iranian inspector, and it appeared not to be the last.

"Detective, good to see you again," Raoul spoke for the both of them, shaking his hand warmly. "Nice costume."

The dark-skinned man laughed. "Not very imaginative I'm afraid." He came as a 19th century gendarme, the long cape attached to the dark suit, and high cap on his head. "I honestly wasn't sure if I was able to attend, but after seeing Faust, I knew I needed to find some excuse to leave work early to say my congratulations to the both of you. Mlle Dawson, you were splendid as Marguerite. I hope that despite everything you plan on staying in Paris longer."

"As a matter of fact, Detective, yes I am," Christine replied. "I'm glad you enjoyed the show."

"I know we met under some terrible circumstances, but let me be the first to say, you're no longer considered a suspect in the threatening or death of Catarina Giovanni," Kanye said to her. "So please don't think I'm here just to watch you. As you must know, this hasn't been the first unsolved case concerning the Garnier and I doubt it will be the last."

Christine nodded, not sure what else to say. Raoul was grim and anger dotted in his irises. "I only hope that someday the truth would be known."

"As do I M. de Chagny. But for now, I guess, we have to settle it was the Phantom's doing, heh?" And the detective laughed deeply.

Raoul laughed as well much to Christine's unease. How could the both of them make light of it? This wasn't a joking matter at all.

But they don't know his limits like you, a voice whispered in the back of her head and she shuddered.

Kanye noticed her shiver and commented, "Are you cold mademoiselle?"

"A little," she replied quietly. Putting a gentle hand on Raoul's arm, she looked up at him. "I'll be right back."

Raoul made a nod, confused as she walked away. Kanye watched the exchange and frowned. "Is she like this all the time?"

"No," Raoul heard himself say. Turning to face the detective, Raoul continued. "Detective Kanye, may I speak with you in private for a few minutes? I don't know if you might find this important."

Seeing the distress on the young man's disposition, Kanye gave his consent as Raoul began to lead him away from the party. Walking behind, Kanye shifted his dark eyes around and froze momentarily.

A man in a crimson garb stood a good hundred feet away, his skull mask glaring at him with malice. In a wink of an eye, the man was gone, leaving the good detective with chills down his spine.

xxXXxx

Christine had gone outside for some fresh air, the therapeutic coolness doing its magic as she felt her nauseous past. Once she was fine, she went back inside to look for Raoul. Both he and Detective Kanye were missing, though she wasn't sure if it were a good or bad sign. Thankfully, she found Meg and scurried over.

"Hey, where's your date?" the blonde teased. "Judging from the heated expressions, I thought you two had left the party early."

"Fat chance. Detective Kanye's here."

Meg's jaw dropped. "He is? Well, I'm sure it has nothing to do with you. Probably wanted to have some fun or something."

"Raoul's gone too. You don't think he's going to tell him about the dressing room escapade?" Christine felt the panic beginning to bubble.

The dancer saw the alarm on her friend's face and tried to allay her. "They're probably going over some details that he might have missed. Christine, it's all right. You need to get a hang of yourself."

She took a deep breath. "I know I know. I just can't help but feel something's going to happen."

"Nothing is. We're in a room chunk full of people, hundreds of witnesses. No idiot will be willing to do anything illegal. Now, this is a ball and it means go out and be crazy. Everyone else is dancing so look for a partner."

"Who?" Christine asked with no interest.

"Um…" Meg gazed around and gasped. "That guy! He's looking over here!"

Christine looked in her direction and only saw a quick flash of red. "I don't see any—"

"You're impossible. Go!" And Meg shoved her into a crowd of people.

Nearly tripping, Christine gathered her balance and muttered curses at her friend. Peering through her mask, she only saw many disguised façades and wasn't sure where to go or what to do. Looking behind her shoulder, Meg was nowhere in sight. Most likely dancing with some guy, she thought begrudgingly.

She caught Stacey but she was still wrapped up with Raoul's brother. The de Chagny had appeared to really loosen up after Christine and Raoul spoke to him—his tie was undone, his hair all mussed, and his thick-rimmed glasses were tilted sideways on his face. Philip was having the ball of his life!

Sighing, Christine turned around and her face slammed into muscle and cloth. "I'm sorry I—" She looked up and stopped. If it were possible, Christine's countenance grew redder than the man before her.

He was literally all in red, a deep scarlet hue, with broad, ruffled sleeves at the shoulder, a puffy velvet crimson cravat at his throat. His pants were bright red as well, molding to his legs and laced up black boots. A shiny, golden skull necklace laid proud on his chest, and further up (as she gulped) he had a skeletal mask covering his entire visage, leaving only an opening for two green eyes staring out and lips. And on top of his head was a large, boisterous feather burgundy hat.

Christine realized she was gaping and blushed profusely for her behavior. The revealed mouth curved into a haughty smirk as the man bowed reverently at her.

"An Angel has no need to apologize to an unworthy scoundrel, such as myself, and to even grace with such beauty is a sin," he purred, his voice that of liquid chocolate, rich and warm. "Allow me to ask for forgiveness…"

Christine could barely say a word, let alone come up with a conscious thought, as he took up her small hand and delicately kissed the skin of her knuckles. His lips hovered over her, his eyes blazing with intensity that Christine felt her knees buckle.

"And a dance?" he kindly offered, his eyes never leaving hers.

Her mouth opened with no sounds produced as Christine continued to boldly stare at the stranger. Her silence brought a twitch of a grin upon his lips as he proceeded to take her to the dance floor.

Whatever control she had, fled once the music picked up with a slow, seductive tune and the man gently brought her closer to his tall frame, so close that she could hear a heartbeat…

Wait…

The thought went unfinished as the mysterious partner suddenly dipped her and brought back up, knocking the wind from her. With deft skill, his feet carried them through the rhythm as the tempo quickened into a fast pace.

Around and around they went, Christine could see the world and the guests fly past her, and she too, caught up in the whirlwind of the dance, forgot where she was and who she was as she reached for him desperately, to feel the contact of his body as the flame within awoke with a ferocity that made her swoon.

The dizzying intoxication of the two feverish bodies were now pressing intimately into the other, in hopes to quench the burning fire that was robbing the senses; enticing the sweet innocent with thoughts that would make a nun blush. She did not know him, yet her body was responding with the ardor of a long-waited lover and strangely enough, she longed to feel his touch, to feel his kiss as the powerful need consumed her. She was not wanton but whoever this man was, was forcing her to forget her morals through a dance, in the middle of a crowd.

Her lids drooped, her mouth parted as a low moan escaped. A triumphant gleam past through his countenance before the song came to an abrupt end. Still caught up in the reverie, Christine vaguely noticed his exit as his coaxing words echoed, "Until later ma petite."

xxXXxx

Christine remained in her spell, until Raoul brought her back with a touch on her shoulder.

Meg and Stacey laughed at the startled brunette. "We were trying to snap her out of it since that dance with Mister Hotsy in Red," Stacey informed Raoul.

"What dance? And with whom?" he asked, glancing from her to Meg.

"Don't ask me," Meg told him. "Where were you?"

"Talking some business," Raoul responded, not wanting to go on about his doings. He had told Detective Kanye of what Christine tried to tell him and what she claimed had taken place in the secret passage of Christine Daae's dressing room. He felt awful for betraying her, but he reminded himself it was for the best for him and for her. Raoul could only hope that she would understand his intentions.

"Weren't you supposed to make some speech at midnight?" Phillip slurred, wrapping his arm around Stacey. The girl giggled and snuggled closer to him. "Ain't he cute?" she mouthed to Meg.

"Yes! Oh, come on Christine!" Raoul took her hand and led her to the main staircase.

The music's volume ceased and the chatter among the guests lowered to a murmur as the owner stood at the top, clearing his throat.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Raoul announced. "Thank you all for coming to this annual Masquerade party on this terrific Halloween evening. As you all know, we had some troubles before this season. It was a hard and powerful affect on everyone at the news of Catarina Giovanni's death and the later suicide of Joseph Brolin. But together, we all came out just as strong and were able to pull off a great performance with newcomer, Christine Dawson!"

At this, applause broke out. Christine standing below the stairs smiled and nodded to a few cheers and whistles.

"And I am also proud to tell you, that Mlle Dawson has agreed to continue her work here at the l'Opera Garnier as our new diva!"

More thunderous applause erupted and from afar, Christine saw her three friends screaming and jumping for joy. She laughed out loud and waved to a few people who were calling her name. So this is how being a star feels like, she wondered.

"Congratulations Mademoiselle."

Christine looked up, her breath caught in her throat, as her mysterious man magically appeared before her.

"T-thank you," she squeaked, her cheeks flushing in remembrance of their dance.

From behind, Raoul was telling everyone the time to remove their masks was approaching as a countdown started.

Five…

"You are so beautiful when you blush," the man said. "It's been too long since the last I held you in my arms."

Four…

Christine, surprisingly, gazed at him; his lips quirking as the smoky glaze in his eyes darkened to a golden hue.

Three…

He held up a finger to his lips as her heart raced with trepidation. No…

Two…

Her mouth started to open—

One…

His mask flew off, revealing the twisted façade that she had seen in her dreams. Christine screamed as the lights plunged into darkness.

TBC…