Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer belongs to Joss Wheldon and The Phantom Of The Opera belongs to Joel Schmacher, Gaston Leroux and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The songs in this story belong to the songwriters who wrote these amazing songs. Please don't sue me, I'm completely and utterly broke and it's for entertainment purposes only.
Timeline: Post-season seven, Buffy and during the movie The Phantom Of The Opera.
Pairing(s): Erik/Christine, Buffy/Erik, Dawn/Erik (friendship), Willow, Willow/Christine (friendship)
Author's Note: Thank you so much for the reviews, guys! It's great to see such loyal readers are enjoying the story so far. Anyway, after much thought, I decided on a love theme for the Buffy/Erik pairing which will be the romantic theme for the entire trilogy. The name of the song that is the Buffy/Erik love theme will be revealed at the end of the chapter. Also, I've added the fandom of the The Mummy movies just to give the trilogy more of a supernatural flare.Another thing, this chapter is the only unedtied chapter that I'm posting on this site. I tried to edit it due to the rule aboutno song lyrics in the stories but it just didn't turn out the way I wanted it so I left it be. Also, I did it just to protest the rule. I think it's unfair for those who write excellent songfics (and I've read a few of those) and for those who want to songfics on this site and are unable to because of that stupid rule. Anyway,enjoy the chapter and remember no flames. I will ignore them and I don't have the patience for them.
Summary: After the truth was revealed, the Chosen Trio and Erik prepared to attend the performance of the new production of Il Muto but the evening ends in disaster when they end up under attack by the demon that brought Buffy, Willow and Dawn to the past. While the Slayer fought with the demon, Dawn and Erik fought with a group of vampires and after seeing Buffy losing her battle with the demon, Dawn unwittingly tapped into her power as the Key causing the demon to flee. Erik told Buffy to go back to the catacombs saying that he wants to check up on Christine but instead of going back to the catacombs, Buffy followed him up the roof of the Opera House where she bore witness to the beginning of the romance between Christine and Raoul. Then she comforted a broken-hearted Erik but not before giving in to the old grief that lived in her since Spike's death.
As soon as Buffy took him into her arms, Erik wrapped his own arms around her and he sobbed on her shoulder letting go all of his heartache and sorrow. Then he felt her shoulders shaking and heard gulping sobs. It was at that moment that Erik remembered the grieving look on Buffy's face when she told him about the vampire who saved the world during the battle against the First Evil. The one who had his soul returned to him months before that fateful day in Sunnydale all because of the woman he loved.
Spike.
Erik cried harder when the memory of Buffy's final moments with Spike entered his mind. The last time they held hands and the final words that they spoke to each other as the world around them crumbled.
"I love you".
"No, you don't. But thanks for saying it."
As the words echoed in his mind, Erik realized that this was the first time Buffy had allowed herself to grieve for the man she once loved and at the same time, she was comforting him and providing the soothing balm over his broken heart. Sobbing and crying softly, he held her in his arms tightly and protectively. Neither of them was sure how long they were there on top of the roof of the Opera House crying but after a while, they seemed to cry themselves out. After a few minutes more in each other's arms, Buffy and Erik pulled away and glanced at each other. Rather tenderly, Erik ran his fingers on the Slayer's tear-stained cheek and through several loose strands of her hair. Buffy leaned forward and kissed him gently on his unmasked cheek. Then she took his hand and squeezed it gently giving him strength despite her own emotions.
Letting a few remaining tears run down his cheek, Erik felt the strength of Buffy's tiny hand in his own and the comfort that it gave him. Her kindness and compassion overwhelmed him. Despite the fact that he told her to return to the catacombs, she came after him instead knowing that she might be needed. He was denied and betrayed by the young woman he taught to sing and in the process had fallen in love with but was also accepted and cared for by another young woman he had only known for a short period of time.
I am falling in love with her. With Elizabeth.
By looking into her eyes, Erik was sure that Buffy felt the same way. What stopped her from acting on her feelings for him was the unresolved grief over Spike's death during the final battle against the First Evil. What was stopping him were his natural instincts and impulses but in the week that he knew Buffy, Willow and Dawn, he came to realize that they wouldn't do anything to hurt him or betray him. They became the family that he never had in his life and childhood and wished he had. Buffy became the sunshine in his life and the one he always came to for a shoulder to cry on and to talk to when he needed a listening ear. None of those things, he got from Christine. Only Buffy.
"Elizabeth," Erik started to say but Buffy cut him off.
"Erik, I know what you're going to say." She said. "And I want to say that you're not alone. I care about you so much. When I saw the look on your face after Christine kissed him, I felt my heart break in a million pieces because I know that you don't deserve getting your heart broken. Then the grief I bottled up inside of me since Spike's death just burst forth and I couldn't hold it anymore. When Spike was killed, I didn't think that I could love again."
"But I have begun to love again." Buffy continued looking straight in Erik's eyes. "Ever since I first met you, I felt a connection between us. In a way, you and I are not so different. We're both isolated from humanity. You because of your face and me because my destiny as the Slayer. At first, I thought I was crazy for falling for someone so soon after Spike's death but I know now that he'd want me to move on and find someone who would love me as much as he did. You're amazing with Dawn. You treat Willow like a member of the family. You made me feel so complete, so happy and made me want to be a better woman."
Tears welled in Erik's eyes as her words hit home in his heart. "And you make me want to be a better man." He whispered. Smiling, Buffy took him into her arms again. Then as they pulled away and Buffy's green eyes stared back into his golden ones, Erik saw the love and joy in them. The love she felt for him and the joy that he shared her feelings. Unable to hold back his tears, Erik let down fall down his cheek and almost burst into tears when he felt her lips press against his forehead in a gentle kiss. Then she kissed him on his tear-streaked, unmasked cheek. Hands shaking uncontrollably, Erik took off his mask and he sobbed when Buffy kissed his deformed cheek. Then she began to sing again.
Moon so bright, night so fine
Keep your heart here with mine
Life is a dream we are dreaming
Race the moon, catch the wind
Ride the night to the end
Seize the day, stand up for the light
The words of Buffy's song brought more tears to Erik's eyes and for the first time, he felt the power of her feelings for him from the magic of the song. As much as Erik loved Christine, he realized that he was beginning to love Buffy more. More than he previously thought. Without giving Christine and what happened earlier anymore thought, Erik moved closer to Buffy and brushed his lips on her tear-stained cheek. He savoured the fruitful smell of her hair, the smoothness of her skin, her loving touch and the beautiful sound of her voice. Holding her in his arms, Erik started to sing with her.
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
Heroes rise, heroes fall
Rise again with it all
In your heart, can't you feel the glory?
Then once again, the Slayer and the Phantom pulled away from the embrace but close enough to touch each other. Buffy held his hand and looked deep into his eyes as she sang again.
Through our joy, through our pain
We can move worlds again
Take my hand, dance with me
With tears running down his face, Erik sang again never pulling his gaze from Buffy's face and eyes.
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
With such love in her eyes, Buffy brushed her fingers against Erik's cheek and sang.
I will want nothing else to see me through
If I can spend my lifetime loving you
"Elizabeth." Erik whispered as she finished singing. Then he sang again.
Though we know, we will never come again
Where there is love
Life begins
Over and over again
"Say you love me." Erik said in an emotional voice.
"You know I do." Buffy whispered. Then together they sang.
Save the night, save the day
Save the love, come what may
Love is worth everything we pay
As they uttered the words of their song, Buffy leaned forward to kiss Erik. He closed his eyes and leaned over toward her. Then their lips met in a passionate kiss. Buffy wrapped her arms around Erik's neck and he wrapped his arms around her waist. Then he lifted her up and spun her around in his arms as they deepened their kiss. Then they broke their kiss and pulled away and sang together again.
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
I will want nothing else to see me through
If I can spend my lifetime loving you
As they sang the final words of their song, Buffy and Erik shared another passionate kiss. After a moment, they broke it and glanced at each other holding each other's hands.
"Elizabeth, I love you." Erik sang softly with such love in his voice.
"Erik, I love you too." Buffy sang with emotion in her voice. Then she said. "We better head back. I left Dawn with poor Willow with no explanation."
Erik smiled at her and nodded. Together and holding hands, they made their way back down to the catacombs of the Opera House.
Three days later …
Well, this was a complete waste of time.
Buffy barely kept from growling in frustration. It had been three long days since the tragic Il Muto fiasco and the incident with Dawn and nether her or Dawn and Willow or Erik had been able to find any information in the library of the lair. After hours of researching in the library, Buffy took to the streets to see if there was anyone or anything that knew anything and to her dismay, nothing or no-one knew anything about the Key. Erik came with her despite her uneasiness at the idea. Buffy could tell by the look on his face that he was just as frustrated as she was.
Erik nodded but didn't say anything. They went to the alleyway beside the Opera House, went to the window and climbed inside. To the Slayer's surprise, she saw a book and a note sitting on the floor. Buffy bent down to pick them up. She opened the note and read it silently to herself.
Miss Summers,
You do not know me but I do know the man you and your companions are staying with. I also know your secrets but do not worry, they are safe with me. The information you seek is in this book. I hope that it answers the many questions that you may have about what happened three days ago. If you wish to seek me out, ask Erik and he will send for me. He'll know how to find me for I am the ballet instructor of the Opera Popluaire and we go from long ago. Good luck in your search, Miss Summers.
M.G
"Erik, read this." Buffy said shoving the note into his hand. Erik read it and his eyes widened as he recognized the neat handwriting and the initials at the end of the note. Then his eyes darted at the book Buffy was holding. She opened it and her eyes widened as she did. Then she looked up at Erik with a mixture of relief and gratitude on her face and in her eyes.
Thank you, Marie.
"We have to tell Dawn and Willow." Buffy said. Then at that, she and Erik made their way down to the catacombs through a passage that no-one knew about. As soon as they reached the lair, Buffy cleared a table near Erik's organ, opened the book and glanced at its contents. Erik went to the back of the lair and returned a few minutes later with Dawn and Willow.
"You found a book?" Willow asked.
"What does it say?" Dawn asked. Buffy cleared her throat and began to read it.
"According to this book, the Key was created three thousand years ago during the reign of an Egyptian Pharaoh named Seti. The Key was once a young Egyptian princess who befriended a high priest. Their friendship was kept secret from everyone knowing that they would've committed treason against their Pharaoh. But then war broke out when a powerful Dark Lord from another world went to conquer the known world and to claim the princess as his queen. To protect her, the high priest decided that the only way to save her from a fate worse than death was to turn her into a ball of energy he called the Key. He and his priests performed a ritual to turn her into the Key but before she turned, the high priest promised her that if she retained human form as the Key that he would come for her when the time is right."
"When the ritual was completed," Bufy continued. "The high priest sent the Key far away from Egypt where the Dark Lord would not be able to locate it. It was never seen again."
"I was once an Egyptian princess?" Dawn was flabbergasted and stunned.
"That would explain the language you spoke that night." Erik said. "It was Ancient Egyptian."
"This high priest, Buffy." Willow said. "Did the book happen to mention his name?"
"Yeah." Buffy replied. "The book says that the high priest's name was Imhotep."
Willow nearly choked on her own spit at her best friend's words. "Did you say 'Imhotep'?" she asked stunned.
Buffy narrowed her eyes at her. "Yeah, why?" She asked.
"Because I read something in one of the Watcher's Diaries from long ago about a mummy who was once a high priest who fell in love with the Pharaoh's mistress. After she committed suicide following the Pharaoh's assassination, he stole her body to try to bring her back to life but he was stopped before the ritual could be completed. He was cursed with a curse so terrible that it had never been used on anyone before. Then he was mummified alive and locked in a scofcus."
Buffy made a face while Erik stared at the Wicca in horror. "Monstrous." He whispered.
"It gets worse." Willow said. "Just over eighty years ago, about fifty-one years from now, a group of Americans including three British people resurrected Imhotep accidentally after one of the British people read from a magical book called the Book of the Dead. All of the Americans except for one died horrible deaths. Eventually, Imhotep was defeated but he showed up again nine years later. Not much was written about his second appearance but except to say that he was sent to Hell."
"So if Imhotep was supposed to come for me after I took human form as the Key." Dawn said. "Then why didn't he come for me in Sunnydale?"
"The book said when the time is right, he would come." Buffy pointed out. "Maybe back then, it wasn't the right time for him to show up." She looked up at Erik. He had look of morbid fascination and horror on his face upon hearing the story.
Buffy laid a hand on his arm. "Are you all right, Erik?" She asked.
Erik turned to her. "Yes, thank you, my love." He answered softly.
Willow's eyes widened when she heard his words. "Did you just call Buffy 'my love'?"
Buffy squeezed her eyes shut and groaned inwardly. Oh, boy. Now I'm not going to hear the end of it from both her and Dawn. I've never told them what happened between me and Erik up on that roof. Then she opened her eyes again and exchanged resigned looks with Erik. Buffy then glanced back at Dawn and Willow.
"Something happened three nights ago after the incident with Dawn." Buffy explained. "Erik told me to go back to the catacombs but of course being the Slayer, I sensed that I was probably needed. That's why I was so rushed when I handed Dawn to you, Wills."
Willow nodded her head in understanding. She beckoned for Buffy to continue.
"Anyway, when I got to the roof of the Opera House, I saw Christine with …" Buffy couldn't say Raoul's name out loud without giving Erik an hint that she met the young man before so she finished her sentence telepathically.
I saw Christine with Raoul.
Upon hearing her, Willow immediately understood what Buffy was trying to tell her and Dawn. She turned to see that Dawn also understood what her sister was saying and kept her face blank of all expression. Keeping her face neutral, she faced Erik who was suddenly angry.
"With him!" he spat almost as if he hated saying the name.
"Who?" Willow said in what she hoped was a curious voice.
"The Viscount de Chagey! I saw him and Christine …" Erik couldn't finish because the pain of Christine's betrayal ripped through him and he was fighting back tears but he didn't need to. Dawn and Willow realized what had happened and they couldn't help but glance sympathetically at him. Buffy took his hand and squeezed it gently.
"It's okay, Erik." She said gently. "I think Dawnie and Willow understood what happened."
His eyes still bright with tears, Erik nodded and with a shaky breath, he continued the story.
"After they left, Elizabeth came to me. I was crying and she held me in her arms. As I wept in her arms, she started to weep in my arms. That was when I realized that she was allowing herself to grieve for Spike for the first time since his death and that as much as I loved Christine, I love Elizabeth more. She is the sunshine of my existence, the arms that will hold me if I need to be held and the soothing balm for my heart and soul. You and Dawnie have become the family I never had in my life and wish I had."
Erik struggled to keep his voice even when he spoke his next words. "I love both you and Dawnie like the sisters I never had and I consider the both of you and Elizabeth as angels sent from Heaven."
Touched by his words, Willow went to him and Buffy and knelt down beside him. She smiled at him brightly.
"Thank you, Erik." Willow said softly. "You know what? Dawn and I think of you as the big brother that neither of us had in our lives and wish that we did. You are family to us. To me, to Dawn and to Buffy. A part of our little family. Of the Scoobies."
Unable to hold his tears back any longer and for the second time in three days, Erik broke down crying. This time, he was crying tears of joy, happiness and love. Buffy took him in her arms and held him tightly. Dawn went behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Willow just laid her hand on his shaking shoulders as he sobbed with fierce joy. The foursome held onto each other bound by something stronger than blood ties. Love. As she held Erik in her arms, Buffy said a silent prayer of thanks to the heavens for giving Erik the gift of a lifetime. The gift of love, friendship and family. She also thanked them for bringing Erik into her life and her into his. Then she thanked Spike for teaching her the true value of love and friendship in the short time they were together.
Thank God for you, Spike. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here comforting and loving Erik with all of my heart. Thank you for showing me what love really is.
Well, as you dear readers would've guessed. The song Buffy and Erik sang is I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving You by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena from the movie The Mask Of Zorro and is the Buffy/Erik love theme. It's a very romantic love song and I thought that it would be the perfect song to describe the developing romance between Buffy and Erik. Anyway, for those of you hoping that Raoul and Christine would make their appearances in this chapter, sorry. Again, I had to cut the chapter in half because it didn't work out the way I wanted it. But don't worry, they'll show up in the next chapter. Well, that's it for now. Please review and remember no flames, I will ignore them and I don't have the patience for them.