Author's Note: Just a few more chapters left! How exciting! I hope you all enjoy this one and leave a review!

The Two Contenders

Christine shot up from the floor, unsure of where to turn. Raoul was blocking the exit to the bedroom and therefore, her only route to the front door. Then a thought hit her.

'The fireplace.'

She rushed over to the gigantic opening and began frantically searching for the latch. She heard Raoul groan and shift. Looking over her shoulder, she saw that he was making his way up.

'I have to find it, I have to find it!'

She screamed with frustration as she pounded the identical bricks, looking for one that would open the passageway. Frantic and frightened tears were clouding her vision and her mouth was twisted into a grimace. Raoul was getting closer to her now; he had stood up and was walking towards her slowly, his hand outstretched. This time, she screamed in fear and hysterically started to beat and kick the fireplace.

To her great surprise and relief, it opened. In a flash, she disappeared inside of it, willing it to close before Raoul gathered his wits enough to follow her.

She started to run down the dark passageway, listening for Raoul. She heard his shuffling steps behind her.

'He's moving, but he's not moving fast. At least I have an advantage: familiarity.'

She had been through this passage only a few times during her stay, but she tried to remember it each time she came. She knew she had to go down and, by common sense, to the south-west corner of the château. She would have to rely on luck however when it came to deciding what fireplace would be her exit.

She made her way quickly through the suffocating darkness of the passages. They reminded her of the catacombs of Paris. She ran her hands over the walls, feeling her way, praying that she would not run into any traps. A yell from Raoul indicated that he had been unlucky enough to encounter one. But a second later, she heard a shout of triumph. Whatever trap he had stumbled across had not slowed him down for long and seemed to only renew his vigor to reach Christine. He was now shouting obscenities at her.

Christine took what she hoped was the final turn. 'If I'm correct, than this dead end should open into the music room.'

As she did with her fireplace, Christine frantically felt for the latch, having more difficulties as she could not see a thing. Raoul was almost directly behind her now. She finally found the latch and yelped with joy as she literally dove out of the fireplace. She slid slightly on her stomach and turned onto her back, training her eyes on the fireplace for Raoul.

Not seeing him, she quickly stood up and turned around, prepared to keep running. What she saw stopped her in her tracks. Sheet music set out upon the beautiful grand piano, candles providing just enough light to read the notes written upon them.

'He was, no, he is here.'

"Erik! Erik, please help me!" she cried out into the darkness, pleading for aid from the man she scorned.

"And why should I help you?" came a low voice from above her.

Tears of fear were streaming down her face. "Erik, please, I can hear him, he's coming. Help me." Her voice was raw with fear.

It was too late. Raoul had caught up with her. He launched himself out of the fireplace and, upon spotting Christine, approached her with startling quickness. His teeth were bared in a ferocious grin.

"Thought you could get away from me, did you? Thought you could escape? You are mine, Christine. You. Are. Mine."

She opened her mouth to scream, but was cut off when she felt a stinging pain on the side of her face. As if she was moving slow motion, she fell to the floor, bringing her hand to her cheek, which was hot to the touch. She looked up, seeing Raoul begin to kneel down next to her and bringing his hands to her neck.

Christine closed her eyes, ready for pain. She heard a scream of rage and felt Raoul's presence suddenly disappear. She ventured a look and saw Erik and Raoul locked in battle. Frozen to the floor, she watched their progress with fear in her eyes.

Both men's fists were flying, each landing crucial blows. Erik hit Raoul in the face, causing him to stumble back and clutch his nose, which had begun to bleed profusely. Enraged, Raoul flew at Erik, diving into his stomach. Both men fell to the floor, Erik gasping for breath as Raoul struggled to ignore the pain from his nose. Erik shoved Raoul off him and the bleeding man landed a few feet away. Using this time to catch his breath, Christine saw Erik plunge a hand into the folds of his clothes. When Raoul got up, Erik tossed what Christine knew was his Punjab lasso around Raoul's neck. He tightened the rope and yanked Raoul forward. He stumbled, but did not fall. Erik yanked him forward again, making Raoul lurch forward once more. Slowly, Erik forced a sputtering Raoul to the door, bodily kicking him from the music room once they reached the threshold.

Christine heard Erik growl a warning to Raoul never to return. Loosing the noose, Erik shoved Raoul away from the door. Raoul backed away, but was not about to let Erik have to final say. He picked up part of a dismantled umbrella holder from the floor and swung it forcefully at Erik's face. Caught off guard, Erik tried to turn away without success. The dangerous-looking piece of metal connected with Erik's mask. It instantly shattered. Erik fell to the floor with the force of the blow and Raoul stood over him, poised to strike him again.

Christine flew over to Erik, grabbing another piece of the ruined umbrella holder. She placed herself defensively over Erik, wielding the metal pole as if it were a sword made of finest steel.

"Leave," she said quietly to Raoul. "Leave now, and don't ever talk to me again. I want nothing more to do with you."

Raoul gave Christine a look of loathing and tossed the scrap metal aside. Huffing, he turned and made his way to the main hall of the château, not turning back once. Christine watched his progress, sure that she would never lay eyes on him again.