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Chapter 3: The Empty Air

By PittsBurghFuzz

As Ledoux and Erik were on the train, they both fell asleep. They were able to get upper class cabins on the train with beds, so they decided to sleep for a few hours. It took Erik some time to do this, but he finally closed his eyes and his dreams began. He was in the lair after Christine and Raoul left. Something different happened. He heard Raoul choking to death. I didn't choke him that hard, did I? Erik walked over to the gate. He heard the police coming but something stopped them so they left. He was about to turn away, when all of a sudden, he heard a voice singing.

"Angel of Music, let me in!" Christine sang.

Erik quickly opened the door and stared at her. "Why aren't you with the de Chagny boy?" Erik asked.

She kissed him. She then whispered: "Because I love you." They embraced each other for a minute and kissed.

"Christine, what happened to Raoul then?" Erik asked.

"Oh yeah, remind me I owe you a punjab lasso." she stated. Christine of all people kill Raoul? She must love me then.

"Phantom, I warded off the police, telling them that there was no phantom down here and he had escaped to Belgium."

Erik kissed her hand. "Call me Erik. Will you sing me, Christine?"

"Of course." They walked over to the organ and started to sing. Christine's brown eyes stared into Erik's blue ones and they started to touch each other. A loud noise interrupted. "Next stop Belgium Railways." Erik woke up and started to cry, realizing that he only dreamed of Christine's return. Ledoux finally woke up, and they both prepared to get off the train. They saw a sign that said "Daroga." Ledoux finally raised his hand. It was the sultana's servant, Reza. E and the Persian embraced.

"It is so good to see you old friend." Ledoux exclaimed.

"You too." Reza said. He then saw Erik and shook his hand. "You too Erik."

"Hello Reza." Erik said with a monotone voice. The three of them walked out of the station. The sultana's carriage was outside waiting for them. As they entered Erik had a question to ask Ledoux.

"Where is your son, Ledoux?" Erik asked.

Ledoux looked down and Reza looked at him. Ledoux finally mouthed out "Dead."

Erik then looked down and had a guilty look on his face. The Persian's eyes were tearing, he was not crying, but he looked upset. They arrived at the sultana's palace in Belgium. It was extravagant, but it was nowhere near the size of the palace in Persia. As the three men exited the carriage, they were greeted by more servants, carrying their luggage and leading them to the main lobby. The décor was very Persian inspired, but it had some French qualities about it as well. I noticed that she had purchased a chandelier that was very similar to the one in the Opera House. It was covered with crystals and the lights were dazzling, making the crystals glow with a heavenly light. When the sultana arrived, she ran over and hugged Ledoux.

"I am so glad you have returned daroga." She exclaimed. Erik could not believe it. She look beautiful. She had a darker skin tone which complimented her shining raven hair. The sultana's green eyes were enticing and her outfit made her desirable. Still, she was no Christine to ErikWhile the sultana was sexy and exotic, he cared more for simple beauty, like Christine, and what really stole Erik's heart was her kindness. She walked over to Erik, stared at him, and hugged him tightly.

"Erik, it is so good to see you." She quietly said.

Erik placed his hand on her petite one and said: "You too sultana." He quietly said.

"You need not call me that Erik. My name is Arzu. Reza, did you bring all of their luggage in?"

"The other servants did." He said.

"Good, lead them to their rooms."

Reza bowed and told Erik and Ledoux to follow him. Erik looked around and saw many mirrors around the house. He found this to be very strange. Even for a woman, why would she want so many mirrors? He was finally in his room. It looked very nice. However, Erik noticed something odd. She had an organ installed in here? Erik picked up a music box. Huh, a monkey, I wonder what it plays. He turned it on and almost dropped it. It played a familiar tune. Erik then saw a white mask on the wall. He noticed a newspaper clipping hung on the wall. It read:

Do not to the Opera Populaire! For Red Death is Stalking Abroad!

He saw a painting of him in his read death costume, and read some articles discussing the major problems the Opera House was facing. He then heard a knock at the door.

"Who is it?" Erik asked.

"It is I Arzu." she replied.

"Come in." She came into the room looking around.

"Are you satisfied with your room?" She asked.

"Very much so." Erik replied almost stuttering. "Is there anything you need Arzu?"

"No not really," she said as she felt the organ's keys. "i just came down here to check how you are, and to let you know that dinner will be ready soon."

"Alright then." Erik looked down. "Till then I guess."

"Right." Arzu left but left the door creaked open so she could see what Erik was doing in his room. He took out a picture of a woman she did not recognize.

Erik was crying out: "Oh Christine! Why? Why!" Arzu looked mad. It was that soprano! She saw that Erik still had feelings for Christine and it would not be likely for him to give them up so easily. Erik went to his organ to play bits and pieces of Don Juan Triumphant. He was angry, depressed, and saddened that he would probably never hear Christine sing again. Arzu walked away, angrily. Reza then knocked on the door, telling Erik that dinner was ready. Erik stopped crying and went upstairs. He then got Ledoux.

"So, how are your accommodations Ledoux?" Erik asked.

"Satisfactory, yours?" he responded.

"Suiting, strange, but suiting."