A cold winter breeze blew a few Autumn leaves across the stone path that one young woman walked down alone.
Christine pulled her cloak closer around her as she looked at the stones and sculpted angles, that surrounded her and part of her wish that she had chosen to do this in the summer.
Christine kept her eyes on her beloved father's mausoleum determined to properly honor the day.
She took slow careful steps because she knew that if she slipped, Erik would not be near enough to save her this time.
Christine clutched the bouquet of Roses more tightly, as reached the steps of the steps of the mausoleum.
Christine slowly dropped to her knees as she kept her eyes on the doors of the mausoleum as she prepared herself for a long moment of private reflection.
Christine breathed deeply as her eyes remained closed, and for the first time in her life actually felt some sense of happiness in being there.
She took another cleansing breath as she placed the Roses, on the first step of the mausoleum and was about to rise to her feet; but her eyes quickly opened as she felt an urgent hand touch her shoulder.
"Christine thank god I found you, I can't tell you how worried I was "Raoul said as he looked down at Christine with eyes filled with worry.
"Raoul, how did you know I was here? "Christine asked, annoyed at having her private moment interrupted.
"I came to call upon you at the opera house but the managers told me that you were not here.
I was about to return home and was feeling quite dejected, until I happened to see young Miss Giry with her lover.
I asked her where you might be and she informed me that she and her mother would make a two day, two night trip to Peros to visit the cemetery that your father was buried in.
I told my driver to take me there, and was quite relieved to find an inn when I arrived here.
The innkeeper said that you often came here as a child, and the next day there would be a mass held for the repose of your father's soul.
I happily ordered a room knowing that you were already here, but needed time alone to prepare for the solemn event that this day would bring.
But when I went to mass this morning I did not see you there, and I also noticed that the mass was held for someone else and not your father.
I was returning to my chaetae and feeling quite dejected once more, until I saw you here alone.
I immediately told my driver to stop and wait for me while I made my way over to you. "Raoul explained quickly as his breath came out in shallow puffs.
"I see so you used a dear friend of mine to gain information that you were not supposed to have, then you used that information to intrude on the private time that I wanted to have with my father. "Christine said as she rose to her feet and clenched her fists in anger.
"Christine please don't look at it that way, you yourself told me that your father had died.
I only came here to offer comfort and to speak with you privately a matter of extreme urgency. "Raoul pleaded as tears sprang to his eyes.
"I have no need for your comfort and I do not wish to speak with you, the only thing that I want is to visit my father's grave for the last time in peace."
"Christine, how can you choose to no longer honor your father's?"
"I honor my father's memory by thinking of the happy memories I shared with him even though they were few.
I know that my father would want me to move on and be happy and not live my life in constant mourning.
I know I can't do that if I keep coming here, so in order to make us both happy I have chosen to stop coming here and move on with my life."
"Christine, I know this man has greatly confused you, but I promise you that I will not stop until I have rescued you and made you my wife. "Raoul said firmly as he took her hand in both of his.
"Raoul I have grown quite tired of you simply refusing to accept reality, I will never love you and for the last time ask you to leave me alone." Christine said coldly as she pulled her hand away and attempted to make a quick departure.
"I also know that he has poisoned your mind against me, and that there are things about him that you are still unaware of; but I have no doubt that after spending some time at my chaetae you will be free of his evil spell.
Then I will tell you everything you need to know, and after you know the truth I am certain that you will never want to see him again. "Raoul said as he tried to pull Christine towards his carriage.
"Raoul let me go! "Christine shouted as she tried to slap him.
Christine's eyes widened with shock as Raoul deftly caught her wrist within a firm grip.
Then her shock turned to fear and pain as Raoul squeezed her wrist tightly.
"My Christine I love you more than life itself, but if you are to be my wife then it is high time you learned your place!"
"Raoul unhand her at once before I dispatch you! "Erik said as he leapt from the shadows.
"Ah look darling the monster has once again chosen to leave his lair. "Raoul said calmly as he quickly ascended the steps to the door of the mausoleum, pulling Christine with him.
He drew his sword upon reaching the door, and brought the blade to Christine's neck.
Christine froze as she felt the cold steel touch her neck.
"Why my darling I can feel that your heart is beating like a drum in your chest, you need not be scared this is only to keep the monster away.
Surely you know that I would never hurt you.
"I had hoped to handle this in a more delicate manner, but as you can see getting what I want is absolutely impossible!
But you see my darling the monster who has you under his spell is quite hideous,
I spoke with the scene shifters who worked with Joseph Bouquet, they kept the story of the opera ghost alive in his memory.
They were happy to tell me that it was the opera ghost who killed him, all because he told the truth about the monster who lives under the opera house.
The man without a nose and a bag full of evil tricks.
A man who delights in extorting and frightening people.
And now that you know everything I have no doubt that you will come with me."Raoul said as he slowly lowered his sword.
"Erik is not the monster here Raoul you are! "Christine said as she jammed the hill of her boot into Raoul's foot.
Raoul let out a furious cry as he flung her forward.
Christine let out a cry as she desperately tried to catch herself, but quickly felt her head collided with Erik's chest
"Christine, are you all right? "Erik asked quickly as he placed a protective arm around Christine.
Christine looked up at Erik with fearful eyes as she heard the death ending swish that made her blood run cold.
"Erik watch out!" Christine warned as she watched the sword come down,the she felt herself be quickly pushed behind Erik as she heard his sword collided with Raoul's
'They informed me that your reflexes are nothing short of cat-like, but now I am well prepared and you have no dark magic to help you here! "Raoul shouted as he forced Erik down the steps.
"Christine, get out of here! 'Erik shouted as he engaged Raoul in a duel.
"No my Christine do stay I can have no better prize for my victory than a kiss from you. "Raoul said as his sword clashed with Erik
Raoul forced Erik down the stairs and onto level ground as the duel broke out.
Raoul, quite confident in his skills, sported a cocky smile as he easily backed Erik away.
But the smile quickly faded as Erik began to make quick turns causing his cape to obstruct Raoul's view of him.
Then Raoul cried out and fell backward as Erik dealt a swift blow to his arm.
Raoul quickly recovered and came at Erik with fresh fury, as the duel reached a new level of intensity.
Erik tried to regain the upper hand but Raoul continued to force him back until Erik lost his footing as he was forced into a small head stone.
Erik landed hard on his back as his sword fell to his side.
Erik made a quick grab for his sword but Raoul quickly kicked it out of reach.
Well, well it seems that the infamous opera ghost is vanquished at last, I think it will make a great story to tell my peers.
I think I will tell it at our wedding party, I can already imagine how lovely my Christine would look in her wedding dress.
Duty demands that I congratulate you on being a worthy opponent, after all you did put up quite the fight.
However you should have known that your underhanded tricks were no match for someone like me, and you are clearly not as smart as you think you are if you actually thought she would choose you over me.
But since I am a gentleman I will end your life of misery despite all of the things that you have done to me.
Christine my darling I shall be with you shortly! "Raoul called out as he lifted his sword.
Then Raoul fell to the ground unconscious as he felt a heavy tree branch collide with the back of his head.
"He is really starting to try my patience. "Christine said grimly as she tossed the log aside and offered a hand to Erik.
"Christine, I had no idea that you would ever do such a thing. "Erik said as he took her hand and allowed her to help him off the ground.
'"Well I knew something like this would happen so I stayed close by so I could help.
"What do we do with him now? "Erik asked as he looked at the unconscious man that stood in the way of his happiness.
"He said that his driver brought him here, and that he had a room at the hotel nearby.
I will go tell the driver that Raoul was hit by a fallen branch, then you will help him get Raoul to his carriage
I will tell the driver to send for a doctor once he gets Raoul back to his room, I am sure that the doctor will find that Raoul has a concussion and demand that he stay at the hotel until he heals.
The blow you dealt him will definitely buy us some time because even if he doesn't have a concession the doctor will assuredly tell Raoul to stay at the hotel until his arm heals.
During that time we will find a place to stay away from the opera house ."
"Christine I don't want to do this, because he will surely repay your kindness with vengeance."
"Erik I know that if we help him he will surely declare war on us both, but I also know that if we leave him here he will die; and I could never face my father if he died in this way."
"Very well Christine. "Erik said as he grabbed Raoul's legs
Christine wordlessly left Erik and ran to get Raoul's driver.
Christine quickly took dresses from her wardrobe, and placed them in her trunk, stopping only when she heard a knock at her dressing room door.
"Come in.'' Christine said as she took a seat in a nearby chair, and tried her best to compose herself.
"Christine I was in my apartment reading a good book and enjoying some of my favorite sweets, when Meg came in and told me that you had returned from your trip to Peros.
I always remembered you, as a child, wanted to spend as much time with your father as possible, and that you always found it hard to leave his grave.
Has something changed? "Madame Giry asked as she quickly made her way to the vacant seat, and took a seat beside.
"Yes, things have changed considerably.' Christine said with a shaky voice.
"What happened my dear?" Madame Giry asked as she comfortingly took Christine's hand, not liking how cold it felt.
Christine looked Madame Giry in the eye, then told her everything that had happened.
A range of emotions passed across her face, as she watched the young woman she loved like a daughter finally gave a voice to her troubles, troubles that in Madame Giry's opinion she never should have kept secret in the first place.
The last emotion she felt was intense anger, as she rose from her seat, and began to pace the floor.
For a split second Christine thought about telling Madame Giry to remain calm, and take her seat beside her.
But as she looked at her she saw the same anger that she showed when thought that the ballet did not perform well.
"I never liked him, and I knew that he would be a problem the moment I heard him applauding your performance.
I thought about warning you but I knew that you had so much on your mind already, and I knew that I should let you choose who you love.
But I wish that you would have come to me, because from what you tell me it seems that your rejection after; waiting so long to see you again has clearly driven him mad." Madame Giry said as she continued to pace the floor.
Christine watched Madame Giry as she thought about everything she had said.
She wanted to tell her that she had nothing to worry about, but chose not to knowing that Madame Giry knew more about the world than she did; and Christne could not deny that Raoul had acted strangely at the graveyard.
"I didn't want to cause a scandal for the opera house so I didn't say anything, I never knew that things would get so out of hand."
"Oh Christine you poor thing I'm sure that the managers will stand with you, when we must inform them..
But I first want to be sure that you have a safe place to stay, and I suppose that means you will be leaving the opera house as soon as possible." Madame Giry said as she pulled Christine into a hug.
"It does indeed and you need not worry Antoinette I give you my word that she will be safe. "Erik said as he stepped through the mirror.
"Christine I hope you can forgive me for entering your dressing room, I only came to see how your packing is coming along. "Erik said as the mirror closed behind him.
"It's alright Erik, I am just glad to see that Raoul didn't hurt you. "Christine said as she made her way over to him.
"As am I and if that insolent boy ever dares to show his face here again I will take great pleasure in walloping him soundly. "Madame Giry said angrily as she walked over to Erik.
"I think I can speak for both of us by saying that, that would be a most enjoyable sight, but I came to see if Christine needs any help with packing. 'Erik said with a chuckle.
"Oh you need not worry about that Meg and I will take care of it, and I will have Violet bring you a pot of tea because both of you need to warm up and relax after such an ordeal" Madame Giry said as she quickly left the room.
Christine and Erik looked at the space Madame Giry occupied, then they sat in the two vacant chairs and held each other's hand, grateful that they both made it safely back to the opera house.
Christine and Erik looked towards the dressing room door, as it opened and the three women entered the room.
"Christine Madame Giry told me you needed a pot of tea, would you like me to put it on your table? "Violet asked as she carried the tray into the room.
"Yes, that would be lovely, thank you Violet." Christine said with a smile
Then she poured a cup of tea and handed it to Erik, and then poured one for herself.
"Oh Christine forgive me if I had known what was happening, I promise that I never would said anything." Meg said as she dropped to her knees clasped Christine hands and apologized profusely,
"Meg we don't have time for that, have a cup of tea to calm your nerves, then help me pack this trunk because time is of the essence; I fear that the Vicompt will return here as soon as the chance. "Madame Giry said as she continued to take clothes from Christine's wardrobe .
"I would be happy to help but I had no idea that Christine would be leaving the opera house, I suppose this means that she would be moving in with Mr Beaumont right?" Violet asked as she continued to put clothes in the trunk.
Madame Giry gave Christine a look and when Christine nodded Madame Giry told Violet the entire story.
"My word I had no idea that a man of the Vicompt's station could be so boorish, and I agree with Madame Giry he seems to have gone quite mad." Violet said as a look of shock passed across her face.
The packing continued and Madame Giry gave Christine a pen and a few sheets of paper instructing her not to leave out a single detail.
After the packing was complete Christine handed the note to Madame Giry, and a footman was called to carry Christine's trunk to a carriage that waited outside.
Then Erik escorted Christine out of the opera house with her friends following behind her.
When they reached the carriage Erik helped Christine into it, and stood by the horses to give Christine a moment alone.
Madame Giry walked up to the door and took Christine's hand as she leaned out the window.
"Oh my darling girl I always knew that this would happen someday,even if the circumstances are a bit grim
I just can't help but think of you as that beautiful shy little girl that I came to love as my own .
I know your father's death has caused you years of heartache, but I am glad that you have finally found true love and happiness. "Madame Griy said as she placed a loving kiss on Christine's forehead.
Then Madame Giry dabbed her eyes with a kerchief as she stepped aside, and let Meg come to the window of the carriage.
"Christine I'm so happy for you but I must say that I am a little jealous that you got to go off with your lover, before I did but you must promise to let me help you go shopping for your wedding dress." Meg teased as she smiled at Christine.
Madame Giry watched as two of the people she held dear shared a laugh, then she made her way over to the horses.
"You should be careful these roads can get very slippery. "Erik said as he stopped petting the horses and turned to face Madame Giry
"I'll be alright it's sweet that you always think of others, especially after everything you've been through.
"I've been thinking about how far you've come ever since you came here as a little boy, I am so glad I got to see the man you have become.
I remember that you once told me that you were tired of living underground , and now wished to live like a normal man.
"Yes to live ;like a normal man and to find someone who loves me for me",
"I think it would be fair to say that you have nearly accomplished, and I do hope that you will write to me once you are both settled; and that we may visit when this unhappy matter is resolved. "Madame Giry said with a bitter sweet smile.
"Of course I am quite sure that Christine will be the one to do it, and demand that we host a dinner party as soon as we are able.
"Ah yes I remember when she turned thirteen and said that she couldn't wait to host a proper dinner party.
I am so happy that the two of you found each other, and finally found happiness "Madame Giry said as she pulled Erik into a hug, and to her surprise he actually hugged her back.
"I've given you many hugs over the years as I tried to comfort you in your loneliness. but you never once hugged me back; clearly finding love has changed you for the better. "Madame Griy said, unable to hide her surprise.
"More than you could ever know." Erik said with a happy smile.
"Erik and Madame Giry looked back at the carriage, and when they saw no one standing at the window they concluded that Christine was finished saying her goodbyes.
Erik said one last goodbye to Madame Giry and walked over to the carriage window, and asked Christine if she was ready to go.
When Christine said that she was, Erik climbed into the drivers seat of the carriage, and the couple said one last goodbye to their friends then he ordered the horses to move forward.
Christine and her friends waved to each other until the carriage disappeared into the fog.
Raoul furiously paced the floor nursing his injured arm, and every now and then glancing quickly at his surroundings.
Adding to his anger Raoul heard the branches of a nearby tree scrape against his window.
To Raoul the branches beckoned him to use them, to gain his freedom.
But every time a twinge of pain went through his arm he swore and cursed fate for being so cruel to him.
Two hours had passed before Raoul awoke and found himself laying in his bed, with a doctor at his side.
When he tried to leave the doctor told him that a he had been sent for by the manager of the hotel, when your driver brought you back here; and informed her that a young woman told him that you had been knocked unconscious by a fallen tree branch, and she also said that the branch had cut your arm.
I stitched your wound but it will take a few weeks to heal, and you must stay awake tonight to make sure you do not have a concussion.
Please call me if you need any assistance. "Doctor Franklin said with a friendly smile.
Raoul cursed once more as the memory reminded him that Christine had once again slipped through his fingers, but his hope was renewed as realized that by saving him she was also begging him to save her.
No matter the cost I know I will soon see.
The woman I love return to me.
It is the demon's spell that I must break.
So that from this nightmare we may both wake.
He may twist her mind but I have her heart.
He shall pay for causing us to part.
No matter the cost I will soon see.
The woman I love return to me.
I will make her see the error of her ways.
And together we shall live out the rest of our days.
Then my loneliness will finally end.
This psychotic demon I shall send.
down to his dark hell .
an inescapable prison .
where he shall dwell .
Far below the ground in which it dwells.
The woman I love he shall torment no more.
She shall be hidden behind my door.
He shall pay for the love that he did steal.
without regard for how a true man would feel.
No matter the cost I know I will see.
The woman I love return to me.
Raoul sat back down on the bed and ran his fingers through his hair feeling quite dejected.
He knew that he shouldn't be there, and all he wanted was to be at his estate, with the woman he loved walking hand in hand as they planned a future together.
He knew that his time was almost gone, and that if he failed he could lose her forever.
Raoul rose from the bed and began to pace again, determined to use this time to come up with a plan that would not fail.