Chapter 11

Point of no return

Author's note: Well, boys and girls, this is it: the last chapter. I feel so sad that my story has come to an end. I just don't want to drag it on and lose the feeling that I think my story has: romance, intrigue, and a little humor. I will think long and hard about doing a sequel: it will depend on two things. One: that I come up with a good idea (I already have a few swirling around, see if you can spot them in this chapter…) and Two: I get some feedback from you guys. I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed every minute of writing, and I appreciate and respect everyone who has read and reviewed. Your opinions of my writings have made it better. Until next time!

To Mystery Ghost: Hello! I have missed your thorough reviews tremendously, my friend. Thank you for your compliments; it means a lot to me that you like my story. "No One Would Listen" is indeed to the tune of "Learn to be Lonely". It is a deleted scene that takes place some time before Don Juan; the Phantom's miniature stage is in the background in one of the shots, and it displays the stage style (flames and such) and Christine as Aminta…I don't know how it would have fit in with the movie, but I truly believe that they took it out because so many people would have thought that Christine did in fact need to end up with the Phantom; it's a touching scene that is worth going out and buying the DVD…

Disclaimer: As my reviewer evilspoofauthor1Sven pointed out to me, I own the PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!..cough dvd…LOL!

PS-Christine sings a little sniplet of a song from Evanescence "Taking Over Me"

And now, on with the finale…

Andre was sitting nervously at his desk. He was looking at his pocket watch, and then looking at the door. He's late, he thought. Why is he always late? Bad for business…Just then Andre heard the turn of a key in the lock of the door, and Firmin made his way in.

"Firmin! You are late! We have important business to take care of!" Andre said, putting on an air of importance.

"Oh, do shut up Andre. You're so tense and jumpy that anything would set you off. Calm down, man, what we're about to do is not physics. We are simply going to end the problem that has been plaguing us this past year! No more Ghost! We can run the theater as it was meant to be run…and we will not have to share it with a murderous specter." Firmin calmly took his seat next to Andre, and kicked his heels up.

"Tonight, at sunset, his reign will truly end!" Firmin threw back his head in laughter. Andre stared a moment, wondering if his partner had gone insane, when Firmin's head rose to look at Andre. Andre gave a weak laugh.

"I'm just more nervous about this than you…so many things could go wrong, Firmin. We literally can't afford another disaster. We are at our budget's end…If we can't get a guarantee tonight that the Phantom is truly gone from us, then I'm leaving this business! I'll follow Lefevre to Australia! I'll go back to scrap metal!"

"I thought he went to Frankfurt…" Firmin said in confusion.

"Oh never mind…" Andre turned his attention to the past due bills collecting on his desk. Even with the Vicomte's money they were falling desperately behind. Firmin followed his gaze, then gasped.

"What?" Andre didn't even bother to look at his partner.

"Our finances, Andre…they could be solved! I don't suppose our Opera Ghost kept his considerable salary in banks…there could be a fortune beneath the Opera Populaire. Our problems would be solved two-fold!" Firmin was talking excitedly, tugging at the ends of his generous mustache.

"The Phantom's fortune…I like the sound of that!" Andre agreed. Firmin turned to look at the tall clock in the corner.

"In a few short hours, we will have the Phantom, and the Phantom's fortune…come Andre, let us go and make sure all the preparations are ready." The two men exited their office, excited and hopeful. This night would change their lives for the better…or for the worse.

Raoul was trying to decide just why in the Hell he was making his way down a dark, murky, smelly lake in a moldy, dusty, damp boat. He hated to think of himself as fastidious, but he cared about his appearance, and therefore did not want to find himself surrounded by things that would hamper his impeccable style. He hated this underground portion of the Opera House, and he couldn't understand how Christine could have lived here for the past few weeks…it was disgusting! Raoul turned his thoughts away from his discomfort to think about what he was about to do. He knew that this reunion with Christine and…the Phantom was not going to be pleasant. He had no rapier; he merely had a small knife in his belt. That would not nearly be enough to help him if the Phantom Punjabbed him before he could open his mouth to speak…Perhaps I have not thought this through enough, Raoul thought nervously. He hated the Phantom; more than he hated any living thing, but there was one thing he could not deny: the Phantom was simply more physically powerful than he was. The Phantom was taller, leaner, and stronger than Raoul was; there was little denying that. There was also the fact that the Phantom had killed two people from the Opera House, with little or no remorse. Raoul had barely been fox or deer hunting in his life; he could not see himself taking the life of someone else, no matter what.

As Raoul started getting nearer to the entrance to the Phantom's lair, he began to hear a strange noise that took the place of the silence that he was just getting use to. Raoul strained his ears to listen more closely…it was an organ! And it was playing such music that Angels might weep to hear it! He remembered Christine saying that the Phantom was an artistic genius in more than just his voice, but this was the first time Raoul had ever heard it…Christine…what had she said about the Phantom and his music? But his voice filled my spirit with a strange sweet sound; in that night there was music in my mind…and through music, my soul began to soar…Raoul now understood exactly what she meant. He was captivated and horrified at the same time. How can such a monster be capable of such a beautiful thing? Raoul thought in fascination. It really is too bad that his genius had turned to madness…this man could have composed operas to bring the whole city of Paris to her knees…Raoul shook his head, and realized that he was almost to the bend that would bring the lair into view. He stopped the boat, and quickly straightened his clothing and smoothed his hair. If he was going to face his rival, he would go with the dignity and glory of a Vicomte. Setting his shoulders, he pushed the boat around the final bend, and the Phantom's lair came into view.

Erik played furiously at his organ, his thoughts centered on his life at the Opera House. This place, this cold and unforgiving lair, had been his only home, his only refuge for most of his life…and now, in a matter of hours, he would be leaving it. He would truly no longer be the Phantom of the Opera, or the Opera Ghost…he would become Erik Massenet. He smiled at the name…it would be a fictional name, true, but it was to be his name. And soon, Christine…would become Christine Massenet…his mind shivered at the thought of his impending marriage. Once they left Paris, when should he ask about going to a priest? Would she want more time? His mind traveled to more…sinful thoughts. They had not been intimate yet; had not felt their bodies uniting as their souls had already done…Erik did not want to press it, but he looked forward to his wedding night more than anything in his life. But when the thrill of his wedding night flooded his soul, the jumbled thoughts that were never welcomed pressed against his mind: his pessimistic, bitter side. What if they had children, and he passed on his cursed deformity? Erik knew that his life had been made harder by the absence of love and compassion, and he knew that his children would never be denied that…but Erik also knew of the cold, unfeeling touch that the world had, and children with deformities would be ridiculed and shamed…Erik stopped playing a moment, lost in his thoughts…Wait. What was that noise? It sounded as though a boat was coming toward the lair…but surely Madam Giry would not have returned so soon…That left one option. Erik felt his insides grow cold and hard. They had been discovered! The mob was here, to tear him away from Christine!

Erik rose so suddenly from his bench that it crashed to the floor. Christine heard the noise, and looked up from the bedroom area.

"Erik what's wrong?" she asked in alarm.

"There's someone here! Quick, go to the alcove I showed you, and don't come out, no matter what happens!" Erik hissed at Christine, the fear evident in his voice. Christine yelped in surprise at his tone, and without a word, hurried to the alcove that Erik had indicated. This was the place where Erik himself had hidden, and she curled up in a ball in the corner. After seeing that Christine was completely hidden, Erik went to his bedroom chamber and reached under the bed, removing his Punjab lasso and a revolver. He touched a hand to his face, to make sure that his mask was still perfectly in place. With a whirl of his cloak, Erik descended to the lower levels of his lair, near the waters edge. There, he waited in the darkness. Erik smiled, to reassure himself. It looked as if he wouldn't be giving up the mantle of Phantom quite yet after all…

As Raoul turned the corner to see the lair, the first thing that he noticed was that it appeared to be empty. He strained his eyes, trying to see into the darkness and shadows that nestled between the light of the flickering candles. This could be bad, Raoul thought. Best to announce my presence now…

"Phantom! This is the Vicomte de Chagny! I know you are there, in the darkness, as you always are. Show yourself! I come with urg-" Raoul never finished his sentence. Suddenly, Raoul felt a sudden pressure against his body, and found himself thrown overboard into the murky water. He opened his eyes in reflex, and widen them in shock when he saw the Phantom in the water as well, the lasso desparately trying to reach his neck. Raoul's head broke water.

"Stop, damn you, stop! I have come to help you…," Raoul managed to say, just before the Phantom grabbed him by his shoulders and pushed him down into the water. Raoul lashed out with his feet, landing a blow right at the knees. The Phantom immediately turned Raoul loose, and, taking advantage of the Phantom's distracted disposition, Raoul landed a kick right at his chest. The Phantom's head broke water, and he howled in pain.

"You bastard! You should not have come here, for I will finish what I started!" The Phantom growled as he struggled to stand.

Raoul reached the shore. He pulled himself up, and turned to stare at the Phantom, who was wheezing slightly and still knee deep in water.

"Here me out, you demon! As much as I would love to see you dead and gone from existence, I have come to warn you! Now, will you listen to me, or do we end this and I simply walk out of here with Christine?" Raoul felt as defiant as he had ever felt in his life. The adrenaline in his body was filling him with hope, and he knew that at this moment, he could take on the Phantom. He could take on the world!

At Christine's name, the Phantom's face filled with rage, and he jumped the remaining distance to the shore. He towered over Raoul, and stared at him, face to face.

"Don't think that I don't know the real reason why you're here, Vicomte. You just said it. Christine is NOT leaving my side again. And what could you possible have to say that I'd want to hear? You are a weakling, Vicomte. You have no true sense of power…"

"Oh and I suppose that killing people is just the thing that I need to get that type of power! And maybe I'll kidnap a girl while I'm at it too!" At these words the Phantom roared. He snapped off a roundhouse blow to Raoul's head, but Raoul side stepped, and the Phantom missed.

"You know nothing of me! Who are you to judge me? All the world judges me!" The Phantom started gasping a little for air.

"What's wrong, Monsieur, can't take a little exercise?" Raoul taunted. The Phantom took a step back, his hand to his heaving chest. Finally, he looked up at Raoul, hatred burning in his eyes.

"What are you doing in my home, Vicomte?"

"Ah, well, now it appears that you will be a little more civilized. I have come to offer my assistance; however painful that may be for me…did you call this your 'home', Monsieur? It could do with a little work…," Raoul couldn't resist that last stab at the Phantom's ego. The Phantom appeared to be weakened, so Raoul continued.

"As you may already now, Andre and Firmin are very anxious to rid themselves of you, dear Phantom. Imagine that? But what you don't know is that in mere hours they and a riotous group will invade the catacombs of the theater. Not tomorrow, as planned, but tonight. And since you have no concern in regards to Christine, I have come to ensure that she escapes this Hell hole." Raoul felt the anger in him swell. He stared at the Phantom, stared at the face that he knew was as ugly as sin behind the mask, and suddenly felt himself snap. All gentleman-like behavior fled from him. He balled his hands into fists.

"You took her from me! I would have given her anything; and instead she chose you! You, a monster!" Raoul spoke with a passion that he had not known he possessed. The Phantom answered in a weak, soften voice.

"And I suppose that you first saw her as a chorus girl working in the Opera, hmmm. Or perhaps earlier, as a penniless orphan who had no one in the world…or perhaps you saw her at the same time everyone else did, Monsieur…when she performed in the gala that made her a primma donna…Do you love her beauty, Vicomte? Or her voice? You care nothing for her as I do…I see her soul, Vicomte, and it is a twin of mine…this monster…" the Phantom echoed Christine's earlier words to him. "Or perhaps you just can't handle the thought of rejection, Vicomte? I am beyond this petty argument…and I don't believe a word that you have said."

"Are you calling me a liar, Monsieur?" Raoul felt the anger in him as a growl in his throat.

"Why yes, Vicomte, I am…" Raoul yelled out a curse as he threw himself on the Phantom. What came as a surprise was that the Phantom easily picked him up and flipped him on his back. What had happened to the weakened state the Phantom was in? It was a ploy! His mind screamed, and all too late…Raoul found himself staring at the end of a revolver.

"You'll not want to do that again, dear Vicomte," the Phantom said, all weakness gone from his voice. He pointed the gun at Raoul almost lazily.

"Look…I'm serious about Andre and Firmin…you must get Christine out of here…they mean to kill you, they could hurt her…," Raoul pleaded, causing the Phantom's eyes to narrow.

"You mean this as truth, then? You don't intend to take Christine from me?" the Phantom leaned over, and stared straight into Raoul's eyes. He flinched, but nodded.

"I only care for her safety…she would not go with me willingly…I know this now…" The Phantom looked at Raoul a moment more, and slowly lowered the gun.

"Talk," the Phantom commanded in a strong voice, and Raoul found himself telling him everything about his conversation with Andre, as well as Madam Giry.

The Phantom was silent for a long moment. He rose suddenly, and walked to a portion of his lair. He lifted a curtain, and stepped out with Christine, holding her hand. When Christine saw Raoul, her eyes widened in surprise.

"Raoul!" she exclaimed, and then turning her eyes to the Phantom's. "And you…did not…hurt him?" she asked timidly, and the Phantom nodded.

"Not without a lack of trying…" the Phantom shrugged, and turned to face Christine in seriousness. "The Vicomte has disturbing news, my dear. We must leave at once. Go into the bedroom, and put on some of my clothes; a dress will but hamper you. Go, and hurry!" the Phantom's voice when talking to Christine was a completely different than how he had spoken to Raoul just moments ago. His voice held a sense of authority and urgency, but also of worry…and love? Raoul shook his head in disbelief. The Phantom, the monster, truly loved Christine. This changes nothing…the voice inside his head told him. Raoul looked at the Phantom.

"We must leave the boat here, Phantom. If they see it on the other side of the lake, they will know that you have escaped…we must swim."

The Phantom thought for a moment. When Christine re-emerged a moment later, looking rather dashing in men's clothing, the Phantom spoke…

"My dear, how well can you swim?"

Erik was up to his neck in the filthy water of his lake. That's right, he thought fiercely, his lake, his lair, his catacombs, his opera house! The sly voice in his head perked up. And it's your fault that Christine's in danger, and you had to accept the Vicomte's help…Erik shook his head slightly, and concentrated on the image of Christine's back as she swam across the lake. The Vicomte was in the lead, and Christine insisted on being between them. Erik was fine with this arrangement. He could watch them both.

"Christine, are you all right? Still able to make it?" Erik asked, the concern apparent.

"I'm fine, Angel…just a little tired…" Christine gasped out an answer. Erik fell silent. He contemplated his next move. He would have to get to the stables from the catacombs, but he didn't want to risk taking Christine with him…hadn't he risked her life enough? As much as it pained him, he would have to let her go with the Vicomte. If he takes her, I will hunt him down and damn him to the fires of Hell! Hell hath no fury compared to my own…Erik thought, smirking slightly to himself. He looked upjust in time see Christine dip below the water's edge. With a cry, Erik dove under the water. The water was murking, and it was so hard to see…wait! A light, a small gleam…he reached out and found Christine's hand…he surfaced quickly, and Christine gasped and choked out the water in her lungs.

"Christine! Are you all right!" the Vicomte called back, starting to swim towards them.

"Help me with her," Erik said gruffly.

The Vicomte and Erik held her gently for a moment as she coughed and sputtered. Christine reached for Erik. She gave him a weak smile.

"Sorry 'bout that…," she said sheepishly.

"Oh Christine…reach behind me, and hang on to my neck. No more swimming for you!" Erik reached forward, and guided Christine's hands to his neck. His chest was beginning to burn, partly from the scare and lack of oxygen of just now, and partly because of the blasted Vicomte's kick. He motioned for the said Vicomte to continue. Luckily, the rest of the journey passed uneventfully, and they found themselves on the ledge on theother side of the lake.

Erik shook out the water from his body as the Vicomte and Christine did the same. He glanced at Christine.

"My dear, I am going to head straight for the stables from here. Please, go with the Vicomte and make sure that Madam Giry and Meg made it to the stable. You can't come with me, Angel…" Erik said this painfully, and did not look at the Vicomte, who was staring at him in surprise. Erik's fierceness returned, and he caught the Vicomte's look.

"If you as so much think about taking her away, so help me I'll-," he growled, taking a few steps toward the Vicomte. The Vicomte held his ground however, and Christine reached out to touch his arm.

"I'm not going anywhere. I love you! You can't just leave me here…what if we are parted forever? I'm going with you!" Christine flew into Erik's arms, tears pouring down her face. Erik looked at the Vicomte sharply, who turned away.

"Shhh, my angel, it's not goodbye…it's better this way…we will be together soon, I promise…" Erik stroked her hair, murmuring encouraging words to her.

"I believe in you…I'd give up everything just to find you…I have to be with you…to live, to breathe, you're taking over me!" Christine sang softly under her breath, just for Erik to hear. He smiled into her hair.

"Let your soul take you where you long to be…only then, can you belong…to me," Erik murmured. She pulled away, and he dried her tears. He kissed her delicately on the forehead.

"Don't worry Christine. We will be reunited…" Erik said softly. His eyes tracked hers as she nodded. She stepped away from Erik, and went slowly up the stairs. The Vicomte started to follow.

"Take care of her…" Erik said suddenly in the silence, all threat gone from his voice. The Vicomte nodded in understanding, and turned to follow Christine. Erik was alone, in the darkness.

He started to walk, for the last time, through his catacombs…

Christine and Raoul made their way through the mirror and into Christine's old dressing room. They were both out of breath, and stayed a moment to catch it. Christine looked at Raoul.

"Let's go to an unused bedroom…we can try and get a little dry, so as not to leave a trail," Christine whispered. Raoul nodded, and peered out of the door. The hallway was clear, so he motioned her forward. She darted across the hallway and into an empty bedroom. Raoul followed, and closed the door the dressing room door. He made to walk across the hall when he heard footsteps. He dove into the empty bedroom, and locked the door, motioning to Christine to keep quiet. They soon heard voices approaching.

"Oh Firmin, I am so excited! Let's go, let's go! We can collect the Phantom and the Phantom's fortune…" The voice became muffled as the sound of a door opening and shutting was heard. Raoul breathed a sigh of relief, and Christine whispered, "Phantom's fortune? What on Earth do they mean?" Christine reached for the bed and drew the large blanket around her, attempting to dry herself. She threw the blanket to Raoul.

"Let's go. We haven't got any time to waste…" Christine turned to leave the room, when Raoul stopped her.

"Christine, I might not get another chance to say this…if you ever need anything, please, let me know. I will do whatever I can for you…even if it means accepting that you love the Phantom…" Raoul looked at his feet the whole time. Christine reached up and touched his hand.

"You mayhave very well saved my life today, Raoul, and the life of the man I love…I will always care for you, Raoul, and it is I that should be offering my services, not you. They may not be much, but it's all I can offer you. Wait!" Christine's smile brightened. "I can offer you my undying friendship…what do you say?" She held out her hand. Raoul smiled, and shook it.

"It's a deal, Christine…now, let's go and find Madam Giry." Raoul felt as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He could still have Christine in his life…he thought briefly about the year he had had…he had found love, and lost it, only to gain it back in a different form…the man he thought hadn't existed turned into his biggest rival…he had learned so much from this little Opera House. As he followed Christine down the hall, he couldn't help but smile. It had all started when Christine, at such a young age, told him about Little Lotte and the Angel of Music…

Erik made his way swiftly and silently through the halls of the catacombs. He felt right at home in the darkness, and knew right where he was. He would be at the stables in a matter of minutes…There! The moon shown brightly through a small skylight; the stable would just be around this bend. Erik cautiously approached the opening, and peered out. There was the carriage…he could make out two forms in the carriage itself, and he knew them to be Meg and Madam Giry. Confidently, he made his way out of the passage.

"Whhhoose there?" a slurred voice spoke out in the shadows. A stable guard appeared, drunk, holding a bottle of some concoction as he stumbled forward. Erik narrowed his eyes. One hand held a bottle, and the other held a pistol. How could he have been so careless! Erik's eyes moved wildly, trying to find a weapon he could use against the guard.

"Doon't movvve or I'll shoot you, you cur!" the guard exclaimed, holding up the weapon with a wobbly hand. Erik could think of only one thing to do. He drew himself up to his full height, and said, in a tone that rang out to the guard's ears and no further:

"Ignorant fool! I am the Phantom of the Opera! I cannot be defeated!" The guard started trembling.

"Tttthe Phantom of the Opera!" the guard turned to run when he suddenly fell with a thud to the ground. Erik looked up to see the Vicomte standing there with a small bucket in his hand.

"Looks like he needed to take a little nap…"the Vicomtesmiled, and stepped aside. Christine ran forward and into Erik's arms. He held her above the ground for a moment, then set her down gently. He kissed her deeply, and saw stars. Christine smiled into his mouth.

"Go, my dear. Madam Giry and Meg already are waiting…" Erik said reluctantly. Christine nodded, and turned to the Vicomte.

"Thank you Raoul…for everything."

Christine hurried away, leaving Erik and the Vicomte alone. Erik looked at the man that he hated, and extended his hand. The Vicomte hesitantly took it. They shook, silent and somber.

"Thank you, Vicomte." Erik said softly. He turned to go.

"I still hate you, you demon!" the Vicomte called. Erik smiled

"That's one thing that we have in common."

With that, Erik hurried forward and took the reins of the carriage. Madam Giry had joined him in the driver's chair. Christine waved to Raoul as the carriage went off into the night.

Raoul watched the carriage drive off. He looked at the guard at his feet. He was starting to wake up.

"Ow, my head…must've been all those drinks…" His eyes went wide when he saw Raoul. He scrambled to his feet.

"Vicomte de Chagny! You won't believe it, Monsieur! I saw him! The Phantom of the Opera! He was here…" the guard's voice traveled off as Raoul began to laugh.

"The Phantom is a fable. Believe me, there is no Phantom of the Opera…"

Andre and Firmin, along with 3 other men, emerged from the lake to find themselves in the Phantom's lair. They rose from the water, anxiously, and began looking around. Andre approached Firmin.

"He's not here, Firmin. You promised he would be!" Andre hissed, his face bright red.

"Calm down, the men have not searched everywhere. There may be no Phantom, but there still may be money down here." Firmin spoke rationally and firmly. They waited at the edge of the lake, hoping that the men would turn up something in there search…

Nothing. Nothing was exactly what they found. The Phantom had left plenty of useless junk, but no money. Andre finally snapped.

"That's it! This Ghost has taken everything from me! Every hope, every opportunity…I've had enough! No Phantom…No Phantom's fortune…I give up!" Andre threw his hands in the air and looked at Firmin.

"I agree…" Firmin said reluctantly. "Let's go…" The men started talking excitedly. Treasure? Down here? Firmin overheard them, and said sharply: "Don't you see? We've been duped again! There is no gold…"

Everyone loaded into the boat. Firmin and Andre shared but one thought as they made their way back to the Opera House main level: they needed to get out of this business, and fast!

They didn't see the greedy glint in their parties' eyes…

"How much longer is it, Marie?" Erik asked, the wind whipping his cloak about him. He drove faster than he meant to, but he wanted to put as much distance between them and the Opera House as possible.

"The road is still a bit further, Erik. We will be there shortly. Have patience." Madam Giry's voice was soothing. Erik found it disheartening. He glanced behind them at the empty road.

"Are you sure no one is following us?"

"Erik! You've looked a dozen times. No one is there but the wind!"

"Well, it would do us no good at all to escape from them only to lead them to where they can find us later!" Erik spoke harshly, and then regretted it. "I'm sorry Marie, I'm just a little…nervous. This will be a new life for me. How will I know how to live it? I only know how to act like the Opera Ghost. I don't know how to act like Erik! The Opera House is all I've known…you protected me from the world, Marie, and now I find myself thrown into it! I feel exposed, and alone, and…scared. I feel scared Marie!" Erik finally admitted to himself what he had been feeling all along. He was terrified of the idea of being a husband, a father. Someone else would be depending on him, everyday. He would be the head of a family; he would be wanted and loved. All these feelings were completely alien to him.

"What if I'm a bad husband? What if Christine realizes that she has made a mistake, and wants to go back? I can't handle that, Marie…I can't live without her…" He looked at Marie, shame on his face. She smiled.

"My dear, everyone feels this way, not just you alone. I felt the same on my wedding day. But once you say the words that you have felt inside your heart for so long, it just will feel…right. Don't worry about your future with Christine. It won't be perfect, but then nothing is."

"Thanks, Marie…I don't think that I have ever told you this…but you're the closest I have ever had to a mother…thank you." Madam Giry reached out and hugged him.

They drove in silence the rest of the way.

A while later, the small carriage approached a darkened house. Erik immediately understood why Marie had chosen this house. It was a moderate size, out of the way, and it would be perfect for his new start at life. He grinned at Christine, who was staring in awe.

"This is…our house? Our home?" Erik reached Christine and picked her up, cradling her in his arms.

"I have to take you over the threshold, my dear," Erik's eyes were sparkling in excitement. His excitement was contagious, and Christine began to feel her heart race.

"The final threshold," she murmured softly. Christine met Erik's eyes; she had tears forming.

They entered the house without any pomp and circumstance. Erik placed Christine gently on the ground. Christine immediately started to run about her new surroundings.

"Oh, Erik, the kitchen is beautiful, and stocked with food; there's a beautiful dining room; oh and look, a parlor…Erik come quick!" Christine exclaimed breathlessly.

Erik rushed to her side in alarm. He peered into the darkened room Christine indicated when Christine lit a candle. He was looking into his music room. It had a large piano in the far right corner. His violin was propped against a music stand…and his music was everywhere, cataloged and placed in bookshelves! Erik was speechless. He turned to look at Madam Giry.

"I snuck down here, and did a little of the unpacking myself…do you like it, Erik?" Madam Giry smiled. Erik touched her arm.

"Words can't express, Marie. I'll have to compose something."

The four escapees were tired and worn from worry and fatigue, and they all decided to retire for the night and explore later in the morning. After a long and good rest, Erik heard a carriage pull up to his drive. Erik sprang from bed, and pulled on his shirt. He rushed downstairs and peered out the window. An old man was walking up the drive. Erik opened the door before the man could knock.

"Can I help you, good Monsieur?" Erik said, in a polite but cold voice.

"Ah, I am sorry to disturb you…I thought that the house would be empty…" the old man wheezed in response. Erik took a closer look at his unwelcome guest and noticed his manner of dress. His eyes widened.

"Pardon me, Monsieur, but are you not a priest? What are you doing here?" Erik said, the surprise he felt showing in his voice.

"Erik, what's going on…Father Namera! What a pleasure! Have you come to bless the house?" Madam Giry had appeared behind Erik, and her disposition brightened when she saw the priest. She shrugged at Erik, who looked at her in astonishment.

"I did indeed, Madam Giry, but I was told to expect it empty!" the old man replied with a bit of indignation.

"Ah well, our plans have changed. This is Erik Massenet; he is the new owner of the house, along with his fiancé. My daughter and I are merely visiting…" Madam Giry explained. She turned to Erik and said quietly, "You may not be religious, but I am! I was not about to let you live in a house that had not been properly blessed! I just wasn't going to mention it…" Madam Giry trailed off as Erik just nodded at her, letting her know everything was fine. He stood a little straighter as he had a brilliant idea.

Erik smiled. "My dear Father, could we perhaps persuade you to perform another of your priestly duties…" Erik lead Father Namera into the house.

Christine Daae married Erik Massenet that morning, in the small garden of their new home. Madam Giry and Meg Giry stood as attendants and witnesses; Madam Giry, being a mother to both, gave her official blessing on the union. Father Namera said the pronouncement words, and Erik and Christine shared a passionate kiss as a symbol of their union. The day was spent in music and merriment; there were no troubles, no worries, and no cares. As the night approached, Madam Giry and Meg retired to their bedrooms early. Erik and Christine stood alone, out on their balcony in their room.

"There's no turning back now…" Erik whispered, holding onto Christine tightly, her back facing into his chest.

"There never was a chance of that…" Christine reached her hand up to touch her husband's face. She turned to face him, her body still held tightly by his.

"Ours is a love to be treasured, Christine…that of a beauty, and a beast…"

"No, Erik…that of an Angel and an orphan," Christine smiled up at him, tears sparkling her brown eyes. Erik kissed her, the sweetest, most tender of all kisses, and she felt as though she and Erik were the only people in the world. He released her, and held her gaze. "What about a chorus girl and a Phantom? Or a primma donna and an Opera Ghost?"

"Oh Erik! It's not like someone's going to write down our fantastic love affair…"

"Of course they will! And the whole world will know of my love for you…"Erik smiled, a genuine one that reached his eyes. His eyes…they had a very mischievous gleam to them. He scooped Christine up from the floor of the balcony, and carried her toward their bedroom.

"Now, my dear, we must officially consummate our marriage. Ready, love?" Erik tried to sound official, but the longing and desire was there in his eyes and voice. Christine laughed, musical and beautiful to Erik's ears.

"More than you are!" And with that, Christine and Erik entered their bedroom locked in a loving embrace…and later that night, a lover's embrace.

The End

Note: I got Erik's last name Massenet from a French composer who died in the 1920s. He wrote many operas and lived during the time period that the Phantom of the Opera is set in, so I thought it would be appropriate. :)