Raoul

He weaved his way through all the people clapping, ran outright until he was opening the door to Box Five.

The darkened man—It was the Persian!!

The Persian turned at the sound of the door opening. His grin faded when he saw Raoul. "Sir? Is there something you require?" Raoul ran into the box without another word. "You know where they have gone! Tell me! Tell me where they have gone!!" He cried desperately. The Persian looked mildly confused, "I have no idea what you are referring to....Are you quite well, sir? You are flushed all over.......Perhaps you should sit?" The Persian offered Raoul his arm. "NO! I shan't! You know where that monster has taken my love! Do not insult me by denying it! I know! I saw you with him before that damned duet! I saw it! I saw it! So where are they! Where are they!" he demanded angrily. The Persian hummed dottily, "I know not what you speak of. Certainly, there was no-one in this Box but myself! I have been alone all night! Ask any-one and they shall tell you such! Sir, I fear you are unwell.........Shall I escort you to a hospital?" Raoul grit his teeth, and turned without a word towards the door, "No, no, I was only feeling faint. I am sorry to have troubled you...." With that, he walked out of the Box, and into the hallway. "Lost his mind! He has! He's gone mad!" Raoul muttered angrily to himself.

In Box Five, Nadir grinned to himself, "Well, I stopped that crisis quite well, if I do say so myself. Now I think I should head home."

And he got up out of the chair and did, indeed, make out for home.

Raoul dashed to the stage, now that it was clear, and ran towards the place where The Phantom and Christine had disappeared. It had entered into his mind that the man he had seen with Christine on the rooftop and The Phantom were one and the same, and he hated that thought. Yet, he could not dispel it, and knew it to be true! How could Christine fall for The Phantom of the Opera?

Did she not know it was The Phantom who loved her?

He grinned—Of course! Of course!

She did not know! She could not know! She thought the man courting her was a normal human man! She could not possibly know he was such an evil being! She would not, naturally, love him if she knew what he was!

Raoul grinned, happy that he now had a way of destroying their relationship forever.

Sadly, the dear boy had no backup plan in case that failed. In case Christine loved The Phantom irrevocably and did not care who or what he was.....

Raoul stomped on the ground where the hatch had opened, again and again.

"Excuse me, M. Le Viscount, what are you doing?" A crisp and polished French voice asked. Raoul looked up to see Mme. Giry. "Ah, Mme. Giry! I was, um, looking for Christine! She promised to see me, and now she has disappeared! Oh, what shall we do?" He cried. Madame gave no hint of emotion, "I know not. Surely, she has come back? That trapdoor only goes to the backstage......And she is not here? Truly?" Raoul nodded vigorously, "She is gone! Oh, she is gone!" Madame put a gloved hand to her mouth, "Oh dear.....It seems she is gone, then! Oh, we shall have to search for her! Perhaps she went outside? We should look there, yes?" Madame nodded absently to herself. "No, I think I shall look in her dressing room!" Raoul cried, "Then I shall come with you!" Madame smiled, and patted his shoulder, "You do that, dear." And wandered off, humming to herself and hiding a grin.

Raoul ran in the direction of Christine's dressing room. He ran through the opened door, and looked around the room. "Christine! Are you in here?"

When she did not reply, he decided to take a look around the room.

He snooped in Christine's drawers, found two silk scarves—one blue, one pink—and various ribbons of different lengths and materials. He peeked behind the changing curtain, and found only her regular outfit. There was nothing there!

Where could she have gone???

Raoul sighed, pushing a strand of blonde hair out of his face. "Perhaps Madame is right.........Perhaps she is gone outside...?"

Raoul started towards the door; but then he halted, and spun around so fast it left him dizzy and confused. When his vision came back, he stormed to the back of the room, where a silver mirror hung, long and tall. Unusually long and tall....

Or, that was what one usually saw.

This time, however, the mirror was not hanging normally.

It stood ajar, revealing a passageway.

Instinctually, Raoul knew that was where Christine was—with The Phantom of the Opera.....





Christine

Erik and I sat on the ledge of his deck, the door behind us closed. I let my bare feet play in the water which lapped up and down. Our shoes were beside us, and we sat. It was quiet, too quiet for my taste. We had been silent for too long, I thought; as I looked over at my silent companion. He face was soft, and faraway; so very faraway I feared he would never come back to the world of the living. He looked so incredibly happy....

Erik's earnest face was turned to me now. Something was in his eyes; an eagerness, a readiness, something else, too. "Christine........" He began, sounding like a nervous buck trying to speak with a little doe..........

"Christine......There is something I wish to speak to you about; and do not stop me or I shall lose my nerve, yes?" He grasped my hand tightly, and I nodded, wanting to hear all that he had to say. "Good.....Well, Christine, you know that all I said to you, during that performance, was in earnest .....And is the truth about how I feel towards you.......?" I nodded again, clutching his hand tightly. He smiled nervously, "I hoped you did.....Oh, how I hoped! And yes, yes, I feel all that and more towards you.........And Christine—Christine—Christine......I-I-I...."

He trailed off into silence. I was left desperate wondering what he meant, how he felt, what sentiment he dearly wanted to express. "Yes, Erik? What do you need to tell me! I hope you know that you can tell me anything!" I clutched his arm. He smiled at me, "Oh, love, I know......I simply am not sure how to word what I want to say to you........Do I simply come out with it? Or do I stroll in roundabout manner, using flowery language to fluff up my sentiment? How do I go about addressing my heart, do you think? Can it be done correctly?" I looked at him, politely puzzled.

Erik took one look at my face and smiled, "Ah, I'm sorry—I am confusing you, yes?" I blushed at how quickly he could read me—how well he knew me, "Yes, I'm sorry—I don't quite know where you're going with this....." He laughed softly, taking my face in his hands, "Do you remember that song I sang you, when we played Truth or Dare? The second time?"

I nodded, "Yes. That was a lovely song, Erik...." He laughed, "I suppose I must try and be a little more direct, yes?" "Sure?" I said, confused.

"That was a love song, of course........." He faltered, thinking. Then, urgently, he turned to me, "Christine....Do you know why I have done all this—and I mean all our time together—do you know why?" I looked down at my hands, "Not really, Erik. I can not figure out why you would be so nice, and caring for me.....Even if I am your music student........Do you mean to say you are going to tell me why you've treated me so?" He nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, Christine! I shall tell you presently.....And, oh, I hope my sentiments are returned......Oh, how I hope!" I swatted his arm, "Tell me already!" Erik leaned forward, "Well, Christine.....It is because I....."

"Christine!!!"

Both our heads shot up as the figure behind the lowered portcullis advanced in out boat.

When he was at the portcullis I gasped. Raoul was here! How did he get here? Why was he here! Erik was just about to say something important! Damn Raoul's horrid timing! Damn it! Damn it!

"Christine!" He called, as Erik growled beside me. "Christine! I have something to tell you! Let me in! I can save you!"

Save me?

Save me from what?

Erik

Damn Raoul! Damn the fop into the deepest pit of hell, the worst place of despair!

Christine looked puzzled when Raoul cried that he needed to save her, as confused as I felt. What did that useless man need to save my Angel from? From the man who would do anything for her? From the creature that kissed the ground Christine walked upon?

Stupid boy.

I stood up, and looked Raoul in the eye, "Viscount, leave this place, before I make you leave. Do I make myself clear?" Raoul nodded, "I suspected as much! Christine! You are under his spell! Come to me, and I shall save you from his power!" I scoffed at that statement, "Christine is under no power but her own, Is that not true, love?" I asked Christine, holding a hand out to her. She smiled, and took my offered hand. Christine addressed Raoul, "Indeed, Raoul, I am under no one's spell. I am here of my own free will. I wouldn't be here otherwise." Turning, she looked up at me, trying to convey a message to me....

She wanted to be here, to be with me.....

Did that mean.....Could that mean?

Could it possibly....?

Raoul grimaced as he saw us, "Well, would you let me in, then? So we can talk like civilized people?" Christine wrinkled her nose a touch, and I sighed. But we moved forward, and pulled the lever which lifted the portcullis, before moving back to our position on the edge of my deck.

Raoul dipped the pole through the deep water, advancing on our privacy. "So, Christine.....Is it decided, then? Are you spending your life with this man?" He asked, looking like he was planning something. I narrowed my eyes at him, but did nothing. Perhaps I should have, but I did not. "Well, if I am able to, yes." Christine answered softly, still near me. Oh, how that sentence set my heart aflutter!

Raoul nodded, looking like a gentleman considering who was better; Charles Dickens or Jules Verne. then he looked back up at Christine, "And you do know he is The Phantom of the Opera? I hope he has told you so.....For it is a sin to lie to one's beloved, is it not?" I laughed at him openly. If he thought to separate us by saying that, the fop truly was an imbecile!

Christine, with a straight face I was not able to have, said, "Oh, yes, Raoul. I knew that from the beginning. And before you say any more; I know he is the manager, and that he swindled Airhead and Filthy out of—What was the figure, again, dear? Forty thousand?" I nearly burst out laughing when she said that. It took all of my self restraint to keep a straight face, "Yes, I do believe it was something of the sort....I do not remember the exact sum, but it must have been near that...."

"You truly are brainwashed, then! Fiend! You have corrupted the most innocent and pure mind of all! And for what evil purpose...?" Raoul cried, rocking the boat. "Dear boy, I assume you wish to stay dry—so kindly stop rocking the boat, yes? I so love that boat, and if you wreck it, I shall have to do something drastic..." Raoul glared at me, but sat down slowly, which was nice of him.

I truly did love that boat....If only for the memories it held.

"Christine! Oh, Christine! My poor lady! How can you be around such evil?" Christine's eyes flashed, and she stood taller, "How dare you! He is not evil! There is nothing evil about him! And since when have you decided to speak for me?"

"I told you when, and....Oh, Christine! I love you! Does that mean nothing, I love you!" he cried pitifully. Then, appealing to me,

"Have you no compassion?

Free her,

Do all you like,

Only free her!"

I smirked at his plea, and focused on a very important part of what he said, "Do all I like, sir? Do you truly mean that? I mean, surely! If you know where we both stand, surely you would not say such things!" Raoul looked confused, "I do not understand!" I laughed, "Then I must make you understand, yes?"

He nodded, "Please do...." I turned quickly, pressing myself up against Christine, "Since I may do all I like, I think I shall claim Christine as forever mine—does that sound good to you, young Vicomte?" I turned to face him, "You know what I speak of, sir. My question is; will you still want my love once she is "Corrupted" as you would call it?" Christine blushed crimson, and Raoul went scarlet with anger. "Fiend! Murderer!" "Murderer?" I asked, pulling Christine once again into my embrace. "You murdered Buquet! And Piangi! We all know it!" I just looked at him, "My, you are stupid." Was all I could say. "Erik!" Christine hissed, "Be polite!" I looked at her for a moment, "Not to him, love."

I turned back to Raoul, "So you say I murdered Buquet, and Piangi? Indeed, if that were true, I would give you all the credit and honor deserved. However, that is not true. Piangi is upstairs with Carlotta—the poor dear, having to hang on her every word! I simply told him that if he did not let me go onstage, I would fire him, and start a notion he had had an affair. I don't think that is murder—do you Christine?" "It is not necessarily nice......But, no, that is not murder." She answered. "As for Buquet, he is lucky I did not murder him. Do you know why he is not here, Raoul? Do you know why I wanted to kill him with my bare hands, to strangle the life out of that sorry excuse of a man?" Raoul looked pale and repulsed, "No, I do not......Was it because he was trying to find you out?" I scoffed again, "Good God, no! That is ridiculous, fop. You truly are dense......Then again, you've not been here long, have you?" "No....I haven't been here that long...." He trailed, looking confused. "If I ever see Joseph Buquet here again—or anywhere else for that matter—he shall not be alive for much longer—that I guarantee." "W-what did he do?" Raoul asked softly. "Oh, only tried to 'corrupt' Christine..." I tried to stay indifferent, tried as hard as I was able to. I was not able to stop a growl from slipping out as I said that; nor was I able to stop my arms from tightening around my love. Christine was looking at the ground, shivering slightly.

Raoul's eyes bugged, "He did what?" "Indeed, he tried touching my Angel....My only regrets are that I was not there to stop him from trying to touch her, and that I did not kill him when I had the chance........Christine asked that I let him live...."

I turned to face my Angel, "You're too good for this world, love. No one deserves you, Christine, no one. My Angel from heaven on Earth..." I pressed my forehead to hers. "Oh, love...." I cooed, stroking her head. "You are crazed, Erik! Mad!" She giggled softly. "Mad with love, Christine." I said, before I had the good sense to keep quiet. She smiled at me, leaning in for a kiss.

"What's behind that mask of yours?" Raoul called, an edge to his voice. I spun around to face him. "None of your business." I snapped. "Good men do not wear masks!" Raoul announced, "If you are a good man, take the mask off!" I paled a little, and turned helplessly to Christine, "Why must he pester us?" She sighed, "I know not!"

Then, I felt hands on my face, and my mask was off. I saw Raoul stumble backwards, falling into the boat with a dull thud. "My God! Christine! You're in love with a monster!" I looked down at my hands, fearing what would come. Christine made an indignant noise, "Oh, and looks are all that matter? Raoul, you may be pretty, but that is about it!" I covered my mouth with my hand to keep from laughing. "Christine! You're brainwashed! My poor Lotte!"

I heard Christine grit her teeth, "I am not your Lotte!" She almost screamed.

Christine turned to me, taking my face in her hands, "Listen to me, Erik. You are not hideous, a monster, or a subterranean demon—do you hear me? You are a wonderful, sensitive, sweet, handsome, loving man! Understand that!" She leaned forward and kissed my cheek—my deformed cheek!

"Oh, Christine, I see how it is now! You pity that creature, don't you! Oh, and he thinks you love him, doesn't he? Such a shame all you'll ever feel is pity—isn't it?" Christine turned to Raoul, a furious expression on her face. "Raoul! Shut—!" I grasped her tightly, turning her to face me, "Is that true, Christine? Do you pity me—is that all you feel for me?" She looked tortured, "Oh, of course n—" "Of course it is! How could anyone love anything like you? Why would anyone love you?"

I stepped away from Christine, horrorstruck. Could that be true? Did she only pity me?

I looked down at my face in the water, feeling the old repulsion come back. Of course it was......

It wasn't right for Christine to be with me. She deserved all the dreams I couldn't possibly give her. All the things a man like Raoul could give....

It was wrong, what I was doing.......

I looked up at Christine, "Christine, I am going to give you your freedom, my love. I know I shouldn't, but I ask you for one last thing....."

Christine looked about to cry, and in that moment; I thought it was from gratitude, because she was happy to be free from me. "A-anything, Erik! Ask me anything!"

"Christine, will you kiss me farewell?" She looked at me, tears streaming down her cheeks. I knew it was wrong to want to kiss the tears away, but want I did. Oh, how I longed to kiss her misery away....

She dashed forward, smashing her lips against mine, pinning me against her. It seemed she was trying to tell me something, to get a response from me—but I was numb, numb to anything but misery.

When we parted, I took her hand in mine, "Christine, I am but a dog ready to die for you...... Christine—! Christine! Love, are you alright? Christine?!"

She had fallen to the ground, looking like she was fainting.

Christine

"Christine, I am but a dog ready to die for you.........Christine—! Christine! Love, are you alright? Christine?!"

I could not reply, as I fell to my knees; memories, and scenes, conversations and facial expressions all assaulting me at once. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to shut the two with me out. It was not that hard; since the memories would not be ignored, and all fought for attention. They spun around me, flickering from one instance to another.

It was over, and I knew—I remembered everything. Slowly, I stood up, and looked at the man who's face was drawn with worry, concern, and something else terribly powerful.

"You monster..." I whispered, not caring how he'd react. Erik's face changed, shock and more hurt piling on. "Christine? W-what do you mean?" I looked at him, "You know very well what I mean, trap-door-lover. To think I didn't remember how you were—what you did—before you died! All this time you knew! You knew about your past life! All this time and you did not say a word! Why did you not tell me anything?" Tears sprang from my eyes, travelling down my cheeks. "Why?!" "I feared that you would think I was insane.....Or react the way you are reacting now...." He said quietly, gently, "But Christine, I only did this because—Because.....Because, Christine, I-I..." He trailed, tears falling from his eyes, "Christine, please understand, love—!" He pleaded.

I stepped back, away from him and his lies and secrets. "No! You lied to me, tricked me!" He just stared at me, "You did not remember, Christine.....All I wanted was a new.....A chance to start over, to try and be better of you—to show you I could be—I could be someone almost worthy of your love, and your beauty........I wanted a second chance at love....." He tried, stepping forward. "Oh, and how did you do that? Make a deal with the devil?" A part of me cried out at that sentence, but I ignored it. "No, Christine....I died, and came back the only way I could. I embarked on a quest, love, to try and prove I deserved a second chance....." I stopped retreating, looking at him with tears in my eyes, "Why?"

He looked down at his hands, smiling the way brokenhearted people do, before looking back up at me.

"Because,

Christine,

I love you...."

My heart stopped beating, and I looked at him dumbly. "You must have known, Christine, " He whispered, "I love you..."

Still, I stood there dumbly, unable to say anything.

"Christine, say something..." He pleaded softly, searching my eyes, reaching for my hand.

"I have no idea what is going on, Phantom.....But I have figured how I shall destroy you!" Raoul announced, making both Erik and I jump. "How?" Erik asked softly, brokenly.

"By taking the one thing you love above all else—Christine!" Raoul announced, as his arms wrapped around me tightly.

He pulled me into the boat with him, and began to furiously paddle away from Erik's home.

Frantically, I tried to reach out to him, "ERIK!! ERIK!!" I sobbed, trying to escape from Raoul. "ERIK!!!!"

"Christine, I love you!!" Erik sobbed, standing against the backdrop of our home.

Tears filled my eyes again, and I struggled, trying to return to his side. We floated under the portcullis, and it closed with a bang behind us.

He wasn't stopping us.....He was letting me go free......He thought that by setting me free, I could be happy.....

As if I could be happy without him.....!