A/N: We did it. We reached up to 30 Chapters of See No Music! EEEEK See you at the bottom!

Aimee plopped on the swan bed, letting all her exhaustion out as she closes her eyes to relax.

"Tough day?" Erik asks, coming in the entrance.

"You don't know half of it. Clarisse is badly injured. Mother and daughter got in a fight and she was pushed over the stairs. She has a broken arm and a concussion." Aimee replied, sitting up. "I think it was better for me not to see. I never thought I'd see blood and bruises up close like that before." She shuddered at the image crossing in her mind.

"I had nothing to do with it." Erik said, sitting down in front of his organ. Aimee chuckled lightly as she came over to him.

"Of course or until I find out that is. I'm really concern for her. I wonder what ignited the fight."

"Probably you." He answered, "You're always in the middle of something. But let's forget all about what happened today and focus on me."

Aimee pushed away the strand of hair from Clarisse forehead, watching how slowly her chest rise up and down. It's been days since the accident. Charlotte had barricaded herself in her room. Matt had been informed of what happen. Although he tries to help charlotte, she wanted no help at all. A slight movement from Clarisse made Aimee gasp a bit. She slowly opened her eyes squinting at the harsh light. Aimee stood up to close the curtains partially and came back.

"Where am I?" She asks, groggily.

"You're in my room. Good morning," Aimee said with a smile. Clarisse eyes widen as she looked at her friend, staring back at her.

"Aimee, you can see?" Aimee laughed, shaking her head.

"I think you need some of the herb tea the doctor gave." Said Aimee as she stood up to walk over to the table.

The hot tea had cooled down when she reach for it. She returned to let Clarisse sit up and sip it.

"Where's my mother?" Clarisse ask finishing the entire cup.

Aimee set the cup down, "She locked herself in her room. She hasn't come out to talk to anyone. She felt guilty about what she's done. Do you remember what started the argument?" Aimee asks, folding her hands on her lap.

Clarisse shook her head, frowning. "Only bits and pieces. I remember saying I'll stop her and…" She shook her head. Nothing came through.

"You'll stop her?" Aimee asks. "Strange. Well, I'm not going to bother you further. Get some rest. I'll tell everyone you're awake and someone will bring food for you."

Charlotte poured the boiling water into the cup, carefully not letting it spill. Then she set the kettle down and place special made tea bag in the cup. She watches the clear water slowly turned a dark brown murky color.

"Hello," Aimee announce herself.

"Ah, I was looking for you. I made you some of my tea. It's the last cup I'll make for you as well since you'll only need five." Charlotte said picking up the cup. Aimee tore a piece of bread, chucking it in her mouth.

She shook her head "I'm sorry Charlotte but lately I've been feeling ill. I think it's your tea. I'm not saying it's bad, maybe an ingredient I'm reacting badly to."

Clarisse muttered to herself as she wanders around the hallway. "What was it that I had said?" She scratched her head, thinking hard. Her mother had said something and then blank.

"Look at this!" Monsieur Andre shouted, jabbing at the wall. Clarisse looked but far away, only curious as to what was going on. One of the workers inspects the spot he pointed and frowned. "I assure you that was not there before."

"Are you telling me this fungus grew by itself?" Firmin let out a groan at Andre's stupidity but said nothing else. Clarisse gasp, remembering everything. Her mother has been poisoning Aimee slowly. And if she drinks the fifth cup, she'll surely lose her vocal chords. Clarisse made a dash down the winding stairs, elbowing her way through people. She prays she's not too late.

"Just one more. I've only given you four cups." Charlotte pressed on.

"Yes, but my throat has been hurting a bit." Aimee said, backing away slowly from her. Charlotte kept pressing on but every time Aimee said no, her smile grew tighter.

"I said drink it," Charlotte pressed the cup to her.

"No!" Aimee shouted, smacking the cup. The cup flipped over, spilling the hot liquid over Charlotte's chest and arms. She screamed, dropping the cup, letting it smash to pieces. Clarisse appeared behind Charlotte, immediately running to Aimee.

"I'm so sorry. I was too late to warn you." She cried.

Aimee gently calmed her by hugging. "I'm alright. I didn't drink it." Charlotte stopped screaming, panting heavily. Her skin was burning red with liquid dripping off. Her eyes made contact with her daughter and began to lunge at her.

Suddenly, a Punjab came swinging down onto around Charlotte's neck pulling her back and up in midair. She choked, kicking her legs and gasping for air. Clarisse screamed, in horror as she tried to pull her mother free from the rope but Aimee pulled her back seeing how Charlotte tried to grab Clarisse.

Aimee held Clarisse in her arms, letting her sob as Charlotte stopped kicking, a limp body hanging in midair. Footsteps echoed through the hallway rapidly as Matt was the first to appear with Christine behind, whom were followed by guards. Christine gasp, covering her mouth with her hand when she looks up. Many followed her faze and gulped, seeing the swinging body. Matt walk around the body, crouched down to the two of them

"Come on," he said gently taking Aimee's hand. Aimee then pulled Clarisse up with her shaky hands, sheltering her head with her other arm as the three exit out of the kitchen.

Clarisse was being diagnosed by a doctor as Aimee and Matt stood in a corner, silently observing her. "What happened?" Matt asks, turning to look at his sister.

"Charlotte tried to make me drink her tea and I refused. That's when the tea spilled on her when Clarisse came in. She apologized for not warning me too soon which, I'm guessing is the tea." Aimee replied.

Matt wrapped both his arms around her; silently thanking she was not hurt. "It seems nothing has been normal ever since we came." He said looking at Clarisse.

"There has never been a normal thing here," said Aimee, except one…Her eyes wandered to the red rose that was still in perfect condition

"How is she?" Matt asks when the doctor packed his belongings, getting ready to leave.

"She's still in shock about her mother's death. I already gave her a shot calm her down. She just needs rest and comfort." Replied the doctor.

"Thank you," said Matt, escorting him out. Aimee clasps her hand in front of her and began to walk over to the bed to sit on the edge of the bed. Clarisse turn her head to look at her. She sniffed, tears forming in her eyes. Aimee hugged her, shoulders shook as she sob into her friends dress.

"If I had gotten her down-" Aimee shook her head.

"She would have choke d you." Clarisse let out a shuddering sigh, wiping her eyes.

"She was slowly poisoning you. Her tea had fungus in it to destroy your vocal chords or even worse your body. That's why I pushed over. I was trying to save you," Clarisse lean back against the bed frame, blowing her nose at the tissue Aimee gave her.

"I know," she said with a smile. Clarisse looked at her with wide eyes

"How?"

"Take a break, you're sounding a bit scratchy," Erik said lifting his hand off the organ. Aimee rubbed her throat, trying to swallow. She made a pained face, having difficulty.

"I don't know what's happening." Erik watch as her hand reach for the cup of tea, brewed by Charlotte and brought it to her lips

"No," He almost shouted, startling her. "Put that down," He said gently this time.

"What's wrong? It's chamomile tea. Charlotte made it," Aimee said.

"That's what I'm afraid of. I've been watching her closely and I found out she's been putting fungus in your tea. Chamomile tea shouldn't be a dark color. She's been trying to destroy your body I went and bough ingredients to detox the fungus out. Drink this instead," Erik said, handing his own mixture of the tea.

"You're always watching after me," Aimee said with a smile.

He smiled back, "Always," before kissing her.

Clarisse leaned back, absorbing in the news Aimee had told her. "You know the opera ghost." Aimee nodded.

"He saw what your mother had been doing. He killed her," She said. "Only out of protection and pleasure." She mumbled the last part.

"Aimee! You have to come see this," Christine said stopping at the door to catch her breath. Aimee stood up along with Clarisse as the two followed after Christine to the top floor. The three looked out the window and down below. A crowd has formed in front of the Opera House, demanding to see Aimee.

Aimee gasps but said nothing. "That's not the worst of it. They're demanding for a play."

"But we're not even ready yet," Clarisse said. The three retreated to the foyer where many dancers had also gathered to look out the window. The crowd was locked by many guards, forming a line from letting them reach inside. Heads turn to look at Aimee.

"What's happening out there?" Nicholas asks.

"They're growing impatient about Aimee not in a play. Now that she's not blind anymore," Replied Christine.

"Well," Cecile said. "Do it then. All we need is a finished play." A chorus of yeah's came from the dancers and musicians.

"The opera ghost hasn't sent us his finished plays," Monsieur Firmin said. A maid screamed, looking upwards. All followed her gaze seeing the phantom's half hidden body. He scanned the crowd and landed his eyes on Aimee.

As if he knew, he threw his hand out. Many pages of written music came fluttering down below landing in different areas.

"You have three weeks to prepare. And do impress me and the public," he said ominously. By the time the papers were collected, he was already gone. Aimee picked up the title of the play and read it.

"Is this a horror play," One of the ballet dancers asks, shuffling through the pieces.

"No," Aimee said shaking her head. "This is different. The princess does get a happy ending but with the villain. And the villain is played by Phantom."

"What are you playing at, Erik?" She asks when Aimee found him taking off his cape. "The play is…" She shook her head. "Why does the villain jump to his death? How are you going to be able to do that when you're not there?" Erik sighed but gave her a smile. He then motioned her to sit down with him. "Trust me my dear; I know what I'm doing."

The next two weeks was intense filled enduring pains, practicing the songs and choreography had taken a toll on everyone. Half had sore muscles, vocal chords and some even bled while dance. Aimee had the most work since she was the main character in the play. Clarisse had slowly gotten over her mother's death ever since she got the role of the princess sister. She had been working hard which impressed Aimee even a bit. Everyone had expected the Phantom to show up and practice but no success. Aimee performed without him, alongside with Nicholas who played as the hero.

"No, no," Christine said from the audience below. "You have to feel her pain when she gets rejected by the villain." Aimee swallowed a spit to her dry throat and nodded, requesting the maestro to start the music again. She suddenly let out a scratchy note and use hand motions to tell the maestro to stop the music.

"Alright," Christine said, seeing as how everyone was near to breaking down. "Have a break. We'll start again. The play opens up in one week everyone." Sighs of relief came from everyone has most went to drink and eat, refilling their energy to continue on. Aimee picked the side of the stage where the candles weren't lit and let her legs hang out.

Aimee rubbed the neck of her neck, massaging away the knots from her neck. Beads of sweat had formed around her forehead and rolled down to the side of her face. She had been singing and dancing for two weeks so much, she didn't get to see Erik as much as she liked.

"Feeling tired?" Christine asks, walking over to her. Aimee nodded, taking her right foot to massage it. The gown she wore was a white with soft material that flows freely when she moved.

"Don't worry, it gets better." Christine said. Someone called her name and she excused herself, leaving Aimee alone. Mme. Giry slammed her stick, startling those around her.

"Break's over!" She shouted. The last three days was hectic. There was the preparation of costumes. Many fabrics and dress maker were almost in every corner. The costumes were vibrant colors and appealing to the eyes. The princess gown was the most worked on. Aimee had to stand still for hours, trying not to move or the pins will poke her skin.

Layers of fabric surrounded the dress, making it lengthy and full. The top was cut low behind her back, and the front was topped with beautifully adorned jewels to make the dress sparkle in the light. The managers were worked up as they went over the last detail of how the lighting should work and the seating arrangements. The musicians had sore fingers and choirs were all tired since there were many pieces to practice and memorize.

Many types of scenery were painted to complete the play. But the final scene had everyone a bit wary. The stage was transformed into a high cliff, complete with a wooden make of an authentic cliff. At the center of the stage was the pit where the villain would jump and land safely below. Once the entire different scenery, sets and costumes were finished everyone was too fatigued to even move. Some had fallen asleep, too tired to even wake up.

"Alright, everyone gathered around," Monsieur Andre called. Once the crew had gathered around to hear what he had to say, Matt and Christine appeared alongside with the managers. "Tomorrow is the big day," Andre said, clapping at everyone's hard work. The applause increase long with him as many joined in, applauding for one another as well.

"I want everyone to have a good night sleep. And tomorrow, prepare yourself," Firmin said. Matt and Christine closed off the speech with a few words of encouragement and everyone was sent off to rest. Aimee had decided to wear the finale costume to her room rather than taking it off. Her arms would drop off in an instant if she had to lift them again. She gathered the soft material in her hands, trudging up the steps. The dress itself was even beautiful than the princess gown. It was designed to resemble a Grecian goddess gown. The sleeves were drooped and the soft material was transparent but not too much. The front of the gown was slit halfway to mid-thigh and shows when she moves.

Aimee dropped the costume shoes on the floor beside her and plopped on the bed. Her limbs were aching to the point of throbbing pain once in a while. Tomorrow was the opening of the play. Erik is going to be playing as the villain. She turned to the side, cupping her face with her hands.

"Quit hiding from me, Erik." She said, not once looking behind her. He appeared out of the shadows, and laid down beside her.

"Your ears are keener than your eyes," he said amused when she turn around.

"What did you think of our practice today?" She asks.

"Everyone was better than I had expected since they received so little time to rehearse." She smiled a bit. She felt her eyelids get heavier by the second but she manage to make them stay open for a while.

"Go to sleep, Mon Aimee. You will need it for tomorrow." He moves closer, giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"You do too," She mumbled sleepily, already drifting off to sleep. He gave a half smile and began to retreat back to his lair. His footsteps echoed through the dark lit corridor, but he passed the lair and continued straight. He crossed another entry, leading him to another passageway which would eventually led him to the bottom of the stage where the pit was hanging above hm. Erik knows no stagehand would ever be down here, especially when the jump happens.

He quickly set to work and began to create another hidden door below the pit where he was standing. This would lead straight to an escape route and then he would forever leave this monstrosity they call Paris and start a new life. He hummed a haunting piece from one of the songs as he set to work, careful not to make too much noise.

A frantic dancer ran through the dressing room, searching for the missing pair of her ballet slippers. A seamstress sewed in the last button on a soldier's costume and began to dress another dancer with the right costume. It was hours before the play starts and of course, the backstage was chaos. Meanwhile, Aimee stood near the curtains, peeking out.

She was half dressed with the first layer on. Her hair was also neatly curled and pinned to look more regal. Her stomach began to churn seeing as many of the seats were quickly filling up. They had all come to see her. Aimee, the Prima Donna of the Opera Populaire, starring in a play called Letters in Red. She placed a hand over her uneasy stomach and pulled the curtain to shield the audience.

"Nervous?" Christine asks behind her. Aimee nodded, leaning against the wall.

"Don't be. Just imagine you're singing to your friends and loved ones." Aimee smiles, nodding at Christine. She'll remember that advice when she goes on stage.

"Aimee, what are you doing? You are about to go on and you're not even in your costume!" Mme. Giry scolded, taking her hand to lead her back to the dressing room.

"Matt and I will be watching!" Christine called before Aimee's face disappeared in the room.

The auditorium quiet down when the lights lower and the music began to play. The curtains pulled back, revealing scenery of a royal palace. Aimee stepped out, wearing a dramatic gown that fitted her so perfectly. The audience nodded in satisfaction as she began to sing a melancholy song. She captured the audience with her emotions, especially her eyes. Aimee looked out into the audience, seeing a few smiles. But she paid no attention since she was in her own bubble.

Nicholas appeared, playing as a royal prince. Aimee could feel a few women stirring and maybe a few fans waving to calm down the heat from the cheeks when they saw Nicholas on stage. Nicholas added in his own dialogue before joining in to sing with her. The two held hands and looked deeply into each other eyes before she pulled away and off stage, leaving him alone.

"How did I do?" Aimee asks in a rush.

"Magnifique," Meg replied back, quickly rushing her friend to the changing room. Aimee remembered there would be at least six different costume changes throughout the play. How exciting, she thought wearily. Suddenly, the music changed into a fast tempo. Someone was handling the sound effects and thunder was produced as the stage scenery changed into a dark, ominous setting.

A few dancers, including Aimee, who just finished changing, came to watch what was happening. A dark figure appeared at the top of what seems to be the throne that was perched on the built staircase. A few gasps and whispers came from the audience when the figure turned around, revealing himself to be the Phantom.

Aimee peeked through the curtains, looking at all of their reactions. Many were shocked, few were confused. But above all, they were all scared. Her eyes scanned up to the Box 6 where Matt and Christine were sitting. They were confused and scared as the audience was. Few dancers behind her were whispering as well.

"I didn't think he would appear," Meg said. Her eyes were glued to the Phantom as he sang the songs he knew by heart. Although he did look menacing, the outfit he chose made him look deadly and mysterious. Aimee shook her head, her eyes hooked onto him.

"I didn't think he would either," She said softly. Her part was close coming up and she felt her hands getting sweaty. This would be the first time she would have a duet with Erik and they both know it. Aimee appeared from the side and looked alarm, while holding onto her dress. She knows this scene. The princess had suddenly found herself lost while riding in the woods and found herself in the castle of the villain. This was where the princess began to fall in love with the villain but her heart conflict to choose between two lovers.

"Who is this beauty?" Erik asks, looking at her. Aimee gasp, turning around. The two looked at each other. Not before long, Erik gave her a slow smile and began to slowly descend the stairs while singing along with the music. She took a step back, and glace up at Matt. He was beginning to stir when Erik came close to her to lay a hand on her cheek. Aimee looks back at him. His eyes were liquid, colors of passion and fire as he stared at her. He closed the space between them, giving her a kiss that a few audience members had gasped. There has never been full contact while performing. Thunder clapped and smoke appeared around him as he began to step away from her. Erik pulled the cape around, disappearing into thin air, leaving Aimee alone on the stage. She was much in shock as everyone else.

After a while, Aimee looked out into the crowd behind the curtains. They were nearing the finale scene. Her gown provided her no warmth since the material was thin. They were all intently watching the play. Aimee looked back, seeing Nicholas and Erik fought each other for the princess love. She then looks back at the choir singers and dancers. They were all mesmerized by Erik's performance. Erik stabbed Nicholas, pretending of course to Aimee's relief, and he fell back.

Aimee took in a deep breath and ran out, gasping and crying. Her feet pounded the wooden stairs that were behind the painted cliff and collapse by Nicholas' side. She sobbed as she clutch at Nicholas shirt, accidentally nipping his skin which she whispered an apology in his ear.

"Take my hand," Erik sang, offering his hand to her. She placed her own hand and he closes it, gently pulling her up. He suddenly put his arm around her, pulling her close. She frowned, but stayed in character. "We shall be together," he sang, tightening his grip on her.

"What are you doing?" She gasps, trying to pull herself away. A few dancers looked at the two confuse as they wonder what was going on. They all knew this was not part of the finale but the audience was hooked, thinking it was part of the play as they held their breath.

"Forever," he finished, kicking the trap door as the two fell into the pit. Aimee screamed, clinging onto Erik as they fell further, landing in cold water at the bottom. Raucous applause came from the audience as flowers were thrown at center stage. Everyone immediately stood up, clapping at the performance. Matt shouted his sister's name and race out of the box and toward backstage.

Aimee kicked her feet and came up to the surface, gasping and sputtering for air. She glanced up, hearing the echoes of the cheering. Nicholas had awakened and looked down below, shouting her name. She felt a pair of hands grab her, pulling her out of the water.

"What kind of stunt was that, Erik?" She yelled, standing in a puddle of water that was pooling at her feet. Erik said nothing as he dropped his cape and took out an extra mask from his shirt before tossing both into the water. He then looked at her and took off the tiara and tosses it into the water where it landed on top of the cape.

"Erik what is going on?" Aimee asks when he didn't answer. Above the stage, the cheering and applaud stopped when Matt appeared, yelling for her name. Erik looked up, and took her hand and ran away from the noise.

"Erik!" Aimee shouted, trying to pull back. "You're not answering me." He pulled her through a hidden that led them to the lair. Matt had jumped and landed in the water, along with a few guards behind him.

"I'm running away. To Italy. To start a new life. I feel I have a burden when I'm here. To force to live into hiding for what's so shameful of my face!" Erik said frustrated.

"Then why didn't you?" She asks softly. He turn to face her, his face softened.

"Because I want to ask you if you want to come." Sounds of shouting came from outside of the lair as Matt barked at them to find Aimee. Aimee felt her heart pumped faster as her breathing quicken.

"What?" She asks.

"I can't be with you if I'm forced to live like this. I need to be with you at all times. And to marry you."

"Marry?" She asks shakily. Purse rush of excitement came through her from what he said.

"Yes, Mon Aimee," He said thickly, while cupping the side of her face. "Marry." He confirmed.

"What about my brother? And Christine?" He shook his head.

"You can contact them when the news of my death and your disappearance or both died down. But I'm asking you, Aimee. Do you want to come with me? To live your life with me without regrets?" Silence exchanged between as Erik looked into her eyes, patiently waiting for an answer.

"You could have asked after the performance was over." Aimee said, smiling. Erik smiled and snaked his arms around her.

"Well, you know I like to end it with a spark," He said, angling his head to kiss her. "I've got everything prepared on a ship," he said, taking her hand to lead them to an opposite opening passageway.

"Wait, what about my stuff and clothes?" Aimee ask, stopping halfway through the door.

"The monthly payment that the managers always give me, I've been saving it up. You can get new clothes. You've got nothing to worry about."

"Hold on," She said again. Aimee turned around, taking on final look. Although it was her dream to perform on stage and many times she had done it, it seems it was time for her to quit. Her eyes began to water as she hears Matt calling her name. It'll be painful to leave without saying goodbye. The friends she made and the memories she had with the opera Populaire that she had called home. But she promised to herself she'll write Matt a letter as soon as possible, explaining everything. She took one final look at the beautiful haunting lair and followed Erik through the passageway as it close behind them.

"How did it end papa?" Evangeline asks, looking up at her father's face with wide innocent eyes.

"Well," He said, adjusting his position in the chair. "The play was successful. The Opera Ghost was claimed dead or disappeared. But most believed he was killed-"

"Is that what you claimed what happened to yourself?" Both heads swiveled to the side to see an amused Aimee grinning. She leans against the door frame and cross her arms with one eyebrow raised at Erik.

"Slightly fabricated," Erik shrugged innocently. Evangeline slid down to run into her mother's arm, giggling in the process.

"How did it exactly end then," She asks.

"Well," Aimee said, trying to remember what exactly happened. "We escaped to Italy so we can raise you in peace." It was a hard decision for Aimee to leave her brother and Christine behind. It had been over six years since her disappearance. She had written Matt a letter telling him she was still alive and well, living in Italy with Erik. However, Matt, being stubborn, decided to meet who Erik was and was close to punching him for kidnapping his sister he spent all his life searching.

He nearly had a heart attack seeing who it was. It took a while for him to completely accept Erik but once Evangeline was born, he accepted Erik and decided to move to Italy, leaving the past behind them with their first born son, Christopher. They all knew Evangeline shouldn't grow up to be ashamed of her father's appearance so Matt decided to pay for Erik's surgery to reconstruct his face.

It wasn't easy nor was the healing process was better but Erik's face was finally restored. He can go out in public and no one would ever know who he was in his past life. Ever since leaving France, Aimee has heard Clarisse has been chosen as the Prima Donna after Aimee's death. The Opera house was still bringing in new audience who love Clarisse, which Aimee was happy to know about.

After settling Evangeline into bed, she steps out onto the balcony, overlooking the night city of Venice. The people were friendly wherever she went. It took her a while to adjust the language but since Erik was fluent, she didn't have to struggle to find the right word to talk to anyone. Aimee looked down to her left hand where the ring reflected against the moonlight.

"Having second thoughts?" Erik said behind her.

"Maybe," She said playfully, smiling in the process. His hands cupped her face and Aimee turn to face him, her body turning to him as well.

"Are you happy?" Aimee asks.

"I've always been." He said softly, giving her a kiss. And for the first time, he didn't lie.

A/n: How about that! I'm so happy the story has come to an end. Though there were times I wanted to stop writing but i didn't because you guys encouraged me to continue and here we are! *sniffles* It's now time to start a new story! Woooooooooo