Disclaimer: The Phantom of the Opera does not belong to me (though I think if it were up to him, he wouldn't belong to anyone), only my own characters do.

Author's Note:

Glad you decided to stick around for the sequel or the next installment of the Phantom of the Opera's continuing adventures. As you can see from the title, this will revolve around families. Whose families? Read and find out.

Thanks to all who have read and reviewed; the more you review, the faster I write the next chapter. Now, on with the story.

PotG: Family Ties

Chapter 1

At the Opera

"Who wants to do the honors?"

"Not me, the place flooded when I did it."

"Cyd?"

"Pass."

"Fine, I will," Erik frowned and turned the knob.

"Hey, we have cold water," Tavlyn grinned.

"Of course we do laddie, that's from the lake," the dwarf frowned. "Try the hot."

Tavlyn made ready to run as Erik reached for the other knob. The knob turned and the water coming from the faucet began to give off a bit of steam. "I think we have success," Erik smirked.

"I'm not calling this a success till we know it can be shut off," Cyd rumbled.

"Here goes," Erik sighed and turned the knobs back to the off position.

"Hey, not even a drip," Tavlyn said still watching from safe distance. "So does the drain work?"

"Drain?" the other three said simultaneously and looked at each other.

"Don't tell me that the three of you forgot to put in a drain," he groaned.

Erik dropped his head and covered his eyes in embarrassment. The dwarf looked away and tried to appear innocent of any wrong doing. Cyd turned to the wall and hit his head against it, hard.

"Lunch time," Meg said brightly as she entered the Lair by her mother's passage.

"Hey, food's here," Tavlyn said coming out of Erik's bedroom.

"Hi Tavlyn," Meg smiled, blushing slightly at seeing the Alve with his shirt open.

"Ah good, I'm famished," the dwarf said as he emerged with the others. "Did you happen to bring any ale Lassie?"

"Of course, how could I forget?" Meg laughed setting the basket and a bucket of ale down on the table.

"If I wasn't married and you were a dwarf, I'd take you home with me lassie," the dwarf chuckled.

"Hey, I thought I was the one who's supposed to be flirting with the young lady," Tavlyn grinned at the dwarf.

"Then what are ye doing just standing there laddie?" the dwarf chuckled. "Start on with the compliments."

"Hello Erik," Meg smiled as Erik and Cyd emerged. "And hello to you too Monsieur Cyd."

"Mademoiselle," Cyd replied with a nod of his head.

"Good afternoon Meg," Erik said as he dusted off his trousers.

"I brought lunch," she said brightly, indicating the food she'd set out on the table.

"And far prettier company as well," Tavlyn grinned. "I was getting right sick of looking at those three."

"You can leave any time you wish Tavlyn," Erik replied. "Granted that won't get you into my private box."

"Meg," Tavlyn smiled. "Never, ever make a deal with anyone who's part goblin."

The dwarf laughed heartily at the Elf. "You just don't know how to bargain laddie," he chuckled.

"He's right Tavlyn," Cyd smiled.

"See how they gang up on me Meg," he said and went down on one knee. "Would a pretty lass such as yourself take pity and rescue this poor one-eyed soldier?"

Erik covered his eyes, now embarrassed to call Tavlyn a friend and also to keep himself from laughing out loud at the Elf's behavior. The dwarf just shook his head and chuckled to himself. Cyd on the other hand, was doing an excellent job of completely ignoring Tavlyn, something that came with knowing the man for so long.

"I would, but I don't think my mother would permit it," Meg giggled.

"Yes," Erik chuckled, "the Opera doesn't allow performers who live on premise to keep pets."

The dwarf and Cyd both started laughing and Tavlyn blushed.

"Don't take it so hard," Meg smiled and kissed his cheek. "Would you like to have dinner with just me later?"

"It would be an honor," he smiled with a twinkle in his eye.

"Erik, it amazes me that someone as brilliant as you can be so messy," Meg stated putting her hands on her hips. "Do you ever pick up around here?"

"What mess? I know exactly where everything is down here," he replied.

"Well do you really want to bring S'ray down here? I remember how neat her house was," Meg frowned.

The group was silent for several moments, each of them looking about the lair and trying not to make any judgments. "Well, laddie, the place could do with a bit of tidying up and a good sweep as we've managed to get stone dust over a good portion of it," the dwarf finally said.

"Not to mention the water issue," Tavlyn added.

"Really Tavlyn?" Erik asked, defensively crossing his arms over his chest. "How am I supposed to get rid of a natural lake? There are 5 springs that feed it and that's what I've been able to find."

"I meant the flood from the tub, you know the one you geniuses forgot to put the drain in," the Alve smirked.

"Well, maybe it could use a good dusting," Erik sighed.

"Then it's settled," Meg beamed, "I'll start after supper tonight."

"But I thought we were having supper together," Tavlyn objected.

"Well, after we have supper you can bring me back down here and help as well," she smiled and batted her eyelashes at him. "Please Tavlyn, it would mean so much to me."

"All right, I'll help," he sighed.

"I'll see you later," she smiled and left the way she came.

"You must really like her Tavlyn," Cyd said after the young woman had left.

"Why do you say that?" the Alve asked.

"Because she didn't have to cry to get her way with you," the dragon smirked.

Erik smirked as he hid in the shadows of the flies. He was back in his domain again. Repairs had been done quiet well; the vampire had spared no expense in restoring the opera. The only place you could tell had been repaired had been the stage where the wood at the front was quit a bit lighter than that farther back.

He looked over at the chandelier; it looked as it had for years. Only now he could see a few places where it had been fixed after its plunge to the stage several months ago. Looking down at the stage he frowned, he'd recognize that voice anywhere – Carlotta. He slipped into one of his hidden passages and moved closer to hear what was going on.

"My-a return to the-a Opera will be glorious," Carlotta arrogantly proclaimed to Andre and Firmin. "Now-a that the-a no-talent rat and ghost are-a gone."

The managers looked at each other and shrugged, neither wanted to tell the hot tempered Italian that the Opera Ghost was indeed back.

Erik's frown quickly turned into a smirk, he'd soon show the former diva just how "gone" he was. He swiftly turned into another passage that was a short-cut to the flies and watched Carlotta walk out onto his stage.

A rope was quickly loosened as he watched her warm up. The first few shrill notes were barely out of her mouth before a backdrop came crashing down almost on top of her. Andre and Firmin rushed to assist the Italian to her feet.

"You idiots!" she shrieked. "That wasn't funny! Who did that?"

"Oh, we're so sorry," Andre stammered.

"The rope must have been loose," Firmin added.

Suddenly the auditorium was filled with laughter.

The trio on stage quieted. The managers looked around for the source of the voice, fearing it was indeed the opera ghost back to wreck his vengeance upon them.

"Who's there?" Carlotta demanded.

"Come now," the voice boomed. "Don't you remember me?"

"It's-a him, the Opera Ghost!" the former diva snarled. "You fools, you said he was-a gone!"

"Not true," Firmin replied defensively.

"Exactly," Andre nodded. "We only said that we hadn't personally heard from him ourselves."

"If you're planning a return, it should be for home Madame. You will never perform on my stage again," the Phantom's voice boomed above them.

"How dare you," Carlotta hissed.

"Your voice was barely passable six years ago when you started here and time has not sweetened it," he replied.

"Senora please," Andre cautioned.

"Yes, please leave," Erik boomed from his hiding place in the flies.

"Never have I been so insulted before," she snarled, righting her hat.

"Is that so?" Erik chuckled. "I wasn't even trying to insult you. Shall I try harder Madame?"

"Oh go to hell you damned ghost," Carlotta spat.

"Already been there, didn't care much for it before the devil himself threw me out," Erik replied. "But now that I'm back, I thought I'd give you a taste of it should you be foolish enough to set foot upon my stage again."

"That's it, I'm leaving. Bye-bye," Carlotta snarled as she stormed off the stage.

"Leaving so soon?" Erik chuckled. "We were just becoming re-acquainted."

Andre and Firmin looked at each other, both unsure if they should follow the former diva or not. They heard the Italian call to her entourage and then tromp to the front lobby. The managers sighed and turned to go after her.

"And what do you think you two are doing?" the Phantom asked in the suddenly quite auditorium.

"La Carlotta, she seems to be upset," Andre stuttered.

"Yes, we were going to try and calm her," Firmin finished.

"Leave her be, you'll only be feeding her over-blown ego anyway," the Phantom said.

"But," Andre interjected.

"I said let her go before you're let go," Erik said with a frown.

"Yes, yes sir," Firmin stammered.

"Is there anything we can do for you?" Andre asked.

"Yes, any messages about this morning's rehearsal?" Firmin asked.

"No, I've already sent my recommendations to Madame Giry and Monsieur Reyer," the Phantom replied. "You may go gentlemen, I will let you know if there is anything required of you."

Erik grinned as he watched Andre and Firmin scurry off the stage like two mice that had just spotted the cat stalking them. He moved back into the passage and began making his way back down to the lair. It was getting close to dinner time and the Giry's would be joining them for dinner. After that Meg was going to test out the new conveniences of the bathroom to make sure everything was functioning as it should.

"Now," Cyd said as he sat in the chair across from Erik. "A glamour is the simplest magic you can learn."

Erik nodded.

"Remove your mask Erik," the dragon said.

"But. . ."

"It's only you and I and I want you to learn without the safety net of the mask," he replied. "Now close your eyes and feel the magic in the water and rocks around us, the magic in the moss and slime growing on those same rocks."

"I can feel it Cyd," Erik replied.

"Good, now remove the mask," Cyd instructed.

Erik did as he was asked and laid the mask on the table.

"Picture yourself as you want mortals to see you," the dragon continued. "Hold that image and put it on as you would a mask."

The man nodded and did as he told. "I've done that, now what?" he asked.

"Why don't you look in a mirror and tell me," Cyd replied.

Erik opened his eyes and quirked an eyebrow at Cyd before he rose and went to a mirror. Pulling aside the curtain, he studied his reflection closely. "Passable, but not perfect," he finally declared still looking at his reflection. "S'ray did much better."

"It is much better than last time," the dragon said approaching him from behind. "And you must remember, S'ray was raised with magic and has used it on a daily basis since she was a child. You're an adult and are just starting to learn."

"That's true, but I'm still not going to be happy with anything less than perfection," Erik replied.

"Now," Cyd said clapping him on the shoulder. "Let's see how long you can hold this while doing something else. Play some music Erik; I understand you can become quite lost in it at times."

"Very well," he nodded and went over to the organ.

Dear Mother and Father,

You won't believe what happened. I met a man I really love. His name is Erik and he's . . . he's . . .

S'ray growled in frustration and crumpled the paper up and it joined it's fellows in a growing pile on the floor. "I'm in love with the Phantom of the Opera, how do I tell my parents that?" she groaned leaning back in the chair.

Dear Mother and Father,

You won't believe what happened. I'm in love with a man. He's part Alve, part human and part goblin.

She sat up and looked over what she'd written. "Oh yeah, that will have them charging over here when they see goblin," she sighed crumpling up the paper and tossing it.

Dear Mother and Father,

You won't believe what happened. I'm in love with a man. His name is Erik and he's a brilliant musician, a master magician (the mortal kind) and an architect.

"Well, that is true," she smiled.

He's very kind and gentle and loves me very much.

"Also true," she grinned.

I met him in the forest; he was lost in a February storm. We became good friends and on Beltane we realized we had fallen in love.

"So far so good," S'ray said taking a deep breath before continuing.

I should tell you that Erik is not perfect. He has his physical flaws just like Tereste did. The difference with Erik is that he was raised with humans and displayed in a Gypsy Carnival because of those flaws. His imperfections are not as bad as he makes them out to be, but he is very sensitive about them and wears a mask on his face to cover them most of the time.

Erik has led a hard life from the moment he was born. His mother took one look at him and did not want him, but a priest told her it would be a mortal sin to let her child die. She took care of his physical needs, but never loved him. It was also his mother that forced him to wear his first mask; she claimed she couldn't stand to look at him otherwise. He ran away from home at a young age and was taken by Gypsies who put him on display as I mentioned earlier. Erik killed his keeper for reasons he hasn't revealed yet and was befriended by a young girl who helped hide him for several years.

This wonderful man has wandered through much of Europe, Asia, and Arabia; at every turn men have tried to take advantage of him and mold him to what they thought he should be because of his imperfections. I won't lie to you; Erik has done some terrible things in his life just to survive this world. But all the things in his past don't matter to me. I love the man he is now, even though at times he tells me that he doesn't deserve that love.

I'm not writing you to ask permission to be with this man. I'm writing you to tell you that I am with this man. I've been wed and widowed already and do not need your permission according to our laws. I want you to know how happy I am with Erik. He makes me feel things I haven't felt since Tereste was alive. Erik has given me the most precious thing he has to give, his heart and I have given him mine. Please be happy for us.

Kiss my younger sisters for me and hug all my brothers. I miss you all and look forward to seeing you again one day.

Love,

S'ray Nightstar Dragon-Friend

"There, that looks good," she smiled. "I'll have Erik look it over and see if I should change it at all."

S'ray wrapped her arms around herself and pulled the shirt close as well. "I miss you lover," she sighed into the fabric that still held his scent. "Come home soon."

Erik lay in his velvet covered bed staring up at the ceiling. Even though his body felt dead tired, he just couldn't get to sleep. He missed S'ray and the feeling of her body pressed against his. Tonight was the same as the last 4 nights, he'd toss and turn and missing S'ray before finally falling asleep utterly exhausted. To be quite truthful, Erik was surprised that he was able to get anything accomplished during the day and still be civil toward everyone that was helping him.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath; he released it slowly and pictured S'ray in bed next to him. He remembered the feel of her against his side; her arm and leg wrapped possessively around him while her head rested on his shoulder. The Phantom smiled and relaxed further into the bed, he could almost smell her honeysuckle perfume now.

He grabbed one of the many pillows in bed and put it against his side. That felt better, he turned to his side and put his arm around the pillow. It still wasn't S'ray, but it was easier to imagine her lying against his body now. Erik pulled the blanket further up and finally drifted off to sleep.

S'ray sighed as she set down the dish towel. The house was too quiet and too empty. She hadn't realized it, but she'd become accustomed to Erik's presence there and hearing him play either the piano or violin in the evening. Even the repeated measures and verses of composing were a welcome sound in the house.

She went into the study at sat down at the piano. The Elf placed her hands on the keys and pressed several of them. No, it wasn't the same as when Erik played, he just put so much life and passion into music. She smiled, music was his own kind of magic and he didn't even know it. Using music he had to power to enthrall mortals and immortals alike. She knew first hand how his voice could seduce and capture her senses; he put it to good use several times when they made love.

"Is he back?" Luniana suddenly squeaked as she flew into the room.

"No Luniana, it's just me," S'ray replied as the Pixie landed before her.

"Do you miss him too?" she squeaked.

"Very much," S'ray sighed pressing a few more keys.

"Well, that was a short week," Brandji said as he climbed onto the desk. "Hey, he's not here."

"Yeah," Brule agreed jointing Brandji. "Who was playing the piano?"

"It was just me," S'ray sighed.

"Don't go scaring me like that," Brandji said. "I thought ugly came back early."

"Brandji," S'ray scolded the brownie.

"What?" he asked cocking his head to one side.

"Erik is not ugly," the Alve frowned.

"Well, he's not a Brownie, so he's ugly," Brandji reasoned.

"Dumb Brownie," Luniana chirped.

"Now listen here, you empty-headed, coffee-addicted, sex-fiend," Brandji started. "I am in charge and when I am in charge. . ."

"Stop it Brandji," S'ray snapped, not wanting to listen to yet another argument between the two.

Luniana remained silent and just stuck her tongue out at the Brownie.

"Thank you for bringing me back," Erik said bowing politely to the dragon.

"You're welcome," Cyd rumbled. "I will return in 4 weeks time to help you finish."

"Thank you again," Erik smiled as the great dragon leaped into the air again.

"Farewell for now Erik," the silver dragon called back in the night.

"Farewell Cyd," the Phantom replied as he turned and went to the house in the glen that he now called home. He easily worked the new locks he'd installed on the door before leaving for a week in Paris and the opera.

The house was quiet, everyone was already asleep. Erik removed his cloak and hung it on the peg in the mud room. He moved into the kitchen and saw both Brownies asleep in the empty egg basket. A brief glance at table and counters showed that S'ray had been very busy putting up food for the winter while he was gone.

He loosened his cravat as he climbed the stairs and then silently opened the door to his room. Erik lit the single lamp on his wash stand and proceeded to get ready for bed. The cravat was folded and laid on the dressing table. His waistcoat was hung back in the armoire. Shirt, trousers and socks were tossed into the wicker clothes hamper while his shoes were placed next to the armoire. He poured water into the basin and quickly washed up from his ride home. Then he slipped on a robe and tied it loosely before making out the light once more.

Erik opened the door that connected his room to the main bedroom. The fire was out, but he could plainly see Ayesha curled up on the bed in his place next to S'ray. He went over to the bed, picked up the sleeping cat and deposited her in her basket next to the fireplace. Then he took his rightful place on the bed next to his lover.

His fingers gently traced her lips before he bent down and whispered, "I'm home love. Your Erik has returned to you."

She moaned softly in her sleep and turned toward his voice, her lips quirked upward in the beginnings of a smile.

Erik turned his head and kissed her waiting lips.

S'ray sighed and her eyes fluttered open. "Erik?" she murmured sleepily, trying to focus on the man in bed with her.

"Mmm, I should hope so," he smiled sitting up again. "Did you miss me?"

"Every minute," she sighed yawning. "Are you coming to bed?"

"I should think so," he smirked.

"Not like that you're not," she frowned.

"Of course not," he replied untying the robe and shrugging out of it. "Better?"

"No," she pouted and turning on her side, faced away from him.

"What?" he asked puzzled.

"You should know," she replied and pulled the covers over her shoulders again.

Erik sat there puzzled for several minutes. He couldn't fathom what he had done to upset her already, he was barely home. Feeling a headache coming on, he brought his hand to his face and grimaced as he came in contact with his mask. He cursed himself silently, he'd become accustomed to wearing it all the time in the lair and had forgotten to remove it before coming to bed.

He removed the cursed thing and placed it on the bedside table. The he slid beneath the bedclothes and lay on his back next to her, not sure if his touch and embrace would be welcome at this moment. He lay there silently for several minutes, listening to her and knowing that she wasn't asleep either by the sound of her breathing.

Finally he took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry S'ray."

"Is it off?" she asked.

"Yes," he sighed, still kicking himself for not remembering.

She turned back over to face him. "You've been gone for a whole week and the first look at you I get is that damned mask over me in the dark. Erik you're lucky I didn't punch you, you know I hate that thing on you in here."

"I'm sorry love," he whispered, turning toward her. "I just became so used to wearing it most of the time again that I forgot I even had it on. Can you forgive a very stupid man?"

"No," she replied.

Erik frowned and looked up at her; her face was graced with an impish grin now.

"You have to earn my forgiveness," she smirked running her hand down his bare chest.

"Earn it?" he asked, now knowing that he was forgiven because she was playing games with him.

"Uh-huh," she sighed moving into his arms. "I think you know what you need to do."

"And what is that love?" he asked, finally wrapping his arms around her.

"Mmm, be wicked with me," S'ray smiled and kissed him.

"Wicked eh?" Erik smirked as she continued kissing him.

"Oh, how I missed you," she smiled pausing her affections long enough to look him in the eyes. "This bed was too big and too cold without you here."

"You won't have to miss me for long S'ray," he replied. "I'm almost ready to bring you to the lair. One more week of work like this one and everything will be ready for you."

"So did you get rid of the dummy?" she asked pushing him onto his back.

"Which one?" he asked, now in a playful mood as well.

"You know damned well which one Erik Destler," she growled and playfully smacked his chest.

"We took her back to her husband well over a month ago," he grinned.

"The wax version, you horrible man," she laughed sitting up.

"Aww," he groaned in disappointment.

"What?" she asked now puzzled.

"You're wearing that nightshirt again," he replied.

"Did you expect me to be naked and waiting for you in our bed?" she asked.

"That would have been nice," he grinned.

"The dummy Erik, what did you do with it?" she asked bringing him back to the original conversation.

"I kept the dummy, but got rid of the head. How's that?" he asked.

"You had better not have put a different head on it," she scolded shaking a finger at him.

"It's merely what it was before love," he sighed, "a dress form and nothing more. Plus I re-sized it to your measurements; I thought if I had a sudden inspiration for something for you to wear that it would come in handy."

"You sew?" she asked surprised.

"Of course I can sew. Do you remember seeing any holes or tears in my clothes when I arrived here?" he asked.

"I thought you sent all your mending out, that's all," S'ray replied.

"Well I never planned on having a wife that would be there to do it for me, so I had to learn how to do it myself," Erik explained twining the fingers of one hand with hers. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," she smiled and leaning down, kissed his marred cheek.

"And I missed your touch," he said pulling her close to his chest. "I could hardly wait to wrap my arms around you once more."

"I missed you so much that I wore one of your dirty shirts the other day just because it smelled like you," S'ray said breathing deep his scent. "Mmm, you're solid and real."

"Of course I am," he whispered combing his fingers through her hair. "And I certainly did not like going to an empty bed at night."

"Kiss me Erik," she said breathily.

"My pleasure S'ray," he replied and rolling them over, claimed her lips in a kiss.

"Oh Erik," she cooed as he placed feathery kisses on her throat.

"I love you," he smiled moving to lie on his side again.

"Mmm, I love you too," she sighed snuggling close to him.

"From what I saw in the kitchen you were busy while I was gone," he said pulling the bedclothes up around them.

"Well, we've got another mouth to feed," she said sleepily.

"Pardon?" he asked, eyes growing wide. "I thought you said that you wouldn't get pregnant unless we both wanted it."

"Silly man," she smiled. "You are the other mouth to feed."

Erik sighed in relief.

"And what does that mean?" she asked.

"What?"

"That relieved sound you just made."

"I'm happy you're not pregnant," he replied.

"Oh, so you don't want children now," S'ray frowned.

"I never said that, I'm just relieved for the time being," he said defensively.

"And how long is that going to last?" she asked.

The Phantom groaned inwardly, he really didn't want to fight right now and certainly not about this. "S'ray, I didn't mean it the way it may have sounded," he explained.

"Then what did you mean?" she asked narrowing her eyes.

"I don't know, I'm exhausted and I'm not thinking straight. It's just that with so much going on right now, a baby would cause a major change of plans and I'm not sure I'm ready or capable of being a proper father right now," he replied and then yawned.

"Alright, you're off the hook because you're tired," she smiled brushing his unruly hair from his eyes.

"I'm exhausted love," he corrected pulling the blanket up over his shoulders and pulling her close again.

"Then goodnight," she sighed and kissed him. "I'll see you in the morning."

Erik only mumbled in reply. He was back in his bed with his lover and already half-asleep. She smiled and closing her eyes, settled into his embrace and sleep.

Author's End Note:

Coming up in Chapter 2 – Meet the Sister

Guess who drops in for a little surprise visit?