Disclaimer: I don't own Phantom. I wish I did though...

AN: This takes place... during the movie. Basically in the time when the Phantom disappears before the masquerade.


The Hunt

Chapter 1: Buy Me A Killer


"You're joking." Scythe's eyes had no humor in them.

"Not at all" Andre cried.

"Please! We beg of you" Firmin chimed in.

"We need you" Scythe paid little attention. The men were fools. But what they suggested...

"Very well...And why not" an amused chuckle sounded. "Who better to kill a ghost...than a demon" The assassin ran one finger down a shining blade. "That is why you summoned me, is it not"

The two managers looked uneasily at each other.

"Yes" Firmin said finally.

"And my fee" Scythe's eyes flashed beneath the darkness of a hood.

"Yes... A hundred thousand..." he swallowed at the massive sum"For the head of the Phantom on a platter."

"Monsieur Firmin! I must object" Madame Giri cried suddenly.

"Object all you want, Madame, but this Phantom must be destroyed! He is terrorizing our performers! If he is not stopped"

"But kill him? Such cruelty is uncalled for! It is monstrous"

"Madame, if you disagree so strongly, then I suggest you leave"

"She has a point" Scythe said casually. Both of the managers froze at the sound of the icy voice.

"Sh-she does" Andre asked timidly. The assassin shrugged.

"Indeed. Killing such a phantom would be a pleasure, of course, but catching him alive... that would be a fine game."

"It...would" The assassin's hooded head turned in distaste.

"Any imbecile can kill a man, Andre" the last word emerged as little more than a hiss. The hood turned to face Madame Giri. "Is this suitable" The woman nodded. "Very well. I will begin tomorrow." Scythe stood fluidly. "If you have no other business with me, I bid you adieu."