I know I am already writing two stories right now, but I needed to get this one out of my head before I either exploded or spontaneously combusted. And it's either going to be a one-shot (I'll see how far I get and how much inspiration I receive) or a super short... series. If it is a "series", it's not going to be any longer than three chapters. Anyway, in this story I don't refer to the Phantom of the Opera as "Erik". I just think it detracts from the story and it's feelings... Don't know why, I, as the Author, just think it does. So I will refer to him as "Opera Ghost", "the masked man", "Red Death", "the Phantom of the Opera", or simply "Him". I will capitalize the "H" so you know when I am speaking of... well.. Him! ;) Besides, Christine never knows his real name is "Erik" and this is from her POV so it makes total sense! Enjoy! And I know it's short. It's kind of supposed to be.

The Foul Taste of Murder

Christine heard footsteps. She looked up from her father's candle and saw Raoul's handsome face looking back at her.

"Christine, it is now or never!" Raoul exclaimed.

"Raoul, I just do not know what I wish anymore... What if nothing goes as planned? What if he kidnaps me again? We will be parted forever, Raoul! I cannot bear that thought! Please, do not make me do this!" Christine was on the verge of tears. She was scared of the masked man, yet she also admired him. She did not know if she loved him or hated him. But for now, the only thoughts running through Christine's mind were that of being kidnapped. If she were, she knew she would never return.

"I assure you! Nothing will go wrong! Christine, please! Do it for me! Do it for all of those lives that have yet to be lost by his hand!" Raoul pressured.

"What if I do not wish to do this? What if I cannot bear the thought of killing a man in cold-blood? Why can't we just run-away instead?"

"And leave all of those other innocent girls much like you to his mercy? Christine, please! I am begging you! Do you not trust me?"

"I trust you Raoul..."

"Then you will do as I ask."

Christine thought about it some more. She wished she could refuse, but she knew she had no choice.

"Alright, Raoul. I will perform tonight."

Christine stood off-stage watching Piangi perform, her heart racing, not because of the crowd, for Christine had overcome that fear long ago, but for her future. His future...

Suddenly, a little too quickly, it was Christine's cue. She walked onto the stage singing her part beautifully and completely stunning the crowd. Finishing easily, she stopped to examine the flower just like rehearsed. She waited for Piangi to re-enter the stage and sing his part. She heard footsteps and awaited Piangi's voice. What she heard instead, was a voice beyond description. A voice she had heard somewhere before... I know this voice, she thought. Then, with a jolt of terror, she realized who it was. Looking up, she found she was right. Him... she thought. The Phantom of the Opera stood in the shoes of Don Juan, playing the part perfectly. Christine suddenly felt excited yet terrified at the same time. But his angelic voice quickly washed away the terror.

He finished his part beautifully and Christine found herself singing again. Quickly looking at Raoul to make sure he was there, she began the climb to the bridge, Red Death stalking her on the other side. They both reached the top and began singing in unison. She allowed him to flip her around and into his arms, silently enjoying it, for this was supposed to be the last time she would ever be with him.

The song ended, yet the Opera Ghost still sang. With a jolt, Christine realized he was singing "All I Ask of You". He flipped her back around, making eye-contact. She silently prepared herself mentally for what she was to do next: un-mask him.

"Christine! That's-" His song was cut short by a loud "BANG!". Immediately, the audience broke into a state of panic and chaos while Christine made the horrible realization that he had just been shot by one of the Policemen. Gasping, he staggered backwards, his hands holding his stomach were already turning red with the crimson color of blood. It appeared at his lips as well and dribbled down to his chin.

Christine had no idea what to do so she stood gaping at the horrible scene before her.

The last words ever spoken by the Opera Ghost, and words that would haunt Christine for eternity, were now choked out.

"Why?" He asked painfully, "I loved you... And you betrayed me..." And with that, Red Death tripped over the banister and struck the ground with a crunch. Blood already pooled around the dead body and Christine couldn't believe what she had just done, the foul taste of murder and betrayal resting on her tongue.

Alright so this is going to be a "mini-series" if you will! The chapters will be short, just so you know, but they will be good so stay tuned! Tell your POTO friends about it! And it would mean the WORLD to me if you would review! Remember, I am still writing "Back to the Beginning" so don't forget to stay tuned for that as well! Yes, I wrote it short. It was supposed to be. Hope it leaves you hanging!