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A/N: I don't own Erik, The Phantom of the Opera, any characters that are familiar to you, the Opera Populaire, the movies, the musical, or the music. Don't sue me. Please.
Chapter 1 – Discovering Mortality
Erik ran blindly. Not seeing what was ahead of him or below his feet, all he saw was images of what he had just left behind. His beloved Opera House on fire. Christine with tears streaming down her face – tears of fear for Raoul's ominous fate. Christine's turned back as she walked away from him for the last time. They seemed to haunt him, jeer at him, chase him until he was delirious with guilt and endless pain.
The streets of nocturnal Paris were unfamiliar and confusing as Erik lost himself within the narrow alleys. The familiar insistent voice in his head mocked him. Why are you running from your imminent fate? Do you not know you are getting your just due? Monster! You cannot hide from your deeds. Underneath that disgusting face you are still a mere mortal! You of all people should know: you do not deserve special treatment. No man is immune from consequences of his actions. Is this not what you wanted? How many times have you tried to destroy yourself? How many times have others tried to destroy you? Why not meet your end now? Does it matter that it will be at the hands of others?
But a strange, unfamiliar feeling had taken over. It is natural to strive for survival; it is a characteristic of all living things. Something had awakened in him that refused to lose, to give up. After a lifetime of wishing for the means to an end, he suddenly had a powerful desire to keep living. Lungs aching, ears ringing with cries of "Murderer!", Erik tried to force himself to keep going, but his body refused to cooperate. Once again reminded that he was a mere mortal, Erik felt his legs collapse underneath him as the darkness overtook him.