Disclaimer: Do not own anything. I own nothing, nill, zip, nada!

To my wonderful reviewers: Thank you! Wow, I was so surprised when I came home from a soccer game to 6 reviews. I was like "Whoa! Awesome! They actually like it!"

Nota Lone: yeah, that typo, i have nooooooo clue why on earth it turned out 3/4. it was supposed to be "..." but whatever. computers are weird, don't get me started.

intoxicatedbyerik'smusic: of course i'm going to update. but...you might be a bit ready to punjab me after this huddles in corner hiding from flying ropes i'm so glad you liked it, and that you think its worthy of update!

computerfreak101: i wish erik would kill raoul too, but for now we need him. conflict, you know, can't have a good story without it. Bash Raoul!

Now on with the story!

Hangman

"No! You can't!"

Both men had been slowly circling each other, looking for an opportunity to strike. Raoul had finally remembered to hold his hand up near his eyes, though at the distance he kept it, it was hardly helpful. But, at Christine's outburst, they both halted, stepping back and turning to star at her. After all, she had been unusually quiet, so quiet, in fact, that they had momentarily forgotten her presence.

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"Who is she talking to?" Raoul mused. "Surely she must be talking to that monster; she would have to be mad to defend its life!" Aloud he proclaimed, "Do not fear for me, Christine, I am an expert swordsman, that creature shall not harm me."

XXXXX

"Oh Christine, this is what you meant. Am I done killing? When the Vicomte comes to rescue you, will I leave him be and let him walk off with the only one who respects my menial existence?" The pain in Erik's eyes reflected these thoughts for only a moment before his face became expressionless once again. Was it not enough that he didn't have a complete heart to begin with? Did she have to keep breaking it again and again, blow after blow? "Christine¼ why?" He whispered brokenly. He had no life worth living, and no desire to subject himself to more pain in the future. His eyes and thoughts turned to the noose in his hand. But before he could continue that thought process, Christine spoke again.

"Raoul, I do not fear for your safety. My angel loves me, and he wouldn't want to hurt me.

"My friend, would you truly kill Erik to ensure a life of happiness for you with the woman you love?" Christine forced an eagerness into her voice, hoping to elicit the truest answer from Raoul, knowing he would say it if he thought she would like it.

"My love, I would certainly destroy this nuisance to have you! A creature such as he does not even deserve life!"

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Erik's heart continued its descent, and his spirit sank even lower at her words. She did not love him. For God's sake, she loathed him! He should simply end it all now¼

XXXXX

Christine then turned to Erik, praying fervently he would not respond as Raoul did. "And you, Erik. Would you, too, kill Raoul in order to keep me?" Her acting skills did not betray her; the question came out acidly, just as she hoped. Perhaps Erik would react as if this was his final chance at her heart. "As though he doesn't have it already!" she thought.

XXXXX

Erik was not surprised. Christine was playing a game, trying to trap him into something that would give that boy every reason to kill him. Still, he spoke from his heart, hoping Truth would finally be in his favor.

"Christine, I would do anything for your love and happiness. You have seen that I murdered before, thinking it would help ensure our relationship together. I know now that was the worst faux pas I could have ever made, and it served only to drive you from me. I feel nothing but contempt for the Vicomte, and if it would not distance you from me eternally, I would readily dispose of him. But I know I would be killing a man very dear to you and depriving you of the life you truly deserve, and if nothing else, bring you a grief so impossible to forgive that you would hate me forever, and if there is one thing I cannot bear it is a life without my angel."

Christine was touched when she heard Erik's words, and filled with grief when she saw the misunderstanding she had created. Oh, why hadn't she confessed her true feelings for him earlier? But then he spoke again.

"My angel, I love you. But angels cannot love demons, this is but a pitiful illusion I have hopelessly entertained, that you could ever love a monster such as me. I wish you great fortune and happiness in your life as Vicomtess. Simply forget your poor Erik, the Opera Ghost, for thoughts of me burning in Hell would only cloud your marriage. My life is of no importance, and do not mourn for my soul, for I have none."

With that, Erik waded over to the portcullis with his noose and, after threading the rope through the bars, looped the lasso around his own neck, adjusting it before a final melody left his lips.

"Christine I love you"

Don't hurt me!R&R