Okay, so I didn't hold out my promise, but I'm updating again, and that's what's important… right? Well, I've got the next few chapters ready, and I'll try to update more often from now on… have fun! PLEASE R&R!

Chapter 7: She Will Sing

Back in Erik's lair, or house, he and Madame Giry talked calmly as they drank their tea.

Madame Giry spoke first, "Erik, I don't think that Elizabeth should perform in the Opera tomorrow. She looks so much like her mother, and reminds me of you. The way she talks, how polite she is, and that smile. She has your smile, and whether you like it or not, she has her mother's voice. She sings as well, if not better than, Christine. And even you cannot be stubborn enough to disagree with me."

Erik smiled, knowing she was right. "But this is her dream. I cannot take that away from her. For what is life if you cannot live your dreams?"

"I know, and I do understand that you want her to be happy, but what about Raoul? What if he finds out? What if she gets hurt?"

"If something is to happen, I shall avenge her death again, and again."

"Erik…"

"No, you are trying to help, and for this I am eternally grateful, but she will sing. It is not right, to the people of Paris, to keep her voice… her talent, to ourselves. Besides, if we were to tell her not to perform, she would obey, but it would upset her. I cannot bear to see her suffer because of me."

"But Erik, if you allow her to perform, she may suffer a more terrible fate."

"There is no penalty worse than having your dreams taken from you."

They sat in silence for a few moments, then Erik stood. "You should go. Those fools who run my theater will be looking for you. Besides, I have a letter to send."

Madame Giry stood quickly, and nodded. With that she left.

Erik pulled out his famous parchment, which he had not used in sixteen years, and began to write.

Dear Andre and Firmin,

Just a brief letter. My salary has not been paid, in about sixteen years. I will be expecting 3,840,000 francs within the next month. I am very aware that since you stopped paying me you acquired a great fortune. You have more than enough money to pay me. If my orders are not obeyed a disaster beyond your imagination will occur. I also remind you to leave box five empty for my use. I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant.

O.G.

The letter was sent.

"O.G.! Opera Ghost! I thought we got rid of him years ago!" Andre shouted.

"I thought he was dead." Firmin said, somewhat calmly.

"Well, what do we do? We cannot afford another… mishap! Remember last time?"

"Of course I remember last time! We are just now getting rid of the bad reputation he left us with! Well, there is only one thing we can do. Pay him."

They both sighed, and agreed to send Madame Giry with the money. They could only hope that nothing would go wrong.

TBC…