Last chapter! I know that this story seems short, but this is just how I've always had it planned out. Thank you for reading, everyone!


When Meg woke up in the morning, the first thing she thought about was her vow to get Erik outside. She hopped out of bed, deciding to just skip ballet practice all together today. She ran down the hallway, tiptoed across Christine's room, and then sprinted down to Erik's lair.

Erik was already awake when she got there. He sat at his piano, playing out a marvelous tune. When he heard Meg pushing the boat across the water, he turned to her and said, "Ah. Hello, Meg." He helped her out of the boat and onto the platform. "What brings you here so early?"
"I'm getting you outside, Erik."

"I'm afraid that you're not."

"You can't stay in the shadows forever! You have to live a little!"

"Don't try to convince me. I've made my choice."

"Erik!"

"Meg!"
Meg glared at him a moment, then turned around, feeling quite defeated. After a few minutes of silence, she turned to look at him. "I'm sorry, Erik. I should respect your choice. I'm sorry."

Erik nodded. "Thank you." There was an awkward silence, but Erik filled it by saying, "Let's not plan anything out today. Let's just talk."

"That sounds good. I'd like to know more about you, Erik."

The two of them sat next to each other on the piano bench. They sat there talking for how long Meg did not know. She learned much about the Phantom… about his past, his childhood. And she, in turn, told him about herself.

Erik was just in the middle of telling the story of his passion for Christine when a single gunshot rang out through the cavern. Meg jumped, and the Phantom himself looked startled. Another shot rang out, this time followed by a voice. "We know that you are down here! Show yourself!"

"Damn!" Erik cursed. "Meg! Hide!" He flung his body to the floor, pressing Meg down with him.

"Erik, what's going on?"

"I'm not sure, but I know that they're after me. Stay down."

"This is silly. Just show yourself and they won't treat you as badly."

"You don't know these guys."

"Erik…" Meg trailed off before she could chastise her friend any more.

Wading through the murky water was a group of three men that she had never seen before. "Show yourself!" one of the yelled.

Meg pushed herself off of the floor. This was stupid. "We're over here!" she called. What could they possibly do to Erik?

The three men jumped; apparently they hadn't been expecting anyone to actually give themselves up. In a moment of shock, one of them grabbed his gun and shot it… straight at Meg.


I saw her fall before I really understood what had happened. There was a bloody hole in her chest right above her heart. I saw her chest still rising; she was still alive. I figured that the bullet had missed her heart, and for that I was thankful.

How could I help her without giving myself up? It seemed impossible. I looked at her lifeless body, and I looked at the three men that were quickly advancing. I was scared. I'll admit it, I was truly terrified. I didn't know what to do… so I ran.

I know it sounds stupid. Even thinking about it is stupid. I ran to the back of my lair, far into the darkest corners. There was a door. It was tiny; I just barely fit. This was my secret exit. I had told no one about it – ever. I crawled into the tunnel and scuffled along for what seemed an eternity.

I was finally deposited at the mirror entrance to Christine's room. I slowly rotated the mirror, walking into the large room. I looked around for a piece of paper, but to no avail. Looking over at the bed, I saw Christine and Raoul's sleeping figures. I took a deep breath, knowing what I had to do.

I walked over to the bed and looked down on Christine's sleeping face. Gently, I touched her shoulder, shaking her awake. "Christine…" I whispered. She stirred slightly. "Christine…"

Christine suddenly jolted awake. "Erik!" she cried. "What are you-"
I clamped a hand over her mouth and leaned close to her. Putting my mouth to her ear, I whispered, "Find Meg." And then I ran for the second time that day.


I can only hope that Christine was able to help Meg. I have hope that Meg's wound was not fatal. I believe that Christine knew where to look, and that she went to find her friend straight away. I hope…

My story does not have a happy ending. It never has. Every time I try to write one it goes horribly wrong. And now, I have deserted the one person that may have changed my entire life. She was a friend, a true friend, and I left. I have sealed my fate.