Authors Note: Wow! You can imagine my surprise when I checked my e-mail today and found 9 new reviews for this story! And all (except one) were wonderful and VERY uplifting to me. It encourages me to continue, seeing as so many people enjoy this fiction. Just to say one thing to the anonymous reviewer, I'd like to say I'm sorry. Not because of what I wrote, but because of what you thought of my writing. I have no hard feelings whatsoever and, as I read those chapters I have posted so far, I can understand completely where you're coming from. A die-hard Phantom fan could really get insulted by the perverted way I seemed to have portrayed him. But know this: the story isn't over yet. As Color Me Gray put it (And quite well, I might add) "And when you think about it, the man has been celebate for something like thirty years. I mean honestly, he's never even been TOUCHED OR KISSED. Poor guy. I don't think its that big a streach to think that he might have innapropriate thoughts or act on said thoughts." The goal of this story is not to make the Phantom seem like a pervert. It's supposed to show people that he is a man, just like anyone else, and has a man's desires and wants, has feelings just like any other human being and longs to be loved. With that said, I really think you will enjoy the next chapter, as it will ease your feelings on how I've portrayed the Phantom. Though, I do wish you would have waited until I posted up this chapter before reviewing. Maybe you would have gone a little easier on me?

And to all my other reviewers: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT!

I wasn't planning on replying to individual reviewers, but your wonderful words completely changed my mind!

Reviewer Replies:

The Whisper: Thank you very much! I try hard to portray the Phantom's emotions correctly, though it's difficult at times. Especially in scenes where you know he would be a jerk, but you want him to be fluffy and kind. I'm glad you think I've done good so far, and I will try to continue in doing so.

Gevaisa: I'm thrilled to know I have a dedicated reader! Thank you so much!

Phantomluvr: Yes, and don't worry, he'll do it the right way. This beginning and the way they meet seriously throws a person off. But this chapter should clear up his emotions a little better. And I'm glad you're reading it, even though you like E/C better. Hopefully I can change your mind. E/OC are often filled with more angst because Erik has to forget his emotions about Christine before he can fall in love with another girl. So they usually end up being longer fics. Very good, though. But beware, some (like the 'Oh-look-at-this-girl-she-is-so-pretty-I-think-I'll-completely-forget-about-Christine-and-fall-in-love-with-her') are very bad.

RubyMoon2: Thank you so much for your encouragement! And you really should watch the JS movie! Whoever said it's bad doesn't know what they're talking about! Even if it's only to see Gerard Butler, you should watch it!

Color Me Gray: -hugs- You are officially my favorite person! You don't even know how much your thoughts meant to me! I had just read the anonymous review and was feeling pretty low, then I read yours and you just MADE MY DAY. It's wonderful to know people like my writing style. I never really thought it was anything special, until I read many other fics with POV style and vague style. I've also read some good stories that, unfortunately, could bore a person to death with paragraph after paragraph of descriptions on things I don't really care about anyways. To hear that you enjoy how I write makes me very happy indeed! What I tend to do is get inside the characters head, imagine their past and experiences, and try to figure out how they might react to a situation. Don't worry, it's not as hard as it sounds! As for reading GL's novel, I've gone through it twice, not much, admittedly. But I do keep it handy when writing my stories in hopes of giving accurate information. And also it's very helpful in "Harem" because this story deals mostly with the corps de ballet, and in the book it gives a few more names and descriptions than in the movie. Hugh Panero? I've never heard of him, but, then again, I've never seen the stage production of POTO. If he's better than Gerry, he has to be PRETTY hot! lol. There's a funny story behind the name meanings. I had chosen Amy's name and decided I'd look it up to see what it meant. And it meant "beloved"! I was like: Whoa! That's cool! The same thing happened with Kayla's name. I had portrayed her as beautiful and when I looked up her name it meant beautiful! I found that funny...

And yes, I am 14 years old. I guess the reason I write well is that I've loved books my whole life and have read such a variety of titles that I've gotten a taste of a lot of different styles of writing. I also enjoy writing very much and have written(or, attempted writing, anyways) a few books. The farthest I've gotten in one is...about 100 pages. Lol, and I suppose my unique way of portraying Erik is due to my age. I'm mature for my age, everyone tells me that. In fact, all my friends are upperclassmen because kids my age annoy me...they're so immature. So I can talk about passionate feelings without breaking out giggling or saying "Eww...gross!" But also, because I'm younger, I do think the idea of pointless passion is gross. I mean, come on, imagine: "I love you" "I love you to" "Wanna go sleep together now?" "Sure." But, anyways...

About betas, I'm not exactly sure what they are. From my understanding, it's a person you send a rough draft to and who proof-reads it and gives you ideas on it before you post it up. If that's so, I would LOVE for you to be my beta! I've been trying VERY hard to have good spelling and grammar, but I just can't read over the story that much all the time! It's great to know you're a fellow musician and Christian! I play piano, myself, and a few other things, but I don't like to brag. E-mail me sometime, I would love to hear from you!

And now, on to the story!

5

A Night with the Phantom

Her hand trembled in his as the Phantom led Amy down the dimly lit passageways of the dank underground cellars. He glanced at her often as if to remind himself this was not a dream, each time her head was bent over and she was staring at the floor in front of her.

The winding hallways were beginning to make her dizzy, but the young ballerina didn't dare look up for fear of seeing the Phantom again.

What a fool she had been!

Thinking there was no such thing as the Phantom of the Opera!

As she held this supposed ghost's hand, fear and apprehension swelled up in her chest. What was she doing? Why did she go with him? She could have quit, should have quit. But now it was too late. She was to become...she gulped...the Phantom's whore.

The lights grew dimmer along the walls, making Amy shiver - but whether it was from the cold or something else was yet to be determined. Suddenly her guide took a sharp left and plunged them both into a gaping black hole in the side of the wall. The girl gasped slightly and unwittingly stepped a little closer towards the Opera Ghost, making him smile with delight, though she couldn't see it.

"Don't be afraid," he whispered in her ear and softly - if hesitantly - stroked her hair. Amy shook even more and stepped away from him, eyes wide and glaring intently at the floor, even though she couldn't see it anyways as the room was pitch black.

Something scurried across her foot, causing her to jump towards the Phantom and bury herself in his arms, shrieking slightly from surprise.

"What's the matter, my dear?" the Phantom said, trying his hardest to hold back a chuckle.

"S-something r-ran across m-my foot." Her body began to quiver and she allowed the ghost to encircle her body with his arms, as if to shield her from the dangers of this black hell.

"It's just a rat."

"H-how do you k-know?"

"I saw it."

Amy turned around to face him but found she couldn't see him. "How? It's pitch dark!"

A small chuckle came from her right and she whooped around the face it, only to jump when she felt a hand brush her arm on the left.

Suddenly two bright, amber eyes appeared right before her face, only inches from her own green ones. "This is how," he stated vaguely, then grasped Amy's hand and pulled her swiftly along.

"Watch your step," he said several minutes afterward. They had come to the top of a giant staircase which spiraled downward into darkness. Of course, the girl couldn't see this, so she continued on as if they were walking on level ground. She overstepped the first step and came flying face forward with a cry of shock.

Acting quickly, the Ghost caught her waist in his arms and pulled her back up towards him before she fell. "I said to watch your step," he growled irritably, still holding on to her. Amy nodded her head, tears brimming her eyes and body quavering something fierce.

"Y-you...saved me."

"Yes, I did," he stated flippantly, snaking an arm around her shoulder and a hand on her left arm. "Now, this time I won't let you trip," his voice was soft and slightly amused, which eased the girl's fears of him somewhat. One thing stuck out in her mind the most: He saved me.

The way down the staircase was long and slow. Near the beginning, the little ballerina was unnerved that the Opera Ghost was touching her so familiarly. Further down she became used to his gentle caresses on her arm and they didn't bother her much. When they reached the bottom, she found she was thankful for his guidance and gentleness, and stated so to him.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

He didn't release his hold on her shoulders or arm, even when light was spotted in the distance and, when they were bathed in the soft candlelight of so many candles, he still held on to her.

"Welcome to my home."

Amy gaped at the strange beauty before her. Hundreds of candles were lit throughout a large, cave-like room. Towards the right of the room was a hallway where she could make out a few wooden doors, leading to other rooms. On the left was a large, arching doorway covered in thick velvet fabric which led to the kitchen. Beyond that was another doorway which Amy could not see as of yet which was covered in the same fabric, leading to a dining room. And another archway went to the library beyond that.

But the room Amy stood in at the moment had her full attention. The ceiling rose up so high she could not even see the top, as darkness enshrouded it after a certain point. A couch and several large, comfy chairs were scattered around the room towards the fire which crackled warmly on the far wall. Persian rugs were strewn about, giving the otherwise gloomy cavern a warm, homely look.

The girl gasped slightly, eyes wide with wonder.

"You...live here?"

The Phantom released Amy from his embrace and strode over towards the fire, beckoning her to follow with a wave of his hand. "Yes," he said simply, gazing at the burning, lapping flames. They seemed so soft, so gentle to touch, so very warm. But they bite the hand that feeds them. Hard. The flames were reflected off of his eyes as he glanced back over to the girl in his home.

What had he been thinking? Taking an innocent girl from her life and forcing her to please him!

Maybe he really was the monster they all spoke about. A demon who takes what he pleases and destroys the rest. The Ghost sighed inaudibly and looked back over towards the ballerina. Well, it was too late to turn back now. Might as well confirm those fools suspicions and let them label him monster.

The Phantom strode over towards Amy and grasped her hand, leading her towards the hallway on the right. He pushed open the very first door they came to and goaded her inside, shutting the door behind him.

He turned to find the girl shivering again, grasping her arms in a frightened manner.

"Please," she said, those bright green eyes of hers boring into the Phantom's very soul. "Please don't make me do this."

He didn't reply and instead waved towards the room before him. "This is my room," he stated, watching as the ballerina slowly - oh so slowly! - turned around. She gasped at the sight that beheld her.

Along the walls of the room were various musical pieces, posters of operas, and architectural drawings. Other papers of the like were scattered on and around a large, ornately designed mahogany wooden desk. The walls were adorned with black velvet, making the room seem even darker than it appeared, as there were very few candles burning in it. But what caught Amy's eye was the decoration adorning the very center of the room. Lying there, lid open like a gaping, ominous mouth, was a coffin.

"W-what's t-that f-for!" she said right before clamping a hand over her mouth, wide green eyes gazing fearfully at the death symbol in front of her.

"Oh," the Phantom said coolly. "That's my bed."

"You sleep in that thing?" Amy shook her head and leaned heavily against the wall.

"I am a ghost, my dear. Why does such a thing disconcert you?" The Phantom advanced on the girl, his gait that of a predator, eyes burning with a flame not exactly of fury. His voice held a mocking, sarcastic quality to it.

The ballerina tried to back away, realized she was up against a wall, and crumpled to her feet, letting the tears she had held back for so long fall while hugging her legs to her body. "But...but...I'll - we'll - have to-to sleep in that."

His eyes instantly filled with a strange emotion - what was it? Compassion? - and he gazed back over towards his 'bed'. No, he couldn't make her sleep there with him. One, because they wouldn't fit anyways. Two, he couldn't traumatize her in such a way. This girl had let him touch her - if hesitantly at first - without backing away or trying to hurt him.

And she was the first person who had accepted his kindness, his...love.

No, he couldn't hurt her like this! It was wrong. But still, he did not bring this girl down with him to have a nice little chat. He would not let his efforts go to waste.

Noting that Amy had stopped crying and had composed herself while he was in thought, he turned to her.

"Do you have on a corset?"

Amy gulped and shook her head. "No, I'm in my nightshift."

The Phantom took note of the soft, flowing fabric of cream and nodded. "Good."

This, however, unnerved the ballerina greatly. He was going to do it. She was actually going to be...raped...by the Phantom of the Opera!

Tears swelled in her eyes again.

The Opera Ghost walked to the far wall and began tearing down the soft velvet fabric, piling it in a corner of the room.

"What are you doing?" said Amy hesitantly.

"Making a bed. I will not have you sleeping in that horrid coffin of mine, my dear."

The girl sighed heavily, hope sparkling in her eyes.

When the bed was made - though, it would be more accurate to call it a nest - the Phantom snuffed out the candles using a trick he had learned from the magicians in the gypsy camp years ago. Amy jumped slightly and began to shake. "Are you afraid of the dark, my dear?" The voice sounded far away, but a hand was placed on her shoulder - no longer gloved - a mere instant after the words were spoken.

"N-no..." she lied, retreating backwards and yipping slightly as she brushed some fabric left hanging on the wall. Her nerves were on edge as she darted towards her right, away from the fabric which had brushed her side. But she tripped in an instant and fell into something plush and small. There was just enough room for her to lay on her back and it was slightly longer than her...

Amy shrieked as she realized she had fallen in the coffin and struggled to get out. A pair of warm hands gripped her arms and pulled her away from the horrid 'bed', holding her close in a tight embrace. "Don't be afraid of the dark..."

She shook and buried her head into the Phantom's chest, willingly taking all the comfort he gave her.

Slowly he guided her away from the accursed coffin and steered her towards a corner of the room, laying her on her back in the plush velvet covers.

Amy's eyes went wide as she realized what he was doing and she curled up into a ball, shaking slightly. "Please," she said again, very softly. "Please don't make me do this."

The Phantom lay down in the covers to her right and the girl swiftly pulled herself as far away as she could while still being on the bed.

He gazed at her back for several minutes before speaking. "Come closer." His tone was commanding yet very gentle. Amy scooted back towards him about an inch then stopped.

Sighing exasperatedly, the Opera Ghost gripped her waist with his hands and pulled her up against his body. The ballerina let out a squeal of shock and shivered in his embrace.

"Turn around."

Amy complied, afraid of what he might do if she refused. Her bright green eyes mirrored so much fear and she shook uncontrollably.

"Good, my dear," he murmured, then pulled one of the velvet covers over them. He brought it up to the girl's chin, then leaned over her slightly to tuck her in. She was confused, to say the least. Settling himself back down beside her, the Phantom brought her head to his chest and laid his chin on top of her dark curls, breathing in deeply her scent.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Amy." His words were the very definition of soft and kind. He snaked an arm around her head and began rubbing her back gentle, bringing his other hand up to her arm. She was tense at first, but visibly relaxed after a moment and sighed.

The Ghost was pleased to find she had stopped shivering. "Don't be afraid, my dear. I want to comfort you. I want to hold you. But I will not hurt you."

Amy sighed and buried her head deeper in his chest, pulling herself closer to him. Was she dreaming? Or had he really justspared her innocence?

The Phantom held onto her more tightly and kissed the top of her head. Yes, he wouldn't hurt her. He would win her affections the right way.

The ballerina closed her eyes slowly, reveling in his warmth and comfort. "Thank you," she murmured before falling into a deep sleep.

The Ghost stayed awake for a while longer, gazing upon the girl he held in his embrace. After a while he drifted off to sleep, head still buried in her dark locks.

And for once, the nightmares of his past did not haunt him.