Hi!

Do I want to check and see how long it's been since I updated? Oh, I just found it. And hey! I updated last on June 6 (aka 6-6-06). Now I feel reluctantly lucky…

ITALY! Holy mother of cheese and crackers…I went to flipping ITALY! It was totally awesome, seriously it was. My ultimate favorite city was Venice. Hands down. I also got to go on a gondola ride with the sexiest gondolier ever! His name was Adrian. sigh. He was so pretty…

But yeah, I took home a rock from Pompeii (cough without permission cough), as did the rest of my friends. We went shopping galore. Oh yes we did. I actually must confess that I bought more souvenirs for my friends and family than I did for myself. Heh. Ironic, is it not? I also used up nine rolls of film (three of which were black 'n white films…I took those in Rome and Pompeii).

My only complaint was that…I DIDN'T GET TO SHOP IN MILAN! Oh, the pain, the indescribable anguish that I suffered from that fateful night! It's the shopping capital of the WORLD, and I didn't get to shop there! In other words, Milan was our first stop, and we arrived late, so we didn't get the opportunity to shop until 9:30 p.m. And all the stores closed at 9:00. We left the next morning for Verona. I was so hurt. And if I may quote Capt. Jack Sparrow from POTC 2, I felt "Sullied and unusual".

But, oh gosh, it would take literally FOREVER if I talked about Italy for very long. These are just the first things that came to mind. There's SO much more, (I was there for nine days), but it was take waaaaay to long to say all I did. All the cities I visited are listed in my previous chapter. But along with those cities I visited Assisi and Verona (Romeo and Juliet! YAY!).

Oh yeah, and I have yet another excuse for lack of chapters. I OFFICIALLY BLAME MY CURRENT ABSENCE ON THE CURSED WEBSITE OF…MySpace. I'm sorry. It really is addictive. I simply cannot get off the wretched thing. And I realize my problem, I can successfully say I am not in denial. But according to this little quiz thinger (an actual quiz thinger that was specifically named "Are you addicted to myspace?") I am only 56 addicted. -- I must find a way to cure myself before I become a computer controlled blob of wide eyes…Anyhoodle…

I also went to Florida again (for those of you who recognize that a year ago, while I was still writing this fic, I went to Florida). I got back about a month ago. I went to Tallahassee again, but this time for a family reunion. Then I went to Destin. Ah, Destin! The best beach I've been to yet! (And, for someone who lives in Illinois, I've been to lots of beaches). I took home some sand from there, and put it in a jar, so now I can run around squealing, "I've got a jar of diiiirt! I've got a jar of diiiirt!". Dang I love Pirates of the Carribbean! That second movie was AWESOME!

Lover-BBxRAE-lover- Even when you messaged me back, the site you wanted me to visit didn't show up. Sorry, it must have been my computer, it can do stupid things. Very stupid things. I do hope you liked the story and all…did you read it? You reviewed for chapter one, so I'm guessing you didn't. Ah well, I suppose you just really want Teen Titans to stay on the air. Well, I hope you get around to reading my story sometime!

Chocochip2000- Hey, thanks, I'm quite relieved that you found it suspenseful. Somehow I never get any emotion and/or creativity out of my writing. I'm really glad you liked it!

I am no one and I stand alone- You're Blaze123, right? Good. You kinda confused me there, with the name switch. I get easily confuzzled with little things like that. POTO is your favorite movie too? Well, I don't know if it's my fav of all time (considering, you know, Lord of the Rings has to come to a very close tie), but it's way up on my "best movies ever" list. I'm happy I was able to help you learn the parts of the songs you didn't know (meaning-wise, of course)!

Strodgfrgf- I'm happy you "lurved" the chapter! Sorry, I've always thought the word "lurve" was so cute. . You haven't been out of the country either? Thank goodness I'm not alone!

Valda- Okay, in Britain, you graduate at SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE! What the heck! I'm going to be turning sixteen in July; that would have been me graduating as well! Phew, so glad I don't live in Britain, I wouldn't last two days on my own! I still have a very fair share of growing up to do, I'll just say. It costs 120 pounds to see POTO where you are? Daaaaaaang. My tickets cost fifty dollars (but I don't know what a dollar is equivalent to in pounds, so I may just be saying it completely wrong). Oh, I can't wait to read your new one-shot! Glad you thought the chapter was so intense! Teehee.

Swimmergirl642- You don't get finals when you're home-schooled? NOT FAIR! Come to think of it, one of my friends just graduated from high school (well, it's not technically high school, since she's at home), and she's been home-schooled all her life. You turned fifteen already? Yay for you! I turn sixteen in July, so technically you're the same age as me!

GS Dragono- Yes, we SO should start a club! That would be hilarious! But what on earth would it be called? The slap-happy clan? Come to think of it, I can be quite hyper. No joke. Actually, it's probably obvious, since I tend to ramble on my author's notes (oh yes I do). And I'm told I'm far too optimistic for my own good. So smiling I do quite a lot. .

Laurashrub- Yeah, when I read over what I write (as far as this story goes), I do tend to get ahead of myself when I read the musical line. I just expect to ramble on with the song, and I sometimes have difficulty keeping it all together. rolls eyes stupid me. You get to go to Rome this October! Yay for you! Why are you going? Is it a trip with your family? Come to think of it, that would be fun…

Slade's Downfall- Haha…I got you on another cliffhanger! I didn't really expect to cut it off as short as I did, but I suppose it couldn't be avoided…haha…

Sandra Yvette- Oh, I was wondering when someone would notice the "motorcycle" bit. I was afraid everyone would think it sounded ridiculous and stupid. Guess not. .

Ashley-the-b-daplayer- Hooked? Really? Aw, thanks, that just made my day! But seriously, when I get reviews like yours, it really does motivate me to write more. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a terrible procrastinator. So your review helped me get back onto my computer and finish another chappie!

Kooky- Obsessed? With MY fic! Wow, you're so unbelievably nice! Thanks so much, glad you like it!

Fan of this Fic- One of your favorites on the site? DANG. You really know how to make a person feel special, I'll tell you that! Oh, I totally understand the whole 'squealing' thing. I do it ALL the time when a story I like is updated. Thankfully I make sure no one's around when I'm reading; for me it makes things weird. And I must say…the boot country was absolutely amaaaaaaazing.

TTHPfan- Italy was awesome, as was Phantom, and I hope Wicked was…wicked, for lack of better words ;). You're a senior now? Dang. What IS this world coming to! And Chemistry, even though I consider it the root of all evil, I still would have done well if I didn't have a bad teacher. He was a student teacher the year before, and I'm sorry, couldn't teach very well. It just takes experience. And it is a difficult thing to teach. But when the other Chem teacher would sub for him, we all would understand it perfectly. But when my teacher came back, we'd all (yes, all. Only two people in his class got A's) get confused again. Ah well, it's all said and done, now. But hey, we'll both be taking Physics at the same time! Cool, huh? And hey, I love House too! And Pirates of the Carribbean! Great movie, the second one. I just loved it.

The one and only- ANDREA! Hey, you never invited me over for your little birthday dinner! How rude! Haha, it's okay. And I figured that I'm not going to call Giovanni all the way in Italy to ask him for a picture. Turns out my friend Molly has about three pictures of him, so she's gonna give all the doubles to me! Did I get to show you my photos? I thought I did…thanks for readin', and glad you find it so suspenseful!

Smart one- I FINALLY FOUND IT! Wooohooo! Sorry. It just took me forever to find. Your story, I mean. Very nice.

Alright, I'll get on with it…

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kori couldn't breathe. His words finally began to sink in; she wasn't getting out. She couldn't escape. Her body stiffened within his hold, and she felt her throat tighten. Raw fear had woven itself into her, to the point of paralysis. Mouth agape and eyes watery, she looked once more to Richard, whose life now hung as loosely in the air as the deadly lasso.

She saw him struggle, his strained face met hers. He would not speak, for fear of what the ghost would do to her next. He only gazed at her, longing and despair filling his dark and loving eyes. Kori could not bear the sight of her loved one's face. His desire for her freedom meant far more to him than his very life. His life. That wretched man, with or without his mask, wouldn't even care if he took it away. Away from Kori.

As she looked upon Richard's wriggling form, she felt the ice in her veins slowly melt with boiling anger. He was going to kill Richard, whether Kori chose him or not.

The Phantom moved her body slightly to his side, so that he could look upon her face. To see, what her response would be. She would not look at him, and instead looked off into the distance, as if in a daze of her own.

"The tears I might have shed
For your dark fate,"

Her head slowly turned, and looked him square in the face.

"Grow cold,
And turn to tears of hate!"

Her last words she screamed. Her voice shook with a tearing fury that she did not know how to release. Her chest heaved from the repressed tension in her muscles, and she glared straight into his cold eyes.

She had no idea what she could do now, but to hate him. Hate him for what he did to her, how he mangled her mind, twisted her soul into his own, and stole what life remained in her possession, for what? Her love? Her body? She did not know, nor did she care. She had every reason to be afraid of him before this moment, the time where he chose to forsake the life of the one she loved for her own freedom. And for that she hated him.

She heard Richard's pleading voice echo to her from her side. He choked on his words, causing Kori's heart to tighten.

"Kori forgive me,
Please forgive me…
I did it all for you,
And all for nothing…"

Kori couldn't take it anymore. It was now or never. She was not going to go with him willingly. She struggled against his grip viciously, and tried to let out the boiling anger that had been pent up inside her for far too long.

"Farewell, my fallen idol
And false friend!
One by one I've watched
Illusions shattered...!"

As she fought, the specter contradicted her, shooting down any obstacle of verbal venom that she fired at him. He held her firm in controlling repose.

"Too late for turning back,
Too late for prayers and useless pity…"

The Phantom no longer squabbled with her. He himself had just reached his peak of violent discretion. He was not about to have her argue with him. With a swift jerk of the arms, he violently threw her into the wall he had pinned her against moments earlier. She let out a cry of pain as her body slammed into the stone, her head following soon after. He heard the resonant snap that occurred from her contact with the rock. She exhaled a helpless breath as she slumped pitifully to the ground.

Richard called to her, hoping, praying she could hear him.

"Say you love him,
And my life is over!"

The Phantom swiftly plucked her from the ground almost as second after she landed. He thrust her against the stone and pinned her elbows against it. His blind fury did not allow him to see it, but Richard did; Kori was bleeding. She had cut her neck sharply on the rocky wall, and left in its place remained a deep slash. Blood poured from it, but neither Kori nor the Phantom seemed to notice it.

Her face had a wilder look to it now, one of who had just been shocked. Her fear of him began to crawl into her skin once more. What he was physically capable of became far more vivid, and she flinched horribly at his forceful vice on her. He brought his face close, far too close. She squirmed, panicking that he would hurt her. He spoke menacingly into her petrified face.

"Past all hope of cries for help;
No point in fighting…"

He almost threw her from the wall, pulling her over closer to where Richard stood, but still a good distance from him. He held her firmly in front of him, but her body was too weak to sustain itself. She slumped in his hold, unable to balance. He had her hard by the elbows, so her entire lower body gave way, and her legs limped upon the rough ground. She heard Richard's voice growing louder and louder, his pain screaming into her ears.

"For either way you choose,
He has to win…"

The Phantom let her limp, and shook her as he hovered mercilessly above her. He yelled down at her, knowing very well that she would hear him.

"For either way you choose,
You cannot win!"

She felt the tears sink down her skin, but she found it useless to restrain. She was finding it harder to breath, and inhaled as deeply as she could, but it seemed more and more useless. She sobbed quietly, hoping Richard would not see. But he did.

Kori felt cold fingers entwine themselves into her hair. He tightened his fingers around them, and gripped her hair to the root. She squealed painfully as he dragged her head upward, backward, so that his face was in the nook of her neck.

"So do you end your days with me,"

His mouth etched its way to her ear.

"Or do you send him to his grave?"

She almost screamed from the pain. His voice booming into her ears, his grip on her hair, the unnatural stretch of her neck. She let out a silent cry of anguish when the pain did not cease. She heard Richard's voice.

"Why make her lie to you,
To save me?"

She strained to look at him, but the tears refused to stop as she saw him plead. She felt the grip on her loosen, and he let go of her hair. She gasped at the relief of her muscular tension. With that pain lessened, she felt the inkling of strength to stand. The Phantom did not lessen the vice on her arms, but allowed her to turn her head around and face him. She knew not what to do, now that she saw no other way of evading him. She cried softly, trying her hardest to reason with him.

"Angel of Music..."

He would not listen. He didn't even seem to hear her.

"Past the point of no return…"

Richard's voice seemed to grow faint. She could barely hear him against the specter's angry words.

"For pity's sake, Christine,
Say no!"

Kori tried harder. She had to get through to him, he had to listen. Pleading was the only thing she knew left to do. Despair was thick in her voice, for she knew all hope was lost.

"Why this torment...?"

He seemed to consider her words for a moment, but brushed it off, with only seeming to get angrier. His viciousness only increased with every word she said.

"The final threshold…"

Richard was yelling now. He had tears in his eyes, but he would not let them fall. He called out to her desperately.

"Don't throw your life away
For my sake…"

The Phantom let go of one of her arms and pointed a deadly finger at Richard. His eyes flashed with malevolence, his twisted face revealed true hate.

"His life is now the prize,
Which you must earn!"

Christine's tears fell steadily down her face. Like silver beads of rain sliding down a leaf they fell. She had not the strength to sob any longer, and she locked her blurred gaze with his cold one. Her lip quivered, and she said softly, so that only he could hear,

"When will you see reason…?"

She could clearly hear Richard's voice again. Her concentration on the ghost's visage had not faltered, but her mind had cleared. She flitted her eyes to him for a split second. His voice was at a soft cry.

"I fought so hard to free you…"

She flicked them away, back to the Phantom, hoping not to conflict his raging pandemonium further. Her voice remained at it's soft lull, her glassy orbs firmly fixated on him.

"Angel of Music…"

He looked at her as deeply as she did him. The venom seemed to slowly seep from his glittering eyes. But his voice was steady, as was his grip on her. His words did not falter, and his face was deathly calm. It frightened Kori. She had seen that look before.

"You've passed the Point of No Return…"

But it didn't seem to affect her. She continued her plea, with her own anger slowly dripping into her words.

"You deceived me,"

Her moment of anger flicked back into despair. Her confusion and naiveté surfaced, and the lost little girl that the Phantom knew all too well, the traits that made up who she really was, came fully onto her face. Her voice trembled.

"I gave my mind blindly…"

Before she could comprehend what happened next, she felt him release her arms. He roughly threw her to the ground, where she landed harshly into the stony floor. Her head hung low, and she draped her arms around her, attempting to support herself. She did not look at him, but heard his menacing voice, it's evilly low tone inching itself toward her.

"You try my patience,
Make your choice!"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd like to apologize for how long my author's notes have been lately. Sheesh. It takes up like, half the chapter! Eeek! I'll try not to do that anymore!