A chance at Redemption

Chapter 6

After what seemed like hours of paddling, Mary finally came across her phantom. What she saw shocked her. The man- or what was left of him was huddled in a small alcove: alone, dripping wet, sobbing. He looked so pitiful and yet somehow he still managed to retain a bit of a dangerous aura. The girl slowly approached him, unsure of what to say do or think.

How should she even approach this man? Although he was drowned in misery, he was still a killer, there was no doubting that. As she slowly crawled toward him, his eyes began to raise in questioning.

The phantom tried to regain his composure, seeing that he was not alone. "I shall have to kill you mademoiselle, for you have seen my face."

" Erik…"

The man's head snapped up at the mention of the name which he had chosen for himself so long ago "What… do you know of me."

Mary gulped. She knew she would have to tell him some time or another, however it was a bit early for explanations. "You are the Phantom of the Opera. You killed Joseph Buquet. You were saved from a circus by Madame Giry, you are in love, but you let her leave with the man she desired. You have lived all alone in these catacombs since you were 11. Shall I go on?"

The stunned man shook his head. "And tell me why I should not kill you for knowing these things. You seem to have knowledge of the fact that I have killed before. And I can do it again. Easily. I'm sure a small weakling woman like you will not be missed. I'll probably be doing your parents a favor in fact. Now were we?"

As the Phantom pulled out his lasso, Mary had one final idea.

::::::::::

My God, I have harmed her. My Christine.

I thought she was an intruder. A robber, someone coming back to root through my prized possessions hoping to find something to pawn.

Erik will never forgive himself. He must treat his Christine with outright care and dignity and pray that she will not cry. For Erik could not see his living wife cry.

Erik had thought he was going to die. And Christine- his Christine had come back to bury him. OH WOE ON ERIK! THE MONSTER!

::::::::

I must have gotten hit on the head or something… Am I dead? Or dreaming? Surely Leroux Erik would show no mercy on my intrusion into his home. I must be dead. This room is quite lovely though. Perhaps this is heaven. I never believed in a God in life but perhaps death was kind to me in spite of my disbelief. Or maybe this is…

"Oh CHRISTINE! You have awoken! Erik will never forgive himself for what he has done to your beautiful features! "

Hell.

::::::::::

He is gone.

Is he dead?

He couldn't be!

How could he have run away so quickly? How will I ever find the man who I am supposed to be helping? And what is that ungodly smell?

I have looked for him for ages it seems, every corner and mouse hole. But he is not in the lair.

It was pretty cool coming down here for the first time, I'll admit. It's much better in person than it is on the stage. Although it's frankly terrifying down here the art that he has created is pretty awesome. And the organ- don't get me started on the organ. The stage just doesn't do it justice. It's massive, at least two stories tall.

I had to have wandered around there for a while, when suddenly I heard a most melodious voice.

"I pray you have a good reason to be down her, mademoiselle, or else you will be dead in an instant."

As I turned around I noticed the face behind me. What I saw was absolutely terrifying. Erik's face was much worse in person than I had imagined. It was clear that some of his scars were recent, still bleeding and cracked- as if he had maimed himself after the woman of his dreams had left. His tuxedo was rumpled and dirty, his eyes had a glassy sheen. He looks close to death, uncaring, and yet all the more dangerous.

How was I supposed to get out of this one?

A/N well it's been a while folks but here's an update... finally :D so uh please review and enjoy!