A/N: This is my first fanfic that I have actually done for this site. This story takes place right after Erik disappears into the mirror. Arwen1604 inspired me to write this story. I took some ideas that Arwen had and twisted them into my own "fantasy". Please feel free to criticize, but tell me specifically what the problem is, rather than telling me my story just sucks. R&R please!

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1. Open Wounds

BANG!

As soon as he heard the loud noise, he jolted up to see what it was, his heart empty from the night's cruelty. He shortly felt stupid for having to see what it was, knowing fully well the consequences. He did not care. Nothing mattered anymore. He just wanted to do everyone a favor and rid himself from the world. Apparently, the mob had the same idea…

Erik heard the mob coming, after Christine had left with Raoul, but did not flee. Such an act would place another name to his long string of salutations: Coward. Besides, he would die anyway without Christine, so why not speed up the process? His thoughts were interrupted, as a member of the mob shouted a warning to the others of Erik's nearness.

He had not moved from his standing position, still hoping Christine would change her mind and come back to him. He didn't even flinch when he saw a pistol pointing straight at his chest. Instead, with an expression of calmness and intense sadness, he locked eyes with its holder. He could have sworn he saw the man's eyes soften in pity, and then quickly harden in vengeance, with an amateur's murderous quality. Erik's remained the same, almost daring the man to finish his job. The man gave Erik an uncovered look of disgust, and aimed.

BANG!