DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Phantom of the Opera. Erik (regrettably) belongs to Leroux.

Chapter 1

Erik heard a faint thump. Erik wondered whether a builder had stumbled upon his newly constructed home. He had thought this an unlikely occurrence, as the opera house was nearly finished. Erik had ways to deal with intruders, though. He retrieved his Punjab and went to greet his visitor.

Upon opening his door, he found a woman lying unconscious on his doorstep. He supposed the girl was pretty, but Erik felt the she was not at all in proper attire. She wore a black cotton shirt with a shield embroidered to the chest, a tan skirt that failed to even reach her knees, purple stockings, and black ballet flats with black clothe flowers sewn to the toes. A gold crucifix hung around her neck, and she wore a pair of glasses that now set askew.

The girl stirred a little. Her eyes opened sleepily. After gazing for a moment at Erik's unmasked face, she promptly lost consciousness once more. Erik gathered up the girl and took her inside. Erik's morals, however skewed, did not allow the murder of young ladies.