Hearts Divided-Ch 12

*Erik*

Erik took out his saber, and sharpened it good. Aimee was gone, and he knew who was behind it. *Those fools think they can mess with me, they haven't seen the last of me!* he thought, bitterly, testing the blade on the tip of his finger.
But it would seem his prey had come to him, "Come out, Phantom! I know you are in there!" Philippe's voice echoed in the courtyard as Erik stood from his spot, and tucked a pistol in his vest.
Slowly, calmly, he made his way to the door, and opened it, "Foolish man, you cheat at honest games."
Philippe aimed the pistol at Erik's head, "I'll give you to the count of three to tell me why you did this to my girl!"
" 'Your girl'? My, my, aren't we possessive!" Erik walked down the stairs, and stared up at Philippe, "If I didn't know better, I would say you were in love with Aimee."
With that said, Philippe let out a roar, and leapt from the horse and onto Erik. Blades were drawn and each man struggled to try to slit the other's throat. Erik found that Philippe was the stronger opponent, but he managed to kick him off to seek out his gun. Suddenly, a sharp pain erupted in his stomach, and he gasped. Philippe laughed, "Say goodnight, Phantom!"
The sound of horses came storming into the yard, and Raoul leapt off his horse, "Philippe, what have you done?!"
"What does it look like I've done? I've slain the man who hurt our sister." Philippe panted, staggering to his feet.
Aimee ran over to Erik and cradled him to her, "Oh, Erik! Please my love, don't die!" Shooting a dark look into Philippe's eyes, she trembled, "I'm sorry, brother." With that, she took a vial from her bosom, and swallowed it, "Just as Juliet did when she found her beloved slain..." she whispered, tears flowing down her cheek.
"Aimee, no!!!!" Raoul shouted, but it was too late. Aimee collapsed over Erik's body, and took her last breath. Raoul choked back tears, then grabbed Philippe, "I'll never forgive you for this! Never!!!"
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It might have been an half hour before Aimee awoke from her coma-like state. She blinked a few times to find Erik gone and her back in her comfy room. She smiled tiredly, and rubbed her eyes, "Erik?"
A shadow emerged from the corner, and Erik walked toward her; a bandage over his abdomen, "Don't ever scare me like that...ever!"
"I'm sorry, love."she murmured, embracing him softly. Then, she looked around, "What now? They think we are dead."
He nodded, "True, but I have that problem resolved."
"How?" she inquired.
"How does America sound?" he asked, touching her cheek, "Or London?"
Aimee nodded, "Both sound wonderful so long as I am with you." With that, she leaned over and kissed him passionately on the lips.
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