A dark magician is gifted a wife. To his surprise, she chooses to stay. But as tensions grow in the Persian Court, enemies of the Angel of Death find out that he has a weakness after all. Kay-based. E/C. Please relax, read, and review! Hope you enjoy!

Each year, on her birthday, the stars floated high in the sky, and they only appeared for that night… The lights felt like a warm beckoning to make her go beyond her horizons, a sign… as if they were meant for her, and the warmth made her feel a little less lonely than she felt…

When she asks, he tells her about the curse, after he says he loves her: she isn't allowed to look at him. She isn't going to like what she sees if she opens her eyes. Weird niche supernatural 60's AU. Rating may change.

Christine dreamed of marrying only for love, but circumstances have pushed her to settle for a marriage of convenience. Can she learn to be content with her betrothed or will she forever yearn for the mysterious Spirit she has loved for so long? (or, the AU where Erik is the spirit of a flower. Inspired by the Japanese folktale "The Princess Peony.")

Erik's search for youth ends up having some unforeseen and unfortunate consequences.

It was a simple quest: Rescue the lost princess for the King and then return to his own quiet, reclusive dungeon life. Really, what could go wrong? In a world of secrets, dragons and curses, one can never quite tell. After all, even Opera Ghosts have layers. The greatest fairy-tale never told...Shrek AU. Fairy-Tale AU. E/C. WIP for the Once Upon Another Time Project on tumblr!

17th century - In captivity for a secret unknown to him, he seeks the purpose of his fate...Trapped within a future unplanned, she aids him in his quest...Freedom is the dream they must earn, but darkness demands a steep price… E&C ...R&R

Dazed after the initial unmasking, Christine makes the decision to confront her mysterious teacher while warring with feelings she can't verbalize. Pairing E/C.

Rewrite of the picnic scene in the 1990 TV series starring Charles Dance. Yeston/Kopit

19th century - An ill-gotten rose becomes the bar to her cage of a magical chateau, empty of all save for a ghost. Her song is the key to unlock the chains to his troubled soul…But so long a ghost, can she find the man hidden inside? - E/C - a gothic retelling of PotO & Beauty and the Beast - eventually will be rated M... R&R

Carlotta Giudicelli was a popular movie star in the late '90s, best known for her leading role in the musical "Hannibal." When she finds out that the film is being remade with a complete unknown cast in the lead, she becomes obsessed with taking back the part that was once hers. Her plans—and her life—change once she gets to know Christine Daaé. (POTO Rarepairs Contest Entry)

Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before / Let your soul take you where you long to be / Only then can you belong to me (E/C soulmate/reincarnation AU)

When Prince Erik is turned into a beast he believes that he will never break the spell until a girl named Christine comes and makes him see the true beauty in the world. In the village however, the brute Raoul is determined to get Christine to marry him promising to make it happen. The battle between the two men for Christine grows darker than ever before. ALW/B&TB Crossover E/C!

When his father's death leaves Erik as a servant in his own household, he begins to lose hope. Perhaps a few nights at a ball can change that. E/C Cinderella AU.

19th century - A voice in the night changed his dark path. Necessity forced her down a dark road she never would have traveled. In a manor shadowed with secrets, music is stirred to life and hearts can mend…or can they? A gothic retelling of Jane Eyre with PotO characters and feel – E/C - will eventually be rated M

WIP fantasy AU - After long years of wandering the world, Erik returns home to find peace to fully commit to his passion for art in all its forms. But as he takes in a young seemingly mute girl he finds that there might be second chances even for somebody like him. And he has to face the fact that there might be more truth to myths and legends than he ever expected. E/C

Our story takes place right after Christine unmasks our Phantom. Same characters you love with a slightly different take. This story explores what happens next and the consequences of each and every action. The goal is to update weekly.

Two people, one soul. Christine is still just a girl, not yet eighteen. Erik is nearly twice her age, wearing a mask to hide a face deformed from birth. Their families have been bitter rivals for over 300 years, yet these two star-crossed lovers meet and almost immediately fall in love. However, Fate has other plans...

A collection of short, one-shot scenes, E/C in general, each chapter complete but unrelated to each other. Erik, Christine, the Persian, Philippe and Sorelli, Carlotta and Ubaldo, Meg, Madame Giry...all make their appearance in various short stories. Mostly T, one M. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Welcome, foolish mortals... Let me tell you a story... a story of a forbidden love, a love doomed to tragedy, a love that transcends mere mortal lifespans, winding its way through the ages until the ill-fated souls of our doomed lovers finally find their way back to each other... So read on, if you dare...

Erik and Raoul wake to find that they've swapped bodies.

E/C/R - Eurydice and Orpheus AU, with a twist. Set in Ancient Greece, with Raoul as Lykos, Erik as Orpheus, and Christine as Eurydice. One-shot.

What if the manger of the opera house stayed the same? What if Christine didn't rip the mask from Erik's face right away? What if they actually talked instead of pushing everything aside? How would this alter the story?

Set after the first unmasking scene, could be read as any universe. Explores the "What if": Christine did not immediately run to the Vicomte but stood and explored for herself the mystery of the Phantom of the Opera. Can she dismiss her prejudices to help him heal? Very OOC, adventurous and logical Christine.

He's the city's #1 heartthrob, romance columnist! She's just trying to pay rent. But when a stroke of bad luck throws them together, look out Suliman Corp! This floor mouse and self-proclaimed "love enthusiast" are about to learn a thing or two about love. (Modern AU)

That night beneath the Opera House, different choices are made, and Christine remains at her Phantom's side through it all. [Post-ALW with some Kay influences, E/C. COMPLETE.]

"It's never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot (High School AU) (Erik/Christine)

Modern AU : When an unexpected acceptance letter finds its way into the mailbox of Christine Daaé, she doesn't expect the strange and magical world that opens up to her, nor the mysterious masked man that came tumbling through with it. Leroux/ALW based Canon.

Erik’s dreams have never turned out in his favour until Christine. While questioning his life choices, his angel returns to save him. The question is wheter or not he will allow her to and give him the dreams he thought to be long forgotten.

They hadn't seen each other since childhood, but neither of them had forgotten what they once shared. One-shot for timebird84's Phalentine's Day challenge. E/C

MODERN AU. E/C. In which Christine Daaé gets a job at the Palais Garnier as a stylist for the ballerinas. Could the opera ghost help her become more, and gain the recognition she deserves? And could she help him escape the darkness of his mind?

Erik owns and directs a decrepit community theater and company. He unwinds by playing to the evening air. One day he has an accompaniment. Inspired by that pianist's request that went viral.

In which Christine murders her last remaining relative and flees from the consequences. She tries, with some help, so start a new life for herself, but will the memories of what she did continue to haunt her? Will the consequences of her actions catch up with her in the end?

When her father visits a traveling carnival, little Christine finds more than just animals in a cage. A childhood AU Christmas oneshot.

A strange man walks into Christine's life, inviting her out of her old routine and into a world of music. Modern AU. E/C

The year is 1871 and Paris is under siege by the Prussians. With her fiancé dead and no one willing to hire her, Christine finds herself living on the streets, begging for food and sleeping in abandoned cathedrals. But what happens when Erik finds her lying unconscious and close to death in a dirty alleyway? "CATEGORY WINNER F0R 'BEST ANGST'"

Swept into the world of a traveling circus, Christine unexpectedly encounters two men who will forever change her life. One: a young man with dreams and aspirations that go beyond the limits of the circus. The second: a monster.

Prince Erik of Avondia's Coronation is fast approaching which means he will soon have to marry Princess Christine despite both their displeasure of the fact... However, Princess Christine soon discovers she has the chance to experience a taste of freedom when she finds herself face to face with the local baker, Amelia whom by some chance of fate looks exactly like her.

In the 1880s, Christine and her father move to Paris for a fresh beginning that is not as joyful as it first seems. When the truth of her new circumstances starts to unravel, only one man can help her. E/C. Kay/ALW-verse. Will eventually be rated M. COMPLETED.

Five hundred years ago the immortal Gaudrian Victor lost the love in life. Now he is on an endless search for him. Meanwhile college student Yuuri Katsuki gets saved from an attack by a familiar looking man who he had never seen before and wants to learn more about.

Erik's life is about to end at the hands of the angry mob... That is until a Guardian Angel in Training named Melody turns up and saves him. Explaining that he has lost his way and in order to gain her wings. It is now her job to help him become a better person as well as live a better life.

A hot prequel to Howl's Moving Castle. A queer take on Howl's origin/birth as a glorious and accursed being. The sky fumed to an uneasy red like a wisp in a wizard's head. A comet was about to fall and break little Howl's sleep. It had always been like this on nights nearing his birthday. When Howl was about to turn thirteen, the fiery vision recurred more often and strong.

A princess raised as a servant. A jealous stepmother. A poisoned apple. Need I go on? We all know the story. So here is my version of this classic fairytale...

Victor's 27th birthday is approaching and all he wants for a present is a chance to see the lights up close. And maybe the handsome young man who somehow stumbled into his tower can help him with that. (Victuri Tangled!AU)

Christine is a mermaid unhappy with her life, she thinks "If only I could go up there and explore the world" but she can't, unless she's willing to make a deal with the feared sea monster living in the darkest and deepest of caves. She will soon realize everything is not what it seems.

Conflicted and confused after the events beneath the opera house, Christine changes her mind. But is this an act of love, pity, or madness? E/C, musical-based

A scorpion and a grasshopper. A choice. One moment in time can change the course of life. Can Christine learn to love? Can Erik learn empathy? Can either of them ever forgive themselves or each other? Tuesday/Thursday.

There are things more dangerous than accepting lessons from a dark stranger in a bell tower, things that can destroy a man's face and his life—and Christine Daaé is soon to become intimately acquainted with them. Modern AU. ON INDEFINITE HIATUS.

A Tale As Old As Time... Only this time with a mask as well as a rose. AU

Erik has been fixated on the young brunette dancer known as Christine Daae for quite some time. When he realizes they are connected by some force that allows them to communicate by writing notes to each other on their skin, he uses this to his advantage and sends her messages from her Angel of Music. Soulmate AU inspired by a prompt on Tumblr.

When Aloysia is too sick to perform one day, Constance insists on keeping her company. For the #aprilfilles prompt "siblings".

Nannerl helps Constance get ready for her wedding. For the #aprilfilles prompt "regrets".

Christine is left alone temporarily in Erik's home during those 2 weeks she spends at the House by the Lake after the abduction, and finds a nice companion in Erik's storage room with the numerous strange memories of his past.

Very loosely based on "The Nutcracker and the mouse king." Orphaned Marie leads a very poor life, in all her life no one wanted her. Then one christmas day she comes into the possession of a nutcracker, a toy no one else wanted so Marie takes it upon herself to look after this nutcracker. Though then in the middle of the night odd things happens, is the nutcracker what he seems?

One-shot rewritten as a full story. Months after the disaster at the opera, a fire breaks out in an old apartment building. The Phantom is left with a horribly burned Christine to care for in more ways than one.

One always hears the echo of their soulmate's heartbeat, and can only recognize them by feeling the person's pulse match up with the rhythm in their head. Erik never heard the echo until he was in his thirties. Christine has heard it for as long as she remembers.

What if Christine had never gotten the chance to play Aminta in the Phantom's Opera? What if, immediately following the Bal Masque, she and Raoul disappeared from Paris? "CATEGORY WINNER FOR 'MOST TWISTED'"! 2004 MOVIE-VERSE! WARNING: EXTREME FOP-BASHING! E/C, AS ALWAYS...

As all fairytales do, this story begins with the simplest of words: "Once upon a time..." But that is where our story, a different type of fairytale, takes a turn. For this is not another tale of fair maidens and foppish princes... No, this is the story of two people drawn together under the most interesting of circumstances, a tale both as old as time and as fresh as a rose...

Mozart knew that he should have stayed in Salzburg. Less stress. All that he wants to do is write music, prove himself and possibly marry Constance. Salieri isn't enthused by Mozart's presence. When the two meet, a rivalry is formed instantly. For one, however, the rivalry crumbles almost immediately - how do you destroy someone else when you're beginning to doubt yourself?

Role Reversal AU E/C. A masked face and wild curls inspire ramblings of the stagehands. The new director wishes to find out the truth of this Angel of Music. ALW, Leroux and Kay.

What drove a person to reject a life in the light, and seek one within darkness instead? Could one ever cross over from the grips of night? There was more to the man beneath the mask, and Christine was determined to uncover what hid within.

Set after Leopold died. Wolfgang became famous again, and Aloysia went to visit. But then Aloysia fell for Wolfgang again, a 'war' soon broke out between Constanze and Aloysia. What would they do? And could Salieri be the reason why Wolfgang became rich? pls R&R

This is an exploration of Erik, the man behind the masked Phantom of the Opera. Written by my good friend, Lisa Gomez. She really "gets" Erik. His Phantom persona, his vulnerable, scarred side, and the man that he hopes to become. She gave me permission to post this since she's too chicken. I say she's too modest and doesn't realize how truly amazing her writings of Erik are. ;)

"Lovely, gentle Christine had always been known for her softness, her goodness, her kindness. Everyone saw her as light, as beauty - Erik, more than anyone, of course...and herself least of all." One shot with Erik comforting Christine and helping her cope with her insecurities. this is my first E/C one shot, please do let me know what you think!

As Erik sleeps beside her, Christine contemplates his collection of tattoos. (Rating for reference to past drug use)

Mythological parallels in free verse. [Erik's POV]

Kintsugi - the art of repairing the broken with gold. Her passion was fading, her greatest talent hidden even from herself. His humanity lost, his spirit broken long ago. In the hulk of an abandoned opera house, the art of restoration begins. M for Erik's past. E/C. Very dark in places so that light can shine on others. COMPLETE

She was lonely and afraid. He was abandoned and hurting. How will fate connect these two lost souls to one another? Phantom, but with birds! Please R&R.

He looked up at the sky once again, and dared to hope. "Please, God" he whispered, taking a white beaded rosary from his pants pocket "Please, send me a sign, any sign".

Fearful of forgetting the wonderful moments of Christine's presence, Erik journals them, reflecting his own hopes and thoughts. Leroux, canon-era.

The story is told by several women, each a favored protégé in her time. This is about their struggle to achieve the limelight-in more ways than one-what they're willing to do to get it, and what they'll go through to keep it. Yet every exquisite fruit reaches its prime, and afterwards, is very seldom desired.

Christine was never one to believe in ghosts, but even she knows there's a first time for everything...Leroux. Sample entry for "The Phantom's Haunting Halloween One-Shot Contest". *11/7/17 Winners Posted!*

Prince Viktor's father keeps him locked away in a tower, completely isolated. He dreams of freedom and escaping his royal life. When he reaches adulthood, his father sends him off to be married to a foreign prince, but Viktor never really was good at doing what he was told... (Goose Girl AU)

Torn between the two men in her life... What if Christine chose a third option?

People can change, for better and for worse. The Beast went from a sweet, innocent boy to a cruel, uncaring prince, only to then become a hideous monster. But how did this come to be? And how will he change once Belle comes into his life?

Captain Du Bois owes Prince Erik a very high debt and either must give up his beloved ship or offer one of his daughter's services until he is able to pay the debt. However, The captain's youngest daughter makes his choice for him, offering her services to the cold hearted prince but can she warm his heart?

The desire for it nearly consumed her life. Up to the point where she couldn't live without it. So life decided to be generous and give her exactly what she asked for. Unfortunately, there is a slight misunderstanding…

A one-shot of the fateful night between Adam and Belle, an AU (based on the 2017 adaptation) where the curse is different. Emotional! Rated T because of the fighting scene, just to be safe.

Why did the Enchantress curse the Prince? What motive could she have had? Who is she and why does she have her powers? The answers lie within this tale, unwinding the unknown history of the Enchantress.

It is 1963, the year of the Cold War between the States and Russia. Young Christine Daae, a muted cleaner, accidently discovers a secret within the organization she works for. With an understanding between her and Experiment E, they travel together on a path that will either bring worlds together or shatter them apart. Based on the trailer for the new movie "The Shape of Water"

Erik's nightmare's cloud his sense of reality. E/C fluffy comfort

If she was to love him, let her love his Handsome Prince. In reality, he was a monster, disgusting even to himself.

Christine is snowed inside one morning and pays Erik a visit, a little bit fluffy. Elements of Leroux and ALW

After Erik let's Christine and Raoul go to live their lives together, the Opera Ghost continues to watch over her and their new family. Fair warning, very sappy oneshot. Set after the musical.

Christine is feeling ill. Even while weak and groggy, she seeks out Erik whom comes to her aid. A little bit fluffy. Based on the stage musical (not the movie), little mix of Kay and Leroux also.

Set just after "Point of No Return". What if the guards took their shot after Christine removed Erik's hood during Don Juan Triumphant? Musical based, little bit of the novel. (Partly by stasya-k's illustration on tumblr)

A heartbroken Erik passes into the next life, but instead of resting in peace, he becomes an angel and watches over Christine. (beta)

When Adam and Belle are both tormented by nightmares they find comfort in each other. 2017 movie.

Love is a two way road not always straight and narrow, a two-edged sword, a pagan god that needs sacrifice to prevail. Though pleasent one can never know what to expect and one can never win over it, one can only give it the chance it needs. Is Christine willing to forgive and forget, for sake of love alone? Is she willing to do the sacrifice? What kind of life waits for her?

Based on a prompt from tumblr: "You shouldn't be afraid of me!" Madame Giry took the boy into her home, but she really didn't plan on what she would do next. [Guardian Angel series]

To which Erik looks at the face that has haunted him his entire life. Christine mentioned; EC implied.

A one-shot based on the theory that Erik cannot speak without his mask. BASED ON "THE CANARY TRAINER". Reading of the book isn't necessary for understanding of this one-shot. EC. Rated K. COMPLETE.

ALW-verse, E/C. Summary: "In the end, if it meant giving up my life for theirs, then it was worth it - I should count myself fortunate for the chance." A story of redemption and acceptance, of confronting countless ghosts and demons, of facing the past when its echoes can no longer be denied - even if that battle proves deadly.

Modern AU One-Shot. Erik has a conversation with Christine as to what is socially acceptable in beauty.

The way the 2004 movie should have been. After hearing a heartfelt love declaration from Raoul, Christine spots the Phantom behind a statue. Excusing the Vicomte, she decides to confront Erik…

"But I love you," she managed to whisper. The beast appeared to shrink a little. A retelling of Sophie's dream about Howl. Title taken from Langston Hughes's poem, Harlem

A re-telling of what happened when Christine removed the Phantom's mask. It needed more fluff.

Christine is sacrificed to a dragon in a medieval, small-town world, and for some reason, she does not need saving. Meanwhile, Raoul investigates the dark secrets of her past, and Philippe tries to retreat into the solitude of simplicity. The world seems intent on misfortune for everyone, and misunderstanding and close-mindedness abounds, but in the end, love will win…right? E/C.

After Raoul dies, Christine visits a gypsy witch, who will resurrect her soulmate. But when she goes to dig up Raoul, she finds someone she didn't expect. Inspired by: Like Real People Do by Hozier.

Christine and Erik are the essence of true love and they are well known by it in the enchanted forest. But what happens when something dark and evil rips them from their lives into our world? Now as Colette and Edward, they must find their way back to each other but will they be able to in a place where happy endings are not a guarantee?

A sudden realization begins a chain reaction that will leave three lives forever changed. Musical/AU based.

Christine left the Opera House very suddenly aged eleven, seven years later she returns carrying with her a secret which will change everything and turn Erik's world upside down forever. E/C

Six years after the fire at the Opera Populaire, Christine tells her young daughter, Charlotte, the story of her relationship with the Phantom of the Opera and that fateful night through a fairy tale. She tells the story of a young maiden who is pursued by two princes, one white, and one dark, and the maiden's choice that would lead to her happily ever after. Two-Shot

Howl had saved a falling star, giving it his heart. As he did so he saw a girl with hair the color of starlight calling out to him, telling him to find her in the future. Years later, he finds his mind wandering to her, and begins to unknowingly search for her. This is the story of Howl's life before he finds Sophie, and the everyday struggles he went through.

A hypothetical in which Erik and Christine are given a second chance to be together in life and in death.

Erik did not believe in nymphs. But an arrow gone awry and a simple healing touch binds him to a beautiful creature in a way he never thought possible. Christine was happy living amongst the trees with her father and sisterlings, until the actions of a Knight separate her from her kin and leaves her struggling to understand a man so different from any she has ever known.

The king's beautiful but spoiled daughter is waiting for her perfect prince charming, rich and handsome. The young king with the dreadful scar and plain clothes is definitely not the one. So why is she mad at the gardener's roses? And what has happened when one day she disappears? Inspired by Beauty and the Beast and King Thrushbeard. UPDATED 21/08/2014

How Erik became deformed and subsequently became... a vampire? Hey, it could happen.

Erik's thoughts before Christine's debut. Movieverse. Based off the song of Can't I Even Dream, originally sung by Hatsune Miku. Lyrics with translations included.

"You can fly now," Christine spoke softly, letting her angel go and descend to the heaven from which he came.

It is simple, really. Something was stolen from Erik. He wants it back. And he will stop at nothing until he gets it. EC. Eventually Modern.

Erik's thoughts during the rooftop scene, gets dark towards the end, as he slowly turns from genius to madman. Movie/musical. One-shot. Please R&R!

Tears flooded his eyes, rushing down his contorted face as he struggled with this kindness he longed for. She was the only person who didn't see the demon in a hell. He tried to collect his thoughts, thoughts like notes that had no tune, no structure, just a jumble of music. His voice was hoarse and broken-an untuned organ. His music failed. His songs unraveled as he did. One-shot.

A tormented and deformed man must learn to love and be loved by another, or a powerful spell placed upon him will never be broken. Can music bring together two kindred spirits when looks might tear them apart? Beauty and the Beast-based, musicalverse

Short One-shot.Erik's POV. "I never kept mirrors in my home... I decided early on that I didn't need it's constant reminder that I was a monster and rightfully so, as I had been forced my whole life to accept what I could never change."

Christine is haunted by a terrifying voice inside her head. The difference between fantasy and reality become dangerously unclear...

What if Phantom of the Opera had more in common with The Little Mermaid rather than Beauty and the Beast?

Fairytale of monster Erik and his bride Christine . Set in alternate world of fairytales...

Every lonely girl wants a guardian angel, For Christine this becomes far too literal for her taste. A story of fallen angels, ancient prophecies and heavenly wars, can Christine a lowly orphan survive the coming storm. EC, rating for later chapters Mod da

Sequal to Blood and Shadows. For nearly a century and a half, Mina has waited for Erik to awaken from the Sleep of the Dead. When he does, will he be willing to spend eternity as a vampire?

Epilogue up. Come see! MODERN DAY Retelling ALW&Kay. Takes place inside the movie. Inspired by the premise of the tv show Samantha Who? How will a head injury change the course of Erik and Christine's future? EC eventually

Christine is asked to help them snatch our clever friend. But Christine refuses and eventually does another completely unexpected thing that leads to a totally different finale.

A Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast crossover of epic proportions. Readers, ye be warned.

Crossover between POTO and the Nutcracker. Christine, a teenage girl in France, recieves a nutracker for Christmas but he is damaged by her younger brother. The nutcracker comes to life and is in need of Christine's assistance to save the Land of Music.

A tribute to Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. Oneshot.

Christine longs for her Angel and Erik just longs for her. Can they overcome the peril and adventure of their own personal fairytale?

After the Kiss, what happened? In the hidden plot of ALW's 2004 movie, Christine pledges herself to Erik, who, in turn, must find a way to live in the world that has rejected him.

The mask of the flesh conceals such beauty as the tangible can never reveal. Do not seek to see, for your eyes may only touch the surface. Only the soul understands. Modernday, eventual EC.

Raoul's safety is assured, but Christine cannot bring herself to break the promise she made to the Phantom. A different ending to the 2004 movie, based on ALW's version. Told from the POV of several different characters. COMPLETED.

He is the art of the atrocity that goes unseen. Short, thoughtful, oneshot

Christine tells Erik a bedtime story. oneshot Erik x Christine :revised September 24, 2006:

The Phantom of the Opera is alone; a broken man waiting for the never-ending solitude of death to claim him. Can one woman correct a horrible error and claim the man she truly loves before death does? Will Christine be too late? Complete

Some messages are not meant to be received... some prayers are meant to be answered. What if Christine would appear on the rooftop to hear Erik pray to God for her love? Oneshot, Kay based, completely EC

The story of the traditional Beauty and the Beast written as a Phantom fic.

A short story about Erik's final moments.

Imagine...a prince under the curse of an evil wizard, a maiden who is his only hope, and a fate destined to become reality, in a world where nothing is impossible... Finished!

Based on Webber's Phantom of the Opera, Erik's thoughts and feelings as he lies dying and hears the angels and demons arguing over his soul.