Eponine shoved her way through the masses of people that flooded the square. One of the revolutionaries was giving a speech, and Eponine knew that Marius would be there. In the time she had known him, however long it was-she lost track of human time very easily-he had told her countless times that when the fight came, he would be there. This, she knew, was the main reason she was here-to keep him safe through whatever battle may come.

As she listened to the fiery speeches, she could feel the tide of human emotions raging around her. She was glad that she didn't have to deal with that part of human life, but she secretly wondered what it would be like to have emotions and feel attachments to other beings. She knew, too, that if she remained in a human body for long enough, she would be forced to find out, whether she wanted to or not.

At last, Eponine spotted Marius through the crowd. She smiled as she saw how excited he was. As she watched, though, she saw him turn away and glance around the throng. He smiled when she caught his eye, but was almost immediately distracted by something she couldn't see. Puzzled, she shoved her way through the crowd to see what it was that had caught his attention.

When at last she reached his side, she followed his gaze and saw a girl who, she believed, would be around her age. The girl was staring right back, a shy smile on her face. Eponine gently nudged Marius and said quietly, "Who did you meet?"

He never once looked back at her. "I don't know...but I need to find out." An older man came out of the crowd and handed the girl a basket, then took her arm and gently led her away. Eponine stared in shock as the old man looked straight at her and winked. The girl looked back over her shoulder as she left, and blew Marius a small, discreet kiss. He raised a hand as if to catch it, then sighed.

All at once, everything froze. Eponine looked around and saw a man standing slightly behind her. He smiled and began to walk towards her.

"Excuse me, sir, but...do I know you?" she asked timidly.

He smiled even wider. "Have you been away so long that you don't even recognize your old tutor?"

"Master!" she gasped, mortified. He chuckled. "Please forgive me, I don't know what came over me-"

"Time spent in the human world often dulls the heavenly senses, especially when one is inhabiting a human body. The influence of humanity is strong, no one can resist it for long."

She bowed her head. "Why are you here, master?" she asked, certain she had somehow failed. He put a hand under her chin and slowly lifted her face up so she could see his eyes.

"Merely to give you a warning. Marius's romance with this girl must be protected at all costs. He is the reason you are here-their children will one day alter the course of France. If they somehow are prevented from being together, the consequences could be disastrous."

Eponine took a deep breath. Here was confirmation that the life she was protecting was worth her time-altering the course of an entire country! She smiled slightly, proud both of herself and of her charge. For some reason, however, something about his future felt wrong. She would have to figure out why the idea of Marius getting married bothered her so much later.

"I am also here to tell you that you may have an ally. This girl also has a protector, who is posing as her adoptive father. If you can make contact with him, he may be able to help you-to get into places and situations that aren't acceptable for young girls. However, no one can be suspicious about your relationship, so be cautious. Have I made myself clear?"

She nodded, stunned. The old man who had winked at her was an angel of her world? She had to speak to him, and soon.

"I should warn you, though, that he has lived in the human world for many, many years. The previous owner of his body died in the prison work gangs, and he has been here raising the girl ever since his time was served in completion. Consequently, he is very human- their ways are a very deeply ingrained part of him now, and he may seem a bit...odd. Be cautious."

She nodded again, fascinated and a little apprehensive. To think having spent years and years in a human body-how he was still sane, she couldn't imagine.

She bowed and said, "Thank you, master. It shall be just as you say." When at last she looked up, her master was gone and time had returned to its normal flow.

Eponine shook her head, trying to focus back on the mortal world. Marius suddenly spun around and grabbed her shoulders. She went stiff in his grip, staring at him with wide eyes. "Eponine," he said urgently, "you've got to find out where she lives. Please, do this for me. I know we've never really met, but I know that she is important somehow and I must see her again." He gave her a little shake, as if to get her attention. "Please, 'Ponine, won't you help me?"

She froze, surprised. She said a quick prayer of thanks for driving the couple together so quickly. For some reason, she found the idea of trying to set them up repulsive. Even now, she felt a strange reluctance to do as he asked, even knowing what was at stake. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. She saw Marius's eyes widen in panic at what he perceived to be a refusal. Eponine sighed. "Yes, Marius. For you."

His relief was obvious. "You will? You mean it? Oh, 'Ponine, you don't know what this means to me!" He gave her a tight hug. She cautiously hugged him back, still unaccustomed to the human custom of physical affection. For some reason, she felt her pulse begin to race as she felt his heart beating against hers. She pulled back,slightly breathless annoyed with herself for such a human reaction.

Just then, church bells began to chime. "Oh, I'm going to be late for the meeting! Thanks again!" he shouted as he dashed down the street. Eponine watched him go, smiling fondly. With a heavy heart, she followed him. It was time to check on the progress of the Revolutionaries.

A.N: Guten morgen, alle! Here I be with a new chapter for your enjoyment. I do hope you liked it, because I sure had fun writing it. If there is some canon dialogue in there that I missed, bummer. I only have the soundtrack to work off of, and that leaves out a lot. But,if you leave a review and tell me what I missed, I might be willing to update this bit again. Anyhow, please read and review, and, if you're enjoying reading this story, go defend it against my other stories in my poll! At least let me pretend like I matter to y'all. Thanks again!

-Forever the Optimist