Disclaimer: I still don't own the phantom of the opera.

Guardian Angel- Chapter One

"What is this?!"

The girl winced at Erik's roar, then glared at the daroga. That seemed like a good idea to him. Erik gave Nadir a look that would have melted steel.

"Now Erik," Nadir said trying to pacify his friend,"You're the only one I could come to. Michelle is the niece of a very good friend of mine, and she's in danger."

"Who is Michelle?"

The girl finally spoke up. "That would be me."

Erik reverted his gaze to the child- she couldn't be much over sixteen- and took in her appearance. She was tall- about five-foot six, long brown hair in braids, and eyes that weren't very large, but not incredible narrow either. He couldn't tell their color in the dim light. She had an average mouth, although her lips were full and pouty and looked very kissable.

Erik shook his head. What was he doing, thinking about a child that way? He turned back to Nadir. "What kind of danger?"

"Well.it's hard to explain."

"No it isn't", the girl, Michelle said. She looked at Erik and continued," To be perfectly frank, I overheard some men plotting a murder. Said men discovered me and will no doubt attempt to eliminate me as well." She clasped her hands behind her back. "And that is most certainly that. Well, sort of."

Erik studied her. She certainly seemed more mature than her age indicated. "I'm flattered, Nadir", he said still studying her. "I never would have believed you'd trust me with a child."

Flames appeared in Michelle's eyes and Nadir made a noise that sounded like he was choking back laughter. Michelle stalked forward until she was almost nose to nose with Erik, looked him straight in the eye, and firmly stated," I am twenty-three years old."

Erik's eyebrows rose. "Really?" he was a little surprised his voice came out sounding so steady; her proximity was doing odd things to him, and he didn't like it. At least he understood Nadir's humor.

"Yes", she said, then raised her eyebrows. "How old are you?"

Erik smiled wirily. "Too old for you."

If Michelle was shocked, she didn't show it. "I didn't ask that."

"Thirty-five." Erik stepped back and looked at Nadir. "I suppose I can look after the girl."

Nadir sighed in relief. "Thank you."

Michelle looked doubly annoyed. "I am not a 'girl.'"

Erik raised an eyebrow again. "Then what are you, for you don't look like a boy."

Her chin went up a notch. "I am a young woman that does not like condescending, chauvinistic men like you!"

Erik was taken aback. No one had ever spoken to him in such a manner. He opened his mouth to retaliate, but closed it when Nadir chuckled.

"Yes, I believe you two will do well together", he said as he started to leave. "I just hope you don't kill each other instead."

Nadir rowed away, leaving an astounded Erik and a bemused Michelle together.

Michelle turned back to Erik. "Well, that was interesting. I suppose we're stuck together for the time being. But don't worry. I'll try to stay out of your way." She smiled.

Erik sighed. "Fine. I'll.show you to your room."

Michelle picked up the two small suitcases had hadn't noticed and led her to the room that used to be Christine's. Michelle looked around and whistled. "Nice place."

Erik grimaced. "Yes it is." *But not nice enough to keep her here.*

"Her who?"

Erik looked sharply at Michelle who looked confused. "Did I say that aloud?" he asked.

Michelle smiled. "Yes, you did."

Erik growled," Never mind who she is."

Michelle shrugged. "As you like it. What time do you usually get up in the morning?"

He smiled grimly. "Didn't Nadir tell you anything about me?"

"Yes. That you're name is Erik, you wear a mask, and you're also known as the Opera Ghost."

"Exactly", Erik said storming out. "And ghosts don't sleep."

He slammed the door on his way out. *That was uncalled for*, Michelle thought. Then she shrugged. *Oh, well. He'll feel better tomorrow after I make him a wonderful breakfast.*

Cheered by this thought, Michelle got ready for bed, then drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Erik went to his organ, planning on trying to get something done. But, as before, nothing came to him.

*Might as well go to bed*, he thought. *Or maybe 'go to coffin' would be more precise.*

Erik went into his room and climbed into his coffin. *Perhaps it won't be so bad. After all, she did promise to stay out of my way.*

Erik drifted off to sleep, wondering what color her eyes were.