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8

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Erik let out a yawn and turned over onto his side. His back felt sore. Why was his bed so hard suddenly? And that awful brightness! Even with his eyes closed, he could see the light. There should not have been any light in his lair. Opening his eyes hastily, he squinted against the brightness up to the whitewashed ceiling. This was not his lair. Thoughts of the previous day's events came back to him and he grunted distastefully.

Raising from the bed, he was met all at once with the most horrible feeling in his stomach. It was as though there were thousands of bees within, all buzzing around and making him feel queasy. But he knew there were no bees, just the 'seasickness' Jack had told him about. His stomach lurched unhappily and his chest suddenly hitched forward. He quickly placed a hand over his mouth, not wanting to become sick all over the floor.

With one hand over his mouth and the other cupping his stomach, he raised from the bed, slipped the ugly boots upon his feet and headed across the hall to Jack's cabin. He raised the hand that clutched his stomach to the door and knocked, then replaced it.

When the door opened, Erik was faced with the tired expression of a pirate who had been woken unwillingly and was angry about it. "Where's the bathroom?" Erik asked quickly, uncovering his mouth only for the smallest moment so that he could get the words out.

Jack's tired expression faded and turned into a look of satisfaction. He laughed. "I see you've been visited by the seasick fairy," he retorted. He extended an arm and slapped Erik on the back in a friendly manner.

Erik gasped as he lost whatever control he had upon his gorge. He managed to turn away as much as he could from Jack before he doubled over and emptied the contents of his belly. Feeling the nausea somewhat disappear, he choked and sputtered, trying to regain his breath. He took in several long inhales and exhales, then wiped his mouth off uncomfortably and slowly straightened out to face Jack once more.

"Oh, that's lovely. Just... lovely," Jack said with sarcasm, staring at the mess on the floor.

"Uhh, scratch that. I don't need the bathroom anymore," Erik said, disappointed in himself for losing control and causing such an untidiness in the hall.

"Yes you do," Jack replied, still eying the pile of filth.

"But I--"

"Trust me, you'll need to use the facilities very, very soon."

"Wha..."

"Just trust me on this and go to the third door on your left," Jack said, pointing down the hall. "You'll see when you get there."

"Okay..." Erik said, a bit confused. He stepped over his mess and headed to the bathroom. As soon as he entered, he found out what Jack had meant. He found out beyond his wildest imagination.

He finished in the lavatory twenty minutes later and returned to Jack's doorway. After stepping over his mess, which he noticed had not been cleaned up yet, he knocked again on Jack's door and this time when the door opened he was not faced with a tired Jack, an amused Jack, or even a pirate Jack for that manner! He observed the man with a furrowed brow. Jack was all fancied up, porting a rather nice black tuxedo.

"Enjoyed your little washroom adventure?" Jack asked.

Erik ignored Jack's wisecrack. "My, my. We certainly are dressed up, Mr. Sparrow. And you had complained about my apparel." He offered a chuckle.

Jack looked back at him in disgust. "Stupid Will's making me wear this. Apparently the boy chose me as his best man. Of course I can't argue with the title because, afterall, it is simply perfect to describe me. I am, most certainly, the best man in the world so I guess I can be the best man at the wedding with remarkable ease."

"Oh, the arrogance," Erik said sadly, placing a hand over his face in shame. He truly felt a pity for the egotistical man. He took his hand away as an idea popped into his head and looked at Jack with hopeful eyes. "Does that mean that I can wear my own clothes to the wedding rather than this... uh..." He wanted to choose his words carefully. "nice outfit? I wouldn't want to ruin it..." He lied.

"I suppose so," Jack replied, trying to tie his bowtie in a mirror. He thought he looked dreadful... well not entirely dreadful because well... just look at him! But this outfit certainly was placing a damper on his mannish good looks.

Erik rubbed his hands together excitedly, looking past Jack and to the opposite end of the room where his clothes lay in a ball on the floor. He approached the ball and took it up, feeling so glad to hold his sensible clothing once more. He placed the clothing on the bed, lifted the vest out and positioned it over his shoulders. As he was about to button it up, he paused to look down at his waist and see those pesky belts which encased him. He quickly took each off and placed them on the bed, careful not to disturb the loaded gun within one of the holders. After buttoning both his shirt and the vest, he took the cravat from the pile and fixed it around his neck.

He continued the process with his jacket and cape and not before long, he was nearly back to his old, normal self. He slipped the uneasy boots from his feet and replaced them with his soft, comfortable shoes. He was feeling better already.

Erik approached the mirror and stepped behind Jack who was still adjusting himself, never able to properly tie the bow around his neck. Erik observed himself with the bandanna and eyepatch and let out a hiss before ripping them from his head and dropping them to the floor. He smoothed his hairpiece with a hand, then took once last glance at his reflection before taking Jack by the shoulders and turning him to face him.

He placed educated fingers upon Jack's bowtie and in several seconds it was fastened. Jack turned back to the mirror and looked at it with an expression of awe. "How'd you do that?" He asked curiously.

"I'm just naturally gifted, I guess," Erik replied smugly, sounding as if he had caught a little of Jack's arrogance.

"Yeah, I believe you are," Jack said in a daze, running his fingers over the perfectly tied material. "Wow. Mate, whatever lady you end up with is going to be a lucky girl, indeed."

Erik furrowed his brow, not understanding. Jack shook his head. "Never mind." He glanced at the small window opening, observing the degree of light. "Let's head off now. Don't want to be late."

Erik nodded, forgetting the comment. As they proceeded to the door, Jack stopped him. "Just one thing. Ease up on the cape, mate. That's just overdressing."

"But I like it."

"What's with you and Will and capes? He likes the lot as well," Jack told him, scoffing. "You'd never catch me dead in one of those."

"Hey. Don't mock it 'till you try it," Erik said in return, undoing the cape from around his neck. He slid it off, folded it over and placed it on a nearby chair.

Jack looked at Erik's waist and saw that it was absent of the belts and weapons which he had assigned. "Mate, are you leaving without your weapons?" He asked curiously. "You never know when you'll get into a fight. Take your sword along, at least."

Erik sighed and returned to the bed. He picked the belt which held the sword up and wrapped it around his waist. He pulled his jacket down over the belt so it was not visible. It clashed tremendously with his outfit and he didn't want anyone to notice this outrageous fashion faux-pas.

Paying no mind to any of the messes created within the ship, they finally debarked and walked through the village in search of the chapel which Elizabeth had told everyone to come to for the wedding. After telling Erik the chapel, he had said that he knew where it was and led Jack there. They arrived at the small building several minutes following and stood outside a large set of closed double doors. "Well, we're here," Jack announced, pushing his shoulder against one of the doors. It gave in under his force and opened with a creak.

They entered the chapel to find it empty. Jack gulped, wondering what was going on. If he had missed the wedding, there was going to be trouble.

Walking down the aisle, surveying the empty pews on either side, Jack felt very nervous and uneasy. Surely there had to be some mistake. As they walked, Jack spotted a man moving around at the end of the aisle, shuffling about near an archway that spanned over the altar.

Jack quickened his pace, as did Erik. The man was turned around at a table which stood at the back of the room. Jack touched him on the shoulder and the man turned around, startled. "The wedding. Where is the wedding?" Jack asked impatiently.

The man shook his head in confusion. "Je m'excuse, Monsieur. Je ne comprends pas que vous avez dites."

Jack let out a long sigh of frustration. He was sick and tired of all this French stuff. He grabbed Erik and pushed him towards the man. "Ask him what happened to the wedding."

"Monsieur, c'est ou la cérémonie du marriage qui est supposé de prendre place ici maintenant?"

"Oh, la marriage! Monsieur Turner et Madamoiselle Swann?" The man asked.

Jack heard Will and Elizabeth's names and his eyes perked up in attention. He focused on the man even though he had not the slightest idea of what was being said.

"Oui. Est-ce qu'on a manqué la cérémonie?"

"Non, non, Monsieur. La cérémonie n'a pas prendre place encore. Ils ont decidé de tiens-le dehors. C'est jusqu'au la fin de cette rue, l'endroit auprès de les eaux. Ils ont dis que c'était plus sensible de faire le cérémonie auprès les eaux, plus romantique. Aussi quelque chose concernant un navire... je pense. Tout que je savoir est que le cérémonie était changé qu'au dehors."

Erik turned to Jack after the man's large response and translated the answer to a simple, "It's outside."

"We didn't miss it? Wonderful," Jack said with relief. He patted the man on the back heartily. "Thank you, my good man. Merci!" He bolted from his spot and took off running down the aisle, exiting through the double doors. Erik shrugged at the stirred man and ran off to catch up with Jack.

"Just down this road, he said," Erik instructed, coming up behind Jack. They ran along the road and came to the end. It broke through to a large clearing and Jack's mind was finally settled once and for all when he saw various members of his crew standing around in an orderly fashion, dressed a touch nicer than normal. A French minister stood behind a podium and Jack hoped that he wouldn't have to sit through a French ceremony. He scanned the area further, though Elizabeth and Will were nowhere to be seen.

Jack slowed his pace and they walked, catching their breath, to the crew members. The entire area was decorated with lovely flowers and fancy adornments. Certainly it had been no big trouble to find the appropriate funding for the wedding, what with Elizabeth's governing father supplying the required amount. Reaching the crew members, Jack didn't stop and kept walking, heading for the small wall which lined the ocean lookout. He threw a quick glance toward his docked ship in the distance, then turned his eyes down to the waters below the steady drop.

The entire area seemed very familiar, almost like he had been there before. As he watched the flowing waters below, he noticed Erik come up next to him and watch the waters as well. Then the idea of how this seemed familiar suddenly came to him! This spot for some strange reason resembled that of the ledge overlooking the sea back in Port Royal. How coincidental.

Vaguely remembering falling from the Port Royal ledge, Jack decided that he had now had enough of the sea view and turned his back on it. He sat down upon the ledge and stared off at the clearing, seeing a string band holding their instruments and music stands as they walked in the direction of the podium. They stopped and set up their stands and instruments to the side of the French minister.

Once they were set up, they began playing a soft melody upon their instruments, filling the entire clearing with their tune.

"Great, they've just set up so I don't think we're late," Jack said to Erik's turned back. He was still observing the waters below. He never usually got the chance to see such sights and found the waters very interesting. Hearing Jack, he turned around and sat down next to him.

"I think it's going to start soon, though," Erik replied, staring at the band. He was familiar with the tune they were playing, knew it very well. He began to hum along with the soft melody.

"Why do you say that?" Jack asked, looking at Erik curiously.

Erik paused his humming, "Well, because the groom's just arrived," he said, pointing off to the distance, then resuming his humming.

Jack looked in the direction Erik pointed to and saw Will walking towards the French minister. His eyes widened and he sprung from his seat, heading toward Will. Erik remained seated, watching to see what Jack was up to. He continued to hum softly to himself, somewhat enjoying his time here. It was very interesting to be outdoors.

Jack approached Will with a smile across his face. "The big day's finally here," He said, reaching Will and shaking his hand. "She's a fine lassie. You're a lucky man."

Will felt himself blushing. He was so very excited for everything that day. He couldn't wait until Elizabeth was his. "Thanks. Hey Jack, do you ever think you'll get married, yourself? I mean... it's not like you're getting any younger..."

"I'll settle down one of these days, mate. I just have to find the right dame. But anyways, enough of my life, it's your day today. How do you feel?"

"Nervous, I suppose. But that's natural, right?"

"As natural as the color of your hair, me boy."

Will smiled and looked past Jack to the ledge overlooking the sea. He saw Erik sitting alone. "I see you've brought your little friend."

Jack turned to see Erik, then returned his gaze to Will. "Ah, yes. Wasn't my idea, though. It was an order from your soon-to-be wife. She simply had to have him here."

"Really? That's odd. Nevertheless, it's okay by me. Whatever she wants she'll get. I'm so excited to see her. I just know she'll be ravishing. Have you seen her in her dress yet? She wouldn't let me anywhere near her when she tried it on."

"Yes," Jack answered, recalling Erik's little incident with the dress and the promise he had made to him to help him control himself in Elizabeth's presence today at the wedding. "Yes, I have and you're right, it's stunning. Very stunning, indeed."

The French minister came up to Will from behind and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Monsieur, there are some details we must discuss," The man said. He had a French accent but Jack was greatly relieved to find out that the wedding would be perfrormed in English.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, Jack. I have matters to take care of. Oh, just one thing, though. I need you to make sure the ring's intact. Check with the ringboy."

"The ringboy?" Jack asked.

Will pointed off to the crew, then turned around and disappeared to talk with the minister. Jack gulped and walked off in the direction of the crew. He looked them over as they chatted amongst themselves, trying to determine which of them was the ringboy.

Finally his eyes moved downwards and he was sure that he had found the ringboy in question. Of course the member of his crew who happened to be... vertically challenged would be in a suitable position to play the role of ringboy. Jack extended an arm and wrapped it around the man's small wrist. He pulled him off to the side, away from the discussion, and bent down.

"Do you have the ring?" Jack asked.

"Yes," the small man replied, reaching into his jacket pocket and producing a small, red, velvet box. Jack took the box from the man's tiny fingers and inspected it for a moment before opening it. When he looked inside he saw a rather nice looking wedding ring. He removed it from its casing and held the ring between his index finger and thumb, surveying its splendor. The band was made of gold, yet delicate and light and highly suitable for a woman. In the middle of the ring, a medium-sized square cut diamond lay. Jack moved the ring between his fingers in the daylight, allowing the diamond to sparkle and twinkle. It was very beautiful. If he were Elizabeth he'd feel very flourishing, indeed. He replaced the ring in its box, then handed it to the man who put it back in his jacket pocket.

"Good. Very good. Now don't lose it," Jack instructed.

"I won't," The man replied, and then each one headed off in their separate directions, the man returning to his conversation with the crew, Jack returning to the ledge to rejoin with Erik.

"What was that all about?" Erik asked upon Jack's return.

"I was just making sure the ring's still intact, at Will's request. He'd look pretty stupid if the minister said, 'and now place the ring on Elizabeth's finger and repeat after me' and he didn't have the ring. But everything's fine. It's here, nothing to worry about." He patted himself down, still disliking his look, and extended a hand to Erik. He pulled him away from the ledge. "Let's go stand with the rest. I have a feeling that it's going to start very soon."

When they got back to the others, a rather frazzled short, plump woman, seeming to appear from nowhere, rushed through to the guests shouting some nonsense about the bride. Jack paused to listen very carefully at the woman's shouts.

"The bride! Miss Elizabeth! She's arrived! Everyone take positions! Quickly, quickly, now!" She yelled, waving her arms about excitedly. She pushed everyone into a neat order in two columns, the friends of the groom on one side, friends of the bride on the other. All of the guests had been grouped, save for one man whom she was unsure of.

The man was a shady character, clad in long black silk robes. The robes encased his lanky body, the sleeves so long and wide it was impossible to tell if he even had hands. A turban-like cloth of the same material of the robes was wrapped around his head neatly and another piece of loose material hung over his mouth and neck, hindering view of his face. Of what was visible from his face, it was perceived that his skin was a blazing white, brighter than the purest ivory. The man was, most likely, an albino. His pinkish eyes sparkled in the morning sunlight as they passed over the short, plump woman who stood in front of him, unsure of where he belonged.

"Bride or groom?" She asked cautiously.

The man said something, but with his face covered in the manner which it was, all that came out was a muffled grunt.

"Uhh... I'll just place you on the groom side," She said, pushing him into place at the end of the column. Then, as suddenly as she had appeared, she vanished.

Jack hardly noticed the strange man, and even if he had, he would not pay much mind to him; he was focused on more important things. He wrinkled his nose in distaste and nudged Erik. "Lousy fools, making us stand. They should've set up chairs."

Erik shrugged and opened his mouth to reply, but was immediately cut off by the sudden loud burst of the change in music played by the band. The unmistakable tune of the wedding hymn blazed from their instruments, announcing in their wordless, yet very informal way: 'Here come's the bride.'

The guests turned their heads all at the same time to look at the path which lay between the two columns in which they stood. Hushed gasps emitted from the lips of several of the guests, laying their eyes upon the gorgeous sight of Ms. Swann approaching the aisle.

Will stood in front of the minister's podium, facing the man at the altar. His licked his lips in anticipation. He simply could not wait to lay his eyes upon his blushing bride, yet knew that firstly it would be highly improper if he were to turn around as she made her descent down the aisle, and second of all, if he dared something so bold, Elizabeth was surely in line to to deliver him a disapproving smack. He did not take his chances, keeping his eyes on the minister. He offered the man a smile, feeling that Elizabeth was only feet behind him now.

Elizabeth passed through the columns of guests, feeling bright, happy, aglow, everything a bride should feel moments before the big moment-- Especially nervous. Even though she had dreamed of her wedding since she was a little girl, like almost every female child does at one time or another, and she was excited to death, she still had her butterflies. Beaming at her guests, she passed them and walked up behind Will. Finally she stopped and took her place next to him in front of the minister at the altar.

Will took in a large breath. This was it, he would see Elizabeth in her wedding dress. Each turned their heads toward one another slowly, until at last they were looking at eachother. Will's grin grew wider, he stared into her face which was heavily shrouded by her veil. Her eyes seemed to glow through the material and shine at him. He felt the strangest urge to grab her right then and there, just sweep her from her feet and plant his lips upon her soft, fine mouth. But he kept his urges under control.

Another man, however, was having not so easy of a time controlling his unholy urges. Erik gulped, his eyes glued to Elizabeth's haunting dress. With the veil over Elizabeth's face, there was very little to stop his imagination from believing that it was Christine underneath the shroud. Even with the very obvious bodily differences in shape and form between the two girls, Elizabeth being much taller and narrower when Christine was shorter and more slender, Erik's mind had placed such facts aside.

He tapped his foot against the ground impatiently as Will and Elizabeth exchanged their personally written vows, knowing that there was going to be a problem soon, but there was nothing he could do about it. He only hoped Jack could help him.

Beginning to inch away to the side so that he could get closer to his angel, Jack saw what was happening and wrapped a firm hand around Erik's wrist, stopping him in his place. "Don't you dare, mate. Don't you dare."

Erik sighed in disappointment and looked down at the ground, ashamed. After some minutes he raised his eyes to Elizabeth and Will in front. He felt Jack's grip around his wrist loosen and then release. He looked at the dress hopefully.

"...and now the ring," The minister announced, placing his focus on Will.

"Uh, yes," Will replied, turning to Elizabeth. They stood faced to eachother in front of the minister at his podium.

There was a moment of silence where nothing happened. Will cleared his throat and waited several seconds more. There was still nothing happening. "Pssssttt!" He whispered, looking in the direction of the small man who held his ring.

Jack spotted the small man and nudged the little fellow. "The ring," Jack whispered when the man looked up at him. Apparently he had not been focusing on the wedding much and did not realize that it was he that they had paused the wedding for.

"Oh!" He exclaimed, thrusting the box out from his jacket pocket and stepping into the aisle. He descended its remaining length and placed the box in Will's open hand. "Thanks," Will said reluctantly. He opened the box and took the ring into his hand, placing the box in his pants pocket.

"Now, take Elizabeth's hand and repeat after me," The minister ordered. Will took her hand in his, preparing the finger. The ring sat between his index and thumb, hovering over her ring finger. He was eager to place it upon her beautiful finger. "With this ring..."

"With this ring," Will repeated, looking into Elizabeth's eyes.

Erik knew he was losing himself. There was going to be trouble very... very soon if Jack didn't catch him before he did something stupid.

"I--" The priest was cut off by a most horrible turn of events that would never have been predicted: the strange black silk-clad albino man had somehow sneaked forward without anyone noticing and had come running through and snatched the expensive ring right from Will's hand! At that same exact moment Erik had lost all possible control he held upon himself and began, in a run, to the altar, in hopes of sweeping his Christine from her feet.

"No!" Jack yelled, running after Erik as he ran toward 'Christine'.

Elizabeth burst into tears, unaware that Erik was approaching. Her wedding was ruined.

Frightened shrieks and yells came from the guests as the albino man made his getaway, his figure beginning to dwindle to a mere speck in the distance. All of the guests were in so much of a shock that none of them had even thought of going after the man to retrieve the ring.

"After him!"

"Don't let him get away!"

"Help!"

Were some of the cries that emerged from the crowd.

Jack's look of utter horror turned into a grin and an idea came to his head. He realized that he would not need to explain Erik's outburst if he could use it to their advantage. As Erik's hand grazed the back of Elizabeth's fabric, Jack pushed him with all of his might, in the opposite direction. Erik was sent hurdling the other way, in the way the albino man had ran in his escape.

"Don't worry, ladies and gentlemen!" Jack called as he pushed Erik on and they ran from the ceremony. "We'll get everything under control!"

"Ow! What are you doing?" Erik asked, trying to slow down.

Jack prodded him further. "Trying to cover up your little outburst to the best of my abilities," Jack replied. "You see, I have a wonderful plan."

"A plan?"

"We, my concealed comrade, will rescue fair lady's ring and bring peace to the guests, all the while hiding your sticky little fingers in the process."

Erik nodded. "Yes, that's a fine plan," he agreed and quickened his pace. They had caught up some with the albino thief and were a few hundred yards away in the pursuit. Jack was sure they'd have him soon.

As they approached a fork in the road where the choices were either to continue on the way which they had been going or to turn into the village roads and through the marketplace, they saw the

thief turn off onto the market road.

"Damn that pilfering little weasel!" Jack cursed angrily. "I thought he would continue straight ahead. Now we'll have to make a scene in the marketplace."

Erik frowned. He didn't want to go into the village in fear that he would be recognized. Nevertheless, he did not reveal his thoughts to Jack and they both turned onto the crowded village road. There were many people dispersed in the area and soon enough they lost their sight on the man.

"Do you see him?" Jack asked nervously.

Erik shook his head sadly and they continued to run. They were lucky that the man had decided to dress in such an abnormal get-up, as it was not long before they spotted the man's large, black turban not far off. The man, unaware that he was being chased, had assumed that he was free and now slowed his pace to a quick walk.

Jack and Erik slowed their pace to meet that of the albino thief. The throng of people grew thicker and more crowded and Jack had to struggle harder to keep his focus on the turban. All he could see was the top of the turban, with all the heads of people in his way, but it was good enough for him. Erik watched Jack's process and sighed impatiently.

"I don't understand why we don't just get him now. He doesn't know we're here, I say we jump him. And perhaps use a little help from one of these," he said, reaching into his jacket and pulling out a rope that was made into a noose. He brandished it in front of Jack.

Jack eyed him strangely for a second, then turned his gaze back to the top of the turban. "No. We wait for the opportune moment. We must always wait for the opportune moment."

"Opportune moment-schmoment. We noose him!"

"Okay. On the count of three we run. And then wait for my signal. One... two... three!" He pushed his way through the people in front of him rudely, not stopping, heading through the flustered crowd to the albino man. Erik followed along, holding his noose excitedly, and pushing against anyone who stood in his way.

The albino man had a strange feeling in his chest. Something was wrong. He turned his head to look behind and saw two awkward looking, yet furious men raging towards him quickly. With a yelp, he took off through the crowd, knocking people over just as carelessly as did his pursuers. He broke free from the largely composed area of people and headed down the road.

Jack and Erik followed through, leaving the immensely crowded region and running after the thief. Many members of the crowd stopped, in fear and shock to watch the unfolding events, wondering what was going on and what was to happen next as well as... who was that familiar masked man? Several people they passed as they ran stood open-mouthed, gawking at their behavior. Others shouted.

"You come back here, you bleached half-wit, you!" Jack yelled. They were only several feet from the man.

Erik growled and decided that he'd had enough of this foolish chase. It was punjab time. With the flick of his wrist, the rope went crawling through the air in the albino man's direction. The noose wrapped itself around the man's waist and he frantically batted his hands at it, trying to get it off, but it was attached too securely. Erik pulled against the rope and the man's flight was halted. He toppled to the ground.

Gasps escaped from the crowd as he fumbled around stupidly, trying to get up from the ground and remove the cord from his waist at the same time. By the time he had slid out of the rope and was about to climb to his feet, it was too late. He looked up to see Jack hovering over him with his sword's pointy tip threatening to draw blood at any moment. "Fork it over, nitwit," Jack said calmly, an opened hand offered to the man.

The albino man sighed deeply, trying to regain his energy. Then he sprung to his feet and turned around, trying his escape in the other direction. But this direction was blocked by a threatening figure as well, Erik held his sword ready in one hand and the punjab lasso hung loosely in the other in an intimidating manner.

He whimpered in defeat and slid his hand, which was hidden by the enormous sleeve, into his robes. Jack raised his brow at the action, realizing that the man might be fetching a weapon from his robes. His heart sped up, wondering if this was it for him.

The hand slid out and extended toward Jack's own opened hand. He felt the cold metallic sense of a small object drop into his hand and when the long sleeve moved away he saw that he held the ring. His heart returned to his normal pace and a sly smile formed on his lips. "Thank you kindly, sir," He said with sarcasm, nodding to himself and looking at the ring shine in his palm. He raised his eyes to Erik's and jerked his head slightly.

Erik realized that this must be the signal that Jack had told him to watch for. He nodded in reply. "Yes. Thank you for your correspondence," Erik added in. The albino man began to turn so that he could look at Erik, but before he could turn completely, Erik threw the noose over the man's neck and delivered a sharp blow to back with his hand. The albino man fell to his knees, his pink eyes rolling in his head, then fell on his face to the ground.

There were more gasps and cries from the shocked crowd. "It's off to prison with you, I guess," Jack said joylessly, staring at the unconscious man's back. "But first we have a wedding to finish," He said and began walking forward. Erik gripped on tightly to his rope and began after Jack. With the unconscious albino man dragged through the roads by the noose and the horrified stares and gasps from the crowd, they went on their way back to the wedding.

A young girl finally realized who the familiar masked man had been. "Le Fantôme! Le Fantôme de l'Opéra! C'est lui! Il est vivant!" She shrieked from within the crowd. A large chattering began amongst the French villagers.

A man raised his hands high into the air. "Ne paniquez pas!" He cried, waving them back and forth. But the frightened villagers did not want to pay attention to any logical thinking.