Part Eight
Crystal saw a dark figure moving through the halls. She didn't know if it was the man or The Phantom. She followed him. While walking, she didn't notice glass on the ground and stepped on it. There was a loud cracking sound and the figure turned to face where the sound came from. Crystal quickly hid behind a wall. She heard footsteps coming closer and ran to the balcony. The figure followed her. When she reached the top, she saw Danny.
"Danny, hide." He quickly ran towards the end of the balcony and hid underneath a table. Crystal stood against the table so no one would see Danny. She quickly put her black cloak on and put her hood up so she would be hard to see. The figure ran up the stairs and looked around and spotted Crystal. He walked up to her and took out his sword.
"Who are you and why are you following me?" he said. Crystal didn't answer fearing it was the madman. He grabbed her hood and pulled it down to see her face. Crystal looked away.
"Crystal," he said. "Is that you?" Crystal looked back at the man in front of her. The man pulled down his hood. It was The Phantom.
"Why are you still here?" he asked.
"I have to stay. I can't leave until this is over," she said, "and I didn't want…" She was cut off by Danny.
"Crystal, are you alright? Can I come out now?"
"Yes, Danny, you can come out." Danny came out from under the table. It took him a minute to focus on what was happening.
"You're back," he said to The Phantom. The Phantom smiled at Danny then turned to Crystal.
"Shouldn't he be with your parents?"
"I can't leave him. He is my friend." Suddenly, there were voices coming from underneath the balcony.
"Danny, hide," The Phantom said. "Crystal, get behind me." Two men came up the stairs and close enough to them to be seen. It was the managers, Andre and Firmin. They saw The Phantom standing right in front of them.
"What are you doing here? You are not allowed here," said Andre.
"You are supposed to be dead," said Firmin. "You are to come with us."
"No, you can't take him away," said Crystal. "He has done nothing wrong." She came out of hiding.
"Miss Daae, you're supposed to be with your parents," said Andre.
"I chose to stay here."
"With who?"
"She is staying with me," said The Phantom.
"Is this true, Crystal?" asked Firmin.
"Yes, it is."
"Fine," said Firmin turning to The Phantom. "But if you harm her it will be the end of your days."
"Trust me, I won't," said The Phantom coldly. After saying that did the managers leave. A moment later, Danny came out of hiding.
"That is why I don't live up here. Everyone hates me."
"I'm so sorry. I had no idea," said Crystal sadly. "We have to get out of here. That man is still looking for me. We're not safe."
"We'll lock ourselves in the lair. He won't get to us that easily," said The Phantom.
"Fine. I'll follow you. Come along, Danny." Danny ran to Crystal. He was really tired so she carried him.
