Chapter Seven

I awoke with a stiff back, not because of the bruises I had but from sleeping on the scratchy cot. Cot?

I jumped to see I was no longer Madeleine and nor was I in a mansion, but a mangy old tent that had been repaired and patched in one to many places. And if I didn't sit down the top of the tent to tear open.

Quietly I sat on the smelly cot and began looking down at myself. I wasn't a grown woman that's for sure; in fact I was around eleven. Wow. I was wearing a dress as old and dirty as the tent with equal amount of patches and a torn shawl for a blanket, thankfully it was the summer time, or I'd freeze.

Looking around I inspected my surroundings. There were two other people occupying the tent. They also slept in identical cots. In the cot closet to me was girl my age in rags and a torn blanket. She so slept peacefully that it scared me.

In the other cot was an old-wait no not old, ancient-lady. She had broad face and snow-white hair. You could tell by her face, and the amount of wrinkles, she had a lot of knowledge and experience. She seemed very wise, maybe I could some info out of her. She slept frightfully peacefully too.

Tip-toeing through the tent I made my way to the little ray of sunlight pouring through the half closed flap of the tent. Sheesh, there wasn't even security around here.

Stepping outside I felt a wave relief wash over me as I felt the cool breeze flow through my unkempt blonde hair. Wait, I was a blonde?

Ignoring my new revelation I ambled my way up through the mass of tents.

"Leave him alone!" a little girl shrieked. I turned towards the sound. What in tar nation was going on? Was I in some messed up world? Shuddering I continued to search from where the sound was triggered at last I found the tent.

It was unlike many of the others, it was fairly new and quite wide. Whoever owned it had some money.

Stepping inside I was shocked to see what I found. Two olive skinned gypsy boys were aimlessly poking someone or something in a cage. A little girl in a torn dress hung back and began to cry.

"Run, he's awake, let's fetch Javert." The boy with brown hair exclaimed.

"Aw, what's the hurry, let's have some fun with it first. Her grab hold of the stick…come on don't be a chicken." The dark haired boy said poking whatevr he was calling it.

Then relization struck it was Eik. "Don't Miya, don't hurt it." The little girl sobbed.

"Yeah, before I hurt you." I said disgustedly.

They turned to face me while Erik shrouded himself in the corner; his mask wasn't on so I couldn't see his face. No worries I would…. Eventually.

"Hey Laila.Wanna join. Javert's got a great new catch."

"Javert's catch?" I sneered. "Put that stick down or your going to get it."

Miya raised his eyebrow. "Why? Its just another monster."

I stepped towards him menacingly, he stepped back frightened. "It has a name. He has a name. Got that. And if I ever catch you calling him a monster, your going to wish you were never born. Now BEAT IT!"

All three of them looked at me one last time to see if I meant what I said, I growled under my breath, they ran outside faster than I would've in a 100 meter dash. Smirking I turned to the cage. Erik was still huddled in the corner but he began to relax now that I was here.

I sat with my back facing him and leaning against the cage walls, so he didn't have to feel awkward in my presence without his mask. I burst out laughing. "Wow, they do get scared easily, but they shouldn't have hurt you-," I stopped as I was about to say his name. "Are you alright?" I continued.

"Yes," he murmured softly, "thank you."

I sighed, "Your welcome mon ami. I'm the only one you've got now, so might as well enjoy my company."

"Thank you I'd like that…. Mon ami…" even though he wasn't facing me I knew there was a smile on his lips as he said that. I grinned.

"So what's you name then?" I asked.

"Erik-," he started to say but stopped as a large shadow fell over us. I looked up to see…..

888888

I know it's been a long time since i updated im sorry but i hope this chaper helped make up for it. Funny thing is depite having to update three fics i go and create a new one. Oh well. Remember to review to all those who have read it.