Hey everyone! This will be a short talk before we get to the story. Sorry I've been gone. Midterms and band competitions have eaten my life away for the past few weeks. No worries though, I will make certain to get updates up, no matter what. Alright, so on to the responses.

A Few Thanks

Juilette Delphe: Silly Sumner, your parties must be monitored and controlled by law enforcement... they apparently get vicious.

TheAngel'sMaggie: Ha, thanks! Smiled from ear to ear when I read your review. Not much to it, but certainly got the point across, and sounds like something I would say so high fives for that. Your awesome.

surf with music: Glad you liked the Erik, chess thing. Had almost too much fun writing that scene. Grand champion? Wow, major congrats! That is completely awesome. Yea, one's are like your Box Five's (ha, special meaning much?). But sooo much congratulations on your winnings, that is unbelievably awesome.

shimmeringtears: Ha! Like that did you? I seriously loved that scene, I mean I love all my chapters, but Summy and I especially loved that one. I liked bestowing jealousy and curiosity in Erik, it was just flat out fun. I'm extremely happy that you enjoyed it. How are you doing? Well I hope? I hope the year isn't eating your life away anymore. If it is...best it with a stick... or a wooden spoon works well too. And just for the extra comfort...take this Erik --hands shimmeringtears a very confused Erik-- He's still a little bedazzled from the last scene, he'll get over it in a bit.

Lol, ok yall, let's get back to that long awaited update shall we? Thanks everyone who took the time to read this story and review.

-Olivia N.

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A week. She assumed it had been that long. One entire week since their dreaded crossing into his world, their passage into his kingdom of darkness. She had despised it so then, the whole ordeal, and so had he, but both had known there was no other choice. It was a bold move really, a dangerous decision, almost as perilous as the fate they would have faced if discovered. Leaving the threatening eyes of society for the hostile world of a Ghost- oh how they had expected the same dismal fate, and yet...

This Ghost. This man of tricks and puzzles. This master of music. This mere mortal who could harness the very darkness of night and bend it to his will. This mysterious Phantom... was nothing like what her nightmares conjured. She remembered, she had entered his world expecting every torment in Hell, every bitter hatred and pain that evil could create. True, he was short tempered and controlling, a secretive man who would rather keep to himself than crawl to company, but to her, if the moment were right, he would show a different side.

Not to Ethan of course, the gentle Phantom she had begun to see would always greet Ethan with the utmost bitterness and sarcasm he could muster. Not to say Ethan wasn't also at fault. He too made no attempt to befriend their host, and from the moment the two of them entered the same room there was constantly some subliminal war lashing out between them.

Over the week, Raylan had entered the foyer at least twice a day to settle some dispute between Ethan and their host, disputes that Raylan had no doubt Ethan had caused. Usually the fight ended with Raylan dragging Ethan by the neck out of the alcove, making certain to halt the argument before it lead to anything physical. At times Raylan had considered allowing the two men to thrash one another about, but her better judgment chose otherwise. It wasn't that she doubted Ethan's strength; she knew the boy was a burly opponent, but she also knew that he somewhat lacked in skill. No amount of brute force could win against sheer skill and wit, not in this case at least. Ethan had reckless strength, while the Phantom had controlled power, remarkable skills, and deadly accuracy. Least to say, she had no doubts that if physical war were to spark between the two she would lose the very man she had been trying to protect for so many years.

So for a week she played two very different roles, the role of Ethan's protector and the role of Erik's probable friend. They were two contrasting parts, roles that often over the week had both men doubting her loyalty to them, of which she had to prove her devotion time and time again. It was a tiresome game they played, but what other choice was there? Raylan was certainly not willing to choose between the two, or lose either of them. One was a long time companion, and the other was becoming more cherished by the day. Her men: her stubborn convict and her unyielding ghost. There was no choosing between them.

Tonight though she gladly played one part. With Ethan having gone to mope in his room after the latest battle, Raylan remained in the company of her newest comrade, the two willingly continuing their exploration of each others character. It was always the same routine. Erik would be at his magnificent organ, playing his beautifully tragic tunes for hours on end until she came to his side. Raylan would always come to rest in that same stiff chair by the organ, waiting patiently until his song came to its haunting finish and he acknowledged her. From there they began their gentle attempt at bonding, both tenderly but eagerly trying to learn everything they could about the other.

They were treasured moments to Raylan, the chances he allowed her to see more than just the walking dead, moments she clung to for fear of never seeing that side of him again. She did though. Each time she opened up her soul to him, and each time he would grant her a small glance into his.

"Alright, new question. What do you prefer: blonds, brunettes, or reds?" Raylan chuckled at her own question, a bad habit of finding herself amusing even if she made the lamest of jokes.

"Physical attributes mean little to me," Erik responded in his always serious but thoughtful manner, "It matters not what color of hair or skin a woman holds, but more so the characteristics of her personality."

Raylan nodded, a small sigh of satisfaction as she rested her head against the back of the chair. "Alright, your turn," She said, closing her eyes momentarily as she waited for his question.

His response came quicker than she had expected, obviously a question he had mulled over asking for some time and finally decided to go ahead with it. "What are your dreams?" His voice was strongly curious.

Raylan's eyes bolted open in surprise, quickly returning to his gaze, full of question. She cocked her head to one side and looked at him funny, "My dreams? Ha, Erik, don't you think it to be a little soon for us to be sharing our hopes and dreams?"

"Too soon? Too soon to recognize your dreams?" Surprisingly Erik flared with a sudden burst of passion over the subject, "What's the matter with admitting your dreams? Are you scared Raylan? Frightened to think of anything else than this life on the run? Are you afraid to hope for something more? Scared to form a dream, and fear that it might never come true?"

Raylan looked shocked for only a moment, becoming used to his rapid temper changes, and then scoffed lightly. "Scared? I'm not scared," She said, playing the tough one again, "I'm cautious, and can be fairly pessimistic... but not scared."

Erik simply gave her a knowing look and returned to face his organ, diving gently into another tune, patiently waiting until she were ready to admit. This time the music had a feel of fear and questioning of what lurker beyond the next bend. Both knew he was only further trying to persuade her to answer.

Raylan placed her elbows on the arm rest, balling her fist and resting her chin atop them. In silence she watched him, searching for the hidden meaning behind is magical music. The silence lasted for as long as she could stand, and then she said with a groan, "Alright, you win. Lord, I don't know why my dreams would interest you. Their foolish, childish dreams of fame and love, and things I know are most certainly denied to me now. Their unreachable, I suppose would be the best word to describe them. I'm not scared of them, I just know I can't have them... so I suppose I figure it's better to just... ignore them."

Erik paused his music, facing her once more to put in his constant words of wisdom, "You can ignore your dreams, but they won't ignore you. You can not run from them, especially if you believe they can bring you greater things."

Raylan laughed bitterly and rolled her eyes. "Great things," She repeated doubtfully, "Right. Erik, great things are not meant for sinners, it just doesn't work that way."

"Your life is what you make of it. Nothing more," His tone was unyielding steel, reminding her that it was her responsibility to live out her dreams and no one could change it.

Raylan shrugged, "True... I suppose." Again the silence lay, and then suddenly her voice chirped curiously, "So what about you? What are your dreams?"

"There are many things I desire..." A wistful smile crossed Erik's face as he looked in the distance, "But to satisfy your curiosity, I will admit one thing. I do wish to leave here, and to travel once more."

"So do it," She said it simply as if there was no question to it, "What's keeping you from just up and going?"

"The same thing that keeps me imprisoned here," Erik frowned, the hopeful look in his eyes vanishing once again into the cold.

Raylan looked at him questioningly, "And that would be?"

It was almost frightening how quickly his gaze went from dormant to feverishly mad, laying viciously upon her as if her intended to strike her. It should've been obvious to her what kept him locked down here, what horror prevented him from seeing the outside world. What retched attributes fate had given him that kept the outside world from accepting him. His voice boom like thunder, and his hand flew to point at the unfeeling covering upon his face, "What lies behind this mask!"

Raylan froze, her mind screaming at her viciously, Stupid, stupid girl. Of course it was that, how daft was she not to figure it would be some physical quality. Lord, he would be terribly mad at her now... she could tell. "Oh," Raylan muttered, cautiously trying to pick her words right, "Forgive me Monsieur, I'm beginning to grow accustom to this... mask. I did not even think that to be a problem... my apologies."

Just as rapidly as before his emotions changed, his eyes softening at her words. Accustom to his monstrosity, did she truly say that? Gently his hand reached up and felt the mask, as if he were just feeling it for the first time. Could she truly look past his curse? "Thank you," His words were quiet and soft, a gentle appreciation and lack of a good response.

She offered him a soft smile, then continued on gently back to the initial conversation, "So, if you could, where would you like to go? I', certain you've been a few places already, it kind of shows, and I know you wish to see America, but any place else? Any place of particular interest?"

He looked at her tenderly. "All I want is to be free," His answer was short before he turned the tables once more, "What do you want?"

Raylan smirked, "You really don't like talking about yourself do you?" She didn't give him time to answer, instead she shrugged and went on, "Alright, well, to tell you the truth I have always wanted to go to Greece. My ancestors hail from there, and I would very much like to see the beauty of the land they left. I have heard of it's crystals seas, it's peaceful hillsides and small, wholesome towns. I'd love to build a home there one day, on the island called Cephalonia, the island my ancestors came from... someplace where you can see the ocean... someplace of peace..." She fell silent to think a little longer on what else she would consider telling him.

Erik listened, choosing to ignore her first comment. "Sounds interesting. Would you take that-" He stopped himself from calling Ethan a name for the sake of her fondness for the boy, "Would you take him with you?"

Raylan laughed, "Oh, I don't know... he isn't so bad when you get used to him... but... I don't know. We've been counting on each other for so long... but personally I am hoping for a day when we can both live again, be capable of starting new, separate lives, only having to come to each other when necessary, or if we miss each other terribly."

Erik nodded, going silent for a moment to absorb her words and then questioned rather bluntly, "Is he what you're looking for?"

Raylan's brows narrowed with confusion, "What I am looking for? What do you mean?"

Erik replied as if it were a simple question,"Does he hold the characteristics you're looking for in a husband?"

"What?" Raylan gasped, completely taken back by the question, "Ethan? A husband? My husband? Oh Lord, no, no, no, no. Um, no, that certainly will not be happening."

Erik leaned foreword, resting his elbows on his knees, truly interested, "Oh? Then what are you looking for?"

"Someone certainly not like Ethan. Now don't get me wrong, I love the boy. He's just like a brother to me, but husband... oh Lord no. I would most certainly throw myself off a cliff if I was wed to Ethan," A sly grin then went across Raylan's lips, "Why so curious?"

Erik glanced away, at the keys of his organ, trying to think of something. After a moments contemplation he replied cleverly, "You can tell a lot about a person by knowing what they're looking for."

Raylan grinned, "Hmm, I suppose that's true." She paused to laugh, a giggle mixed with slight discomfort and humor. For sometime she sat just laughing, then very suddenly she fell silent, as if mulling a difficult decision around in her head. Finally after endless minutes of dead silence she sighed, and looking up to him said with a slight smile, "Alright, you really want to know? You want to know what I am looking for... in a man?"

He nodded, his hands twitching eagerly together, "If you're willing."

Raylan nodded, "Very well." She paused only then to lean back and get comfortable, turning her eyes from him to the ceiling as she thought out loud, "I want... well, first of all, you have to understand that I was raised to be a very independent woman, and just between you and I, I believe that has turned me into... a... well a bit of a control addict. Nearly in every relationship I have been in I have been with men who became entirely submissive to me, and although at times that can be a desirable trait, it's not so much for me. I... how can I put this?

"I want someone who is not afraid to speak their mind, to have an opinion, but at the same time someone who allows me to have one too, equally. I don't like being controlled, and I don't like controlling people, so if I could find a middle ground, someone who is willing to compromise... that'd be nice." She paused again, to further think it over.

Again she sighed, and smiling once more continued, "And then there are the usual things. I want someone intelligent, smarter than me is fine, just as long as they don't look down on me just cause I'm no genius. I would prefer if they could see the humor in things, had an appreciation for art, were strong enough to protect me, gentle enough so they would never hurt me, and... well... this last bit will probably sound silly. Ethan always just thought I was being overly dramatic, but I know you see. I know after so many years of shutting myself inside... after trying so hard to bring myself out of this shell and being unable to do so... I...

"I need someone... out of the ordinary... someone so unbelievable that just being about them can make me... make me feel again. You see, I murdered my emotions years ago, doing it so I wouldn't feel the pain, and so much time has gone by like this, that all I seem to feel is pain... loneliness... regret... and no matter how hard I try, I can't love... anything." Her voice fell off, catching in her throat as the pain boiled forward again. As normal, she pushed it away, forcing herself to smile as she added on with light humor, "Other than that, my only physical preferences is good hygiene and good teeth... and I would prefer for that person to be taller than me, but it's not needed... but I really can't stand a lover who smells or who's teeth look like they are about to fall out of their head."

Erik of course caught her pain, and watched her silently struggle with it. He wanted to take her hand, and tell her it was okay. But no, she was not Christine, his angel. He should not have these feelings for her, this want to... to help her? He refused to. Erik offered a small smile once his own internal battle calmed down, "Sounds perfectly reasonable."

"So," Raylan said after one more moment of silence. She returned her eyes to his, smiling playfully as she asked, "Think I got a chance of getting anything I wish for?"

Erik shrugged, "Depends on if you live your dreams."

Raylan frowned, "Guess that's a no huh? It's alright... I wasn't expecting to be able to find happiness... not again."

There was no time for him to react for just as her words ended, the strong tenor of her companions chimed up. "Uh, hope I'm not interrupting anything," Ethan's voice echoed across the alcove, "My...my um... my candles died."

Irritation crossed the Phantom's face, hatred swelling in his eyes. He spat without looking at the retched boy, "There are some more in the kitchen. But I suggest that you don't waste those to."

Ethan practically snarled, "I wouldn't need to if you had provided me with more than two candles." He irritated waved the stubs of wax towards Erik's vicious gaze.

Immediately tension shot up between the two, and like usual Raylan jumped in to ease it. "You know what," She said, rising from her seat smoothly, "It's getting late. I really should be going to bed... we all should." She looked pointedly at Ethan, who frowned in response.

It was then that she did the most unexpected thing, growing close to Erik and placing a tender, comforting hand upon his shoulder. Her voice was gentle and warming as she softly said, "Goodnight Erik." She then very smoothly stepped away, heading for her room, and only pausing at her door to look warningly at Ethan.

"You," She said, literally pointing towards Ethan, "Behave." And with that she returned to the confines of her room.

Erik smiled as she left, his eyes lingering upon her image until she was gone from all sight. It was then that his eyes snapped towards the rude intruder and he replied with a hiss, "You shouldn't leave them burning constantly."

Ethan growled, "Well excuse me, some of us normal people, you know, one's who have decided to visit the daylight occasionally, have a rather hard time seeing in the pitch black. I am not an owl Monsieur, I'm afraid I lack in the ability to see in the dark."

"It is not my fault that you are inferior," He responded coldly but in the same annoyingly calm tone.

"Inferior?" Ethan spat bitterly, easily loosing his temper, "Well you know what, it's not my fault I'm not a freak who's hid in the cellars of a shabby Opera House, alone in the dark for years to be able to gain that ability."

"I have always had this ability. And you are treading upon dangerous grounds," The Phantom of the Opera warned, his hands disappearing beneath his cloak

Ethan smirked viciously, "Oh, what are you going to do? Hurt me, bludgeon me, kill me? Oh yes, because she'd certainly want to stay with you after you murdered her only companion. Sorry sir, but she isn't that forgiving."

"That's if she finds the body,"

"She'd know. You could hide it, plant all the evidence you want, give all the excuses... she'd still know. You don't know her well enough to know that though, do you? She's smarter than most people can know, and one thing I have learned from spending so many years with her, is no matter how well you hide it, she will always discover the truth,"

Erik shrugged nonchalantly, skillfully disguising any hint that could verify the boys assumptions, "She's just another person."

"Funny," Ethan laughed smoothly, "You don't look at her as if she were just another person."

"She provides intelligent conversation. Nothing more," Erik growled, becoming even more irritated with every words Ethan spat, "However that is a great deal more than you provide"

Ethan scoffed, "Just intelligent conversation huh? Ha, I still can't believe she thinks you to be considerate, a gentlemen my ass. Listen Phantom, I don't give a damn what you think of me, but I swear... if you hurt her, in any way what so ever, I will not hesitate to kill scum like you. You... you don't deserve her friendship."

Erik smirked, his doubt in the boys abilities clearly showing, "You wouldn't be the first to attempt to take my life. It'd be your last failure in your pathetic life."
"Think what you may sir," Ethan hissed, "But I am serious Phantom... leave her alone. She's more amazing than you could ever imagine, and I warn you, if intelligent conversation is all you will ever think of her, than just leave her be." With that he dropped the candle buds and turned on his heel, storming back into the black corridor that lead to his even darker room.

Erik sank onto his bench once the boy vanished, staring at the ivory keys of his magnificent organ. His muscles were tense with anger, his face flushed and his stomach tight with irritation. The insufferable boy's words played over in his mind like a broken record, repeating bitterly, if intelligent conversation is all you will ever think of her, than just leave her be. Of course that was all she was, what more could that loathsome boy expect? Intelligent conversation was all she would be, and not by his choice but her own. She could be no more to him than conversation... unless by chance... but no! Don't think like that. It is a fools wish, a doomed dream. He had gone with that foolish wish once before, and what good did it do him? To rebuild a shattered heart only to have it broken once more. Never again, never again. His dear Raylan, such a sweet girl could only be mere conversation...for even the kindest of women could not befriend... would not love a monster.

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Alright everyone, thanks for reading and reviewing if you do. Hugs for all and I will be back with an update as soon as possible. Ciao for now,

-Olivia N.