Christine squeaked and froze up. Just before Emma got the noose around Christine's neck, a purple, white, and black blur darted into the room and held her back.
"No, Mana. No killing Christine. Yet."
Christine took that opportunity to dive behind Raoul. The other three characters started at the blur, which now looked like it was a girl. She looked like she was Emma's age. Her short black-brown hair was messed up and tangled. She wore a lavender tee-shirt and matching shorts. There were fluffy violet slippers on her feet. They said 'I love Erik' on the toes. Her strangely pale skin was covered in freckles, and in one hand she carried a pair of purple framed eyeglasses. She quickly smashed the glasses on her face and her brown eyes widened.
"Oh my Opera Ghost," she whispered. "It's Erik."
Emma was still struggling, glaring at Christine.
"Lemme go Lixi! Lemme at her!"
The other girl, dubbed Lixi, shook her head.
"Not in front of Erik."
Emma sighed and dropped the lasso. Lixi nodded to it.
"Erik, pick it up."
Erik looked offended.
"Excuse me, madam?"
Lixi snarled.
"Pick. It. Up."
Erik bent and took the lasso. Lixi smiled, satisfied, and let go of Emma, who frowned, rubbing her arms.
"Nails, Lixi. Nails."
The four people glanced at Lixi's nails, which were unusually long and dangerous looking. Emma acknowledged her.
"This is my friend, Volixia."
Volixia waved happily.
"Hi Christine, Meg, fop."
She sidled up close to Erik, stroking his dark hair.
"And hello Erik."
Erik stepped away, scared. Lixi pouted.
"Damn."