Phantom's Rules

For those who are curious, the biggest inspiration to this version will be the 1990's movie version and the play version. I might add some details from the book itself but I haven't decided yet. Also because of time this story is probably going to be shorter than others. So be prepared for a few scenes to be rushed.

"Was the lightening really necessary Sasuke?"

Through the darkness Kakashi heard the familiar dark chuckle of the young man. "You work in the opera and you don't see the value of drama? Annoying…"

Kakashi resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "At least come out into the light where I can see you!" There was silence for a moment. Then Kakashi heard the sound of a match going off and the dim light form a candle illuminated the room and he found himself face to face with who the rest of the crew had deemed 'the phantom of the opera.'

Despite the fact that Sasuke was many years his junior, during his teenage years he had someone gained a few inches over the man. Now, as an adult in his twenties, Sasuke stood taller than his teacher with the physical body that showed the man knew how to run. He had dark, raven hair that matched his eyes, hidden behind a white mask that covered half of his face. He wore a pair of black pants with a white shirt loose a few top buttons and a long cape fit for a phantom. When Sasuke had been younger he'd thought everyone were idiots for calling his comings and goings the work of a phantom. When he got older he not only encouraged the idea but used it to his advantage.

"I don't work in the opera anymore Sasuke. They relieved me of my position today."

When he had entered the light Sasuke showed him his signature scowl. "Why?" Sasuke asked. "What's going on?"

Kakashi let out a sigh, probably the millionth one day that. "Remember the man I introduced at the front? He's in charge of a number of entertainment organizations across France, and he just bought the opera. From now on he will be the new manager." Sasuke's frown only increased at the new news. But Kakashi could see through that he was already forming a plan for his attack.

"Who is he?"

"His name is Danzo, but other than that I don't know him very well."

"…Does he believe in ghosts?"

Kakashi almost smirked. YOU don't believe in ghosts. "It didn't look like it."

That was when Sasuke's frown turned up into a smirk. "Then I'll be sure to make him believe." There was a pause as Sasuke mused over his situation. "Why does he have all those bandages?"

"Apparently he got burned a while back and it hasn't healed."

"Hn."

"Sasuke…" Kakashi hesitated. The younger man glanced up to meet, slight curiosity behind his impassive expression. "You need to be careful. There are more people involved now, and Danzo is a powerful man. If you do too much to anger him he may…"

"What?" Kakashi almost heard a hint of laughter in his voice. "He'll catch me? Send me to prison? Or maybe chain me up in irons to hang? He'll have to catch me first." What laughter was there died as his expression turned serious, and Kakashi could almost see a hint of red in his eyes. "And no one knows this opera house better than I do. And anyone with a brain in their head knows better than to cross me."

His elder didn't enjoy trying to decipher exactly what he meant by that. "We don't know if he'll follow the rules you set out."

"I'll make sure he learns the consequences of breaking those rules then." After another pause he tilted his head to the side, his indication that he was teasing. "Do you think a body would be enough?"

"Sasuke…"

"No? Two bodies then?"

"Sasuke!" Sasuke tilted his head upwards again, focusing on his mentor. Kakashi was not angry, but he could see there was exasperation and fear in his expression. "I have told you not to joke about things like that. You know lives aren't something you can take without a second thought."

There was a pause on Sasuke's side as he analysed his teacher. Kakashi hated it when Sasuke did that. He never could tell what it was Sasuke was looking for. "…So you've told me." Sasuke turned away, leaving Kakashi with a feeling of dread. That was always his answer. So you've told me. As far as he knew Sasuke hadn't killed anyone from the opera. As far as he knew. There were the deaths of the few who had broken Sasuke's rules, but whenever Kakashi had asked Sasuke said their deaths had been an accident, them tripping over a prop set or falling from one of the roofs of his lair. Kakashi never had proof one way or another. But even still, he always wondered if the only reason he hadn't was because Kakashi urged him not to. After being hidden away from society for so long, Kakashi wasn't sure if he held value to any life other than (Hopefully) Kakashi's and his own.

And the legacy of the lives that he had lost.

"But that doesn't mean I can't make them believe someone is dead," Sasuke interrupted his thoughts as he turned away from him. "Or at least cause a few injuries. Just to scare them off." Kakashi narrowed his eyes, unsure if Sasuke was joking or not.

"Living underneath an opera house has made you far too dramatic Sasuke," Kakashi informed him.

"Well it's not like I can leave," Sasuke replied, broaching a topic neither of them ever wanted to discuss. They knew Sasuke would never agree to go out into the sun. Not until he was finished his mission. Not when he knew what would happen if anyone saw his true face. Deep down Sasuke knew he would never be accepted into the world above. He told himself he didn't care, that he had better things to do then worry about the opinions of strangers.

But he'd never expected how lonely being a ghost would be.

"You could always try wearing another mask."

Sasuke sneered, the white mask on half of his face moving with him like a second skin. "A mask on top of a mask? That's stupid," Sasuke rolled his eyes. Well I think it would be a good idea, Kakashi fumed silently.

Piercing through the vents and airways of Sasuke's lair came the sound of a high pitched singing that sounded vaguely like the song 'the oceans of Balthasar.' (Not real song). It was obviously off-key and the women could not hold a note for longer than a few seconds. Sasuke's eyes widened only for a moment before his hands clapped over his ears and he stumbled back as if in physical pain. "My gosh, what on earth is that?" If their situation had been different, Kakashi would have laughed at the genuine fear in Sasuke's eyes when he heard the…Ahem, singing.

"That sounds like Karin, the niece of the new manager. I'd bet that she is going to be the star of many performances from now on, so you might as well get used to the sound." Sasuke's found his in the darkness, horrified by the words coming from his teacher's mouth.

"Kakashi…" Sasuke stared at him, eyes accusing. "What kind of horror are you leaving me in?"

"She's not that bad Sasuke," Kakashi muttered, knowing Sasuke, a man who lived and breathed the opera, had expectations that were impossibly high.

"To heck she isn't," Sasuke snarled. "They are going to ruin this place if she's going to take the lead role! Don't they know anything about art? Beauty? Bah!" Sasuke stormed off towards another entrance, opposite of the one Kakashi came through. "How annoying. I've got more work to do than I thought I did."

"Sasuke, I will keep visiting the theatre," Kakashi called to him, even though his figure was already being absorbed by the darkness.

"Hn."

"No dead bodies?"

"Hn."

"No bodies?"

Silence.

"Sasuke?"

But even as he called his name Kakashi knew it was hopeless. The phantom had done what phantoms do. Disappeared.

"Alright everyone, listen up!" From the backstage of the opera, all of the crew turned to face Tsunade who stood in the middle with a new pink-haired girl at her side. "This is Sakura Haruno, she's going to be one of the new costume workers. Since she'd new I expect everyone to help her out." All eyes turned to the short haired pinkette with bright green eyes and a dirt cloth dress. Nervously she gave them a small wave.

Sakura tried to keep a smile on her face, but her heart was breaking a bit inside. She had come to sing. All she wanted to do was sing, even if it was only a line or two. But she knew she had no right to be ungrateful. Tsunade had worked very hard to find her a job so she would have work. Maybe, in time, if she worked hard, she may get the chance to do as she pleased. She just had to be patient.

With introductions done, the crew all went back to work and Tsunade turned back to Sakura. "Now I have a few things to go talk to the new manager about. Go talk to Hinata," she explained, pointing to a girl with long blue hair and pale eyes. "Hinata is a costume worker, but also does a few other things behind set. Girl's too nervous to do anything onstage, though she probably would do a good job." Tsunade mumbled to herself. She waved at them before turning back to Sakura. "Come to either me or Iruka if you have any problems."

Sakura nodded, bowing once again. "Yes, thank you very much lady Tsunade." The women just nodded before hurrying back to her station. Sakura saw she had no choice but to head over to the two waiting. Her footsteps clicked on the wooden floor as she made her way to the strangers. "Hello, my name is Sakura."

"I-it's nice to meet you," Hinata assured her pleasantly. Nervously she held out a hand for Sakura to take. "M-my name is Hinata Hyuga. I work with costumes and anywhere else they need help behind s-stage. I'm not very comfortable with strangers but you can come to me if you need help with anything." It was easy to see Hinata was struggling to keep calm, but Sakura didn't mind. She knew people with social anxiety and understood how hard it was to meet new people.

"Thank you very much," She said, shaking her hand. "I hope in the future we will be friends instead of strangers." Hinata brightened instantly.

"So you're new here huh?" The three turned to face a women with long, blond hair that covered one eye. She looked Sakura up and down, examining the new meat. "Are you here with Danzo and his 'lovely' niece?" she scowled with her arms crossed in front of her chest.

"N-no…" Sakura answered nervously. "I was sent here by Gram."

"Oh." She paused. "Oh, then you're fine." She held out her hand with a grin. "I'm Ino, one of the main actors."

A women named Tenten introduced herself as one of the main dancers with Temari and Kourena. Shikamaru was one of the directors, the one who told everyone what to do and where to go. Karui, Matsuri, and Jugo were part of the chorus. An upbeat, high-strung man named Naruto was also a main actor, along with Neji and Chouji. Gaara, Asuma and Shino were two musicians. Kankaro and Suigutsu were in charge of special effects on set. Kiba took care of any animals they needed for the play. Lee was a man who worked with actors for any kind of physical contact. Of course there were more in the crew than that, but few people came up to introduce themselves, all too busy with their own work.

"Another one of Sai's girls huh?" Shikamaru shook his head with a frown. "He's got to stop doing that."

Sakura's chest tightened at his words. "What do you mean?"

"Ah," Shikamaru hesitated, glancing around as if he was worried someone would overhear. Yet he didn't bother lowering his voice so everyone else around them could listen in. "Count Sai is one of our wealthiest donors, but because of that he often sends pretty girls here to work so he can see them again. Guys a bit of a flirt, though no one can tell if it's intentional or not. Sometimes it causes drama between the staff."

"That's how I got here hun," Ino giggled. "Sai is...He's a man that's really hard to forget!" She giggled, but Sakura didn't miss the blush on her face.

Sakura didn't hear her, her head swarming with thoughts. Sai…he sent more than just her there? Perhaps she had been foolish, but she had assumed she was special. Or, not special, but that Sai had known…who she was and wanted to help her…For old times' sake. Sakura hated flirts, and she didn't want to believe she had fallen for the tricks of one. How could she be so stupid? Temari watched her as she went through her inner turmoil curiously. Some knew that Temari was very intuitive, others didn't. But she could tell when someone was stressed about something. "Did you know the count before he sent you here?"

"Yes-I mean no! No, we have never met before." A few of the more attentive ones raised their eyebrows at her answer, but no one was interested enough to pursue the topic. "It's just… I was supposed to get singing lessons…" Even Sakura could hear the whining tone in her voice.

"Darling, with the new management, I think you'd count your lucky stars that you have a position here at all," Ino teased.

"Do you like to sing?" Hinata asked so quietly that Sakura could barely hear her.

Sakura nodded earnestly. "Very much so."

"It's a good thing you got here when you did," Tenten teased, elbowing her arm gently. "Hinata's been so worried since our costume manager left."

"What happened to the last costume manager?"

"That was Deidra," Shikamaru explained. "Last we heard he went down to the basement to see if any of the missing costumes were down there. But then a day later we got a letter saying he quit and no one has heard from him since." Sakura could tell from the twitch in his brow that he didn't like the explanation that came out of his mouth. Even she found it suspicious. He goes down for supplies one day then without even seeing them he sends a letter saying he's leaving the next? Without even saying goodbye?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a shout from next to her. "Of course we haven't seen him!" Naruto exclaimed. "He went to the basement when we all warned him not to! Everyone knows the rules!"

Sakura thought his attitude was annoying, but she turned back to him when the topic picked her interest. "The rules? Tsunade didn't say any rules about not going to the basement."

"They aren't the opera's rules," Naruto explained. "They are the ghost's rules. The rules of the phantom."

"The phantom?"

"Kakashi, you were supposed to meet me here two hours ago. Danzo's frown said he was not amused by waiting.

"Ah, sorry," Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. "I kind of got lost on the road of life and forgot all about that."

The two of them met back at the entrance of the Opera. Danzo had opened the letter and already read the rules, but the scowl on his face said he did not enjoy what he had read. "Is this a joke? This is you getting back at me for getting you fired, isn't it?"

Ha! I wish! Kakashi shook his head, trying to look as honest as he could manage. "No monsieur, I promise you this is not my doing. And I can promise you it is not a prank or some form of revenge."

"Then what is this then?" He practically threw the letter at him, frustration building in his face. "These-these ridiculous demands!" Kakashi was a bit surprised. He hadn't expected the new manager to be so disturbed by a ghost story. Eventually when everyone saw the evidence of the phantoms work they either decided it was best to just not break the rules or they left out of superstition. Danzo actually looked afraid. Has Sasuke already made his move without telling me? Kakashi wondered. No, he'd seen him a few hours ago. Sasuke hadn't had anything planned yet. But Danzo was trembling, even when he tried to disguise it he could see the fear was there.

With one raised eyebrow he read over the letter in his hands. It looked like one of Sasuke's regular letters, with his rules reinstated and demand for the salary he was always given. "These are the rules of the phantom. Don't worry, they aren't that hard to follow."

Danzo did not look relieved. "Explain them."

Kakashi doubted he really didn't understand the rules since they were written out so plainly. However Kakashi shrugged and went on to explain the rules himself. "Very well. First off, no one is to ever, ever go to the lower levels of the opera. Some of the crew like to think that is where he lives." Danzo scoffed, obviously skeptical. Kakashi went on, "Next. Box five is to be left open to his own personal use. Also he reminds you that his salary is due. I usually leave it in my office and it is gone the next day."

"His salary!" Danzo sputtered in surprise.

Kakashi raised his brow. "It's really not that much. The same equivalent to any of the other workers."

"Why on earth would a ghost need a salary?"

"Danzo, you may not believe the story," Kakashi tried to assure him. "But the fact is that when I do when the ghost demands, it's much better for everyone. Sometimes the ghost will even help with plays if he sees fit."

"How?"

"Well there's nothing really guaranteeing it was the phantom, but sometimes we find scripts that have comments on them, songs where the notes have been changed or once in a while whole scenes that have been re-written. Strange as it sounds those edits have usually been the reason our plays are such a hit."

"That could easily be the work of one of your crew just playing with the rest of you!"

He wanted to argue, but Kakashi knew he had no proof. Returning to the letter, he noticed a part of it at the end had been left unfolded. Pulling it open he read over the familiar writing. "He also has left his regular warning at the end of the letter."

"Warning?" Danzo questioned.

Again Kakashi nodded. "It's just what you'd expect. If you break any of these rules there will be consequences. Those who see his true face may never see the light of day again. Oh, and if you ever are foolish enough to face him, always keep your hand at the level of your eye."

Danzo drew back his complaint at that last one. "The level of your eye?"

"The story says that the phantom's favourite method to kill is with a lasso. So to make sure you can get out," he raised his own hand, demonstrating where your hand would be to protect yourself. "Keep your hand at the level of your eye." Danzo's eye widened as what he thought was an irrational fear coursed through him. The conviction in Kakashi's words was so strong and sure a weaker man would not dare to argue.

But Danzo had too many demons in his past to be afraid of the rumour of a ghost.

"Signed," Kakashi finished. "The phantom of the opera."

Instead of mulling it over, Kakashi was startled when Danzo scoffed as if the whole thing was humorous to him. "Phantom of the opera. Ridiculous! Did you really think I would believe some story you and your crew made up to scare my niece and I away from this place? Make me adhere to such outrageous demands? Absolutely not! Whoever pulled that joke of the lightening will be punished for this when I find them. I will not be blackmailed by some fairy tale the crew probably made to keep themselves entertained!" Kakashi's lips tightened at Danzo's reaction. He'd been afraid of this. Someone so adamant at refusing to follow the rules of the phantom. It wasn't that he was worried Sasuke would have trouble with maintaining his reputation and power over the theatre.

He was worried how many sacrifices he would make to others to get there.

Well, before he left, Kakashi could at least do what he could. "Danzo? You may not believe in ghosts. I respect that. Personally, I didn't either. But I have been here for more than ten years, and I have been dealing with this phantom for that entire time and trust me when I say calling him a phantom is the only reasonable explanation any of us can come up with. He walks through walls, he makes things move, and he can control everything this opera house has to offer you. No one has seen his face, no one knows exactly what he is capable of, no one even knows if he is really there. With that kind of ghost at your heels there is really only one thing you can do."

"What is that?"

"Follow his rules."

For a moment Kakashi almost believed Danzo would agree with him. He had frozen in stunned silence, Kakashi's words sending chills up his spine. His words had no proof nor inclination for Danzo to believe him. But one look in his eyes and Danzo knew he was not joking. He was dead serious. And it was for Danzo's benefit that he was warning him.

If only Danzo was the kind to bow down to demands.

No, Danzo would never agree to such a thing. Danzo never bowed down to threats, and he did not believe in the supernatural. All he believed in was his own power and that was what he would use. "No. Ridiculous! I will never agree to such things!" Pushing past Kakashi he stormed off towards where his new office would be. "You are insane, as is anyone who believes this ghost tale. But I will not be tricked." Pausing only so he could glance back at Kakashi he made sure to catch his eye.

"I don't believe in ghosts."

There was a crash. Both men jumped before turning to the statue at the end of the staircase. The marble figure of the great avenger had been smashed against the floor, covering the ground with different pieces. The two of them were the only ones in the hall, and neither of them could see any reason the statue would have fallen. Danzo turned to stare at Kakashi in shock, as if accusing him of breaking the piece of art. Kakashi said nothing. Instead he held up the letter once again, making sure the symbol of the fan was in plain view. Danzo snarled before turning against and stormed down towards his office. Kakashi waited until he heard the bang of his previous office door being slammed shut. Then, again, he ran a hand through his hair and sighed.

"I'm afraid, Danzo," Kakashi muttered to himself. "You're going to have to start."

"Sakura? Where are you going?" Sakura blinked up at the stranger in surprise. Iruka hurried over to the young women, concern written all over his face. "We are closing up now. Why are you headed to the costume room?"

Immediately Sakura was flustered. "O-oh, I…" She hesitated, glancing this way and that to avoid meeting his eyes. After helping Kakashi deal with a group of twenty year olds for years, Iruka had gotten used to the signs of when someone was hiding something. In his head he ran over what Tsunade had told him about her. She was a poor girl, sent there by Sai. Was supposed to get singing lessons but because of the new managers…Oh…

"I…I don't have any place to stay…I have no money…" Sakura had been told she would get a room with the other singers at an apartment nearby, but not only was she never offered that, but she doubted a costume worker would get as much pay as a choir singer.

Iruka frowned as he rubbed his chin. "Well…that is a problem…" Sakura blushed and couldn't meet his gaze. It was embarrassing turning to a stranger for help, especially when that stranger happened to be one of the people who helped run the place she worked at. But when Iruka turned back he had a kind smile on his face. "I know one place you can stay…but I'm really not supposed to do this, so don't tell anyone alright?"

Sakura's eyes widened with hope. "Really? Thank you so much Iruka, you are the best!" She nearly tackled the older man over when she forced him into a hug.

He laughed cheerfully before ushering her into silence. "Come on, it's a small room that we keep old set pieces and costumes. It's not that nice, but it's got a bed and a lock on the door. Just make sure no one ever finds you there, okay?"

"Of course," Sakura nodded honestly. "I promise."