A/N: Thank you to my awesome reviewers! I hope you enjoy this next chapter - don't worry, the flashbacks will be explained (more or less) in time. ;P Thanks for your continued support, and please don't forget to let me know what you thought of this one in your reviews!

Chapter Five – Of Ghosts and Men

"This is crazy!" Rose gasped as they entered the auditorium of the Palais Garnier. "I can't remember the last time I saw so many people on one stage!"

"And these are the finalists before Erik, Monique, and I choose who's going to stay officially in each troop to represent each country," winked Ben as they gazed out at the endless cluster of people on the stage.

True to the Chevaliers' word, there were at least a hundred young men and women gathered in clusters, stretching and chatting and laughing as they prepared themselves for the long day ahead of them. Melody continued to watch them as she followed her brother down the corridor past the manager's office to the backstage passages. Instantly, her eyes moved towards the hall of rooms, the mirror flashing through her mind. "Maybe later…"

"There you are!" Monique's voice startled her, making her spin around to see the dark-haired woman approaching them with a wide grin. "Ready to get to work?"

"You bet," Ben nodded.

"How many countries are being represented?" Rose asked, catching sight of some of the performers walking around or scurrying to and fro.

"We've got people from Russia, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Israel, India, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, England, your country the States, and of course, the best performers here at the Garnier to represent our own country," she informed them, laughing as Rose and Melody's jaws dropped.

"That's a lot of countries involved. Ben says some of these people won't make the cut though," Melody noted, feeling empathy for those who would be sent home.

"We'll be sending them back with a recommendation, though, and we've already got several connections to link those that are new or undiscovered with a job if they aren't selected," Monique answered kindly, her eyes showing compassion as she recognized the hurt in Melody's voice. "Even if they don't get to stay, they will be taken care of." Motioning for them to follow, she led them away towards the stage. "I hope you have your camera charged, Melody. We'd like to create a video as an homage of the making of this event to show during the Showcase."

"Don't worry, I've gotcha covered," Melody smiled, the gesture evaporating as she caught sight of a familiar figure standing off in the distance. Seated comfortably in the rows of elegant seats sat the stranger she had seen last night, the one wearing Indian garbs that sparked a memory from a time that was not her own. "Who's that?" she asked, staring at the figure.

"Hmm?" Monique glanced in the direction Melody was staring before answering calmly, "Ah, that's the Indian."

"The what?" giggled Riley. "He's not wearing war paint or feathers!"

"That's a stereotype of Native Americans, Riles, be polite," Ben frowned.

"He's from India, Riley," Monique corrected him gently. "That's just the title he uses. He's a friend of the family, so to speak, and he's a patron of the Opera house."

Melody's eyes stuck onto the man for a few more moments, her curiosity bubbling up once more as she peered at him. The Indian raised his eyes and locked his gaze with her for a moment, nodding his head curtly and returning the curious look that Melody held in her eyes.

"This will be the American troop," Monique announced, waving to a group of about seven others. "Only five people will remain – that's the approximate amount we want to keep for each group." A smirk grew on her face as a young man walked towards them, grinning broadly. "Well, well, if it isn't our favorite little man."

"Quit it, Mona Lisa," the boy laughed, embracing the woman. "Just you wait, I'll make it in."

"I certainly hope so, or Erik will have your hide. You'll have to up your game for these auditions, monsieur."

"Count on it," he stated. His brown eyes fell upon Rose's countenance, growing wide as he drank in the sight of her before he stammered, "Uh…wh-who're your…friends?"

Rose blushed as she saw this, a small smile showing on her glossed lips. Ben, too, noticed this and raised an eyebrow at the boy.

"Ben, Riley, I'm sure you remember Tom. Girls, this is Tomas Sawyer-Garcia, Tom for short. Erik adopted him so he's part of the family, the little rascal. Tom, this is Melody and Rose Bolton, Ben's sisters," Monique said as she pointed to each girl.

"Hold still and smile," Melody said suddenly, snapping a picture of the two. "Sorry, you looked great there," she grinned.

"No problem," Tom beamed, offering her his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Melody answered, shaking his hand heartily.

Facing Rose, he offered his hand once more, shaking hers before bringing it to his lips and kissing it. Her blush intensified as she ducked her head away, earning a snicker from Riley.

"Somebody's got a cruuuush," Riley sung in a whisper, receiving a jab from Melody in his ribs.

"Well, I think we'll be leaving them in good hands," Monique said, winking knowingly at Ben. "Let's leave them to it. Feel free to take breaks and wonder around when you need to, Melody. Your audition probably won't take place until tomorrow."

"What?!" Melody gasped, gawking at the woman. "But I'm not-!"

"Ben already signed you up. I thought you both were going to audition?" Monique asked, one eyebrow raised in confusion. Ben held up his hands in defense as Melody glared maliciously at him. "Mel, please, try to understand-"

"I understand you want me to do this whether I like it or not," she snapped angrily. "You of all people ought to consider-!"

"Yes, try to consider that she just doesn't have the voice or talent."

Melody froze at the sound of the new voice, visions of her humiliation at her college solo performance flashed through her mind. Turning slowly, she felt her stomach become heavy as a rock at the sight of Dolores Casales's sinister green eyes and blood red lips. Her midnight locks had been pulled back into a tight bun, exposing her olive-toned skin, her nose tilted upwards as her chin jutted out arrogantly. She wore a low-cut crimson tank-top and black tights that clung to all her assets. An air of impudence radiated from her being, instantly souring the atmosphere.

"Hello Melody," she smiled cruelly, her eyes glittering like a snake's. "I'm surprised to see you in a place like this. As I recall, you quit theater and singing during your Associates…taken up photography, have you? A nice profession where you're not seen or heard-"

"Say one more word and you will be sent away without an opportunity to audition."

All heads snapped over to see Erik Chevalier striding towards them, his eyes narrowed while ridges formed on his forehead. Dolores was stunned to silence as he came up to her and said in a voice so soft and menacing that it sounded as though he were growling, "I will not tolerate insults and such a display of cruel arrogance. I don't care how many recommendations you received just because you're a budding Broadway actress, Miss Casales. You will respect everyone present if you wish to be respected as an artist and a person."

Melody felt her heart flutter at the sound of his voice. She couldn't help but feel as though those words being spoken were meant solely for her, despite the message he was giving Dolores about respecting everyone. She felt like a lady whose honor was being defended by a dashing, dark hero…so it was that she felt she couldn't stop the blush coming to her cheeks.

"Do I make myself clear, Miss Casales?" he asked, raising his voice slightly.

Dolores swallowed hard, nodding her head once as she stared into his furious blue-green eyes. Stepping away from the woman, he glanced around, noticing how the entire stage had gone silent and all eyes were fixed on him. "Ladies and gentlemen, I suggest we get back to work unless you'd also like a personal conference from me," he said aloud, sending everyone into a frenzy as they quickly looked away and acted as though nothing had happened.

"Um…so, shall we?" Tom asked, motioning for Rose to follow him.

Rose cast her sister an uncertain look, receiving an encouraging wave from her elder sister. Reluctantly, she took off after Tom to join the other Americans who had traveled to Paris.

"Ben, I'd like to discuss some ideas for the setup of the program in the office," Monique spoke up, curling her fingers towards her.

He nodded glancing back at Melody who was still staring at Erik in shock. "Mel?"

"Huh?" she asked, jolted out of her thoughts as she turned to face him. "What?"

"…nothing," he smiled weakly. "I'll be in the manager's office, ok?"

"Ok," she answered, gripping her camera and turning away.

Heaving a defeated sigh, he walked away with Monique, Riley trailing beside him like a faithful puppy.

"I don't mean to pry, Ben, but who was that?" Monique asked, taking a quick peek over her shoulder at the horrid woman who dared to confront Melody.

"She went to college with Melody and humiliated her in public during a contest that was meant as a grade. She got away with it because her family's wealthy. That's all I'm able to say. All I can say is, when it comes to judging the USA troop, I can't participate. I'll be biased in my decision towards my sisters and that awful…witch," he snarled, his fingers clenching into fists.

"We'll have others do the judging and receive their input, but Erik, Mother, and I will have the final say," Monique nodded. Biting her lip, she dared to ask, "Ben…why do you insist on her singing so badly?"

Sighing, he ran his fingers through his hair and looked into the woman's eyes as he answered, "She has so much to offer, but because of that awful experience, she's too scared to try again. She doesn't want to be hurt…but I know if she just lets go of the past and sings for herself, she'll be truly happy again. I just know it."

~OG~

Melody was speed walking towards the Japanese troop, anxious to get away from Dolores and Erik. Embarrassment took hold of her as she realized they had created a scene, and she was the cause of it. She hoped that no one would confront her or ask questions…she felt as though she would die on the spot if anyone started to make a fuss over her.

A hand suddenly landed on her shoulder, gripping her gently.

"…you lied to protect me today."

The young woman blinked, stunned by his words. "And you clearly didn't leave after you dropped me off this morning." She raised an eyebrow and grinned impishly as she responded, "Yes, I made up a story for everyone."

"Why?"

"Because that's what friends do, Erik. They protect one another," the auburn-haired girl replied, gently squeezing his arm as he continued to lead her down the winding, darkened staircase.

"Oh my gosh!" she gasped, jumping away from the touch as the memory attacked her mind without warning. Spinning around, she found herself staring up at Erik Chevalier, also seeming rather surprised, as though he, too, had seen the vision.

"I…I apologize," he stammered, pulling his hand back and slipping it into his pocket. "I never meant to startle you."

"What? Oh…no, I was…I…oh, never mind," she shook her head, feeling her entire body flush in embarrassment once more. "Um…listen, I…thank you," she said at last weakly. "…thanks for standing up for me."

"Of course," he said, bowing his head to her. "It's what any gentleman would do."

"Hmm," she muttered, her lips turning up into a smile. "Did you need something?"

"Yes." He took a step towards her, raising an eyebrow as he asked kindly, "Are you all right?"

Her eyes widened at his question, blinking as she struggled to process his words. "What…what do you mean?"

His eyes darted in the direction of Dolores briefly before returning to her once more. "I take it you shared an unpleasant experience with Miss Casales."

Her eyes darkened at this as she quickly looked away, resentful. "It doesn't matter-"

"Yes, it does," he cut her off, shocking her with the ferocity of his voice. His tone softened as he continued, "She shouldn't treat anyone like that, most of all you. You have an angelic voice-"

"How would you know?" she frowned, glaring at him. "The recording my brother sent you doesn't count.

"Then perhaps you will honor me with a taste during our lessons-"

"No, I won't." She inhaled deeply, looking him in the eye as she explained, "My brother may have set me up for an audition and convinced me to come, but there is no way I am going to sing."

"But you can sing, and you should," he insisted gently, frightening her with his tenderness. "You shouldn't be afraid of that woman."

"I'm not…I just…I'm afraid I'll fail everyone," she admitted, her eyes stinging with tears that she fought to hold back. "I used to sing, but I can't…I just can't."

"Can't…or won't?" he asked, his eyes boring into her soul with an intensity she could not fathom or understand.

"You have a lovely voice-"

"I can't believe you heard me sing!" she mumbled into her hands.

The masked man cocked his head at her, the oars in his hands pausing in midair as he said, "You just need a bit of vocal training."

"I'm not a singer," the girl shook her head stubbornly. "The last time I sang was at my father's birthday, the year before he died. My stepsister, Helen, and my stepmother, Capucine, ridiculed me when he left the room, saying I sounded like a yowling cat."

"May Erik strangle them for you?" he snarled. "You sounded nothing like a yowling cat, and you shouldn't let their words discourage you-"

"Erik, I've really never been one to sing in front of anybody. I freeze," she confessed, her hair brushing against her cheeks as she shyly looked away. "I don't think I sound terrible, but I get petrified when people listen to me. Besides, there are others with lovelier voices. Look at Christine-"

"Each person has their own talents," he said suddenly, abandoning the oars as he reached for her hands. His eyes burned with an intensity that made her shiver as he told her, "You cannot sing like Christine, but your voice is still something very precious. It made Erik's heart want to sing in reply."

Melody gasped once more, placing her hand over her heart as she was suddenly rushed back to reality.

"Mademoiselle-?"

"Please, just leave me alone!" she demanded, running away at once. She ignored Chevalier as he called her name, her heart racing madly though she wasn't sure why. "Whatever this is, just stop! Stop tormenting me and leave me alone!" her mind screamed, though she didn't know just who she was speaking to. Blindly, she ran for the manager's office, hoping that Monique or Ben could point her out to a restroom where she could cry out her frustration and get over the madness that plagued her. Grasping the door handle, she yanked the door open and lunged inside. "Ben-!"

"Aunt Mel?"

Riley peered up at her from the manager's swivel chair, tugging the earphones of his tablet out of his ears and placing the device aside. "Are you ok?!" he gasped, running over to her as she shut the door after her. "What happened?!"

"Where's your dad?" Melody asked, roughly wiping away the tears that had escaped and slid down her cheeks.

"Monique had to speak with the electrician and he went with her to the foyer," Riley explained, running up to his aunt and hugging her tightly. "Did that awful woman say something else to you?"

"No, Riley…I'm just being silly is all," she sniffled. She didn't dare tell him about the flashbacks she was receiving – he'd only claim that there was some link to a ghost or monster or reference a movie he had seen. The worst case scenario would be if he told his father, which was the last thing she needed – she didn't want to see any doctors, she wasn't crazy!...at least, that's what she hoped.

"C'mon, Aunt Mel, let's go find them," Riley suggested, taking her hand as he opened the door.

Allowing the boy to guide her, Melody walked back out into the hall, her eyes falling upon a door that was slightly ajar. Her brows furrowed as she squinted at the little golden plaque that had the title of the room: Box Five.

"Riley, give me a minute, ok?" she said, taking a step towards the door.

"What is it?" he asked, glancing at the plaque. He pursed his lips upon seeing the name of the room she wanted to enter. "Isn't that the private box the Phantom uses in the stories?"

"Supposedly," she answered vaguely, still making her way over.

"Cool! Let's check it out," he grinned, bounding over and pushing the door open. He pouted as he entered, taking in his surroundings. "Aw, I was hoping something would jump out!"

Melody stepped into the elusive Box Five, squinting at the walls and floor for signs of anything that would be unusual. As she placed her hand upon the velvet-lined seat, she gasped as she received a brief image of the same auburn-haired girl with stormy eyes as she placed a rose on that very seat after hearing a strange, beautiful voice in Box Five. "Good God!" she hissed, pulling her hand away as if she had touched a serpent. "Will it never end?!"

No sooner had she spoken those words, the lights in the theater began to flicker, making both aunt and nephew freeze as they waited for something to happen. A spine-chilling cackle filled the air, cries and gasps from the stage intermingling as shout of horror reached everyone's ears. Running to the balcony, Melody readied her camera and pressed the button, hearing her shutter click as she watched a dark, hooded figure lean down from the catwalks and laugh maniacally as one of the stagehands fell from the rafters towards the stage. Several females screamed in terror, and Melody could not help but cry out with them as she saw Erik Chevalier lunge forth and try to catch the man, the two of them tumbling onto the floor as the stagehand screamed in pain.

"Whoa!" Riley exclaimed, watching the scene with wide eyes. "What was that?!"

Melody didn't answer. Instead, she watched in intrigue as both Erik Chevalier and the Indian took off running backstage, the two of them sharing a look of urgency as they moved forward in an effort to catch the vanished perpetrator. Glancing down at her camera, she checked the photo she had taken of the fiend. Her brows furrowed as she enhanced the photo, seeing how the figure wore a hood and half mask, the other side of his face hidden from his hood's shadow. "That's not the same one," she murmured, remembering the entrancing and frightening figure in the mirror's passageway. "Are there two ghosts?"

"What's going on, Aunt Mel?" Riley asked, sneaking a peek at the photo she took.

Shaking her head, Melody gazed down at the stage, her eyes shining with determination. "I'm not sure, Riley…but I plan on finding out."