Disclaimer: I do not own POTO

Chapter 2: Request from the Past

By PittsBurghFuzz

"Yes, it is me. I saved you from death and sacrificed my career in my country and my honor to save you Erik." the Persian stated. Erik threw up again.

"Get out, I want to die." Erik yelled.

"Like the common drunk?" the Persian asked.

"By the way, how did you get passed my traps?"

"I have to admit Erik, you don't really diversify any more so it was easier to get past your tricks. But I have to admit, they still were a challenge to get through. Erik, stop wallowing in your own pity and get up!"

"No, get out of my lair, I don't want to speak to anyone right now."

"Erik, you knew that this was bound to happen."

"Yeah, what? Its not like you were here or anything."

"Erik, you give me less credit than I deserve, I was there when it all happened: the chandelier crash, Red Death descending the grand staircase, Don Juan Triumphant, everything."

Erik lifted the man by his collars with ease and said: "Like I said, get out!" He dropped the Persian into the shallow part of the lake. He went to his beloved organ and played more music. The Persian got up and went over to Erik. Erik looked up and the Persian punched Erik in the nose.

"That should sober you up." the Persian said as Erik was crying out in pain.

"You still got it, eh daroga?" Erik asked as he felt nose nose and cracked it back in place. "Why do you come here Persian?"

"Ah yes, I forgot. I came here to ask of your help."

"What do you request of me?"

"It is the sultana! Both of us need to go to her. A war is about to break out between her brother and father and she is stuck in the middle of all of this chaos. I also think it will be good for you so you can forget about this soprano, Miss Daae."

Erik placed his hand on his chin and thought about it for a while. Can I ever forget her beauty and her voice, which was like a glass of water to a man who has walked the dessert for years, failing to find water. "Alright then. I will get ready." Erik finally responded.

"Good. I knew you would accept it. She has missed you Erik."

"Who?"

"The sultana Erik. Who did you think I was talking about, the queen of England?"

"Never mind, I will be back." Erik walked away. The Persian was looking around the still lake, that was once the place where a love triangle was expressing their emotions. Erik came out of the room with his luggage and his cloak over him.

"Shall we go?" Erik asked.

"Yes, we should." the Persian told him. They went on their boat and drifted off. As Erik was rowing the boat he turned to the Persian and asked: "What happened to sultana's brother to get him so aggravated?"

"Well first off, my real name is Ledoux. Second off, the son as you knew was always impatient and wants his father to die so he can take control of his father's kingdom. His sister does not support her brother or father's actions." Ledoux had told him. "He is also mad because I helped you escape the kingdom when you were sentenced to death." Erik turned back and kept on rowing and reached the dock. He and the Persian got off and went upstairs to the outside of the Opera House, through an alternate entrance. As they were walking outside, everything seemed to die down. It had been several hours after the disaster, and they noticed that the Opera House was closed and what was once a lively haven for music was now a grave reminder of what happened. They bumped into a young couple.

"Excuse me." the man roared. They walked away. The girl looked at Erik and turned away.

"Raoul, who was that man with the hooded person?" the girl, who happened to be Christine asked.

"Oh, that was a man known as the Persian. He was the daroga, but was fired because he helped a freak escape." Raoul replied.

Erik just barely heard the conversation but sighed at the sound of Christine's beautiful voice. Ledoux tucked his arm and they continued walking. They were able to catch a train that was traveling to Belgium to meet up with the sultana. On the train were the two theater managers, trying to run from their disgrace in Paris and making an attempt to get back into the junk business. Erik looked to his window and watched the setting sun. At the same time, Christine was doing the same thing.