The next chapter. Ta da! The managers' plan it put to work. Read and enjoy! ^^

Chapter 8

Monsieur Firmin gathered the cast on the stage to talk to them. Everyone talked amongst themselves, trying to figure out what could be the situation. Someone mentioned Mademoiselle de Anges, who paid no notice. She was studying Charles. Another person mentioned the mysterious Mademoiselle Belle who hadn't sung for them.

Charles listened and occasionally threw a glance to the flies. 'That crazy woman has to watch. It makes me more nervous than before. Now, every time I hear something, I imagine her falling...' He tried not to appear too distressed, afraid of making anyone around him aware. The cast grew silent as Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre walked out onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Firmin got their attention. "There has been a change in the casting. Mademoiselle de Anges, you are being relieved of your duties." He held up his hand as Fleur was about to protest. "Any attempts to argue are ignored. There is only one person who will be given the position of Prima Donna."

"Now wait just a second! I have just as much right to the position as that...that..." She began to walk away. Suddenly everyone gasped as a sandbag fell right next to Fleur. She looked at it like it was a venomous snake, ready to pounce.

"The Opera Ghost!" Someone shouted. Whispers spread through the crowd. "...thought she was gone..." "...Mademoiselle de Anges better watch it..." "...happening again!..."

Charles stifled a giggle as he looked at the managers. Andre was close to grinning and Firmin was trying to calm everyone down, while smiling. It was their plan to get rid of Fleur. Not a very good one, but...

Fleur, red-faced and shaken, looked around a screamed. "This isn't fair. I am not afraid of some ghost. They don't exist!"

"Not afraid of me, mademoiselle? And ghosts don't exist?" Belle threw her voice next to Fleur's ear.

Fleur screamed. Everyone stared as her face paled to the color of snow.

"Oh, I do exist, mademoiselle, and I will always exist. You had better leave before something worse than a fallen sandbag occurs..." Her voice faded in every direction with an icy edge.

By now, the whole cast, excluding the managers and Charles, were scared and pale. Fleur fainted from shock. Most of the male members ran to her aid. She may be nasty, but men don't care if all they want is some bed-time.

Charles sauntered over to where the managers were standing. With everyone in a frenzy, they didn't notice the three gentlemen, obviously not scared. "Messieurs, why did you reincarnate the Opera Ghost? I would have liked to been let in on the plan." He resisted a chuckle.

Andre smiled. "We thought Madame Daae should be Prima Donna. After her performance, it was quite clear she had the gift."

"Also, with O.G. back, more people will come to see the performances, just to witness a sighting. Human nature for the mysterious is in itself a mystery. The sales will go up and we will be able to raise salaries, including hers." Firmin looked content with himself.

Charles shook their hands and went to leave. "I shall be going since it seems rehearsals have been canceled. Good day, gentlemen." He left, not looking back for a second...

}{

After Matt and Rachel had dressed, they went to the kitchen to get some breakfast. They sat together at one of the many tables set just for the Opera house staff and performers. No one said a thing about the patrons' presence. Some of the staff were sitting and whispering to each other.

Rachel's ears perked up as she heard Opera Ghost. "Did you hear someone say something about 'O.G.'?" She asked Matt, quietly.

"Yes, I think they did. Do you think Belle did something...?" His voice faded as he seen Charles walk in. "Charles! Maybe Charles will know."

He sat down next to Matt as he reached the table. "Hello. Maybe I'll know what?"

Rachel leaned close. "What did Belle do to get the name O.G. to fly around once more?"

Charles laughed. "She dropped a sandbag next to Mademoiselle de Anges." He smiled at the couples' worrisome looks. "It's the managers' idea to get rid of her. They want Belle to be Prima Donna."

"Really? That is wonderful." Rachel tried to keep her voice below a whisper. "Now you can sing with her onstage again." She reached across the table and held both Matts' and Charles' hands. "Life is wonderful, isn't it?"

They all laughed...

}{

Belle sat down on the flies and smiled. She was quite happy about today. "Great honeymoon so far. I wonder if Charles will get me something. He didn't give me anything last night..." She pouted to herself. "I bet he has a surprise. I gave him his..." Sighing contently, she adjusted her mask and stood up, carefully. As she did she stretched her back and held her stomach. "Come on, baby, let's go find your papa. I'm sure he's happy. Now we can get rid of that nasty lady. I hope you never have to meet her..." She started to step across the fly when a thought crossed her mind. "You want to know something? I feel like I know her..." She reached the hidden door that led to other doors that led to home. Placing a hand on the secret button, she froze as she heard a noise. She turned around and gasped as a stagehand stood in front of her.

"Hello there, sweetheart..." He was drunk. "How about you and I, you know?" Belle gasped and tried to get away. He stepped in her way, preventing her escape. "Come on, honey," He started reaching for her. Belle saw an opening to move. As she ran past him, he grabbed her by the arms. "Don't run away. We're going to have a little fun first." He held her close. Belle shivered as she felt his hot breath on the back of her neck.

"No!" She kicked back hitting him in the spot.

"What was that for?" He yelled as his grip tightened on her arms.

She cried out in pain as he twisted them. "Let me go!" Even with her extra strength, Belle couldn't get out his grasp. Only one option was possible. "Help! Please, someone, help!"

The stagehand turned Belle around and slapped her, hard. "Are you trying to get killed?" He clamped one hand on her mouth, the other he held her arm. "One more stunt like that, I'll kill you, no matter how pretty you are." He didn't notice he left one arm free. She prayed to whoever that she still had her Punjab. Thanking someone, she took it out and broke free from the stagehand's loosened grip. "You ready to d-" He uttered no more. Belle gripped the Punjab with an unmatched ferocity. It didn't even choke him. She snapped his neck in one blow.

"See what happens when you mess with a pregnant woman. You. Die." She laughed humorlessly. Sighing, she looked at the body. "What am I going to do with you? No one's on stage. I guess I'll just hang you up somewhere." She held on to the rope and dragged the body behind her. "Charles is not going to be happy about this. But maybe if I tell what happened, then he'll understand." She smiled. "Not the most horrible start of a day...it could have been worse..."

}{

Madame Giry sat in her room, reading. The ballet was not rehearsing today. It was like a day off for her. But with having to watch Matt and Belle, for she considered Belle as a daughter, she never had a day off. Since none of the two couples were seen, Madame Giry decided to rest. It wasn't until she heard someone scream that she stirred from her spot. There was only one reason a scream like that would be heard. "Belle! I take my eyes off her and she does something again." She opened her door and peered out into the hall.

A crowd had gathered around the staircase. It wasn't until Madame Giry was close that she saw what the crowd was looking at. One of the stagehands was hanging near there. A parchment envelope pinned to the deceased's chest caught her eye, for there was the red wax skull seal. Pushing her way through the crowd, she grabbed the note and opened it. It read aloud:

"My dear managers,

All alcohol is to be prohibited from the Opera house. When people drink, accidents happen. Now, you don't want any more accidents to occur, do you? This body right here is an example of what happens when you drink and go up to the flies. Where I haunt is not a place for liquor. Ignore my instructions and this might happen again. It would also be wise to teach your stagehands to keep it in their pants!

Your obedient servant, O.G."

Madame Giry understood the note. Everyone else went into a frenzy of nerves. She took the note to the managers' office.

Knocking, she opened the door at the "Come in!" from inside.

"Messieurs, I have a note from the Opera Ghost. And there is a body in the staircase."

The managers laughed. "When is anything like that a surprise around this place?" Firmin stood up and took the note from Madame Giry. As he read it, a frown found its way onto his face. "Does this mean...?" He wasn't as stupid as he looked sometimes.

"Yes! Now, can you blame her for killing him?"

"I wasn't blaming her. I know she is responsible and it is understandable why she did it. Madame Daae had every right to protect her self. I will announce this to the staff as soon as possible." He placed the note on his desk and went to the door. Andre said nothing and remain where he was, at his desk...

Yes, Belle killed someone But yet again I gave her a reason to. I hope all my readers are enjoying what I'm doing with the story. If you have any other ideas, please feel free to express them. Yes, I'm getting rid of Fleur. Good riddance! -_- (But not before fully explaining the history behind her and Belle) Don't forget to review! I appreciate all the kind words and will except criticisms if need be. Oh, FYI, I'm starting another fanfic. If you're a fan of Erin Hunters' "Warrior" books, check out my story. I made it Phantom/Warriors. Lots of POTO references as it is possible. C: It's "Nightkits' Sorrow"