A/N: Slightly longer chapter. Figured out how to do the next bit. Its getting close-ish to the end. Starting to wrap up the loose ends. Hope you have been enjoying this as much as I have. As always, read and review. It keeps me going.

Chapter Thirty-eight

Introduction

The next day dawned with much excitement in the air. Not only was it the opening night of the new opera production, but it was also said that there was a new gentleman in town. Rumor said that he was a distant cousin of highly esteemed Madame Giry and was not only good looking and wealthy but also a bachelor. It was said he had been to many foreign lands and that he wore a mask. What the mask was for, it was uncertain. Some said he fought a tiger in India once while less dramatic sources said he simply was born with a scar. Regardless of the why behind the mask, it only served to add more mystery to the man that had bought an appartment in the fashionable part of town.

As if that wasn't enough, it was said that he was going to the opera tonight and had insisted in sitting in box five, saying he wasn't frightened by the fearsome Phantom of the Opera.

By the time the opera doors opened, everyone was practically humming with anticipation. All wanted to see this new member of society, Monsieur Erik Destler.

It wasn't until all had settled in their seats that he walked into box five setting off a collective gasp as he pushed back the curtains fully. He was wearing a very fashionable black suit coat over a burgundy dress shirt. A matching burgundy mask was on the right side of his face. He grinned amd waved at the people staring before sitting down.

Erik felt sweat run down the back of his neck at the stares and whispers but kept a content look on his face. He wanted to do nothing more than run away but knew he had to do this. He reminded himself that this was for Darcey. He looked down at the pit and felt a real smile enter his face when he met her eye.

She smiled and nodded in his direction as she continued to play. He breathed a sigh of relief when the lights began to be extinguished. He knew that at least half of those siting in the boxes wouldn't watch a minute of the show but at least it gave him something else to focus on.

They were almost done with th first act when a loud voice sung out through the room. "Did I not instruct that box five was to remain empty?"

Everyone gasped as they looked for the source. "He's here. The Phantom of the Opera!" Meg exclaimed in an overly frightened voice. Darcey looked at Erik and he winked before shouting.

"Why should they follow your instructrions? You do not own this opera." All gasped and held their breath as they waited for the response.

"You dare to challenge me?"

"Yes I dare. Come out and fight me like a man."

A low chuckle echoed. "Join me on the stage if you think you are up to the challenge."

He stood and dramatically exited the box and walked towards the stage. He grinned and nodded at the faces that peeked out at him. Soon he walked onto the stage where people scrambled to get out of the way. He gave a small bow to Meg as he passed.

"Here I am. Come out of hiding."

He was greeted by silence before a dark, hooded figure fell from seemingly nowhere to land a few feet in front of Erik. His white mask shown faintly.

Erik chuckled and gave an exaggerated bow. "You must be the infamous Phantom." The figure gave an equally insulting though shallow bow in return. "Draw your weapon, sir," Erik demanded drawing his own sword.

"Very well," said the man drawing his sword and holding it at the ready. Both men ignored the gasps and calls from the audience as they focused on the other. They stared each other down before Erik lunged, swinging at the other man's head. He responded quickly and blocked before attacking. The went back and forth, one gaining ground before promptly losing it but finally it seemed that Erik was indeed winning. The crowd cheered, those that had expected to be bored were leaning forward in their seats as fragile young ladies swooned.

Each strike had been blocked but as Erik began to gain the upperhand, a lucky blow got past his defenses and cut his side. He hissed in pain as Garren paused and whispered, "Sorry," under the cover of the crowd gasping.

"Don't worry about. Let's get this over with." One hand pressed against his side, Erik quickly disarmed him and held the tip of his sword at his throat. "Give up now and I'll let you live."

Garren under the disguise of the Phantom froze and nodded slightly. When Erik lowered his sword slightly however, he stepped back and fell through a trap door that just so happened to be opened by none other than Meg before she hurried back to the stage to play her next part.

Erik jumped into the hole and there was a tense moment as Meg ran across the stage to peer into the hole. She then reached out her hand to help Erik out. He held his sword up triumphantly in the air once his feet were back on the stage. "The Phantom is no more." A great cheer rose up and Erik grinned though he felt the irony of the a situation. He grimaced in pain as he walked off the stage and looked up to see Darcey running towards him.

"You're hurt," she said quietly, concern evident.

"I'll be alright," he said equally as quiet. At that moment, the owners came into view as they hurried over to him.

"You have done us a great favor, good sir. Is there any way we can thank you?"

"As long as I may continue to use box five in the future, you owe me nothing. If you will please excuse me, Mademoise Dubois here has been so kind as to offer to look after my injury."

"Of course. Of course," they gushed. They then hurried on to the stage to inform the audience that the opera would resume in five minutes time. The curtains fell and Darcey led Erik away to her room to the care of him.

"That was exciting," he said once they were alone. She laughed and shook her head as she took his hand in her own.

"That was enough excitement to last me a life time. Oh Erik. I was so worried and then you got cut..."

"Shh. It's alright. It's over now and I'll be fine. Soon we won't have to hide our feelings from the world."

"Oh, won't that be wonderful," she said happily as she opened the door. She had him sit and helped him take off the tight fiting jacket and shirt. "It doesn't look like it will need stitchers but we won't know for sure until I've cleaned it."

There was a knock on the door before it opened to reveal Meg and Garren who were carrying water, wash cloths, and a bandage. "Figured you could use these," she said.

"Sorry about that. Didn't mean it."

"Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. Thank you for helping. I couldn't have done it without you." The two shook hands before Erik grimaced.

"Sorry," Darcey said as she paused in washing his wound. "I should have warned you." He grimaced and nodded for her to continue. She worked as quickly and carefully as they could while the other three discussed what had just happened and where to go from here.

"I want it to be a short courtship. I can't keep my feelings to myself for long." Darcey nodded in agreement.

"Well, you could ask permission to court her as early as tomorrow. It wouldn't be to surprising. There's nothing strange in having interest in the girl that helped you after battling the Phantom of the Opera," Meg said with a grin that was reflected on all their faces.

"Sure was odd fighting my old self" They chuckled and a shout was heard saying they had one minute before the production would resume.

"We better go. Mother will skin me alive if I'm late."

"Thank you both for all your help," Darcey said giving them both brief hugs before returning to finish washing Erik's wound.

They waved goodbye and hurried out the door.