QUICK NOTE: In case some of you didn't know I updated on Tuesday, so if you haven't read that chapter yet don't read this one. Also, since I would like some more people to review this is what I'm going to do; If at least 5 people review each chapter then I'll write a short fluffy and/or funny one-shot about this story and upload it the same day I update this story. The one-shots will be during the 3 month period of 'peace' in POTO. So there's my challenge, I hope you accept because I have some really good ideas that I would like to write. So, I'll shut up now and give you...

Chapter 8

As everything within my line of vision vanished a strong hand went over my mouth, and a soft ka-thunk sound was heard, almost like a door shut. I listened closely then heard Philippi hit the wall I had previously hit muttering, "Whore...who does...stupid boy...I should have..."

His voice grew fainter until I could no longer hear it. After another moment the two pairs of arms released Anthony and I, and one lit a candle. I saw Erik and Erica standing in front of us, looking pissed.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Both of them screamed at once. They looked at each other awkwardly then returned their attention to us.

Erik went first by saying, "Anthony, have I taught you nothing? You know this Opera like the back of your hand; you should have gone through one of the secret doors. Use. Your. Head! Brain over Braun son, that is what I always taught you! That De Chagny had an extra twenty pounds on you easy, there was no way you would have bested him and you should have known that!"

Anthony looked away saying, "One good punch and he would have gone down, that's how it always works."

Erik sighed in frustration, "When you have the element of surprise that always works, but in this case he would have been expecting it. No offense to you Hailey; but just because some girl is there does not mean you throw caution to the wind and ignore what your head says."

Anthony clenched his jaw and turned red as he exclaimed, "Why don't you take your own advice?!"

Erik was silent then took a step towards Anthony, "What is that suppose to mean?"

Erik sounded calm and I saw Erica go pale, a look of horror coming to her face. Before Anthony could answer, Erica jumped between the two, putting a hand on both of their chests to keep them both at a distance as she fumed, "Hey! You two are acting ridiculous!"

Both men tried to say something but I clapped my hands, the loud echo effectively silencing them both as Erica continued, "Erik, you know as well as I do what Anthony means...and you know it's true. Sadly, it doesn't change anything, so stop all your petty arguing and look at the big picture here. Anthony and Hailey were not caught, they know that they are not going to anger Philippi any further, and it doesn't matter if he's steamed now because we are leaving tomorrow."

Both men stared at Erica, and then let out sighs that seemed to drain the anger out of them. Anthony held out his hand and Erik shook it, then Erica turned to me saying, "What on earth happened?"

"Ugh, I'll tell you later," I said. "First let's go to my room so I can change." Erica nodded and began to follow me.

As the four of us went separate ways I heard Anthony ask Erik, "What's that on the corner of your mouth...frosting? Since when do you eat sweets?"

My eyes widened as I looked at Erica, who was suppressing her laughter. I patted her on the back, "You are hopeless Erica; but you got the Phantom of the Opera to eat an éclair so you must be doing something right."

Erica smirked, "I'm no Christine...but I think he likes me all the same. He's actually a really nice person to talk to."

I noticed Erica had a dreamy smile on her face; as she caught me looking at her with a sad smile laced with pity she argued, "I know what you're thinking but stop right there. Yes, I love the Phantom of the Opera but I'm not...necessarily in love...you know what I mean. I know better than anyone how the story ends, and I have no choice but to grin and bear it."

We entered the dormitory that served as my room; when Erica flopped down on my bed she continued, "It's killing me that I can't warn him, it's like I'm lying to him."

I sighed as I sat down beside her, "I know; I don't know what will happen to Anthony once this is over and that sort of...worries me."

As if it was the most casual thing in the world Erica said, "You're in love with Anthony, and you're in a love triangle of your own; how ironic."

I looked down at her in shock, and then shook my head as I shoved her back. "You're reading way to much into this. Anthony is just a sweet guy that I hang out with because, well...he doesn't sing for one thing. He also-"

Erica cut me off as she stood, "He also looks at you like you are his world, he would fight one of the richest men in Paris to defend you, and you are simply playing it off as friendship. Wake up, we're not in Sissonville anymore Hailey; here the guys go after the girls, and when they spend an immense amount of time with you it means they're interested."

Erica paused while I took everything in. She sighed as she returned to her spot on the bed, "Think about it; Anthony looks at you the way Erik looks at Christine, or the way Mr. Rochester looks at Jane, or the way Marius looks at Cosette. It's that classic look of, well, adoration. That look has died out in our time, but here it's everywhere and I'd know it anywhere."

"Erica I don't want to talk about this," I said with a bit too much bite in my voice. "No matter if he likes me like you think he does, or if I return his feelings, we are going to go home. If this place is even real both the men we love will be dead and GONE!"

Erica flinched, "I know that, but when we do find a way home who says we have to go back immedia-"

"Uh-uh," I said jumping to my feet. "When we find a way to go home we are leaving that second; we are not staying any longer than we have too."

Erica threw her hands out aggravated, "Why?"

Okay this is going to break her heart but I have to say it. "Erica, if we stay longer it's only going to make it that much harder to leave. We have to do this like a band-aid, rip it off quickly and get it over with."

Well, I was right. Erica's head fell and I saw she was fighting back tears, "I understand you're being the reasonable one between the two of us, and our roles are reversed for a change, but I do not want to leave. I fit in here, the men here are gentlemen, and...and..."

Erica choked then and let hers tears flow. Well, don't I feel like the bitch now. I'm not good at comforting people but I rubbed Erica's back like a big sister would until she reeled in her tears a minute or two later.

She found her voice again then whispered, "I had a dream last night."

The way she said that is absolutely, completely, positively, and without a doubt not a good sign. I thought about what she could have possibly dreamt so we played our twenty questions game, "Home?"

She shook her head, her hand rising to her lips. She's nervous so this definitely wasn't good.

"Okay," I said. "Is it anything to do with my job here?"

She shook her head once again. Okay, I give up. I gestured for her to say what it was, that I couldn't figure it out.

Erica took a deep breath then said, "Somebody's going to die."

At her words I began to laugh hysterically. Her eyes widened in fury and a silent question as to why I was laughing. "Erica, for God's sake we're in the bloody 'Phantom of the Opera,' you already know that many people die."

Erica's anger extinguished and her face fell as she shook her head, "No, someone we're close to...if not one of us."

My eyes widened, "What did you dream?"

Erica sighed, "It was pitch black, and I couldn't see anything. All I know is that I couldn't breathe, and right before I 'died' I jolted awake."

I pinched my brow, "Things couldn't just be easy. Please, be careful when you go to America; and watch out for Philippi too, I don't trust him around you further than I could throw him."

Erica nodded, "I'll be careful. Now, why don't you tell me what's up with you and Philippi anyway?"

...

We talked all night once again; I have to say Erica doesn't seem to trust Philippi anymore than I do. To quote her she says, 'He has that look that screams twisted or insane.' She likes Anthony though, she says, 'He lives up to his name. He's sweet, devoted, and brave.' Apparently his last name means to be brave; in that case if I ever need to be rescued from a tower I'll ask him to be my knight. Ha!

Erica left before I woke up that morning, but it was okay because I knew she would be back. She had to come back.

(Three Months Later)

It was the night of the Masquerade and I couldn't wait to see Erica. Of course I knew she was going to be late, she's always late; but if she misses the Phantom's big entrance then I'm going to laugh.

I loved my dress; it was a dark red, strapless, round neck ball gown, with rousing around the top, and beads going down the side that made it resemble flames. Anthony helped me make my mask; it was large red feathers, with medium sized yellow, and small orange feathers mixed in here and there. The tip of the mask that rested on the bridge of my nose resembled a beak; naturally you could guess I was a Phoenix.

For once I decided not to simply curl my hair; I pulled it up from the sides into a high ponytail that cascaded in curls down my back. In doing that, it looked like the feathers became my long hair. The dark brown of my hair compared to the feathers made my hair look a red brown, so the colors blended perfectly.

Not only did I feel extremely creative but I felt beautiful. The only thing that was a little annoying was that the heels were barely more than an inch and a half. Well, at least I didn't have to worry about breaking my neck, or Erica breaking hers for that matter.

Anthony refused to tell me or let me see his costume before the ball, which I was a bit upset about, but oh well. Just as I had slipped on my heels I heard a knock on the door. I paced over to the door and jerked it open, revealing Anthony dressed in his costume.

My mouth dropped open, much to my dismay; I quickly covered it with my hand as I backed up. Anthony walked into my room with a giant smile on his face. He spread his arms and turned from side to side. "Well, how do I look?"

For a moment my brain went completely dead, but I shook my head saying, "You look like Ezio from 'Assassins Creed ll.' How in the world did you...when Erica had you touch my forehead?"

Anthony nodded, "I didn't just see Conner, and this Ezio person resembled me a bit so I thought, why not? I have quite the photographic memory myself, so the costume was child's play to make. Do you think Ezio is just as handsome as Conner?"

I nodded, doing a head to toe scan of Anthony again, "At the moment, yeah, maybe even more."

Anthony smiled at me, and he was the spitting image of Ezio. He wore the bright white robe with a white cape that was blood red underneath. His hood was pulled over his face, leaving only his mouth visible. He still wore a mask though; it was delicate but not girly. It was a white mask that rested on the bridge of his nose and covered only the middle of his face; it was exactly like one of the masks Ezio wore.

The belt he wore even had the assassin's symbol as the buckle, closer inspection showed that he also had the details around the edges right. The costume was an exact replica, but there was one thing he probably missed.

I pulled his arm up, inspecting his silver wrist band that would have held his hidden blade. Anthony pulled his arm away, quickly saying, "Erik is quite the genius you know; he helped me make this."

Anthony backed away from me, spun around, and then lunged. When he lunged the hidden blade shot out with a loud, shhk!

"Wow," I breathed as he straightened and the blade returned to its place. "Remind me to thank Erik for making that for you, and obviously the rest of your costume as well."

Anthony brushed it off, "There is no need, Je lui ai dit que je voulais vous impressionner Ce soir, donc il a accepte."

"That was French Anthony, what did you say?" I asked, trying to decipher what he said. I only understood the word, 'impress.'

Anthony grabbed my hand saying, "Nothing, let's go; the ball has already started without us."

Reluctantly I agreed and let him lead me to the foyer. When we stepped up to the top of the staircase almost all eyes were on us. I gripped Anthony's arm, far away it must have looked like an endearing gesture, but anybody looking closely would have noticed I did it for comfort. Anthony grinned (like Ezio, oh my god!) and patted my hand that was holding his right arm in a death grip.

I saw Meg run up to us dressed as a white swan, "Hailey, you look beautiful!"

I smiled shyly, before I could say thank you Anthony cut in, "Doesn't she? It's a shame she never performs, she belongs out front and center."

Meg's eyes widened, "Anthony?! Is that you? Wow. You look...wow, uh, I mean you look-"

"Handsome," I finished for Meg.

Meg sighed, "Yes, handsome. Is that an original character? Who are you?"

Before Anthony could say anything I quickly jumped in; after all this was my obsession, "He's an assassin. His 'name' is Ezio, and he has vowed revenge on the people who murdered his father and two brothers. The people who murdered his family are in the hierarchy so he is a secret assassin; and one of the best might I add."

Meg gaped, "Wow, that's so amazing; I wish I would have thought of something creative like that instead of this dumb old swan. Even your costume is creative Hailey, a phoenix, right?"

I nodded as a dance started and Meg was pulled away. Just as I was about to leave the dance floor Anthony swept me up in the dance. I have rhythm and I can dance, but I have never danced like this before. Anthony must have noticed since he leaned in and whispered, "Follow my lead. Just relax."

I did just that, and that was the happiest I had ever been while dancing. The music stopped so the musicians could have a break and I saw Raoul, Christine, Philippi, and Erica enter. Philippi simply walked in and disappeared within the crowd, Raoul and Christine were arm in arm going over to speak to Meg, and Erica was far behind them all.

She looked like a deer caught in the head lights; then again dances were never really her thing. I'm her best friend so I have the right to say that she can't dance to save her life, except waltz, she can waltz. Other than that she's all white, well she calls herself 'neon white' saying, 'white isn't even as white as I am.' So yeah, she invented a new color; but I have to say she looks pretty.

Her blonde/brown hair was parted on the left side and curled down to her mid-back. She had six corkscrew diamonds in her hair that made it shine, and a dainty diamond necklace that matched the diamonds in her hair and in her ears.

Her dress was a dark navy blue; it resembled the night sky in the summer. There were small diamond shape beads along the sweet heart neckline that dipped into the middle and stopped a few inches before it met the diamond beading of the waist line. The ball gown skirt resembled Belle's from 'Beauty and the Beast' but instead of rousing and button dots at the bottom there were more small diamonds. I know all these diamonds must sound gaudy but they were actually simple; elegant even.

Her mask caught your eye as soon as you saw her; it was navy blue like her dress, with silver swirl designs around the edges, and a silver rose with leaves on the top right corner. Silver and navy blue ribbons were tied in the back to ensure that it wouldn't slip or fall from her face. Erica seemed to spot me and quickly walked over to where Anthony and I stood.

"Hey, how are you?" Erica kept glancing around the ballroom. "Why is everybody staring at you two?"

I shrugged, "I guess we stick out. They're mainly staring at you now; we only were stared at when we first got here." Anthony nudged me, and only then did I catch my mistake.

Erica's eyes were wide and she looked pale, "I don't like people staring at me."

You couldn't tell by her body language, she seemed proud and determined, but if you looked at her eyes you could see the fear there.

"Don't freak out," I whispered. "You look fine; and they're only staring at you because you look like you should be walking the red carpet."

"Well so do you!" Erica said, "You look like a phoenix, I didn't plan a theme for my dress." After Erica said that she jumped, as if something had touched her shoulder. She looked around then at Anthony, "Oh, well that's sweet of you to say Anthony."

Anthony looked confused, "I didn't say anything."

Erica laughed, "Of course you did, I heard you. You said, 'you look beautiful and shine like the stars in the sky.' That was you; it couldn't have been anyone else."

Anthony shook his head, "It wasn't me, but by the way you jumped and looked around I say I know who it was."

My eyes, as well as Erica's, widened and she blushed a bit. The music started once again and Erica smiled, "Go have fun, I'll be over there."

Erica pointed to the wall and I smiled sadly, "Try to get a dance partner, don't be a wall flower like always."

Erica nodded then waved me off to go dance. Anthony pulled me by the waist and began to twirl me around.

I noticed Erica leaning against the wall, a small smile on her face. I knew what she was thinking, Anthony and I were cute together and me smiling like an idiot wasn't doing anything to argue the point.

Just as I glanced over at her again I noticed a tall man in a black costume grab Erica by the waist, twist her, and pull her into the dance. I saw her eyes become fixated on her partner's as if in a trance. When a smile began to form, grow, and stay upon her face I finally diverted all my attention to Anthony; Erica was taken care of.

I was so caught up in the dance that I didn't notice that the whole ball room began to sing, "Masquerade." By the time I realized it I saw Erica's dance partner kiss her hand then flee. Erica rushed over to Anthony and I. Anthony sensed something was wrong and tilted his head towards the door; Erica nodded and changed her direction.

We three met in front of the door, Erica was out of breath from running but gasped out, "Erik...plans for...all of us...to be in...His Opera!"

My eyes widened and at that moment the music stopped mid-sentence and all eyes focused on 'Red Death' standing at the top of the staircase. I leaned over and said, "He was dancing with you wasn't he? He had a black cloak on to cover his costume."

Erica was transfixed by Erik but nodded her head slowly a couple of times. I have to admit that I didn't know what Erik was planning, and that scared me.

Erik smiled and began,

"Why so silent good Monsieurs?

Did you think that I had left you for good?

Have you missed me, good Monsieurs?

I have written you an Opera; here I bring the finished score;

'Don Juan, Triumphant!'

Fondest greetings to you all, a few instructions just before rehearsals start."

I looked at Erica as Erik made his demands known. We shared a look and just as I was about to ask her what he planned he sang,

Of course you may know our two young diamonds in the rough.

Mademoiselle Hailey Barker, Mademoiselle Erica De Chagny;

Step up, stand tall; for you two shall play key roles in my Opera.

For now though, that shall remain a secret; a secret."

I felt Erica stiffen beside me as Erik began to back up. Erik looked at Christine then sang,

As for our star, Miss Christine Daae.

What the future holds in store is no surprise.

We all seek truth through the lies; who will live and who shall die?

We shall see; we shall see.

I leave you now, and ask that you think on yourselves; and think on me.

Erik smiled, then cackled like a demon, and was swallowed by the floor in a swirl of fire. I saw Christine faint, and then Erica grabbed my hand as we ran towards the cellars.

Okay so please review and if you want to see what Hailey and Erica's costumes look like then go to Google images and type in...

Erica's Dress: 'Exquisite Ball Gown Sleevless Floor-Length Organza Navy Blue Quinceanera.' It will be the first one you see.

Erica's Mask: 'Blue-and-silver-beautiful-mask-product'

Hailey's Dress: 'Wine Red Ball Gown Quinceanera Dress With Pick-ups for Custom Made Taffetta.' It will be the first dress you see; you'll have to imagine the diamonds.

Hailey's Mask: 'Commissioned Phoenix Mask in Fantasy.' Instead of plastic picture all feathers.

Surprisingly those girls who model the dresses look like Hailey and I. Anyway, tell me what you thought of the chapter! Until next Friday,

Phan3145