{Belle's POV}

Since Sofia had messed with the timeline... (Hello butterfly effect). The masked ball happened much sooner than the five months it did on Broadway.

And for that we were very thankful.

I smoothed the skirt of my green fairy gown and glanced over at Sofia.

She looked marvellous in the purple and pink bodice of the Star Princess dress.

"Are you sure about this?" I asked.

Sofia sighed. "No. But what other options do we have?"

"Fair point." I laughed lightly, offering her my arm. "Well then. Mademoiselle~"

"Thank you Mademoiselle~" She accepted with a playful curtsy.

We strolled down the hallways and into the grand foyer arm in arm.

"Courage dear heart." I smiled.

"Hmm?"

"Have you never read the Narnia series?" I gasped.

Sofia chuckled in reply as we walked into the foyer.

The party was already in full swing.

"Break a leg Sofia."

"You too Clara- er, Belle."

"Masquerade! Paper faces on parade! Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you."

The chorus sang as we attempted to follow the choreography.

And as we finished up our dance. Suddenly a cold draft swept in behind us. And an all too familiar voice began to sing.

"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! I'd advise you to comply. My instructions should be clear. Remember, there are worse things than a shattered chandelier." He walked closer to Sofia and cocked his head to the side.

"Your chains are now mine. You will sing for ME!"

There was a flash of fire as the Phantom pulled another trick.

People ran away and Sofia and I were once more separated by the crowd. But as somebody in the role of Raoul. I had to confront Mme Giry anyway. But you know how that story goes. I did have to ask her which trap door lead to the cellars though. She was quite helpful.

I met up with Sofia back in our room and she smiled at me.

"That was really scary but also so cool." She breathed.

"I had a very informative chat with Madame Giry."

"Oh nice."

"Yup. So I guess we should head to the Office for notes then?" I replied

"Yeah probably." Sofia nodded.

We entered the room as the others were singing.

"If you can call this sh- ... Gibberish art!" Piangi sang.

We entered the room.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaah here's our little flower~" Carlotta fairly hissed.

"Oh! Miss Sofia quite the lady of the hour~"

"You have secured the largest role in this Don Juan." the other manager smiled.

"The little seamstress? Does she even have the voice?" Carlotta snarled.

"So she'll sing? I take it we are agreed?" Andre asked.

Carlotta screeched, "She's the one behind this, Little Sofi~"

"How dare you!" Sofia sang.

"I'm not a fool." Retorted Carlotta.

"You evil woman how dare you!" Sofia growled.

"You think I'm blind." Carlotta sniffed.

"This isn't my fault I don't want any part in this plot!" Sofia exclaimed.

I chimed in with, "But why not? It's your decision but why not?"

"You have a duty" Firmin responded.

"I cannot sing it duty or not." Sofia replied.

There was a silence and the singing ceased.

"Why does he want her?" Carlotta frowned.

"Who knows the mind of a madman?" I replied.

"That's fair." She huffed.

Madame Giry stepped into the room.

"Another note..."

We all groaned.

"...Fondest greetings to you all a few instructions just before rehearsal starts. Carlotta must be taught to act not her normal trick of strutting round the stage.

Our Don Juan must loose some weight it's not healthy in a man of Piangi's age.

And our managers must learn that their place is in an office not the arts."

It was very hard to keep a straight face as Erik wrecked everybody's self esteem. But as Sofia's part came up a cold sense of dread settled over us.

"And as for the star mademoiselle Sofia~ No doubt she'll do her best it's true her voice is good she knows though. Should she wish to excel she has much more to learn, if pride would let her return to me, and be her teacher. Her teacher. ~ Your Obedient Servant. O.G."

There was a tense silence as I stepped forward.

"We, have all been blind, and yet the answer is staring us in the face. This could be our chance to ensnare our clever friend." I declared.

"We're listening! Go on!" The managers coursed.

I continued. "We will play his games, do the Opera but remember we hold the ace! For If Miss Sophie sings he is certain to attend..."

Firmin nodded, "We are certain the doors are barred, we are certain the police are there, we are certain they're armed. The curtain falls. His reign will end!"

We sang together.

With a solid nod, Sofia and I walked out of the room, leaving them to stew.

"You were amazing! How good did it feel to tell off Carlotta?" I gasped.

"Pretty good!"

"I'm sure!" I exclaimed.

We arrived back at our room, and I sat down to do some writing. While Sofia rested.

About a half hour later, there was a knock at the door.

I got up and answered it, surprised to see Firmin in the doorway, "Well hello Mr manager. How can we help you?"

"I've... Andre and I have been thinking, given the current circumstances, perhaps it would be best to let you be Mme. Sofia's attendant. This ghost seems not to strike when more than one person is there. Plus then Sofia will have somebody to help her with lines and the singing... Can either of you sing?" He asked worriedly.

"I sing very well, and I'm told I have perfect pitch." I replied.

"I took singing lessons as a girl. Though I welcome any help you can give me." Sofia piped up.

"What about dancing?" he asked.

"I can dance well enough. And you know what they say. Practice makes perfect." Sofia smiled.

"Indeed. Well then Madame, we wish you all the best," With a bow. Firmin left.

"Well that was... something else. Now, ready to show Erik who's boss?" Sofia asked.

"Always... I ain't afraid of no ghost." I smirked, a pillow hitting me in the head.