Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom of the Opera...sadly.

Chapter 2: Familiar Abyss

By PittsBurghFuzz

Christine eventually woke up, but was shocked at where she was. She noticed a small music box with a monkey playing a familiar tune.

"Oh no!" she said. "I'm in the Phantom's lair!"

Yes, she was there of all places, and perfect timing for Raoul to leave her. She stayed quiet for a few minutes laying in the familiar bed. She thought about all of the torment she suffered before the Opera House burned down and she did not want to go through that again. As Christine was thinking to herself about what horrors she might face now. She stopped. Music was playing. It was Erik composing another piece of work. It was a peaceful melody. Christine decided she had to get up at some point. As she got up, the mood changed to a violent tempo. It was gaining momentum until it reached a pivotal moment of silence.

"Christine, are you awake?" the Phantom asked.

"Yes, I am." said Christine in a timid voice.

"Is your bruise getting any better?" Christine then noticed in the mirror a bruise on her head.

"Um, yes. Yes it is." said Christine with a confused tone to her voice. "I thought the police found where you lived?

"What? Ah, yes. Good Question. You see, there have been many crimes going on in Paris lately, and the police would rather spend their time protecting the outside than a Phantom that to them was more of an apparition than anything else." explained the Phantom.

Christine then nodded. She noticed the Phantom was less imposing than he had been in their previous encounters.

"By the way, why where you walking outside, uh. Gee, I don't know what to call you."

"Call me Erik. My true name. I was outside because nighttime is the only time where there is no one to be disturbed by my appearance and to call the police on me. However, I could ask you the same question. Besides, aren't you engaged and soon to be married to the vicomte?" replied Erik.

Why did he have to bring that up? I was already upset enough by being here and now Erik had to mention Raoul?

"Well, he has been out of town lately and I was out by myself." said Christine. Christine then teared up and ran to the bed.

"Christine wait!" replied Erik. "I'm sorry Christine. Would you like to talk it over?"

"Well," Christine started. "Raoul has been doing a lot of things for the family lately and his siblings are unable to help, so they ask him."

"Huh. Well, you can stay here as long as you like, just be more careful when you go back alright?" asked Erik.

"Yes. I will, Erik."

"If you need me, you know where to find me." Erik then proceeded to his organ room and started to compose. It was usually full of anger and rage. However, he made a softer, more melodious theme. I was left to ponder in my room to think about the uncertain future. Erik was less dominant than he had been the last time. Christine approached the boat. She noticed it looked different. Instead of a skull engraved on it, the boat showed an angel. The boat however, was black, proving he was the angel in hell.