A/N:

Busanda: Thank you! I do hope that they fix that sometime soon! Please continue reading and letting me know what you think.

gravity01: Yay! I am glad, I am hoping that I am able to continue weaving this story together because I have great hopes for it.

Mini Nicka: Do continue reading dear
Loud rapping at his study door broke Erik from his thoughts. He got up slowly, preparing himself for the news. "Come in." Erik said, his voice devoid of emotion.

In came a tall man, with hair the color of corn and eyes the color of the sky. Despite his naturally good looks, his face had an expression of the utmost sorrow written across its young features.

"I am afraid I have some bad news my lord." Raoul said, watching his masters face closely.

"Go on." Was all that Erik said, though he looked calm outside it was completely different story inside.

"Sir, we managed to find Monsieur and Madame Daae. But once we did, it was already far too late. They were being closely followed, and once they realized it they panicked. They ordered the driver to stop in the nearest town, once they arrived they left the carriage and their belongings behind. They thought some kind soul would offer them some protection or some hospitality. But had no such luck. They hid behind a barn and were soon found. When we found them...the Madame was already gone." Here Raoul had to stop, for the vision of Elizabeth's broken body was still fresh in his mind.

Erik stood still, not even breathing as he heard to news. When he said nothing Raoul went on.

"Monsieur Daae was not much better. Though he was still breathing. We quickly placed him in a carriage and brought him back with us. He is now resting in a room on the second floor. It doesn't look good, my lord." Raoul said, bowing his head to show his pain.

"Take me to him." Erik ordered, and Raoul wasted not time in obeying. Erik was taken to the room his friend was in and felt cold dread when he laid eyes upon the man.

His face was swollen and badly bruised and there were cuts and gashes all over his body. But every now and then he could see the chest rise and fall as the breath of life continued to flow through Gustave's body.

"Wake Mademoiselle Daae and bring her here. But allow me to speak to her before she sees..."Raoul nodded and left hoping that he wouldn't have to see nor hear the girls heartbreaking grief once she learned the fate of both her mother and father.

XXX

"Mademoiselle?" Raoul tapped lightly on her door, waiting for a reply. For a while he heard nothing, then suddenly the door swung open to reveal Christine's red face. She had obviously been crying the whole night.

"Yes?" Raoul didn't know what to say. She looked absolutely miserable and now she would have to learn that her mother was gone and her father was not too far behind.

"Come with me. The master wishes to see you." He said, his voice not revealing anything that the girl did not need to know at present. Christine nodded, and followed him to meet the fate that would now be set out for her.

XXX

Erik felt his body stiffen when he heard footsteps approaching. He silently left the room and went outside to meet Christine. Once she came into view her eyes looked into his questioningly. How could he break her heart like this?

"What is it Monsieur?" She asked, as Raoul left them.

"Mademoiselle...your father...he-"

"What of my father? Tell me now!" She shouted, shocking both herself and Erik. "Forgive me, but you must understand my anxiety." She said kindly, offering her apology.

Erik nodded and decided it would be better to get it out and not waste any more time. "Your father and mother were being closely followed, we received word of this and sent out to help them. By the time my men arrived, your father was in a delicate condition. He is resting inside this room. It looks rather bleak, but I thought you would like to see him. Please, forgive me."

Christine flew towards the door, and practically ripped it off its hinges. She rushed towards the bed and fell to her knees before it, taking her fathers bloodied hand in her own.

"Oh Papa...can you hear me?" Christine kissed his hand gently, hoping to bring him back. He couldn't leave her.

Erik stood in the doorway, watching the heartbreaking scene before him. They both sucked in a breath when a small cough was heard from Gustave. The man slowly opened his eyes and looked down at his daughter.

"Christine..." He managed to say, bringing fresh tears to Christine's eyes.

"Oh papa!" She kissed his cheek gently, her tears leaving wet spots on his face.

"Christine, you must promise me to be a good girl. Monsieur Deveroux will take good care of you. Your mother and I have always trusted him. Once I am gone he is the only one you will have. You must stay with him, but for propriety's sake you must marry. I will not have shame brought upon my only daughter." Gustave said, managing to touch her chin with his weak hand.

Christine remained silent, not wanting to interrupt what might be her fathers last words."Christine, you know I love you. I always wanted to see you married to a good man who would be deserving of your heart. You are a treasure Christine. Erik is a good man, and though neither of you know each other well I know that you will both come to love each other. I know he is older than you my dear, but he is much younger than I. He has been like a son to me on many an occasion. Please trust him as I have. As your mother did...Christine, know that your mother loved you with all her heart. That we both always will. We will never leave you my darling child, never." At the point Gustave placed something in Christine's hand before lightly kissing it.

"Papa! Please don't go...please." Christine whispered burying her face in the blanket which covered her fathers bruised form.

"Christine, your mother is calling...it would be rude to keep her waiting." This said, a smile spread about Gustave's parched lips and even more tears flowed down Christine's face. She now knew that her mother was gone...and her father would be soon following.

"Erik my boy, come here." Gustave called, feeling his strength fading away. Erik moved out of the shadows and came to stand before the bed, his hands clenched into tight fists.

"Erik, take care of my daughter. You know what you must do, and I trust that you shall do it. Christine is my pride and all my joy and now I give her to you." Gustave gave another cough and his eyes slid closed. Christine grasped his hand and watched as her fathers skin paled.

"Goodbye my daughter...and my son." Gustave's chest seized to move and his hand fell limp in Christine's.

"Papa! No! You cannot leave me here! Please...come back!"Christine sobbed, clinging to her fathers limp body. Erik gathered her in his arms, rocking the her back and forth hoping she wouldn't notice the silent tears that poured down his cheeks.