Raoul gripped the rusted metal gate in a white knuckled grip. The Phantom was standing intimately close to Christine. Her hands were cupping his neck and her face had an obvious plea on her features. Jealousy burned low in his gut when he touched her. He jerked toward them, catching the Phantoms attention. He grinned, gripping he shoulders and announcing his presence. She shrank away in fear, and the sight made Raoul desperately attempt to rattle the barrier between them.

Christine's eyes were wide with surprise when they settled on him. Erik grabbed her around the waist when she attempted to run to him. He pulled her back against his chest with a smirk as she called, "Raoul!"

Gripping both of her wrists he pinned her in place saying, "Well, this is certainly a delight!" She struggled and he grunted as he held her still while still saying, "I'd rather hoped that you would come!"

"Let her go!" Again Raoul tugged and threw himself into the gate trying to locate a weakness.

Erik laughed continuing to taunt him, "Now, my wish has come true. You've made my night."

Leaning down he buried his face in Christine's neck and kissed her shoulder, his eyes never leaving Raoul's face. He growled in outrage and continued to hunt for a way in. "Do what you will, but let her go! Have you no pity?"

With a snort Erik looked down into Christine's face, mocking him. "Your lover makes a passionate plea."

When she looked over and saw him still trying to find a way in she knew the efforts were in vain. He wouldn't be able to enter without Erik's say so. He threw his shoulder into the metal again and she knew he'd bloody himself before he gave up, "Please Raoul! It's useless!"

Howling in frustration Raoul pushed off from the gate and spat, "I love her! Surely you can understand that? Does it mean nothing to you? I love her! Show some compassion!"

His words made Christine's heart swell. She twisted, trying desperately to get to him while The Phantom argued, "The world showed no compassion to me! Why should I be any kinder?"

Biting down on his hand Erik cried out in surprise and threw her down. She slid, smacking her head against the stone floor.

"Christine!" Raoul called as he watched. For a moment Erik simply looked down at his hands in horror. He hadn't intended to hurt her. She'd shocked him. Shaking himself he suddenly realized what he'd done and bent down next to her.

"Christine?" He asked in alarm as he cupped her face. Her dark brown waves fell in front of her. As he tucked them behind her ears he could see the split skin on her forehead.

"Christine! Let me see her!" Raoul's voice was desperate once he saw the blood. The Phantom was suddenly furious with him. He would never have hurt her if he hadn't shown.

This was his fault. He looked at him with burning hatred and said darkly, "Be my guest." Slamming the workings of the gate the familiar clanking began as it slowly rose to let him in. He didn't hesitate, only waiting until there was enough room to swim under the menacing metal spikes at the bottom. When his head broke water again and he reached the floor Erik spat, "Welcome."

Ignoring him he sprinted to Christine, still dripping wet, and shoved the Phantom away. She covered his hand when it touched her and closed her eyes. There was a relief in her face. A safety she didn't feel with him and it only enraged Erik further. Walking toward her he swept away a bead of blood that ran from her injury, throwing it in Raoul's face. "Did you think I would harm her? This wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you! Why would I punish her for your crimes?" Balling the same blood stained hand Erik punched him and he was knocked backwards.

"No!" Christine yelled, trying to stand. Shoving her down again The Phantom moved toward Raoul. His rough treatment drove the viscount mad and he tackled him. Christine continued to yell at them. "Stop it!"

"A secret in engagement?" Erik spat as he pinned him for a moment, "You thought I wouldn't know? Order your fine horses now!"

Raoul managed to catch him in the jaw, twisting and getting the advantage. "You can't win her love by making her your prisoner!"

Yelling in rage the Phantom head butted him and he jerked away. Rolling over he grabbed a length of rope and, taking advantage of his lowered guard, slipped the noose around his neck. Christine cried out again, running forward and trying to stop him. She tugged on his arm but he pushed her down again. "Raise up your hand to the level of your eyes!" He mimicked, "It seems you didn't take that little piece of advice!"

Raoul shouted gripping the rope around his neck. When Christine fell he tried to reach to her but was met by a brutal jerk of the rope tightening around his throat. "No!"

A cruel smile broke out across Erik's face. "Nothing can save you now," He spat before turning toward Christine's frightened and horrified face. Her eyes widened in terror as he said, "Except, perhaps Christine."