Hello everybody! And welcome back to Redemptions and Chasms!

So, we've been introduced to the new set up and this new mysterious writer to Erik. Plus, Christine is trapped in her own home, beaten and scarred.

Kagome will make an appearance here in this chapter and her thoughts on the current situation.

I warn you all this chapter has themes of violence and abuse in it.

I do not own Phantom of the Opera or Inuyasha. POTO belongs to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Inuyasha to its creator, not me. Only original characters do I take credit for.

~Downstair in Raoul's Library…~

Raoul was in the library with his older brother Phillip, the Comte, enjoying a glass of wine. He was trying to figure out a way to address his wife's behavior earlier by making eye contact with Phillip. He was seething at Christine for even making eye contact with his brother. It didn't matter whether his brother was married to Elena and Christine was his wife. He was furious! He was sitting there barely listening to his brother's latest journey to India when Phillip frowned, poking his shoulder, asking, "So how is Christine feeling? How has she been doing lately? Elena has been wondering about her and asking to see her."

Raoul smirked, curtly told his brother with politeness, "Christine is doing fine. Her maid old me before we came here that she is resting. As for lately, she is exhausted from working on the books for my business and she is usually too tired to be leaving the house."

Phillip kept his face a mask as his brother spoke, noticing how Raoul tensed up and his when he asked about Christine. His emotions were all screwed up as he talked so curtly about his wife. As his brother spoke, Phillip thought to all that had happened when Raoul had married the beautiful, sweet, caring Christine two years ago. He noticed that something had changed in Raoul in the days after the opera tragedy.

Earlier at dinner when he had made eye contact with Christine, he had noticed something was off. Normally he would brush off most people's worries and pains as they were not his concern, unless it was beneficial to him and society. He did help the poor in funds, sponsor the church occasionally, and once in a while help with an orphan for Elena's sake. But what he saw in Christine's eyes was concerning and heartbreaking. She was such a blessing to his family, even though many in his family felt the opposite. Many in his family disliked Christine because of her former profession, her race, and her station in society.

The only members of his family that liked her were himself, his wife Elena, Elena's family who lived across the country about a four-hour journey from here, and my grandmother on my mother's side. As we had gotten to know her, my family disliked her less and less, whereas Elena, her family, myself, and my grandmother had loved her like a true family member. With only Elena, my grandmother, and I to talk to, Christine had very few people to turn to. And most of the meetings we had were in secret and few and far between.

As for Raoul, Phillip was worried for his younger brother. He had watched and frowned on what he had seen from Raoul the last two years. Raoul had become much more bitter and coldhearted. He seemed more closed now than he had been a little over a year and a half ago. Phillip was concerned with Raoul's treatment towards Christine. He treated her as a prisoner and more of a trophy than an equal spouse. He noticed the fear, the… despair, the pleading in her eyes earlier this evening. It was a cry for help, for escape.

Phillip hmphed, and cocked an eyebrow at Raoul, suspicious. "She didn't seem very tired to me when I saw her at dinner earlier this evening. Nor did I see her try to reject my company when the group was speaking in the parlor's sitting area when I sat next to her," Phillip challenged Raoul in a stern, yet calm and collected tone, not reacting at all to Raoul's hitched voice and tensed body as he said that.

Raoul tensed further at his brother's observations and replied, "Probably because you did something to offend her and she said she had a headache due to all the activity." And with that Raoul set his jaw and looked away as he took a long swing of his wine. He'd have to give Christine a scolding for her eye contact with Phillip. Phillip smirked, knowing his brother too well. It was a blatant lie that he had offended Christine earlier. He frowned and hmphed as Raoul poured another glass of wine for himself. He stayed silent due to the delicate nature of the situation.

Phillip know Raoul was lying outright about Christine and about many other things, but he knew not to push the matter. Whenever Raoul was lying, he looked away, his left eye twitched like no tomorrow, and he cocked his head to the left to hide it. Just like he did now. He knew Raoul was going through something bad and Christine was the one paying for it, as if she had not had enough evil aimed at her way already over the opera incident.

It must be what took place in the Phantom's lair two years ago. Raoul must think Christine still loves the Phantom and he wants to punish her and keep her as a captive, as a trophy wife to keep her under control to make sure she never escapes. Phillip thought as he observed his brother. He smirked and held back a snide remark as Raoul's dark and brooding mood continued. Instead, he sipped at his wine and changed the subject to their business propositions and transactions. He was planning on rescuing Christine secretly from the hellish marriage nightmare that she had been forced into. Not that the situation the opera house was a place to decide between the Phantom and Raoul.

Raoul had become narcissistic and he had a mental illness of some kind that Phillip believed altered his behavior. As he listened to Raoul's news, which was all old news to him on their transactions of trade, Phillip thought to Christine, wondering where she was. Probably in their bedchambers… Soon Phillip took his leave of Raoul and headed out to his carriage to head home with his wife Elena to go home to their infant son. Reginald Paul, named after his grandfather Reginald and his great grandfather Paul.

On the carriage ride home, Phillip was deep in thought when he heard his wife Elena say his name as she poked his ribcage. Elena, concerned at her husband's silence which wasn't normal for his normal chatty self, asked him again, "Phillip, what's wrong? You've been silently sulking most of the night out at Raoul's place and on this ride home?" As she paused, she noticed they arrived home themselves.

Phillip jumped out of the carriage and handed her down out of the carriage and walked her inside and up to their bedchambers once their butler greeted them and locked the doors for the evening. Reginald's nursemaid had placed him in his crib moments before they arrived and left as soon as Elena dismissed her for the evening. Phillip helped his wife out of her clothing for the evening before he took his clothes off and cleaned up before cuddling his wife in bed as she fed their infant son on her breast.

Once Reginald was fed and his nappy changed again, Phillip held Elena close in bed. Elena asked again, "Phillip, please, tell me what's wrong. I know something is wrong with you. You are never so quiet ever unless it has something to do with family, a good friend, or our businesses that are in trouble." She gently touched his chest and check as he wrapped his arms around her even more tightly than before.

Phillip couldn't avoid her question any longer and he sighed as he explained, "I am worried for Christine, Elly. She had changed since she first married Raoul two years ago after the incident in the opera house's underground lair. She and Raoul both have changed due to reasons pertaining to the events that happened with the Opera Ghost. I had hoped she could bring some light into my family besides you and grandmama once she married Raoul." He sighed in defeat, rubbing his face in defeat.

Elena understood immediately and completely what he had said and now was aware of why he was so quiet, what he was contemplating all evening. She hummed in agreement, replying, "I know, Phil, Christine had changed. I had hoped for the same thing. However… I could tell she married Raoul for two reasons at that time. One because she thought she had no other better choice, even if I thought she'd bring in some good breeding and sweetness to your family. Second reason is that she loved him and he her at the time. Seems we were both wrong in that assumption, Phil… Time has shown us that Raoul has lost his love for her, and her for him. Seems Christine is regretting her decision now."

Phillip interrupted her, "No kidding, Elena. My family never truly liked her even before the two married and they just down right hate her now since she married Raoul. I…" He went silent at his wife's annoyed humph. He looked down to her as she looked up to him.

She continued her thoughts, "I fear that the man from the opera who caused the whole thing is the only reason why she married Raoul. I can tell by talking with her an observing her that her heart now belongs to the opera ghost, even though it belonged to Raoul when he had kidnapped her to his lair two years ago. He seems to be no better though…" She let the sentence drop into nothing as she realized something.

Phillip, curious, wondered, "Elly, what are you thinking, my love? Tell me." He waited for Elena to speak as he thought of ways to help Christine to divorce Raoul and leave the country for a better life, knowing that if her could indite Raoul of his crimes he had been finding behind his back, Raoul couldn't follow Christine. He also had some leads of some seedy and suspicious activities leading to Raoul's businesses, which happened to involve some important events taking place in France. Another reason for Christine to divorce Raoul for her safety and her love's sake.

Bringing him back to the present, Elena's words continued, "I remember hearing of a master composer and architect located in Norway whose music sounded similar to the master musician from the Opera house. That opera ghost or Erik Durand as my private investigator found of the ghost. This master architect and musician goes by the name of Richard Rue and had been there for almost two years. Perhaps he had some connections to Erik Durand, the Opera Ghost, and could be of help in this situation. He could take Christine under his wings and try to help her heal from her failed marriage with Raoul.

"I do know of a way to send him a letter via my private investigator, who discovered he lived in the Norway town of Trondheim. If he agrees to help Christine, she'll be safe and out of harm's way. Plus, if she got out of France, she's be completely safe from any threats besides Raoul," Elena paused, contemplating it still.

Phillip thought for a moment on the intel Elena had told him. It could work… He does sound the like the perfect person to help Christine… Though what about… He was brought back to reality when Elena continued, "I warn you Phillip, my investigate learned that this Richard Rue wears a mask on his face just like the Opera Ghost Erik Durand. The rumors surrounding his mask is that he was tragically born with a bad birthmark that has forced him to wear it."

"Hmmm… that is… concerning… I wonder… if the Opera Ghost Erik Durand escaped to Norway and made a new name and life for himself there. And a morally upright one as well. Anything else about him you learned about him?" He asked Elena, frowning at the news of this Richard Rue having a mask. Though he remained contemplative, not realizing Elena was speaking again. Could it work though? It all sounds so farfetched to have a Norwegian Lord come to France to take on a lowly Swedish Opera singer and Vicomtesse who would soon be divorced and widowed… Phillip's thoughts were diverted again when Elena mumbled again, as she poked his ribcage and addressing him in annoyance. He scowled at her for a moment before he frowned, wondering.

Elena nodded as she leaned her forehead against his chest, a cheeky and mischievous smile on her face, "Focus Phillip… Yes, seems that Richard Rue is a master architect as well as I mentioned. He's had several highly successful plans that have been completed since he arrived there in Norway. He owns three successful opera houses, a large vineyard in the southern part of the country, and his architect business is booming. He's a very rich man set for the rest of his life. And he was very sweet, quiet, and knowledgeable about everything. From what my private investigator found out while visiting him."

Phillip hummed in thought at her information, also humored at her matchmaking scheme, "Sounds like he would be the ideal husband for Christine verse my poor excuse for a brother has made, even though we both know that he was far better suited for Christine at the time of the Opera incident. I… I am sure though that it would take time for Christine to come to terms with this…"

Elena nodded against his chest, agreeing, "Well… what do you think then? Of the idea? Maybe this mysterious man could give Christine what she needs so desperately. Safe harbor and a new life. Plus, with her skills as a wonderful singer and a dance, she's be a good fit for his opera and his music."

Phillip smiled at her enthusiasm. He noticed a hint of mischievousness in her eyes and he smirked with a twinkled in his eyes. She continued, "From what I have also heard about this Richard Rue, Phillip, is that he's single. Since she'll be single soon and as a beautiful, slender dancer and gorgeous singer, she would make a potentially good candidate for him and his skills in Norway. Especially since Norway is Sweden's closest neighbor, her home country," She hoped Phillip would agree.

And agree he did. He smiled at her intentions. Not only was she trying to help Christine, but she wanted to help this Richard Rue find companionship as well. Perhaps even a wife. Phillip nodded and kissed her on the lips, "Very well, darling. I will send word to Madam Giry. I heard that she has a connection with this Richard Rue, or at least a friend who knows him personally. Besides I have heard of his reputation as a master architect."

Elena nodded and yawned, content that a plan to help Christine was in place. Smiling, she threw her arms over Phillip's bare chest and he, in turn, pulled her closer into a tighter embrace. Within a few minutes, both were dead asleep to a dark night, unaware of the glowing eyes that watched them from the shadows. It silently moved to through the room and left an envelope on the table near their night stand before it disappeared into the night.

~Christine and Raoul's bedroom…

Christine stared into the room's dark depths after her beating. She had long ago learned to not make a sound or cry during or after Raoul's beatings when he was displeased at something she had done. It was usually something he had deemed she had done wrong even though she had not done any wrong. It was times like these that she wished Erik would come and rescue her from this nightmare she realized that she was in. This nightmarish marriage to Raoul that she hadn't seen in the beginning. She didn't love Raoul, she had realized too late, a few months after their wedding as she thought she had believed at one point in her life.

Contemplating the far wall with feigned interest, Christine considered all her thoughts further. Realizing a few months after their marriage, she had come to the conclusion that she loved Erik instead. His insisted, overbearing obsession with her was not right, but he had been simple, sweet, and all around subtle in his courting of her as she thought of it. At the time, she truly did love Raoul as he loved her then. She saw Erik as more of a mentor, a friend, a person to talk to.

He was kind, forth right with her about his feelings and she had spurred him for it because she saw him as her teacher, her mentor, not as a lover or a potential husband. For at that time, she loved Raoul, not Erik. And because of it, she believed that that bridge had all but been destroyed the day that she chose Raoul over him, even as she had shown Erik empathy and compassion after having seen his struggle and sorrow and saving him from falling truly into a dark place he'd never would return from. She saved Raoul from death and the Girys from association with Erik.

And she had saved Erik from developing into a true monster of a man, instead transforming him into a far better man than he was before. I should have taken Erik's hand that day in his lair… Not Raoul's hand when I thought I loved Raoul. Even after he had made me leave with Raoul. I would give almost anything to be with Erik wherever he is now to this farse of a marriage I am in…Raoul doesn't love me anymore.

All those options were long gone now. She was stuck here forever with a monster for a husband that she never wanted. No one except Phillip, his wife Elena, Phillip's maternal grandmother, and Elena's family truly liked her. All of Raoul's family aside from those few people, hated her for her nationality, character, personality, and her profession and low societal status. Even immediately after her marriage with Raoul, there were seriously accusations and opposition against her from his family. Now Raoul hated her with a passion as well. He believed that Erik would come back and rescue her from his clutches. I believed though he had a mental illness along with it.

Staring into the darkness of their chambers as Raoul fell asleep and started to snore from his drunken rage, Christine refused to cry at the pain she was feeling due to her wrists and ankles being bound to the bed's post. She regretted everything she did to Erik since the Don Juan incident at the Opera House those two years ago. Since then, Raoul had become a monster. He would usually get up around 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning to cut her bounds and clean her up so people wouldn't suspect his abuses on her. He made sure she was a perfect "picture" of health before being presentable to others. She barely left the pain her bonds had on her wrists and ankles anymore these days.

She dared not make a sound, fearing her crying would rouse Raoul from sleep, though she did let a few silent tears fall. As Christine cried, she prayed that her end would come for her or that escape would come for her. Though something caused her fear to rise in her. She heard the eerie sound of someone outside sneaking around as if looking for a way to get in, feeling the hairs on her arms to rise in goosebumps. The noises ceased, and she felt the haunting feel of someone staring at her. Christine glanced around in silence, seeing no one inside. She then glanced to the windows and door to the balcony. She saw nothing in the shadows of the balcony outside, yet horrifying feeling of being stared at remained.

Then she saw it and she froze in terror… There staring at her from the dark shadows of the balcony's blackness were two glowing blood red eyes. They were filled with malice and hatred. It held a murderous intent inside them. But before she could do anything, she suddenly felt the fingers of unconsciousness come to her mind as if she was hit on the head. All went black moments later and she knew no more that night.

~Kagome's POV…~

I lay on my pallet in the servants' quarters, far from where Christine was. I had put up with the master's evil words and cruel hands for almost two years now. Since I was captured and placed into forced servitude for the last seven years by an evil dog demon that had invaded Touga's palace under our noses. My former master had been evil like Raoul and hated me with a passion, even placing an iron collar on me which the evil dog demon had given him. It was to keep me from escaping with my miko powers. Though with Christine as my new mistress, she was sweet and loving, and treated me as if I was a sister.

We had bonded that day and we had been like sisters the day I was bought by her husband on the black market and given as a gift to her. I could tell since that day that Christine had no say in anything. Unlike many other English lords and ladies, and even the people back in my native Japan, about eighty percent of women here in France tended to be free spirited and outspoken with their husbands enough to have an almost equal right.

Now I was an indentured servant, or in other terms, a slave. I have been forced against my will to be put into captive servitude and here I am. Trying to help Christine. As I thought to the meeting with Assassin earlier who had discovered me four years ago, I had hope again. Assassin had done an amazing job in raising my hopes again of freedom.

He had given me enough knowledge that Touga, Sesshomaru, and Inuyasha were well and waiting for me, even after all these years. I cried for an hour before he quelled my fears of my four children with Touga. Minori was already two hundred years old and had come upon her mate. Sesslia had also found a mate soon thereafter. Our third child, Rintsuro had died in battle against the forces that had kidnapped me which made me mourned for hours after our conversation. And my fourth child, Inuyancor, had survived and had found his mate. None of them had so far had any children.

I laid there thinking over the plan that Assassin had explained to me about helping Christine escape from Raoul's clutches and for divorcing. He had all the documents legally made and had a… friend… of his forge Raoul's signature and had planted false memories of the drunken event as Raoul's mind, even though he believed it to be a prank and had not thought of it further. And there was a clear plan of escape in three days' time.

I laid there and felt the tongues of sleep cloud my mind. As I drifted off to sleep, I thought of Touga and our children, a smile on my face. I didn't see the nodding gaze of Assassin before he left in a jiffy.