Hello everybody! And welcome back to Redemptions and Chasms!

Life has been quite chaotic lately for me. Work had ramped up to six days a week and 11-hour work days. I know I am a month late, but I am back. As a quite over view is that we're watching Christine slowly, ever so slowly, wanting to be freed from her situation and revelations Naraku being resurrected. Kagome is an important player here and her family is on the way!

I do not own POTO or Inuyasha.

Onward! To chapter six!

~ Back at Home ~

~Beneath Opera Populaire's broken and chard remains…~

Erik awoke from sleep having gotten to his lair safely early that morning. He had discovered two days prior that the hidden chambers he built, incase his other chambers were destroyed, had remained intact from the damages above and remained hidden from the police and lingering scavengers and any marauders. He had lit a fire in the hearth and had gotten several hours of sleep. It was now late afternoon and he ate a meal of salted pork, cooked carrots, nuts, cheese, and wine.

He finished his meal and dressed to explore the city of Paris in his peasant outfit for another hour to scout out the area before returning to his lair. He paused to look around his ruined lair again and noticed a second new letter with a photograph on his ruined organ's bench again that he hadn't noticed before. He went over and picked up the letter and opened it to read its contents. The photograph was of Christine and she was shackled with chains and ropes at the foot a bed, bruised and scarred. Her face bore a large jagged scar from her left temple to the right side of her neck. The sight of her so broken and sorrowful made his blood boil in rage against the one who did this to her. His angel.

He read it in his mind, and it read, "'Monsieur Erik, I see that you have received and read my other letter. Good. I know now that you have been thinking on proposal. Just one last thing that I want to add to your thoughts. Raoul, as I have researched, is in league with an old enemy of Christine's maid, Kagome. This enemy goes by the name of Naraku and he is threatening, not only Kagome and Christine, but all of Europe. What this means for you and the rest of the population of France, Norway, and Europe and yourself, it means I need your help.

"'As you see, since Christine is married to Raoul and Raoul is in league with this Naraku, there is a plan to use Christine to make a new Shikon no Toma, a stone that Kagome had wished away when she was back in her country of origin, Japan. Sometime since then, Naraku had somehow, someway, was resurrected and found his way here to Paris, France. You best leave your response to my proposal by this same evening as the night of the new moon is tomorrow evening. Any further than that means Christine's demise as well as Kagome's. Kagome's life is as important as Christine's here. With her help, she will and can help kill our new nemesis, Naraku.

"If you help my associates and I, we can get you, Christine, and everyone you know to safety. Though… I do warn… even if we do get you and everyone you know who are on our side, there will still be many hardships to overcome. Naraku will most likely come after us once we start making our way to Norway. Head to Madame Giry's place this evening. I have left them items with them that will help greatly. She, Meg, and Omar will be there to help you with the back ground behind Raoul's sinister master and business deals. Not only that, I left them information to get connections to Norway. Your servant and undertaker ~ Assassin.'"

Erik narrowed his eyes and growled. Who is this Assassin who knows I am here? And how in the world does he know that this part of my lair still exists despite the damaged opera above? He went back to his hidden chambers crumping the letter and throwing it into the fire. He didn't watch as it burned, instead getting on his peasant outfit before he made his way to Madame Giry's residence. Knocking on her door, he was ushered inside quickly and quietly before he came face to face with Madame Giry, Meg, and Omar, all having concern, anger, fear, or a combination of the three on their faces. Papers, money, and items for traveling were all over the place for Meg and Antoinette. Omar seemed flustered and tense.

Erik narrowed his eyes and asked straight out, "Let me get, Assassin had left you three notes as well?"

Omar hmphed, sneering as he turned to look into the flames of the fire that Meg had made in the fireplace, "Yes, and I for one have had to deal with some unsavory people as of late and one of them even had the gall to accuse me of making deals with rivaling companies when I had clear documentation to show otherwise. And this Assassin knew every little detail around my businesses here and the connections I have, going so far to reveal himself to me briefly for a few moments last night on my balcony before disappearing.

"Even as angered and furious about his interference with some of my orders, that he explained to me in his letter, his assistance had been lifesaving. He saved me from going bankrupted in two separate businesses and even had a hand in making some profitable deals that I didn't know until I read the rest of his letter. So, I'm quite up in the air about him. Madame Giry…" Omar looked over to Antoinette, who looked puzzled.

She tapped her chin in though, unsure and for once fearful, "Assassin confirmed several things for me in the letter he wrote… All of which made me question whether or not what I did and have done since joining the opera life and the undertaker society was the right decision… I am fearful for Meg and I now. There are enemies now that I know are coming for Christine and not just her, but Meg and I as well… And for you Erik and Omar…" She paused to look at Meg, Omar, and Erik in turn.

Meg was silent, just too scared to make a peep. She had quit the Opera life a few weeks prior when there had been a plan to try to kill her on set had been found out by their private investigator. Both she and her mother Antoinette had laid low since then, trying to make their wages as servants elsewhere. But with the threat that they learned was Christine's servant's enemy threatening their lives as well as that of Europe, they had quit even those jobs and stayed at home to plan and pack to head to Norway with Erik. Omar had helped with their expenses since the incident and even gone as far as helping to prepare.

Omar crossed his arms and looked to Erik who simply growled in irritation. Erik, anger clear on his face, hmphed again, "It's clear that the time to make moves to leave for all of you is imminent… All four of us. Best thing for all of you is to leave and make sure that no one notices your leaving either. It could mean the death of us all."

Omar prodded Erik's arm, mentioning, "I will have to be far more cautious. I have some business deals to finish and it wouldn't be easy or quick, Erik. I'll see what I can do to get them done and dealt with in the next few days. Though with the information from Assassin about this new enemy… I will have to be discrete and careful about the business endeavor I have with Raoul. I have noticed several red flags in the proceeds with it and I have been trying to cancel it, but Raoul has been making excuses about my canceling. Most likely trying to delay my departure and get me in a place where I am forced to go along with his business proceedings that I would never in my mind or life would agree to."

Erik growled, "I will get in contact with my contacts in Norway and my undertaker here in France. He will know more about helping you, Omar. Meg and Madame Giry, I suggest you meet me at…"

At that Meg interrupted Erik, "Sir Durand, I suggest you wait for us at the Crimson Pony. Mother and I were already in the process of packing and moving our stuff to a ship that's willing to take us to Norway with you. Assassin said in his letter we received this morning that if we showed them the letter, we would have an immediate, first chance at getting passage to Trondheim, Norway. Besides… apparently, he has a plan in place to get us all out of France discreetly via that ship in seven nights' time. The night after you meet him, we'll all be going on that same boat to Norway. He mentioned to meet him and his associates at a safe house out in the countryside until we can make the short journey to the ship."

Erik frowned at her interruption, but he didn't insult, interrupt, or irritate her response. Madame Giry raised a brow at his calm reaction at Meg's interruption and Omar merely smirked. Erik patted Meg on the shoulder, "Very well, Meg. Since that's the case, I suggest we all finish what business we have here in Paris and try to get to those specific places. Madame Giry, when you have a chance, write a response to this Assassin about your plans. Omar, I'll my best to lend you aid for completing or at least trying to get out of it."

Omar hmphed, "Fine, I'll expect your lawyer in the morning and speak with him and my own to get the business deal with over with. I will see you all soon." He stood and left the apartment, disguised as a peasant to make sure no one knew it was him.

Madame Giry stood from her seat and cleared her throat, making Erik and Meg look to her, "Erik, like last evening, stay out of sight and leave no trace that you were here… or anywhere. We cannot have you found out because of this plan to get Christine out of Raoul's hands and away from him. Not only that with the threat of this enemy… Naraku… in the throw now, we'll have to be even more careful and cautious than ever before."

Meg interjected, "Plus, with the fact that Christine's servant is familiar with this enemy, we'll have to keep her in the know as well."

Erik sighed, overwhelmed with the fact that there was evil on the foot now and it was aimed directly at him, Christine, and her servant, "Who knew there was deep seeded evil afoot. Far more horrendous than what we would had thought. I'll head to my lawyer's office and leave a letter for him explaining stuff if only scarcely. And I'll hide until tomorrow night when I meet with Assassin. I've left him a short note saying I will. I hope it's gone by the time I get home." He stood from where he had sat in shock and headed to the door.

Pausing at the door, he turned to Antoinette and Meg, "Please keep safe Madame Giry and Meg. With the news afoot that this evil about we'll need to keep all our eyes open and ears listening like a dead man listening for a pin drop. I will remain in my lair until tomorrow night after I tell my lawyer the news and ask his help with Omar. I'll keep you in the loop about what I am during. Goodbye and see you both later." He put on his peasant cloak and went out the door. Soon he disappeared into the night.

Back at Raoul's Residence…

Christine and Kagome giggled with giddiness; the latter elated to see Christine truly happy again after the excursion around Paris as Monsieur Peters walked them from the carriage to the door. The people they saw were shocked to say the least that Christine, the wife of Raoul was out and about for once. Though many, if not all, those who saw them with Samwise Peters were quite happy to know she had a chance to get out and about than stay at home with the "beastly" Raoul as they all heard around the market in hushed tones. They left her, Kagome, and Samwise alone as they shopped for several gowns for Christine and several for Kagome. They even found two kimonos for Kagome, who cried some on the discovery.

After shopping, Monsieur Peters took them to Parc Montreal for a walk, pleasantly speaking on all topics that Christine and Kagome couldn't speak at home about. Unbeknownst to them all, two separate people appeared to be following them from different places. One was a peasant man who had planted himself at the parc's entrance, begging even though many turned their noses at him. Despite his begging, he always had them in sight and stared daggers at the other follower.

The other person was a man whose appearance made everyone shrink from his eyes. He was tall, skinny to the point of almost being skeletal, and he had dark sunken eyes. He was dressed in mostly black with the exception being his inner shirt. He had a book in hand and would sit somewhere he would always see the two women and Monsieur Peters. And he would always let out a small growl out when he looked at his odd-looking pocket watch, if it was one at all.

Once the three were done at the parc, Monsieur Peters finally graced them to a meal at local favorite dinning place, famous in Paris for their soups, greens, fruits, and meats. Monsieur Peters was a great conversationalist and excellent company. He provided them with entertainment and excitement for the day; however, he had noticed they had two followers quite early on in their journey through Paris. He had tried his best to lose them throughout the day, but just couldn't shake either of them. He noticed the peasant always had a protective air about him and sent glares at the other follower, who had the air of hostility and eeriness.

Monsieur Peters glanced once again to the street as he walked Kagome and Christine to the mansion's front door. He noticed the peasant follower was begging on the street several meters down, opposite the entrance to Raoul's residence. The other follower was nowhere in sight, either he was skulking about hiding or Monsieur Peters had truly lost him.

He turned back to the two women, both who seemed to be having an episode of laughter in their eyes. He cleared his throat, getting their attention. He smiled, charming them, "I best be letting you get rest and your evening meal for the night, my ladies."

Christine smiled, taking his hand in both of hers, "You don't know what it means to me for taking me on a ride around the town, Monsieur Peters. I've not been away from Raoul or his mansion much in the last two years since out marriage and never for more than an hour. Thank you so very much. It means the world to me. For I haven't thought of Raoul since we left."

Monsieur Peters blushed, raising his free hand to his head in embarrassment as he looked up and away, "Don't mention it, Lady Christine, it was my pleasure to give you the freedom to do so today. Besides…" He looked to her in seriousness. He continued in an almost inaudible whisper as he leaned towards her ear, "You needed to taste freedom before permanent freedom appears. Be careful tonight and tomorrow Christine and even you Lady Kagome. For there is evil afoot even now. I feel it." He paused to look at Kagome, leaning into her rather closely which made her stiffen with fear, and whispering in her ear, "And be wary of Raoul tonight, I fear I heard news from Assassin that he was with this evil you faced off with three hundred years ago, Kagome."

Both women shuddered in fear at the news. He smiled again and stepped back, bowing, "Now off with you both to your rooms. Tonight, is upon us all."

Kagome and Christine curtsied to Monsieur Peters and Kagome opened the door to the mansion, cautiously looking around to see if any other servants of Raoul's were around. They weren't. Lars wasn't even there to greet them. Kagome narrowed her eyes at the inactivity, but decided to move forward. She looked to Christine, "Come my lady. Let us get you to your room and I will fetch you some dinner." Looking over to Samwise Peters, she smiled hauntedly, "Au revoir, Monsieur Peters."

Christine smiled to Monsieur Peters, "Yes au revoir Monsieur Peters. Have a good evening."

He smiled at them, waving goodbye and when they went inside, Monsieur Peters bolted to his carriage and slapped the walls, shouting, "Head to Monsieur Moriean's estate and fast my man! Lives are at stake and don't spare the horses!" The carriage took off at a fast pace, something that Sam didn't mind in the least.

Inside the mansion…

Kagome looked around in worry and apprehension as she led Christine back to her room. Where are the other servants? And where is Lars? Even this late in the evening there is a bustle of activity that usually goes on with normal activities or a party that Master Raoul hosts. With Naraku around, it never ends well.

Christine felt the stillness and the heaviness in the air, the nervousness from herself and from Kagome. She understood Kagome's apprehension. The other servants and Lars were absent from their duties. No noise or glimpse of the servants were worrying to them both. They had gotten inside and to her room without seeing anyone, no sounds of movement nor did they see a single soul as they did.

Inside her and Raoul's room, Kagome helped Christine out of her dress and into her night gown and outer robe in silence. Neither one spoke due to apprehension of not seeing or hearing anything. As soon as Kagome had helped Christine finish getting ready for bed, she hesitantly said, "Be wary tonight, Lady Christine. For I fear there is evil on the move tonight. And don't hesitant to ring for me. For I have my bow and arrows a ready and my reiki at the ready as well." She looked to Christine, clear worry in her eyes.

Christine, mouth tight and her brows furrowed, nodded, "Sure thing Kagome. Though with the things being the way they are now, the servants and Lars being absent has me far more worried than I know. I have a feeling that Raoul is going to cause a bunch of issues now. With us being gone so long and what not."

"Be that as it may, we still need to prepare. I believe Assassin is on the move and tonight might be the night we try to head out of here with him." Kagome whispered though paused before she checked the hallway which was devoid of all other servants at the moment. She closed the door and locked it with the key she had copied and turned to her lady. Her brow furrowed at the apprehensive look on Christine's face. "Do not worry my lady, Assassin has a plan to get us both out of here. Now let us prepare before we are discovered."

When she went to the wardrobe to help Christine prepare, the door boomed. Someone was trying to get inside forcefully. Kagome let out a quiet squeal whereas Christine shrieked in terror. Both of them dropped their items as the person again slammed against the door, splintering it. Christine looked to Kagome in fear, terrified she would lose her life. The person behind the door screamed out, "CHRISTINE! OPEN THE DOOR!" It was Raoul.

Christine panicked and went to Kagome who shook in fear. She pulled the terrified woman to the bed and gently pushed her to the ground and underneath it. Whispering urgently, Christine made it seem like Kagome was never there, "Stay there and silent. I don't want to risk your life for helping me!" She left before seeing Kagome's nod and rushed to the door and opened it. At least what was left of it now, for Raoul was there on the other side, fuming and as red as a cherry tomato.

He came rushing at her and hit her hard on the face. Crying out in pain and surprise, Christine leaned away from his touch, but was met with a slap to her face. Raoul was being rough tonight. For an hour, he cursed her and beat her. Pulling her up to his leave, her growled in her ear as he held her in a rough embrace, "For tonight, for your insolence and leaving for the outside, you will feel my dark side, dear wife. You will be broken before morning comes. And the demons I brought me will torment you afterwards." At those words, Christine struggled in vain as she watched in horror as several dark, monstrous creatures come inside their room and watch from the shadows.

Raoul dragged her to the bed and roughly threw her on it before he pinned her to it with himself. Christine tried to resist him as he chained her to the bed with the shackles he had long since received. He began to be rough with her, beating her, whipping, and punching her hard. She fought against him as he did, but she failed slightly, knowing he was going to hurt her greatly. He didn't go so far as to raping her, but he did happen to pull out a knife again on her. She screamed in pain as he brought the knife across her face again, making a wound exactly like her other one thought loser and parallel to it. She fell unconscious from the pain and Raoul blacked out from his drunken time at the cultish meeting.

Well… that is it for this month good readers. Until next time!