Chapter 30: A new Charge.

Meg was quiet as she limped along the underground passage that led toward the Phantom's underground home. She had only twisted her ankle slightly but she was in more pain then she could imagine, mental and physical pain. Though Erik held her tightly to him and she could feel the warmth and the strength of his arms around him, she shivered with cold and shock from the events that had just transpired. It was shocking, she had never seen behaviour like this from a member of the cast and it was frightening as she remembered the look of sadness in Erik's eyes as his masterpiece began to fall apart around him. She had a terrible foreboding feeling of deja vu, like it had all happened before and that something incredibly terrible was going to happen but she wished beyond hope that it would not involve Erik again. She prayed that, whatever happened, he would keep his temper under control.

He had already taken her to box five where he scribbled a quick note and left it where the managers would find it and then without a glance back he marched her off into the darkness. She could not believe what had happened to the girl who had once been a dreamer and a friend. In the beginning they had shared so much hope for the future and now, Meg could see that Christine was far more desperate then anyone had first anticipated. She was no longer angry with Christine but felt sorry for her and wondered what in the world would drive a person to so much. What was going on in her head, what had happened in the short three years that she had been away and with her new husband. Could things have really been that bad for Christine Daae. She could only imagine what was now going on high above them in the theatre and ballet halls.

"You'll not take the stage with her again. She's nothing but a chorus ballerina now, you'll never have to deal with her," Erik whispered as they walked slower.

"But I need the practice and they need me there to guide them, I shall see her everywhere in the theatre, in the ballet hall and in the dormitories," Meg whispered.

"You'll not be returning to the surface, as it will be dangerous for you, I can't allow anything to happen to you," he said as they stopped and he looked deep into her eyes, "You will remain in my home and the space will be provided for your comfort and your practice," he said softly but with a hint of urgency.

Meg remained silent as they continued to walk. The fear and the love in his eyes was to much for her to protest and she knew that he had only her best interest in mind.

"I will guide them, as I have watched you dance enough and know how you move through the sequences. I will keep them in order and only when the show is ready for the public will you take the stage. I don't want to risk another uncalled for interruption in the production and what would I do if you were injured severely?" he asked as he helped her up a ladder and over another narrow patch of ground.

"I'll do as you wish," she said not wanting to upset him anymore then he already was and she could tell that the outburst was playing heavily on his mind.

Meg fell silent again. She knew not to argue with him and if his wishes were to keep her safe then she would do all that he asked her to do. The truth was she didn't want to return to the stage just yet. Her ankle was swollen and sore and her head just wasn't in the right place after listening to Christine's mad ranting. She felt far safer with a man that had once killed out of lust then with a woman seeking fame at any cost.

She welcomed the warmth of the green space and the company of the many animals as the wall moved away to the underground world. Erik whistled into the open space and quickly Tangae crept across the moss covered grown as the two of them emerged into the blinding bright light.

"Take her to the house and care for her," Erik whispered to Tangae, who purred loudly.

Tangae bent low to the ground and Erik helped Meg mount the great beast.

"You'll be safe with her, she knows ways of finding me if anything goes wrong. She'll not leave your side as long as I am gone," he said and petted the great cats head.

"Where are you going?" Meg asked softly as fear spread across her face.

"I have things that I need to deal with before I retire for the night," he said softly, "don't worry I'll keep control of my temper, I dare say I don't have that in me anymore," he smiled and caressed her face, "a woman's love changes a man."

Meg nodded sadly but couldn't help but feel great leaps in her heart for him. It was true she did love him, she believed his words but feared he may get angry. She didn't dare say anything else.

"The worst of my fury is done with," he said noticing her sadness, "I only need to teach Christine a new lesson."

Meg looked tearful for a moment as Tangae stood again and began to walk slowly across the mossy field to the great wooden doors of the Phantom's palace.