About 50 miles away, in a large estate just outside of Paris, The Vicomte De Changy, also known as Raoul, stood behind a large window in his parlor. So far, his plan was going along splendidly. His two goons, Ace and Alphonse, had gone in search of the creature known as 'The Phantom,' a few weeks ago. He knew wherever he was, she would find him there. If he was wrong, then his goons would kill him instead.

Either way, he would have his vengeance.

And just two hours ago, he had received word that Christine had been found. He smiled a devilish smile as he stared out the window.

"They should be here by now," he snarled. "What is taking these idiots so long?"

As soon as he said that, he saw two men on horseback ride up to his gate. He ran out to greet them, and saw the beautiful Christine had been tried up, and gagged on Ace's horse.

"Bring her in my parlor," he commanded, leading them into his house, "Then you can have your reward."

About half an hour later, Christine awoke, bound and gagged in a strange place. Or, maybe not so strange….

Wait, she thought, Am I in--

"Good Morning, Sleeping beauty," an all too familiar voice sneered behind her. She awkwardly tried to swivel around in the chair she was tied to, and saw Him standing there.

Raoul.

"Mmph!" Christine cried indignantly, but the cloth around her mouth stifled her cry.

"I'm sorry, I can't hear you, my dear," he crossed over to his castaway fiancée, and caressed her cheek. "Christine, we could have been so happy together, but you had to ruin it, didn't you?" He struck her face so hard, that if she weren't bound to the chair, she would have toppled over.

"You're nothing more than a filthy, common slut," he scorned," striking her again. "Now that I have you again, I will make sure the spawn you are carrying will perish, along with its sire."

Christine's eyes widened, and tears began to leak from them.

"Aw, poor whore," said the boy. "Are you scared that I'll hurt the thing? Well, worry not, my dear, it'll feel no pain when I remove it from this world, but I can't say the same for you. You will get what's coming to you, Mon Cherie."

With this, he left the room, saying to his cronies, "Bring her to the cellar. And, call Doctor Cicero. His patient awaits him…"

Christine dropped her head to her chest, and looked down at her swollen belly. I'm sorry, my little Angel, she thought. Erik, please, come find us….Please…

Three days later, Erik had made it past three villages, and two small cities and a river. I have to be close, He thought. He was passing yet another small town, and he crashed into a woman. "'Scuse me, sir." She said, but he knocked her down, causing her to drop her packages. Despite his gut feeling, he bent down and helped the woman pick up her parcels. "I'm sorry, mademoiselle," he said quickly, and got back up.

"Sir, where are you headed?" the girl inquired, adjusting her long black hair.

"Paris. I... have some business to attend to," he said simply, and started to continue on his way.

"Paris? But, monsieur, Pairs is in the other direction." The girl pointed behind her.

Erik's heart sank. Had he traveled all this way, and wasted all this precious time for nothing?

"But I am heading to Paris myself, I'll come with you, and show you the way." She said, and stuck out her hand. "My name's Isabeu, by the way," (Yes, I stick my own character in there )

Erik nodded at her. "Erik. Now, we must hurry, I have no time to waste."

Isabeu beckoned him to her home, where she could get a pair of horses and some supplies. She and Erik mounted their steeds, and rode off towards Paris.

Some time later, about dusk, the two riders dismounted for the night (much to Erik's dismay) in the woods. Erik had a fire started, and Isabeu unpacked a small meal for the two of them. The two companions began to talk. Erik was angry at her for making them stop, so he didn't have much to say.

"What business do you have in Paris?" Isabeu asked politely.

"It's rather personal." Erik responded.

"I'm sorry. I'm going to visit my sick godmother. I'm a certified nurse." She said proudly.

"Wonderful," he said, hardly paying attention. "I'm going to sleep. Tomorrow, be prepared to wake at dawn." He laid against a tree, with his hood still pulled over his mask.

"Goodnight, Erik," Isabeu whispered, pouring water on the fire.

Happy Holidays to you, my loverly readers! Thank you for your reviews!