Christine's POV

"I don't know where he is…" I pleaded this over and over again as I was beaten by these thugs. I wasn't even sure what they were doing to me half the time due to the fact that I was covering my face with my hands. I sobbed for them to leave me be, sobbed for them to go away, but they didn't listen. I felt hard shoes kicking me in the sides, heard their laughter as they ruined me. I sobbed, so loud that at one point, a large hand came over my mouth. Next thing I knew, my clothes were being torn away from my body, causing a light to go off from within my head. No! I wouldn't allow them to do this to me. I kicked! I kicked and screamed, bit the hand that was covering my mouth… Another held me down, but I refused to have this happen. I didn't care if my body cracked against the weight of this man, I needed to be free, I needed to fight for my survival. Every inch of my face was bleeding from the beating I took, but I didn't care, all I cared about was getting free. My hands once again reached for the counter, my grasp tightening at anything it could find. But when I was pulled back again, my body slammed up against the stove, causing the pot of boiling water to tip closer to the edge.

The men who had their tight grips around my legs pulled once more, causing me to land against the kitchen floor with a sickening thud, that thud causing everything on top of the stove to shake… And that final vibration caused the pot to finally come tipping over. Quickly, I shielded my face with my hand, but even that wasn't enough to cover my flesh from the scolding hot water that spilled out onto my body. It was like acid, burning into the left side of my face, my neck, hand, even the top of my chest. I sobbed, tasted blood, ached from every inch of my body, and then, felt nothing at all…

Erik's POV

"….And then we can go see the statue, right, Mister Y?"

My son was so excited as we sat in the dining car of the train. I had been trying to read the daily newspaper, reading whatever ridiculous rumors they had written about me in today's edition, but it was nearly impossible with Gustave screaming in my ear. I had ordered breakfast, mine consisting of just tea, and his a cinnamon roll and a glass of milk. My son, however, was too excited to eat, so excited that he continued to stare out the window in wonder.

"Look at the houses, Mister Y…"

I placed down my newspaper, looking out the window at the homes we were passing. I sighed, for I had a wonderful surprise in mind for my angel. I had been extremely sneaky about it, but would soon tell my angel everything. Not only was I going into the city to hand in my usual forms and checks, nor was I going into the city to just hand in information to the press about Christine and I… No, I was also venturing into the city to meet with a landlord and contractor, the same contractor who had built me most of Phantasma. He was a brilliant man, one who could take any design from paper and make it a reality. For a few nights now while my angel slept, I had sat up, designing us a home, and today I had a meeting scheduled with him. For he would make my design a reality, that reality being a beautiful and warm home to spend the remainder of our lives in.

"Finish your breakfast, Gustave." I warned. "We shall be at the station soon."

"I'm too excited to eat, Mister Y."

"Do as I asked, Gustave."

Thankfully, the boy finished his meal and obeyed my wishes. When the train stopped, I grasped onto his hand as we exited and made our way in the direction of the city. Gustave's eyes went wide in amazement as he took in every inch, every sound and every sight of the huge place.

"Look over there!" my son broke away from my grasp, running towards the display window of a large toy store. I scolded him as I limped after him, grabbing his arm violently. I knew he just wanted to explore, and I couldn't blame him, but the city was a dangerous place.

"Gustave, enough!" I growled. "I agreed to let you come along with me, and that means that you must stay by my side at all times. Do you understand me?"

It was apparent that my anger had frightened him, but what was I to do? If I lost him, I would never forgive myself. When he nodded, I patted him on the head and began walking with him staying by my side.

"You must also be on your best behavior today, Gustave." I warned. "You must do as I tell you."

"But when are we going to have fun?" he whined. "When are we going to go see the statue and ride the ferry?"

"Gustave, today is a business trip." I reminded him. "We can have some fun a little later, but for now, I must work."

When we entered the office building we had to go into in order for me to hand in my forms, Gustave looked up towards the ceiling, admiring all the floors.

"This place is really really big."

"Indeed."

I sat my child down in a nearby chair and stood in front of him.

"I have a meeting, Gustave." I said. "You need to sit here and behave. I shall be back shortly."

Gustave nodded, and I began heading towards the stairs.

"And don't go anywhere."

I thanked god that the office I needed to go into was only on the second floor. My legs were bothering me, so much, that I was relieved to be up the last stair.

"Mister Y," the secretary greeted me with a smile. "Mr. Jacobs is expecting you."

"Thank you."

I could see her staring at the walking stick I was using, for last season, I didn't have one. Oh, how I hated when people stared. I entered the office, Mr. Jacobs standing up from his chair to greet me. He was a middle aged German man who owned many properties in New York, one of those properties being the land my park was currently on. I went through many owners in New York before deciding upon which one to buy from. Mr. Jacobs was a very reasonable man and no matter how successful my park was each season, he never once raised my property tax.

"Mister Y," he smiled and held out his hand. "I was wondering when you would be coming to see me."

I hobbled towards his desk, raising my hand to shake his own.

"You're usually early, the first one to hand in their money."

I nodded. "Yes, I know, but I've had a few health related issues in the past few weeks."

"Nothing serious I hope?" the man's expression changed to one filled with concern. From behind me, I took a seat, relieved to finally be able to get off my legs.

"I'm alive," I said. "That's what really matters."

Mr. Jacobs retook his seat, pulling out the forms that I needed to sign.

"I read the newspaper a few weeks back. I read about your accident on closing day."

I didn't say a word as I began signing my signature in the correct places.

"You lost your leg."

I clutched the pen in my grasp, squeezing it with all my might. My anger was something hard to control, which was why I hated being in the presence of people.

"If you know that I lost my leg," I snapped. "Then why would you ask me about my health? You know how much I hate being treated like a fool."

"Mister Y, I meant nothing by it." He assured. "I was just trying to be friendly. You, after all, are my most trusted patron. You always pay your bills on time and never cause me any hassle."

"Only because you do the same."

I closed the pen and reached into my bag for the forms and checks I had written for him.

"And yet," I placed them down in front of him. "No matter how much money my park makes each year, you never raise my tax. My park is the most successful one in New York."

"Indeed." He chuckled. "Only because you run the others nearly out of business. I don't raise your taxes because without you, I wouldn't be in business."

"I'll keep that in mind. With that being said, I need another favor from you."

Mr. Jacobs chuckled and sat back in his chair.

"A favor from Mister Y? Now that seems odd."

"Not as odd as it seems. I want to buy a piece of property."

"Extending your park, now are you?"

"No." I stood from my seat and walked behind Mr. Jacobs' desk where a map was hanging on the wall. This very map had pins pushed into every piece of land that he owned. Most of his owned property was taken up in Coney Island, but as you got further away from the attractions, the pins pushed into the map became distant and scattered.

"What's right here?" I asked, pointing to a patch of land that wasn't around anything else.

"That's all grass. A few blocks from the train station, but no one wants it."

"And why not?" I asked.

"Because it isn't close to any other homes. It's not large enough to build a park on, and to build a store would be pointless, for the neighborhoods are blocks away."

"How about a house?"

"A house? Now, why would anyone want to build a house there? It is away from everything. Besides, all the immigrants are sticking close to Coney Island and living in these neighborhoods consisting of their heritage. No, the only one willing to build a house on that piece of land would have to be a hermit."

"I'll take it."

Mr. Jacobs' eyes widened.

"You'll what?"

"I have a family now."

"You do?"

I nodded. "Yes, and we need a larger property. You said yourself that it's close to the train station. I could access Phantasma when I needed to by train. Yes, it's perfect. I need my privacy, for you know how my mask draws unwanted attention."

"If you wish…"

"I'd like to see it. This very afternoon, actually. I have a meeting with one of my contractors. I wish to bring him to see the property himself."

Mr. Jacobs smiled. "You, Mister Y, never cease to surprise me."

Gustave's POV

I was bored sitting there waiting for my papa to return, but I did as he asked and stayed put. When he finally came for me, he smiled because I had obeyed him. After walking to the New York post and dropping off more documents, Mister Y brought me to a diner to eat lunch. I was sure we were going to start having fun now…We just had to be finished with working.

"What are we going to do after lunch, Mister Y?" I excitedly asked. "Are we going to go see the city? I want to explore."

"I have a better idea, Gustave." He said. "How would you like to see a surprise?"

"A surprise?" I curiously questioned. "What sort of surprise?"

"You shall have to wait and see." He teased.

I had ordered a chocolate milkshake and French fries, when Mister Y ordered nothing but a glass of water. He seemed to be in a lot of pain, but I wasn't sure. What made it seem that way was when he cringed while sipping on his drink.

"Are you all right, Mister Y?"

"Yes, Gustave." He assured. "I just need to sit for a few moments. This blasted contraption is agitating my flesh…rubbing it raw, actually."

"What do you think mother is going to make us for dinner?"

Mister Y shrugged. "I'm not sure. Though, I'm sure whatever she makes it will be delicious. Better than those fries you're eating."

"I don't know, they are pretty good." I held one towards Mister Y. "Do you want one?"

He shook his head. "No thank you, Gustave, I'm not hungry."

"You're never hungry."

"Come along. Finish up your lunch so we can head to the train station. I'm meeting someone in twenty minutes."

"Who?" I asked, taking another sip of my milkshake.

"Someone that will be of great importance to you one day. You see, he built my park."

"He built it?"

Mister Y nodded. "Every inch of it. I designed my work on paper and he took that very design and created Phantasma. When I want something built, he does it for me. He created every ride, every building, every stand that is in my park…that will all one day become yours."

I anxiously finished my meal, joining Mister Y once again as we headed to the train station. Once there, a tall man with a dark mustache greeted us. He was also accompanied by a boy who was around my age.

"Ah, Mister Y…" he replied in a strong Italian accent as he held out his hand. "It's been ages."

Mister Y shook his hand and smiled. "Tony, it's good to see you again." He then turned to me. "Gustave, I'd like you to meet someone, this is Monsieur Tony Bluclair, my contractor."

Tony patted me on the back, his monstrous strength nearly knocking me over.

"Gustavo, nice to meet you."

"It's Gustave." I corrected.

"He's my son, Tony."

"I didn't know you had a son."

"I do…"

"Well, then, this," Tony pushed his son in front of him. "Is my son Tony Jr… Ten years old and already following in his father's footsteps. Someday, he will take my place in the family business."

Tony Jr shook my hand, and I could already tell that he and would become friends.

Erik's POV

During out train ride to the property, it seemed as though Gustave and Tony Jr. were already bonding. They laughed and talked, while I showed Tony my ideas for the house I wanted him to build. Like usual, the man just smiled and said "Should be a piece of cake."

After getting off the train, it wasn't a long walk until we came across the large property that would soon become my home. It was large, secluded and away from people. This would be where Christine and I would live, this would be where we would have picnics in our yard…Perhaps I would even think about getting Gustave a horse of his own. Yes, everything would be perfect.

"Give me a few weeks, Mister Y." Tony said. "I will gather my men up tomorrow and we shall start this project of yours."

After shaking his hand, I lifted Gustave up into my arms and gazed out at our future home.

"Gustave, you must keep a secret." I said.

"I can." He exclaimed. "What is this place?"

"Tony is going to build us a house." I said. "One that you and your mother will live in with me."

My son's jaw dropped. "Really?"

"Of course."

Oh, how he hugged me, squeezing my body tight as he and I began our journey back to the train station.

"And I can have my own room?"

"Of course." I said. "Anything that you wish, Gustave. It is, after all, going to be your home too."

Nothing was more satisfying that to see my son smiling. I wasn't one known to bring happiness to people who were so close to my heart, but oh, how his smile made my soul soar. We exited the train just as the street lights were coming on, Gustave always walking five steps ahead of me with his back turned so that he could continue speaking.

"….And Tony likes baseball." He said. "And he promised to take me to a real game sometime. Did you know that he even lives a few blocks away? He said he could ride his bicycle to our house."

"That sounds wonderful, Gustave." I said. "I'm glad you made a new friend."

We were coming up the stairs now to my studio; when I stopped in place, noticing that the front door was wide open and the studio was pitch black. I pulled my son back, placing my hand in front of him so that he stayed back.

"Mister Y, what's wrong?" he whimpered.

"Stay here." I ordered, continuing to climb the stairs and enter my home. Once inside, I turned on the lights, looking around and beginning to worry about my Christine.

"Christine, are you all right?"

I stepped lightly throughout my studio, always on alert as to what was going on. And then, that's when my heart stopped within my chest. I was in the kitchen when I saw my angel lying on the floor, bleeding and completely lifeless. Tears rushed to my eyes as I fell beside her, pressing my fingers against her neck just to feel that little heartbeat against them. I felt as though my heart was being torn away from my chest when I titled her head to the side and saw the damage that had been done. The left side of her face, neck and top of her chest were covered in blood, so much, that I couldn't even see her face. Quickly, I scooped her up into my arms and hurried out the door, keeping her body draped in my cloak.

"Papa, what's wrong!" the boy hurried beside me as tears fell from my cheeks. At the same time, I was losing not only minutes that could save her, but I was also losing Christine as well…

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