Chapter 1- Solitude

Note: Trying something new this time J I love the Disney version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame and Victor Hugo's novel, so I came up with this, the hardship of a poor gypsy girl, the love of a Captain and the desire of Claude Frollo! Watch for Clopin- he'll pop up somewhere! Thank you for your support everyone, I really appreciate it, and keep reviewing! J

"Esmeralda? Are you here, my love?" Phoebus whispered softly, his voice a ray of hope in the dark prison cells. Esmeralda, the exotic gypsy dancer and singer, huddled alone in a single cell, raised her fine head at his call. Phoebus rushed to her cell, peering through the bars, his armour clinking gently. He gasped at his beloved, stunned.

The once-proud beauty was a cold, naked, destroyed image of her former self. Her dark mane curled hopelessly over her pale shoulder, her skin almost pale due to lack of light. A curtain of moonlight illuminated her lying body, shadowing her curvy, thin legs, showing large bare breasts and the dark caverns of her femininity. Her usual glowing emerald eyes were closed, just dark lashes, hooded by purple bruises that covered her flesh. She was sprawled across the damp, filthy floor in a posture which made her look like she was thrown there, shackled tightly to the cell itself. Her head fell to the floor, limp and lifeless, her body and soul at death's door.

Phoebus cried out in angst, unlocking the door and feverishly rushing to her.

"Esmeralda? Please, my love, do not die!" he pulled her freezing nude body into his arms, thumping her chest, trying to save her from death. He took a deep breath and gave her the kiss of life, warming her frozen lips with his own.

She choked at the air, coughing, desperately gasping for oxygen. She opened her eyes, looking up at her saviour with hope. "Phoebus?" she whispered, uncertain and almost afraid.

Phoebus smiled, stroking her matted hair lovingly. "Ssh, Esmeralda, there's nothing to fear. I'm here."

Her eyes widened and glanced around the dark cell. "Is this a dream? Are you really there, my sun-god?"

He kissed her brow. "Yes. I'll get you out of here, Esmeralda, I promise. I love you."

She smiled weakly. "I love you too." Her smile froze and vanished, replaced with horror, looking behind Phoebus. He looked around, seeing the dark purple robes of Claude Frollo. He scowled at the couple who clutched one another.

"Captain. You belong in the Court of Justice. Guards!" Frollo sneered as two ugly men appeared behind him. Phoebus unsheathed his sword, standing protectively over Esmeralda.

"How touching. Willing to sacrifice your life to save that whore?"

Phoebus snarled. Esmeralda got to her feet and stood between them, brave even though she was vulnerable because of her nakedness. "Go, Phoebus. You cannot defeat all of Paris."

He stopped, stunned. "You want to stay?"

"No, my love, but I must. Leave me. I can fight for myself."

Frollo leered at her. "A loyal prostitute! Is this what you say to all your lovers? Wench!" he spat, jabbing her arm with dirty nails.

Phoebus pointed the sword at Frollo furiously. "Get your filthy hands of off her!" He stared at Esmeralda. "Why do you not oppose him?"

"He has already stolen everything from me. My life, my dancing, Djali, you… and my purity. I have nothing to live for."

Phoebus shook his head. "We can leave, now!"

"If I leave, I will be condemned to Hell. It would be against his law, making me sinful. I love you, Phoebus, but please leave."