Author's Note: Use of the character Sophia Chevalier is permitted by creator Lady of Myth and Legends. Please check out her original story The Light Within Us, as it is a fantastic Hunchback of Notre Dame fic to read. This what if is based on Quasimodo's hesitation to help Phoebus in the original Disney movie. What if Quasimodo refused to go with Sophia and Phoebus to the Court of Miracles. The song featured in this is Made of Stone from The Hunchback of Notre Dame stage production, which has some altered lyrics as Quasi is yelling at Phoebus and Sophia rather than the chorus of saint statues (3 gargoyles in the original Berlin production). Consider this a sneak preview of the Made of Stone segment in my own Hunchback fic Le Bossu de Notre Dame. Hope you all enjoy.
"A splendid idea," Phoebus interrupted impatiently, not giving them the option to discuss the topic. "Now, if the two of you aren't too occupied, can we please get back to finding the gypsy hideout? I most certainly would like to warn the love of my life that her and her people are being ambushed."
The young redhead exchanged a glance with Quasi, then turned back to the Captain. "Right, let's be off."
"I can't." uttered Quasimodo, gaining the attention of the other two. Sophia looked at him in confusion, wondering what he's thinking. Phoebus on the other hand was able to fit the pieces together as to why the hunchback was hesitating, and he didn't like it one bit.
"I thought you were Esmeralda's friend." accused Phoebus, trying to keep his voice calm.
"Frollo's my master. I can't disobey him. Not again" replied Quasi, not bearing to look at any of them. Sophia simply stood in shock, refusing to believe what her dear friend was saying.
"Quasi, if this is a joke, it's not funny." her voice was wavering, unsure of what to think. Quasimodo said nothing in return, further cementing the fact that he's not coming.
"You've got a funny way to show gratitude!" remarked Phoebus, cross at the hunchback. "She stood up for you and this is how you repay her!"
Finally, Quasimodo stood up and glared at Phoebus. "Look, what am I supposed to do? Go out there and rescue the girl from the jaws of death, and the whole town will cheer like I'm some kind of a hero!" This got Phoebus's attention, as he went from anger to shock. Sophia's eyes widened at this anger she has rarely seen. It was as if she barely recognized him. Despite this, Quasi continued to rant. "I went outside one day and everything Master Frollo warned me of came into action. They mocked and jeered at me all because I'm 'the ugliest face in all of Paris'. They'll never see me as anything else. And I'm tired of trying to be something I'm not."
Nobody said anything at that moment. Silence filled the room, except for Quasi's deep breaths. Phoebus starts to regret his impatience a bit, forgetting how the hunchback has problems of his own: problems that can't be solved as easily as warning Esmeralda.
"Quasimodo, I'm sorry. Really I am. and I know how it feels to-"
"How would you know how I feel!" retorted Quasi, feeling a bit offended that Phoebus is not only pitying him, but trying to relate to him, when they have clearly different situations.
Quasimodo: (points at Phoebus) What do you know of me? What do you know of all the things I feel? What sins have you sown? (looks down in disgust at himself) Who is it that you see, instead of seeing what I am for real? This twisted flesh and bone?
"Quasi, that's not who you are and you know it." Sophia cried, trying to not let tears fall as she's trying to comfort him. This only got him to target his anger at her.
Quasimodo: (glares at Sophia) YOU'RE A LIAR! With every new excuse you try out, You only make me want to cry out "Would that I were simply made of stone..."
"You don't mean that." Sophia whispers in disbelief, not wanting to believe the one man who stole her heart is unleashing anger on her.
Quasimodo: (looks away in sadness) You give such good advice, so why has not one single word you've said been any help at all? Although you sound so nice! The more your dreams and fancies fill my head, the farther that I fall!
"Quasimodo, just calm down and get a grip!" Phoebus interjected, trying to calm the situation. Quasimodo simply collapses in anguish, causing the two to step back.
Quasimodo: (bangs fist on the floor) SHUT MY BRAIN DOWN! (points to the gargoyles on Notre Dame's aisle walls) If I were senseless, I'd prefer it. Another gargoyle on this turret, spitting rain down to the stones below! (stands up and slams his fist on the table, wrecking more of his models) I've wasted my life, believing I'm not a disaster. But the only one worth believing in was my master! (glares at the both of them) He's the one who never lied! He told me it was cruel outside! He told me how I had to hide! His words were cold as stone! (lowers his gaze and shakes his head) But they were true, not like you. (turns away from them and falls to the ground) Take all the dreams you've sown, take all your lies and leave me ALONE!
Silence filled the air once more. No one dared to move. Quasimodo refused to look at the two of them, so he stayed still in his spot. Sophia's tears came bursting out, though she refused to make any whimper. Phoebus had a solemn look on his face, then shook his head, and turned to leave the room. He stopped for a moment and said "Well, do what you think is right then. I'm not going to sit by and watch Frollo massacre innocent people, let alone kill the woman I love." He paused and then uttered "If our situations were reversed, would you leave the one you love to die?"
Phoebus didn't stay for an answer, nor did Quasimodo felt the need to answer it. However, his silence stunned Sophia. Surely, he would come rescue her is she was in trouble, right? Sophia cautiously stepped towards Quasimodo to try to hug him, but stopped midway. Her hand dropped to her side, as she stared long and hard at her deformed friend. She sighed and wiped the tears from her face, as she began to take her exit.
Sophia: Alright, Quasimodo. I'll leave you alone. Farewell, Quasimodo. I'll trouble you no longer. (stops and tilts her head back to face him) But know this, Quasimodo. You aren't made of stone 'cause I know that you are made of something...stronger.
With that, she took her leave, hoping her beloved hunchback will snap out of his anxiety and take his stand. Quasimodo simply stayed in his position, though now he began to sob. The weight of everything that has transpired has finally toppled, unleashing his own set of tears.
Quasimodo: And now I'm on my own, never again to wonder what's out there. Let it remain unknown! AND MY ONE HUMAN EYE...WILL EVERMORE BE DRY...UNTIL THE DAY I DIE...AS IF I...WERE MADE OF...stone.
THE END