A/n: Two chapters in one day! Yay! I couldn't help myself. Thank you all for your continued support!

Chapter 10: With or Without You

A magnificent sunset bathed Paris in it's otherworldly glow as Judge Frollo led Snowball through the streets. He had dutifully spent the afternoon with Quasimodo before taking his routine evening ride. Or at least that's what it became after he had released Auriel from his clutches. He did it in the hopes of stumbling across her, but she was never amongst the faces that surrounded him. With every unfruitful venture he found himself thrown into fits of untamable rage. Boiling over as soon as he would reach the isolation of his quarters.

Cursing himself for his weak mindedness.

He reached the back courtyard of Notre Dame. Taking in the flying buttresses that extended from the building in elegant flourishes. Gargoyles kept watch from above, their faces graced with hideous snarls in an effort to ward off evil, and their talons seemed to pierce into the stone. He was in the elongated shadow of the magnificent, gothic cathedral, and it made him feel insignificant in comparison as he brought Snowball to a halt.

His eyes scanned the courtyard until they landed on a woman who appeared extremely familiar. Golden hair poking out from beneath her cloak as she turned away from him and began heading into the city. His heart jumped into his throat and his gloved knuckles wrung the reigns in his hands. Before his mind had any time to process what was happening he had already spurred Snowball into a shuddering canter as he pursued the figure. The woman began running as fast as she could until he was in front of her, pulling back on the reigns and dismounting before she had the chance to take off.

"Stop where you are." He ordered, her back facing him. "Turn around."

When she faced him he was shocked to see wide blue eyes staring back at him. Not amber. The woman was shivering with fear as she gaped up at Frollo. Her mousy hair barely brushing her shoulders. The only thing the two women had in common was their petite stature. He had been certain he had seen Auriel. So certain that he had chased her down the street like a foolish madman.

The judge curled his lip in frustration and his voice came out in a harsh growl. "Carry on."

She eagerly did as told and vanished into a nearby building as he returned to Snowball, patting the horse's neck as his chest tightened in disappointment. He heaved himself back into the saddle, clicking his tongue, and Snowball began walking in response. They returned to the Palace of Justice, and he handed his horse to a jittery stableboy outside the barn. The young man could see the ferocious glint in Claude's eye as the judge stormed inside and retreated to what had once been his sanctuary. But now it was only an ever-present reminder of her.

It had been over two months since Auriel had walked back to the Court of Miracles a free woman. She found herself back in the streets doing what she had always done best before getting apprehended, but much more carelessly. Somewhat hoping that she would get caught and forced back to Judge Frollo. Meanwhile, Esmeralda had enlisted Auriel to help her prepare for the Feast of Fools. Specifically the dance that was to be performed in front of the entire crowd.

Esmeralda insisted that they should do it together, but Auriel didn't feel comfortable with the idea. She did, however, dance alongside her friend in practice as a means of encouragement for the gypsy woman. They would spend hours in the catacombs doing intense exercises while Djali would plop himself on the ground nearby. Lazily watching as the women worked through the strenuous moves.

Which is what they had been doing all afternoon.

Auriel was sweating by now, dropping to her knees beside the goat in defeat.

Esmeralda came over to look down at the golden haired woman. "Did I say you could stop?"

"No, but my muscles did."

"How do you expect to do the Feast of Fools when you can't even handle a couple hours?"

"For one, the dance will only be about ten minutes long at the feast. Secondly, I'm not getting up on that stage with you." Auriel rose her brows. "I'm not doing it, Esme."

"I'm sure I can change your mind. I still have a few days." Esmeralda sat down next to Auriel. "It's exactly what you need to completely liberate yourself from what's happened. Plus, you have the perfect build for it. They would love you."

Auriel bit her lip, shaking her head. "You know it's not who I am. I've never been the acting type."

"Yes, I know you prefer using slight of hand." She moved her fingers to emphasize. "But you're more than capable of doing a routine in front of a bunch of drunks. Just think of all the coin we could get."

Auriel pondered the woman's words and let out a sigh. "I suppose I can think about it."

"I knew you'd see reason!" Esmeralda hugged her friend excitedly.

"Don't get your hopes up." Auriel tried to push Esmeralda off. "I didn't say yes!"

"That's the closest thing I'll get to a yes. So, I'm going to take it."

They laughed together as they headed back to their tent, Djali following close behind.

It was the night before the Feast of Fools and Auriel was making her way back to the Court of Miracles after going on one of her 'rounds.' She had a satchel full of meat, cheese, and bread that she had snatched for her and Esmeralda's dinner. It hung by her side. Swaying as she walked through the more solitary streets. Djali had accompanied her, and trotted happily by her side until he stopped in his tracks.

In front of her were two rough looking men that had slipped from behind the buildings. The leader had a crude smile on his face as he approached her. His teeth yellow and broken, and greasy brown hair falling into his face. The other was an extremely tall, emotionless man with gaunt features.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" The leader crooned. "A little mouse that's traveled too far from the nest?"

"It appears so." The other man replied blandly.

Auriel pulled a blade from her cloak, giving them a prominent glare.

He shook his head. "Let's not make this difficult."

"I have an easy solution for that." She said slowly. "Walk away."

"But how can we help ourselves when such a pretty girl enters our territory. Alone."

He had a suggestive look on his face as they moved in, and Djali lowered his head in preparation to attack.

"This won't hurt." The man grabbed her tightly by the wrist. "Too much."

She slashed him with the knife just bellow his eye, and he roared angrily as he dropped her arm.

He quickly recovered and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her off the ground slightly. "Well, I was going to be kind enough to let you live, but you ruined that for yourself."

Auriel gasped for air, holding his arm for dear life as he chuckled darkly. Djali made a move for the man, but the accomplice kicked him into the nearby wall, knocking him into a daze. Her eyes began to water, slightly bulging as her face turned a brilliant red. Black dots formed where his menacing smile had been, and she could feel her energy fading fast.

Suddenly, she was dropped to the ground. Coughing and retching violently as her attackers ran in the opposite direction. She looked up weakly to see a handsome man atop a giant, alabaster stallion staring down at her in concern. He was wearing a golden suit of armor, his beard and hair matching it perfectly. She stood up as quickly as she could. Dusting herself off in the process and grabbing her bag that had slipped off during the altercation.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

Auriel didn't respond as she rushed over to Djali, who was completely out of it. She picked him up and held him securely in her arms.

"I said, are you alright?"

His voice brought her out of her trance.

"I think so." She swallowed as her mind raced over what had just occurred. "Thank you-"

She stopped, looking at him.

"Phoebus."

"Phoebus." She dipped her head. "I have to go. I need to make sure he's alright."

"Of course. Perhaps I can escort you? You took one heck of a blow."

"No!" She nearly shouted. He rose a brow and she cleared her throat. "No, no. I'll be alright. Thank you again."

She took off before he could say anything else.