Chapter 10
"Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes."
Proverbs: 6:25
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Phoebus walked through the cathedral in search of Esmeralda. He was anxious to deliver a status report on Safira's whereabouts – that and he was eager to be in her illustrious presence once more. He rushed upstairs to the bell tower but found no sign of either the hunchback or the gypsy. He walked outside, his eyes skimming the balcony. When he saw no one, he was ready to walk back inside until he caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye of Quasimodo climbing up the cathedral. With a smile, he walked towards him and grabbed his hand to help him up. Feeling himself being pulled up, Quasimodo looked up in alarm and into Phoebus' kind face.
"Hi there," He greeted the startled hunchback, "I'm looking for the gypsy girl, have you seen her?"
Phoebus had been unprepared for the hostile change in the shy creature. With a threatening bark, Quasimodo hopped off the balcony and began to stomp towards the soldier. Phoebus' eyes widened as stepped backwards until he reached the stairs. Quasimodo charged towards him like a raging bull.
"Whoa, whoa, easy-"
"No soldiers!" Quasimodo grabbed a torch from the hallway, waving it towards the soldier dangerously, "Sanctuary! Get out!"
"Wait, all I wanted-"
"Go!" Quasimodo continued to charge down the stairs in an attempt to drive him out of the cathedral.
"I mean her no harm," Phoebus spoke calmly, hoping it would ease the other man.
It had the opposite effect. The hunchback release a growl of great frustration before exclaiming loudly.
"Go!" He began to wave the torch violently now, nearly singeing the other.
Phoebus drew out his sword, managing to pin the torch against the wall, disarming the hunchback. Quasimodo reached for his collar, bringing him up off the ground with a hateful glare. They stared at each other, challenge in their eyes.
"You tell her from me," Phoebus began seriously, "I didn't mean to trap her here. It was the only way I could save her life."
Quasimodo was thrown off for a moment, his expression relaxing for a mere second before he glared at him suspiciously.
"Will you tell her that?" Phoebus questioned.
Quasimodo continued to examine his face as if seeking truth.
"Will you?" He pressed impatiently.
"If you go. Now!"
"I'll go," Phoebus assured him, glancing down and then smirking down at him, "Now would you… put me down, please?"
Quasimodo slowly put him down, never taking his eyes off of him as he did so. Phoebus offered an amused smile before he descended. He took only a few steps before turning back.
"Oh, and one more thing," He sheathed his word to show he meant no harm, "He's safe."
Quasimodo thought for a moment before he realized he was speaking of his former roommate. Quasimodo's hostility faltered, replaced by concern. The change did not go unnoticed by Phoebus.
"H-He is?"
"For the time being," Phoebus assured him as he sheathed his sword.
"Where is he?"
"At the moment, I'm not sure," Phoebus sighed, "I had arranged to have him taken out of the city but after his… display… Frollo has all transportation sights surrounded."
"Take care of him," Quasimodo spoke lowly, his expression dark as if he were warning Phoebus of the consequences if he did not.
"I will," Phoebus smiled at him once more before departing.
Quasimodo calmed down only slightly. Esmeralda had left just a couple of minutes ago and already he was finding himself worried to death over not just one person but two. His heart skipped a beat at the memory of Esmeralda's words to him. She had been reading his palm when she looked up at him with those entrancing eyes.
"I don't see any monster lines. Not a single one."
She was the second person to assure him that he was anything but a monster. The minute Safira walked into his life, it had changed drastically. He had two friends now; more than he ever thought he would have. Before Esmeralda left, she promised him that she would return with news of Safira. He had insisted she not return for her own safety but a kiss to his cheek silenced him immediately.
When he walked back to the bell tower, he hopped onto the wooden beams to ring the evening mass. As the deep cries of the bell echoed through city, Safira listened from afar and felt a sense of comfort in knowing that as long as the bells continued to ring, Quasimodo was safe.
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Safira walked among the city in disguise, having stolen a peasant woman's ankle-length dress that had been hanging to dry outside her home. With soldiers tearing the city apart in search of whom they thought to be a young man, Safira opted for the drastically uncomfortable disguise. She put it on along with a head scarf that kept her face concealed. It worked like a charm; she was ignored by every single soldier she came across.
She made her way to the city's fountain not too far from the square where she and Phoebus agreed to meet. She sat down as the sun began to slowly set. He made his presence known eventually but remained on the other side of the fountain, Safira's back facing him. To anyone who walked by, the Captain of the Guards was merely letting his horse drink from the fountain while a peasant woman sat casually opposite of him. Frollo had eyes everywhere and they were wary of being seen together; even with the inconspicuous disguise she wore.
"Nice dress," Phoebus smirked amusedly, "It suits you."
"Bite me," She retorted lowly, waiting for a couple to pass them before asking, "What do you have?"
"She's in the cathedral," Phoebus responded as he pretended to tend to his horse, "She's safe, for now."
"And Quasimodo?"
"Who?"
Safira rolled her eyes within her scarf, "The hunchback, Phoebus."
"He's alright," Phoebus shook his head with a chuckle, "Nearly ripped my head off when he saw me."
Safira grunted lowly in response, grateful to hear they were both safe.
"What do we do now?" Phoebus asked her.
"I don't know," She replied honestly, "Unless Frollo suddenly decides to gets off our back, the most we can do is remain scarce. Until then, it's best if you and I make this our last meeting."
"I'm afraid I can't do that."
"Why the hell not?" She snapped impatiently, peering over her shoulder now.
"I promised your friend I'd take care of you."
Phoebus hopped onto his horse and trotted off, leaving a bemused Safira to her thoughts.
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Days passed by and Paris looked as if it had been descended into Hell. People were being questioned, interrogated, arrested and all in exchange for information regarding Safira and Esmeralda. Fortunately for them, the loyal gypsies of the city would rather be locked up in prison than take Frollo's bribe to turn in one of their own as well as the soldier who protected them. But unfortunately for those gypsies, they would only continue to be tortured in their efforts to keep them safe.
Safira walked through the city with a heavy heart. This had been the last thing she wanted for her people. She finally understood what it meant to be between a rock and a hard place. If she remained hidden, they would only continue to be subjected to Frollo's cruelty. But if she turned herself in, their efforts would all be for naught and their suffering would still not end. Her troubled thoughts would soon be momentarily forgotten.
Jingle. Jingle.
When she heard the very faint sound of jewelry chiming, she looked up towards the maker of the noise. To the naked eye, the beggar who was heavily cloaked, cane in hand and white goatee peeking from his hood would be nothing more than a poor peasant man. But being a fellow master of disguise, Safira took a closer look at the otherwise normal-looking man. Safira scanned the others form and immediately noticed their feet; young, tan and a glimpse of a gold anklet confirmed her suspicions. She followed the disguised Esmeralda casually, irate that she had managed to slide her way out of sanctuary.
Now Safira understood why Phoebus would become so upset when she had refused remain safely inside. As much as she understood why Esmeralda had chosen to leave, she couldn't help but become angry as it meant she put herself in grave danger. Both being passionate, free-spirited women, being confined to stone walls was like pouring ice water over their fiery spirits.
Yet, here she was; outside of the cathedral and seemingly headed towards the miller's home where a crowd of people were gathered several feet away. Safira peered through her cloak and at what captured the crowd's attention. A low gasp escaped her lips at the sight of Frollo and his soldiers surrounding the kind miller's home who had been known to house travelers – including gypsies. She slid through the crowd to get a better view.
"He's never harmed anyone!" A woman exclaimed in disbelief.
"Frollo's gone mad…" Another man spoke lowly, aghast.
Safira watched intently as Frollo and Phoebus entered the miller's house and came out not even ten minutes later. Frollo grabbed a spear to block the door's entry, trapping the family inside. Words were exchanged between Phoebus and Frollo as the judge hopped onto his horse just before handing Phoebus a torch. She couldn't hear a thing, watching with a knotted stomach as Phoebus seemed to be arguing with Frollo. Phoebus responded by putting out the torch inside of a barrel of water, anger crossing his features. Whatever Frollo had asked of the captain, he had taken it upon himself to commit the act himself.
Gasps of horror from the crowd, including Safira's, could be heard as the miller's home was set aflame by the minister. Phoebus wasted no time in jumping through the glass window of the house, appearing moments later through the door he had kicked open with two children in hand. The miller and his wife followed suit just as the house collapsed completely.
Phoebus...
Safira knew what this meant for him and felt her blood run cold. He was brought down to his knees, a soldier standing above him with a raised sword. She was frozen to the spot, unsure of how to prevent what was going to happen. She ended up not having to do a thing as Esmeralda took matters into her own hands. The gypsy grabbed a pebble from the ground, using her scarf to throw in Frollo's direction.
The pebble was flung against Frollo's horse, startling the animal into knocking off his master. The distraction was all Phoebus needed to escape. Climbing onto Frollo's horse, he rode off but soldiers were already chasing him, tens of arrows being shot towards him until one finally hit. Losing his consciousness, Phoebus fell off the horse and landed in the water below the bridge.
Safira immediately rushed to Esmeralda, taking the startled woman's hand.
"Let's go!"
She yanked her towards the bridge. Running hand-in-hand, they hid underneath it just in time to hear Frollo's commands:
"Find them! If you have to burn the city to the ground, so be it!"
They remained silent, both breathing heavily. They waited until the soldiers retreated before taking action. Safira dove in immediately with Esmeralda following right after. They dove into the water and both managed to pull the heavy man together, swimming desperately to land.
Esmeralda panted as they laid him down. She looked up to address Safira only to see her scarf slowly sliding off. She narrowed her eyes for a moment but Safira quickly wrapped it securely around her head, concealing what Esmeralda thought to be long, black hair.
"I know where we can take him," Safira's voice interrupted Esmeralda's scrutiny.
They stood up, both slinging one of his arms onto their shoulders and made haste towards the cathedral.
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"Quasi?"
Quasimodo looked up with wide eyes, for a moment having thought he heard Esmeralda's voice. When she called out for him again, he swiftly ran towards the sound of her voice. Looking upon her troubled face, he rushed to her. He embraced her with great relief, closing his eyes as he held her small form against him.
"Esmeralda, you're alright!"
She returned his embrace, pulling back to hold his hands almost pleadingly.
"You've done so much for me already, my friend, but I must ask for your help one more time."
"Yes, anything," He assured her eagerly.
As if on cue, Safira walked through the door with one of Phoebus' arms swung over her shoulder. She was visibly struggling, prompting Esmeralda to rush over and help. Quasimodo immediately recognized the soldier as Safira's friend and former co-captain. Esmeralda, unaware that he and Quasimodo had already met, began to clarify.
"This is Phoebus," Esmeralda explained to the shocked hunchback, "He's wounded and a fugitive like us. He can't go on much longer. Sacha said he'd be safe here. Please, can you hide him?"
Quasimodo had been staring at Safira, not having heard what Esmeralda said until they were both staring back at him expectantly. He snapped out of his daze and waved them over. Safira and Esmeralda walked and lay Phoebus down on the very spot Safira slept for months when she had been confined to the church. He began to stir just as his head hit the pillow.
"Esmeralda?" He questioned, the blurry vision of the gypsy woman being the first he saw.
"Shh," She hushed him gently, kneeling down beside him.
"You'll stay here until you're strong enough to move," Safira spoke as she stood behind Esmeralda, drawing his attention to her.
Esmeralda brought out a bag of wine, removing the cork with her teeth. Phoebus, despite his pain, managed to smile.
"Great, I could use a drink," He jested before Esmeralda poured the wine over his wound, bringing a cry of pain from the captain.
"That family owes you their lives," Esmeralda spoke softly as she began to sew his wound, "You're either the single bravest soldier I've met… or the craziest."
"I believe the title of craziest goes to Sacha," Phoebus looked past Esmeralda and at Safira, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"Hardy har har," She grumbled, rolling her eyes.
Quasimodo looked back and forth between Phoebus and Safira, unable to help but notice that she had yet to acknowledge him. He scanned her form and noted the damp dress that clung to her. Quasimodo, being too naïve and ignorant, didn't notice the feminine curves beneath her soaked clothes. Phoebus was too distracted by his pain to notice, otherwise he would have recognized her womanly body immediately.
"I'm going to keep an eye out," Safira announced to them before walking out towards the balcony.
Quasimodo looked at her as she walked out. He stood pensively, initially hesitant to follow her.
"I-I better join him," Quasimodo spoke to Esmeralda and Phoebus before he hobbled after Safira, leaving the two alone in the bell tower.
Phoebus watched Esmeralda's face as she stitched his wound. The soft glow of the candlelight only enhanced her beauty. The flame reflected within those enchanting eyes, giving them a jewel-like sparkle. He noticed her brow furrowed as she slid her hand further into his shirt, a glint of gold catching her eye.
"What's this?"
He looked down and watched as she held the sun pendant that hung from his neck. The pendant itself had a crescent indentation on one half of the pendant as if it were missing a piece.
"It's a gift from my parents. I've had it since I was a kid."
"It's beautiful," She looked up at him now, "it's missing a piece."
She couldn't help but notice the slight somberness that entered his usually cheerful eyes as he looked down at the pendant in her hand.
"No," He smirked sadly, bringing his hand up to close over hers, "It's a two part necklace. The other half belongs to my sister."
"Your sister?" She frowned curiously, "She lives here in Paris?"
"Who knows?" He sighed, looking up into her eyes now, startling her with the intense emotion that pooled within them, "She's been missing for twenty years now."
Esmeralda froze.
"What do you mean missing?" She questioned carefully, her eyes boring into his.
"She was kidnapped," He elaborated, "Right out of our home. God, I must've been no more than five years old when it happened."
"That's… awful," She spoke slowly as her heart began to beat swiftly.
"Yes," He agreed, casting his eyes back down to their hands, "I never believed someone could die of a broken heart… until my father did."
Esmeralda squeezed his hand sympathetically. He continued to speak as if it were something he had been holding in for so long.
"After he died, I spent the rest of my life trying to find her. Of course, I never did. My father always told me that he would recognize her the moment he looked into her eyes."
"Why is that?"
"He said her eyes were 'unlike any blue you have ever seen'," He chuckled sadly as he quoted his father's words.
Esmeralda, on the other hand, felt no amusement. There was no denying it now.
Sacha was the missing blue-eyed gypsy.
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When Quasimodo walked out, he saw Safira leaning against the balcony, looking over the city of Paris.
"Hey," Quasimodo walked over to stand beside her, "Are you alright?"
"I'm peachy," Her voice was slightly bitter.
Quasimodo frowned, put off by the others cold behavior. What Quasimodo didn't know was that Safira could hardly look Quasimodo in the face. She was unable to shake off the look of dread on his face when he had watched her murder Frollo's soldiers. The way he had flinched when she turned towards him… If he hadn't thought her a monster before, she was certain he did now.
"How have you been?" She questioned suddenly as she peered down at the city.
"Worried sick about you," He admitted, bringing a jolt to her stomach for some unknown reason.
"Why?" She scoffed nonchalantly, "I can handle myself. You've seen what I can do."
"I have," He nodded slowly, studying her emotionless face, "It doesn't mean I still don't worry."
"A monster has no one to fear," She bit out tightly, walking away from him.
His frown deepened, now irritated. He began to follow her, hobbling alongside her.
"Why do you keep calling yourself that?" He questioned irately.
"Because it's true."
He grabbed her wrist at this point, forcing her to turn back and look at him. Her eyes widened as she finally looked into his eyes. She could see he was slowly becoming angry, an emotion that she was so unused to seeing on him.
"Why do you do that?" He demanded firmly.
"Do what?" She tried to yank her wrist from him but he held a steady grip.
"Push me away."
"I do no such thing," She avoided his gaze, "Now let me go!"
When she continued to try and pull away, he yanked her arm none too gently. She could feel his large hands now gripping her upper arms, a mere squeeze away from crushing her bones.
"All I want to do is be there for you," He spoke almost desperately, "Like you have been for me."
She looked at him neutrally yet her heart was racing as she took in his words. Her expression softened as his words began to dawn on her.
"You're... not afraid of me," She concluded out loud.
"Of course not," He let her go when he was sure she wouldn't run off again.
She looked at him almost disbelievingly before turning her back to him, crossing her arms over her chest stubbornly.
"But what happened at the festival-"
"-Has only confirmed what I think about you is true; you're my friend. I'm just glad to see you're alive."
She didn't respond.
"Even if you're wearing a dress."
Despite every effort of hers, she felt a smile tugging at her lips. She turned towards him only to see a gentle hint of amusement on his face. Her smile slowly widened until a soft laugh escaped her lips, her cheeks dimpling. The act surprised Quasimodo greatly. Quasimodo didn't even know she had dimples; in fact, he had never seen her smile this wide before or even laugh. It had always been a very small, simple smile or a few grunted chuckles. It brought youth and softness to her usually tense face. It was alarming how feminine her face truly was.
"I never got to thank you," Quasimodo spoke gratefully, "You risked everything by doing what you did."
"I was only paying my debt," Safira insisted with a light shrug, looking away almost embarrassingly.
Quasimodo smiled gently as he studied her face, noting the slight flush on her cheeks.
They had both risked their safety and lives for each other and as a result, an unbreakable bond was formed between them. Originally what she had wanted was to leave Paris as soon as possible. Now, all Safira wanted to be the truest friend she could be to the bell ringer. But as she turned to look at him, she knew she couldn't do that if she lived a lie.
"Quasimodo," Safira began hesitantly, "There's something I need to confess."
She reached up for her scarf, gripping it. She wanted to slide it right off, to reveal to him the truth about who she really was. Her hand remained frozen on her scarf as she mustered the courage to pull it off.
"What is it?" He frowned curiously.
His question would go unanswered as Frollo's carriage pulled up to the cathedral, bringing their attention down over the edge of the balcony. Her confession was immediately forgotten. Quasimodo wasted no time and grabbed her wrist, yanking her back into the bell tower as he announced Frollo's arrival to Esmeralda.
"Frollo's coming! You must leave!"
Esmeralda stood up from where she sat with Phoebus, her eyes wide.
"Go down the south tower steps!" He instructed as he nearly shoved Safira towards Esmeralda.
The two fugitives were forced to make haste, leaving Quasimodo with an unconscious Phoebus.
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Author's Note:
I hope you enjoyed this week's update!
Please excuse the large amount of dialogue that was pulled directly from the movie. I found it necessary to keep the story line going.
I am also happy to announce that I will now be updating twice a week. In addition to the Sunday updates, I will start updating on Wednesdays as well.
XOXO
~ Laruto