So glad that you guys enjoyed the start of the Notre Dame world, and I'm sure you'll enjoy more as the chapters involving it goes on. I really love the support you guys have been giving me, and I have been looking forward to doing this world for a long while now, so I was truly happy to have uploaded my first part of the Notre Dame world! Thanks, everyone!
Disclaimer: Mage of Hope doesn't own Kingdom Hearts series, only the OCs! Mage of Hope also doesn't own "Arabian Nights," as that song belongs to the Disney company.
'Kya!~ I wish I could have stayed a bit longer just to touch Dawn's squishy little cheeks a little bit more! But, I have to go get food for the family,' thought Ignis, thinking back on the cute little baby that was currently residing in her stable inn room along with the gypsy family.
It's been around 2 days ever since the birth of Dawn, the gypsy baby that Ignis helped deliver with help from Dawn's parents, Pablo and Annabella, and their gypsy doctor friend, Lavender. During that time, Ignis had been taking care of Dawn and her family, running errands such as buying supplies and helping the family relax, with guidance from Lavender, of course. Ignis didn't necessarily neglect her Keyblade duties, either, as she spent some of her free time exploring the city of Notre Dame in search of any Unversed, only to surprisingly find none. Not only that, but at the end of the day, she would go somewhere alone by herself and begin training, working on her sword skills and magic, especially on her light and darkness magic, as well as Summoning magic. She could feel that she was so close to coming to a breakthrough, and that just one more push would do it.
Normally, if a world didn't have anymore Unversed, Ignis would leave just like that; her duty fulfilled to that world. However, there were a few reasons why she didn't leave right there and then. 1) She actually wanted to explore the world of Notre Dame a bit longer, especially since the city seems a lot interesting to her. She did plan on staying until the Festival of Fools was over, though, which would take place within a few days. 2) It was a bit highly suspicious that there was only one time where she fought the Unversed, and yet, none have appeared since then, so if she left now, more might come back. 3) She wanted to take care of Dawn and her family for a little while until they were ready to head back to their home within Notre Dame, which, even though they refused to say where it was, did mentioned it was somewhere far away. And 4) She did sense darkness within the city of Notre Dame, as well as some light within, although the strongest source of light seemed to be coming within the cathedral.
In regards to Dawn and her family, Ignis may not know too much about pregnancy, other than the basics of a mother giving birth to a newborn, but she did at least know that the mother was in no condition to move after a painful process. Ignis also didn't want to drive the family away, especially given their condition, so she allowed them to stay with her in her temporary inn room outside in the stables, at least until the day she has to leave.
Pablo and Annabella expressed their gratitude towards her many times, but Ignis assured them that it wasn't necessarily. The parents were even more touched when Ignis went out of her way to buy supplies, such as food and more clothing, for not just them, but for their newborn daughter as well. Ignis never asked for any money in return; only that she wanted to play and spend time with Dawn, a simple request that the parents were more than happy to agree upon.
Dr. Lavender helped out as well, though she made few visits during the past 2 days to check up on the family. It was understandable, given that she was one of the few gypsy doctors within the city and possibly had other gypsy patients to attend to. However, the medical advice and information she gave to them was extremely helpful and helped put Annabella at ease.
Ignis was fully aware that babies were precious and were born pure and innocent, so full of light. She knew life was important, but she wasn't fully aware just how important and valuable life was until the instant Dawn was placed into her arms. A small, tiny ball of living light...held in her arms within that very moment. It was a moment she would forever cherish and never forget. She felt the warmth of life within that tiny baby.
Life was precious...but at the same time, it was cruel. Life's experiences, events, and choices can drastically change someone, for either the good or the bad. Despite being a good person, Ignis herself had done bad things. No, she had done worst things ever since her journey began.
She disobeyed her Master's orders over and over again by continuously using darkness magic and some other forbidden magic in which her Master would deem as evil, and honestly, she wouldn't blame him. Some of the magic she's been using, such as the Curse Magic spell, Stigma, is considered black magic, specifically forbidden magic, and she has been using it on a few Unversed and other enemies she's made in other worlds. She may be reckless in battle, but even she knew how dangerous forbidden magic can be, which fortunately for her, she only knew one Curse Magic spell upon accidentally stumbling across it in Merlin's endless maze of books. That magic spell helped turned the tides when she faced against that one Unversed in The Hundred Acre Woods world.
But disobeying her Master's orders wasn't even the worst thing she's done. No, she's done far worst. She could have chosen anytime during her journey to return back home, but she didn't. Instead, she continued to pursue more knowledge on her path to obtaining balance, instead of just light. She...also remembered the last time she spoke with her friends, and how...negative they've been towards her. As hurtful as it was, she never once blamed them for their reactions, and instead only blamed herself because if they had yelled at her, then it was probably something she deserved.
But the worst thing she had done during this journey? Killed someone.
Ignis always shuddered whenever she thought of the first time she killed someone. Granted, the first time was out of self-defense and to protect Arthur from Madam Mim, an evil person whom she killed. Even so, the scenery of Madam Mim being killed, stabbed in the heart by her very own Keyblade, would never escape her memory. In fact, it was because of that action that helped set Ignis from the path of light to trying to find a path between light and darkness.
Ignis had no idea what sort of future awaited for her now that she's trying to pursue the path of balance, and honestly, it terrifies her, because it's unpredictable now.
Even if that was the case, she knew that she should focus on the present now. Worry more about the future later, and do what she can do right here and now. She'll just have to deal with any trouble that comes ahead when the time comes. For now, she had to go buy supplies for a gentle and loving gypsy family who's awaiting for her.
Later...
Esmeralda was practically a celebrity amongst the gypsies and those residing in Notre Dame, mainly due to her magnificent dancing performances and unmatched beauty. She utilized and took advantage of these benefits everyday just to get food on the table, even if it sometimes resorted to seduction and other...things she prefer not to think about. She wasn't the only one, as Frollo's tyrannical rule affected not just hers, but the rest of the gypsies' lives as well.
As someone who hides in the shadows and performs out into the spotlight, Esmeralda knows a lot about the ins and outs of the city, including every single rumor she's heard ever since she was a little girl. That also includes the latest rumor of a red-haired female knight that entered Notre Dame.
She has only been around for a few days, but already, she's become well-liked by a couple of gypsies, mainly because she defended and helped them throughout her time in Notre Dame. They spoke tales of how much of a cheerful, funny, and kind person she's been, though they have mentioned that she asked questions about Notre Dame, about its current state and why gypsies are being discriminated against. It was only natural for one to be curious, seeing as she appears to be an outsider.
As for the red-haired female knight part, from what Esmeralda had gathered, the girl had luscious hair as red as blood or fire, and she appeared to be wearing strange armored clothing, thus why she was called a "red-haired female knight." In addition to her hair as bright as fire, the girl's name was Ignis, which in Latin, meant fire.
If the rumors really were true as they say, Esmeralda would love to meet this young girl. If she doesn't have the chance to talk to her, then at the very least, Esmeralda would love to see her at least once. Some of the gypsies claim that she has the beauty of a noble, despite her claiming not to be any noble.
"Ahahaha! This is so much fun!"
"Wow! I never knew you could learn numbers like this!"
"Yay! I'm having so much fun!"
Esmeralda clutched her cloak over her head even more tightly, turning her head over to where the voices of children were coming from. She saw and recognized several of the children as the orphans from one of the orphanages in Notre Dame. They may not be gypsies, but she always pitied them because there was barely anything she could do to ease their situation as orphans-no, innocent children who lost their parents, whether to war, illness, or something else. Whenever she saw any one of them, they always had a dejected look on their faces.
But not today.
Today, they had happy and playful looks on their faces as they gathered around some sort of strange paint art on the ground. Another unfamiliar person was with them, guiding them and seemingly trying to teach them something about the paint art. This person was a girl, and she had long, red hair, along with armored clothing...
It didn't take long for Esmeralda to realize that that was the red-haired female knight from the rumors; the girl named Ignis.
Ignis was indeed beautiful, but she looked more cute-looking than beautiful in her own opinion. Because of Esmeralda's own experiences, she could somewhat tell if a person is good or not, and she could already confirm that Ignis had a playful and upbeat spirit within her, especially since she seemed to enjoy playing with the orphans.
One of the orphans walked up to Ignis and tugged on her long skirt. "Mademoiselle Ignis? I'm sorry, but I forgot what the name of this game is..."
Ignis smiled and knelt down in front of her, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry. I assume this game isn't that common in this city? Well, back where I come from, it is pretty common, but I'll tell you all about it. It's called Hopscotch. It's a fun game that I used to play with my friends when I was around your age! Although, we don't really play it anymore, but it's still fun!"
"Why is it called Hopscotch?" asked one orphan boy.
"'Hop' comes from hopping! Like, jumping!" explained Ignis, bouncing up and down playfully. "As for the 'scotch' part...well, I don't really know where that came from, but I guess it doesn't matter. Now, you can have fun and learn numbers along the way! Watch!" Ignis picked up a rock and tossed it gently across the tile of numbers she created, landing on a 10. While jumping to retrieve the rock, she counted out loud the number of each tile she leapt onto before arriving at the 10th number tile and picking up the rock.
Esmeralda observed everything with a keen eye, rubbing her chin as she watched, interested. 'She's not so bad...Not many are willing to use their time to play as well as teach the orphans here. It's true that Notre Dame doesn't have too high of an educational system, so seeing someone devote their own time to helping these children is...nice.'
Some of the children stopped playing when their stomachs started growling. Ignis noticed and asked, "Are you guys hungry?" When she received confirmation based on their nods and embarrassed looks, Ignis smiled and said, "Alright, not to worry! Just gimme a sec and wait here!"
Esmeralda, noticing that Ignis was heading down her direction, turned around and leaned against a nearby wall, luckily being close to a vendor stall selling grilled skewers, which was exactly where Ignis intended on going towards.
"Hey, mister!" called out Ignis, running up to the vendor, who had just finished grilling a new batch of grilled skewers. "I'd like to have..." Ignis turned her head and counted the orphans still waiting for her not too far away. "...16 grilled skewers, please!"
The vendor glanced over to where she had been looking at previously and narrowed his eyes, looking at her and knowing exactly why she wished for that many grilled skewers. "If you plan on feeding those orphans, then I'd advise you not to do so. It's a waste."
Ignis was, at first, surprised by his response, before getting mad. "Oh, come on! Don't tell me you're one of those guys who looks down on orphans or hate children!"
"Hey, I happen to have a son and a wife, you know!" scowled the vendor. "But, no, I'm not like those people you described. I'm just saying this for your sake. I'll be more than happy to give you the amount of skewers you so desire, but that's only a temporary solution. What will you do tomorrow? Or the next day? Or the next month? The next year? Are you just going to keep paying for those children to eat every single day? That's not a real solution at all. You'd only be reusing the same, temporary solution over and over again if you go down that route."
As cruel as the vendor's words were, even Esmeralda could understand where his perspective had come from. She had seen him attempt to help out the orphanage a few times before he eventually came to that conclusion he just described. It was similar to a quote she read, "If you don't work, you don't eat." For children, because they're young and inexperienced, they can't work at real-life jobs, but adults are different; they have to work to earn money and use that money to buy food and other necessities.
Like the vendor said, feeding the orphans without a permanent food source is only a temporary solution. Esmeralda was touched and understood why Ignis wanted to help the children, but despite her good intentions, it won't be enough to solve all of the orphans' problems in their lives. It was sad and heartbreaking, but that was simply the reality of nature. Especially since Esmeralda herself did try and feed the children once before, but couldn't arrive at a permanent solution herself.
"...I get what you're saying," said Ignis, smiling up at the vendor. "Yeah, maybe this is only a temporary solution. I can't solve world hunger, but, if I can at least make those children happy, even for a little bit, that's still better than doing nothing, right?"
"...Fine, fine. Here," the vendor placed the specific number of grilled skewers she requested and handed them over to Ignis, being given the money for the grilled skewers in exchange. "Don't come crying to me if you fail, though!"
"Thanks, mister!" called out Ignis, taking one of the grilled skewers and eating one herself as she hurried back to the orphans to give them their share of the grilled skewers.
Esmeralda followed not too far behind and hid as she watched Ignis happily interacting with the children more. There were no signs of stress or anything in her expression indicating that she had grown tired and weary of the children. People around her age and older would normally grow tired and have better things to take care of, but it seemed that Ignis genuinely seemed to care and was having fun being around the children. Right now, she was lifting up one of the children and swinging him around just for fun.
Esmeralda decided to follow after Ignis and watch after her for a while. While she detested the term, what she was doing was technically stalking, but she wanted to know more about Ignis. And, if her singing voice was just as good as the other gypsies say, then there's a chance that she might ask her to participate in the Festival of Fools, and not just to sightsee the famous festival.
Later...
"Filthy gypsy!"
"Yeah! Your kind's so ugly!"
"You're so weak and scrawny! You can't even fight back!"
Esmeralda watched in horror as she saw some children beating up and picking on a poor, gypsy boy. It wasn't just Frollo who discriminated against the gypsies, but a fair number of citizens in Notre Dame as well, though not all. Just before she could reach out and stop the bullying, she spotted Ignis grabbing a white sheet with holes from a nearby crate, drape it over her body, and stomp towards the children.
"Booo! I'm a ghoooossstt! Now, go away or I'll haunt and curse you naughty children!" Esmeralda heard Ignis call out.
The children stopped beating up the gypsy boy and turned to stare at her. "Ha! We know that is not a real ghost! We know that is simply a costume!"
"Yeah! Now, go away!"
Ignis tilted her head. "Oh? But, can someone in a costume do...THIS?!" She muttered a quick Aero spell underneath her feet, causing a gust of wind to sweep her upwards. To keep up the act, she increased the length of time for her first-tier wind spell, allowing her to be airborne as the gust of winds kept her afloat.
"Oh, no! She is a ghost!"
"Yeah! No human can fly!"
"L-Let's get outta here! I don't wanna get cursed!"
The children ran off, leaving only a frightened and terribly injured gypsy boy behind, trembling at the sight of the "ghost" hovering before him. Esmeralda was stunned to have witnessed Ignis suddenly pulling off such a fantastic trick like that in the blink of an eye. How was she able to hover like that?
"P-Please don't hurt me..." pleaded the gypsy boy, tearing up and cowering before her.
Ignis then pulled the white sheet off her body after lowering herself back on the ground and dispelling her wind spell. "No, no! It's okay! See? I'm friendly!"
"H-huh? You're not a...ghost?"
"Nope! That was all just a trick just to get rid of those mean kids!" assured Ignis, tossing away the white sheet before offering her hand. "Are you okay?"
Hesitantly, the child raised his arm and slowly took his hand into hers, curling his tiny fingers onto her hand once he realized that she had no intentions of beating him up. "T-Thank you, Mademoiselle...but why did you help me?"
"It's only natural to want to help out someone in need, and from my point of view, you definitely needed some help! So, why did those kids attack you?"
"I...I am a gypsy...and nobody loves gypsies..."
Ignis groaned. "Again with the gypsy crap! I still don't get why people hate gypsies! Well, don't worry. I don't hate gypsies, so you're okay in my books!"
Esmeralda softened her smile when she heard Ignis say that, as well as watch her wipe any dirt and dust off the gypsy boy's clothes. Just another act of kindness she witnessed the strange girl do, as well as her adding another point of approval in Esmeralda's list.
Ignis took the gypsy's palms into her hand and noticed several bruises and cuts on his hands and arms, most likely from the beatings he's gotten from kids. Who knows how long or how many times he's been receiving beatings from discrimination? Just the sight of his injured state sickened her to the core. No, she wasn't sickened at the gypsy boy, but at the things that had been done to him.
"What's your name?" she asked him gently.
"R-Ruben, Mademoiselle..."
"Hehehe! Hey, that kinda sounds like the gemstone, ruby!" commented Ignis, grinning. "Rubies are my favorite gemstone, and just so happen to be my birthstone!"
"Ruby...Ruben..." Ruben nodded, understanding. "Yes, I can understand that. My older sister's name...it is not Ruby, but Rose."
"Roses are my favorite kind of flower!" said Ignis. "Oh! I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Ignis! Nice to meet you, Ruben!"
"Yes, thank you for saving me earlier, Mademoiselle Ignis. But...how did you fly?"
Glancing around to see if anybody was watching, Ignis confirmed that there was nobody else in sight besides her and Ruben, unknown of the fact that Esmeralda was watching from a hiding spot not too far from them. Ignis turned to Ruben and pressed a finger to her lips. "Okay, I'll tell you, but you have to keep it a secret, okay? It's really important!"
Ruben nodded and felt a strange warmth coursing through his body. He saw his body glowing green and saw Ignis clasping her hands over his. The pain, his cuts and bruises, all of them were starting to fade away in a heartbeat. He stared at the red-haired girl in front of her, watching her heal his wounds until there was nothing left, and he was seen as a normal gypsy boy with no injuries and only ragged clothes. The most of his injuries that remained were only deep scars that couldn't be healed, but he was already more than grateful that she healed a large majority of his wounds.
Esmeralda was just as astonished as Ruben as she witnessed magic - actual magic - being performed before her very eyes. No mater how skillful a performer you are, nobody can actually fake healing wounds. She watched as the green glow surrounding Ruben vanished as soon as all of his injuries were gone, turning to Ignis and wondering just who she was. Did all outsiders have the ability to cast magic?
"That was amazing! Thank you, Mademoiselle!" gasped Ruben excitedly.
"Now, you gotta keep this a secret, okay?" said Ignis. "I'm not actually supposed to do this, but...Well, I just can't stand seeing cute little kids like you so hurt! Now, do you promise?" 'Yeah, if Master Eraqus ever finds out, I'll be more than grounded! I'm already in a huge heap of trouble, and I don't want to add more to my pile.'
"Yes! Of course!" agreed Ruben. "Oh! I have to go meet up with my sister, Rose! She told me to meet her near the flower shop! We're going to go buy flowers together for my father!"
"That's so sweet!" said Ignis. "Is it okay if I come along, too? I don't want you to suddenly get ambushed and possibly hurt by another group of bullies along the way."
"Oh...that would be very much appreciated, Mademoiselle Ignis!"
Ignis took Ruben's hand and walked hand-in-hand with him as they headed down the road. Already, gossip filled the streets as some eyewitnesses spotted a young, beautiful red-haired girl holding hands and happily talking with a gypsy boy. Several were still discriminators towards the gypsies, but even they had to notice that such a sight was innocent and that no harm could come from a girl and a boy holding hands together, even if the boy was a gypsy.
The people all around began to hush and quiet down when a looming figure accompanied by a knight in gold armor appeared, strolling down the streets as with a majestic air of both respect and fear. The looming figure was clad in black robes and looked like a priest with a stern expression.
Esmeralda gasped when she recognized the black-robed priest, clenching her fists at her side. That was unmistakably Judge Frollo, the most respectable, yet feared man in all of Notre Dame, or at the very least, to all gypsies residing in Notre Dame. He especially hated gypsies with a burning passion, and she's heard stories of how he's imprisoned, tortured, and had gypsies executed! As much as she wished to, she couldn't go over and just run away and take both Ignis and Ruben away. The least she could do is watch and see what happens before making any rescue attempt.
The sight of Ignis holding hands and happily chatting with Ruben caught the black-robed priest's attention as he walked up to them. "You there!" he bellowed, drawing in a small crowd from the sidelines as the people watched what was going to happen. "Girl with the red hair!"
Ignis paused for a moment and glanced up, seeing a black-robed priest approaching her. She felt trembling and a tighter grip on her hand, causing her to glance down to see Ruben trembling in fear and clinging close to her. "Ruben? What's wrong?"
"Girl! I demand your attention!" demanded the black-robed priest. "Who are you? I've never seen you before in my city! State your name!"
"Huh? Uh...Ignis. My name is Ignis, sir," said Ignis, blinking in confusion. "Can I help you with something...?"
"Are you aware that you are harboring a filthy gypsy? That is against the law."
"Harboring? Against the law?" Ignis was more confused as she glanced down at Ruben and came to the realization that the mysterious black-robed priest was referring to Ruben. "What are you talking about? Why...I mean, I'm just escorting this young boy to his sister, nothing more than that."
"Young lady, are you perhaps a traveler?"
"Yeah, you can say that. I mean, I am pretty new around here and I just came a few days ago. I only came here to visit."
"I see. If that is the case, then naturally, you would have no way of knowing the laws within this city," the black-robed priest said. "I shall forgive this transgression this once, therefore, step away from the gypsy filth and be on your way."
"You keep calling this little boy, 'filth,' but he has a name, you know," defended Ignis. "And why do I want your forgiveness, anyways? In fact, why do I have to listen to you?"
The black-robed priest scowled and shouted, "You dare to-?!" He relaxed and calmed himself, mentally reminding himself that this stranger was still new around the parts of Notre Dame. "Very well. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Judge Claude Frollo, Minister of Justice. My word is law, and the law obeys God's wishes, and as such, I order you to step away from the gypsy boy and hand him over so he can be arrested."
"What the fu-?! Arrested?! What for?!"
Even the golden armored knight that was accompanying Frollo was shocked by his order. "Sir! I think that's a bit excessive! The boy has done nothing wrong!"
"Silence, Captain Phoebus," commanded Frollo. "If I wanted your opinion, I would have asked. Now, take the gypsy filth to one of the prison cells near here."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that!" said Ignis, placing Reuben behind her in order to protect him.
"Stand aside, girl. The filth in this city must be exterminated. I am already willing to forgive you because you have had no knowledge of the filth in this city, but if you continue to stand in my way, I will not hesitate to throw down the full weight of the law down upon you."
"The law requires you to arrest innocents?" questioned Ignis. "I may not have been in this city for long, but even I can tell how messed up that sort of system is!"
"I am not punishing the innocent," assured Frollo calmly. "The gypsies here are the filth that continue to stench this city of God. They are wild animals seeking to cause havoc upon this peaceful city and must be chained down to the law, even if it involves force."
"...Back where I come from, I've been taught to help the weak and innocent and not to harm them, no matter what," started Ignis, prepared to summon her Keyblade at any time should the situation worsen.
"With that mindset, we are in agreement," Frollo said. "I, too, wish to protect the weak and innocent, as it is my sworn duty to do so. And that can only be done by exterminating the gypsies, all for God's will."
Ignis was shocked. "Wh-?! No! What is wrong with you?! Don't you dare try and twist-"
Suddenly, a ball-like object rolled right near their feet and spewed out large amounts of smoke, filling the area. Citizens screamed as they rushed indoors for cover, and the knight named Phoebus draped his blue cloak over Frollo to protect him. Recognizing a smoke bomb when she saw one, Ignis took the opportunity to grab Ruben and make a run for it.
She took a sharp turn towards an alleyway and started running through random alleyways to hasten her getaway. 'Judge Claude Frollo...Judge Claude Frollo...where have I heard that name before?' thought Ignis, panting as she took yet another sharp turn. 'Uh...Oh! He's the guy who kept tormenting the gypsies and is practically the big boss of this city! But, if he's real...does that mean that that story song that Clopin sang is real?'
"Mademoiselle! Look! The flower shop! And my sister! She is there!" pointed out Ruben.
Ignis saw a shop selling flowers not only on the inside, but outside as well. A beautiful girl possibly a year or two older than her wearing a pink robe was standing around, waiting when she spotted Ignis and Ruben. Panic and fear filled her face as she rushed over.
Ignis set down Ruben, watching him run over to his sister and hug her. Their embrace was only short, though, as the girl named Rose stopped to bow at Ignis. "I-I am very sorry if my little brother caused any trouble to you, Mademoiselle! Please, do not report us to Judge Frollo!"
"Huh? Why would I do that? I'm not reporting anything," assured Ignis. "That guy was a jerk, anyways."
Ruben nodded. "Yes, sister! Mademoiselle Ignis helped me! She defended me against Judge Frollo! She's so amazing!"
Rose's eyes widened. "What?! You met Judge Frollo! Oh, I told you not to cause any trouble! I told you to stay away from men like him, especially him!"
"Hey, lady, to be fair, he came up to us," Ignis defended, leaning against a post. "We were walking together, trying to find the flower shop, when he called out and walked up to us. It's not either of our faults that he confronted us."
"I...I see. My apologies. My fears and worries have overtaken me yet again," apologized Rose. "I am Rose, Ruben's older sister. Thank you for protecting and escorting him all the way here."
"I'm Ignis! Nice to meet you!" said Ignis. "And I gotta say, I love your name! Your name deviates from the flower, rose, right? That's my favorite kind of flower!"
"O-Oh, I see...Then, as payment for taking my brother back to me, I shall pay you a bundle of roses," offered Rose.
Ignis shook her head. "No need! I mean, I'm grateful for the offer, but that's really no trouble."
"Besides, we have to buy flowers for Papa's grave, remember?" reminded Ruben. "Mother is waiting for us there!"
"Grave?" wondered Ignis.
Rose sighed. "Yes. We are buying flowers so we can put them in our Papa's gravestone. Today is his fifth-year anniversary since he left us."
"Oh...I'm sorry for your loss."
"No, it is fine. It's refreshing to see more kind souls in this city. Ruben, I have already bought the flowers, so let us meet Mother at Papa's gravestone, alright?"
"Yes, sister!"
"Wait," called out Ignis. "I know it's not really any of my business, but can I tag along? I mean, just earlier, me and Ruben did encounter Judge Frollo, and I'm afraid of what'll happen if you guys see him again on your way to the graveyard. Especially since Judge Frollo's already seen Ruben. Let me come with you, and if he does come, I'll buy enough time for you and your brother to run away."
"Y-You would do that...?" gasped Rose, surprised. "I...I would like to take you up on your offer. Thank you."
From that point on, Ignis escorted Rose and Ruben all the way to the graveyard. Well, at the very least, she acted as their bodyguard while they gave her directions as to where the graveyard was at. Once they arrived, it didn't take long for them to spot an older woman who was just as equally beautiful as Rose kneeling down and praying in front of a gravestone.
"Mother," called out Rose softly, prompting their mother to stop her praying and look up at her two children. "We're here."
Their mother smiled kindly. "Ah...you've arrived, Rose and Ruben. And, who is this young girl besides you?"
"I'm Ignis, ma'am," said Ignis. "Don't mind me. I'm just an escort. I heard that you're visiting your husband's grave for his anniversary today?"
As Ruben helped Rose arrange the flowers at their father's gravestone, their mother stood up and faced Ignis. "Yes. It's been 5 years since my husband died. He...was a soldier fighting in a war, when he perished long ago."
"I see," said Ignis. "Uh...Are...are you having trouble with living? Like, money problems?"
The mother shook her head. "No. Yes, there are tough times, but we managed through. After my husband died, we received wages from when my husband died heroically in battle. Not only that, but we have savings, so we'll be okay."
"..." Ignis took out some of her money and handed it over to the mother. At first, the mother was about to protest, but Ignis shook her head. "No, no. It's okay. I want to do this. I know it's not much, but I still hope it'll at least help your family out a bit. I don't know what it's like, taking care of a family, but I at least know that it must be hard for a single mother to take care of two children. So, please, just take it."
"...Okay," said the mother, taking the money that Ignis offered before giving her a smile. "You're a truly kind soul, Ignis. May God bless you."
Ignis wasn't quite a believer of God. In fact, God wasn't really her top priority in life, since she only had to have faith in her skills to grow stronger to become a Keyblade Master. God had no part in that. Still, she didn't discriminate against God or anything, she just has a bit of a lack of faith in him. But right now, she was kneeling in front of the husband's gravestone, praying to God for the husband to rest in peace.
No, it wasn't just her, but Ruben, Rose, and their mother who joined her in praying to God.
Later...
Ignis had quite the long day after visiting the graveyard. She helped several gypsies in various ways, like singing at their posts to attract people and get them to throw gold at the gypsies, healing some injured gypsies, and even talking with them to pass the time. But it wasn't just gypsies she encountered, but other people who might need of assistance, like helping an old man put up a sign, teaching and playing with some children, and much more. With each good deed, she had unknowingly caused her reputation as the "red-haired female knight" to grow in a matter of hours.
Just as she was heading back to the inn where she was staying at, she spotted a few male gypsies having poor luck trying to win customers to try and get them gold. They tried playing songs with their instruments, but none of the songs seemed particularly interesting. The hat that was supposed to be stuffed with gold only had a few gold coins inside, and they seemed depressed, tired, and hungry.
Deciding to sing one more song to not only help them out and attract customers, but also to cheer them up, Ignis bounced towards them and threw in some money inside their hat. "Hi, there! Say, is it okay if I sing a song and you guys just follow the beat? Like, act out the instruments!"
One of the gypsies looked up, curious. "You will sing? Well, we have nothing better to do."
"And we do need to buy some food," another gypsy spoke.
"What kind of song do you plan on singing?" asked another gypsy.
"One of my favorites! It's quite exquisite!" said Ignis. "I'm sure you'll get to the beat soon enough!"
"If that's the case, can I join in?" asked a beautiful gypsy woman, stepping forward. "My name is Esmeralda, and I've been hearing a bit about you. I want to see your singing talents. I can't join in the singing, but I am talented at dancing."
"Hmm? Sure!" Ignis said. "I'm awful at dancing, so with your dancing, these guys' instruments in the background, and my singing, we should be able to be good for one song!"
"Sounds good to me. Why don't you start us off, and we'll pick it up from there?" suggested Esmeralda.
"Okay!" Ignis took a few deep breaths, relaxed, and began singing.
Arabian Nights (2019 version)
Composed by: Alan Menken
Sung by: Genie (Will Smith)
"Oh, imagine a land, it's a faraway place,
Where the caravan camels roam.
Where you wander among
Every culture and tongue
It's chaotic, but hey, it's home.
When the wind's from the east,
And the sun's from the west,
And the sand in the glass is right!
Come on down, stop on by!
Hop a carpet and fly
To another Arabian night!"
Quickly getting the rhythm and beat of the song, the male gypsies began playing their instruments in the background, picking up what might come next. Esmeralda caught on a sort of Arabic-style song that Ignis was singing and smiled before dancing to the tune of the song. All their combined efforts started forming a bit of a crowd that would soon grow the more the song continued.
"As you wind through the streets at the fabled bazaars,
With the cardamom - cluttered stalls,
You can smell every spice
While you haggle the price
Of the silks and the satin shawls.
Oh, the music that plays
As you move through a maze
In the haze of your pure delight!
You are caught in a dance,
You are lost in the trance,
Of another Arabian night!"
The song started growing more intense as Esmeralda's slow dances took a sharp twist into faster and stronger dances. She followed the beat of the instruments, and Ignis sang more intensely and loudly, bringing in more customers to the exotic song being played, being performed by the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda.
"Arabian nights!
Like Arabian days!
More often than not
Are hotter than hot!
In a lot of good ways!
Arabian nights!
Like Arabian dreams!
This mystical land
Of magic and sand
Is more than it seems!"
More people gathered around the Arabic song being played, mesmerized not just by the song, but by Ignis' singing voice in rhythm to the song as well as Esmeralda's attractive dances. The next lines increased more tension and a faster tone in which all of the performers grew in sync to.
"There's a road that may lead you
To good or to greed through
The power your wishing commands!
Let the darkness unfold
Or find fortunes untold!
Well, your destiny lies in your hands!"
The song paused and stopped for a moment, being replaced by a softer, almost silent instrumental part. The intensity of the dances stopped and Esmeralda began to perform a slow dance. Even though she was dancing slowly, it still brought a gentle grace that people were still mesmerizing. In the meantime, Ignis was humming the silent part of the song to herself before snapping her fingers, signaling the others to continue. The startup of the sharp and intense part of the song came up slowly before reaching a peak point.
"Arabian nights!
Like Arabian days!
They seem to excite!
Take off and take flight!
To shock and amaze!
Arabian nights!
'Neath Arabian moons!
A fool off his guard
Could fall and fall hard
Out there on the dunes!"
At the end of the song, Ignis bowed her head, causing Esmeralda and the other instrumentalists to do the same. Loud applause came from the audience as they cheered and threw gold coins as thanks for a magnificent performance before dispersing and leaving.
"Mademoiselle." Ignis turned and saw the gypsy men wearing smiles on their faces as they collected the gold coins off the ground. "Thank you so much."
Ignis grinned cheekily. "Aww, it was nothing! I just wanted to help out! Thank you for helping me with my song! Oh, and thank you too, Esmeralda!"
Esmeralda nodded. "Of course. You're quite the talented singer. You're just as good as Clopin."
"You know Clopin? And, no way! He's like, a way more amazing singer than I am! I can't reach that high note he performed during that one song!"
"I'm sure he'll be more than pleased to hear you praise him like that. Is it okay if I talk to you in a more private area?" asked Esmeralda. "It won't take too long."
"Sure!"
That night...
"What? You've been chosen to perform at the Festival of Fools?" asked Annabella, who was holding a squirming Dawn in her arms.
"Yup!" said Ignis, chewing on some food before swallowing. "Esmeralda asked me to perform with her on stage in the Festival of Fools! Apparently, she had another partner, but she sprained her ankle and hurt her throat, so she's out. I'm no good at dancing, but Esmeralda said that both she and Clopin will help me out with that. And, I get to sing one song of my choice!"
"Are you certain you're up to the task?" asked Pablo. "The Festival of Fools is only in a few days, and you'll have to work hard, as in, EXTREMELY HARD, in those few days."
Ignis nodded. "I know. So, for the next few days, until the Festival of Fools, from sunrise to mid-afternoon, I'll be training hard with Clopin and Esmeralda! So, that means I'll have to get up real early! Our meeting spot is some abandoned buildings near the graveyard, so I'll have to be up and early tomorrow and the next few days to come! I know that if I do this, then you guys-"
"Don't worry about us, Ignis. You've already done more than plenty enough," assured Annabella. "Dr. Lavender has been visiting us during the time you've gone, so if we need anything, we'll ask her. In addition, my condition should improve by the time the festival comes around. We really do have to hurry back home, though."
"I understand. I'll try and help with your recovery," said Ignis. "Is there anything you need? Feel any pains?"
"No. I'm just tired...Would you like to hold Dawn, Ignis?"
"Definitely!"
"AFTER you finish eating and washing your hands," told Pablo strictly.
"Awww!"
From the shadows, a masked boy clad in darkness watched while in hiding, having no intention of doing anything. Ever since he discovered that Ignis had arrived in this world, he had no hesitation in jumping in the same world as her. He's been watching and following after her, tracking down her every movement. He thought that after he had the Unversed leave this world alone, that Ignis would leave this world as well.
But she didn't.
Instead, she stayed and just started helping the people of this world. Any fighting she did was normally to defend the people or to train by herself. He was amused to see that Ignis was breaking some otherworldly rules over and over by healing injured folks, secretly using magic to intimidate offenders, and even breaking her Master's rule of using darkness magic. She had changed from a girl who believed in the power of light to a rebel.
But just how much longer did she plan on staying? Perhaps she planned on staying until that Festival of Fools was over? After all, it would take place in a few days. He could tell that she's gotten much more stronger since the last they've met, and her manipulation over darkness magic had vastly improved. He was excited to fight her once again. Maybe next time, she'll put up more of a fight than her other so-called friends!
"Ugh! She puked on me!"
"Oh, no! Honey, please get a towel! Bad Dawn! You can't puke on others!"
"Don't worry, it's fine! She's a baby! Babies do a lot of...disgusting things."
'...What an idiot,' Vanitas thought, shaking his head in disbelief.
Yay! Another chapter has been updated! Whoo!
So, guys, I've been wondering about something. Just why is Judge Frollo so against the gypsies? I mean, I don't think it's been fully cleared up. I get that the guy is totally racist towards them and that he's a major hypocrite. I also heard that he hated them because he thinks they uses witchcraft, and back then, witchcraft really wasn't that highly valued. I also know that in KH Dream Drop Distance, he hates how he can't restrict the gypsies freedom, but am I missing something else?
Also, I decided to make Phoebus arrive in Notre Dame much earlier than when he did in the movie. I just wanted to just for the fun of it, plus he'll see more of the corruption within Notre Dame a lot more earlier.
As for that whole Arabian Nights song, I always thought there was some sort of connection between the gypsies and the Arabs. I mean, they do kinda look a bit similar, but I know they're different. I also figured that some gypsies might know Arabic music and such, which is why I put that Arabian Nights song. Personally, I love the 2019 version of the movie better than the old, first version!
Ignis' performance on stage won't take place next chapter, because there's still some things I want to do with the next chapter, but you'll still see more of Notre Dame's corruption a bit next chapter. Another reason why I had Ignis go to Notre Dame was to notice corruption and have her a bit conflicted over the forces of darkness and light, thus the corruption in this world will be perfect for her path of balance.
That's all for me! Read and review!