Chapter 2: Numbers and Demons
Over the next few days Emma visited Quasimodo regularly and he taught her how to carve. However one day he noticed something odd. She had numbers printed in bold black ink on the back of her neck.
Esmeralda hadn't been kidding when she told him about the strange numbers printed on their necks however that wasn't the only odd thing they had in common. All the children were missing their right ear. Despite that they all acted like normal children. All Except Ray of course who acted a little to mature and serious for his age.
Though quasi mostly stayed in the bell tower he still knew most of the children by name. However He spent most of his time teaching Emma to carve. At least it distracted him from his nightmares even though he couldn't remember the upon awakening he still felt uneasy.
However soon his nightmares would become his reality . That day had been a rather peaceful day compared to the hell that followed after. He smiled down at the finished figure in Emma's hands.
"Great work Emma, who is it?" He looked down at the painted figure puzzled. "I-Is it Ray, no wait Ray's hair is black not white. E-Emma who- Its Norman." Quasimodo sighed looking at the wooden doll in her hand. "I know he'd want me to keep being happy even if he's...gone.
"I'm sure he would like that." Here I made this for you. He said handing her a carving that looked exactly like her. "T-thank you Quasi its beautiful but you didn't have to- Its ok I give them to all my friends. I gave one to Ray, but he just stared at it.
"Yeah Rays not so good at showing his emotions but Im sure he really appreciated it." Quasi-Yes? Emma remembered Ray urging her to tell their new friend the truth. He was the only one who didn't know.
"He stared at her confused and she shrugged. Uh never mind, Lets go show my new carving to my friends." I-I'm sure they'd like that. They left the church and Quasi walked her to the court of miracles.
"Wow it looks just like Norman." Great job Emma. "I'm surprised usually your pretty slow." Ray said with a smug grin. "I am not!" She was pretty slow at first Quasi said with a chuckle. "Hey, Who's side are you on anyway."
Everyone laughed and smiled that evening however soon Quasi decided to leave early that evening but was met with an unfortunate sight. Rain. He stared nervously out at the bad weather he backed away nervously.
Are you ok? He jumped a foot in the air he turned around relived to see Emma. "D-Don't do that Emma you scared me. Sorry. He sighed. "I might as well be. I don't know why Ive just never liked rain or snow for that matter.
"My stepmother died when it was raining. Frollo the man who took me in...He killed her though...She wasn't my real mother though. I never knew my real parents." Emma gasped. "You're an orphan, like us.
He nodded. "I-I guess that's why we get along so well were both orphans after all. I guess that's why I made you that promise." Quasi about that I-Come on lets go back downstairs I cant stand this rain.
He wasn't sure what she'd been about to say but for now it could wait. "Did you tell him?" Ray asked. She shook her head. No but I found out something interesting. The other children in white were surprised to know that their new friend was just like them an orphan.
"Quasi" he turned to look at Esmeralda she could see the bags under her friends eyes. "You need sleep. "I've tried he said his voice cracking. But I cant! The nightmares they just keep coming back! I even tried that tea you gave me I doesn't work!"
"You could come with us tomorrow." He turned and smiled at Emma who stood behind Esmeralda. "W-Where?" A few of us are taking a trip into the country tomorrow. You could definitely use the fresh air and it would be good for you to spend time out of the city.
"I-I don't know I-What still afraid of a little rain, Ray said smugly. N-No I- Ray leave him Alone! Emma shouted. "Don't listen to him Quasi he's just being rude." I-I'll go. You will? "He sighed. I need some time away from the city to...clear my head this might be the one chance I get."
Yay! Emma and the other children cheered. Were going to have so much fun, Ooh maybe we can have a picnic. Unless it rains, said Ray snickering. "Ray knock it of quit being mean." Ray just rolled his eyes but secretly he was glad their new friend would be tagging along.
He'd had a bad feeling about this trip. Quasi going with them changed things somewhat. He knew he was just as protective of Emma as he was, and it was the same with the other kids. There was something odd about him though.
Like Emma he was cheerful and kind, yet he hid his own fears and insecurities pretty well for someone who was constantly stuttering. The thing with the rain was pretty interesting as well. He wondered why he refused to go out in the rain. What had happened to him to make him fear water?
The next few days were spent on the road. Every new location intrigued and excited Quasimodo as he explored the world with his friends. The days were pleasant filled with happiness and laughter however that all soon changed.
They'd stopped in a large forest populated by oak trees strands of sunlight shined down on the travelers below. Quasimodo climbed out of the cart and stretched his arms. "Hey, Quasi catch!" An apple flew through the air and Quasimodo managed to catch it without dropping it.
"T-Thanks, Ray." Hey, can I ask you something? "Uh sure I guess." Did Emma tell you. You know about what happened to us at- You mean the orphanage. "Yeah she told me. I'm sorry you had to go through that I never thought people could be so cruel." Yeah people, Ray growled Ray? "I'm fine, I'm going to go talk to Emma."
"Hi Ray, what'd you-You didn't tell him did you?" Ray and Emma stood behind the Caravan making sure they wouldn't be overheard. "Why didn't you tell him?" H-He doesn't need to know our past has nothing to do with him.
"Still, what if a demon found its way here what would you say then." Ray they cant its not possible. "What if there are other portals." Ray stop worrying. "Well someone has to ever since Norman..."He sighed.
"I'm just trying to keep everyone safe." Ray, relax, have some fun you need to stop worrying. Fine! Ray sighed. But still you should tell him at some point. She nodded. Ok I will I promise. A few hours later Emma wondered off while the others sat in the shade.
Quasimodo sighed resting his head against the trunk of one of the largest trees. A drop of water hit his nose. Quasi froze and looked up at the clouds. "I-It's starting to rain" So said Ray shrugging his shoulders.
Quasimodo rushed for one of the wagons just as the rain fell down from the sky in a torrent. "Relax big guy its just water." See nothing wrong with it. R-Ray you don't understand I cant-Why not afraid you'll get wet? Its rain its no big deal.
"I-I cant." Why not? I-I-I-Why couldn't he? I-I cant remember. "That's a dumb answer." Whatever I'm going to see what's taking Emma so long, I'll be back. "B-Be carful." Yeah, Yeah whatever.
"Your afraid of rain?" Don asked. That's a lame fear. I mean I get spiders or caterpillars. "Caterpillars?" Quasimodo snorted then burst into laughter. What their creepy and gross and I read in book somewhere that some are poisonous.
"Fair enough, but you do realize caterpillars turn into butterflies right?" Fine but my point is how can you be afraid of rain? Its rain! "I don't-Yeah I heard you don't remember but how can you not remember why your afraid of something I- AHHHH!
He bolted to his feet he could see Ray running towards them a look of fear in his eyes. Ray what is it where's Emma? "She's she...Suddenly a loud echoed across the tree tops. "W-What was that?"
Everyone looked worriedly at one another. "W-What?" Quasi- So I'm the only one who doesn't understand what's going on what was that noise what's going on?! "Look that doesn't matter right now, Emma needs you so lets go!" Ray tugged at his hand, but Quasimodo backed away fearfully.
"Ray I-I cant, t-the rain-SCREW THE DAMN RAIN! Emma's in trouble are you just going to just sit there and let her die! Ray stop. Esmeralda pleaded. No I'm telling him what he needs to hear. "What are you so damn afraid of?! Its just water! "I cant." R-Ray.
"You know when I heard about all that stuff you did I thought you must be really brave, but I was wrong your nothing but a DAMN COWARD!" Rays words echoed in his mind as he collapsed to his knees.
Was he right? Was he really a coward?! Why was he afraid of the rain? As he thought about it now it started to sound somewhat ridiculous. He chuckled. Ray glared at him confused. Then to his surprise Quasimodo started laughing his shoulders shaking.
"Are you...Laughing Do you think this is funny?!" Ray...Esmeralda started but Quasimodo held up his hand. No its fine he said his laughter dying down. "Your right Ray I am a coward." Its so stupid to be afraid of something as simple as water" Ray stared at his friend shocked. He hadn't even stuttered once!
Quasimodo stuck out his hand the water dripping into his palm. "You were right, Ray its just water, It cant hurt me." He stepped out from the wagon and stood in the rain for the first time in his life.
Ray stared at Quasimodo thinking his friend had lost his mind and then he saw it! At the base of his neck it looked liked his skin was melting but it wasn't something was falling off. Clumps of a powdery substance fell down his neck most of it dripping off onto his clothes not that he seemed to notice.
"I-Is that...Makeup!" Quasimodo shook his rain-soaked hair as more of the makeup came off and then he saw it! Tattooed in black ink around his neck were the numbers: 66571. Ray placed a hand on his own marked neck. It was just like his! Same black ink, same font same everything!
"H-He's-He's...Quasimodo looked up at the sky completely unaware that everyone was staring at him now. "T-That's not possible." Esmeralda said her voice quavering. The strange spell Quasimodo had been under seemed to break as he heard Emma's terrified scream once more.
Emma I forgot. "I'm coming Emma hang on!" Quasimodo, Wait! Ray shouted but it was already to late. Damn it! I have to stop him he could be walking into a trap! Idiot! What kind of demon was it? Don asked him. "It was a wild demon but that doesn't mean someone might be close by watching for all we know someone sent that thing here."
Ray snatched up a cross bow from the cart of supplies and chased after Quasimodo. "Emma hang on I'm coming hang on! Emma-His eyes widened in fear his entire body trembled with terror at what he saw in that clearing!
A massive creature with blood red skin and beady yellow eyes was trying to reach Emma who was crouched in a small cave. "Quasi what are thinking you cant just-R-Ray...W-what is that?" The thing Emma should have told about sooner. R-Ray?
"It's a demon." Quasimodo froze his entire body shaking he didn't know why but this seemed familiar somehow. And that word...Demon it all felt familiar why?! "This c-cant be happening, this isn't real!"
"Open your eyes its right in front of you!" Its real! Where did you think we came from? T-The Orphana-The Orphanage? "Is that what she told you?! S-she said people were killing- Humans didn't kill those kids, Open your damn eyes!
"It wasn't an orphanage...It was a farm." W-What? N-No. "It was farm where kids like me and Emma where being sold for food! Like Cattle waiting to be butchered. W-Why? I-I don't understand. "She lied to protect you." Ray said. Quasimodo stared at the massive snarling beast.
To Ray's surprise the crossbow was tugged from his grip. Ray stared at his friend horrified as he walked toward the thing. Ray ran out in front of him trying to push him back. What are doing?! "It will kill you!" He placed a hand on his friends shoulder. "Ray, take Emma and run!"
W-what? Go! He shouted as he marched towards the massive demon at the moment he looked anything but scared. He looked angry, vengeful. HEY! The creature growled turning to face him. He shot an arow hitting the demon in one of his many eyes. The demon roared in pain swatting him backwards with one of the many tentacles that grew from its back.
"QUASI GET OUT OF THERE!" Phoebus shouted tossing Ray another crossbow. 'Lets hope you know how to use it." They shot Arrows at the thing but nothing they did made a dent. "Get out of here!" Quasimodo pleaded.
"Quasi watch out!" Ray shouted Quasimodo was Knocked down by yet another tentacle. Quasimodo scrambled for the crossbow only for the thing to wrap its tentacles around his legs lifting him into the air.
It slammed him hard against the ground and he could swear he even heard a few of his ribs break upon impact. He tried to reach for the crossbow yet again only for the same thing to happen. Come on. His fingers looped around the handle as he was lifted back into the air. The Creature stared at him in surprise and before he could react Quasimodo shot out three more of his eyes.
The demon roared in pain as he was dropped to the ground he ducked and rolled out of the way as the thing slammed one of its tentacles inches from where he stood. "Come on!" Is that the best you can do?!" He barely had a chance to duck as a tentacle knocked him backwards. His feet touched air and he managed to scramble away as he realized they were on a cliff!
Then he got an idea. "Phoebus I need a spear, a sword a-anything! It just needs to be sharp!" Phoebus tossed him a spear just as Quasi caught it another tentacle knocked him towards the edge. "Quasi be carful," Emma shouted from her hiding place.
Another tentacle knocked him over the edge as he threw the spear. Quasimodo heard the beast roar in agony as he pulled himself back onto the cliff. The spear had hit its mark and it looked as if it had hit its mark.
The demons slimy body slow began to slide off the cliff. Quasi saw what looked to be a glowing blue portal near the edge and the demon seemed to be falling through it. He rushed to Emma helping her out of the cave. "A-Are you alright." I-I'm fine how did you?
He chuckled. I have no idea. Quasi I-Its ok Ray told me everything. "H-He did." I'm just glad your safe. It was then that Emma noticed one of the demons limp tentacles moving closer. Quasi look out! Quasimodo threw her towards Ray as the tentacle slammed into him.
The force jerked his head back the black numbers tattooed around his pale throat glittering with raindrops. "He's-The tentacle dragged him over the edge as he and the demon where dragged through the portal as it closed before their eyes.
Emma stared at the spot where her friend had been "He- He was-I know, I know! Ray growled, tears streaming down his angry face. "He was one of us!"