Like I said before, I don't care if anyone favorites or reviews this story; I just want to write it because I can! I'm just saying right now, it's going to be different from the movie, but it'll follow the same basic idea…so, that's about it! Enjoy! Oh, I just want to let everyone know that at the beginning when Clopin is doing the puppet show, Esmeralda is about 23 and right now she is 18 while Clopin is 30 at the beginning and 25 right now and if there is any confusion with age, just let me know.
The Pink Scarf
Clopin wants me to take him to the Court of Miracles, but I know for a fact that there are too many of Frollo's guards looking for us; even going close to the court would endanger everyone there.
"Just let me help you, mon ami. We're not going to the court, but…oh, I don't know where else to go." I sighed. I honestly haven't thought this all the way through; I've never had to hide from the guards before, run, yes, but hide, no.
"Claim sanctuary in Notre Dame." Clopin whispered, trying to keep his voice steady and calm, but I knew he was worrying just as much as I was. Looking towards the gothic cathedral, I glared at the gargoyles and began to head for the giant wooden doors, being patient with my limping friend. How hard had the people in the crowd hit him? Just seconds before they were singing and dancing along with him, as if Clopin were any other person, but once they began to beat that poor boy, it seemed like they remembered he was a Gypsy and decided to hurt him too.
After what seemed like an eternity of half dragging my friend through the mud and rain, we finally made it to the church, but trying to open the doors was easier said than done.
"Clopin, can you help me open the doors?" I whispered, glancing down at him; his usually playful black eyes were closed which worried me a little. I haven't been able to look at the cut on his head yet, but if he kept fading in and out like this then it's much worse than a simple bump on the head. I could hear the guards coming towards us, Clopin's bright clothes giving us away no doubt, and I began to pound on the door. Wasn't there a priest or somebody who lived here? Weren't they supposed to answer?
It felt like an eternity before the weathered face of the priest opened the door and gave us a soft smile, as if he knew that we were coming.
"Come inside quickly, my children; I know who is looking after you." He stated calmly, helping me carry in my friend. I've never been inside Notre Dame before and I must admit, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in! Looking around, I couldn't help but admire the high arched ceiling, the twists and curves of the gothic design, and the stain glass windows depicting the Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus. I'm not a very religious person, in fact I've never believed in God, so it felt…strange to be in such a holy place, alone, and with a priest.
"Is your friend hurt?" speaking of the priest. I turned to find him supporting most of Clopin on his own body. All I could do was nod my head dumbly and follow the holy man into what appeared to be a spare bedroom and helped him lay Clopin out on the tiny bed.
"Is he going to be alright?" I whispered, making sure that if there were any guards around that they couldn't hear us.
"Let me look at him and I'll let you know. Oh, have you claimed sanctuary yet?"
I shook my head and held Clopin's hand; how could I claim it for both of us? Could I lie in the cathedral, a place that God supposedly dwelled in, and say that he had claimed it before he passed out?
"Then don't worry, my dear; I'll protect you and this man. Once I'm done here, I'll find a room for you and your pet to stay in." the priest said quietly before turning back to Clopin, who seemed to be in a half sleep state. "One more thing, my child: do you know how he received the wound on his head?"
"Yes, Father; he was out enjoying the festival and the crowd got rougher than usual. I found him lying on the steps when I went to go free…the boy who the crowd was torturing. I guess he was trying to stop them."
"Merci, my dear. You're free to roam the cathedral if you wish; no one can harm you here." And with that, the priest said no more.
Explore the cathedral? What was there to find or look at? Yes, it was an impressive building, but I still can't get the out of place feeling that I have. Closing the door behind me, I was immediately surrounded by guards and guess who was in front of them: Frollo.
"What do you want?" I questioned bitterly, trying my best to not reach out and beat the very life out of the man in front of me.
"Your under arrest, Gypsy girl." He stated matter of fact manner.
"I've claimed sanctuary, Monsieur; you can't touch me while I'm here!" I raised my voice, still trying to be quiet enough so we wouldn't make a bigger scene.
"Gypsies can't claim sanctuary in a church; your kind is nothing but vermin in the eyes of God."
"Well then, I guess God likes to look at vermin." I spat back. Looks of horror came across the many church goers who were staring at us. Many crossed themselves while others shot me death glares and I could nearly hear their thoughts about me, a Gypsy woman, defiling their God by saying He would lower himself to look at such a thing like my people.
"Frollo, leave this girl alone." The familiar voice of the priest rang out as he left the room Clopin was in. I wanted desperately to ask how my best friend was, but I had more important things to worry about.
"Why are you defending her, Father? She is the Gypsy who caused the uproar at the festival." Frollo shot back. I didn't cause the uproar; it was the crowd! They had tortured that poor boy and I was the only one who saw the cruelty in it!
"That may be, but she still has claimed sanctuary and in the eyes of God she is safe within in confines of the church. If I find out that you made this girl leave against her will, so help me-"
"What? You have no power over me, Father. Guards, be gone; I'll be with you shortly and Captain Phoebus, make sure she doesn't escape." Frollo ordered. As I looked at the captain, Phoebus was his name, I recalled that he was the same guard who was at the festival! The exact same one I had been flirting with! I felt a flush creep into my cheeks as he glanced at me; his piercing blue eyes staring right at me and there was a twinkle of recognition in those depths.
"If you don't mind, Captain, but if you wish to keep guard, please go stand outside of the church." The Father asked kindly. Captain Phoebus nodded respectively at the elderly priest and sent a wink in my direction. How dare he?! Did he think that just because I was a Gypsy I liked getting winks and pinches from other men? I'll have to teach him a lesson that he'll never forget!
"Wait, Captain, I want to have a word with you, if you don't mind." I called, acting as timid and low as I could. Most of the soldiers melted like butter at my insignificant pleas and that was when I would get them, but this man seemed to be smarter than the average man.
"Maybe later, Mademoiselle; I have other duties I must attend to." His voice, which sounded too sweet, like he was talking to a child, and marched even further towards the double door. That was it! This man needed to be knocked down a few notches!
Walking as fast as I could, I tugged on the captain's cape, giving him the most innocent look I could possibly give him, and he finally reacted like I wanted him too.
"Let's go behind on of the pillars; I wish to speak to you alone." I whined like an impatient child. Captain Phoebus smiled softly at me, taking my hand within his larger gloved one, and led me over to the pillar I had pointed to.
"What is it you wanted to talk about that was so urgent?"
Reaching into the waistband of my skirt, I pulled out the small knife that I had used earlier and turned back to face him. The captain seemed shocked by this, probably because he just had a knife pulled on him by a woman, but he seemed to calm down-even chuckling!-and then I realized where we were fighting: inside the Notre Dame cathedral.
"So, is this what you wanted to talk about?" he questioned, his gaze moving from my knife back to my face.
"I don't like being winked at, Captain." I whispered fiercely. Looking over his shoulder, I could see Djali glaring at the man, as much as a goat could glare, and flicking my wrist, my usual signal to him, he ran up to Phoebus at full speed and butted his head on the inside of his knees. I couldn't help but laugh when I watched the almighty Captain Phoebus fall flat on his face, brought down by a goat no less!
"I didn't know you had a kid," he attempted to joke, "but, really, what is it that you need?"
"Are you always this serious when you meet someone?" I had to know; he seemed to be such a thick headed man that he would probably get himself beaten up one day if he wasn't careful. My people didn't take kindly to rude people.
"Only when I need to be." He cracked a small smile, his blue eyes sparkling. Before I could answer him, Phoebus apparently caught the gaze of the priest and straightened up.
"I thought I told you to do your job outside, young man?" the Father stated, walking up to us.
"I'm sorry, Father; the Gypsy wanted a word with me." Phoebus replied, barely even giving me a second glance. So, when did I go from being a person to being a no good Gypsy? These people never ceased to amaze me!
"Is this true, child?"
"Oui, sir; I wanted to ask him if he could possibly talk the judge into dropping whatever charges the old man has against me." I explained, trying to sound confident with my lie. Why do I still feel guilty about lying in a church? This is starting to get real old, real fast.
"I see, well, don't get your hopes up, my dear; Frollo doesn't give up easily. Now, as for you, Captain, please leave the cathedral unless you have direct orders to stay."
"Oui, Father." The captain nodded again and walked out of the church, barely making a sound.
"Is something troubling you, my child?" the priest interrupted the silence. Turning to look at him, I saw nothing but warmth and concern in his grey eyes. Could I lie to the priest? I don't know if I could stomach it!
"I was just wondering…is my friend alright? He seemed to be pretty out of it when I brought him in."
"Oh, he'll be fine; he'll have a throbbing headache when he awakens and a rather nasty gash for about a week, but all in all, no major harm done."
I gave a huge sigh of relief; Clopin was going to be alright. "I was so worried. He's been my one of my only friends…and a guardian since my parents…died." I choked out. I haven't talked about my parents since they…
"What happened to your parents, my dear; you may tell me anything." The priest tried to comfort me, but it couldn't stop the onslaught of tears.
"I-I don't…don't want t-to talk…about it." I sobbed quietly, turning my back to the priest, and marched to the room Clopin was lying in. Slamming the door, I plopped down on the chair beside the bed and grasped his warm hand. How could it be that we were celebrating in the Festival of Fools less than an hour ago and now I'm blubbering like a baby and Clopin is unconscious?
"Mon ami, I don't know what I'm going to do! We can't escape the cathedral and I have no idea when you'll wake up. I'm so lost, Clopin; I just need some advice or even a story to cheer me up." Sniffling, I wiped my nose with the back of my hand; I felt like a lonely, scared little girl who didn't know where to turn.
"No…use crying, Esme." I heard a soft whisper with a slight laugh in it. Looking down, my bright, tear filled eyes clashed with his soft, tired black ones. They still weren't the lively eyes that I was used to, but at the very least they were open.
"Clopin, thank God you're awake!" I laughed, throwing my arms around his neck. I could hear him chuckle slightly, but a groan of pain replaced the musical sound. Pulling back, I noticed the bandage that wrapped around his head and it looked like the headache that the Father had mentioned was probably setting in. "How are you feeling?"
"Mmmm…my head is throbbing, but I think I'll live." He whispered, covering his eyes with his arm, attempting to block out any form of light.
"I'll let you rest then. The Father said that he would be in later to check on you; he says that once you feel better, you can leave."
"I'm not leaving without you, Esme; I hope you know that."
"Silly, Clopin. I can take care of myself." I ruffled his already messy hair and silently tiptoed over to the door and quickly slipped out, trying to make sure no light got in. Taking another look at the church, I couldn't help but being drawn to the Virgin Mary; she looked so kind and gentle, holding the baby Jesus. I've heard stories read from the Bible about him; he was the savior to thousands of people and then one turned on him and he was crucified. Why would someone do that to a person who brought hope to others?
"God, if you're really there, please, tell me why you have abandoned us. My people have been looked down upon, but it's not just the Gypsies: it's also anyone who is different. Be it the crippled people, blind, or the poor boy who was tortured this afternoon." I prayed. It was the first time I had prayed since I came to live with Clopin in the Court of Miracles.
I could hear other people begging God for their needs. Wealth. Love. Glory. Fame. How could these holy church goers pray for such selfish things while there are people who could barely live in the world just outside those giant oak doors?
"Please, God, I ask for nothing. I can live with what you have dealt me, but there are people other than myself who need your help. I know you might not listen to me, I'm just a simple Gypsy dancer, but I thought everyone on Earth was your child? How can we all be your children when there are those who prosper while others on the same street suffer?"
"I can explain that to you, Gypsy girl." A harsh voice laughed. I knew whose voice that was and I didn't have to move to know he was right behind me.
"Frollo, what do you want?" I snarled, tightening my hands into fists. Spinning around, I barely had enough time to glance at the man before he grabbed me in his arms, one of his hands wrapping around my neck. It was disgusting to be pressed up against such an old man and I could feel him nuzzling my thick hair. What was he doing? "I'll ask again, what do you want?"
"I was just picturing what kind of rope would be used around your pretty little neck." He whispered, probably thinking he was seducing me. I'll give the man credit for effort, but now I just want to get away from him!
"I know exactly what you're thinking." I pulled away and walked back until I bumped into one of the columns that helped support the cathedral.
"How clever for you Gypsy vermin to twist the thoughts into everything that is unholy. I'm warning you now, woman: there is no way in or out of this church. If you even attempt to leave with your friend, I'll have you both arrested."
"But he hasn't done anything." I spat, wanting nothing more than to slap this man across his wrinkled cheek.
"Oh, he has, my dear; he's helped aid you in escaping from the festival." He sneered, knowing full well that he won. I couldn't win, not like this and not right now. I've always been a spoiled child, kind of ironic since Gypsy children never grew up with much, and I was used to winning everything, whether it be a simple challenge at dancing or getting into debates; I always won. Now, Frollo was breaking that streak and the old judge was going to pay for it!
"Bell ringer, what are you doing down here?" Follo cried out with rage. Turning around, I saw the same red headed boy from this afternoon; he seemed to be cleaned up and in a fresh set of clothes.
"Minister Frollo, leave the bell ringer alone and leave the cathedral." The Father ordered. How did he know we were over here? The old priest must have supernatural powers.
"Fine. One more thing, Gypsy," Frollo whispered in my ear, "God doesn't pay attention to those who don't know their place."
I stood rooted in my spot as I watched the man walk away. How I wanted to hurt him just like he had hurt me! How he tore my family apart! Taking a deep breath, I glanced back over at the hunchback; he met my gaze and seemed…fear? What was he afraid of?
Of course! He's afraid I'll hurt or humiliate him again! As if reading my thoughts, the man bolted up a set of hidden stairs, forgetting to close the door behind him.
"Wait, I want to help you!" I cried, chasing him up the stairs, leaving my worries and doubts on the floor where the stain glass window shined.
This story isn't going to follow the exact same plot as the actual Disney movie. Like I said, its Disney BASED! Based being the key word in that sentence. The main plot is going to follow it, but I want to add some stuff in for each character that didn't happen in the movie and I know that this wasn't what you guys signed up for. But on the bright side for Clopin lovers, there will be PLENTY of him in this story and in many of the other stories I'm going to write for this theme or fanfiction or whatever you want to call it! Good night!
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