~Ion~
My bare feet padded on the cobblestone. Gordon's worn boots shuffled behind me. I tried not to look up, I tried to keep my eyes down but my own damned curiosity had me peeking up every few steps. Townspeople stood at the windows of their shops and homes, they gawked at us, some turned to their partners and whispered, god knows what, in their ears. My gaze focused on the golden armored back of Phoebus. Had my hands been free, I'd be tempted to stab that shiny back of his.
"The plan's solid Ion." Phoebus turned and glanced back at me. It's almost like he heard my thoughts.
I scoffed at him. This "plan" was anything but solid. Best we had though.
"Just keep looking down." Gordon whispered.
"No. Look up. We want him to see you." Esmeralda corrected him.
My jaw tightened and I lifted my gaze once more. Notre Dame was straight ahead. She towered over the main square formidably, her darkened windows ominous. "You'd better be right about this."
Two of Phoebus's guards escorted us, they glanced around nervously as we approached the threshold of the cathedral. As we passed through the door my eyes caught the gaze of another.
The whites of his eyes were tinged yellow, his teeth mangled and yet he smiled widely. One of Ward's men. I stepped into the main cathedral and he was out of my view.
"You think one of the guys saw us?" Gordon asked.
"Yeah. they did." I answered.
Esmeralda turned to us, her shoulders relaxing. "Let's get you untied."
"No not yet, wait until we're headed upstairs." Phoebus stopped her.
"Phoebus we're in a church, a sanctuary." She raised a brow. "Surely it would be blasphemy to keep them tied?"
"I don't want Ward to know we're working with them." Phoebus responded, his gaze darting to the windows. "We keep them tied until we get to the staircase, then we untie them."
Esmeralda rolled her eyes but relented.
"Phoebus? To what do I owe this pleasure?" A kind voice sounded from behind us.
I turned to find the archdeacon approaching our group.
"Father. Not to worry, we won't be long." Phoebus assured him.
"I wasn't worried. In fact I'm less worried now that you're here. These rogues have my staff and I on edge." His gaze turned to Gordon and I, his brow furrowing in disapproval.
"That's why we're here, father, it seems we may have a solution to our problem." Esmeralda said.
"That would be wonderful." His gaze landed on Es and immediately brightened.
"We'll be heading upstairs then." Phoebus continued. "I'll leave one of my guards down here. Help ease your tensions."
"Many thanks, Lord Phoebus." The archdeacon bowed and Phoebus mirrored him.
Phoebus signaled a guard to my right and then we shuffled to a door. The guard took up position next to the frame and Phoebus shoved the heavy entrance open to reveal a staircase.
"Best steel yourself boys. We have quite a walk ahead of us." Phoebus joked before entering and beginning his long march up to the belltower.
"How many stairs are there?" Gordon asked, his voice small.
"Best you don't know." Esmeralda smiled weakly.
"That doesn't make me feel any better." I grunted.
She laughed and set off up the stairs.
I glanced at Gordon who grimaced. "We have been sitting in a safehouse for weeks. Probably good to stretch our legs." It was a weak attempt at lifting his spirits and it definitely didn't work.
"Get a move on." The remaining guard grunted.
Gordon and I let out a melodramatic groan and then began our ascent.
~Ines~
The wind whistled through the bell tower, the hum buzzed throughout and reverberated through my body. I slid the edge of my thumb along the smooth bronze plate of my little belle. My gaze focused outside. The sun was high in the sky and the day looked bright and cheery.
Quasi toyed up in the tower with his bells, the man was always doing something. My tense body relaxed as I thought of him. Like a healing balm on my taut frame. I let out a deep sigh. What in god's name was I going to do?
*creak*
The unmistakable noise of the front door opening had me turning from the balcony. Probably father Jean, or maybe Peggy. It'd been a minute since I'd last spoken with her. I smiled, it would be nice to catch up with her.
To my disappointment I was not greeted with a nun's habit but the golden armor and a firm scowl from the "ever-cheery" Phoebus. Esmeralda, not far behind him, though at least she didn't wear an ugly expression. In fact she looked happy to see me.
I let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh what's got you all bothered today Phoebus? Did your squire not buff your armor well enough?" I teased. "I think I see a scuff."
His eyes shifted down to his garb before settling back on me. "Very funny." He grumbled. "Actually, I'm tired of hearing my party whining." Then with a bit of a dramatic flourish he stepped to the side to reveal…the boys!
I could barely contain myself! I rushed forward and grabbed the first one I could, which happened to be Ion.
"Oof, easy there Ines." Ion chuckled, returning my hug.
"Ohh I was so worried." my voice was garbled, my face buried in his chest.
"You were worried?! We were worried!" Gordon sounded behind Ion.
I pushed away from Ion and latched onto Gordon. "Ohhh my boys." I could have cried, but I didn't need to let the captain see that.
I pushed myself back from Gordon and studied his face. He wore an eyepatch over his missing eye, but his complexion looked much better. My hands cupped his face as I studied him.
"The last time I saw you, your skin was ashen and you could barely move."
"Yeah I'm doing much better these days." His face was a bit red. "C'mon Ines you don't gotta do this." his eyes darted around in embarrassment.
"Oh hush." But I moved my hands from him and instead turned to Ion. "And you? You seem healthy."
"Gah Ines! I'm fine! We both are." Ion swatted my hands away from him.
" I know, I know, I'm sorry. I just missed you." I smiled at both of them, my heart full.
The joy only lasted a moment before realization fell on me like an anvil. I whipped around to Phoebus.
"Why in god's name did you bring them here! Ward's men must have seen them!" The pieces were falling together as I realized just how bad this was. "He's going to know I'm in here for sure now! How could you be so stupid?!"
"Stupid!?" Phoebus rounded on me. "After all I've done! Who do you think kept your 'boys' Safe!"
"That's your job! What, you want a medal of honor for doing what's expected of you?" I retaliated.
"A thank you would do!" He ground out.
"Ah yeah, you've killed us, thanks a lot!" I hissed.
He lifted his finger and opened his mouth to retaliate when Esmeralda stepped in between us.
"I swear you two!" She hissed her glare going from me to him. "You both are driving me insane!"
"What's going on?"
In all that had happened I hadn't noticed Quasi climb down from the rafters and join us.
"He's killed us!" I jabbed my thumb at Phoebus.
"I've done no such thing!" Phoebus growled.
"We have a plan." Esmeralda shot a glare at me. "The boys know it, we just wanted to tell you." She turns to Quasi, her expression softening. "Both of you."
I turned to the boys and caught them with disgusted wrinkled faces studying Quasi. Despite my love for them I felt a sting of anger.
"Hey." I elbowed Ion.
"Ugh! Why?" He hissed turning towards me.
I glared at them both for a moment. "Is the plan good?"
Ion exchanged a glance with Gordon. "Yeah."
"Well… it's not the best plan, but it's the best we got." Gordon continued.
I studied both of their faces. I glanced behind me at Quasi, Es, and Phoebus before turning back to the boys. "Alright…explain it then." I relented.
Esmeralda let out a deep sigh. "Please tell me you have wine Quasimodo." She grumbled.
"I do. Have a seat, I'll go grab a bottle." He glanced between me and Phoebus. "Or two."
"Yes two, two is good." She rubbed her temples and headed for a seat around the firepit. Phoebus and the boys following her.
"I'll help you." I fell into step beside Quasi.
"I think I can handle grabbing wine Ines." He chuckled.
"The less I'm in the presence of the 'sun god' the better." I jabbed a thumb behind me.
He laughed. My stomach fluttered at its music, god I loved his laugh.
—-
A few moments later everyone was holding a filled glass and seated. Phoebus shot me a particularly nasty look when I sat down beside Quasi. Granted it could just be his face as the look hasn't really left him.
I took a deep drink of the red wine and let myself enjoy its taste before meeting his glare. "So what's this plan of yours?"
"Ward's last siege on the cathedral was number 2. I have those men in custody, though the men from the first siege have been released." Phoebus stated.
"You released them?" I grunted.
"I can only hold them for a week. And that was months ago." He explained. "That being said, I do have guards keeping watchful eyes on them, they set foot near this cathedral and they'll be arrested. Which leaves Ward with very few men at his disposal."
"He had about 30 when we left, I'd gather he's probably recruited a few more since then." I commented.
"Yes, well, my theory is that bringing the boys here will anger him so much that he'll lay siege to the cathedral again, and with most of his men unable to help… he'll lead the charge." Phoebus explained. "
"Isn't that the opposite of what we want?" Quasi asked.
" Yeah…it is." I glared at Phoebus.
"The third siege will be his third strike." Esmeralda stated. "Phoebus will be able to hold him and his men for up to a month."
That's when it all clicked. "Leaving plenty of time for the boys and I to escape."
"And get a sizable head start." Gordon added.
Everything was fitting into place, I scanned the plan forwards and backwards and could only find one weak spot. "What about the siege itself?"
"What about it?" Phoebus asked.
"Ward is ruthless, I don't like the idea of him getting into this cathedral. He'll hurt someone."
"I'll have men posted, as soon as he sets foot into this cathedral, my battalion and I will be on the way. You'll just have to survive for about 15 minutes. "
"15 minutes is a long time." I grimaced.
"We aren't being serious are we?" Quasi chimed in. "Lure Ward here?"
"It's the best shot we got Quasi." Esmeralda smiled weakly at him.
" Well I don't like it, not at all." He grunted.
"I don't like it much either. But they're right. It's all we got." I sighed and took another swig of wine. " He's definitely gonna ransack this place…again."
"That's not what I care about…" Quasi grumbled.
I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye. He was staring daggers into the fire.
"You guys know Ward better than we do. Any idea on when he'll strike?" Phoebus asked.
The boys shrugged and looked at me, so did everyone else. My jaw clenched as I mulled it over. "It'll be soon. No more than a day, 2 if we're lucky."
"When have we ever been lucky?" Ion grunted.
"What if they come straight up here?" Quasi shot out.
"They started in the main cathedral the first time. The second time was done by men who'd claimed sanctuary. They knew she wasn't in the main cathedral, and they haven't been able to speak with Ward since I took them into custody. There's a good chance Ward will start in the main church." Phoebus explained.
"But there's also a good chance he'll just march up here." Quasi continued.
Phoebus didn't respond. He didn't need to.
"What then? They take her? This plan is too risky, I don't like it." Quasi vented.
"Well it's too late isn't it?" Phoebus hissed. "I've already brought the boys here, he knows. The plan is already in motion."
"You should have discussed it with me first!" Quasi snapped.
Phoebus sucked in a breath, ready to snap back at Quasimodo, but Esmeralda put a hand on his arm and stopped him.
"Quasi." I mirrored Esmeralda and touched his forearm. My fingertips tingling at the contact. His glare remained on Phoebus, then with a deep breath in and out, he turned to meet my gaze. His features softened as our eyes met.
"Everything will be alright, this is a good plan. We just have to have faith in Phoebus I guess." I joked.
His shoulders slumped in defeat and he didn't laugh. "I suppose there's no choice now."
"I resent that, I've been nothing but true to my word this whole time." Phoebus grumbled. Esmeralda patted his arm reassuringly.
I turned to face the boys and caught them exchanging a look, their eye's darting to my hand still on Quasi's forearm. I pulled it away sheepishly and took another swig of my wine.
"Well we have wine, and we have friends. I suppose we should make the most of what may be our last night together." Esmeralda raises her glass. "Let's celebrate."
"Oh yeah, I could get behind that." Ion raised his glass.
"Cheers." Gordon raised his.
"I don't know about friends." Phoebus grumbled, but he raised his glass and tossed Es a look.
I chuckled and raised my glass, I glanced over at Quasi. He didn't look particularly happy but he raised his glass regardless.
We clink our glasses and shoot the wine back.
~Quasi~
Hours and many more bottles of wine have passed since we discussed the plan. I was going to need to restock my cellar if we kept this up, I didn't mind though. My quiet tower had never felt so vibrant and alive!
"It's gotta be clean, Make it pristine." Esmeraldas voice and Lute filled the loft. She sang a quick paced song, the kind that made your body move of its own accord.
My toe tapped along as I glanced over at Ines who danced along with Ion and gordon. Her hair floated around her as she spun, her eyes alight with mirth and her smile bright and full. My heart skipped a beat as I watched her.
"I thought I told you to be careful." Phoebus leaned over and chastised me. I turned to face him, opening my mouth to argue, but his expression held no anger. "It's alright Quasi. I mean I still don't trust her, but It's nice to see you like this."
"Like what?" I asked.
"Y'know, happy." He shrugged. His speech was a bit slurred, I had a feeling his good mood was more the wine's fault than anything else.
"Yeah, I suppose." The wine couldn't really lift my spirits. I glanced back at her, a bittersweet feeling settling in my gut. I hated this plan. It was risky and relied far too much on luck for my liking. Though if I were being honest with myself… I mostly disliked it because if it worked, she was going to be leaving. And I desperately wanted her to stay.
I glanced around the belltower, it had always seemed so cold and forlorn growing up. My home, my sanctuary…my prison. Once I'd befriended Esmeralda and Phoebus it had brightened a bit but it's like it'd taken on new life since Ines stumbled into my life. My friends' shadows danced across the walls and the laughter and music bounced off the bells. I inhaled deeply and committed the scene to memory. I was going to miss all of this.
My gaze refocused on Ines. She smiled brightly, her arms looped with Ion and gordons as they danced in a circle. I felt a pain in my heart, god help me. I loved her. I loved her with all I had, and I had to let her go.
The tower grew quiet as Esmeralda finished her song. Ines, Gordon and Ion stood panting slightly. We all clapped as Es took a small bow.
"Beautifully done!" Gordon complimented.
"Ah it's nothing special." Esmeralda shrugged.
"Yes it is." Phoebus took his place beside his wife and wrapped an arm around her waist. She smiled adoringly at him.
I glanced over at Ines, my eyes met hers briefly before we both looked away.
"This is a lovely Lute." Gordon glanced admiringly at the instrument.
"My friend Clopin made it for me." Es approached him. "Do you play?"
"I used to, I lost my lute a few years back, fell on it." He said sadly.
Esmeralda extended the instrument to him. "Play us something."
"Oh I don't know…it's been some time."
"C'mon, I could use a break!" She gestured to him. "I'd like to dance with my husband."
Gordon glanced around. His gaze met Ion's who nodded reassuringly to him. "Well alright then." He took the Lute from Esmeralda.
He fiddled with the strings for a minute, warming up his hands. Then clearing his throat, he began.
"Sing me a story, one filled with glee. Sing me a fable, just for me please. I'd sing it myself, but I've lost my song. It left me back when you moved along." Gordons voice rang out, a beautiful baritone. He plucked the strings expertly, the song a sweet slow tune. Esmeralda and Phoebus swayed with the song.
"Would you like to dance?" Ines held her hand out to me.
"O-oh i don't…I don't know how." I stammer, flushing a bright red.
"It's alright, I can show you." She pushed her hand still extended towards me.
She gazed at me so kindly. My heart beat wildly, god help me, I can't tell her no. "A-alright." I took her hand, my heart skipping beats at the contact.
She pulled me to my feet and onto the dance floor.
"Alright, put your hand here." She guided my right hand to her waist. "And your other hand will stay here." She squeezed my left hand reassuringly. My stomach fluttered.
"Now what?" I asked.
"Now, we dance." She smiled. "We'll keep it simple, just follow my lead."
She began to move in a sort of box shape. I gazed at our feet for a bit, mirroring their six step pattern. Taking extra care to not step on her bare feet.
"You got it!" She smiled. "Now stop looking at your feet."
I glanced up, my eyes meeting hers. "What do I look at?"
She laughed. "You look at me of course." And so I did.
I chuckled and grasped her hand more firmly as we waltzed around the belltower. Everyone seemed to melt away leaving just she and I. I gazed unapologetically into her eyes as we went, my pulse thrumming through my whole being. Her cheeks flushed as we went, her eyelids lowered into a fond look. I could almost fool myself into believing it was a loving gaze.
"May I try something?" I asked.
She cocked an eyebrow at me and nodded. As we completed the pattern yet again, I removed my hand from her waist and swung her out, twirling her around before pulling her back into me. She giggled and came back to me flushed and wearing a wide smile, her hand pressed into my chest.
"Look at you, you're a professional now." She teased.
"I had a good teacher." I chuckled.
She laughed and we fell back into our six step waltz. The song was reaching its peak, Gordon had a lovely voice and this next part slowed down into a beautiful ballad.
Ines's eyes flickered down and with a soft sigh she lowered her head and rested it on my shoulder. My heart was beating erratically now, but I kept in the waltz, the steps second nature now. I chanced a glance over at Esmeralda and Phoebus. Esmeralda held the biggest smile I think I'd ever seen. Phoebus had a bit of a stern look to him, the happy effects of the wine apparently wearing off.
All too soon Gordon sang out his last low note and strummed his last chord and ended his song.
Ion clapped for his friend and Esmeralda and Phoebus followed suit.
Ines still had her head on my shoulder, still moving in the boxlike movements. I gave her a small nudge and she lifted her head and stopped suddenly her face beet red.
"Sorry." She mumbled. "Didn't realize Gordon finished."
"It's alright." my voice was breathless.
"Thank you. For the dance." She pushed her hair behind her ear.
"Thanks for asking me." She still held my hand. God I was stupid, I should have just held her and let her dance longer.
"Well." Phoebus clapped his hands together. "I believe it is well past time we take our leave."
"Oh yeah there's still guards waiting aren't there? To take us back?" Gordon asked.
"Sucks to be them." Ion snickered.
"Yes there are, they're fine. Part of the job." Phoebus headed for the door.
"Wait!" Ines bustled forward and grabbed the first boy she could, this one being Gordon. She pulled him into a tight hug. "You be safe." She whispered.
"We always are." Gordon assured her, wrapping his arms around her.
Ines pulled back from him and moved to Ion, pulling him into a tight hug as well. "Only a few days, just hold on."
"It'll be here before we know it." Ion hugged her fiercely.
They pulled apart and Ion, Gordon, and Es moved towards the door.
Ion glanced at me. "You take care of her." It was more of an order than a request.
I met his gaze. "Always." I promised him.
He nodded.
"We'll be seeing you, thanks for the wine." Esmeralda pulled me into a hug. "Take care my friend."
"You too." I responded.
Es pulled back and a moment later they were gone, leaving Ines and I on our own. I turned to face her only to be met with empty space. I glanced around quickly and found her perched at the balcony, gazing over the edge. The breeze picked up her hair, sending it flowing behind her like a flag. I approached her, settling to her left on the balcony.
We watch silently as the boys, Es and Phoebus accompanied by the guards leave Notre Dame. We watch them walk away until they disappear from our views.
"They'll be alright." I murmur.
"I know. I just miss them is all." She responds, her voice small.
"Well, hopefully soon, you won't have to miss them anymore." I attempted to lift her spirits.
She didn't respond for a moment, gazing hard at the cityscape. "No. I'll be missing someone else instead."
I looked down at my hands. I knew she meant me. I could hear my heart beating in my ears. "I suppose I will be too."
She lifted her gaze from Paris and gazed at me. Her eyes glinted in the starlight, tears had gathered in their corners. She nodded in understanding, placing her hand over mine. I glanced down, her hand so small in comparison to mine. I covered it with my other hand and gave it a small squeeze. Our eyes moved back to the city.
We stood there for quite awhile, hand in hand. The heaviness of what's to come dangling over us. If I could freeze a moment, this'd be the one. Alas, tomorrow always comes.
