Genesis Chronicorum β1: Hellfire

Chapter 38: Me...

He arrived at the palace late in the night, he refused to sleep. How could he? He was excited, happy to break everyone's spirits, exactly the way he wanted, by fear, by intimidation. He needed to celebrate his own victory, a drink before the big execution, or celebration in Claude's eyes. The Palace was cold and dark, everybody went home, Claude didn't put too much mind into it, he just headed to the kitchen for a bottle. He lit a candle to guide his way there, his primary prisoners will be with him soon. Claude would be delighted to make a conversation with them before the event. He grabbed a bottle of wine and opened it, without bothering to pour it into a glass. For the first time in so many years, he felt happy, he was going to avenge his parents, and break Maria's spell by purifying her soul with fire. No, not Maria, Esmeralda, Maria's vessel to torment Claude for everything.

Claude loved how quiet it was, peace, final tranquility for him, without having to be surrounded by the entities that called themselves Syngra, or their leader. He was wrong to think that "You are just like your father. You lied to me..." Claude turned to see a black mass of smoke manifesting a few feet away from him, a younger and beautiful woman. Claude recognized her instantly, his hard and dull heart slowly turning soft, like when he was a kid. "Mother?", he dropped the bottle to rush to her and kneel before her. It Seemed Laverne had to talk some sense into her son, she looked upset, and Claude could see a spark in her eyes. A spark of light but also sadness, it was evident she witnessed everything her son did after she died. She wasn't there to help him; it was against her will as a Syngra, she was forced to watch what her son became. Yzanami might have asked her to talk with him. 

Laverne: Look at you, child. What has he done to you? After so much struggle you fell into his web.

Claude: No, no I am nothing like that devil we called father. I promise you I am doing this for you. They hurt you, hurt us. It is my duty to avenge us. 

Laverne: Us? My people did not do this, it was the vermin I was forced to marry. Are you really doing this for me or for yourself, Claude Frollo? You will fall deep into oblivion if you hurt them in the morrow. 

Claude: Did she send you to torment me? Just like the others?! That witch! Of course, you're not here! You are dead! Gone to heaven.

Laverne: I advise you to tread carefully in your words, my son. I am still your mother. And as such I want you to respect my siblings and let Esmeralda be free.

Claude: You just want this filth to keep spreading. Heh...Maybe you are right, perhaps I am like father. He was right about everything; gypsies claim they are saints without any criminal history. But over my years of wisdom and living, I have seen them do nothing but cheat and lie, bewitching the good people of this great city. I have every one of them in my grasp and this terror will end at dawn. You lied to all of us, mother.

Laverne: It is Jacque's darkness that plagued you. You choose to blame those who are in need of help

Claude: It is your darkness...you and father's alone. No matter, I thank you both for helping me see my purpose. Thank you for helping me find clarity, to make me see the world is full of filth, corruption, and pain. Thank you for making me Notre Dame's savior.

Laverne: You're breaking my heart... I did not raise you to be like this. Yzanami had such hopes for you when I birthed you. My baby...

Claude: I never broke you...not ever, you did that yourself. Begone now, spirit. Haunt someone else.

There were tears in Laverne's eyes, even if she was not able to cry. The Claude she loved and remembered was long gone, his father's specter living inside him. She knew it was half her fault for letting herself fall so low, before a man who hurt her children and her. She wasn't like Maria or Esmeralda, not even Yzanami back when she met the siblings. "When the time comes...peace will bring you to me...and I will be there to hold you and forgive you. My sweet little wisp..." said Laverne before vanishing into thin air. The room grew silent once Claude was completely alone, tears gathered in Claude's eyes and flowed to his cheeks, but he showed no emotion or regret from what he said to Laverne. He just stared at where Laverne stood, tearing up without moving a single muscle of his body or his face. He drank down half the bottle of wine to meet up with Esmeralda and Pheobus, he longed to talk with some people who were actually breathing. There were guards at every corner of the dungeons, Claude wanted to make sure no gypsy goes in to free the rest or escape. 

"You cannot get away with this, you long-nosed traitor!" Claude recognized Clopin's voice when he crossed a few cells, Claude stood in front of him and saw an older Clopin, once his friend and entertainer, now his prisoner. Claude didn't even show anger, he was actually smiling, he knew there would be no more Festivals for him to host; it was another weight off Claude's shoulders.  He didn't care what they would say about him, the game of cat and mouse was over, and Claude had already won this long battle. The fire was slowly burning out, calming into a faint blue, peace possessing him, justice knocking on the door. "Better keep those words for later, I want to hear you scream as you burn and see your dirty comrades turn to ashes." said Claude. He headed down the last cells, the one he imprisoned his father 40 years ago. There she was sitting on the floor with her legs crossed, in chains, looking down at the dirtied floor, Claude stared at her with such relief and happiness, like Maria once, she was in his control, and he liked it. Esmeralda felt his gaze and looked up, she was disgusted by such a smirk, she wanted to destroy him. 

Claude: Comfortable? I hope you are enjoying my hospitality. I suppose the guards treated you well.

Esmeralda: What are you doing here? Mocking me won't work. 

Claude: I am not here to mock you. I am barely enjoying the view, of how I promised you your capture. I warned you to stay in the cathedral. You destroyed your life and destroyed the others'.

Esmeralda: It was you who did it. You alone! We never did anything to you! Why so much hate for innocents!? 

Claude: You cast an unholy spell on me. With your execution, you will pay for such crimes into trying to break me again, Maria.

Esmeralda: Who...is Maria?

Claude: It does not matter. You will not torment this city any longer...unless...

Esmeralda: Unless??

Claude: Unless you choose...me. Leave this life behind and join me instead, I will provide you protection, shelter, and a better way of life. 

Esmeralda: You...what??

Claude: You are not deaf, gypsy girl. I said you live with me or you will burn. That is all I am asking. I am generous enough to give you a second chance.

Esmeralda: Like hell I'm going to allow you to do that! I rather die than live a life with you or like yours! You are sick!

Claude: You know...my father was once in that cell where you are now. In the same pose, he died the night after for killing my mother...and trying to kill me...I burned him to ashes.

Esmeralda: Do you expect me to feel bad for you? After everything you have done, do you really think I can feel sorry for you? 

Claude: It was never to make you feel pity for me. You will break, one way or another. My father did to my mother...I can do it too...I will give you until dawn before your execution. I suggest you think quickly, you do not have much time.

Phoebus: Do not listen to him, Esmeralda. You are stronger, don't let him destroy your spirit. I know all the disaster minister Jacque did to his wife.

Claude turned around to see Phoebus was on the other side of Esmeralda, he must've ignored him on his way to see the girl. Claude didn't seem to remember seeing Phoebus back when he was a young man, how would he know their personal life? Later then Phoebus gave him more information, his grandfather was Jacque's captain, like they were after them. Florian Barbedienne was Jacque's most trusted captain, one who kept close and watched over Jacque in case he was attacked. He was like the family's dog whenever they were reunited, and always followed Jacque whenever he wasn't with his family until Florian decided to retire once Jacque was dead and have his own family. "Ah, dear Florian. I remember him so well, father's lapdog. I knew you inherited his loyalty...for a time." said Claude.

Dawn was almost approaching, and Claude needed some rest before he could speak clearly, the drink was taking effect on him, and he didn't want to look suspicious. Laverne was right, Claude was the spitting image of Jacque, someone Jehan failed to be. It was funny for Claude how their roles changed, how their obedience turned out to be different, and how their loyalties lay. "I will make you proud, father. You shall see, tomorrow like last time. " Thought Claude. Seems he hated his father for no reason at all, silly Claude. However, it was his door to open the flames and to test his wits of following Jacque's footsteps.