#i kind of want a fic where felix winds up at the grace during season 3 somehow

[venusiancarbondioxide]

starting the silt verses from the beginning and do you think felix ever hears about hayward's season two and three shenanigans. like, imagine: you're felix, and you work this shitty dispatch job, and one day your favorite coworker (or, at least, a coworker you're clearly on good terms with) straight up defects and is now formally a traitor to the government. already a bad time. and then your country starts a war that it is super going to lose. a worse time! then it turns out that oh, the dangerous new cult you're hearing about on the news? yeah, he's like, that cult's second-in-command. he actually helped birth this new god. the cultists all call him rootkeeper. you frequently had to remind this man not to forget his gun in the car. what is your life anymore.

[eponineinthebarricade]

Notre Dame de Paris au/fic Enjonine

@viridescentlights This was an abandoned project before you urged me to work on it and I thank you Enjolras. It may seem like a bizarre fanfic but i know you’ll like it. Beware it is quite long. 

Chapter 1-

Javert was a gypsy.

Bare-footed, his brown hair wild in the wind, his grey eyes surveying the street. His tambour in his hand, he swayed his hips back and forth. His movements graceful, captured the attention of parisiens.

One stomp two claps, one turn, an arch of back and a split. By the time he was done, his cap where he had thrown in front of him to collect coins were full. He straightened his back and bowed down before reaching down and taking his cap.

He smirked.

A patter of feet drew his attention away from the coins. Two small arms wrapped around his leg. He bend down to look at the small brunette girl.

"Hello Éponine."

She looked up to him with her big brown eyes and smiled.

"Hi dad."

Javert wrapped his arms around Éponine's waist and lifted her to rest on his shoulders.

"Are we going home daddy?"

"Yes we are my darling."

And they started to walk towards their lair, a lair where all gypsies went, a secret lair where miracles happened.

***

Five years ago during a particular winter's night, a child's sob echoed through the streets. This sob was shaking her whole frail little body.

By chance a young and a dashing lad, only nineteen years old was hurrying to get to his home when he was struck by this sob. He turned his back and started following the voice. His speed increased as he became closer and closer to the source.

He turned the corner and froze. There was a little brunette girl, no older than five. She was clutching a boy and a girl, far more little than herself. Two adults were lying near her. All of them, dead.

He approached the girl slowly, not wanting to frighten her. His footsteps made the girl look up. She made a futile attempt to back away from the lad. Javert raised his hands in an attempt to show his innocence.

"It's alright. I am not gonna hurt you."

The little girl was glaring at her, defiance shining in her eyes.

"Stay away from me." Her voice was raspy from crying, her eyes red.

Javert stopped in front of her and crouched down, careful not to crush the dead children.

"Who did this?"

"Why would I tell you?"

"Because I am your only chance at surviving."

"...It was judge Felix Tholomylès."

Javert gasped, his eyes widening as he took in the massacre Felix had ordered to be committed. He reached down to brush the golden locks of the dead boy away from his forehead.

The girl grimaced.

"He was only three."

Javert turned his sad eyes to the girl.

"How did you survive?"

"I ran away fast enough. I couldn't protect them. I lost every member of my family."

"Well now you have a new family, I am going to take care of you. But tell me your name first."

After some hesitation the girl opened her mouth and two words left her mouth:

"Éponine Thénardier" .

That night Javert brought Éponine to his lair, gave her food and shelter. Poor child traumatised, curled up to Javert.

The first night passed with nightmares,then the second and the third. Before he knew Javert grew fond of Éponine, and after their first year together, Éponine started calling him "Dad".

This was all five years ago, now Éponine was ten and Javert was twenty four. They passed their days on the streets of Paris, gaining coins to get by. Occasionally in poor days, they resulted into stealing, these were the days where Javert would be grouchy; gypsy or not he was still respecting the laws.

They didn't have a clue that their whole life would be a lot more different after their last mishap.

Chapter 2-

Seasons turned from autumn, to winter, winter to spring and finally summer. The streets were buzzing, Paris was alive. The voice of people from every kind, from beggars to riches were all resonating from the city.

The church bells were ringing, the cobblestone roads were vibrating from the stomp of every feet. The doors of Notre Dame opened and out came the bishop, Jean Valjean. Like everyone, he decided to savour the sunlight and take a walk. As the whole city knew him he was met with smiling faces.

He purchased some baguette and some madeleines, he had a sweet tooth after all. As he turned back to smell some flowers and give some charity to the beggars, his eyes caught of a movement in his peripheral vision.

A young lad with chestnut hair and grey eyes was dancing. No not dancing. He was almost floating. Entranced by his movements, he approached the lad watching him. That's when he saw the little girl next to him, dancing, trying to keep up with the rhythm. A soft smile grazed Valjean's lips as he watched the pair. Javert knew the bishop was watching, he met his eyes and winked at him playfully. In return the bishop shook his head, heat rising to his cheeks.

That's when he heard horses galloping towards them and voices of the fellow guardsmen.

"Gypsies! Get them!"

Javert stopped dancing and grabbed Éponine, throwing her over his shoulder. He met the Bishop's eyes and dashed not looking back. Valjean, scared for the pair managed to distract the guards long enough so they could flee.

In the evening, he saw the pair again, this time dashing towards the cathedral. Felix Tholomylès himself was behind them. Now we all would expect a bishop to be a slow and calm fellow but Jean was no ordinary bishop. He grabbed the hems of his robe and ran after them with surprising speed.

Javert pushed opened the doors with his shoulder screaming for sanctuary. The nuns scrambled to his aid, pulling him inside while Valjean blocked the door from Felix.

"Get away Felix! He has sanctuary!"

Judge Felix sneered at Jean, a scowl permanently etched onto his face.

"He can't hide there forever, I will get him." then he left just like that.

Jean Valjean went inside to see a crying Éponine who was clutching Javert's shirt.

"Daddy I thought I was going to lose you!"  

"Darling you will never lose me, I will always be with you." the little girl continued to sniff and cry. Unbeknown to them, she still had flashbacks from her family's slaughter,and seeing the judge again she was afraid that she would lose this man she has come to know as a father.

Jean's heart broke as he heard the child's broken voice. He went over them and crouched down their level. Javert turned his head to him and smiled.

"Thank you father. We owe our lives to you."

"No need to thank me monsieur, everyone has the right for sanctuary."

"Not us gypsies."

"Why not? You are humans like us, you deserve this, especially earning your lives on the street, you need more protection than us."

Javert was touched by the bishop's words. He reached out and patted the guy's shoulder.

"You are a kind man monsieur."

"It is best that you lay low for a while, he can't touch you here."

"Our house is close to suburbs, it is impossible to go there without getting caught."

At this Jean blushed because he had thought of their solution.

"How about living here?"

"Here?! Wouldn't it be a problem for you?"

"Not at all. The bell tower is available. Only a girl is living there."

"A girl... in a bell tower... It could be alright for Éponine. Anything for my darling's safety."

At that Jean smiled.

"Welcome to your new home, the cathedral of Notre Dame."

                                                                  ***

A small boy ran down the streets, looking over his shoulder from time to time. He was carrying a loaf of bread on his small hands. He hid in a corner as he watched the guards passing by. He was late. He had to go to meet his friends Grantaire and Combeferre. He ran and ran and ran until he was at the suburbs where their meeting place was. He crouched down and slipped through the entrance where he saw his buddies huddled in a corner playing with marbles.

-I'm sorry I was late!

-Where were you?!

-I had to lose some guards on the way Ferre!

-What about food?

-Don't worry R it's fresh.

They sat together, dividing the loaf evenly between them. As they were munching their food Combeferre spoke up.

-Did you hear what happened today?

-No what happened?

-Javert and 'Ponine almost got caught.

-WHAT?!

-Calm down R, they are okay. They are in Notre Dame right now.

-Sanctuary?

-Yup. The best thing is father Jean Valjean defended them.

-You are kidding.

-Nope I am not. The whole town is talking about it.

-Felix Tholomylès won't leave them.

-Do you think...we'll see Ponine again?

-I don't know R, we might not.

They were approached by the leader, Lamarque, a man in his fifties with shining eyes and a gentle smile. He sat down next to the three kids whom he considered like sons. He wrapped his arms around them.

-Don't worry my little lion cubs... we will get them back.

                                                                        ***

Jean led the pair through the cathedral towards the bell tower. Éponine was still clutching at her dad tightly. Climbing the steps, they came face to face with a wooden door. The bishop opened the door and held it out for them to come in.

-Fantine? Where are you darling?

A beautiful girl  with blonde hair and brown eyes came in from the balcony. She gasped softly as she took in Javert and Éponine.

-Guests?

-No my dear, your roommates.

She approached them cautiously, frowned when the girl turned away from her.

-Ponine be nice.

Fantine smiled as she detected the gentle tone of the young man towards the child.

-Pleased to meet you Monsieur...

-Javert. Enchanté.

Jean cleared his throat,

-I hope you will get along fine. I am humbled to host you here.

They truly got along just fine. As they learned, Fantine had to leave her child in the hands of a man called Lamarque. She was shamed for having an intercourse before marriage so the only thing she could think of was hiding in the cathedral. No matter how much they pressed, Javert and Éponine couldn't learn who the child's true father was.

As the years past, Éponine grew closer with Fantine as did Javert and the bishop. Fantine now considered her as her own daughter, just like the Bishop. The girl was surrounded by love in the tower. As much as she yearned to get out of the tower, she knew they couldn't. But for how long? She was a free spirit after all. Not to mention she missed her friends.

Chapter 3-

After seven years of confinement in the bell tower it was safe to say that Éponine was going crazy. After that faithful day, she didn't set one foot outside from the church.

Solitude was not kind on Javert either. He was more snappy, bitter, longing to dance again. Although the  company of Fantine, Valjean and his daughter was making it easier.

Just like every year, the people of Paris gathered around in an important day to choose the king...of fools. The festival of fools was on it's way yes.

-Papa can't I just go?! Come on for one day. I promise I won't get into trouble!

- Éponine you know how I feel about the outside world.

-I know but, that day was seven years ago! Who's to say that judge Felix Tholomylès remembers us?

That's when Fantine chirped in;

-You know I wouldn't agree normally, but Javert give the girl a break. She needs some fresh air and ...friends.

Javert sighed and pinched his nose bridge.

-Let me think about it, alright?

Éponine nodded smiling gleefully. Now she was a woman, and had the body of a woman, no longer a child.

Now she was leaning over the city from the balcony. Just like every other girl, she had dreams but hers was more exploring the city than meeting boys.

-You can go.

Éponine whirled back and jumped to embrace his father as a thank you and decided to get ready.

                                     ***

Enjolras was a charming man, capable of being terrible. He had long blonde locks and striking blue eyes. He was a soldier, Captain of the Guard to be precise. He was just promoted to a job in Paris, to serve under the judge Felix Tholomylès. His first job was to maintain control during the Festival of Fools.

He was on his horse, surveying everywhere his eyes could while the place was crammed with crazy parisien folk. A loud ruckus was present as jesters entertained people, magicians fooled people and gypsies danced.

A sneer planted itself on his stoic face as he observed perverted people sneaking into tents. Where has gone their dignity, he thought as his eyes fell into a beautiful brunette. Her hair was cascading down her back like a waterfall and her red outfit made her stand out. Her cleavage was moderate, and her deep red skirt was flowing as she walked. No. she looked like she was dancing while walking. Enjolras had to keep himself intact as to not to think revolting ideas while working.

The said brunette had seen Enjolras but she had turned her head as more pressing matters were at hand. Mainly finding her childhood friends. She spotted a curly haired lad, trying to woo a lady. It seemed like it was working. His features were elvish and joyful. She sneaked up behind him and tapped his shoulder. He turned away from the woman to see the beautiful brunette.

-Well hello there, mademoiselle.

She curtseyed a bit before talking.

-I am sorry to disturb you monsieur but by any chance you might be Courfeyrac?

At this the lad scrunched up his face as if remembering a vague memory.

-Well, oui that is me. Have we met before citoyenne?

-You forgot your childhood friend, Courfeyrac?

Before she knew it, she was in the arms of Courfeyrac and was being twirled around.

-PONINE IT IS YOU!!

-KEEP IT DOWN WILL YOU!

Courfeyrac released her as the two friends smiled at each other. They had both missed each other.

-Please don't tell anyone I tried to woo you.

-I won't my dear Courf.

Enjolras watched the pair with gritted teeth. Of course she was taken. How couldn't she? She was practically radiating! Such enchantress.

He turned his attention towards the spectacle which Jehan the poet was announcing. Now it was time to crown the king of fools. But before that Jehan decided to randomly pick two girls from the crowd to dance. His pensive look landed on the brunette beauty and a blonde girl.

Both of them were beautiful, one was clad in red while the other was clad in pink. After exchanging their names, Éponine and Cosette started dancing to the beat. Their movements synchronized as they moved elegantly but captivatingly.

Enjolras felt a familiar tightening sensation in his lower parts, mostly due to that brunette's movements. He had to meet her! Her brown eyes landed on him while she danced and if possible, her movements became more sensual. She winked at him as he struggled to breathe under his armor.

Enjolras was not alone in this endeavor. The judge, he would never admit, was entranced by this spectacle. Never in his life had a woman who could set his insides on fire by just dancing! Every time she lifted her leg or arched her back, he could feel his skin setting itself on fire. Who was this brown haired witch?

Although he won't be present in this story until later on, it is essential that the reader should know about Baron Marius Pontmercy whom was unable to divert his gaze from the blonde dancer, Cosette. Same for the blonde girl. His green eyes had enslaved her heart immediately.

Much sooner their dance was over and they were soon engulfed by the crowd. Now it was really the time to choose the king of fools. That's when Enjolras was ordered to catch the brunette silently. Felix Tholomylès gave him a direct but silent order: -Capture her.-

He mounted down his horse and approached the young girl. Her sweet scent engulfed his nose as he wrapped his arm around her waist and covered her mouth with his other hand. God she felt indescribable pressed against him. Thank god for the armor. But Éponine wasn't going to surrender easily. She bit the hand that was holding her to release a deafening scream before kicking the captain right between the legs. She turned in disbelief as  her gaze hardened when she saw him.

-You!

She called angrily.

Enjolras hissed in pain and recoiled backwards as the king of fools himself, Grantaire, we call him, came in to help his old friend whom he recognized from the scream. He pushed Enjolras and grabbed Éponine running towards the cathedral. Enjolras attempted to follow them but the crowd pushed him back. The last thing he saw before mounting his horse was the cathedral’s doors slamming shut. He swore that he would have her one way or another.

Chapter 4-

Since the construction of the majestic cathedral, Notre-Dame has witnessed many things. But never before she has seen two old friends embracing each other as they cried into each other's shoulders.

-Oh Grantaire, how have I missed you.

The said man was caressing Éponine's dark tresses as he cried. Probably from too much wine and his emotions.

-Ponine, my beautiful Ponine...

Then there he was kissing her cheeks, her nose, her forehead as footsteps echoed in the cathedral. From the staircase emerged Javert and Valjean.

-Éponine! Are you alright?

He crouched next to her and pushed Grantaire away as his fatherly instincts kicked in. He rocked his baby girl back and forth until she stopped her outburst.

-Papa, do you remember Grantaire?

-Yes I do, cute kid. Why do you ask my dear?

-I happen to be the said kid Monsieur Javert.

-GRANTAIRE!

Not letting go of his daughter, Javert wrapped an arm around Grantaire and pulled him close.

-I've missed you son.

Three of them were wrapped up in a bundle together, not wanting to let go of each other for a long while. Valjean watched them from afar with a fond curl on his face.

Meanwhile, in front of the cathedral Enjolras paced back and forth. He was at loss. He couldn't touch her when she was inside, she had to lure her out. But how?Then a small thought found itself in his mind.

-Why don't you befriend her?-

He would never admit that he was entranced by her. He desired more than friendship of course.

After much pacing and a lecture from the judge he decided to enter the cathedral. To his surprise it was empty. Silence engulfed him as he closed the door behind him. No one in sight. He walked down the aisle, just below the heavenly light and bowed his head.

-I didn't take you as a spiritual guy at first glance.

Enjolras whipped his head towards the source of the voice. There she stood, the original sin, embodied by this woman.

-Although I am curious as to what the Captain of the Guards has anything to do with me?

Enjolras quickly regained his posture and his stoic face.

-I was doing only what was ordered.

-Didn't look like that when I was dancing.

Damn it, she was clever. If only he could control the heat rising to his cheeks.

-Well.. that was.. nothing.

She advanced towards him, swaying her lips slightly. Enjolras gulped and tried to distance himself. That's when he was least expecting he was against a column with a knife pressed against his throat.

-Under normal circumstances I would love to be pressed against the wall-

-Shut up you basta-

-No no watch your mouth, we are in a church.

-Were you always this charming or is it my lucky day?

Éponine sneered at him, at his boldness. He had scared her earlier that day so this was her small revenge.

-Don't ever try the same thing you did today, are we clear?

-You are threatening a soldier you know that?

She pressed the tip against his throat.

-I don't think it is a time for you to be cocky.

They stared at each other's eyes for a while. Both feeling a strange pull against the other.

-You fight good for a girl.

-I was going to say the same thing for you.

Éponine let go of his throat and stepped back.

-What's your name?

-Enjolras. Yours?

-Éponine.

-Énchanté mademoiselle Éponine.

-Bohémienne Éponine.

Éponine fought the urge to blush and after one nod she gathered her skirts and disappeared going up the staircase leaving a flustered Enjolras after her.

-Éponine, Éponine... I have to visit the cabaret Valley of Love. I can't be taken with her.  

Off he went.

Chapter 5-

Life was never easy for the judge Felix Tholomylès. Growing up inside the walls of Notre-Dame, he never had an interaction with a woman sauf one. It was only when he was young and foolish, disregarding his God for one night. It almost cost him his life.

He had sweared off of women and men for years. Then in an ordinary festival, she came along. Her brown hair turning red in the sunlight, those hips moving from side to side.

He shook his head. His insides were on fire again, with just the mere thought of her arching back. But he couldn't shake the feeling that, he had seen her before. Her brown orbs were very familiar. This thought was tearing him apart. No matter how much he prayed, Ave Maria refused to help him ease is mind.

He felt the walls closing in on him, inside the Palace of Justice. He had to get away. He seemed refuge inside the only woman who would accept him again. The cathedral Notre-Dame.

As he walked towards the aisle, he heard an angel sing. He turned his head towards the Virgin Mary. He bowed under her heavenly light. The soft was still present invading his thoughts. Shortly a male voice joined the angel. Felix turned his head towards baby Jesus, overcame by the emotions, he felt a tear escape from his eyes.

The harmonies mixing in his head, he felt as if he saw heaven right there. The gates of heaven went through Éponine's skirt...

He shivered and crawled back from the statues. He tried to block out the voices with his hands. They were not stopping. He was drowning. Drowning in ecstasy and pain. Before he could stop a cry of anguish escaped his lips. It drowned out the heavenly voices as they abruptly stopped, followed by an echo of footsteps.

It was Grantaire who emerged first, followed by Éponine. They gasped as they saw the judge on his knees. Éponine shrank back, her days of trauma coming back to her. She was again that defenseless little girl. Her brown eyes wide, her lips trembling. She grasped Grantaire's hand tightly who proceeded to envelop her in a protective hug.

At this point the judge raised his head to see the witch before him. He searched her brown eyes which projected nothing but... fear to him. He studied her face as he addressed to his feet. The pull was back, he knew this girl, he could swore to Jesus. Grantaire hid her behind him and snarled at Felix.

-Get away from her.

That's when he understood. He had seen the same act being done years ago, by an another gypsy lad. Javert was his name. The one who stole bread. The one the Bishop protected. It was his daughter! His little daughter! Not so little anymore. He had fallen in-love with a gypsy girl! Much younger than him!

He staggered backwards and hit a column. Having the breath knocked out of him, he coughed.

-Ponine hide.

Grantaire whispered. She grabbed his hand one more time just before bolting for the bell tower before the judge could notice her slipping away.

Finally catching his breath, Felix looked around to find no one but Grantaire staring at him. Horrified that he had dreamt the whole confrontation, he turned and ran. Ran like there was no tomorrow. Away from the haunted cathedral, away from those haunting brown eyes.

After running deliriously, he found himself face to face with Seine. He put his hands on his face and cried. Cried from the emotions, cried from the pain, cried from pleasure, cried from confusion but mostly cried from helplessness. He loved her. In his own twisted way he loved her.

We can positively say that Felix was disgusted with himself. He practically loved a child! But love had a way of making you a prisoner, of killing you until you became a hunter, ravishing your prey. At least that's how he saw it.

He didn't care if anyone saw him at this point. The moonlight shone on his black robes and his clear tears that were cascading down his face. He couldn't go on like this. He would go insane! He had to have Éponine!

-She will be mine or she will burn.

He mumbled into the river as if promising an oath. He once let the woman he loved go. He wouldn't do the same thing again.

                                                                     ***

There is no surprise that humans experience the same night in various different ways. In our case we have Enjolras, not fully enjoying himself in the cabaret.

He was surrounded by girls, all trying to get in his pants. He had to admit the girls were lovely but none were like Éponine. They were too easy. Éponine never flung herself at him, she had dignity, an appeal. Damn it, he wasn't supposed to think about her. She had to leave his mind.

But would she leave his soul?

No. Never.

Enjolras, who was only a mere soldier, his only love was his Patria. The only goal he had in life was to serve his country. Then in one swift movement, she clouded his mind. But she was the Patria herself. Clad in red, dancing on fire, independent, the voice of people. She was his mother earth. She was his goddess.

Men are weak. They are vulnerable. Present them a luscious body and they are putty in seconds. Enjolras used to think he was different from them. In a way he was. Only one woman managed to melt his marble façade. He could still feel how her body felt against his. She fitted against him. If he imagined hard enough, he could feel her silky tresses.

His eyes opened wide as cold sweat coated his forehead. He had fallen for the gypsy. There was no turning back now. He remembered how Marius used to tease him, how he was so stoic he would scare any women away. Boy was he wrong. He chuckled as he thought of this. At this very moment, a girl pressed her bosom against him. Reviled, Enjolras got up and without even a glance, dashed out of the cabaret.

At night the streets of Paris were like a cage to the inexperienced. But Enjolras was intelligent, he knew his way around...more or less. After dodging a few gypsies he found himself next to Seine facing Notre-Dame. His eyes were shining from the moon as he observed the graceful cathedral. She was in there somewhere. His Patria. He leaned back on the bridge as he felt his thoughts wandering.

She was an angel. No she was human, but her soul was angelic. He bit his lip as he imagined her dance again. Those movements was enough for him to crouch on his knees and beg for her.

He couldn't hand her to the judge. No. He couldn't. She deserved to be free. She deserved to live her life.

He shook his head to relieve himself from these invading thoughts. He had to save her, before the judge got her it was certain. He needed help from inside and her origins. It was time to go to the Court of Miracles.

                                                                   ***

Everything was good yes alright but what was our lovely heroine was doing tonight?

We all saw how she reacted to judge but to understand her emotions let us go to the moment just after parting with the handsome Enjolras.

After her, bizarre encounter with Enjolras, Éponine found herself smiling for no reason at all. She felt this certain pull in her stomach and she often sighed. Javert picked up on his daughter's odd demeanor and decided to ask Fantine.

-She is in-love.

-WHAT!!!

-Javert calm down it is quite normal for a girl her age to fall- in love.

- BUT MY BABY GIRL-

-Will be just fine. Give it time.

She wasn't getting any better. Grantaire wasn't helping either, always making her talk about the blonde soldier. Who started singing I won't reveal but the cathedral was resonating with their voices. They sang from afternoon until night, until they were interrupted by a scream of anguish. Both of them, curious, descended the stairs to find judge on his knees.

As the readers what went down at this moment I would like to take them to the moment when Ponine escaped upstairs. She cried and her family listened to her. Grantaire joined them just as she finished talking.

Javert was scared for his daughter. She was in dangerous waters. They needed to get away from the judge at all costs. But he couldn't bear separate Éponine from her love. He had to think something fast.

Éponine was a pensive child. She loved to gaze at stars and just think. Her wonder always got the best of her and shattered her boundaries. She had to meet with that soldier again. That cocky soldier, who became flustered when she was near. She needed to learn more about him.

She missed her home. The home where her dad and she was walking freely. The Court of Miracles as he called. She missed Courfeyrac. They had to escape from this cathedral-prison. She had to find her love. One way or another.

As three lovers stared as the sky, heaven's light descended on Éponine and Enjolras. Even though they were both lost in their own world, the Heavens had already made their decision and the Fates would act accordingly. But fate is ever-changing. Every decisions we take shapes our destiny. The Heavens may have decided on something but it rested on both Enjolras and Éponine, more so on their connection. Love, my dear readers, is worth fighting for.

Chapter 6-

Lamarque, in his long life has been the leader of gypsies as long as he can remembers. He was the father of gypsies. He was there when they went into Paris, when they demanded sanctuary from the cathedral, when massacres were committed by the judge. Terrible years they were. He witnessed the helplessness of his people. So when a soldier came for asking help he was surprised for sure. Though not just any soldier, Captain of the Guard Enjolras himself.

-The judge is after Éponine. He wants her.

This troubled Lamarque. Both Javert and Éponine were very dear for him and even after all those years, he was still sorry because of their separation.

-How can I help you my boy? I can't march into Paris with gypsies. They will slaughter us.

-You have to eliminate the judge. He can't have her.

-Because you can?

-No because she is an individual who deserves her life.

-And the gypsies who will die for her, they don't?

Lamarque clasped a hand on Enjolras's shoulder and frowned.

-We have to be discreet if we want to rescue her. We have to have them out of the cathedral.

-No it won't work. Tholomylès has eyes everywhere. We need to be impulsive.

-Then count us out, my boy.

Dejected and solemn Enjolras left the place and wandered to the heart of Paris. It was time to visit an old friend and a former colleague.

He crossed the streets in the dark until he came face to face with a fan shop which was still open. There inside he observed a brown haired fellow painting a fan. His hands and face were smeared with paint and his brows were furrowed in concentration.

Feuilly was an old friend of Enjolras from way back. He was hard-working, he had to be, to live. His job had an utmost importance to him. That's why he was one of the few people who had Enjolras's undivided attention and respect.

Feuilly shivered as he felt someone gaze at him. His mouth broke into a smile when he saw his old friend in-front of him. He stopped working on his fan and went around his bureau to hug his old friend. Enjolras gladly reciprocated the hug.

-It's been too long my friend.

-I agree. But I need your help.

Feuilly frowned at this. He had heard a nasty business concerning a gypsy girl and the judge. He hoped his friends concerns didn't include this. Of course he was wrong.

After much hesitation, Enjolras revealed his hidden feelings for the gypsy girl, how he had treated her and most importantly the judge's intentions with her.

-Mon ami, what can I do to help you?

-We need to attack Tholomylès, before she is caught.

-But it is impossible! He has many men, Enjolras I implore to you, think this through.

-What if... we use a live bait to lure him out?

-If you are implying, you want to endanger the life of the girl you love, I am rather concerned for your mental health.

-No no no would I be that terrible, Feuilly really? I had someone different in mind. Someone Felix Tholomylès hated since their arrival to Paris.

Realisation etched on Feuilly's face. This would be hard and a dangerous mission.

-And how will you manage this?

-The king of fools.

-You know his name?

-No. I have never met him.

-His name is Grantaire. Don't ask me how I know him.

Enjolras nodded his thanks before turning back and striding out of the shop, leaving an anxious Feuilly behind. Enjolras turned back at the door,

-Inform the others. We'll need them for the final battle.

***

His long legs helped Enjolras reach the Notre-Dame cathedral in no time. He pushed open the door and caught his breath. He lifted his head to see a woman, clad in white descending the stairs.

-If it isn't the cocky monsieur Enjolras.

She approached him. Her insides were yearning to touch him but she had to refrain from doing so. She didn't even know if Enjolras felt the way Éponine felt for him.

-And if it isn't the beautiful Éponine.

She blushed under his intense gaze as she was right in-front of him. She was not so confident anymore.

-Tell me monsieur, do you believe in love?

-Never did until I saw you dance.

She narrowed her eyes as she looked at his blue eyes. He saw a few emotions flickering there but a tender fondness was the most obvious one. She smiled and leaned in. Enjolras, taking the hint leaned in as well and their lips met in the middle. A soft cry emitted from Éponine as his lips caressed hers delicately.

All too soon she leaned back. Afraid of the holy spirits, afraid of prying eyes.

-That was my first kiss monsieur.

-I beg you, call me just Enjolras.

He moved a lock of hair from her face and curled it behind her ear.

-I will save you from this prison.

The brunette's morose eyes found his clear irises. She shook her head as a single tear escaped her eye. Enjolras found himself caressing her cheek.

-Please don't die.

Of course Enjolras didn't know her trauma, her panic. But he read between the lines this time.

-I won't. But to help you, I need to speak with Grantaire.

Éponine arched an eyebrow, but nodded. Before leaving, she pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, a promise of what may come in the future.

Soon, a shuffling feet can be heard as the usually drunk artist stumbled down the stairs to meet with the marble man,Apollo. His mop of dark curly hair was messier than usual and his clothes were shabby.

Enjolras stiffly nodded at him. For some reason, Grantaire was smirking at him. It set his demeanor  of a bit.

-You love her.

Enjolras was taken aback. How could this drunkard know his feelings?

-Don't bother to hide, I smell love a mile away. Question is what do you want from me?

-Simple, I need your help.

-I'm listening.

-We need to lure out Lamarque to distract Tholomylès while Ponine escapes.

-What is my role in this?

-You need to be in danger. We are going to hide you.

***

Chapter 5-

Cosette and Marius were madly in-love. Love in first sight, they say. The booby baron was in-love with a gypsy girl and he could care less about his rich background. Almost immediately they started living together. Cosette never broke her relations with her roots. She was raised under Lamarque, she was practically his daughter. Lamarque had approved of this relationship as long as his baby girl would be safe. That's why when Cosette came rushing to him, saying that Grantaire was in danger, he couldn't refuse. He left Jehan in charge as both he and Cosette rushed through the streets.

True to her word, Grantaire was indeed in danger. He was bound with harsh ropes, kneeling in front of the judge. The judge had a sword on his hand. He slowly raised his arm. Enraged, Lamarque staggered forward to block the sword and to the utmost chagrin, the sword was impaled right through his heart. The light faded from his eyes as the judge stumbled back. Just then a cry of defiance escaped from a girl.

The girl was alone, her dad, her lover were all captured silently by the soldiers. She had tried to ignore the unfolding scene but she couldn't contain herself when her dear Lamarque that she remembered barely was killed.

Before anyone could comprehend, a brunette flung herself on the dead body and sobbed. Her wailing wrecked her body as she screamed for Lamarque. The judge was taken aback by this display of emotion. He knew Éponine was standing just before him yet he couldn't do anything. Éponine slowly unsheathed the sword from Lamarque's chest and faced the judge.

-YOU MONSTER! YOU DESERVE TO DIE!

Too deranged Éponine didn't notice how Felix called for the guards. She approached him threateningly, swinging the sword back and forth. Only when she saw how the soldiers handled Enjolras, her dad, Fantine and now Grantaire did she faltered in her steps. In the blink of an eye she was restrained by other soldiers. The sword was taken away from her. She looked back to see if Cosette was safe. The golden haired girl had vanished the moment Lamarque was dead.

The captured were all taken to Notre-Dame to remain as prisoners until their execution. They were all in cages, separated from each other. Enjolras was panicking, Javert was crying, Fantine was having a panic attack while both Éponine and Grantaire knew there was no hope. They finally bowed to the hands of destiny. There was no escape from death, which was the clutches of Felix Tholomylès.

There are numerous ways to die in this life. Poisoned, executed, suicide, illness, natural disaster, coincidence...but they all have something in common; the helplessness. No matter how much you resist, this sentiment engulfs you. In our case, Éponine surrendered herself to death. She knew she would soon join her family in heaven. Same for Grantaire. He was a depressed cynic, he had no hope to live for. He would soon die, like his best friend. In Heavens only will they dance together.

While these thoughts was engulfing our dears, outside Cosette with the help of Marius was forming a crowd to save them during the execution. Marius had informed Feuilly, who in return had reported that he had already gathered a crowd thanks to the Les Amis de L'ABC which was a group led by Enjolras before he was the Captain of the Guard. Each of the free members; Combeferre, Joly, Bossuet, Bahorel, Feuilly had united with gypsies led by Jehan and Courfeyrac and they were marching down to the execution place.

The executioner was ready, so was the judge. He had a plan. If Éponine was intelligent,she would live but others? They would die either way. But the judge was uneasy. He could feel a storm was coming. Judging by the stomps of feet, it was coming quite quickly. He decided to get this over the sooner the better. He ordered for the cages to be carried down to the courtyard of the cathedral.

Éponine felt tears streaming down her face as she faced the crowd. She noticed Cosette, hidden. She nodded at her, before her cage was opened and she had to step up to the podium. A rope was waiting for her. She visibly chilled, cold sweat bids formed on her forehead as the rope was now on her neck.

This was the moment Felix was waiting for. He approached the beauty who was glaring at him. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.

-I can save you...if you marry me.

He leaned back to look at his future wife's face only to see pure disgust. Then the little ungrateful child spit on his face!

- Hell is waiting for you.

Furious, the judge signaled for the executioner to pull the rope and that's when all hell broke lose.

***

Chapter 6-

-YOU TOOK MY DAUGHTER FROM ME!

Have you ever heard of a woman's battle cry? Bone chilling. Men tend to present their rage with their strength while women, they scare you. That's what Felix Tholomylès heard just before his life was violently ripped away from him. So this was his end. His life of oppressing others, his unsatisfying life was over. You see while he was distracted, the crowd had freed the remaining prisoners. Guards were taken down silently. But to everyone's surprise it was Fantine who broke free first. She grabbed the sword of the nearest fallen guard before impaling his stomach.

Felix choked on his own blood before exhaling his last breath. Fantine extracted her sword from his body as she surveyed the battlefield. The soil was littered with corpses. Both gypsy and soldier. But it was all still now. The only thing people could see was their fallen comrades.

Éponine was freed from her rope thanks to Enjolras. She turned towards the crowd that were gazing at her.

-The people of Paris! Today you have eliminated an oppressing figure. Said figure tormented you, tortured you, massacred your brethren for years. It is time to stop fighting. Now it is time to mourn and heal.

To her relief, her loved ones was alive. She wept. She wept for the fallen. She fell on her knees and released cries of anguish that would shatter the skies. SO much that the God took pity on her and wept with her. Paris was getting cleansed with those rain drops. This one simple gypsy girl, who was a nothing, suddenly became everything in people's eyes.

Javert knelt next to her daughter. He kissed her brow as they wept together. The whole Paris was crying. Some shed the tears of relief, some from anguish. It was such a sight to behold.

A few minutes later, Javert was replaced by Enjolras. He embraced his love tenderly and kissed her forehead. He knew they had hard days ahead, but he knew as long as he continued to love her, they would overcome anything together. Or anyone for that matter.