Justice is Swift But Vengeance is Sweeter (A Judge Frollo Fanfiction)

Easier Said Than Done

Nikolas glanced around him, making sure no one was in sight. Once he was sure he made a run for Clopin's tent. It was the same size as most tents true but it had an image of a smiling mask and a frowning mask on the front, the well-known symbol of theater that only Clopin performed in. Clopin had gone out to solve the problem between a gypsy and a few villagers which meant Nikolas didn't have a lot of time. Clopin was a smooth talker and would no doubt resolve the problem quickly. Guessing there would be plans or some sort of map in his tent Nikolas had gathered the courage to break into his tent and steal them. If he was careful he could take them to Frollo, copy them, and return it before Clopin even noticed it was gone. But it would be tricky if he was caught, questions would be asked and he wasn't sure he'd be able to answer them all without suspicion. Slipping into the tent in a swift movement he held his breath, looking around to find no one with him. Giving a sigh of relief he began his search, knowing to leave nothing that would leave him a suspect. The tent had a cot and a few puppets on a stool along with a needle and thread. But what caught his eye was the old wooden table that held papers and scraps of cloth with writing. This was it; these were no doubt going to be vital for their invasion. Nikolas reached for the papers when his hand froze, unable to take the papers. He focused intently on grabbing them but his hand did not move, it hung in midair as if possessed. Healia words came to him, her voice ringing in his ears. "The first thing here in the Court of Miracles is trust; you must trust your fellow gypsy." Taking these papers, just standing in this place without permission was breaking the code of trust Healia had informed him about. She'd placed trust in him, and he was going to break it just like that? What kind of man was he to break his word? Shutting his eyes he calmed down, taking a deep breath. This was not a real code of honor, merely something to keep them from anarchy. He didn't have to follow it, besides; he was doing this for the good of France. He was betraying a group of people to earn the trust of another, larger group. But it was betrayal either way; he just had to decide which group was worth betraying the other for. The gypsies or Parisians? Healia, or France, those were his choices. Suddenly he heard the sound of feet and cursed silently, he'd lingered too long thinking about his blasted morals, this was madness; he was here on a mission wasn't he? Then what in the heavens was he waiting for? A letter from God saying it was the right thing to do? Knowing he had to hide or be caught he grasped the notes and papers and stuffed them in his satchel before looking about wildly for a place to hide. Finding that behind the barrel was his only option he dove behind it, trying to make himself as small as possible. He held his breath, shutting his eyes tight as the voices became distinct.

"Esmeralda, have you seen Clopin? I wanted to see if he took Nikolas with him, I haven't been able to find him." Healia? Healia was looking for him? Esmeralda spoke.

"I don't know, probably on business in the city. Why do you want to see Nikolas?" Healia responded smoothly.

"To talk to him." Esmeralda giggled.

"Is that all?" Healia coughed and Nikolas knew it wasn't all.

"Yes it is Esy so stop prying." Healia replied. Nikolas felt the urge to look outside and see if she was blushing. He'd found her blush very pretty. Wait, no, focus! She was merely a pawn in a much larger game. And pawns were sometimes put to the side for the greater good.

"What do you think about him? You already know what I think about the man." Esmeralda questioned.

"He's nice, I've only had one real encounter with him, all the others have been a scarce "Hello" and just greetings. Besides, aren't you always urging me to make new friends? You do it on a daily basis." Healia teased. Nikolas smiled to himself, so she wanted to be his friend, it was both exciting and...disappointing. Wait, why was it disappointing? Didn't he want her to be his friend? Wouldn't that give him more access to information? Maybe, deep down in his heart, he wanted, he craved more than friendship, a different sort of affection. But would he be willing to ask for it? Attempting to gain such affection from her would be an insane idea; it would put him off guard and off track. He was here for a reason and was not going to get sidetracked. Even as he told himself this the stomach churning disappointment and delight wouldn't go away. Nikolas watched the two shapes quietly, waiting for them to leave, or, maybe they'd walk in and see him and begin to question him... He was suddenly sidetracked as Healia spoke, soft and innocent. "He's sweet; maybe if we spent a little more time together we could become closer friends." Esmeralda chuckled.

"Speaking of my great friendship skills, I suggest we go do something instead of pace outside his tent all day. We'll find Nikolas later okay?" With that the two shadows walked away and Nikolas sighed with relief, realizing that this conversation had provided him with a gateway. If he spent more time with Healia he'd be able to learn more by becoming a closer companion. Brilliant! With a grin he darted up and made sure that he left no trace of coming in here before he rushed out of the tent and back to his. His plan? Become a closer friend to Healia, and she'll tell him everything he needed to know and more. But he had to keep information away from her, take the info she gave and give nothing back; that was it. No questions asked.

                                                                   But it was easier said than done.