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~ Akane

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The Maiden Awakens

Chapter Ten: A Monster And A Man

"Esmeralda!" I called out to the woman as she came into my sight.

We had returned to Quasimodo's room, where he and the raven haired woman had seemed to be talking. She smiled and approached me, offering me a hug in greeting.

"Ami, thank goodness. Quasimodo was saying you had disappeared, we were worried something had happened."

I shook my head and apologized, not wanting to worry them with the truth. While I was talking, I noticed a look in Esmeralda's eyes and asked what was wrong.

"It is nice to see you, my friend, but I have come because I need your help." She started explaining, motioning towards the nest of blankets I had used to rest earlier. In my place was a man, blonde hair looking strangely familiar to me. His skin was pale, eyes closed. He looked terribly weak.

I gasped as I remembered him, though it was Nara that spoke first. "Hey! Why is that guard here? Doesn't he work for Frollo?"

I asked Nara how she knew him, and she told us about her close encounter with him while looking for Frollo earlier that evening. Frowning, and with more questions than before, I decided it was probably better not to ask.

"His name is Phoebus, he was Captain of the guard." Esmeralda continued, taking my hand gently and leading me closer. Against his chest was a ripped cloth, soaked red with his blood. "He's been wounded trying to save a family from Frollo and his men. I knew he would be safe here, but... I was hoping you could help him."

I furrowed my brows as I turned away from him to look at her. "Me?"

She nodded. "Yes. I saw you use magic, real magic. Can you use it to heal him?"

I was surprised at her request, knowing how the thought of magic could be for those who couldn't believe it was real, especially on other worlds. I looked for Nara, the one who had taught me what I knew. Feeling my hesitation, she was already there, resting a hand on my shoulder.

"She's still new with magic, but anything that can make him even a little better can help."

I frowned. "You should do it! You're magic is better than mine!"

Nara raised her fingers to her cheek, nails gently scratching the skin. "I... well, here's the thing. Offensive, yeah, I'm your girl. Ami, you're healing potential is much better than mine. I saw that shield you cast, and I didn't even teach that to you. Sure, I can do a Cure spell here and there, but if either of us can help, it'll be you."

Unsure how to respond, I stood there for a moment, left to my own thoughts. It was true that I had created that barrier, yet it wasn't for long and I wasn't sure I knew how I had done it. Though I was still unconvinced, I knew that I needed to try. I wouldn't be happy if I left him in so much pain, thinking there was a chance I would be able to help.

I sat on my knees at his side, with Nara behind me and Esmeralda sitting on the other side of him. The man opened his eyes weakly, noticing my companion and myself first. He furrowed his brows and tried to sit up with a groan from the pain. Esmeralda tried to calm him, hushing him gently.

"It's alright, they're friends."

He seemed wary despite her words, calming down after a moment of her attempts. The blonde remained still, though wore a frown on his face. "The witch, huh?" He looked between us, stopping with Nara. "And you! Get lost again?"

I rested my hand to hover slightly above his wound as he spoke, smiling at him even with his comment. It held a sort of teasing in his tone, and I could sense the good in his heart.

Behind me, I could almost feel Nara rolling her eyes. "Oh please, sir." She mocked, resting a hand on my shoulder. "Be nice, or I'll trick her into making you worse."

"Just try to relax," I said calmly, trying to focus on my magic. I could see the soft glow emitting from my fingers, remembering what Nara had taught me.

Phoebus watched what I was doing, curious, before he sighed and let me do what I needed to. After a moment he turned his head towards Esmeralda. "Why is it every time we meet, I end up bleeding?"

I watched her smile at his teasing, taking one of his hands in her own. "That family owes you their lives. You're either the single bravest soldier I've ever seen, or the craziest."

Though I was curious what he did, I remained focused on my healing and leaving them to their conversation. They looked like they were in a world of their own.

"Ex-soldier, remember?"

Esmeralda eyed my fingers with almost a sorrowful look. When the light began to fade, I tried to offer a comforting smile and nodded at the unasked question. He was going to be fine, with some rest.

"You're lucky." She told him softly. "That arrow almost pierced your heart."

"I'm not so sure it didn't."

I glanced towards him at his words, somehow feeling my cheeks beginning to burn. Watching them, I realized what the look must of been that they shared between them. I went to stand and offer the pair some privacy. Nara seemed confused as I dragged her away, though teased me once I explained.

As her laughter echoed, my eyes caught Quasi standing nearby on his own and noted the sorrowful look in his eyes. My heart sank at the realization; he had fallen for Esmeralda, but her heart seemed to have found another. I felt terrible for my friend and went to follow him outside, hoping to offer comfort.

I could understand what he was feeling.

I almost reached him, however the neighing of horses sounded from below us. Quasimodo hurried to look before rushing back inside with a warning.

"Frollo's coming, you must leave! Go down the south tower steps and you'll miss him!"

Esmeralda was quick to act, scooping up the small Djali in her arms. "Be careful, my friends. Promise me you won't let anything happen to him."

"I promise." Quasi said, smiling, though it was easy to tell he was more worried about her own safety.

"We'll make sure he's safe." I added. "Now, go!"

She nodded, and was gone before anyone else could say a word.

"Quick!" A voice called. When I went to look I noticed the gargoyle Laverne motion towards Phoebus. "We have to stash the stiff!"

Quasi went to move him before I stepped in to stop it. "No! You could open his wound again!"

"What are we supposed to do? You have to hide!"

I went to argue, feeling instead someone press against my shoulder and push me behind the fabric curtain.

It was Nara, who waved for Kyo to follow.

"Quasimodo." She called to him simply, meeting his eyes with her own. "Stay calm. You remember last night? We aren't here."

Though the young man seemed nervous, he nodded, and Nara pulled the curtain further to shield us.

"That's not enough!" I whispered to her, confused.

Nara hushed me, motioning for me to sit beside Phoebus, the blonde having fallen asleep. As I did, she placed her fingers over her lips as if to remind me to be silent, and reached into the familiar pouch at her hip.

The sparkling dust covered us, lingering on my skin. It tickled, even forcing me to fight back a sneeze.

"Stay still. Don't make a sound." She reminded us. Kyo and her shared a glance before both stood firm, ready to strike if needed.

There was no time for further questions, distant footsteps filling the otherwise quiet air. His presence grew increasingly overwhelming the closer he became, the darkness leaking from his heart spreading across the room. I clutched my chest with one hand and covered my mouth with the other, knowing that if I let myself I would gasp for air. The dark aura was suffocating, overly so. Nara glanced towards me, as if sensing my predicament, and I lightly shook my head.

Her magic would protect us as long as we remained still, and silent.

"Oh! Master, I didn't think you'd be coming." Poor Quasimodo sounded so nervous. I tried to picture what was happening on the other side of the curtain.

"I'm never too busy to share a meal with you, dear boy." I hated the tone in his voice, imagining a false smile on his lips. "I brought a little treat."

The next few moments felt like an eternity, passing slowly. The man cleared his throat, expecting something. A crash broke the following silence, making me flinch at the sound. Quasi must of dropped something, making my worry only grow as Frollo tried to coax words from my friend, who was managing to deny that anything could possibly be wrong.

Phoebus shifted, scaring me. In panic, I pressed the hand from my chest to cover his mouth before he could even make a sound. I shook my head at his confused look and started focusing on the conversation again.

"What is different in here?" Frollo questioned, his footsteps easy to identify. Carefully planned, slow, as if a sign of power, and he was always in control.

"Nothing, sir."

"Is this one new?" I furrowed my brows, curious. "It's awfully good. Looks very much like the gypsy girl."

I felt my blood run cold, understanding what he must of been seeing. Quasimodo must of started a new carving after the woman had left such an impression.

"I know you helped her escape!" Frollo's voice grew louder, dark.

"But I -"

"And now, all of Paris is burning because of you!"

Quasimodo hesitated. I could hear the pain in his voice. "She was kind to me, Master."

"You idiot!" A loud crash filled the room, followed by Quasi's panicked steps. I felt a pressure against my shoulder, looking to see Kyo's hand. He knew I wanted to do something, his eyes reflecting my emotions. If we moved, we would only make it worse. "That wasn't kindness, it was cunning! She's a gypsy! Gypsies aren't capable of real love! Think, boy! Think of your mother!"

The room fell silent once more, waiting for what was next. We dared not to move as we listened. My heart ached painfully for my friend, curious of the meaning behind the words.

"But what chance could a poor, misshapen child like you have against her heathen treachery? Well, never you mind, Quasimodo. She will be out of our lives soon enough. She and that little witch will torment you no longer, and I will free you from their spell."

"What do you mean?" Quasi asked, his voice shaking.

If Kyo's hand wasn't a reminder, I would of exposed us already. I felt like I was going to be sick.

"I know where her hideout is, and at dawn I attack with a thousand men."

Silence again, waiting for the final sounds of footsteps to fade into the distance. I did not hesitate when Kyo moved away to scramble to my feet, hurrying to Quasi's side. He barely met my eyes with his as I asked if he was alright. When I got no real reaction, I focused instead on trying to fix his table and his creations once I saw the piece that must of been Esmeralda. It was nothing more than a pile of ash, a few small chunks left to burn.

Kyo stepped up to help me with the heavy table while Nara sighed.

"Careful there, sir knight, or you're going to hurt yourself."

I looked to see Phoebus, balancing himself as well as he could. He tried to smile towards me once he noticed my frown.

"Not sure what you did, but thank you. Ami, was it?" Once I nodded, he continued. "I'm not going to stand around and let Frollo massacre innocents. We have to find a clue about the Court of Miracles, before daybreak."

Phoebus asked me if I knew where that was and I explained we were outsiders to the city, never having heard of such a place. When I asked Quasimodo - who remained separated from the group - he hesitated.

"I can't help you."

"I thought Esmeralda was your friend." Phoebus looked angry, upset. I couldn't blame him, worried for her safety.

"Frollo is my Master, I can't disobey him again." At Quasi's words I tried to press my palm to his shoulder, only to have him brush me away.

Phoebus shook his head, preparing himself to leave. Kyo appeared at first like he wanted to block the blonde, yet with a glance towards me decided against it and stepped aside. I knew I couldn't stop a man determined to protect the woman he loved. I eyed Quasi at the thought, wondering the meaning to their argument.

"She stood up for you. You have a funny way of showing your gratitude."

I asked Nara if she could go with Phoebus, as she had already gone that way the night prior. She seemed almost grateful, eager to do something. I didn't miss the look shared between my companions, one they seemed to share often. I took a mental note to try not to wander again, not wanting them to worry.

With one last look towards Quasi, the blonde soldier turned to storm down the steps and out of the tower.

A moment passed without anyone moving even an inch. The gargoyles all watched Quasimodo, as if seeing who would make the first step. Kyo had gone to keep watch, leaving the rest of us alone.

"Quasi." I said softly, pressing my palm to his shoulder once more. That time, he didn't move away.

"What am I supposed to do?" He started, slow at first. His words built, adding to his frustration he was keeping inside. "Go out there, recue the girl? Then everyone will praise me? Like I'm some sort of hero?"

We said nothing, even as he went to look at us each in turn.

"Frollo was right, okay? He was right about everything. I'm not going to keep trying to be something I'm not."

"No, you're right." I interrupted, earning his attention. I smiled, despite how he felt I just couldn't help it. He needed to know that being afraid of such things was okay, normal. Without any warning I lowered myself slightly and pulled him into a hug, the best I could manage. He tensed at the action. "You don't have to try to be anything, Quasimodo. Just be yourself. Trust your kindness, your love, your sorrow. Trust you heart, and I know you'll do what is right."

As he listened, I felt his hesitation falter. Slowly, he returned my hug. It was as though he wasn't used to the motion, and somewhere in my mind I reminded myself he probably wasn't.

Laverne waited for us to pull away before offering Quasi his cloak from the day prior. He stared at it, unsure, until he sighed and took it in his fingers.

"I must be out of my mind." I heard him mumble, disappearing quickly to follow the others.

"Do you wish to go with him?" I heard Kyo ask.

I turned to him, shaking my head. "Nara knows the way. I'm worried, but... I have a bad feeling. I think we should check below, see if Frollo caused any changes. I don't think it'll be long before the heartless try and break through."

He agreed, and we both prepared to head downstairs.

The heartless had avoided the cathedral, which had only confused me more as we still couldn't find where the keyhole was despite me feeling it so close. I realized why as I had heard Frollo's voice earlier in the evening. He was the source of their power, and he must of previously thought the cathedral untouchable.

Frollo was becoming unhinged, and that was never a good thing.

"Ami, be careful!"

Her large eyes looked up in surprise, tears threatening to fall. Riku frowned, reaching for her hand, where a fresh wound had drawn blood.

Riku's mother had stepped out for just a moment, leaving him in charge of the younger girl. She sat at his kitchen table, feet dangling far from the ground. In front of her, pieces of her newest crafting project. The little girl was always making something, but this time, she had tried to keep it secret. He could tell how hard it was not to tell, even with Sora's guessing game.

"This is the second time you've cut yourself. Tell me, or I'm not going to let you keep going."

Ami pouted, raising her eyes to him as he cleaned her newest cut. The other had already been bandaged.

She sniffed, rubbing at her eyes with the back of her free hand. He knew she was trying to keep silent, but with one stern look from him, his friend gave in.

"I'm making a-a paopu fruit."

He raised a brow, waiting for her to continue. Ami's tears had stopped, her focus on the items on the table. Riku could make out the yellow shapes she had carefully cut, along with wires and silver chain links.

"Papa showed me how to make charms." She explained with a smile. "Butterflies and flowers!"

Ami pointed to her bag, laying open on the table. When Riku looked, he saw what she meant. An assortment of charms she must of practiced on with her father seemed to spill from her bag. He couldn't help but be amused; some of them didn't resemble either of what she said.

"But..." Her smile had fallen, blue eyes giving away her emotions. "Papa got sad when I said I wanted to make a paopu. He said... he said that he and Mama shared one when they fell in love."

"Then why are you making one?" Riku asked, passing her a piece as she returned to making her project.

"I want to show Papa it's not sad! That paopu's would make people happy! Mama would like it, so it'll be my lucky charm!"

Riku clicked his teeth in frustration, brushing his fingers through silver strands. He had been sitting on the windowsill in his room and must of fallen asleep.

His dreams of late had been cluttered with memories, good and bad. He remembered the younger Ami's smile with fondness, having watched her fail making the charm several times before finally being happy with the outcome.

After the incident on her tenth birthday, something had happened that only irritated Riku; Sora had started to carry the charm with him, grinning wide like the clueless fool he was.

Riku heard the soft chirping from the room next door, followed only by the softer mumblings of the quiet girl. He tried to listen, wondering what she could be saying.

Eventually he gave up and tried to fall back asleep.

"I believe that is the last of them, for the time being."

Kyo's voice made me look to him. Despite his words, his weapon remained summoned, tip embedded slightly into the stone as it rested.

The two of us had spent what felt like hours trying to clear the hallways of heartless. I felt tired, drained, but I didn't let myself stop. My companion, as always, was supportive, following wherever the darkness seemed to lead me.

When we had reached outside, at the back of the cathedral, it was strange. Almost as though the enemy had retreated. It should of been a good thing, yet the feeling I had instead just made me more uneasy.

Something bigger was coming.

In the distance, I could hear voices. Quiet at first, though growing louder as I could see the first spot of light on the horizon. Had we really been fighting for so long?

"What is that?" I asked, curious.

Kyo suggested we go to look, slowly easing ourselves around the building. So many people had begun to gather, crowding the streets and blocking the town square. Shouting, crying, and uncertain sounds filled the early morning air.

I tried to see what was happening, but there was too many people. Even Kyo, with his added height, couldn't seem to make sense of it.

"Ami!" A familiar voice called through the crowd.

Looking around, I tried to follow my name, pushing past the villagers who had joined the crowd. They wouldn't let me through until Kyo had stepped in to find me, arms around me in a protective manner as he led the way.

The sight had me cry out in surprise, running towards the one who had called me, Kyo close behind. Several carts lined the road, each with a cage filled with people. They were being pulled by horses, the front of the line leading towards the same town square the city folk were blocking. The carts had stopped for the moment, allowing me to approach them.

In one stood Phoebus, fingers grasping at the bars as he called out to me again. When I reached him, my fingers mimicked his, and I looked up to him. The guard had stepped away, barely noticeable at the front of the chaos, likely trying to order the carts through. It gave us the opportunity without causing the patrols alarm.

"Phoebus! What happened? Where's Nara? Quasi?"

The others in the cages looked towards us at the sound of my voice. I noticed their attire while I looked to them; everything was colorful and vibrant, different than those villagers ahead, and I was reminded of Esmeralda. They must of been her people, recalling how she had been quick to come to their defense, yet she was nowhere to be seen. The blonde soldier himself seemed worse for wear.

"Frollo followed us. He took Esmeralda, and he plans to burn her alive when the sun rises!" He was angry, scared. His grip so tight his knuckles had been drained of colour. The gaze in his eyes gave away a man that wanted nothing more than to fight for the one he loved. "Quasimodo was taken back inside the cathedral, I don't know where. Your friend did that... disappearing act of hers, I don't' know where she went."

"What? But how did Frollo..." I froze, feeling a heavy lump in my throat. Phoebus seemed to read my mind, watching my reaction and giving me an understanding look. "He followed Quasi. Everything he said was a trap."

My eyes found Kyo, who nodded at my unasked question.

"Phoebus, we're going to go around the side, sneak back in. I need to find Nara, and once we find Quasi, we're going to save Esmeralda."

I released the bars, hearing Kyo's warning that the guard was returning. We had to leave, quickly, or the heartless weren't going to be the only issue.

"What about me? Let me out, I can help."

"No." I said simply, stopping him before he could argue. "I know you want to fight, but you need to stay here. The people need you, they trust you. Frollo's darkness is growing stronger the closer he gets to Esmeralda, so don't let them lose hope. We can't let him win."

Phoebus frowned, staying silent as he observed me. His eyes searched mine, as if trying to find my resolve. Finally, he sighed. "Alright. Be safe, and make sure you save her. Please."

"Ami." Kyo called to me, motioning to the alley.

I promised Phoebus I would do everything I could, and followed Kyo inside before it was too late.

Going back the way we came had turned out to be harder than we thought, the heartless we had already cleared starting to return. By the time we even reached the tower, it felt like I was running on nothing more than fumes. I quickly drank one of my ether potions, though it didn't count for much.

As we stepped inside, I called for Quasi without hesitation and searched for him in his room. Outside I heard a familiar female voice call my name, Nara coming into view and hurrying towards me. She looked unhurt, but exhausted, like all of us. Without me even asking, she grabbed my wrist and dragged me back outside, where she had just been. There was the bridge there, linking the two towers together with beautifully carved stone pillars. Yet unlike the last time I had seen the sight, I gasped and covered my mouth with both hands. I wanted to be sick.

Chains had been tied everywhere, intertwined with each pillar in an elaborate attempt to keep them sturdy. Connected to them was my friend, trapped in the center of the bridge. Forced to watch the town square below.

I hurried to him, grasping at the chains and trying to undo them. They were strong, their cold touch burning against my skin and forcing me to recoil. It wasn't the temperature, but the sensation from the metal links. The chains were practically dripping with Frollo's darkness.

"Quasi? Quasimodo, are you okay?" I tried to call to him, gain his attention. He was hunched over, unmoving. Letting the chains hold him up and nothing more. I could feel his light fading, flickering softly in the shroud of dark that surrounded him. It was terrifying.

The three gargoyles were nearby, each trying to free Quasi from his prison. They seemed not to be affected by the touch as I was.

Shaking my head, I decided to try again, not willing to give up. "Quasimodo, please, answer me."

"Leave me alone." He mumbles quietly, not looking to me.

"Quasi, come on. We have to get you out of these. We have to hurry, and save Esmeralda!"

"Your friends need you!" I heard Victor beg, still pulling at the chains.

They tried to help me reason with him, but the older boy wasn't listening to any of us. The click of Nara unsheathing one of her blades caught my ear, looking to see her try to cut the links. They didn't budge.

"Ami." Kyo motioned below us, looking over the edge.

The terrible voice echoed through the town square below just as the sun peaked over the horizon, lighting the city. When I went to see what Kyo had, the air caught in my throat.

The towns people had all been moved into the square, those in cages included. In the center, a wooden stage. I could make out the raven haired dancer, wearing in a tattered white dress and tied to a wooden pillar just as Quasi was to stone. A guard was throwing kindling at her feet, and another stood watch nearby, lit torch in his hands.

Frollo was standing there with her, speaking over the angry cry of the people.

"The prisoner Esmeralda has been found guilty of the crime of witchcraft." He called out for all to hear. "The sentence is death!"

"No, no, no, no..." I muttered, panicking as I repeated the word to myself. Scrambling from the side of the bridge I hurried to Quasi's side again. "Quasi, snap out of it!" I reached for him, wanting to shake him out of his trance, make him realize what was wrong. Again, I pulled away at a strange feeling, looking to my hands and watching them tremble.

Touching Quasimodo had the same sensation as the chains.

"You have to break these chains!" Laverne tried, though I did not look to see.

"I can't. I tried, what difference does it make?"

"You can't let Frollo win!" Victor pleaded as he had before.

I heard Hugo join them, telling Quasimodo that he couldn't give up. Below, Frollo's voice continued, yet I paid them little attention and tried to focus on what I was feeling.

"These chains aren't holding you back, Quasi!" It was Laverne's words that made it click in my mind. The keyblade flashed to life in my palm, and without hesitating, I lifted it towards Quasi so the tip pointed at his back.

Frollo was controlling my friends emotions, his darkness overwhelming such a pure, innocent heart.

"Quasimodo!" I called to him. The others looked to me, some panicked, others confused. I ignored them and continued with what my heart told me was right. "Whatever feeds on your heart, I repel it! I set you free!"

I wasn't entirely sure what I had expected to happen, watching my weapon grow bright. The light shone, striking him. He was not my target.

The darkness peeled from his body, hissing and twisting itself as it grew. Its form slowly came into view as the large creature hovered above its host. Sharp claws reached to grasp one of the pillars, digging into the stone. Terrifying horns protruded from its skull, and bat-like wings spread from its body. Its shape reminded me too much of the smaller, friendly gargoyles.

Its eyes focused on me, opening its mouth to reveal large and pointed teeth. As Frollo's voice grew, so too did the creature, as if matching it.

"For Justice, for Paris, and for her own salvation; it is my holy duty to send this demon back where she belongs!"

The heartless raised a claw, aiming to strike me. Due to its size, it was slow, and I was able to dodge it. My companions were battle ready, but Quasimodo seemed like he was waking up from a long dream. He cried out, pulling tightly at the chains that kept him. To my surprise they seemed to crumble at his strength. When the heartless noticed, it went to turn its attention back to my friend.

"We have to distract it!" I shouted at Nara and Kyo, sending a small ball of fire towards the creature. It screeched loudly as it came in contact with its head, a sound that shook the building under my feet and made me wish I could cover my ears.

It had worked, the large heartless turning back to me and trying to strike again. Ready for it, I ran to the other side of the bridge, behind a pillar. My companions waited for it to reach out across the stone, trying to grab at me, before attacking at once. Another piercing screech filled the air, a sign that we had its full attention.

Quasimodo had freed himself, our eyes meeting for the briefest moment. He looked to the monster, unsure at first, though with a nod from me he understood. This was something we needed to do, leaving the rest to him. He disappeared from my sight before I turned back to the task at hand.

"Distract the big thing, sounds easy enough." I tried to offer Nara a smile at her obvious sarcasm.

"We must act quickly, or the heartless will cause more damage."

"Quasi will save Esmeralda," I knew in my heart he would, using it as strength as I readied my keyblade in my fingers. "So we have to do our part, and take this thing down."

The task itself was not as easy as we could hope, the large heartless feeding off of Frollo's anger down below. We used the pillars and the building to our advantage, the creature not being able to pass through them. Each time it reached for one of us, I froze its clawed hand in place with a blizzard spell, my companions using the chance to strike in unison with their blades.

For a time, it seemed to be working, that we were weakening it. Until I realized any damage we had caused was practically erased a second later, feeding from the darkness and healing its wounds.

A cheer filled the air, only followed by another screech of the heartless. Quasi must of gotten to Esmeralda, the crowd showing their excitement. Frollo's anger only grew, fueling our enemy. I tried to look over the side, seeing if I could spot Quasimodo below, and that he was safe.

"Ami!"

Nara's warning came too late, my head turning just to see its dark palm before it knocked me away. My body crashed, a cry of pain escaping my lips. With blurred vision, I noticed the boxes I had crashed into, explaining the pain spreading through my body. I could barely register that I had been tossed inside of the building, seeing the familiar bells hanging around me.

"You okay?" I heard Nara, who helped free me from my predicament. She offered me a potion, which I drank quickly before thanking her. Kyo ran inside to find us, looking around inside.

"It is gone." He said, and we followed him outside again to make sure.

Kyo was right, the heartless was no longer in sight.

"Where did it go?" I asked, though none of us seemed to understand. It wasn't exactly small and easy to miss.

I took the opportunity to look below again, noticing the changes. Those in cages had been freed, mixing with the common folk and fighting back against the guards. I could see the familiar blonde peaking from the crowd, knowing full well it was Phoebus.

"Quasi must of gotten to Esmeralda and freed her, I don't see her down there." I said, looking back to my friends.

Nara raised a brow, eying me carefully. "That's good news, but your face says something is wrong."

I nodded, my eyes falling temporarily to my weapon. It wasn't only my heart that felt uneasy, but I could feel the slightest tremble from its handle.

"Frollo is coming, the heartless must of returned to its master."

I told them we needed to hurry and find Quasimodo, and though they were first unwilling, they finally agreed to split up to search. Moments passed as I ran about, until something caught my attention as I turned a corner. The dark man opened a door, going to step inside. I followed him closely, but carefully, trying not to make a sound.

"Esmeralda! No, no... wake up! You're safe now!"

Quasi's voice filled my ears. Slowly, to not be noticed, I pushed open the door slightly to look inside to see what Frollo was doing. On a bench at the other side of the room, the raven haired woman seemed to be asleep. The smaller man stood beside her, watching her and pleading for the woman to open her eyes.

Frollo approached them, each step trailing behind the darkness I could feel from him.

"You killed her." Quasimodo whispered with pain in his voice, not even sparing a glance.

"It was my duty, horrible as it was." My body shivered with the tone, the air around him feeling bitterly cold. He was too far gone. "There, there, Quasimodo. I know it hurt. But now, the time has come to end your suffering."

The candle light reflected the knife in his fingers, hiding behind his back. As he raised it, poised for action, I called out to my friend. There was no thought to my actions, fingers reaching to grasp Frollo's robe and pulling him away.

My view faded, eyes clouded over by a dark veil. Something came into sight, yet it wasn't a memory of mine. It flashed by quickly, showing me scenes I hadn't been there to see. A woman, dressed in colorful garbs, running through the snow covered city. A staircase, a well. The same woman in the arms of an elderly man. Her skin as cold as the snow. A baby, and the terrifying smile from the man that held him.

Frollo knocked me away before I could make sense of what I had seen, my body hitting the cold stone hard. As my eyes adjusted, I looked up just in time to see that knife again, aimed towards me.

Quasi had turned just in time, his own hand reaching to grasp Frollo's wrist before he could strike me. They struggled against each other, until Quasimodo came out the victor, pushing the man away from me and to the floor.

"Now, now, Quasimodo. Listen to me." Frollo sounded distressed, lifting a hand as if moving to defend himself.

Quasi looked to me first, our eyes locking in a silent exchange before they turned to the dagger. He released it, the metal clattering against the stone.

"No, you listen! All my life you have told me the world is a dark, cruel place. Then I meet people like them and I see that the only thing dark and cruel about it is people like you!"

A soft female voice whispered, and though I couldn't make out the words I knew it was Esmeralda. Quasi called out to her, reaching her and turning his back to us. Frollo took the chance to unsheathed his blade, preparing to strike. Having had enough, I gathered my strength and hurried to my feet, raising my keyblade to meet his strike. Dark eyes narrowed at me as I held him back, bracing myself against his strength.

"Quasi, quick! Get her outside! Frollo's heart is too dark, he's unstable right now!"

"No!" Frollo hissed, swirls of black smoke leaking from his lips. "You will not keep her from me, witch!"

He tried to follow Quasi as he carried Esmeralda outside in his arms, his anger only making him stronger. I used my remaining strength to push him back hard before scrambling from the room myself, knowing what was coming.

Wisps of that same smoke leaked from the open door, which a slow Frollo stepped through less than a moment later. His eyes had gone dark, absent of any white, and black cracks spread along his skin.

Above him, the darkness formed a shape, the heartless from earlier returning with a loud cry. It reached for me as I jumped out of its way, rolling harshly before trying to stand again. If I could lead it around the tower, hopefully Quasi could handle the darkened husk that was once Frollo.

I heard my name, Nara and Kyo standing together. They weren't far, but both readied their blades when they saw what was behind me. Once I reached them, we tried the same tactic as before, working together to weaken it.

"We need another strategy." Kyo motioned, and I could see what he meant.

Despite all of our work, everything we had done to the creature didn't seem to be slowing it down in the slightest. I looked up, watching it open its mouth, baring its sharp teeth. It gave me an idea.

"We have to go for its head, take it down at once! It'll keep healing itself if we don't!"

The three of us came up with a plan together, which terrified me if I thought of my part. It had been my idea, yet I hadn't expected to be the one to do it. They seemed to know that I could, and I trusted their belief.

I looked to Nara, who met my gaze, and we both began to run forward. Its large claws dug into the tower, searching for us. We worked with haste, freezing both of its arms as we had before. This time we worked up keep up the magic, keeping it in place. It screeched, wings flapping hard as it tried to free itself.

"Now!" Nara gave the command, and I took the chance to break free from the task.

Kyo waited as I ran back down the path towards him, the flat of his blade reflecting the light of the early sun, waiting for me. I trusted him, spinning my body as a jumped, using the momentum and bracing myself. With all of his might, Kyo sent me flying. It took me a second to adjust myself, overcoming the quick panic, but I managed to prepare my keyblade for attack. Like with the dog heartless I had defeated previously, I forced my weapon to dig into the creatures head. Its cry again filled my ears, my own voice crying out as the pain vibrated through me.

I scrambled to keep my footing, holding tightly onto the hilt of the keyblade. The creature thrashed about, trying to knock me away, even managing to free itself from the ice. It went to swipe at me, missing several times. Before I let it hit me, I pressed my feet flat against it and pulled my blade free. I managed to block its claw as it went to strike, but at a cost.

Without its grasp on the tower, nothing was keeping it there. We both began to fall.

Something grabbed my arm, falling with me. I could hear a strange scratching sound, loud, but couldn't focus too much past the pain in my arm. Only once it stopped did I realize I had closed my eyes.

It was Kyo who had jumped for me, one hand tightly holding my wrist while the other clung to the hilt of his great sword. The blade dug deep into the stone of the tower, leaving a significant mark. I could feel his muscles straining, having not fully recovered from his injury. He looked down to me, making sure I was safe. I tried to smile, though I knew my worry was obvious.

"Hold on!" I heard from above, Nara's purple hair peeking over the side of the railing.

As she threw down some chains for us, I looked below. The heartless seemed to be gone, disappearing beneath the smoke that covered the city. I still felt its darkness, not sure why it lingered, but I wanted to make sure Quasi was safe and sound.

With a grunt, Kyo used his strength to pass me to Nara as we made it to the ledge. The soldier climbed the rest on his own once I was up, and both gave me a moment to catch my breath.

"That could of gone worse." Nara said, amused. She laughed when I gave her a disbelieving look.

"You were brave." Kyo ignored her, resting a hand on my shoulder. "You are learning quickly."

I was surprised with his praise, my cheeks burning. I had been scared out of my mind, my heart still pounding in my chest. It needed to be done. People were in danger, counting on me and my friends.

The moment of peace was short lived.

"Quasi!"

My head snapped up at the familiar voice in the distance, hurrying to find the source despite the trembling in my legs. I ran around the corner, frozen at the sight. Nara and Kyo weren't far behind.

Standing on the stone railing was Quasimodo, and across from him on a stone gargoyle that protruded from the cathedral was the unhinged Frollo. I noted Esmeralda and went to her, standing between her and the dark man. His focus, however, was on the younger man in his sight.

"I should of known you'd risk your life to save that gypsy witch. Just as your own mother died trying to save you."

My eyes widened at the words, recalling the scenes I had seen in my head when I touched Frollo. Had that been Quasimodo's mother? How had I seen it?

There was no time to think on it, the weight of Frollo's words lingering in the air and registering to all who heard it. Quasi's eyes had widened, surprised, which quickly melted into a sorrowful disbelief.

"What?" I heard him question softly.

Frollo's laughter echoed, each word laced with ill intent. "Now, I'm going to do what I should of done twenty years ago!"

Frollo stepped forward, lunging with his blade. His attack missed, though it was enough for Quasi to lose his balance. He reached forward, grasping at Frollo's robe, and they both fell from the tower. At once, Esmeralda and I both ran to the side to try to find out friend.

"Quasi!" I called to him, noticing him hanging off the side. One hand held a stone indent, the other clutching the robes of the one he had once called master. Of course he had saved him, despite all Frollo has done, my friend still had his heart intact. The raven woman and I both reached to grab his arm, trying to pull him up.

Behind us were Nara and Kyo, hoping to stop either of us from falling with him.

I watched Frollo swing his body to the side, reaching the nearest gargoyle and using the stone creature to lift himself up. His laughter echoed again, a dark cackle, and raised his sword high above his head. The click of Nara's sheath found my ears, though I paid it no mind.

Quasi seemed to be losing energy, weak, and my attention was torn. I couldn't hold my friend and defend myself at the same time.

"And so he shall smite the wicked and plunge them into the fiery pit!"

Frollo went to strike.

His weapon made no contact.

From below, the heartless emerged from the smoke. Its large claws reached to grasp at empty air, its cry drowning out any other sound in the morning. I could see that its body was deteriorating from my attack. With a final act, clawed fingers curled around the dark man, and together they fell once more. I could recall the man's scream as he was dragged down past the smoke, and when silence had fallen, a single freed heart floated for us to see. It only made sense that darkness would claim him, as it always seemed to.

I couldn't believe it, but we had won.

"Quasimodo!" Esmeralda's desperate voice cried out beside me, quickly dragging me back to the moment. Neither of us were strong enough, and before my friends could come to help, we lost him. My own cry escaped my lips as he slipped through my grasp.

"Look!" I motioned below, a relieved smile on my lips.

Somehow, from the lower portion of the bridge, I could once again make out the familiar blonde. I sighed heavily once Esmeralda had run to see the two below, knowing Phoebus had been lucky enough to be where he was to catch our friend.

My knees collapsed, giving myself a moment to just breath. The darkness was gone, I could truly not feel its presence. Frollo must of been the largest cause, the heartless feeding off his desire to be in control.

Nara and Kyo waited patiently for me to recover from the stress. Of course, without the lingering darkness the light could shine brighter. I could feel it, guiding me. The keyhole was open, and I couldn't help but smile when I could feel where it was.

Quasimodo's table, his miniature city. It only made sense; the world must of felt Quasi's distress with Frollo's constant presence.

I sighed again, looking between my companions. "Is it too early for a vacation?"

Nara laughed.

"Do you think she's alright? I wish she hadn't of left so suddenly."

Esmeralda smiled towards Quasi, gently offering him a pat against his back. Phoebus and herself had been busy the last few days, helping the city recover. The blonde was occupied with fixing a portion of the tower, the couple having brought lunch when they went to see their new friend.

"Quasi, she said her farewells in her letter. I'm sure she felt her job here was done, we wouldn't want to keep her."

Quasimodo seemed as though he wanted to argue, frowning and shaking his head instead. "I know, but I still wish I could of given her a proper goodbye, after all she did for us."

"To be honest, I'd be fine without that one guard of hers." They heard Phoebus, turning to him as he approached, wiping his hands on a towel. "I can still hear her sarcasm."

Out of what seemed to be habit, the two men began to argue about something small. Happy, Esmeralda watched them, amused. They were free to do just that, and Paris would only continue to grow.

Esmeralda noticed something new, stepping to his table. Her fingers brushed lightly against the shortest of the three newest carvings. She made note of the smile, and the familiar shape of her hair.

"Thank you, dear friend." She whispered to the carving, and hoped with all her heart that the brunette could feel it, wherever the roads had taken her.

Aerith frowned, balancing the tray in one hand as she carefully opened the door with the other. She called his name, glancing inside the darkened room.

"Leon?"

She heard a slight shuffle from inside, the small light from a single candle illuminating a figure in the corner. Aerith sighed, glancing about. It was obvious he was searching for something by the state of the room.

"You've been in here for a while, so I brought you some food." He turned to look at her, sharp blue eyes showing signs of his exhaustion. "Did you find it?"

"Yes." He sighed, rubbing his temples. Stepping away from the dresser, he went to sit instead at the edge of the bed.

Aerith set the tray on a nearby table, taking a moment to relight some of the candles and brighten up the room just a little more.

"I put it away so I could forget, but when I needed it, I couldn't seem to find it."

"Will it help?"

Leon didn't answer, his eyes locked on the piece of paper in his fingers. Beside him, an old envelope, lasting the test of time. Though Aerith did not know what was in the letter, the written words on the front were easy to recognize. They brought a wave of emotions back to her, which she had long tried to lock away.

The delicate writing on the envelope could be made out even where she was standing.

'To Squall, my darling brother.'