Disclaimer: I still don't own Kingdom hearts . Hopefully Quasi will be feeling better, with a little help from Aros. It's been a while since I got back to writing for this story, but no worries.

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Chapter 25: Sin and Forgiveness

By now, guards were sent to find the gypsy Esmeralda, but luck wasn't on their side. Also unoticed by the crowd, Aros was able to sneak back into the cathedral. He had no idea whether or not he would follow Quasi and try to comfort him. He knew he shouldn't. He had more important matters to deal with as his father kept insisting. He had to find that girl. He had to find her and kill her. But that was all he could do. Think about her and not carry out his actions. I wonder if I'll ever be able to when I do see her. Aros pulled off the mask and sighed.

Sora's concerns, however, fell with the gypsy girl. He wondered if by some miracle she had escaped. Right now, it looked as though she may be caught with the many guards Phoebus sent out. He and his friends walked alongside him, searching for Esmeralda as well. Sora looked up at Phoebus with worry. "You're not really going to capture her are you?"

Phoebus seemed lost in a dream momentarily. "Huh, oh, sorry. And no, don't worry." He leaned down and whispered, "I don't intend to take her. As long as she has a good excuse."

"Good excuse?," Kairi questioned,"She didn't do anything wrong. She was doing what was right."

Phoebus looked around nervously. "You might want to keep your voice down a smige. We're living in hard times here. Any wrong words and you might be arrested or worse."

Kairi and the others exchanged worried glances. "Gosh," Goofy cried, "Is this all because of that tall guy, uh what's his name?" "Frollo," Donald answered. "Yeah, that's it."

Phoebus excused himself from listening as he just found the girl they've been looking for. She was disguised as an old man and entering the church. "I think we just found our fugitive." "Huh?" Sora looked up, but Phoebus was already heading her way. Sora and the others raced after him.

Once they were inside the chruch, Sora and the others marveled at the beauty of the catherdral's inner walls. "Whoa, I've never seen anything like it," Sora informed the others.

"Neither have I," said Donald.

"It is impressive," Riku agreed. Kairi was taking her time with the sights. "It's most than impressive; it's beautiful."

"You!"

They turn their attention from the church to the girl who had somehow managed to knock Phoebus to the floor and hold his sword to his neck. " Easy, easy, I just came to apologise."

"For what?"

"For this." In an instant, Phoebus was able to grab the sword, leap up and hold it on her instead. Sora and the others ran up to them. "Wait a minute you two!" Sora called. "There's no reason to fight." "The kid's got a point," said Phoebus, but Esmeralda wasn't listening. She decides to fight him with a staff holding candles. "Come'on you guys, don't fight in a church!," Donald cried out, but they were too deep in their private sword fight. "Actually, I can't think of a better place for hand-to-hand combat," Phoebus decided. "You fight almost as well as a man." Esmeralda smirked.

"I was going to say the same about you." She swung the staff down and would have hit him below the belt had not Phoebus blocked the attack. She swung it up and hit him in the face. "Instead of being angry, he was impressed. "Touche." Esmeralda pauses their battle. "Pardon me, I'm Phoebus." She gave him a questioning look. Her goat Djali moves forward and looks at the soldier with disgust. "You're not arresting me?" "I can't, you're in a church."

Sora walked up to them. "He promised he wouldn't. By the way, I'm Sora and this is Riku, Donald, Goofy and Kairi." She was able to see the kindness of the group and decided that Phoebus may not be so bad. "You're not like the other soldiers." "Thanks." "What do you really want ?" "Your name might be useful." "I'm Esmeralda." That dreamy look that had taken Phoebus's face earlier, fell upon him once more. "What a beautiful name. Way better than mine." She smiled at him which is noticed by Riku. "Do you two need a moment alone?," he joked.

They didn't have time to answer as Frollo entered the church with two other guards behind him. "Good work captain. Arrest her at once."

Phoebus hesitated then turned his back to her and whispered,"Play along." He then turned to Frollo. "I'm sorry sir, I cannot. She claims sanctuary." "Then drag her outside and--" Sora and his group were readying themselves to fight him, but the Archdeacon interrupted. "You will not lay a hand on her. Perphaps you have forgotten to respect the sanctity of the church." Frollo seemed to reconsider as he motioned his guards to leave the area. Before leaving himself, he gave Sora a cold glare. Donald fumed as he left them. "What a jerk." Esmeralda shrugged it off angrily. "Oh, he's just doing what he's always doing. Tormenting the innocent." Phoebus looked back at her and smiled, then turned to Sora and the others.

"Come on you guys. Let's leave Esmeralda alone before we get arrested." Sora paused at this, but Riku got him going again. "Let's go," Riku told him, "We still need to find Aros. I doubt he's pure enough to enter a church." "Yeah," Sora agreed. And they all left the area. After a moment of silence, she hears the threatening voice of Frollo, who was hidden and is just now leaving the area. "You think you're very clever witch. Just wait until you find yourself behind stone walls." He gave a heartless smile and left, slamming the door behind him.

"If he thinks he can keep me here he's wrong." But she wasn't so sure of that. She needed help. She needed a great help that would most likely not come from a couple of kids like Sora, or a handsome, young captain named Phoebus. She needed someone higher up. Silently, she walked about the church, praying silently to herself in song. She was alone, or at least she thought she was. Unknown to her, Quasimodo had been watching and listening a few steps away. "You there! Bell ringer!" She turned at the voice who had spotted Quasi. She looked to the steps just catching Quasi running out of sight. The mysterious bell ringer. The mysterious man who had created such a disator at the festival that day. She wasted no time in hurrying after him.

On the side of the top of the stairs of the cathedral, Aros, Hugo, Victor, and Laverne were lazying about, looking up at the stars of the approaching night. Aros wasn't too concerned with them as he was more concerned about Quasi. "You think he's alright? Maybe I should find him." At that moment, Quasi ran by and turned a corner, followed by Esmeralda. Hugo perked up at the sight. "Looks likes he's found somebody else kid." "How lovely," said Victor. A moment later, Djali followed after the both of them. Hugo's attention heighted at the goat. "I'll say," Hugo responded to Victor.

Aros's curiosity of the gypsy girl got the better of him, so he followed. He was careful to stay in the shadows so he wouldn't attract any attention. What does he think he's getting himself into? But what about me? What am I getting into? He knew he shouldn't be worrying about her, nor him. He still had a mission to complete. Quasi could bounce back from what had happened to him that day, but Aros wasn't so sure he could bounce back if he failed the mission.

There they were. Quasi and that girl. He was able to overcome his fear of Esmeralda and tell her about his home. She seemed interested enough in hearing about it. Looks like she can help you better than I can. While staying behind the walls, he crept in closer to hear their conversation.

"You're a surprising person Quasimodo. And you're so lucky, to have this whole room to yourself."

"Quasi blushed slightly. "Well, I'm not the only one up here of course. I, I mean I've got the gargoyles and well, of course the bells. Would you like to see them?"

"Oh yes I would."

"I'll introduce you."

Introduce? Bells? As far as he knew, bells were bells and needed no introduction. Of course, he really didn't know anything about bells in the first place, so he followed along to find out. They entered the bell tower, where Aros and Quasi first met. Aros had not known they were so special. He could tell they were of importance to Quasi as they all had their own names like Little Sophia, Jean Marie, Ann Marie, Louise Marie, and Big Marie. It turned out the bell Aros had rung earlier was Big Marie. Esmeralda was clearly enjoying herself as she cried her greetings to Big Marie. "She likes you," Quasi informed her. I wonder if Big Marie liked me. After the way I rang her, probably not.

They continued on the tour with Quasi saving the best for last. A beautiful view of Paris; Aros's favorite part of the cathedral.

"I could stay up here forever," she sighed. So could I. I think I'm beginning to like this girl. Aros edged closer from behind his wall. His thoughts on his mission were pretty much gone. "You could you know," answered Quasi.

"I couldn't. I'm not free. I'm a gypsy afterall."

"But you're not like other gypsies. They're evil." Aros frowned at Quasi's response. "Who told you that?," she asked him. "My master." Of course. Only a jerk would say something like that. "How could someone like that raise someone like you?"

"Because no one else would raise me. I am a monster." Aros sighed and shook his head. "That's not true Quasi," he whispered to himself. Esmeralda agreed, but she didn't say it. She simply took his hand and started looking at it. "What are you doing?" Quasi asked, but she didn't answer. "That's odd." "What?" "I don't see any monster lines." Quasi and Aros took this into consideration. "Now you look at me. Am I evil?" "Of course not. Why, you're kind and good and-"

"I'm also a gypsy. And maybe, Frollo's wrong about the both of us." Her words seemed to echo in Aros's mind. It seemed to bring up a past that he shared with Virgo. They both were different from the rest of the Zodiac, but neither had ever said that, nor had Aros ever felt it, until now. Could that mean, that my father is also wrong, about me?

He looked back at the two and saw how privately they were talking. After her words of kindness, Quasi vowed to help her escape the church unnoticed. Quasi would carry Esmeralda while she carried her pet goat and together, they'd climb down to the bottom. As they were setting up, Aros looked up at the night sky. A day had gone by. A day without much success. He had to do something and he had to do it now. He nodded to himself. And fled the area.

After a series of tricky moves to get from the roof of the cathedral, Quasi and Esmeralda made it to the ground.

"Thank you Quasimodo, I'll never forget you."

"Nor will I forget you."

By this time, Aros had followed his own way out of the cathedral, and was hovering above them on a ledge. It was clear to Esmeralda that she greatly admired Quasi. She showed this by urging him to join her, by Quasi gave various excuses why he couldn't go. It seemed to convince her. "Okay," she said," I'll come and see you. I'll come after sunset."

"But but you can't ...I mean I...I (She kissed him on the cheek which quickly changed his mind) whatevers go for you." She then reached in her pocket and gave him a strange necklace. "If you ever need sanctuary, " she said, " This will help you find the way. Remember. When you wear this woven band you hold the city in your hand." Quasi took it and marveled at its look. He wanted to say more to her, but was cut off by the sound of what must be guards. "Hurry, you must go!" She took his advice and soon she and her goat were out of sight. "Looks like she really likes you." Quasi turned just in time to see Aros drop down right in front of him. "Oh, well, I uh...no no it's nothing like that." "Sure." Aros started to walk away from him. "What are you doing down here anyway." "I have to go. I'm sorry, but we'll meet again. Thanks for everything." Quasi looked after Aros, confused by his words. He didn't believe he did much for him, but he did. He gave lots for Aros to think about. Things that would come in handy later.

It was late, and getting later as Sora and his gang moved through the streets. Phoebus had not come with them; they didn't know where he went, but they were sure it had to do with Esmeralda. He did leave them with a word of advice; "Don't walk the streets at night." But they couldn't do that, with Aros on the loose. So far, they saw no sign of him.

"He's gotta be around here somewhere," said Donald.

"Well, he's not, and I have a feeling the only way we're going to catch him is if we split up," Riku stated. Sora stopped causing Donald and Goofy to crash into him. "Split up! With that Frollo guy running around, I don't think it's a good idea."

Riku turned to him, " Well I do. You take Donald and Goofy and I'll go with Kairi. We'll be fine, so don't worry. This way, we'll cover more ground. Paris is a big city and if we want to catch him now, this is the only way."

"But how will we meet up?," Kairi asked. Riku looked up and saw a statue of Frollo on a horse over a water fountain behind him. "We'll meet back here." He checked his clock. "At midnight. Let's hurry." Riku grabbed Kairi and ran straight on, leaving Sora behind. "I don't know about this you guys."

"We'll Riku sure seems to think it's a good idea." said Goofy.

"I guess. Come on then." Sora and his half headed off in another direction.

Unfortunately, Sora wouldn't run into Aros, as he was moving in a direction similar to Riku. He moved along in the shadows, sure he was going in the right direction. He had a feeling that the girl he was looking for was headed his way. Sure enough, he heard voices close by. That sounds like them. He turned and saw Riku and Kairi not too far away from him.

"Are you sure this is a good idea Riku?"

"There's nothing wrong with trying something new for a change. Just stick close by." Kairi was getting the impression that Riku still believed her to be weak, but she'd prove her strenght soon enough. "You do know I can take care of myself." Riku turned to her and saw her moving away from him. They were in the dark part of town. An area where Riku was sure Aros would be. Once he arrived, however, he had second thoughts about bringing her here, but deep down, he knew she could take care of herself; he just wasn't sure he could admit that. "I know Kairi. I know." He turned away from her and examined his surroundings. While he was checking out the area, she sat on the edge of an old fountain. This one wasn't as impressive as the first one they saw. It was old and no longer working. "But still Kairi," Riku said with his back to her. "We have to stay together."

At that moment, Aros dropped down silently from a nearby roof top and landed behind Kairi. He pulled out his blade in a flash and held it up to her neck like a knife held to her throat. She gasped and Riku turned around with his blade out. "Let her go, whoever you are." He couldn't see who it was as the figure's hood was pulled low, but Aros pulled it back so he could see. "You!" Riku charged, but Aros, with his free hand, pulled out two cards. "SUPAIDA, AMIMONO!"

Riku was caught in a tangle of webbing. Aros grinned and looked back at Kairi. He had her pinned, but she sprung up and swung her blade at him. He ducked and used his blade to knock her blade out of the way and knock her to the ground. He stood over her now, ready to make the kill. Riku still struggled through the web. It was too strong for him, but he wouldn't give up.

Kairi had been struck hard and was barely concious. Now is the perfect time. To finish her off. Kill her. Right now. Kill her. For father. He'll be so proud of me. His blade was over his head. He was ready to bring it down. In a second, she would no longer be. "Kairi!," Riku called, but it was no use. Do it. Do it now.

But...he...couldn't. He couldn't move his arms. He couldn't bring the blade down. He couldn't...kill her. Why? His bright blue eyes stared at her on the ground, moaning slightly from his strike. Suddenly, he saw, not his mission, but the girl who had offered him help when he defeated Scorpio. The girl who never got in his way, but was his enemy nonetheless. So why did he have to do this? Me. I can't do it, because of me. If I hadn't have run off, father wouldn't have given me this mission and we wouldn't be in this mess. But was that true? Riku was starting to break through his trap. "Kairi!" He had to make a choice. It was either his father or this girl and at the moment, he had no choice. He had to do it. He raised his blade once more and was bringing it down,when...he stopped, inches above her neck. He heard a strange tapping sound. There, in the distance, a figure was heading his way. From what he could tell, it was a female, dressed in a plain white dress, with a hood and a sad look on her face. Aros gasped. He recognised her at once. She was very pale as though she were suffering from some sickness. She had green eyes and blonde hair that went down to her elbows.

Yes, Aros knew who this was. He recognized her from a picture Virgo had shown him once. Even Riku stopped struggling; curious to know if the woman was an enemy. The woman continued in a bored manner as though she found nothing interesting before her eyes. She only stopped when she reached Aros and looked down into his eyes. He was amazed. He felt overpowered with the shock of seeing her; an ex- member of the Zodiac;

"Cancer?"

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I'm sorry that took so long. I've been so busy. I haven't given up, plus there's been this bug on the site that messed up my stories. Anyways, the next chapter should be ready in a week. Keep reading and reviewing!!!!!!!!!!!