Difference Between A Monster and A Man
A small boat on a river flowed by. People on it seemed very nervous. There was a woman holding a baby, which began to cry. "Hush little one." She urged frightened. The boat docked slowly. The people got off. They heard the sound of a horse. A man gasped. "It's Judge Claude Frollo!" the man said in fear. Soldiers surrounded them. The woman backed away slowly holding the baby close to her. Chains and cuffs were put on the men. "Take these gypsy vermin to the Palace of Justice!' Frollo commanded. The man looked old yet very wicked. Suddenly he looked over at the woman. "You there! What are you hiding?!" he demanded. She didn't answer, as she was scared for her life. "Stolen goods I'll bet! Take them from her." Frollo ordered a soldier. The woman turned and ran down an ally way but Frollo was on her tail with his horse. She jumped over a fence quickly and kept on running but Frollo easily jumped the fence with his horse. She saw two alleyways ahead. She kept on running and suddenly turned down the right alleyway while Frollo accidentally went left. She kept on running but she knew Frollo was nearby. She caught sight of "The Cathedral" and ran up to it. "Sanctuary! Please give us sanctuary!" she yelled banging on the doors. But Frollo appeared once again and she ran from the door. Frollo grabbed the baby and she desperately tried to hold on to it but lost her balance. She fell to the cement stairs hard and died instantly. Frollo opened up the cloth, which hid the baby. "A baby!" he gasped (he's smart) in disgust at its ugly face. Frollo looked around fro a way to get rid of the baby. He saw a wall and brought the horse over to it. He held the baby over the well. "Stop!" a voice cried. Frollo looked over and saw Archdeacon 9he is the bishop I believe). "Why? I am sending this demon back where it belongs, to hell." Frollo said. "You! Do you not see the innocent blood she have spilt on the steps of Notre Dame?" Archdeacon asked holding the mother's. "She ran, I pursued." Frollo said. "Now you would spill the innocent blood of a child?" Archdeacon asked. "My conscious is clear." Replied Frollo. "The eyes are watching! There is danger to your immortal soul!" Archdeacon cried. Frollo looked around in fear. All the statues of saints seemed to be accusing him. "What must I do?" Frollo asked in defeat. "You must raise the child as your own." Archdeacon answered. Frollo was about to protest but stopped. "Very well. But may he at least stay in your church. The bell tower perhaps? Where he can never be seen. And who knows.. our Lord works in mysterious ways." Frollo said. "Even this foul creature may prove yet to be useful to me," he whispered.
Kairi looked around the place she was at, Paris the city of love. Slowly behind her followed Riku and Yuffie. Everyone else was missing. She entered the middle of the market near a fountain. She looked up. In awe she saw a gothic building the sun hitting it with glory. "What is that?" Yuffie asked breathlessly. "Notre Dame." Riku murmured. "How do you know that?" Kairi asked. Riku ignored her and walked past her. Kairi didn't push any further. "They say a bell ringer is up there. Who rings the bells of Notre Dame morning and night. But no one knows who he is." Riku said.
Leon stood up straight and tall beside Cloud. They were in Frollo's army now. At the moment they were on guard duty in the market. Today was a big day. It was the Feast of Fools. Cloud gazed over at some guards pushing an old person around. The person wore a cloak to cover their entire body so you couldn't see any part of who they were. "Where did ya get the money?" a soldier asked angrily taking the money from the old person. "Give that back!" the voice fought back helplessly. It sounded weak and feeble like an old woman. The soldiers laughed. "Do as she says!" Cloud ordered walking to help the hold woman stand. "Yes sir Captain!" they said in fear. Cloud turned to the old woman and noticed she seemed extremely scared of him. She was holding the cloak tighter and withdrew from his touch as if it burned. "Are you alright Miss?" Cloud asked gently. The old woman nodded vigorously and pulled their hand away. That was no strength of an old woman though. The old woman scrambled away quickly and Cloud was about to pursue her but Leon stopped him. "Everything alright?" Leon asked having witnessed the scene from afar. Cloud nodded returning to his post.
Kairi entered the halls of Notre Dame. She looked around at the stones, glass windows, and portraits of saints. Kairi saw a staircase going up. Curiously she went up (repeat after me: Curiosity killed the cat..very good). Kairi reached the top. After going up some ladders she reached the very top. She saw a table. On it was a model of the city and its people. She saw a bed in another room. Glass shards of different colors hung from the ceiling. Finally she went out and saw the city from above. She looked on in wonder. "W-What are you doing here?!" a voice said in panic. She turned and saw someone in the shadows. "I'm Kairi, who are you?" she asked approaching the figure but they withdrew more. "I-I'm Quasimodo." He said nervously. "Who don't you come into the light so I can see you?" Kairi asked. "You must leave! If my master found you here-!" Kairi walked over to the table ignoring his words. "Did you make this?" she asked in awe. "Y- Yes." He replied slowly. "That's pretty good." Kairi said and walked over to him. "Wait! What are you doing-stop!" he said but Kairi had already walked over to him and began to pull him out of the dark with her hand. She glanced back and gasped. Quasimodo stopped and covered his face in his hands. "Hey stop that!" Kairi said. "I told you-but you didn't listen!" Quasimodo said hurt. Kairi looked at him with pity. "You're not THAT bad!" she exasperated. "R-Really?" he asked his voice filled with doubt and hope. Kairi smiled and nodded. "Are you going to the Feast of Fools today. I seemed to have lost my friends in the crowd so I would like some company!" she said. Quasi hesitated. "I-I guess- but my master-!" "Your master won't mind! You are a person too! Just have fun for a day Quasimodo! May I call you Quasi I mean your name is just too long!" Kairi said cutting him off. Quasi slowly nodded.
Clopin jumped onto the stage (he is the jester looking gypsy. The one that seems evil and seems good at different times). "Welcome! Come one, come all! It's time to choose the most ugly person!" Clopin said. Kairi stood in the crowd with Quasi at her side. She looked around for the others. "But first let us introduce the gypsy dancers!" Clopin said. A puff of smoke exploded on stage and suddenly a girl stood there. Leon began to drool. "R- Rinoa-wearing THAT!" Cloud exclaimed. Rinoa was wearing a dress that went to her ankles. It was light blue and with pieces of white clothing. She had no sleeves or straps on the top. Her hair was held back with a white ribbon. "Watch these gypsy dance." Frollo said from his seat to Leon and Cloud. "Yes sir!" Leon said drooling as Rinoa danced. Suddenly she appeared in front of him and leaned forward to kiss Leon. He leaned in as well and suddenly she spun his helmet around to where the cap covered his face. She hopped along and jumped on stage and then a puff of smoke came and then there stood Queen. "You have to be kidding me!" Cloud said. "What?" Leon asked trying to get the helmet off his head. Queen wore a long dress that was very modest. But her dance was still as seductive as Rinoa's. Yuffie who was standing by Riku glanced over at him. He looked dazed. "Hello in there?" Yuffie said waving a hand in front of his eyes. "Not home huh?" she muttered. Yuffie looked over and saw a cloaked figure in the crowd. She turned the other way and saw another. Slowly she turned her eyes near Cloud and there stood another cloaked person. "Three?" she whispered. She looked back at the first one but it was gone, then she turned to where the second cloaked person stood and they were gone, and the last person near Cloud was gone. They all disappeared! "Now ladies and gentlemen we present Esmeralda!" Clopin said a puff of smoke came consuming Queen. Riku groaned. "That sucks." Yuffie said sympathetically patting Riku on the head but Riku threw her an annoyed glance. "How long have you been here?" he asked. "The whole time since we arrived, remember?" Yuffie asked. A woman of raven hair and tan skin appeared on stage. Her gypsy culture was displayed in her clothing. It was red to the ankle down with purple straps and a purple cloth wrapped around her waist. In her hand was a purple cloth she danced with. She began her dance. Frollo looked on with both disgust and lust. Esmeralda closed her dance with flipping back three times and doing a split. She threw a wink to Quasi. He blushed nervously. Kairi smiled. "Now it is time to choose our most ugly person!" Clopin announced. Esmeralda offered a hand to Quasi who smiled and took it before Kairi could protest. They put many more people on stage and threw off their masks and booed at their not-ugly faces and threw them off the platform. Esmeralda came up to Quasi to take off his mask and gasped realizing it wasn't a mask! Kairi panicked. The crowd gasped with fear. Clopin suddenly came up, "Now don't panic ladies and gentlemen! We asked for the most ugly person and we got it! This young man is the King of Fools!" Clopin said crowning him. People cheered and took Quasi up into a chair and carried it through the crowd. Quasi waved modestly and caught sight of his master, Frollo, looking angrily at him. Suddenly a guard in the crowd laughed and threw a tomato at Quasi. "Now that's ugly!" his guard buddy laughed. Suddenly everyone started to laugh at Quasi and threw thing at him. They tied him down and threw things at him. Quasi pleaded with Frollo to stop this but Frollo ignored him calmly. "Should I stop this cruelty, Sir?" a man of blonde hair and somewhat of a short beard on his face. "No, Captain Phoebus. There's a lesson being learned here." Frollo answered evilly. Phoebus guiltily obeyed. Suddenly the crowd gasps and stops.
Esmeralda walks up onto the platform where Quasi is tied down. Kairi slowly put her foot off the stage, which she was about to hop onto. Quasi flinched and turned away avoiding any further pain and disgust. Esmeralda pulled out a cloth. "Hush now, it's okay. I won't hurry. I'm sorry. This wasn't supposed to happen." She said soothingly and wiped away the mess from his face. "You there! Gypsy1 I demand you get off of there!" Frollo shouted. "I will as soon as I free this poor boy! Whom you have so cruelly treated!" Esmeralda yelled. "I forbid it!" Frollo yelled. Esmeralda took out a dagger and cut the ropes that held down Quasi. "How dare you defy me!" Frollo said angrily. "You mistreat this poor boy the same way you mistreat my people. You speak of justice, yet you are cruel to those most in need of your help." Esmeralda argued. "Silence!" "Justice!" Esmeralda yelled cutting him off. "Mark my words, gypsy, you will pay for this insolence!" Frollo said. "Then it appears we've crowned the wrong fool! Because the only fool I see, is you!" Esmeralda said taking the crown from Quasi and throwing it at Frollo's feet. "Guards arrest that witch!" Frollo ordered. Phoebus hesitantly gave a wave of his hand for the soldiers to arrest. "Now let's see. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten." Esmeralda counted the soldiers. "There's ten of you and only one of me! What's a poor girl to do?" Esmeralda said taking out a handkerchief and was engulfed in smoke as she blew into it. "Witchcraft!" Frollo gasped in disgust. The guards looked around but didn't find her. "Over here boys!" Esmeralda yelled from behind a stand. The guards chased and she ran knocking over a cage containing an old man prisoner. It opened and he walked out happily. "I'm free! I'm free!" he said happily walking and suddenly tripped and fell into a stockade, which closed and locked. "Darnit!" he muttered. Esmeralda ran into the cathedral of Notre Dame. Captain Phoebus was soon on her tail and followed her into Notre Dame. "What's your name?" he asked. "Esmeralda." She replied coldly. "Are you planning to arrest me?" she asked. "I can't now that you're in here." He said. Suddenly soldiers entered the cathedral. "Good job Captain!" Frollo said. "Claim sanctuary." Phoebus whispered. "What?" Esmeralda asked. "Now arrest her." Frollo ordered. "I can't. She has claimed sanctuary." Phoebus said. "Very well. Guards block every entrance to this door. Remember gypsy. Once you leave this place you belong to me." Frollo said leaving with his soldiers. Phoebus gave Esmeralda an apologetic look and left. Esmeralda walked on threw the place and sighed. She looked up at a glass window of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus (alright the following songs is not just posted for religious reasons though I am Christian I am mainly posting it because I found it to be a very pretty song. So if you have a problem you might wanna skip this part). Esmeralda opened her mouth and sang sweetly.
I don't know If you can hear me Or if you're even there I don't know If you would listen to a Gypsy prayer
Esmeralda walked down the halls that were lit with torches. Queen entered patiently with Rinoa.
Yes I know I'm just an outcast I shouldn't speak to you But still I see your face And wonder Were you once an outcast too?
Esmeralda sang walking. Queen and Rinoa stopped by the entrance and decided to wait there.
God help the outcast Hungry from Birth Show them the mercy They don't find on Earth
God help my people We look to you still God help the outcast Or nobody will
Other people began to sign as Esmeralda just walked by slowly and sadly.
I ask fro wealth I ask fro fame I ask for glory to shine on my name I ask for love I can posses I ask for God and his angels to bless me!
Esmeralda began to sing again as the other people stopped.
I ask fro nothing I can get by But I know so many Less lucky than I
Please help my people The poor and downtrod I thought we all Were children of God God help the outcasts Children of God
Suddenly a sound was heard and Esmeralda turned to see Quasi. "Go away bell ringer! Haven't you caused enough trouble for today!" a person yelled. In pain Quasi turned and ran but Esmeralda followed him in hot pursuit. Quasi stopped in his rooms and three gargoyles came alive. "Hey! How's it going lover boy! I see you got the girls chasin' after ya!" the chubby one, Hugo, said. "A vision of loveliness." Said Victor the more disciplined and proper one said. "Go away!" yelled the elderly female gargoyle named Laverne as she shooed away the doves that constantly annoyed her. Esmeralda entered the room after Quasi who looked at her nervously. Esmeralda stopped and looked around in awe. "Is this your room?" she asked. "Y-Yes." Quasi replied hesitantly. Esmeralda walked to the outside view of the city. "Wow. I wish I could stay up here forever." Esmeralda whispered breathlessly. "You could, you know." Quasi said. "Oh no I couldn't." Esmeralda replied sadly. "Why? You've declared sanctuary." Quasi said. "Gypsies don't do good behind stone wall." Esmeralda whispered. "But you're not like other gypsies.you're not evil." Quasi replied. "Evil? Who said we were evil?" Esmeralda asked. "My master, Frollo." Quasi answered. "That cruel man raised you?" Esmeralda asked. "Oh no! He's not cruel! He took me in when no one else wanted me! I'm a monster you know?" Quasi said. "Is that what Frollo told you?" Esmeralda asked. "Look at me. It's obvious isn't it?!" Quasi said gesturing to himself in disgust. "Here, give me your hand." Esmeralda said gently. Quasi did as she said. "This means long life." She said pointing to the lines on his hand. "This one means you're shy. Hmm, but I don't see any." she said looking at it in thought. "See what?!" Quasi asked in panic. "Monster lines." Esmeralda replied. "Now look at me. Do I look evil?" she asked. "No-! You're are good- and kind- and-!" "-And gypsy. And maybe Frollo's wrong about both of us." Esmeralda said. "What she saying?" asked Laverne. "Frollo has a long nose and a truss!" Hugo said straining to listen. Quasi looked at Esmeralda. "Look, you helped me so now I help you." Quasi said smiling. "How?" Esmeralda asked. "You carry Djali (the goat) and I'll carry you. We'll climb down." Quasi said. Esmeralda hesitantly picked up Djali and climbed onto Quasi's back. He jumped down and grabbed onto things here and there skillfully climbing down. "Yo better go." Quasi said. "I'll visit. I promise. Here takes this." Esmeralda said taking off a necklace and putting it around his hand. It was a weirdly woven band on the necklace. "If you ever need sanctuary to my home, the Court of Miracles, just remember. When you hold this woven band you hold the city in your hand." Esmeralda said.
Frollo stood by his fireplace. Cloud and Leon were in the room standing silently. Frollo kept seeing images of that gypsy in his head. Figures that her kind would only cloud the mind with unholy thoughts. Well if he couldn't have her, no one would. Suddenly a noise was heard from the door and soldiers came in holding a girl. "R-Rinoa!" Leon whispered. Rinoa was thrown harshly to the floor. "We found this gypsy trying to escape Notre Dame. She was with another gypsy but that one got away." The soldier explained. Frollo approached Rinoa. "Where is the Court of Miracles?" Frollo asked. Rinoa was silent. "Are you deaf gypsy?!" he demanded harshly. Rinoa looked up and spat in his face. "Witch!" he hissed. "If I'm a witch then you're Satan himself!" Rinoa spat. Frollo slapped her and she fell back onto the floor holding her face. Leon's blood boiled and he was about to rush forward when another soldier came in. "Sir, the gypsy Esmeralda has escaped. We don't know how." The soldier reported. Frollo pushed over his table with wine on it. "How? We had every exit blocked! Never mind. Find her. Search all of Paris." Frollo ordered. "How?" Frollo whispered to himself as they left. Suddenly a glint came into his eyes.
Frollo stood in front of the house. "We provide shelter for travelers! We do not hide gypsies!" a man pleaded. "We will keep you under house arrest. If you ARE innocent you shall have nothing to fear." Frollo said leaving the house. He turned to Phoebus. "Burn the house down." He ordered. "B-But Sir, I was hired to fight in war not kill innocent people!" Phoebus argued. "It was an order." Frollo said and grabbed a torch from a soldier throwing it onto the house. The house quickly became engulfed in flames. Phoebus ran into the house and grabbed the woman who was holding her baby and then grabbed the father by the hand who was holding a little girl and ran out of the house. The family was happy but Phoebus was quickly arrested. Phoebus pushed the guards away and jumped onto his horse running to the city on a bridge over water. An arrow suddenly hit him in the chest. His body helplessly fell into the water. Guards were about to run after him. "Leave him! Let him drown!" Frollo commanded. The guards entered the city with Frollo at the head. A woman nearby threw off her cloak and dove into the water after Phoebus' body.
Aeris sat down on the ship. She was bored to death. She glanced over at Sephiroth who at first glance was asleep but then she noticed a frown on his face. She crept a little closer to look and suddenly his eyes shot open with anger. He grabbed Aeris by her collar and within a second his sword was against her tender throat threateningly. Suddenly realization that it was Aeris crossed his face and slowly he put her down. His body was shaking a little and Aeris took notice to it. "What are you doing?" Sephiroth hissed protectively. Aeris was caught off guard by his anger, as she hadn't seen him react this way before. "You were frowning as you slept." Aeris answered. "So?" Sephiroth asked. "Sephiroth did you have a nightmare?" Aeris asked softly. "I always have had nightmares. Even when I was a child!" Sephiroth spat in defense. Aeris took no offense. "What does it matter?" Sephiroth. "I was just worried." Aeris said. "Whatever." Sephiroth mumbled and sat up. Aeris grabbed his hand. "Wait!" she begged and then she noticed his hands were in tight fist. They were clenched together and it scared. They were white and sweaty. Aeris reached to touch Sephiroth's forehead. "You're burning a fever!' she exclaimed but Sephiroth waved her away. "Forget it." He muttered. "But you're sick!" Aeris argued politely. "So?" Sephiroth said uninterested. "Sephiroth if it gets any more serious you could-!" "I could what? -Die?!" he cut her off angrily. "Well.yes!" she said. "One less murderer to worry about." Sephiroth spat. "You're not a murderer!" Aeris argued. Sephiroth laughed a laugh that sent shivers down Aeris' spine. "Are you insane I am a murderer! Remember?!" Sephiroth said (keep in mind Aeris is not dead. My theory is, as you will notice in the game that some of the worlds still haven't had their adventure yet. Ex. Aladdin had just discovered the lamp. So my thoughts are that some of the FF characters like FFVII were still having their adventures. In FFVII's case it was before the death of Aeris and this would explain her being alive). "Sephiroth." Aeris whispered about to argue but couldn't think of what to say. "Are you still under Jenova's influence?" she asked softly. "No." came a quick reply. "It wasn't your fault. Jenova controlled you!" Aeris said but Sephiroth looked at her doubtfully. "Sephiroth have you really had nightmares since you were a child?" Aeris asked. He slowly nodded. "My mother died when I was born.she died because of me. Ever since then Professor Hojo had took me in and experimented on me with Jenova cells. I was often beat if I refused to do the tests. Soon I grew up and became a fighting machine for Shinra. But all the murders committed then I didn't feel bad about. I was facing men who were prepared to die! But in other cases like Jenova it was still my fault. She can't excuse me for what I have done Aeris! I killed innocent people! I laughed at them when they were on the ground dying!" Sephiroth yelled. The sweat on his face increased. Sephiroth put his head in his hands and held his head in pain. Suddenly he felt something around him. Something.warm."Sephiroth. Have you ever been hugged?" Aeris asked seeing as Sephiroth was shocked and confused by her gesture. "N-No." he said. She put a hand on his head and pushed it onto her shoulder. She ran her fingers through his hair and calmed him softly. A soon she began to hum (Aeris Death theme). Soon he fell asleep. "No more nightmares for tonight." She whispered to him. He didn't hear her or at least it seemed that way but his head moved slightly at her words.
Heero stood at a bar. He had, had enough! He didn't know where the others were as they disappeared after the Feast of Fools. He walked outside to begin searching again. He walked through the crowd aimlessly. Suddenly he caught a flash of shining blonde hair. He looked over and his eyes widened. He turned pale as if he had seen a ghost. Relena looked over at him and smiled. Her smile seemed to be taunting him and she turned to walk away. He ran forward after her. But soon lost sight of her in a crowd. "Miss me?" a voice asked like honey on the tip of a cursed tongue. Heero turned and felt his knees go weak. "R-Relena?" he choked. "You got a lot of nerve to say my name!" she hissed. Heero felt like he had just been slapped in the face. "What? Relena what's wrong? I-I thought you were dead!" Heero asked. "You prefer me dead?!" Relena spat. "NO-!" Heero said almost pleading. "Think I'm stupid?" Relena asked annoyed. "What are you talking about?!" Heero asked. "The fact that I was killed and you ran off with the girl who murdered me! How could you! You were happy I was dead! So happy you'd run off with the girl who killed me and you knew she had!" Relena said on the verge of tears. Heero felt his mouth was dry. "Well I'm over you! I don't need you anymore! Mortal!" she hissed gathering energy in her hands and blowing him back. "But it hurts doesn't it?! Having your heartbroken?1 She didn't love you after all! She ended up loving Trowa!" she laughed at him. Heero was struck by confusion, hurt, shame, pain, guilt, and shock. "Why are you acting like this?" he asked pleading to calm her. "I just told you why? Don't you ever listen, Yuy?!" she hissed and flung him back one more time. This time when he got up she was gone.
Rinoa sat in the cell cold. She hugged herself and let a few tears fall. How was she ever to get over him?! It was impossible! She would hurt like this forever! Then she heard a sound and looked up. A person in a hood stood there. They were cloaked so she couldn't see any part of them. The figure approached her but she shrank against the wall in fear. They figure bent down to her and swept her off her feet. She caught a glimpse of a smile. It seemed to be trying to give her solace. The figure held her in their arms and she could tell it was male from the buff and muscular arms he had. He turned to two other cloaked people and nodded his head. They did the same and he left the room holding Rinoa. Something was familiar about this touch it was cold almost lost, kind of like Squall.
Queen heard a sound and rushed to the area. She saw Esmeralda helping a wounded Phoebus into the Court of Miracles. She rushed to assist them. They laid him on a bed. "Hurry! Fetch him some bandages!" Esmeralda yelled with worry. Queen did as she said. "Where's Rinoa?" Esmeralda asked. Queen looked down. "They took her. But I escaped. I don't know where she is." Queen sobbed. "Probably.to.the.Palace. of.Justice." coughed Phoebus. "They could be torturing her!" Queen sobbed harder. "Well waiting around here isn't going to help! But I can't leave Phoebus!" Esmeralda said torn between choices. "I'll help." Said a familiar voice. "Quasi! How did you get here!" Esmeralda exclaimed happily. He showed her the woven band. "A map of the city." Quasi replied. Esmeralda looked kindly at the hunchback and then turned to Phoebus with concern. Love filled her eyes and it became obvious to everyone, even poor Quasi who looked hurt. "I'll get him to Notre Dame where he can find sanctuary and aid." Quasi suggested. "That won't be happening." Said a cold voice. They turned and saw Frollo. Frollo motioned his men to arrest everyone. Screams were heard and things were set afire.
Quasi looked down gloomily. Esmeralda was tied against a wooden poll on a platform for execution. Under her was hay everywhere. Frollo smiled. "It's me or death?" he said to Esmeralda getting close enough to smell her hair lustrously. Esmeralda spat in his face. Frollo looked at her furiously. He turned to the protesting cloud. "The gypsy refused to repent. She must die!" Frollo announced as he was handed a torch. He lit the hay under Esmeralda's feet. Smoke filled the air and the gypsy coughed desperately trying to get free. Quasi looked down. "Hurry and fight kid!" Laverne cried in Quasi's ear. But Quasi just looked down gloomily. "It's over." He whispered. "Look!" Laverne said pushing his head forward to Esmeralda who was about to die. "I KNOW IT HURTS BUT YOU CAN'T LET EVERYONE THAT HAS EVER LOVED YOU DIE!" Laverne yelled. Quasi caught something in the distance coming his way. He smiled. Then he looked down at Esmeralda and began to bull desperately on the chains that held him back. He cried out and the chains broke. Quasi grabbed a nearby rope (now how did that get there?) and tied it around a gargoyle. He swooped down and landed on the platform. Before Frollo could grasp what was happening Esmeralda was untied, in Quasi's arms, and being take back up to Notre Dame. Suddenly Quasi stood on top Notre Dame and the crowd looked on in awe. "Sanctuary! Sanctuary!" Quasi cried holding up Esmeralda's unconscious body. Frollo growled and headed for Notre Dame on his horse. The doors were locked to the sacred place and Frollo summoned his guards to break down the door. "They're declaring war on Notre Dame! Are we just gonna stand by?!" yelled Squall who had been locked up with Cloud for betrayal. The crowd went wild, broke free every prisoner, and attacked the guards. The old man was once again freed from his cage. "I am free! I'm free!" he said frolicking happily and suddenly tripped landing in a sewer (I think this guy is funny). "Darn it." His voice echoed. Suddenly birds filled the sky. "Fly my pretties! Fly! Fly!" Laverne yelled laughing like a witch (hint, hint).
Quasi set Esmeralda down on the bed. "Look Esmeralda! Everything's over! The people are fighting back and you're safe!" Quasi said happily looking out the balcony. But Esmeralda just laid there. "Esmeralda?" Quasi asked shaking her. Her body was cold and pale beneath his fingertips. Quasi swallowed in fear. "Esmeralda?" he whispered. Suddenly he buried his head in her hair and cried. "My poor boy." Frollo said laying a hand gently on Quasi's shoulder. Quasi slowly lifted his head and his eyes were filled with unquenched anger and regret. He pushed Frollo's hand away. "Go away!" he yelled burying his head once more in Esmeralda's hair. He looked up the wall noticing the shadow of his master holding a dagger up in the air about to stab him. "No!" Quasi turned to stop his master but only saw a flash of light. There in a flash was Kairi holding her keyblade against the dagger. She roughly pushed the dagger away. "Quasi?" Esmeralda whispered groggily. "Esmeralda!" Quasi exclaimed lifting her head. "She lives!" Frollo declared as he gathered energy in his hand and flung it at the three figures. Quasi grabbed Esmeralda body and dodged but Kairi was flung against the wall harshly. Frollo went over to the balcony looking for Quasi and Esmeralda. He climbed out onto the roof. He walked on the roof searching for them but gargoyles surrounded him. He heard what sounded like a pebble falling from the roof. He looked over the edge and saw Quasi with one hand around Esmeralda and the other hanging onto the bottom of a gargoyle. Frollo smiled evilly as he pulled at his dagger. Suddenly Quasi looked up and barely dodged Frollo's dagger. He went from Gargoyle to gargoyle each time being attacked by Frollo. Suddenly the ground felt cold beneath Frollo's feet and he looked down to see the entire ground frozen. He tried to move but to no avail. He looked over at a smirking Kairi who stood by an icy figure. The figure looked like an African queen with a body made only of ice. The icy figure gracefully moved her arm in the air and with a swift movement of her hand as if making a signal, the ice broke apart and from the force Frollo was flung from the roof. Kairi smiled in relief and went over to Quasi who had just got onto the roof and laid Esmeralda down. Kairi looked over the roof's edge to see where Frollo had fallen. She turned but suddenly something grabbed her foot. Kairi turned but was too late as Frollo yanked her foot down and they both fell from the roof. Kairi desperately waved her hands in the air as if to grasp something. Frollo was laughing insanely all the way down to their death. A mysterious light surrounded Kairi and suddenly a winged horse soared through the air and Kairi grabbed its mane. The horse seemed unharmed by this but Frollo still grasped Kairi's foot. She tried to crawl onto Pegasus but Frollo gave her foot another yank. Kairi felt her fingers sliding from the horse's silky fur. Kairi with her last burst of energy kicked Frollo in the face making him let go and fall to his death below. Kairi also slipped but was saved once again by the winged horse. She laid on Pegasus' back and sighed in relief. Quasi looked at the crowd below who were cheering and Esmeralda led him to the door. She walked up to Phoebus and kissed him. He smiled and she turned to Quasi who was hiding shyly in the shadow. She put out her hand. "Come on." She coaxed. Hesitantly he took her hand and was led into he light. The crowd gasped and looked at the deformed figure. Quasi looked scared. Suddenly a little girl looked at her mother and let go of her hand. Walking up to Quasi she slowly lifted her hand up to touch his smooth face. She smiled and hugged him as the crowd went into cheer and Quasi felt relief take him as he hugged the little girl back.
Cloud walked around the market one last time to get some food before they left. Leon was with Yuffie searching for Rinoa. He was worried since Aeris was with Sephiroth on the ship still....alone. Suddenly he saw the three cloaked figures in the crowd as he did earlier. He looked decided to chase the one nearest to him and turned as he ran after the figure down the alley. The figure's movements were swift but graceful, obviously feminine. Cloud kept up his speed though. The figure leaped over a wall and Cloud leaped after them. Suddenly the person stopped and before Cloud could to the same the figure's fist met his face. "Reminds me of Tifa." He muttered covering his bloody nose. The figure ran off before Cloud could get up.
The figure entered the abandoned house wearily. She pulled off her hood and long silky black hair poured down her shoulders. Rinoa groaned as she tried to lift her head but a muscular figure pushed her back down gently. "You'd better get some rest." He said softly. But coldly. Rinoa turned to the girl. "Who are you?" she asked. The girl smiled. "I'm Tifa and this is-!" "Vincent...." Rinoa said. The man looked shocked. "I saw you in Yuffie's photo." Rinoa said. His eyes flashed with pain but he looked away. Suddenly another cloaked figure entered the room. "And who is this one?" Rinoa asked. "Her names Rikku. She is annoying and constantly cheerful but don't let that scare you." Vincent said. "Hey!" Rikku yelled pulling off her hood revealing a blonde spunky girl. "I was chased here by Cloud but I lost him." Tifa said. "You miss him." Rinoa stated. Tifa nodded sadly. "But he's happier now that he's found Aeris." Tifa said softly. "How long have you been stalking the company?" Rinoa asked. "Ever since Sora got the keyblade. I'm surprised him and his friends never noticed." Rikku answered. Suddenly a sound was heard. Everyone became quiet. "I'll check it out." Tifa whispered pulling on her hood and slyly steeping out. Tifa looked around the corner but saw nothing. Suddenly a glove covered her mouth. "Who are you and why are you following us?!" Cloud's voice whispered huskily in her ear. Tifa smirked and her foot lifted in the air to kick Cloud in the 'you-know-what' but he dodged swiftly. Cloud flew forward and Tifa threw a punch but he dodged and knocked her back. In the process, her hood carelessly fell off. Cloud gasped in horror. His hand covered his mouth. "Tifa?" he choked out. "Forgive me." said a voice from behind Cloud but when Cloud turned he saw a fist and then everything went black.
"Mommy?" "Sorry, wrong. But close." Came Rinoa's giggly voice. Cloud opened his eyes and felt a sharp pain hit his head. "He hit you hard, huh?" Rinoa asked as Cloud held his pounding head. "Who hit me?" Cloud asked. "Vincent." Rinoa replied swiftly. "What? So, it wasn't a dream. Who is the third?" Cloud questioned, asking himself. But Rinoa answered, "Her name is Rikku." "I wonder how this will affect Yuffie." Rinoa added. "She'll probably do what Squall is doing to you. Break his heart, ignore her true feelings, and stay with Leon." Cloud said. "Where's Tifa and Vincent?" Cloud asked softly. Suddenly the door opened and Tifa's slender figure walked in. She was so different. Cloud looked mesmerized. She had a white short with long sleeves that revealed her stomach. She had on a pair of jeans with a red belt and a pair of high-heeled sandals that were black. Her earrings remained pearl drop but around her neck was a black neckband. Her hair was le loose completely, no longer held at the ends by a red band. She had matured into a woman but her fists were still covered by her powerful gloves except the gloves were black and let her fingertips show. She seemed like a glowing jewel in the dark. "You've grown." She choked out. Cloud's once soft eyes hardened. "Why?" he asked hurt. "Why what?" Tifa asked. "Why did you never come to us after finding us?!" Cloud yelled. Tifa looked at the floor in shame. "Because I want you to be happy." Tifa whispered. Cloud looked at her. "You mean with Aeris as my girlfriend?" he asked. Tifa nodded. "Tifa-!" "Listen to me." Tifa said walking up to him and hugging him. Cloud felt light- headed and her heard Tifa's mellifluous voice speak. "Cloud, I've seen it with my own eyes. How every time she's near she's like the sun shining onto your face. You're happy with her. Cloud....you and I....we're just not meant to be." Tifa said knowing that Cloud was going to say it. "Will our friendship be enough?" Cloud asked. Tifa smiled and nodded. Her pain was clear in her eyes and it was obvious she was lying to herself thinking it would be enough. 'Now where do I know this pain from?' Rinoa thought sarcastically. "Cloud, Tifa and her crew with come with us. We need all the help we can get." Rinoa said. Cloud looked over to Rinoa and nodded. Rinoa looked at Cloud remembering his words earlier on the subject of Yuffie and Leon. 'Hypocrite!' she was tempted to yell but held her tongue. She sighed and followed them out the door.
Cloud approached Leon. "Any luck?" Cloud asked. Leon looked down. "It's all my fault." Leon whispered banging his hand on the wall. Cloud smiled. "Well that's too bad. I guess you have no choice but to apologize to her." Cloud whispered hiding a smirk under his cape. "Squall!" Rinoa said cheerfully resisting the urge to run to him knowing he was taken. Leon looked at Rinoa who smiled at him innocently and his heart melted. Suddenly he took notice to a blonde behind her. "Who's she?" he asked. "She's one of the people who saved me from Frollo's jail." Rinoa answered. "It's a long story." The hyperactive blonde said. Rinoa turned slowly to Yuffie. "There's someone who wants to see you. He's waiting for you by the fountain in the square." Rinoa told her. Yuffie looked confused but skipped off. "Who's waiting for her?" Leon asked protectively and somewhat angrily toward Rinoa. "He's just an old friend from her home planet that survived." Rinoa answered hurt. "She'll be fine." Cloud said hiding his annoyance toward Leon's behavior. "I'll also be joining." Said a soft voice. Tifa approached them and smiled. 'I can't wait to see Aeris.' She thought happily and somewhat sadly.
Yuffie approached the figure that stood next to the fountain. He looked familiar but his back was to her. His shoulders were tense. Yuffie cleared her throat and the figure turned to her. Yuffie gasped and took a step back. It wasn't true! He must be a ghost! He nodded to her sadly. "How's Leon?" he asked softly. "I thought you were dead!" Yuffie said running forward and leaping into his arms. She cried as she clung to him. Vincent sighed a he wrapped his arms around the ninja's shaking body. "You haven't changed. You look exactly the same." She whispered. "So have you. I take it it's over between you and I? Now that you've moved on." Vincent said hiding his pain. Yuffie buried her head into his chest. "Are you mad?" she sniffled. Vincent's eyes softened. He knew he couldn't stay mad at her. "No, I know you love him. I only want you to be happy." Vincent whispered. "We're still friends, right?" she asked softly. "Of course." He replied. "Forever?" she asked looking up at him. "Forever." He said. She smiled sadly. Something felt wrong within her.
Everyone got on the ship. Everyone gaped at the new members. "Tifa!" Aeris squealed hugging the girl so tight that it started to cut off her oxygen. "Hey, Aeris." Tifa whispered sadly and returned the hug. "I thought you were dead! And Vincent!" she squealed now moving to hug him. "Don't even." He warned. Aeris frowned. "Your loss." She said smiling. She turned to Cloud and kissed him "I have forgiven you." She whispered. Tifa looked over at a displeased figure. "Holy-!" before Sephiroth could say another word Tifa was tackling him to the ground and trying to kill him. "You killed my father you son of a-!" "Tifa! Stop he's on our side!" Aeris said trying to push between the two. Cloud looked at the shocked Sephiroth and felt tempted to snicker but he knew he would once again loose Aeris' favor. "Since when was he on our side?!" Tifa yelled pointing to Sephiroth in disgust. "In our world he was being controlled by Jenova. I know he killed your father. I'm sorry and Sephiroth is sorry too! He's had many chances to kill me and he has not harmed me yet! In fact he has protected me." Aeris said. Tifa looked over at Sephiroth grudgily. She rattled her fist in the air at Sephiroth. "Lay a hand on Aeris and I swear-!" "I hear ya, woman." Sephiroth said waving her off. Yuna and Tidus looked at Rikku. There was something familiar about her but they couldn't put their finger on it. Riku looked over at the captain of the ship, Cid. She winked at him and he blushed. Tifa giggled with Aeris.
A small boat on a river flowed by. People on it seemed very nervous. There was a woman holding a baby, which began to cry. "Hush little one." She urged frightened. The boat docked slowly. The people got off. They heard the sound of a horse. A man gasped. "It's Judge Claude Frollo!" the man said in fear. Soldiers surrounded them. The woman backed away slowly holding the baby close to her. Chains and cuffs were put on the men. "Take these gypsy vermin to the Palace of Justice!' Frollo commanded. The man looked old yet very wicked. Suddenly he looked over at the woman. "You there! What are you hiding?!" he demanded. She didn't answer, as she was scared for her life. "Stolen goods I'll bet! Take them from her." Frollo ordered a soldier. The woman turned and ran down an ally way but Frollo was on her tail with his horse. She jumped over a fence quickly and kept on running but Frollo easily jumped the fence with his horse. She saw two alleyways ahead. She kept on running and suddenly turned down the right alleyway while Frollo accidentally went left. She kept on running but she knew Frollo was nearby. She caught sight of "The Cathedral" and ran up to it. "Sanctuary! Please give us sanctuary!" she yelled banging on the doors. But Frollo appeared once again and she ran from the door. Frollo grabbed the baby and she desperately tried to hold on to it but lost her balance. She fell to the cement stairs hard and died instantly. Frollo opened up the cloth, which hid the baby. "A baby!" he gasped (he's smart) in disgust at its ugly face. Frollo looked around fro a way to get rid of the baby. He saw a wall and brought the horse over to it. He held the baby over the well. "Stop!" a voice cried. Frollo looked over and saw Archdeacon 9he is the bishop I believe). "Why? I am sending this demon back where it belongs, to hell." Frollo said. "You! Do you not see the innocent blood she have spilt on the steps of Notre Dame?" Archdeacon asked holding the mother's. "She ran, I pursued." Frollo said. "Now you would spill the innocent blood of a child?" Archdeacon asked. "My conscious is clear." Replied Frollo. "The eyes are watching! There is danger to your immortal soul!" Archdeacon cried. Frollo looked around in fear. All the statues of saints seemed to be accusing him. "What must I do?" Frollo asked in defeat. "You must raise the child as your own." Archdeacon answered. Frollo was about to protest but stopped. "Very well. But may he at least stay in your church. The bell tower perhaps? Where he can never be seen. And who knows.. our Lord works in mysterious ways." Frollo said. "Even this foul creature may prove yet to be useful to me," he whispered.
Kairi looked around the place she was at, Paris the city of love. Slowly behind her followed Riku and Yuffie. Everyone else was missing. She entered the middle of the market near a fountain. She looked up. In awe she saw a gothic building the sun hitting it with glory. "What is that?" Yuffie asked breathlessly. "Notre Dame." Riku murmured. "How do you know that?" Kairi asked. Riku ignored her and walked past her. Kairi didn't push any further. "They say a bell ringer is up there. Who rings the bells of Notre Dame morning and night. But no one knows who he is." Riku said.
Leon stood up straight and tall beside Cloud. They were in Frollo's army now. At the moment they were on guard duty in the market. Today was a big day. It was the Feast of Fools. Cloud gazed over at some guards pushing an old person around. The person wore a cloak to cover their entire body so you couldn't see any part of who they were. "Where did ya get the money?" a soldier asked angrily taking the money from the old person. "Give that back!" the voice fought back helplessly. It sounded weak and feeble like an old woman. The soldiers laughed. "Do as she says!" Cloud ordered walking to help the hold woman stand. "Yes sir Captain!" they said in fear. Cloud turned to the old woman and noticed she seemed extremely scared of him. She was holding the cloak tighter and withdrew from his touch as if it burned. "Are you alright Miss?" Cloud asked gently. The old woman nodded vigorously and pulled their hand away. That was no strength of an old woman though. The old woman scrambled away quickly and Cloud was about to pursue her but Leon stopped him. "Everything alright?" Leon asked having witnessed the scene from afar. Cloud nodded returning to his post.
Kairi entered the halls of Notre Dame. She looked around at the stones, glass windows, and portraits of saints. Kairi saw a staircase going up. Curiously she went up (repeat after me: Curiosity killed the cat..very good). Kairi reached the top. After going up some ladders she reached the very top. She saw a table. On it was a model of the city and its people. She saw a bed in another room. Glass shards of different colors hung from the ceiling. Finally she went out and saw the city from above. She looked on in wonder. "W-What are you doing here?!" a voice said in panic. She turned and saw someone in the shadows. "I'm Kairi, who are you?" she asked approaching the figure but they withdrew more. "I-I'm Quasimodo." He said nervously. "Who don't you come into the light so I can see you?" Kairi asked. "You must leave! If my master found you here-!" Kairi walked over to the table ignoring his words. "Did you make this?" she asked in awe. "Y- Yes." He replied slowly. "That's pretty good." Kairi said and walked over to him. "Wait! What are you doing-stop!" he said but Kairi had already walked over to him and began to pull him out of the dark with her hand. She glanced back and gasped. Quasimodo stopped and covered his face in his hands. "Hey stop that!" Kairi said. "I told you-but you didn't listen!" Quasimodo said hurt. Kairi looked at him with pity. "You're not THAT bad!" she exasperated. "R-Really?" he asked his voice filled with doubt and hope. Kairi smiled and nodded. "Are you going to the Feast of Fools today. I seemed to have lost my friends in the crowd so I would like some company!" she said. Quasi hesitated. "I-I guess- but my master-!" "Your master won't mind! You are a person too! Just have fun for a day Quasimodo! May I call you Quasi I mean your name is just too long!" Kairi said cutting him off. Quasi slowly nodded.
Clopin jumped onto the stage (he is the jester looking gypsy. The one that seems evil and seems good at different times). "Welcome! Come one, come all! It's time to choose the most ugly person!" Clopin said. Kairi stood in the crowd with Quasi at her side. She looked around for the others. "But first let us introduce the gypsy dancers!" Clopin said. A puff of smoke exploded on stage and suddenly a girl stood there. Leon began to drool. "R- Rinoa-wearing THAT!" Cloud exclaimed. Rinoa was wearing a dress that went to her ankles. It was light blue and with pieces of white clothing. She had no sleeves or straps on the top. Her hair was held back with a white ribbon. "Watch these gypsy dance." Frollo said from his seat to Leon and Cloud. "Yes sir!" Leon said drooling as Rinoa danced. Suddenly she appeared in front of him and leaned forward to kiss Leon. He leaned in as well and suddenly she spun his helmet around to where the cap covered his face. She hopped along and jumped on stage and then a puff of smoke came and then there stood Queen. "You have to be kidding me!" Cloud said. "What?" Leon asked trying to get the helmet off his head. Queen wore a long dress that was very modest. But her dance was still as seductive as Rinoa's. Yuffie who was standing by Riku glanced over at him. He looked dazed. "Hello in there?" Yuffie said waving a hand in front of his eyes. "Not home huh?" she muttered. Yuffie looked over and saw a cloaked figure in the crowd. She turned the other way and saw another. Slowly she turned her eyes near Cloud and there stood another cloaked person. "Three?" she whispered. She looked back at the first one but it was gone, then she turned to where the second cloaked person stood and they were gone, and the last person near Cloud was gone. They all disappeared! "Now ladies and gentlemen we present Esmeralda!" Clopin said a puff of smoke came consuming Queen. Riku groaned. "That sucks." Yuffie said sympathetically patting Riku on the head but Riku threw her an annoyed glance. "How long have you been here?" he asked. "The whole time since we arrived, remember?" Yuffie asked. A woman of raven hair and tan skin appeared on stage. Her gypsy culture was displayed in her clothing. It was red to the ankle down with purple straps and a purple cloth wrapped around her waist. In her hand was a purple cloth she danced with. She began her dance. Frollo looked on with both disgust and lust. Esmeralda closed her dance with flipping back three times and doing a split. She threw a wink to Quasi. He blushed nervously. Kairi smiled. "Now it is time to choose our most ugly person!" Clopin announced. Esmeralda offered a hand to Quasi who smiled and took it before Kairi could protest. They put many more people on stage and threw off their masks and booed at their not-ugly faces and threw them off the platform. Esmeralda came up to Quasi to take off his mask and gasped realizing it wasn't a mask! Kairi panicked. The crowd gasped with fear. Clopin suddenly came up, "Now don't panic ladies and gentlemen! We asked for the most ugly person and we got it! This young man is the King of Fools!" Clopin said crowning him. People cheered and took Quasi up into a chair and carried it through the crowd. Quasi waved modestly and caught sight of his master, Frollo, looking angrily at him. Suddenly a guard in the crowd laughed and threw a tomato at Quasi. "Now that's ugly!" his guard buddy laughed. Suddenly everyone started to laugh at Quasi and threw thing at him. They tied him down and threw things at him. Quasi pleaded with Frollo to stop this but Frollo ignored him calmly. "Should I stop this cruelty, Sir?" a man of blonde hair and somewhat of a short beard on his face. "No, Captain Phoebus. There's a lesson being learned here." Frollo answered evilly. Phoebus guiltily obeyed. Suddenly the crowd gasps and stops.
Esmeralda walks up onto the platform where Quasi is tied down. Kairi slowly put her foot off the stage, which she was about to hop onto. Quasi flinched and turned away avoiding any further pain and disgust. Esmeralda pulled out a cloth. "Hush now, it's okay. I won't hurry. I'm sorry. This wasn't supposed to happen." She said soothingly and wiped away the mess from his face. "You there! Gypsy1 I demand you get off of there!" Frollo shouted. "I will as soon as I free this poor boy! Whom you have so cruelly treated!" Esmeralda yelled. "I forbid it!" Frollo yelled. Esmeralda took out a dagger and cut the ropes that held down Quasi. "How dare you defy me!" Frollo said angrily. "You mistreat this poor boy the same way you mistreat my people. You speak of justice, yet you are cruel to those most in need of your help." Esmeralda argued. "Silence!" "Justice!" Esmeralda yelled cutting him off. "Mark my words, gypsy, you will pay for this insolence!" Frollo said. "Then it appears we've crowned the wrong fool! Because the only fool I see, is you!" Esmeralda said taking the crown from Quasi and throwing it at Frollo's feet. "Guards arrest that witch!" Frollo ordered. Phoebus hesitantly gave a wave of his hand for the soldiers to arrest. "Now let's see. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten." Esmeralda counted the soldiers. "There's ten of you and only one of me! What's a poor girl to do?" Esmeralda said taking out a handkerchief and was engulfed in smoke as she blew into it. "Witchcraft!" Frollo gasped in disgust. The guards looked around but didn't find her. "Over here boys!" Esmeralda yelled from behind a stand. The guards chased and she ran knocking over a cage containing an old man prisoner. It opened and he walked out happily. "I'm free! I'm free!" he said happily walking and suddenly tripped and fell into a stockade, which closed and locked. "Darnit!" he muttered. Esmeralda ran into the cathedral of Notre Dame. Captain Phoebus was soon on her tail and followed her into Notre Dame. "What's your name?" he asked. "Esmeralda." She replied coldly. "Are you planning to arrest me?" she asked. "I can't now that you're in here." He said. Suddenly soldiers entered the cathedral. "Good job Captain!" Frollo said. "Claim sanctuary." Phoebus whispered. "What?" Esmeralda asked. "Now arrest her." Frollo ordered. "I can't. She has claimed sanctuary." Phoebus said. "Very well. Guards block every entrance to this door. Remember gypsy. Once you leave this place you belong to me." Frollo said leaving with his soldiers. Phoebus gave Esmeralda an apologetic look and left. Esmeralda walked on threw the place and sighed. She looked up at a glass window of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus (alright the following songs is not just posted for religious reasons though I am Christian I am mainly posting it because I found it to be a very pretty song. So if you have a problem you might wanna skip this part). Esmeralda opened her mouth and sang sweetly.
I don't know If you can hear me Or if you're even there I don't know If you would listen to a Gypsy prayer
Esmeralda walked down the halls that were lit with torches. Queen entered patiently with Rinoa.
Yes I know I'm just an outcast I shouldn't speak to you But still I see your face And wonder Were you once an outcast too?
Esmeralda sang walking. Queen and Rinoa stopped by the entrance and decided to wait there.
God help the outcast Hungry from Birth Show them the mercy They don't find on Earth
God help my people We look to you still God help the outcast Or nobody will
Other people began to sign as Esmeralda just walked by slowly and sadly.
I ask fro wealth I ask fro fame I ask for glory to shine on my name I ask for love I can posses I ask for God and his angels to bless me!
Esmeralda began to sing again as the other people stopped.
I ask fro nothing I can get by But I know so many Less lucky than I
Please help my people The poor and downtrod I thought we all Were children of God God help the outcasts Children of God
Suddenly a sound was heard and Esmeralda turned to see Quasi. "Go away bell ringer! Haven't you caused enough trouble for today!" a person yelled. In pain Quasi turned and ran but Esmeralda followed him in hot pursuit. Quasi stopped in his rooms and three gargoyles came alive. "Hey! How's it going lover boy! I see you got the girls chasin' after ya!" the chubby one, Hugo, said. "A vision of loveliness." Said Victor the more disciplined and proper one said. "Go away!" yelled the elderly female gargoyle named Laverne as she shooed away the doves that constantly annoyed her. Esmeralda entered the room after Quasi who looked at her nervously. Esmeralda stopped and looked around in awe. "Is this your room?" she asked. "Y-Yes." Quasi replied hesitantly. Esmeralda walked to the outside view of the city. "Wow. I wish I could stay up here forever." Esmeralda whispered breathlessly. "You could, you know." Quasi said. "Oh no I couldn't." Esmeralda replied sadly. "Why? You've declared sanctuary." Quasi said. "Gypsies don't do good behind stone wall." Esmeralda whispered. "But you're not like other gypsies.you're not evil." Quasi replied. "Evil? Who said we were evil?" Esmeralda asked. "My master, Frollo." Quasi answered. "That cruel man raised you?" Esmeralda asked. "Oh no! He's not cruel! He took me in when no one else wanted me! I'm a monster you know?" Quasi said. "Is that what Frollo told you?" Esmeralda asked. "Look at me. It's obvious isn't it?!" Quasi said gesturing to himself in disgust. "Here, give me your hand." Esmeralda said gently. Quasi did as she said. "This means long life." She said pointing to the lines on his hand. "This one means you're shy. Hmm, but I don't see any." she said looking at it in thought. "See what?!" Quasi asked in panic. "Monster lines." Esmeralda replied. "Now look at me. Do I look evil?" she asked. "No-! You're are good- and kind- and-!" "-And gypsy. And maybe Frollo's wrong about both of us." Esmeralda said. "What she saying?" asked Laverne. "Frollo has a long nose and a truss!" Hugo said straining to listen. Quasi looked at Esmeralda. "Look, you helped me so now I help you." Quasi said smiling. "How?" Esmeralda asked. "You carry Djali (the goat) and I'll carry you. We'll climb down." Quasi said. Esmeralda hesitantly picked up Djali and climbed onto Quasi's back. He jumped down and grabbed onto things here and there skillfully climbing down. "Yo better go." Quasi said. "I'll visit. I promise. Here takes this." Esmeralda said taking off a necklace and putting it around his hand. It was a weirdly woven band on the necklace. "If you ever need sanctuary to my home, the Court of Miracles, just remember. When you hold this woven band you hold the city in your hand." Esmeralda said.
Frollo stood by his fireplace. Cloud and Leon were in the room standing silently. Frollo kept seeing images of that gypsy in his head. Figures that her kind would only cloud the mind with unholy thoughts. Well if he couldn't have her, no one would. Suddenly a noise was heard from the door and soldiers came in holding a girl. "R-Rinoa!" Leon whispered. Rinoa was thrown harshly to the floor. "We found this gypsy trying to escape Notre Dame. She was with another gypsy but that one got away." The soldier explained. Frollo approached Rinoa. "Where is the Court of Miracles?" Frollo asked. Rinoa was silent. "Are you deaf gypsy?!" he demanded harshly. Rinoa looked up and spat in his face. "Witch!" he hissed. "If I'm a witch then you're Satan himself!" Rinoa spat. Frollo slapped her and she fell back onto the floor holding her face. Leon's blood boiled and he was about to rush forward when another soldier came in. "Sir, the gypsy Esmeralda has escaped. We don't know how." The soldier reported. Frollo pushed over his table with wine on it. "How? We had every exit blocked! Never mind. Find her. Search all of Paris." Frollo ordered. "How?" Frollo whispered to himself as they left. Suddenly a glint came into his eyes.
Frollo stood in front of the house. "We provide shelter for travelers! We do not hide gypsies!" a man pleaded. "We will keep you under house arrest. If you ARE innocent you shall have nothing to fear." Frollo said leaving the house. He turned to Phoebus. "Burn the house down." He ordered. "B-But Sir, I was hired to fight in war not kill innocent people!" Phoebus argued. "It was an order." Frollo said and grabbed a torch from a soldier throwing it onto the house. The house quickly became engulfed in flames. Phoebus ran into the house and grabbed the woman who was holding her baby and then grabbed the father by the hand who was holding a little girl and ran out of the house. The family was happy but Phoebus was quickly arrested. Phoebus pushed the guards away and jumped onto his horse running to the city on a bridge over water. An arrow suddenly hit him in the chest. His body helplessly fell into the water. Guards were about to run after him. "Leave him! Let him drown!" Frollo commanded. The guards entered the city with Frollo at the head. A woman nearby threw off her cloak and dove into the water after Phoebus' body.
Aeris sat down on the ship. She was bored to death. She glanced over at Sephiroth who at first glance was asleep but then she noticed a frown on his face. She crept a little closer to look and suddenly his eyes shot open with anger. He grabbed Aeris by her collar and within a second his sword was against her tender throat threateningly. Suddenly realization that it was Aeris crossed his face and slowly he put her down. His body was shaking a little and Aeris took notice to it. "What are you doing?" Sephiroth hissed protectively. Aeris was caught off guard by his anger, as she hadn't seen him react this way before. "You were frowning as you slept." Aeris answered. "So?" Sephiroth asked. "Sephiroth did you have a nightmare?" Aeris asked softly. "I always have had nightmares. Even when I was a child!" Sephiroth spat in defense. Aeris took no offense. "What does it matter?" Sephiroth. "I was just worried." Aeris said. "Whatever." Sephiroth mumbled and sat up. Aeris grabbed his hand. "Wait!" she begged and then she noticed his hands were in tight fist. They were clenched together and it scared. They were white and sweaty. Aeris reached to touch Sephiroth's forehead. "You're burning a fever!' she exclaimed but Sephiroth waved her away. "Forget it." He muttered. "But you're sick!" Aeris argued politely. "So?" Sephiroth said uninterested. "Sephiroth if it gets any more serious you could-!" "I could what? -Die?!" he cut her off angrily. "Well.yes!" she said. "One less murderer to worry about." Sephiroth spat. "You're not a murderer!" Aeris argued. Sephiroth laughed a laugh that sent shivers down Aeris' spine. "Are you insane I am a murderer! Remember?!" Sephiroth said (keep in mind Aeris is not dead. My theory is, as you will notice in the game that some of the worlds still haven't had their adventure yet. Ex. Aladdin had just discovered the lamp. So my thoughts are that some of the FF characters like FFVII were still having their adventures. In FFVII's case it was before the death of Aeris and this would explain her being alive). "Sephiroth." Aeris whispered about to argue but couldn't think of what to say. "Are you still under Jenova's influence?" she asked softly. "No." came a quick reply. "It wasn't your fault. Jenova controlled you!" Aeris said but Sephiroth looked at her doubtfully. "Sephiroth have you really had nightmares since you were a child?" Aeris asked. He slowly nodded. "My mother died when I was born.she died because of me. Ever since then Professor Hojo had took me in and experimented on me with Jenova cells. I was often beat if I refused to do the tests. Soon I grew up and became a fighting machine for Shinra. But all the murders committed then I didn't feel bad about. I was facing men who were prepared to die! But in other cases like Jenova it was still my fault. She can't excuse me for what I have done Aeris! I killed innocent people! I laughed at them when they were on the ground dying!" Sephiroth yelled. The sweat on his face increased. Sephiroth put his head in his hands and held his head in pain. Suddenly he felt something around him. Something.warm."Sephiroth. Have you ever been hugged?" Aeris asked seeing as Sephiroth was shocked and confused by her gesture. "N-No." he said. She put a hand on his head and pushed it onto her shoulder. She ran her fingers through his hair and calmed him softly. A soon she began to hum (Aeris Death theme). Soon he fell asleep. "No more nightmares for tonight." She whispered to him. He didn't hear her or at least it seemed that way but his head moved slightly at her words.
Heero stood at a bar. He had, had enough! He didn't know where the others were as they disappeared after the Feast of Fools. He walked outside to begin searching again. He walked through the crowd aimlessly. Suddenly he caught a flash of shining blonde hair. He looked over and his eyes widened. He turned pale as if he had seen a ghost. Relena looked over at him and smiled. Her smile seemed to be taunting him and she turned to walk away. He ran forward after her. But soon lost sight of her in a crowd. "Miss me?" a voice asked like honey on the tip of a cursed tongue. Heero turned and felt his knees go weak. "R-Relena?" he choked. "You got a lot of nerve to say my name!" she hissed. Heero felt like he had just been slapped in the face. "What? Relena what's wrong? I-I thought you were dead!" Heero asked. "You prefer me dead?!" Relena spat. "NO-!" Heero said almost pleading. "Think I'm stupid?" Relena asked annoyed. "What are you talking about?!" Heero asked. "The fact that I was killed and you ran off with the girl who murdered me! How could you! You were happy I was dead! So happy you'd run off with the girl who killed me and you knew she had!" Relena said on the verge of tears. Heero felt his mouth was dry. "Well I'm over you! I don't need you anymore! Mortal!" she hissed gathering energy in her hands and blowing him back. "But it hurts doesn't it?! Having your heartbroken?1 She didn't love you after all! She ended up loving Trowa!" she laughed at him. Heero was struck by confusion, hurt, shame, pain, guilt, and shock. "Why are you acting like this?" he asked pleading to calm her. "I just told you why? Don't you ever listen, Yuy?!" she hissed and flung him back one more time. This time when he got up she was gone.
Rinoa sat in the cell cold. She hugged herself and let a few tears fall. How was she ever to get over him?! It was impossible! She would hurt like this forever! Then she heard a sound and looked up. A person in a hood stood there. They were cloaked so she couldn't see any part of them. The figure approached her but she shrank against the wall in fear. They figure bent down to her and swept her off her feet. She caught a glimpse of a smile. It seemed to be trying to give her solace. The figure held her in their arms and she could tell it was male from the buff and muscular arms he had. He turned to two other cloaked people and nodded his head. They did the same and he left the room holding Rinoa. Something was familiar about this touch it was cold almost lost, kind of like Squall.
Queen heard a sound and rushed to the area. She saw Esmeralda helping a wounded Phoebus into the Court of Miracles. She rushed to assist them. They laid him on a bed. "Hurry! Fetch him some bandages!" Esmeralda yelled with worry. Queen did as she said. "Where's Rinoa?" Esmeralda asked. Queen looked down. "They took her. But I escaped. I don't know where she is." Queen sobbed. "Probably.to.the.Palace. of.Justice." coughed Phoebus. "They could be torturing her!" Queen sobbed harder. "Well waiting around here isn't going to help! But I can't leave Phoebus!" Esmeralda said torn between choices. "I'll help." Said a familiar voice. "Quasi! How did you get here!" Esmeralda exclaimed happily. He showed her the woven band. "A map of the city." Quasi replied. Esmeralda looked kindly at the hunchback and then turned to Phoebus with concern. Love filled her eyes and it became obvious to everyone, even poor Quasi who looked hurt. "I'll get him to Notre Dame where he can find sanctuary and aid." Quasi suggested. "That won't be happening." Said a cold voice. They turned and saw Frollo. Frollo motioned his men to arrest everyone. Screams were heard and things were set afire.
Quasi looked down gloomily. Esmeralda was tied against a wooden poll on a platform for execution. Under her was hay everywhere. Frollo smiled. "It's me or death?" he said to Esmeralda getting close enough to smell her hair lustrously. Esmeralda spat in his face. Frollo looked at her furiously. He turned to the protesting cloud. "The gypsy refused to repent. She must die!" Frollo announced as he was handed a torch. He lit the hay under Esmeralda's feet. Smoke filled the air and the gypsy coughed desperately trying to get free. Quasi looked down. "Hurry and fight kid!" Laverne cried in Quasi's ear. But Quasi just looked down gloomily. "It's over." He whispered. "Look!" Laverne said pushing his head forward to Esmeralda who was about to die. "I KNOW IT HURTS BUT YOU CAN'T LET EVERYONE THAT HAS EVER LOVED YOU DIE!" Laverne yelled. Quasi caught something in the distance coming his way. He smiled. Then he looked down at Esmeralda and began to bull desperately on the chains that held him back. He cried out and the chains broke. Quasi grabbed a nearby rope (now how did that get there?) and tied it around a gargoyle. He swooped down and landed on the platform. Before Frollo could grasp what was happening Esmeralda was untied, in Quasi's arms, and being take back up to Notre Dame. Suddenly Quasi stood on top Notre Dame and the crowd looked on in awe. "Sanctuary! Sanctuary!" Quasi cried holding up Esmeralda's unconscious body. Frollo growled and headed for Notre Dame on his horse. The doors were locked to the sacred place and Frollo summoned his guards to break down the door. "They're declaring war on Notre Dame! Are we just gonna stand by?!" yelled Squall who had been locked up with Cloud for betrayal. The crowd went wild, broke free every prisoner, and attacked the guards. The old man was once again freed from his cage. "I am free! I'm free!" he said frolicking happily and suddenly tripped landing in a sewer (I think this guy is funny). "Darn it." His voice echoed. Suddenly birds filled the sky. "Fly my pretties! Fly! Fly!" Laverne yelled laughing like a witch (hint, hint).
Quasi set Esmeralda down on the bed. "Look Esmeralda! Everything's over! The people are fighting back and you're safe!" Quasi said happily looking out the balcony. But Esmeralda just laid there. "Esmeralda?" Quasi asked shaking her. Her body was cold and pale beneath his fingertips. Quasi swallowed in fear. "Esmeralda?" he whispered. Suddenly he buried his head in her hair and cried. "My poor boy." Frollo said laying a hand gently on Quasi's shoulder. Quasi slowly lifted his head and his eyes were filled with unquenched anger and regret. He pushed Frollo's hand away. "Go away!" he yelled burying his head once more in Esmeralda's hair. He looked up the wall noticing the shadow of his master holding a dagger up in the air about to stab him. "No!" Quasi turned to stop his master but only saw a flash of light. There in a flash was Kairi holding her keyblade against the dagger. She roughly pushed the dagger away. "Quasi?" Esmeralda whispered groggily. "Esmeralda!" Quasi exclaimed lifting her head. "She lives!" Frollo declared as he gathered energy in his hand and flung it at the three figures. Quasi grabbed Esmeralda body and dodged but Kairi was flung against the wall harshly. Frollo went over to the balcony looking for Quasi and Esmeralda. He climbed out onto the roof. He walked on the roof searching for them but gargoyles surrounded him. He heard what sounded like a pebble falling from the roof. He looked over the edge and saw Quasi with one hand around Esmeralda and the other hanging onto the bottom of a gargoyle. Frollo smiled evilly as he pulled at his dagger. Suddenly Quasi looked up and barely dodged Frollo's dagger. He went from Gargoyle to gargoyle each time being attacked by Frollo. Suddenly the ground felt cold beneath Frollo's feet and he looked down to see the entire ground frozen. He tried to move but to no avail. He looked over at a smirking Kairi who stood by an icy figure. The figure looked like an African queen with a body made only of ice. The icy figure gracefully moved her arm in the air and with a swift movement of her hand as if making a signal, the ice broke apart and from the force Frollo was flung from the roof. Kairi smiled in relief and went over to Quasi who had just got onto the roof and laid Esmeralda down. Kairi looked over the roof's edge to see where Frollo had fallen. She turned but suddenly something grabbed her foot. Kairi turned but was too late as Frollo yanked her foot down and they both fell from the roof. Kairi desperately waved her hands in the air as if to grasp something. Frollo was laughing insanely all the way down to their death. A mysterious light surrounded Kairi and suddenly a winged horse soared through the air and Kairi grabbed its mane. The horse seemed unharmed by this but Frollo still grasped Kairi's foot. She tried to crawl onto Pegasus but Frollo gave her foot another yank. Kairi felt her fingers sliding from the horse's silky fur. Kairi with her last burst of energy kicked Frollo in the face making him let go and fall to his death below. Kairi also slipped but was saved once again by the winged horse. She laid on Pegasus' back and sighed in relief. Quasi looked at the crowd below who were cheering and Esmeralda led him to the door. She walked up to Phoebus and kissed him. He smiled and she turned to Quasi who was hiding shyly in the shadow. She put out her hand. "Come on." She coaxed. Hesitantly he took her hand and was led into he light. The crowd gasped and looked at the deformed figure. Quasi looked scared. Suddenly a little girl looked at her mother and let go of her hand. Walking up to Quasi she slowly lifted her hand up to touch his smooth face. She smiled and hugged him as the crowd went into cheer and Quasi felt relief take him as he hugged the little girl back.
Cloud walked around the market one last time to get some food before they left. Leon was with Yuffie searching for Rinoa. He was worried since Aeris was with Sephiroth on the ship still....alone. Suddenly he saw the three cloaked figures in the crowd as he did earlier. He looked decided to chase the one nearest to him and turned as he ran after the figure down the alley. The figure's movements were swift but graceful, obviously feminine. Cloud kept up his speed though. The figure leaped over a wall and Cloud leaped after them. Suddenly the person stopped and before Cloud could to the same the figure's fist met his face. "Reminds me of Tifa." He muttered covering his bloody nose. The figure ran off before Cloud could get up.
The figure entered the abandoned house wearily. She pulled off her hood and long silky black hair poured down her shoulders. Rinoa groaned as she tried to lift her head but a muscular figure pushed her back down gently. "You'd better get some rest." He said softly. But coldly. Rinoa turned to the girl. "Who are you?" she asked. The girl smiled. "I'm Tifa and this is-!" "Vincent...." Rinoa said. The man looked shocked. "I saw you in Yuffie's photo." Rinoa said. His eyes flashed with pain but he looked away. Suddenly another cloaked figure entered the room. "And who is this one?" Rinoa asked. "Her names Rikku. She is annoying and constantly cheerful but don't let that scare you." Vincent said. "Hey!" Rikku yelled pulling off her hood revealing a blonde spunky girl. "I was chased here by Cloud but I lost him." Tifa said. "You miss him." Rinoa stated. Tifa nodded sadly. "But he's happier now that he's found Aeris." Tifa said softly. "How long have you been stalking the company?" Rinoa asked. "Ever since Sora got the keyblade. I'm surprised him and his friends never noticed." Rikku answered. Suddenly a sound was heard. Everyone became quiet. "I'll check it out." Tifa whispered pulling on her hood and slyly steeping out. Tifa looked around the corner but saw nothing. Suddenly a glove covered her mouth. "Who are you and why are you following us?!" Cloud's voice whispered huskily in her ear. Tifa smirked and her foot lifted in the air to kick Cloud in the 'you-know-what' but he dodged swiftly. Cloud flew forward and Tifa threw a punch but he dodged and knocked her back. In the process, her hood carelessly fell off. Cloud gasped in horror. His hand covered his mouth. "Tifa?" he choked out. "Forgive me." said a voice from behind Cloud but when Cloud turned he saw a fist and then everything went black.
"Mommy?" "Sorry, wrong. But close." Came Rinoa's giggly voice. Cloud opened his eyes and felt a sharp pain hit his head. "He hit you hard, huh?" Rinoa asked as Cloud held his pounding head. "Who hit me?" Cloud asked. "Vincent." Rinoa replied swiftly. "What? So, it wasn't a dream. Who is the third?" Cloud questioned, asking himself. But Rinoa answered, "Her name is Rikku." "I wonder how this will affect Yuffie." Rinoa added. "She'll probably do what Squall is doing to you. Break his heart, ignore her true feelings, and stay with Leon." Cloud said. "Where's Tifa and Vincent?" Cloud asked softly. Suddenly the door opened and Tifa's slender figure walked in. She was so different. Cloud looked mesmerized. She had a white short with long sleeves that revealed her stomach. She had on a pair of jeans with a red belt and a pair of high-heeled sandals that were black. Her earrings remained pearl drop but around her neck was a black neckband. Her hair was le loose completely, no longer held at the ends by a red band. She had matured into a woman but her fists were still covered by her powerful gloves except the gloves were black and let her fingertips show. She seemed like a glowing jewel in the dark. "You've grown." She choked out. Cloud's once soft eyes hardened. "Why?" he asked hurt. "Why what?" Tifa asked. "Why did you never come to us after finding us?!" Cloud yelled. Tifa looked at the floor in shame. "Because I want you to be happy." Tifa whispered. Cloud looked at her. "You mean with Aeris as my girlfriend?" he asked. Tifa nodded. "Tifa-!" "Listen to me." Tifa said walking up to him and hugging him. Cloud felt light- headed and her heard Tifa's mellifluous voice speak. "Cloud, I've seen it with my own eyes. How every time she's near she's like the sun shining onto your face. You're happy with her. Cloud....you and I....we're just not meant to be." Tifa said knowing that Cloud was going to say it. "Will our friendship be enough?" Cloud asked. Tifa smiled and nodded. Her pain was clear in her eyes and it was obvious she was lying to herself thinking it would be enough. 'Now where do I know this pain from?' Rinoa thought sarcastically. "Cloud, Tifa and her crew with come with us. We need all the help we can get." Rinoa said. Cloud looked over to Rinoa and nodded. Rinoa looked at Cloud remembering his words earlier on the subject of Yuffie and Leon. 'Hypocrite!' she was tempted to yell but held her tongue. She sighed and followed them out the door.
Cloud approached Leon. "Any luck?" Cloud asked. Leon looked down. "It's all my fault." Leon whispered banging his hand on the wall. Cloud smiled. "Well that's too bad. I guess you have no choice but to apologize to her." Cloud whispered hiding a smirk under his cape. "Squall!" Rinoa said cheerfully resisting the urge to run to him knowing he was taken. Leon looked at Rinoa who smiled at him innocently and his heart melted. Suddenly he took notice to a blonde behind her. "Who's she?" he asked. "She's one of the people who saved me from Frollo's jail." Rinoa answered. "It's a long story." The hyperactive blonde said. Rinoa turned slowly to Yuffie. "There's someone who wants to see you. He's waiting for you by the fountain in the square." Rinoa told her. Yuffie looked confused but skipped off. "Who's waiting for her?" Leon asked protectively and somewhat angrily toward Rinoa. "He's just an old friend from her home planet that survived." Rinoa answered hurt. "She'll be fine." Cloud said hiding his annoyance toward Leon's behavior. "I'll also be joining." Said a soft voice. Tifa approached them and smiled. 'I can't wait to see Aeris.' She thought happily and somewhat sadly.
Yuffie approached the figure that stood next to the fountain. He looked familiar but his back was to her. His shoulders were tense. Yuffie cleared her throat and the figure turned to her. Yuffie gasped and took a step back. It wasn't true! He must be a ghost! He nodded to her sadly. "How's Leon?" he asked softly. "I thought you were dead!" Yuffie said running forward and leaping into his arms. She cried as she clung to him. Vincent sighed a he wrapped his arms around the ninja's shaking body. "You haven't changed. You look exactly the same." She whispered. "So have you. I take it it's over between you and I? Now that you've moved on." Vincent said hiding his pain. Yuffie buried her head into his chest. "Are you mad?" she sniffled. Vincent's eyes softened. He knew he couldn't stay mad at her. "No, I know you love him. I only want you to be happy." Vincent whispered. "We're still friends, right?" she asked softly. "Of course." He replied. "Forever?" she asked looking up at him. "Forever." He said. She smiled sadly. Something felt wrong within her.
Everyone got on the ship. Everyone gaped at the new members. "Tifa!" Aeris squealed hugging the girl so tight that it started to cut off her oxygen. "Hey, Aeris." Tifa whispered sadly and returned the hug. "I thought you were dead! And Vincent!" she squealed now moving to hug him. "Don't even." He warned. Aeris frowned. "Your loss." She said smiling. She turned to Cloud and kissed him "I have forgiven you." She whispered. Tifa looked over at a displeased figure. "Holy-!" before Sephiroth could say another word Tifa was tackling him to the ground and trying to kill him. "You killed my father you son of a-!" "Tifa! Stop he's on our side!" Aeris said trying to push between the two. Cloud looked at the shocked Sephiroth and felt tempted to snicker but he knew he would once again loose Aeris' favor. "Since when was he on our side?!" Tifa yelled pointing to Sephiroth in disgust. "In our world he was being controlled by Jenova. I know he killed your father. I'm sorry and Sephiroth is sorry too! He's had many chances to kill me and he has not harmed me yet! In fact he has protected me." Aeris said. Tifa looked over at Sephiroth grudgily. She rattled her fist in the air at Sephiroth. "Lay a hand on Aeris and I swear-!" "I hear ya, woman." Sephiroth said waving her off. Yuna and Tidus looked at Rikku. There was something familiar about her but they couldn't put their finger on it. Riku looked over at the captain of the ship, Cid. She winked at him and he blushed. Tifa giggled with Aeris.