Chapter XII: Conflicting Forces: Showdown in the Bell Tower

"No, he took Esmeralda!" said Phoebus. Reyna ran over to Quasi and helped him up while Namé cast cure on him.

"He- he took her to the belltower. I'm sure of it," said Quasi.

The six ran up the stairs toward the belltower. Suddenly Soldier Heartless leaped down the stairs at them. Tyson and Fayt sliced through them as they rushed upward. When they made it to the top, a surprising sight met them.

Frollo and his Soldier, Armored Knight, and Jester Heartless were fighting an Unknown and his Neoshadow and Darkballs. The Unknown activated the Seal of Kronos, circling it around him and Frollo.

"Sacred Ether!" Frollo cast his spell at the Unknown, who crossed his two swords, one large and thick and the other slightly smaller and thinner, and blocked the spell. He then leaped into the air and slammed Frollo into the ground. He then crossed his swords and scraped them together till a red spark appeared between them. Then he swung them, releasing a blast that knocked Frollo into the barrier. He collapsed to the ground, and the Seal of Kronos encircled him, taking his soul.

"What just happened?" asked Tyson in shock.

"That fool thought he could actually beat me with the Heartless. Haha! What a joke. And all for some gypsy who didn't return his sick affections." The Unknown turned and looked at them.

"Oh, it's you again," he said. Namé gasped in surprise.

"You're that other guy from the Cave of Wonders!" He removed his hood to reveal a young man with unruly red hair that was slightly brown and grey eyes

"Heh, that's me. The name's Alister." He looked over to see Phoebus helping up Esmeralda and Quasimodo nearby.

"Ah, some strong hearts to add to the collection," he said with a smirk.

Phoebus stepped in front of Esmeralda, but Alister threw him back with a red blast of magic from the Kronos Stone. He stepped forward but Quasi leaped on him and the two went down kicking and struggling. The kehole suddenly glowed on the bell. Alister saw this and summoned Neoshadows before Quasi threw himself on him again. Phoebus, Fayt, and Namé fought them back while Tyson and Reyna sealed the keyhole. Alister threw Quasi back and slashed him across the back. Quasi stumbled back before Esmeralda caught him.

"How strange that so hideous a monster could hide such a noble heart! Master Amnael will be pleased with this one."

Suddenly another Unknown with the Kronos Seal on his hood, like Valon's and Alister's, appeared in the room.

"Alister, that's enough."

"What? Is this a joke?"

"Master Amnael said that this isn't the time or place. It's time we were going."

"Have it your way." He turned to glare at the others. "This isn;t over yet!" he vowed. Then Alister disappeared.

The other Unknown turned to them. "My apologies. I can't excuse Alister's rude behavior."

Reyna felt strange, for as she looked at him, she sensed something different. "He's not like the others. They reeked of darkness, but I don't sense any darkness in him. In fact, his light is very strong."

"Until we meet again, Keyblade Master and the Angel of Heart." He vanished and left them wondering.

"Huh, that was odd," said Fayt. Namé ran over to where Quasimodo was and healed him again.

"You were very brave, Quasi. Thank you," said Esmeralda. She gave him a warm hug. Phoebus gave a little cough.

Then he said, "Esmeralda, I-"

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a kiss. He blinked in shock before returning it. Quasi laughed and rang the bell, and the other four smiled. Reyna suddenly remembered Kai dancing with her at the Dance of the Masquearade, and she got a funny feeling inside.

"That's strange..."

With warm farewells to Quasi, Esmeralda, and Phoebus, the four retrieved the gummi ship and set off again.

"Another world down!" said Namé cheerfully.

"Huh, there's only one more left in this area, Olympus Coliseum. I'm taking us in," said Fayt.

"Make it so, Cap'n!" said Tyson with a laugh.

Quasimodo-

A hunchback who rings the bell at the cathedral in Notre Dame. He is looked upon in disgust by the superficial Parisians, but finds friends in Esmeralda and Phoebus.

Esmeralda-

Esmeralda is a gypsy who uses her talents in dancing to earn a living. She has a strong sense of justice, and stands up for what she believes in. She is good friends with Quasi and is in love with Phoebus.

Phoebus-

Captain of the Guards who falls in love with Esmeralda and joins with Quasi to defeat Frollo.

Frollo-

The Minister of Justice in Paris who was forced to take in Quasimodo. He has an intense hatred of the gypsies, though he lusts after Esmeralda. Had his heart taken by Alister when he fought him in the belltower.

Clopin-

A gypsy who appears in a jester suit and loves to entertain the people. He is actually the King of the Gypsies.

Alister-

One of the Archguardian of the Organization. He wields two mismatched swords.

Nightshroud: Ah, not a very long chapter, but it had to be done. Anyway, I've actually revealed the top four members by now (obviously not including Amnael, who's number one). Can you figure them out? Hehe one more world and I'll be at my favorite (and the longest too) part in the story. Anyway, drop a review and read on!

Next chapter: The Zeus Cup