AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm back. Still alive; working, playing games, and writing this story when I get a chance.
I've been mired with writer's block for this chapter. Also, I updated the last chapter with some corrections along replacing the Oswald Report with something else in its place.
Now that all said and done let's start the show.
CHAPTER 7: BEWARE OF THE BELLS
ANSEM'S LAB
Ienzo types away in front of the computer terminal overlooking the secret entrance to what is known as the Chamber of Sleeping. Thanks to Tron's help in the past, they were able to access the room only Xemnas had access to. And after finding Aqua's armor and Keyblade, they made contact to the Keyblade Master in order for her to retrieve what she lost when she attempted to save Terra from being trapped in the Realm of Darkness with her.
Now, however he was going over the system; making sure there are no anomalies. Especially since the giant system is part of the same network as Cid's machine at the Radiant Garden Committee headquarters. Considering they know so little of their current foe, it was best to make sure they have everything covered in all fronts in regards to the security and safety of the city surrounding the castle.
His musings came to a stop when Ansem the Wise enters the lab. Ienzo gives a slight bow in respect, "Master Ansem."
"At ease, Ienzo," says the sage who governs the world alongside the RGC. "How are things, going?"
Ienzo shakes his head before returning to the terminal. "I still haven't been able to get in contact with the Twilight Town facility. Not even the Gummi Phones seem to get past the interference caused by the barriers erected over the worlds."
Ansem frowns at the predicament, "I see." The man looks around the facility. "Where is Even?"
"He's currently in town. There have been some victims from the Forgotten's initial assault, so he is there gathering data on how the Forgotten are able to seal people's memories while helping them recuperate. Honestly, if Sora hadn't warned us and the RGC, things may have gotten a lot worse."
Ansem nods with an affirmative hum. Before more can be said, Dilan walks up to the sage of the castle; the guard's footsteps notifying his presence. "Master Ansem, you have a visitor in your study."
"Thank you, Dilan," responds thankfully before returning to his study. Upon walking into his office, he can only smile. "It's so good to see you again, King Mickey."
Standing in front of his desk is the King of Disney Castle; looking at him with a smile. "It's good to see you once again, Master Ansem."
The man can only chuckle. The only times they ever note to the other's title is when they haven't seen each other in a long time. Ansem takes his seat behind his desk, "I had a feeling we would meet, considering the threat to our worlds. Tell me, have you met up with the Restoration Committee yet?"
"Not yet. I figured I came here first to see if everything is all right."
"Luckily we have been spared the worst of the Forgotten's attack. Currently they are only handful outside the city's walls. Thanks to Sora and his friends."
"Hmm, good to hear. Actually, I was hoping you could help me with something." The King requests before digging into his jacket. He takes out several sheets of written parchments and places them onto the desk. "I'm hoping you can go through these and hear your thoughts about it."
"Certainly. I will do what is in my ability to help," the sage says with a smile.
The chime of bells echo in the air. Coming from the grand church known as Notre Dame. Its sound carried throughout a surrounding city of the Renaissance Age. High above the main bridge over the river surround the inner city as the bells last echo dissipates, a white gate opens. Roxas, Xion, Mami, and Charlotte gently descend from it and onto the bridge. The gate closes and the arriving group of four look around their surroundings.
"Where are we?" Charlotte asks.
Roxas takes in their surroundings before crossing his arms, "I'm not exactly sure. But I feel like…" he says before trailing off.
"Like we've been here before," Xion finishes for him.
"You haven't been here?" Mami inquires.
"It's kinda hard to describe," Roxax crosses his arms. "I know I haven't been here myself."
"Same here," Xion responds as she ponders. "But at the same time, it feels too familiar. Like its some memory that's too fuzzy," she pauses before turning to the other Keyblade Wielder, "But I think its more…" she trails off.
"More like a dream," Roxas responds. He turns to the Magical Girls, "Sorry, if that wasn't clear enough."
"I… kind of get it," Charlotte responds with a nervous face as glances towards the ground. Still… she thinks, My nightmare… I just know it must mean something important. But what?
"Are you okay?" Mami's question shakes the white-haired girl out of her thoughts. The latter nods but Mami still looks at her with concern. "So any clues of where to go?"
Roxas turns to the gate at the end of the bridge to the inner part of the city. After suggesting going in that direction, the blonde Keyblade Wielder leads the group. After entering through the gate, they are surprised by the number of people standing around; all in a daze.
"Okay, this is weird," Xion says with hands on her hips.
"It's like they are all in a trance," Mami around.
"Up there!" Charlotte points to the sky. The all look up finding a platoon of Forgotten descending upon the crowded the city. They mostly consist of Amnesia along with several Crazy Loons, bird-like Forgotten that have a long, thin, flexible neck with a black thick strip around the base and ends in a cone acting as its beak. Its blue wings are a normal span for its general size of around three feet and the emblem of their kin displayed on their chests. The Amnesia swoop down like wraiths, swarming around the dazed townsfolk. They do not attack directly, instead they are circling around; stealing their memories in the form of white wisps.
Among them six Amnesia close in on the outsiders; who each summon their respective weapons. Roxas and Xion cleave through one enemy each. Mami takes out two with shots from her muskets and Charlote takes out the remaining two through a blast of her magical trumpet.
It was then that three more Amnesia appear and two of the Crazy Loons above dive towards them. After forming up with one another, the party of four size up the second wave. Each of the bird-like Forgotten swarm all over one of the Keyblade Wielders; attempting to peck them at every angle possible while their prey dodge to the best of their ability. Meanwhile, Charlotte and Mami are back to back with the Amnesia surrounding them. The blonde shooter picks off one of the Forgotten. Another one charges at the white-haired girl, who jumps up; giving Mami room to use her used musket as a bat and knocks the charging foe into the other remaining Amnesia. While in the air, the bubble trumpet user channels her magic and blows into her weapon. With knowledge of the Fire spell, her trumpet becomes a gatling gun of pure fire and the Forgotten go out in the flames. Meanwhile, the Crazy Loons still pursue their targets without abandon. At the same time; both Keyblade Wielders raise their weapons in defense; blocking their attackers which recoil and hover about in a daze. Taking this chance, Roxas and Xion made short work of their opponents. The remaining Forgotten in the area make their retreat; heading towards the center of the city. This gives the heroes a chance to catch their breath. And as if on cue the townsfolk start to stir, many of them clutching their heads.
"Okay, that is a bit too convenient," Roxas rubbing the back of his neck.
"What do you mean?" Xion asks.
Mami catches on to Roxas' train of thought, "The Forgotten ran away just as everyone here was coming around."
Roxas nods. "Question is, what exactly happened?"
A man's scream pulls them away from their conversation followed by a cry for help. They turn to see a man running towards them from the gate they entered from. The man is scared out of his wits but nothing is following him.
Charlotte runs up to the man with placating hands, "C-calm down, what's wrong?"
"Monster!" the man points to where he came from. "There is a monster near the graveyard. That-that thing just can't be human."
Xion attempts to calm the man down, but the man said that the monster is an abomination and warns them not to go to the graveyard before running off. Roxas comments that they should go and investigate the monster sighting and everyone agrees. The party crosses the bridge from before and traverse the less slightly crowded streets. The trek was uneventful. They make their way to the graveyard. They split up and look around but they could not see anything. They group up near an open gravesite. Mami asks if anyone see anything strange. Before anyone can respond, a woman's voice calls to them.
"Hey," the voice said. They turn to the open gravesite and see a fairly beautiful woman with tanned skin and long, black wavy hair and a large earring in her left ear. "Quick, get in here before the bells ring!" she yells out before ducking into the grave. Without a word, the four quickly make their way into the grave, which is in truth a secret staircase. After going down the steps, they find themselves in a ruined tunnel. At that moment, they can barely here the chimes of the bells outside. They look around but do not see the woman.
"Who was that?" Charlotte asks.
Roxas puts a hand to under his chin for a few seconds before looking deeper into the tunnel. Something about this place is familiar. Much like the rest of the city it felt like a dream. It then dawns on him and has a good idea of which world they are in. And if what Roxas remembers right from his visit of this world then there is one course of action. "I may have an idea who it was that guided us here," he says; getting the others' attention. He turns to them, "I also have an idea on who this 'monster' is."
"'Who?'" Mami asks with a tilt of her head; confused on Roxas' phrase.
"Let's keep going," Roxas says as he leads the group through the tunnel; which turns out to be the city's forgotten catacombs. The tunnel leads back to the surface in a different graveyard and Roxas tells them that there should be another hollow grave around. The group split up, and it didn't take long for Mami to find the grave in question. As Roxas suspected it leads to another set of catacombs. After traversing the catacombs, they arrive in what appears to be an underground village full of vigorous people. Right at the entrance, was the black-haired woman that warned them to get inside the first set of catacombs with her back towards them. She wears a white blouse with a long, violet skirt.
The group walks to her, who notices their approach and turns around. She gives them a welcoming smile, "Didn't expect you to follow me all the way here. Most people wouldn't go through the catacombs. But where are my manners?" She places a hand on her chest, "I'm Esmeralda."
Roxas, Mami, Xion, and Charlotte introduce themselves in order. The white-haired girls continues, "Why did you want us to get into the catacombs before the bells ring?"
"Ahh, a fine question, young miss," an enthusiastic male voice echoes from above. On top of the platform above them, is thin man with a short beard; wearing what appears to be a colorful jester's outfit along with a magenta mask with a golden trim and a blue pointed hat adorned with a gold feather. He jumps down onto the floor next to them and gives them a bow. "Clopin, King of the Gypsies at your service," he straightens his body back up, "and you should heed what I'm about to say. Beware of the bells," he ends in a small tone with a hint of mystery.
"What about the bells?" Mami asks.
Clopin answers in the form of a song. Explaining how the bells have always been the heart and soul of the city. However, strange sightings have been seen at the cathedral. Then only a few days ago, the bells will cause anyone who hears them to fall into a trance. He's goes on saying strange creatures roaming around after the bells ring and disappear as the effect goes off. Those were once friends are now strangers to each other and those that had been feuding would simply be on their merry way without a thought in the world. He ends his song with an ominous note stating that it is the work of a mysterious bell ringer.
"Clopin…" Esmeralda says with a sigh. "Don't give them the wrong impression,"
"Ah, but it's the job of a storyteller to keep the audience in suspense," he defends himself with a big smile. "Please note, I mentioned A mysterious bell ringer and not THE mysterious bell ringer. But I digress, I hope you all enjoy your stay at the Court of Miracles."
"That was interesting," Xion notes.
Esmeralda gives a small smirk, "Just be glad that Gypsies are no longer being hunted. Otherwise he would have accused you as spies and have you executed." She turns to the group of four, "So what brings you all the way here?"
"We heard that there was a monster sighted in the graveyard," Charlotte answers.
Esmeralda frowns, "And what were you going to do?"
"We just wanted to investigate," Roxas responds. "But I think we got the wrong impression from what we've been told. If it's all right, can we see him?"
Esmeralda looks over them; looking for any sign that they bring ill intent. She smiles as she concludes that they mean well. "Of course, follow me."
Esmeralda leads them through the Gypsies' home. She leads them to a large tent. She opens the flap and allows the others go in first. After entering the tent, the Keyblade Wielders and Magical Girls find a large hunched figure with his back turned. He turns around revealing his distorted face. Roxas and Xion recognize the face and confirmed their suspicions regarding this world; this was one of the sleeping worlds Sora and Riku ventured through during their Mark of Mastery Exam. The Magical Girls manage to keep their faces straight at the sight. But one thing was clear to them; the hunched man's eyes are full of fear.
*TEARS OF THE LIGHT*
"It's okay, Quasimodo," Esmeralda speaks as she enters herself. She stands next to the hunched man with a hand on his back. "These are kind people, I'm certain they won't hurt you." Quasimodo looks to her with those same fearful eyes. Esmeralda gives him a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, I'm here for you."
Quasimodo turns to the four strangers before him. "W-who are you?" he asks in a hesitant tone. The party introduces themselves one by one. The man looks at them one by one. "You're not afraid of me?"
Mami shakes her head, "Of course not. Granted you look different from most people, but I can see that you are a gentle soul."
"That he is," Esmeralda confirms before her face fell, "Quasimodo just wanted to see the outside world. I allowed him to do that but, he was instantly called a monster by someone that was there. Words like that can really hurt a person, so I quickly ushered him back here."
"And the people here?" Charlotte asks.
Emeralda gives a small smile, "Everyone here knows Quasimodo."
"I'm just glad that the people here are able to accept someone as ugly as me," Quasimodo says with a small smile.
Xion shakes her head, "You're not ugly." She places a hand on her chest, "There are some people that don't understand that its not how a person looks but who they are on the inside. And trust me, someone like you, you definitely will find those outside that will truly accept you. Just like everyone here in the Court of Miracles."
Quasimodo looks up with wet eyes as a huge smile and nods. Nothing more is said after that. Esmeralda walks the four outside of the tent afterwards. "Thank you, I'm sure Quasimodo needs to hear those words, especially after what happened."
Roxas steps forward, "I'm guessing it has to do with the Forgotten?"
The Gypsy woman nods with a stern look, "If you mean those monsters then yes." She turns to the ceiling above them. "Quasimodo… doesn't remember anything. He does not remember the deeds he's done or the acceptance the people had for him for those deeds. He's regressed back to the Quasimodo I first met. As for the people, they too have forgotten those deeds and see him for what he is on the outside."
"That's cruel," Mami says with a downtrodden expression; grabbing her arm. "To have your memories and the acceptance you once had stolen from you." She closes her eyes, mentally going over everything she and the others learned. She looks up to Esmeralda, "Quasimodo's the mysterious bell ringer, isn't he?
"Yes, he was cooped up in the bell tower for most of his life. He was told that the outside world would never accept him. But then after a series of events, Quasimodo overcame his fears and his courage and kindness shone forth and the people accepted him, just as he always dreamed." She takes in a deep breath before continuing, "But now, he feels all alone. I found him unconscious outside the cathedral. Me and several other Gypsies quickly ushered him here and when he came to, he didn't recognize any of us. All he remembers, was what his life was like before I met him."
"Which is being alone," Mami hugs herself, "Being alone is scary. For a long time, I was alone myself. Always fighting; having no one to truly support me." She gives herself a sad smile with a small hiccup. "Then when Madoka offered to stand by my side on the battlefield, I was so elated. Having something to fill that void, was breathtaking. I wanted to have that feeling for all eternity. Because of that, I nearly lost my life." She turns to the Keyblade Wielders, "But I was lucky that Kairi saved me just in time. Because of those two, I am here now," she says with a grateful smile before her expression falls, "To have all of that taken away, I don't know how I would cope."
"Mami," Charlotte says as she places a hand on the older Magical Girl's shoulder. The blonde girl turns to her with an appreciative smile. She could only imagine what the white-haired girl is going through. She chastises herself internally; knowing that Charlotte is experiencing amnesia and is struggling to remember.
Roxas and Xion looks at the Magical Girls with a smile. The former turns to Esmeralda, eyes focused for the task at hand. "Back to the Forgotten," he says, getting everyone's attention, "it seems like they are using the cathedral as their base of operations. Using the bells to hypnotize everyone and then mess with their memories. But it seems the bells don't ring at night, instead they roam about the streets, correct?" Esmaralda confirms Roxas' grasp of the situation. He turns to the others. "Then we'll wait for night to fall and make our way to the cathedral and retake it from them. That should return everyone's memories, especially Quasimodo's."
"Sounds like a plan," Xion states with a smirk. The Magical Girls nod with determined eyes.
Roxas nods in turn. The blonde Keyblade Wielder pumps his right fist, "Time to wake up this city."
Two hours have passed since night fell and the bells have not tolled since then. Running through the empty streets of the city is Roxas leading the others. After crossing the bridge and entering the plaza where they first fought the Forgotten; they ambush a squad of patrolling Forgotten. Afterwards, they make their way through the streets; taking out any enemies that bar their path. After some time, they arrived at the courtyard in front of the cathedral. However it was not exactly empty.
Near to the street they came from is a pigeon on a white stick with a perch creature that they notice. It turns to them and they can already see a problem. For one, the pigeon has no eyes. Along with having no feathers, there was one thing about it that already has them on edge, the Forgotten emblem on its chest. It gives no reaction for a few seconds. It suddenly gives off a large shrill before flying, with its perching stick, at them. At the end of the stick is a small, spiked orb just half the size of the bird-like foe. With ease, it swings around its weapon at the group who dodge. The Stool Pigeon gives another shrill and the party soon find themselves surrounded by six Crazy Loons.
*LE SANCTUAIRE*
The flying Forgotten hover around them for a few seconds more before Roxas makes the first move as everyone else charges in different directions. His target dodges his strike as the others break way as well. The Crazy Loon retaliates only to recoil from Roxas's perfectly timed block with his weapon. The creature disappears as a gun goes off. Smoke escapes from a musket Mami has pointing out. She dismisses it and fires another musket at another. Her shot clips its wing and before being vanquished by a fireball curtesy of Charlotte. Two other Forgotten close in. She uses her magical weapon; unleashing a barrage of bubbles. The Crazy Loons try to weather it but only one survives as it still on its charge. Only for it to be cut down by Xion. She swings her Keyblade; launching a fire ball at another Forgotten. The bird-like monster staggers from the impact before charging at the black-haired girl. Xion jumps over it as it swoops in and finishes it off with Blizzard. The last Crazy Loon circles around Mami. The blonde Magical Girl erects a barrier of yellow ribbons. The Forgotten, dazed from its failed assault gets suddenly wrapped by those ribbons as they disperse around Mami who has a small smile. The ribbons tighten their hold before the bird-like monster falls in the same manner as its kind.
The Stool Pigeon is watching from the middle of the courtyard after seeing that its the last one it gives off another loud shrill; summoning six more of the defeated Forgotten. Roxas and Xion charge in with Mami and Charlotte providing covering fire. Roxas pulls off a Light Reversal; slipping by the charging Forgotten and stops in front of the Stool Pigeon. In response it flies back with a back-swing of its perch. Roxas easily blocks it and freezes the Forgotten in place. The Keyblade Wielder finishes it off with his Keyblade. He looks back to find the girls finishing off the remaining Forgotten. Roxas looks at each one of them and nods, in which they return before they hurry to the cathedral's entrance.
They cautiously enter the cathedral. Roxas and Mami hide behind the closest pillar on their right as Xion and Charlotte hide behind the closest pillar on the opposite side. They scan around the cathedral from their covers. The stairs behind Xion and Charlotte is blocked by a misty barrier with the Forgotten's emblem glowing. Xion manages to peek out to see Roxas who turns to her. She shakes her head, indicating to him that the stairs are not accessible. The blonde Keyblade wielder nods before scanning the rest of the cathedral from his position. He creeps around the pillar with Mami behind him, only to stop after the latter looks up and places a hand on the former's shoulder. She gestures to the floor above when Roxas looked back. He looks up and finds a Stool Pigeon scanning its surroundings at the edge of the balcony opposite of them.
Xion and Charlotte creep around their pillar and stop as they see Roxas with a hand out; motioning them to stop. He points to the floor above them and the two girls nod to his silent message. He points up to the floor above him and Mami. The black-haired girl looks up and confirms Roxas suspicions of another Stool Pigeon on the balcony above them. She nods at her fellow Keyblade Wielder. After taking that in, he looks back to Mami while making a gun with his hand; pointing it at the Stool Pigeon in their line of sight. The blonde Magical Girl nods. She prepares a musket after Roxas slides away to give her room. Mami gets ready as she looks at the other two. Xion smirks and summons a musket herself; thanks to her copying ability when fighting alongside Mami back in Radiant Garden. The two eye their targets as Roxas slips to the next pillar in front. After he confirms Xion can see him; he raises three fingers and both girls nod. Xion looks back at Charlotte, who nods; ready to jump in if necessary. She looks back at Roxas and nods once more in which the recipient complies. Roxas counts down with his hands. After swinging his arm down; both of the musket wielding girls slide out from their hiding spots and snipe the two Forgotten above them; effectively killing them.
Xion looks at Charlotte; motioning to the seal behind her as she dismisses her weapon. Charlotte looks back with grimace in seconds and shakes her head. Meaning the seal is still there. Xion sighs but does not see any more Forgotten in the area or above them. She walks towards Roxas and Mami with Charlotte following her. The blondes meet up with them in between the two rows of pillars supporting the balconies overlooking them. "Now what," she asks in a hushed tone so any other Forgotten doesn't catch wind of them.
"You and me will check the balconies and see if there are anymore," Roxas responds before turning to the Magical Girls, "You two stay here and hold the fort." The two nod and both Keyblade Wielders. The two jump at opposing pillars before launching off of them. They turn in mid-air; and bouncing off the other from the soles of their shoes to make up top. There are no other Forgotten up top. They head towards the U-shaped balcony on the back; gliding to their destination. They swiftly move from pillar to pillar checking their surroundings for more Forgotten as well as the floor below them. The two meet up towards the back of the balcony with something catching their attention. The two nod to each other before Xion rushes to the edge. She waves at the two Magical Girls. Mami uses her magic to conjure yellow ribbons for her and Charlotte to swing about and meet up with the Keyblade Wielders.
"What did you find?" Charlotte asks. Xion motions them to their findings. Near the back wall are three legless gargoyle statues. One has a pig-like face and is bigger in width compared to the other two. One appears more elderly than its counterparts and the last is leaner and taller than the others. But the key thing to note is that all three are standing on a glowing magic circle with the Forgotten emblem. Roxas steps up and cautiously steps on the circle. The magic circle pulses and the party are suddenly surrounded by eight Crazy Loons.
The Crazy Loons all charge in at once; Mami erects a barrier of her ribbons. The Forgotten rebound off the barrier in a daze. The ribbons undo themselves and the Keyblade Wielders make short work of them. The magic circle pulses again and two squads of Amnesia appear in a pincer formation. Charlotte stands in front of one of the squads and blows into her bubble trumpet. The Amnesia fall one by one until none are left. Meanwhile Mami binds the other squad with her ribbons before blasting them off one at a time with multiple muskets. The magic circle pulses one more time and ten Crazy Loons appear above the magic circle. Xion raises her Keyblade and casts a Magnet spell in the middle of the group; trapping them. Both girls turn around and use their respective weapons to destroy the last group. The magic circle glows brighter for a few seconds before shattering. "That takes care of that," Roxas says with a smile.
The statues in front of them go brighter and their eyes turn white with pupils. "Hey, thanks a million!" says the heavy one.
"Indeed, I thought we would be sleeping forever," the tall one speaks in a refined manner.
"I agree, feels good to move these old limbs again," the elderly, female gargoyle speaks.
"They talk!?" Charlotte says with surprise, which is shared by Mami.
"Yep," Roxas says with a smile.
"You knew they were alive, didn't you?" Xion says as a statement with a smirk.
"Come on, you also had a feeling these three are important to Quasimodo."
"Okay, you got me there."
"Quasimodo? Is he okay" the elderly one, Laverne, asks with concern.
"Physically, he's fine but…" Xion trails off.
"He's suffering from a mild case of amnesia," Mami follows up, "His memories are either sealed or stolen from those monsters in the city."
"Oh dear."
The flamboyant one, Hugo, shrugs with a smile, "Eh, all he needs is a bonk on the head if he doesn't recognize his old pals here."
"How would that work?" the tall gargoyle, Victor, rebukes, "For all we know that would make it worse."
"What, got any brighter ideas?" Hugo asks in a challenging tone.
"Well, certainly not what you're proposing."
The humans watch as the two continue to argue with curious glances as Laverne is gets annoyed. "Enough!" she yells out; breaking them out of their debate. "This is no time for squabbling!"
"She's right," Charlotte speaks up. "If we take care of the Forgotten in the bell tower, I'm sure Quasimodo and everyone else will get their memories back."
"Just hang tight," Xion says to the gargoyles, "We'll make sure you see Quasimodo."
Laverne smiles, "Thank you children."
"Right, let's go everyone," Xion answers.
The party of four make their way down to the main floor and head to the staircase near the front, which is no longer sealed. They reach the cathedral's roof and make their way to the bell tower with no opposition. The large chamber holding the bells is filled with scaffolding. They quietly enter it while scanning for any enemies. They soon find a Stool Pigeon looking outside a window in front of a diorama of the church. What catches their attention though was something snoring above them. They look up and catch glimpse of something sleeping next to the bells. Xion has an idea and goes over it with everyone. Everyone nods their head before Xion slowly creeps towards the watching Forgotten. She summons her Keyblade and casts time on the Forgotten. After jumping on the scaffold its on, she slashed through it three times and the Forgotten disappears when the spell wore off. "Okay, everyone knows what to do," she whispers. The three nod before getting into position.
Xion now stands in front of the large, humanoid Forgotten that is tormenting the city sleeping on its side. The Bell Ringer, when standing, is just above the height of a normal human with pale skin, with a massive head and a highly toned body sporting its six-pack abs and has large muscular arms; which both sport tattoos of the Forgotten emblem. Its back has a rugged set of spikes protruding from its spine. It wears black, skin tight boxers with a boxing bell attached to the middle of its belt. Its legs are also muscular and in proportion to the rest of its body. Its face is completely covered with a mask with narrow eye slits and a slight smile, making it look like its taunting whoever faces it.
Xion pokes the Bell Ringer with her Keyblade, waking it up. It turns to her. With a playful smile, she raises a finger and points to the right. It looks in that direction, to find Charlotte ready to blow into her bubble trumpet. The magical instrument sounds; the barrage of bubbles speeds through the air at the Forgotten. It rolls to the side; only to fall down the scaffold. Waiting on the scaffold below is Roxas with a playful smirk. He bats the monster through an open window.
#CREDENS JUSTITIAM#
The Bell Ringer flails as it falls to the courtyard outside before crashing on the pavement. Everyone jumps out of the tower; spreading out their limbs to slow their descent. After falling past the roof; Mami spins around, launching a series of ribbons in multiple directions. Ribbons attach themselves to the cathedral and to the ground below. At this point Roxas and Xion go vertical and grind on the ribbons down to the ground as the Magical Girls bounce off the ribbons in acrobatic fashion. Everyone lands near each other; ten yards away from the Bell Ringer as it pushes itself up. After bumping its fists several times, the Forgotten roars like a gorilla.
The Bell Ringer charges at them and the four separate in different directions. The wrestler-like monster stops its charge after passing the spot its targets were at. The Keyblade Wielders charge ahead; only to stop and raise their Keyblades as the Forgotten spins with its arms out. It jumps after a few seconds and attempts to crush Xion with a double-fisted hammer. Xion dodges in time as the ground cracks from the force of the Bell Ringer's attack. The Forgotten turns to her, only to be shot at the side five times. It turned to find Mami with a smoking musket in hand. The monster jumps for another double fisted hammer. Mami erects a barrier of ribbons to protect herself. The ribbon-based shield bulges from the monster's strike. Unphased it attempts to punch its way through the barrier. Roxas takes this chance to run up to the Forgotten and strikes it at the side of the head. It counters with a swift uppercut; catching the blonde Keyblade Wielder by surprise as he's launch into the air. The monster jumps up grabs him with both hands. Dazed and unable to break free, the monster pile drives Roxas into the ground. It raises a fist for the final blow; only for sound of Charlotte's bubble trumpet. The monster jumps back. Seeing Roxas' downed form; Xion raises her Keyblade and casts Curaga; healing Roxas' wounds and brings him back from unconsciousness.
Roxas thanks the black-haired girl as Mami dispels her barrier. The four wait in anticipation for the Bell Ringer's next move. The monster gives a loud roar; the bell on its belt pings three times. Two white pillars rise from the ground; bound by two thick heavy ropes. They stop to meet the Forgotten's height. The monster jumps back; landing on the top rope. The rope bends at the weight before launching the Forgotten into the air. The monster somersaults in the air; his body glowing. Mami yells at the others to jump as she uses her magic to erect ribbons to the lamp posts in the cathedral's courtyard. Everyone gets the hint and everyone manages to jump away and land on her ribbons. At that moment; the Forgotten hits the ground with so much force that spires of the earth erect themselves around it. The spires continue to spread out; covering the entire courtyard. Roxas and Xion use the new terrain to their advantage and bounce around. The two slam into the Forgotten; hooking their Keyblades and spin around it. With a yell, they toss the Forgotten into the air. The monster falls into the ground with a thud on its torso. Both the spires and the roped pillars it generated dissipate.
Ribbons sprout from the ground before wrapping arounds its arms and lower legs as it attempts to get up. Mami has her hand out in front of her, standing in front of Charlotte. Charlotte blows into her bubble trumpet; giving out a loud horn sound. The bubbles pouring fourth impact the Forgotten with enough force to crack the mask. Mami summons a cannon-sized musket and takes aim. "Tiro Finalé!" she cries out; firing the massive weapon. The mask shatters upon the explosion of the attack. After the smoke fades, the ribbons binding it disappear; leaving the bruiser of a Forgotten to fall into the ground. The monster slowly turns into mist before vanishing completely.
The sun is shining bright on the city as well as the Notre Dame Cathedral. Quasimodo, with a huge smile stands in front of the ropes tied to the bells in the cathedral's tower. With his natural strength, he pulls the ropes; ringing the bells. After the initial pulls he jumps around; swinging on the ropes to have the bells ring in an awe-striking melody.
Outside, in the cathedral's courtyard is Roxas, Mami, Xion, Charlotte, and Esmeralda; all with smiles as the embrace the sound of the bells from the cathedral. The black-haired gypsy turns to her new friends. "Thank you, you don't know how much this means to me and Quasimodo."
"We're just glad things are back to normal," as if on cue, a small girl and her mother are walking up to the cathedral, mentioning how she wants to spend time with the hunchback of Notre Dame.
"Well, what are you four going to do now?"
"Like to stick around, but we better hit the road."
"I see. You four will always be welcome here. Until next time," she says before walking towards the cathedral herself.
"Well, looks like our job is done here," Xion says with a proud smile, hands on her hips. At that moment, a glowing keyhole appears above the cathedral. She turns to Roxas, who nods and summons his Keyblade. The young man of the group aims his weapon and unlocks the gate to the next world.
Standing in front of the gate in the outer gardens, Cloud maintains a vigilant guard. Hearing someone approaching from behind he turns to find King Mickey. "How are you, Cloud?" the king asks.
Cloud shrugs his shoulders, "Fine." He turns back to the valley in front of him. "No sign of the Forgotten as of late."
The king nods, "Actually there is something I wanted to ask you?"
"What's that?"
"From what I heard from Leon, you actually helped a group of young women from another world to get here."
"Yeah, apparently they knew Kairi. I didn't really get what they were talking about, but it sounded like she never thought to see them fighting again."
"These girls, did they mention anyone named Oswald?"
"I think that name actually did come up."
"Where did you find them?"
"Just in front of the Crystal Fissure. Why do you ask?"
"I've been looking for leads on Oswald. I asked Ansem if he could discern anything from the few reports I managed to find. After I checked in with Leon and the others, they told me something interesting about the Magical Girls that were here."
"I see. If you want to head on out, be my guest." Mickey nods and thanks the stoic swordsman before heading out. Cloud lets out a sigh, "First Lea, and now the King. Wonder who else is going to show up?"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: That's another chapter down.
Sadly, there won't be any Oswald Reports for awhile in order to prevent any spoilers to the story from them.
I don't know when I'll get the next chapter up and running. I've been thinking lately on getting back into making drawings related to this story once again.
Please let me know what you think of the story so far. And please, don't make a long list of suggestions in terms of which worlds should be used. I don't mind critiques as long as they are constructive or gets the point across.
Until then stay safe during this pandemic.
PREVIEW
We have a winner.
Someone stop that monkey!
Simple, someone needs to make sure the law is strictly obeyed.
RUINS
Hidden Lair?
Actually, I do know where he is.
NEXT CHAPTER
SOME VACATION THIS TURNED OUT TO BE