Chapter 106: The Heart of Notre Dame Part 3: Battle of Notre Dame
The group was walking down the stairs, heading towards the side entrance into the cathedral, but Rarity stopped, looking back to the stairs, thinking that Quasimodo would have changed his mind by now and would come with them to look for where Esmeralda was, disappointed that their friend wasn't coming with them. She then continued to walk with her friends, reaching the door that would take them outside where they would begin their search for the Court of Miracles, though they didn't have any idea where to go, they would search all night if they needed to in order to help save their friend, opening the door to walk out.
"Phoebus." Quasimodo said, popping up above them and scaring everyone, the hunchback landing on the ground in front of them. "I changed my mind."
"Glad you decided to join us darling." Rarity said, taking a few breaths. "But, maybe next time you don't scare us half to death."
"Yes, glad you decided to join us." Phoebus said.
"I'm only doing it for her, not for you Phoebus." Quasimodo replied.
"So, do you know where she is?" Cadence asked.
"No, but she gave me this." Quasimodo replied, handing the woven band to the captain.
"Ah, good, good." Phoebus said. "What exactly is it?"
"I don't know." Quasimodo said. "All she said when she gave it to me was, 'When you wear this woven band, you hold the city in your hand.'"
"Hmm, maybe it some kind of code." Phoebus suggested. "Arabic, no, Greek?"
"Wait, I think it's a map." Quasimodo said.
"No, it couldn't be." Phoebus said. "Besides, I've never seen a map that looks like this."
"No, he's right." Cadence said, using her magic to take it. "The cross in the center is the cathedral, the blue lines is the river, and this X represents... something."
"Wait, the old cemetery!" Quasimodo said. "That's the old cemetery."
"C-cemetery?" Fluttershy asked, shaking in fear.
"I hope it isn't a cemetery." Rarity said. "Such a ghastly place to hide an entrance to the Court of Miracles."
"I'm afraid it at the old cemetery." Quasimodo said, taking the band back. "I lived in this place for twenty years, I know the landscape better than anyone else."
"So, if it is a map, then it's a map." Phoebus said. "But if we're going to find her and Psyrox, we'll need to work together. Truce?"
Phoebus then patted Quasimodo on the back, which he thought about it.
"Well, alright." Quasimodo replied, smacking Phoebus on the back, which the captain was surprised at how strong the hunchback was. "Come on, let's go before the guards see us."
"I hope we get there in time." Fluttershy said.
Finding a torch nearby and using it to light their way, taking back alleys and roads to keep out of sight as they reached the old cemetery, where there was a lot of different grave stones, some big, some small, others just put in while most were worn out. They entered the graveyard where they looked around, shivers running down Rarity's and Fluttershy's spines as they walked in as they felt uncomfortable walking through the hollowed ground until they came to a stone tomb, approaching it.
"I think this is it." Phoebus said. "The symbol matches the one of the band."
"But what does it mean?" Quasimodo asked.
"Maybe this is checkpoint!" Pinkie suggested. "Oh, oh, or maybe it's a secret passageway to the Court of Miracles!"
"Wait, there's something inscribed in the stone." Cadence said.
"Hmm, might take me a few minutes to decipher what it says." Phoebus said, taking the torch to look at the words. However, Quasimodo looked at the stone coffin and decided to take a chance, opening the lid of the coffin with little effort and revealing a stone staircase in the coffin. "Or Pinkie Pie could be right and we go down those stairs."
"How did you know it was a secret passage?" Cadence asked.
"I don't." Pinkie replied. "I just peeked at the authors notes while he wasn't looking."
Rolling their eyes at the random party pony, Phoebus and Quasimodo looking at one another and wondering what they meant by that, but decided not to question it as they hoped over the stone coffin, descending the stairs. When they reached the bottom, the ponies put their hooves over their noses as they tried to block out the smell, having reached an underground sewage tunnel littered with bones and skeletons.
"Eugh, I think I'm going to be sick." Twilight said.
"Ew, I am not going in that!" Rarity said. "Who knows what's in it."
"Got you covered girls!" Pinkie exclaimed. She shook her tail and several pairs of rubber boots fell out of her tail, confusing the captain and the hunchback while the ponies put on the boots. "I always carry pairs of rubber boots with me incase of emergencies!"
"Pinkie dear, you are a dear." Rarity said.
"Yeah Pinkie, thanks." Twilight said.
"You're welcome." Pinkie said, putting on her boots, jumping in them. "But what is this place? Is this the Court of Miracles?"
"More like the Temple of deep Sewage." Phoebus replied, trying to lighten the mood. "Must be the old catacombs." They walked through the water, looking around as the unicorns and alicorn used their magic to light the way, looking around at all the skulls and skeletons, a shiver going down everyone's spine. "Cheerful place isn't it? Make ya wish you got out more, eh Quasi?"
"Honestly this place is so drab." Rarity said. "Not to mention horrendous and... disgusting."
"I wouldn't exactly call this place home." Quasimodo said. "I just wanna warn Esmeralda and get back to the bell tower before I get into anymore trouble."
"Speaking of which, we should have run into some by now." Phoebus said.
"What do you mean?" Cadence asked.
"You know, a guard, a booby trap..." Phoebus suggested, only for his torch to go out, the only light being the ponies magic. "Or an ambush."
As he said it, multiple skeletons appeared above them, making Fluttershy and Rarity scream while Twilight and Cadence shot a couple of bolts of magic at them, but the all hopped down and pinned them to the ground, the skeletons grabbing the ponies and hitting the horns of those who could use magic to stop them from attacking them, holding onto them.
"Well, well, well..." Clopin said, appearing above them. "What have we here?"
"Trespassers!" One skeleton said, revealing he was a gypsy.
"Spies!" Another said.
"We're not spies!" Phoebus said.
"You need to listen!" Quasimodo said, but both ended up getting gagged as did the ponies, all of them getting tied up.
"Don't interrupt me!" Clopin said, pulling out a couple of torches and lighting them. "You're very clever to have found out hide away, but unfortunately for you, you won't live to tell the tale!"
Music started to play, a tune that was menacing to the ponies as Clopin was getting ready to sing and dance.
[Clopin & Gypsies]
Maybe you've heard of a terrible place,
Where the scoundrels of Paris collect in a lair!
Maybe you've heard of that mythical place,
Called the Court of Miracles!
[Clopin]
Hello, you're there!
[Gypsies]
Where the lame can walk.
And the blind can see.
[Clopin]
But the dead don't talk!
The Gypsies then picked them all up, being a little rough with how they picked them up as they carried them down the corridor.
So you won't be around
To reveal what you've found!
[Clopin & Gypsies]
We have a method for spies and intruders,
Rather like hornets protecting their hive!
Here in the Court of Miracles,
Where it's a miracle if you get out alive!
They then reached the end of the corridor where it was revealed to be the actual Court of Miracles, a gathering of dozens to hundreds of Gypsies all happy and carefree as they tried to live their lives without being hunted or persecuted by Frollo, but looked over and saw them, the group being carried to the gallows where ropes were put around Phoebus's and Quasimodo's necks.
"Hello everybody!" Clopin shouted, . "Gather around everybody! There's good 'noose' tonight! We have ourselves a double heading tonight as we have caught a couple of Frollo's spies. And not just any spies. His captain of the guard and his loyal bell ringing henchman."
Everyone booed and screamed for him to hang them instantly, Esmeralda's goat seeing this and running to get her as the music continued.
[Clopin]
Justice is swift in the Court of Miracles,
I am the lawyers and judge all in one!
We like to get the trial over with quickly,
Because it's the sentence that's really the fun!
Any last words?
Phoebus and Quasimodo tried to say something as did the ponies, trying to tell them they were friends while the pieces of cloth were over their mouthed, unable to say anything.
That's what they all say.
Now that we've seen all the evidence
[Puppet]
Wait! I object!
[Clopin]
Overruled!
[Puppet]
I object!
[Clopin]
Quiet!
[Puppet]
Dang!
[Clopin]
We find you totally innocent,
Which is the worst crime of all...
[All]
So you're going to hang!
He then rushed over to pull the lever and open the hatches to hang the two of them, but a hand grabbed the lever, stopping him, so he and everyone else looked to see who stopped him, seeing Psyrox there.
"That's enough." Psyrox said, letting go. "They're not our enemies, they're our friends."
"It's true." Esmeralda said, walking up and beginning to untie them. "They aren't spies, they're our friends."
"Well why didn't they say so?" Clopin asked, getting annoyed looks from the ponies.
"We did say so!" They all shouted in unison as soon as the cloth over their mouths was removed.
"This is the soldier who saved the miller family." Esmeralda said, untying him. "And Quasimodo is the one who helped me escape the cathedral."
"We came to warn you!" Phoebus shouted so everyone could hear him. "Frollo's coming! He knows where you're hiding and is coming with a thousand men at dawn!"
"Then we shouldn't waste anymore time." Esmeralda said. "We must leave while we have the chance." Everyone on the ground started to run around and pack everything they need, putting them into the wagons and getting there horses to hitch them to the wagons while Esmeralda, Phoebus, Quasimodo, and the ponies got off of the execution platform. "You all took a terrible risk coming here. With Psyrox, they welcomed him as I was with him to vouch for him. They may not show it, but we are grateful."
She then hugged Phoebus, showing she was grateful while Phoebus looked at Quasimodo, seeing how heart broken he was.
"Don't thank me." Phoebus said, bringing Quasimodo to her. "Thank Quasimodo." Without his help, we would have never found our way.'
"Nor would I!" Frollo exclaimed. Everyone looked to the top of the stairs were an entire army of soldiers and Nobody Dusks, Samurai, and Snipers, surrounding the gypsies, blocking their escape before surrounding the entire group, Psyrox with his blades out along with the ponies, ready to fight as they were surrounded. "Finally, after twenty years of searching, the Court of Miracles is mine at last."
"And look, an added bonus." Zexion said, walking over. "The prince's little ponies and the rogue Nobody. Seems you've chosen your friends poorly."
"At least I made the correct choice." Psyrox said. "I don't blindly follow a genocidal maniac bent on destroying the worlds."
"At least I'm on the winning side." Zexion said. "Now, lower your weapons or else we start executing the Gypsies."
Psyrox and the ponies looked to the crowd, seeing the terrified looks on their faces as the Nobodies walked around them, some sharpening their blades while others aimed for the closest Gypsy they could, finding their marks. Taking in a deep breath, Psyrox dismissed his Keyblades, not wanting to risk their safety as the guards cuffed him along with putting collars and rope on the ponies.
"Such nobility, sadly misplaced." Frollo said, walking over, smiling at Quasimodo. "My dear boy, I knew you'd be of use to me someday."
"What?" Quasimodo asked in disbelief.
"What do you mean?" Esmeralda asked.
"I mean he lead me right to you." Frollo replied.
"You're lying." Esmeralda said.
"And look what else I caught in my net." Frollo said, walking over to the ex-captain. "Captain Phoebus, back from the dead. Another miracle no doubt. I can easily remedy that." He then walked to the stairs, turning to the Gypsies as he smiled. "There will be a little bonfire in the square tomorrow and you're all invited to attend. Lock them up."
The guards started to take everyone away, Quasimodo in disbelief that he was used to capture his friends, betrayed by the man who saved him.
"Master, please no." Quasimodo said, falling to his knees and begging for him to spare them. "Please... no."
"Take him back to the bell tower." Frollo said, the guards picking him up. "And make sure he stays there."
The guards then took him away, leaving Frollo with Zexion as the former smiled at his victory.
"Soon your gypsy problem will be no more, and I will have the Heart Piece." Zexion said. "Guess we can celebrate with a barbecue, couldn't we?"
Zexion then laughed as he walked with the minister, heading into the town as the stage was set up, Esmeralda tied to a post as guards tossed bales of wood and hay onto the stage, drums playing as the people all came around, trying to get past the guards and Nobodies, dawn cracking over the horizon.
"The prisoner Esmeralda has been found guilty of the crime of witchcraft!" Frollo announced, reading from the scroll. "The sentence, death!"
The crowd gasped as they tried to get past the guards, having no success while the group of friends were all locked in cages, unable to help but watch.
"What do we do!?" Pinkie asked. "We can't let him do this!"
"Unfortunately he holds all the cards." Psyrox said, sitting down. "He had Zexion station Snipers on the roof tops, aiming their weapons at our cage in particular."
"There has to be a way." Twilight said. "I could teleport us out and-"
"It's smart, but he also has an army of Nobodies out there as well." Psyrox said. "A combination of Dusks, Creepers, Samurai and even a few Berserkers. We won't get out of here unless we have help." At that moment, several Dusks walked by, the guards paying them no mind until one of them stopped, facing them as the Nobody smiled. "What took you so long?"
"Wait, you know this one?" Fluttershy asked.
"He's one of mine." Psyrox said, looking to him as he listened to their private conversation. "Good. Take out the Snipers first, replace them with our. Once I give the signal, begin the attack."
The Nobody nodded his head, walking away right as another group of Dusks walked over, joining them to blend in while the ponies and the captain looked at him.
"Attack?" Cadence asked. "With what?"
"I have a small army of Nobodies of my own." Psyrox replied. "Now all we have to do is wait."
"For what?" Twilight asked.
"For our friend to break free." Psyrox replied, looking to the cathedral. "It's all up to you now Quasimodo."
Up in the cathedral, chained to the stone pillars, Quasimodo was unable to do anything as he looked down, watching as Frollo was addressing the people about the execution while the gargoyles and Spyro tried to free him.
"Come on Quasimodo, snap out of it!" Hugo said.
"Your friends are down there." Victor said.
"It's all my fault." Quasimodo said.
"You got to break these chains!" Laverne said.
"I can't." Quasimodo replied. "I tried. What difference would it make?"
"A huge difference." Spyro said, flying over. "You are very strong Quasimodo, your self blame is what's holding you back. You have a piece of my heart Quasimodo."
"So?" Quasimodo asked.
"Well use it." Spyro replied. "Just ask and I can grant you my power to fight back and save your friends."
"He's right, you can't let Frollo win." Victor said.
"He already has." Quasimodo said.
"So... you're giving up?" Hugo asked. "That's it?"
"These chains aren't what's holding you back Quasimodo!" Laverne said.
"Leave me alone!" Quasimodo exclaimed.
The three Gargoyles were surprised by how he didn't wish to fight anymore, hopping away as they got onto the railing, turning to Stone, but Spyro stayed, flying over and sitting next to his friend.
"Laverne is right you know." Spyro said. "The chains aren't holding you back, you are holding yourself back. You're allowing your guilt to cloud your mind, letting it weaken you as fear weakened you. But you... you are stronger than you think my friend. You alone have the power to make a difference for yourself... and for them." He pointed down to the ground, looking to everyone there as they saw Frollo take the torch. "Tell me Quasimodo, are you going to let Frollo win and kill your friend, letting that guilt eat away at you until you die of old age, up here alone without your friends or someone to love, or are you going to break the chains on your body and in your mind and fight?"
Quasimodo thought about it, a tear rolling down his face as it landed on the ground, feeling something in his heart awaken as he realized Spyro was right, the dawn rising as the light came over his face, glaring down as a purple light glowed on his back.
"For justice, for Paris, and for our own salvation!" Frollo shouted, Quasimodo looking over to see what was going on. "It is my sacred duty to send this holy demon back where she belongs!"
He then put the torch into the pile of hay and wood, setting it on fire as it began to spread, a terrified Esmeralda watching as it spread.
"NO!" Quasimodo shouted.
He then began to pull on the chains, pulling with all his might and strength as the bells started to ring while up above, storm clouds started to gather as lightning arched inside of the clouds, Quasimodo's rage and anger giving him strength to pull harder and harder on the chains, each one cracking and breaking from the force of the hunchbacks true strength until the pillars holding him crumbled, Quasimodo looking angry as he looked to Spyro, who was surprised at how strong he was.
"Holy mackerel." Spyro said.
"Spyro, you said I could ask you for your power." Quasimodo said, breathing heavily. "I want you to use it and help me save Esmeralda."
"Does that mean...?" Spyro asked, knowing what he was going to ask.
"Help me save her... please." Quasimodo said.
"Well, when you put it like that..." Spyro said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the E-11 blaster gun from his pocket. "Count me in! My power is yours!"
He reached into the sky as the clouds gathered, waving his hand down as Quasimodo got a rope, tied it around a Gargoyle and swung down as the first bolt of lightning went down. On the ground, Frollo was enjoying the scene until a bolt of purple lightning shot down, striking one of the Berserkers and destroying him instantly, surprising Frollo.
"What was that!?" Frollo asked.
"The Heart Piece." Zexion replied, watching as lightning hit his Nobodies. "It's trying to save her."
"To no avail." Frollo said, watching the flames grow, but he looked up and saw Quasimodo come swinging in, getting into the fire and freeing her. Before the guards could get onto the platform to help, Quasimodo picked up the burning post, swinging it and knocking down the guards as Dusks appeared. "Quasimodo!"
Before the Nobodies could attack, the flames on the stage turned purple as they shot up, spooking everyone as they rose higher and higher until it turned into a dragon, roaring out as it looked down.
"And me!" Spyro exclaimed.
The flaming dragon opened it's mouth as a massive torrent of purple flames shot out, roasting the Nobodies while Zexion grabbed Frollo and jumped down, saving him as Quasimodo grabbed the rope and swung back up, Spyro flying next to him before going to the right as the hunchback got onto the cathedrals railing, lifting Esmeralda's unconscious body up.
"SANCTUARY!" He shouted, the people cheering for him. "SANCTUARY! SANCTUARY!"
"He rescued her." Zexion said, getting Frollo up and looking up, seeing a light in the reflection of the glass and saw, to his surprise, the symbol on Quasimodo's back. "It's not the Gypsy that has the Heart Piece, it's the hunchback!"
"Then we'll get it and him." Frollo said. "Captain!"
"Sir!?" The new captain replied.
"Seize the cathedral!" Frollo ordered. he then walked over to his carriage to leave, but the purple flamed dragon roared again, flying down and passing through the wagon, destroying it and freaking the horse out, angering Frollo. "If this is the power of the of those Heart Pieces, how do I counter it?"
"I know of a way." Zexion said, walking over. "But it requires you to do something risky."
"I don't care what it takes, I will destroy that Gypsy and that abomination!" Frollo said.
"Then... open your heart." Zexion said, dark mist appearing under him. "Let the power inside you awaken and let it consume you, flow through you as it gives you the power to destroy all in your way!"
As the dark mist reached Frollo, it climbed up his tunic, not fearing it as it went into his chest, feeling the scorching pain in his chest as his head shot back yelling in pain as darkness shot up into his body, releasing a pale red light and dark flames engulfing him as his arms and shoulders were now encased in dark armor, spikes on the gauntlets and the symbol of the Heartless on his shoulder, landing on the ground as he took in a deep breath, opening his eyes to reveal them to be yellow now, but his guards started to run away from the minister, fearing whatever kind of dark power over took him.
"Come back here you cowards!" Frollo shouted. However, most of his soldiers ran away in fear of him, but from the void, multiple Shadows and Soldiers appeared right as Armored Knights, a few Hammer Frames, and some Lance Soldiers appeared. "You'll do. Break that door down."
"Now!" Psyrox shouted.
He pulled out his Keyblade and pointed it at the door, a beam of light shooting out of the tip of the blade and unlocking their cell, the Snipers aiming to take him down, but those Snipers were shot in the back, destroying them before pointing their weapons at the Heartless, firing on them and taking a few of them out before they turned around, seeing the group come out of the cage and call their Keyblades, while Cadence got the closest weapon she could, preparing for a fight.
"Girls, armor on!" Twilight shouted.
The ponies reached up to their necks and pressed the gem on their necklaces, each of them closing as streams of magic grew over them until they were each wearing Beskar armor, multiple Nobodies appearing next to them from Samurai and Dusks to a couple of Dragoons, all standing against Frollo as the hammer Frames started hitting the door.
"My, you're clever little creatures aren't you?" Frollo asked, drawing his sword as fire engulfed the blade, his eyes glowing. "But you stand no chance against the power of the Holy Flame that I wield."
"What you're using is not holy, it's dark!" Twilight exclaimed. "The power you're using is darkness and it will destroy you."
"Hmph, clever little thing to try and twist the truth to better fit their own agenda!" Frollo exclaimed, more Heartless appearing, covered in red cloaks as cages floated behind them, each carrying a sickle as the Hammer frames smashed through the door. "I'll leave you to these pitiful creatures. I have to attend to something I should have done twenty years ago."
Frollo turned and walked towards the door, Zexion walking up as he smiled.
"Once he destroys the Hunchback, the Heart Piece is mine." Zexion said. "So, I'm going to make sure you don't interfere with him."
He waved his hand and the heartless and Nobodies charged forward at the group of friends, all of which engaging the combined enemy force. Cadence kept to the air and unleashed bolts of magic, flying over as she used a powerful beam to destroy multiple Nobodies and Heartless, pink hearts flying into the air before moving to another section. Twilight was unleashing her own magic, firing bolts of magical energy as well as using the Keyblades power to release Blizzard, Firaga, and Thunder spells while also slicing through the Shadows and Dusks that got close, their attacks bouncing off her armor and leaving her relatively unharmed, passing by Fluttershy, who was fighting defensively as she ran around, ducking and dodging attacks while also slicing and hacking some of the weaker enemies, getting hit once or twice, but their kicks just bounced off her and their claws broke on contact, leaving them screeching as she cut right through them.
Pinkie was having a literal blast as she bounced around, unleashing party themed spells from fireworks to balloon spells, which she found thanks to Twilight as she bounced in and out of random spots, jumping from spot to spot while cutting through the heartless, even pulling out her Party cannon and loading up some of the Heartless and Nobodies, pushing them into the cannon while using a plunger to load them in, pulling the cord and firing them itno the air, exploding into a flurry of confetti and sweet deserts, which also had an explosive surprise in them as they blew up after hitting soem of the nobodies and Heartless like it was a Looney Toons cartoon. One of the explosions sent a Soldier flying in a random direction, which Rarity cut through the Heartless and took on a Large Body, running around it and releasing a couple of Blizzard Spells, freezing it to the ground to allow her to get behind it and leap towards it, stabbing her blade through it's back and destroying it as Psyrox leapt over and sliced through some Armored Knights and Lace warriors that came running while her back was turned, grabbing one of their lances and diving through the Heartless, destroying them instantly.
Rarity then looked to Notre Dame, which the Hammer frames were breaking through the door right as some molten metal spewed out of the gargoyle spouts, blocking the entrance right as the Hammers broke the door, blocking their way.
"I need to get up there." Rarity said. "Quasimodo and Esmeralda are in danger."
"I can open a corridor and get you up there." Psyrox said, cutting through another Armored Knight before throwing his blades and destroying the red hooded Heartless. "But with all these Heartless around, it'll be impossible to open one without getting attacked."
"Hang on, we're coming!" Twilight shouted, running to them as Fluttershy and Cadence flew over and Pinkie bounced over, a green circle in Twilight's Keyblade handle guard, which looked to be a pirate flag. "Give me strength! Attraction activate! Pirate ship!"
She then leapt into the air and for a second, nothing happened until a pirate ship shot out of the ground, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Cadence getting on it as it swung back and forth, releasing powerful waves of water and magic that washed over her heartless and Nobodies, destroying them instantly along with those closest to them as the ship hit them and destroyed them, giving Psyrox and Rarity the time they needed for the Nobody to open a corridor to allow for them to run through, the corridor closing behind them. Up in the bell tower, Quasimodo was holding onto Esmeralda, crying for his friend as she wasn't responding to him or to the water he gave her, his tears rolling down his cheeks as Frollo walked in, his hand behind his back.
"You killed her." Quasimodo said.
"It was my duty." Frollo replied, putting his hand on the hunchback "I hope you can forgive me." He looked down at Quasimodo, pretending to be sympathetic as a dark smile appeared on his face. "There, there Quasimodo, I know it hurts, but the time has come to end your suffering... forever." Frollo raised the dagger he had hidden behind his back up, ready to Strike Quasimodo down, but the hunchback saw his shadow and turned, grabbing the ministers arm that had the dagger and fighting with him to survive before he threw him back, knocking the dagger out of his hand and picking it up, walking over to the minister as he tried to back away. "N-now Quasimodo, listen to me."
"No you listen!" Quasimodo shouted. "For years you told me the world is a dark and cruel place, but now I see the joy thing dark and cruel about it is people like you!"
"Quasimodo?" Esmeralda asked, getting up.
"Esmeralda!" Quasimodo exclaimed, tossing the dagger away and running to her.
"She lives!?" Frollo asked, drawing his sword as dark flames appeared from it.
"No!" Quasimodo shouted.
The hunchback picked Esmeralda up and ran out the door, Frollo running close behind as he quickly approached them, raising his sword to deal a killing blow, but before he could do anything, a ball of ice shot be and hit the minister in the shoulder, knocking him down but unfazed. He looked to his left and saw Rarity and Psyrox running towards them, getting up as multiple voids opened and from them, the red hooded heartless appeared, charging towards them. Psyrox engaged them without any issue, cutting through them while Rarity ran forward and swung her blade, hoping to get a hit on the corrupted minister, but he blocked her attack, the two of them engaging in a duel and exchanging attacks and sword play while Psyrox was handling the Heartless. Rarity and Frollo kept up the fight, Rarity pushing him back to a point where he nearly fell off the railing, but got his footing and pushed back, using his flames to hit her, but witht he armor, the lames just bounced off her without any harm to her, so when their blades locked, Frollo pushed as hard as he could while Rarity held her ground.
"I must admit, for an animal, you're quite good with a sword." Frollo said. "Especially one that looks like a key."
"I had some practice." Rarity replied. "My colt friend Spyro taught me how to use it."
"Well, whether you know how to use it or not, it doesn't matter." Frollo said, breaking the lock and kicking her in the head, knocking her down and stunning her. She shook it off and got back up, but Frollo grabbed her by the neck, choking her as he brought her to the edge, holding her over the side as her blade disappeared, trying to get some air while trying to get herself free. "I know all about your prince and the Keyblade, I remember the weapon used by a little Gypsy boy in a dream some time ago. Zexion told me you're after a piece of the princes heart, which is in that monster."
"He... isn't... a monster." Rarity said, struggling to talk. "You are!"
This angered Frollo as he raised his blade up, swinging it to try and cut through her, but the armor protected her from the scorching hot sword, which surprised Frollo.
"Your armor is strong." Frollo said. "But iIdoubt it will protect you from the fall you will take."
He then tossed Rarity off the side, time slowing down for the fashionista as she tried to grab something, slowly falling as she saw the smug look on the ministers face, the pony screaming as she fell, knowing her time was up as she closed her eyes, remembering all the time she spent with her friends, the adventures they went on, even her time with Spyro as they snuggled with each other, going on dates from time to time and how he was always supporting her and making her happy, her train for thought then going to Sweetie belle, wondering what will happen to her if she wasn't there to take care of her. A tear then rolled down her face as she fell, fearing for the worse as she closed her eyes, wanting to at least look like she was asleep when she hit the ground, but she never hit the ground, still feeling like she was falling, so she opened her eyes, seeing nothing but darkness, thinking this was it, but she looked t see where she was falling, finding something was coming to her and found it was a stain glass platform of her, lying against a crystal with diamond over her, each with an image of her friends and one of Spyro heart shaped. She landed on the platform, wondering where she was and why she was there, thinking she was dead and this was some kind of station for the afterlife.
"No Rare, you're not dead." Spyro said, making the mare look at him.
"Spyro!" Rarity exclaimed, running over to him, which he knelt down and hugged her, tear of joy running down her face. "I... I thought..."
"It's ok Rare, you're ok." Spyro said, patting her head before ending the hug. "You're just in your heart, that's all."
"My heart?" Rarity asked. "Why am I here?"
"Because I called you here." Spyro said, getting up and walking over to the center, looking over her heart. "When I purified you, it left some of my light in your heart, protecting it from the darkness."
"Yes, I remember." Rarity said, remembering that day. "It was one of the worst days of my life."
"Yeah, it was, wasn't it?" Spyro asked. "But also one of the best days as I got to become your herd leader, and my feelings for you bloomed."
"Yes, our feelings grew for one another, didn't they?" Rarity asked. "But... why am I here? Why did you bring me here when I'm about to die?"
"To help you." Spyro replied, surprising her. "When we combined when we use the Fusion Drive, it allowed us to become more powerful than before, you sharing your power with me. Now it's time I did the same."
"You're... going to share your power with me?" Rarity asked.
"Yes, I am." Spyro replied, looking depressed. "But... there is something you need to know. When I share my power with you, you'll share my strength, my magic, and my curse."
"Your... curse?" Rarity asked.
Spyro didn't reply right away, walking over to her and kneeling down, putting his hand on her shoulder.
"I won't lie to you Rarity, our future is grim." Spyro said, sitting down. "In the future, I saw you and the others, fighting Malefor and winning, but the Dark lord uses a spell that accelerates everyone's age, turning them old and frail. It was a last ditch effort from the dark lord to win, but we defeat him with our Harmony form, but it leaves you, AJ, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy old, frail, and weak, being hospitalized while I looked for a way to reverse the effects of the spell, but I was too late and you all die of old age. I don't want that to happen."
"Then, what will we do?" Rarity asked.
"I found a way to make myself stronger." Spyro replied. "Allowing me to reach Stage three without waiting years for it to happen, while also saving you girls, but it has to be your choice. When I share my power with you, you will share my eternal life, watching as your friends and family grow old without you, watching them pass away before your eyes while you remain young and beautiful forever or until I pass my power to someone else. Rarity, the choice is your. Are you going to share my burden and live an immortal life with me, watching those you care about grow old and die without you?"
Rarity was shocked by what he was asking her, walking away from him and to the edge, looking into the abyss as a tear rolled down her face, thinking about what he said. After a minute, she turned to face him and walked over, hugging him as tears rolled down her face.
"All I want is you." She replied. "I love my sister and I love you. I want you home, where we can be happy, no matter what happens to us or how old we get, I want us to be happy, despite what will happen." She looked up to him, tears rolling down her face as she let out all her sadness."You've been a good role model for Sweetie Belle. She talks about and looks up to you, she sees you as the big brother she never had. And... I love you with all my heart."
Smiling, he hugged her back, a light shining between the two of them as the platform started to glow, blue and white light shooting out of the platform as it engulfed them both. Back on the bell tower, Frollo was walking away from the railing, spotting Quasimodo and Esmeralda below him, hanging onto a gargoyle as he smiled.
"Leaving so soon?" Frollo asked.
He then swung his blade and hit the gargoyle, cutting through it as the hunchback leapt to another gargoyle, tossing Esmeralda up as he climbed up, Psyrox pulling her to safety right as Cadence flew up, looking for Rarity.
"Where's Rarity!?" Cadence shouted, looking around as Twilight teleported herself up.
"You mean that white horse?" Frollo asked. "I sent her into the fiery pits below, god save her soul."
"Y-you what?" Twilight asked, her heart stop beating.
"She fought very bravely." Frollo said. "Though in the end, as the righteous servant of God, I couldn't let her interfere anymore. Much like that archdeacon interfered with me sending this misshapen abomination back to hell where he belonged."
"What?" Quasimodo asked.
"Oh yes, your mother didn't abandon you Quasimodo." Frollo said. "Like any true mother, she died trying to protect you. But now I will finish what I started twenty years ago!" He threw his cape to blind Quasimodo, wrapping his head in the cloth, Frollo pulling him off the rail and nearly killing Quasimodo, but the hunchback grabbed the cloak and swung back to the side of the building, pulling Frollo down and holding on, feeling his own strength fading as Esmeralda ran over. Frollo tried to swing and kill the hunchback, but missed, looking to the side and seeing a nearby gargoyle, so he swung to it, grabbing hold as everyone else tried to pull Quasimodo up, Frollo laughing as his eyes turned pure yellow and red. "And he shall smite the wicked and plunge them into the fiery pit!"
Before he could deal the killing blow, a beam of white light shot into the air from the ground, a wave of energy extending outward as it pushed Frollo off the Gargoyle and onto the cathedral, drawing his eyes to the pillar, everyone gasping in surprise as they saw it.
"What is happening!?" Pinkie shouted, appearing out of nowhere.
"It is a sign from the Lord himself!" Frollo said, kneeling to the light. "He has sent his angels to smite the wicked and cleanse this world of vice and sin!"
A moment later, they heard something roar out of the pillar of light, looking to the sky and seeing a dragon come out of it, flying upward followed closely by a white ethereal unicorn, neighing as it ran after the dragon, circling the pillar while everyone watched their ascent, colliding at the top as a flash of white and purple light shined out, causing them to cover their eyes to avoid being blinded. However, Frollo was watching the whole thing, his eyes wide with shock as he saw a human figure in the light descending from the heavens, stopping as soon as he reached the level they were on before it flew out of the pillar, revealing it was a human being, but was wearing white and purple armor, a purple dragons head on the left shoulder with glowing purple eyes while on the right shoulder was a white unicorn head with glowing blue eyes, purple and white mixed into the armor as purple decorated the outer portions of the armor while the white was in the inner portion, the helmet in the shape of a unicorns head, purple elegant hair coming out from behind the helmet as dragon wings sprout from his back, levitating over and landing on the roof, Frollo kneeling before him.
"Oh mighty one." Frollo said. "I kneel before you as your mighty servant, doing the will of the Lord in cleansing this world of all those who have defiled it. I beg thee to lend me your strength and-"
"You are not a servant of God." The being said, the voice a mixture of Spryo's and Rarity's voices, surprising them. "You are a servant of darkness."
He raised his hand up and Quasimodo started to levitate, surprising him as he levitated to the roof, landing gently on his feet while Frollo was shocked, getting up and looking between Quasimodo and the mystery person.
"Why did you save this abomination!?" Frollo asked, drawing his blade. "You... you dare save a creature of unholy spirit!? You are not an angel!"
"Yes, I am not an angel." The being said, opening his hands to allow two Keyblades to appear, one purple and the other white, both with matching patterns of that of the Combination Keyblade, except the teeth on the purple half went from yellow at the very tip of the blade and turned to orange as it went down while the other had it's teeth colored blue at the tip and turn purple as it went down. "I am the Prince of Light and Darkness."
"Spyro!" Twilight exclaimed happily.
"And Rarity Twilight darling." Rarity said, turning to reveal his eyes were blue now before turning purple.
"Yes, and Rarity." Spyro said.
"What unholy witchcraft is this!?" Frollo asked. "What devilry is this!?"
"It is the power of friendship and love minister." Spyro replied, raising his right hand to where the white blade was pointing at him. "I have shared a portion of my power with Rarity to allow for this Fusion to occur where it would have taken at least two of my friends for this to happen. I have come to save my friends, reclaim my heart, and to rid this world of filth like yourself!"
Angered by this, Frollo charged at Spyro, swinging his sword at the fused Keyblade warrior, but Spyro just dodged to the right, continuing to Dodge Frollo's attacks while also striking him in the side, the two going at one another before Spyro leapt off the side and his wings extended, allowing him to fly in the air as Frollo called on the dark flames inside himself, releasing a fireball, but the unicorn head glowed as a protective barrier appeared around him, blocking the attack as he raised his Keyblade, making multiple white swords appear in the sky and swung his Keyblade down, releasing the storm of white energy weapons. Frollo raised his sword and deflected two of the swords, but the third managed to graze him on the shoulder, causing him to stagger backwards. Spyro then flew down and slammed his foot onto the ground, sending multiple crystal shards flying towards Frollo and exploding in front of him, sending him flying backwards as Spyro appeared behind him, kicking him into the air and flying up as he slashed through him several times from all directions. Going up, down, left, right, he was hacking and slashing at the corrupted minister as he also unleashed a powerful Blizzard spell, unleashing an ice tornado and sucked him in and caused him to hit several chunks of ice, one of them hurtling to the cathedral and exploding into a winters white powder as Frollo dug himself out, feeling the pain of being hit with powerful attacks.
He managed to stand up again, though he was wobbling a bit and had to use his sword to stabilize himself as Spyro flew down, both Keyblades in hand as Frollo gazed up at him in rage and hate.
"I will not be defeated by some unholy creature such as yourself!" Frollo said, raising his sword. "I shall smite thee in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! I shall vanquish thee!"
Frollo then charged at him, running as fast as he could as Spyro let go of the two Keyblades, the weapons of light spinning around him before flying into the air, connecting with one another to make one Keyblade as the empty sections of the Keyblade glowed with a golden light, taking the blade into his hands as he held it, ready to deliver the finishing blow as Frollo ran up, both swinging their weapons, but when Frollo's sword hit Spyro's armor, it shattered instantly, the dark flames disappearing as a look of horror rested on Frollo's face, looking down as Spyro sliced clean through Frollo, gasping in pain as a singular line of light was in his chest, collapsing to the ground as he yelled out in pain, darkness escaping his mouth as voices screamed out in pain, the minister falling to the ground face first. As the minister fell, the skies cleared up to allow for daylight to shine through, indicating the fight was over as everyone gathered on the roof, Spyro turning to see the ponies there, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie tearing up as they and Twilight ran to him, everyone hugging him as tears rolled down their faces.
"Spyro... I... I..." Twilight tried to say, but choked on her own words.
"I know Twilight." Spyro said, hugging them. "I know. I'm happy to see you too."
"But... how?" Twilight asked, the ponies backing away. "How did you fuse with Rarity? I thought you needed two ponies to fuse with you to do it?"
"Well, I can share my power with one pony to allow for me to fuse with just that one." Spyro said, sitting down. "But... it comes with a catch."
"What catch?" Pinkie asked.
"All in good time Pinkie." Spyro said, scratching her behind the ear.
They then heard someone cough behind them, turning to see Frollo standing up again, holding onto the side of the tower before he put his back to the wall, sliding down it as the ponies called their blades to fight.
"T-the voices..." Frollo said, smiling. "T-they're... gone... at last."
"Voices?" Twilight asked, Frollo looking to her.
"For so long... I fought against sin and corruption, but I... I never saw it in myself." Frollo replied, leaning his head back to see the clear blue sky. "When Zexion said he could give me the power to cleanse the city of sin... I opened my heart to the darkness... and... and..." He then looked over to Quasimodo and Esmeralda as Phoebus came up, reaching out his hand to them. "Quasimodo... Esmeralda... please... a moment is all I ask of you."
Quasimodo and Esmeralda were skeptical of him, slowly approaching him and then kneeling down to him, the hunchback taking his master's hand as he used the other to caress his face, a tear rolling down his face.
"Wait, don't." Twilight said, trying to stop them, but Spyro put his hand in the way, blocking her.
"No, let him speak." Spyro said, looking to the fading minister. "The next words he speaks might be his last."
"Quasimodo... I am sorry." Frollo said, gasping for air. "For everything. I... allowed myself to think I was a righteous man, believing myself to be beyond sin and corruption. But now I see the corruption was already within me, feeding off of me, I only saw you for what you looked like, not what you truly were... a man." He then reached his hand out to Esmeralda, which she took his hand without fear. "Esmeralda, please, accept my apology. You were right... I ignored those who were in need of my help and saw the Gypsy as sinful creatures, but they were people... like me... like Quasimodo... like everyone else."
"Master..." Quasimodo said, which Frollo held his hand.
"Quasimodo... call me Frollo." Frollo said, smiling at him.
"Frollo... I'm..." Quasimodo said, trying to get the words out.
"You have nothing to be sorry about my boy." Frollo said. "You did the right thing saving Esmeralda. It should be I that asks you for forgiveness." He then felt himself become lighter, knowing his time was nearing. "My boy... may I ask you for one last deed?"
"Anything." Quasimodo said.
"Help me to the railing my boy." Frollo said, the hunchback helping him up. "I would like to see Paris... one last time." The hunchback helped him up as Spyro rushed over, taking his arm and helping him to the edge, where Frollo looked out to Paris, seeing the fighting had ended and smiled. "Paris... the city of love. May it stand for all eternity." He then put his hand on Quasimodo's shoulder, the hunchback taking his hand instinctively. "And you, my dear boy... may you live a long and happy life."
A second later, Frollo's heart shot out of his chest, the minister closing his eyes as the heart shattered, turning into thousands of tiny pieces as his body turned into light, hundreds of tiny yellow orbs ascending into the air as the minister faded from existence, everyone watching as the lights flew into the sky, Quasimodo shedding a tear for his former master, feeling his heart break.
"Goodbye, Frollo." Quasimodo said, wiping the tear away.
"What... just... happened?" Cadence asked.
"Frollo's heart has shattered." Spyro replied, watching the lights go up. "His heart was filled with darkness, festering in him for years until his light faded. When I struck him in the chest, it damaged his heart, causing it to slowly crack and break until it popped out, shattering."
"So, what happens if your heart is shattered?" Twilight asked.
"Then... you're dead." Spyro answered. "When a heart is destroyed, then you cease to exist. There is a chance you can get a new heart, but only if fragments of it find another heart willing to accept them. However, with how Frollo was, I doubt anyone will accept his heart." He then felt the drive was running out, turning to them and smiling. "Girls, I am so proud of you for what you've done so far. Keep it up... and never left your light fade."
He then started to glow white and purple, separating from Rarity, the mare reappearing and opening her eyes, looking to the purple mist that they believe to be Spyro, watching as the mist and the light faded, leaving them alone. They walked down the stairs of the cathedral, though they were pleased the fight was over, they felt bad for Frollo even after everything he's done, they couldn't help but think if he could have been reached sooner, none of this might have happened. As they reached the door, they walked out and were greeted by everyone cheering for them having defeated Frollo, ending his madness, but Esmeralda stopped, turning and walking back to the door and reaching her hand out, Quasimodo taking it and being brought out as the crowd stared at him, some fearful of him while others wondered what to do, but it was a little girl who walked up, showing no fear for the hunchback as she hugged him, Quasimodo smiling and hugging her back, the crowd smiling and lightening up as she too his hand and brought him to the crowd, everyone cheering and patting him on the back as they accepted him for his heroics.
"Three cheers... for Quasimodo!" Clopin shouted, everyone cheering for him.
The girls all smiled, happy to see everyone no longer feared or despised him as they accepted him as one of them, which his back started to glow and a second later, a gold and purple orb shot out of his back and into the air, the symbol appearing in the air as the triangle spun around again, stopping on the unicorn head as a keyhole appeared. A second later, Rarity's Keyblade appeared next to her, which she used her magic to take hold of it and spin it around, doing a little dance step before pointing to the dragons head, firing a white and purple beam of magic towards the keyhole and hitting it, hearing something click before the keyhole disappeared. A second later, the dragons eyes glowed white as it opened it's mouth, roaring out as it released a golden orb, the orb shooting down to the group as the book flew out of Twilight's saddle bag, going into the dragons head on the cover as it's eyes turned white, bells ringing as the bell symbol on the book remained gold, but with black outlines on it.
"What was that?" Esmeralda asked.
"Spyro's Heart Piece." Fluttershy replied. "It's what we were here for in the first place."
"And now that we got it, it's time for us to go." Twilight said.
"You're leaving?" Quasimodo asked, walking over. "So soon?"
"I wish we could stay Quasimodo dear." Rarity said. "But... we need to move on. We still have ten pieces of Spyro's heart to find."
"Will we see you again?" Quasimodo asked.
"For sure!" Pinkie replied, bouncing around. "We'll be back someday. We would love to visit you again and next time, we have a proper celebration!"
Everyone laughed at Pinkie, who found a barrel and was riding it around, making the crowd cheer and laugh at her until Quasimodo saw SPyro again, smiling to him and he walked over.
"Seems you're in good hands now." Spyro said.
"You're... also leaving?" Quasimodo asked.
"My friends now have the Heart Piece that was hidden in you." Spyro replied. "I have to go." He then reached down and hugged him, the two hugging as they knew this was goodbye. "But don't worry, when I am whole again, I'll come and visit. I promise."
As he said it, Spyro disappeared, fading from existence as Quasimodo shed a tear, wiping it away as the crowd picked him up, cheering for him as the ponies watched.
[Clopin]
So, here's a riddle,
to guess if you can,
Sing the bells of Notre Dame.
He picked the girl up and pulled out a puppet of Frollo, making her giggle as the ponies felt themselves being pulled away, Turing into five separate lights as they shot through the crowd, flying next to Quasimodo before shooting into the air, everyone waving to them.
What makes a Monster,
And what makes a man?
[Chorus
Sing the bells, bells, bells, bells, (etc.)
Clopin
Whatever their pitch,
you can feel them bewitch you.
The rich and the ritual knells,
Of the
[Clopin and chorus]
Bells of Notre Dame!