Kingdom Hearts: Web of the Dark Heart

Chapter 15: The Feast of Fools

After the Ghost was refueled, the group headed out. Peter found Doom messing with the navigation computer. It showed a well-known cathedral within a city. This was Notre Dame.

Peter: Found the next world, Commander?

Doom: (Messing with the dials) I'm not sure. The energy is supposedly there but the navigation computer is being scrambled by two stronger signals giving some kind of weird energy.

Peter: (Humming thoughtfully) Stay on the ship with Cheep and Sparky. Try contacting Merlin. Maybe he can help us.

Doom: Yes, sir. (Stopping Peter) Uh, quick question: (Pointing to the screen) Is that some kind of temple or something?

Peter figured where Doom was from never heard the Gospel of the Holy Lord. Peter gave Doom a bible he bought.

Peter: Give this a read. It could give you some insight… And perhaps, faith.

Doom took it and promise to read it while contacting Merlin.

Peter went to find Wanda and the kids, who were in the lounge. Sora was playing video games while Laura was making a pretty drawing of her, Sora, Wanda, and Peter.

Wanda: Is that us, Sweetie?

Laura nodded and wrote "Family" under it. Wanda couldn't help but smile. Peter came in, dressed in his uniform.

Wanda: Looks like we're leaving, children.

Sora turned off his game and picked up his gear. Boarding the Phantom, Cheep flew everyone to the world. In a flash of light, the four vanished from the ship. Upon opening their eyes, they found themselves in the middle of a festival.

Wanda: (In her uniform and Kitetsu strapped on) Where are we now?

Spider-Man: If I had to guess, I'd say Paris, France in the middle ages.

Wanda: How do you know that: The architect design of the buildings, the food, the clothing style?

Spider-Man simply pointed to Notre Dame cathedral a few miles from where they were. Wanda blushed in embarrassment. Sora tugged on her cape.

Sora: Ms. Wanda… Can we go there so I can pray for my friends' safety?

Wanda: Of course. So, what movie takes place in Paris?

Spider-Man: (Looking around) Well off the top of my head, I can list about four of them. But seeing the architect… and how we're not talking animals or the size of rats… I'd have to guess Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Wanda: Oh, I read the novel. (Getting worried) Isn't that story kinda dark for a kid's movie?

Spider-Man was about to explain when their innocent charge spoke up.

Sora: But it's daytime, not nighttime.

Spider-Man and Wanda chuckled while Laura simply played with Wanda's black hair.

Spider-Man: No, Sora. Dark in this case means stuff that don't exactly bring a smile to you face.

Sora nodded, understanding the problem. Spider-Man then turned to Wanda.

Spider-Man: But yeah. It has a happy ending but it will be hard. For now, we keep Sora away from Judge Claude Frollo. And don't use your hero name. People in this time period aren't exactly fond of witches.

Wanda gulped nervously, having read what people in older times did in the Witch Trails.

Sora: (Noticing the decorations) Looks like a party is happening.

Spider-Man: Oh, yeah. Looks like the Feast of Fools is happening right now. Might be good chance to have some fun.

Wanda was about to protest, knowing that would be a prefect chance for Frollo to grab Sora, when Sora spoke up.

Sora: Can we, Ms. Wanda?! (Innocent eyes) Please!

Wanda looked back at Laura in her carrier and saw her pleading eyes, too. Falling for the children's looks, Wanda caved in. Following the excitement, the four found the festival. Sora was so excited; he started wandering off.

Wanda: This is amazing.

Spider-Man: Yeah, looks just as nice as it did in the movie. (Noticing Sora vanished) Uh, where's our energetic Keyblade boy?

Wanda: Sora, he's right… (Noticing he's gone and panicking a bit) Oh, where'd he gone off to?!

Spider-Man: Okay, calm down. He couldn't have gotten too far.

Wanda: (Calming down a bit) Okay. But I guess we can't use our powers. Unless we find a vacant area. Which seems unlikely given how everyone is having a good time.

Spreading out, the authority figures went to find their missing charge, hoping he was in friendly hands. Fortunately, that was the case. After wandering away from the heroes, Sora bumped into the iconic gypsy, Esmerelda. Upon seeing the boy, she decided to entertain him with a dance. When she was done, Sora clapped happily. Fortunately, his happiness actually caused more people to give Esmerelda more coins.

Esmerelda: Thank you, little one.

Sora: You're a great dancer, Ms. Esey.

Esmerelda smiled at the name. Sora had a hard time saying her name, so she told him to call her Esey.

Esmerelda: Now, where are your parents, little one?

Sora looked around and remembered he wandered off.

Sora: Oops.

Esmeralda: (Chuckling) I understand. The festival is tons of fun. Best you wait with me till they show up.

As if on cue, Wanda frantically bumped into Esmeralda.

Wanda: I'm so sorry! Have you seen…?!

Esmeralda: (Smiling) A small boy with brown spiky hair, innocent adorable eyes, extremely happy, and armed with a slingshot?

Wanda just stood there stunned by how accurate a description Esmeralda made. Just as Spider-Man came up.

Spider-Man: Yes, ma'am. That's Sora. Have you seen him?

Esmeralda: (Showing Sora) He's right here.

Wanda immediately scooped Sora into a hug.

Wanda: I'm so sorry if he caused you trouble.

Esmeralda: He was no trouble at all. In fact, he was nothing but a perfect angel. So don't be hard on him. I can tell he was just excited about the festival.

Sora: I'm sorry.

Wanda felt like she should scold Sora for scaring her like that but she saw how innocent and sorry he was.

Wanda: We forgive you, Sweetie. It's just that you had us worried sick. Remember there's some very bad people after you and we want to keep you safe. You going off like that means we can't protect you when you leave us.

Spider-Man: Yeah, buddy. Try and stay close to us or someone we trust.

Sora understood and promised to follow their rules. Everyone stopped when they heard Laura's stomach growling.

Spider-Man: You hungry, Sweetie?

Laura whimpered and nodded.

Wanda: Let's get you something to eat.

Esmeralda: There's a vendor I know nearby. Mention my name and he'll give you and your family a nice meal.

Spider-Man: (Blushing under his mask) Thank you.

Sora: (As they left) Bye, Ms. Esey.

Esmeralda smiled as they left.

Wanda: No objections?

Spider-Man: (Quietly) It'd be safer if people here think Sora and Laura are our kids. If the guards think otherwise, they'll take them away from us.

Wanda gently tighten her grip on both Sora and Laura's carrier strappings. Finding the vendor Esmeralda told them, the group were able to get a good meal. The festival went on and they were able to enjoy themselves for a while. When they saw the hero of the story, Quasimodo, get crown King of Fools, they happily clapped for him.

Sora: (Seeing Quasimodo) He seems nice, Ms. Wanda.

Wanda smiled brightly at Sora's sense of friends. But her good mood dropped when one of Frollo's guards nailed Quasimodo with a tomato. Wanda covered the children's eye when Quasimodo was being pelted with produce. Soon, he was lassoed and tied down on a rotating platform. He was spun around, as onlookers continued to torment him. He spotted Spider-Man's group and noticed they weren't cruel to him. He then spotted Judge Frollo watching.

Quasimodo: Master! Master, please! Help me!

Quasimodo's pleads fell on deaf ears. Wanda was ready to use her powers regardless of the consequences, but Spider-Man stopped her. He silently pointed to the captain of the guard, Phoebus, and whispered for her to use her powers on him differently.

Phoebus: Sir, permission to end this cruelty.

Frollo: (Silently enjoying the scene) In just a moment, Captain. A lesson needs to be learned here.

Wanda's powers caused Phoebus to hallucinate his Shoulder Angel on left shoulder.

Shoulder Angel: You really gonna let this happen? Deformed or not, that's an innocent man right there.

Phoebus: But Judge Frollo says…

Shoulder Angel: (Cutting him off) I don't care what the Judge said. What was his reasoning other than this man's deformity? What did he do to deserve this treatment? Tell me?

Frollo took a moment from the sight to notice his captain was talking to thin air. Frollo raised an eyebrow at the curious sight.

Wanda: ENOUGH!

Everyone gasped as Frollo watched Esmeralda, Wanda, Spider-Man, and the kids walked onto the platform. Quasimodo looked in fear but it weaken when he saw the children. Sora brought out his bandana and cleaned off the splattered fruit.

Quasimodo: Thank… You.

Esmeralda: Don't be afraid. I'm sorry. (Helping Sora) This wasn't supposed to happen.

Frollo got up, angered by the intrusion at his entertainment.

Frollo: You! Gypies! Get down there at once!

Esmeralda: Yes, your honor! Just as soon as we free this poor creature!

Wanda secretly reached for Kitetsu.

Frollo: I forbid it.

Both Esmeralda and Wanda brought their blades out and cut Quasimodo free.

Frollo: How dare you both defy m…!

Spider-Man fired a web and nailed Frollo's mouth shut.

Spider-Man: Why don't be quiet, you hypocritical cross-dresser!

Esmeralda: He's right! You mistreat this poor boy the same way you mistreat our people. You speak of justice, yet you are cruel to those most in need of your help.

Frollo managed to rip off Spider-Man's web.

Frollo: Silence!

Esmeralda:(Angry, raising her arm and fist)Justice!

Wanda: You have no right to do this to an innocent man! (Quasimodo looked at Wanda defending him) Deformed or not, he is a Child of God!

The crowd gasped at the courage the group were showing. Spider-Man and Esmeralda helped Quasimodo up.

Spider-Man: You're going to be okay, my friend.

Frollo:Mark my words, gypsies. You will pay for this insolence.

Part of Sora wanted to hide but he stood his ground. He brought out his slingshot, ready to fight.

Esmeralda: Then it appears we crowned the wrong fool. (Taking the crown) The only fool I see is you!

Esmeralda threw the festival crown and it landed in front of Frollo while her goat, Djali, blew a raspberry at him. That was the last straw for the evil judge.

Frollo: Captain Phoebus! Arrest them!

Phoebus saw Sora and Laura before Frollo did.

Phoebus: But… But sir, they have children with them.

Frollo glared at Phoebus, silently telling him to follow orders. Even though he knew it was wrong, Phoebus signaled for the guards to arrest them.

Spider-Man: Ten of you against three of us… Seems fair odds.

Esmeralda was confused until Wanda flared up her powers for everyone to see. With a forceful wave of her hands, Wanda caused a huge smoke cloud to engulf them.

Frollo: Witchcraft!

On the other side of the festival ground, the group reappeared unharmed.

Spider-Man: I didn't know you could teleport us.

Wanda: (Looking at her hands) Neither did I… (Drawing Kitetsu) But now's not the time.

The guards spotted them and charged at them. Before Wanda could tell Sora to run for cover, Sora fired his slingshot and nailed one of the guards on the forehead, knocking him off his horse and pulling down and other one.

Esmeralda: Great shot, little one.

Spider-Man: Spread out!

Splitting up, some of the guards spread out to take them.

Spider-Man: (Running) Hey, I call Police Brutality! You guys are using lethal force!

When a guard swung his sword at him, the Web-Slinging hero jumped and shot a web at a building. Swinging above the crowd, the guards continue to follow. Spider-Man landed on the side of a building.

Spider-Man: (Standing) Sheesh. And here I thought clingy ex-girlfriends were annoying. I don't even have to use the Wayward Wind on you two.

Jumping from the wall, Spider-Man fired two webs and nailed the guards heads. With all his might, Spider-Man pulled them together and made them smash into each other.

Spider-Man: (Taking a helmet) Not my size but I'll grow into it.

Wanda was sword fighting with three guards at once with Laura watching in her carrier. With wave of her hand, Wanda managed to knock down two of the guards.

Wanda: (Turning to Laura) You okay, Laura?

Laura nodded she was okay. The guard lunged at Wanda and managed to cut Wanda right arm. It wasn't deep enough to get infected, but she bled a bit. Seeing her caretaker harm made something in Laura snap. Bringing her claws out, Laura pounced onto the guard and sliced his armor to scrap metal. He then covered himself like he's naked. Laura growled and he ran off like a coward. Wanda smiled and picked up Laura.

Wanda: Good girl.

Esmeralda was dodging the three guards that were chasing her pretty well.

Spider-Man: Esmeralda, catch!

Spider-Man tossed the helmet he had to the Gypsy Woman and she caught it. With great force, she threw it and it ricocheted on the trio of guards and nearly beheaded Phoebus if he hadn't ducked in time.

Phoebus: What a woman!

Wanda: (Meeting up with the others) Wait! Where's Sora?!

Sora: (Being chased by the last two guards) A little help here!

Wanda was about rush in the save him but Spider-Man kicked a pole onto the guards. Wanda then used her powers to levitate Sora into her arm. The guards were so distracted they didn't see where they were riding their horses and sliced through Frollo's stand. The corrupted judge jumped clear. Esmeralda pulled out a smoke bomb and made it explode, helping Spider-Man, Wanda, and the kids escape with her.

Frollo: (Angrily looking at Phoebus) Find them, Captain! The red warlock, you can kill. The children and Gypsy women I want alive!

Phoebus:Yes, sir. (To his guards) Seal off the area, men. Find the gypsy girls and children, and do not harm them!

Deep in Phoebus' heart, he hoped they don't find them long enough for them to escape to Notre Dame cathedral. Frollo eyed Quasimodo with much anger.

Quasimodo: (Whimpering) I'm sorry, master. I will never disobey you again.

Quasimodo walked to the entrance to the cathedral as the rain begins to fall. He goes in, then slowly closes the door to his freedom. Time passes since the festival and Phoebus and the guards were still searching for Esmeralda and the assumed family.

Sora: (Under Wanda's cloak to avoid the rain and being seen by the guards) Ms. Wanda, I'm scared.

Wanda: Just be quiet till we're safe.

Spider-Man checked on Laura hidden under his cloak and she whimpered, silently asking if they were going to be okay.

Spider-Man: It'll be okay, Laura.

Esmeralda: This way.

Esmeralda managed to sneak the four of them and her goat into the church. Phoebus sees them and recognizes who they are. He follows them in alone. As he comes up behind the group, Esmeralda turns and grabs his sword then throws him to the ground.

Esmeralda: You!

Phoebus was about look at the children but Esmeralda stopped him.

Esmeralda: Don't even try to look at those children!

Esmeralda kept the blade at his chin as he crawled to a column.

Phoebus: Easy, easy… I just shaved this morning.

Esmeralda: (Teasing) Oh, really? You missed a spot.

Sora: Where? He looks fine.

Phoebus smiled on Sora's innocence. It pleased him that the boy's experience at the festival didn't ruin him.

Phoebus:(Getting back to his feet) All right, all right. Just calm down. Just give me a chance to apologize.

Esmeralda:For what?

As she lets down her guard for a split second, Phoebus grabs the sword from her hands, knocks her to the ground, and turns it on her.

Phoebus:That, for example.

Esmeralda:You sneaky son of a…

Phoebus:Ah, ah, ah! Watch it… You're in a church and in the company of children.

Esmeralda turned and saw Spider-Man and Wanda covering the little ones ears.

Phoebus: (Looking at the couple) Are the little ones okay? They weren't hurt at the event?

Spider-Man: No… They're fine.

Esmeralda: (Grabbing a candle-top staff) Are you always this charming and considerate or are we just lucky?

Esmeralda begun to attack with Phoebus blocks her strikes with his sword.

Wanda: (Watching the fight) Should we help?

Spider-Man: (Remembering Phoebus is on their side) Nah, she got this.

Wanda decided to get Sora and Laura dried.

Phoebus:(Between Esmeralda's swings)Candlelight...privacy... music. Can't think of a better place for hand-to-hand combat! You fight almost as well as a man!

Esmeralda: (Knocking him back)Funny. I was going to say the same thing about you.

Phoebus:That's hitting a little below the belt, don't you think?

Esmeralda:No. This is.

She swings one end of the staff at Phoebus' crotch. He blocks it with his sword. She quickly hits him in the face with the other end of the staff. He shakes it off.

Phoebus:Touche!

Djali butts him in the chest.

Phoebus:I didn't know you had three kids.

Sora looked at Wanda as she was drying him.

Wanda: It's another name for a young goat.

Esmeralda:Well, mine doesn't take kindly to soldiers.

The fighting has subsided.

Spider-Man: Now that we're all friendly, I'm Spider-Man. (Directing him to his group) She's Wanda. And they are Sora and Laura.

Phoebus: (Shaking the Web-Slinger's hand) I'm Phoebus. It means "Sun God". (To Esmeralda) And you are?

Esmeralda was cautious about trusting one of Frollo's lackeys, much less his second-in-command.

Esmeralda:Is this an interrogation?

Phoebus: (Putting his sword away)It's called an introduction.

Esmeralda:You're not arresting me?

Phoebus:Not as long as you're in here. I can't.

Esmeralda:You're not at all like the other soldiers.

Phoebus:Thank you.

Esmeralda: (Setting her makeshift weapon down) So if you're not going to arrest me or this nice family, what do you want?

Phoebus: I'd settle for your name.

Esmeralda: (Calming down) Esmeralda.

Phoebus:It's beautiful. Much better than Phoebus, anyway.

As things started to calm down, Spider-Man's Spider Sense and his memory of what comes next in the movie came up. Spider-Man summoned Wayward Wind just as Frollo and the rest of the guards came up to them.

Frollo: Good work, Captain! Now, arrest them.

Phoebus was surprised they found them. Not wanting them hurt, he did the only thing he thought of.

Phoebus: (Whisper) Claim Sanctuary.

Esmeralda eyed him strangely. Before anyone could say anything else, Spider-Man said it.

Spider-Man: We claim Sanctuary!

Frollo was frustrated that they claimed it.

Phoebus: I'm sorry, sir. They claimed Sanctury. There's nothing I can do.

Frollo:Then drag them outside and…

The archdeacon has entered.

Archdeacon:Frollo! You will not touch them! (To Esmeralda, whom he approached) Don't worry. Minister Frollo learned years ago to respect the sanctity of the church.

Spider-Man: (Sending Wayward Wind away) Less the Eyes of Notre Dame share what he done 20 years ago?

Frollo gasped in horror at Spider-Man's tone.

Sora: What did he do, Ms. Wanda?

Wanda: (In an angry tone having read the book well) A terrible deed at the steps of the church, Sweetheart. You can either leave or allow us to tell the truth. I'm sure the king would be interested in learning your actions.

Frollo seethed in anger and began to leave.

Phoebus: (To them) I swear, I…

Spider-Man: We know. You, we trust.

Frollo: You've all chosen a magnificent prison, but a prison nonetheless. Set one foot outside and the women & children are mine. (Eyeing Spider-Man) And you'll be dead!

Frollo exits, slamming the door shut. Esmeralda looks at Spider-Man and he shook his head "No", silently telling her they're trapped. Meanwhile, Wolf Spider arrived outside.

Wolf Spider: Finally, I'm here. Those last two worlds' energies should feed my Tears well.

Wolf Spider stepped around the corner and the second he came in sight of Notre Dame cathedral; he started burning like a vampire in the sun. He immediately retreats back and his skin stops burning.

Wolf Spider: (Angry) Oh, perfect. That's here. No matter. I have my ways.

Wolf Spider began to move around to find his pawn.