Author's Note: This Fanfic is based on an idea of mine. Specifically for all Zerith fan's out there. A hint of Cloti, too. Maybe I'll try to get this story around other websites.
It is rated M because of later chapters and because of certain scenes.
Keep in Mind: This story kind of takes place in the olden times. AKA: Chariots and Corsets and men wearing Hats and Coats.
Remember Reviews are very much appreciated.
So, without further ado . . .
Maid in Gongaga
In a world succumbed with a deadly disease and sadness, an heir of a prestigious industry buys a maid from an auction. Will Zack take good care of Aerith or will his promiscuity take over and punish the virile man?
Ch.1
"Sold! To the gentleman in the front row!"
Gold Saucer was a haven from the biting cold outside. What is a rather large estate built right next to a chocobo racing track, two gentlemen entered the casino's reception room with class. An exceptionally tall man with short, spiked hair and long bangs accenting his face walked through the long corridor with a posh stride, taking his cane with him at every step. He wore a marvelous fur coat made of jaguar, accompanied with a noir top hat, which he wore mysteriously; hiding his face from unwanted eyes. Along side of him was a blonde man with almost the same stature and hairstyle. He held no cane, but wore a dark frock coat that screamed 'the lackey of high class'. His navy, silk vest and neck tie where shown. The blonde removed his derby hat; then, promptly glared at the gentleman before him.
He noticed this and removed his own, giving off a grin to show his forgetfulness.
"Where do you want to go?" he asked.
The blonde shrugged, looking rather uninterested. Quickly the brunette hooked the blonds head with his right arm, causing him to grumble.
"Zack enough," he growled.
Zack, smiled. "Come on Cloud. There are all sorts of events we can poke around in. Just ponder for a second, where do you want to spend the afternoon? Take note that this is your call."
Cloud muffled a few words, "It would be better if we went home, Zack."
The well dressed man relieves Cloud from his restraint, sighing off.
"I am serious. You and I are not supposed to be in here. Think of your reputation. If someone finds out that the heir of Hewley Industries is wasting time in a casino you can ruin your chances of ever becoming the head of–Zack!"
At this time the Zack childishly plugged his ears, drawing out the noise he was receiving. Cloud tried to get his attention again, "Word can get around and, stop it! Stop that right now!"
Cloud tried pulling down Zack's hands away from his ears, causing Zack to laugh profoundly. He hooked an arm over him again.
"Dear, Cloud," he began dragging Cloud to the other end of the reception, passing a large fountain. "I don't think you should be acting this way in a place such as this. Relax; we are here for fun."
Cloud rolls his light blue eyes, "You are not listening."
"Be more cheerful, like me." The other man smiles.
"If . . . I was, you wouldn't get any work done . . . back at home!"
"Oh, I've got it!" he pulls Cloud to meet his gaze. "How about I take you to the gentlemen's club?"
Cloud's eyes widen, he pulls away, flailing his arms. "No! No! No! No!"
Zack takes a hold of his arm, "Yes, yes, yes! Besides, I already gave you a chance in deciding where we should go and you missed it. The gentlemen's club it is!" He yelled at the top of his lungs pointing up wards with his forefinger, attracting all sorts of unwanted attention from other Gold Saucer visitors.
Cloud could feel the heat staining his cheeks. Rude or not, he puts on his derby indoors to hide his face; which Zack removed two seconds later. They walked through the reception room, passing by the fountain, until they made their way to a massive red door. Accompanied by two servants on either side of the doors. When Zack approached them, they silently opened the doors before them, letting the men enter the vast room with poise.
A smile was carved into Zack's face as he took in the view. A rather large room completed with gentlemen of various ages and sizes, all drinking their fill of alcohol. The room was colored red, with Victorian styled décor and glorious stone floor tiles. Beyond the tables and servants was a wide, covered terrace allowing guests a spectacular view of Chocobo races. In the corner a small group of musicians played cheerful music all while laughing and performing wildly.
Both Zack and Cloud walked further into the vast gala, everything seemed splendid, but it wouldn't be so without the burlesque girls. Every dame in the room wore feathers on their heads and red revealing corsets to go with them. Their skirts where short enough to leave their private areas to the imagination, however that didn't stop the men to pull them up. As both men walked through the cigar-smoked filled room one of the burlesque girls approached them eagerly.
"Care for a table gentlemen?" she asked. Zack walked closely to her, bending forward, he whispered into her ear, "Find us a nice table sweetheart." With his right hand he showed her a 100 gil, which was more money than she has made over the whole afternoon . She took it greedily and with a smile on her red smeared lips, "Follow me."
They followed her with a stride, as they did so they were getting attention from all the other gentlemen in the room.
"You see?" Whispered Cloud, "These men, know who you are. They'll surely gossip about your presence here."
Zack looked at him with a straight face, "Let them gossip."
The young woman brought them to a table under the covered terrace giving off a great view of the Chocobo race track. Cloud sat down on the cushioned, well detailed chair as Zack continued to speak with the woman.
"Get me and my friend here some of your finest whiskey. Oh, and don't be shy to bring us a couple of your little friends, alright?"
The woman smiled. "Will do, sir. Also, would you like to place a bid on a Chocobo tonight, sir?"
Zack smiled, "What do you think Cloud?" he turned his gaze to his friend who had his arms over the chair.
"Why should you care what I think? All you do is ignore me—"
"200, 000 Gil on the Golden Chocobo. Under the name Fair."
The woman gasped, while Zack grinned a delicious smile. "Hurry now or you won't get a tip later." He told her pinching her chin. She excused herself and walked away in a flash.
The man slumped on his chair beside Cloud, smiling at him. Cloud only glared at him, returning his gaze at the race that was about to begin.
"Cigars; gentlemen?" An ebony servant held out a tray of cigar's before them. Taking one each, Cloud then took the cigar cutter from the woman's tray in order to remove the unwanted end, while Zack bit his off. The woman then graciously lit both cigars with tiny matches before leaving the two men to relax. Cloud looked around the area. Quickly, he took notice of several other parties giving them the stink eye. Then his attention was taken solely at a man coughing vigorously. Unknown to him, Zack watched too.
The man was sitting with a group. When he started coughing the whole crowd dispersed, leaving the man coughing infinitely by himself. He was not that far, both Zack and Cloud could see that he was coughing on a white handkerchief. When he was done, he pulled the cloth away from his mouth, revealing a black stain. The people near him groaned in disgust.
Zack took another drag of his cigar.
"This place is dangerous." commented Cloud.
"Hmm, we'll leave as soon as the race is over." said Zack calmly.
Cloud nodded. Finally, a good choice.
Before too long, the two men where served their drinks. Then, four voluptuous women accompanied the men, treating them with their bodies. Although, Cloud didn't want any part of it, making two of the women feel left out and thus dispersed. But, Zack could not careless.
With two on each side he flirted with them all. Every so often he'd graze his hand over almost clothed breasts and fishnet covered thighs. Receiving giggle's and squeals from the working women. He spoke to them in a sweet, flirty manner; talking to them about his homeland and his love for women. He spoke of his friend Cloud, although the blonde ignored his words and unwanted attention. Occasionally, the closest woman touched and played with Zack's black locks of hair; then, she places her hand over his chest, rubbing it smoothly. The other woman strewed close to Zack, giving off enough time for him to steal a kiss from her. Consequently both girls jumped with joy, hoping to catch more of the young man's taste and attention.
All this grotesque attention really placed Cloud in a bitter mood. He then made the decision to abandon Zack and his mess of women to stand near the balcony outlining the terrace. With whiskey in hand, he took several small sips as he thought of a beautiful brunette back home.
Suddenly, the sound of trumpets where heard all around the room. Clusters of men began to walk towards the balcony overlooking the Chocobo race track. Zack removed himself from the hungry women and walked his way towards Cloud. The race has begun.
The announcer gave details as the sport went on.
"And there off! Heading out in the lead is . . . The Golden Chocobo!" Zack cheered straddling Cloud with both his hands. "Follow by, Catcher, follow by, Fang . . ." he continued for the four rounds. The Golden Chocobo was still ahead, placing his bidder, Zack, in a great mood. One more round left and the prized Chocobo was still in the lead. All of sudden, as two other birds fell closely to his sides; The Golden Chocobo sprinted faster than before; thus, finishing the race. "Winner! The Golden Chocobo."
Groups of men cheered, including Zack who hugged Cloud tightly in utter joy. While other men, cursed and groaned in defeat.
"Alright, Zack!" The blonde said, sounding almost amused. "Can we go now?"
Zack straightened his fur coat and grinned. "Yup, let's get my money and get out of here."
Both men walked through the crowd of fellows, passing by the lose women at their table. They reached the bidding booth where another one of those burlesque girls was there assisting the winners of the race. "Congratulations, Sir." she said with smile. Zack received the money he was owed and quickly placed it within his wallet. After which, they began to make their leave. Cloud followed Zack like any devoted lackey would. Until he realized that the man took an unfamiliar route.
"Zack, what are you doing? We're leaving the casino remember?"
"Yeah," he rubbed the back of his head. Cloud sighed.
"You don't remember where the exit is. Do you?"
Zack scoffed, "Of course I know where it is!"Zack then started to follow a crowd through a hallway of the casino. As the crowd drew nearer to closed white doors, Zack assumed that it was the exit; thus, increasing his pace to get to the other side.
When he opened the door he smiled at this fortuitous event that has taken place.
It was not the exit they were looking for, but an auction. Zack turned towards his blonde friend, giving off a greedy smile. "Zack no, we're not here to shop."
"Come on, just one item, and then we'll leave."
"No! You say one, but the next thing you do is spend a fortune on useless junk."
"Please?"
"No!"
"Come on."
"No, let's go."
"Please," he clasped his hands together, cocking his head to the side, trying to win Cloud over with a 'puppy dog' face. "If you join me, I'll never ask for anything again." The blonde man scoffed, walking passed Zack and into the room with an irritated look on his face. Zack grinned brightly.
Every now and then the Gold Saucer sponsors auctions for the public. Most of the auctions held here are for charity, but this time it was more than that. A young woman with long blond hair and a black tight fitting, sleeveless dress came up to everyone who was present at the room to exchange a few words. Turns out that all of the items that are held up for auction where items that belonged to her mother. She said that her mother recently passed away, leaving her and the rest of her family with huge amounts of debt and little money. Therefore, selling these items is their one and only option for a life in the future.
"I loved my mother Scarlet. And I would always love her. Because of the Geostigma, she was taken away from me and my family. If you could be so kind, I would like to sell all her luxury items; in hopes that my family and I, would prosper in the future without her. Thank you."
An older man took her place before the crowd and started the bidding.
Eight bids later and nothing has caught Zack's eye. There were minor things that he already owned, and other's he didn't care for. Yet, there was one painting he was interested in. One with a massive Banora White Tree painted with thick oils. He raised his hand as the third bidder,
"3,750 gil going once, twice, sold to the gentlemen in the front row."
He'd give that painting to one of his step father's business partners, Genesis Rhapsodos. Perhaps, the gift would get him off his back on how to run the family business. After that there was nothing else that interested him, not even Scarlet's white horse tickled him. Seriously who owns a horse?
After 20 bids and one item bought it seems that the auction is finally over.
"Thank you all for coming. Rest assure that the money collected today will go to the Columbine family in need."
In the distance an old man coughed vigorously, that was Cloud's cue to get up. "Well, let's go. I don't want to catch it unless you do."
Zack gets up from the chair, "Yeah, yeah." He check's his pocket watch which was covered under his vest, "If we make it in time we can catch the seven o'clock train back home."
The young woman who gave the speech before the auction quickly ran up to the center of the stage swaying her arms. "Wait there's one more!"
This caught Zack and several other's attention. Cloud groaned but waited patiently.
"Come up to the center of the stage. I have a last minute, but special prize for you all." She said.
The whole crowd in the room murmured. Before them, a young woman with chestnut hair pulled back into a ponytail approached and stood at the middle of the stage. She wore a long sleeved, black dress shirt, with a long, distended skirt to match. Over her somber get up was a white apron with big pockets and frills for shoulder straps. Under the skirt, a pair of old and worn black shoes were shown. She looked at the crowd with a saddened but firm look.
"A maid," whispered Zack.
Cloud turned towards his dazed friend. "You're not seriously thinking on buying her are you?"
The young woman heard the blond's words, seeing as they were at the front row, they were easy to spot. Especially Zack. Her eyes dart at his image. He was tall, clothed with the most expensive clothing she's ever seen. Her eyes focused more on his physical features, however. He adorned short raven hair with long bangs accenting his boyish image. From where she was standing, she could've sworn he had the bluest eyes in the world, his smile, charming as no other. Her breathing hitched as she heard the announcer start the bid.
"Here we have the Columbine Family's most trusted and loyal maid, Aerith Gainsborough. We start the bidding at 5,000 Gil." With that remark, Aerith scoffed, she was certainly worth more than that!
Immediately after, a man raised his hand; and, another, and another. Soon after twelve bids the price went up to 87,000 Gil.
"You know, our house does need a little cleaning."
Cloud derided, "I know you're not planning to buy her because she cleans. It is obvious that you want to keep her as your little pet."
Zack stared at his friends deep blue eyes and smiled, giving off a hint of wickedness behind his charm. "I'm just saying; a clean house can be a bonus for us."
He then turns his gaze at the maiden standing at the center of the stage with her arms folded together. Her face held a resemblance of a china doll's; smooth, scarless. Her lips where full and glossed with a shade of red. Cheeks shaded pink; her eyelashes long and curled perfectly. Thick, lengthy, and curled hair created the shape of her ponytail, which could not maintain all the strands in place. Wavy, curled bangs frame her delicate face while short strands of locks hovered over her temples. Standing at the front row, he could tell the distinct hue of green in her eyes.
"Dad would forget about us coming here if I bring home a maid, and besides, all the rest of these men here are bidding highly because of the same reason. They just want her body."
"And you don't?" remarked Cloud.
The skeptical blonde watched as the mischievous man raised his hand, pointing his index finger upwards. At this time the bidding rose to 92,000 Gil.
"100,000 gil." remarked the dark haired man.
"I've got 100. 100 going once, 125,000 Gil, thank you sir!" The bid rose. While Zack cursed; but, he was still determined.
"150," he said once more.
"150,000 gil, I've got, 150,000, going once. Twice?"
The announcer was about to slam the gabble when, "200,000 gil, here!"
The whole room exploded with shocks and murmurs. Farther behind the crowd, was a short chubby man with an increasing bald spot. He twiddled his brown mustached as he stared down at his competitors.
"200,000 Gil?!" the announcer spoke out loud with shock. The blonde daughter of the deceased mother, Scarlet, clapped wildly with joy and glee. On the other hand the maid, Aerith, grew displeased.
Zack was about to raise his hand once more.
"Zack; no. You can pay for a hooker back at home for a much cheaper price!" Exclaimed Cloud.
He raised his hand, "But I want her,"
"500,000 Gil." The whole room up roared. Individual men cursed while the announcer and daughter where speechless.
"500,000 Gil going once. Twice?" The previous man did not utter a word. He stood motionless.
The gabble was slammed on the podium, "Sold! To the gentleman in the front row!"
The in the room people began to clap generously, the daughter too but over generously. She then jumped around the stage with the rest of her family. One of them even had the audacity to kiss the young maid on her cheek before skipping back to his flock.
"You may claim your prize," said the announcer.
He took two steps forward in front of Aerith, he laid out his hand as an offer and she took it. Only to shake firmly and smile, letting go. This left Zack in a dazed and hanging look. The brunette girl stepped off the stage, walking over to the male. She bows her head respectfully and with an emotionless voice she added. "It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Aerith. I promise I'll work very hard to satisfy your needs."
Zack smiled, putting an arm over his clothed stomach, bowing to her. "Call me Zack Fair; I hope you'll be a bright investment for the future. This is my adviser and friend Cloud Strife." The blonde stepped in and greeted the new maid. Zack whispers to her, "Although, fair warning, he can be a nuisance sometimes," he grinned. The blonde scoffed, "Hey I keep you out of trouble."
Zack turned to the blond with a smug look on his face, "Hey, if I listened to you we wouldn't have ever met pretty Aerith here, now would we?"
Aerith makes a small smile.
Cloud sighs looking away, he hears a distant coughing, "May we can go now?"
Zack nods, holding out his arm to the new maid, "Let's go darling!"
Aerith stares at his actions, and shies away.
"What is it?"
"A maid should keep her distance from her employer, Mr. Fair. I cannot accept you advancements." She said firmly, eyes adamant. Cloud snickers behind his scolded friend.
Zack smiles and holds both his hands up in defeat, for now. He begins walking forward passing Aerith slowly, "Sometimes, things change." He spoke softly, an obvious remark to Aerith. She watched Cloud walk behind him; he rolled his eyes at her, branding Zack as a lunatic. The woman smiles politely, but truthfully she was holding back tears.
The morning after they rode to the train station by a chariot, driven by two black Chocobo's. When they arrived at the train station, masses of people could be seen from the drive way. It was hard to maneuver, difficult to get to the first class steam train. Zack was in front, pushing his way through to the fast machine. While Aerith stayed between him and Cloud. The brunette maid carried her own suitcase, prepared for her from her over-relieved ex-owners. A large one in fact that Cloud offered to carry; but, she denied, to her being a maid means that she must fend for herself without receiving help. Luckily, she used it as a defense mechanism from the heavy flow of people.
"Everyone alright?" hollered Zack.
Both lower classes approved.
"Alright, hold on we're almost there."
Then, a woman coughed on Aerith's side. Quickly she covered her mouth with her free hand as to avoid getting sick.
"Are you alright?"Asked Cloud.
She nods, putting her hand down.
After multiple push and shoves the three made their way at a gate for the first class train. Zack came before two officers on patrol. He showed them two retrieval tickets, one for him and Cloud, and a one-way ticket, for Aerith. They let the trio pass. Behind the gate they were relieved from the mob of people and took in their breaths as they were entering the silver first class steam train.
As they entered, a coach attendant with a red cap and vest welcomed them.
"Welcome, to First Class Silver Train."
Zack hands him his and both of his servants tickets, "Take us to our seating room, would you?" The attendant nodded, "Right this way."
The thin and emotionless man walked them through the train, finding a room in which they can stay in. A glass window allowed them to see a full view of the other side of the station. The room had very comfortable cushioned chairs and a retractable table. The three sat down, both men on one side while Aerith sat on her own. "Get us something to drink, "commanded wealthy man, in which he took out his pencil and small notebook.
"What would you like?"
"Hot toddy," said Zack.
"For me as well," said Cloud.
The servant looked at Aerith; maybe she'd like some too?
"Hot water, please," she said in a hushed tone. The servant nodded and began to make her leave.
"Wait," remarked Zack in an altered voice. "Now Aerith, sweet heart, you can have anything you want." He cajoled her. "I'm paying."
Aerith looks at Zack with a straight face, and for some reason Cloud, then at the servant. "Tea, then."
The servant nods and finally makes his leave. Zack reclines on his chair.
"Really, Aerith. You could've had a hot toddy as well."
She straightened her black dress, this time not wearing her apron, "No I'm fine. Thank you. Either way, I am not quite fond of booze."
The man chuckles, "Well, better get used to it. We drink heavily at my mansion."
Aerith, nods, "I'll make sure to step out of the way, then."
This time Zack was not amused.
"How long have you've been working for the Columbine family Aerith?" asked Cloud, changing the subject.
She thought about it, "A . . . very long time, Mr. Strife."
The blond grimaced, making him feel old all of a sudden, "Call me Cloud."
She apologizes and nods. Zack sat up on his chair, "Call me master, alright?"
Cloud glares at his friend's behavior, being childish. But, Aerith accepts.
"How was it? Working for the Columbine family?"
Aerith, wraps her hands together, "It was alright, like any other servants work. But, in the end, it was all filled with lies."
Soon a lounge cart attendant arrived with a trolley, carrying the drinks and other delicacies within it.
Aerith stood up from her chair and helped to serve. She placed the hot toddy kettle and plate of biscuits on the middle of the table; then giving each gentleman their cups of tea and plates. Finally, the brunette places the small kettle of hot water, tea bags, and small plate in front of her before taking a seat.
"As you were saying?" asked the blond digging further into her knowledge.
"Her daughter," began Aerith, her eyes on the hot water she was pouring into her cup. ", Lied to everyone in the auctioning room." She places a tea bag in the cup. "She said her mother died from the horrible disease, Geostigma. But in reality, the woman died after being tumbled down the estates stairs."
Suddenly Zack became intrigued over the story, so did Cloud.
"I believe that it was her own daughter that killed her, in order to sell her belongings and make a fortune out of them. When her whole family arrived to mourn her, she claimed that the disease took her; but, that wasn't it at all." Aerith laid her head on her hand, waiting for her water to become tea. "That woman was wicked as they come. At the end of it all she made a fortune off her mother's death. She even sold me, knowing that a man would buy me off of her... when I thought she wouldn't."
Aerith looks into Zack's eyes, "Honestly, I've never had a master before." She takes hold of his hands over the table, "So, please take care of me and I will take good care of you." She looked innocent as his hands where in hers. So innocent and sweet, she looked appetizing.
Zack smiles, brimming with joy, actually. "I will," he said in a deep voice.
Gently Aerith lets go of his hands. She then fixes her tea as if she said nothing at all, oblivious to Zack's dumbfounded look. The blonde chuckles, catching a painful nudge from the other man.
"That's not funny," he whispered, an annoyed look plastered on his face.
Cloud shakes his head defiantly. He looks at Aerith as she prepares her tea.
This woman is not like any other. She will deny Zack's advancements and he will try harder to win her over. But she is different, far from being a loose woman. She has class. Respect for herself. And that just tares Zack apart.
Cloud chuckles once more. Receiving a shove from Zack, which in return he grunts thus shoving Zack back. The two began a series of pushes and shoves, all the while Aerith laughed at their behavior. Her voice chimed so sweetly, catching the attention to both men.
Zack felt a light jump in his heart creating a high lust for the girl.
No woman has ever denied me; and Aerith won't be the first. She's different, that I can see. But in the end they're all squealers.
Aerith took notice of his hungry look thus shying away from his gaze; relieving herself from the tension.
This was going to take some time in getting used to.
Authors Note:
I EDIT SOME OF THIS. SOME CHANGES WHERE MADE BUT NOT TOO DRASTIC TO CHANGE THE STORY. MORE CHANGES COMING SOON TO OTHER CHAPTERS.
I hope I can get enough people reading this. I hope that if people do read it they like it.
Next chapter, our trio arrives at the lavish Hewley mansion. Where Aerith is put to work and Zack tries desperately to win her over.
Reviews are much appreciated. :)