Summary: AU...Takes place in the past lives of the FF7 characters during the time of the Cetra. This is the story of how the Cetra peoples were whiped out and how they also became legends. The princesses of the Lunaris kingdom, Aerith and Tifa, are sent out on a mission, a mission to stop the creature Jenova from bringing all that exists to an end by devouring the hearts of the many worlds. But the thing is, they've also got a crap load of other things to do, like ending a war between kingdoms, solving the reasons behind a family feud and even putting on live performances to keep the people happy. How are they going to get it all done and still manage to get Aerith to her wedding!?
Author's note: I know I said I wouldn't upload a new fanfic till I finished my Naruto one but I couldn't resist, guess that makes me a liar huh?
"Princess Aerith! Princess Aerith! Princess Aerith, where are you!?" A soldier dressed in bronze armor called. Distress was evident in his gruff voice. "Princess Aerith, please answer me!" He continued. But she was nowhere to be found, at least not for him anyway.
The princess was in the garden on the other side of the palace with her younger sister, Tifanira. Aerith was, as you've probably already guessed, the eldest Princess of the Cetra people. Aerith was a kind and loving young woman. She was skilled in the healing arts. Had amazing talents, she was perfect, unflawed in every way, both inside and out.
Perched high on the branches of a weeping willow, she listened to the tales her younger sister created from seemingly nothing. Her simple pink gown twisted around her legs so that it wouldn't blow in the wind. Her long golden brown hair was tied high in a braid by a simple ribbon. Her large almond shaped eyes, glowing emerald, gleamed with excitement with each word Tifanira spoke.
"…And then, deep within the mountains, emerged her hero. Wings of ebony reflected the sunlight in a beautiful display of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. He was coming to save his princess from the atrocity that had the audacity to call itself an earthling…" Tifanira's voice rose and fell accordingly as she recited her story. She sat on the branch to the right of her sister. Her long, dark chocolate hair was tied in a low ponytail by a white leather chord. Her ruby eyes were kind and gentle, they were the eyes of someone who knew the ways of the world and bore it with a smile. Her dress was white, the skirt of it falling just below the knees with slits up both sides.
She was busty and built, beautifully so, but that was almost unnatural for a princess. But she was born with stranger circumstances.
The Cetra were a unique sub species of human. Though they had the same organs as every other human, with the same circulatory system and everything, they had an extra type of blood cell. They were called green blood cells. These cells ran throughout the body in entirely different veins and arteries, called the soul stream.
The soul stream circulated throughout the entire body, pumping the heart and other organs with green blood cells. This is what enables them to have such amazing control over mako and materia. This also was what separated the Cetra into races. The hierarchy was also split up this way, though there were some exceptions.
Those of the royal court were made up of, mostly, mages. They're bodies' were known for being lithe and agile. Their skin was fare and their eye's tended to glow due to their soul streams. The soul stream still went throughout the body, but instead of pumping in an even distribution, only amounts necessary for the body were used. The rest was then pumped to the brain. They were normally weaker, physically, than average civilians. But with their minds alone they could destroy a small city. The people of the royal court were often called a Bruja or Brujo.
The rank below that of the royal class was the warrior class, or the zhàn shì. Their soul streams were opposite of the brujas and brujos. Pumping into their muscles and giving them inhuman strength, but little to no magical abilities. Their bodies were naturally built, and were usually male. The only fat on their bodies was what were used to cushion their joints, and nothing more.
The females of this rank, the huā mù lán, however, had their own uniqueness. Once impregnated their soul streams would redirect themselves around the womb, protecting the unborn infant so that even if her stomach were attacked or stabbed, or even if she died, the baby would be healed and would be kept alive until birthed. Miscarriages were near impossible for them unless they had absolutely no wish to have the baby. The body would then reverse the pregnancy, turning the growing baby back to the unfertilized egg it started as.
Next to the warrior rank were the Kages, very similar to the zhàn shì, but with a more evenly distributed soul stream. This nearly wiped out race were the first ninja in existence. The only survivors of them were the Kisaragi clan in Wutai. Very seldom did they breed with those outside their race, but when they did, it was usually with the wutainese.
Then there were the civilians. They were considerably weaker than the other three classes, but they were far from useless. Each of them had the possibility to be born into any of the other classes. Some could even work their way there. Their soul streams usually didn't contain as many green blood cells as the other races, but if they did, they would join the appropriate class.
Furthermore, hybrids were often formed. Depending on the parents, the hybrid will have the best, or worst, of both worlds. In Tifanira's case, she had the best of the warrior and royal classes. Her mother was the queen of the Cetra people and her Father, a zhàn shì born into royalty, was the king.
Aerith was lucky; she was born without any of her father's genes. It has even been said that Aerith was a child sent by the gods to bless the kingdom of Lunaris.
These were the circumstances that the two princesses were born into. Aerith was always the favorite, but in Tifanira's case…she had to work a lot harder for a little lovin' from the family.
"Then what happened?" Aerith demanded, at the edge of her branch.
"Then, with a speed faster than light-"
"Princess Aerith! There you are, you have lessons to attend and your mother requests an audience with you." This guard had white armor, covered in odd markings in gold and green. His helmet was discarded in favor of letting his coal colored hair fall free about his shoulders. He didn't even spare Tifanira a glance. He'd been humiliated by her in a spar (in other words, she beat his ass) and didn't like her in the least at that point in time.
"Sexist bastard." Tifanira muttered under her breath.
"What was that Tifa?" Aerith inquired, not really catching her statement.
"Nothing Aerith, nothing at all." Tifa leaned backwards and back flipped off the branch. "I guess I'll see you later. We'll finish our story then." Tifa promised as she helped her sister off the branch.
"You better." Aerith gave a playful glare with her pinky extended.
"Don't forget to fill me in." Tifa wrapped her pinky around Aerith's before they went their separate ways. "Good afternoon Tseng." Tifa curtsied politely, but a look of defiance radiated from her ruby eyes.
"My lady," Tseng bowed, much lower then she, as deemed necessary for one in even his rank. His eyes didn't meet hers. Her eyes unsettled him. He was still getting used to seeing them on such a beautiful woman.
"See you at tea." Aerith waved, her right arm wrapping around Tseng's so that he may properly escort her.
"I wouldn't miss it." She wouldn't either. She loved tea. She turned away with a smile, her steps soft and light. But once she was sure Tseng and Aerith were inside, she turned on her heel and jogged into the palace. She'd forgotten that she too also lessons to attend to.
"You're late." A woman spoke as soon as Tifa entered. Her voice was lifeless and her face expressionless. A melodious giggle echoed off the smooth marble walls from the right. Tifa looked in the direction of the laugh. There was Aerith, seated comfortably on a cushion.
"My magic instructor is sick today, so we'll be having lessons together for a while." She smiled, patting the cushion beside her. Tifa sighed, though she loved her sister, this meant that she would have to work much harder than she already did to get good remarks. Aerith was the genius. Tifa wasn't; though she was pretty darn good considering.
"Just my luck, now you're going to' make me look bad." Tifa whined half heartedly. As much as she tried, and as much as circumstance made her want to, she never could be mad at her. Aerith was too innocent and naïve to hold ill will toward.
"You wouldn't look so bad if you actually practiced." The woman interrupted, pointing to the cushion with an expressionless face. "Now stop dilly dallying and sit down. I would like to start today's lesson."
Tifa bit the inside of her cheek while she did what she was told. She should be able to get by without any trouble today…she hoped.
Boy was she ever wrong. They were learning a simple ice spell. She's done them before. There was nothing to it. But today, it was like everything she did was wrong. The ice was either to small, to oddly shaped, to big, to watery, or dry ice. It was just as Tifa feared.
Nothing Aerith did was ever wrong. Her ice came out perfectly. She even shaped them into flowers and people, much to their instructor's delight. It was times like these that made Tifa really want to hate her older sister. Everything went her way: she wanted a pony, she got ten. She took care of them, don't get me wrong, but it was Tifa who rode them.
"No! You're doing wrong again!" the instructor hissed angrily. She was at her wit's end. Why couldn't Tifa be like her sister? Tifa's ice was much too big and dry, too harsh. It was supposed to be glistening and beautiful, like a princess should be. "Princess Tifanira, why don't you stick to what you're good at: like swinging swords and clubs." She thought the last bit, too afraid to voice all her thoughts. Such words would get you on the King's bad side. Not a good thing at all.
Tifa wasn't dumb, she knew what she was thinking, and so did Aerith, whom felt miserable because it was her fault she was being insulted…again. "Why don't we start on something else, like fire or lightning, I need to work on those anyway." Aerith placed a caring hand on Tifa's shoulder. Tifa felt Aerith's care wash over her. This was the main reason why Tifa would never be able to hate her dearest sister.
The instructor paused in thought, glancing out the window to look at the sundial, it was getting late. "Tomorrow, why don't we finish class early. Besides, you're mother has something she wishes to speak with you about." Her voice would've been gentle, but it just sounded alien to her voice, almost plastic. The two princesses turned to leave. "And Tifa, magic is something you have to be born with. It's a miracle that you've even been able to create cold air. Quit now, before you embarrass yourself."
Tifa froze. "We are of different beliefs." Tifa finally said, her voice giving no hint to what she was feeling: anger, at both herself and Madam Feo.
"Mom, you needed me?" Aerith inquired once she entered, Tifa close at her heels.
"Hello mother." Tifa curtsied respectfully, not in the least bit phased by her mother's scrutinous stare.
The Queen was a combination of both Aerith and Tifa. She was quite young, having her first child, Aerith, at 16. Her long chocolate colored hair was pulled back into a braid, much like Aerith's, but she had bejeweled chains woven into the braid. She wasn't as voluptuous as her youngest daughter, but she truly was a beauty, even as her stomach swelled with her unborn son. Her dress was a deep red velvet, accented by black lace, and loose around the middle to better accommodate her baby. The sleeves were long and the low cut of the front revealed a large portion of cleavage. She wore one necklace, and only one. It was a large and bulky thing, golden squares circling her neck, each with a symbol imprinted into each one. A large red materia hung from its center below her collar bone, shaped like a tear. No one but the queen knew what the summon was.
"Hello my daughters, but I recall only summoning Aerith." The queen arched a delicate eyebrow.
"I understand, but I did not wish for my sister to wander alone." Tifa remained in a curtsy as she explained.
"Where was Tseng?" irritation could be heard clearly in her voice.
"The errand you had sent him on has taken more time than expected." Tifa lied in his defense, when in reality he was 'with' one of the female guards, Elena. Tifa looked to the side discreetly, silently telling one of the less visible guards to go and tell him what she'd done.
"Very well. You may go now; this is a personal matter between me and my eldest daughter." In other words, she wasn't welcome.
Tifa was hesitant. Should she really go? She was going to find out anyway, so what was the point?
"Darling, let her stay, she merely wants to look out for her sister." A deep and thunderous voice echoed. The king then strode in with two three companions. "She'll find out anyway."
The first companion was a tall and built man with hair and a beard of gold. His deep sapphire eyes were set above slightly rosy cheeks. It was the king of Solaris, his platinum breast plate reflecting everything, with red markings weaving around the armor. A cape of brown owl feathers billowed behind him as he walked. His armored boots making a clanking sound as they hit the marble. He was clearly avoiding the burgundy carpet for some reason.
Next to him were his two sons, Solaris Cloud and Solaris Zackoraiah. Zackoraiah being the eldest son. His long black hair spiking this way and that, but was otherwise tame considering. He wore a cocky grin as he gave both princesses lecherous looks. His glowing green eyes unnerving Tifa to no end. The black leather of his riding pants leaving little to the imagination and giving only enough room for him to move around comfortably. Sleeves of his white silk shirt was all that could be seen from under his breast plate, made of the same spelled platinum as his father's. His armored boots barely made a sound against the carpet. His cape, which hung from his shoulders, was also feathered, but instead of brown owl feathers, it was covered Zu feathers; A testament to a fight with one, most likely.
Solaris Cloud, however, was the only one that wasn't as ornately dressed. He wore pants of tanned hide and a simple white cotton shirt. The long sleeves rolled up to his elbow. He carried an aura of self imposed solitude and a face of indifference.
"Aerith, my daughter, I'd like you to meet the King of Solaris and his two sons, Solaris Zackoraiah and Solaris Cloud. We will be housing them for some upcoming weeks." The queen beamed at her eldest daughter.
"A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance" Zackoraiah pulled Aerith's hand to his lips and kissed her knuckle. Aerith giggled a girlish sound that grated on Tifa's nerves for some odd reason. This Zackoraiah was up to something, and whatever it was, it was up to her to find out.
Tifa cleared her throat, her ruby eyes making contact with Cloud's. "It is customary for a visiting prince to kiss the princess's hand." Tifa's eyes left his in the direction of her sister. Cloud just stood there, mildly impressed, but otherwise non-moving.
"It is not me she was meant to see." He finally answered. "But I suppose you're right." He strode over to Aerith's side and placed a kiss on the knuckle of her other hand. It was gentle, and much less flirtation than his brother. But Aerith smiled just the same, but this time, more genuine.
"Already showing off our spirit are we?" Tifa's father chortled, his red wine eyes showing nothing but loving warmth. "Gentlemen, allow me to introduce our youngest daughter, Tifanira."
Tifa curtsied, but rose quickly as animalistic whines grew in volume. The sound of claws striking tiles got louder and louder until a wolf like creature burst through the door. It was small, a puppy, looking like a cross between a wild canine and a hyena. Her fur was as white as snow and the mane that went down to the middle of its back was silver. A blue flame danced on the tip of its tail. It slid about the room and kicked up the rug until finally, it leaped into Tifa's arms. Guards came hoarding in soon after.
"What is the meaning of this?!" The queen demanded. Her eyes narrowed at the creature that cowered in Tifa's arms before turning her furious gaze onto the guards. "Well?" None had the courage to answer. "I'm waiting?"
"That thing attacked one of us." One brave night spoke.
"Liar." Tifa growled. "You and I both know that Twilight would never harm anyone. Why else do you think I'm able to keep her?" Aerith also glared at the guard, her right hand scratching under the creature's chin in a soothing manner.
"Tifanira," Her mother said, her tone showing her irritation. Tifa scowled, her hold on Twilight becoming increasingly protective. "We will discuss this later, till then, take that thing back to where it belongs and take a bath. You're covered in dirt." The queen commanded, waving her away.
"You must forgive her. She's quite the difficult one." Was the last thing Tifa heard her mother say.
Sorry…
"It's alright. Mother doesn't really like us. It's not your fault."
But it is. I left your room, even though you told me not too. I just couldn't help it. I had this terrible feeling of dread wash over me. I just had to try and find out why. If it weren't for the guards trying to wrangle me…Twilight's voice echoed within Tifa's head. Twilight had yet to master speech, so she tended to rely on telepathy.
"Truly? Could it have anything to do with our visitors?" Tifa inquired softly.
No. Not them, though the two young ones were giving off a powerful aura, especially the blond one.
"Hm…guess it was just not so innocent intensions I sensed from Zackoraiah. Pity, I was actually hoping for an excuse to beat him." Tifa smiled as she made her way through the many corridors towards her suite.
We're being followed. Twilight informed, sniffing the air and scanning the area behind Tifa. (She was still being carried)
"Lovely. Could you do me a favor and have my bath readied. I'll take care of this." Tifa placed Twilight onto the ground.
"Awright." Twilight spoke, not quite able to get her 'L's yet. She then trotted away, leaving here mistress to face whatever was tailing them.
"You can come out now." Tifa called, hand's balled into fists. She was so ready to let out some steam.
"Why the hostilities? It's quite unbecoming for a lady such as yourself." It was Zackoraiah, followed by his brother, Cloud.
"Your meeting with my parents is over?" Tifa arched a delicate eyebrow.
"For us anyway, yes. Would you allow us to accompany you?" Zackoraiah asked her, a familiar gleam in his eyes.
"But Prince Zackoraiah,-"
"Call me Zack."
"Prince Zack, here in Lunaris that would leave the people to ponder about my honor." Her words were kind, her voice showing none of her prior aggression.
"I'll take that as a no then." Zack feigned a sorrowful look. Cloud rolled his eyes at his brother's antics.
"Take the hint Zack; she obviously doesn't want your…questionable company." Cloud grinned. "You must forgive my brother. He thinks with a different head." Tifa couldn't stop herself, she laughed.
Placing her hand in front of her mouth, she laughed. This made Cloud oddly happy. "Though you can't escort me to my courtiers, you are more than welcome to join me for a stroll in the garden or the like." The statement was directed at Cloud.
"You honor me." Cloud bowed at the waste, one arm bent against his stomach. His voice and demeanor was considerably warmer than before, making Tifa feel comfortable and at ease.
"Then I'll be seeing you at dinner."
Author's note: Hope you like it, Zach and Cloud shall be introduced in the next chapter which shall be put up...NOW!! ;p