The Little Glass Slipper

By Sayshello3

AN: Hello and welcome to this re-made story of "Cinderella." Originally told by the Brothers Grimm, this is an old tale, told over and over again, that I do not own. I don't own any KH characters that may appear here- just their changed thoughts and attitudes for this tale.

They say the best stories are the old stories told over and over again…

CHAPTER ONE: Feeding on Dead Hopes and Dreams

In a land farther away from our own galaxy, there lived a fair young woman who dwelled in a small quaint village with her adoring father. Three years had passed since her mother's death, but this woman, Naminé, was happy with her father and the small household staff that was like family to her. Everyone had grieved over the loss of their mistress- especially Naminé's father. But the love shared between Naminé and himself kept him quite happy and warm even through the deepest of winters or in the darkest moments of his life. She wasn't a nobody to him, his special little girl.

That was until Lady Zina had bewitched her father, ensnaring him to her like a pig into the trough. He fell deeply, madly, and hopelessly in love with Lady Zina, who really was a wicked bitch with no bounds. Little by little, she slowly made Naminé's life a living hell. Soon, her own father began to ignore her and looked past the glaring daggers his new lady would fire at his daughter- he figured they would soon work out their differences. Unlike her mother, Lady Zina would snuff the household staff and walked around as if she had a broom shoved really far up her ass. Zina also had two daughters who were tolerable to look at, but nothing more: Larxene and Xion (well- except for Xion; she was a sweetheart to boot and indefinitely loyal to anyone she considered a friend or family).

Larxene, on the other hand, wasn't so nice. At every chance she could get, Larxene would constantly harass Naminé about the fact of how pale she was; she rather looked like a witch she'd always say. Larxene never acted her age, always sticking her tongue out at Naminé or shoving her long legs out to trip the household staff whenever they were trying to get chores done. She purposely made a mess everywhere she went and she constantly had some sort of knife or other pointy paraphernalia she used to poke people with. In time, Naminé's father asked for Lady Zina's hand in marriage; of course she accepted. From then on, Naminé knew that she couldn't just hide away in her room and draw or read books or daydream out the window- her ass was put to work.

"It'll build her some character," her new step mother would always say to her father. "Why, just look at her. She's nothing more than skin and bones! No man would ever want to lay with her- she has no plush hips, nothing more than mosquito bites for a chest, and that pale skin. She looks sickly!" Zina would look anguished and pained, but whenever her father sent her off to do something extraneous, Naminé could see out of the corner of her eyes how pleased her step mother was, putting such a frail girl to hard work. No, it wasn't simply just washing dishes and getting on her hands and knees and sponge cleaning their pristine marble floors- it was mucking out the stalls, clearing the large gardens of weeds, polishing their grand statues (that rose over 9 feet tall so she had to get on a damn wobbly ladder), and helping the kitchen hands bring up large pots of boiling water for Zina's daily baths.

And Zina took two baths a day. With special rosewater she always sent Naminé to go out and purchase.

Larxene and Xion were never put to work- oh no. They were older, and their mother said repeatedly "They need to keep themselves pristine and in perfect condition; this is the prime of their youth and they are to look desirable for eligible bachelors…" It was all horse shit, really, but Naminé grinned and bared it. Were Naminé by herself in all this, she surely would have perished. But thanks to her two most loyal attendants, Naminé's harder chores were done by her two close companions Riku and Selphie. Sometimes Xion would try to come help whenever she saw Naminé doing the easier things like washing and folding the laundry, sweeping, feeding the various birds her mother kept, or cleaning the windows; through these times the two step-sisters bonded. But whenever Xion was caught helping, Larxene would usually see it happening, run and tell mother, and watched as Naminé got reprimanded harshly and Xion would usually get a hard thump to her head while being dragged off to do something rather bland.

Naminé was really glad she had Riku and Selphie by her side; they'd always steal her chores away from her, telling her "A lady should never be working or soiling her hands; you go and relax." Usually, Naminé would still be around even though they told her to be off (because going inside where Zina remained was like a death sentence), and she'd sit and draw and converse with everyone. Chores weren't so bad when you had others to help and joke with; her servants became a helpful crutch when her father had passed.

It happened so quickly, how he simply had a cough, which morphed into ammonia, and he simply…died. Of course Naminé, Selphie, Riku and the whole house cried- Xion shed some tears as well. Larxene sighed maybe once and went on her merry way, and Zina had decided to just brush it all under the rug. The whole house was left in her name, and Naminé's dowry money was given over to Lady Zina- so you can imagine, Naminé had no dowry. And since she was almost coming of age to start looking for a husband, Naminé was at wits end.

How the hell was she going to get out of this nightmare?


"Damn it, Riku was right. It's going to be an early summer…."

Selphie sighed as she stood up from her crouched position and before wiping the sweat off her brow, she took off her yellow gardening gloves. Oh how she hated weeding the damn garden. Nothing was worse in her estimation than kneeling on her hind legs like a goblin, picking weeds that wouldn't remove themselves from the dirt; the roots were the worst when they were still stuck inside. And weeds grew when the sun came out- which was a lot.

"I mean c'mon!" she yelled to no one in particular, "It's like a drought out here! You mind sending us some water?"

"Would you rather be inside where it's all hot and stuffy, or out here where there's a breeze from time to time?" a deep voice asked her. Looking over, she simply glared at Riku; easy for him, he had his shirt off while picking apples. I mean, who got hot in the shade? His piercing eyes connected with hers, then went back to reaching up in the tree limbs to pick more fruits. "It's very nice out actually."

"Yeah sure- you doing alright Naminé?" Selphie asked, looking down at her late lord's daughter. She was a beautiful thing with translucent skin and pretty soft cheeks that tinted pink whenever she laughed or was working- which was all the time. Selphie was worried from that all this sun, Naminé's perfect complexion would be spotted with freckles. Naminé's eyes were like the tops of a clear blue lake, reflecting back at anyone who looked at her. And since her father had passed not more than a year ago, the deep sadness in Naminé's eyes still remained, making her look…albeit sadder most of the time; she didn't smile as much as she used to.

"I'm fine Selphie. Thank you though," Naminé replied, sending a short smile up at her friend. Selphie was a great pal, usually always doing anything she could to make others laugh. Although Lady Zina considered her a real pain in the ass, Selphie was a great addition to the house. She loved sweets- and any time she could, she'd snatch up a warm baked cookie from the kitchen, or spend her munny on different delicacies the market had to offer. Selphie always had a smile on her face, and it was common to find her playing jump rope with the village children, shirking her chores instead of actually doing them.

That's where Riku came in. Quiet and collective, he did numerous tasks and other things quickly and efficiently, always doing a superb job. He didn't smile too often, usually frowning while he thought, but he'd say things that would make your heart rise in hope. He was very strong and very, very handsome with his muscular build and silver locks that fell over his eyes and down his shoulders. He too, like Naminé, was rather pale- so Zina thought he was sickly and made him do even more work so he too could 'build some character.' Although he was rather pale, and never gained an inch of a tan, he enjoyed the outdoors and working hard with the rest of the men.

-even though sometimes he was sent to pick apples and vegetables.

"Hey Riku…d'ya need any help with picking apples?" Selphie cheerily asked, holding her hands behind her back as she swayed to and fro with the breeze. "Those crates look kinda heavy…"

Riku only arched a silver brow. "Selphie, you can barely even pick up a chair; what makes you think I'm going to let you pick up one of these heavy crates?" And in saying that, he packed a crate of apples on each shoulder and turned towards the house. Selphie scoffed.

"Can you believe that guy? Honestly! That beast of a step mother you've got gives all the pretty boys like him the easier jobs while we women have to struggle to earn out keep!" she grumbled, going back to a squatting position to continue weeding. "And speaking of struggles," she added in a chipper voice, instantly brightening again, "There's going to be a struggle competition tomorrow…"

She turned to Naminé and grinned. "Ya wanna come with me and go watch?" Naminé smiled, and politely declined with a 'no.'

"Oh c'mon! It'll be Saturday, and she said she's giving us our pay of munny tonight! We're gonna have a break- for once!" Naminé nodded, but went on with her work, scuttling in her crouched position to finish that row of weeding. "Pleeeaaase? I even got Riku to come as well!"

"I'll consider it if my step mother sends me into town for something. But you know I work on Saturdays as well; I'm her 'personal attendant' and I have to dress up Larxene and Xion for their afternoon tea party with-" Naminé didn't get to finish her sentence as Selphie moaned.

"Oh what a dreadful list of chores you have Naminé," she started, her green eyes looking rather pained for her dear lady. "I'd totally do it all for you- but I haven't had a break in a long time."

"And you deserve it Selphie," Naminé remarked, finishing the last plant in their row. She looked back up at Selphie and smiled. "Everyone in the house does; you all work so hard for Lady Zina-"

"Why do you still call her a lady when she's not around?" Selphie questioned, her brow rising, "She doesn't even act like one- she's a spawn of the devil more like it."

Naminé giggled and brought herself up on her feet, dusting off some dirt and a little bit of caked on mud off her knees; both Selphie and herself, along with numerous maids, had been on their hands and knees since 9:00 this morning, weeding the garden and picking beans and peas that were ready to be shelled. It was now 12:00 noon, which was their usual hour to take lunch. "How about we go see what's left in the kitchen?" she asked, dismissing the question.

Because honestly, Naminé didn't know why she still called her step mother a lady; she never acted anything of the sort towards anyone in this house. Especially not towards her; Naminé made the mistake once three years ago of calling her mom. That earned her a scuff to her ear and whippings from the stick to her backside. She figured she still called her lady since she couldn't call her mother- not like she'd ever want to though.

As Naminé and Selphie began heading in with their bundle of weeds to dispose, everyone else got up from their yard work and began to head inside, rushing to their groups of friends to talk and share the latest gossip. Three more girls advanced on Selphie and herself, bringing smiles and cheers to their little duo. Naminé greeted each woman, child, and girl that came up to her, knowing their names by heart. This was her family, and she loved them dearly. She laughed and cried with each and every woman here; no one called her a witch or poked at her or spat in her face or scuffed her ear. Everyone was treated kindly and warmly.

Everyone emptied their weeds into a large bag that was going to be burnt later. Naminé helped a few of the children empty theirs, giggling while some of the weeds spilled out. Everyone was going over to the wash bucket to soap up and clean off before lunch; the water was shared, so it quickly got dirty with leftover mud and grime. Naminé came over and washed, removing the dirt from her nails and washing off her wrists. Most people towel dried with their aprons, and that exactly what she did while helping the mothers and other young women clean up the children's faces of dirt. When the lunch bell sounded, Naminé felt a huge tug on her arm and before she knew it, she was in line with Selphie to get her helping of food. Selphie grinned at her.

"I got us a good spot in line today!" Naminé nodded, enjoying a small pleasure in life. Women got to eat the earliest, which usually was around 12:00 and everyone was on a 30 minute lunch shift. "What d'ya think we're gonna eat today?" Selphie asked, picking up a bowl for both her and her lady.

Naminé blinked and tilted her head in thought. "I don't know- maybe something with meat," she started, hearing her tummy rumble. Selphie groaned and rolled her eyes.

"Chicken noodle soup with a slice of bread and some cheese."

"At least it's fresh Selphie; some people don't even get that." Selphie nodded and smiled again.

"I don't know how you of all people can be so positive. Or so kind for that matter," Selphie added, nudging Naminé with her elbow gently. Naminé playfully rolled her eyes and looked forward, receiving her food and giving thanks to the cook. Both her and Selphie went back outside and sat under that same apple tree Riku was working with earlier to eat their lunch. It was the closest tree with shade to the house, and Naminé was at the beck and call of Lady Zina; she needed accessibility.

"Ah, what a relief!" Selphie sighed, tearing off a bite of bread. It was warm, fresh from the oven, and delicious. She looked over at her companion, happy to see Naminé was eating her soup, even if she was eating rather slowly. 'She hadn't had an appetite for quite some time,' she thought to herself, blowing on her bowl. 'I'm positive she's lost about ten pounds…' "Man, even though we eat the same stuff day in and day out, this soup is fantastic!" Naminé nodded, heartily enjoying the tasty soup with fresh herbs, chicken cut and cooked to perfection and vegetables from their own garden.

Mother would have been so proud of how well the garden turned out. And father would have been pleased with the turnout of munny received from their apple trees. Naminé sighed- ever since her father died about a year ago, she hadn't had much of an appetite, but since she worked twice as hard as she did before, her body now demanded more substance aside from dead wishes and dreams. "Do you think mother can see how her garden's blossomed?" she asked, turning towards Selphie.

Selphie swallowed her piece of cheese and with great enthusiasm; she replied "Of course she can! Our true lady can see everything that's happening, and I'll bet ya she's so proud of you Naminé!" Naminé blushed and shook her head.

"Oh Selphie please-"

"Really Naminé!" Selphie yelled, setting her food aside. Her eyes had brightened up, those green depths sparkling with pride and loyalty. "Your mother was the best lady I've ever served under. She was kind and helpful- just like you! And she actually cares about us common folk…unlike lady Zina," Selphie said, uttering that last part. "I can't wait until the day you get married to some handsome rich prince who'll sweep you off your feet-"

"Selphie," Naminé started, giggling at where Selphie's romantic rant was going to take her. She always talked about this- some handsome man (a prince rather) was going to become besotted by her supposedly beautiful looks and sweep her off her feet, taking her away from Zina and fighting off monsters and ruling the kingdom. It was nonsense, but Naminé couldn't help but let her friend indulge in fantasy. Even if she herself couldn't enjoy it. This wasn't a fairytale- this was her life.

"And he'll kiss you from head to toe and make passionate love to you!"

"Selphie!" Naminé cried, her face flushed from embarrassment and laughter. Selphie giggled along, nudging Naminé in the side again. "Oh gosh please stop-"

"NAMINÉ! NAMINÉ I NEED YOU RIGHT NOW!"

Everyone had paused for a moment from their meal or their tasks, silenced by the ear piercing scream of Lady Zina. Selphie blinked, sticking her pinky finger into her ear. "Lord above that was loud; I hope I can still hear!" Again, Lady Zina called, this time knocking Naminé out of her reverie. Selphie looked helplessly over at her lady and frowned.

Naminé just sighed, shaking her head and placing her bowl of soup next to Selphie. "Give this extra soup to someone else or you can eat it; I don't mind."

"Naminé…" Selphie said, her voice for once not heard as Naminé trotted off. She watched as Naminé held her head up high, her small shoulders squared, her bearing regal, as she went to her step mother's aide.

"She really does look like a true lady ma'am," Selphie whispered, looking up into the clouds.


"And I want a bath drawn for me as soon as possible! Oh- I also need you to press my afternoon dress because I will be taking luncheon with lady Maleficent and you know how that horrid lady is when you're not wearing the latest fashion around her…" Lady Zina rattled, watching out of her vanity mirror what Naminé was doing. Naminé was tidying up the room, making her bed and fluffing up pillows. Zina shrugged, and pulled on a long drag of her minty cigarette. She blew out smoke while touching her face; everything was perfect and beautiful as usual.

She quickly swiveled around at Naminé at glared at her, again cursing the wretched twat on how pretty she was. "Did you hear anything I just said Naminé?" She barked, taking another drag of her cigarette.

"Ah yes, yes I did my lady-"

"Well then RESPOND back to me as soon as I finish issuing an order!" She yelled, flicking an ember from her cigarette. Immediately it hit the plush carpet, and no sooner had that happen than Naminé went and stamped it out…

But that wasn't such a good idea, as Lady Zina screeched and swatted Naminé's leg with a leather cattle prod. "You baboon! Why the hell would you smear ashes into my beautiful carpet! Clean this up IMMEDIATELY!" She sent a scathing look in Naminé's direction, watching as her small step daughter skittered over to her water dish and with a clean rag, she dipped in and wrung out, coming back over to blot up the stain. Zina looked down at her from her nose, taking a drag from her cigarette and exhaling purposely into Naminé's face when she came up from the floor.

Naminé's eyes watered as she coughed and waved the smoke out of her face.

"That's not very polite Naminé dear," Zina sneered, turning back to her mirror to look at herself some more. "You offended me for smoking in my house…" Her steely grey eyes looked up at Naminé from the mirror. "Apologize."

Naminé bowed, her ankles together, as she said "I'm sorry my lady." Lady Zina nodded, and got up from her plush vanity stool. She gracefully waltzed around the room, taking small drags of her cigarette from time to time. "I want my bath in half an hour."

Naminé's eyes widened at the obscurity of her step mother's request. "M-My lady," she started, advancing a small step forward, "Water takes about ten minutes to boil per pot, and everyone is either on lunch break or doing something of great import…" she mentally smacked herself at her mistake.

Anything for Lady Zina was of GREAT import.

"So my simple task isn't important? Being clean isn't important? I don't know about you," she began, huffing a deep throated laugh, "But I keep my personal hygiene very well Naminé. I don't enjoy being filthy like yourself; I like to look presentable…" She gave Naminé the once over and went over to her boudoir.

A small voice in Naminé's head replied 'I like to look presentable too…if only you'd let me…'

"O-of course my lady…" Naminé reluctantly agreed. "I shall ask for the servants to draw you a bath at this moment and it shall be brought up shortly." Zina's face turned rather cheery as she came over and snatched up Naminé's cheek in her thumb and index finger as if she were a baby.

"That's my wovely wittle girl," she mocked, pushing her away from her. "Now go," she added in a harsher tone. But before Naminé could leave, Lady Zina called her back. This demand, her voice went down to a seductive volume; her command came out as a purr.

"Please go and tell Riku to come and see me in my…personal chambers," she added, turning her back towards Naminé. She didn't care- she just had to get the hell out of there before her heart would explode from fear. Naminé quickly left, turning the brash knob and opening the polished oak door. She exited, closed the door to her step mother's room gently, leaned against the wall and sighed.

Naminé really did enjoy life's small pleasures; at least this time she came out…somewhat unscathed physically.