Disclaimer- I do not own Final Fantasy

Summary- When her father is set to die at the hands of a monster, Aerith decides to sacrifice herself and goes in his place. Once at the castle of the monster Aerith finds herself a guest and a prisoner. The monster is kind and mysterious, dangerous and frightening, but above all ugly on the outside. However, there is a secret that Aerith knows she must uncover because not all beauty is skin deep.

Beauty Within

Chapter 1

Long ago, there was a tale of a man who was so cruel and so selfish that everyone despised him. He was wealthy, vain, and uncaring to those around him. Yet, he was an incredibly handsome man as well. His horrible acts were known throughout the land. One night, a woman came to his castle and asked for some food and shelter. The man turned her away in disgust, refusing to help the poor lady. The woman, however, was truly an enchanted fairy and upon seeing his cruelty with her own eyes cursed the man and those in his castle. The curse turned his form to resemble his wicked actions.

The man now a disgusting creature, shied away from the world beyond his castle. He cursed himself into exile, refusing to leave for who would not fear his new form? Who would not attack him at first glance? So he remained, day after day, month after month, and year after year realizing he would be nothing more than a beast for the remainder of his existence.

Or so the story goes... but like most tales there is always more to be said.

XXX

"Another calling from Rufus Shinra," a woman with raven hair and dark eyes named Tifa said, walking into the kitchen of her home. "I told him you were on your way to town. You're welcome, by the way, Aerith."

A woman with brown hair and shining emerald eyes stood at the stove stirring contents of a pan. She inclined her head toward Tifa.

"Thanks Tifa, it's too early in the morning to deal with him." Aerith sighed.

"You're telling me," Tifa groaned. "He was desperate to wait for you here! As if I have the time to entertain him. Not that I want him in our home to begin with."

Tifa sat down in a rickety wood chair, slumping low. A wooden table sat before her and was set for four plates and silverware. The plates were chipped and very old looking. At some point they were probably very fancy looking but time had worn them. At the stove, Aerith was preparing breakfast of scrambled eggs and bits of leftover ham. The scent wafted in the air and Tifa could hear her stomach growl.

"I wonder who will be calling next," Aerith sighed.

"Hopefully no one," Tifa growled, clenching her fists.

Aerith and Tifa were two of the three adoptive daughters of Reeve Tuesti. The third daughter and sister was named Yuffie. She was the most energetic of the three, while Tifa was the toughest, and Aerith the gentlest. Each were beautiful and the pride of their father. He loved all three dearly as if they were his own blood. However, Reeve was not a wealthy man. Due to recent health issues and the economy Reeve and his daughters had fallen on hard times.

They were forced to downsize their home to a small cottage. The three girls shared the loft together but neither of them complained. Instead they took on all the chores for their father and tried their best to earn money to support the family. Yuffie, being the youngest, kept the house clean and would gather eggs from the few chickens they had to sell at town. Tifa was the middle daughter. She did the laundry and did the harder labor such as fixing the house or the things around it. At night she would work at the town's tavern much to Reeve's dissatisfaction. Aerith tended to the vegetable garden outside and made the meals for the family. She would also tend to the flowers around the house and sell extras in town.

Despite the hardship, the family was happy. The only issue with their happiness was the fact that Reeve's daughter's were eligible, if not then close enough, to be married. Since all three were stunning to behold, it caught the eyes of many men in the town. That is, much to the utter annoyance of all three girls. Aerith received many calls as she was of marrying age. Tifa was nearing the age and she dreaded the day when men would try for her hand as fiercely they did her older sister. Yuffie was the youngest and had barely any suitors making their presence known. If they did she did not seem to notice but she was annoyed with her older sisters' admirers as they never gave them a break.

Today was a beautiful day, which meant that the men would probably be coming and going. Reeve was too sick to answer the calls for his daughters and thus could not scare them off. Regardless, the sisters would, as nicely as they could, shoo them off so they could do their chores. The girls did not want to tell Reeve what was happening either. After all they did not want him to worry about them when his health was what he should be caring for first and foremost.

"I'm back and I got a lot of money from the eggs!" Yuffie said, slamming the door open that it bounced back.

"Yuffie!" Tifa and Aerith hissed. "Father is sleeping."

Yuffie grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, I just got excited because I got double for our eggs."

"Double?" Tifa asked suspiciously. "How?"

"A chocobo trampled all over Miss Scarlet's eggs. I feel bad for her maid when Scarlet finds out. There had to be at least two dozen smashed eggs. So the shop keeper was desperate so he gave me more money for mine."

Yuffie dropped a small pouch on the table. A few coins spilled from it. Tifa took it and counted the coins as her younger sister plopped down on a chair opposite of her.

"Well, this will help with father's medicine." Tifa said.

"Is breakfast done?" Yuffie asked. "I am starving."

Aerith nodded and placed some sliced bread on the table before placing equal amounts of eggs and ham on each plate. When she was done Yuffie instantly dug into her food. Tifa took a slice of break and broke it in half before biting into it. She ignored the fact the bread was beginning to stale. Aerith did not sit though. Instead she placed the fourth plate on a tray to take to her father.

Aerith carried the tray of food but stopped at the door to her father's bedroom. She knocked before entering. When she did she saw her father hastily sitting up. She looked him over and a smile spread across her face.

"You look better today," she said.

Reeve Tuesti had dark hair and a beard. His face was beginning to line with wrinkles. A few strands of his hair were graying. When he was in his prime he would have had a toned muscular built, evidence of that still remained in his frame. However the illness had caused him to lose a considerable amount of weight. His complexion was pale but there was a small amount of color that Aerith noticed returning to his cheeks. Despite his illness he still remained neat looking, his beard trimmed and his hair combed. Aerith assumed it was to make him look less sick.

Aerith sat the tray down on his side table before sitting down on the edge of his bed. Reeve smiled at her. His eyes were tender as he glanced her over. She took his hands in hers and squeezed them gently. Reeve returned the gesture.

"The medicine is working," Aerith felt relieved.

"I feel better," he admitted. "But seeing you girls everyday makes me feel better than any medicine."

Aerith blushed. "Father, please..."

He reached up and brushed a stray strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear. It was true though. Reeve's most treasured things were not things but his three daughters. He could still remember when Aerith was a child, barely coming up to his knee. Aerith could see her father was reminiscing of a time long ago.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked softly.

"When you and your sisters were little." he said vaguely.

Aerith smiled but Reeve was remembering a time when Aerith and her sisters were orphaned. The poor girls were alone and Reeve, who had been friends with their parents, felt their pain and loss. He took all three as his, despite protests, and raised them with the best of his ability. Many had said he would never be able to raise them and they would need a mother figure. Despite everything, each of his daughters grew up perfect in his mind. Since becoming ill Reeve felt fear for his girls. What would they do when he was gone? Would they be all right? As of now things were fine but the "what ifs" haunted him. However, he kept a brave face so not to worry his girls.

"Do you wish to take your medicine now?" Aerith asked.

"After breakfast," he said. "You go and eat yours before it gets cold... or Yuffie eats it. You know how much she can eat."

Aerith chuckled. "Yes father,"

Aerith leaned forward and kissed her father's cheek before getting up from the bed. With one reassuring squeeze to her hand, Reeve let go of Aerith. She left the room shutting the door behind her. When she was gone, Reeve's face fell.

Back in the kitchen, Aerith took her seat at the table ready to eat. Yuffie had already cleaned her plate and was now munching on a bread slice.

"How's father?" Tifa asked.

"Better," Aerith said happily. "His color is returning."

"That's great!" Yuffie cried out, mouth full of food. "Soon he'll be back to his old self, right?"

Aerith grimaced. "I don't know. I am not a doctor."

"I'm sure he will be fine," Tifa said, trying to remain positive. "Father isn't that old. The doctor did say his age gives him a better chance of fighting off his illness."

Despite trying to be positive, the girls were also frightened of losing their father. They loved him dearly but neither of them wanted to bring up the "what if." When their father first became ill it shocked the girls to the core. They wept together and comforted each other but it reminded them of their youths as well and the loss of their real parents. However, the depressing thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on the door. A collective groan spread between the three girls.

"Your turn," Tifa said to Aerith.

Aerith sighed miserably as she got up from the table. She headed to the front door. Before opening she peered out the window to see Rufus Shinra on the other side. He was adjusting his clothing to look more presentable. She wondered if he ran all the way back here when he found out she was not in town. Aerith rolled her eyes as she opened the door. She plastered on a smile and greeted him kindly.

"Rufus, what a surprise to see you here," she said, although it was no surprise.

Rufus was a handsome man to say the least. He had a flawless face that would make any girl swoon. He carried himself with grace and importance. Yet, Aerith could care less because she knew the real Rufus Shinra was nothing like the one before her, and she knew he was acting this way to get in her good graces. Tifa worked at the tavern he frequently visited and he was just as belligerent as the other men getting drunk. Tifa had told her that there were several times that Rufus would start fight with a patron over the most ridiculous things. Then he would have his lackeys attack the poor soul until he was battered and bruised.

Rufus was always on his best behavior when he visited. Of course it was all ruse to get Aerith to consider him a good match. He always tried his best to hide his rather unsavory true self. Most likely because Reeve was in earshot and if he heard Rufus say anything inappropriate he would drag himself out of bed, sick or not, and make sure the young man never showed himself here again.

"I came earlier," he said. "But Tifa said you were on your way to town."

"No, she was misinformed. I will be going into town later." she responded.

"Oh then perhaps I can join you on your way?" he questioned.

"I have yet to finish my breakfast and I still have chores," Aerith lied brilliantly. "Maybe some other time we can take a walk together."

Although she said it, in her head she was thinking "not in this lifetime." Rufus smiled, but his smile was one the made Aerith uncomfortable.

"Then will you see me off?" he asked.

Aerith frowned. He was not going to leave until he got more than just a greeting from her. She would show him to the picket fence that surrounded their property and then finally return to breakfast, if Yuffie did not eat it already. She stepped outside and she held out her hand in the direction toward the gate.

"How are things going?" Rufus asked. "Is your father better?"

She was sure he did not care if Reeve was well or not.

"Yes, much better and soon he will be back to work." Aerith lied again.

Rufus did not need to know the truth. He seemed visibly annoyed by her answer though.

"I think you should consider your future, Aerith." he said carefully. "Your father has been ill for so long and you are working much harder than one should."

Aerith frowned again. Her father was getting better and she did not mind the work.

"My future is to take care of my father as he has taken care of me," Aerith said.

Rufus seemingly ignored her. "You are of the age to marry and soon Tifa will follow. Do you think she will want to work in a tavern forever? Already men are clamoring to court her."

"Tifa does not complain about the work and together with Yuffie we make ends meet." she said firmly as she opened the gate for him. "Good day Rufus I have much work to do."

Rufus did not appreciate the dismissal. He did not like that Aerith was ignoring his attempts to court her, as terrible as they were. He grabbed her arm startling her.

"Listen," he snapped before calming himself. "Things may be working out for now but remember the only reason you still have a roof over your head isn't because of eggs, liquor, or the flowers you sell. It's because your father still has money saved up and once it dries up you will be living on the streets. You better weigh your options carefully."

Aerith glared at him. "I am considering them. Thank you Rufus you have opened my eyes." And I would rather live on the street than be your wife! She added the last part mentally. She did not want to cause a scene and have her father upset.

After a moment, Rufus let her go and walked through the gate. Aerith let it go and it swung shut, banging loudly as it closed. She did not bother to say good bye or be anymore cordial with him. She stomped off back inside, angry. Her sisters were done eating as she sat down to her now stone cold breakfast.

"Rufus giving you some trouble again?" Tifa asked, although knowing the obvious.

"That man... I swear... if I could I would slap him!" Aerith fumed.

Tifa laughed. "I wish I could do that every time that lecher comes into the tavern. The way he treats women, pressing himself up against them and touching them without permission. Disgusting!

Yuffie nodded, bring her hands up into fists and striking the air, "If he bothers you again I'll give him a good smack!"

Aerith smiled at her sisters, her anger disappearing. Her sisters gave her reassuring smiles before leaving her to her breakfast. She could hear the door to the house open and close signifying her sisters were off to do chores. The brunette poked at her food. Despite it being cold she ate it anyway. She could not be picky considering food was not as plentiful in her household.

As she sat and ate she did not see her father watching sadly from the door to his room. He had heard the commotion and wanted to investigate what was wrong. He closed the door quietly and returned to his bed. Reeve had suspicions that his daughters were keeping something from him and now it was confirmed. Reeve placed his head in his hands. A small groan escaped him.

When he had been in good health, no one ever dared to harass his daughters. The men who would have courted them were all in fine standing, good men. Now disgusting and dishonorable men like Rufus Shinra were attempting to marry one them. It was not for any good reason either. They were beautiful and someone like Rufus would easily want to take advantage of one of them. Knowing Aerith was financially unstable, Reeve assumed Rufus would use that to get her to marry him. In doing so Aerith would be hanging on his arm, making him look good. Rufus would feed her words to say, dress how he wanted, and do what he wanted to her. The thought of it made Reeve's blood boil.

Again, Aerith was already of age to be married. Tifa was nearing the age and was probably being similar harassed. What about Yuffie? Was she enduring the same thing even though she was the youngest. Reeve would not let this stand. He needed to find a way to better the lives of his daughters and fast. If his health turned for the worst and he died where would be they be? The fear of his three girls ending up in a miserable life because he was unable to provide for them made him all the more determined to find a way. A way that all three of them would be well of once he was truly gone.

There was a knock on the door. Aerith poked her head in. She was dressed in a cloak with a basket full of flowers under her arm. She smiled pleasantly at her father.

"I'll be going out, do you need anything from me before I leave?" she asked.

Reeve smiled back at her. "No, take care of yourself."

Aerith nodded and bid her father good bye. Outside, Aerith took a deep breath of the fresh air. She could not get enough of being outside. It gave her sense of peace in her life. She knew once she reached the town to sell her flowers it would not be the same. Not to say all the townsfolk were bad, the ones that were bad made Aerith never want to visit if she did not have to. Rufus for example was one of those. He could easily throw around money because his father was a rich man. To Aerith, Rufus was just a spoiled brat. She was sure she would bump into him in town. Unfortunately, she always did.

Aerith pushed the thoughts of that man out of her head and turned to admire the scenery. The country side was stretched with farmland. She stopped in front of a particular farm that housed an assortment of chocobos. The birds if they spotted her would trot up to the side of the fence and make their chirping noises to her. She would smile kindly at them and pet their feathery heads.

The farm boy, if she could call him that since he was older than her, was a raven-haired man named Zack. He was a charming man and Aerith and sisters had taken a liking to him. He was very much a country boy with good manners and very friendly. He was probably the only man that Reeve approved of visiting the house. Aerith spotted him in the center of the corral area brushing a bird.

"Morning Zack!" Aerith waved.

Zack looked up at the mention of his name. He glanced around to find where the call came from and when he spotted Aerith he grinned, waving back. His threw his brush to the ground and came jogging over to her. Aerith slowed down her walk purposely.

"Good morning, Aerith," he said politely. "How are you today?"

"Well, and yourself?"

"Great," he noticed her basket, "off to town already?"

Aerith always passed by the ranch on her way to town. The two would always have a friendly chat.

"Yes," she said. "And I see you are as busy as ever."

"Not too busy..." he said rather shyly. "I could escort you to town. The roads aren't safe for women to travel alone."

Aerith smiled. "I'll be fine. Tifa and Yuffie always travel alone."

"Well... that's to say that you... I mean..." Zack fumbled with his words, clearly flustered.

Aerith turned to him. "I'll be fine."

Zack felt his face burn as Aerith smiled at him. It was clear that Zack held some type of affection for Aerith. Perhaps he had some for her sisters as well. Aerith liked him. He was a very appealing person. He was handsome, strong, funny, and many other things.

"Well, what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't offer," he said, regaining his composure.

"A poor one but luckily you are a gentleman." she said. "I will be at my usual spot in town... if you happen to come by I would not mind chatting with you."

Zack's face lit up. He opened his mouth to respond when the owner of the ranch yelled out to him.

"Zack get back to work! I ain't payin' ya' to flirt with girls."

Zack's face went completely red. "Uh, well work is calling. It was great talking to you, not that it isn't great talking to any day. I like talking to you... I mean uh... well..."

"ZACK!" his boss yelled out.

Aerith smiled. "Good bye Zack."

"Bye... Aerith." he sighed.

She waved good bye as she headed down the road. Her smile reached her eyes and she was sure her cheeks were a tinge of red. She could see the town in the distance. She knew the moment she walked in she would be greeted with the smells of fresh baked goods from the bakery, the sound of clanking metal from the blacksmith, and the calls of shopkeepers talking about their goods. She would eventually hear music play from the bards who told stories near the taverns. That was probably the most enjoyable things about going to town.

When Aerith reached the town she found her usual spot where many people passed. She held flowers in her hands and called out to the passers to purchase one. On most days some of the people ignored her, others would look at her and decline, and a few would actually buy some. Today no one seemed to be wanting a flower. It made Aerith sad but more determined to sell them. Her determination faded once she saw Rufus Shinra with his group of lackeys following him. Aerith groaned as he came her way. As he headed towards her she could hear the squeals of several young ladies hoping to get his attention. Aerith wished he would oblige them instead of annoying her with his presence.

Sure enough though, he stopped in front of her. She did her best to pretend she did not notice him but he cleared his throat rather loudly. Aerith's shoulders slumped as she plastered the same smile on her face as before. She turned toward him and feigned her surprise.

This was the least enjoyable part of going to town. If it was not Rufus it would be someone else to bother her.

"Hello Rufus," she said. "What a surprise..."

"It's been a while, Aerith."

Oh yes, how long has it been since you last pestered me, an hour? She thought but instead she said, "Oh, yes, and what can I do for you?"

"I would like to purchase your flowers." he stated.

Aerith looked skeptical. Was he hoping this would get him in good graces? If her financial predicament was different she would not offer him a single one but money was money and she needed it.

"How many?" Aerith asked.

Rufus held out a bag of coins. "All of them."

Aerith looked shocked. "A-all of them?"

"That's what he said," a red-haired man said, Aerith knew as Reno. "Hand them over."

Aerith held out her hand for the bag of coins, still unsure. Rufus dropped the bag in his hand. Aerith looked inside and saw there was more than enough money for all her flowers.

"This is too much," she said, returning the money.

"Take it," Rufus said, pushing it back in her hands. "Think of it as a generous donation."

"One only Rufus can give," Reno added.

Aerith shook her head and reiterated, "It's too much."

Aerith refused to take money from people that was not earned properly. Not to mention, taking a donation from Rufus did not feel right. She was sure there was a catch somewhere, she just had to wait and see if he would bring it up.

"I do not feel right taking this," Aerith said. "My father would not like it as well."

"Your father should just accept it," Reno said. "He needs all the help he can get!"

"Shut up Reno," Rufus ordered causing the red-haired man to snap his mouth shut.

He shifted next to the another man, a man called Rude. He rarely if ever talked. He was the least annoying of Rufu's entourage. She sometimes wondered why he put up with him but then figured it came down to the money. Aerith was also certain that those two men had their eyes on Tifa. Tifa often mentioned how Reno would annoy her at night when he frequented the tavern. Reno and Rude would only order drinks from her. While it was good for business Tifa found their antics annoying the more liquor they drank. The normally quiet Rude seemed bolder as the alcohol flowed, or so her sister told her.

Aerith did not know how her sister could work at a bar. Yet, the owner said that business became bigger as soon as she worked there. Considering that she was the only female who worked there and was a beauty in her own right, it was obvious why. Of course other women came to the bar, usually as guests with one of the men. Tifa even said Rufus came several times with Scarlet. Considering Scarlet was not the most classy lady but still rich, Aerith was not too surprised to hear it.

"Take the money," Rufus said, interrupting her thoughts.

"I will not." Aerith stated firmly.

"How about you keep the money and you can repay me another way." he said, a glint in his eyes. "Join me for lunch at my villa."

There it was. The catch she was waiting to hear. Aerith shoved the coin bag at Rufus. Her eyebrows knitted together. The last thing she wanted was to go to his villa. What would be the reason, to flaunt his money? Did he honestly think money would make her go weak at the knees for him?

"No thank you," Aerith snapped. "I will gladly sell you flowers but I will not be taking your generous donation."

Rufus's eyes narrowed. "You realize many women wish they could be in my company. You should be honored I even pay you attention"

"Then perhaps you should grace them with your presence for I am busy." Aerith said, her temper rising. "Good day Mr. Shinra."

She dismissed him but instead of waiting for him to leave, she hurried away as fast she could. She was sure Rufus would have more to say but she did not want to listen to him anymore. The man was insufferable. Why could he not act like Zack? Had he the personality of the farm boy she would gladly talk to him, in fact she would enjoy it.

Aerith left the town, her mood bitter. She would not be making any money today and for now she did not care, as selfish as it was. What did Rufus think she was some air-headed woman who thought life was nothing but money? How long would she have to endure him before he realized she would rather be a spinster than marry him? Aerith did not want to go home either. If Tifa or Yuffie saw her in such a way, she was sure they would go into town and give Rufus a piece of their mind. She also did not want her father to hear about it.

Instead she decided to hide herself in a secret area in the woods near the town. It was a beautiful spot near a stream. The stream was crystal clear and the flowers by it were beautiful pink and yellow wildflowers. The trees provided good cover if need be. No one would look for her here and she liked it. She sat down against a tree near the water and stared up at the sky. The bright blue sky looked amazing as white puffy clouds floated by. She could easily get lost watching the sky. Birds flew by and Aerith wished she could fly away with them into that vast sky. She sighed longingly.

Aerith got up but left her basket on the ground. She titled her head up to the sky enjoying the feeling of the sun on her face and the wind blowing across her. She imagined what it would be like to fly as she spread her arms around and spun around. Not before long she could hear the town bards beginning to play their music as they always did. It was faint from this distance but that was something Aerith did enjoy about going into town, listening to the music.

It reminded of Aerith when she her family lived in their larger home. Reeve would always hold parties for the girls' birthdays. Aerith loved having music playing and dancing with her father and sisters. She began dancing around the little space. It made her heart feel light and she forgot about the irritating Rufus completely. She danced her worries away. Each step she shook was light and graceful as she learned to dance properly before the financial crisis.

Aerith moved around, pretending to dance with someone. Her dress flowed around her as her invisible partner spun her around. Aerith laughed at herself for acting so childish but she needed to do this. Her life had been so serious since her father's illness that she needed to enjoy the little things like this, as silly as they were.

Once she was completely better, Aerith headed home. She would lie to her sisters and say no one purchased the flowers. She would have to make it up to them somehow. Aerith returned home to find Yuffie and Tifa sitting in the kitchen together. Aerith dropped her basket on the table and placed a bright smile on her face.

"You're home early." Tifa noted.

"No one was buying the flowers today." Aerith fibbed. "I'll try again tomorrow."

"Well its okay," Yuffie said. "Remember I got extra money?"

Aerith nodded and joined them at the table. "So what are you two discussing?"

"Oh, just one of Tifa's suitors came to the door just before you came home." Yuffie answered before laughing. "He was trying to impress her by attempting to carry this bag of feed for the chickens and that wimp could not even lift it. Next thing you know Tifa lifts it up and onto her shoulder like it weighs nothing!"

Tifa looked slightly embarrassed as Yuffie laughed even louder. Aerith joined in on the laughter, wishing she could have seen it.

"Then... then.." Yuffie said between giggles, "He is so embarrassed he makes up some dumb excuse and runs off! What was it? His mother was calling him?"

"Please," Tifa said. "That guy has never lifted a finger in his life. The bag was not even that heavy. Not to mention he probably hurt his back in doing so. He tried to lift with his back not his legs."

"Who cares!" Yuffie said. "That is one less pompous idiot coming to our doorstep."

"Well, I guess that is better." Tifa said thoughtfully.

Aerith then added, "Now if only we could scare off the others."

"Maybe we can pay Zack to come here and scare off the men," Yuffie said dreamily.

"If we had money, I would consider it," Aerith said. "Anything to get Rufus Shinra off my back."

"I bet Tifa would love it if Zack came around more," she teased.

Suddenly, Tifa became bright red. "W-w-what?"

Yuffie grinned big. "Oh, I know you like him."

"W-well so do you!" the middle sister countered.

"And who wouldn't?" Yuffie asked. "He is handsome and do you see those muscles?"

Yuffie let out a sigh and Tifa still looked flustered. Aerith gave a weak smile. So both her sisters had a crush on Zack. Considering he was the most decent man around, it was no wonder.

Just as the girls were silently thinking, they heard shuffling coming their way. Their heads turn to the kitchen doorway to fin their father standing there, dressed in his normal everyday clothes. The girls looked shocked to see him standing there as they expected him to be in bed.

"Father!" Aerith called out in alarm.