Okay...so, I came up with this dark AU idea for Cinderella- which is one of my favourite Disney films- both as a child and now. It follows the movie plotline, more or less, but it contains changes to the storyline. Be warned, this story will contain self-harm, talk of suicide, and some religious themes. So, please proceed with caution.
This is set in the Disney 1950s version. I hope you enjoy reading, and reviews are very welcomed – but no flames.
...
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, was a tiny kingdom. It was a peaceful and prosperous kingdom, and rich in romance and tradition. In addition, the citizens of this beautiful kingdom were content.
All except for one man- his name was Lord Tremaine, who owned a small but beautiful chateau outside the town. He was a kind man who loved children and was a loyal subject to the King. For his wife- his dear, beloved wife- had died from childbirth after she brought their child into the world.
The infant was nicknamed Cinderella as she had a habit of crawling into cinders and falling asleep- getting her face and clothes covered as a result.
For a few years, Lord Tremaine managed to raise his daughter with the help of his sympathetic female servants.
When she was six years old, however, he suffered from a stroke. He had been reading to her in the garden, when he suddenly found he couldn't see. He also 'started speaking funny' and one leg went numb for reason.
...
"Cindy, I...I think I need to have a little walk. My leg's gone numb." He told her, marking the page before putting the book on the ground beside the memorial fountain dedicated to the first Lady Tremaine. He rubbed his leg
Cinderella looked disappointed, but she didn't argue. "Okay, papa," Cinderella remained sitting, and watched as her father rose from his perch.
He took several steps across the garden, and then he put a hand to his head as he felt a bout of dizziness come on...and then, he blacked out, his head hitting the paved stone path with a dull 'CRACK!'
"PAPA!" Was the last thing he remembered hearing, before he faded into blackness.
...
Thankfully, his housekeeper, Genevieve, had managed to raise the alarm and the doctor was sent for. After learning that he would die if he had another stroke, he decided to seek out a mother figure for his little girl- for she was too young to be married.
And at last, he found her.
A widow, of good social standing, with two daughters his own cherished child's age, and a cat- Cinderella would appreciate having a second mother, two sisters, and she cherished animals. Her adoration of her puppy, Bruno, and his horse, Major, stood testament to his sentiment.
The new Lady Tremaine was older than him- but she was in good health, and whenever her husband confided to her about his fears of leaving his little girl for the final time she would say "Please, darling, do not worry about Cinderella. Should anything happen to you, I will bear full responsibility for her upbringing."
"My dear wife may God bless your soul!" He smiled broadly. He was at peace with the knowledge that his family will be cared for. He needn't worry about their finance, either- for his wealth would ensure Lady Tremaine's health and comfort, not to mention dowries for his stepdaughters Anastasia and Drizella in addition to his dear Cinderella.
...
Months went by, and at first, he relaxed. Were the doctors wrong? Would he make it without getting another stroke this year?
Then, one chilly autumn day, as he was out on his 'pilgrimage'- to honour his late wife's memory- he was overcome with dizziness once again, He passed out next to the fountain he had had built for his first wife as a lasting memorial. The same spot he and Cinderella would sit, and talk about nothing of great importance- just about their days and their thoughts.
He was found by his butler and the gardener, and was taken promptly taken to bed to rest between them and a young valet.
Tragically, by nightfall, when Cinderella came to see him and ask if he was feeling better- she found him cold, paler than the moon and still amidst his sheets.
"Papa? Papa? PAPA!"
Silence.
"...papa?"