Chapter One

It started with a meow


It was morning, and Tifa knew that the rain had stopped. Before she opened her wine-colored eyes, she could smell the aroma of clean air from her opened window, and the rhythmic splattering sound was gone. The sun was out, and the sky was a sweet, clear azure with few clouds in the sky. It promised a marvelous day.

Tifa yawned and crawled on all fours until she came to the edge of the soft, gargantuan bed. She slipped her long legs over the edge and pressed her feet into the carpet. She stood up, abandoning the warmth of her bed, and entered her closet. She scratched her scalp lazily.

She drifted towards to corner of her closet, where her vanity stood, and sat on the cushioned stool. Her brunette hair fell down her back, just above her knees and over her shoulders. Tifa retrieved a golden brush from a drawer and worked it carefully through the tresses of her hair.

Outside her door, she heard the maids gossiping and running along the halls. Anytime now, they would come right in and do everything for her. Everyone did everything for her. That was the way of things.

The door to her bedroom creaked open, and someone stepped inside. Footsteps came up to the door of her closet, and the person knocked, calling her name.

Tifa recognized the voice of her begleiter and beckoned her to enter. The door opened, and a maid came in first, holding a small salver with an elegant teacup. Following the maid, Yuffie stepped into the closet in her courtier best. Tifa turned from the vanity and smiled.

"Good morning, Princess," Yuffie chirped.

"Good morning to you," Tifa answered.

The maid set the tray on the counter. She curtsied, bowing her head and disappeared. Tifa continued to leisurely brush her hair and saw the reflection of the cup in the looking glass.

"Is that what I think it is?" Tifa asked.

"Sorry," Yuffie replied in distaste.

Yuffie handed the cup to her mistress. Tifa forced herself not to breath through her nose and took the first sip.

"Delicious," Tifa muttered sarcastically. "Of all the wonderful tisanes in the world, they hand-picked the finest!"

"It is good for the immune system," Yuffie reminded her. "And I made cold so you could drink it faster."

"Apple tea is good for the immune system too," Tifa replied.

Tifa tried to consume the awful drink as fast as she could, but today was not the day. She handed it back and returned to brushing her hair.

"Pour it out, Yuffie."

"Your highness!" Yuffie protested.

"Just toss it, Yuffie."

Yuffie sighed and gave in. She left the closet, entering the bedroom, and marched into the balcony. She looked out below to see if anyone was around, and after discerning that the coast was clear, she turned the cup upside down over the balcony rail and watched the liquid hit the grass.

With the dastardly deed done, Yuffie went back to the closet and showed her mistress the empty cup. Tifa was satisfied.

"If anyone finds out," Yuffie threatened, "I shall sing like a nightingale!"

"Feel free to do so," Tifa deadpanned, and she continued grooming her with care.

Yuffie snorted wearily and reached out, claiming the handle of the brush. Tifa let go and allowed her to go on with the task. As the bristles moved through the thick locks, they both breathed a mutual sigh.

"I let you sleep in a little today," Yuffie told her, "So, it would be best if we hurry. The weekly conference will be in two hours time."

Tifa stiffened in surprise. "T-two hours? Why did you not wake me at the proper time?"

Yuffie stopped for a moment, as if in thought. The brush remained poised.

"You did not seem well last night," she replied. "That was all."

Tifa raised her eyebrow and smiled. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

"Yuffie, you worry too much..."

00000

As usual, the conference was boring.

The Princess of Gelinde, all dressed in green, and her begleiter lounged comfortably in the balcony area above and watched the conference as it functioned. Down below, the heads of the court administration were seated around a long, rectangular table, and his highness, King Lars, sat at the far end of the table in his majestic chair.

Tifa yawned and struggled to stay awake.

A cheery, stout maid served Yuffie some fragrant breakfast tea, while a small, dowdy maid poured yet another cup of awful tisane for Tifa. Yuffie gave her a knowing and sympathetic look, but Tifa was too tired to notice her predicament. She was slowly slipping under.

Meanwhile, at the conference table, a certain man was given permission to speak. He stood up at the table, large, fat, and gaudily dressed, and puffed up his chest. He put on a pair of pince-nez, unrolled a long scroll of paper, and clear his throat for emphasize. He spoke with a loud and self-important voice.

Tifa drifted into a doze and made small noises under her breath. The meeting continued on without her.

"…And the preparation for the cotillion of her lady, the Princess, is well on schedule," the man declared. "All reservations and important matters have been well and accounted for, and as far as we know, we are not to hit any snags. The high priest Kisaragi has predicted that the weather shall be favorable, and there shall be goodwill upon the week. Also, there will at least be twenty worthy suitors who shall be attending the festivities. This select few includes his highness, Prince Zack, Heir Apparent of Kiel, the Duke of…"

Yuffie reached over and gave her a rousing pinch, and she jolted awake. The man continued rambling on.

"Drink a bit of that awful tisane," Yuffie instructed. "It helps, does it not?"

Tifa scoffed but reached for the cup. The foreboding smell sent a disgusted chill down her spine. One sip, and her taste buds nearly perished all over again.

"Moving on to different matters," he went on, "We have already made plans for the Ulbrecht Charity Ball, which has been set for the 30th of September. Of course, that is if his majesty does not mind this particular date…"

"That Corneo!" Yuffie spat in contempt. "Talking as if it is all is thanks to his 'hard work'. He never does any of it himself..."

"Yuffie!" Tifa scolded. "You should not speak ill of Father Corneo. He is a holy, ordained priest."

"In the eyes of man, yes," Yuffie replied snidely.

Tifa shook her head lightly and took another sip. The tisane was still disgusting.

"What is he claiming that he has done?" Tifa asked, and with a blush of embarrassment, "I think I may have slept through it."

"Forget it. It was nothing of true importance."

They both became silent again and listened in the meeting below. Tifa sat her cup on the saucer and tried to eliminate the bitter taste with her saliva.

"That concludes my report," Father Corneo ended proudly. "I hope his majesty is pleased with the news."

"I am," Lars said. "You may be seated, Master of Ceremonies."

There was a short pause of murmuring and the ruffling of papers. Tifa leaned forward to get a better view of her father. He was very far away.

"And I trust you have a favorable report as well, Lord Taliesin?" he signaled.

Another man, a tall, bald gentleman, stood up and bowed his head. "Yes, your grace."

Tifa stood up as well, picked up the skirt of her dress, and walked towards the edge of the balcony. The entire conference room became clearer and more expansive in her eyes; she could see all of the people, sitting in their finery, waiting to give fancy speeches and listening with feigned interest to others. But Lord Rude Taliesin, dressed in unassuming shades of grey, blue, and black, was poised and without pretension.

"Continuing on a serious matter that was discussed in our last meeting," Rude began, "The authorities have concluded that many neighborhoods in the neighboring city of Hafen were damaged in the disastrous fire that took place there. Among some areas, the pleasure district was completely destroyed and beyond repair. However, the citizens are already making exceptional steps to clean up destruction, and I am already prepared to send my workers to rebuild some strategic places, including the town square and the city hall."

Tifa clenched the balcony rail and bit her lip. Yuffie joined her at the edge of the balcony and put a supportive hand on mistress' arm.

"Also, on behalf of her ladyship, the Princess, I would like to make a request."

The room became quiet. Tifa swallowed.

"A request?" said the king.

"Well…" Rude hesitated. "With your permission, your grace, her ladyship does not want the pleasure district to be rebuilt. Rather, she wants the entire area to be rebuilt… as a district for orphans."

"Orphans?"

The table became abuzz again, only this time with mixed feelings. Tifa leaned closer Yuffie and grabbed her free hand.

"You see," Rude went on, "The Lady Princess insists, and reasons, that the burning of this particular district, including other areas that were rumored to be of ill-repute, was perhaps the will of God. She also claims that allowing such places of vice will only encourage more vice…"

Lars nodded in agreement. Nevertheless, some that were seated at the table began to grow rigid.

"And so… instead of recreating these certain areas, the Princess has suggested to redeem these places for charitable and social good. She was very quick to remind me that many orphanages are infamous for their squalor, lack of education, and poorly equipped facilities. Also, she would like to have a halfway house and an improved hospital to replace some other choice areas."

"And do you have any plans for this endeavor?" Lars asked.

Rude paused for a moment to take a deep breath.

"Yes," Tifa whispered quietly. "Yes."

"Of course," Rude answered. "The halfway house and the hospital are still merely ideas, but by taking some of her propositions, I would envision this orphanage to be built in a fashion that imitates a university and a manor house. I have already had three possible plans drawn up for its construction, and her ladyship favors one in particular. Furthermore, she also proposed to use the orphanage district as a way to employ financially challenged citizens… such as other orphans who are nearly grown, widows that are need of money, and other such people. They can be educated on how to care of the complex and how teach the children while the construction is taking place. That way, everything will be ready as soon as the orphanage is opened."

Another pause ensued. The table quieted down again. Tifa leaned closer over the rail and became very stiff; Yuffie almost feared that her mistress would tip over.

"I see," Lars said finally. "I can tell that this proposal is well thought out. So, a better alternative for the orphans… and an opportunity for the less fortunate to find employment. I approve."

"Thank you, your majesty!" Rude cried.

Tifa squealed in delight and pounced upon Yuffie. They held each other cozily and rocked together in triumph. It was a good day indeed.

"I shall leave the matter to you and the Princess," the king continued. "But do not weigh her with too much. Is that clear?"

"I would not dream of it, your majesty."

"Do you have any other news, Lord Taliesin?"

"Yes… throughout the province, the dams and bridges are in need of some repair…"

00000

Deep in the heart of Royals, Ulbrecht Palace stood grandly and proudly in all its majesty. The compound looked like an elegant, stylized village.

The main building of the palace, where the king and his family resided, was fashioned in dark grey brick and light grey stone. It had many wings and sections, several entryways, long halls, and a countless number of windows. The front of the palace had a waterfall of steps, and massive camellia bushes were planted between each staircase.

This was where Tifa called home.

An iron enclosure surrounded the entirety of the grounds, and four guards were posted at every gate. Tall trees were planted along the inside to enhance the privacy of the inhabitants. It was not proper for average aristocrats and commoners to look upon the building with a casual glance.

Upon entering the palace grounds, a visitor would have to go down a path that was lined by massive oak trees, until they reached the location of the main building in the clearing. The first people one might see were the menservants, who would be working the grounds and keeping it polished condition.

On this particular day, the grounds were swarming with people. Some were polishing the fountain in the cul-de-sac of the front entrance. Others were putting up the first touches of decorations. The head of servant women had just finished inspecting those who were under her and freed them to do their duty. Gardeners salvaged the leftover rainwater and fed it to the plants.

And the royal pooch ran wild while a servant boy tried to catch it.

The dog splashed gleefully in the puddles, reveling in its hard-won freedom. The boy slipped and nearly fell splat on the ground at every step.

"Lancer!" he shouted. "Come here, boy! Lancer!"

Lancer barked mischievously and kept leaping from puddle to puddle. After a few minutes of the rough and tumble game, another voice called out and enticed the dog.

"Lancer! I got something for you!"

Lancer stopped and turned his small little head. From a short distance, Tifa crouched on the palace steps and held out her hands. The canine saw his favorite biscuits in her palms. Yuffie stood behind Tifa and waited. Lady Shera Haslett approached the young girls and stopped a few feet away.

The boy ceased as well and watched as the dog ran up to claim the snack. Tifa dropped a biscuit on the steps, and the dog snatched it up greedily. It then devoured the rest of the biscuits from her hands. After they were all gone, Tifa took hold of the dog so it could not escape again. She acknowledged Johnny and nodded her head to him.

"Good morning, your highness," the boy greeted with a polite bow, and then he trotted away. His current task was done.

Tifa gave Yuffie an amused smirk, and they chuckled quietly.

"I see you are quiet cheery," Shera finally said, " After your new achievement at the conference."

Tifa turned to her with a wry smile and answered, "Not yet. We still have to decide on the official plan for the blueprints. Not only that, I may not be able to build the halfway house."

"Well," Shera said, "At least the orphanage is certain now. The children should be your first priority."

Tifa nodded, feeling more encouraged, and walked up the steps to meet her. Yuffie shuffled behind. Shera reached out as soon as Tifa was close enough and touched her shoulders.

"You make me proud," Shera declared.

The Princess of Gelinde beamed.

"Your highness!" a woman sang out.

Tifa cringed and turned to the voice. A few yards away, Lady Lucrecia Cassius stood in a doorway, beckoning her to come. Tifa walked towards her, and Yuffie was once again close behind.

Hello, Lady Sourpuss, Tifa mentally grumbled.

Lucrecia, looking as beautiful but as dour as ever, tapped her foot on the stone ground. She offered her arm politely.

"Your father is calling for you," she said. "Hurry along… let me take the dog..."

As Tifa prepared give Lancer away, she noticed that some of the leaves in the camellia bush were twitching. A small white paw thrust out through the leaves, and something mewed in pain.

"Tis an animal in the garden," Tifa said.

"Dratted animals," Lucrecia replied coldly. "Always getting into the grounds somehow. Let the gardeners will put it out of its misery."

Tifa passed the dog to Lucrecia and approached the bush. She leaned over rail of the staircase and reached into the leaves. Her knuckles brushed past a camellia blossom.

"Your highness!" Lucrecia protested. "What on earth are you doing? We have no time for this..."

The creature was hissing. Tifa dug her hands further into the bush, trying to feel for its body. Tifa found it, but she felt something sticky and unpleasant on its fur. She pulled back one hand and saw blood on her fingertips. Shera appeared by her and saw it staining her hands.

"Eh?" Shera clucked. "Perhaps, I should get it for you, Princess?"

"Nay!" Tifa replied. "I have to pair of hands, do I not?"

Tifa leaned further, nearly burying the side of her face in the leaves. She grunted in the exertion and felt a pair of hands on her back.

"Have you almost got it?" Yuffie asked.

"Aye, just about," Tifa answered.

Slowly but steadily, Tifa pulled out a cat from the tangled branches of the bush. Its fur was bloodied considerably, and its whiskers were mangled. Tifa cooed and cradled the cat in her arms, staining her dress.

"Oh, the poor thing," Shera cooed. "How did it get stuck that high in the bushes?"

The cat let out a relieved "mrrow" and closed its eyes tight.

"That I shall never know," Tifa said. "But it is my problem now."

She then headed back into the palace with haste. Yuffie bounded after her and shouted, "Oi! Wait for me, will you?" Shera trailed them slowly, covering her mouth and giggling as she ascended the stairs.

"Princess, that cat is a stray," Lucrecia called out. "It could have fleas. You should give it to a gardener."

Everyone ignored her and stepped inside. Lady Gillespie huffed and went after them.

00000

Lars, the great king of Gelinde, was annoyed but careful to conceal it. As a ruling monarch, he knew that it would be undignified to vent his frustrations. Impulsively expressing his emotions over such a trivial matter would be improper, especially in front of Zack, the Crown Prince of Kiel, who sat across from him in the solarium.

But unlike him, Zack was of a better temperament and waited calmly and patiently at the table with a cheerful grin on his face. He seemed completely oblivious. Beside the prince, Lord Reno Baldemar was sitting very straight in his chair, but his mind appeared to be elsewhere. Perhaps, by the soft smile on his face, he was daydreaming.

Simultaneously, two maids were serving them tea and hot pastries from the oven. As one of the maids put some assorted treats on their plates, she looked up and gave the prince a humble smile. She did the same for her king, who hardly noticed.

"What kind of tea do you have a taste for, your highnesses?" she asked.

"Some Earl Grey would be nice today," Lars replied.

"Just hot water and lemon," Zack requested. "No sugar."

"Oh!" Reno said (finally out of his reverie). "I would like Fermented Apple."

The maid jerked her head in quick nod and she helped her partner prepare the hot drinks with mechanical precision.

"Forgive the tardiness of my daughter," Lars droned.

"Quite alright," Zack replied. "You should never rush a lady. Perhaps something happened."

Zack looked to his companion, who agreed with a brusque nod. He chose a random pastry. It resembled a mussel shell and tasted remarkably foreign.

"How does your father do?" Lars asked.

"Very well, your grace," Zack answered. "He sends you his regards."

Lars smiled nostalgically and chuckled.

"Of course he would," he mused. "When we were mere college students, your father and I exchanged notes together."

"And now you exchange children?" Zack inquired.

Lars smiled wryly.

The door to the solarium opened, and a well-dressed servant stepped inside. He bowed his head to the king and prince and kept his hands behind his back.

"My lord," he said. "Lady Gillespie is here."

"Show her in," Lars replied stoically.

The servant bowed again and stole out of the solarium. Lucrecia walked past him through the door and folded her hands at the front of her dress. Lars noticed that her lips were pursed tightly together.

"God save you, your majesty," she greeted with genuflection.

"What of my daughter?" Lars asked.

"She is delayed."

Lars felt his heart skip a beat and straightened up in his chair.

"Is she not feeling well?" he asked.

"She is well," Lucrecia replied. "But she has insisted on rescuing an injured cat. It was caught in the camellias."

Lars coughed a little and relaxed...somewhat. "What will I do with that child?"

"I tried to tell her to leave it to the gardeners," Lucrecia confessed, "But she would not stand for it. And her dress got ruined. I think she is cleaning herself up."

"Tell her that we are waiting," Lars replied firmly.

"I shall do my best, your grace."

Lucrecia left wearily, with her dress bobbing almost unstably. The door was shut behind her.

"Your daughter loves cats?" Zack asked.

"I hardly remember her liking animals at all," Lars replied resolutely. "Please forgive her waywardness."

Zack was more than willing to do so. So was Lord Baldemar.

00000

After being greatly taken care off, the cat was laid to rest in a basket. A curious set of bandages was wrapped around its midsection. Yuffie knelt down next to the basket and lightly stroked its back. From the middle of room, Tifa turned her head from time to time while the maids were helping her put on another polonaise.

"It cannot be a stray," Yuffie said confidently.

"Why not?" Tifa asked.

"Because of its fur," Yuffie answered. "So nice and kept."

The cat purred under her fingers, and Yuffie giggled. "And if it was a stray, it would have scratched you."

"I suppose so," Tifa said. "However, I still wonder how it got into the garden. The enclosure is far too high for a cat to climb over."

The maids clasped the last buttons and released her. Tifa thanked them and joined her companion.

The feline was astonishingly pretty. At first glance, its fur was white, but after a closer look, you could see yellowish gold specks all over it coat. It seemed very healthy, in spite of its injured state. Tifa took in the scent of its fur, unusually fragrant and intoxicating.

The wounds would heel well.

Tifa felt its nose and was relieved to know that it was moist. You poor little thing, she thought.

"We should be going now," Tifa said. "Father is probably angry with me."

The princess and her companion stood up together. They locked arms and stepped out the bedroom.

"Why did Father want me to come again?" Tifa asked.

"To meet another suitor," Yuffie replied.

"Then we must not keep them waiting."

They left her suite snickering. Meanwhile, the maids filed out of the bedroom behind them, and the cat was left alone.

The window was left open to let in the good air. The feline opened its eyes and turned its head from side to side. It lifted its head toward the opened balcony and saw a large, old tree. A barn owl was perched in broad daylight on one of its sturdy branches, and it stared down at the cat with its piercing, green eyes.

00000

"I take this to be the Princess," Zack said endearingly. "A pleasure to finally meet you."

Zack and Reno bowed to Tifa, and she and her companion curtsied to them. She stepped forward and lent Zack her hand to kiss it. For now, Lars was pleased.

The ladies joined them at the table, and Lars ordered a maid to pour them some tea. Tifa was given one that was different from the rest. She recognized the smell and wrinkled her nose. More blasted tisane.

"Sorry," Tifa said. "I had a bit of delay…"

"We heard about it," Lars cut her off.

Tifa read his mood, (though he hid it well) and winced in her seat. She sensed that she would need a good set of earplugs later on.

Zack squeezed a lemon over his hot water and stirred it with a spoon.

"You like cats?" Zack asked.

"Not particularly," Tifa replied. "But I like this one. It is quite a darling thing. Father, you should see it."

"You cannot keep it," Lars replied. "Taking care of an animal takes energy, my dear. Give it to the servants to play with."

"But the poor thing is injured!" Tifa argued. "It had a laceration in its side. And you have Lancer…"

"You are not keeping it," he repeated.

Tifa sunk her head and bit her lip. How unreasonable, she thought grumpily. He is only sore because I was not on time to meet some other rich suitor. Methinks, he cannot wait to marry me off...

"But sir," Zack said. "The maids can take care of it for her. There is nothing like a pet to liven up the spirit. "

"N-now see here..." Lars said, raising a thick eyebrow.

"I like cats," he continued. "And I hear that they secrete healing properties from their fur. May I see it later?"

Lars let his voice crack in defeat. Zack watched with satisfaction as Tifa grinned in delight.

The world spoils this girl, the king thought in dismay.

But he still adored her… and was proud.

00000

Later that night, Tifa gazed into the looking glass of her vanity. She felt lightheaded and struggled to keep her head. Yuffie admired her hair and brushed affectionately into its tresses. The cat slept on its basket, right near their feet.

"The Prince of Kiel seems nice," Yuffie commented. "Handsome too."

"I dare say he is," Tifa replied, flushed. "He was very kind... and sensitive. I am glad he was able to convince father to let me nurse the feline back to health."

Yuffie set the brush down and plaited the hair. Tifa began to feel a slight pain in her head.

"Are you alright?" Yuffie asked.

Tifa nodded tiredly and yawned. Yuffie finished the braid and tied the end with a ribbon.

"Unnatural rain storm last night," Yuffie reflected. "Even for an April shower."

"But the air is cleaner now," Tifa replied.

The pain in her head grew worse. She gritted her teeth but tried to hide it.

"So strange," Yuffie said. "So much happened today, but it seems little to be excited about."

"Hmmm."

"Are you sure you are well?" Yuffie asked. "You look rather pale."

"I am fine," Tifa replied stubbornly. "Go on. You were saying?"

Yuffie frowned at her mistress but continued on anyhow.

"Two major things happened. First, this darling cat comes out of the middle of nowhere…and then, the prince of Kiel pays us a visit. It feels as if nothing has changed…and yet, it feels as if something will change. Like calm before the storm…or something of sorts…"

Tifa held her head and began to lose her balance. Her sight blurred, and her head seemed to swim. Yuffie saw her fall over from her chair and shrieked before catching her at the last minute. The chair fell over, and the cat woke up from the noise.

Tifa vomited her evening tisane onto the floor, something she did not mind so much. She convulsed in the arms of her companion and heard her crying out for help. Her voice sounded distant.

00000

The room was dim with candlelight. The doctor put his equipment back into his leather bag. Tifa lay asleep in bed, sedated with a sleeping draught. Her skin had lost all of its color, and her hair clung to her forehead with sweat. The king paced outside the door, with his advisor, Lord Hojo Cassius, standing by the door. The doctor left the room and entered the hallway.

"How is she?" Lars asked quietly.

"Badly off," the doctor answered. "It was a rather violent anemic turn. But it is nothing to worry over. Just give her a few days rest... as usual."

Lars dropped his eyes and sighed in relief. His daughter was safe once again.

"Will any more of my services be needed, your majesty?"

"No, thank you. Go on your way."

The doctor bowed his head and walked away, with Hojo following him.

Lars peaked through the door and watched his daughter in her state. He sighed helplessly and started to close it. When the door was ajar, he noticed the cat in its basket by the bed and thought that it was sleeping.

But the cat opened its eyes in a flash. It made deliberate eye contact with the king and locked a strange glare upon him.

Lars felt a cold chill go down his spine and shut the door.

00000

The sleeping drugs wore off too soon, and Tifa woke up in agony. Her whole body felt stiff and weak, and her head was throbbing. She wanted to comb the sticky hair off of her forehead, but she could barely lift a finger. She was very hungry.

The room was grayish blue, so Tifa assumed that it was almost sunrise. Her eyes were weak, probably from exhaustion, so she could not even see the ceiling. And yet... a strange, familiar, rousing smell filled her nostrils. She moved her neck from side to side and struggled to move her head up.

And then she had a fright.

The cat lay weightlessly upon her chest, with it eyes trained directly on her. Its eyes, a strange fluorescent blue, had an oddly vacant expression. Tifa gasped and wanted to move, but her body would not comply.

For some reason or force, Tifa found herself being willed to look into its eyes. She stared at the cat, and it stared back at her.

Tifa felt a spark in the back of her head, and the pain melted away. Strength seeped back into her limbs, and she moved her fingers around with ease. But they continued to stare at each other. Inside their minds, a strange form of understanding came between them.

Tifa smiled.

The feline stood and slipped off of her chest. It paced casually on the bed, waiting for her to sit up. She propped herself on the pillows and scratched it behind the ears. Tifa took a deep breath and realized that she had not been breathing properly.

The cat moved freely, with its bandages wrapped around its small body. It shifted its head under her hand and yawned. Tifa saw its white fangs and its small, pink tongue sticking out. White lids closed over its eyes; its whiskers twitched.

"Good morning, dear grimalkin," Tifa said.

"Meow!" the cat replied.

An hour later, Yuffie walked the wide halls of the palace and returned into her mistress' suite. Besides the door clicking shut or the ticking of the clock, Yuffie heard nothing. Her steps echoed on the marble floor. It was quiet, too quiet for her to bear.

She quietly opened the door to the bedroom and looked inside. The sheets were in disarray and the bed was empty. Yuffie coughed in surprise.

"Tifa?" Yuffie called. "Are you there?"

No one answered. Yuffie shut the door and broke into a run. She opened random doors and peaked inside to see if her precious charge was there.

"Tifa! Where are you? Princess?"

"In the living area!"

Yuffie was nothing short of bewildered. Instead of hearing weak, pitiful whispers, Tifa sounded as if she were having a Christmas morning. She investigated quickly, heading towards the living area, and found her mistress, sitting by the window and looking the window.

Tifa was a sight. The top of her head was messy from her ordeal. The cat lounged in her lap and purred under her gentle touch. For a moment, she hardly noticed or remembered that Yuffie was there. The cat looked up to her, and she looked down. Its peculiar, clever eyes shone at her like jewels.

"Tifa."

Tifa came back to earth and gave her companion a warm simper.

"Should you not be in bed?" Yuffie asked in concern.

Yuffie saw the healthy glow in her mistress' skin and knew right away. But how could it be?

"All I am is hungry," Tifa said. "You came just in time."

Tifa rose slowly, giving the cat enough time to leap off. Yuffie felt a pair of arms encircle her small frame. She felt her mistress' breathing.

"Oh, why do you put up with me?" Tifa asked.

"Are we not friends?" Yuffie answered.

"Was everyone worried again?"

"Aye."

Tifa moaned in anguish. Yuffie winced when a pair of hands turned her head and a pair of lips kissed her cheeks. The princess was being more friendly than usual.

"At least you get much attention," Yuffie chirped.

"You cannot forever thrive on negative attention," Tifa replied. "It is just not on. Ah, well. Call the maids."

"Whatever for?"

"My bath, of course!" Tifa exclaimed. "But breakfast first. I am terribly hungry!"

The cat looked the through the window. The green-eyed owl perched itself on another tree and locked the feline into its gaze once more. The cat cocked its head from side to side, and the owl twisted its head almost completely around and back again. For a moment, they communicated through their eyes, and the cat bobbed its head down in a nod. The owl braced itself, leapt of the branch, and took off in flight.