Chapter three:
I hated it.
The very way he looked at me, as if I were a piece of meat; it was simply disgusting. His cobalt orbs traveled up and down my body but bravely I stood my ground. I wasn't about to let a pair of wandering eyes get the best of me.
All I had to do was wait this out; I had no means of even starting a conversation. As for Rufus, I didn't care what he did, just as long as he kept his distance. But to my dismay, he took another step towards me. And his voice came out hushed.
"Such a pretty little thing…" he trailed off. And as he did, his hand rose to stroke my cheek. But just as he was about to touch it, I turned my head away. Rufus looked at me, a hint of surprise on his face.
From my sidelong glance, my curt reply deepened his facial expression. "I don't appreciate being touched on our first meeting." After a pause, I added, "My Lord." An edge of mockery was left hanging in my voice as I wrapped it up perfectly with his famous smirk.
Rufus lowered his hand and chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "Yes, you are quite the woman Ms. Lockhart. That is why you appeal to me so much. You are different." He carelessly flipped his hair. "It is actually quite captivating."
This 'compliment' made me face Rufus, and I slightly narrowed my eyes. Just what was he getting at?
Yet he still continued, "Don't you think so...Vincent?"
Although this room wasn't entirely large, it still had its dark corners. And from one of them emerged a body, clad in a black cloak. I stifled a gasp, for to me it looked as if he appeared right out of thin air. He had been camouflaged perfectly, as if it was just an ordinary corner, not touched by the light.
Rufus gave a short laugh at my startled look. "Yes, Vincent has quite a talent at being invisible."
Looking upon this strange man, I saw that his face was hidden well under the cloak's hood; like it was nothing but a dark void. However, as he drew closer I saw there were hand movements from inside his garment, and it looked to me that he was untying a knot of some sort that kept his cloak concealed. The man made one final tug just as he stepped beside Rufus, and two arms emerged from the middle of the disguise.
As he opened up his cloak, he didn't reveal any average clothes, but instead black samurai armor. This 'Vincent' was no ordinary person working under Rufus; he looked as if he were a war leader already prepared for battle. There, hanging from his waist was a sheathed sword, its hilt being the only sign the weapon was actually there. But he had something else which hung from his other hip. And it greatly met the description of…a shotgun?
My thoughts never finished though, because as one of his arms made an action to remove his hood, it caught my attention. So as I watched him finish that simple act, I was immediately met with deep-set crimson eyes. From his head, raven locks tumbled freely to graze his shoulders. And as pale as he was, it seemed to suit him perfectly.
Rufus gestured beside him. "Might I introduce, my right hand general and swords master of Midgar. Vincent Valentine."
Vincent gave a respectful nod of his head. "A pleasure."
I blinked and nodded back. "Indeed," I replied quietly.
At that moment, the door to the meeting room opened and my father calmly stepped in. He looked up and opened his mouth to say something, then closed it slowly once his eyes fell on Vincent. My father eyed him suspiciously, for Vincent's attire was fairly noticeable and not in the least normal.
"Who is that man?" came my father's stern tone.
Rufus followed his gaze to Vincent. "Oh, Vincent was my accompaniment. You see-…"
"What I saw," my father interrupted, "was that it had just been you and I in the meeting room. I do not approve of spies-…"
Rufus's let his voice rise in countering my father. "You call him a spy, I call him my escort."
At this my father scoffed. "An escort that cannot be seen? That is folly! He is a spy no less." His voice lowered dangerously. "I trusted you Rufus and now that you-…"
"You dare to lecture me?" Rufus hissed. "Now if I recall highness. I believe you were to tell me what your answer was to my offer. That is, before we were blessed by your daughter's presence." When he mentioned my entrance, Rufus face had softened somewhat. But quickly as it came, it quickly disappeared when he turned his attention back to my father.
But when my father hesitated, I looked at him confused. What offer did Rufus mean?
He looked away for a second, and then met Rufus's eyes with a hardened face.
"I am to refuse it." Father's voice was harsh. "My daughter has been promised to another, and I intend to keep it that way."
"What?" the blonde snapped. "And who, if you don't mind my asking, is she promised to?"
"Duke Strife's son," was the cool reply.
"Of Nibelheim? Well then, I see." Rufus continued with fake hesitation. "And what would you happen to do if Duke Strife's son was…oh, I don't know…disposed of?"
Father's eyes flickered. "What do you mean?" he growled.
"Answer the question!" Rufus responded angrily.
My father's eyes narrowed. "It would be my decision, and mine alone to decide my daughter's future."
Rufus glanced at me, "So in either case, your daughter is beyond my reach."
"Yes."
A slight smirk formed slowly on Rufus's lips, and from under his breath I heard him reply, "We'll see about that." But to my father he said, "I thank you for your time then. I believe I should take my leave now."
Rufus took a step, and then faced me. "I shall have you yet…" he whispered. But before I could react, he strode past me and headed for the door, completely ignoring my father. Vincent soon followed, but before he exited he bowed deeply to us both which caught my father off guard, but eventually gave a tart nod in return.
As soon as both were out of sight I dared to speak. "Father, was it wise of you to challenge Rufus as you did? I'm sure Vincent was of no harm-…"
"You don't understand dear," my father sighed. "It was during the time you had not arrived. In polite conversation Rufus asked about the kingdom. And in return, I told him of it. But as I recall now, he seemed to weave in certain questions about the structure and arrangements of the buildings; where everything was located." My father looked at me gravely.
"And when I saw that 'escort' of his, it soon struck me he had been hiding and gathering information from my answers. I had a right to accuse Rufus of a spy."
I nodded in understanding. "Yes, I suppose you did. But I don't' see why Rufus would want those facts."
"I too am confused." My father agreed. "However, it does leave us vulnerable to him. If-…" My father stopped abruptly. "I-I must speak with our general." He suddenly broke into a swift speed walk and left for the door.
What?
Over the next few days, guards were posted everywhere in the castle. From my bedroom balcony I could see the barracks and soldiers setting up cannons. Their direction was pointed skyward. More cannons were lined on the walls that surrounded us; they too directed upward. As if we were going to be attacked by an air raid.
*
It has been one week since Rufus's visit, and our defenses were holding, ready to fire at anything deemed to be suspicious. It had been confirmed to me that my father was sure Rufus would try to bomb our kingdom.
I didn't want to believe it. Why would Rufus go this far to harm us?
That's when father took me aside; he wanted to talk to me urgently. With great difficulty, he explained what Rufus's motives were and why.
He blackmailed father. He had blackmailed him for me.
Father continued how Rufus needed an heir. It was essential so he could raise this child in his early life time. To teach him, correct him so as to follow in his footsteps.
I thought this over hard. He wanted me for his child. But couldn't he have anybody? Why me? Father had answered that Rufus wanted someone of noble birth, and in his opinion, someone who amused him.
I couldn't let Rufus get away with this; it was either me or the kingdom. A kingdom my father had worked so hard to build. I was just his daughter.
"Father, give me up to Rufus," I announced.
Father had looked at me, bewildered. Then his face slowly changed to a stern look. "Never! Why do you even suggest it?" he exclaimed.
"If he takes me, the kingdom will be spared," I continued pleading. "Oh father, if I go to Rufus, no harm will be done here. I want to at least know I'll still have a home to come back to."
Father took my shoulders in his hands so I would face him. "I'm not going to give you up without a fight. You are the world to me. And I'm not about to let Rufus or anybody take you from me just yet." He smiled sadly. "Even if you did go to Rufus, I don't want you to give birth to a monster that would end up just like him." Father's arms encircled me and brought me into a warm hug. I returned it lovingly.
Without warning, an alarm sounded. And I knew that they were here.
My Father let go of me and looked me in the eyes. "You are to stay in the castle; if Rufus wants you he won't try anything here. But he might send his own men to fetch you. If all goes wrong, our guards will escort you out of here."
I nodded, but added ruefully, "You know, I could take care of myself."
Father chuckled. "Against trained soldiers? Maybe. But for now, stay with the guards." He kissed my forehead tenderly, and left.
I had no choice but to take refuge in my room. From inside I could hear the shuffling of foot steps outside my doorway; guards no less. So I stood up and made my way to my cabinet. It was locked, for I held private belongings in there. Thus I took the key and put it in the bolt twisting it correctly. Opening the two doors, my eyes traveled to what was hung on the back wall of the cabinet.
There, glittering intensely from exposure to the new light sat my sword. It was a gift, a last gift from Zangan himself, advising that I use it only at the right time. Well, there's no time like the present. I chided.And I reached for the weapon, gripping tightly onto its hilt. After training with the castle swords I knew the burden of this blade would not be a problem. As I expected, it felt light and nimble. But although it seemed like a weak sword on the outside, Zangan had said it cuts very deep, and could pierce some of the strongest armor.
Zangan actually commented that the weapon reminded him of me. Not the weak part, but of how people judged me to be a defenseless princess always in need of help. Yet when placed in the right situation, I can put up quite a fight to even my greatest foe.
I smiled sorrowfully at the memory of Zangan, but I knew this wasn't the right place nor the time to reminisce of lost friends. So I gave the sword a few practice swings to test it. And in doing so, I heard the singing voice of the blade breathe out, as it sliced the air.
But its song had been abruptly interrupted. For I heard the roaring sound of explosions.
I ran to my balcony, but thought twice about actually running outside. So I stood behind the glass door and looked on. A cry of grief and terror escaped my lips as I watched. It was burning. Everything was burning. I saw the airships, those damn airships in the sky which was now engulfed with smoke.
Cannons were shooting in all directions, and some ships had taken some heavy damage, but in spite of everything their ammo kept falling. That's when the ground shook rapidly, and it took me by surprise that I had to brace myself. Screams were heard from the hallway, and I rushed out of my room, sword in hand.
Servants and guards were scattered, running every which way. I stopped a maid and demanded what just happened.
"The east and west wings have been demolished!! Those were our only means of escape without having been noticed." The maid hurried on, pouring out everything she knew. "Now all that is left is the main entrance, and what I've heard, there is a small group of Shinra soldiers posted there!! Princess, they are led by-" Her eyes traveled past me and she gasped in horror. "Him."
I turned around almost sure of who I was to find. And as I faced him, I heard the maid behind me back away and make a run for it.
In front me stood none other then Vincent Valentine himself.
I lunged at him, and quick as a flash he blocked my sword with his own blade. I didn't even see him unsheathe it. Using my strength, I pushed down hard; leaning most of my weight to give me the advantage. "Are you here to fetch me?" I hissed viciously.
Vincent pushed back with equal force and he swung me away, giving us some distance. I caught myself and sunk into stance. The training sinking into my body. But something stopped me. I groaned in defiance. My dress! I swiftly took the front of it and ripped it with frustration. It tore easily and I stopped pulling at it when the rip reached just above my knees. With this new slit, my legs could now move more freely.
I saw Vincent's eyes travel, and I smirked. Wrong move. I swiftly closed our distance and lunged once more. Caught by surprise, Vincent just managed to parry my move, but not without leaving a mark. I knew for a fact that samurai armor left an open spot right where the arm connected to the body. Since the suit came in separate parts, the breast plate did not connect with anything else. Thus making the user vulnerable.
Vincent looked me, his eyes flashing with amusement. "I see you are not to be taken lightly. Alright then." And he rushed to me just as I did, but I was ready this time. His thrusts came from every side, but I blocked them without much difficulty. Yet I couldn't read his moves, and I was fast running out of time. I couldn't do this forever.
As my sword met his once more, they clashed with a scream from both weapons. I pushed back at him and made my attack, but Vincent blocked as if it was no problem for him at all. His face was calm and almost mocking. So I lunged in anger at him for him not taking me seriously. He expected this and as my sword strode past his head, he murmured, "An opening."
I blinked in confusion. But then just as I realized what he meant, Vincent's butt of his sword hit me straight on. It's contact: my stomach. I stood there stunned and bent over from impact. The scenary around me grew hazy, and I felt my legs give away. Vincent caught me gently as I fell, and I remember as he hoisted my body into his arms, those crimson eyes looking at me right before everything went black.
