Sleeping Cetra

Chapter 2

Parenthood

Five years later…

Tifa sighed as she began baking breakfast. It was early in the morning, but she could not sleep. Her raven hair was tied back in a low ponytail, and she was dressed in a white shirt, with black shorts, overalls, and boots to match. It had been five years since she and her friends had taken in Aerith. They had found an abandoned cottage in the midst of a forest known as the Forgotten Forest, and had chosen to live there. The cottage supported the living arrangements quite nicely, after the three cleaned it up by hand. Yuffie had complained loudly, desperately wanting to use magic and unused to doing things for herself the way normal people did.

At the moment, the kitchen looked nice and well kept. Barret had found an old circular table and fixed it up for them so that they could dine on it. Tifa and Yuffie decorated the kitchen with curtains and had placed a tablecloth on the table to try to add color to the dull place. There were three bedrooms and one bathroom. Tifa and Yuffie took the biggest room, with the two girls sharing bunk beds. Barret took the second room with a double bed all to himself. The last room was for Aerith. Of course, she only moved into it when she was old enough. The girls had placed her crib in their room so they could get to Aerith easier at night.

The arrangements were not nearly as nice as the group would have liked, but it had to do. So far, they were safe from Sephiroth. No doubt he was looking for Aerith when and if he found out that she was no longer in the palace. Tifa only prayed that the remainder of the sixteen years would go by fast. At times, she feared Sephiroth would find them and complete the curse. She would wake up at night in a cold sweat and then check on the little princess, only to find her well.

Tifa cracked an egg against the pan and opened it, allowing the contents to spill into the pan. She repeated her actions twice more and watched as the eggs sizzled. She began to hum a tune as she took her spatula and flipped the eggs over.

Unbeknownst to her as she baked, a door to one of the bedrooms opened. Tifa continued to hum, when she heard shuffling behind her. The corners of her mouth twitched to a smile as she whistled. She could hear the shuffling continue and then something being dragged across the floor. It was a chair. She continued to whistle as the chair stopped right next to her. Tifa looked down. Her reddish brown eyes twinkled as she watched a small five-year-old girl climb up onto the chair.

"Well, look who is up all on her own today," Tifa smiled.

Her eyes met with a pair of bright emerald green ones. The little girl looked up and smiled happily. She was dress in an oversized nightshirt and pink slippers. Her brown locks were loose, flying everywhere.

"Aunt Tifa!" the girl said. "You know what today is, you do, right?"

The girl jumped up excitedly. Tifa flipped the eggs out of the pan and onto a plate. She then cracked three more and watched them sizzle. The girl jumped up and down again, waiting for an answer. Tifa grinned, her eyes looking behind her then back at the girl.

"Hmm... Is today August eleventh?" Tifa asked, pretending not to know.

"No," the young girl replied.

"May second?"

"NO!"

Tifa flipped the eggs off the plate and sighed. She shrugged her slender shoulders and turned to the girl.

"I just don't know what day it could be?" Tifa said looking at the girl.

"My birthday!" The girl announced proudly. "I'm five!"

She held up her hand and Tifa pretended to look shocked. The little girl held such innocence that it was adorable. Tifa looked at the little girl, bending down to her level.

"Five years old, wow, you're a big girl now! I guess that means we'll have to throw you a party, Aerith!"

Just then, the little girl was hoisted up into the air. She found herself being held by Barret. His large hands wrapped around her small frame; Aerith giggled and threw her arms around him, giving him a hug.

"Morning, Uncle Barret," she said.

"Good morin' kiddo!" he grinned, holding her up.

Just then, Yuffie snatched her away, hugging Aerith to her in a tight squeeze. Aerith began to struggle out of Yuffie's vice like grip. However, the young girl began to swing Aerith around and even tossed her once in the air, catching her in her arms.

"Well, look who is five years old today!" Yuffie called, "Happy birthday!"

Yuffie spun Aerith around and then planted her in a chair with a large cushion on it. Tifa then placed a plate of eggs, toast, and a large glass of juice for Aerith to break her fast upon. The young girl took her fork and began eating. Barret and Yuffie each took a seat on opposite ends of the table as Tifa brought them their breakfast. They watched the young girl eat slowly, enjoying her breakfast. Just then, Tifa cleared her throat, as she sat down. She looked over at Barret who munching on his toast. She coughed a little louder to get his attention, but he remained oblivious. Yuffie looked up and gave Barret a sharp kick under the table, finally getting his attention for Tifa. Barret growled and noticed Tifa staring at him.

"What," he asked, stabbing his fork into his eggs.

Tifa glared at him. The three had come up with a plan for today, and Barret already forgotten! It took the man a minute to remember, but when he did, it looked as a light went on in his head.

"Oh… OH!" he said

Tifa and Yuffie shook their heads in dismay.

"So, Aerith, you want to go out for a walk in the forest today?" Barret asked.

The little girl looked up, her eyes shining. She loved it when her guardians could take outside their little cottage. She loved going into the forest and picking flowers and playing in the stream. It was usually a rare thing for her, because her guardians were always so busy with chores. She would usually be in her room coloring or playing quietly. Sometimes she even was staring sadly out her window, desperate to get out.

"YES! YES!" she cried happily.

"Okay, well finish eating and get dressed," Tifa said. "You'll need your energy."

Aerith quickly finished, cleaning off her plate, and bounded to her room. She then ran out and looked over at her guardians.

"I can't reach the drawer," she said.

Tifa pushed her chair back and got up to help dress the little girl. In the small room where Aerith was, was a bed just her size. A small toy chest lay at the corner of the room next to the window. The floor was hardwood but there was a soft pink rug for Aerith to sit on. Tifa opened a wooden dresser and found a pink dress for Aerith to wear. Aerith lifted her arms up, and Tifa pulled off her nightshirt and placed on the pink dress. Next, she took out a pair of boots from a closet for Aerith to wear outside. When she finished dressing, Tifa tidied up her hair, tying it in a thick braid.

"Now, hurry" Tifa whispered, "Before Uncle Barret leaves!"

The girl looked horrified and ran out of her room. Tifa chuckled as she watched the girl run to the front door where Barret was waiting. Barret was dressed in a moss green coat, tan pants, and boots. Aerith grabbed onto his hand, making sure she would not be left behind.

"Wait!" Yuffie called. "Here, Aerith, take your umbrella; it might rain. Oh, and pick some flowers, okay?"

Yuffie handed her a small pink umbrella and a basket. Aerith took them and smiled up at her aunt. She nodded and gave her an okay before taking her uncle's hand again and walking out the door. Tifa and Yuffie watched as those two walk out into the forest.

"Okay, time to get ready for the party." Tifa said. "Yuffie you start decorating I'll bake the cake."

Yuffie nodded and hurried to get out the decorations.

X, X, X,

Across the vast green plains, not too far from the Forgotten Forest, in the kingdom of Nibelheim, plans were being made. Queen Strife was sitting in her throne room discussing with her advisors. The queen looked regal in her silk yellow gown and robes. Sitting on her head was a golden crown covered in several different gems and jewels. In her hand, she held a large golden staff. Standing before her were her three wise advisors.

The first advisor was her most trusted, but was the youngest of the three: Tseng. He wore a blue robe, and had long black hair, slicked back but let loose. The second was an older man named Bugenhagen. He had no hair on his head, but was wise in the knowledge of nature and technology. The third man was Heidegger, also an old man. He had white hair, and a long white beard and mustache. From the top of his forehead, going over his right eye and stopping at his cheek, was a large scar. No one knew how he had received it, except himself, but no one ever bothered to ask.

"The marriage proposal has gone through with King Gast," said Tseng. "He has finalized the proposal. When his daughter returns, she will be married to one of your sons."

"Very well," said the Queen.

"Now, which one shall marry the Princess of the Cetra?" asked Bugenhagen.

"No doubt Prince Zack will be the one to marry her. He is after all the oldest one," interjected Heidegger.

"His Highness is to precede the throne of Nibelheim." Tseng said matter of fact. "Once our kingdoms join, one prince will rule our kingdom, and the other will rule the Kingdom of the Ancients."

The queen held up her hand to silence her advisors. She turned to a servant who was at her side, and softly whispered an order. The servant bowed and quickly exited the throne room. Several moments later, a young boy with jet-black hair appeared guided by the servant. The queen dismissed the servant, who bowed politely and left. Once she was gone, the queen beckoned the boy forward. He was dressed in a deep blue shirt and pants. His boots were brown and he looked as if he was been busy playing.

"Zack," she called to the boy.

"Yes, Mother," he said politely.

"You know you are going to be a king one day," she said as the boy stood in front of her.

"Of course, Mother," he replied. He looked up at her and she smiled at her son.

"Then tell me, would you rule Nibelheim after me? Or would you rather marry the Princess of the Cetra and rule the kingdom of the Ancients?"

Zack looked at his mother. He was ten years old now. He barely remembered the incident that happened in the palace when Sephiroth cursed the princess. The young boy knew he would have an arranged marriage it was inevitable. Yet, the princess was five years younger than he was. He also knew he would not be able to meet her until she was sixteen.

"No, Mother, I would rather rule Nibelheim," he decided.

The queen nodded and waved her hand, dismissing the child. Zack turned away and began to leave. He could still hear his mother and her advisors speaking.

"Then it is settled," said Tseng. "Prince Cloud will marry the princess."

Zack turned his head slightly looking back at the agreement made. Cloud his younger brother was two years younger than him. He had no idea about arranged marriages or anything about ruling a kingdom. Zack being the oldest would naturally inherit the throne. However, now the possibility of having an arranged marriage with another kingdom, Cloud could now rule his own kingdom. The only problem was that Cloud could not have cared less.

Zack returned outside to the chocobo stables where Cloud was. The two brothers loved to go out riding and have their own adventures when they were not having studies and such. Zack passed by the stables where the giant golden birds stood squawking.

Zack reached the farthest stall where a golden chocobo stood. In the stall with the bird was his younger brother, gently brushing his feathers. Zack snorted out a laugh, getting Cloud's attention. Cloud looked similar to Zack; however, unlike his brother he had golden blonde locks with his azure eyes. The younger boy was wearing his riding clothes, purple pants and a white shirt with riding boots. Cloud loved his chocobo because, aside for him and Zack, the bird hated anyone and everyone who came near him.

"What's so funny?" the younger prince asked.

"I know a secret," Zack said with a sly grin.

"What is it?" questioned Cloud, placing down the brush. Curiosity began to seep into his mind, and his elder brother's smirk only augmented the intrigue.

Zack laughed and patted the chocobo, who gave him a small chirp. Cloud watched his older brother with annoyance, wanting to know what this was all about. Zack walked around the Chocobo and smiled at his brother knowingly.

"I'm going to be King of Nibelheim," Zack said.

"I know, you always tell me that," Cloud said, restraining himself with difficulty from rolling his eyes.

"Guess what, you're going to be a King of the Cetra and now you'll have to take lessons on how to be a king too!"

"I am not!" Cloud retorted.

"Uh huh, Mom said so! You're going to marry the princess too!"

For the longest time he knew Zack would be king, and not him. He was the youngest and he would just live in the palace and have his own life. How could he become king? Why did he have to marry a princess? Cloud looked down at the ground. This was the last thing he wanted to happen to him. This was the worst day for an eight-year-old boy prince.

X, X, X,

Walking in the forest, Barret held Aeirth's hand as they wandered through the tall trees. Aerith was excitedly looking around as they walked deeper and deeper into the woods. The trees were large and created canopies over them, keeping the light rain off of their heads. As they walked, Aerith had to take several steps to keep up with her uncle's long strides. After all, she was a tiny little girl.

"Uncle Barret," Aerith asked shyly.

"Yeah, kiddo?" he asked.

"How come I don't have any friends?" she asked.

Barret looked down at the girl, her emerald eyes looking sadly at him. He knew the gift he had given her long ago was that she would never be lonely. Yet, now he cursed it because he had to keep her away from everyone. Barret and the others knew Sephiroth was looking for the child the moment he found out she was gone from the castle. Yet, the only way to protect her would be to keep her from everyone. They could not trust anyone.

"You have me as a friend," Barret said. "You don't like me anymore?"

Barret pretended to cry, covering his face with hands. Aerith tugged at the older man's shirt, begging him not to cry.

"I'm sorry Uncle, please don't cry!" she pleaded. "I didn't mean to make you sad."

Barret stopped his fake crying and looked at the little girl. He gently placed a hand on her head and then pointed to a little ways down the path. Aerith looked over and saw a patch of wild flowers growing.

"I think your aunts wanted some flowers; why not get some?" he asked. "Now, don't wander off okay?"

Aerith nodded, ran into the path and began plucking out the best flowers. Barret sat down against a tree and watched the little girl pick the colorful blossoms. He let out a yawn, wishing he had gotten more sleep, and leaned back. Closing his eyes, he promised himself only a moment's worth of sleep to catch up on; only a moment's.

Aerith plucked out a pink flower and smiled, but frowned when she looked back at her uncle. He had fallen asleep. She felt bad for upsetting him; yet, she wished she had a child her own age to play with. She hated being in her room, playing by herself with her homemade dolls and such. It got quite lonely very quickly. She looked around the patch of flowers, and noticed, a little further down, there were some more wild flowers, these ones a vibrant purple.

The young girl gathered her flowers and headed for the patch just a little further down. No harm would come of it. She picked three or four of the flowers, when, as luck would have it, she looked up and noticed another patch a little farther down, this time with red wild flowers. She scurried over to that patch and picked several of them, when the gentle ripping and splashing sound of water reached her ears. She looked up and noticed a small river running just out of reach from her, and growing all around the banks were bright yellow and white flowers. Aerith looked at them, and wondered if her uncle and aunts would like those as well. She shrugged happily and skipped over, bending down just a little to nip the flowers from the earth.

Unbeknownst to Aerith as she continued picking flowers, something spied upon her. Its eyes stared at the young girl, carefully watching her carefree movements. Aerith, remaining oblivious, walked nearer the river, picking a yellow flower from the ground and holding it up to her nose. It smelled sweet, a light, cheerful scent, so she added it to her collection. As the girl took a step closer to the river, she felt her feet slide out from under her. The slippery grass made her fall on her back and slide right into the water. Her umbrella went flying across the ground, along with the flowers and her basket. Aerith opened her mouth to scream for help, but was met with the incoming rush of water. Panicking, she began to kick and wave her hands frantically as she was dragged under the water by the current, to try and fight her way to the surface, but was met with a new problem: she had no idea how to swim yet!

Aerith felt herself unable to hold her breath much longer. She grabbed her mouth, trying to keep it closed, when suddenly, she felt something clamp against her coat. Aerith then felt her body being dragged up to the top. When her head broke out of the water, she gasped for fresh air. Her savior flipped her onto its back and swam her to shore. Once there, her savior laid her on the ground as she coughed out the water she had inadvertently swallowed. She felt a hand pat her back, trying to force the water out so she could breathe normally.

"Are you all right, missy?" said a cheerful voice.

Aerith looked up and gaped in awe as she saw what was talking to her. It was not a person, but a black and white cat, wearing a crown, a cape, and boots and gloves. He was riding on a giant white creature called a moogle. Aerith stared, unsure of what to say, when she felt water splash at her. She looked over to see a large cat like creature looking at her. It had fur the color of fire, with feathers on his head like a headdress. His tail was actually on fire! Aerith stared at the three creatures, still in disbelief.

"Maybe she is mute?" the red creature called. "Sad such a pretty girl cannot speak, don't you agree Cait Sith?"

"Aye, I should say so Nanaki!" The cat spoke out jumping up and down on the moogle.

"I can talk," Aerith choked out. "I was just really scared."

"Nothing to be afraid of now, you're all right," said Nanaki. "Now tell me little one, why are you out in the forest all alone? It is quite dangerous."

"Oh…OH NO!" Aerith cried as she remembered something important. "My uncle must be scared because I'm gone!"

Nanaki lowered himself to the ground. His fur rippled as he shook some more water off him and looked at Aerith.

"Come, child, we shall go find your uncle," he said kindly. "Climb on my back."

Aerith did as he instructed and climbed onto his back. She sat carefully so she would not hurt him and held onto his fur gently as well. When she was secure, Nanaki lifted himself up and looked at Cait Sith. They then proceeded through the forest to find Barret.

At that moment, however, Barret awoke to find that Aerith was nowhere in sight. Barret began to panic, and screamed out the girl's name as he rushed back and forth, hoping to spot her. When he could not see her, her rushed down a path, still calling out her name. In his mind, he could see Tifa killing him for losing Aerith. How could he have fallen asleep? He swore at himself for being so stupid to close his eyes just for a second while Aerith was wandering around.

"AERITH!" he yelled as loud as he could, "AERITH, WHERE ARE YOU?"

He rushed forward when he saw the small umbrella that Aerith was given laying upon the ground; next to it he saw the wild flowers and basket thrown across. Suddenly the worst thing came to mind: what if a wild animal came and carried Aerith off? Or what if one of Sephiroth's henchmen came and took her away? Barret grabbed the side of his head and drew in a deep breath to shout for Aerith again, when suddenly he was interrupted.

"Uncle Barret?" Aerith asked, tugging at his shirt.

Barret's eyes widened as he turned around to see the young princess looking up at him. The moment he saw her, he gathered the girl in his arms, hugging her tightly. He lifted her off the ground and began thanking anything and everything for Aerith being alive and well.

"Uncle… Barret… can't breathe…" Aerith choked.

Barret let her go and looked down her, noting how she was soaked to the skin in her dress.

"What happened to you?" Barret asked. "I told you not to wander off. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

Aerith looked down sadly. "I'm sorry, Uncle Barret. I wanted to pick flowers for you so you wouldn't be sad..."

She looked back up at her uncle, about ready to cry. Barret tried to stay mad at her, but seeing her emerald green eyes look so watery and sad, he could not. Sighing, he reached down and placed his hand on her shoulder and hugged her again.

"Let's get home, kiddo," Barret sighed.

He picked Aerith up and placed her on his shoulders. He then gave her back her umbrella, basket, and flowers. Aerith held onto her uncle and her things as he made the trek home. Aerith turned over to the bushes, however, and waved good-bye to Nanaki and Cait Sith, who were hiding there. She smiled as she saw Cait Sith's paw waving back at her. The two were rather apprehensive of meeting with humans, after a previous horrible experience that had happened to them.

As Barret walked, Aerith held onto her uncle, watching the scenery. She watched the leaves rustle in the trees from the wind, and the tiny droplets on the leaves scatter around. When a large drop hit Aerith on the top of her head, she looked up, wondering if it was going to rain. It was then when she noticed something far off in the distance: a large palace. She stared at it, curiosity filling her. She had never before seen something like that.

"Uncle Barret!" she said tapping his head.

"What is it?" he asked.

"What's that big thing over there?" She pointed toward the palace.

Barret looked over and felt a little apprehensive about telling her; after all that was where Aerith's real home was. In eleven more years, she would return there and become a princess, marry, and eventually rule the Cetra.

"That's a castle," he said. "That is where a king and queen live. Those very rich people are the boss of all people in the city. They are very nice, though, and have fancy clothes and throw fun parties. They even have a little princess who is really cute and kind."

"What's a princess?" Aerith asked innocently.

"A princess is a kind and beautiful girl who is the daughter of the king and queen. She is very rich and everyone loves her."

"Does she have a lot of friends, too?"

"Yes, she has lots of friends, toys, chocobos and anything she could imagine."

"WOW!" Aerith said excitedly bouncing on his shoulders. "Uncle Barret, can I be a princess someday?"

Barret smiled sadly, thankful that Aerith could not see. She was so innocent, and yet he wished he could tell her about her truly being a princess. No, it was for her safety not to know.

"You can be whatever you want," Barret said as he noticed the sun beginning its descent. "We'd better get back home, birthday girl!"

Aerith nodded and held onto Barret as they walked through the forest. She smiled, thinking about being a princess, a childlike thing to think of. Just as they were approaching the cottage, Barret took Aerith off his shoulders.

"Oh, and Aerith," Barret said softly as they walked. "Let's not tell Tifa or Yuffie about you getting lost, okay?"

X, X, X,

Author Note- I bet you were expecting some Clorith here but I really wanted to do this chapter. I had the idea of Barret accidentally losing Aerith and having freak out but it is all good. Anyway, the next chapter is with Aerith nearing her sixteenth birthday so sit tight and enjoy. Oh and please, leave a review.

Edit: thanks to my beta for editing the story.