The Lady in Red Fur

Chapter 9

"No sign of the lady, my prince," said Tseng. "We searched all night and all morning. Every inch of the castle, the grounds, and even the town was searched. It was as if she simply vanished."

Cloud sighed miserably. His birthday party had ended late last night and he had no choice but to remain and entertain his guests less he snub someone. The only thing that made that night worth his time was the dance with a lovely lady dressed in rubies and a humble bowl of soup. He touched the flower tucked in his breast pocket. The prince had not slept or changed from his birthday attire. He hoped that his guards would have located the mysterious lady.

"I am deeply sorry," Tseng apologized with a bow.

Cloud nodded and said, "You did your best. Go take your leave and rest."

Cloud left and Tseng watched him go. When his prince was away he turned and went into the hall where the other guards were waiting. Zack was leaning on a wall, yawning, Reno and Rude were chatting with each other, like always. Tifa looked sleepy but tried her best to not yawn. She spotted Tseng first. Also, in the room was Rufus. He was the only one who looked as if has slept. He was dressed in a fresh outfit, in white and light gray.

"Is the prince well?" Tifa asked.

"He had not slept." Tseng answered.

"Neither did we," Reno growled. "We were sent on a wild goose chase."

"Reno!" The other guards snapped.

"This is most unfortunate," Rufus grumbled. "Now I have to go and make a list of eligible women for his highness to marry."

The guards looked at Rufus as if he was insane. He ignored their looks and mentally began naming off girls he knew off the top of his head that the prince could marry.

Elsewhere, Aerith was heading for the dining hall. By now the royals and such would have finished and Aerith could take her fill without offending anyone with her appearance. She entered the hall and saw the buffet table still filled with delicious looking food. Fresh sliced bread, meats, vegetables, and fruits. Aerith leaned over to take some of the bread when a voice growled at her from the table.

"A rug is eating from the royal table?"

Aerith looked up to see King Cid at the head of the table. However, what was really odd was that his guards were sitting on either side. Both had plates full of food and goblets filled with drink.

"Forgive me your highness," Aerith said. "I thought everyone had gone and..."

"I don't care," he snapped. "Get your food and sit down."

"Your highness?" Aerith asked, confused.

"Did I stutter? I said get your food and sit down."

Aerith grabbed the bread she was eyeing and began to head for the table. Cid held up his hand.

"Stop pretending to be a lady," the king snapped. "You're what a..."

"Hermit," Barret said. "She is a hermit found by your nephew while on a hunt."

"How did you know?" Aerith asked.

"You think someone wasn't going to mention you to me? They act is if I gave a sh-"

"My king," Vincent said softly. "Regardless she is a lady."

"SHIT!" Cid finished. "I don't care what my nephew does as long as he isn't some power hungry whore monger."

"You don't care what he does?" Aerith asked, flinching as his words.

Cid shrugged picking up a goblet. He drank deeply and then nodded his head to the table. "Grab and eat. I'm tired of these "ladies of the court" starving themselves so they can have the waist the size of a toothpick."

Aerith gathered a good amount of food. She did not think she would eat this much but she took enough to keep Cid from anymore anger. He then nodded his head to a seat at the table. Aerith did not know which seat so she took one a seat away from Barret. She began with her bread.

"So you're a guest in my nephew's palace" King Cid asked.

Aerith nodded. "Yes, your majesty."

"You're awfully polite for a hermit." he noted. "Don't you agree?"

Vincent answered, "Yes, your highness."

Barret concurred, "Very polite."

He eyed her and Aerith bowed her head. She swallowed some bread she was chewing.

"I am polite unless I want to see myself being thrown out of the castle." Aerith replied.

"HA!" Cid laughed. "You could shit on the palace floor and my nephew would still invite you to this table and eat."

Aerith's face went red and she was glad for the hood over her. Barret and Vincent did not even stir at the comment. They must have been immune to his comments. Yet, she felt odd. Not only did his comments bother her but why would he want her to sit at the table.

"Do you disapprove of me here?" asked Aerith.

Cid grunted. "If I disapproved of you here I would have had Vincent throw you out. I rather have some hermit sitting here instead of some ass-kissing highborn."

Aerith smirked. Cid grinned in response.

"You know about how much they kiss the butt of a royal don't you?" he asked.

"I've seen a lot..." Aerith said vaguely.

"The ladies are the worst. They would tell me I am the most handsome man in the world just to get me to favor them. Not many people are honest. I wish more people would be honest. At least then I wouldn't have to listen to such shit coming out of their mouths."

Aerith let out a sigh. "There isn't a single lady who tells you the truth?"

"There is one," Barret said suddenly.

"Shut up," Cid snapped.

Aerith looked curious. He gave a sharp look to his guard. Cid turned back to Aerith, looking irritable.

"One girl," he growled. "She is a hell of a lot younger than me but she speaks her mind. Why I put her on my council."

Aerith looked surprised. Cloud spoke his mind to his uncle, clearly, perhaps that is why they had a good relationship. Aerith wondered if this girl he was talking about was special to him. The red fur girl relaxed and soon the conversation became pleasant. Aerith listened to Cid talk and she answered. Soon she realized she had eaten her entire plate of food as Cid finished his own plate. He stood up and pushed his chair back. He looked over at the fur clad girl and grunted.

"You, Rug, I like you." he said. "If you ever stop gawking at my nephew and get bored of him come to my kingdom. I could use someone interesting to talk to."

Aerith blushed.

Vincent cleared his throat, "Shall I announce to your nephew of our departure?"

"Well, I guess I should make a formal good bye to that damn kid." Cid huffed.

"Have a safe trip my lord," Aerith told the king. "You and your companions."

Cid smirked, "I'm sure I'll see you again for my nephew's coronation. Not that I want to be here at this place. The wine is bad and the food is shit."

Barret laughed, "You're drinking tea not wine."

"No wonder it tastes like shit."

The King and his companions laughed. Aerith tried not to but found herself laughing with them.

A few days after King Cid took his leave, Aerith was on her way to find Yuffie to help with the chores. Of course, now there seemed to be more loads of clothes and linens that needed to be washed and pressed. Aerith did not mind the work. Yuffie was eternally grateful for the help.

"So how has your training going? Have you improved?" Aerith asked the younger girl.

"Oh! Definitely," Yuffie said, her voice rising with excitement. "Elena was helping me the other day. She helped me improve my aim with a shuriken! She knows how to use many different weapons. Oh my gosh she is so amazing!"

Aerith laughed. "It sounds wonderful. Perhaps I can watch you train sometime?"

"Absolutely! Maybe Elena will show you how to fight. That way you can defend the prince like me someday!"

"Uh..." Aerith said hesitantly. "I am not one for weapons, really."

"But Red!" Yuffie whined.

Aerith had never held a weapon in her life and it frightened her. What if she hurt herself.

"Well, if you don't want to train then I guess I can protect you," Yuffie said, puffing out her chest. She then went and jabbed the air making small "HA" noises as she hit an invisible opponent.

Aerith laughed. "You'll have to protect the prince though."

"I have to protect everyone! It's a job of a guard, ya know?" Yuffie grinned. "And protecting my friend is also my job!"

Aerith smiled, "Thanks, Yuffie, it means a lot."

After doing the chores, Yuffie practically dragged Aerith to the training grounds. The grounds were littered with knights, soldiers, and others practicing sparring. The sounds of arrows whizzing into targets, swords clanking against one another, and the grunting of a occasional person getting hit could be heard. Yuffie scanned the area and finally spotted a petite looking girl with short blond-hair. Elena, although short, was taller than both Yuffie and Aerith. She wore a standard navy uniform with the kingdom's seal pinned to her chest.

"Elena!" Yuffie called.

Elena arched her eyebrow, not at Yuffie but the red creature in tow. Aerith could not remember actually meeting Elena but she was sure the woman had seen or at the very least heard of a the "creature in red fur."

"Finish your chores?" Elena asked.

"Yes," Yuffie's chipper response came. "And I brought my friend a long to watch."

Elena's eyebrows furrowed. "Oh, really?"

Elena eyed Aerith who kept her head bow. The woman circled around Aerith. She made several "hm" sounds as she studied her carefully.

Elena shrugged. "You are an odd thing..."

Yuffie puffed her cheeks in anger, "Elena she is my friend!"

The blond-haired girl looked surprised, "Oh... I'm sorry."

Aerith shook her head. "It's okay, I am used to it. Really!"

Elena blushed in embarrassment and looked over at Yuffie to change the subject. "Shall we begin?"

Yuffie nodded. The two women took stances. Yuffie put up her fists and Elena followed suit. The two began circling each other. Aerith felt uneasy watching them.

"Ready, kid?" Elena smirked.

"Always!" Yuffie grinned.

Elena started off reading her attack. She lunged at Yuffie, her arms swinging to hit her. Yuffie blocked, stepping backwards to give herself room to mount an offense. Aerith watched, wringing her hands. She bit down on her lower lip. Elena parried Yuffie's own attacks and then smacked her side. Yuffie grunted. Elena brought her fist down hard knocking Yuffie on her butt.

"You keep your left side open," Snapped Elena. "I'm not going to always going to go easy on you."

Yuffie grimaced. "I know, I know."

Aerith moved away. "I'm sorry Yuffie... I have to go."

Yuffie got up. "Oh... okay Red."

As Aerith ran off Elena looked at her pupil. "What's wrong with her?"

Yuffie shrugged, "I don't know."

Aerith hurried inside, wrapping her arms around her. She stopped momentarily leaning against the wall. Memories of Cissnei filled her. She wondered if she recovered. She did not see her after the incident and the young woman wondered if she would ever see her again. Rubbing her face, Aerith wanted to go back to her room. As she turned the corner she felt her legs hit something. Aerith let out a cry as she tumbled down to the ground.

A groan escaped the young woman, followed by another groan that came from someone else. Aerith crawled into a sitting position and looked back to see what she tripped on. It was a cat with black and white fur, wearing gloves and a cape.

"Oh my goodness," Aerith cried. "Are you hurt kitty?"

"Only my back," he muttered rolling over. He opened his eyes and looked shocked. "What the heck are ya?"

Aerith sighed and said, "A girl."

"You look like a..."

"Giant walking rug? A creature?" She suggested.

"Well, you said it not me."

Aerith srolled her eyes and got up. The little cat hopped up, landing on his feet. He stood straight up and lifted his paw up.

"I am Cait Sith," he introduced.

"No, name," Aerith said taking his paw to shake. "But you can call me whatever you want. Everyone else does."

"Well then, Miss Fur, maybe you can help me then." Cait Sith said. "I am looking for someone of great importance."

"Unfortunately, I am not sure where exactly Prince Cloud is at the moment." Aerith said

Cait Sith rubbed his chin. "Well, that wasn't exactly what I... never mind, I guess the throne room would be a good place to look. Would it be much trouble to take me there?"

Aerith nodded. "Follow me."

The little cat walked in step with her. Aerith did not find him odd. After all, she spoke to talking moogles and a large red beast. The cat had a smile on his face as he walked. Aertih held her hood closer to her, hoping her would not look up and be able to see her face under the hood.

"So is the prince a kind man?" Cait Sith inquired. "I heard he is young and ruthless."

"Where did you hear that?" Aerith asked, appalled by the accusation.

"Rumors, lassie," he explained. "How else could a young prince come to the throne?"

"Those are lies!" Aerith stated firmly. "Prince Cloud is a good prince and I believe he will make a fine king when the time comes."

"Oh do you?" Cait Sith said, scratching his chin. "Why do you have such a high opinion of him?"

"He showed me great kindness."

"Why would he show a hermit like you kindness?"

"I saved his life and he saved me from living out in the forest in winter."

"Oh, so he owed you?" The cat said skeptically. "Does that sound kind to you?"

"Why are you asking me so many questions and still persist on thinking the prince is a cruel man?" Aerith asked. "Why don't you see him for yourself and form your own opinion?"

"Someone can act kind but then be shown to not be so kind," Cait Sith stated. "I value the opinion of those who are not a royal."

"Why do you care if the prince is kind or not?" The princess questioned suspiciously.

Caith Sith grinned. "How else will I offer my allegiance to someone?"

The two arrived in the throne room where Cloud was preparing to take the throne and listen to his kingdom's people issues. Zack nudged the prince to get his attention. Cloud smiled.

"My Lady," he said kindly. "Is there something troubling you?"

"Not at all, your highness, I just wanted to..."

Cait Sith interrupted, "Introduce me to you. I am Cait Sith. I am here in hopes to offer my allegiance to you good prince."

"We have a rug walking around and now a talking cat?" Reno said. "What next a chocobo? A moogle?"

Cloud looked back at Reno with a glare. Aerith rolled her eyes and said, "Just because you never seen one doesn't meant they don't exist."

"Then how would you know?" Zack asked, honestly.

"Maybe she is a moogle!" Reno laughed.

Cloud's glare burned. Tifa sighed and slapped Reno causing him to yelp. Cloud shook his head and turned to Aerith.

"I apologize, My Lady." Cloud insisted.

"Excuse me," Caith Sith huffed. "I am here representing my leader."

Cloud looked at him. "And who is your lord or lady?"

Cait Sith held up a paw and shook his paw. "Anonymous, until I am convinced that you are worthy of our help. You see I come from a kingdom that is wealthy and an alliance with us would greatly benefit you."

Cloud looked over at Rufus who had been watching with a mirth look upon his face.

"What do you think?" He asked.

"Well, who would not want to align with us. After all, he would gain the allegiance of your uncle's kingdom as well."

Cloud turned back to Cait Sith. "And how is it that I can secure this allegiance? Also, why would I align with your kingdom? "

"In time... " The cat purred. "You see, the one who rules me believes highly in you. Reasons are her own but if what she believes to be true then in time your highness you will be more than willing to align with us."

Cloud smirked. "Alright one question before I have to talk to my people."

"Yes?"

"How did you get inside my castle?"

Cait Sith laughed. "Your guards are rather easy to slip by."

"Wait!" Interrupted Zack. "You sneaked in here? You're an intruder!"

"No one stopped me. Oh heaven forbid I was an assassin your prince would be dead. Maybe you should invest in better guards, my prince."

Zack growled. "Who the hell do you think you are, you mangy cat!"

Cloud lifted his hand to silence them. "Cait Sith, you are welcome in my palace. We can talk again once I hear from my people. If you require a room..."

After giving Cait Sith his own room, Aerith was tasked with escorting him to his room. Despite the annoyance to Zack and Reno, Cloud did not seem to mind the cat. Rufus for whatever reason seemed indifferent. Regardless, the whole thing seemed odd. Yet, Cait Sith seemed harmless. Once at the room Cloud assigned him, Aerith bid the cat farewell.

"Have a good rest of your day," Aerith said, turning to leave.

The Cat smiled. "I hope to see you again."

Aerith turned her head slightly. "Me?"

"You seem interesting. At least, kinder than some of the others here."

"I see... well thank you."

"I'll be watching you, Miss Fur."

XXX

"He attacked one of my men," King Weiss snapped.

"We understand that it was uncalled for, your highness," Lazard said for the queen. "However..."

"No," Weiss interrupted. "My guards have been prevented from using any force and I have kept my end of that order."

"Your highness please, Sir Hewley is..." Buganhagen tried to reason.

King Weiss's eyes narrowed, becoming slits. He had been arguing before the Queen and her advisers for the last ten minutes about Angeal's assault on Azul. Angeal stood stoic off to the side. He made his case and admitted he was baited to Ifalna. The Queen looked pained at this. When Cissnei was baited she knew it was because the girl was young and proud of her skills. She was shocked to see a veteran like Angeal come to blows. When she asked what was said, Angeal refused to answer claiming it would not matter.

Aerith remained outside the door, listening intently. She was supposed to return to her room but the princess was not about to let something happen to Angeal. He was a good man and if push came to shove she would interject herself on his behalf and fight furiously for him.

"I want him removed from my sight," snapped Weiss.

Nero was standing behind him. "My brother is being lenient on this. In our country we would have his hand removed."

Nero grinned wickedly. Aerith shuddered from behind the door. Her mother would never do it but the thought was awful.

"Angeal will be removed for the time being," Ifalna announced.

"He should be removed permanently," Nero said.

"He is my guard, Prince Nero," Ifalna said, her voice filled with authority. "I apologize on his behalf for the attack and he will be further punished by MY choice. That is all!"

The queen dismissed the prince and king. Ifalna's voice was law. Weiss nodded and with a quick bow swept passed his brother toward the door. Aerith could hear the footsteps approaching and hurried from the door. When it opened, Weiss caught her eye. Aerith could feel those eyes wash over her, cold and frightening. He turned from her and walked the other way. Prince Nero avoided all eye contact and followed his brother.

Aerith let out a breath she did not know she was holding when she heard a conversation beginning within the room. She cocked her ear to the door and moved closer so she could hear without being spotted.

"Angeal, I am disappointed in you," Ifalna said. "I thought you had more sense than Cissnei. I assigned you to protect my daughter believing you would not be foolish enough to be baited.

"I am ashamed of my action," Angeal said, bending to one knee. "I accept my punishment as you see fit."

Lazard cleared his throat. "I don't believe you understand the severity of this! This alliance is more important than your ego."

"This alliance is already fragile enough as is!" Heidegger growled. "You, Sir Hewley, have made tensions rise once again. King Weiss is already become impatient with us, especially with this wedding..."

"Not to mention the expenses," Palmer said.

"Enough," Ifalna said, clearly annoyed. Her advisers became quiet. "I am tired of these petty issues. Angeal you are relieved of your duty for the time being. I shall assign another to Aerith's protection."

"As you wish, My Queen." Angeal said before rising. He left the room without another word. Once in the hallway, he found the princess looking at him. He nodded his head toward her before sweeping past.

"Angeal!" Aerith called, walking after him. "Wait!"

Angeal stopped and looked at his princess.

"What did Azul say to you?" Aerith asked.

"It was nothing." he insisted.

"Nothing?" Aerith looked shocked. "It was not nothing! You nearly pummeled him until he was bleeding. I know you better than that. To simply hit someone because foolish bating is beneath you!"

It was not just a simple punch that Angeal delivered to Azul. No, the older guard and hit him several time, bloody and bruising his face. Aerith had stared in shock unable to believe he could do such a thing. Rosso had tried to aid in her ally's defense but Angeal just tossed her aside before delivering one final punch to Azul's face.

When all was said and done, Angeal took Aerith firmly by the hand and placed her on her chocobo before mounting his own. He did not say a word but escorted back to the palace. Not to long after Rosso and Azul returned and instantly went whimpering to their king to complain. Now it was all said and done, Aerith was ready to storm into the room to make her mother reconsider. Yet, before she could she noticed Angeal's face.

Aerith could see such distress on her guard's face. What could be going on in his head, the princess could not even understand.

"Angeal..." the princess said softly.

"My princess," he spoke. "Any word that disgraces me can be spoken about me. I do not care what others think of me. However, any words that speak ill of you or your mother I will not allow."

Hesitantly, Angeal placed a gentle hand on the princess's cheek. "Have courage princess and do what you must."

He let go, giving her a curt bow right after and then was gone. Aerith felt sadness rush over her. She stood there for what seemed like forever when one of the Queen's advisers stepped out from the room.

"Princess?" his gentle voice called out.

Aerith turned to see Reeve approaching her. The sadness must have clearly shown on her face for his face looked worried.

"Are you well?" he asked.

Aerith shook her head but did not utter a word.

"Do you need a physician?"

The princess shook her head again.

"Shall I take you to your room?"

Aerith nodded. Reeve kindly held out his arm for the princess to take. She gingerly placed her hand on his elbow and the adviser led her away. As they walked Reeve could feel the sadness in the princess. He glanced down at the young woman and frowned.

"Princess," he said softly. "Are you sure you are well?"

He knew the answer. The princess nodded causing the adviser to frown deeper.

"I am sorry for Angeal as well as for Cisnei," he insisted. "These were unfortunate situations and for you to have to witness them is unpleasant."

They stopped at the door to her room. Aerith let go and proceeded to enter when Reeve spoke up once again.

"Princess, whatever happens in the future, know that we all care for you and are watching over you."

Aerith looked at him for a moment. She nodded and said a quiet "thank you" before entering her room.

Entering her room, Aerith locked the door behind her before slumping down to the floor near the fireplace. Soon after, Red XIII curled up next to her. Aerith leaned into him finding his fur warm and comforting. The large beast looked at her with his only good eye. Aerith buried her face in him and quietly wept. The red beast placed a paw on her for comfort. The same time the moogles had flown through the window carrying their supplies when they saw their princess. One by one they gathered around her offering their comfort.

Once Aerith felt better, the group began work on the coat. Mog fitted the sleeve to the coat, stitching carefully. Moglin and Cosmog were busy stuffing the chocobo feathers within the lining of the second sleeve.

"A few more days and we should be finished," Mog said, puffing his chest out. He looked over his and his friend's work with pride. "I think this is the best coat I ever made."

"Me too!" Cosmog agreed.

Moglin rolled her eyes, "And when have you two ever made a coat before this?"

Cosmog and Mog looked and one another and then placed their paws over their ears. Both of them then shouted out, "WE CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

Aerith laughed, her heart feeling lighter. She then said. "How about I go collect some kupo nuts for you."

"YES!" the three said immediately, forgetting their little tiff.

Aerith got up and said to Red XIII, "I'll bring you something as well."

"My thanks," the red beast responded.

Aerith left her room, closing the door behind her. She headed down toward the garden when she was stopped by Elmyra.

"My princess," she called out.

Aertih stopped. "Yes?"

"Your presence is required at the parlor." she said.

Aerith sighed. "Very well, I am on my way."

Aerith wondered what her mother could want now. Was she already assigning her a new guard? She hoped it would not be a long talk. She was more worried about her friends and their needs rather than having someone she did not know watch over her.

The princess softly knocked on the parlor door before grasping the knob and entering. She walked in the smaller room that adjoined the actual parlor.

"Mother?" she called out.

She entered the larger room. When she did she let out a small gasp. Before her, elegantly presented on mannequins were three gowns. The first was on adorned with rubies, the second emeralds, and the last with diamonds. All three were sparkling from the rays of the sun coming from the window. Aerith felt her knees go weak. She nearly fell when a hand grasped her arm. Aerith cried out and turned around.

Before her staring intently at her was King Weiss. The look in his eyes were cold but his lips twitched into a wicked smirk. Aerith slipped from his grasp and stepped backwards.

"So here we are princess." King Weiss said.

"Where is my mother?" Aerith asked.

"Your mother isn't here because I was the one who summoned you." Weiss explained.

"What do you want from me?" the princess asked her voice wavering under his gaze.

"You know what I want." he snapped. "Your mother and the council already know."

King Weiss grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. Aerith stumbled, a cry escaping her as she collapsed into the King. Aerith looked up at him in fear. She winced in pain. His hand gripped hers so tightly she was afraid he would break her hand. He held out a ring. It was her engagement ring. The king took the ring and forcefully placed it on her finger.

"You are going to marry me. I kept my end of the deal. I made the dresses you wanted and now you will give me what I want. You as my queen."

He then grabbed her face and kissed her furiously. Aerith made a noise and tried to push him off her but he was not going to let her go until he was done. When he was done, he let Aerith go. She hurried away from him but before she could exit the room he called to her.

"Princess," he said with a amused look. "Your new guard will be none other than Rosso. I don't think there is anyone else I could trust more to look after you, other than my own guard."

Aerith rushed out of the room, tears on the brim of her eyes. She ran through the halls until she burst through her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Her action startled the moogles and Red XIII. They stared at the princess who was holding the door with her hands as if someone were threatening to break in.

"Princess?" Mog called out, holding onto his needle and tread. "Is something wrong?"

"Where the kupo nuts?" Cosmog asked innocently.

Aerith spun around and looked at them fearfully. "We have to finish the coat tonight!" she cried, "The dresses... King Weiss has finished them. Tomorrow... the wedding is tomorrow!"

The room fell completely silent that the needle that Mog dropped could be heard.