The Lady in Red Fur

Chapter 10

Fall had just ended and the chill in the air became colder. Aerith had become accustomed to life in Cloud's palace. The remarks of her being a "the creature" and such have died down as the servants had become used to her presence now. She liked helping Yuffie with the laundry but she still refused to watch Yuffie training as it made her uncomfortable. Cait Sith was a welcome presence to her as he was friendly but also mysterious. He would always show up when she least expected it.

The moogles were now residents of her room. Despite being fully covered in fur the little friends did not like the bitter cold. Aerith did not mind having them curl up with her on her bed as she slept. She loved them so much and would bring them food and drink. She also did not mind when they gathered the rest of the kupo nuts from the tree to store in her room for winter.

One particular morning, Aerith went outside into the courtyard. The ground was covered with a dust of snow. The cold did not bother her. Her fur coat was warmer than she thought. She frowned a bit when she saw how bare the garden looked without it's flowers and leaves on the trees. Aerith wished for spring so she could see the flowers bloom.

As she traveled, lost in her thoughts, she passed by a fountain drained of its water. She glanced at the figure on top that looked like some maiden. As she stared, she did not see or hear a person approach her from behind.

"You like it?" asked Prince Cloud.

Aerith jumped, obviously startled. "Y-your highness!"

Aerith had not talked much with the prince recently. He was busy ruling his kingdom and had much to do. They talked in passing but would always be interrupted by Rufus. Aerith noticed her was dressed in dark blue and black garb. A long fur cape draped over his shoulders, shielding him from the cold.

Cloud smiled, "Sorry, I did not mean to scare you."

Aerith shook her head. "No, no I was just admiring the figure on top."

Cloud moved toward her and looked up at the figure with her. Aerith looked at him curiously. His hands were bare. Aerith wondered why he did not wear gloves out in the cold. She herself, always wore the red leather gloves on her hands to conceal herself.

Cloud motioned toward the figure on the fountain. "You know who that is?"

Aerith shook her head.

"That's my mother." Cloud beamed, his eyes shining. "Father had this made for her as a memorial when she died. It's as if she is always watching over me."

"Your father must have loved her so much." Aerith said. "As you do."

Cloud nodded and took a seat on the fountain. "Very much."

Cloud motioned for a spot on the fountain for her to sit. Aerith felt unsure if she should. She wanted to sit next to him. Memories of their dance flooded her. Her heart slammed in her chest but that moment with him felt so long ago now. She wondered if Cloud even remembered.

"Please sit, My Lady," Cloud said. "Unless you find my intrusion unpleasant."

Aerith shook her head. "No, I am glad we can talk again."

Cloud smiled when Aerith took a seat but she kept a good space between them. She kept her head bowed as she carelessly fiddled with her coat. Cloud looked off into the distance of the courtyard, staring at nothing specific. A soft sigh escaped him and Aerith glanced up at him.

"Is something wrong?" Aerith asked.

"Just thinking..." he replied.

"About? If something is troubling you then please tell me so I can help you."

Cloud looked at her. "Oh, it's just my coronation is coming up. Rufus is making a big deal. To be honest, I've scheduled my coronation to be during the cold months so that way the celebration will be small."

"Why is that?"

Cloud smirked. "Did you see my birthday? Rufus was making it a massive spectacle. Girls were gawking at me as if I was some prized chocobo."

The two shared a laugh before Cloud continued. "The less people the better. My uncle will be there, hopefully, and maybe some of the nearby royals and highborn. Of course, we'll be sending invitations to everyone so we won't offend anyone but they won't all come because of the snow."

"You are sneaky, your highness." Aerith said.

Cloud grinned but soon after let out another sigh.

"What is it your highness?" the fur clad girl asked.

"On my birthday there was this girl and..."

"A girl?" A voice interrupted.

The two jumped up from their seats and looked to see Cait Sith lounging on the base of the fountain sculpture.

"Please, do keep talking." the cat said. "I would love to know more about her."

Cloud shook his head. "You and me both. Cait Sith can I help you?"

The cat bounded from his spot and stood on the edge of the fountain. He smiled at the prince.

"No, I was just wandering around. Your guards are easy to slip by."

Cloud rolled his eyes. "Do you always sneak around?"

Cait Sith yawned. "Actually, I was napping when I saw Miss Fur here walking about. I find her quite interesting. The most interesting person in this palace anyway."

Aerith blushed. "I am just a hermit."

"I find her interesting as well," Cloud admitted openly. "At least when I talk to you, My Lady, it isn't about who I should marry or how I should run this kingdom and so on."

"I like her because she isn't trying to skin me alive like your guards," Cait Sith joked.

"Your highness? Are you out here?"

Cloud let out a groan. He knew who was calling out to him but that did not mean he wanted to hear it. He was enjoying his time outside in the frosty air talking to Aerith and Cait Sith. A second later Rufus appeared from behind a hedge. He was dressed in white and gray, his usual choice of colors, while draped with a long fur cloak.

"There you are, your highness," he said, relieved. "I have been looking everywhere for you."

"Sure looks it," Caith Sith commented.

Rufus gave him a disapproving look. "Haven't the guards thrown you out yet?"

"If they could catch me I am sure they would." The cat purred.

Ignoring their banter Cloud spoke, "What is it Rufus?"

"Your coronation is in two days and there is still much to do." Rufus said. "Please come with me we must make haste."

Cloud sighed and looked Cait Sith and Aerith sadly. "Forgive me, I must take my leave."

Cloud turned to leave with Rufus when he stopped. He turned back around, walked over to, and looked at Aerith. "Oh, My Lady, would it be too much trouble to ask for a bowl of soup, for me to enjoy at my coronation?" he then added in a lower voice, "It will be the most enjoyable part of my night if you do."

Aerith's heart thudded. She nodded, "As you wish, your majesty."

Smiling, Cloud went off with Rufus, who was now rapidly discussing the plans. Aerith watched them go. She could feel her heart beat quicken. He was still thinking about the girl he met at his birthday celebration. He was thinking about her. Aerith wanted desperately to pull off her hood and reveal herself, to once again hold his hand and feel the warmth.

"Eh... lassie you okay?" Caith Sith asked.

"No, not really," Aerith admitted.

"Why is that?" the cat prodded.

"I wish for once, my life would go my way."

Cait Sith frowned. "Don't we all."

Without warning, Cait Sith bounded from his spot and walked off. Aerith looked after him and wondered if he felt the same about his own life or something. She turned back to where Cloud had been to see he was no longer in the courtyard. She was alone.

XXX

"Why are they having a party?" Mog asked. "It's so cold to be traveling."

He moved to wrap himself in Aerith's fur cloak. Despite being furry the little moogle could not stand the cold weather. Moglin and Cosmog were sitting near the fire. Moglin was trying to warm herself while Cosmog was toasting a kupo nut.

"It's Cloud's coronation." Aerith explained.

"Seems a bit much," Mog said. "Do royals have parties for everything?"

Aerith chuckled, "Well, I know he isn't too thrilled about being there."

She moved to the fire and knelt down with her friends. "However, he did ask me to make some soup for him after the first set of dancing."

The moogles' ears perked up at the word soup. Aerith confirmed that she would make more for them. Suddenly, there was a eruption of cheers, not from her friends, but from the guests. It signified that Cloud was now crowned king. Soon after music began to play causing Aerith to sigh.

"Why don't you go down there?" Mog asked. "We know you want to."

Aerith looked at her friends and shook her head. "Oh, no! Last time I was almost caught... and I can't go in this fur cloak. I don't want the attention."

"But the prince... I mean king wants you there," Moglin said. "I'm sure he would be glad to see you in one of your pretty dresses."

She floated over to the satchel under her bed and began tugging it out. She looked over at Aerith who was pondering the idea. It was tempting, too tempting. The last time, dancing and talking to Cloud with no cloak to hide her felt so good. She wanted to be with him again. The moogles could clearly see the longing in her eyes.

"Come on, you know you want to," Moglin urged.

"Absolutely not!" Aerith protested. "I need to stay hidden. Last time was a big mistake and..."

The three moogles looked at her, Cosmog was cracking open his toasted kupo nut ready to eat it. They could tell she was debating it. She wanted to go down there, to be with Cloud. She was wringing her hands desperate to find any excuse to not go but her want to be with the newly crowned king was overwhelming.

"Oh hurry up and change! Cosmog and I will go outside." Mog said. "Just remember how cold it is!"

Cosmog groaned as he followed Mog out the window to give Aerith privacy. Moglin pulled out the dress decorated in emeralds. Aerith grinned as she slid off her cloak. Not too long after the dress was on her. Moglin carefully began to fiddle with her hair. Cosmog returned and helped clean the shoes again while Mog was examining her. He snapped his fingers and flew off in a flash. When he returned, Moglin had finished her hair, tying it into two low buns. Mog held in his hands a crown of holly leaves. He placed them on her head, which Aerith adored. Once the shoes were on her feet, the princess was ready.

"Alright," she said happily. "How do I look?"

"Give us a spin?" Moglin asked. Aerith obliged. The second she did the moogles cheered.

Cosmog whistled. "You look BE-AUT-IFUL!"

"But one thing is missing..." Mog searched through the satchel and found Aerith's mother rings. He flew back to Aerith and placed it on her finger. "Now you are perfect."

Down at the party, Cloud was watching his guests dancing. Now a heavy crown was resting on his head and he was in his most proper royal outfit. Dressed in a white dress shirt, a coat complete with a stiff collar, navy pants with intricate detailing and gold trimmings and his kingdom's insignia pinned to his coat completed his look. ,

"You look happy?" Zack said sarcastically.

Cloud rolled his eyes. "One of these days I'm going to put my foot down to having these parties. Is it really necessary to have to celebrate me being King. It's not as if I wasn't already ruling. Rufus must like these things. I wish my uncle could be here. He would at least make this night more interesting."

Zack smirked. "Well Rufus is definitely enjoying the company. I'm not sure he likes the way your uncle acts though."

"I don't think many people do." Cloud admitted.

Cloud looked over to see women gathered around Rufus. Cloud let out a miserable sigh.

"You know instead of moping why not go down there and mingle like he does." Zack suggested.

"You had fun at birthday last time." Tifa interjected herself into the conversation. "Why not give it a try."

Cloud looked solemnly. Last time, he was dancing with a a woman who was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Not only that she was nice to talk to, charming, and a good dancer. Cloud wished she did not run off. He could have danced with her all night had she stayed.

"Earth to the king," Zack said. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," Cloud lied.

"I think he is thinking of that pretty girl." Tifa teased lightly.

Zack grinned mischievously. "Oh so our king has a crush."

Cloud glared at him but Zack continued more serious this time. "Last time was a fluke. Not only that she wasn't even an invited guest."

A frown appeared on the king's face. Tifa glared at Zack readying her hand to smack him. Even if she was not invited last time, she would be this time. She be more than welcome to show up.

"Why not talk to one of the other girls?" Tifa suggested. "They may be... pleasant?"

The two could tell Cloud was not pleased with the idea. Suddenly, Cait Sith made his presence known, as he sat a top of the Cloud's throne. He had been watching over them like a statue, quiet and stoic.

"Is the king worried about something?" he purred.

The three looked up in shock to see him there. His tail twitched as he lounged comfortably on the throne as if it belonged there.

"How did you get there?" Tifa questioned.

Cait Sith shifted so he was standing. The cat flipped into the air and landed in front of Cloud. He gave a graceful bow.

"I have my ways," he said. "I did, however, notice King Cloud was looking gloomy. Is there a reason?"

"It's none of your business," Zack growled. "Why not go back to where you came from?"

"But, I cannot," he insisted. "I am here until I can be certain of..."

"No one needs you!" Zack argued, interrupting him.

Cait Sith hissed. "You know, just because you were too blind to see me coming from a mile away isn't my fault. Oh, if I was assassin this entire room would be dead by the time your thick head could even gather I was here."

"Why I out to..." Zack growled, his fists clenching.

Cloud rubbed his temples in frustration. Tifa frowned and went to scold Zack for being annoying. However, as the two began to argue the doors to the room opened and a girl in an emerald dress appeared at the top of the staircase. Cloud's eyes softened and he felt his heart somersault in his chest. It was her! The girl who had been dressed in rubies was now in shiny emeralds. The dress of emeralds had long flared sleeves and a skirt to the floor. The dress gave a peek at her of her creamy white shoulders caught by the light. Cloud was in awe. His eyes traveled up, taking note of the crown of holly leaves on her head.

The King stood, gaining the attention of everyone around him. They looked at him and then followed his gaze toward the top of the staircase. Soon everyone was staring at the girl in a dress of emeralds.

"Should we arrest her?" Zack asked.

Cloud did not hear what he asked, instead he was approaching her. Zack scratched his head and Tifa was smiling. She then noticed Cait Sith was studying the girl carefully.

"What is it?" she asked. "Have you seen her before?"

The cat snapped from his own daze and looked at the female bodyguard. "She is very pretty, isn't she lassie? Your king seems infatuated. Ah, well, I best be off. Parties like this are so stuffy."

Caith Sith then scurried off leaving Tifa confused. He did not even answer her question. Zack looked at Tifa and shrugged.

Cloud arrived at the bottom of the staircase where again they met. Aerith curtsied. Aerith felt her heart beating fast when Cloud took her hand. He carefully lifted her hand to his lips and brushed them across the back of her hand. He stared into her eyes, they looked brighter like the gems sewn to her dress.

"Congratulations," she whispered. "Your highness, on your coronation."

Cloud gave a wry smile. "It's just a title... dance with me?"

"If it's what you wish."

Cloud did not even respond before he took her out to center of the floor. His hand found her waist and he looked at her. She smiled and when the music looped they began to dance. Like before, other couples began to join soon after but they were center stage. Aerith's dress glistened in the ballroom lights as she danced. The smile in her eyes were as bright as the emeralds she was wearing, Yet, Cloud's face fell slightly, which Aerith noticed.

"I'm sorry," Cloud said during the middle of the dance.

"For what?" Aerith asked.

"Did I offend you last time?" he asked. "You ran off and..."

"Oh, no... I... I was afraid that I am an uninvited guest now and the last time."

Cloud gripped her hand tighter afraid she might run again. "No, I want you here. When I talk to you I feel as if I already know you."

Aerith blushed, "I feel the same." Even though it was true, Cloud did not know.

The comment made Cloud smile. His hand found the small of her back and he pulled her closer to him. His lips were near her ear and she could feel his breath tickling her ear. The two danced and talked again like before. Aerith could not be happier than being able to be like this again with Cloud. The feel of his hand upon hers was warm and inviting. While she was in the fur, he was always kind to her but she always kept up the barrier, keeping a distance. Now, she could enjoy it and be her true self.

The moogles had once again stealthily entered the room to watch the scenario. Moglin was instantly gushing at how romantic everything was. Mog and Cosmog were ready to gag at how Moglin was acting.

"Oh it is so cute," She whispered. "I wish someone could sweep me off my feet."

"You can't be swept off your feet," Mog chuckled. "You fly."

Cosmog munched on a kupo nut he had in his hand. Moglin turned around and glared at him.

"Can't you be quiet?" she asked. "Ugh you two are the most annoying moogles ever!"

The two boy moogles looked at one another and shrugged. Cosmog continued munch. Annoyed, Moglin floated to another area away from them. Cosmog and Mog watched her go before they continued to watch the events below.

Back on the dance floor, Cloud twirled Aerith around before clasping her hands again. The brunette smiled enjoying every minute. Yet, when Cloud's hand clasped hers he felt the ring on her finger. He looked down and noticed the very beautiful jewel on her finger. She had to be of someone of great importance possibly even royalty. Cloud was sure of it. Only someone of royalty would be able to have such extravagant garments and a ring like that.

"Princess?" Cloud said, "Are you a princess."

If she was a princess then she could very well be someone he could consider to be his wife. Of course, he would want to get to know her better but Cloud already felt as if he known her for a long time.

Aerith looked wide eyed at him. She could not let him know that. No, if she was a princess he would want to know where, who, and whatever else. She began shaking her head furiously.

"No... why would you think...?"

"Oh, it's just this ring and the dresses you wear." he explained. "I just thought you were one."

Suddenly a terrible thought entered his mind. If she was no a royal then was someone giving her these things? Could she very well be engaged?

"But a ring like that... it's not an engagement ring is it?"

Aerith shook her head. "It's my mother's ring."

Relief washed over Cloud. He smiled brightly as he held the girl emerald's close to him.

"Is something wrong your majesty?" asked Aerith.

"I was worried," he admitted, his hand tightening around her. "That this beautiful lady in front of me was already intended to someone else."

The feel of his hand gripping her made Aerith feel uncomfortable. Suddenly, a vision of King Weiss entered her mind and the last moment she had with him began to flood her.

"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."

Aerith cried out tearing her way from Cloud. She no longer saw the kind king she was used to but a image of King Weiss instead. Cloud looked confused at her abrupt fear. Aerith fled from him. The moogles saw the terrified look on their friend's face that they too looked confused and worried. Not missing a beat they hastened to escape the ball room to join up with Aerith.

"Wait!" Cloud called out. Aerith was getting away tears flowing down her face. Cloud tried to pursue. At the same time the guards were right behind.

"What's wrong your highness?" Tseng asked joining his king's side.

"I don't know... don't let her get away!" Cloud ordered.

The moogles watched the pursuit and worry was growing.

"Oh what do we do Mog?" Moglin cried. "They are going to catch her."

An idea popped into his head. He yanked the kupo nut that Cosmog had been holding out of his hands. He then with great aim chucked the nut at the king. The nut whizzed through the air and collided into Cloud's head. Cloud was stunned for a second and nearly landed to the floor had it not been for Tseng and Zack catching him.

"Your highness!" Tseng called.

"What happened?" Reno asked. "Is he okay?"

"I saw something fly through the air at him!" Elena said. "Where did it come from?"

The guards were talking loudly trying to grasp the situation. A few moments later, Cloud looked up but he was not looking at his guards. He was staring at the spot he had last saw the mystery woman. He then realized none of his guards were still pursuing her.

"Why are you here? Where is she? Why aren't you following her?" Cloud snapped at them.

"You were injured..." Zack trailed off nervously.

Cloud groaned. He looked miserably down the hall. "Go find her!"

All the guards but Tseng ran off. Tseng helped him off the ground. Not to long after the guards returned and to Cloud's disapproval they found no sign of the woman aside from a few leaves of holly. It was as if she vanished. He rubbed his face in frustration as a long sigh escaped his lips.

"Well, at least this time you got her name." Reno said. "We can find her now. Someone has to know her."

Cloud turned his head away. One by one his guards looked at him in disbelief.

"Oh come on!" Reno said. "You have got to be kidding me. What were you calling her that entire time?"

The guards turned and glared at Reno. Zack nodded to Tifa and with one good whack hit Reno on the back of the head. Reno let out a groan. He glared at her as she shook his head at him.

Cloud turned walking away from his guards. The awful knowing that he never asked her name made him feel even worse. She was gone, seemingly frightened by him. However, the worst part was the way his heart clenched tightly in his chest and the thought of "would he ever see her again," weighing heavy on his mind.

Up in her room Aerith was crouched over the ground clutching her cloak tightly to her, hiding beneath the red fur. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her body trembled. The moogles one by one flew through the window, finding their friend in this state. A worrisome look past between them. Mog was the one who flew to her placing his little hand to her.

Aerith cried out as she turned around but once she realized it was Mog and not the man she feared she calmed down slightly. Mog looked at her and without a thought hugged her. His arms could not reach around her due his small frame but the feel of his warmth and love was more than enough. Aerith wrapped her arms around him holding him close.

"What happened?" Mog asked, looking up at her.

"I saw him..." Aerith whispered. "I saw Weiss... he was there... he was..."

Her voice wavered and she was beginning to shake again. This time Cosmog and Moglin hugged her, offering what support they could.

Mog looked sadly up at her. "Aerith, he wasn't there."

"I... I saw him..." she replied.

Mog shook his head. Weiss was not there. The three moogles had been watching the entire time.

"Aerith he wasn't there," Mog said softly.

Aerith looked down at Mog. She was in fear of being found by Weiss and being dragged back to be married. She did not actually see Weiss. What Cloud said had triggered the awful image of him. She tilted her head down and buried her face into Mog's furry head. Warm tears poured out of her eyes.

XXX

The servants were working well into the night to prepare for the wedding. So many things had to be done before the morning that no one would sleep well this night. Not even Aerith and her companions. Each one of working vigorously to complete the coat of fur. Cosmog was busy stuffing the chocobo feathers into the lining of coat. Moglin was stitching the hood, trying carefully not to make a mistake that could cost him time. Mog had mysteriously disappeared realizing he something.

Aerith was trying her best to help in anyway she could but her inability to sew was more of a hindrance than anything. She nervously squeezed the skirt of her dress, wringing it in her fist. Red XIII tried his best to calm her down but the panic was setting in and time was running out. The three gowns were brought to her room along with shoes for each dress. They only served as a reminder to her that time was running out.

"Where is Mog?" Aerith asked, standing up. She went to the window and peered out into the night. "Why isn't he here helping? I need him here!"

"Princess," Moglin said. "please clam down. Mog only has your best interest at heart. Whatever he is doing is important I swear.

"I know," Aerith said trembling. "I just... I... I can't marry him. I am so scared what will happen if I do."

Red XIII stood and joined her. "Please, princess, trust your friends. I have faith that their task will be complete."

Aerith nodded and no sooner than she did, Mog returned carrying a large satchel. He landed on the ground letting out a large breath.

"Mog!" Everyone cried out.

"Where have you been?" Moglin cried out. "You know how important this coat is!"

Mog took a large gasp of air. "I got some stuff for the princess."

The moogle with the yellow pompom opened up the satchel he was carrying. Inside were several items that he carefully chose for her. Aerith picked up the items one by one. The first was a humble pink dress. It looked more like a commoner's dress rather than one for a princess. The second item was a pair of brown boots. They were sturdy and would be easier to walk in the heeled shoes. There was also a fire materia within for the princess could use it to see in the dark and light a campfire if need be. The final item was a pair of leather gloves, the same color of red as the coat.

"This is for you to wear." Mog said. "More comfortable than your gowns and shoes."

"Mog you think of everything." Aerith said, leaning over and pecking him on the cheek.

Mog gushed. "Well, I try. Now you go change and we'll continue on the coat."

Aerith took the items and went into the bath room that joined hers. When she came out, she was in the pink dress and brown boots. The moogles were too busy to notice as they were scrambling to complete the coat. Red XIII observed her.

"You know," he said honestly. "that outfit suits you."

Aerith laughed but soon subsided as she saw the three dresses before her. She looked down at the ring Weiss forced on her finger. Feeling disgusted, she yanked it off and threw it onto a nearby table. Without a word, she took the dresses off each mannequin. She folded them neatly and placed them in the satchel.

"Princess..." Mog said softly.

Aerith looked up from her work and said, "I can sell them for money and buy a place to live where it will be secluded. He will never find me and I can live comfortable."

That was her plan anyway but Mog was skeptical that it would work. However, he did not voice his opinion. Right now he needed to finish the coat and iron out the rest of the plan later. Once Aerith finished folding the dresses she tossed in the shoes for good measure. The last thing she packed away was her mother's ring. The words on the ring rang in her mind as she sat on the ground next to Red XIII and waited for the moogles to finish their work.

The wait was long and Aerith drifted off. Red XIII kept her comfortable, allowing her to sleep on him. He hushed the moogles, knowing the princess would need rest because once she awoke it would be a long night. Late into the night, Aerith awoke to the moogles and Red XIII shaking her.

"What is it?" Aerith asked, rubbing her eyes.

"It's done!" the moogles cheered.

They lifted the coat up to show her and Aerith stared in awe. The workmanship on the coat was stunning. The fur itself was so red and bright and the stitching was clean and tight. The princess reached out and touched the coat.

"It's beautiful!" the princess exclaimed.

"Try it on!" Moglin urged.

Aerith, with the help of the moogles, slipped on the coat. The fur was soft and warm but it weighed a bit heavy. Aerith fastened the coat around. Mog handed her the leather gloves and she slipped them on. Then at last she pulled over the long hood that shielded her face.

"Wow," Cosmog said, "we did a good job."

"Thank you," Aerith breathed. "I could not have done this without you."

"No time to waste!" Red XIII said quickly. "You must leave immediately."

Aerith nodded and grabbed the satchel but then stopped.

"Wait how will I escape? Their are guards everywhere and I'll never make it out of the gates..." The princess cried.

Red XIII looked at her. "I shall cause a distraction. The palace will be in an uproar and it will allow you to escape."

"But the gates..."

"I'll open them!" Mog volunteered.

"Then I suggest Cosmog and Moglin to throw this room in disorder." Red XIII said. "That will throw people off as they will believe you were taken away."

"But..." Aerith frowned. She did not want to worry her mother or the others who cared for her. However, she knew it would be a better idea if they did. The guards would attempt to trail a group of kidnappers instead of a single person. "Alright, but once I am outside I'll wait for..."

"No!" Red XIII snapped. "Once you leave this palace I will not be following you. I will be captured."

"What!" Aerith cried. "No, I-"

Rd XIII growled. "It is the only way. If I escape they will track me and I will not lead them to you. Once outside, you run and do not stop."

Aerith trembled. The idea of being alone frightened her. Mog sensing her her fear floated up to her.

"We'll be with you princess," Mog said indicating him, Cosmog, and Moglin. "You keep running and we'll find you. Moogles are good at finding things."

Aerith nodded. Hearing the confidence in his voice, made the princess feel a bit better.

"I shall leave first, once the commotion starts you must move quickly," Red XIII said but then looked at her. "Princess, I shall never forget your kindness."

"It was nothing... it was my fault that you were injured."

He shook his head. "No, never your fault. You did not raise a blade toward me."

"Red XIII..." Aerith said softly.

"Nanaki,"Red XIII asked.

"Huh?"

"You once asked me my real name. My real name is Nanaki."

A smile spread on her face and she whispered, "Thank you."

Red XIII nodded. "Now we must make haste!"

Opening the door for him, Aerith watched Red XIII slip from the room. Moglin and Cosmog were already knocking things in the room over and throwing things about. Aerith looked at Mog. He gently hugged her, his pompom poking at her face in the process before he flew out the window. Aerith pressed her ear to the door and listened. She held her breath and once she heard the first shrill screams she moved.

The princess slipped down the hall, clutching her satchel. She headed down the more secluded hallways. Several times she had to hide behind corners or duck into an empty room to avoid servants who were scrambling or guards running to see what the commotion was about. She made it to the veranda on the back of the castle that overlooked the gardens. Climbing down the veranda, Aerith made her way around the castle to the front gates. There she found the gates were still lowered. She looked at the gatekeepers tower and saw a light flickering within.

A worried expression appeared across her face. Was a guard still up there? Was Mog unable to get him to leave? Almost on cue the gate began to lift. Aerith let out a breath she had been holding, relief washing over her. The gate, however, only lifted enough for the princess to crawl under it.

Aerith looked up at the tower and Mog poked his head out the window. "Hurry!"

Aerith nodded and slipped under. Once she was on the side, the gate fell back into place. Mog came out from the gate tower and looked at her.

"Start running princess," Mog said. "I'm going to find Moglin and Cosmog."

"But..." the princess wanted him with her.

Mog smiled, his yellow pompom bobbing. "Don't worry, like I said, moogles are good at finding things. We'll find you."

Aerith nodded and with a little push from Mog she ran off. Mog quickly flew back over the castle wall to find his companions. Once Aerith cleared the town and was in the open meadow she looked back at the castle. In the dark, she could see the lights from the windows. Tears filled her eyes as she opened her satchel to pull out the fire materia. She summoned the magic within and soon her path was lit. Aerith wondered what would happen once her mother found out she was missing. Would she send Angeal to search for her? Would Cissnei be worried? Poor Elmyra would be sobbing a storm when she found out.

However, no matter how much the pain weighed heavy on her heart to leave the place she called home, she knew she had to. Over had, dark clouds had moved in and a low rumbling sound could be heard. Aerith took one final look at the castle before sprinting across the grounds knowing she could not delay anymore. Once she hit the forest the rain began to fall but she kept running.

Flying from the castle, Mog was reunited with his friends. The three flew as fast as their little wings could carry them.

"Oh, Mog, what took you so long?" Moglin snapped. "The princess is probably scared."

"Sorry, I got held up," Mog said as they zoomed past the meadow and into the forest, rain already coming down hard on them.

"I hope we can find," Cosmog said. "I can barely see a thing!"

Mog looked determined, "We'll find her."

"Oh, I hope Red XIII is okay," Moglin said. "Do you think he will be hurt?"

"I don't think so," Mog said. "In fact I am sure he will be just fine."

"How are you so sure?" Cosmog asked.

Mog didn't answer, instead his eyes squinted, spotting something in the distance.

"Look!" he called out. "We found her."

XXX

Aerith stirred the pot of kupo nut soup. After the moogles calmed her down she hastened to the kitchen to make the prince his favorite soup. She stare at the liquid in the pot, the nutty aroma filling the section she was in.

"Smells so good," Cosmog said, mouth watering.

"Plenty for everyone," Aerith said quietly. She frowned as she stirred. Even now her memories of King Weiss plagued her. It deeply worried the princess. She wondered would she ever be free from his influence. How could she?

"I hope I get a big portion," Cosmog continued. "Maybe the whole pot."

"Don't be selfish," Moglin snapped. "The King specifically wanted a bowl so he gets first dibs"

Aerith's felt herself shudder at the mention of the word "king." Even though she knew her friend meant Cloud, King Weiss is whom she associated it with. Mog leaned on her shoulder. Aerith knew her little friend could sense her uneasiness. He was very observant and he knew how to comfort Aerith in the simplest ways. Cosmog's lighthearted nature and Moglin's down to earth sensibility were comforting to her. In that way, she was grateful for her friends. Aerith smiled at let out a puff of air from her mouth to move Mog's little pompom from her face. He giggled.

"That tickles," he said.

"I don't think I say it enough but... thank you, all three of you, for being with me." Aerith said softly. "I don't know if I would have made it alone."

"Oh, Aerith, we'll always be here for you," said Moglin. "We love you!"

"I love you and your soup," Cosmog said his nose taking in the sweet scent of the soup.

Aerith laughed. "I love you all."

Suddenly, a loud creak was heard. It was the door to the kitchen opening.

"My Lady?" called out the familiar voice of Cloud.

Cosmog let out a quiet moan. "Not again... it's almost done."

"Get down you dummy!" Moglin said as she Mog grabbed him to hide under the table.

"Y-yes your highness," Aerith said nervously.

Cloud appeared around the corner. The moment he saw her a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"I am sorry to bother you but I was growing hungry." he said. "Is it ready?"

"A-almost," Aerith said stirring faster.

"Is something the matter?" he asked.

Aerith shook her head. Of course, she was nervous because of his presence but she could not very well say so. In her mind she wished she was still dancing with Cloud. How she longed to feel his hand for just a bit longer and to talk with him so freely as herself.

Cloud let a sigh. Aerith looked up to see him staring off. His mind was somewhere completely else. Aerith wondered if something was wrong with him instead.

"Your highness, is something wrong?" she asked.

Cloud looked at her with a sad expression. "I suppose the only thing that will cheer me up after tonight is a bowl of soup."

"Please, speak to me, if something has upset you I would like to be able to help in some way."

Cloud shrugged. "I am now King and now that I am I have an obligation to get married."

Aerith felt her chest tightened.

The newly crowned king sighed. "It's strange but I feel like your the only one in this entire castle who understands. Well my uncle understands, everyone complains he should be married too. It is expected of a king anyway."

"You don't wish to be married."

"Not to just anyone. My mother and father fell in love and I hope I someday could." Cloud said. "I would want to get to know the lady I wish to marry. Unfortunately, most are arranged and with my luck that is how mine will be."

"But your king, you could do as you please."

"You would think. I guess being king I have so much power over so many people and let's be honest special privileges. Yet, it comes with the price. My marriage would better my kingdom if it makes a strong alliance. It depressing when I think about it."

"You have no idea," Aerith muttered.

"What was that?" Cloud asked.

"Sorry, that you cannot have both an alliance and happiness."

"Well, no life is perfect."

Aerith looked down at the soup. It was finished. She knew once she said so Cloud would head back to his party. She wished he would stay with her. She loved how open he was to her.

"The soup is done, I shall have a bowl brought up." Aerith replied sadly.

Cloud smiled sadly. "Thank you, My Lady."

He turned to leave when he stopped. He looked back at her and asked, "Do you know where holly leaves grow?"

Confused Aerith shrugged. "I would assume they can grow many places. Why do you ask?"

"Just thought they may grow somewhere specific."

Cloud turned and left. When the door to the kitchen closed the moogles flew out from their hiding spot. Aerith sighed and felt her knees grow weak. She grasp hold of the table and let out a happy cry.

"Are you okay?" Mog asked.

"Holly leaves... he was asking about holly leaves!"

She peeled back her hood and pulled off the crown of holly leaves before placing the hood back on. She looked at the moogles smiling. Her heart was going a mile a minute.