AN: As the title says (in German) this chapter will be Snow White. I've cast Xion as Snow (She'll be referred to as Snow and not Xion). It will take place in Germany c. 1500. This will definitely be a loose interpretation of the original Grimm version. And it will be longer than Hansel and Gretel. Trust me when I say, this is going to be along read.
Little Snow-White
0.0.0
"Honey, you'll be fine. Just please hang on for a little while longer," a man said to his wife.
Her voice was raspy and her breaths long and shallow. "I will try dearest. How is she?" a woman replied. She adjusted herself on the bed.
"She is well. The wet nurse has her." He patted her hand gently and smoothed some hair from her face.
Taking a deep breath she said, "Snow."
"What?"
"We should name her Snow, Leon," the queen replied.
The king cracked a smile. "Because her skin is as fair." They sat in comfortable silence. "I remember when you first told me. You said what if we had a daughter whose hair was as black as this window frame here, whose skin was as white as snow, and lips as red as blood."
"You laughed and said anything for you my dear. You are a real push over."
"I would promise you the moon if you wished it so."
The queen's melodic laugh filled the room.
"I know." She looked up at her loving husband. "If I don't make it-"
"Please don't speak like that," Leon interrupted her.
"I know, I know. But if I don't make it, please promise that you'll take the best care of her. Teach her right from wrong."
"I'll be around to antagonize her suitors."
She chuckled. "And find her a loving mother figure."
The king could feel his resolve begin to falter and his breath caught.
"I know it'll be hard," the queen turned to comfort him. "But we need to think about Snow."
A single tear escaped his eye as the queen reached up to wipe it away.
"Yes." He nodded. "I'll promise you this."
"Ready or not here I come!" a small girl in a yellow dress yelled. She briskly walked down the hallway adorned with portraits. At six years old she was pretty tall. Her white flats softly click clacked down the hallway. She poked her head around the corner and found what she was looking for. "I know where you are." She ran up to a potted plant. "You're not very good at this game."
"Ugh you had your eyes open when you were counting," a young blonde headed boy said.
"No I did not," the young girl said indignantly.
The blonde looked up at her and rolled his eyes. "You cheat at all the games." He was short for an eight year old.
"Do not."
"Do too."
"You're just a smelly boy. What do you know?"
"You two break it up," a third voice accompanied them. One of the maids had found the prince and princess arguing. "All you two do is fight with one another when you play. Can't you get along for five minutes?" She reprimanded the young children.
"If she would stop cheating."
The maid tutted. "It is not polite to accuse others, especially a lady, of ill behavior."
"Haha," the young princess said.
"And young lady you should be in your classes."
"I hate those classes. They're so boring," she retorted.
"Prince Roxas we bid you good-day." The maid bowed to him and left with the young princess in tow.
"Why must you do this to me? And I have to be in that stupid itchy dress all day long. Can't I just skip it for today? And tomorrow. And the rest of the week. Hey, why don't i just never go back there?" the princess smiled.
"Nice try. But these classes are to help you, believe it or not."
"How do you figure that?" She crossed her arms.
"They not only help to mold you as a young lady and princess, but will ensure that you rule the kingdom properly when you are older."
The young girl sighed. They made it to her chambers. The maid proceeded to change the young miss into something more suitable for her etiquette classes. Sure enough it was itchy; a purple dress lined with jewels and wires that ensured her to keep a straight back.
"I feel like a plank of wood, Emma."
"I know sweetie. And I'm sorry but there's nothing that I can do about that. The queen's orders."
She sighed and followed her maid out. "I really wish you would just obey your parents."
"She's not my real mother, you know."
"I know ma'am." After a long silence they reached the library designated for the young princess' etiquette lessons. "Try to behave this time, Snow."
"I'll try," the six year old grinned.
Schneewittchen
~0~0~0~
The lovely Queen Rinoa held on to life for three months after her daughter, and heir to the throne, was born. Keeping true to his promise, King Leon remarried three years after her passing. Giving a new queen to the land of Bavaria and a new mother to his beloved child.
The new queen was not one to be reckoned with. While Rinoa had been sweet, gentle, and caring, the current queen was vain, selfish, and haughty. The poor king did not realize this until a few months after they were wed. By that time it was too late for an annulment. The king and his dear daughter were stuck with the wench.
"Oh Father. What the hell were you thinking when you married her?"
"This is not proper speech for a young princess."
"Oh please, I'm sure you've heard worse from the soldiers." Snow waved away her father's contempt. "How was it anyways?"
"What exactly, dear?"
"Everything! The battlefront. Was it gory and bloody as you anticipated? Was the armor strong enough to withstand the blows of the opposing forces? Or were most of your forces impaled right through their kidneys?" Snow asked with vigor and excitement.
A droplet of sweat ran down the king's face. "You sure ask peculiar questions."
"So?"
"Yes it was gory. Maybe a little too much blood for my liking. The armor was pretty decent. Although one soldier was impaled straight through his armor. Our battalion actually won. Victory should soon be ours."
"Oh Father," Snow wrapped her arms around her father's neck. "I wish you didn't have to go for such a long time."
"It'll be over soon. I promise you. Then we can have all the tea parties you want."
"I'd rather talk politics. And we could have cake in between of course."
Leon's face lit up. "That's my girl."
"But can we please stop these dastardly etiquette classes?"
"What? No. They are to-"
"Help mold me blah blah blah. Yeah I got it. But they're so boring. I'm beginning to develop an indignant attitude towards them."
"Well you learned that word from your classes, no?"
"From reading, actually. In a tree. Did you know that the tallest tree on this property is about twenty five feet high?"
"You climbed that?" The king shook his head. "I really wish you would be more careful Snow."
"Or your kingdom would lose its heir," Snow said in a tight-lipped manner. "I've heard some of those dunder heads talking about it."
"Who?"
"I don't know. The advisers or whatever their made up title is. And they had the nerve to try to find a proper suitor for me."
"Suitor! They didn't run anything of the sort by me." The king stood up from his chair.
"Well I think you should have a talk with them then. Straighten them out Dad." Snow patted her father's chest.
"I should." Leon straightened his red shirt and made his way out of his study. He turned around as he reached the door and said, "Good talk Snow."
Snow stood up straight and saluted, "Yes sir."
"At ease soldier." They laughed and the king went on about his business.
This was their usual banter. She would question the king about politics and war-like affairs and show off her 'lady-like' skills while the king indulged her antics.
Since the previous queen had passed, the father and daughter found solitude in one another. Their relationship was truly an unbreakable bond. The king cared deeply for his Snow, not only because she was the last piece left of Queen Rinoa, but because of her kind, gentle nature. She was almost like a son in some manners. But he would never tell her that last bit. It would give her all the more reason to act like a gallant boy.
"Oh darling dear there you are," the new queen said from behind him. She draped her arms around his waist. "I've been looking all over for you."
"Oh Yuffie. I was beginning to wonder where you were."
"Well you would know if you were sleeping in my chambers." She released him.
"Busy with running the kingdom dear. A good ruler runs on little sleep to keep the balance in the land."
"Oh excuses," she waved him off. "Any who, do tell all about your ventures into battle." He firmly but lovingly gripped her arms in his.
"I'm sorry I can't. I have to meet with the royal advisers." Leon saw the dejected look on her face. He was a sucker for pouting. "Maybe later. I'll make time and we can dine together."
"That would be wonderful. I'll have the cooks prepare your favorite! Liver and onions." Queen Yuffie ran off to make preparations.
King Leon made a face. "I hate liver and onions."
Schneewittchen
0.0.0
"Look I know you told me that Snow was not as quite pretty as I am. I mean no one can hold a candle to me. But lately she's looking…I don't know. Just different. And with those idiot advisers trying to set her up with a suitor already I just don't know what to think. She's fourteen. She has another four years at least. So if they think she's of age now, with her being gorgeous and everything…" The queen trailed off.
The mirror on the wall was looking back at the queen. There was a face of a blonde with a pixie cut. Her green eyes blinked twice. "So what are you saying?"
"I feel like you don't even listen to me anymore. I tell you my husband and I are having problems, you tell me to pay attention to his needs and listen more. I say that I feel that people in the castle are avoiding me, you tell me to stop being such an egotistical drama queen."
"I wish you would just shut up sometimes," the mirror replied.
"What was that?" the queen held up a hammer.
"You need to get over your jealous tendencies. It's giving me a migraine."
"I'll ask you again."
"Yeah it hasn't changed in the last fourteen years. Why would it change now?"
Patting her intricate up-do, the queen stood up. "Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"
After a long pause and the blonde in the mirror twisting her face in surprise, she replied. "Oooh. You're not really going to like this one."
Yuffie brought her face up to the mirror. "What, what is it?"
The mirror cleared her throat. "Well you…hmm. She is older and things change as people get older. I have been noticing a bit of a crow's feet by your eyes. But don't worry there's this great cream that you can-"
"That's not what I'm asking at all."
"And to hide some wrinkles we can just pull your hair back. Way back. It'll make those lines non-existent."
"Answer me!" Yuffie yelled.
The mirror took a deep breath. "Honey you ain't the fairest no more."
"Well who is. Don't tell me it's that-"
"Snow White is the fairest of the entire land."
"Why that…"
And with that the queen began to form a plan.
Schneewittchen
0.0.0
Snow put on her overcoat. "I don't see why I need to change for dinner."
"Proper attire for everything," Emma said.
"Formalities."
"You have a sharp tongue for such a young lady."
"So I've been told. How do I look?" Snow turned around to face her maid.
Snow was wearing full gold skirts that reached the floor. Over it she wore a midnight blue petticoat with sleeves that dropped slightly as it reached her elbows. The gold from the under gown could be seen by the close fitting sleeves. Gold heels adorned her small feet. Her medium length raven hair was braided intricately with gold ribbons and pulled loosely into a bun.
"Gorgeous. Now let's get you down to the dining room before Queen Yuffie has a conniption."
"It couldn't happen any sooner."
When Snow entered the room all eyes were on her. The fire from the hearth caught on the gold of her skirts and made her skin shine like gold in the treasury. As her mother wished, she was truly a sight to behold. She took a seat by her father who was sitting at the head of the table.
Snow greeted her father and stepmother and took a drink from her golden goblet.
"Well hello to you too princess. Forgotten our manners have we."
"Oh no dear prince. I saw you. I just chose not to acknowledge you."
The king choked on his drink. "Snow, this is our guest-"
"It's ok sire. I deserve the princess' reaction," the blonde soldier replied.
"Kill anyone in battle Roxas?" Snow batted her eyelashes as she drove her knife into a piece of steaming meat.
"No Snow, I did not. Did you find a suitor whom will take you?"
Snow hid a scowl and replied, "Plenty of candidates. Can't say the same for you though, can I?"
The king sighed. "And here I thought the two of you had grown up."
"We're just jesting Father," Snow smiled. "So how was the country side and the fresh air, Roxas?"
"Freezing to be honest. We didn't run out of food so that's a plus."
The conversation lulled into comfortable topics, like the winter festival, plans for a spring ball, and a banquet for some newlywed royals.
"I'm still a bit agitated with you," the princess addressed him.
"I couldn't have done anything too awful to get into your bad graces."
"You promised you would take me through the archery field. That was three summers ago," Snow stared at Prince Roxas.
He sighed. "I'm sorry. I promise I'll make it up to you. In the spring-"
"That's months and months away."
"She's right," Queen Yuffie chimed in. "You could teach her now. After all there's no better time than the present." This would work to her advantage. Finally the king would be all to herself.
"Um ok then. When would you like to practice?"
"How about tomorrow?" Snow said with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.
Schneewittchen
0.0.0
"Hold the bow close to your body but not too close." Roxas pulled the bow a little away from Snow's body. "Now hold the arrow parallel to you." He guided her hand. "Ok good form. Now take your dominant hand and hold the fletching between your index and middle fingers. Good. Now take your left hand and grip the head. So now-"
Snow had pulled back and shot the arrow into a nearby tree.
"How'd I do?" Snow looked to Roxas for approval.
"Well that was great for your first time."
"I'll be hunting my food by no time."
Roxas chuckled and shook his head. They walked over to the tree to retrieve the arrow. "I do have to ask, what is this ensemble you're wearing?"
"You like it? I helped alter it myself." Snow was wearing similar clothes to Roxas. Her slacks were a forest green and she had a thick white tunic. Her cloak was black and lined with white fur. She wore a pair of her father's boots.
"Does your father know you're dressed like this?"
"What he doesn't know won't kill him. Right?" she chuckled. "Besides if he hasn't realized by now that they're missing from his wardrobe then I doubt he'll notice any time soon."
They laughed. "You're one of a kind Snow."
"I know," she said and curtsied.
"Don't ever change."
"I won't make promises."
Roxas and Snow had known each other since childhood. Their great great grandfathers were distant cousins. Roxas' father ruled the neighboring land. It wasn't as large as King Leon's kingdom, but it was big enough to land Roxas' father a title: Duke of Carinthia.
They would play cards, have snowball fights, play tricks on some of the castle staff, and give Queen Yuffie grief. And it seemed like they were falling into the same comfortable routine.
"So have you given any thought to the future?"
"In regards to what?" Roxas asked.
"Like what you will do after the war. I mean you've seen death and dealt with frostbite. What else is in store for you?"
The young prince shrugged. "Whatever my father asks of me I guess. I was just so eager to be home I haven't given thought to much else."
They delved further into the woods.
"Oh to be free."
"And poor," Snow added.
"It actually wouldn't be bad. I've given it some thought." Roxas continued. "Coming home to a warm house in the winter, warmed by a small fireplace. Stew churning in the pot."
"Someone awaiting your return from the woods."
"Kids swarming you before you can even change your wet shoes."
"And your wife yelling at you because she just mopped the house."
"A nice cozy cottage in the woods."
"Away from civilization."
"Away from the castle of doom."
"Away from duty and obligation." They both sighed at the prospect of another life though it was not possible for either of them.
"Promise me something?" Roxas asked hesitantly.
"I'm making a lot of promises lately. I just hope it doesn't come back to bite me in the butt."
The prince smiled. "If things go sour-"
"Well this already sounds great."
"And I need to leave my kingdom and family, you'll come with me."
"Of course. We can live in the woods." Snow smiled. "And you would do the same for me, right?" Roxas nodded. "But we'll have to run away in the summer. Give us enough time to build a house. I'm not about sleeping in a tent on the hard ground. Although sleeping in a tree would be lovely." Snow smiled.
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes you dolt." Snow pushed Roxas and he fell over.
"Glad to know I can count on you for this. Hypothetically speaking of course."
"Yes, hypothetically."
"Race you back to the castle!" The princess took off running.
"You're going the wrong way," Roxas shouted from the leaf covered ground.
"I knew that." She came running back with her bow in hand.
Schneewittchen
~0~0~0~
The next month followed the same pattern. Roxas and Snow would venture into the woods to practice. They would eat lunch in kitchen, much to the Queen's chagrin. They would bug King Leon in his study and ask a plethora of questions. They pranked the advisers. The prince and princess settled into their old pattern from their childhood.
The advisers took notice of their interactions. It would work perfectly with their plans. In the meantime King Leon and some of his troops moved back into battle for the next three months. Roxas was home for good, Kings orders. When King Leon returned for a brief visit the advisers were desperate to meet with him.
Snow had just finished her training session with Roxas. She shot her first squirrel and was ecstatic to show it off. Her father was the first person she wanted to show her kill to. She was about to knock on the door of the study but heard some voices.
Being nosey she pressed her ear to the door. "You keep delaying this."
"She needs to be wed by her sixteenth birthday." At this the princess' ears perked up.
"Why are you pushing this issue?" That was the king. "The kingdom is doing more than well. We don't need funds of any sort."
"That's not what we're getting at, at all."
"Well then there is no need to send her off to some foreign land while she is still a child either."
"In your eyes she may be a child but in the eyes of the kingdom she is of age to be wed."
"And start bearing children." At this Snow made a disgusted face.
"Besides it will be good to have an alliance with another kingdom," another advisor spoke.
"It needs to happen, King Leon, whether you like it or not. It is tradition."
Snow quickly drew herself from the door and turned to run to her chambers. But she was met with another body. "Sorry," she mumbled.
"Calm down. You look like you just ran a marathon."
Snow was trying to catch her breath. The news she overheard was surprising to say the least. She shook her head to clear her head.
"Hah, yeah."
"What are you doing with that now?" Roxas questioned her.
She lifted up the squirrel. "I guess off to the kitchen. Maybe they'll cook it."
Schneewittchen
0.0.0
"That squirrel was delicious Snow. You caught it yourself?" The king asked his daughter.
"Yes," she beamed. "Right through the eye. Who told you?"
"The cook and I may have exchanged some words. It looks like your lessons are paying off."
"Does that mean I can stop with the-"
"No," Leon shook his head. "You still need to continue with your etiquette lessons."
"Aww," Snow pouted. "It was worth a try."
The king laughed. "This is hopefully my last trip out."
"And then you're home for good?" Snow questioned.
"Yes Snow. For good." He hugged his daughter close to him.
"I'll miss you," the princess whispered.
"I'll miss you too."
~0~0~0~
The king never made it home for the spring festival. His troops were ambushed by the opposing battalion. The war was almost over, but Snow's problems were just beginning.
The entire kingdom turned out for the funeral of King Leon. Every day since then the princess could hear the muttering from the king's loyal subjects whether they meant to be comforting or not.
"That poor thing."
"She hasn't any blood relatives now."
"Only fourteen and both parents are dead. What a shame."
"What is she going to do?"
"You think the queen will take care of her?"
As much as the people thought they were helping, it was quite the opposite. Snow felt a loneliness inside of her. Her one confidant was now gone. Leaving her in the care of a wicked queen whose first priority was keeping her beauty in tact.
Snow kept her head high and filled her loneliness with the company of her childhood companion.
"Hey you!" The deer that Snow had in her sights ran away from the noise.
Snow turned around with rage in her eyes. "What?"
Roxas chuckled. "I'm sorry were you busy?"
"I was about to shoot a dear."
"Oh sorry," Roxas rubbed the back of his head. The February air was warming up, but still left a biting cold. The spring festival would soon be coming up. And soon after Snow's fifteenth birthday.
"Yeah I'm sorry too," Snow said.
"For what?"
"That my Father died."
"Oh," was the only response the prince could think of. As Snow struggled to realign her bow Roxas walked up to her and out a hand on her shoulder.
"What?"
Enveloped her in a tight hug. "I'm here for you."
"At least someone is."
"Remember what I said?"
"Never eat the muffins that Gilda makes?" Snow sniffled.
"Don't ever change."
"Believe me I'm trying." He slowly rubbed her back.
Schneewittchen
0.0.0
After the princess' etiquette classes she took to roaming the halls. She had caught a slug and was going to put it in one of the queen's creams. She checked her surroundings to make sure no one was around. Slowly approaching the door to the queen's chambers she could hear the queen talking to herself. She is crazy after all. Another voice spoke up.
"So she needs to be wed soon. Or least a suitor needs to be found for her."
"Well do you have a list of suitors? I can't very well let my daughter be off with some bum." That was the wretched queen. She was just so ready to marry Snow off to anyone. Again with this schpeel.
They mentioned a few princes and dukes around Poland.
"Ew doesn't he have worts or something?"
"A skin condition that-"
"Not him." Well at least she has my interest in mind. "Can't risk having an ugly son-in-law." Well then.
"This one."
"Oh sorry he was just engaged to a princess in Flanders."
"That's pretty far off. And engagements aren't permanent. Can't you break them up or something?" This lady is off her rocker.
"N-No you can't do that!"
"Yes. It's against-"
"Oh you all are boring. Hmm, ok what about this one. Oh wait, I know this oaf."
"This is the Duke of Carinthia's son." Wait a minute. That sounds familiar.
"Yes he'll do fine."
"Alright. We'll send a proposal to Prince Roxas' family and see what happens from there." Snow's jaw dropped and she backed away from the door. She shook her head in denial. He's my best friend. I can't- I won't marry him. Ew. She felt a shiver of disgust run through her. I really need to stop eavesdropping. It's not doing me any good.
~0~0~0~
Snow was out in the forest when he came for her. He was stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the terror mirrored in her blue eyes. He just couldn't bring himself to do it. That and Snow had her arrow pointed at his chest.
He let his axe fall to the side. "When she asked me to do this, she wasn't in her right mind."
"She's never in her right mind."
"She was just going on about being the fairest in the land and you needed to expire."
Snow just looked at the hunter and blinked. She is way crazy. I don't know how much longer I can deal with this.
"Go ahead and leave now. She'll be none the wiser if you just disappeared."
This was the perfect opportunity for her to leave. But she would need a few things.
"Before I go can I get so-"
"You have to leave right away. The queen will know otherwise."
Snow weighed her options. How else would she get to Roxas? Their plan still stood in effect. But she couldn't let this poor man face Yuffie's wrath either. She would have to leave him.
Snow agreed to leave.
"She wanted to have your liver cut out and cooked so she could eat it," the huntsman said.
"Eww," Snow said at the confession.
"I told her she was crazy." He shook his head. "Look I'll figure out how to handle her. Just go off into the forest."
Snow sighs with relief. "That's great. But how will I survive out there?"
"There are some people living deep across the plains and passed the river. They're quite peculiar but friendly…and crazy," he muttered the last part.
She would have to take her chances. If the queen was trying to kill her now in broad day light, there probably wasn't anything she wouldn't do.
"I have one request."
"Yes your majesty."
"Tell Prince Roxas that I had to speed up our fall back plans."
The burly man bowed. "Yes Princess. I will relay the message."
"Ok. And thank you. For warning me." With that Snow took off into the woods.
He scratches his head. "Maybe her chances with the queen were better."
Schneewittchen
0.0.0
"I hope he wasn't lying or I'll put an arrow through him." Snow had been walking since daybreak early in the morn. It wasn't the best time to be outside in the cold of February. The sun was now setting and she needed to find a place to camp. After trekking uphill in the snow for another hour she came across a small pond. It had begun to thaw and she drank some water out of the fresh reserve.
Snow let out a deep breath. I'm glad I dressed heavily. Picking up her bow and quiver she made her way to a clearing. In the near distance she could see a cottage.
"Looks like Roxas and I will get that cottage after all," Snow said to herself.
When she approached the house someone spoke out to her. "Are you lost?"
She quickly turned to the voice. It belonged to a man with hair the color of flames. She was awestruck by the color. How peculiar.
"Does your head hurt?" Snow asked.
"What, why?"
"It looks like it's on fire."
"Ahahaha! She's a funny one. I like her already." A boy with dirty brown hair said and he approached Snow. "Shall we keep her, Axel?"
"How'd you find us?" this 'Axel' character asked.
"A man working in the palace sent me."
They looked at her questionably.
"He's tall. Kind of fat. Deep voice. Likes to play with axes," Snow described to them.
"Oh you mean Henry," Axel provided.
"Why'd he send you here?" the dirty blonde questioned her.
"Well the queen ordered him to kill me. But he sent me here to 'spare' my life."
"Ugh he's such a dolt," Axel said.
"Yeah can't even kill a princess."
"I mean look at her. She looks so small and helpless."
"Are you gonna let me stay here or do I need to find another place to lodge?" Snow asked slighted irritated.
"Hmmm," Axel rubbed his chin. "We'll have to ask the others. Right, Demyx?"
"Yup," Demyx answered.
Snow rolled her eyes. "Can I at least wait inside your home for the time being?"
"It is starting to get colder," Demyx added, rubbing his arms.
"Yeah I guess. Henry owes us for this."
Schneewittchen
0.0.0
"Who's this?" a silver haired boy asked. Snow had made herself comfortable in their cottage. She had discarded her black robe and was lounging, feet up, on the sofa.
"A guest," Axel said.
"A royal guest," Demyx corrected him.
"Princess," the boy scoffed.
"Well she has a regal manner," a brown haired man gestured to their couch.
"I love how all of you are talking about me as I sit right here."
"Don't mind them. They're not very polite," a woman with blue hair entered the cottage. "My name is Aqua," introduced herself.
"I'm Snow, pleased to meet you," she responded.
"No way!" Demyx exclaimed.
"Snow is the princess' name," a pink haired person entered the living area. "Everyone in the kingdom knows that." He shook his head and approached the young girl. "My dear how are you? My name is Marluxia."
"All of you are slow. I knew that from the moment I saw her," Axel was sitting on something high up.
"No you didn't," Demyx said.
"Whatever."
After explaining why the princess decided to grace their humble home with her presence, she asked them about their cottage.
"Now that you've questioned me, it's my turn. Why did you decide to build a home out here in the woods? There's no one else out here."
"Exactly," Axel said.
"Its way out of anyone's reach," Demyx said.
"We have our peace and quiet," the silver headed one said.
"And peace of mind," the brunette finished.
"We fend for ourselves out here. Though the hunt hasn't been too good," Aqua interjected.
"The winter has been brutally long."
"We've survived mostly on bread and any vegetation we could scrounge up."
"If you have any food you can stay," the tall brunette said. He seemed to be the leader of the bunch.
"I don't have food. But I know how to hunt."
The short silverette scoffed. "Really doubt it."
"We'll give you this chance. Catch something and you can stay here as long as you want."
0.0.0
"What were you saying Isa?" Snow looked smugly at him. She had learned their names on their hunt.
"Oh shut up," he muttered. Axel, Demyx, Isa, Aqua, and Terra accompanied them.
Terra and Axel were carrying a large deer back to the cottage.
"You don't look like much. You're a scrawny kid, but you can hit the mark pretty nice," Demyx commented.
"What a lovely two sided comment," Snow said.
"No problem kid." He ruffled her hair.
"We can roast it," Axel said.
"I'll set it up," Aqua offered.
"Who's the kid?" a man with an English accent said as the group walked into the clearing before the cottage.
"Princess Snow," Marluxia provided.
"What did you kidnap her?" the blonde questioned.
"No, the evil queen chased her out," Terra said.
"Wouldn't put it passed the wench. So are you staying here now?" the blonde man asked.
"Yes. Just passed the test," Snow gestured to the deer being put on a spit.
"No bloody way," he said in disbelief.
"Looks like you have competition," Axel patted his shoulder.
"But she's so small and scrawny."
Snow's mouth hung open. "I just caught your dinner. I wish you would all stop calling me scrawny."
Snow spent the next months with the unruly group. In this time she learned a great deal about her housemates.
Surprisingly enough, Aqua used to be a maid to a young princess in a neighboring country. When the land was ambushed she was separated and fled with Terra who was a palace guard. He and Aqua barely escaped and made it into another town.
Aqua taught her along the same lines as her etiquette classes; sewing, how to place her cutlery at the table, basic manners in conducting oneself around nobles.
"Here try this on now," Aqua handed the princess a pair of trousers.
Snow slipped on the red slacks and sighed with relief. "Finally. I was getting tired of pulling my pants up."
There was a knock on Aqua's door. "Are you decent?" It was Axel.
"Yes," Snow called and the door opened.
"Woah talk about hot pants."
"To match your hot head," Aqua chimed in with a giggle.
Axel rolled his eyes. "Ready to train?" he asked Snow.
"Yeah."
After settling into a routine of hunting and lounging around the young princess grew bored of the routine.
So once the weather warmed up, Snow was outside every day. Axel offered her an occasional distraction. She quickly learned that Axel's hair matched his temper.
"You need to learn how to protect yourself," Axel said. "Don't expect to be saved from some knight-"
"I expect no such thing Red," Snow snapped at him.
"I told you my name is Axel. Got it memorized?"
"I'm not a damsel in distress. Got that memorized?" Snow retorted.
It was all in good nature. They would throw around punches and smart remarks. Axel trained Snow to be a swift and lithe fighter.
Luxlord taught her to be more precise in her hunting. He showed her how to track an animal, how to set traps, and how to control breathing when looking for prey.
"We all know you caught that delicious deer but that was just a lucky shot."
"That fed us for a week," Snow pointed out.
Luxlord gave her a look. "You still have much to learn Poppet."
"I could teach you a thing or two," she said with a smile.
"I really doubt it."
Demyx taught Snow how to play a few instruments. His entire room was adorned with the likes of them.
Isa indulged her in board games. Namely chess.
"Checkmate," Isa said triumphantly.
"I really think you're cheating," Snow pouted.
"No. It's skill." He stuck a tongue out.
Marluxia showed the princess to care and nurture the ground. More importantly he showed her how to spot edible vegetation. Her surrogate family helped her forget the pains of her past and look ahead to her new future.
Schneewittchen
~0~0~0~
The spring festival came and went along with Snow's fifteenth birthday. The queen was ecstatic. Not only was Snow no longer the fairest one but the throne was left all to her.
Humming to herself, she was brushing out her long black hair. "Hahaha. I think I'll wear this one today." Queen Yuffie picked up a dark red petticoat with black lace.
"Everything is just lovely. The entire kingdom is at my beck and call." She turned to face her mirror. "So just for kicks, Mirror, please indulge me."
"I think you've indulged yourself enough lately," the mirror replied.
"Funny. But seriously, how much more perfect could this have been planned out? My husband dies. Snow is dead. I'm sole ruler of the kingdom. Hmmm. Things could not be any sweeter."
"Usually people weep when their loved ones die. You are-"
"Touched. Deeply touched."
"In the head," the mirror muttered.
Queen Yuffie cleared her throat. "Just for old time's sake. Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"
The mirror began to reply but stopped herself. "Uh you won't like this."
"What is it?"
"Well at least you have that lovely order of dresses coming in."
"Who is the fairest?"
"Well fairest is just relatively speaking my queen."
"Tell me who!" Yuffie grew indignant.
The mirror sighed. "It's Snow-White."
"What? I had her killed. That buffoon lied to me. Wait a minute then what did I eat?" She shook her head. "No matter. Tell me where is she?"
"Deep into the forest. Where the river sparkles and the birds sing-"
"Realistic directions please."
"Ugh go super deep into the forest. You know passed the archery field. Then you're gonna pass this tree that's shaped like a toad. It's about six miles after that."
"Thank you."
Schneewittchen
0.0.0
"Are you sure you don't want to come?" Aqua asked snow for the hundredth time that day.
"Yes I'm sure. I might go out later to hunt though."
"Alright just be careful," Marluxia said.
"Ok."
The group left to go to the nearest town. Axel heard that they had streusels on sale and was planning to buy them all.
Snow wandered around her home bored. She thought that she could get some personal things done but wasn't feeling motivated. Walking into the room that she shared with Aqua, she held up a dress from the closet. It was the first thing she sewed on her own, that was wearable attire. Selling some of her hunt to the local butcher gave her enough money to buy the expensive blue material. Aqua had helped Snow with the design and layout but Snow had put every stitch into it herself. It was a plain dress, but the princess took pride in the small accomplishment. She tried it on once more, the pride of doing something herself lifting her spirits. She twirled around once before hearing a knock at the door.
"Demyx probably forgot his money bag again," she said to herself.
Upon opening the door snow was met with an old lady. "Can I help you?" she asked.
"Oh I'm just selling some beautiful things today. Would you be interested?"
"It depends on what these beautiful things are." Snow took a look into the basket.
"It's lace of every color. Would you like to try some?"
"Yes," Snow said ecstatically. She hadn't enjoyed any luxuries since she left the castle. Corsets weren't something she was familiar with but it would do well to ease her boredom.
She invited the old woman in.
"This one would look lovely with your dress." It was a gold corset with black lace.
"Oh this is lovely. But I don't know how to put this on."
"Oh dear. Every young woman must know these things. Poor girl. Here I will help you try it on."
The old lady began to lace the corset on Snow. Tighter and tighter she pulled.
"Um lady."
"Yes dear?"
"I think this is a bit too tight."
"Oh this is just the style. It's all the rage in France."
"Uh that's great. But I'm more about comfort, you know?" Snow could feel her lungs start to constrict. "It's hard to breathe."
"Trust me."
Snow wheezed, "Please loosen this." Snow dropped her hands from her throat as she struggled for air. She fell back onto the couch and slipped to the floor.
"Well my work is done." The old lady dusted her hands off and left the cottage.
0.0.0
Axel saw a figure move through the trees. What was that?
"Come on slow poke," Isa spoke to Axel.
"I thought I saw something move," Axel said.
"No one really comes out here," Terra commented.
"Why would they have reason to?" Demyx questioned.
An eerie silence crept on the travelers.
"Snow!" Axel took off running towards the cottage with the group at his heels.
Rushing passed the ajar door, Axel spotted Snow on the floor. He turned her over.
"What the hell is this contraption?" He pointed to the black and gold lace.
Aqua took a knife and severed the lacing in the back of the corset.
Snow took in a deep breath and coughed. After her breathing was normal she muttered, "The hell?" She looked around at the faces filled with concern.
"Are you ok?" Marluxia asked.
"Does anything hurt?" Aqua asked.
"You need water?" Demyx asked.
"Did you see a blinding white light?" Isa asked.
Terra was the calm voice of reason. "Did someone come by here?"
"Yeah. It was some old lady. She was selling these beautiful clothes. I just wanted to try some on," Snow responded.
"She tied the corset too tight," Aqua held up the article.
"I just wanted something pretty to wear. I didn't know it would literally take my breath away." Snow straightened up as Demyx helped her up.
"Um it looks more like a torture device," he said.
"I've never seen one before," the princess said sheepishly.
"You should be more careful Snow. You really shouldn't let any strangers into the house."
0.0.0
"Haha! Success is mine." Queen Yuffie raced to her mirror. "That was a little too easy."
"A little too easy for who?"
"I killed her. You know what they say. If you want something done right you have to do it yourself."
"Oh you mean Snow?"
"Yes. I laced her up right to her death."
"Don't be so sure~" the mirror sang.
Yuffie stopped dancing. "What. What do you mean?"
"Ask me again oh wise queen."
"Mirror mirror on the wall. Who is the fairest one of all?"
The mirror replied. "Oh, Queen, thou art fairest of all I see. But over the hills, where the seven idiots dwell, Snow-white is still alive and well. And none is so fair as she."
"You've got to be kidding me." Yuffie smacked her head.
Schneewittchen
~0~0~0~
"Oh this tastes awful." The queen said as she drank a sickly green potion.
"I told you. But did you listen? No," the mirror said to the queen.
"She can't know it's me! That makeup and get up was not cutting it. Besides it has been months since I tried to off her. Fall just started. She'll have forgotten all about the corset."
"Fine go gallivanting around the place in your disguise. Just don't come crying to me when it doesn't work."
The queen made her way into the forest and to Snow's cottage. She was dressed in regular clothes to make her seem like a woman from the town. "Hello is anyone here?" she called out. She had striking blonde hair that was tied into a bun.
Snow stuck her head out the window. "Can I help you?"
"I'm just out selling my goods. You must get dry skin out here. Nothing to moisturize with."
"No I don't have that problem. Usually old people have that issue. As you can see my skin is vibrant and soft." Snow rubbed her hand against her face.
"Well can I interest you in some color for your lips?"
"As you can see my lips have their own shade of rouge. But thanks." Snow retreated into the cottage.
"Wait. I might have something you can use in your hair." This caught Snow's attention.
She walked back up to the window. "Your hair looks a bit unkempt." Snow looked at her tresses. They could use some combing. None of the boys had combs. They were happy to be unruly. And Aqua's hair was so short she didn't need a brush.
"Well I guess so."
The young blonde held out a brush. "That will be three Thalers my dear." Snow placed the money into her hand and she was on her way.
"Oh thank goodness." Snow began to comb her knots out. After most of the tangles were out she began to feel sick. The comb was stuck in the strands and Snow passed out.
Demyx was the one to pull the comb from her hair.
"Again?" Isa said.
"Snow you need to be more careful."
"Well the last time she tried to kill me was months ago."
"Well have you seen anyone else out here?" Terra asked.
"Yes, Verna from the candy store was out here. I bought a whole basket of treats from her."
"She usually is out here looking for ingredients," Axel said.
"Do we have to guard you like a prisoner?" Terra said.
"No. I don't want that either," Snow shook her head and walked to her room.
"We can't keep her locked up," Aqua said.
"I know," Terra said. "We'll have to keep an extra eye on her."
0.0.0
"How long is this going to take?" The evil queen raked her hand down her face. "It's like she's indestructible. I just don't get it."
"She has people looking out for her obviously."
"Do you know how much poison I had to use? The brat didn't want cream or lip color. I had to lace everything with that poison. And that is very hard to do. It almost got it on me. I had to throw out everything else."
"Maybe you can just settle for being second fairest in the land."
"NO! What a blasphemous thing to even suggest."
"You know you're starting-"
"I'll put it in food. That's what I'll do. Third time's the charm."
"Happy birthday dear Snow-White. Happy birthday to you."
"Thank you everyone. You really didn't have to."
"We're just celebrating that we're all alive and healthy." Aqua smiled as she cut the cake.
"And that you didn't die for real this time," Isa said.
A sweat droplet ran down the side of Snow's head. "Heh, thanks Isa." Snow had survived the year and lived to see her sixteenth birthday during the spring. The evil queen hadn't tried any more attempts on Snow's life.
"Anything special you wish for?" Axel asked.
"Another sitar," Demyx said with a mouthful of cake.
"Not you. I meant Snow."
"Um no. I have everything I want really." She paused before continuing. "Both my parents are dead. It's not like I could have them here with me." Snow shrugged. "I guess I would like to have my best friend with me."
"Oh and we're not good enough substitutes?" Demyx asked.
"Nope." Demyx was slack jawed. "Roxas is one of a kind," Snow said ignoring Demyx's facial expression. "We grew up together in the palace. I remember one time we succeeded in changing the queen's hair color purple. It was great," she sighed.
"Sounds like someone has a crush," Marluxia sang.
"No I don't. He's just my best friend."
"I bet he's cute," Aqua chimed in.
"And has luscious golden locks," Luxlord flipped his hair.
Snow blushed at all the attention.
"No," she protested. They all laughed. They may not have been invited to the spring festival at the palace, but the party they had as a tight knit family was better than any ball could offer.
"You know most princess' your age would already be married off or at least be promised to someone," Isa commented.
"Yeah, lucky that I'm not."
Schneewittchen
0.0.0
"Pull the arrow back slightly. Slack your wrist a little," Luxlord instructed.
She released the arrow.
"Am I still alive?" Demyx asked.
"Yup." Snow walked over to the tree he was standing against and plucked the apple from his head.
"Right through the core," Luxlord clapped. "I am impressed at my teaching skills but even more impressed by your learning. You're a great student Snow."
"Thanks," she smiled.
This was what she needed the most. A family who loved her deeply. And although it would be shortlived, she would remember this as one of the most happiest times of her life.
The last and most deadly plague from the queen was in a form that she knew Snow couldn't resist.
"Chocolate, my dear?"
"I'm sorry I'm not suppose to let anyone in."
The queen walked up to the window.
"Oh no worries fräulein." It was an older woman who looked to be in her forties. "This is an old family recipe. It has berries and nuts." Snow could just feel her mouth watering.
"I really am not suppose to be talking to strangers."
"Are you worried about the taste? I assure you it is fine." Snow was very hesitant. "Here, why don't we share some?" The old woman opened the wrapper. Snow knew her resolve was dropping. It's so good. And I haven't had chocolate in ages. Maybe just one bite.
As the old woman took a bite Snow graciously did the same. But it was her undoing. Barely tasting the dark coated treat, Snow fell to the floor in a heap.
And it was there that her family found her.
Aqua tried to find healers that would revive the raven haired beauty. Marluxia used every herb he knew to mix potions. Nothing they tried could help.
Roxas made his way up to a cottage. "Please don't kill me Snow." He was dressed in the most regal manner ever. A blue tunic complimenting his eyes, adorned with gold embellishments. His pants were a creamy white and mahogany boots adorned his feet.
He tied his steed to a low hanging branch. Knocking on the door he heard someone from inside. "Answer the door Axel."
"I did it last time. Isa you do it."
"No I'm trying to perfect this move. Why don't you-Ow! Why'd you hit me you dolt?"
"Because you are all immature," a British voice was heard.
Roxas raised an eyebrow. Maybe this is the wrong place? Before he could change his mind the door opened.
"Can I help you?" A red headed man answered the door.
The overwhelming color struck Roxas as odd. "Does you head hurt?" he asked.
The man straightened up. "What I-"
"It looks like your head is on fire."
"Hah the girl said the same thing." Axel smiled at some memory he was recalling.
"Girl? Snow? Is Snow here?" Roxas pushed passed the red head.
"Hey! Yeah she's here but who-"
"Who's this bloke?" a British man asked as Roxas walked across their living room.
"I'm Roxas. Where's Snow? Snow are you in here?" Roxas called for her.
A blue haired woman stepped out of a room. "Prince Roxas?" she questioned.
"Yes, that's me." Roxas walked over to her.
"Snow has said a lot about you," she smiled.
"She has?"
The blue haired lady laughed. "Yes but…" she trailed off.
"Is she ok?"
She shook her head. "The queen tried to have her killed.. and now she's in a slumber that she can't wake up from."
"Have you tired dumping her into a cold bath?" Roxas asked.
"What?" The lady smacked the side of his head.
"OW!" Roxas rubbed the spot.
"You are an idiot. Follow me," she said.
Roxas stood at the foot of Snow's bed. "She's grown since the last time we saw each other. She was still wearing pigtails."
"Aww how cute. You two-" The redheaded was smacked by the woman. "Ow! Aqua, I was trying to-"
Aqua rolled her eyes. "Give him a minute." She shooed the man out and closed the door behind her.
Sitting on the bed, Roxas took Snow's hand in his own. "I guess I didn't make in time." He chuckled sadly.
"I'm so sorry." He took in the room. There were two small wardrobes. She probably shares this room with that other woman. A woman of her stature should have her own quarters. And should not be living so closely with the opposite sex. Since when did I think of her in that way? Well I guess technically she's a woman. In the eyes of the kingdom I mean.
He sighed. The silence that enveloped the prince was deafening. He sniffed. "Please wake up. Snow?" He shook her gently. "Please. You've got to be just sleeping." A tear fell from his eye. "You're my best friend. You can't be gone." Roxas enveloped her in a crushing hug. "I'm so sorry I made it too late. Please wake up. We can still have that cottage that you wanted. And the stew."
At this point the prince was crying heavily. He shook her a little harder. "Please Snow."
0.0.0
A piece of chocolate fell from her lips. Snow began to cough. She drew a long breath.
"I never thought I'd say this but no more chocolate. Please no," Snow said.
"Here," a voice accompanied her.
She felt the glass and drank from it. Lying back down, she opened her eyes. "Roxas?" She gasped and jumped out of the bed.
"I thought I'd never see you again," he said as he hugged her.
"Didn't you get my message?" she questioned.
"I did b-"
Snow hit Roxas. "Then what took you so long?"
"I couldn't find the place!"
"Couldn't find the place. Really?" The princess hit Roxas again.
"Ow. I wish you would stop hitting me. First Aqua, now you."
"I was lost and found it quicker than you did." Snow crossed her hands across her chest.
Roxas rolled his eyes. "Well I'm here now.
"Yes. You are." She reached up and hugged him. "I missed you, you fool."
Roxas sighed. "I missed you too."
After a moment of silence the prince spoke up. "Time to get back your kingdom."
Schneewittchen
~0~0~0~
"Snow-White?" a guard by the castle gate said astonished.
"Yes."
The guard dropped to a kneeling position."Your majesty."
"I would like to call a meeting with the regal advisers," Snow said.
"Right away."
Another guard showed up as they entered the main hallways. "Princess? We thought you were dead. The queen-"
"I'm sure she has told you many lies much like this. Please block all exits of the castle and wait for my next command."
"Yes Princess."
She continued on her way. Turning to Roxas she asked, "You ready?"
"I should be asking you this," Roxas replied. They pushed open Queen Yuffie's chamber doors.
"Yuffie, come out here," Snow demanded. Snow and Roxas ransacked every nook and cranny of Yuffie's room but she was not to be found.
"That blasphemous wench." Snow clenched her delicate hands at her side.
"At least she's gone," Roxas consoled her.
"All that's left to do is speak to the royal advisers, then."
"About what?" the prince questioned.
"Some important matters that I've been avoiding," Snow replied.
The evil queen had almost plundered the land of Bastaria into ruin. The townspeople were in rage of the poverty of the land. Yuffie had raised taxes to furnish her own pockets. All of the lovely dresses and extravagant headdresses were sent back to the boutiques and the taxes were levied from the people of the land.
Snow worked diligently with the royal advisers to save her kingdom. And within the next year, things were back to the same balance as when King Leon was alive.
Snow even agreed to meet with a long time demand of the advisers. After her coronation as Queen of Bavaria things were set in their proper place.
"You know, your majesty," one of the advisers began. Oh how she would never tire of her title. "Your kingdom is flourishing beautifully."
"With the help of you of course." Snow was not one to withhold a compliment when earned. She also knew for some time what they were fishing for.
"With your expertise judgment and allowances."
"Go on," Queen Snow said.
"Your seventeenth birthday has come and passed."
"Yes what a marvelous ball it was."
"How magnificent."
"The best one yet." All of the advisers were in on this one.
"And I am yet to be wed. Yes I know." They were all slack jawed. "What? I may be a bit young but I am not naive."
"Well then, cut down to the nitty gritty."
"We were thinking you could have the ceremony right before the spring festival next year."
"Yes, spring weddings are always refreshing. They have a way of bringing all the cold of winter to an end," the queen said with a small smile.
"We'll get all of the preparations together then."
"I'll contact a caterer and a decorator." They were ecstatic about the proposal.
"I have one simple request." The queen would put her foot down with this one.
"Yes your Grace?"
"I get to choose the suitor."
"Very well," the adviser smiled.
All of Snow's friends from the forest were at the celebration. Axel was trying to down the wine and Demyx was flirting with some archduke's daughters. Aqua and Terra were dancing to a slow song that was playing. The others were busy stuffing their faces. Some things don't change.
Snow admired the decorations. It was simple but elegant. The overall color was a classic white with accents of gold, red, and black. Beautiful white roses filled the ballroom with the scent of spring. The drapes were red woven into black wool. The gold tables were filled to the brim with soups, meats, cakes, and punch bowls galore.
"Everything looks beautiful," she said.
"Not as beautiful as you," her new husband replied. This caused the bride to blush madly.
She pushed him lightly. "You sweet talker." He kissed her on the cheek. Queen Snow was wearing an elegant gown. The underskirts were pure white with swirls of gold along the a-line dress. The top petticoat was a dark red with close fitting sleeves. Snow's hair cascaded down her back while the top half was wrapped into a loose bun. It was tied with red rubies and gold ribbons.
"Time for our first dance," Snow said excitedly. She took her husband's hand and he led them on to the dance floor.
"Who knew you would be excited to marry me?" Roxas laughed.
"There's always time for an annulment," the queen said offhandedly.
"Hey!" Snow laughed.
"I'm kidding." Roxas twirled her. "Hey, we match." Snow pointed to Roxas' red and white attire.
"I think they planned that," Roxas chuckled.
"I believe the advisers got a little too carried away with this."
"Let them have their fun."
Snow laughed. "Just this once." Out of the corner of her eye Snow caught someone lurking around suspiciously. "You know, something feels a little off."
"Like that strudel I stuffed my face with. I haven't eaten anything all day."
"No not that. I feel like someone is here who shouldn't be." Snow nodded her head in the direction of Terra.
"You see that woman behind him?"
Roxas squinted. "It can't be."
"I really think it's her, don't you?" Snow asked.
Roxas twirled her again. "Yuffie?"
"Why don't we give her a proper welcome."
0.0.0
"Hello Yuffie," Snow addressed the woman.
"There was once a 'Queen' in front of that name."
"Yes once," Roxas said.
"Now you are right where you belong," the rightful queen chimed in.
"You think yourself so high and mighty now that you are ruling? Think again," Yuffie scoffed and turned to leave.
"Before you go why don't you dance?"
"I don't see why not."
"But I had something special made just for you. A new pair of shoes," Snow said.
"Oh goody. You sure now how to treat family. I'll overlook your transgressions," Yuffie responded. One of the guards was holding a pairs of tongs with heavy duty gloves on. He placed a pair of hot iron shoes before Yuffie.
"What is this?"
"Put them on," the queen said.
"I'm sorry?"
"Put them on and join us in the celebration," Snow said innocently. "You wouldn't dare disobey your queen, now would you?"
Yuffie had no choice but to oblique. So on the hot iron slippers went. She was forced to dance until she dropped down dead.
OMG this is like the longest thing ever! This is just as long as the chapters of At Our Core. I just realized that there's a FF character named Snow. I hope that wasn't confusing.
The wedding dress I had in mind was modeled off of one I found on Pinterest. Here's the link. images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLYeAZGKrtQO-5GLtugbb5-tOBeXOoK9zLPKKjG-Re9HHu5lnnOg
Yes I know that the ending of this was very morbid. But it was the original ending to the Grimm Brother's tale. The evil queen was forced to wear iron shoes, that were heated, and dance until she died. Although it was her fault for going to the wedding anyways. No one invited her. She could've lived her life without being the fairest and ran away. But beauty took precedence.
Anyways I hope you liked it. Hit that review button!
Sook