Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ In My Mind's Eye ❯ Chapter 1

[ A - All Readers ]

Summary: (AU) When Princess Yuffie runs away from home to escape her tyrannical father, she encounters a man of ice, who unexpectedly changes her life forever.

...

Prologue

…

“…The boy woke up excited the next morning. He rubbed his eyes and looked out of his window to see what a beautiful sunny day it was. He slipped on his robe and slippers, rushed down the stairs, and when he got outside, he saw that the snowman was no longer there, but had melted away. The boy collapsed and began to cry, holding his scarf patterned with snowmen, still ever so warm in his hands. The End.”

Hyun-Hee Kisaragi looked down at her six-month daughter, resting her eyes peacefully on her lap. She closed the bedtime storybook and gently set it aside, carrying the tired bundle of joy into her crib without waking her. The mother couldn't help but realize the innocence of such young babies when they were fast asleep. She tried to hold her sobs back as a small tear escaped from her eye. For this would be the last time she would ever hold her warm child again.

Adjusting her headband and tightening her gauntlets, she glanced at the open door, where Godo was standing, waiting for her to bid farewell to their child. She quietly crept out of the bedroom, shutting the door silently behind her, and sobbed.

“Hyun-Hee.” Godo held his wife anxiously by her shoulders. “I beg of you, please don't do this.”

Hyun-Hee only shook her head rebelliously and stared defiantly at her husband, answering: “No.”

It broke Godo's heart. She had to do this, for Wutai, for its people and for dear Yuffie. She didn't want her to grow up in a world torn with violent bloodshed. Too many lives had been lost, and the only rational option that remained was to negotiate with Shinra.

Her sailboat was waiting for her miles away, and it was time for her to leave.

“Godo, please promise me something…”

Hyun-Hee whispered into her husband's ear.

“I promise.”

Godo embraced his wife, cherishing every moment of it, and then followed her out of the palace as the winter's wind howled through the open doors. Godo watched her step out into the snowy night, letting the darkness overtake her as she disappeared out of Wutai and headed towards the sea.

As she herself had suspected, Hyun-Hee would never return home. Her boat was never found and no negotiations ever took place between Wutai and Shinra. Sadly but truthfully, Hyun-Hee was pronounced dead, presumably lost at sea.

…

In My Mind's Eye

…

Chapter One

…

Her eyes gazed out the open window, watching the snow fall upon Wutai. Outside, she could see children of her age throwing snowballs, chasing one another and building snowmen. She loved snowmen…she wanted to join them and build a snowman so much. Yet all she could do was hear their laughter and bear witness to their playful activities.

“Miss Yuffie, please pay attention!”

Nine-year-old Yuffie Kisaragi nearly fell off her chair, once startled by Chekov, who wasn't looking pleased at all from her mindless daydreaming.

“Were you listening to a single word I was just saying?”

“Um…word?” Yuffie shrugged with a sheepish grin.

“Have you been taking any notes?”

Chekov picked up Yuffie's notebook against her will, to find that she hadn't written a single word that related anything to her lesson about the uses of Cure Materia. Instead, she found crude drawings of snowmen Yuffie had doodled. This only made her sigh.

“Miss Yuffie…” Chekov shook her head. “…just when will you learn to grow up and pay attention? As the Princess of Wutai and the only child of Lord Godo Kisaragi, the time will soon come for you to take responsibility and rule this kingdom wisely with peace and prosperity.”

Quite frankly, Yuffie couldn't care less. She didn't even care much about her royal position. And although Godo had given his daughter absolutely everything that her heart desired…toys…dolls…Materia…there was still something missing.

Friends.

Yuffie had always wished to step out of the palace alone and play with the other kids in Wutai. But sadly, it was taboo for the Princess to even speak to these so-called lowlifes. Godo was a firm father, and never let any living soul near his beloved child.

Indeed. Godo Kisaragi was a hard but fair ruler who expected the utmost discipline and respect from her daughter. He had high hopes that she too someday would rule Wutai as well and justly as him. His days were endless without rest, having to maintain order and stability towards his homeland. Nevertheless though, he took his responsibility whenever needed.

His relationship with Yuffie was not terribly heart-warming to say the least. Since her father would spend most of his days away from the palace for important business, Yuffie spent most of her days studying relentlessly with her private tutor, Chekov. Meals were rarely spent together as a family. And if they were, Godo spoke only few words to ask what Chekov had taught her the other day, and nothing else.

It was all a boring cycle in Yuffie's secluded life. While her nose was constantly stuck within pages of a textbook, the joyous opportunities of youth were waving at her outside the window. Even at times when she was allowed to set foot out of the palace, she always had to be accompanied by guards, sworn to protect her by any means.

In short, life was too lonely for Princess Yuffie Kisaragi.

…

Later that night before dinner, Princess Yuffie was sitting by the fire, when suddenly she saw the monstrous shadow of a huge cat prowling outside the open door. Her throat went tight and her heart began to race. How she hated big cats, she had nightmares about them. The shadow began to creep closer.

“Chekov…CHEKOV!” she shouted desperately. “HELP ME!”

Chekov suddenly came running into the room to see a frightened Yuffie cowering by the fire.

“Whatever's the matter, Miss Yuffie?” she asked alarmed.

“There!” Yuffie pointed at the menacing shadow.

Chekov began to laugh as she peered round the door and reached down to pick something up.

“No… NO PLEASE! Chekov, what are you doing?”

But Chekov simply smiled and held up the tiniest, cutest, littlest, fluffy kitten, one of the palace pets.

“See? “ said Chekov “It's only a kitten. You've been letting your imagination get the better of you again.”

…

Dinner was quiet, as usual. Godo gently sipped his tea, frowning at Yuffie, who was busy playing with the rice on her bowl with her chopsticks.

“Stop playing with your food. It's a terrible habit.” Godo spoke sternly to his daughter.

“Papa?” she asked.

“Yes?”

“Why can't I play with the other kids?”

Godo rolled his eyes sideways.

“I've already told you many times. A Princess doesn't have time to play silly games with children. She must be well disciplined, learned and most important of all, responsible when the time comes for her to take rule of her homeland. You should know that by now, Yuffie.”

She knew, but Yuffie could never find the words to argue against her dominating father. True that she cared deeply for her home, but what point was there to care when she couldn't talk to anybody or even have a simple life like any ordinary Wutainese person? Yuffie could see she was a growing up fast, but she couldn't stop yearning to make the best out of her life right now. Just before she could speak her mind, however, Godo interrupted with an announcement.

“Your grandparents will be staying with us for a few nights. They will be arriving tomorrow evening.”

An ecstatic smile appeared on Yuffie's face, her hands slammed excitedly on the table and she had to cry out with joy. “YAY! I can't wait to see them again! When they come, can I wear Mama's old Chocobo costume? I haven't had the chance to show them how I look!”

“Absolutely not.” Godo stared bitterly at his daughter for a few seconds, before continuing on. “I have asked my best tailors to design for you a special dress to wear tomorrow. They've worked extremely hard to get it all prepared. So do not disappoint me by doing anything reckless to ruin it.” He took his last sip of his tea and cleared his throat. “I expect you to be on your best behavior. Remember that you are the Princess of Wutai, and she must show the utmost respect for any of her guests, especially her elders.”

Yuffie let out a reluctant moan, nibbling on the last grains of rice stuck to her fingers.

“Furthermore, I expect you to value your table manners better. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Papa.” Yuffie sighed, wiping the food stains off her cheeks.

…

The next day came, having spent the whole morning and afternoon studying, Yuffie was sent to take her bath before her guests would arrive.

“Now please be still, Miss Yuffie.” Chekov rinsed her hair amidst the piles of bubbles rising from the tub. “You'll need to look your best for tonight.”

“Do I have to?” Yuffie said in an unenthusiastic voice.

“Yes, you do. They're your family, don't forget.” After washing her thoroughly, Chekov helped Yuffie out of the tub and wrapped her with a towel, placing her in front of a mirror to face her own reflection. “I think you'll look splendid in the dress your father has made.”

Chekov picked out the special dress from the wardrobe, presenting it to Yuffie, who was still staring at the mirror, but with great displeasure. Its bright reddish colors did not match her taste and she couldn't stand the decorations of pink cherry blossoms. It felt all too dull for Yuffie…she wanted to wear something more unique…something that her grandparents had never seen before.

Yes…Mama's Chocobo costume!

Yuffie rushed to the depths of her wardrobe and yanked it out, much to Chekov's shock. “Miss Yuffie! You can't be serious. Surely you're not thinking about wearing THAT!”

Yuffie shook off the dirt from the costume, making a few feathers scatter on the floor. The costume had miraculously retained its rich yellow texture, with a Chocobo's head as a hood and a tiny pair of Chocobo wings to fit as tiny sleeves. This was by far one of the few remaining clothes left from her mother's childhood days. And after all these years, it was all in good shape to fit for her daughter. It made Yuffie so glad to see what a perfect opportunity this was to surprise her grandparents and offer them some entertainment for a change.

“It's show time tonight!” Yuffie giggled.

…

She tiptoed across the hall, peeking her head through the partly open doors of the living room, where her father and her grandparents sat patiently, awaiting her arrival. Yuffie tried to hide her fit of giggles as she lifted her hood, scratched the itches on her orange tights and tied up her brown sneakers. She was to give her family the surprise of their life…

“WARK! WARK! WARK!” she slid open the doors and burst into the living room, warking away.

Godo nearly spilled his tea in fright, afraid at first that some crazy lunatic had broken into the royal grounds with a mission to assassinate him. The grandparents remained calm, however, surprised yet at the same time, amused by their granddaughter's playful greeting.

“My, my, my! And who do we have here?” the grandmother pretended to ask unknowingly.

“My name is Coco, and I'm so hungry that I could eat a whole farm! Give me all of your greens, now!” Yuffie demanded with an evil smirk. “If you don't give me any greens, I'm going to get really mad! WAAARK!”

They couldn't help but smile. The grandmother chuckled with delight while the grandfather lightly applauded Yuffie's adorable performance as she ran around the room, jumping about hysterically and fluttering her feathery wings like a furious Chocobo that hadn't had her meal all day. They saw it was all for show, and it was as entertaining as it could be.

Godo, on the other hand, found this act very disheartening. It wasn't long until Chekov frantically entered the room, holding in her hand on a single hanger, the untouched cherry blossom dress.

“What is the meaning of this, Chekov?” Godo muttered under his breath, trying not to lose his temper.

“I'm sorry, my lord.” Chekov begged for forgiveness and bowed apologetically. “I kept telling her to wear this dress you asked for, but she just wouldn't listen.”

Yuffie approached her father, flapping her wings with a silly grin on her face, saying: “Give me your greens!”

Godo delivered a slap on his daughter's cheek, leaving the grandparents and Chekov watching in shear horror.

“How dare you!” Godo hissed in humiliation. “Is this how the Princess of Wutai should act in front of her guests, with such shameless foolery? Have you no dignity?”

Yuffie gently rubbed her sore cheek in a state of shock.

“Look at you in this appalling attire. What would your mother say to you if she were here right now?”

Godo snatched the dress from Chekov's hands and forcefully handed it over to Yuffie.

The grandfather intervened, hoping to calm down this confrontation. “Godo please, I really don't think-”

“You march back to your room and put this on right now!” Godo's face was already steaming red, which was never a good sign. Yet still, Yuffie stared back at Godo defiantly and shook her head rebelliously…just as her mother would.

“NO!” she replied.

Godo's eyes dropped in disbelief.

“What did you say?

“Read my lips, old man. I said NO!”

Yuffie was struck with another slap, harder this time. She fell into another state of shock, and this time, she clenched her eyes and then broke down into tears, crying on her knees.

Godo threw his dress at Yuffie, showing no feeling of sympathy for his disobedient child. “Now…go back to your room, and put on that dress like I told you.”

Yuffie tightened her fists. Now in a wild fit of rage, she took the dress and ripped it apart with her own bare hands. Godo was far beyond devastated. She stomped on the expensive garment ferociously with her shoes, tearing off the sleeves and tossing aside shredded pieces…until it was completely ruined.

Godo, now deeply enraged, slapped Yuffie a third time, so severe that Chekov couldn't tell how in Leviathan's name she could take the punishment. He grabbed her by the wrist, dragging her mercilessly towards the door.

But Yuffie retaliated, savagely biting her father's hand like a rabid dog. Godo released his grip and recoiled back against the wall, inspecting his bitten hand, which was now bleeding.

“I HATE YOU!” Yuffie screamed at the top of her lungs, and all those present froze in awe. “I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! You never let me have fun with anyone! It's always what YOU want! YOU! YOU! YOU! I don't EVER want to see you again because I HATE YOU!”

Yuffie dashed out of the room, leaving Godo scarred by her parting words. Grief-stricken at once, he desperately pursued her as she ran out of the palace doors and into the blistering cold.

“Yuffie!” Godo shouted, bursting outside without his sandals.

Yuffie ran past all the villagers' houses, past the gates of Wutai and sprinted as fast as she could across the deserted snowfields beyond.

“YUFFIE!” Her father's voice called out for her again.

Yuffie made her way up a steep hill, ignoring her father's cries as he relentlessly pursued her. By this time, he was running of breath, limping and grasping his bloodstained hand. He accidentally tripped his foot on a rock hidden in snow, and tumbled back down.

Yuffie didn't stop to look back and kept climbing, speeding the pace as she reached the peak and then ran downhill…she could just barely see the ocean in the distance. Once Godo reached the top of the hill, Yuffie was already far away…so far that he had lost sight of her.

“YUFFIE!” His voice echoed in pain.

Yuffie glanced back for a moment, to see Godo gradually vanish from her sight. While she began to move further and further away, the sky fell darker, making way for the storm clouds to roll in. The pleas from her father could no longer be heard, and was replaced by the splashes of the sea's waves as she neared the coastline.

As she reached the small seaport nearby, she could just make out a row of sailboats, sized for solo travelers. With no one around, Yuffie took this chance to take her sailing lessons for use, and untied one of the sailboats. Hopping in, she set sail despite the bad omen she saw of gathering rainclouds. She didn't care…she wanted to get away from Wutai…away from her father…as far away as possible…even if it meant sailing to the ends of the Planet.

…

She sailed for what seemed an age as hours turned into days. Who knew? She had lost track of the time she had been awake at sea…or how long she had slept. The wind itself became her guide along the journey without a destination. Yuffie was content with that though, regardless of the fact that she was hungry, tired and lost drifting on an endless ocean. She was convinced her father wouldn't travel this far out to find his own daughter after all…

But one unexpected stormy night, the boat swayed and swerved so vigorously that Yuffie was forced to struggle against the thunderous rainclouds that constantly pursued her. Raindrops and hail showered upon her boat as the waves began to rise at overwhelming heights, splashing over her Chocobo costume and leaving her utterly drenched. The sails proved weak against the intensifying wind and they were liable to break any minute.

Yuffie tried to regain control of her sailboat, but the weather's unruly strength overpowered her will. Consequently, the boast capsized when it was caught in a mighty wave, and it shattered into pieces. Yuffie saw her world turn upside-down as she was plunged through the surface of the sea and into its mysterious darkening realm.

Her consciousness calmly faded…and for a glimpse, she thought she saw her mother's hand reaching out for her.

Then

every

thing

dis

…

Author's Note: Oops, forgot to mention that I don't own FF7. No money's being made from this story, but nevertheless, I do hope this chapter hasn't left too many of you readers in nail-biting suspense. I could very well end this now and leave Yuffie sinking to her grave, or perhaps you could help her by hitting that review button…

Yuffie begs of you to please review and send her your comments! Constructive criticism is more than welcome, but flames will only be laughed at (nyuk, nyuk).