Disclaimer: Princess Tutu doesn't belong to me.
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Once upon a time there lived a great and noble prince whose valor, wisdom, and purity of heart were unmatched. Righteous in peacetime and courageous in battle, his tale was one of endless glory until he sacrificed himself to save the world, and became one of those who needed to be saved.
Once upon a time there lived a gracious and beautiful princess who was held captive by a demon king. He had no physical form, and no high tower to lock her away, so he built a cage of words to hold her in, and let the princess turn her own brittle heart into the lock. It would open, he told her, when she found a key that did not exist. Love me, she said, and meant, Save me.
Once upon a time there lived a proud and stubborn knight who was doomed to die in futility and defeat. He set himself grimly against his fate, though he knew it was his due: He could not save anyone, and only caused misery whenever he tried.
Once upon a time there lived an exceedingly ordinary duck about whom stories were never meant to be written. She saw their misery, and wondered what she could do to help.
And said, Save yourself.