Chapter 3: A story of a princess
Disclaimer: I still do not own any of the charters or the story that it based off, Hetalia belong to Himaruya Hidekaz and the liar princess and the blind prince it's owned by Nippon Ichi Software and its team.
Please read the end notes for some news.
It has been days since the incident and Matthew has noticed Amelia being a bit odd (well odder than usual). She hasn't been chasing other animals or trying to drag him around the forest. (which he didn't honestly mind much) She still acts like her normal self and has been working harder to gathering resorts for winter; it seems like she's hiding something.
' It must be because of that human she attacked, they probably scared her to the point of staying away ' Matthew thought to himself. When Amelia came back to the den that night, he was angry at her but then noticed the smell of human blood on her claws.
After Amelia told him about what had happened, he was stun that Amelia had attacked a human child, but he was glad that she was able to escape. She looked terrified and regretful, so he spent the rest of the night trying to comfort her.
Matthew knew that she was being vague about her story and that she was trying to hide something away from him. He had wanted to ask her a bit more about it, but she would avoid it or start talking about something else.
He knew she wasn't going to tell him the truth, so he was going to ask Yao about that night but stopped on track when he saw Lars nearby.
Lars was a large bear with spiked blond fur and caring around a bag of fish. He was also one of his good friends. "Lars!? What are you doing over here? " Lars noticed Mathew drops the bag of fish from his mouth without changing his expression much " I'm head home. " Mathew was expecting that answers and rephrase his question " sorry I meant, why are you here? "
Lars often stayed in the north near the river when he needed to hunt and rarely traveled to his and Amelia's den, unless he wanted to visit.
" The north side of the forest is filled with solders, so most of us have to travel around them to get back home. " Mathew was startled by the news, " why are their solders out at this time of year? Is there another war among themselves? "
Mathew knew it had been years since the humans were attacking each other and it was a fear that many had in the forest, hence why a few of them would seek into the humans kingdoms to oversee them. " I'm not sure, according to Yao the solders are looking for a type of miracle cure for their prince. "
Mathew was a bit curious about the prince but became more concern about the others living in the north " is everyone form the north side okay?" "There fine,Yao and some of his students had already informed them and were able to get them away in time. Though now he and his students are trying to keep everyone out."
Lars release a sigh " Those humans have already cut off some of our resources while trying to find this cure, if this keeps up Yao might have to ask the sorceress for some help."
Matthew shiveres after hearing the sorceress. " I hope it doesn't come to that " ' especially if it her '
Hiding nearby, Amelia had overheard their conversation, and was heading north to try to fix her mess
/ *~ *~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* \
Stand by the princes door was something that Tolys has spent the past few days doing. He felt lucky to still be standing, but he was also thankful that lord Ivan was able to survive the attack. ' Ivan has been quiet today? Maybe he will be staying in his room again, ' Ivan has become so isolated lately that not even he can get him to leave his room.
The castle has been turned upside down as everyone is trying to fine away to help cure the prince as well as keep his attack a secret from their enemies, ' I wish I never had taken him out that night, maybe things wouldn't be so hectic now. ' Tolys sighed as he recalled that night.
" You're Highness! " he screamed as he saw the prince lying on the ground and saw a monster nearby with blood. " Get it! It attacked the prince! " Shouted one of the guards, soon the others chased after it but lost it in the woods.
He was looking after the prince and was grateful to see him still alive, " hold still, this should stop the bleeding. " He rip up some cloth from his tunic and held it onto the princes eyes. " Lord Ivan you should never have been here " He knew that the prince was unconscious at this point and gently carried him over to the carriage.
Once he and the other guard returned to the palace, the king and queen became livid with them. Tolys clutched his hands as he and the others were fearful for their lives. They knew that the king and queen cared deeply about their children's and could give inhumane punishments if any harm came to them, especially the queen.
The queen held tremendous power and is feared by many throughout the kingdoms. She is respected by many and despite her pale features and sweet smile she is a woman who should never be angry. While the king was more mild- mannered then his wife was barely able to hold back her that night.
Tolys felt fortunate that the queen listen to their plea as he and the others were only face a fraction of the queens furry, but they were all forced to face several punishments for Ivan's injuries. The royal guards were demoted and force to patrol outside the kingdom for the coming winter, while Tolys being the prince's only retainer, was ordered to be by the princes side at all times as well as sleeping outside in freezing weather for several nights.
As Tolys was lost in his thoughts he heard a knock on the door, " Tolys " he opened the door to see the prince standing behind it. Ivan was dress in a faded gray tunic to try to hide his identity from the other nobles, he also had large cloth wrap around his eye and a small cane in his hand, " Yes, your Highness."
For the past few days Ivan has been quiet and reserved. He manly asks Tories to help escort him to other parts of the palace when he becomes board. " I want to go to the garden today " Tories was slightly glad because that was one of Ivan's favorite spots. " Of course lord Ivan, let go " while Tories was escorting the prince to the garden he tried to have a conversation with him. " Ivan, would you like for me to read to you as well? "
" No, Tolys. " He said flatly; while walking by his side Tories grew concerned for him. Despite being a few years order then him lord Ivan consider him as one of his closes friend, he would often speak to him about almost anything that interest him and Tolys would happily listen.
Tolys knew that Ivan had a hard time making friends with many of the other nobles children who either were scared of him because of his parents or bullied him because of his status. None of them wanted to be his friend, so they would often leave him alone.
Things became harder for him once the queen and king found out about his bulling. Many families were punished and some were even exile. Families throughout the kingdom became more fearful of Ivan and would avoid him through any means. This made Ivan isolated from the other nobles and feared by his own citizens.
A loud tap brought Tolys from his thoughts, He looked back at Ivan as he noticed how accustom he had become to that cane. It was his little sister who gave him that cane, but he suspected that she might have pulled it out from the pipe faucet that was kept in the garden.
He was told that some of the queens high ranked solders were out in the forest looking for a type of remedy to cure the princes eyes, Tolys wouldn't admit to it out loud, but he was doubtful that there is a cure for Ivan's eyes. (even if it is from that forest)
" Tolys, are we at the garden yet? " Looking ahead Tolys saw the large door that is the entrance to the garden, " Yes, we are here Ivan. " Opening the door Tolys felt the cool air outside and saw the large garden that had bare plants and dead leaves on the ground. There were a few stone benches, but not a single flower. " Tolys, can you take me to one of the benches? "
" Of course lord Ivan " as Tolys helped Ivan on the benches, Ivan was fumbling with his hand as he spoke up again " Tolys …. Were any of their solders able to fine Amelia " Tolys was taken aback by the question but knew he couldn't hide it from the prince, " no, none of our solders have seen her or anybody else from the forest. "
Ivan was disheartened by the new and Tolys felt sorry for telling him that the girl that Ivan claimed as his friend appeared at the same time as that wolf. Tolys hoped that she was able to escape from that wolf but something was telling him that she was not.
/ *~ *~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* \
It didn't take long for Amelia to run north. Once she climbed up a small hill she could already see the solders scattered around. ' They are everywhere, I can barely see the road. ' As she tried to sneak her way through, she was stopped on track by a crane that glared at her.
Startled Amelia showed " Ya-! ", but was muffled by Yao's feathers. " Ssh keep your voice down, you loud wolf. " Amelia keep herself quiet but nearby Yao noticed some humans were already walking towards them. Yao changed into a human and quickly pushed Amelia back and pulled her away from them.
Once he was sure that he had gotten her safely away, he let go of her and changed back into a crane. " Amelia! What were you doing over there!? Were you trying to get yourself killed!? "
" I wanted to help you guys again " Yao being more annoyed by her response, " Amelia, we do not need your help. These humans are much more dangers than the ones from the other night." He didn't want her helping him or her anywhere near these solders. Amelia was determined to help and did not want to back down. " I could distract them again and keep them away form the others. "
Yao was becoming aggravated with her and knew he had to go back, after a deep breath he finally told her the truth " Amelia, these humans aren't just looking for a cure they are also hunting for wolves and if they see you or your brother they will track you down and kill you both." Amber eyes widen as she stared back at Yao, he could tell from that fearful look she had finally understood the situation.
" Amelia, I know what you did to that human " Amelia bodied tents up as she dug her claws into the ground. " Helping us wont fix this mess, and if you return here you'll be putting more lives in dangers including your own brother. " Amelia remained silent as she looked down at her caws. Yao knew he was being too harsh on her, but he didn't want anymore lives lost to these humans, or for her to see her friend again.
" Amelia, if you still want to help go back home and keep you and your brother safe. "
As Yao few off to regroup with his students, Amelia remained still looking at her caws ' I knew it, it was Ivan … This is my fault,' Amelia always wanted to save people, like all the heroes she would hear from stories but would often times end up in trouble.
Still, she refused to give up, and she knew that she had to do ' I can fix this but I might need her help ' she shuddered after mentioning her.
/ *~ *~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* \
After a day and a half, Amelia finally arrived at her house. She hesitated for a moment until she finally walked through the door.
Inside the barely lit home were potions and books scattered around the room. The ceiling above her had floating jars of light that were of a variety colors, and lying in the center of the room stood a large cauldron with the fire still on.
There was no sight of her and Amelia was about to leave until she heard her voice." Amelia?! Did you finally decide to visit my little wolf? "
Turing around she saw her a woman with red pigtail wearing a green rabbit mask and a cloak of green fur and feathers, she spoke in a chipper tone and was surprise to see Amelia again " It's bin a long time since I last seen you. Are you and Matthew okay? "
As she stared to pet the fur on Amelia head, Amelia immediately pull herself away. " We're fine olive, but I need-"
Olive was a bit sadden by Amelia reaction, but she already knew why she was here. She took a step and walked back to her cauldron. "Oh, you need something from me."
Following her Amelia continue, " yes, I want you to cure someone that I …. Accidentally attacked. " Grabbing her staff Olive waved her hand and lit up her home showing all the other jars littered around. " You mean the boy you blind "
Amelia wasn't surprise that she knew, she had the power to see anything within the forest ' She probably knew about all the humans in the north side too. ' Still she kept her chipper tone; Amelia knew that she was smiling behind that mask.
" Oh Amelia, you know I would love to help you but that boy would need to be here for my power to work on him." Lousing one of her options Amelia looked around the room, refusing to leave without finding another way ' Maybe one of those potions can cure him. ' Right before she even said a word, olive spoke up " There's no potion in here that can cure him Amelia … Unless "
Almost stepping on one of the jars Amelia became hopeful " Is there a potion that can cure him? " Olive looked over her potion and then back at her cauldron. " There is, but your friend will have to wait until summer." Olive didn't need to look back to see the pouting look that Amelia had, she could help but chuckle a bit.
She finally arrived at her cauldron and waved her staff over it to show an image of the Yao and his student. " It looks like Yao is planning to push those humans back, and if he does that the humans will likely fight back. "
Amelia was becoming impatient with her and worried about her warning, she stomped her claws on the ground causing the room to shake. " Then we need to cure him now or Yao and the others could be killed " Olivia not being bothered by Amelia strength waved her staff again to show an image of a boy dressed in gray and wearing a golden crown on his head. He was sitting alone with a large cloth wrap around his eyes.
Amelia looked at the image, her anger was pushed away as she felt a tremendous amount of gilt. " My, is this the boy Amelia " Amelia, still staring at Ivan, said in a low voice " Yes. " Olivia was surprised, she had never heard Amelia voice that low before, ' she almost sounds like Matthew.'
Waving her staff once more she erases the image away, Amelia still wanted to help Ivan but couldn't think of anymore ideas, tried asking Olivia one more time. " Is there anyway to save him? "
Olivia was silent for a moment until she came up with an idea, " there might be away but you will have to sacrifice something in return. "
Wary of Olivia Idea Amelia ask " what is it? "
Delighted Olivia just said " I'll just change your form into a human, and then you can bring your friend back here to be heal. "
Amelia was doubtful of this idea, especially if it meant sacrificing something to her. " But how will we be able to survive though the forest? Humans aren't strong enough to make it through."
" Oh Amelia, you know that I wouldn't just leave you like that, You'll just be able to transform like Yao or Kiku "
" I thought that was a gift that only a few could have. "
" Normally it is, but I have the power to give that ability to almost anyone … for a price. "
Amelia knew that she would have to pay for her help, so she was worried about her price, " and that would be? "
Olivia gleefully held on to one of her jars as she looked back at Amelia " Oh Amelia, you should know better than anyone what the cost would be from me "
Amelia thought about Olivia's offer and the price she would have to pay. ' This could save them, and I can be a hero. Though Mattie is going to be mad at me; I'm the reason that Ivan is blind, so Im not going to give up now.' Amelia stared back at Olivia without any more hesitation " If it can help him and save everyone, then it's a deal "
Clapping her had together Olivia could barely contain her excitement, " I knew some day you would agree to this choice. Before I change you into a human, what would your like you human form to be? "
Amelia thought to herself for a while ' what type of human do I need to be to save Ivan? Should I disguise myself like Kiku or maybe a guard? ' Amelia thought back to that night and remembered Ivan, the lamp he held, the purple cloak he worn and that metal on his head.
" You're Highness! "
" Amelia! He's a prince and his- "
Like a light she knew what she wanted her form to be," Turn me into a princess. "
/ *~ *~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* \
He was told it had been days since that incident and that many are trying to find a way to cure him. His mother had gone off to another kingdom to find a solution, while his father had sent a small group of elite guards into the forest to fine a remedy. Even his sisters are trying to find ways to help him, by looking through treatments throughout their library; which is how he got his cain and scarf.
He knows that they are all trying to help him, but this is just making him feel more alone. ' Even Tolys rarely check on me any more ' after that day in the garden, Ivan had been spending most of his time in his room with Tolys leaving his meals on his desk.
" I hope she was able to get away from that monster. " Ivan cradled himself on his bed as he remembered that night, the beast appearing in front of him, Amelia screaming out to him and that monsters sharp claws. He balled his hand in a fist as he will never forget the feeling of those claws and would never forget about Amelia. " I wish I could see her again, and tell her I'm sorry for scaring her. "
As Ivan tried to fall asleep he heard something odd " -van? "
In a low voice Ivan could have sworn he heard someone calling out to him, ' It should be night? Is Tolys looking for me? ' Hopping off his bed Ivan walks closer to his door, he presses his ear close to try to hear that voice again.
" Ivan, are you here? "
He knew that voice, but he had to be sure. " Amelia? Is that you? " Pressing his ear closer, hoping to hear a response.
He heard foot steps becoming louder as she got closer to his room. " Ivan! Are you over here? " Overjoyed Ivan open the door to his room, hoping to fine Amelia " Amelia, it is you. "
" Ivan! I found you " When Ivan opened the door Amelia almost tackled him in a hug, until she saw his eyes and felt her gilt stopping her.
Ivan was happy that she was here, but he was also curious as to why she was here " Amelia, I'm glad that you were able to get away from that monster but how did you fine me? And how where you able to get pass the guards?"
Amelia felt a bit heartbroken from being called a monster but knew she had to hurry or else someone would find them. " I heard what happened to you and how everyone is trying to fined a cure, your guards let me through once I told them that I was a princess from another kingdom. " Amelia knew that she had to lie, and she wasn't happy about; but she wanted to save him even if she had to hide her true self.
Ivan was amazed that his friend was a princess and began to feel fluster, " Ivan, I came here because I know a sorceress that can heal your eyes and I want to take you to her. "
Ivan was confused, he never heard of a sorceress living in a kingdom before " there's a sorceress in your kingdom that can heal me? "
" No, she lives in the forest, but she has already told me that she can heal you eyes, but we will have to leave soon. "
Believing his friend Ivan decided to follow her, " we should fine Tolys, he can- "
" No! We can; the sorceress would never allowed us to see her if we do. " Before she left, Olive had told her to keep other humans away from she catches another human with them, she will teleport them and Ivan to the sea.
" But how will we- " Amelia grabbed Ivan's hand and Ivan felt her hands holding him. " Ivan, I promise you that I will keep you safe and that your eyes will be healed. But we will have to leave now, or we'll miss our chance. "
Ivan felt Amelia's hand tighten as she pleated for him to go with her. It felt warm and comforting to him. It was something that he hasn't felt from someone els in a long time, he believes that he can trust her.
" Okay Amelia, I trust you "
He soon felt Amelia squeeze his hands as she happily guided him out of the castle and into the forest.
/ *~ *~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* \
From a dissents a guard man named Heracles was patrolling the area. He saw a little girl in a white and wheat dress running off with a boy wearing a beige scarf. He would have gone after them if he hadn't started to feel very sleepy. As he collapsed on the ground he was soon being drag and placed by the wall.
The pair were able to run off to the forest safely, while a small figure snuck in to the prince's room.
Okay, I know I said that it might take a while for the next chapter, (I just didn't think it will take this long). So, sorry for the long wait and I hope it was worth it. Some good news I was finally able to get some help with my spelling and grammar so now chapter 1 and 2 are revived with a few fixes here and there.
Hopefully it won't take this long for the next chapter and I'm looking forward to the next one. Thank you for reading and please leave a review on what you think of the story so far.
Stay safe everyone and I'll see you in the next chapter.