Disclaimer: I do not own MGLN but my girlfriend reckons she should!
Author's Notes: Redmoon021 I will definitely keep writing this story :) Thank you so much for your reviews. They make me very happy and encourage me to keep going.
Romanica: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. You are indeed correct there will definitely be plenty more angst in the future. I am a bit of an angst-fan but will try and pepper this story with fluff now and again so as it's not so heavy. Nanoha and Fate will meet in chapter 9 (not long now :).
Also a big thank you to all those following this story. I now present to you all the next chapter.
Enjoy!
Warning occasional swearing in this chapter!
Chapter 6
Love
Nanoha's POV.
"You want to know the story of the prince locked in the fortress?" Hayate confirms with me while folding her newspaper.
I nod a definitive yes.
"Ah lets see what do I know about that story? Hmmm if I recall the only way to find the fortress was by following the migrating butterflies."
"That's the only part I know" I state.
"I see. If memory serves me right. This prince wasn't always locked in the fortress. The prince was a kind and caring person who roamed the country side helping people."
"What happened?" I ask.
"Once upon a time in a land far far away lived a family. This family consisted of a child and his parents. The child was born with a strong and loving heart. His parents were proud. Through his deeds helping people out of the goodness of his heart and for standing up to evil he became known as a prince. He was loved by all. However, with all stories lies an antagonist although unlike what you think. The prince never faltered, he fought for what was right and brought hope and empowerment to anyone he met. Needless to say he also had many enemies who hated the fact that they couldn't oppress their victims anymore. They didn't know how to stop him but one particular devious demon found the perfect method.
Instead of using hate it was going to destroy him with love. This demon had figured out that love was the key to the prince's downfall. This foe knew that his parents were not as strong and slipped inside a crack in their hearts. Slowly but surely the prince's parents descended into madness. He helped countless people but was unable to help his parents. The love his parents had, turned into hatred. It's kind of like they say: there is a fine line between love and hate. They started to resent the prince as they felt that his very being was exposing their inadequacies and weaknesses. Although the prince tried to remain strong his resolve started to waver.
He was under constant pressure and his heart under permanent attack. He vowed to do anything in order to save their souls. This was the moment his foe made an appearance. The demon explained to the prince that there was only one way to save his beloved parents souls and that was to sell his own. Due to love he didn't hesitate and forfeited his soul at once to the demon. This was exactly what the demon had predicted. It gladly took his strength, love, innocence, purity and everything that came with the prince's soul leaving a big dark hole in its stead and restored the parents' sanity.
The prince was however lost forever more. This news spread like wildfire. Everyone heard that the prince had turned into a demon himself. The demons were happy. The prince wouldn't be standing in their way ever again."
"What a horrible story, didn't anyone help him?" I ask Hayate.
"Life's a bitch and then you die!" A very Hayate response.
"Which I assume translates to no one did anything? But why?" This was a terrible story. Weren't fairytales supposed to have a happy ending?
"Yup, the world's fucked up. The prince willingly gave everything up for love. You can apply this story to lots of situations in life. A selfless sacrifice for love. Plus no one wants to get involved in a domestic."
"That's wrong on so many levels" I respond angrily.
"Haha Nanoha it's just a story, don't get so angry. I guess people stayed away because if the prince got defeated what hope did they have to win. There are plenty of stories such as this one. Plus wouldn't you do anything for your parents, anything for love?"
"…" Damn she has a point.
"Come on be honest, wouldn't you?" Hayate prods.
"Ya I guess so" damn what a complicated situation the prince must have been in. Nothing is ever straight forward. "But what about the fortress and the butterflies?"
"I think the way the story goes is that the new prince of darkness ran away ashamed. He found an abandoned fortress in the middle of nowhere and locked himself away in it so as not to taint others with his now darkened soul. He locked himself away from the world. No one dared to say what went on in there. The prince was never to be seen again.
As with the butterflies, they say that he silently and secretly mourned for days and that his tears transformed into white butterflies symbolising his lost purity, love and innocence. As a tribute to the prince they always migrate back to him, disclosing the location of the fortress for those who have the courage to pay attention.
Out of the millions that start out only a small percentage make it if any at all. Not only is their life short but there lies many dangers along the way. Sometimes they do not migrate at all and it is said that it is because the prince has no more tears to shed that he has lost hope, giving in to the darkness and that innocence and love has finally died in the world. I'd say the butterflies symbolise the process of life. We all start out as pure beings then see the world for what it really is. As we grow up only a small fraction of what we once were remains. Nanoha are you crying?"
"*sniff* no…okay yes… it is just so sad and unfair." I can't stop the waterworks from flowing.
Hayate pulls out a tissue and gives it to me. "Hey you wanted to know about it. Like I said Nanoha, it is just a story. If you recall no fairytale actually has a happy ending like those movies you like. They simply have morals and everyone interprets them differently."
I blow my nose. "Well this one sucks. How did you hear of this story anyway?"
Hayate smiles softly at me and adds a bit more playfully this time: "It's got two things I like: butterflies and craziness so of course I would have heard it. You sound like you wanted to save the prince from his fate." She nudges me lightly.
"I most certainly would have tried." I got on top of the picnic table with my fist balled up in front of me at an unknown enemy from the story. "Especially after all he has done for the people around him but more importantly because it would have been the right thing to do. No one should have to suffer like that. I would have held him in my arms and told him he is safe with me." I said while still standing on the picnic table with my arms around me.
"Ah Nanoha The Romantic Princess, always so caring and loving, fighting fear and loneliness in the land bringing hope to those who dare to be hugged and befriended by her. Would you have swept the prince off his feet and married him and had many babies and lived happily ever after?"
"Yes… hang on what?" Too late Hayate had caught me in my day dream and is laughing hard.
"Mou Hayate, you tricked me with that question. "
I am standing on the picnic table with my hands on my hips waiting for Hayate to take a few moments to compose herself. "Okay, okay I'm done" she says whilst wiping the tears from her eyes. Damn Hayate for being so sneaky and always getting my thoughts out.
"Come on Princess Nanoha lets get back to that store before it closes and get your stuff. I saw you eye out that pink gargoyle for like forever." Hayate starts walking but stops and turns around to look at me this time serious: "But you know who says the prince would have wanted to be saved?"
I had never thought of that. I couldn't answer. Hayate hadn't really expected a reply but left it as food for thought as we silently made our way to the store.
Would the prince have rejected help? Surely not…Why would he do that? For love towards his parents? Why hadn't they helped their child? Why would anyone refuse help? I shake my head. No if there is anything I know is that I would have kept trying even if it cost me my life. The butterflies were testament that he desired someone to reach him. Somewhere deep down hidden and locked away there is a little voice in everyone silently screaming for help. I would not have given up on the prince. I won't give up on anyone.
To be continued…
