[October 27] [XXXHOLiC] Fairytale

[laurus-nobilis.livejournal.com]

Title: Fairytale
Date/Theme: October 27 / Cloud, castle, lake
Series: XXXHOLiC
Character/Pairing: All the main ones and most of the minor
Rating: G

 

Fairytale

 

In a distant land, next to a deep lake of glittering silver water, there was an ancient castle. It was a marvellous building, with towers so high that they almost touched the sky; and, of course, it was enchanted.

It belonged to a fairy, a beautiful creature with silky black hair and butterfly wings. She lived there with her servants, two childlike pixies, and received visitors from the strangest places one could imagine. People came willingly or accidentally, and she could give each of them what they needed – no matter if they were explorers or lost travellers, mages or warriors, human or not. Her castle was full of treasures, because of everything her guests gave her in exchange for her help.

Nobody was as powerful as she was. There had been a wizard, once, whose magic had been greater than hers; but he had died long ago. Rumour had it that they had known each other, and made secret arrangements together. Whenever someone asked her about that, she smiled and didn't say a word.

But she did more than receive visitors. For the last few months, there had been an apprentice living in her castle, a boy who attracted magic wherever he went. He didn't like his powers at all, and he always said he would be better off without them. However, because of his family's history and tradition, he had to stay there until he could control his abilities.

He was learning, but he wasn't interested in it. The only thing he cared about was a pretty princess he had once met, and she was always in his thoughts, even if the fairy kept telling him that they weren't meant to be.

Of course, the boy wasn't going to believe it so easily, especially when it came from a mad fairy who was way too fond of mischief. He went to see a witch who lived in the forest, a kind-hearted old lady who was said to be a fortune teller. But she wouldn't mention the princess at all. Instead, she told him that he would have a rival of sorts, but that it was a good thing: he would soon meet another boy, one who would change his life.

The fairy's apprentice was very disappointed when he heard that, but he almost forgot it after a while. Boys like him were the last thing he ever saw. On the other hand, he had already met rain spirits, sentient flowers, talking animals, and a homely spirit protected by crows. He had even met a nine-tailed fox that followed him like a puppy.

One day, however, a brave young knight came to the castle. He was an archer, and his grandfather had been very famous in his days, protecting their village from all kinds of monsters. He wanted to see the fairy so she would teach him how to become like that.

But she wouldn't let him in. He didn't need her, she told him; in fact, he would be able to do something for her. After all, her apprentice was going to need a lot of help.

It was hatred at first sight. And that was when the story really started.