Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Deuce happily stared at a beautiful snow globe, its delicate flakes swirling in a mesmerizing dance, ignoring the shuffles of the maids and butlers around him. The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, and the twinkling lights cast a warm glow. The crackling of the fireplace added to the cozy ambiance, and the distant sound of carolers filled the air. It was a week before Christmas, and the festive atmosphere was palpable. Deuce couldn't be more excited since his mother lovingly returns from her trips as a merchant for the Queendom every year. Deuce couldn't wait, but a maid tapped him back into reality and smiled.

"Look at you, always getting lost in the beauty of the decorations," The maid chuckled fondly. "It's a sight that never grows old. I remember how your eyes used to light up when you were just a little boy." Her voice was filled with warm nostalgia, and Deuce couldn't help but smile at the memories.

"I'm sorry, but I just adore this holiday. It's the time when Mother returns, and she always brings the most heartfelt gifts," Deuce shared, holding the delicate ballerina ornament. "Like this one. She gave it to me when she visited the City of Flowers, and I remember the story of a girl who overcame so much and became the princess of her land because of it. It was my favorite as a child, and I hope to share it with everyone at the Christmas dinner." 

Deuce stared back at The ballerina, a symbol of courage and resilience that held a special place in his heart.

"Oh, you don't have to tell me, my dear," the maid laughed. "You started ballet because of that story. I remember that well. And you always praticed whenever a christmas ballet comes to town and you always danced your heart out."

"Yeah, but I always get nervous whenever I'm in front of people, and sometimes I fumble."

"Oh, Deuce, don't be too hard on yourself," grinned the maid. You are going to do excellently like you do every year, and your mother may bring a special guest to the dance. But I promised not to say a word like I always do."

"You are always so faithful, hm?" Deuce joked.

"Of course. Now, let's get that tree finished before your grandpa gets back. You know how he is."

Deuce sighed.

After his mother got promoted while he was in primary school, he was transferred to his grandfather's estate. After that, Deuce was expected to inherit the estate one day, but he wasn't sure, mainly because he hated the idea of being trapped in one place for too long and didn't see the appeal of owning one. He wanted to travel the world, like his mother, and may even join her on her travels once he was old enough, but he knew his grandfather disapproved, so he never mentioned it.

He decorated the Christmas tree, singing softly to himself and trying to eat the gingerbread men behind the maid's back sneakily. He couldn't help it; it was incredibly delicious, and Deuce always ate them, even as a young boy. The fireplace gave the room a warm and comfy atmosphere, reminding him of Christmas nights when his mother read him stories before he passed out. And he always woke up to see presents underneath the tree. Though it was never much, he was always so happy even to get something, which made his odd rebellious phase concerning to the public eye, but here he is, much older and trying to make up for it, which many could consider a Christmas miracle.

As he carefully set the snow globe above the fireplace, he heard the door open. A burst of snow and wind flew across the room, and a woman rushed in with a satisfied smile.

"See? I told you a lovely walk around the town would be a great idea," she smiled at the grumpy old man behind her. "And I told you some fresh air could be good for you, Father."

"I know that you are right, most of the time, Dylla, but please refrain from bursting the door open like that again," groaned Deck. "I understand you want to see Deuce again but-"

"Deuce!" Dylla called out and rushed towards her son, hugging him. "Look at you. Every time I visit, you change so drastically, and one day, I might just see a young man instead of the boy I raised."

"I missed you two, Mother," Deuce grinned, hugging back. "But you're covered in snow. Was there a blizzard?"

"Oh, no. I just happened to walk around before your grandfather picked me up from the train station." Dylla laughed. You know me; I love a nice walk at a moment's notice. I always clear my mind before a significant thing."

"I know that, Mother," Deuce laughed. "Allow me."

Dylla smiled as Deuce helped her with her jacket and hat and carefully hung them by the coat hanger by the door.

"Oh, such gentleman." Grinned Dylla. "Your grandfather has taught you well."

"Of course I did," Deck coughed. "I know my teachings can be rigid, but they have formed Deuce into a respectful young man who will inherit my estate once he gets older."

"Again, with that?" Dylla sighed. "I understand that you worried about the estate, but I can assure you that Deuce should make his own choices, and I want him to decide. And you promised that you would wait until he turned eighteen."

"And I did, as I only mentioned it once." Deck grinned and checked his watch. "And this place looks extraordianry, great job, Deuce. As always."

"Thank you, Grandfather," Deuce smiled. "Mother, I still have the ballerina you gave me. She's right there."

"Oh, my sweet boy." Dylla gasped. "I knew giving that ornament was good idea. And I can't wait for the beautiful dance as well, like every year."

Deuce smiles and takes Dylla to the couch. "Tell me all about your travels this year. I want to hear all about it."

Dylla laughed. "We should wait until dinner but I couldn't help it, I love your excitemembt when I tell you these. Well, I went back to the City of Flowers again and I got a special dance with one of the lords and he was hoot, and you should've seen his children. One of them is a excellent hunter..."
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"...And lastly, I went to a foreign kingdom and I met the King, the Queen, and their two sons. One is exactly your age, I recall," Dylla continued, looking over at a present. "Actually, when he heard I had a son your age, the youngest prince gave me a present that I would like to give you."

Dylla grinned and grabbed a red and golden present box. Deuce gasped and carefully took it. 

Deuce opened the present with one more look from his mother, revealing a beautifully carved and painted Nutcracker. He looked at it carefully before taking it in his hands and examining it.

"Oh, he's so beautiful, Mother," Deuce gasped happily. "Like in the story too."

"Of course," Dylla giggled. "If I didn't give my son the most perfect gift, what kind of mother would I be?"

"Thank you, Mother," Deuce smiles, hugging Dylla. "I love it."

"I'm glad, but remember, he can be very fragile," Dylla warned. "Even a small tug could break him, but I trust that you are very caring and will take care of The Nutcracker perfectly."

"To think a prince would gave me such a gift," Deuce awed. 

"He may be a little reckless, but when things come to light, he can be incredibly thoughtful. I heard that he adores Christmas, just like you, Deuce, and perhaps next year, you can meet him."

"Mother, you know why I can't," Deuce protested, staring down at the Nutcracker. "Grandfather won't allow it, and I'm not even 18 yet."

Dylla sighed. "I hate that you do have a point but please consider my offer. I would love to show you the stuff that I have seen, and maybe tell you another story. This time, about the how the Sugar Plum Princess saved an attire land of sweets."

"I thought you already told me that one, Mother?"

"Oh, I did. But you love that one." Dylla joked.

"I do."
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Deuce expected Christmas dinner with many members of his family, those he recognized and some he barely knew. He acknowledged them with open arms regardless. Food was served happily, and Deuce ate, answering the small questions and listening to Dylla's many traveling stories. 

"Ah, always such a wild woman," sighed an elderly woman. "Surely you must get tired of all your travels by now. And besides, Deuce is almost an adult. You can't miss those few years, now can you?"

"Well, I suppose me being there for his youth doesn't matter, does it?" Dylla shrugged. "And besides, it is my job to go around the world. I can quit, but Deuce convinced me not to. He is such a mature young boy."

"I am not a young child," Deuce huffed. "I can handle myself."

"You say that, Deuce, but you had a horrible reputation," the woman spoke again. "Perhaps it was because of your mother's absence."

"Don't you dare badmouth my mother," Deuce hissed. "She has provided ore for me than you could, Grandmother, and I frankly can't remember one time that you have helped out."

"Oh, you need to learn to grow up!" Grandma snapped. "I was the one who gave you everything!"

"No, you didn't!" Deuce snapped back. "...Grandfather, can I be excused?"

"Of course, my boy," Deck answered. 

"And you! You always baby this boy! You should be teaching that boy hot to actually be a man!"

Deuce rushed out of the room, ignoring everyone else. He didn't want to deal with his family members, especially since he had been nothing but grateful for his family, but they always seemed to look down on him because of his delinquent past. A past that he had accepted as a part of himself and wanted to change, but it seems no one would let him change.

Deuce sighed sadly and sat on the couch, hearing the fires crackle before him. He didn't feel good after that. After all, it wasn't the first time someone had criticized him and his mother, especially after his father disappeared one day, and Dylla had to get a more demanding job to ensure that Deuce would have a happy life. 

Dylla always says that Deuce shouldn't feel bad about it. She chose this and was happy with the opportunities it gave her, but Deuce always felt so unnecessarily guilty about it.

"Ugh! This ugly Nutcracker looks horrible!" screamed the grandmother from the dining area. "Get rid of it!"

"Desire! That's Deuce's!" gasped Deck.

Deuce rushed back to see Desire flinging the Nutcracker by its arm, looking disgusted.

"This is Deuce's?" She scoffed. "Such a tasteless gift! It should be put away! In the trash!"

"You can't!" Deuce cried. "That's an important gift!"

"Hmph, it can't be that important that you left it here," Desire chuckled as she maliciously dropped the Nutcracker on the floor.

Deuce gasped and grabbed it. He examined it, and luckily, the arm was only slightly loose for him. He quickly used his necktie as a suitable wrap, holding the Nutcraker's arm like it was healing. But despite it all, he was still upset. Deuce slowly got up, holding the Nutcracker to his chest, now glaring at Desire.

"After all of this, you still disrespect me!" Deuce snapped. "I begged Mother to keep you around because you were the only thing that a symbolic of Father! Who left us! You were remorseful, but all I see is a bitter old woman who can't accept that fact that I can't ever be that dead weight of a man!" 

Deuce cries before storming out of the room, refusing to let Dylla comfort him.

He needed to be alone. That's all he needed.

And he was. 

And the Nutcracker was still in his arms as he sobbed by the Christmas fire.

Chapter Text

"He should be in bed." Deck sighed as he watched Deuce sleep on the living room couch.

"Let him," Dylla soothed, setting the Nutcracker down on the ground. "He had a long day, and he needs it. Perhaps he's in a very special dreamland with that little Nutcracker of his."

Dylla looked over at Deck with a smile as they walked away, turning off the lights and leaving only the Christmas lights and the fireplace as the only light source. Deuce yawned to himself as he heard the clock chime, but he only stirred, going back to sleep.

Unbeknownst to him, the oddly placed mouse hole by the fireplace glowed a beautiful blue light as pink fairy dust filled the air, surrounding the Christmas tree and the clock, the Owl above it reacting slightly. They looked around until they noticed the Nutcracker down by the couch.

"You. You have to wake up." The Owl called out. "They are coming."

The Nutcracker's eyes flicked in realization, and he looked up at the Owl. Before he could even respond, an ominous red light blinded him, and a line of rat-like creatures marched in. The King that followed grinned wickedly as he looked over at the living room, eyeing the sleeping human that lived there and a now apprehensive Nutcracker, wielding a sword despite his other arm being broken for the time being.

"We meet again, Nutcracker!" The Rat King sneered. "You have won our last battle, but today will be the day you will lose the war!"

"Think again," The Nutcracker challenged as he decided to strike the Rat King, but the guards blocked them. 

The Rat King readies his wand, transforming it into a sword, and tries to slash The Nutcracker, but to no avail. No matter how The Rat King struck, the Nutcracker always found a way to block him in such a cocky fashion that angered The Rat King.

"Where is she?!" The Rat King demanded. "Where is the Sugar Plum Queen!? I know you know where she is! I know your father sent you to protect her."

"Even if I was," The Nutcracker laughed. "I don't have much of a clue. And I certainly don't want to share with you!"

"Fine! By force!"

The Rat King growled, and their swords began to clink repeatedly, sparks filling the air. The sparks made a lot of noise, which made Deuce stir awake. 

Deuce groaned as he opened his eyes. He saw a very blurry image of a rat and his Nutcracker. Deuce blinked to see the complete, clear picture, and he immediately jumbled up, watching both of them clink swords repeatedly.

Deuce slowly got up, still trying to figure it out. But once he did, he immediately grabbed a nearby broom and swept the other rats away, now angry. The guards couldn't even warn their King as they flew away and were sometimes even knocked unconscious.

"Not in my house," groaned Deuce as he grabbed the vase to trap the Rat King.

"Oh, for the love of the Dark Night," the Rat King groaned as he noticed the human. "You want to be a hero so badly? Well, I should do something about it."

"You leave him alone!" The Nutcracker snapped. "Your fight is with me!"

The Rat King ignored him as he chanted, "For a human who thinks they are mighty and tall; turn to something meek and small!"

Deuce gasped as the red magic surrounded his body, dropping his vase in surprise. He began to shrink down until he was the same size as the Rat King, whose wand was now an axe, ready to strike him down. Deuce gasped and quickly used the dull end of the now broken vase to strike him in the head before running towards the Nutcracker.

"Are you alright?" Deuce asked.

"I should be asking you that," The Nutcracker retarted.

"Uh, let's not think about that right now." Deuce spoke as he grabbed the shard, and the guards rushed towards them. "They're a little upset that I knocked them out with a broom."

Deuce and The Nutcracker rushed towards the fireplace as the guards used their spears to try to strike him, only to be knocked out by the duo. This continued for a moment before Deuce's shard was nothing but even more smaller and unusable shards.

"Go! Climb the Christmas Tree!" The Nutcracker ordered. 

"You don't have to order me around!" Deuce hissed, but he listened.

Deuce rushed towards the Christmas Tree, holding onto each pine with all the strength he could as he could hear the guards shout at him. Deuce turned to see The Nutcracker fighting the Rat King again, but he saw how the Rat King managed to subdue the Nutcracker, circling his sword towards the fire fence and causing it to be jammed, no matter how The Nutcracker tried. Rat King sneered happily as he raised his axe to strike down Deuce, still hanging onto a pine leaf.

"Hey! Over here!" Deuce called out.

With all his might, Deuce flung his slipper at The Rat King's head, knocking him unconscious.

"Uh-oh?" The Guards muttered. "What should we do?" 

"What can we do?"

"We should retreat!"

"Yes, we should. Let's go..."

The Guards gulped to themselves as they quickly dragged their King into the mouse hole again, the red light fading away.

Deuce sighed in relief and climbed down, meeting up with The Nutcracker, who was taking the sword away.

"My goodness," Deuce sighed. 

"Yeah. The Rat King is a bit of a narc, huh?" The Nutcracker groaned. "I'm sorry that was happened."

"I'm just glad you're alright," Deuce mumbled. "I'm so sorry about my grandmother. She-"

"No worries." The Nutcracker chuckled, taking off the cloth. "It's much more better now. You have some nursing skills."

"Ah, I mean, probably," Deuce chuckled. "Well, I should be waking up now. Such a strange dream this was."

"Unlikely," Nutcracker groaned. 

"What do you mean?" Deuce asked, looking at The Nutcracker.

Deuce's question was answered as The Nutcracker somehow pinched his arm, and like his mother taught him, the pinch didn't wake him up.

"I'm not dreaming," gulped Deuce. "Oh no! I'm not dreaming! That means I'm actually small and I almost got killed by a oversize rat! And now I need to find a way to get myself tall again or else I will be the laughing stock in town."

"For someone who just knocked out The Rat King with a slipper, you are very freaked out right now," The Nutcracker mentioned. "Look, I do have a way to revert the curse, but I am only skeptical about it."

"Well, I think anything would be better than nothing."

"The Sugar Plum Queen," The Owl swooped down. "She is the only one who could rival the Rat King's evi spells. But for you to find her, you will have to go through the mouse hole and into The Land of Sweets, her hometown."

"Uh, I suppose that's my only option?" Deuce gulped. "It is. I can't be like this forever, and my mother would be so worried."

"I see her will within you, child," The Owl complimented as they flew away and dropped a necklace into Deuce's hands. "Use this. Once you have completed your journey, opedn the locket and you will be sent home, in your normal size, but only until The Sugar Plum Queen blessed it. Opening it at any other time will null the spell and you will not be able to return home."

Deuce nodded in acknowledgment as he put the locket on.

"Be safe and may the snow protect you, my child," the Owl softly whispered as they flew back on top of the clock, now still once again.

The Nutcracker walks towards the mouse hole, looking back at Deuce. 

"Hey, are you ready?"

Deuce sighed as he quickly rushed towards The Nutcracker.

"As if I have no choice."

"You first then."

Deuce shuddered a little as he quickly walked towards the mouse hole, and as expected, he only saw darkness, with the smell of rotten wood filling his nose. But he continued to walk forward and slipped down, and a burst of color filled his eyes as he and The Nutcracker slid down the magic airway. Deuce's throat went dry in surprise, but it all came to a close as he felt cold snow against his body.

"Huh?" was the only thing Deuced could say as he got up.

"Heh, yeah, you'll get used to that," The Nutcracker laughed. "Welcome to Snowy Moutiain. Or well, inside it at least."

"It's so oddly beautiful," gasped Deuce as he looked around. "And I don't feel as cold as I thought would be in a snowy area. Is this normal?"

"Yeah, unlike your human realm, ours is more accustomed to more magical aspects," The Nutcracker explained. "Like snow. Sure, it's still cold but not as cold as yours."

"I guess that makes sense." Deuce shrugged as he walked forward and watched the snow sparkle with every step.

Deuce was amazed. He had always enjoyed snow, even if he couldn't play in it recently. It reminded him of the younger days when he built a snowman with his mother and grandfather. Snowball fights were constant between him and his friends, and of course, the moment they went back inside for hot chocolate and story time by the fire, he missed those days. As he closed his eyes to revel in the memory, a song played around him.

He turned around to see something he didn't expect to see: delicately dancing fairies in the air, like little snowflakes. He remembered the song vaguely, but it seemed like a distant memory to him.

"The snow faires arrived," The Nutcracker spoke. "They always like dancing for guests but they won't leave you alone..."

"Until?"

"You dance with them," Nutcracker explained. "Ugh, I'm not a great dancer, and I typically don't visit them because of it."

Deuce raised an eyebrow but didn't even think about it as a tiny fairy happily led him to the center as the other snow fairies circled him, hoping to see him dance.

"Me? I suppose I can?" chuckled Deuce. 

The Nutcracker watched as Deuce quickly started to dance, letting the music fill the air. As Deuce adjusted to the snowy ground, he saw a real ballet dancer in action and dancing almost precisely alongside the fairies. Nutcracker sighed as he quickly joined, acting as Deuce's partner. His hands were always placed on his hips as he carefully glided Deuce into the air, for them to lock hands as the sunlight surrounded him.

"You know how to dance?" whispered Deuce.

"I'm not a good one," Nutcracker blushed. "I just tend to assignt then dance."

"Well, I can say you danced well for someone who can't dance," Deuce complimented. "You just made our exit."

Nutcracker saw that the fairies used their magic to lift off the ice walls that kept the caves hidden. This allowed the duo to exit the cave and enter a still-snowy mountain with beautiful flowers also occupying it. Just beneath Deuce, they saw a small town. Deuce was left breathless as he carefully set foot outside, smelling vanilla's soft scent.

"It's so beautiful, like in mother's stories. " Deuce said as he began to walk down, ignoring the flowers that bloomed beneath his snowy footprints.

"This is going to be a long journey," Nutcracker muttered to himself as he followed, watching every footstep sprout a beautiful flower.
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"I can't believe my eyes," Deuce gasped as he entered the town. "I mean, it looks like snow, but barely feels like it. It's beautiful crafted sugar. Where are we exactly?"

"The Land of Sweets," answered The Nutcracker. "Like the Owl said, this was where the Sugar Plum Queen had her humble beginnings as some say."

"How did she become The Sugar Plum Queen become...well, her?"

"No one knows, but with her reign, she kept peace in The Land of Sweets for years to come but something has happened. No one knows what had happened to her, but many thought she had fled and abandoned us, which is why The Rat King come back into power so quickly. Our job is to search her location, and finally take back our land."

"I guess, but how can someone just assumed that of the Queen?"

"People are like that," Nutcracker shrugged. "People just want a reason to be hateful, just to cause a reaction."

"What reaction?" 

"Anger. They feed of it. And make you say things you wished you have never said."

Deuce silenced himself before continuing down the path. He wanted to ask more but didn't want to offend The Nutcracker. It was all such a sad tale for such a beautiful land, and it was even more miserable when he saw that desolate village, which lacked color. Even the lollipops looked worn down.

"This poor land," Deuce sadly sighed as he grabbed a lump of snow. "The Rat King did this?"

"And much more, but I heard the people are safe and are in hiding to avoid being captured." Nutcracker reassured. "We just need to find them if we need to get forward."

Deuce nodded and started to look forward before he saw a little doll. It was still pristine, with stitches in the right place, and very colorful amongst the grey atmosphere. He picked it up, feeling its soft body, which made him sigh, relieved that there was some evidence that there were people nearby. 

As they silently walked, a snowball flew and hit The Nutcracker directly in the face. He didn't have time to react as more snowballs flew toward them, some at impossible speeds/

"Over here!" Deuce called out, pulling the Nutcracker towards a house, trying to hide. 

"Well, these guys are sharpshooters huh?" Nutcracker joked, trying to look at the assailants, but he couldn't without a snowball aiming for his head.

"H-hey!" Deuce called out, holding out the doll. "Please, we're only a human and a Nutcracker. We don't have anything to harm you with."

There was silence for the next seconds until Deuce zoomed towards them, a wolf now trying to grab the doll in Deuce's hands. Nutcracker tried to calm down the wolf.

"Hey, hey, we can give you the doll, but please stop barking," Nutcracker shushed the wolf. "Is this yours?"

"Jack!" A child called out. "Jack! What is it?"

"They have Peppy!" The wolf panted. "I want her back!"

"Oh. Sure thing," Deuce kneeled and gave the wolf the doll. "It's all yours."

"Thank you," The wolf grinned.

The wolf then transformed into a human boy, one with large wolf ears on his head, and held the doll close to him. Deuce felt his mouth open, but he couldn't even think of a word to say. He always forgot that he wasn't in his own world. 

"What's your name?"

"I'm Jack, and that's my friend, Epel." Jack answered. "We were trying to find our horse, but we saw the Nutcracker and got scared."

"You got scared," Epel pouted. "I was brave."

"Hm, are you sure?" Jack muttered. "You were just as scared as me."

"Hey, let's not fight," Nutcracker sighed. How did you two lose your horse? Maybe we can help you find it."

"Oh, uh," Epel paused, trying to recall it. "We were trying to find some apples for him, but that was when The Rat King came over, trying to find any humans to capture, and Jack and I had to hide, and because of that, we left our horse behind."

"Don't worry; we can help you find him," Deuce offered. "Where was the last place you saw him?"

"At my apple farm, it's not far," Epel answered. "Come on!"

Epel and Jack led Deuce and the Nutcracker towards a farmhouse where apple trees stood. Some red, green, and even rare golden apples sat down on the ground. Some apples were gray and lifeless, which Deuce saw left a sour look on Epel's face.

"We saw Crisp out here," Jack explained. "He could've run away."

"Not to far, I hope." Nutcracker spoke as he looked around. 

"Maybe trying to find more apples," Epel added. "He loves apples and always tries to find one to eat."

Jack looks around, trying to sniff out Crisp. "He's in the woods? Not to far, I can still smell him."

"Well, come on! I don't want to lose him." Epel rushed. 

"Epel, wait," Deuce gasped as he followed Epel into the woods.

Deuce kept his eyes on Epel as he ran deep into the woods. He didn't want Epel to get lost, and trying to keep up with the young boy was easy when the horse was in sight, munching on apples.

"Crisp!" Cheered Epel, who rushed towards his horse, nuzzling his scout. "I'm so happy that you are safe! And you find something to eat." 

Crisp whinnied as he ate some more apples.

"Huh, he's a big horse," Deuce chuckled. 

"I know," Epel chuckled. "He can ride a carriage with at least seven people inside it, regardless of size."

Deuce smiles and carefully pets the horse's mane. "Very well behaved."

But Deuce had a sinking feeling in his stomach. He looked around but couldn't see anything, not even a rat to disturb the peace. If there wasn't any danger, why was he so scared?

"YOU!" Cried a voice. "Stay where you are! I am ordered to take you with me, as it is Major Azul's orders!"

"WHo are you?" Deuce demanded, shielding Epel.

"I am a mint solider and I am here to take you to Major Azul for tresspassing on our property."

Deuce held Epel close as he saw Jack and The Nutcracker solemnly approaching, with mint soldiers behind them, holding spears.

"You two?" Nutcracker groaned. "What a lousy day this has been."

"Tell me about it."
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"So, what caused you to trespass in my woods?" Major Azul groaned. It was already bad enough that your horse ate most of our crops, but to find people is such a downer."

"We're sorry, but we were on a quest," Deuce explained.

"And what quest could that be?"

"We are here to look for the Sugar Plum Queen," The Nutcracker explained. "We were told that she could have an answer to the Rat King's reign of terror."

"The Sugar Plum Queen, you say?" Azul questioned before he mocked a laugh. "HA! That lousy women had been no help like that royal family. Especailly their youngest son, Prince Ace. That boy has no idea what it's like to be a man, let alone a king."

"Well, what did he do?" The Nutcracker asked. "He seems like he was a young boy."

"A boy who could barely keep his mouth shut!" Azul ranted. "Because of his stupid words, The Sugar Plum Queen disapeered to the ends of the sugar plaines, never to be seen again! I'd say he's the reason that Rat King came into power."

"What if he didn't mean to?" Deuce stepped up. "People are naive and maybe he didn't it?"

"Hmph, that prince knows what's hes doing," Azul scoffed. "He was also known as a prankster, and this doesn't help with this reputation either! That boy is the reason we are in this mess, and if I find that boy, he'll learn a thing or to about being a man."

"Uh, Major?" called out a happy voice.

"Yes, Kalim?"

"I'm done talking with the kids," Kalim explained. "They said that these people have helped them find their horse and caused no harm."

"Oh, I suppose I can excuse their crimes then, if it means you guys are not working for that blasted Rat King," Azul sighed and sat down. "And are you sure that you both can find the Sugar Plum Queen?"

"I am sure of it," Nutcracker nodded. "Beisdes, I can't stop now. I have to stop the Rat King once and for all."

"How about we talk about it tomorrow," Azul offered. "We can plan ahead, and get something going. If you believe there is someone who could defear that bastard King, then be my guest."

"Thank you, Major Azul," Deuce thanked and left the room with the Nutcracker. "Well, that was stressful. But at least we might get some extra help."

"Yeah, but Azul doesn't usually help without something being in his favor," The Nutcracker explained. "He often takes and rarely gives back, so I would be skeptical if I were you."

"Duly noted, but I should be checking on the kids. It's almost night time after all."
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Later that night, Deuce was putting Jack and Epel into bed, telling them a story.

"That was a sweet story," Jack yawned. 

"Do you have to go, Deuce?" Epel asked. "I'm going to miss you."

"I know, but someone has to keep an eye on those men," Deuce joked. "And this could be our chance to find the Sugar Plum Queen and save the entire Land of Sweets. We have to do this."

"I know," Epel sulked.

"I promise. I'll be back," Deuce smiles and tucks them in the bed. "Goodnight, you two. Please have some sweet dreams."

Epel and Jack nodded and slowly drifted into sleep.

Deuce smiles and closes the door. He rests upon it for a moment, thinking about his own family. He is worried that his mother will wake up to notice that he is gone, and no one will know where he is. He thinks about how many times his horrible actions have caused rifts, but he has to walk forward and hope that the Sugar Plum Queen can give him hope.

Deuce walked outside, breathed, and sat on the ledge, looking up at the moon.

"Can't sleep?" Nutcracker asked. 

"Not really, just thinking about my home."

"You missed them to?" Nutcracker sits down by him.

"Yeah, my mother is so sweet, and I've done these horrible things that hurt her," Deuce explained. "I didn't mean to, but I was such a horrible kid, and I know I was. No matter how I tried, people seems to distrust me and I can't blame them."

"AH, that sucks," Nutcracker sighed. "It's hard for people who try to change. And people who try to change, they have a path. Like me, I guess."

"...Ace, how long have you been like this?" Deuce hesitantly asked.

"...The worst thing, I can't remmeber much, but it was after I drove the Sugar Plum Queen away. I seemed to be in somme sleep but one day, I woke up here. And I followed the Rat King to different things in the human realm and one was a toy shop. I lost all my magic and became the standard Nutcracker. And the next thing I knew, I was with you."

"Yeah, but you never old anyone you were the prince?"

"I couldn't. If I want to make things right, it's better to do it in disguise," Nutcracker chuckled. "Even if I couldn't change back, I would still be happy to save my family again, say sorry for my horrible actions, and actually try to become a king soon."

"And I believe you can," Deuce reassured. "As long as we are together, we can find her together. And she'd save us if we could explain what happened."

"I'm just worried she won't forgive me," Nutcracker admitted. "I already spoke so horribly to her."

Deuce chuckled. "..Hm, well I guess we're both alike that I thought."

Nutcracker nodded. "...wanna just watch the moon until we sleep?"

"..I'd like that, and maybe it'll get our minds off the ifs and just focus on the now. That what my mother would always say when things get you down."

Nutcracker yawned. "Your mother sounds so sweet and friendly. I'd like to meet her one day. Could you tell me about her?"

"Oh, what could I say about her that has't ben said?" Deuce chuckled.

That was how they spent the night, talking and relaxing underneath the moonlight. 

Chapter Text

The Rat King groaned as he rested on his throne, an ice pack on his head. He was humiliated by a mere boy who threw a shoe—a stupid shoe—at his head. It wasn't delightful, and now that he knew the Nutcracker was back, he had to create a way to destroy him before he could find this supposed Sugar Plum Queen. But how would anyone else find her if he couldn't see her?

He did banish her. No one knew how he did it, but he was so sure that he did.

"Master! Master!" called the Bat. "I have some news."

"Well? Go on," The Rat King groaned. "Go on! Speak it!"

"Well, but oh...I see the light as my stomach is so empty," the Bat groaned sadly, hitting the ground. I need to be fed. Please, Master..."

The Rat King rolled his eyes and threw a banana on the floor. "Here, you lonely, miserable creature."

The Bat grinned and snacked the banana, smiling to himself. "Mm, thank you. Such a yummy banana."

"Now tell me!" The Rat King demanded.

The Bat burped and spoke, "Well, I saw The Nutcracker on the Land of Sweets, and guess who was with him?"

"....The boy," Rat King sneerled.

"Yes! Such a beautiful boy!" Answered Bat. "He had those teal eyes and blue hair. And if I knew any better, I wouldn't thought he was the Sugar Plum Queen!"

"...You don't say." Rat King chuckled as he got up. "We should try to keep an eye on him. He may be the key to defeating me!!"

"Oh! Well, he's no Sugar Plum Queen! He looks pretty ordinary! No magic, no magic, no magic that I could remember! But he seems to seem to join the rebellion against you!"

"A rebellion? Against me?" The Rat King scoffed. "Humans must be so stupid. They know they will turn into stone if they ever come to me, like anyone who confronts me! Ha! I'll allow it, but I also want to make it challenging."

The Rat King stood up, grabbed his staff, and recited a chant. "Boulder stones and wicked bones, send a rock monster so the heroes can plunger!!"

The Rat gasped as a nearby stone pillar transformed into a massive monster, hearing the Rat King laugh manically. He was enjoying everything, and he knew once the time had come, the damn boy who humiliated him was no more.
🩰
The Next Morning, Deuce, Kalim, Azul, and the Nutcracker walked towards the garden trail, with Azul leading. Deuce is still unsure about traveling even when he doesn't know the place, but The Nutcracker helps him with it through small talk.

"So, what's your favorite color? I bet it's blue," Nutcracker joked. 

"Oh, haha," Deuce laughed sarcastically. "Just because my hair color is blue, doesn't mean that I like blue. It's red, most of the time."

"Oh, well, I am wearing red," Nutcracker smugly replied. "I must be your favorite person in the world."

"You already are," Deuce giggled. 

"Oh, enough flirting, the both of you!" groaned Azul. "We need to find The Sugar Plum Queen! We need to pay attention to any signs of danger!"

"But nothing is dangerous around here," Deuce mentioned. "It's just grass and plants and a...floating rock?"

Azul stopped the others as they reached a nearby river with floating rocks acting as its own makeshift bridge. Deuce could only gulp as he saw how high they were, and even the slightest slip could cause them to fall into the waters below.

"How are we even sure we won't fall?" Deuce asked.

"Just follow my lead," Azul huffed and started to jump.

Azul turned around and jumped onto a floating rock, Kalim following, and The Nutcracker and Deuce jumped together hand in hand.

"See, I told you, there's nothing to worry about," Azul boasted towards Kalim. "If you don't look down, you won't even notice the river."

"Ugh, I wish you didn't mention it," Kalim whined, now frightened. "Now I won't think about it."

"Ugh, don't be a wuss, Kalim." Azul rolled his eyes.

Azul continued forward, not even realizing that he had pushed Kalim down. Luckily, Kalim held onto a nearby branch, still holding onto his backpack of supplies with his foot, trying not to look down.

Deuce and The Nutcracker gasped and rushed towards the edge. They were relieved to see Kalim, but now they had to find a way to help him up.

"Kalim, are you alright!"

"Yes, but please help me!" Kalim begged.

"I can't reach," The Nutcracker groaned. 

Deuce looked at the Nutcracker and his arms and noticed that his injured arm was still slightly loose, enough to be removed and reattached without much trouble. He grabbed the broken arm and popped it off, shocking the Nutcracker.

"What are you doing?" 

"Use it! It's about the same leangth," Deuced ordered. 

The Nutcracker looked over and grabbed his other arm, reaching for Kalim. "Grab on!"

Kalim gulped and grabbed onto The Nutcracker's hand and was pulled up alongside the bag. Deuce panted and looked at Kalim, who was trying to calm himself down, and The Nutcracker was checking up on him.

"I never want to do that again," Kalim groaned. "At times like this, I miss Jamil."

"Good grief!" Azul yelled. "What's with all the dilly-dallying? We have a quest! We can't afford to be lazy!"

Deuce felt his face heat up angrily as he jumped over the rocks and glared at Azul.

"Well, we wouldn't have to dilly-dally if you hadn't pushed Kalim down in the first place!" Deuce argued. "You are demanding and hard to please, and your own arrogance is what also killed Kalim, and if it wasn't for us, you wouldn't even have noticed, now would you?" 

Azul stiffened for a moment before he pushed his glasses up. "I only did what was necessary for a leader such as myself. I do not have time to look at my past and my only choice was to move forward."

"That isn't an excuse, Azul," Deuce continued to argue. "Being a leader is about protecting your team and ensuring they're alright. A leader doesn't leave one behind because it's an inconvenience."

"..Fine, you win," Azul groaned. "Let us go forth now, and ignore this transgression. We still have a quest to do, after all."

Deuce sighed as Azul continued to walk away. The Nutcracker and Kalim joined him, but they were still annoyed.

"Is he always this rude?" 

"Not always, but he is more distant that not," Kalim answered. "Well, his friends, Jade and Floyd, were unfortunate captives of The Rat King, alongside with my friend, Jamil. We were in this woods when this happened and Azul and I started this rebellion because it wasn't fair. Azul the one who more motivated than I am. But I understand it."

"Oh, so many people were affected by this Rat King?"

"Everyone is. I can't return to my hometown until The Rat King is defeated. He took over all the lands once The Sugar Plum Queen disappeared, but no one knows why. Many believed that The Rat King banished her, but it's a rumor at best."

"Then we should see for ourselves," The Nutcracker spoke. "But for now, let's walk before Azul started to lecture us again."

"That's true, I don't want to hear his mouth again."

That sentiment continued as they walked deeper into the forest, ignoring any howls and chitters of the animals around them and making sure to move forward. Conversations were still constant; although Azul lectured them for being too loud, they were still fun talks about themselves and a nice distraction from the world around them. But it all came to an end as they saw a beach and an ocean, with no common land that they could've seen.

"Well, look at that ocean," Deuce sighed. "It's so vast that I can't see any other lands. Looks like we need a boat to get across the oceans and hope things are smooth sailings."

"Alright, you and that Nutcracker find some wood while I create that boat and see how it works. Kalim, you can gather some food, as traveling through seas can take a while, depending on location," Azul ordered around.

Everyone started going to work.

"At least he isn't annoying like last time," The Nutcracker whispered. "I mean he gave us a job to do, but how are we going to find wood in such a place like this?"

"It's a weak wood," Deuce examined. "Even if we used it, it's only good use for be a fire."

"You are very well-researched about some of this stuff," the Nutcracker said. "Who taught you these things?"

"My Grandfather. Due to my reputation, I wasn't exactly friendly at school," Deuce explained. "Even when I did, I just somehow messed it up. So, my grandfather took it upon himself to school me. I feel much better because, unlike school, I was alone, and no one would bother me."

"You would be alone, though. Wouldn't that be a little sad?"

"A little, but I was an easily tempered boy, and I would get into fights despite my status as an aristocrat and rich kid. I had to be a better person, but I wasn't. But I'm sure you did the same?"

"Hey," the Nutcracker chuckled, looking away. "I had royal tutors, but it's clear that they preferred my older brother to me. I was a prankster, and I always did something that got them angry, and I enjoyed it. Glued books on the desks, gave me salt tea instead of sugar tea, glued them to their seats, anything. I just wasn't happy being confined. This also contributed to my reputation as a lazy prince who could never be king. But I didn't want to be king, never. But the topic always came up, and one day, The Sugar Plum Queen came by."

"So you know she exsits?"

"Yeah, and I said some words that I regret saying. I said that our royal family does so much more than she does, because every year, every same two months or even more, she would dispeared and that's when some evil people attack, and she would not ve notified until shed came back. So all of that mized in with pressure, I said she was a useless protector who didn't derseve the role of the Sugar Plum Queen. That's when she disapeered and he Rat King came to power."

"Ace."

"I know. I wasn't nice," Ace pouted. "But I always wondered: If I hadn't say those things would she had stayed and saved us?"

"I'd say..things happened and if she did those things, maybe she was busy and had her own life." Deuce shrugged. "But if we meet her and you aplogize, there's a possiblity that she  could help us."

"You're right. But we need to find some woods and get going," The Nutcracker helped Deuce up. "Or else Azul would go crazy."

Deuce laughed.

But their laughs were stopped by an abrupt stomp on the ground, which caused the ground to shake and trees to fall down around them.

"What's that?" Deuce gasped.

"Something not good!" The Nutcracker screamed.

Both watched as the trees fell, and a rock monster roared toward them. They began to run, the stomps becoming more and more pointed, causing Deuce and The Nutcracker to jump whenever the foot hit the ground. It was a miracle that they reached Azul. 

"Azul! Azul!" Deuce screamed. "We have a problam!"

"Like what exactly? A snake? A spider or a..."

"A rock monster!" Kalim screamed.

Everyone saw a massive rock monster stomping towards them behind The Nutcracker and Deuce.

"By Gods! How can we escape that?" Azul gasped. "We don't even have a boat!" And I don't think most of us can swim."

Before they could cut their losses, a horse with a carriage zoomed by, alerting the group to get on, which they quickly did, Azul and Kalim were in the front, and Deuce and The Nutcracker were in the back.

"Great, but how are we going to move?!"

Deuce looked and suddenly felt a chill in the air. He looked up to see the dancing snow fairies floating over them, transforming the oceans into ice and making it easy for the horse to ride over, becoming faster than the rock giant.

It roared in protest and started to walk forward, hands always so close to grabbing onto the carriage.

"This things is fast for something that supposed to be a mass of rocks," Azul scoffed. "Why is that thing after us anyways?"

"I fear it might be The Rat King," The Nutcracker answered. "Looks like he's still bitter about our fight by the fireplace. And maybe when Deuce hit him with a shoe."

"Now that's riduclus!"

"It's believable!" Kalim gasped. "But now it's gaining on us! How can we stop this thing!?"

The Nutcracker wordlessly jumped off the carriage despite Deuce's protests. 

"What are you doing?!" gasped Deuce. "The Rock monster will crush you!!"

The Nutcracker looked down at the ice and steadied his sword before striking down on the ice, resulting in it cracking forward. The Rock Monster growled as it reached for The Nutcracker, only for it to step on the cracks and start to break the ice underneath.

"Nutcracker! Come on!" Deuce Urged.

The Nutcracker rushed towards the carriage, watching the Rock Monster sink beneath the ocean. Everyone sighed in relief.

"That was so reckless!" Deuce lectured. "Don't do that again. I got so worried."

"Sorry, but at least our threat has been defeated, right?" The Nutcracker panted. "I'm just glad your safe, and we can go on without much of a problem."

"I know, but please," Deuce sighed and rested on The Nutcracker. "Think before you act."

The Nutcracker pulled Deuce close, keeping him warm. "I promise, Deuce. I will promise."

Chapter Text

The carriage spent most of the night traveling on the frozen sea until it rested on a piece of green land. Despite being incredibly tired, Deuce could barely sleep after what had happened. It was hard to describe what had happened in the last 48 hours, and he shuddered to think about what was happening in the real world. 

Was his family awake?
Are they looking for him?
Did they think he ran away?
Do they know he's in a strange land?

Deuce groaned to himself as he watched the others sleep through the night. He carefully got off the carriage and sat himself down. He didn't know if he was on a fruitless quest to find the neglectful leader, but he promised himself and Ace that he would find her so he could save them. But what happened if she couldn't? Ugh, he hated thinking like this, especially when the Rat King was still around, actively searching for him.

"I can't give up now," Deuce whispered into the knight. "I need to be positive. Even when things start to feel...so, so hopeless."
❄️
Deuce yawned as he got up with the sun shining on his face. He turned to see Kalim, Azul, and The Nutcracker also getting up.

"Well, I cannot believe it," Azul sighed. "I can't believe that this island existed."

"Told you so," The Nutcracker chuckled. "So, how about some food? We should need it. Who knows how far the castle is from here."

Deuce yawned as he walked towards the group. "Hmm, good morning."

"Good, you are awake," Azul huffed. "Now, you and the Nutcracker will go over to the woods and grab some rations."

"Rations?" Deuce pondered. "The place is absolutely deserted and I'm quite sure it has no life in it."

"Yeah, but we have no choice," The Nutcracker sighed. "Or else we'll have to deal with Azul's little temper tantrums."

Deuce chuckled as Azul's face turned red in embarrassment.

"You two are dismissed!" He huffed.

The Nutcracker takes Deuce's hand and leads them towards the desolate forest ahead. Deuce couldn't help but feel saddened at the sight, as it revealed how poorly the Rat King was serving as a king; he had harmed the people, ignored their cries, and damaged the forests for his own personal gain.

"What's the matter?" The Nutcracker asked.

"I..." Deuce sighed. "I didn't know how badly this was. The Rat King has to go, whether he likes it or not."

"I know, and I know I had some blame for this, too. If I were just more considerate."

"Hey, the past is the past now," Deuce reassured. "We should focus on our goal now and that's to find the Sugar Plum Queen."

As they traveled around the woods, Deuce found a strange well that was not exactly hidden, with a strange wooden top over it.

"Strange, was that well there before?" asked Deuce.

"Not to my knowlege, no," The Nutcracker mumbled. "Should we look at it?"

"I'm way ahead of you." Deuce called out, rushing towards the well and looking at it. "The lid looks completely shut tightly, like it's supposed to keep something inside."

"What could be so dangerous that it could be hidden?" The Nutcracker asked.

"Hm, I don't know," Deuce shrugged. "But we should open it. It could be something useless."

"Are you sure about that?"

Deuce nodded and grabbed The Nutcracker's sword. Ignoring The Nutcracker's protest, Deuce shoved the sword underneath the wooden plug and pushed it down, watching it open slightly. 

Once it opened, a flurry of colorful faces burst out, dancing with each other and giggling with happiness. Deuce watched as they brought life back to the ground, restoring the forest's vitality.

"Nature Faeries?" gasped The Nutcracker. "That's why the forest seemed so lifeless."

"But why were they trapped in the well?" The Nutcracker questioned, looking at the fairies.

"Huh?" Deuce gasped as a fairy approached him.

Deuce could barely understand her, her voice sounding like sweet little bells.

"They said thank you," The Nutcracker translated. "Turns out the rat king had trapped them in there because they refused to tell him the location of the Sugar Plum Queen."

"Very brave thing to do," Deuce spoke. "To go against the Rat King like that."

The Fairy giggled and pointed at the other fairies.

"She says that the Nature Fairies want to dance as a thank you,"

Deuce watched as the fairies began to dance along the air, with flowers appearing underneath their feet, blooming around them. He enjoyed the feeling of spring that the fairies provided as they began to pull and push both him and The Nutcracker towards a nearby apple tree that had beautiful, bright red apples for them to eat.

"They have given us the food," Deuce grinned, walking towards the tree and taking a couple of apples. 

Unaware of him, The Nutcracker stared with fondness and love. It was such a strange feeling for him, especially for a human he had just met and brought into this mess. But Deuce was someone who had bravery, compassion, and adoration for the strange creatures he had met.

He looked back at Deuce, who put most of the apple in a sweet, nice pile, his feet dancing on the ground.

The young Fairy looked and beamed, pulling on Deuce, trying to get him to dance.

"No, I can't." Deuce chuckled. "I'm a horrible dancer, you see. I could mess up."

The Fairy giggled and twirled Deuce around, inviting him to dance with her. Deuce reluctantly agreed, following the Fairy's dance steps, with the other fairies putting beautiful flowers into his hair. That was when they began to push Deuce along.

The other fairies around The Nutcracker began to push him towards Deuce.

The two stared at each other, laughing. 

"May I?" The Nutcracker chuckled, taking Deuce's hand. "I think they want a nice dance."

"Are you a good dancer?"

"Hm, how about I show you." The Nutcracker winked.

Deuce felt the infectious joy of the fairies as they twirled around him, their laughter ringing like bells in the air. The Nutcracker, initially hesitant, found himself swept up in the magic of the moment. He took a step forward, and soon, they were both moving to an enchanting rhythm that seemed to emerge from the very earth beneath their feet.

Deuce was surprised at how easily he could let go of his worries, if only for a moment. The fairies floated around them, creating a whirlwind of color and light, their delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight. He and The Nutcracker found themselves laughing, spinning, and twirling along with the joyous creatures, the apples forgotten at their feet.

The Nutcracker took Deuce's hand, giving it a playful tug. "Come on, you've got to keep up!" he teased, his earlier seriousness fading away as he grinned. 

Deuce's heart soared. He felt lighter, as if all the burdens he had carried were momentarily lifted. "I didn't know I could dance!" he exclaimed, surprised at his ability to follow the fairies' lead. 

As they danced, Deuce noticed the way the light filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow over the scene and enhancing the vibrant colors of the forest. The fairies executed intricate routines, pulling the two of them into their spins and lifts, and for a brief while, the fear of the Rat King and their uncertain quest faded into the background.

They danced until they were breathless, surrounded by singing flowers and the joyous chatter of the fairies. Deuce couldn't help but feel as though they had been granted a moment of respite, a rare glimpse of joy amidst their dire circumstances.

Finally, as the song reached its crescendo, the fairies encircled them one last time before breaking away, giggling and flapping their wings in delight. They landed softly on a nearby branch, their tiny faces alight with gratitude and happiness.

"Wow," Deuce said, catching his breath. "That was incredible!"

The Nutcracker nodded, still a little dazed from the experience. "I never imagined we'd find such joy here. It's just… so beautiful."

"We should remember this feeling," Deuce replied, his voice softening as he looked at the fairies. "No matter what happens next." 

The fairies chirped in agreement, their light still shimmering around them, an everlasting reminder of the bond they had just formed. 

"Thank you for that," Deuce blushed. "It was nice to dance again after so long."

"I do not know why you hesitated," The Nutcracker grinned. "You are a wonderful dancer. I don't know why you don't dance often."

"I have a grandmother who is less than enthusiastic of my hobbies," Deuce explained, carrying the apples. "She thought that I should be like my father, whom I have never met before."

"You haven't?'

"Barely. And she was so uptight about the life I should have, not about the life I want to have," Deuce sighed. "I don't think I had much of a choice."

"But you have much more freedom than you think."

"Really?" 

"I mean, you came here to help me," The Nutcracker reminded him. "You choose to save me from the Rat King; you choose to come with us on this journey for the Sugar Plum Queen. You hae did all of that, because you had the choice to."

Deuce smiles. "Thank you, Ace. I feel a little better."
❄️
"Well, that was hearty breakfast." Kalim grinned. 

"Hm, just eating apples isn't too hearty," Azul huffed, getting up. "Now, let us be off! The castle shouldn't be far from here from my recollection. Grab our stuff, and let us march."

Deuce sighed and helped Kalim up.

"Has he always been demanding?"

"Yep, but once you get to know him, he'll be peachy keen," Kalim grinned. "Let's just fine the castle so he can relax."

Deuce nodded and began gathering the food before departing again. This time, the woods were just as beautiful as ever, and somehow, flowers appeared with Deuce everywhere he went, and they bloomed into beautiful flowers. 

"Such a beautiful place, and I thought this place was abandonded and desolated," Azul sighed.

"He did, but that was before the faes were released into the winds again," The Nutcracker explained. "Deuce knew what happened and released them."

"You did? That's amazing," Kalim grinned. "You sound just like that Sugar Plum Queen. She was just as kind, if not kinder, and I heard she manaaged to conjoin the winter and spring together once and for all. But I don't get it."

"Get what?'

"Why she left." Kalim sighed. "She was just such a sweet person, and I don't see wh she would run away without a reason."

"I get that too," Deuce agreed. "What if she was protecting someone? Someone she knew that Rat King would harm?"

"But who would the Rat King harm?" Kalim questioned. 

"Hm, I don't know," Deuce shrugged. "It has been said that she has been visiting once she discovered a new realm, but one day, she was simply gone."

"Yes," The Nutcracker conformed. "She was gone in an instant."

"After Prince Ace had blatantly insulted her," Azul huffed. "That boy insulted her very badly and now here we are!"

"You can't keep blaming the prince for everything," Kalim sighed. "He didn't even mean it like that. Ace was impulsive, yes, but he didn't mean what he said. She made the announcement that she would leave only for a short while, but.."

"But he decided to get angry." 

"If I'm allowed to speak on the matter," coughed The Nutcracker. "It seemed that he didn't even know what he was saying at the moment."

"I hope that when we find her, he can apologize and everything will go back to normal," Azul sighed, walking up a trail. "Let us be off."

As they walked up, Azul stopped in shock, causing Kalim and The Nutcracker to stop in their tracks. At the very corner of the meadow was a gleaming castle in the distance, which shone in the sunlight.

"We found it!" Kalim cheered. 

"Yes!" The Nutcracker cried happily.

Deuce watched as his friends cheered happily and walked up the stairs to the palace. He stared down at his locket, remembering what the owl had told him previously. 

It made him question many things. Like, did he want to leave? Would the Sugar Plum Queen even help him? What if she were actually a cruel woman who refused to help those in need?

"Deuce?" The Nutcracker spoke, looking back at Deuce.

"Hm?" Deuce gasped, looking up. 

"Are you coming?"

"Oh? Uh...Yeah, I'll be right there." Deuce answered.

Deuce watched as they walked up the steps and opened the door, revealing a very beautiful interior. Deuce walked up as they entered, but before he could even enter, the walls collapsed, revealing a cage in which Kalim, Azul, and The Nutcracker were trapped.

"Heheh! Back to the castle you go!" The Bat giggled, flying away with the cage.

"H-hey! Wait-!!" Deuce called out, now rushing towards the cage, trying to catch it. 

But the Bat was too fast for him, and before he knew it, the fairies stopped him and saved him before he fell down a ledge and into the waters below.

"Ace...."

Chapter Text

The Nutcracker, Azul, and Kalim watched as the Rat King stepped down the stairs to their cage, his laugh wicked and low. The staff in his hands, a twisted rod of malevolence, glowed an uneasy red, reflecting the beady eyes of The Rat King. 

"Ah, lookie, lookie," The Rat King gleamed. "You have captured the Nutcracker."

"I know, I know," The Bat cheered, his voice filled with excitement. "And I got extra too!"

The Rat King smirked, his confidence oozing as he surrounded the Nutcracker, his staff slowly caressing the wooden skin. "Seems you don't have your human with you, but as long as I have you, I can simply spare the boy."

"You better not," The Nutcracker hissed, his voice brimming with unwavering determination. "You better leave your paws off him, or else I'll-"

"Or else what?" The Rat King sneered, his arrogance oozing. "Nothing! Because as soon as the sun sets on his kingdom, you shall be burned by my own bonfire, and everyone will see that I finally defeated their savior!"

The Nutcracker gasped as The Rat King pointed towards the bonfire, carefully crafted outside, with each rat knight adding a new log onto it.
-
"I can't believe I thought I could do this," Deuce groaned to himself, his self-doubt echoing in the air. "Me? A Savior for everyone? Yeah, right." Deuce sat down and looked at the ground. "How can I even leave this island?"

Deuce sighed again as a nearby faerie flew over to him, chirping towards him.

"What happened?" Deuce asked, trying to listen. "You want to help me? How? I don't even know where the Rat King's castle is, for one?"

The Faerie rolled her eyes and whistled for more faeries to come over, presenting a makeshift seat, as they held onto the vines. The Faerie pulled onto Deuce's finger, making him sit down and onto the vines.

"Oh, I understand," Deuce nodded and held on. "I'm ready, take me to the Rat King. I need to free my friends."

The Spring Faeries nodded and, with the small Faerie's guidance, began to fly over to the rough seas. Deuce felt the soft hair of the island become cold and harsh, which made the boy shiver in his clothing. As he continued to look over at the seas, Deuce gasped as he saw a fire slowly arising from the castle's garden areas.

"I can't believe it," Deuce heard one of the knights say. "The Rat King's going to burn the Nutcracker at the stake at dawn."

Deuce gasped as he was carefully let down onto the ground.

Deuce pressed himself against the cold stone wall of the Rat King's castle, heart racing as he crept forward. Shadows danced around him in the torchlight, flickering like the thoughts in his mind. Could he really save the Nutcracker? The stakes were high, with flames threatening to consume his wooden friend at dawn. 

As he moved deeper into the castle, he passed lavishly decorated halls filled with portraits of the Rat King's conquests. Each step was a reminder of the power the tyrant wielded, but Deuce pushed through the unease. He had to focus. The sound of distant laughter echoed through the corridors, sending a chill down his spine.

Checking his surroundings, Deuce spotted a pair of rat guards patrolling a far hallway, their sharp eyes scanning for any sign of trouble. He ducked behind a large suit of armor, adrenaline coursing through him. His mission was urgent, the fate of his friends hanging in the balance. "I have to find the Nutcracker," he whispered to himself, the urgency of his mission igniting a fire within him.

Carefully peeking from behind the armor, he noticed a set of stairs leading down to what looked like a dungeon. The shivering echoes of despair punctuated the air, tugging on his heartstrings. He couldn't ignore it. The Nutcracker had to be down there.

With a deep breath, Deuce hurried down the stairs, avoiding the creaking steps that threatened to give him away. The darkness thickened as he descended, and he could finally hear the muffled sounds of wood creaking — the unmistakable voice of the Nutcracker, calling out in defiance.

"Leave me be, Rat King! You will regret this!" 

"HA! If he could find you," The Rat King sneered.

Deuce's determination surged at the sound. He quickened his pace until he reached a heavy iron door marked with a single, ominous rat emblem. It was locked tight, but he noticed a small window at the top of the door. He stood on his tiptoes and peeked inside—what he saw pulled at his heart.

He saw the Rat King laughing at an empty wall. No signs of life, but he could see the Ran King taunting himself away as he walked away. Deuce gasped and covered his mouth, watching as the Rat King opened the large door and walked away, his knights traveling behind his tail.

Deuce looked around before he rushed towards the dungeon, now at the area where he knew The Nutcracker, Azul, and Kalim were, but he couldn't see a single thing. 

"What is he doing?" Azul whispered, fear and anxiety evident in his voice. "Can't he see us?" 

"No, he can't," Kalim answered. "The Rat King's invisible prison makes it harder for those to be found and for those to escape. Deuce can't see us because of it."

The Nutcracker's eyes dropped sadly as he rested his hand against the invisible barrier between them. Deuce stopped for a moment before looking back at the barren wall. It took a small moment, but Deuce's hands met the wall, feeling its cold exterior.

"I cannot believe this," Azul groaned.

Deuce closed his eyes and gasped. "....I feel you, Ace, but I can't see you. Why?"

"...I'm here, Deuce." The Nutcracker urged. 

Deuce stepped back, looked around, and then grabbed a nearby torch. "Everyone! I warn you to stand back!"

Deuce threw his arms back and lunged forward, aiming the torch towards the wall, causing it to break like mere glass onto the ground. Deuce smiles and rushes into The Nutcracker's arms, sighing in relief. 

"Thank goodness you found us," Azul spoke up. "You don't seem as useless as I thought you were."

"Look, it doesn't matter now, but we need to go," Kalim stammered. "You need to get The Nutcracker out of here before The Rat King burns him down!"

Deuce nodded as everyone rushed towards the bridge-like area, where the knights began to chase and surround them, no matter where they were.

"Escaped! The Nutcracker has escaped!!" Cried the Bat as he flew over everyone's heads. "Get that Nutcracker!!"

The Nutcracker, Deuce, Azul, and Kalim rushed over towards a nearby drape and managed to get down onto it onto the stone ground, where the bonfire was located. But the escape was in vain as the gleaming red ruby of the scepter gleamed in front of them, as the Rat King smirked down onto them.

"Ah! Nutcracker, you seem that you wanted to fight the final death early?" The Rat King laughed, his wand transforming into a sword before them. "Either that, or the boy dies!"

As soon as the King roared those words, two rat knights grabbed onto Deuce, holding him and the others back. 

The Nutcracker took a shaky breath before presenting his sword. "Alright, it's just you and me, Rat King! To the death! And besides, is this anyway to run a kingdom huh?"

The Rat King snarled as he lit the massive fire, and everyone gasped and cowered as the Nutcracker readied himself for battle. 

"Please, it shouldn't matter what had happened to us," The Rat King laughed. "All of your people have been transformed into stone by me, already! Who else could you have been fighting for?"

The Nutcracker snarled as he raised his sword to attack, with the Rat King's sword transformed into an axe, and he wielded it around towards The Nutcracker, who weaved and dodged with ease, trying to avoid the sharp weapon. Each clash of weapons caused the Rat King to be drawn back, hitting himself against the cart and holding his shoulder angrily.

"You blasted Nutcracker," hissed The Rat King. "I'm afraid I had deeply underestimated you. But you won't get the best out of me!"

The Rat King's scepter glowed a bright red as he began to chant a spell.

"With the brawn of twenty and six, I'll smite my enemy into sticks."

The Nutcracker gasped as The Rat King began to grow in size, almost as big as the castle. He had to use his sword as soon as the massive scepter came his way, trying to snap and crack at the Nutcracker. 

Deuce watched as The Nutcracker got beaten down by the gigantic Rat King.

"Nutcracker," The Rat King snarled as he pushed the Nutcracker against the fire pit. "I'll give you a choice, Nutcracker."

Deuce pushed the knights away as hard as he could, rushing towards the Nutcracker's side, checking his body for any bruises and burns.

"Dismemberment or barbeque?" The Rat King snickered, walking towards the duo, only to be stopped by Deuce.

"You stay away from him!" Deuce cried out. "You are nothing but a coward, hiding behind a magic wand!"

"Oh, you? Huh...I obviously didn't shrink you small enough," The Rat King's eyes gleamed angrily. "Your mouth is still much too big! But that's about to change."

Deuce barely moved as The Rat King aimed his wand towards him, chanting yet another spell.

"To the one who vexes me, smaller, smaller you will be," The Rat King laughed and aimed the magic towards Deuce, who stood in front of the Nutcracker, refusing to move.

The Nutcracker groaned as he forced himself up, using his sword to reflect the magic spell. He watched as the Rat King shrank down and down until he was the size of an actual rat, now skittering across the floor, running away, and the scepter falling to the ground, its magic nullified. 

"Ha! Back where he belongs," laughed Azul. "Down to the sewers!"

Deuce rushed to The Nutcracker's side, resting his head onto his lap. "Oh, my poor Nutcracker.."

"Heh, still worried about me?" The Nutcracker weakly chuckled. "Have you forgotten that I am just wood remember?"

"Oh, you and I know that you are so much more than that, Prince Ace," Deuce whispered, giving The Nutcracker a quick kiss on the forehead.

Deuce gasped as The Nutcracker became surrounded by his blue magic, watching as the wooden form of The Nutcracker slowly became the more human form as Prince Ace, who coughed into Deuce's arms.

"He's alive!" Kalim cheered. "The prince isn't as dead as we thought!"

"Oh boy," Azul gulped to himself.

Deuce laughed happily as he lunged into Ace's arms. "Oh, thank goodness! Ace..."

Ace smiled as he lifted Deuce, and the boy began to glow.

Deuce gasped as he was now dressed in a beautiful baby blue prince out, adorned with matching ballet shoes and a silver crown. 

"The prince," Ace gasped. "Of course, it's been you all along, Deuce!"

"Me? How?"

"It all makes sense," Ace smiled, taking Deuce's hand. "You saved us from the Rat King from within your own home, and even right now when you rescued us from his dungeon. And you were brave enough to stand in front of him, even when he threatened you. And your kiss had broken my curse."

"Which means..."

"You are now the New Sugarplum Prince!"

Deuce smiled at the realization as color returned to the land around them, his hand now intertwined with Ace's. He watched as everyone transformed back into their old selves, everyone happy to see each other again, and even the bonfire transformed into a beautiful fountain.

"You have broekn all of the Rat King's evil enchantments," Ace gasped.

Deuce looked over to see three figures over, who immediately rushed over towards Ace in a hurry. 

"Mother, Father! Jack!" Ace called out. "Your back!"

"Ace, my boy!" His father called out. "You did it! You saved us!"

Ace looked over and grabbed Deuce. "It is him, you should thank! He helped me see what I should've done years ago, to fight back to my kingdom."

"And we have a lot to show you," His mother smiled. 

"Oh, wait, I feel like we should celebrate," Ace spoke, grabbing Deuce and leading them to the water fountain. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the land, Ace and Deuce stood together in a clearing surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush trees. The air was thick with a sense of anticipation as they prepared to perform a dance that would resonate across the world. Their hearts raced with the realization that this dance held the power to heal, to restore joy and harmony where darkness had once reigned.

Deuce took a deep breath, recalling the struggles they'd faced against the Rat King and the challenges that had tested their resolve. "We can do this, Ace. We have to believe in the power of our dance."

Ace nodded, his confidence shining through. "Together, we can bring back the light. Just remember, this is about more than just us. It's for everyone who has suffered."

With a shared understanding, they positioned themselves, feet firmly planted on the earth, mirroring each other in perfect synchrony. As the first notes of a melodious tune began to play from an unseen source, they moved together like the gentle ripples of a serene pond, each step infused with intention and grace.

Their ballet was not just a performance; it was a story of resilience and hope. As they leapt and twirled, the world around them transformed. Flowers bloomed brighter, releasing a sweet fragrance into the air. The trees danced with them, swaying gently as if joining in their celebration of life.

Deuce spun, feeling the energy rush through him, while Ace executed a perfect grand jeté, their movements a harmony of skill and passion. The spirits of the land seemed to join in, swirling around them in a vibrant display of colors, each turn and leap sending waves of healing energy into the atmosphere.

With every extension of their limbs, the burdens of despair lifted, replacing sorrow with joy. The animals in the forest paused to watch, captivated by the beauty unfolding before them. Birds soared high, harmonizing with the music to create a symphony of nature and dance.

As they reached the culmination of their performance, Ace and Deuce joined hands, rising to the heavens in a final flourish. A brilliant light enveloped them, radiating warmth and hope, surging through the land and touching every corner of the world.

When the last notes faded into silence, a calm settled over the clearing. The once-dim landscape was now vibrant and alive, reflecting the spirit of love and unity they had ignited through their dance. 

Breathless, Ace, and Deuce shared a victorious smile. They had done it; they had restored the world, not just through their physical prowess but through the connection they felt with each other and with everything around them. 

Their journey had begun with uncertainty, and they had faced darkness, but they emerged as beacons of light. Together, they would continue to dance, spreading their message of hope wherever they went, reminding others of the power of unity and belief in the magic that lies within.

"You are a wonderful dancer," Ace complimented. 

Deuce blushed and smiled as he received a rose bouquet from the children. "And so are you, Prince Ace."

Ace blushed and pulled Deuce into a romantic kiss, causing a wave of awe from the crowd.

"Do you plan to stay here? To be my husband forever more?" Ace proposed with a bright smile on his face.

Deuce looked down at his locket and smiled. "You know, this locket was supposed to take me home, but right here, in my heart, I am already there."

Ace and Deuce embrace again, until Deuce felt the necklace forcefully off his neck. They looked and saw The Rat King, on the back of the Bat, clutching onto the necklace happily.

"Now you will never return to this place again!" The Rat King laughed as he forcibly opened the locket, releasing all the magic from it.

"No!"

"You naughty rat!" Epel cried out as a snow fairy created a snowball, which Epel then threw at the Rat King and the Bat, causing them to shrink down.

"Deuce?" Ace gasped as he watched Deuce fade away, being unable to touch him again until he completely disappeared, with no way for him ever to come back. 

"I love you..."