Disclaimers: I could never hope to live up to Tchaikovsky. I have no idea whether The Nutcracker is copywrited or a part of the public domain. Needless to say, I don't own it, or I would be the famous person, and not just 'Petey' -- Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky. Also, I wouldn't be posting this here, but someplace that doesn't have anything to do with fanficiton. Really, for a collective like this, I don't see the point of these standard disclaimers. Let's just say that they apply and leave it at that.

Of course, if you try to steal anything from me, I'll sic my current muse and her boyfriend on you. They're really nasty assassins, too. Anyway:

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Clara's Prince - Prologue

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The prince looked up tiredly at yet another man who had come in possession of him. "What can I do to serve you?"

The older gentleman seemed amused. "Are the demands we poor mortals make on you so tiring?"

"They are. You want me to conquer something, someone, I expect?"

"No."

The prince blinked.

"This is an age of peace, and I have no wish to rule more than I do already. My family and my magic are enough for me."

The prince looked suspicious. And what might your name be?"

"Drusselmeyer."

The younger man sighed. I was afraid of that."

"Oh?"

"It's a story I'd rather not tell."

"As you will. I have a simple enough request."

"What is that?" Again, the prince was suspicious.

"My niece and god-daughter, Clara. I want to give her a present for Christmas unlike any other possible – even with my tricks. I want to give her a dream. And I want you to be its star."

"What did you have in mind?"

Herr Drusselmeyer told him.

"I can do that," the prince said, sighing again.

Drusselmeyer held up a finger. "A moment! My visible present to Clara is the nutcracker that contains you, mind. She shall never know its secret, and should her dream be real enough, it may enable you to find your freedom. This is my payment for a night's work."

"It is far more than that. You know you need ask nothing of me in return. Besides, why free me? If you know of me, surely you know also my story."

"I do. But no one, regardless of any differences from so-called 'normal' people, should be anything but free. As for any crimes you may or may not have committed, surely several dozen lifetimes is penance enough."

The prince bowed to the magician. "I thank you," he said solemnly, and meant it.