Hehehe.. Yes Gelasia's at it again. Don't worry I'll work on the rest of the bunch of stories later! But.. But it's Christmas and.. Christmas is so... Well I love Christmas... So this is going to be a mixture of the ballet plotline, as well as the original plotline by Hoffman (though that tends to get really really really REALLY confusing based off of summaries) and what would Gelasia's story be without a few of Gelasia's er... twists... Hehehehe!! So! Onward with the story of... The Nutcracker! I'm keeping a few of the names from the ballet just cause... Well Drosselmeier is seriously such a cool name!

The Nutcracker: Chapter 1 - The gift

Serena groaned as she continued to yank a brush harshly through the delicate strands of her silver hair. It was Christmas Eve, and as tradition called for it there was to be a large gala at the Tuskino household. Serena was sitting at her mirror, glaring at it for all she was worth. Truth be told the now seventeen year old girl had been disillusioned with Christmas ever since she was a little girl. In the words of Scrooge; Bah Humbug. As she saw it, there was a giant build up to Christmas. People grew more and more tense and happy, the anticipation took over people's minds, then when the day finally came it was always a disappointment. It wasn't nearly as exciting as it had been built up to be. In fact, Christmas day was boring and dull save those first 10 minutes spent ripping open presents and making a mess of the parlor.

She had told her parents as much that morning in a last pathetic attempt to get out of going to the party, but she was only answered with stern looks and a command to go upstairs and get ready. So here she was, Scrooge reincarnated and looking like an angel. A very unhappy angel at that. She wore a white satin gown that pooled gently at her feet, which were enclosed in white satin slippers. Serena was attempting to put her long silvery locks into a loose bun, but with no avail the slippery strands were as stubborn as their owner and refused to be put up. Soon the frustrated girl gave an unfeminine grunt and let the hair cascade down her back in curls. A knock at her door followed by a

"Serena! Are you ready yet? The guests are arriving!" out of the safe haven of the girl's room to the parlor. Her breath caught as she saw the room. A moment of surprise and delight lit up her face before she quickly covered it with a look of apathy. Her parents had outdone themselves this year. The tree was gigantic and as for decoration, her parents had opted for covering it in candles whose gentle light reminded her of twinkling stars. The rest of the tree was bathed in strands of tinsel and stained glass ornaments which reflected the candle light into strange patterns and colors upon the walls. The rest of the room was covered in green boughs that also were covered in the beautiful candles. It looked like a fairyland. A Christmas Fairyland, Serena reminded herself dryly. Her younger brother suddenly shoved from behind her, causing the girl to loose her balance, wave her arms around like a chicken before grabbing onto the railing to balance herself.

"Haha you klutz!" Sammy cried out in glee. Serena decided she wouldn't even bother to glare at the idiotic boy and instead tried to regain what was left of her dignity to descend down the stairs. Her mother and father were standing by the doorway smiling gaily to their guests who were dressed in brilliant finery. Strains of the more popular waltzing Christmas songs came through the doorway and the wisps of smoke made the picture unreal. Serena groaned inwardly to see her mother give her a pointed glare and obediently the girl stalked over to the other side of the door where she was prone to be bombarded with "Why Serena darling you look lovely! And is that your brother? He's grown so much! You've so grown too! Why I remember when you were just a small..." by that time though Serena had ushered them through to welcome the next guests. Those she had shoved aside didn't seem to notice and either absently patted her head as if she were a good little puppy, or pinched her cheek. Sammy would look at her and snicker until he was given the same treatment which made Serena's torture just a tad bit lighter. She greeted her good friend Molly with one of the only true smiles anyone would see from her that night. Much later, after the door was finally closed without the doorbell instantaneously ringing, Serena wormed her way through the hoards of dancing couples to the girl standing near the Christmas Tree.

"Good lord what an annoyance." Serena growled.

"And a Merry Christmas to you too Sere!" Molly said her eyes lit up with laughter. Serena glared at her pointedly.

"Bah Humbug..." Molly laughed as Serena shoved her hands on her hips and pouted.

"Such a drastic change from the bubbly, bright, cheerful girl to the ultimate in grumpiness come December 25th..." Molly said thoughtfully.

Serena would have retorted to that comment had she had the time, for just then the door burst open and in came Drosselmeier his cape flapping dramatically behind in him the torrents of snow. Amazingly, even with the burst of cold wind that flew through the room on ice wings, none of the candles went out. He stormed in like a man with purpose carrying a giant bag over his shoulder. His one good eye glinted mischievously as it swept over the room before landing on Serena who smiled at him. Drosselmeier was Serena and Sammy's godfather, a rather eccentric man who went for the drama in everything he did. In fact, one only knew the man as Drosselmeier, whether it was his first name or last, it was doubted that anyone knew, aside from Drosselmeier himself.

"Greetings to you all!" He boomed out in his loud voice. Kenneth, Serena's father, smiled and shook his head.

"Quite an entrance as usual Drosselmeier..." he said opening his arms in welcome. Drosselmeier smiled.

"I have brought gifts for all. Immediately the children shrieked in delight before crowding around him. These included Serena's friend. The blond shook her head, rolled her eyes and eyed the group of huddled people curiously before flopping onto the sofa in the most unladylike manner she could accomplish. Unbeknownst to her, Drosselmeier had saved his most peculiar gift with her in mind and after everyone had received their gifts he had descended into the shadows of the room as the dancing started up again. Soon though, he snuck up upon the ignorant girl before sitting next to her. Serena jumped and stifled a shriek of surprise as weight on the sofa shifted, but she smiled at Drosselmeier.

"Godfather..."

"Young Serenity... I have a gift for you too" He said pulling out a package. Serena raised an eyebrow but nonetheless accepted the gift.

"Open it."

"But Godfather that's not until-"

"Open it Serenity..." He commanded. She swallowed down the urge to roll her eyes but decided to do as he bid. She grabbed the edges of the paper and ripped before gently lifting the lid of the box and flinging it carelessly behind her. A few tossed pieces of tissue paper revealed a wooden man. Serena looked up at her godfather, confusion written on her face. He laughed.

"A nutcracker Serenity." Her fingers traced the carved man and she smiled down at it. She was a bit old for dolls, but it was exquisitely made and for some reason the figure grabbed her attention.

"Although I don't quite understand as to why you would get me a nutcracker Godfather... Thank you." With that the girl jumped up, gave Drosselmeier a quick kiss on his cheek and scampered over to Molly to show off her present. Drosselmeier smiled mysteriously before seemingly disappearing from the party.

And thus ends Chapter 1 of my saga!MWAHAHAH oh! Nutcracker story doesn't belong to me nor does Sailor Moon.. I'm merely messing with both to make a hopefully interesting story! *scampers off throwing mistletoe* REVIEWWW