Prince Eric, Captain Candy, and General Mint have just been captured by the Mouse King and brought to the dungeon.
"Toss them in," ordered the Mouse King amused. One by one, the three newly made prisoners were thrown into the cell. "Oh, it is such a relief to finally secure my place on the throne," he said placing the back of his hand to his head.
"You're nothing more than a tyrant! If the king were still here-oof" General Mint grunted having been struck in the stomach. Captain Candy rushed over to tend to him. "Yes, yes. But unfortunately, the fool is long gone. There is no one left to oppose me." he said confidently, pointing his magic staff towards them. Prince Eric moved to the front of them, facing the royal rodent.
With anger in his voice, he asked, "This is how you treat your people? By turning everyone who you don't like into stone or a cell?!" He took a step forward, "At the rate, you're going, it won't be long until there's no one left!"
The Mouse pretended to ponder about this. "Of what use is that information to me? I can freeze and unfreeze anyone, anytime. With my magic, it hardly matters whether or not they agree. Ironic enough, they are nothing other than mere toys to be played with." he said amused.
"If that is the case, " chimed Captain Candy, "then you'll be all alone. It'll just be you and your 'toys'. No real friendship with anyone."
"Silence!" roared the Mouse king as he attacked the captain with his staff. Eric, however, blocked the attack. Resulting in some wood being chipped off. "Nutcracker!" shouted the captain. "It's okay. I'm okay," he reassured.
The Mouse King paused for a moment and then smiled sinisterly. "They don't know, do they, your highness?" he said giving a mocking bow. "Your highness? What is he talking about?" asked Captain Candy. Eric remained faced towards the Mouse King.
"Funny how your supposed best friend doesn't even recognize you."
"That not what's important here! You-"
"Oh, but it is. Here you are going on about how I'm not worthy of the throne, how I treat my subject when you are no better yourself, Prince," he emphasized the last word. Eric tried to remain composed, but he couldn't think of any retort.
"The captain may just be the biggest fool yet. Tell me, what did you tell him? That I simply destroyed you? Please, if I were to do so, I would have done it publicly so that everyone can see your demise." said the Mouse king.
"Wait, Nutcracker is... Eric?" asked a confused General Mint. The overgrown mouse cackled as he made his way to the door, "I do hope this doesn't overwhelm you too much. After all, the prince has been found. Tonight, we will celebrate by the bonfire for all to see." The king's guards cheered in excitement. He then turned to the distraught prince. "Oh, don't worry. I've taken into account your new companion. Can't have her finding you before the event."
With that, the Mouse King raised his staff and cast a spell. The light from it enveloped the entire cell. When the light dimmed, the mice were gone leaving the three prisoners disoriented and alone.
Captain Candy started towards the prince. "Eric...is it really you?" he asked still in disbelief. Eric tried to come up with another lie, but couldn't. The secret was out and there was no point in reclaiming it. He sorrowfully turned to face his friend, "Yes, it's...me." Captain Candy went quiet with tears running down his face. "I'm so sorry," he said, voice cracked and eyes trying in vain to hold back tears, "This is all my fault! And I don't know how to fix it! I...I...don't expect to be forgiven bu-" a sudden pressure enveloped him. When he opened his eyes, he saw that Captain Candy had embraced him.
Before Eric could speak, the captain said, "I don't know what to do about the kingdom either. However, if you want to repair our friendship, you can start by never lying like that to me again." And with that, Eric returned the embrace.
General Mint approached the two, "Well what are we to do now? I don't see a way out. And whatever the Mouse King did will hinder any kind of rescue, I'm sure." Knowing the Mouse King's tactics, it was true that it would be difficult for Clara to find them. But Eric had a sliver of hope that she would. "Well, I guess it's a good thing that Clara's not from this world."
"Wait, WHAT?!" the two exclaimed. Eric certainly had a lot of explaining to do.