Once upon a time there was a man who died. His work was the writing and telling of stories.

The most recent story he has written is about a brave and handsome prince who went against a cruel and crafty Raven.

Despite his best efforts, the prince was slain by the Raven in his futile attempt to save his people.

"Finally," Said The Raven, reaching out a claw to the prince's still body. "I shall have your strong and powerful heart, little prince."

But it was then that someone swooped in, guarding his master and friend. The prince's noble and steadfast knight who The Raven thought he had killed.

"You shall never have my prince's heart, foul raven. I'd give my life up to guarantee it!"

And so, the knight pierced his very own heart and sealed The Raven away. After the deed was done, he fell to the ground and died due to his injuries, hand in hand with the prince.

"Death upon despair! Certainly this new beginning will set for an even more tragic ending!" Said the man who was supposed to have moved on.

"Let's try this again, shall we?"

The little crow heard the music before she could even open her eyes. She let out a curious little caw before noticing someone in the misty forest, a human boy in light black armor holding a sword.

The crow hopped forward a bit before fluttering down to a branch closer to the ground as he began to dance.

The boy started the dance slowly, holding the sheathed sword close to his chest as he did. He performed various leaps and kneels, each leading him to offer up his sword to an unseen liege.

He's always offering his sword to someone but his partner never appears… The crow thought sadly. I would dance with him in a heartbeat but I'm just an ugly crow…

The knight unsheathed the sword but his emerald eyes showed no emotion behind them as he did, they were always so cold.

Your dance is meant to be so passionate and yet the feelings are never truly expressed… Are you guarding your heart like you would your master, or is it something else? I wish I could help you, dear knight…

"Well, well, what's this?"

The crow fluttered off the branch in surprise before landing, jerking her head around before giving a weak caw.

The forest seemed to darken as the knight disappeared. The crow wished deeply for his protection as she looked around for the source of the voice.

"A little crow caring for the solem knight? Who would've thought?" The eerie voice came back with a sharp laugh that chilled her to the bone.

Finally, she spotted the two shining orbs in the dark thicket beyond her. She would've normally dove for them herself seeing as she loved all things shiny, like most crows, but found she couldn't do so. They were coming for her instead.

A grinning mouth appeared beneath the eyes as they grew closer before the forest suddenly lit with an unnatural light, revealing the giant form of gaunt and wide-eyed old man decorated with colorful feathers.

The crow gave a screech as she tried to fly away-

"Leave me alone!" A crow-like girl screamed, jolting out of bed. She gasped for air, clutching her chest as she did.

She was at Pyrite Crown Academy. She was in her dorm room. She was safe. And best of all, she wasn't a bird.

"What an awful dream…" Rue whispered to herself as she got up. She glanced in her vanity mirror to see her sharp scarlet eyes glaring back at her. She quickly untangled her feather-like hair so she wouldn't have to look too long at her bird-like features. "At least I'm prettier than a crow… just barely."

She walked over to see the boy's dormitory across the plaza and smiled faintly at the window across from hers. "I wonder if Fakir is up yet. Does he get up early to practice like I do or does he save up his strength sleeping in? Which would a knight be more likely to do?"

Her wonderings were interrupted by a sharp and grating sound that caused her to look down and see a raven sitting on her windowsill, it's sharp red eyes staring at her intently.

She stared back with narrowed eyes. What a frightening creature, is it a bad omen…?

She would've hit the bird with the sill if it hadn't flown out of the way. "Shoo, shoo! Go find someone else to bother!"

The bird took her advice, seemingly finding someone new to pester up above her.

"Oh, hello, little raven! Would you like some food too? Don't worry, there's plenty for everyone!"

Rue frowned. Who in this school would actually like a ugly creature like that?

Ever since she could remember, Rue had always wanted to be a ballerina. There were many reasons for this: ballerinas were beautiful, graceful, talented. Everyone loved ballerinas, especially the prima ballerina: the head dancer of whatever company, show, or school they represented. Rue longed for that sort of admiration and devotion. She couldn't remember the last time she heard the words 'I love you, Rue.'

Had she ever even heard them at all?

Rue paused her brisk walk to shake herself out of the thought. That was ridiculous. Of course she'd heard it, she had to have. She was a human girl after all, humans required love just to survive.

The thought made sense in my dream… Rue thought to herself, remembering the dream that had seemed to last forever from the night before. After all, who would ever love an ugly crow? A pitiful crow… I suppose that is how I see myself, a creature flying around endlessly searching for something beautiful, something that shines. Like that knight I saw dancing on in the forest…

The only treasure she could think of lately had been Fakir. He was a student at Gold Crown Academy just like she was. He was handsome, calm, and a beautiful dancer. She had no idea what this feeling was… Fakir… If I could dance a pas de deux with you just once… I'd give my life for that.

Just as she thought that, a chill went down her spine. She turned around at once before narrowing her eyes in suspicion. "Is someone there?"

But there was no response, just the babbling of the river beneath her feet.

The girl gave a sigh, rolling back her shoulders to get herself back in proper posture before walking on. She had to stop being so paranoid…

The work required to become a prima ballerina would seem overwhelming to many but Rue took it in stride. She performed late and practiced early every single day. Her hard work had been rewarded by being allowed into the advanced class. And so, that meant she had to work even harder.

Rue pushed open the heavy door before placing down her bag. She was about to ask the pianist to begin playing as he also arrived early to practice only to hear him begin to play a sharp and vibrant song it took a moment for her to recognize.

This is the Coriolan Overture… She thought before someone in black soared through the air in front of her. It's him!

Fakir landed sharply before beginning to twirl, lost in his own thoughts.

Rue could only watch in awe, surprised the mysterious and reserved Fakir would dance to something so dramatic and powerful.

Sweat glistened off of him as he flung his head back before leaping once more, a concentrated expression on his face as he did.

The story the music was based on was one about the contrast between war and love. A high-ranking general refused to show his people the battle scars he'd obtained on the field and because of this lack of vulnerability was banished. He returned with an army to exact vengeance upon his home composed of his once enemies but then his mother had appeared, begging him to show compassion. The man could not make up his mind and knew this conflict inside him would never end, not until he ended it himself. He pierced his heart on his own blade, never to be troubled by emotions ever again.

Rue normally loved tragic endings as they felt far more realistic then the ones where everyone won but even she didn't like the idea of the grieving mother sobbing over her son's body.

Thankfully, all the sadness she saw portrayed on the stage would end with a dramatic finale, and she'd never have to see them again.

There was no such thing as an endless tragedy, not yet, anyway.

It was then that Rue realized the music had stopped. She'd been so lost in her thoughts she hadn't even noticed Fakir staring at her.

"Ah." Rue heard herself say like a fool. She covered her mouth as she blushed. I must look like such a fool just standing here staring…! I must give off the impression I'm above it! What would a prima ballerina do in a situation like this?

Fakir didn't say a word as she quickly curtsied, her dark hair falling in her face.

"Forgive me for- Oh!" Rue gave a cry as she felt her foot land incorrectly in her haste and before she knew it she was falling.

So much for being graceful.

She was suddenly caught before she could hit the ground and when she opened her eyes she saw Fakir looking back at her.

He has such beautiful eyes… Like the knight in my dream… Rue thought to herself, staring deeply into them. She narrowed her own though when she noticed something in them. People around the academy always said Fakir was unfeeling and distant, how his eyes were always so blank to the point it sent people running but Rue could see something else there. His eyes… They look so cold, it chills me to the bone… What could've caused it?

She then realized she'd been laying there staring at him for at least a full minute now and almost knocked into Fakir yet again as she scrambled away. "Once again, I am so sorry… Words cannot express how I feel about inconveniencing you in such a way. If you'd gotten hurt or anything I wouldn't be able to live with myself- Well, I suppose I would have to but I would still-!"

"You're expressing yourself."

"Hm?" She glanced up to see Fakir hadn't yet rose from the ground.

"You said words could not express how you felt… You're still talking." She would've thought what he said was quite rude, even though it made sense to her as well but then he followed up with: "Catching you… It was nothing."

Well it was something for me… Rue thought to herself. Fakir's too humble, he saved me, like a knight…

Just then, the door opened and someone stepped in.

"Mytho…" Fakir grunted softly.

Rue recognized the boy at once by his snow white hair and gentle eyes. It was Mytho, Fakir's best friend.

"Here you are." The boy said, walking up to him. He paid no mind to Rue sitting there with her head bowed in disgrace. "I was looking everywhere for you. Didn't we agree you'd tell me when you go out? You know I worry when you're not by my side…"

Fakir nodded shortly.

"Let's go home now, Fakir." Mytho offered his hand but Fakir didn't move. His friend could immediately sense something was wrong now that he looked at him closely. "Oh? What happened?"

"My foot."

"Your foot? Did you twist it?" Mytho asked in concern. When he got a nod back he pouted slightly. "You're always so coordinated, how could this have happened?"

"It was my fault." Rue piped up.

The boys turned to see her as if just now remembering she was there.

"I tripped and he saved me." Rue mumbled out as an explanation.

"Is that right?" Mytho seemingly asked them both before looking at Fakir. "That was very sweet of you, Fakir."

Fakir said nothing.

Rue felt her heart pick up pace as Mytho's eyes then fell on her. He walked up before offering her his hand with a gentle smile.

She hesitated before slowly placing her hand in his.

She expected to be gently pulled to her feet but was instead practically yanked. Her eyes widened in shock when he didn't let go of her hand. "What-?"

"I can't thank you enough for granting Fakir the opportunity to show some empathy, not many give him the chance." Mytho laughed softly. His eyes then narrowed and Rue felt herself shiver seeing his smile stayed on. She'd never seen this side of Mytho before in class… "But I don't like the idea of him getting hurt, even if it was to save you. My advice for the next time: accept the fall, Rue. Despite what you make everyone in class think, you're not perfect, and we both know it."

Rue felt her anger boil up at the clear jab at her low ego. How'd he know about that?

"You make mistakes, like the one you made today: letting Fakir get hurt in your stead." Without another word, Mytho turned away. "We should be going, Fakir."

The boy wrapped Fakir's arm around his shoulder and escorted him out, not making eye contact with Rue again.

What is with him? Everyone thinks Mytho's so sweet and kind but what I just saw proves they're wrong! Rue thought to herself before hearing the morning bell ring once more.

She hadn't even got an early practice in, how was she ever going to be worthy of dancing with Fakir or anyone for that matter if she missed out like this?

Time to get back to work.

"Did you hear? There's a new girl joining today!"

"Again? New spots just keep mysteriously opening up, first Miss Rue and now this new girl! I think it might be a curse!"

Rue tried to ignore the usual gossip from her classmates as she continued to do her wrap-up stretches on the barre. She didn't care to make friends, especially not with the snarky teens that she went to class with everyday.

She'd tried to at first when she was still in the beginner's class but all she got was snickers and backhanded compliments due to being the class favorite. Some even said she'd threatened or bribed the teachers to become the top student despite having done no such thing. She'd received the merits all on her own.

All other students just avoided her either due to the rumors or just being intimidated.

Rue force fed herself the idea that she didn't mind being alone. At least that meant no distractions.

"I heard that Duck's Fakir's girlfriend!"

Well, there was that one distraction.

"What? A duck?" Rue's head shot up at once from bending over before turning to the gathering of girls behind her.

"Oh, Miss Rue!" Gasped one girl in false awe. "Does her highness wish to hear what us peasants have to say, what an honor!"

It was followed by a chorus of giggles.

Rue narrowed her eyes. Don't let them make you feel inferior, you are above them, for now… "I was just wondering what you said about Fakir and the duck…"

"It's not a duck, it's a girl named Duck." Another girl with dark hair explained like she was talking to a child. "She's basically the clumsiest girl in school and is always hanging around Fakir. We've got no idea how someone like her got in."

"I'm sure she deserves to be here as much as the rest of us. She wouldn't have been chosen otherwise." Rue hissed, startling them into silence. "Now unless you want to keep your own spots I suggest you get to warming up, hm?"

The girls gave a few mumbles of discontent before beginning to stretch as well.

Duck, or rather, Miss Duck now that we're equals. So that's the girl that's always with Fakir… Rue thought to herself. She'd seen her around between classes, a cheery girl with coral-colored hair that was always either running late or by Fakir's side, if Mytho wasn't there already. She'd always wondered who she was but never got the courage to introduce herself. A nice girl like Duck would probably run at the sight of her coming.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the double doors swinging open. "Everyone, settle down!"

Rue straightened up to see their teacher, a humanoid feline they called Mr. Cat, enter the room.

On her first day of ballet classes Rue could remember covering her mouth before she could cry out in shock at the strange instructor. She was quick to learn the town of Pyrite Crown was inhabited by many anthropomorphs from cats to goats to anteaters, the list went on. Sometimes the place felt straight out of a fairytale.

"Now, I am sure you heard that we have a new student today, Miss Duck. Before she comes in, I must remind you all that she was not chosen based on her technique like the rest of you, certainly not! She is here because, well, I'll let her dance speak for itself!"

He gestured dramatically to the door, turning the four students' attention to it.

They waited in silence for a few moments.

Rue couldn't help but pout. It was this girl's first day and she couldn't even be bothered to arrive on time?

It was then they heard a loud panting that grew louder until the doors flung open once more.

"I'm here!" The girl exclaimed through breaths, hopping on one foot as she tried to tie on her right pointe shoe.

"Miss Duck! I thought booting you up to the special class would give you a bigger sense of responsibility!"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cat! There were so many birds to feed and-!" The poor girl nearly fell over in her attempt to apologize before Rue sprang into action, catching her quickly like Fakir had done for her.

"Are you alright?" Rue asked softly, lifting her chin to check for injuries.

Duck stared in awe," her face flushed, her mind was racing. "Ah- Um- You! You're Rue!"

Rue frowned, raising an eyebrow. She supposed Duck must've seen her around as well but not enough to know her name, certainly not enough to call her by it without a title. "You know me?"

The girl looked at her with wide eyes. "Yes, I've seen you dance…!"

What a weird girl… Rue thought to herself. She must be scared of me or something… She then smiled as gently as she could to not frighten her more. "Well, I'd like to see you dance. Mr. Cat said you would, we've all been waiting."

"Oh, right!" Duck gasped as if she herself had just remembered. "I've got to do that!

Rue went back to her seat on the floor as the music started up.

It was a sweet and lively tune Rue recognized as the first song played in The Nutcracker. This surprised her because, as with all overtures, this piece had little to no variations assigned to it meaning Duck had to have come up with it herself.

And she did so beautifully. Though her technique certainly needed polish as Mr. Cat had said, it was clear that it didn't matter to Duck. If Rue was too rigid with her technique, Duck was the exact opposite in the way she looked like she was having so much fun up there. Rue nearly forgot to focus on the steps as well, merely on the story she told through her face.

As if being the first peek at the story of the ballet, Duck was able to use her eyes and mouth to seamlessly transition through the major roles of the story. First she was Marie, the happy and loving little girl who received the nutcracker as a gift and cherished him above all else. Then, she was the Nutcracker Prince who fought bravely against the dreaded Rat King.

Even though she did her best to convince them as such, Rue really couldn't see any similarities between the evil rat and the innocent Duck, it was just against her nature.

But Rue was able to break from the trance and see the shortcomings in her form, breaking the illusion of beauty. She was reminded again of her goal to be a primadonna. It might look like fun when dancing for enjoyment without thinking but Rue knew that wouldn't get her anywhere.

I have to apologize, it's the polite thing to do. Rue reminded herself, staring at the doors to the boys' dormitory. Besides, I do feel awful about what happened to Fakir…

So why was she hesitating? All she had to do was knock. …But then who would answer? How would they react seeing her villainess face? What would she even say?

"You could just ask me to open the door."

Rue glared sharply back at the snowy-haired boy who gave her a charming smile back.

She gave a huff before brushing off her skirt and watching him walk by. She put on her best smile to convince him. "Would you?"

"No." Mytho said airily, making Rue give an irritated huff. The boy tried to close the door on her only hear a stifled cry in pain. He glanced down to see Rue had jammed her foot in the door and looked ever so slightly concerned. "Did you seriously-?"

"I want to see Fakir!" Rue insisted stubbornly, glaring at him through the slit in the door. "Let me apologize!"

"Your concern is duly noted." He grunted before kicking her foot out of the way. "Have a nice day~"

The door slammed in her face, leaving Rue to give out an exasperated yell. "You pompous little- Urgh!"

"Fakir!"

"Mytho." Fakir turned quietly to the boy without any emotion in his eyes.

"What are you doing out of bed?" Mytho asked worriedly, walking up to him.

Fakir stared out the window once again. "The raven…"

It couldn't be…! Mytho's eyes widened in shock as he felt his body grow cold. He gripped Fakir's shoulder so tight the boy would've cried out if he had the emotion to. "What raven?! What did you see?!"

"A raven." Fakir said again, pointing out towards the window across from them. "It went to Rue… and then to Duck when she was feeding the birds this morning."

Feeding the… Right, ravens are just normal birds here, all it wanted was some bread. Mytho assured himself.

"Do you not like crows either, Mytho…?"

Mytho looked back at his friend in surprise that he'd even recognized his worry. He never noticed anyone's emotions besides Mytho's and even that was a rare occasion. "They just scare me a bit, that's all."

Fakir narrowed his eyes slightly.

"So, how's your foot?" Mytho asked.

Fakir stared at him. "Does it matter?"

"Of course it-!" Mytho gave a sigh knowing it was no use. "Don't worry about it. All you need to worry about is staying by my side, forever."

"…Alright, Mytho..."

That evening after she'd changed into her cream nightgown, Rue sat at her windowsill polishing her diamond-shaped pendant as she did every night. She glanced out the window towards Fakir and Mytho's dorm room, seeing the light was still on.

I should've just ordered Mytho to step aside and let me in. Rue thought to herself as if that would've even worked. At least then I would've been able to apologize to Fakir. I hope he's feeling a bit better… His eyes, they always look so cold. There must be some kind of reason for it… I'm not exactly the warm and cuddly type either but still- I want to help him.

The idea caught someone's attention.

Maybe I'd be able to open myself up just a bit more as well…

Her creator's attention.

I'd give my life for that.

The moment she came up with the horrible thought, she heard a long peal of laughter followed by the ticking of a clock with its gears grinding together.

"Mm? What's that?" Rue asked herself, seeing a shadowy figure by the fountain that seemed to flicker in and out.

After putting on a shawl and slippers to keep away the chill, Rue went out to the fountain to find the man had disappeared. "Hello? Is someone out here?"

"I'm here, I'm always here!" Drosselmeyer chuckled even though he knew she couldn't hear him. "Do you honestly not remember who I am, princess?"

The girl shivered, holding herself tighter as she turned to go back to her room. It still felt like someone was watching her even now when no one was around.

"Oh, that's right! You and I were never formally introduced! I shall change that very soon. What do you think, little crow?"

The girl looked over her shoulder, feeling like someone was calling out to her.

Rue nearly jumped when the fountain suddenly sprung to life again. She hadn't even realized it had stopped until now.

"Just like the clock, I've circled back to a familiar stage, ready to start anew with you four! Now then, tell me a story, this time with a beyond tragic ending! Hehehe!"

"I'm off to classes, Fakir." Mytho said cheerfully.

Fakir made no effort to say goodbye today. He seemed even more bored with life than usual when being confined to his bed.

The boy continued to smile, trying to think of something more to say. "Um, how about I bring you back a new notebook from town? You seemed to have scrawled all over your last one."

"Only happy endings, right, Mytho…?"

"Right." Mytho smiled faintly. If Fakir ever did manage to come up with words instead of just scrawling out of habit, Mytho had made him promise to write about only nice things. "Don't give me cause to worry today."

Fakir watched him close the door before immediately getting out of bed to look out the window at the passing students.

At the same time, Rue was trying to formulate a plan on how to get into the boys' dormitory and apologize to Fakir. She supposed she could charm her way in, there were some people that thought she was pretty after all. Just as she was about to go though she tripped over something small.

"Quack!"

She glanced back to see a small yellow duck laying face first on the cobblestone. "Oh no!"

She helped it up at once, quickly brushing away fallen feathers. "Are you alright? Poor thing, I'm sorry. Looks like you've had your fair share of accidents, huh?"

The little duck did indeed have black feathers starting at her tail that lead up to her wings thought it seemed to stop there. Maybe it got caught up in some ashes from the street?

She tried to brush it off but found the feathers were indeed black like a crows. "How odd…. Oh well, you're still pretty cute."

The duck seemed to blush as she stared up at her with big innocent eyes that seemed to peer into her very soul. It was somewhat unnerving. "Quack…!"

Rue giggled, unaware ducks could blush until today. "Off you go then!"

She watched the duck waddle away towards the boys' dormitory, as if she too was off to visit Fakir. What a silly idea.

Rue watched in curiosity as it seemed to flap wildly before getting off the ground and was surprised it could fly so high, all the way to the roof.

It was then she noticed Fakir had seen the duck too. He quickly opened the window, stepping out on the sill.

Rue gasped in fright. "What is he doing?! Doesn't he know that's dangerous?"

Fakir stared at the duck intently as if trying to discern something from its gaze before he suddenly heard a sharp sound come from above.

"Ah!" Rue covered her mouth as a raven dove at the defenseless duck.

Fakir was quick to grab a nearby candlestick and without any thought of his own safety leapt out the window.

He stabbed at the raven which poofed into purple dust.

"No!" Rue screamed in horror, paying no mind to the strange demise of the Raven and instead focusing on her falling classmate. She didn't know what she was going to do, she just ran, arms outstretched.

"Isn't this a serious turn of events? The knight is falling!"

"The knight?" Rue wondered, hearing Drosselymeyer's voice for the first time.

"The loyal soldier is going to die again and again it seems!" The man chuckled.

"Die?!" Rue kept running towards the falling boy.

"Will you sit by as you did before?"

"No, no, I mustn't!" Rue insisted.

Droselmeyer grinned sharply, watching as the girl narrowed her eyes in determination. "Could it be? Is a little raven going to save the knight this time? How deliciously ironic! Do you care for him? Do you want to save the poor young knight? Well go on then, tell me a story I haven't heard! One with a far more dour protagonist, one that will lead to the ultimate tragedy! Do you know who you are this time around?!"

Rue felt her diamond pendant grow warm as it shone in the sunlight. She touched it gently as she tried to understand what he was talking about.

In her mind, she was wearing a dark tutu made of black feathers.

But that wasn't who she was anymore.

"I… I am… Princess Tutu!"

A warmth enveloped her and more feathers sprouted out, pushing the dark ones away and creating a new dress with golden designs around the bodice and waist. A golden diamond with a smaller silver one inside it appeared at the center of the top that created vines of white pearls that twisted into intricate designs that depicted small crowns, swords, swans and ravens if one looked close enough.

Her dark hair flew up into a bun held in place by more shining pearls that also created armlets that shot out white fabric to slightly cover her forearms.

A pointed golden crown appeared on her head before her necklace created a simpler version of the design on her top with a single swan and raven on either side of the pendant as if fighting for which had possession over it.

She took a deep breath to calm herself before glancing up.

She leapt towards the falling Fakir before beginning to pirouette. Black and white feathers appeared, creating a safe place for the knight to land.

She tiptoed over before kneeling down to him and helping him sit up. She smiled gently as he took the sight of her in. "You have a noble wish to protect the innocent but you must remember your own safety as well, Fakir."

"How do you know my name?" Fakir wondered. "And who are you?"

"I'm…" Her smile fell as she suddenly struggled to remember who she truly was. Her mind began to flash suddenly as she tried to pinpoint who she was: a crow, Princess Tutu, Rue, and someone else, someone dark and cold that looked like her but was she really? "I am…!"

In her agony she let out a cry that sounded too much like one of those despicable ravens. She covered her mouth, tears coming to her eyes. Was that what she truly was?

Fakir was confused when she suddenly ran away, leaving him seemingly alone until the little duck from before dove into the pile of feathers beside him. He turned to it as it glowed with dark magic. "Hello, Duck."

"Fakir!" After shedding her own, the girl sprang up out of the feathers and embraced the man. "Don't ever scare me like that again, you big dummy!"

Fakir didn't know what to do as she wept into him. "… Sorry."

"That's right, no matter how hard one tries some things never change! Duck is still a duck! But…"

The little crow named Rue flew through the forest, pendant now sitting uselessly in her nest.

She landed and looked sorrowfully at herself in a puddle. Why had she let herself indulge in such wonderful fantasies? I really am just an ugly crow after all…!

"It seems the princess who once believed herself to be a crow inside a human body is now just that! Why do you despair, little one? Isn't this what you wanted all along?! Hehehe!"