Once upon a time there was a man who died. His work was the writing and telling of stories.
His supposed final story was about a brave and handsome prince who fought against a crafty raven but with the man's death, it was forever unfinished.
The prince and the Raven, tired of their endless battle, escaped the story into the real world where the prince pierced his own heart to seal the raven away, the pieces of it scattering all over town.
This awoke the dormant spirit of the author who turned reality into fantasy, forcing the town's inhabits to play roles in a new story that starred three new characters: a brave knight, a raven princess, and a little duck.
Despite his best efforts, the man was defeated by the knight and the duck who joined forces to save the prince and princess from the Raven's influence, ending the story with a spark of hope that would last for all eternity.
The man tried to move on and discover a new story but found himself unable to, stuck on the one he failed to complete all that time ago.
"It seems I am destined to write this tale as a tragedy, Uzura." Said the man to the little puppet beside him. "And this time, I'll do it right!"
After a new prologue, a new knight pierced his heart instead of the beautiful prince, scattering the pieces around a new town.
All that was left to gather them was a princess trapped in that feather body by her creator.
Isn't it tragic for all but the creator that it isn't the same princess as before?
"Uggh, where am I?" Rue wondered, blinking slowly as she took in her surroundings.
She seemed to be in a abandoned classroom, all the desks and chairs had been moved out of the way as if for a performance of some kind.
The only light in the room was from the moon shining somewhere behind her.
"Kraehe… why are you in such pain?" A sweet and gentle voice echoed around her.
"Wha…?" She turned to see a beautiful white swan wearing a golden crown. Who could that be?
"Is there anything I could do to help you?" The swan asked, extending a wing.
"Who… is Kraehe?" Rue wondered aloud before she suddenly heard the shattering of glass from behind her. "Ah!"
She heard the swan shout as someone else hissed harshly at her, "Begone, you ugly crow!"
Why did that voice sound so familiar?
"Crow?" Rue repeated softly before seeing her reflection in the shards that flew past her. Scared scarlet eyes, feathers, and a sharp beak stared back at her. Her gaze softer in despair. "That's right… I am a crow…"
Rue awoke with a startled cry, her wings flapping as if to fly out of the window that had been shattered but she found herself in the misty forest she often saw in her dreams.
She fluttered down to look in a puddle at herself, seeing a crow staring back at her.Another horrible nightmare after I had such a wonderful dream of being a girl… I practiced dancing and even saved Fakir from falling… Unless it wasn't… Oh! Perhaps this is a nightmare too! Yes, that's all this is!
She heard a familiar chuckle as she desperately tried to wake herself up.That voice…!
"You should know that neither is a dream!" Laughed Droselmeyer as the puddle turned black like tar. "Both are more like a nightmare, for you at least, hehehe!"
Rue gave a screech when his face suddenly appeared smiling back at her. She tried to fly away only to find him reflected on a tall tree, stretching him so he towered above her. She fell back on her rear but then took a deep breath before glaring at the man who'd been watching her for some time now. "Who do you think you are appearing out of nowhere like that?!"
"I am Drosselmeyer." The man informed her. He gave another laugh as if he could see her attitude was a front, which he could. "Now then, do you still want to rescue the noble knight who lost his heart?"
"Knight?" Rue repeated softly before remembering when he'd called Fakir a knight. "You're talking about Fakir then? He's a knight?"
"Well, he was," The man said, opening a briefcase that was truly a book in disguise. "in his past life."
"Past life?"
"That's right! He is the reincarnation of the brave knight from the story I wrote! In it he shattered his own heart to seal The Raven away in an attempt to protect his precious prince. Tragically, he passed away afterward, leaving his heart as a handful of shards that scattered all over town. Princess Tutu is the only one who can find them and join them together once more!"
Rue narrowed her eyes. "How do I know this isn't still a dream? All this talk of princesses and hearts, it all seems made up…"
"Because it is, little crow! It's all part of my story, haven't you been listening? If you want to be part of the action once more, you must become a girl again. Is that something you're willing to do, little crow?"
Rue's head raised at the thought. "You can truly do that? Can you turn me into a girl again?"
"Most certainly. If you wish it, that is?"
Rue thought about it for a moment. There has to be some sort of catch, right?…. Oh, even if there is I'd pay it in a heartbeat to be a human and dance ballet again!
She stepped forward. "I want to become a girl and dance once more. And if I could help bring passion and feeling back into Fakir and his dancing, there's nothing more I could wish for."
"A wish I've heard before, to bring back something someone lost and yet it sounds different this time around!" Droselmeyer chuckled fondly. "Isn't it so nice to reread a story, you catch something new every time you do!"
The gold diamond-shaped pendant appeared once more and was placed around the crow's thin little neck.
She was surrounded by golden light as she raised her wings that shed their feathers that twirled into a skirt and soft human hair. Rue opened her eyes, human once more.
"A bird becomes a girl, the girl becomes a princess! I'm getting deja vu already, hehehe!"
Rue gave a small pirouette to test her balance as he rambled on. "Yes, yes, do you have anything else to say to me or can I go on my way?"
"Oh," The author grunted, surprised she was finished with him the moment she'd gotten what she wanted. "Well just the one thing: If you ever crow like a bird, you'll find yourself one again! All you must do to turn back is touch some water, even a drop will do!"
With that, his voice vanished, seemingly leaving her alone.
The silence only lasted for a few moments before another irritating sound hit her ears.
A small child with a pale face and light green hair walked up to her banging a small toy drum. She carried a Pyrite Crown Academy uniform. "There you are-zura! Tussle-mayor sent me to help Rue-zura! Do you remember me-zura?"
"How do you know my name?" The girl snapped in alarm, turning to the little girl.Who is this strange little girl?"And no, of course I don't know you. I think I would've remembered a strange child marching around the forest."
"I'm Uzura-zura!" The girl hopped closer to her before offering her the clothes. "Are you really a crow-zura? You lost your tail and all your feathers!"
Rue only then glanced down to see she had and snatched the clothes away before turning the girl to face the other direction. "Why didn't you tell me that first?!"
Rue and Uzura walked side by side as the puppet tatted on her little drum. Rue hoped the noise didn't disturb the town too much.
"It's just hard to believe..." Rue said mainly to herself. "I suppose I have been struggling with my identity ever since I was a child- was I even a child?"
"You were a princess-zura!" Uzura tried to remind her.
"Oooh, unless that wasn't you-zura?"
"You're just confusing me even more!" Rue huffed, crossing her arms. "Honestly, where are your parents…?"
As Rue talked on, Uzura began to get bored. Her eyes fell on the academy in front of them and smiled as the clock began to chime and let the little figures of the prince, princess, knight and swan out to dance.I should find Fakir and Duck-zura!
She ran to the shadowy entrance of the main building just as a grandfather clock appeared in front of her.
"Remember what I told you, my dear Uzura, you mustn't interrupt the story anymore than I tell you! After all, these new friends aren't like your old, they like being part of the story!"
"If you say so-zura!"
"And that's why you shouldn't walk up to random strangers in the…." Rue looked up to see the girl was gone.I suppose she took my advice and went home…
"Come on, Duck, think!"
"Don't push her so hard! She's already stressed! It's so cute~!"
Rue glanced up to see Duck was accompanied by her two friends who were trying to somewhat cheer her on to complete the english assignment. They often accompanied Duck whenever she wasn't with Fakir.
"What do I even write about?" Duck mumbled, scratching her head nervously. "And even if I knew what to write about I'd have no idea how to phrase it! Pique, Lillie, you gotta help me!"
"There are so many things you could write about from your own life!" Lillie gushed, leaning on her friend. "Like how you're so clumsy, or how you and Senior Fakir are so woefully unmatched!"
"Yeah!" Pique agreed at her other side, making a fist. "Whatever you do, you can't give up!"
The bell rang, signaling class was over.
Duck gave a sigh in defeat, plopping her head on her desk. "How am I ever going to get it done?"
Rue gathered up her things before attempting to walk by the pitiful girl but found she couldn't. She gave a slight cough, gaining the trio's attention. "You're having trouble writing?"
"It's Miss Rue!" Pique gasped.
"She's bound to help our Duck improve with the harsh and critical mindset only an expert can bestow!" Lillie exclaimed before hurriedly dragging Pique out with her.
"You think Duck will make it out alright?"
"If she doesn't, I'll be there to comfort her~!"
Rue frowned deeply after the girls' before turning her attention back to Duck. "Your friends seem like quite the characters..."
"They are! Lillie is so passionate and empathetic and Pique is always determined and always encourages me to be my very best!"
"I see." Rue said with a small smile at Duck's love for her friends. "Now then, what's going on with your assignment?"
"It's nothing, really. I just can't think of what to write, that's all! My life's pretty boring so I can't think of anything worthwhile!" Duck laughed nervously. "I don't think I could be a real writer like Fakir…"
"Fakir writes?" Rue asked in surprise. For someone claiming to admire the man, she had no idea of this hidden hobby.
I had no idea… I wish I could have that kind of bond, or even just be friends with Fakir… Rue thought to herself, a bit jealous.
"He writes a lot, or tries to at least." Duck giggled. "We like to sit and walk together between classes and at lunch!"
"That must be nice for you." Rue sniffed. "Well, I suggest you write it based on a feeling or experience you've had in your life."
"Well… I guess I get compared to a duck a lot, and it's not just because of my name. B-But that's not because I am one, I just walk and talk and look like one- er, other people say that. Do you think that?"
"Of course I do, you're you." Rue smirked faintly.
Duck deflated.
"But, ah, ducks can be awfully sweet sometimes." The girl continued, not wanting to hurt her feelings. "They're much better than a lot of other birds, like ravens."
"Aww, shucks." Duck blushed, waving her hand as if to shoo her away, "I think you're sweet too, Rue!"
A while after they'd left, their teacher had gone through the assignments and found it rather amusing that two students who seemed the direct opposite of each other had both written about their experiences of being compared to birds of all things. Maybe they weren't so different after all.
The students had a short break between regular classes and their specialized ones. Rue liked to use hers for a nice stroll. It was only today that she noticed someone sitting on the green scribbling over a notebook. She had no idea if all the memories of seeing him before yesterday were simply dreams or not given she'd apparently always been a crow.Oh, it's Fakir. He really is writing… I saved him as Princess Tutu yesterday, right? He probably has no idea it was me…. Or any idea I'm a crow, such a despicable creature…
She watched him flip the page and begin writing again with a lazy hand.
Drosselmeyer said he was a reborn knight who lost his heart. Could that be why he seems so unfeeling all the time? Rue wondered before remembering something he had felt: his foot after he'd saved her. Now's my chance! I must apologize at once!
Fakir barely glanced up from his writing as she walked up to him before giving a curtsey in respect. "I must extend my deepest apologies…"
Fakir merely raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Her regal air faded with a heavy sigh. "Your foot. Is it any better?"
"It's fine." Fakir replied curtly.
"That's good." Rue mumbled, sitting down stiffly. Her hands gripping her skirt to the point it hurt as she tried to make small talk like a normal person. "You're writing something..."
"Mm." Fakir muttered without looking up from his paper and quill.
You just stated what you saw, that isn't making conversation, Rue!"Well, may I ask what you're writing about?"
He turned the notebook towards her to reveal the page was simply covered in ineligible scrawls, she couldn't make out a single word from the scribbles. "Writing always feels natural but unless I'm told exactly what to write, I can't come up with anything… I thought doing the motion would help but.. nothing."
"I see." Rue whispered pitifully, his eyes looked so cold and empty with no passion in them.Is he unable to write anything because he has no heart?"Um, I was wondering-"
"Hello, Senior Fakir!" Two voices chorused
Rue looked up in surprise to see two familiar-looking girls. It was quite strange to see Pique and Lillie without Duck.
"Can we sit with you?" Pique asked with a blush.
"Of course we can, Fakir doesn't mind, do you, Fakir?" Lillie smiled brightly.
"I don't." Fakir answered softly before they sat down on either side of him.
Don't they know it's rude to interrupt?Rue wondered. She was about to point it out to them when Pique asked a question that silenced her at once.
"Do you really love Duck?"
"… Maybe. I don't know."
Rue stared in shock at Fakir who hadn't even batted an eye at the question. How could he say that about someone who was with him everyday? They seemed like a great couple from afar, was that not true?
"How horrible for Duck!" Lillie exclaimed with starry eyes. "You two are so tragically mismatched!"
"Really…?" Fakir raised an eyebrow. He'd never really questioned their relationship until now.
"Duck wastes way too much time on you anyway!" Pique added on. "You gotta give her some space!"
"Alright then, if that's what has to be done."
Rue let out a caw in shock before covering her mouth.
Fakir and the girls looked at her with confusion as she quickly ran away.
I thought those two were Duck's friends, why are they suddenly trying to break her and Fakir up?Rue wondered after she'd dove into a bush and transformed into a crow.
She suddenly heard a familiar humming and peeked out to see Duck skipping out of school, likely off to see Fakir.Oh no!
Rue flew in front of Duck, crowing wildly to get her to understand.You mustn't go this way!
Duck was a bit surprised at first before smiling widely. "Hello there, pretty bird! You must want a treat! Here you go!"
Rue ignored the leftover sandwich crust she threw on the ground (despite it looking very tasty) and grabbed on to her braid, trying to pull her back.Why won't you get it, you shouldn't go over there!
"I'll play later!" Duck assured her, pulling away. "I'm off to see Fakir now!"
I'll have to be human again for this to work! Rue realized. She tied her uniform around her neck before flying to the fountain.
The second she transformed back she dove into the bushes and changed.
Duck bumped into someone and started to give the usual apology until she opened her eyes and saw who it was. "Rue! I-I thought about what we talked about earlier and I was just going to ask Fakir-!"
"Duck, you-"
"Oh, Duck!" Lillie grinned, her and Pique pulling Fakir between them. The boy didn't seem to care at all. "We've been looking for you everywhere!"
"Oh, Pique, Lillie! Are you friends with Fakir now? That's great!" Duck laughed happily. "Now we can all-"
"No, we're not friends." Pique said sharply. "We just brought Fakir over to tell you something!"
"Go on!" Lillie pushed Fakir forward.
"Duck…" Fakir started softly. "Pique and Lillie think we should spend some time apart."
"Wha- Huh?!" Duck looked between her friends incredulously. "But why?"
"Fakir's just playing you for one, he doesn't even know if he loves you or not!" Pique started.
"Not to mention he's such a dark and mysterious man while you're as easy to read as a book, Duck!" Lillie finished.
"I know that." Duck whispered, hugging herself tightly. She then looked up at Fakir for any sort of support. "Um, what do you think, Fakir? We should stay together, right?"
"I don't know, it doesn't really matter to me."
Even Pique and Lillie were surprised by that response. Duck was the sweetest, kindest girl they'd ever met and he'd just throw it away like that?
"Fakir, you..." Duck mumbled, bowing her head. Rue could already see tears beginning to form. "You really can be a heartless jerk sometimes!"
Anyone that cold must be heartless…! It not only affects him but those around him too! Rue thought to herself, staring into Fakir's empty eyes.
"Thanks for trying to protect my feelings, Rue… I'm gonna go now…"
She looked up to see Duck sadly waddling away, not unlike the bird that was her namesake. "Duck…"
Fakir watched stoically as the student body discussed how easily he'd broken up with Duck. Some wondered if Fakir would be up for grabs while others commented on Duck and the various reasons why she shouldn't have been with him in the first place.
"Fakir, I heard what happened. I know you don't seem to care about anyone, that you can't, really, but I thought Duck was different."
Fakir turned to Mytho. "Why would she be?"
"Because you've known her since we were kids, Fakir! She's been by your side since the day you met, loving and caring about you regardless of you being unable to reciprocate it. And… I've been as well."
"Do you want me to apologize?" Fakir would do anything anyone told him, he didn't have a shred of pride to help him resist.
Mytho realized then he was practically working against himself. He didn't want Fakir to have a heart or any feeling at all, that was the only way to keep him safe. And yet… "No, Fakir. I'm the one who should be saying sorry, you can't help being the way you are. It just is hard for me to accept sometimes…"
All ballet classes came together every other day of the week for general practice and performance.
Rue was sitting alone as usual when Duck came in late. Thankfully, Mr. Cat wasn't there to catch her yet.
"Duck, over here!" Pique called. Lillie waved to her as well.
Duck gave a weak smile at the two she somehow still considered her friends. "Maybe next time, guys."
The two's smiles fell as they began to whisper to one another.
"I knew she'd be depressed but not enough that she wouldn't want to be hugged for an uncomfortably long time! How awful!" Lillie sobbed.
"She's abandoning us again…?" Pique whispered, her hand clenching into a fist.
Rue would've noticed her pendant glow if Duck hadn't walked up to her with a nervous expression. "Duck… Do you need something?"
"I was wondering if I could maybe, possibly sit with you?" The girl asked hopefully.
"Sit with me?" Rue repeated, her eyes widening.I can't remember the last time anyone wanted to sit by me, human or crow… I thought it was because I gave off a cold or frightening aura, is that not the case?
"It's just I'm kinda mad at Fakir because, well yiu we're there for that! And Pique and Lillie were the ones who convinced him, I don't know why they did that, they're usually good friends, I think I must've weird them out. Then again, I probably just weirded you out by asking, didn't I? Oh, of course I did!"
"You may."
"Really?!" Duck's rambling was cut short in surprise. Her eyes seemed to shine with joy at the answer. "Oh, thank you, Rue!"
The double doors suddenly flung open, Mr. Cat walking in with a glowing aura about him.
"Forgive me, class. I was simply too enamored with my meow-verlous wife!"
"Wife?!" Duck gasped, nearly jumping up in surprise. Why did it feel so sudden and strange to learn? "Mr. Cat has a wife?"
"Hm? Does that sound strange to you, Miss Duck?!" Mr. Cat hissed, stalking up to her.
"You must forgive her, Mr. Cat! She just experienced a horrible breakup!" Lillie called.
"That's right!" Pique added. "It's affecting everything, even her ability to dance! She shouldn't be in the advanced class anymore, she can just go back to ours!"
The entire class erupted into whispers.
"She's right! Duck can't even dance that well in the first place!"
"You think the breakup affected her that much?"
"I wonder what Senior Fakir thinks?"
"Class, that is enough!" Mr. Cat called, clapping his paws together to get their attention. "Miss Duck, I am very sorry about the heartbreak you must be experiencing but your classmates seem to be at the consensus you'd be better off in the regular class. Is there any way you wish to prove your skill?"
"She should dance a pas de deux!" Lillie suggested helpfully.
The class muttered in agreement while Rue couldn't help but glare at Pique and Lillie for putting Duck on the spot.
"An excellent idea, Miss Lillie." Their teacher said before looking to Duck. "Miss Duck, do you have a partner in mind?"
As Duck rose to her feet and walked to the front of the class, Rue could hear the other students whispering again.
"She can't ask Senior Fakir, it would be so awkward!"
"But he's been her partner for so long, does she know how to dance with anyone else?
Fakir didn't seem to notice what was happening while Mytho was about to step up himself. Duck and Mytho were actually quite good friends if they ignored their rivalry for Fakir, which they rarely did.
"Um…" Duck seemed to look around before her eyes landed on someone.
Rue looked up in surprise to see the girl twirl her hands above her head, the mime for dance, before offering her hand. "Won't you dance with me, Rue?"
Mime is meant to convey a dancer's feelings, something that they feel needs to be made crystal clear rather than just interpreted through dance… Rue ignored the chatter around her as she gently took Duck's hand before being led to the dance floor.
As they began to warm up with the usual stretches, Rue tried to discern if Duck truly knew what she was getting herself into. "Duck, you do realize we haven't prepared or practiced this at all, don't you?"
"Yeah, I know! That's what'll make it fun!" Duck smiled, brushing off her pink tutu and tightening her braided bun.
"Fun?" Rue repeated, quirking an eyebrow.
"Just do whatever you want. To me, dance is about expressing your feelings more than anything!" Duck explained cheerfully. "I always feel so much lighter after I dance…"
"Really…" The other girl frowned. After she danced anything, Rue always reflected on her mistakes down to the smallest detail, if anything, she usually felt worse than before. "And you do this every time?"
"That's right! You should try it!"
After being fully warmed up, the two stepped in front of the barre, Duck wearing a genuine smile while Rue's was simply plastered on her face after plenty of practice.
Rue curtsied along with Duck before going into a routine she'd perfected long ago, though she wasn't sure if the memories of it were real or not. She went through the first few positions rigidly, her body was so tense it hurt. I can't make a fool of myself, I can't…!
"Hey, it's okay." Duck suddenly said behind her, startling her slightly. She gave her a reassuring smile. "Just loosen up and breathe!"
Rue wanted to take her advice but found she couldn't, too wrapped up in her own head to let herself go.
She gasped when she suddenly felt hands around her waist and was lifted up by Duck who was incredibly strong for her size before swinging down into a dip.
Duck turned her as Rue gracefully moved her arms in time with the music before she was put down again. She pirouetted a few times in her arms before ending in an elegant pose.
The audience stared in awe before a slow clap broke the silence.
Fakir took Mytho's clapping as a cue to start himself and soon enough everyone joined. Everyone but Pique.
"Our Duck's grown so much!" Lillie cried through happy tears.
Rue noticed a single tear slip down Pique's face as she stared in disappointment. Why did she want Duck to fail so badly…?
"We were supposed to get her back in the regular class, Lillie! You should've tried harder!"
Rue peeked through the trees, seeing Pique and Lillie sitting at the gazebo after class. She'd wanted to speak to them about their treatment of Duck but the conversation they were having gave her pause.
"We tried our very best! It's all we could do!" Lillie shrugged before noticing Pique's tears. "Oh, don't cry, Pique! No matter what class she's in or who's she with, she'll always be our clumsy little Duck!"
"She already left us a long time ago!"
"Why are you acting so strange lately, huh?" Lillie pouted, hugging her friend's arm. "You're usually the one to encourage Duck while I'm the one who reminds her of the cruelness of reality! You're never this harsh, not to anybody…"
"Just leave me alone!" Pique slapped her arm away before walking off. She glared at Rue angrily. "Here to gloat on how you're Duck's new best friend?!"
"I'm here to do nothing of the sort." Rue scoffed, offended she'd suggest she'd do something so petty. Her pendent glowed brightly as Pique bumped into her. "Hm? What's this…?"
She followed Pique out into the woods, her pendant glowing brighter and brighter as she did.
She finally found the girl sobbing under a tree with someone familiar holding her tightly.
"Go ahead and cry." The man smiled faintly, hugging her. "You don't have to worry about her anymore, she can't hurt you when I'm around…"
Fakir? What's he doing out here?
But getting closer revealed the boy was giving off a golden glow and wearing a light set of armor minus the helmet.
What is that…? Rue wondered.
"I just wanted all of us to be together again, like we used to be!" Pique cried to him. "You won't leave me, right?"
"Of course not, Pique." The knight whispered. "I will stay by your side forever, protecting you from all harm. Your poor, broken heart will never feel your true emotions ever again…"
Rue placed a hand to her pendent in shock. "Is that really… a piece of his heart?!"
The clock struck as the princess' quest finally began, her first showdown underway.
"Hehehe, looks like you found the first shard of the knight's broken heart! Now, can you retrieve it, Princess Tutu?"
In a flash of light, Rue transformed into Princess Tutu once again.
"Who are you?" Pique asked, rising to her feet.
"I am Princess Tutu." She smiled gently, tiptoeing towards her.
"What do you want with me?!" Pique yelled sharply just as the knight Fakir took out his sword.
I have no idea how to retrieve this heart shard, I was never told how to… Rue realized. She looked up into Pique's pained eyes and grimaced. Pique is not herself with this shard inhabiting her heart… I don't even know how to help myself when I'm feeling down, how can I help her?
"To me, dance is about expressing your feelings more than anything!"
"I always feel so much lighter after I dance."
She remembered Duck's words from before and wondered if that could be the answer. It's worth a try…
Repeating the motion Duck had done earlier, Tutu offered her hand to the girl. "Please come dance with me, Pique…"
"You don't get it…" Pique growled, getting into position as her uniform faded into a dark dress. "Nobody could understand how I feel!"
They were seemingly transported to another world as she began to dance, the ground break apart with hot lava flowing through the cracks as volcanoes appeared behind the girl.
Tutu braced herself against the harsh and ashy wind in a way she'd never be able to as an ordinary girl. Even her bird form would've been blown away by such a harsh breeze. "Pique! Your friends describe you as a girl with a strong and determined heart, this emotion that does not belong there is using it as it's own!"
"I don't care!" Pique growled, but the faltering in her dance said otherwise. "It will get me what I want!"
"But at what cost?!" Tutu called, covering her eyes to block the ash. "Don't you understand? In your pursuit to relieve yourself of this pain, you're directing it upon others! On me, even on your friends who love you!"
"They're the reason I feel this way!" Pique yelled. "We're supposed to be best friends but Duck left our class and left us! I wanted to be happy for her but I couldn't! It was bad enough that she was always with Fakir but now-!"
Tutu could see the girl's memories of the trio meeting on the first day of the beginners class, practicing together, laughing and talking about whatever came to mind. But the memories grew sadder as Pique watched Duck gradually drift away from them, spending less and less time with them as her feelings for Fakir grew stronger and finally, she was offered a spot in the advanced class. As Pique watched her and Lillie leave the classroom, the shard latched onto her heart.
"I should be happy for her but I can't help it. Feeling so weak and vulnerable, it makes me so disappointed in myself…"
"Disappointment in yourself, it is difficult to bear." Tutu offered her hand once more.
Pique hesitated at first but then placed her hand in hers, dancing alongside her.
Rue could empathize with this feeling of disappointment but Tutu somehow knew the right things to say to make her feel better. "If you don't give yourself some grace, you will never be able to move on with your life, stuck in a bitter cycle of self-loathing."
"If I shake away this disappointment… and allow myself to feel, will I be free?" Pique wondered as she was dipped.
"You must forgive yourself for being sad, for that is how you truly feel. After you have embraced it, I believe you will have the room in your heart to feel proud and happy for your friend."
Pique's face looked pained for a moment before blooming into a smile. "Yes, this is it, the feeling I've been waiting for…!"
As she danced away, the heart shard left Pique's heart.
The knight took her hand before kneeling before her.
"You must be…"
"The feeling of disappointment, forever remembering how I failed the one I was meant to protect…" The knight answered solemnly.
"And so you guarded someone else's heart in their place." Tutu realized, wondering if the other heart shards were doing the same.
"What else am I to do?" Fakir's emotion wondered.
"Why, you are to be with the knight, of course. He needs you." Tutu explained gently. "You can return to him now."
He bowed his head til only his mouth was visible. It gave the smallest of smiles. "Alright then."
In a glimmer of golden light, he faded into a glowing shard that appeared in the princess' waiting hands.
She suddenly heard the sound of a twig snap behind her and turned to see Fakir. He'd apparently been drawn to his missing heart.
The princess smiled gently to him before letting the heart shard go back into his body.
Fakir gripped his chest, giving a gasp as the first feeling he'd ever felt since his time as a knight appeared.
Tutu was about to ask if he was alright when she heard someone calling out for Fakir. She quickly ran off just as Mytho ran into the clearing.
"Fakir!" Mytho gasped, seeing the man holding a hand over his chest. He ran up and caught the man before he could collapse. "Fakir, what's the matter?!"
"I'm feeling something… I don't know what…"
Mytho's eyes narrowed at the word. "A feeling?" The idea of Fakir having even a single feeling chilled Mytho to the bone.
"It has been decided that Duck will remain in the advanced class thanks to her performance."
"Whoo-hoo!" Pique cheered, hugging Duck. She and Lillie had apparently apologized sometime in private and their friendship was finally back to normal. "Alright, Duck!"
"You've climbed so high! I wonder how long it will take for you to fall?" Lillie gushed, supportive in her own unique way.
"Yes, yes, we're all happy for you, Miss Duck." Mr. Cat smiled faintly before turning to Rue. "Miss Rue,"
"Yes, Mr. Cat?" Rue asked, straightening up.
"Your technique was impeccable as always…"
Rue smiled pridefully. That's what she loved to hear.
"However, beside Miss Duck, I realized your performance was lacking in something important."
The rest of the class gasped, Duck practically quacked in shock.
Rue's eyes shot open in surprise, barely able to stop herself from giving a squall of her own. She'd rarely ever gotten constructive criticism even as a beginner. "P-Please enlighten me so I may improve myself, Mr. Cat."
"You lack emotion in your dance. Without portraying feelings of either yourself or a character, you are merely going through the motions. A connection between you and the audience can not exist if the character has no heart…"
You've got to be kidding… Rue thought to herself, unaware Drosselmeyer was practically rolling at the irony of it all.
"That will be all the announcements for today." Mr. Cat said.
"I don't care what he says, you looked incredible to me." Duck assured her, scooting closer.
"Thank you." Rue mumbled, unconvinced.
"Hey, Rue? You and me, I think we're going to be good friends!"
Rue snapped her head to the smiling girl. I've never had a friend before… "You think we're friends?"
"Sure! We danced together, you helped me with class work, and we sit together! That means we're friends!"
Rue felt her face heat up and she quickly turned away, not letting Duck see her smile. "If you say so."
"Friendship is such a lovely concept," Drosselmeyer laughed to himself, watching the two gears displaying the girls' part. "It depends on the people involved sticking together no matter what horrors befall them. And if they don't, well, what a tragedy! Hehehe!"