Once upon a time there was a charming young woman who could allure anyone with her fiery dancing and independent spirit. One day, the woman's dancing caught the attention of a handsome and naïve soldier.

The soldier was torn between his duty and his interest in the woman as they grew closer and closer to one another and eventually fell in love.

When he confessed this love, it wasn't enough for the woman. She wanted him to choose her and leave his life as a soldier, which he refused to do. It was then that the woman met a fortune teller who gave her a vision of how her life would end.

Even the woman herself couldn't decipher which was the main reason for running into the arms of another man: her fading love for the soldier or the deadly fate that may await her if she'd stayed. But it didn't matter, for in the end, the soldier became blinded with jealousy and stabbed the woman to death.

By defying her fate, the woman got the same ending promised to her. In her final moments, the woman thought to herself: It would be far less painful if I'd simply accepted my fate… But then again, I've never done what I was told…

"I thought I'd find you here." Mytho smiled as he climbed up to the tower window.

Fakir nodded faintly before turning to the young man. "I was just wondering… what I think of you, Mytho."

He's back to thinking about his feelings again…? I thought he'd listened to me when he agreed not to discuss them anymore. Mytho's eyes widened in surprise at the casual statement. And yet, I still want to hear what he has to say.

"What I think of Rue, of Duck… of Princess Tutu. I feel something different for each of them… Even if I knew what these feelings are, I'm not sure if I could even confess them to you all. The idea of being that vulnerable…"

"You're trembling at the very idea of it." Mytho realized. He gently hugged the boy around his shoulders, whispering in his ear. "This is all those emotions bring, Fakir… You shouldn't let them trouble you any longer…"

Across the way, Rue poked at her face, using the mirror she'd received the night before as a reflection. "Ugh, look at these dark circles… I know I should've slept but I just couldn't! I saw Fakir smile… for Duck."

She was slightly saddened at the thought he might never smile like that for her but then remembered that wasn't her goal, it never had been.

"Fakir needs his heart back so he can live his life full of feeling and passion!"

She looked out the window to see Fakir with Mytho. She narrowed her eyes. Mytho may look like a perfect Prince Charming but I know he's really using his charms to manipulate everybody!

Mytho released Fakir before noticing her glaring at him. He gave a charming smile back. "If looks could kill…!"

Rue scoffed in disbelief as he placed a hand to his head and pretended to swoon. "Shut up!"

The town was all abuzz as two unknown women exited the theater. It was always exciting when new people came to Pyrite Crown, or left for that matter. The gates were always so mysterious that no one dared go near them unless they were being used.

"The Schwester ballet troupe is proud to present Carmen, the popular one act suite! We will begin our performances the day after tomorrow!" The young woman announced. "The leading lady will be played by my wonderful sister, Mia Herz!"

"Ada, you're embarrassing me…" A gorgeous young woman dressed in a slim red and black dress danced out of the theater before posing in front of the crowd.

The people went wild with cheers, especially the young men.

She forced a smile.

"Did you hear? Carmen is being played by Mia Herz! The Mia Herz!"

"Oh! She's so beautiful! Wasn't she a model?"

"Yes, whenever she's not performing! But it seems she's always on tour for some ballet or another!

"Schwester troupe, I've never heard of them…"

"Mia is so generous, she started a ballet company with her little sister so they could spend more time together!"

"Now, class, settle down!" Mr. Cat called over the giggling girls. "I know you've all heard of the Schwester troupe's upcoming performance of Carmen. It is a thrilling tale of paisson, obsession, and great betrayal! Why, it was at that very ballet my Juliet and I first met and our own love blossomed!"

The slam of the door could not muffle Mr. Cat's enthusiastic ramblings but did manage to draw Rue's attention. She spotted a particular student inch-worming her way through the general class, causing her friend to give a sigh in disappointment.

"The troupe has given us permission to take a tour around the theatre and even observe a rehearsal! I think this will be a great chance to familiarize yourself with foreign ballet and use that to help get you off… the ground…"

Duck scrambled to her feet like a soldier coming to attention. "Mr. Cat-!"

"Don't you think so, Miss Duck?"

"Oh, uh, no! I don't think so at all!" Duck laughed nervously, trying to catch up on the conversation.

"You don't?!"

"We were discussing extra practice, weren't we? I don't want to do that!"

Rue facepalmed.

Mytho came without Fakir today… Rue thought to herself, watching the boy through slits as they walked to the theater. How very suspicious. Maybe I should confront him?

"Hmmm…"

Her own thoughts were interrupted the much louder Duck who was practically copying her look of distrust. "Duck."

"Hm? Oh, hi, Rue! I didn't see you there!" Duck laughed before linking her arm.

Rue found she didn't blush anymore when Duck got so close, maybe she was getting used to it. "You're thinking about Fakir, I imagine?"

"That's right! I was wondering why he wasn't here today!" Duck said, pounding a fist into the other hand. "You and I should sit by Mytho today and try to figure it out!"

"If you say so."

But they didn't get the chance since Mytho had opted to lean in the doorway instead of sitting like the rest of the class.

Rue was paying more attention to him then the actual primadonna in front of her, something she'd have never done in the past.

But it seemed Mytho only had eyes for the star-struck Duck who sat on the edge of her seat. Could that clumsy girl really be Princess Tutu? It seems impossible but it feels… right somehow… I should see how Fakir acts around her. Maybe he'll recognize Princess Tutu now that she's restored so many shards…

Rue glared at him as she scooted closer to her friend. If he has something awful planned for Duck, he'll have to go through me first!

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of applause as Mia finished her warmups.

"That was stunning, sis!" Ada gushed before turning to their audience. "Students, you're all getting a very special treat in seeing my sister practice. Ever since we started production, she can't seem to rehearse the show with others watching, I think it's the inner diva in her! Even I haven't seen it!"

"You don't need to reveal all my secrets." Mia scoffed, making her sister wilt back behind the curtains. "It's true! I believe no one but my partner and fellow performers should see my dance until opening night. Carmen is a very special show, after all. But I've made an exception for you, dear students."

Just then, the fast-paced music began, the spotlight being the only light in the room.

Mia tried to force a smile as she went on pointe.

The students weren't the only ones watching, however. A faint golden light emitted from behind the curtain, the knight watching nervously.

Rue noticed it at once, clutching her glowing pendant so as to not distract the other students. A heart shard!

The ballerina suddenly dropped back on her feet, having not even performed the first step.

"Mia? Is everything okay?" Ava asked, running out to her sister.

The heart shard disappeared as soon as Ava had left the wings, causing Rue to tilt her head in confusion.

"I'm fine." The woman growled, slapping her sister's hand away. "I've simply changed my mind. Rehearsal's over."

"But Mia…!"

The students erupted into whispers as the older sister left the stage.

"Um, no need to worry, everyone! I'm sure she'll be right as rain tomorrow and you can watch a run through then!"

As Mia wiped off her makeup that night, she couldn't help thinking back to when her love for ballet started.

When Ava and I first saw Carmen, we fell in love with how strong and independent the leading lady seemed to be. She didn't seem to be afraid of anything, not even fate. Ever since then, I strived to exude that sort of personality: someone who can get through anything, who astounds everyone with her dancing no matter what I played. Everyone has such high hopes and expectations for my performance… She hugged the book of choreography close to her chest, trying to ignore the heart shard that constantly followed her. But now that I'm here, performing the role I always dreamed of, so why am I so afraid?

"Sis?"

The heart shard faded away as Ada popped her head in.

"Yes? What is it?" Mia asked, straightening.

"Dinner's ready!"

"We usually eat with the rest of the troupe, is something on your mind?"

Ava glanced up from her plate before giving a small nod. "I just was wondering… Should we postpone the show?"

And disappoint all those people? The troupe? You? No! No, no, "No! Why would you even suggest that? It's our first performance in our new troupe!"

Ada jumped at the loud outburst. "I know that, it's just you seem-"

"I'm fine! Perfectly fine!" Mia insisted. "The show will go on, it has to!"

"Toys for kiddies! Toys, toys, toys!" Uzura called, rapping wildly on her drum before going back to work on her latest invention.

Rue watched quietly as the little devices marched in front of her. Calling them toys seemed like an insult given how beautiful they were. Little cats and dogs, butterflies and birds, soldiers and ballerinas were all made of precious metals, full of gears to make them walk, dance, and fly. "These are beautiful, Uzura. You really made all of these yourself?"

"That's right-zura! Tussle-mayor taught Uzura how to mess with tick-tocks and puppets, and make new ones! …Tussle-mayor and Uzura were bored for a long time-zura."

"Tussle-mayor… You keep mentioning that person. Who is he?" Rue asked. I wonder if it could really be him…?

"I'm not supposed to say-zura, not supposed to tell anyone what's going on." Uzura mumbled, it was the first time Rue had ever seen her unenthusiastic. "I doesn't know if it's the right thing-zura…"

I guess that's why she won't tell me what she knows, she's been told not to… Rue thought to herself. "Um, let's talk about something else. You like hearing about my friends, don't you?"

"Fakir-zura, Duck-zura!" Uzura cheered, pounding on her drum once more. Her sadness was gone just as soon as it had disappeared.

Rue smiled faintly. She had no clue why this random kid was so interested in her friends. "That spoiled Mytho keeps telling Fakir he doesn't need a heart, which is utterly ridiculous! That boy thinks he can do whatever he wants, hmph… Fakir doesn't even know what it feels like to be in love even though Duck-"

"Duck-zura is lovey-dovey for Fakir-zura!"

"Yes, that's right." Rue whispered. "It's just… sad."

"Rue-zura is sad-zura? And Duck and Fakir-zura are sad too-zura?"

"Mm?" She looked over to see the girl tearing up. She hurriedly rushed out, "No, no! We're not sad! I just think it sounds awful to be without a heart. Without one, people would just be…"

"Puppets-zura?"

Rue nodded. "Even though they hurt us, hearts still make us human. It makes us who we are."

"I get it-zura… Myself told me all about it."

"… You say the strangest things, Uzura." Rue laughed gently, making the little girl tilt her head in confusion.

That night, Mytho glanced away from the window to see Fakir writing as usual. "I know you wanted to go on the field trip today but it simply wasn't a good idea with all the… excitement last night. You understand, don't you, Fakir?"

"Yes, Mytho." He mumbled quietly.

"That being said, I think you should come to the run through tomorrow. Be sure to sit by Duck."

"You're alright with it?" Fakir asked in slight surprise.

"Of course." Mytho smiled. "It's what you want, right?"

"Yes. Thank you, Mytho."

The boy's eyes widened seeing a very faint smile on Fakir's face. He was trying to hide it but Mytho knew better. "… Get some sleep, my knight."

"Hey, Mia."

The woman glanced over from her book to her sister. "What is it?"

"Mr. Cat, the ballet teacher from the academy, mentioned a student after you ran off today. She is apparently the top of her class and is aiming to become a prima, just like you. He was saying if you weren't willing to perform, perhaps she could and receive some pointers from you. Her name's Rue, I think."

Mia frowned slightly. I was just like that girl when I was her age. I wonder if she gets as stressed out as I do performing these days?

"It must be a lot of pressure…" Ava smiled weakly. "On that girl. She probably feels she can't make any mistakes, not in front of her peers and especially not a true audience. And now that she'll be performing Carmen? Oh boy."

"…" Mia could feel the heart shard watching her intently. "Of course. Anyone would think that was terrifying, especially someone well-known."

"Can we stop pretending like we're talking about that girl and just focus on the fact you're being a scaredy cat?"

Mia immediately threw a pillow, making her sister laugh. "Shut up, you."

"What? Look, what I'm trying to tell you is you don't need to focus on one person."

"Hm? Who?"

Ava smirked, placing a hand on her chest. "Me, of course! Your little sister who will believe in you no matter what. I've been looking up to you since the moment I was born, you could never, ever disappoint me, big sis."

Mia laughed in the lamplight, brushing away her tears. "Way to make it all about you!"

"Oh ho ho, you're one to talk, Miss Primadonna!" Ava grinned.

The heart shard felt fear seize him as he watched his host start a pillow fight with her sister. He was no longer needed in her heart. The thought scared him beyond words.

Mia smirked before landing in the final position, earning applause from the whole room but she only listened to her sister who cheered the loudest.

Duck glanced over to Fakir as he clapped. Fakir really did smile at me last night. But was that for me…? Don't be stupid, how could it be for me when I'm just a duck?

"Now then, I heard from your teacher that he wanted one of you to perform for me and get some feedback. Is that still true, Mr. Cat?" Mia asked, looking to the instructor.

"Quite true. The student I've chosen is Miss Rue!"

Rue could nearly taste blood with how fast she had to bite back a caw in shock.

"Mr. Cat, it's not that I doubt my abilities or your teachings in any way but…" Rue's eyes narrowed as she hissed, tying her hair up with the red headpiece. "You could've told me you were going to have me perform in front of the Mia Herz!"

"There's no need to worry, Miss Rue. You know the steps by heart, as you do most ballets. I know you will do just wonderfully." Mr. Cat assured her with shining eyes. "This is your chance to get feedback from a true primadonna! Think of it not as a performance but a chance to improve yourself!"

"Rue needs a partner for the pas de deux, right?" Duck asked, glancing at Fakir. "You should do it, Fak-!"

"There's no need for volunteers. I would be more then happy to dance with Rue." Mytho suddenly said, rising from his seat.

Rue met his smirking eyes with distrust.

"After all, she still owes me a dance~"

The dance started true to their characters with Rue trying to ignore the man but he grabbed her before she could, twirling her around to face him.

Rue's face couldn't be anything less like Carmen's who would usually be full of passion for the man despite feeling betrayed. The girl simply glared the entire time while Mytho was nothing but smiles as he lifted and dragged her across the stage.

"I know you know about the knight's missing heart, Rue."

She tensed as he embraced her around the shoulders, whispering in her ear. "Y-You…"

He dipped her quickly, not giving her time to catch her breath. "Why can't you just stay away? It's what's best for everyone…"

"Best for you, maybe." Rue hissed as he brought her closer. "But Fakir deserves to have a heart! Duck deserves to be loved back!"

Mytho smirked. "And you, Rue?"

Rue stared into his mesmerizing eyes as he pulled her close for the final part. She knew what came at the end of the dance, it wasn't expected of them since they weren't in a relationship but the very thought made her heart want to leap out of her chest.

"What do you deserve?"

"I…" She blushed, realizing he was getting way too close. I don't know what I deserve, I don't even know how I feel about Fakir, how I feel about… She slammed her foot down hard on the boy's, shoving him away.

The crowd gasped in shock, including Duck.

"Please excuse me!" Rue cried, curtsying to the audience as she covered her face. "I… I need some air!"

Mytho gritted his teeth in pain, watching her run away. Why does it always hurt to see her run away?

Rue gulped down another breath, clutching her chest. Why is Mytho so… so… infuriating?!

As she thought of him, another annoying sound came to her in caws and shrieks. Those horrible crows, they always seem to follow me. Probably because I'm one of them… But I don't want to be, not at all! I hate them!

She marched over to where the sound was coming from, turning the corner to see a surprising sight.

One of Fakir's heart shards was running from a crowd of ravens, swinging his sword wildly up into the air, it wasn't doing much to help. "Go away, you beasts! Leave me alone!"

Rue felt her heart ache at the sight, thinking how terrifying it would be.

"I promise I'll be a good girl, please don't take my heart!"

She touched her head in confusion. It sounded like a little girl who was also being chased by crows. Who was that girl?

"It seems the princess can't help but sympathetize with the cowardly knight's predicament! I wonder why that is?" Drosselmeyer chuckled knowingly.

Uzura watched the gear through mostly covered eyes. "Is that Fakir-zura?"

"Hm?" He turned to her, giving a quick laugh. He couldn't have his new puppet waking up so soon. "No, no, my dear. It is merely his heart shard! You needn't watch this next part, go tinker with your little machines, won't you?"

"… Okie-dokie-zura…"

After seeing she'd waddled off, the author turned back to the gear. "Now then, Princess Tutu, show me the most frightening dance!"

Princess Tutu leapt across the rooftops of the theatre, chasing the knight and his persuers. "Calm yourself, heart shard! Everything will be okay!"

"No, no, no!" The heart shard yelled. "They won't leave me alone! I-I'm so scared!"

Tutu summoned four feathers between her fingers and threw them at the birds.

The feathers sharpened before turning into daggers with pearl handles, stabbing through the creatures and saving the knight.

The heart shard clutched himself as if to make sure he was still in one piece before turning to her.

"It's alright, you're safe now." She smiled gently. "It's time to go back to the knight, wouldn't you say?"

"I…" The shard's eyes widened in panic, seeing something she couldn't, a memory of another life, the memory of a dark princess of crows. "Y-You…!"

"Mm?"

"You're one of them! You're one of those horrible crows! Stay away from me, stay away!"

Rue covered her mouth before she could let out a caw. How does he know I'm a crow, even when I'm disguised as Princess Tutu?! "I-I'm not sure what you mean-"

"I said, stay away!"

Tutu took over as soon as she sees the blade, summoning her own just in time. The little dagger trembled just as much as it's wielder as the shard pushed harder and harder. She took the opportunity to kick his legs out from under him, sending him to the ground.

She made the blade vanish, not wanting to scare him anymore as she offered her hand. She narrowed her eyes. "Enough stalling. It's time to go back."

The shard lowered its head in defeat before materializing in her hand.

Tutu gave a sigh in relief before sending it back to its rightful place.

As Fakir's heart shard returned, he felt a shock of fear run through his body, it felt like he couldn't breathe as he began to sweat. He let out a powerful scream, clutching his heart in panic.

"Fakir!" Mytho gasped, rising to hold him.

Tears rolled down the boy's cheeks as his friends hurried him out of the theatre.

"Fakir, what's the matter?! Why are you crying?!" Duck asked worriedly, trying to hug him.

Mytho suddenly shoved her away, glaring at her deeply. If she was Princess Tutu, that meant she'd done this, she'd given Fakir this pain. "Leave him alone, you'll only make things worse!"

"B-But I didn't do anything!" Duck wailed with teary eyes as he ushered him away. Her hands clenched into fists in sorrow-fueled anger. Fakir's so upset and scared, how could Princess Tutu do something so awful? I was thinking of pushing aside my feelings if Fakir seemed happier with a heart but now…! What should I do?

Mytho and Fakir slammed through the theater door, startling Rue. She could see Fakir gasping for air, like someone had stabbed him with the feeling she'd wanted to gently return. She let out a shocked cry, transforming back into a crow.

At the town bridge, Mytho held Fakir as he hyperventilated.

"I-I should be strong and hold it back but… but I'm so scared, Mytho! I'm so scared!" Fakir whispered.

"Shh, shh, it's alright, you don't have to be strong for me." Mytho assured him, cursing Tutu for not only giving Fakir this pain but also the wish to hide it from those who loved him. "It's going to be alright…"

The little crow hid behind a nearby tree, peeking out to see the knight. I never imagined it would hit him so hard…! I'm sorry, Fakir…

"It's alright." Mytho repeated. "It's my turn to keep you safe, just tell me what scares you and I'll keep it away."

"That princess…" Fakir whispered. "The Raven princess!"

Rue's eyes widened in shock. Is he talking about Tutu?

"Raven princess?" Mytho wondered aloud. There wasn't any mention of a princess of ravens in the story, just the king Raven and his underlings. "Fakir, what are you talking about?"

"S-She wants to rip me in two, she wants to steal you away! And Duck- She wants to hurt Duck! I have to stop her!"

Mytho hugged him closer. "Fakir…!"

Drosselmeyer watched with glee as Rue flew away with tears in her eyes. "It seems the crow's beloved is more afraid of the princess of ravens than he is of Princess Tutu, his savior! Doesn't that sound famaliar, young princess? Hehehe~"

The crow dove into a nearby pond, emerging in her human form. Her soaked hair and tears dripped into the water. "I didn't mean for that to happen…! I didn't mean for him to be s-so frightened! He's in so much pain, because of me!"

Tears fell into the water as she stared at herself, to see if the princess she'd seen in the hall of mirrors would be reflected back. "I-I just wanted Fakir to know what it's like to love and be loved in return. Is that horrible? Did I do something wrong? Am I… Am I the villain of this story…?!"

"Yes, yes! This is how the story was meant to be! Endless tragedy and pain for all within!" Drosselmeyer grinned sharply, watching through four gears as the prince, princess, and little form of the duck wept for the frightened knight. "With any luck, they all will be drowning in fear and despair before long! Just how I want it! Hahaha!"