(Disclaimer at the bottom)

The sneer upon the Rat King's face quickly disappeared as he heard laughter coming from the direction of Usagi. "What do you find so amusing, Serenity," he demanded, turning his attention towards her. As her fit of giggles subsided, she wiped a tear from her eye.

"Mamoru, you're the Rat King," she asked incredulously. "I can't believe this!"

"Of course I am," he replied, a frown appearing on his face. "I don't see how that's humorous, Serenity."

Usagi stepped from behind the protection Jadeite and his Generals provided and stepped towards Mamoru. As she stood in front of the self-proclaimed Rat King, she put a hand on her hip. "Of course you wouldn't see the humor in it," she exclaimed, poking him in the chest with her other hand. "You don't have a sense of humor about anything!"

Mamoru looked at her strangely, studying her, and then gave a small smile. "Serenity, I will forgive you this time," he stated, taking her hand into his.

"Forgive me," she asked incredulously. "What have I done that I would need your forgiveness?"

"Obviously Jadeite has brainwashed you again," Mamoru replied, taking her into his arms and holding her close. Kunzite, Zoisite, and Nephrite began to step forward, however Jadeite held up a hand, motioning for them to stop. "Come now, Serenity," Mamoru continued, stroking her hair while sneering at Jadeite over the top of her head. "We have a castle to return to."

"Are you crazy," Usagi exclaimed, pushing against Mamoru with all her might. "I'm not going anywhere with you. I don't even like you, Mamoru!" She got out of his grasp and crossed her arms. "Why do you have such an interest in me all of a sudden?"

"Why Serenity, he's always cared for you," one of Mamoru's generals stated as the three men appeared next to the Rat King. Usagi gasped as she looked at each of them.

"Taka, Tora, Sakana," she exclaimed. "This isn't right," she thought inwardly. "Why are they Jadeite's enemies, instead of his allies? They're not like Mamoru, not at all!" The three men exchanged glances before one of them spoke.

"Serenity," Taka stated, taking a cautious step towards her. "You've seemed to have already accepted your role as King Mamoru's queen-to-be. Why don't you just return with us to the castle, and avoid a confrontation?"

"Accepted my role," she asked icily. "What do you mean by that?"

"I'm sure Taka meant no disrespect," Tora added quickly. "What he meant is that this is the most you've ever spoken to us with tolerance. You seem to despise us any other time." A look of understanding passed over Usagi's face, and she remained quiet.

"Yes, Serenity," Sakana continued. "We should try and avoid confrontation. You can be just as happy with King Mamoru as you've been here, if you would only come with us." The three generals looked at her, and as she stared back at them, she saw an unreadable expression on each of their faces. Usagi shook her head, and took a step back.

"No, this isn't right," she said. "I'm sorry for the past, but I won't go anywhere with Mamoru." The three men sighed, and then looked towards their King.

"Fine, Serenity, have it your way," Mamoru exclaimed. She gasped as he grabbed her roughly by her arm and pulled her towards him. Taka, Tora, and Sakana came forward as he backed away from Jadeite and his Generals.

"Serenity," Jadeite exclaimed. He growled angrily and unsheathed his sword. "Mamoru, I challenge you," he stated, holding his sword at his side. "I will fight for Serenity one last time, and when I win, you'll give up your futile attempts at her hand. Agreed?" Tora, Taka, and Sakana stepped aside as Mamoru pushed his way towards his brother.

"I don't owe you anything, brother," he stated. "But, I will participate in this childish game. I will win, and Serenity will be mine!" He quickly unsheathed his sword, and pushed Usagi away from him, towards Taka. Mamoru thrust his sword towards his brother, however Jadeite blocked it. He smiled triumphantly, and then pushed Mamoru away from him.

"You'll have to do better than that, Mamoru," Jadeite stated. As the two leapt at each other again, Usagi watched from where she and Taka were sitting.

"Serenity," Taka began, helping her stand. "Serenity, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Taka," she replied. She took her gaze away from the quarreling brothers, and looked at the man who was so familiar to her. "Taka, why do you work for him?" She looked at Tora and Sakana, and a small frown appeared on her face. "Why do any of you work for him? You're nothing like him at all!"

"Well, I'm glad you feel that way, Serenity," Sakana said with a small smile. "But we have no choice."

"We have always served Mamoru, since we were all children. He was a lot nicer then," Tora stated. "We would much rather serve you and Prince Jadeite. Mamoru is hot-tempered, spoiled, and he's a pompous, arrogant …"

"Jerk," Usagi offered as Tora's voice trailed off. He smiled at her, and she returned the gesture. Her head snapped up as she heard someone yell out in pain, and she gasped as she saw that Jadeite had been hurt. "Oh no, Jadeite," she screamed. She began to run towards him, however Kunzite intercepted her.

"You mustn't go over there, Serenity," he stated, holding her back gently. "Prince Jadeite has much fight left in him. I have taught him the skills he needs."

"But you should help him, shouldn't you," she asked, worry laced in her voice. "You've got to do something to help him! If you loses … I don't want to go with Mamoru!"

"Don't worry, your Highness," Zoisite stated. "Prince Jadeite learned from the best." Usagi allowed herself to be held back as she watched Jadeite stand.

"That was just a lucky shot, Mamoru," he stated, tenderly touching the wound on his arm.

"Are you sure about that," Mamoru asked, leaning on his sword slightly. "I think I've already won." He turned towards his generals. "Grab Serenity, and prepare to leave."

"But sir," Taka began uncertainly.

"Do it now, Taka," Mamoru yelled. "Do not defy me!" Taka bowed and went towards Serenity.

"Hold it," Jadeite exclaimed. "I said that was only a lucky shot. It won't happen again." He swung his sword towards his brother, and Mamoru swiftly brought up his sword to ward off the attack.

"So you do have some fight left in you, Jadeite," he stated. "But now, you only have one good arm, and it is not your strongest." Mamoru swung his sword in quick motions, causing Jadeite to stumble back from the power behind his swings. "Am I too much for you, brother," Mamoru challenged. He swung his sword down, knocking Jadeite down to the ground. As he hit the floor, his sword flew out of his hands, skidding to a stop by Sakana's feet.

"You've won, Highness," Sakana stated.

"I haven't won yet," Mamoru exclaimed. He lowered his sword towards Jadeite, a cruel look on his face.

"You're not serious! He's your brother," Tora exclaimed. "King Mamo …"

"Silence," Mamoru barked. "I will not tolerate your insolence!" He looked back down towards Jadeite, a cold look in his eyes. "Good-bye, brother." Usagi screamed as Mamoru raised his sword in the air. As he swung his sword down, he stopped in mid-swing, and his eyes grew big. He dropped his sword, and looked down towards Jadeite, who had his sword to his throat.

"No, Mamoru," Jadeite stated, raising himself up to a sitting position. "It is I, who have won." Mamoru chanced a glance towards Sakana, who was still knelt down on the ground, near where Jadeite's sword had been.

"Jadeite," Usagi exclaimed. She rushed to his side, and helped him stand. "Are you alright?" He nodded his head, and then looked back towards his brother.

"I will not be as dishonorable as you were going to be towards me, Mamoru," Jadeite stated. "I will spare your life. However, I hereby strip you of your royal heritage and bloodline." Mamoru dropped down to his knees, and began to sob.

"Thank you, brother," he cried, bowing to Jadeite's feet. Jadeite shook his head sadly, and then turned towards his generals.

"Take him to the dungeon," he commanded. "I will decide what to do with him at a later time." Zoisite and Nephrite bowed, and then each man grabbed one of Mamoru's arms, and took him away. Jadeite turned towards Taka, Tora, and Sakana as the three men kneeled in front of him.

"And what are our fates, Prince Jadeite," Taka asked. Jadeite looked over at Usagi.

"What should we do with them," he asked.

"They'll be loyal, your Highness," Usagi replied. "I think they've already proved that." Jadeite nodded his head, and motioned for the men to stand. The trio bowed, and then stood off to the side, where Kunzite was standing. Jadeite began to stumble slightly, and Usagi led him over to their table.

"I'm alright, Serenity, really," he reassured her as she pulled out a seat for him to sit in. "I'm just a little dizzy." Usagi took off her glove, and tied it tightly over his wound.

"That should help stop the bleeding," she stated, laying a hand gently on his arm. "Jadeite, are you really going to leave Mamoru in the dungeon," she asked after a couple of minutes.

"No," Jadeite replied with a smile. "I think he's genuinely sorry for what he did. From now on, he'll live here, but he will be a servant." Usagi smiled at him.

"You're too nice," she replied. "I'd leave him down there for a couple of days." He smiled at her, and she laughed at her own statement.

"Prince Jadeite," Kunzite began, stepping towards him. "Shouldn't you retire for the night? You need your rest."

"A good idea, Kunzite," Jadeite replied. Kunzite rushed to his side, to help him to his room. As he supported Jadeite's weight, he motioned towards the servants. "Turn his Majesty's bed down." The servants nodded and rushed in the direction of the bedroom.

"You don't have to help me, Kunzite," Jadeite stated. "I can get there myself."

"Nonsense, your Highness," Kunzite replied. "You can barely stand on your own." He led Jadeite to his chambers, and Usagi followed silently. The trio reached the room, and as Kunzite put the prince in his bed, he pulled the covers over him. As Usagi sat on the edge of the bed near Jadeite, Kunzite bowed and left the room, silently closing the door behind him.

"Are you sure you'll be alright, Jadeite," she asked, concerned.

"I'll be fine, Serenity," he replied. An uncomfortable silence settled between the two, and Jadeite finally cleared his throat. "You can sleep in the suite you were in earlier, if you'll be more comfortable," he offered. She gave him an appreciative smile, and smoothed back his hair.

"Thank you," she stated. "Good night, then." As she stood, he grabbed her arm. She looked down at him with a questioning look on her face as he pulled her back to the bed to sit. Silently, he reached over towards the table near his bed, and picked up a ring.

"The last time Mamoru took you, you dropped your ring," he stated, slipping it onto her finger. "One of the servants found it." She looked down at the ring and gasped.

"I've never seen this ring before in my life," she thought inwardly, staring at the intricately carved band. "It's beautiful."

"It's your wedding band," Jadeite stated, as if reading her mind. "I think you should have it back." She smiled at him, as she looked at it again. Sitting up, he took her hand in his and kissed it lightly before lying back down. "Good night, Serenity."

"Good night, Jadeite," Usagi replied. She leaned towards him and kissed him on the forehead, before standing and leaving the room. Outside of his door, Minako and Makoto were waiting for Usagi. When she saw them, she jumped in surprise. "What are you two doing?"

"We're here to show you to your room," Minako replied. Usagi smiled as she allowed herself to be led to her room. When they reached the room, Minako and Makoto turned down the bed, and then quickly dressed Usagi for the night.

"You know, I could have done this myself," Usagi replied, slightly embarrassed. She watched as Minako put her hair back into the style she was used to.

"And as we told you earlier, my Lady, it's our duty," Makoto replied. She ushered Usagi to the bed, and pulled the covers over her. The two girls curtsied, and then left the room. Usagi turned over to her side, and looked at the ring on her finger.

"Today was such a weird day," she said quietly, yawning loudly. "But it was fun." She slowly closed her eyes, and then drifted off to sleep . . .

"… And then," Usagi continued, "when I woke up this morning, I was in my own bed." Amy, Minako, Makoto, and Rei all stared at Usagi, each with a blank look on her face.

"Do you really expect us to believe that story, odango atama," Rei exclaimed as her eyebrow began to twitch.

"Yeah, Usagi," Minako chimed in. "You wish we were all your servants!"

"You got the cute Prince, and we didn't get anyone, Usagi," Makoto asked, pouting slightly. "That's not fair!"

"At least I could have been the Royal advisor," Amy added, causing all the girls to look at her strangely. "Was it something I said," she asked, noticing the looks she was getting.

"But it seemed so real, honestly," Usagi exclaimed, coming to her own defense. "I didn't make any of it up!"

"So where's this ring Jadeite gave you," Amy asked innocently.

"I don't know, but he did give me one," Usagi replied as she looked down at her bare finger.

"Sounds like Usagi believed the story Uncle Tomoe told more than you did, Minako," Rei said, leaning over towards the girl. Minako laughed, agreeing with Rei, until she realized she had just been insulted.

"Hey," Minako exclaimed indignantly. She threw one of Usagi's pillows towards Rei, but she ended up hitting Usagi instead. "Oh, I'm sorry, Usa-chan!"

"It's okay, Minako," Usagi replied. "Right back at you!" She threw a pillow at Minako, and a pillow fight ensued. As the girls giggled and threw pillows, none of them noticed as a tiny gold ring lay on the nightstand by Usagi's bed. Luna sighed as she watched the girls.

"And so you see," she began quietly, "Usagi did, indeed, experience this adventure. But whether it was because she believed in a simple tale her eccentric Uncle told is another story." Luna stretched in her spot, lying back down lazily. "To everyone, a very Happy Holiday Season, and a prosperous New Year." Luna closed her eyes, and then fell asleep as she laid in the late morning sun.

Well, I decided to put the Cast of Characters at the end of this part, so here it is.

The Nutcracker
Cast of Characters and Author's Notes

Serena . . . Usagi; the Lady Serenity

Jadeite . . . caroler; Jadeite, the Nutcracker Prince

Darien . . . Mamoru; Mamoru, the Rat King

Luna . . . narrator; the Tsukino's family pet

Nephrite . . . caroler; Nephrite, Jadeite's General

Zoisite . . . caroler; Zoisite, Jadeite's General

Malachite . . . caroler; Kunzite, Jadeite's General

Tigereye . . . Tora, Mamoru's friend; Tora, the Rat King's Minion/General

Fisheye . . . Sakana, Mamoru's friend; Sakana, the Rat King's Minion/General

Hawkeye . . . Taka, Mamoru's friend; Taka, the Rat King's Minion/General

Amy . . . cousin Amy; dancer

Rei . . . cousin Rei; Prince Jadeite's entertainment director

Mina . . . cousin Minako; servant

Lita . . . cousin Makoto; servant

Amara . . . Haruka, the piano accompanist

Michelle . . . Michiru, the violinist

Hotaru . . . cousin Hotaru, dancer

Rini . . . Chibi-usa, Usagi's sister; dancer

Sammy . . . Shingo, Usagi's brother; dancer

Prof. Tomoe . . . Uncle Tomoe; dancer

Serena's parents . . . Kenji and Ikuko Tsukino, Usagi's parents; dancers

I hope this clears up any confusion you may have had while reading this. FYI, regarding the Amazon Trio's names … "Tora" is the Japanese word I found for tiger, "Sakana" is the word I found for fish, and "Taka" is the word I found for hawk.

Also, I never really identified neither Haruka nor Michiru, or how Usagi knew them, but we all know that that's who they were.