The Mouseking's Tale: Bridging Between Rivals

Voice: (Shouts) Hey! Nutcracker!

Hans opened his dark blue eyes and caught sights of his arch foe, clinging on the long toy's handle and rope; directly above his and Clara's head. The rodent's eyes were their notorious hue of bright red.

Clara: (Gasps) Oh, no! Hans!

The frightened girl looked over her beloved's shoulder while the longtime rivals silently glowered at each other. It was only for a fleeting moment but for these two… it felt like time had stopped and resentment would overcome them. In this moment, their history of affronts and battles flashed in their minds.

Hans: (Yells) Loathsome rodent! You have the tenacity to climb down here to gloat on our helplessness?!

The large, growling mouse didn't answer. He released his right paw on the rope, holding it up over the lad. Hans expected a blow but didn't flinch.

Hans: (Upset) Well?!

The Mouseking took a deep breath; still staring at the boy while his glowing eyes returned to their normal lighter shade. The mouse silenced his growls and… extended his arm towards the young teen.

The Mouseking: (Demanding) Give me your hand, now!

Both Clara and Hans blinked; both in shock and apprehension.

Hans: (Stammers) I… I-I don't understand..?

The Mouseking: (Rolls his eyes) Ugh! You little, foolish fool! What's not to understand?! Give me... your hand… or die!

Hans looked with concern towards Clara. The girl didn't trust this offensive mouse either, but what other options were there? She nodded to her beloved and she put her arms over his shoulders. She held him so tightly close, that the boy swore their hearts were pounding as one. Meanwhile, the awaiting, dangling, royal rodent tapped his fingers into his palm.

The Mouseking: (Impatiently) Hurry up, Nutcracker!


…from chapter 30 of the my sequel to the 1990 classic movie, The Nutcracker Prince called: The Mouseking’s Tale, which can be read here: [link]

I love how the Mouseking still refers Hans as ‘Nutcracker’ despite being human again.