The Nutcracker
The Pines Mansion looked like a scene from a fairytale, snow lightly falling upon the house and each window alight with candles. Dipper and Mabel, both fifteen years of age, were readying for their families annual Christmas party. Mabel wore an elegant pink dress and Dipper a dapper black tuxedo. They had come to the age where they needed to be shown off, displayed for future marriage purposes.
Although they are old enough and expected to behave like adults, they never really did. "Mabel, get back here with my book!" Dipper said as he chased his sister down the staircase.
"Nope, definitely not bro-bro! You have to get out of these little fantasies!" Mabel teased.
"Oh, and what about you? You were just daydreaming about your perfect suitor, don't you deny it!" Mabel started giggling as she ran through the kitchen, bumping right into their butler Soos.
"Oh Soos, sorry! I was just teasing with Dipper," she said as the boy made his way to her side.
"No problem, dogs. Just get out all that energy now before the party!" he said as he ruffled their hair. The kids left the room slowly, but the chase began again as soon as they got to the dining room.
"Mabel!!!" And then there was a knock at the door. Mabel solemnly passed Dipper his book, and he accepted it. The party was beginning, it was going to be a whole night of cheek pinching, suitors, and fruit cake. What they didn't expect was the magic that followed...
---
Dipper and Mabel had been perfectly behaved all night, maybe an occasional elbowing just for a little fun but nothing too great. They were waiting for their uncles to get there, Stanford and Stanley Pines. They always gave them the best gifts each year, they even seemed to be magical.
The two men finally arrived, taking off their coats and top hats and handing them to Soos. They brushed the invisible dust off themselves and then straightened their ties. Stanford held a rectangular box while Stanley held a bit more of a square.
"Stanley, Stanford!" Mabel greeted as she jumped into Stanley's arms and then Stanford's.
"Great to see you too sweetie. Here's your present," Stanley said as he gave the gift to his great niece. Her face lit up with joy, until Stan said, "But wait for your brother to open his too."
Dipper walked over to the men, greeting each of them. "Hello Stanford, hello Stanley," he said as he gave each a handshake. The two older twins have each other a sly look, afterwards taking Dipper into a three-way hug. "Okay, kind of tight."
They all laughed, Stanford passing his box to Dipper. "Merry Christmas, Dipper. How about we go to the living room to open the gifts?" Dipper and Mabel slowly walked over, both giving each other excited looks as they did so.
"Oh, what could mine be??? Maybe a new dress, or more yarn, or a friend for Waddles!” Her mind was racing with different ideas for her present, her uncle's got her something special and amazing each year.
“Just open it stupid,” Dipper said with a laugh. Mabel shoved him then unwrapped the box. She opened it, then gasped in delight.
“No way!!! A grappling hook!” That had drawn over some strange looks from fellow party goers. “Oh, Dipper, this must be yours. I mean it's far too boyish for my taste,” she said as she slipped it underneath her dress. She didn't notice the dark skin stranger watching her from the corner. “Well, go ahead, open yours.”
Dipper expected nothing less from Mabel's gift, Stanford was an inventor and could make almost anything. The uncles both looked at each other, smiling as Dipper opened his gift. The boy opened the box, a small smile spreading across his face at the beauty before him. It was a nutcracker, handmade and painted to perfection. It was yellow, not the traditional color but still beautiful. He brought it close to his chest, holding it like a child.
Both Dipper and Mabel stood, enough time for the stranger to walk over. “Hello, I am Mermando. And I believe you are Mabel and Dipper Pines?”
Mabel looked towards Dipper, barely able to contain her excitement. Then she put on her best straight face, and answered with a dignified, “Yes, that is correct.”
The boy smiled at her, he seemed to be about her age. “Would you like to go and chat with me?” he asked Mabel.
“Why of course,” she said in that fake voice once more. The boy was trying hard not to laugh and once they began walking Mabel spoke again. “Wanna go use my grappling hook?”
The boy finally let out his giggles, answering with a, “Definitely.” Mabel’s smile grew, she took the boy's arm and they ran off into the sea of people. Dipper shook his head, then walked over to the couch where he held his nutcracker like a baby. Both of his uncles had walked up to Dipper, each taking a seat on either side of the boy.
“Do you like it? I made it myself,” Stanford said. But he heard his brother grumble a bit. “And Stanley chopped the wood.” Dipper laughed at his uncles, enjoying the one of few times he gets to see them a year.
“I love it, it's perfect. Did you see that boy Mabel ran off with?” Dipper said, wanting to see his uncle’s response.
“You bet I did, and if he tries anything I'll take that accent of his and shove it right up his-” but Stanley was abruptly cut off by Stanford.
“He seems like a nice gentleman,” Stanford said as he gave his brother a look. “But if he does try anything, I have a few inventions I've been meaning to try out, if you get what I mean,” he whispered to Dipper. The boy laughed, amused by both of his uncles. “So do you have your eye on any girls here?”
“No, not really,” Dipper said, purposefully keeping his eyes down toward his nutcracker.
“Any boys?” Stanley said as he elbowed Dipper.
The boy smiled, looking up this time. “Not any that come to mind.” Stanley looked toward Ford, idea brewing.
“Well then I'm sure you won't mind a dance with me,” Stanley said as he took the Nutcracker from Dipper’s hands and passed it to Ford.
“Stanley, I'm too old for this,” Dipper whined as his uncle pulled him up.
“Nah, you’re never too old to party. Or waltz, or whatever.” They made their way to the edge of the circle, both in the position to lead the dance. Ford chuckled to himself, standing up to get a better view.
The song began, both Dipper and Stan starting off strong. As the song progressed Stan began to lose his footing a bit due to the tempo increase. Dipper instead went faster, enjoying his uncle’s expression at the challenge. They both speed up, finally moving at the same pace as they both giggled themselves silly. Ford watched, not knowing of the two teenagers who were running toward his back.
Mabel and Mermando both stopped once they hit Ford, and though the man didn't fall down he still dropped the precious Nutcracker. Dipper stopped his dancing, joyous expression replaced with one of sadness. “Oh no!” He said as he scooped up the thing. The arm had fallen off and he looked toward Stanford with despair.
“Now Dipper, I can fix it.” Dipper gave Ford the broken object, the older studying it carefully. “May I have your bow tie?” Dipper immediately took it off, giving it to the man. He created a little sling for the thing so it's arm seemed to still be connected. Dipper looked relieved as Stanford gave him back the Nutcracker. “I'll be able to come back tomorrow and fix it up.”
“Thank you great uncle Ford,” Dipper said as he hugged his uncle. Stan walked over, also giving the boy a hug. “That was a wonderful dance Stan, thank you.”
“No problem, kid. Just wait, things always get better,” Stan reassured the boy. Dipper looked to his Nutcracker, believing what his uncle said.
---
Mabel had gotten to know Mermando quite well that night, they seemed to be perfect for one another. Their parents talked, hitting it off instantly. They could tell there were wedding bells in the future. Dipper, on the other hand, didn't want that. All he needed was a book, the couch, and his new Nutcracker.
Dipper read that night after the party, eventually falling asleep with his book in his hands. Dipper awoke as the clock struck twelve, he looked to the table where his Nutcracker should be but he wasn't there. He looked toward the floor, bringing his feet up to his chest as he saw mice crawling around. He stood up, about to run and get Soos or anybody, but he began to feel himself shrink. He kept getting smaller and smaller, the world around him getting bigger.
The Christmas tree was now more than twenty times his height! The couch would be impossible to get back onto with his size. He looked toward the mice again, noting how they really didn't seem to be mice. More like children, all in mice onesies running around. Once he was their height, they all looked towards him. He put on a sheepish smile, uttering one word: “Hello.”
All the mice went nuts, running towards him and picking him up off the floor. He tried to get away but more and more came, keeping him immobile as they carried him toward a crack in the molding of the wall. “Now wait, please don't do anything to-” but he was interrupted by a strong voice.
“Halt!” All the mice stopped, and Dipper did a sigh of relief because he was too close to that little opening. He looked towards the voice, jaw dropping down. “What are you doing with the Prince of this castle?” asked the man. He wore a yellow soldier outfit, he also had a funny hat and a long beard.
“Is that? My Nutcracker!” Dipper reached out toward the toy now turned kind of man, but the mice were at work again. “No, no!” They pushed him through the little crack, more on the other side to carry him once more. He stopped struggling, looking back to see mice being pushed out of the way by his faithful Nutcracker. He had rounded up his troops, and they were fighting valiantly against the opposing forces.
Dipper noticed that the world they were in seemed to be made of ice, everything twinkled in an eerie way. The mice continued on, carrying him into what he thought was a castle. “Dipper!” he heard the Nutcracker say. He was running, and about to make it through the doors of the castle but they closed.
“Nutcracker! No…” Dipper said, the mice finally letting him out of their grasp. All he did was lay on the floor, surrounded by the tiny creatures, sad his valiant Nutcracker couldn't save him in time. That was until, he heard footsteps. He looked up, seeing a mouse that was bigger than the others. It was still a kid in a onesie, but he seemed to be thirteen.
“My Prince, you have finally come to me. With a little help from my minions of course.” All the little mice cheered, making Dipper stand up. “Now we can be together and rule this land!”
“What are you talking about? I'm not a prince. And who are you?” All he could do was hope his Nutcracker would save him soon.
“Well I am Gideon, Mouse King,” said the boy as he bowed. “And, I shouldn't have to be telling you this, but you are Prince Pines, next in line for the throne of the big world. It was prophesied one day you would be shrunken down by two powerful wizards and you'd find your true love while in the land of the small. And here I am!”
The boy didn't mean to, but a little giggle came out. “Excuses me, but you are definitely not my true love. I know who I love.” Dipper didn't know what he was saying, but he had this feeling. Like he meet his true love, he just didn't know who.
“Oh, but I've had my eye on you for a long time Prince.” Gideon snapped and his little mice grabbed Dipper’s arms and legs. He struggled to get out as the Mouse King caressed his face. “You are perfect, and meant to rule by me. Now you can either agree now and please me, or be sent to the dungeon until you have the right... set of mind.”
Dipper thought for a minute, thinking of the best means of escape. But then the physical side of his thought process took over. He spit right in the boy’s face, enjoying the disgusted look he got. “I'll never join you, for as long as I live.”
Gideon at first looked enraged, but then he laughed. “Don't worry, you'll come around. They always do,” he said as he placed a kiss on the boys check. Dipper receded at the cold lips on his face, but he supposed he would have to get used to the cold. “Chain him to the wall, and make sure he's uncomfortable,” Gideon said, which was followed by a little series of mouse squeaks and laughs.
---
Dipper laid on the cold bed in his cell, there was no blankets or anything. The chains made his hands feel about ready to fall off, he didn't even think he’d been there that long. He sneezed feeling ready to go to sleep and possibly never wake up. ‘Maybe they wear those onesies to keep warm,’ he thought to himself. Just as he was about to drift off, he heard explosions. Like cannon shots coming from the outside.
He couldn't move, but he heard the large front gate of the castle fall down with a crash! He told himself to wait, just stay awake a little bit longer. The noises became louder, he heard them approaching the dungeon at a quick pace. The final door was blown open, light coming in through the doorway.
Dipper looked up, seeing the Nutcracker with his sword ready. “Nutcracker, you came for me,” he said, his voice weak from the cold. The man used his sword, cutting the bars made of ice. He then entered the cell, delicately cutting the chains off of Dipper. He picked the boy up bridal style, and Dipper was pleased to find he was warm. He leaned into the toy, enjoying the heat.
“I'm sorry I could not come earlier, my prince. His forces were surprisingly strong.” They made their way out of the dungeon, out a few more hallways and into the main room. “Do you need anything before we leave this place?” he asked the boy, stopping to make sure he didn't want a blanket or something for the ride home.
The boy shook his head, looking up to the Nutcracker with admiration. Just as the Nutcracker smiled down to the boy, a sword was sent through him. Dipper watched in horror as the thing he loved fell to its knees at the hands of the Mouse King.
“Finally, now that that stupid Nutcracker is out of the way, we can be together Prince.” Gideon went down, scooping the boy into his ice cold arms.
Dipper had began crying, tears forming in his eyes. “No, no, no!” He struggled against the boy, somehow seeming larger than him.
“Oh stop it, you baby!” Just as the King was about to take Dipper up to another area of the castle, he heard something stand behind them. He turned, shocked to see the Nutcracker up.
Dipper’s face lit up with emotion, wanting nothing more than to be back in his Nutcracker’s arms. “Nutcracker, please! Help me!” Dipper tried reaching out to the toy, but his arms were shoved down by the King.
“Oh please!” He placed Dipper on the ground behind him, then faced the Nutcracker as he drew his sword. “How about we settle this once and for all. Whoever wins this fight wins the boy. Got it?”
“Got it. Let me just take off this stupid hat and beard first!” Dipper couldn't help but smile, watching as his Nutcracker throw off the items in question and then draw his sword. “Engard, Mousy!” Gideon grew red in the face, then charged at the Nutcracker. They fought, the Mouse King’s anger and jealousy fueling his battle while love for Dipper pushed the Nutcracker. The toy had finally hit the sword out of Gideon’s hand, enjoying the boys shocked expression.
He held his sword toward the King who fell flat on his butt. “You must promise never to try and steal the Prince from his home again. Do I make myself clear?” Gideon looked to the side, angered by the loss. “Do I make myself clear,” repeated the Nutcracker, who had raised the tip of his sword to the boy's neck.
“Crystal,” the Mouse King gulped.
“Good, now get out of my sight.” Dipper watched the whole thing, seeing how the Mouse King looked towards him, blowing him a kiss before scampering out of the room. The Nutcracker ran to Dipper, holding his face in between his hands and just looking at it. He once again picked him up bridal style. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, just cold.” That got a smile from the Nutcracker. “What about you? You were stabbed right through the chest.”
“Eh, I'm made of wood. Let's get you home now.” The Nutcracker started his journey back, Dipper in his arms.
“I wish we could be together…” Dipper cuddled into the warmth, finding a safe comfort in the Nutcracker's arms as he fell asleep.
---
“You'd be surprised what you get when you wish for something.” Dipper heard this, and he sat upright in his bed. He looked around, realizing he must have left his Nutcracker downstairs. He ran out of the room, running into Soos at the top of the stairs.
“Good morning, dude! Your uncles are downstairs, you better get dressed first.” Dipper didn't believe he had to change for his uncles, but he walked back to his room, shutting the door and then yanking open all of his drawers. He put on a white button up, then a blue vest on top. He put on some black slacks and then his shoes. He ran down the stairs, skipping the last few steps to arrive right in front of his uncles.
“Hello Stanford, Stanley,” he said, bringing them both in for a hug. The two older men smiled, happy to see them. “Let me just get my Nutcracker for you to fix!” Dipper turned around, looking toward the couch but not seeing the toy there.
Stanford put his hand on Dipper’s shoulder, saying to the boy, “We’ve already fixed it.”
“Really, that's amazing. Where is it?” Neither of his uncles had it, but he finally noticed a boy standing partially behind Stanley. “Hello, who are you?” he said referring to the blond.
“Dipper, this is Bill Cipher. My apprentice.” Stanford moved aside, as did Stanley. Dipper saw him holding the toy, arm all fixed. He looked between the Nutcracker and the boy, not seeing much of a difference aside from the beard and hat on the toy. The boy had on a black tailcoat and a yellow vest, black slacks, and black dress shoes with golden tips.
“Here you go,” Bill said as he gave him the toy. Dipper looked at him, eyes wide as he accepted it. It was the same voice, the same eyes, the same height, the same everything. Their hands brushed, Dipper feeling that same warmth as before. Dipper looked to the doll, almost thinking he saw the mouth curl into a smile. When he looked to Bill, the boy gave him a toothy grin.
“Would you like to sit down?” Dipper asked, hope in his eyes.
“I would love to. May I?” Bill asked, looking around Dipper to the Stan twins.
“Of course,” they answered in unison. Bill held out his arm, Dipper taking it and guiding him to the couch. He placed the Nutcracker on the table next to the couch, then sat next to Bill.
“I think we did a pretty good job Stanford,” Stanley said as they watched the two.
“Indeed we did.” Stanford watched on, feeling blessed they were able to help Dipper.
“Yup. Well, I'm hungry. Soos, where are you? And what's up with Mabel and that kid?” Stan called as he entered the kitchen. Stanford laughed and shook his head, turning back to the boys before entering the kitchen.
Bill had scooted closer to Dipper and the other imitated the action. “So how old are you?” Dipper asked.
“Sixteen, what about you?” Bill smiled, putting his hand on Dipper’s.
“Fifteen. Are you an inventor?” If he was apprenticing with Ford, he had to be talented.
“Yes, I also practice a little bit of magic. A little bit of sword fighting with Stanley, too,” he said, grinning at the boy’s wonder filled expression. “How was your Christmas?” He and Dipper were now mere inches away.
“Very great,” he said, closing the gap between them.
“Did you get what you wished for?” he asked as he put his arm around Dipper’s shoulder.
“Yes, I did,” he said as he put his head on Bill’s shoulder. He looked up toward Bill, asking the same question with his beautiful eyes.
“So did I, Prince.” He put his head on top of Dipper’s, holding the boy closer than ever before.