Love of Domino squad

Droidbait- the Nutcracker Prince (au) Act VII

(Merry Christmas @Rainbow2079 this chapter is dedicated to you!)

"So how did you guys manage to get here?"

"Uncle 99," answered Henri walking in step beside his brothers. "He visited us half an hour ago with news that you'd slain King Dooku and were on your way home so he used his magic and sent here to the palace to see you."

A glimmer of hope sparkled in Prince Dominic's eyes. "Is Uncle 99 is here too?"

"Oh yes;" replied Eric. "He's waiting for us in the ball room even as we speak."

"It's been so long since I last saw Uncle 99." Lamented Prince Dominic his voice filled with regret and sorrow. Then sadly looking down at his wooden hands he wondered aloud. "What if he's ashamed of me?"

"What?!?!" Shouted a bewildered Fivel staring at Prince Dominic in disbelief. "You just saved your kingdom from an evil tyrant, why should Uncle 99 have any reason to be ashamed of you?!?!"

"Because I'm the reason we were all banished from Numerburg!" Admitted Prince Dominic still too sheepish to meet the concerning gazes from you and his brothers. "King Dooku's death hasn't changed a thing! Uncle 99 expects me to return as a man of flesh and blood, yet still I remain trapped in this accursed wooden form! What's more is that the every toy in the land now look up to me to rule over them and I don't even have a single clue on how to be a good king!"

Determined not to let Prince Dominic's self doubt get the better of him, you gently placed a hand on his wooden shoulder forcing him to finally look at you. "Your highness I've known Uncle 99 throughout my whole life and I know for a fact that he will always love you for being the honourable man that you are."

"Do you really think so?" Asked Prince Dominic looking at you doubtfully.

"Of course we do!" Exclaimed Eric. "None of us cared about being exiled from Numerberg. We were only upset and angry that you were unjustly cursed for trying to do a good deed, Uncle 99 especially was completely devastated. For years we've prayed and hoped that you would come back to us safe and sound."

"Furthermore!" Said Herni voicing his own opinion. "It doesn't matter what you look like Dominic, you're our brother and nothing will ever change that. Anybody who says or thinks differently will have to answer to me." For emphasis Henri cracked his knuckles.

"As for being a good king," piped up Fivel placing a reassuring hand on Prince Dominic's other shoulder. "That all comes with learning just the same as any other job and besides you won't be stuck alone to figure it all out. You've got us and we'll be more than happy to help you in any way possible!"

"I- I hardly know what to say. Except thank you." Spoke Prince Dominic glancing up at you and all his brothers with gratitude and relief. Though it took you every once of self control not to blush or duck your head when the nutcracker held your gaze a few seconds longer than he did with his brothers.

"You can thank us by coming down to see Uncle 99 again." Said Henri. "It would be very rude to keep him waiting any longer."

"Well than what are we all standing around here for?" Asked Prince Dominic seeming to have cheered up a bit more. "Let's go!"

Flanked by his four brothers, you and Prince Dominic walked side by side over the drawbridge and entered into the castle.

"Wow Ahsoka was right!" Whispered Prince Dominic staring about the interior of his new castle in stunned silence. Gleaming tiles of light grey were paved across the entire floor while towering marble pillars rose up from their respective corners to meet the ceiling where a glittering crystal chandelier hung over ahead. Tapestries of green and gold covered a majority of the walls and located in the back Center of the room stood two grand thrones. Erected tall and proud both thrones were built entirely out of finely crafted and polished chestnut wood with a plush cushion of velvet green resting in its seat.

Just then your ears picked up the sound of an oh so familiar voice and turned your head to find none other than Uncle 99 talking to Captain Rex.

"Uncle 99!" Breaking away from Prince Dominic's hand you weaved your way through the crowd of dolls, making a beeline for your beloved godfather.

Upon seeing you approaching him, a wide grin stretched across Uncle 99's haggard face. "(Y/N)!" He exclaimed drawing you in his arms for a hug. "I'm so glad you decided to join us."

"So am I!" You giggled kissing Uncle 99 on the cheek. "You know I always believed Christmas to the most magical time of the year, only never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined for Christmas magic to come to life like this."

The elderly Drosselmeyer chuckled. "Hardly anybody does my dear girl. That's why it's called Christmas magic."

"Uncle 99." Breathed a voice barely above that of a whisper.

Tearing your gaze away from Uncle 99 you looked to see a nervous Prince Dominic standing by hesitantly, his eyes longing to hug Uncle 99, yet remained rooted in his spot as if he were unsure of himself.

"Dominic."

"I'm so sorry Uncle—" began Prince Dominic but was cut off by a stern look from your godfather. "None of that nephew!" Reprimanded Uncle 99. "I already know what your going to say and no! What happened in the past wasn't your fault and I for one have waited for too long for this moment so stop wallowing away in guilt —" expression softening Uncle 99 extended his arms out for his long lost nephew. "And give your Uncle a hug."

Having received all the assurance he needed Prince Dominic rushed up to meet Uncle 99 halfway and instantly hugged him closely and as carefully as he could do so as not to accidentally hurt Uncle 99's delicate body against his own hard, wooden frame. 

Stepping back to allow Uncle 99 and Prince Dominic to have a tender moment of their own; you couldn't help this time, but to watch with a happy smile at the sweet reunion of the two Drosselmeyer relatives.

"I missed you so much Uncle." Spoke Prince Dominic hiccuping slightly as he continued to hold Uncle 99 in his embrace.

"I've missed you too Dominic." Whispered Uncle 99 a tear trickling down his wrinkled cheek.

After several minutes of hugging both Drosselmeyer's broke apart and grinned at the other through teary eyes and watery smiles. (At least as much as Prince Dominic's wooden face would permit him too.)

"I promise to make things better for us Uncle. With Dooku gone, we're finally free to begin anew. You can live as comfortably as you like and have anything to your heart's desire without ever having to worry about putting food on the table."

"Dominic, the only thing I desired was for my family to be together again." Said Uncle 99 wiping away a happy tear. "You being here safe and sound has just made this the greatest Christmas wish come true."

"I owe it all to (Y/N)." Said Prince Dominic glancing over at your direction. "She saved me in more ways than one."

At this Uncle 99's amber eyes twinkled like golden stars. "I never doubted she would."