The Nutcracker King (Coming From Darkness #1)

Chapter 7 Part 2: Fritz

"Fritz, are you sure you want to do this tonight?" Marie asked nervously. "I don't think it's a good idea."

Fritz groaned. "Don't tell me you still have feelings for him."

Two red splotches appeared on Marie's cheeks. "Of, of course not! I mean, the dolls come alive at night, so it would be safer to do things during the day. I'm sure waiting one night can't hurt. We could burn him during Godfather Drosselmeier's funeral tomorrow."

"Marie, Fritz, what are you two talking about?"

Their mother came over.

"Nothing," Fritz said quickly. Glancing at Marie, he hastily amended his answer, "I mean, Herr Heinrich. Look at her, mother."

Mother sighed, "Please, you two. I'm glad that Marie likes Herr Schmidt, but this isn't appropriate. Not while we're finalising the funeral plans. Now, your father and I have come to a decision — we will allow you two to attend the funeral. Marie's condition worried us for a while, but she seems strong enough now."

"Yes mother."

As soon as she left, Marie turned to Fritz. "I see your point. I thought they would treat us like kids — sister Luise tends to make them think that way — but there won't be time tomorrow. You'll stay safe?"

Fritz nodded. "Of course. Don't worry, my Hussars will guard him. I can't believe I said that, it's so childish."

"No, it's not." Marie said seriously. "The Nutcracker is dangerous Fritz, I feel that. I'll be glad when he's gone." She looked wistfully at her parents, who were talking intently by the fire. "I just wish we didn't have to accompany mother and father while they talked. I would feel better if it was already over."

*******

That night, as everyone slept, Fritz snuck into the old playroom. He didn't have much time. In order not to attract attention, he decided that the only light should come from the fireplace. Groping around in the dark, he found the matches that he placed there while arranging the Nutcracker. He struck a match, and managed to light a fire.

"Good. Now, where are you, demon Nutcracker," Fritz said as he turned around.

The Nutcracker was gone, and so was his ring of Hussars. All that was left was one Hussar, struggling under a sword.

"You really are alive," Fritz breathed, "Don't worry, I've got you." He bent down and plucked the tiny sword out. The Hussar looked at him, eyes wide.

"Run, Master Fritz, run!"

A sharp pain hit his back. Fritz felt around and found a tiny toy sword stuck between the blades of his shoulders. A pain, but easily managed. But when he plucked one sword out, another two struck.

"Where are you? Traitors!" Fritz cried as he tried to find them by the light of the fireplace. But he could not see their gleaming red jackets. As he turned, a sword struck him in the shoulder. Fritz plucked it out, and headed in the direction he thought the sword was thrown. He took two steps forward, and tripped over a string he could swear wasn't there when he came in. His head hit the floor, and who came scuttling out but the Nutcracker himself.

"You!" Fritz tried to get up. But now, toys and other objects were being thrown at him. This was insane, there weren't supposed to be any toys here. He had made sure of that.

The Nutcracker smirked and came closer. "You could have lived, Fritz, if you'd just left my Marie alone."

"She's not yours," Fritz spat. "She hates you."

A tiny sword grew larger, and then pain shot through one eye. Fritz cried out, grasped his eye with one hand and groped desperately for the Nutcracker with the other. He managed to get to his knees.

"More blocks, more clocks; Hussars, throw the dolls if you have to," the Nutcracker yelled. Another shower of blocks and other angular objects hit him, and Fritz fell forward. He could faintly hear dolls sobbing in the background. How had he lived without noticing all this? Some Hussar he was.

"Marie would hate this," the high pitch voice of a doll cried.

"Why are all the Claras' of this world so annoying." The Nutcracker muttered. "Spear her and throw her down," he ordered, "Marie's dolls are all traitors anyway. Now, goodnight Fritz, forever." There was another gleam of metal, another sharp pain, and everything was black.

Fritz did his best to move, but it seemed like everything in the room was being thrown at him. Every time he lifted himself from the floor, something would hit his head or neck or back and push him down. He heard a crash, and suddenly, jagged edges from something dug into his back.

Sightless, in pain, and under continuous assault, Fritz gradually felt himself giving up. He could feel the blood flowing from the cuts on him. Hands, probably that Nutcracker, kept pressing on the wounds, tearing them open. But Fritz no longer had the energy to cry out.

"Come now, men, the blood's still warm. Bathe in it and feel human!" he heard the Nutcracker cry out.

Dimly, Fritz heard the pitter-patter of little feet, and felt their velvet jackets around him. Outwitted and betrayed by a bunch of dolls. He should have listened to Marie, but now, it was too late. At least she was asleep in her room, safe from the Nutcracker. 

Hope you enjoyed this! This is another 3-part chapter, so Chapter 7 will be finished when the next part gets posted on Friday :D