Well...Christmas is on it's way and I've been wanting to write a Zoke story for sometime now, and 'felt this might be a good one to try out. So here goes nothing.

Disclaimer: Any relation/mention of characters from "The Nutcracker" are by law copyrighted to E.T.A. Hoffmann and the same goes for the "Total Drama series" belonging to Fresh TV.

As a quick heads up, this doesn't really follow anywhere in total drama story line, just think of this as parallel universe of some sort.

It was on cold, wintry night during Christmas eve as the strong North wind blew in over a small, quaint little town in Canada called Woodstock. It's bitter frost heavily fall in patches of ivory-snow shaped like tiny crystals as it drifted over the town. Like candles being lit, every lamp post began to come a glow one by one making it seem as though every drop of snow that glistened appeared like beautiful diamonds in their warm light. Each twinkling shard danced in a twirl-like motion in circles while sailing over the trees and closer towards the buildings. It was as though the heavens had wrapped the very town itself snug inside a snowy blanket made from expensive silks that shimmered like jewels in the lamps' light.

All the little shops and businesses were all closing up from a long, busy day at work while helping customers with last minute shopping for their loved ones and those dearest to them. All of the little townspeople were a buzz with shared excitement and could not wait to be home fast enough in order to see family and friends. Sharing their good spirits and good will, all the while spreading holiday cheer and blessings to everyone they past on their way. Most of folks in Woodstock were in the cheeriest of moods while some just wanted to get home and out of the weather.

Young children would squeal with laughter and delight as they played by chasing one another around and through their parent's legs all aflutter with high spirits while older ones whispered excitedly to their class mates of what they hoped Santa would bring them this year. Several teens were dropping in the snow laughing at one another while making snow angels. Others building snowmen while more mischievous ones engaged in snow fights. Lovers walked home hand in hand as they past while an elderly couple waved. Parents were tugging their smaller ones in a hurry to get them out of the chilly weather and into their warm beds.

A small, sleepy child clung onto their mother's hand as she kissed their sweet little head while promising them a warm cup of cocoa and their favorite Christmas story before tucking them in. As they made their way home to be with loved ones, many more were also doing the same too. Most of them past one another by, they would stop on their way home with bright, big smiles that reached all the way up to their eyes all gleamed with an inner child-like glow, emitting the true spirit of the season while wishing the other a very 'Merry Christmas' before going on their way.

Not far from those sweet candy-cane, decorated buildings like that of gingerbread men cottages and Santa's workshop along with the happy people inside town were delightful little houses that were all lined up charmingly in little rows not far, but in the distance. They let off a warm inviting sense of cheeriness and a snug, cozy feeling that was all a glow with beautiful twinkling lights of all colors and hues imaginable to those who took the time to stop and admire them. And if you looked even further, you would see displays of merry little decorations throughout their yards. It was a true sign that Christmas would soon be on it's way. However if you listen, you might be able to hear carolers gathering together in bundles of merry flocks while enjoying themselves as they paused at every door to spread their songs of Christmas joy wherever they go.

It was on this very same frosty, winter's eve that something truly magical was about to happen that would change the life of a loved one's forever in the most unexpected of circumstances. And that here folks is were our story truly begins...

On one of those snow covered streets decorated aligned with Christmas lights was a tall, thin dark-haired young man who looked rather downcast, had just stepped outside one of the countless department stores that he visited that evening. He was all bundled up in a large deep blue coat and was getting ready to leave as he started wrapping a pale gray scarf closer around his face to keep out the chilled night air. As he let out a long winded sigh, a small cloud of condensation puffed forth into the air. Immediately he started to rub his gloved-hands together for warmth.

Seconds later another teenage boy stepped outside of the small shop that appeared to be closing soon was wearing the same expression as his friend was on his face. However in comparison, he appeared to be just a couple of heads shorter and judging from his tiny toothpick physique, could have been easily blown away by the night's chilly breeze. He was cocooned in even more wintry wear than his pal as he was adorned with a bright red coat that looked far too large for him, a pair of matching mittens, a sky blue scarf along with a toboggan that almost swallowed his small round, little head. This young man looked to his friend and also sighed.

"Well, Mike this is the eighth store this night. What do you want to do?" The shorter boy kindly asked. "Do you want to keep looking, or try something else? Either way, I'm sure whatever you decide to do, Zoey will understand."

Both boys started to walk down the sidewalk together passing other similar shops on the way that were also beginning to close for the holiday.

Quickly he added, "Hey!...You can always make her something yourself! Nothing says 'I love you' more than something made by hand that comes from the heart."

The taller boy called Mike, who was now hugging himself for further warmth shook his head stubbornly and replied, "No, we have to keep looking."

Mike paused before concluding, "Besides there's no time for me to come up with something on such short notice like this. I want to find something really special, Cameron. Something I know that Zoey will really love."

Cameron looked at Mike as he too also rubbed his arms to create heat before replying with a quick smile, "If that's what you want to do, then I'll keep looking too."

Mike looked taken back by his best friend's commitment to help and felt slightly guilty for keeping his friend out so late and anxiously tried to politely persuade him into letting him look a little longer on his own.

"Listen, Cameron, you don't have to doing this. If you rather call it a night, I won't hold it against you...really, I'll be fine on my own." He said in a self conscious tone rubbing one of his arms out of nervousness.

Cameron stopped and looked at his best bud more properly before saying in a determined voice, "No, it's okay Mike. I don't mind doing this. Seriously...what kind of friend would I be if I left now?"

Mike smiled for the first time that evening and just stared at his friend with sheer wonder as he pondered how he was lucky enough to find such a good friend that would stick around this late just to help him find the perfect gift for his true love.

"Thanks buddy." He finally said in grateful tone.

Cameron smiled just as warmly back, "It's no problem. You can count on me."

After that, their spirit of determination was fueled anew as they both started to quickly pick up their pace down the boardwalk. However no matter how many more places they looked, nor how many various different items they examined, none of them seem to truly stand out to Mike as he finally stood in the last store shaking his head at Cameron who held up a cute stuffed bunny with bright big red bow tied around it's plush little neck.

Mike frowned as he looked down at his watch and saw that it was half past nine. They only had less than an hour to quickly find something for Zoey before the party started.

Just as they were walking out and about to give up, Cameron looked up and noticed another shop that was just across the street. It appeared to be some kind of old-timey little thrift shop. It was a strange, queer-looking little place that appeared be old, beat up and far out of it's time, let alone for this generation. But something about it felt inviting in a weird sense.

Both teenage boys were drawn to it, and could not explain why. There was something about it, from the shop's classic vintage dolls that sat cheerily in the windows staring back at every passersby to it's other strange and unique toys and trinkets that had a retro feel about them. Something even Mike was convinced that Zoey might like and be fascinated by.

It was only seconds later did the inseparable duo make their way through the shop's entrance door. The door itself was made of glass and secured with black metal bars that were twisted in strange, but beautiful designs. And as it closed, the door jingled loudly catching Mike's attention as he stopped long enough to look up and discover an old, brass cow bell attached to the top. Further inside were more of these odd yet old 'out of time' treasures that littered every corner inch of the room and everywhere they looked taking up every nook and cranny, space imaginable. The room itself felt enchanting almost as though one had just stepped through a magical portal to another dimension separating it from every other shop and store they had visited that day. On one shelf sat a whole roll of wood-chipped doll-like puppets with cheerful yet eerie smiles and eyes that felt as though they followed you wherever you go, and on another was ancient-looking jewelry boxes, books with similar treasures, stuffed animals, toy instruments, and even strangely yet beautiful exotic plants and flowers.

Everywhere they looked as their eyes drifted across the room in child-like awe, there was something amazing for the eye to behold.

Suddenly as Mike was slowly stepping backwards while being captivated by all that he saw around him, he quickly realized that he had backed into Cameron. However when he turned around to apologize to his friend, he quickly learned that it wasn't him. Instead another fellow was in his place. One that was about his, (Mike's) height and around his age who was oddly draped in a strange faded green attire with a similar shade of green hat like that of a wizard's?...

Mike let out a startled yelp which caused Cameron shrieked in mild surprise.

The eccentric young lad greeted them both in an over-dramatic tone of voice as he extended his arms to the heavens.

"Greetings weary travelers, welcome to my humble little shop." He said unfazed by their startled reaction to his appearance as he continued. "I am known as Leonard, the great and powerful wizard of Woodstock, and great, great grandson of Drosselmeyer. But don't let my devilish-good looks, and boyish charms fool you, for I am over four hundred and fifty-two years old. I have seen things you would not believe, and been places you never thought existed."

By this point both friends exchanged wary looks that clearly said, 'it was time to go' and nodded in unison. Just as they took two steps in their attempt to escape the strange young man, Leonard place a hand on each one of their shoulders preventing their departure as he continued on as though this was an everyday thing for him.

"Please don't be shy, stay awhile and feel free look around. If there is anything you see that you might like, don't hesitate to ask." He replied as he finally stepped back and for the first time they noticed an odd looking wooden staff resting in his hands.

Cameron could have sworn it wasn't there before as Mike gave him a similar unsettlingly look before backing away even further towards the exit.

There was a nervousness that crept into Mike voice as he spoke.

"Uh...no thanks we were just on our way out...right Cameron?"

After getting past the bizarre encounter they had just witnessed and his initial shock, Cameron had merely nodded his head woodenly in response before he finally found his voice and trailed off. "...Right."

Leonard noticed them heading for the door, and speedily placed himself in between them and it preventing them for leaving.

"Come now! You fine gentlemen mustn't leave so soon." In an attempt to get them to stay a little longer, the green garbed wizard persisted. "Surely there must be something here you see that piques your interest."

Mike was at a loss for words as he sputtered out, "Uh...well...I don't know. It's really late, and we should probably be leaving."

"Nonsense, my good fellow. I won't hear of it." Leonard insisted. "I most certain that I have something of value to you here."

Before either could stop him or even get a word in, the persistent wizard-like lad started tossing odd knick-knacks and doohickeys towards them as both Mike and Cameron did their best in awkward attempts to catch them all before they hit the floor. All the while our eccentric friend rattled merrily on.

"This golden babble?...or maybe this silver trinket?...a treasure map perhaps?" Leonard proclaimed still throwing things in their direction.

All at once he suddenly stopped at the sound of what could only be described as a high-pitched whistle. It persisted until Leonard made some vague remark about the tea being ready before he scurried away behind what had appeared to be a sparkling cascade of beads in every hue and color of the rainbow hanging from another door entrance. It was hidden behind the register's counter that neither boy noticed up until now.

Both friends let out a sigh of relief that Mike never knew he was holding in until then. Just as they both were agreeing that it was time to go while placing every odd toy or shiny gewgaw down, Mike still couldn't help but to feel crummy for not finding something special for his Zoey.

Cameron noticed Mike becoming downhearted and reached out to place a mitten-covered hand over his shoulder out of comfort. "Cheer up, Mike. No matter how you look at it, you did your best and that's all that counts."

Mike finished placing the last item on a bookshelf in front of them and paused at Cameron's warm and encouraging words.

He turned and smiled back at him after taking them to heart before responding with a note fueled with hope. "You know something little buddy, you're right. I don't need to get some expensive gift to make Zoey happy. Just being together on Christmas day and seeing that adorable smile of hers makes it worth it."

Cameron was just about to suggest that they should be going or else they would be late for the Christmas party; after all Mike had promised Zoey he'd be there to show her a good time.

When all at once a mysterious sweet-sounding voice had popped up from behind them both."Perhaps I could be of an assistance?"

Immediately Cameron jumped out of surprise while Mike had simply only tensed up at the sound of their voice.

As the two friends spun around to see what they would encounter this time, they were both pleasantly surprised to find a petite young girl no taller than Cameron himself with long blonde locks that reached down to her waist and skin as pure white as the falling snow outside. There was no doubting it, this mysterious young girl looked like she was born under the moon itself.

The words were already out of Cameron's mouth before he could even think them. "Who are you?...And how'd you do that just now?"

All Mike could say in response was a bewildered 'yeah' in agreement.

In a calm soothing voice she went on, "Don't be alarmed my good sirs. For I am called Dawn, but better known to most as 'the moonchild.' However I believe that you have met Leonard, the owner of this shop."

They were both still speechless, so instead they nodded in unison in reply.

Even though 'this Dawn' seemed harmless, there was still something about her that made them both feel a little on edge. She almost had like a celestial quality about her that neither could explain, but even so she seemed kind and friendly enough. So they decided to hang around for a little longer while Dawn poured over the details of Leonard's history over a steamy cup of hot chocolate she fixed for them both.

She led them over to other side of the room and pointed to a picture hanging above the wall of an elderly man that shared similar qualities and features of Leonard himself. However unlike Leonard's false long beard he fancies, the man's in the painting was real. According to the moonchild, this Drosselmeyer was quite the inventor of toys and mechanics. She went on to explain that he wasn't always what he appeared to be. By then Mike and Cameron were becoming skeptical, but at the same time intrigued by her tale.

Before Mike could say anything, Dawn took his hand in hers and began to examine it as she trailed off with her thoughts spoken out loud in a soft murmured tone. "The universe works in the most mysterious of ways. I can sense from your aura that you are in desperate need of help. I know why you've come."

"You do?" Mike asked out of confusion.

Dawn looked up from her trance and spoke with her eyes locked onto Mike's. "Yes, I most certainly do. Please, come with me. I have something that I would like to show you...something that I think she'll like."

Mike's eyes grew large with bewilderment once more as he nearly staggered to keep up with her while she guided him by the hand towards the register up front with Cameron not far behind. Mike could not phantom how she knew all of this when he was more than certain he had never even mention to shop owner what he was looking for. In a way it kind of creeped him out a little knowing that someone like her could see right through him after just briefly meeting him. Just as she stepped behind the register and disappeared behind the counter, Mike started to feel uncertain about all of this as he shot Cameron an anxious glance who returned it, but at the same time Mike couldn't help the feeling of growing curiosity which was getting the better of him. So out of that very same curious interest, Mike hung around to see just what this strange yet mysterious girl had to offer.

Dawn suddenly reappeared behind the register as she produced a medium-sized black dusty box in both of her small tiny hands. Both friends looked on with further curious stares laced with uncertainty at what could possibly be inside of it. Dawn looked up and smiled at seeing their expressions before setting her gaze upon Mike's face."So what is the name of this special girl that is dearest to your heart?"

As stunned as Mike was, he blushed a bright shade of red before replying. "Zoey."

Dawn's smile broadened as she gently placed the box on the counter and adding, "Your aura shines brightly at the mention of her name. She must be someone very special."

Mike let out a nervous chuckle while rubbing the back of his neck out of a nervous habit of his as he spoke in a bashful tone. "S-She is...Zoey is the most prettiest and sweetest girl I've ever met. She's always so kind and thoughtful. And I'm just feel really lucky that she would have someone like me. Nobody understand me quite like the way she does."

Cameron smiled at Mike's confession. He was truly happy for his friend, but sometimes deep down he wondered what it would be like to find someone special like that too. However both boys were brought out of their revelry when Dawn began to speak.

"I see." Dawn replied. "I sense that she is someone you truly treasure. Which is why I think I may have the perfect gift for you."

Mike blinked in surprised. "Really?...you do?"

Dawn continued to smile as she dipped her head in acknowledgement to his question before answering in a soft voice. "Yes."

It took all Mike and Cameron had not to jump in the air and high-five one another as they patiently waited as she carefully removed the lid of box. As she lifted the lid, both boys leaned in to peer inside.

What they saw was an old timey doll-sized wooden solider dressed in a little red jacket with pants as black as ebony and a little solider's hat that matched it. His big glossy dark eyes stared back up at them like two lumps of coal. But what really stood out the most to Mike were his big pearly white teeth. Mike soon realized what this was, and started to ponder if Zoey would really like something like this.

As if Dawn could read his mind, she softly replied, "She'll love him."

And so with that her kind words of reassurance, Mike settled on allowing Dawn to gift wrap the little guy to go. She placed him in a beautiful box of gold that she wrapped with big, bright red ribbon on top with care. Watching her prepare the gift, Mike grew excited with anticipation and hoped against hope that his sweet Zoey would like his gift. However just as he got ready to reach for his wallet to pay, a look of confusion clouded his brow as Dawn suddenly refused his payment. Instead she simply shook her head and smiled sweetly declining his offer while pressing the precious parcel gently into his hands. To Mike's surprise, this is what she said...

"A gift from the heart cost nothing."