A/N: Well this is my second fanfiction story. This is Ahriu/Fakir fic. Just to clarify that this is rated M for now... for later chapters... but not sure. I first gotten the idea off of an amv of Princess Tutu. It is called Hall Om Mig Nu (Hold Me Now). Its is really good and I suggest anyone who loves the anime to watch it. Its under Princess Tutu AMV - Hold Me Now (Warning: Spoilerfic) on Youtube.

Yes, I have already seen the Princess Tutu series, but no this isn't the same Tutu we all know. I gotten the idea from the song above. I do not own Princess Tutu, if I did Ahriu and Fakir would have kissed already!

Anyways. Yeah. Let me know what you think.

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Once upon a time, there was a man who was an entertainer. He was well known for his magic tricks. He married a woman who was a ballet dancer. Soon they had a beautiful daughter which pushed them for greater things... But what they both craved would only bring a lifetime of heartbreak for their lovely daughter Ahiru...

I sat on the stage, staring at the empty red seats. Finally standing, I placed my right foot in front of the left and slowly raised my arms above me. Taking a deep breathe I began to twirl, my eyes fixed on one seat in the center of the theater. I extended my arms in front of me as I twirled my left foot.

I controlled my breathing the best I could as I moved about the stage. Finally I stopped, holding my arms behind me to help me with the sudden action. I placed my left foot behind my right. I then lifted my arms and held them above my head as gracefully as possible. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths, trying to keep my posture as perfect as I could.

Clapping filled the room. I released the pose and opened my eyes to find King Siegfried watching me. It was already hard to tell the difference between Siegfried and Mytho. The only way was their eye color. Siegfried had a light brown colored eyes that almost looked red. Mytho's eyes were a golden brown, almost like honey.

After knowing them for years I came to realize they had different personalities. Mytho was quiet and had a more calm and had a kind nature where Siegfried walked with a proud and arrogant look on his face and had the pride that was made for a king. Mytho's smile was soft while Siegfried's smile look more like a smirk. Being identical twins, it was hard to believe they were any different from each other. Both were the same height and had the same pale skin. Each had sliver-white hair that was thick and long.

I bowed respectfully to him, "Your Majesty." He held up his hand, stopping me, "I came to see how you were." I stood up, clasping my hands together in front of me, "I'm well, just practicing."

He nodded, "I see. Well I should inform you that this next show will be your last."

"Why? What is happening?" Growing worried for my dancing career, I asked. Siegfried hung his head, hiding his smile from me, "Mytho and I have some news to give tonight." My heart fluttered at the name, "Mytho?" The King nodded, "Yes, he has decided who he wants by his side as princess. I have also made a decision that will affect the entire country as well."

I smiled as I ran to Siegfried, "I am so happy for you both!" My arms wrapped around his waist as I snuggled my face into his chest. I was more comfortable around Siegfried than I was with Mytho, mainly because I did my best to impress him the most. Siegfried was always like an older brother to me ever since their grandfather Drosselmeyer took me in after my parents died.

My parents were personal entertainers for the King. My father did magic tricks and danced with my mother, a prima ballerina. Mother died of tiberculosis and father died shortly after. The family doctor to the royal family told me he would die because he refused to eat and became too weak. He eventually died after getting sick during the winter. I knew it was true of his condition, but I personally believed he died of a broken heart after losing my mother.

Before my mother's death, she taught ballet to Mytho and I. The previous ruler Drosselmeyer, the prince's grandfather, loved how Mytho and I danced together. He made it official when we were 9 years old that we would be permanent partners and that one day we would wed. Recently upon his death, Siegfried took the throne as planned. Since then, Mytho and I didn't dance together as much as we use to. Mytho had recently danced with the raven haired girl named Rue.

Siegfrieds arms wrapped around me and held me closer to him. I finally looked up into his red-brown eyes, "Who has Mytho picked?"

"I know who he has chosen, but he has asked me not to say a word till he gives the announcement himself." I released Sigfried, whose hands remained on my arms. I groaned, stomping my feet, "Why can't he just come out and say it already?"

He laughed, "You must be patient, Tutu." He gently kissed my hand before leaving, his eyes never leaving my face, "I will see you tonight?"

Blushing, I slowly nodded, "Yes." Siegfried smiled before releasing my hand and quickly left the room without another word. My heart fluttered as I thought of Mytho. His grandfather had always wanted Mytho and I to be together. He thought the match was perfect for the royal family.

I walked over to the center of the stage once more. Mytho's soft golden eyes filled my mind. They were almost a honey color. I raised my hands above me once more, extending my left leg behind me in the air. The previous King wanted us to be together and secretly... so do I. Hiding my emotions from Mytho all these years was hard since we were ballet partners.

"I hope it is me." I fixed my eyes on the center seat again as I twirled around the stage. This will be the greatest day of my life.

...

Standing before the mirror, Pike fussed with my hair, "Stop moving, you'll make me mess up." I took a deep breath, pressing the back of my hand to my stomach. I could feel my hands tremble, nervous for the hours to come, "I can't breathe!" Lilie came up from behind me, "Oh, you look so cute when you're flustered like this!"

I stared at myself in the mirror. The makeup on my cheeks was now smeared from me rubbing my face too much. The powder used to cover my freckles was now gone and all over my hands. Pike slapped my hands away when I went to place them on my lap, "Don't put your hands on your dress! You will get powder on it. Its a beautiful white dress, don't ruin it."

Pike smiled after a quick adjustment, "There." I slowly stood before the mirror. I wore the necklace Siegfried gave me when we were younger. It had a yellow thread and a pendent was a pair of pink wings in-crested with white diamonds. The beautiful dress was white, the layers of the tutu were also a white color followed by pink underneath. I spun around to see the small yellow wings at the base of my back. I was told more adjustments would be done before the performance, but this was it for now.

I wore the golden bracelets on each wrist. Drosselmeyer had given the bracelets to me when my parents died. My long braided hair was now cut short and had white tips. Pike groaned, poking at the strand of hair that stood proudly above my head, "That one is annoying! It wouldn't stay down so I just did the tip as well."

I smiled at my reflection, looking at my new pink ballet slippers, "No, I like it." Lilie gave me a wet rag, "Here." I wiped my hands with it quickly and drying them on the towel she handed me afterwards. Lilie then re-powdered my face, making sure to cover up my freckles once again. "Alright, everyone should be waiting for you on stage." I nodded in response, still staring at my reflection for any flaws.

I sighed, being a 14 year old, I thought I would at least be able to fill out a dress. I pressed my hands to my chest, sighing at the loss that I was still undeveloped. I did actually looked like Princess Tutu though.

Just before leaving my bed chamber, I spun around, examining myself in the mirror one last time. I am no longer the small Ahiru my parents loved but Princess Tutu, the one the King renamed and predicted who will marry the handsome Prince Mytho.

I walked slowly to the theater. It was two days from the big performance. I was to be the actual Princess Tutu in this play. Mytho was to be the prince who tore out and shattered his own heart. A fellow dancer was to be Princess Kraehe who tries to seduce the Prince and give her father, the raven; his heart so he could release his evil upon the world. The servants gasped as they watched me descend the staircase. The only thing I could do was smile as I continued on my path to the theater.

Upon arriving at the tall wooden doors. I took a deep breathe as I realized tonight I might be Mytho's fiancee. I can only hope... I slowly opened the doors, which were in the middle of the theater. There was only one light that was focused on the stage. All the ballet dancers stood, talking among each other. I slowly walked towards the stage, enamored with the new scenery. It was painted to look like a garden.

"Tutu!" I turned my gaze to one of the other dancers. She was tall with short curly hair and wore a blue dress. She smiled at me, "You look beautiful!" I smiled back at her, cupping my hands in front of me, "Thank you." I walked on stage, thanking those who were telling how great I looked in the costume.

Recognizing white hair in the crowd, I pushed through the dancers. Why is Siegfried wearing black? He then withdrew his sword, holding it out in front of him. Glancing around once more, I tapped him on the shoulder,"Siegfried, where is Mytho?"

Suddenly my jaw dropped at the sight before me. Mytho smiled at me as he turned around, "Hello, Tutu." He bowed then looked up at me with soft eyes, "You look amazing. Very much like Princess Tutu." I knew my face was turning red so I bowed quickly in an weak attempt to hide it, "Oh! I - um - thank you." I felt embarrassed for confusing him with Siegfried. He was only in his costume, but then again Siegfried was well trained with a sword and usually wore dark colors.

I felt my palms begin to sweat, now what? Studdering again, I struggled to ask, "Um- did you- manage to give your important... announcement?"

Mytho glanced back at me after looking around the crowd, "What do you mean?" He stepped closer to me after realizing what I had just said, "What did Siegfried say?" I shrugged, thinking back on what he said earlier to me, "Nothing really. He just said you two have a big announcement tonight."

He sighed deeply, "Yes, but I cannot give my announcement till Siegfried is here." I slowly nodded and examined the crowd with Mytho. After a few moments of awkward silence, I walked towards the crowd, "I will go look for him." Moments after leaving Mytho, a guard had announced that the King was coming. I stood and watched as Siegfried walked into the room and towards Mytho. Everyone else was still lost in their own conversation about the performance to realize that he had walked into the room. I watched as the brothers began to whisper back and forth. Finally the King turned toward the large group of dancers.

Siegfried stood before everyone on the platform, "May I have your attention?" All the dancers grew quiet as Mytho stood next to his brother. Siegfried smiled at the dancers, "I stand before you to tell you all a very big announcement. My brother and I had a discussion about where we planned to take our lives from here on out. To our astonishment, we both realized what we both wanted." He turned to his twin, "Mytho."

He took a step away from Siegfried, "I have decided who is to be my princess." The dancers gasped and whispered during his long pause. Clasping my hands together, I hoped for my name to slip from his lips. Mytho then extended his hand, "Let me introduce you to my princess..." I hung my head, trying to hid my blush, "...Rue..."

Rue?

Everyone around me began to clap which seemed to slowly fade away from my ears. Mytho held his hand in my direction, with a gentle smile on his lips. I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces as I watched the raven-haired girl step from behind me and towards the platform. I felt tears in my eyes as she placed her small hand in his. The prince I had secretly adored all these years was now pulling another into his arms in front of everyone. He smiled at her sweetly as she struggled to hide her face in his chest from the crowd.

Her raven hair was twisted into a ponytail that stood like mine. She wore a black tutu that reveled too much skin. Her tights were also black along with her ballet slippers. She wore purple makeup on her eyes that made her crimson eyes shine brightly.

All the noise escaped the room, leaving me only to read their lips. I only had a few moments to come back to earth to hear Siegfried say, "-your soon to be queen, our own Princess Tutu." A spot light suddenly illuminated me. I felt trapped as I looked around me. All I could see were smiles and clapping hands.

"We will celebrate the new engagements with a small dinner we have prepared. Come!" Siegfried jumped from the platform and walked towards me. His reddish-brown eyes were all I could see and focus on, "Let us celebrate, Tutu." I felt his arm snake around my waist as he led me from the room. All feeling left my legs as I struggled to keep up with my King. My mind barely caught up with me. With those last few moments on the stage, I glanced over my shoulder and past the crowd to see Mytho lift Rue in the air, her arms extended outwards. They both looked happy, wide smiles on their faces.

Mytho...why her?

...

I sat at the head of the table, next to Siegfried as he held his glass out to the dancers, "Cheers!" I struggled to keep my grip on the glass as I copied the fellow dancers. Everyone cheered just before taking a sip of their drink. After staring at at my glass, I finally managed to take a drink. Feeling a hand on my knee, I turned to Siegfried as he smiled at me, "Are you alright?"

I nodded quickly, "Yes!... I am just so caught up in the moment." He laughed, releasing my leg as he turned to the dancer that sat on his left side, "I know. Everything seemed to happen so fast."

My gaze fell towards the end of the long table to see Mytho whisper something Rue's ear. She giggled at what he said and placed her hand on his. What does she have that I do not? The King's voice broke me from my thoughts, "Do you not agree, Tutu?" I turned to him again, "I am sorry?"

A smirk slowly grew on his face, "After the show in a few days, will you be willing to quit dancing in order to prepare for our wedding?" I looked around as the other dancers watched me with curious eyes.

"I think - it is a splendid idea, your Majesty." I cleared my throat so I didn't sound so much of a child, "I am happy if you are." I looked into his eyes, hoping to feel the same flutter in my heart as I did when I looked into Mytho's eyes. His red-brown eyes were not soft, but full of pride and confidence. They did not offer the same comfort Mytho's did.

I hung my head in disappointment as his voice filled my ears, "My lovely fiancee is as understanding as she is beautiful. The wedding will be in the next few months." I looked down at my hands that were folded on the front of my tutu.

Glancing up, I watched as Mytho lead Rue onto the dance floor. He held her close to him as his lips moved, telling her something. The clanking of silverware and laughter filled the room, silencing my prince's words. He then held her hand in his above her head. She twirled, her gaze fixed on him. She wore a red dress with a gold beaded corset, no longer wearing her black costume.

Mytho was wearing white trousers and a blue jacket white thread designs. My eyes began to burn with tears. I then turned to my King, "May I be excused? I wish to change into more refreshing clothes." Siegfried nodded then placed a kiss on my hand, "Yes, of course."

I smiled at him sweetly then slowly stood from my seat. Another glance at Mytho and his fiancee helped me to leave the room quicker. As I walked down the cold corridors, I got lost into my own thoughts. Why her? Ascending the white staircase and walking down into the east wing of the castle, I began to feel my heart burst thinking back on Mytho and his fiancee dancing beautifully on the dance floor.

Pike and Lilie bowed as I approached my bed chamber, "Tutu, we just received the good news! You will be the new Queen!" I smiled weakly at them, "Yes, it is true." I opened my door and closed it on them as they continued to try and flatter me.

I leaned back against the tall door. The moment my head touched the wooden entrance, I began to cry. I slipped down to the floor, all feeling in my legs finally gone. I can dance for hours during a ballet, but in just this short hour I can barely find the strength to stand...

I covered my face as I curled into the fetal position. I was always told from the previous King Drosselmeyer that I would one day marry Prince Mytho. I then wrapped my arms around my waist as I continued to sob against the cold, wooden floor. Now he has chosen beautiful Rue and the man I have considered a brother, Siegfried; has asked for my hand. How can I deny him?

Struggling to stand, I stumbled to my desk. My powders and makeups lay about on the top where Pike left them. I placed my right hand on my left wrist and slipped off the golden bracelet, How can I be in a marriage where I do not love my fiancee but his brother instead?

Repeating the same action with the other hand, I slipped off the other bracelet on the other wrist. My eyes began to burn as I slipped my hands around my neck and undid the thread that held the necklace in place. I held the necklace in front of me and noticed how bad my hands were shaking.

Placing them neatly on the dresser, I walked over to my closet. I slipped quietly out of my tutu and into a dress, leaving on the pink slippers. It was a yellow dress with the ruffles on the bottom. The sleeves were short, just barely pass my shoulders. and had a beaded corset with golden thread on it. I wiped the tears from my face and took a few moments to collect myself before calling on Pike and Lilie to tie the strings in the of the dress.

I quietly left my room with the my servants following after me, talking about how perfect Siegfried and I would be together. Once again, I walked down the staircase. Only an hour ago, I had hopes that I would be Mytho's but now I walked down them to only figure out I am Siegfrieds. I only want them both to be happy.

When I realized I was at the bottom of the stair case, Lilie frowned, "I always figured you would always remained a Princess, not to be a Queen." I sighed, staring out at the moon that shined into the entry way to the garden. I walked towards the glass doors, looking out onto the garden and lake.

"Tutu." I turned my gaze into the golden eyes I was dreading to see. Mytho approached me alone. He nodded at the Pike and Lilie, "Would you both excuse us?" They both bowed before Mytho and replied together, "Yes, your Majesty." I realized how silly they both looked, wearing their dark gray clothing that was itchy and unflattering. I would be a servant if it meant I could be happy. After they left the room and closed the door, my prince smiled at me, "I am happy to hear about you and my brother."

I smiled, struggling not to cry, "And I am happy to hear about your engagement with Rue." He smile only widened, a light blush came to his cheeks. He looked outside then back at me, "I came to see how you were about this."

Shrugging, I looked outside as well, "I was shocked at first. How did you come to pick Rue?" Immediately I wanted to take back my words but Mytho replied in a calm voice, "I had always loved Rue. Since we were little. We use to play in the gardens outside. When you came and we began to do ballet, we rarely saw one another. Until recently when my grandfather died, we were able to see each other more often. I fell in love with her all over again."

The sudden touch of his hand on my shoulder brought my gaze back to him, "I am sorry if you hold any hard feelings towards me or Rue. I remember my grandfathers words about us, but that is not where my heart lies." I slowly nodded, feeling a tear fall down my cheek again. My heart felt like breaking once more at every word he said.

He continued, "I always knew Siegfried fancied you, even when we were children. All those times when he pulled your hair or stole your ribbons, he did it to get your attention. He always fancied." I closed my eyes, thinking back on those memories of Siegfried.

"When I told him my intentions for Rue and I, he was relieved. If you and I were in love, he would have never allowed a wedding." I finally gathered the courage to look him in the eye, "He truly loves you, Tutu."

I smiled, covering my mouth with my hand. Tears fell as I struggled to keep my cries hidden with a laugh, "Somehow - " I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice from breaking, " - I always knew." Mytho then embraced me with a hug, "You will always be in my heart, just not in the way it was planned." I nodded once more as he turned to leave. He stopped at the door, smiling at me. He stared at me for a few moments before he spoke in a quiet, sweet voice, "Goodnight, Tutu."

The sound of the door closing echoed in my ears and sent shivers down my spine. 'Ever since we were children...' The images of Siegfried came back. It's true. Everything he said was true. Turning my gaze from the door to window, I stared at the pale moon.

I then walked towards the door and out onto the patio. The air was crisp and the sky was clear. All the stars looked like flickering candles. Looking over at the river, I watched as the reflection of the moon lit up the lake. It's reflection on the blue water looked like diamonds.

As I approached the river, past the trees and rose bushes, I found my way towards the small shore. Seeing a small little brown boat, I walked down to water. Temptation filled my mind about climbing into the boat. As children, the nanny would take Mytho, Siegfried and I on a large boat on the river to catch fish.

"I could use some time alone." I have to get away from it all. Climbing in quietly and using the oar to push me further out into the river, I stared at the castle. After reaching the middle of the river, I took in the scenery around me. The lights from the palace were a golden color. The celebration in the castle could be faintly heard from where I sat. It's so peaceful here...

Sighing, I laid back in the boat, staring up at the night sky and the moon. The beauty of the stars and the moons' radiant silver light filled me with sadness I had never felt before. I placed my hands on my stomach, examining the consolations The crickets in the grass around me began to grow louder, covering the laughter from the palace.

"Mytho has chosen who he wants to spend his life with. I was just naive enough to believe he would pick me." The images of Mytho lifting Rue in the air came back to me quickly, "As long as my prince is happy and keeps his smile, I am content to spend the rest of my life in loneliness."

What of the King? How can I marry a man where I do not hold the same love he does for me? The stars began to swirl as the boat shifted with the moving water. All I know is... I am willing to keep both of them happy, even if it means despair for me... Closing my eyes and inhaling the chilly air, "I'd give my life for that..."

...

A loud crash filled my ears, startling me from my sleep. Standing quickly, the boat began to rock. The bright morning light burned my eyes. I screamed, covering them from the bright rays of sunshine. The boat tilted to the left, flipping me into the cold river below.

The moment I resurfaced, I glanced around. A forest of trees surrounded me along with wild flowers and thick grass. I swam to the shore, dragging myself onto the dry ground. Dirt clung to my yellow dress as I clawed my way up to the grass.

I fell against the ground, exhausted trying to crawl in my long, soaked dress. I flipped over and onto my back as I looked up at the trees over head. The birds chirping and frogs croaking were all I could hear. Where am I? I closed my eyes once more once I realized what had happened, I must have fallen asleep and went down the river. What must my King think of me?

"Are you okay?" Quickly reopening my eyes, I looked into dark green ones. I screamed, lifting my hands to cover my face, but to only bump my fist into the his face. After covering my face and hearing him groan, I peek through one of my fingers.

The man was tall and lean with a darker complexion than everyone else at the palace. His hair was jet black and worn in a messy ponytail. He wore black trousers and a blue shirt, one with a long sleeve and the other was short, as if torn. I rolled over onto my stomach, pushing off of my hands and sat up. Both of his hands were pressed to his nose, which trickled with blood. He rubbed his nose with his sleeve, "Moron! What did you do that for?"

I squeaked at his sudden outburst, then felt a twinge of anger, "You speak as if it was my fault! You should apologize for scaring me!"

He gave me a hooded gaze from underneath his long black bangs, "Me? You should! You almost broke my nose!" He rubbed his face a few more times before he continued, "What kind of idiot sleeps near the river anyways? You do know bandits use this river for transportation, don't you? Just be glad I was the one who found you!"

I sighed, brushing off the wet sand from my arms, "Alright, look. I am sorry. I was just scared." A few moments passed when he finally came towards me. He knelt on one knee next to me, examining my face quickly, "Well it's okay. I heard you screaming when I was walking by and ran to see if anyone was hurt." He reached his hand out for my hair and touched the tips, "You got some white in your hair."

Gasping, I ran my hand through my hair and looked at my wet fingers to find the white paint washed out, my hair was only red now. He then extended a hand to me, "I'm Fakir." I looked into his eyes to see he was serious. This man seems kind. "What's yours?"

Tutu? I could be anyone I want to. No formal greetings and no special behavior. I can be anyone... at least for now till I get home.

I smiled at him then placed my hand in his. My voice shook as I spoke my real name for the first time in years, "I am... Ahiru."

...