Ep 10. Cinderella

In Princess Tutu season 1 episode 10, titled Cinderella, the story focuses on the tale of the famous fairy tale character, Cinderella. However, this time, it is not the usual story that most people know.

The episode starts with Fakir struggling to write the next chapter of the story. He is frustrated because he cannot seem to come up with a satisfying ending to the story. He expresses his disappointment and frustration to Mytho, who tells him that this is because he himself does not know how the story should end.

Meanwhile, Ahiru, Rue, and Duck are having a conversation about the upcoming school dance. Rue says that she does not plan on going since she does not have a partner. Duck, who is secretly in love with Mytho, volunteers to help Rue find a partner. Ahiru, who is aware of Duck's feelings for Mytho, worries that this plan might backfire and cause problems between them.

As they continue their conversation, they stumble upon a poster announcing a performance of Cinderella at the local theater. Rue talks about how much she loves the story and how it is her favorite fairy tale. Ahiru, who is actually Princess Tutu, notices a strange feeling around Rue and starts to feel that something is not right.

As the story progresses, we see more of Rue's past. She is shown to have grown up in a wealthy family but was always lonely and isolated. She used to read Cinderella to escape her loneliness and dream of finding her Prince Charming. However, her parents never paid attention to her, and she was left all alone. It is revealed that Rue is Princess Kraehe, and her dark emotions, born out of loneliness and despair, have led her to become a pawn of the Raven.

As the school dance approaches, Rue is still without a partner. Duck, who has been unsuccessful in finding one for her, suggests that she should go to the theater and watch Cinderella instead. Rue is delighted by the idea and agrees to go.

In the audience of the theater, Rue is deeply moved by the story. She is inspired by the character of Cinderella, who is kind and pure despite her difficult circumstances. However, as the play comes to an end, Rue becomes more and more overwhelmed by her emotions. She feels like she is no different from Cinderella, that she too is trapped and powerless.

Suddenly, the Raven appears on stage, and Rue is pulled into the story. She becomes part of the play and is transformed into Cinderella. The Raven tries to persuade her to join him and help him in his quest for power. However, Princess Tutu arrives just in time and tries to stop him.

The episode concludes with a thrilling battle between Princess Tutu and the Raven. The fate of Rue hangs in the balance as the two opponents fight with all their might. However, just as it seems that the Raven might win, Princess Tutu unleashes her true power and defeats him.

In the end, Rue is saved, and the story of Cinderella comes to a close. However, the episode leaves us with a sense of foreboding as we realize that the Raven is still out there, plotting his next move. The episode is a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire and transform, and also a warning about the danger of obsession and the need for balance in our lives.