And so

The clock struck midnight, a tolling of countless bells that vibrated the still air. A wizened, old man nodded in satisfaction and vanished without a trace.

Bong

Footsteps pattered and icicles shattered musically as they marched into the parlor, batons waving and drums pounding. 

Bong

Marie started awake from her sleepy position on the velvet couch, hugging the nutcracker close to her chest. She turned to face the crackling hearth and gasped.

Bong

An army of countless mice stood at attention, spears and knives at the ready under the glimmering Christmas tree. They parted to reveal a seven headed creature, swathed in dark robes and a heavy gold crown on its head.

Bong

"I am the Mouse King!" it roared. "I have come to seek a fair maiden of this world to take to my kingdom!" 

Bong

Marie shook in fear as she met the glittering eyes of the Mouse King. It lashed its whip-like tail and pointed with a furred paw.

Bong

"Capture her!" The army rushed at the little girl, who struggled to her feet, but was entangled by her blanket. She fell with a thump on the floor.

Bong

Moonlight glinted coldly from the curtains as the mice surrounded Marie, pointing their sharp weapons at her. She tried to grab her precious nutcracker, but it was gone. The Mouse King raised a paw.

Bong

Suddenly, explosion sounded. Dozens of mice toppled over, stabbed by swords wielded by brightly painted toy soldiers.The Mouse King snarled as a nutcracker vaulted over the mice in front of Marie.

Bong

A fierce duel began between the king and nutcracker, the clang of metal on metal silencing the battlefield as both sides watched their leaders fight. The nutcracker fought valiantly, but was soon overpowered by the Mouse King. It lifted its sword for the killing blow.

Bong

"NO!" Marie cried. She brandished her slipper and threw it with all her might. The mice squealed in terror as the king fell onto the floor, dead. They all fled, chased by the soldiers.

Bong

The Christmas tree was growing and the floor was rising. Marie stood in shock as she shrank to the height of a mouse. The nutcracker beckoned her to an opening in the clock, just her size.

Bong

The little girl glanced behind her at her huge, familiar home. Slowly, uncertainly, she followed her beloved nutcracker to the mysterious land beyond.

And so, the clock struck midnight. Who knows what will happen afterward?