Serena's eyes widen in amazement as she and the dolls walk further into the fort with the Nutcracker supporting her for her injured feet. Each room or hall they pass through is beautifully detailed and majestic looking. Serena secretly tells herself to remember to praise Uncle Timothy further for his hard work on the fort that is sadly wasted on her younger siblings. Eventually, the group makes it to the grand hall where wooden figures of soldiers and noble ladies are robotically dancing together.

"How beautiful," Serena says in awe. "They almost look life-like when you're so close to them."

"I agree," the Nutcracker says with a smile as they walk through the hall. "My uncle really is a wizard at these things."

Serena nods with a smile before she turns to the Nutcracker in confusion.

"Speaking of which, Nutcracker, I have to ask; are you really Uncle Timothy's nephew, Ash?" She asks.

"Yes, I am," the Nutcracker says sincerely.

"So you really were cursed by Powuru's mother, the Rat Queen?" Serena asks.

"Yes, I believe I was," the Nutcracker confirms before his face turns serious. "Honestly, Serena, all I really remember is feeling something bite my foot while I was breaking Princess Giselle's spell and everything went blank. The next thing I knew, it was the middle of the night, I was inside the toy cabinet of a house and the toys were alive and Powuru and his army surrounded this orange haired girl named Misty. The toys were calling me their prince that has to save them and their owner, leaving me to reluctantly face Powuru and his rats in battle with the toys."

Serena looks at the Nutcracker baffled as they walk.

"That sounds almost exactly like what happened last night," Serena states.

"That's what's even stranger about this whole thing; it kept happening," Ash says. "When I was fighting to defend Misty, we were starting to lose and Powuru was about to attack me, but then everything went blank again and I woke up in a different toy cabinet in a different house and the whole thing started again, this time with a girl named Melody."

Serena blinks in disbelief.

"So you were just given to different girls while Powuru kept looking for you?" She asks.

"I guess so," the Nutcracker says honestly. "Everything happened all over again with Powuru finding me and I had to face him in battle with all the toys Melody had in her household only for us to be losing and everything to go blank and the whole thing starts all over again. There was also Bianca, May, and Iris and it all ended the same way. I would learn how to be a better commander of my own army little by little, but it was still nothing compared to how much planning Powuru had done while building his army more and more no matter how many the toy and I killed in each battle."

Serena continues to stare at the Nutcracker, baffled with how every battle sounds very similar to the one that occurred last night.

"But if that is true, then what was different about last night?" She asks. "Was it because I threw my slipper at Powuru before he could attack you with that candle?"

"I believe so," the Nutcracker says with a smile. "Without your interference, we wouldn't have won the battle and there's no telling where I might have gone next. I think that's the reason I am still in your house."

Serena smiles sweetly and says, "Well, I'm glad that you could stay with me."

"So am I," the Nutcracker says and suddenly stops walking to look at Serena deeply in her eyes. "And I'm really happy that I got to see you again, Serena."

Serena stares at the Nutcracker with her cheeks turning pink as the Nutcracker continues.

"I was telling the truth last night when I said I was that boy you met in Cerulean City," he says. "I was bummed that my mother couldn't afford for me to stay there for more ballet lessons and so I had to go back to Pallet Town and learn to dance there. I was working hard to become the best ballet dancer I could be because I knew you were going to do the same."

"So...you were practicing to see me?" Serena asks, touched. "You were trying to become a ballet dancer even to the point of saying that in front of King Giovanni of all people just to see me again?"

"Yes," the Nutcracker says sincerely. "And it saddens me that I was prevented from doing so because of these stupid spells and evil rats and everything. But at the same time, I'm happy because this whole commotion brought me to your house...even if I would have liked to be here under much better circumstances."

Serena giggles cutely and nods.

"So do I," she says. "Although, apart from my legs getting cut, I admit the encounters with Powuru seems worth it just to experience being here in Uncle Timothy's fort with the dolls.

The Nutcracker nods in agreement until they hear Helga shout, "Your Highness, Serena, hurry up! We need to get going!"

Serena and the Nutcracker nod and continue walking, both secretly sad that the old doll interrupted their moment. The Nutcracker continues to support Serena with her injured feet as they follow the dolls to the other side of the fort. Serena gasps softly to discover that the other side is a large, beautiful garden with a big pond shining in the moonlight above countless stars.

"This is wonderful," Serna says in awe. "But how is this possible? We should only be on the other side of the table instead of here."

"Maybe it's some kind of magic," the Nutcracker suggests.

Serena thinks for a moment before she smiles and says, "Yes, I think you're right."

Suddenly, three shadowy figures fly above Serena, the Nutcracker, and the dolls. They look up and gaze in awe as they see three giant swans wearing golden necklaces flying above them. Each one of them has a carriage-like saddle strapped on their backs big enough for three people to get in. The swans swoop down and gracefully land on the pond. They swim over to the edge of the platform and turn to Serena and the dolls.

"Are we supposed to get on them?" The Nutcracker asks.

"Well, of course, we are," Dawn says. "Entalmorfious, Helga, and Hillary will take the leading one since they're the priority, you and Lady Serena will take the middle one and my Kennykins and I will get on the last one. Sound good, everyone?"

The group nods in agreement and so Helga and Hillary help Entalmorfious up on the leading swan. The Nutcracker walks over to the middle one and offers Serena's hand. The honey blonde girl blushes and smiles sweetly as she accepts his hand and he helps her up. Dawn, however, just picks up Kenny on her shoulder like a large sack of potatoes and climbs on the last swan, much to her husband's whiny annoyance. Then, the swans spread their wings and start flapping them. Serena quickly wraps her arms around the Nutcracker, feeling nervous as the birds leave the ground and start to get higher and higher off the ground. The Nutcracker smiles and hugs her back comfortingly.

"Don't worry, Serena. We're going to be just fine," he says.

Serena looks up to him and gives him a sweet, appreciative smile. The swans spread their wings apart and start floating in the air. They fly over a large green pasture until they reach a giant cave. The swans fly right into the cave and everything is so dark that Serena can barely see the Nutcracker's face. Her only comfort is feeling his arms still holding her tightly so that she knows he is still there. Finally, after several minutes, they see a light in front of the swans. They watch in anticipation until the light gets bigger and bigger, revealing to be an exit right in the middle of a waterfall. Serena closes her eyes and braces herself as the swans fly out of the cave and soar right through the glittering waterfall.

"Serena, open your eyes," she hears the Nutcracker say.

Serena hesitates for a moment before she carefully opens her eyes and gasps. Not only is she completely dry, but her nightgown has disappeared and in its place, Serena is wearing a beautiful pink and red dress and red slippers on her feet and the ribbons on her ankles are gone to show that her cuts are completely gone with no hint of scars whatsoever.

"You look absolutely beautiful," the Nutcracker says sincerely.

Serena turns to see him looking at her with a heartfelt, sincere smile on his face and his uniform looks fancier than before. Even the cut on his arm has completely disappeared.

"And you look very distinguished," she says with a sweet smile before she realizes something. "Wait, if our injuries are gone, does that mean -?"

Suddenly, the two of them hear joyous laughing and turn to the swan in front of them and see Entalmorfious holding his hands in the air and giggling happily like a child. The old soldier is dressed in a fine suit while Helga and Hillary are wearing new, shiny dresses as they hug him tightly.

"Daddy!" Hillary yells happily as she hugs her father.

"Oh my dear Entalmorfious, you're as good as new!" Helga says warmly.

"Indeed, I feel like a young man just like when we first met, my dear," Entalmorfious says as the three of them laugh together.

Serena and the Nutcracker smile at the family's joyous moment and turn around to the other swan and see Dawn in a white and pink dress squeezing and kissing Kenny who is wearing a fancy, aqua-green suit.

"Oh, my Kenny-wenny-boo, you look so handsome. Yes, you do," Dawn coos happily as she decorates her husband's face with kisses. "Oh, I just eat you up. Yes, I could."

"Dawn, not so tight," Kenny whines with his face deep red from the affection. "And please stop calling me by those names already!"

Serena and the Nutcracker laugh out loud at the couple's behavior as the swans fly over to a giant castle. Serena stares in awe to see that the building is completely made out of gingerbread and frosting. Every tower has a statue on top made of gingerbread, cake batter, gumdrops, candy canes and other sorts of candy. As the swans gently fly down to the castle gate, Serena and the dolls see entire crowds of dolls and other toys waiting for them. The swans gracefully land and a toy soldier marches toward Serena and the Nutcracker's swan, opens the carriage door and salutes them.

"Prince Nutcracker, Lady Serena, the court awaits you," the toy soldier says.

"Oh, thank you," the Nutcracker says, taken aback by the toy's formality before turning to Serena and offering his arm. "My lady?"

Serena giggles and accepts the Nutcracker's arm as they get off the swan. Entalmorfious, meanwhile, hops off the carriage to his swan and opens the carriage door for Hillary and Helga to get off before the three of them follow Serena and the Nutcracker with the old soldier's wife and daughter holding both of his arms. Dawn opens her and Kenny's carriage from the inside and drags her husband out of the carriage, snuggling her head against Kenny's shoulder as they follow the rest of the group.

Two toy soldiers simultaneously open both sides of the castle doors and Serena, the Nutcracker and their friends enter to find countless dolls cheering for them on both sides of the hallway. From the ground floor to the balconies above them, dolls of every kind are waving banners and tossing streamers and balloons into the air as the group walks down the hall. Serena smiles at all the happy commotion and turns to the Nutcracker who is looking nervous.

"I think you're supposed to wave," she whispers.

"Oh...uh, right," the Nutcracker says with a nervous, toothy grin.

The Nutcracker waves awkwardly, and the dolls continue to cheer even louder. Behind the Nutcracker and Serena, Entalmorfious gives the dolls a salute while walking beside his family and Dawn waves bubbly while holding on to Kenny, making him feel bashful. The group then enters a grand hall where countless more dolls are joyfully waiting for them. At the center of the hall are large tables full of cakes and pudding and other kinds of desserts. Beside the tables is a large doll orchestra waiting eagerly for the group. The doll conductor stands tall and looks at Serena and the Nutcracker with a smile.

"Your Highness, my lady, it is custom to begin the celebration with a ballet dance," he says. "If it pleases you, we are ready to begin when you are."

The Nutcracker smiles and turns to Serena and gives her a bow.

"May I have this dance?" He asks.

Serena smiles brightly and with a curtsy says, "Oh yes, please."

The Nutcracker gives the conductor a nod and the conductor taps his baton against the music stand and the entire hall falls silent. Then with a wave of the conductor's hand, the orchestra begins to play soft, romantic music. The Nutcracker takes Serena's hand and the two begin to dance gracefully. The entire crowd watches silently as the two of them twirl and tiptoe with their hands in the air. Helga leans her head against Entalmorfious' shoulder and the old soldier lays his head against hers as they and Hillary watch with small smiles on their faces. Even Kenny returns Dawn's affection as they hold each other and watch the Nutcracker lift the honey blonde girl up in the air and spin her four times before gently putting her down.

The more they dance, the more Serena is in complete bliss. Her eyes are glued to the Nutcracker's lovingly as they dance. The two of them continue to dance flawlessly until the music begins to die down, stating that the song is almost over. Serena feels sad inside that the dance is ending, but at the same time, she is happy to have such an experience with the Nutcracker. When the song ends, Nutcracker dips Serena with a tight grin. The crowd cheers and after he helps her up, Serena gives the Nutcracker another curtsy. The Nutcracker smiles warmly and suddenly takes both of Serena's hands and gets down on one knee.

"Serena?" He asks.

"What?" Serena asks back.

"Stay with me."

Serena's heart skips a beat and she stares at the doll surprised.

"What did you say?" she asks.

"Stay," the Nutcracker repeats. "Become my princess and live with me in the Land of the Dolls forever."

Serena's mouth drops and her cheeks turn pink.

"Are...are you serious?" She asks.

"I am," the Nutcracker says as he stands up. "I love you, Serena. I always have. Together we can rule this land and dance whenever we want and be happy with all of our friends."

Serena's cheeks turn from pink to red and her heart beats rapidly from the Nutcracker's words. After a moment, she smiles warmly, making the Nutcracker's own smile grow. Entalmorfious, Helga, Hillary, Dawn, Kenny, and all of the other dolls in the castle smile and cheer happily.

But suddenly, Serena's smile falters and she looks away from the Nutcracker. Her thoughts of accepting the doll's proposal are suddenly interrupted by her mother's words.

"She should be focusing on traveling the world as a ballerina like she wants to, not indulging in some made up fantasy."

Serena's heart sinks and her face turns crestfallen making the Nutcracker look at her concerned.

"What's wrong?" He asks.

Serena winces, hesitant to answer.

"Oh Nutcracker," she says sadly. "I want to. I really want to stay with you, but... oh, I don't know. I'm so confused."

Serena moves back letting go of the Nutcracker's hands. The doll looks at her visibly hurt while the crowd watches in shock.

"It's just that...well, the Land of the Dolls is where you all belong," Serena says uneasily. "But the truth is my mother is right; I want to grow up. I want to become a professional ballet dancer and travel around the world and meet new people and see new places. That has been my dream since before we met. I care for you, Nutcracker, I truly do, but I cannot stay in the Land of the Dolls forever."

The Nutcracker looks at the honey blonde girl crushed. If the wooden doll has a human heart inside, it would be breaking into thousands of pieces. Serena tries to think of something to comfort him, but no words are coming out of her mouth.

"Daddy!"

"Entalmorfious!"

Serena and the Nutcracker turn around to see Helga and Hillary kneeling beside Entalmorfious. The old toy soldier lies motionless with his colors faded and his eyes devoid of life.

"What's happened?" Serena asks.

Helga's face turns grim and she turns to the honey blonde girl.

"The magic here is fading," she says. "It only lasts as long as you are willing to stay, but now we can't stay awake anymore."

"What?" Serena says shocked. "No, please, Helga, I don't mean it like that, I don't want any of you to go. Helga?"

It takes a moment before Serena realizes that Helga has also become lifeless and falls down next to Entalmorfious and Hillary turns inanimate as well and falls on top of her father. Serena watches in horror as Kenny and Dawn and all the other dolls in the castle fall down lifeless one by one.

"Oh, please don't do this, you're all wonderful," Serena begs as she rushes to the doll's side and picks up Helga with a pleading look. "I wish I could stay. I really do. But I could never survive on nothing but candy."

The inanimate doll remains lifeless. Serena lets go of it and turns to the Nutcracker, who looks at her brokenhearted.

"Nutcracker, please understand," she says. "If I don't come back my family will worry about me. Why even Calem and Mairin will miss me. Shauna needs me. I -"

"Serena, look out!" The Nutcracker shouts suddenly.

Serena turns around and screams in horror as she sees Powuru standing right behind her. The giant rat hisses and wheezes violently as he holds on to his wound and glares at Serena with an intent to kill in his bloodshot eyes. Serena backs away from him just in time to avoid a weak swing from his sword. She turns to the Nutcracker for help but gasps in horror to see him on the ground.

"Nutcracker, no!" She says running to his side. "Please don't change too!"

But the Nutcracker only groans weakly and falls down on his back. His right arm has already turned into solid wood and his eyelids are struggling to stay open.

"S...Serena take my sword," he says. "Save...yourself."

"No, Nutcracker, you've got to get up!" Serena pleads as Powuru slowly walks over to them. "Please stay awake! Please!"

"Serena," the Nutcracker says quietly. "Don't give up until it's...over, Serena...Serena...Sereeeennnnaaaa..."

Serena's pupils shrink and her heart sinks as the doll's voice fades completely. The next thing she knows, she hears a stretching sound and her beloved doll turns large and wide again with a robotic grin and open eyes that show no sign of life except a small tear in the corner of the right eye. The Nutcracker is one again a lifeless toy.

"Nutcracker!" Serena screams. "Nutcracker, no! No, wake up! Change back! Please change back!"

But her cries are interrupted by a raspy snarl from Powuru is only a few feet away from her. Serena gasps in horror before she draws the Nutcracker's sword from its sheath as quick as possible and stands up holding the weapon in her best defensive stance.

The rat king takes another swing with his sword and nearly knocks Serena's sword off her hands. Her fear grows as she realizes that the wounded rodent is still strong enough to overpower her despite his weak state. She tightens her grip as best as she can and starts backing away as Powuru keeps swinging his sword back and forth. Each time his black and blood-red sword clashes with Serena's, she struggles to hold on to her weapon. Her body begins to shake uncontrollably as the rat continues to force her back.

Finally, she bumps into something solid behind her and she gasps realizing that she's backed into the edge of a balcony. Terror fills her face while Powuru chokes out a cruel cackle and raises his sword. Serena's eyes begin to water for fear of death until she notices Powuru is still holding his sword up but not moving. She takes a moment to realize he's struggling to move with his body losing energy and she has an opening to attack.

With all the remaining courage she can muster, Serena fights back the tears, points the Nutcracker's sword toward her enemy and lunges forward. The blade stabs Powuru right in the middle of his chest and pierces right through his body with the point sticking out of his back.

Serena looks up to see Powuru's eyes widen and blood starting to drop from his mouth. The rat king stays completely still for a moment with his sword still raised until he slowly loses balance leaning forward. Serena moves away and Powuru falls on the gingerbread railing that quickly breaks against his weight. Serena hears the rat let out a weak "no," as he falls off the balcony. Serena freezes in place until she hears a distant splash from down below. She dares to look down from the balcony where at the bottom she can see Powuru's golden crown stand afloat in the castle's river for a moment before it sinks into the watery abyss and is never seen again.

Serena lets out a huge sigh of relief and puts her hands on her heart. She pants for a few moments before she turns to the grand hall and suddenly gasps. She goes back inside and looks in devastation that the room is completely empty. None of the tables or food or musical instruments or any of the dolls are anywhere to be found. All that can be seen is a white mist slowly forming all over the area.

Serena's heart breaks as she sees no sign of her nutcracker. She runs all over the hall to find the inanimate doll lying on the floor where she left him only to find no trace of him, Entalmorfious, Helga, Hillary, Dawn, Kenny, or any of the other dolls.

"Nutcracker," she chokes out in tears. "Nutcracker, where are you? Where did you go?"

Nothing is heard but the echo of her voice.

"Oh, Nutcracker, come back!" she sobs. "Come back to me, please!"

Again, no sound is heard except her words echoing. The mist starts to grow thicker with each passing second. Serena gets down on her hands and knees and cries harder.

"Ash!" She sobs. "Ash, I love you! I love you, I do!"

Whatever remains of Serena's heart suddenly feels lighter for the briefest moment from her confession, but the pain returns just as quickly and is worse than before when she realizes she's too late.

"Ash, I love you!" She repeats. "I want to stay with you! I want to be by your side always! I don't care if it's in the Land of the Dolls or at home or Kanto or anywhere else in the world! I'll stay by your side and love you always. Just come back! Please, come back to me! Ash! Ash! ASH!"

Her cries remain unheard as she lies down the floor and hugs herself, still calling out the boy's name desperately. The mist grows more and more until the castle is completely gone and nothing is left. Serena continues to cry out Ash's name as the mist becomes so thick that she can't see anything in front of her face.

And then she woke up.