I do not own Barbie, but I do own this version of Clara and the different versions of characters in this sequel.
Feel free to make it a movie Mattel...(with reimbursement.) lol

Enjoy:P

Chapter Three: Swiftly Moving

After the dinner and elaborate showings I had been ushered off by Pop and gone straight to bed. Eric had been left doing only God knows what.

The next morning I was awoken by a series of gentle nudges. "Wake up…Princess, Wake up…" Oh who was that? Leave me alone you! "Princess…Princess!" "Ugh…Shut up Sasha," I groaned agitated screwing my eyes shut tighter. "I know! I wake up ugly…" Then I rolled over. She probably wanted me to jog with her or something like dance class wasn't enough. There was a bit of scuffling as Sasha went to the other side of the bed. "I'm not Sasha Princess. I'm your best friend, Pop." Suddenly remembering my surroundings I jumped up. Sure enough I was in Parthenia. Same elegant Parthenia, same goofy Clara. Standing at the foot of my bed was Mr. Fizzler looking relatively grave. I felt a series of violent embarrassing emotions and was quite glad I hadn't said much else. If it was Sasha I would've told her that not everyone could trim their butt by jiggling around the block a few times.

Now that, would have been awkward.

"Don't worry about your temporarily disheveled appearance," Mr. Fizzler said his lips tight together. "Pop will attend to you. Then you will begin today's schedule." He had pronounced it sheh-due-ll. I had never had a shehduell, nor did I feel that I wanted to welcome one now. "What do I have to do?" I asked warily. Mr. Fizzler pulled a note out of his pocket and I was relieved to see it was very miniscule, but then he unfolded it. And unfolded it, and unfolded it, over and over until I could only stare in abject horror at the huge scroll he had in his possession. "How is that even possible?" I asked. Mr. Fizzler's mouth grew graver and I gulped. Had I misspoken? "Oh Fizzly! Stop looking so! You're scaring the Princess!" Pop tickled under his neck and he laughed before coughing and saying, "Ehem. Don't do that." Surprisingly enough he appeared more comfortable. "He looks that way when he's repressing laughter," Pop explained. "Like soda he lets it all bubble up until he goes a bit…well…" "Silence Petunia." Pop winked at me clearly saying, "We'll get back to it," and Mr. Fizzler cleared his throat. "It is currently 7:30. We are well into the briefing segment of your schedule so allow me to continue on. From 8:00 to 8:50 you have preparation and toiletries with Pop. From 8:51 to 8:59 you have walking. At 9:00 you will begin breakfast with the King. At 9:10 you will exchange pleasantries with the King. At 9:11 you will converse about the weather with the King. At 9:12 you will…" "You planned in 1 minute increments?" "Some of it yes."

I stared at him again. Was everyone here a little on the…sugary side? Pop scoffed and put her hands on her hips. "Oh you're so icing Fizzle! You need to lay out of the lines!" Fizzle's glasses crinkled on his face. "I beg your pardon?" Pop ignored him and jumped in the bed next to me. "Don't worry Clara, I'll do everything to keep you frost. Trust me!" I was confused. "Wait I thought that was bad?" Pop giggled a bubbly echoing sound. "No Princess. Icing is lame. It comes in only one way. Frosting has endless possibilities and is always better and best." I shrugged my shoulders. "Listen Mr. Fizzler," I said trying to sound as nice as possible. "I thank you very much for your consideration and your schedule, but I think I'll use it as a…guideline." Mr. Fizzler reached into his pocket, without missing a beat and pulled out a pocket watch. Checking the time he smiled to himself and tossed the watch over to me. "That's fine," he agreed. "You have 2 more minutes of conflict and 5 more minutes of resistance." With that he started for the door. "Oh, and you have 25 minutes to get used to the idea." With that he departed and closed the door behind him. "Don't worry about Fizzle," Pop said rolling her eyes. "He's as tight as a Flossal down a Scoot Toot." "…right…" Pop cocked her head to the left and looked at me with her big amber eyes. "You don't know what I'm talking about do you?" I shrugged. "To be honest, no." Pop's sighed seeming to be exasperated. "Where are you from?" "Earth. New York to be exact. Well unless you count Italy." Pop gave me the look I had given her. I laughed. "We'll just have to learn from each other." Pop sat Indian style and I did the same, my bird's nest of hair above me as my light pink pj's crinkled around my knees. "You're supposed to be resisting." "I'm over it." Pop laughed. "Okay Princess. So what is New...Ourk?" "New Yorkis a city…um a big big town filled with lots of people. It has tons of lights and big buildings and culture everywhere." "When was it made?" "Um…a long time ago." "Then is York gone?" "What?" "What was York like?" "Um. I dunno. It's not really…affiliated." "Then why is it New if it's old? And York if it's not?" "….um…what the heck is a Flossal?"

Mr. Fizzler opened the door suddenly. "I don't hear any resisting." Pop stuck her tongue out at him and I shrugged. "I'm over it." "Ah," he said checking his watch. "You're ahead of schedule. Alright. I'll add some conversation to the schedule. Try not to pick up Pop's construed dialect. You have diction classes at one." Then he left. I stared at Pop for a moment before making a decision. I stood up and locked the door. "Let's just get this over with," I said firmly. "Oh and I'm going to go bathe and stuff alone. So if you had any ideas of helping…" "…but I want to help you Princess." "No." She sighed. "Okay." "Thanks." With that I went into the bathroom and found I could not work any of the faucet knobs. They did not turn side to side or pull out or anything. "Need help?" Pop had appeared over my shoulder and my heart leapt out of my chest. I held it and looked down trying to calm down. "Could you please not do that!" "Do what?" I felt I was fighting a losing battle. "Ok Pop. Please just turn the water on." She obliged, smiling as she ran water into the large tub. She did it too quick for me to see. "Now to find soap," I said to myself.

When the tub was full I thanked her but noticed she stayed put. I looked around at the strange clear unmarked vials that lined the tub. I picked up an emerald green liquid but she shook her head. "Shampoo." I picked up a dark pink vial. "Cuticle polish." "What? Why?" 'To shine your cuticles." I looked about and tried a dark blue one. "Also Cuticle polish." "Seriously?" "Ten cuticles are a lot of cuticles." Studying her I saw she looked rather reserved. "Can you please tell me what is what Pop?" "Maybe." Then I realized I was in a trap. "…you're going to have to bathe me aren't you?" "Bathe you? Of course! I'd love to!" I shook my head as she dumped what appeared to be white dust into the water and it turned into bubbles. "Whatever. Just…stay away from my areas!" I demanded bashfully. With that I had her turn around and ducked in the tub. She grinned as she washed my hair and gave me wonderful soaps with which to put in my skin. I made sure to pay attention to the colors until she told me that they would change colors after each use. "Then how do you know?" I asked as she scrubbed my back. "You can tell by smell after a while. For now you'll just have to bare with me." "Lovely." "You did have 25 minutes to get over it." I laughed and decided to relax in the perfectly heated water and white frothy bubbles that never popped or dissolved. "Princess huh?" I mumbled and leant into Pop's caring hands.

After a minute I jerked and realized I had fallen asleep. I was sitting in the chair by the vanity. My hair had been curled into tresses that fell around a silver circulet on the top of my head. I was wearing a yellow and silver dress with Renaissance sleeved that was long and floor length. On my shoes were pink ballet shoes already laced. Pop strolled in a moment after. "Do you like it?" "You dressed me!" I shrieked wondering how I had not awoken. "Don't frazzle Princess," Pop giggled. "We're both women." I had no words for her so I simply admired myself. Lip stuff, eye makeup and everything. I looked amazing, but I wouldn't let Pop know. "Well Princess?" she asked eagerly. "It's alright," I said nonchalantly. "…oh…" Her entire face seemed to contort in sadness and she gave me the worst puppy eyes I had ever seen. Complete with whimpering lip. I looked up at the ceiling in annoyance. "I look fantastic Pop. Are you satisfied?" She immediately chippered up. "Oh course!" With that she grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the door. "Hurry Princess. We're one minute late for walking!"

With that we walked towards the hall first at a brisk pace, then slower to be exactly on time as Mr. Fizzler would want it. We arrive at precisely 8:59 and I was settled at the complete opposite of the grand table from Eric. I had hoped to sit closer to him, next to him even but it seemed I was in some seat of honor or something. There were only a few people in the hall. There were about 3 random Council members, Straw, Blue, obviously Pop and Mr. Fizzler and to my delight Candy and Mint. Candy nodded to me, his blue and white attire once again donned. He sat next to me as to give me company and I smiled widely at him. Then I caught eyes with Eric. He gave me a bright smile that made the edges of his eyes crinkle and all I wanted to do was kiss him. Since I was seated I had expected him to come over, but he stayed where he was. He spoke to a few members of the council before sitting back at his spot. For some strange reason I felt a pang of hurt but pushed it down. It was just breakfast, no need to get worked up because we weren't sitting together. We weren't seven or anything. Still I had wanted him to come over and greet me…or kiss me…for good morning purposes of course.

"How are you this morning?" I turned and saw Candy looking at me a bit worriedly. "Tell you the truth?" I said wearily. He nodded. "Iced." "Oo. That bad?" "You don't know the half of it." Suddenly I saw a tall shadow looming over me. I turned and saw Mint was in full military garb with a few added stars and such standing ruler straight. "Good morning Princess." "Good Morning Mint. How are you doing?" His expression did not change and I noticed he seemed to be looking beyond me. "Well. I would like you to know Princess that I will be the head of your security team and I have full intentions to guard you with my life." "It's no big deal Mint. And you don't have to call me Princess." "Princess your safety is of the utmost importance." "But I'm not a real…" "Princess!" He seemed startled by his own outburst and reoriented himself before replying. "No need to worry Princess. All is in order my naïve dear." With that he marched off to I looked at him as thought he had gone mad. "You do remember that I helped battle…" I was suddenly cut off by Candy's hand. "Please. Just let him have it," he said looking extremely tired. "He's never gotten to guard a princess before and he's rather excited about it." I turned and saw Mint standing near the entrance yelling at anyone who looked too closely into the court for his liking. I sighed and smiled.
At least certain things never changed.

"Clara." Turning to Eric with a smile I was shocked to see that he looked a bit drained. "Are you alright Eric?" I asked concerned. I felt a saw people stir uncomfortably but Eric simply nodded. "I apologize for my hastiness but I must leave. Unfortunately there's a lot to attend to. Some of the mouse king's old regiment that we tried to assimilate into the villages has been causing trouble. At the same time trouble that's caused by villagers has been blamed upon them. As a result we have no idea whom to persecute." I nodded thinking about how much easier life in this world would be if they had surveillance cameras….and showers.

"Is there anything I can do to help the…?" I began but Mint suddenly cleared his throat. Looking around me I saw a good set of the council looking at me in astonishment. "Don't worry Clara," Eric said warmly, covering almost all of the awkwardness. "I can handle this." He stood up, a picture of royalty with his proud open stance and dignified air. "In the meantime you can prepare for our journey." "When are we taking it?" I asked anxiously. Despite its beauty I was getting tired of this castle. It seemed that everything was a bit lopsided. Based on their reactions, it wasn't my place to try to help, but Pop and Straw could be members of the King's council. I could be questioned and made to dance like a wind up doll, but I couldn't call the King, Eric without a who ha? Give me a break!

"Based on these problems I honestly think it might be several weeks." My face fell. "Define several." "It might be about two months." At the moment it was me and Eric in this room. The others simply watched our exchange curiously. I wanted to scream. "Very well," I said reigning in my evil thoughts. With that I sipped at my orange juice. All this utter…dung before breakfast? Eric came over and lifted my left hand into his. With his lips he grazed against it in proper formality. "Forgive me." Then he rushed off, taking everyone but Fizzle, Pop, Candy and Mint with him. I looked down fully for the first time. Breakfast seemed rather universal. Eggs, bacon, toast, and a large ham I would have dove into, but at the moment I no longer felt hungry. I was all gussied up for nothing. I told myself that it wasn't personal and that he was a King with important responsibilities. He had to care for his kingdom and it couldn't hurt to learn more about Parthenia in case…well. I couldn't shake the feeling, that abandoned feeling, or more accurately the fear of such an occurrence.

I poked lazily at the food on my plate. "Playing with your food is…" Mint began, but something in my face halted him and he coughed suddenly. "Well," he began again. "Perhaps you should pay a visit to the garden. Candy!" "Yes?" Candy asked putting down his cup of hot cocoa. "You shall be her playmate." "…We're already friends Mint." "Don't get fresh with me. And you!" He pointed to Pop. "Yes sir!" Pop said saluting him in her seat. "You shall be her lady in waiting." "Of course sir," Pop said saluting again. "Wait a minute." Mr. Fizzler was looking at them sternly. "That is not in the schedule. After breakfast she is to have a tour of the castle, then meet her tutors, then…"

"Tutors?" I interjected. "On Parthenian Etiquette, Style, Lady-likeness, Upper class conversation and diction, Equestrian, and Haggling." I raised an eyebrow. I could understand the other stuff, even the horse-back riding, but haggling? "Why haggling?" I asked. "A good woman always drives a hard bargain." "Well I am the superior officer and highest ranking member of this room!" Mint fired off straightening himself and glaring at Mr. Fizzler. "Therefore, she goes to the garden!" "She should take a tour. A trip to the garden would be pointless," Fizzler interjected. Mint's face turned red. "Do you dare…"

"I'll take a tour," I said quickly. Mint looked a bit crestfallen until I added. "Of the garden." They both seemed to look at me a bit shocked before accepting the compromise. "Very well," Mr. Fizzler said nodding. "We will make the garden the first stop. But if you dally you won't have time for Inner Musing." "I'm willing to make that sacrifice," I said smiling. I had done all the musing I was prepared to do. "I'm going to be right back," I said grabbing my skirts and running off before they could stop me. "I wouldn't be walking around in ballet shoes." It was against my nature, even if they weren't mine. Those shoes were made for dancing. As I turned the corner I was suddenly yanked toward the left. I was about to scream when I saw it was Eric. "Eric?" He shushed me and held me close as a group of council members ran past. "I swear he was just here!" One yelled. "Check the Foyer!"

When they left he continued to hold me tight. "I'm sorry," he said threading his hand through my hair. I felt little strands of electricity zip through me. "The court of Parthenia in its prime was always orderly. They do embrace the new ways, but old habits are hard to break." I held onto him for dear life as though afraid he would slip through my arms. He was all tough muscle and his arms around me told me I would have little to fear in that aspect. With a gentle hand he held my cheek. "Will it really be two months?" I asked softly. "I hope less." His thumb traced my face. "In the meantime you can learn to horse-back ride and I promise you I will cater to your every whim." "I actually do have a whim," I divulged. He laughed merrily. "Then by all means Princess." "I want to ride on Marzipan. Perhaps Ginger and Pepper will let me borrow her." "I will locate them." I nodded and felt a bit better about the situation. "I must go now," he said pulling his hand away from my face. There it was again. That sadness. If only I could tell him to keep that hand there forever. That I wanted to feel that calloused warmth stay with me. I really needed to work on my sharing skills. With that we both stepped away from the wall. "Stay with the others. They will protect you." "From what?" Eric smirked. "Nothing you couldn't handle." "I've trained you well." "PRINCESS!" I jumped and saw that Pop had appeared behind me. "You weren't in your room," she said softly. "Your majesty," she said curtseying and before I could utter another word she pulled me away.

Based on her death grip on my arm and the rapidity in which Eric was disappearing from sight I surmised I wasn't the only one who needed to learn how to share.

HEY! Thanks for reading! If you have any suggestions feel free to put them in my reviews. REVIEW AND I'LL THANK YOU!

SHOUT OUT TO:

Earthest: Thank you dear! It's hard I know. We'll make it through together *tear* *tear*

Barbiegirl2435: HAHA! You sound a bit like Pop! You should be proud. Thanks for you praise, it means a lot to me.

Reverend Lovejoy: Thanks for you imput. I am trying out new things so if you ever feel like something works better than something else always feel free to tell me. Thanks:P

Surf-merGirl1963: I know what you mean! The nutcracker was my first barbie movie and since then it doesn't feel like Christmas unless I watch that and the Grinch. I have a lot on emotion for this story too so I think that personal edge makes it easier for everyone to put themselves it in. Don't worry! We're all on Team Clara!XD

THANK YOU EVERYONE AND IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO REVIEW! THANKS:P