Chapter 11: And yet I would do this

THANK YOU, COMBINED CHAPTER 11/12 AND READ THE END COMMENTS

I didn't sleep that night.

I called Sasha after fuming off and told her that she was extremely selfish and that I would never just forget her. I also told her if our friendship meant so little and that my happiness was unimportant we should just forget all the time we spent together. Oh, and I forgive you. It wasn't exactly how I had planned to say it, but I didn't really have the time to repress feelings. I had a larger problem to face. In my head I replayed all the times in Parthenia compared to the times I had in the last two years.

They were so different and yet they meant so much to me. I had cleared one thing up for certain. I did not have as strong feelings for Alexander as I had for Eric. While Alexander had been a true friend and I could have learned to love him, Eric was the person who lit my skin on fire with a single glance. He was my noble king, and I didn't dare be without him. That was the simple part. The hard part was my family.

I loved them so much. The feelings for one's family cannot be compared to the feelings of one's lover.

They are two different types of love. Both are unique, powerful, but most of all both necessary. Both needed. In the back of my head I imagined Eric saying, "I could be your family." It was true; I did have a strange family back in Parthenia. Captain Candy was like my cousin and Major Mint was his overbearing father, making him my Uncle. Pepper and Ginger were like…

The thought was shocking but in a way they were like my kids.

I don't recall them having a mother or father, even after we were reunited with the townspeople. And of course Eric was the love of my life. I lay on top of my bed as I wondered what it would be like to start a family, my own family. I was only 19. True, in a different time I would be considered an old bag.

What exactly were the customs of Parthenians? How exactly did their marriage system work? Did they expect me to make an heir? How soon?

I thought about my body that I had painstakingly sculpted over the years ravaged by stretch marks and God forbid…fat.

Baby fat.

The horrors kept me wide awake. Would I ever recover for my dancing career? Would I have a dancing career in Parthenia? I did this for a long time. Turning I looked at the clock. My sheets were rumpled underneath me. The room was dark and the moon shone through the curtains of my bedroom window. It cast faint shadows through the room. I watched numbly as they moved as the moon started to fade with the morning light.

The digital clock beside me blinked a dull red.

2:30 am.

I thought about asking Eric these questions, but what if I didn't like the answers? Would that drive us apart? Would I have to compromise? Would he try to compromise for me? I rolled to my side and felt like my entire body was made of lead. It would be soon easy to never get up again.

Stay here in this comforting dark and never think again. After another hour I knew I couldn't do this anymore, I needed to clear my head. I slipped on a pair of jeans that I tucked into a pair of tall boots that ended underneath my knees. Wrestling into a gray long sleeved sweater, a heavy poofy black coat, an Eskimo hat, and black gloves I ventured outside.

I was snowing. It's always snowing or raining or something dumb in situations like this. The snow crunched under my feet as I walked down the street. There were no cars on the street being that it was Christmas night. I put my hand out and watched as a snow flake landed in my hand and then melted away. The sky was gray, but the first signs of dawn lingered in the air. The snow here was cold, not like Parthenia. It was all so beautiful.

Not as perfect as Parthenia but that's what made it real, wonderful, and true. My boots sunk into a deep patch of snow I hadn't been expecting and I was glad my boots were so high. A street lamp stood in front of me. It was straight enough to perform its intended purpose, but it bent slightly to the side angling the light. I walked into the circle of light and slowly turned around. In the dark I could see everyone I loved looking at me expectantly.

The light fell upon me now.

I was center stage.

The sky was turning a dark purple as the sun and clouds fought for dominance. I truly lived in a beautiful world. I suddenly started running. I went onto what would have been the grass and ran as fast as the boots would take me. I couldn't see, the snow was whipping in my face. I was just one raw emotion as I kept going. Going somewhere, anywhere. Then I fell. My ankle didn't snap and I didn't lose my balance. I just suddenly felt my entire body stop.

I lay on my back in the snow like a broken doll, my arms wide, my legs sprawled in angles. Then I made a snow angel. I breathed in the chilly ice cold air and felt my legs starting to numb with the cold. My skin was staring to burn inside my jeans. I rose; dying here was not an option. I hugged myself as I walked back to my house.

I had to talk to Eric.

Now.

I didn't care if it didn't resolve anything. I just couldn't live with not knowing.

If I knew what I was getting into, if he loved me as much as he said he did, then I didn't need anything but him. It took me a while to get back. The wind was lashing at me almost as though it was punishing me for being such a dramatic idiot. Finally I, along with a bit of snow, blew back into my house. I locked it firmly behind me and started to shake out my jacket. Putting my clothes by the fire I wrapped up in my bed and decided to set my alarm clock for three hours.

It was 4:15.

Yawning I went to sleep.

When I woke up to the gentle sound of the radio singing Christmas songs I felt a lot more at ease with the situation. I put on the kettle with intentions of hot chocolate and put on my now dry clothes. After enjoying my drink slowly I decided it was time.

7:40 am.

I put on my jacket and accessories in case he was outside. Then I reached on the mantle to get my golden locket.

It was gone.

I tried to contain the rising panic within myself and searched again. Not there. Taking a deep breath I searched around it, the fireplace had a mesh on it so it couldn't have fallen in. When it was nowhere to be found I tore up my house. I could no longer contain my panic. I searched every nook and cranny to find it and it was nowhere to be found. "Where could it be!" I yelled to myself. I only kept it in one place. I threw my drawers and dug through their contents.

I thought of the last time I had seen it. Yesterday! I had seen it yesterday morning when Sasha and Alexander…

I stopped dead.

Alexander.

When he had been leaning on my mantle last night he had nicked it.

The bastard!

I grabbed my keys and ran outside as fast as my legs could take me to Sasha's house. Pounding on the door she opened it, looking at me with wide eyes. Before she could speak I growled, "Where is he?" "What?" she asked confused. "Where the hell is Alexander!" I hissed storming into her house. He wasn't there. I saw red and turned to her viciously. "Even after I forgave you, you still do this to me!" I screamed. "What are you talking about?" she asked her tone confused and wary.

She too was dressed in similar attire to mine. "He took my locket!" I yelled, my panic hitching my voice.

It was 9:00 am.

"If I don't find it by 12:00 pm I'll never see Eric again!" Sasha looked me horrified. "I had no idea. I didn't know he did this!" I looked at her and saw she was telling the truth. "This is bad," she exclaimed getting on the phone. "Taxi, 50 Belreby. Step on it we have a plane to catch!" She said forcefully into the phone. "A plane?" I asked feeling a chill run down my back. "Yes a plane," she said putting on her jacket. "Alexander is going home to France on a 12:00 pm flight." I nearly passed out. "But it takes two hours to get to the airport," I whispered. She looked at me gravely and nodded. I didn't know what to say, but when the taxi pulled up we both ran into it. We were shocked that the man was an American.

"Here's 70 dollars worth of euros," Sasha said shoving it to him. "Get us to the airport to make a 12:00 pm flight and you can have it." He nodded greedily and began to speed away. "Why are you helping me?" I asked Sasha confused. She sighed. "Clara, just because I don't want you to go, doesn't mean I have to right to take away your choices." She took my hands in hers and I saw her eyes were sad. "If you stay I want it to be because you want to," she said softly.

"I love you dearly. Please do not forget me." My throat was filled with emotion and I forced myself to gulp it down. "I would never forget you Sasha," I said giving her a big tight hug. We held onto one another until Sasha broke the hug to yell "Hurry it up!" to the driver.

After that she started to ask me more about Eric and Parthenia. I was happy to oblige as I spun tales of the snow fairies and the flower fairies. "Is this for some kinda book?" the taxi driver asked. We looked at each other smirking. "Yeah," I replied. "A life story." "Ah," he replied. Then we rode on in silence. I broke it talking to Sasha and continuously looking at the time.

As the panic began to well up in my throat I could feel Sasha watching me anxiously. "Are you okay?" she asked me putting a hand on my shoulder. "No," I replied honestly. "Not really." Sasha looked at me, her eyes filled with courage. "Don't worry, we'll make it in time." "Thank you Sasha," I said smiling. Suddenly I had a very sad idea. "Sasha," I said gently. She nodded to show she was still listening. "If I don't come back, will you tell my family what happened. The truth?" She looked at me as though I had just punched her. "Yes," she gasped. "I will Clara. I swear."

We had to stop several times because the streets were so terrible. It was maddening really, stopping and riding slower than a walking pace. Sasha squeezed my hand and urged the taxi driver faster. I think he found Sasha very beautiful because when she said the slightest urging he would increase speed like Fast and Furious. We were almost there. Looking up we could see the planes speeding off into the sky. "How do we tell which plane he's on?" I asked Sasha. Suddenly she looked at me with surprise. "I have no idea," she admitted. "Well," I said trying to stay calm. "Do you know which airline he's taking?"

Silence.

My heart began to beat uncontrollably and the taxi driver who was quite intuitive passed back a paper bag. Sasha thanked him and passed it to me and I took several deep breaths. After a bit of time she pulled away the bag. "Almost there," she said patting me on the back. I noticed she spared a glance at the taxi driver and saw in truth he wasn't bad looking. Soon we were at the main gate. She passed him the money and he gave her back some.

"Normal fare thank you," he said smiling at Sasha. "Thank you for gracing me with your beauty on this lovely morning." "Oh my," Sasha said blushing. She slipped him a piece of paper and we jumped out of the cab with hurried thanks.

It was 11:41.

"You have your number prewritten?" I asked her as we ran through the airport. She shrugged at me and smiled. "You never know." I laughed though my heart was racing rapidly and we ran to check the postings. There were three airlines doing flights to France. "Would they tell us if Alexander was on a certain airline?" I said panicky. "We'll make them," Sasha said walking straight to the front of the booth. Normally I found this extremely rude and I tried to not feel the death wishes and anger of those who lay in the long line.

"Excuse me!" Sasha said to a woman from the airline. "I'm really sorry to interrupt but we're looking for a man named Alexander Valk. Black long hair green eyes. A 12:00 pm flight."

"Sorry," the woman said with a fake smile. "We can't disclose information about our customers to…" "It's life or death important," Sasha said staring deep into her eyes. "His brother has one week to live." She looked at us shocked and I added, my voice quivering, "He won't be back in time to see him one last time." The woman nodded, her mouth grave and she typed into the computer. "Sorry," she said checking the computer. "Try American Airlines." "Thank you," Sasha said nodding and we ran to the next stop.

We rushed to the front of their line and heard several French curses.

"Good," Sasha said to me. "We're close." We ran to the front and disclosed the information, but this time security came to us. "I'm sorry maam but you'll have to wait on line to be served," they said with tight smiles. "We have to find my husband," Sasha said angrily. "We'll help escort you out," a burly man said about to grab her. Anxious I yelled, "SHE'S PREGNANT!" Their grabbing arms dropped and then gave her a bunch of space. "They just divorced!" I yelled as they stared at me wide-eyed. "If she doesn't find him she won't be able to hold onto the baby. Her parents will make her get an abortion!" A woman behind the counter started typing despite a coworker's hushed whispering.

"Terminal 12, Gate 7," she said firmly. "Run, the flight's boarding in 5 minutes." We dashed as fast as we could with security prompting through clothes checking, baggage checking and finally through the eleven gates. It was 11:57 pm. "Last call for Paris, France 12:00 pm flight," an attendant yelled. Then we spotted him. His hair was in a pony tail and he had a white sweater on with a brown jacket.

His shoulder bag was gray and it was the first thing to hit the floor when I tackled him.

"YOU BASTARD!" I yelled loudly as I gripped his shirt and pulled his face toward mine.

"GIVE IT BACK!" He looked at me in shock before pushing me off and standing up. "What are you doing here? Do you want to get taken away by security?" he growled. "Shut up," I seethed pushing him. "Give it back I need it!" The clock said 11:58 pm. As I watched it I shook him furiously. "My locket! Give it back!" I screamed. He grabbed my arms tight and Sasha stepped forward. "Give it back to her Alexander. Please." He looked at her and frowned. "You're not helping me Sasha," he said frowning.

"No, I'm not," she said firmly. "We can't control her, it's her life. Give it back." "What are you talking about?" he asked her with cold eyes. "You know what I'm talking about!" I said shaking myself out of his grip. "My locket! The one from the mantle. I need it now! Give it back Alexander!" I said reaching for his bag. "It's in my luggage," he said with finality.

I looked at him in horror and began to run toward the plane. I'd never make it in time.

He grabbed me before I took more than a few steps and held me still. "Stop it Clara!" he said firmly. "This is what's best for you." "NO!" I said, my tears beginning to stream. "I have to get to that plane!" "It's not on the plane!" he growled at me. I looked into his green pained eyes and fell to my knees.

It was 11:59 pm.

"Please…" I begged. "Please Alexander," I said my voice cracking. His eyes scrunched in pain and he kneeled to me. "Please…" I begged bowing my head to the floor. I had too much to lose. "Please Alexander!" "Please don't cry," he said picking me up and stroking my face. "Please!" I sobbed louder. "Why him?" he asked softly trailing his fingers down my face. "Please," I whispered, my eyes bright red.

My time was almost up. Sasha began to tear and knelt beside Alexander who held my head. "Let her go Alexander," she said tears trickling down her face. "We have to let her go." Alexander looked tired, angry, and distraught in one split second and then reached into his turtleneck. The locket had been around his neck. He snapped it off and slowly put it gently around my neck. I looked at him with wide stunned eyes. "Please be happy," he said smiling painfully at me. I saw that he had given up, I had broken his heart. Then he put Sasha's hand on my shoulder and I opened the locket.

The clock chimed 12:00pm. We watched as we started to go transparent.

The people around them didn't seem to notice and with one last look Alexander boarded his plane.

Chapter 12: All over again (FINAL CHAPTER)

The beginning of the end

Is the end of the beginning

Duty and consequence, Push you to be your all

Fate can make you rise and fall

Moving on, Since you've been gone

At last I've reached the end

You'll always be my friend

Dear God where have you been?

And yet I would do this

All over again

-Tudedeluxe

I felt the same disorientation that I had when I had fallen through the mouse hole.

Sasha screamed loudly and held onto my waist as we free fell through a void of color.

Then suddenly we were at the park, a different park then yesterday. The snow covered this one too and there were white marble gargoyles and angels standing on pillars. They seemed as though they had been fashioned out of the snow by a master builder. Evergreen trees thrived in heavy bushy rows and the occasional pine cone could be seen peeking out on the ground. In front of us standing as still as any of them was Eric. Instinctively I turned to look into Sasha's eyes. I saw she was trying to be strong.

"I just want to say…" she began. "That you are the best friend I have ever had and I will miss you dearly." A tear dropped from her eyes and dried instantly on her cheek as the wind whipped around us. My heart clenched and my mouth lacked the words needed to express my feelings. "Go," she whispered pointing toward him. "Go." She stayed back as I walked toward Eric and I looked back several times, afraid she would disappear. She stood there limply like a ghost, but her eyes burned her determination. I could never thank her enough. "Why don't you come wait inside the car with us?" a gruff voice beckoned.

Turning I saw Mint ushering Sasha with a firm but gentle hand on the small of her back. She craned her neck as she stumbled forward like a child separated from their mother. I just smiled as genuinely and heartfelt as I could in her direction. She nodded and gave me a small smile as her tears began to run freely. Then I looked straight ahead. Eric had been watching at the exchange and I saw flakes of snow coated on his eyelashes.

"Did you wait out here?" I asked noticing he had resembled the statutes partly because he was too covered in snow. "Yes," he replied, his voice strained because of the cold. "For how long?" I asked touching his face with my gloved hand. "Since this morning," he replied evasively. "What do you consider morning?" I asked him stepping closer to his flushed face and red lips. Seeing I was not going to give it up he replied "12:00 am." I stared at him in horror. "Are you crazy? Why didn't you wait in the car?" I growled as I patted the snow off his slightly trembling form. "I didn't want to miss you," he replied smirking. I rolled my eyes and shook his head to get the snow out of his hat.

"I would have walked around you idiot! You're freezing, just look at…" He gripped my right hand which previously had been dusting off his shoulder and slowly brought it to the front of him. Looking at it he gently pulled my glove off and kissed my palm before putting my hand on his face. His beautiful blue eyes fixed onto mine and he said, "There. All better." His face was freezing but instead of feeling his cold I felt heat rush through my body. "NC," I said as he put his other arm around me. "You really are a blockhead."

He laughed, the sound rippling through his body to touch mine. "You haven't called me that in years." I sighed and stepped back from him and pulled my hand away from his face. "I haven't seen you in years," I said frankly. "What have you been doing? Why didn't you come for me last year?" He sighed and I could tell I was not going to like the answer. "The rat king still had followers," he said frowning. "Most of them were not advanced enough to plan, but a few were close to causing a lot of damage to random villages."

I nodded to show that I wasn't furious…yet. "The problem with an unintelligent villain is that you can't track their movements," he explained extending his elbow. I grinned trying not to blush at his act of chivalry that was normal in his world. As I took it we began to walk.

"They could not be predicted so Mint and I had to reform the troops. One thing that was very helpful to us was that the soldiers who had been frozen were unfrozen thanks to you. I personally had Mint and Candy oversee their reconditioning and they collected the last of his supporters." "What did you do with them?" I asked curious as to how he dealt with the situation.

"Well," he said glad that I was interested. "…I gave them the choice to become full-fledged Parthenian citizens should they adhere to the taxes and rules of the kingdom. Most agreed considering the mouse king wasn't exactly a saint. Those who refused were banished." "Isn't all of Parthenia yours?" I asked a little shocked. "Where could they go?"

For a moment I noticed he looked uneasy. "There is a lot of Parthenian history that you don't know Clara," he said firmly. "To every good there is bad. True Parthenia is mine, ours, but there are some places that are best left alone as long as they stay to themselves." I nodded suddenly feeling that Parthenia wasn't exactly perfect just like our world.

"This is…not the time," he said suddenly stopping. He clasped my hands in his and his eyes once again latched onto mine. "Have you decided?" he asked so soft I was unsure if he had asked me, or I had asked myself. "I needed to see you," I said, trapped inside his eyes. He could see right through me, fancy words were pointless. "I want you," I whispered, steam rising from my lips.

What else could I say?

"I love my family," I added trying to make sense of what I was saying. "What will I tell them?" "What do you want to tell them Clara?" he asked me gently. I thought for a moment. Insane asylum story or fake ambassador story? "Could you tell them?" I asked suddenly hopeful.

"Could you take them to Parthenia with us?" He looked at me and sighed big and loud. Uh oh. "Time runs differently in Parthenia," he said frowning. "To you it's been two years?" he asked, an eyebrow raised. I nodded. His eyes shone in concern. "Well for us it's been a matter of just one year." I was shocked. How? "And in addition we have more days than you. So I've spent more time away from you then you have me, and yet I am just 22 while you are now 19."

My jaw dropped and I sputtered. "Wha…what do you mean?" "I'm saying that constant time travel could have dire effects on non-Parthenians," he replied. "I'm saying that I could bring them with us…" his eyes looked guilty. "…but I might not be able to bring them back." "I'm not from Parthenia," I declared frustrated. "Does that mean I can't come back?" "Actually I have a theory," Eric said once again looking guilty. "The Sugar Plum Princess is. Since you are her, it's possible that…"

"I was born in New York," I interrupted, my heart beginning to race. "Where was your mother born?" Eric asked softly.

My eyes widened.

"I don't know," I said panicking. "My Grandfather was in Vietnam. He's from this world!" He looked at me sadly. "Are you sure he's your Grandfather?" My heart stopped. "That's not even funny Eric," I said pulling from him. Grandfather was all me and Tommy had ever had for most of our lives. "All I'm saying…" he tried but I cut him off. "He's my Grandfather!" I said glaring. He looked up in the sky and I felt the cold for the first time since I had been with him. "Then you can't come back," he said softly.

I looked at him and heard screaming, glass breaking, cars crashing.

It took me a moment to realize it was inside of me. I fell to my knees. "Oh my God," I said breathlessly. "I can't come with you." My heart began to race uncontrollably and I started to hyperventilate as the truth came crashing down on me.

I couldn't have him. I just couldn't.

"I can't come with you!" I said as my tears began to fall. Then the panic began to set in. "I-I CAN'T COME WITH YOU!" I screamed gasping and pulling at my hair. "I CAN'T! I CAN'T!" Eric rushed to my side and gathered my panicking form in his arms. "CLARA CALM DOWN!" he yelled above me, but I was beyond him. "I CAN'T COME WITH YOU!" "CLARA STOP IT!" "NO! NO!" "CLARA!" "WHY? WHY! I CAN'T!"

Suddenly his lips crushed into mine and he began to kiss me while I wriggled against him. His hand was tangled into my hair and kept me in place while his other wrapped around my waist to guarantee no escape. At first the kiss was fierce and demanding, but as I began to calm down it became longing, soft as though he was afraid to stop.

I don't remember breathing, but when he released my lips he was the only one gasping.

"Are you alright now?" he whispered, his forehead against mine. "Yes," I sighed. "But not for long." "It's alright Clara," he said pressing his lips against my forehead. "I know what I must do. I'll give up my crown."

"No Eric," I said firmly. "Do you love me Clara?" "No Eric." He looked up at me and I was shocked by the fierce expression in his eyes. "Would you like to try that again looking me in the eyes?" "I hate you," I gasped out glaring at him.

And believe me I did. For everything he was making me feel. The pain, the weakness, the brief moments of insanity.

Everything. I didn't even notice I was still crying. "I didn't ask you that," he said calmly. "I fricken hate you Eric!" I growled. "I hate you too," he said smiling softly. "I'm going to give up my kingdom for you because I love you more. It's going to make me really popular back home." "I won't let you do it," I said shaking my head. "I won't." "I'd give up the world for you." "You shouldn't have to." He chuckled. "Life's unfair. You shouldn't have to give up your happiness too."

Then he closed his arms around my still crying form and whispered into my hair. "Please tell me you love me."

I felt his warmth and cried as I realized how much I wanted to stay in his arms. "I love you. More than you'll ever know," I said closing my eyes. "Then we'll find a way," he said running a hand down my back comfortingly. "There's always a way. I'll never let you go. Ever." I laughed through my tears at his cheesy lines.

"Where have you been all my life?"

"Parthenia."

I laughed again. "It's an expression. You're not supposed to actually answer."

"Really?" His tone made me look up and I saw he was trying to look serious but failing miserably. I hit him for tricking me and he finally laughed out. "Let's go inside before we both freeze," he said pulling us out of the snow.

"You didn't seem to worry too much about that earlier," I said taking his elbow. He shrugged. "The thought of you kept me warm." I raised an eyebrow. "What kinds of thoughts were you having?" He looked at me stunned and I laughed and raced off to the car.

Hey, I was 19. He chased after me and caught me when we arrived to the limo….not car. "Is this your car?" I asked him shocked. "Yes," he said opening the door for me. I decided to leave it alone and climbed in next to Sasha who was talking animatedly to Candy.

I noticed that she had her flirting tone on and it seemed to fly right over Candy who spoke to her innocently.

"Clara," Eric said sitting across from us. "Come with me. I promise you'll come back again." "Yes," I replied smiling. "I trust you." His face opened with a smile so beautiful that it nearly knocked me over and Sasha stopped what she was saying to stare at him. "Damn," she mouthed to me. I nodded. Yup. "You're in trouble." I nodded again. Yes, yes more than you know. I noticed her eyes were dry and she looked calm. "You're taking this well," I said grinning at her. She shrugged and took a sugar cookie that lay on a tray on the side of us.

"I don't know. I was afraid you were going to just poof away. I didn't expect some form of process or civility." "Great," I said drily. "Nice to know you think I got hitched to a savage." "You know what I mean," she sniffed taking a bit of her cookie. "This is the best I have ever had by the way," she said waving it with wide eyes. Eric laughed and closed the door. "Parthenia is the birthplace of Christmas treats." Then I refocused on the tasks at hand.

"Where are we going now?" I asked as Candy walked out to get into the driver's seat. Eric was currently pouring hot chocolate. I saw only two mugs and was once again touched by his chivalrous nature when he handed them to me and Sasha. "Where are the other mugs?" I asked. "I only expected four of us sorry," he said sheepishly. "I should have been more prepared." Sasha looked at him in surprise. "Are you for real?" He blinked. "I think so…are you for real?" Sasha shrugged.

"I don't really want it, you can have it. You look like an icicle." He nodded and took a long sip before turning to me. "We're going to your house, that's where the portal is," he said staring the limousine. I looked at Eric and wondered why he hadn't left me a note or something.

Men.

Time flies when you're having fun and suddenly we were at my house. Candy made the limo disappear and in its place was a black toy car. "It's standard," he said with a smile and walked in. "What does that mean?" Sasha asked me. I shrugged and we headed inside my house. As we got there I realized with shock that it was still 12:00 pm. "How?" Sasha asked before I could say the same. "This locket is a time article," Eric said picking it up from my neck. "With it your world runs in Parthenian time and in essence is frozen. "Hm," she said musing. "That would explain the lack of traffic."

Noticing something amiss with the overall feeling of my house I began to look around while Eric, Candy, and Mint began to feel around the wall next to my fireplace. Suddenly I heard a bunch of hooting and Sasha yelling. I rushed out and the owl from Madame Lafayette's clock swooped towards me and landed on my head.

I was stunned so I just stood there as it made its self comfortable on the top of my head. "I sensed you need my aid," she said in Madame Lafayette's strict but kind voice. "Uh, excuse me," I said looking up with my eyes. "Yes, we're looking to find a way to connect our worlds," Eric said pulling me to the center of the room.

The owl bobbed and I think it nodded. "I know what you seek." I saw a wing on the side of my head. It was beautiful and had three different layers of feather colors underneath it. "That unfortunately cannot be," she said firmly. "However, there is a way to travel between worlds without the effect of time." "But no one can travel between worlds and not feel the change in time," Eric said confused. The owl sighed and I could feel it bristle.

"This one doesn't learn easy does he?" she asked leaning over most of her body to my eye level. "Um, could you…" then she righted herself. "Nothing is impossible King Eric, you must know this by now." He nodded then looked at her stunned. "You knew?" She hooted. "Of course I knew. I am Clara's guardian spirit after all." I blinked. "Since when?" I asked confused. She finally jumped off and landed on the mantle. She gave me a smile that made me feel I knew the answer and turned to look at Sasha who was gaping at her.

"Close your mouth dear. You'll catch nothing inside," the owl said to her matter-of-factly. Sasha obeyed, but her eyes remained wide. "Hm," Eric said raising an eyebrow. "The Royalty of Parthenia are given animal guardians at birth. My father's was the mouse." "Shut it up Eric." I snapped at him. The owl seemed to smile and for a minute I really missed Madame Lafayette. "You must go to the jeweler of dreams. He lives even farther than the sea of storms. On the island of Everlasting sunshine. "But it's impossible to…" Eric started but then stopped himself. "Sorry," he apologized. "Old habits die hard."

The owl hooted and then began again, her green emerald eyes sparkling. "He dwells in the one place the sun does not touch. There however lie all manners of dark and evil creatures whom are trapped there by the light and dare not leave its lairs. Find him and he will fashion a time article for you, similar to the one you hold Clara." "The locket right?" I asked. "It can help us travel?" "Yes, this is why you are able to return to your home using it. It cannot take you anywhere, but it can return you to its origin." I nodded slightly confused.

"Then how did it take me to where Eric was?" Eric chuckled and I shrugged as I regarded him. "Pardon me for this sentence, but home is where the heart is. Literally as well." The owl nodded and I wanted to hit Eric. That meant just being able to simply go to him would mean I'd have to be in love with him. The sexy bastard. "I see," I replied, maintaining my grace and dignity. The owl flew back to her perch on the clock. "You and Eric must both prove you are worthy of his gift and then he will bestow it to you in a form of his choosing." "Thank you," Eric said bowing.

"You're welcome," she said. "But know this. A house divided cannot stand, just as a door that is not closed cannot block out the rain. One cannot have two halves and expect to be whole." I frowned and felt her eyes grasp onto mine.

"In the end, you both must choose your own path."

For a moment I was a child again being hit by Madame Lafayette's cane in a pale pink leotard that was faded from constant washing. I could see a scene of her teaching me my very first moves in black and white and I felt my eyes well up. Why the hell was I crying so much lately? "Could you contact Madame Lafayette for me?" I asked her softly. "No," she said firmly fluffing her feathers. "But I think she'd say she's very proud of what you've become." "Wait!" I yelled, but it was too late, the owl returned to the clock.

Eric nodded to Mint and he straightened. "About face now," he said straightening. "Jolly ho." "Alright," he said addressing everyone in the room. "We have our mission. Time runs differently than here in Parthenia. We must go now so your time will not be affected. But if a year goes by in Parthenia before we find the next time article the timeline will go on and life will resume without Clara." I turned to see how Sasha was doing. She stood slightly outside of our circle.

"Sasha…" I said, going to her and taking her hands. She beamed at me brightly and I could only smile back. "You will return," she said smiling. "Be home soon. Before I have to make an excuse. I love you and be safe. Got it?"

"Got it. Love you too," I said giving her a huge bear hug. "Oh," she whispered into my ear. "When you come back be sure to bring me some…Candy."

"What kind?" I asked. Then I followed her line of vision to the handsome Indian man standing next to Eric.

I shook my head. "Goodness Sasha. Will you ever stop devouring men?" She shrugged. "Maybe I just need to taste some Candy."

"You are so wrong." "Are you ready Clara?" Eric said standing in front of the fireplace. "This is crazy as hell." I said smirking. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be." I let go of Sasha's hand and Eric asked for my locket. Taking it he held it toward the fireplace. The fireplace wall disappeared and widened into a large dark opening. A human sized mouse hole. "See you all very soon. Safe travels!" Sasha yelled. Mint and Candy waved goodbye and Sasha blew a kiss specifically to Candy.

Candy blushed and Mint frowned. "Did you see that?" he whispered to Candy. "I'm twice her age! Fresh little children nowadays." Candy gave me a knowing look and I gave him a smile. Just like old times. Eric took my hand and gave it a kiss before holding onto it.

"We shall have to get you proper battle attire. Perhaps a pair of boots?" he asked me, his eyes filled with all the love in the world. "Yeah," I said, feeling every bit like my old self. "I like to leave an imprint when I kick ass."

Then we all walked into the dark, ready to fall into a new and brighter world filled with wondrous possibilities.

When Clara left Alexander felt a part of himself leaving with her.

It hurt and he tried to block her out. She had hurt him, but when she had knelt before him crying, he saw he was hurting her as well. He loved her more than that. If she was happy then that's what mattered the most. He would never forget her gentle and yet strong beauty. The way she exuded it when she danced. God, she was perfect. Just not for him. He forced himself to repeat it. Just not for him. It was better that way. Maybe it was best that he did not go back to the school after this year.

He was good enough to try out for a company. It was for the best. He didn't look around him. He might have noticed that everyone around him was frozen.

He was in his own world and sat next a man with white leather gloves on and a newspaper in front of him. "You look down son," the man said, his voice thick and deliberate. "I'm fine," Alexander said now angry that strangers could sense the war in his soul. "Are you sure?" he asked peering above the top of the newspaper. Alexander was a little shocked to see that the man was not in fact old looking. He had a tan complexion and circular spectacles from the 1900's on his face. On his head was what appeared to be an old derby. His eyes were most striking because they were an acid yellow. "Yeah," Alexander said frowning heavily and turning to look away from him. "

Oh," the man said returning to his newspaper. "Well that makes one of you." "Excuse me?" Alexander said, his temper rising. He could fight this man and get the anger out of his system. It seemed rational in his current state. "Well I was referring to dear Clara," the man drawled with fake concern.

Alexander snatched his newspaper from him and crumpled it in his hand throwing it behind him. "What do you mean?" Alexander seethed, his teeth gritted. The man straightened and looked at Alexander with amusement, revealing a cane by his knees. "Why she's in Parthenia now isn't she? With that villain Eric." Alexander stood up and his fists tightened. "Calm down now son," the man said staring into his eyes. Inside Alexander felt like the man was a lot more then he seemed. "What's going on? Talk old man," Alexander said sitting down again, facing the man. The man smiled and turned to Alexander as well.

"Listen, Parthenia is not the way Clara described it. She was being deceived by his magic. His eyes can hypnotize, that's why Sasha suddenly started helping Eric. He used her. He plans on exploiting Clara's magic." The man gestured toward the plane. "Look around you. See what he has done." Alexander looked around and was shocked to see everyone stuck in motion. Frozen. "How? Why?" "To give himself more time of course," the man said casually. "They're stuck in time. The time he stole to make the trip back to Parthenia."

The man stood up and leaned over an infant who was frozen in a cry. "And they don't even know," he said leaning on his cane. "A pity really." "What's going to happen to them?" Alexander said panicked. "Can we snap them out of it?" "No," the man said shaking his head sadly. "The only one who can unfreeze time is the Sugar Plum Princess. You know her as Clara." Alexander stared at him with wide eyes. "What is he going to do to her?" "Nothing at the moment," the man said walking perfectly fine though he kept his cane in hand.

It was wooden with a strange circle top like a golden knob. "She's still in love with him, but when she finds out the truth…" He looked at Alexander. "I fear for the poor girl." Alexander felt his heart beat uncontrollably. This couldn't be. "Then why aren't I frozen?" The man laughed and Alexander felt his eyes grab hold of him. "Smart boy. That's because of me. You see I'm trying to save Parthenia. That's why I need you to rescue Clara."

His eyes burned intensely as he stared at Alexander. "It'd be like killing two birds with one stone."

"What could I do?" Alexander said his head pounding. "Well in Parthenia with a little bit of me and my friend's help you'd be more powerful then Eric. You could beat him with little effort." The prospect was like gold and Alexander swallowed his greed. "Why haven't you done this?" The man smiled with his teeth and Alexander saw they were pointy. "I've tried," he said sadly. "Unfortunately I was not strong enough. That's why I look this way. I've been…deformed."

Alexander felt sorry for this strange looking man and thought of his love. He agreed to let go if she was happy. He'd die before he let her be enslaved or worse! "I'm in," he said confidently. "Wonderful," the man said smiling. "My Queen will be pleased." "Queen?" Alexander asked. "Oh yes," the man said walking down the aisle. "You'll meet her soon Alexander." "By the way," Alexander said following him. "How do you know my name?" The man gave him a grin.

"I'm a magical being. It's my job to know about heroes." Alexander frowned as they opened an emergency hatch, the plane was still on the ground. Spinning his cane Alexander was shocked when a hole literally ripped into the sky.

"That's our portal," the man said looking at the ripped, gnarled opening with affection. "Hey," Alexander said before they jumped out into it. "Yes my child?" the man said gently. "What's your name?" The man smiled even wider than before, baring all his scary looking canines.

"You can call me…Mouse."

END NOTES!READ!READ!XD

Hi, I just wanted to thank everyone who stayed with me through the Clara and the Nutcracker story.

It'd been an honor to write for you, even those of you who are reading but not reviewing.

Based on the polls most of you are fervent Clara X Eric shippers to the point where any other pairing would be blasphemous. I personally find this hilarious. This is the last chapter, 12 chapters signifying the 12 days of Christmas. Yes I am a weirdo, embrace it.

Thank you barbiegirl2435: I'm glad you like it and I hope the end lived up to your expectations. Be sure to tell me!

Thank you Chocolatesyrup: You Pmed your response and I thankful you enjoyed my story. Be sure to review!

Thank you Orca: You were one of my first reviewers. Thanks a lot.

A special shout out to Reverend Lovejoy with whom I've had the most correspondence and whose reviews did actually alter some of my original plot ending. The original was a lot less exciting. I encourage you all to have an active say in my story because after all, I write for you.

It's been fun and we'll pick it up starting on December 18th with the first chapter of the sequel, "The Rat that Bit at the Nutcrackers' Sugar Plum."

Oh, and like always REVIEW! EVEN IF YOUR NEW CUZ YOU KNOW THAT I WILL LOVE YOU!