The Enchanted Toy•||Michael Jackson||•

Chapter Three

Narrator: Up here!⬆️

   As they continued their journey, the landscape around them began to shift. The harsh cold of the snowy land softened, giving way to a warmer, brighter area filled with vibrant colors. Flowers bloomed in every shade imaginable, and crystal-clear streams trickled melodically through the meadows.

Clara walked beside Michael, her hands clasped behind her back as she occasionally glanced at Prince. The snowflake brothers, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, darted around in the air like playful snow-spirits, exchanging mischievous glances with Clara.

Clara leaned toward Taj and whispered, "Do you think we could mess with Prince a little?"

Taj grinned. "Oh, definitely. Taryll, TJ, are you in?"

The other two nodded eagerly, and Clara smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Narrator: Here they go y'all. They bout to make prince cry.

"Hey, Prince," Clara called sweetly. "You've got a little something on your cape."

Prince looked over his shoulder in alarm, spinning in circles as he tried to see what was there. "What? Where?"

"It's right there!" TJ said, darting behind him and poking the back of his cape.

"Get it off!" Prince snapped, spinning faster. The snowflake brothers laughed so hard they could barely stay standing, while Clara covered her mouth, trying to stifle her giggles.

"Y'all think this is funny?" Prince growled, glaring at the group.

"Yes," Clara said innocently, skipping ahead back to Michael's side before he could retort.

Prince grumbled under his breath but followed, flicking his cape irritably as they approached a shimmering structure in the distance.

The garden of the Crystal Palace was breathtaking. Giant ladybugs, dragonflies, and butterflies danced in the air, their delicate wings glistening like gems. The sun bathed the area in a golden glow, and the air smelled sweet, like honey and blooming flowers.

Narrator: That junk sounds magical for real. How I get here?

Clara gasped, spinning around to take it all in. "It's so beautiful here!"

Michael smiled softly. "This is the garden of the Crystal Palace. It belongs to—"

Before he could finish, a burst of glittering light filled the air, and a graceful figure appeared, floating down toward them with an effortless elegance. She wore a gown of soft pink and white, and her wings sparkled like spun sugar.

Prince groaned audibly. "Oh, great. Here we go."

Clara looked up at Michael, confused. "Who's that?"

Michael sighed. "That would be my sister. Janet."

Narrator: MISS DAMITA JO!

The Sugar Plum Fairy landed delicately before them, her smile warm and inviting. "Michael," she said, her voice melodic. "It's been ages since you've visited. And you've brought guests!"

"Hello, Janet," Michael said, bowing slightly. "This is Clara, and, unfortunately, Prince."

"Unfortunately?" Prince muttered, offendedly crossing his arms.

Janet ignored him and knelt slightly to meet Clara's gaze. "You must be very brave to travel with my brother. He attracts trouble like bees to flowers."

Clara blushed. "I just wanted to help him."

Janet straightened and clapped her hands. "Well, you'll have to tell me all about it. Come, everyone. Let's sit."