Life in the tower itself had slowly become rather strange for Rapunzel over the years. Eugene had been hanged for his crimes, and Punz hadn't even found out about it until a year later. She had never realized she was the Lost Princess, and had no reason to work up the courage to go against Mother Gothel. So, here she sat in her tower, staring out the window as if life itself hadn't really changed. Well, except for the minor feeling of heart break. Rapunzel wasn't sure her Mother was wrong about the world, if they had killed Eugene for just stealing a crown. She still believed her was treacherous and selfish, and had left her that night. But, had he deserved death for any of those acts? No, Rapunzel didn't hate Eugene, had never felt true unforgivable anger towards him, and had wept when she learned of his death. It had kept her up at night, the thoughts swirling in her mind of Eugene...of Flynn Rider. The man who had opened up to her for just a moment, the man who had shown her what the world was like. The man who was then murdered by that world Rapunzel had been so curious about.
She felt her eyes well up again thinking about it. Gulping slowly, Rapunzel heard her Mother's voice ringing through the halls. It was that time of day, to sing for her Mother before she left the tower. Slowly Rapunzel strode towards the woman who claimed still to be her loving Mother. Pulling up the stool, Rapunzel sat down on it and handed her Mother the soft brush. The same brush they had always used to lightly pull through her long blonde hair.
"Are you still mourning that thief's death?" Rapunzel sat up straight, turning her head just a tad to peek at her Mother. She lightly shook her head 'no' and began to sing the familiar melody.
Mother Gothel slowly began to brush through Rapunzel's hair, feeling it's magic run through her veins. She smiled, the corner of her mouth curling into a small smirk. She had won the war. Rapunzel was nothing but compliant now, silent most of the time, and had given up on those silly thoughts of the 'outside world.' Pausing for just a moment, Mother Gothel looked around, staring at the now plain and dreary walls of the tower. It was always after this time, always after Rapunzel sang for her that she felt as though the eyes of the dead were glued on her body. She often wondered if it was Flynn Rider's ghost standing behind her, unable to be at peace. Something about that thought caused Mother Gothel to smile even more wickedly.
"It's okay to think about him sometimes." She spoke again to Rapunzel, unable to bear the silence any longer. "His death is just more proof to what I've been telling you your whole life Rapunzel. The world is a dangerous and cruel place. It's unforgiving and will punch a common thief just as it would a murderer." Her hands placed the brush on the small end table that rested next to the both of them and rested on Rapunzel's shoulders. She meant it to be warm and comforting, part of her deep down hoping that one day Rapunzel would look at her like she used to. Instead, Rapunzel shivered and shrugged her shoulders in a way to push her Mother's hands off. Standing up, she peered behind taking in her Mother for a moment before she walked back to her usual spot on the windowsill.
"It's my fault he's dead. Not the worlds." She mumbled, hoping her Mother was going to get annoyed and speak about how she hated the mumbling. Hearing the low humming from the dead silent room, Rapunzel knew the conversation was over, just as it normally was, and walking back over towards the window by her bed. Gazing outside, Rapunzel knew she would never be able to silence that small part of her soul, the part that so desperately wanted to run away. There had to be somewhere in this world that wasn't cold and cruel, there had to be people who were warm and loving. But, then she sighed, feeling as though this was her punishment. Her punishment for enlisting Eugene's help that day, punishment for giving him back that crown, punishment for even thinking about falling for him.
"Rapunzel.." She heard her Mother's soft voice calling her back. Sighing, she rose and walked back down seeing her Mother putting on her cloak. "Where are you going?" She asked her, an eyebrow arching. Her mother hadn't gone on long trips since the day Rapunzel had tricked her. Probably didn't trust that she wouldn't run off again. But, Rapunzel noticed the basket of bread and water, enough for a four day hike at least.
"There is a specific herb I am in need of, it only grows in the West." Mother Gothel explained vaguely as she tied her cloak."I will be back in five days time." Her eyes gave Rapunzel a warning look, as if to say that she was expecting no funny business. Rapunzel eyed the basket again, there was only enough bread for four days, so she would probably be back in three. She looked back up at her Mother, knowing that she was saying extra days, probably to surprise Rapunzel with an early visit.
"Okay, Mother." She said simply before tossing her hair out for her Mother to ride down on. "I'll be here." She sighed out, knowing that there was really no where else for her to go. Mother Gothel approached Rapunzel before she left, looking down at her and placing a hand on each of her cheeks.
"I will always love you most Rapunzel." Her voice was steady and unfailing as she looked down at the girl she claimed to be her daughter. And for the first time she placed a delicate kiss against her forehead instead of atop her hair. Before Rapunzel was able to even process this act, her Mother was climbing out the window and holding on to her thick long golden hair. Slowly she guided her Mother down, watching then from the window as the woman began to walk out of their little cul-de-sac.
Sighing, Rapunzel threw herself on her bed, her long hair falling on her face as she tried to blow it off with small short breaths.
"I thought she'd never leave." A cold raspy voice said from her doorway.
Rapunzel perked up and tilted her head to the side before rolling her eyes slightly. "She barely leaves anymore. I'm actually surprised you're still here, Pitch." She said crossing her arms defiantly.
"And leave a fellow friend behind? Never." He placed a hand on his chest and acted dramatically as he saw Rapunzel tossing herself back on her bed. "Have you changed your mind yet, or at least thought about my offer?" Pitch asked her as he glided over towards her bed, leaning on one it's posts.
Rapunzel shook her head, "I'm not sure why you think I would help you." She spoke still peering up.
"Because...what has the world ever done for you? I mean, besides break you soul and crush your spirit."
Rapunzel sighed, feeling slightly agitated, and sat up. "Listen, I already told you...my answer is the same it's been forever. No. Why do you still come here?" She asked him before tilting her head for a moment, feeling as though she realized the answer instantly. "It's because I'm the only one who can see you, isn't it?"
He tried not to react to her words. Simply shaking his head 'no.' "Because, you have magic hair that glows. And I'd like to be the one behind someone with power like that. I just want to..." He stopped for a moment and shook his head again. "I can see I won't be changing your mind tonight, I suppose I should just...let you be alone for the next for days."
Rapunzel sighed again, this time more at herself. "Wait.." She muttered, her hand raising up as if to pull him back. She watched as Pitch looked over his shoulder back at her, not disappearing in a puff of smoke as she had expected. His face was conveying that he was waiting for an explanation, a reason why he should wait and waste his time here. "You're the only person who sees me."
