A/N – I got inspired to write this about four hours after posting my last fanfic. I really want to write this one – it'll be my first multi-chapter submission. Reviews, as ever, are appreciated.
This is an alternative ending to the movie – extending the adventure.
Prologue
Fate, destiny, a horse: two out of these three were determined to see that today was the day he died. True, an hour ago the horse (and friends) had changed the fates' plan to see Eugene swinging from a rope.
But Max could do nothing about an eight inch dagger thrust into his side with evil hatred, shredding his liver and leaving him bleeding out on the floor. Rapunzel was going to try though.
Slipping in and out of consciousness, Eugene heard her plea and promise to Gothel, despite his gasped protests. He felt Gothel fasten the shackles around his wrist – one way or another he would die in chains – and then Rapunzel's presence beside him, cradling his head, so gently.
He had no strength left to fend off her determined efforts to save him, even though he would rather give his life for her freedom. He felt the darkness consume him briefly before brilliant golden light brought him back.
"Rapunzel, no," he whispered to her, blinking back the tears. He pulled himself up in to a sitting position and gently ran his fingers down her cheek. Eugene pulled Rapunzel into a tight embrace, never wanting to let her go.
"Rapunzel, time to go," said Gothel in a cold voice. Rapunzel pulled back, but Eugene followed her to plant a soft kiss on her lips – their first, and now their last. Then Rapunzel did the hardest thing she had ever needed to do; she turned and walked away from Eugene without looking back.
"Rapunzel!" Eugene cried. "Rapunzel!"
But she had gone.
