Yes, yes, I'm still alive! ;) Sorry it took so long! Here is the final chapter for this short story, and where my second genre comes into play.
In the words of Rapunzel, "I can't believe I did this!"
Hope you all find this interesting and up to scratch. My writing block(for my main story) had forced me to take a month-long break(oi!),
so I hope this is satisfactory.
To summarize this story as a whole, this is meant to explain what made Eugene choose the life of Flynn Rider. It shows what made him break to the point of denying his own existence for another's...
Enough of me, read on!
-Kittehkitty2
Something had changed, and it wasn't for the worse. Madame Eliza watched as Eugene Fitzherbert sat on his cot, again building a rich picture of a swashbuckling man conquering his foes with a mere sweep of his sword. The "Tales of Flynnigan Rider" took shape as his adventure took him to a foreign land, strange sights developing as the young man painted a colorful mental picture of warm, blue waters and tropical paradises. The children settled around his legs sat spellbound, their eyes wide with wonder. Occasionally, one would shout out a line they knew, and Eugene would laugh, his amber eyes twinkling in agreement. Eliza found herself being carried into that world from which Eugene created, the tattered pages of the book lying in his lap. How nice it would be to be young again, that enthusiasm for life that youth always carried could lift them up in difficult times. Eugene must have found that inner reserve of happiness, because as the days passed, he seemed to only become happier, a smile forever adorning his face. She rejoiced silently, finding joy in his happiness. It seemed her own personal happiness had run dry long ago, and yet it revitalized her every time she saw one of her "children" smile. Each giggle, each laugh, each set of dancing eyes made her impossible existence seem worth the pain. Though she never chose favorites, Madame Eliza had a special place for that young man with amber eyes and brown hair in her heart. Within that reserved attitude was a kind, sweet boy who was exceedingly sensitive to other's feelings. Though he would never admit it, she could always see that soft light glowing in his eyes.
Now, watching him laugh as the other children begged for another tale, she smiled as he only replaced the book, tousling their dirty hair, crouching down to reply to the little girls which grabbed his hands. As the story time ended, she saw Eugene slip outside, and again she heard the sound of a barking dog. It seemed like his laughter and the canine's bark went together lately, though she didn't investigate. As long as he was happy, that was all that truly mattered…..
O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O
"Come on, Flynn," Eugene called to the hairy form which had stopped to beg at vending stand. The dog immediately ran to his master's side, pink tongue lolling in a canine version of a smile. Eugene's patted his pet's head, his bare feet shuffling along the stoned streets of Corona. Once they had reached their destination, Eugene vaulted over a low wall, letting his feet sink into the soft sand along the water's edge. His companion galloped into the cool depths of the bay, spray flying in every direction, each droplet reflecting the evening light. Grabbing a stick, Eugene sent it hurtling into the water, calling as the dog quickly swam after it. Once he returned, the stick in his jaws, the dog dropped it at Eugene's feet, tensing as he readied to gallop after it. Eugene again sent the stick plunging into the bay, watching as his dog leapt through the water. It seemed like a dark cloud had lifted from his life, leaving the radiant brilliance of light to warm his battered heart. The dog had become his constant companion, always treating him with equality, unlike the very humans which he often encountered. When he felt down, a canine tongue and two friendly eyes were always there to encourage him. He finally had someone to talk to, someone to tell his deepest feelings to, knowing that he would never, ever tell them to anyone. There was something infinitely comforting about the shaggy being trotting at his side, the undying friendship evident in every moment spent with the canine. Eugene had never experienced true friendship like this before. No one had even given him the privilege of a smile. Yet, this one animal didn't look at his tousled hair or dirty clothes; he seemed to look into the soul. Now, Eugene's back leaning against a log of driftwood, his furry friend chewing that same stick next to him, he couldn't explain the peace he felt in his heart, the companionship that filled that dark, empty hole. Someone loved him, for him… He didn't care if it was only an animal; he didn't care if the dog didn't really understand what he was saying. There was a silent language that seemed to flow between them. It was the language of undying loyalty.
As the twosome made their way along the silent streets, the orange tendrils of sunset light began to settle into the sky. Eugene placed a thankful hand on the dog's back, receiving a soft, loving whine in reply. Just his presence in itself was comforting, the warmth of his body next to him radiating friendship. As the orphanage sign became visible, the pang of depression didn't penetrate Eugene's heart as he whistled, unlatching the wrought iron gate nonchalantly. The dog sat patiently as the gate was closed in his face, only pressing his nose against the bars when the door latched. After one last pat, Eugene shuffled toward the door to the orphanage, stretching a hand to grasp the handle. As his fingers wrapped around the wood, an aggressive yank on the back of his collar sent him falling backwards. Again, he felt himself being dragged to a wall, the cold bricks digging into his back. The menacing stares of the Stabbington brothers penetrated the happiness of Eugene's heart, leaving a cold, fearful residue.
"Well, kid, ready to hand it over," Hank growled, his hands behind his back.
"Wha- whaddya mean," Eugene asked, trying desperately to keep his voice from cracking.
"The money, ya rat. You know what I'm talking about!"
"What if I said I wouldn't give it to you," Eugene asked, trying, and yet failing to sound confident.
"Then you won't be around to stop me from taking it," Hank added with a sneer, revealing a coiled whip from behind his back.
Eugene froze, his face becoming as white as the moon which shone above him. No, they couldn't whip him! Just because of a few measly coins, they wanted to injure him permanently, if not fatally? Surely money wasn't really that important…
"Well, do you want to obey, or face the consequences," Hank asked, slapping the coiled whip against his leg threateningly.
Before Eugene could respond, a brown blur shot in between them, the dog growling from deep within his throat, the hair bristled defensively along his spine. Hank lifted his hand, as if about to reign blows on the dog, but with the animal's rippling muscles tensed and ready to spring at any sudden movements, Hank let his hand fall to his side. Suddenly, an idea seemed to seize him, and turning with an evil leer, he asked, "Or, should your little friend take your punishment for you?"
Eugene's eyes widened, his heart beginning to beat faster and faster inside his chest. Hank wouldn't beat an innocent dog, would he? Eugene's hand began to move toward his pockets, ready to hand over the articles of argument. Yet, his hand fell away as he again couldn't bring himself to bow and scrape to these thugs. Suddenly waving a vague hand at Eugene's shivering frame, Hank exclaimed, "Actually, the money can wait. I would just love to see this rat squirm a little." Motioning to his brother, he added, "Ed, hold the kid. I think I'll have some fun with his scraggly friend…"
"No," Eugene yelled, trying desperately to break free as Hank cornered the dog. He was actually going to do it. He was actually going to beat his best friend...
The whizzing of leather strapping, the agonizing yelp of pain, the first lashing made Eugene nearly scream for mercy. He didn't care if it was only a dog, each cracking of the whip felt like it was he that was being beaten.
A second…
A third…
A fourth…
Each raining down so mercilessly that the dog had no time to flinch. Each slash thundered through the crisp night air, the sound piercing the night like a sword. As hard as Eugene tried to break free and save his companion, the iron hold of the Stabbington brother held him fast.
The sound of whizzing leather crackled again, another yelp of pain escaping from the dog, now cowering helplessly against the wall which could offer no protection. Nothing could cease the crazed madness that had overcome the Stabbington.
Blood began to cake the dog's fur, his ribcage heaving in frightened, painful breaths. His one eye was closed, hairless gashes now adorning his face in a crisscross manner. Yet he stood, unwavering, a look of complete and utter loyalty still flickering in his deep brown eyes. Just when Eugene thought it couldn't become worse, Hank sent the dog toppling to the ground with another powerful slash. The dog collapsed onto the ground, its eyes only begging for mercy. Eugene again tried to break free, but Ed only took a stronger hold of his arms, shaking him like a rag doll.
Hank had now taken on a wayward zeal which fueled his lashings, the twentieth still as crushing as the first. As they multiplied continuously, the dog never attacked, only taking the beatings like a regal animal would. His brown eyes never ceased to glow with that unfailing loyalty, even as he lay on the ground, his blood mixing with the dirt which matted his fur. Even as the lashings continued, battering his body until it was beyond recognition, the trusting look that he had frozen onto Eugene never dulled; even as they closed for the final time, his battered ribcage finally ceasing to rise and fall.
As the Stabbingtons left, their victim lying motionless on the dirt, Eugene stayed against to the wall, his mind frozen in time. His eyes seemed glued to the animal which had once bounced around him, barking in delight. That excited bark seemed to echo in his head, drawing the tears from his eyes. Each memory drew his chest outward in racking sobs, his mind finally grasping that nothing could bring those memories back to life. Kneeling next to the tattered body, Eugene placed a hand on the head which had once lain in his lap, the muzzle that had once licked away his tears. Droplets fell onto the body which had once radiated warmth and friendship, the tears falling ceaselessly from the amber depths above. Silhouetted by the silver light of the moon, Eugene cradled the lifeless head in his arms, sobs racking his chest in great sweeps.
It seemed like an eternity, sitting in the dirt, darkness overcoming him in the form of night, the lifeless body of his dog lying in his arms. The tears flowed freely, a cascade that never seemed to end. Again, like always, Eugene felt the depression, hurt, anger, and fear seize him in a whirlwind of emotions. Why did life have to be like this, so cold and cruel that it made a person wish they could be someone else? Someone else… Eugene finally straightened up, wiping the flowing tears away from his eyes with the tattered sleeves of his shirt. Looking down, he couldn't mistake the streaks of blood which adorned his clothes. Another wave of tears struck him full force, sending him rocking back and forth, his arms wrapped around himself. Shakily sighing and wiping his eyes, which were raw to the touch, he gathered the limp body of his only companion, gently placing him in the alley of the orphanage. Feeling the wooden handle in his grasp, Eugene sent the blade of the shovel deep into the ground, tears sliding down his cheeks, his efforts to fight them back ending fruitlessly. As the hole deepened, the moon unable to cast its light inside, Eugene's heart seemed to melt away from him, leaving only a darkening hole, just like the one he was digging. When it seemed large enough, Eugene set the shovel aside, again gathering the dog in his arms one final time. Lowering the body into the darkness, the moon sent a tendril of light downward, and Eugene took one last look at the tan face of his only true friend. Placing a calloused hand on the fur, the memories swirled around him, drifting down into the hole where he buried them. When the surface of the ground was level again, Eugene felt the empty cavern in his heart fill with something he had never truly felt before.
Later, as he sat on his cot, the darkness of night enveloping him, his heart began to harden, anger replacing the sadness he had felt. Why was he so vulnerable, where any person could boil him over whenever they felt like it? He was too fearful, always bowing and scraping to anyone with a threatening word. There was one person who no one would try to hurt, someone who could stand up for himself. The "Tales of Flynnigan Rider" stared back at him from the shelf on which it was kept, and grabbing the volume, he stared into its golden lettering. Yes, he wished he was someone else; someone who could stand up to his foes, someone who could make a life for themselves instead of scrounging around in some slum. Who but Flynnigan Rider could do that, if not more? He had money to go wherever he wanted to go; he could do anything that he wanted to do. Eugene Fitzherbert could only stand by, never defending himself because of fear, always submitting to those who could send out a threat. Besides, he was a filthy orphan at that, with not a cent to speak of. And yet, in that very moment, Eugene Fitzherbert disappeared, as if he had been buried along with his companion. In his place was a totally different character, with a new idea of life. He would make himself comfortable, make himself known, and no one could ever hurt him like they had before. He would have islands, piles of money, where he could be alone, away from people who only wanted to injure his heart. Eugene Fitzherbert was nonexistent, buried with the dog that had been his only friend in the world which seemed to despise him. What stood in his place was a young man who would change, and sometimes hurt, so many lives, including the very occupants of the castle he admired. Lying on that cot was Flynn Rider…
I am actually(for once in my life) happy about how that came out... Also, notice anything particular about his name?
Thank you to everyone who reviewed on this one! Your comments were so wonderful, and I thank you again for taking the time to give me the feedback I enjoy so much!
And, because I can, REVIEW REPLIES!
Total Anime Fangirl: Neat! I'll have to take a look at them. Anything delving into Eugene's past interests me, so I can't wait to have a read! :) Thanks for the review!
fitzherbertfangirl: Will a giant hug tell you how much I loved this? Well, I'll give you one anyway! (((HUG))) I figured you would like "Flynn". I love big dogs too, and this was kind of a tribute to them... I don't know, you have a writing style all your own(which is beautiful, I might add). I love reading your stuff, and I'll say it again, you need to write a Tangled chapter story! Thanks again for the awesome review, girly! *hug*
Ashlierthw: Thanks for the review! Yes, I love reading stories about Eugene's past too. A lot of people have different ideas about his childhood, and I find each one so interesting. They are sad though...
sheep1215: Wow... Seriously? x) *floats away* Ooo, I have a picture of him as a kid from deviantart, and it was in my head too as I wrote this. Heck, we may be talking about the same picture! Contain your ninja-ing, I'm sure you're going crazy right now! lol Eugene is unique, isn't he? ;D And no, I'm not trying to fool you! What you see is what you get(does that sound right?)! ;) YES, YOU GOT THE SYMBOLISM! I wondered if people would catch that, and yeahz, you did! It was a last minute idea, and even I eeped! :) Omgoodness, you could go on for eternity, and I wouldn't mind! lol Thanks again, girl! (((HUG))) *heh* As you see, I took your advice to heart. Stabbington is now capitalized! ;)
