This chapter is super long; I could probably cut the thing in half, but I didn't want to drag this out. So, you're welcome, haha~
Disclaimer: I don't own KH
Walking amongst the alleys of Corona, Roxas could hear people laughing and having fun. He didn't walk the main street; he was fully decked out in weaponry, and he didn't want people upset when they should be having fun.
He was trying to make his way to the bridge. There was no way Rider would be in the city itself after having just stolen from it. He didn't exactly have a plan to find Rider, but at least he'd have an advantage. While Rider had to sleep, Roxas didn't. Sure he could get tired from physical activity, but it would take a long time for walking to tire him out. Corona had only been the starting point because Roxas needed somewhere safe to portal to.
So, imagine Roxas' surprise when he spotted Flynn Rider with a beautiful girl by his side. Somehow the image got even weirder when Roxas saw a palace horse with the two as well.
Roxas leaned against one of the walls as he watched the thief. Not only was Rider walking about in broad daylight but he also was with a palace horse that wasn't trying to arrest him.
"What the hell is going on?" Roxas couldn't help but mutter as he watched Flynn with the very excited girl.
The girl looked like she was having fun, Flynn too, so Roxas held back. He waited until he could talk to Flynn without the girl noticing. He was sure as soon as Flynn saw Roxas, the thief would know why he was there. At this point, Roxas wasn't planning to just whisk Rider away; he wanted to know what the thief was up to.
If this girl made Rider want to stop being a thief, Roxas had no problem letting him go. Roxas could see the familiar fondness Demyx and Zexion portrayed in Flynn Rider and this blonde, whoever she was. Of course, he would take the crown and make sure it got back safely.
However, as Roxas watched the two, it became very clear that this day would make him little to no munny. He was fine with that; the bills had just been paid so there was plenty of time to pick up some jobs. It was easy to call himself a bounty hunter, but truthfully, Roxas didn't see himself as one. He didn't travel with the intent of capturing the outlaws; he just needed some type of job that allowed travel. Flynn Rider wasn't the first outlaw Roxas had let go.
Roxas was more interested in providing happy endings if he could. He'd been raised to be sweet and nice, and that behavior carried on. He helped people, be it by capturing a crazy murderer or letting a thief be with the love of his life. Doing these things didn't make him happy, it didn't make him feel warm inside, making people happy simply felt like the right thing to do. Even though he couldn't truly feel happiness or love, Roxas knew people should be able to, and so he was willing to help to make it so.
It wasn't until the girl was drawing on the streets with other children that Roxas decided to get Rider's attention.
He stepped out of the alley, hood up, and approached. As soon as he tapped Rider's shoulder, he was turning around, and Roxas could see his face morphing from confusion to fear. Yeah, he definitely recognized Roxas.
Roxas pointed behind him towards the alley he had left; Flynn Rider moved passed him towards the alley with both a fearful and saddened expression. Roxas leaned against one side while Rider was across from him, though instead of leaning he was standing perfectly straight.
Roxas was silent for a moment, watching Rider cast glances toward the distracted blonde. Roxas looked at her as well. "Who is she?" he asked as he looked back towards Flynn Rider.
Rider looked towards him in surprise, probably not expecting a conversation. "What?"
Roxas raised a single brow, not that Rider would be able to see it with Roxas' hood raised. "Who is she?"
"She's…" Flynn's attention drifted back towards her, a fond look on his face. "Her name's Rapunzel."
"And what's she to you?"
Flynn looked back towards Roxas with confusion on his face. "Why do you wanna know?"
"You're having fun in the city instead of selling off the crown you stole-"
"How do you already know about that?"
"So, I'm curious about how she was able to drag you back here, because, obviously, you must be here for her." Roxas continued on, ignoring Rider's comment. There was a moment of silence, and then Roxas remembered the other thing he'd been curious about. "And what's with the palace horse hanging around?"
Flynn Rider let out a groan and rubbed a hand over his face. "It's all a very, very long story."
Roxas crossed his arms as he let out a hum. It had only been a day since Rider stole the crown. What could have possibly happened in such a short time frame? However, instead of calling Rider out on this, Roxas decided to believe that somehow it was a long story. "Give me a summary."
"She's been dreaming about seeing the floating lanterns for…well, I don't know how long."
Roxas hummed in thought. "So, you're just helping her out of the kindness of your heart?"
Rider scratched at his cheek, looking a bit flustered. "A-At the beginning it was deal. I take her to see the lights and I get the crown back, but now…." His gaze drifted towards her again as he trailed off, but quickly it was on Roxas again. Rider approached him with a look of desperation. "If you could wait, just until the lanterns-"
Roxas pushed himself off the wall as he cut the other off with, "Alright."
Rider paused in his arm waving and looked at Roxas with absolute confusion. "'Alright'?"
Roxas began to walk further into the alley, waving to Rider lazily. "Have fun, Rider."
He could hear Rider muttering to himself as he got further and further away. Roxas eventually realized he'd never gotten the story on the palace horse but perhaps it was simply waiting until the lanterns as well.
Roxas decided to pass the time in the library, tucked away in the back corner. Corona didn't have much on magic; it was a kingdom that seemed to go without it, other than the magic flower the queen consumed way back when. So, Roxas settled on a history book. He read about Corona and their good neighbor across the sea, Arendelle, which Roxas had never been to. He usually didn't travel across water unless he was visiting his brother at Destiny Islands, and now that he'd been, it was easy to just portal there.
Flipping through the book, he actually found a bit on the group of islands. Destiny Islands was pretty small, but it had made a name for itself due to its famous plant, the Paopu Plant. People's destinies would become intertwined if they shared one together, or, at least, that's what the Islanders say. There was no proof if it worked, but a lot of people believed it. They probably liked the thought of always being together with that special person no matter what.
Idly looking up from the book, Roxas wondered if Demyx and Zexion would buy into it. Demyx, definitely. The moment Roxas brought it up, Demyx would probably portal to the island himself and get one. Zexion, however, was harder to place. There was no proof, and Zexion did love his facts, but if it was for Demyx, Zexion would probably go along with it.
Maybe Roxas should get one for them. It would, at the very least, give him a reason to go see his brother. It'd been almost a year since Roxas popped in.
Looking out the window, he could see the sun was setting. People would be preparing their lanterns. He shut his book, leaving it on the table, and left. It wasn't hard to find a place to buy a lantern.
Once he had a small one with a simple sun design, he made his way to the bridge. He sat on one of the higher curves, his feet hanging over the water. He lazily kicked at the stone as he watched the castle, waiting for the King and Queen to release their lantern.
It was like a wave of light. Starting at the castle and flowing outwards. Roxas had never seen the floating lanterns in person, but they were a magnificent sight.
Tearing his gaze away, red magic flowed to the tip of his pointer finger. "Fire," he said in a whisper, lighting his own lantern.
He lifted it and released it with a light twist of his wrist so it spun as it rose higher and higher, his hood falling off as he followed the lantern's ascent. Roxas drew in a leg and wrapped his arms around it, head resting on his knee as he watched the lights.
18 years of searching for a missing child. Roxas found that admirable. He'd only been searching for about two years, and he'd only been alive less than a decade. It all felt so…long, but maybe that was because he'd be taught and told he was alive so much longer than the actuality.
He shifted on the bridge. His swords hanging down on either side as he laid down to look up at all the lights. They were beginning to dissipate, and he soon found himself looking up at a darkened sky.
Roxas lifted himself up, and began to make his way back into the city. He had to find Rider; Roxas had to see if he'd be taking Rider in or not.
He could hear shouting the closer he got to the docks. The voice was Rider's. Roxas quickened his pace, and he paused as he watched Flynn Rider being dragged closer and closer to the cells.
Rider was calling her name, begging the guards to let him go. There was also something about her being taken by them, but Rider wasn't giving any specific details. Eventually, he was too far away, gone from Roxas' view and hearing range. He thought about breaking him out, but taking on the whole kingdom of Corona was a bit of a feat. Roxas could barely kill a celestial nymph. There was no way he'd be able to take down Corona. He also couldn't just portal Rider free because of the effect of his portals on a human's heart.
A neigh and hooves on the cobble path broke Roxas from his thoughts, and Roxas was able to catch the palace horse with Rider and Rapunzel earlier racing by. The horse seemed distraught, and Roxas figured it would be his best opportunity to learn what was going on.
"Wow, hey!" Roxas called out, beginning to run, though he was no match for a horse. His calls were too generic; it sounded like he was calling out to a person and not a palace horse. Roxas picked up the pace, rushing across the bridge after the white steed. "Horse! Stop!"
The horse didn't stop.
Roxas let out a groan. This was probably the most ridiculous thing he'd ever done. He was gaining on this horse, who clearly had a destination in mind. So, Roxas just followed behind and hoped its destination would arrive soon.
The horse made a quick right turn off the bride, following the coast, and Roxas skid a bit on the dirt due to his speed. He got really close to falling, but he was able to stay on his feet, even though he had to crouch low and use his hand to balance himself.
They continued on and on, and Roxas wondered if they were ever going to stop. His pace was slowing, but he made sure to keep the horse in his sights.
When the horse finally stopped, Roxas was able to come up beside him. The Stabbington brothers were groaning in pain and waking up. The horse hit one, knocking him back unconscious and Roxas kicked the other. It was then the horse seemed to finally notice Roxas was there.
He raised a hand in greeting. "I'm on your side." The horse seemed to grow more suspicious as he approached slowly. Roxas could see a name stitched into the horse's neck strap near the sun emblem. "Maximus, I'm Roxas."
Recognition flashed in Max's eyes, and Roxas let out an internal sigh of relief. He neighed and the looked towards the two wanted brothers.
It would be a pain to go all the way back to the city, and there was no way Roxas and Maximus could carry the two brothers. Roxas remembered the lanterns that had floated not too long ago and snapped his fingers. "I'm going to draw the guards' attention," he explained as he raised his arm straight into the air. Red magic centered on his hand and then flew up as he called out, "Fire."
The guards were sure to see the fireball in the sky, and then they could collect the two brothers. Maximus seemed to have moved on, looking about, and Roxas assumed he was looking for Rapunzel. Rider had been calling for her; perhaps the brothers had attacked them. They obviously didn't get Rapunzel, but someone else had to have taken her. She wouldn't just leave Rider…probably. Roxas had only been watching the two for a few hours.
However, judging by the way Maximus was frantically searching, Roxas was almost positive something had went wrong.
"Do you know where she might be?" Roxas asked, drawing the horse's attention. There was a shake of Maximus' head, and then he gestured back towards the city. Rider knew her the longest. "Rider knows."
Maximus nodded, and Roxas ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Maximus gestured towards the kingdom again with a neigh.
"No, I can't just break him out. We're talking about all of Corona here."
There was a disapproving neigh, but Roxas just rolled his eyes. Maximus straightened and then turned away from the city. He gestured for Roxas to hop on.
"I guess you've got an idea," Roxas said as he got on, and there was a neigh of confirmation.
Before Roxas could even get himself situated and grab the reins, Maximus was rushing off back down the coast to the forest path. Roxas lurched himself forward and steadied himself with only mild panic and not a sound. He had no problem with Maximus taking the reins on this rescue mission.
As the Snuggly Duckling came into view, Roxas raised a brow. Maximus slammed the door open, and Roxas had to lower himself so he didn't it his head in the doorway. Sitting back up, he saw everyone watching the horse in surprise, and when they finally saw him they looked even more surprised. Some even began to draw their weapons, but Roxas lowered himself off Maximus and raised his hands in, what he hoped, was a placating manner.
"We're not here to…um, arrest you," Roxas tried to reason, because seeing a palace horse and a bounty hunter was sure to make a bandit think they were.
A large man, well a lot of men seemed to be larger than Roxas, came up. He waved his hook close to Roxas' face as if that would scare the blonde. "Then what are you here for?"
Roxas and Maximus shared a look, and Roxas turned back towards the bandit group with an internal sigh. "Flynn Rider's been arrested." Some men seemed to laugh a bit at that, obviously not seeing anything wrong with such news. "And Rapunzel's been taken."
The tavern went silent, and Roxas briefly wondered how Rapunzel knew these people. Was she actually a thief herself? Roxas subtly shook his head, now was not the time.
Then all at once everyone erupted into noise. It was jarring, and Roxas couldn't help but jump slightly. He didn't feel too bad though since Maximus did the same thing.
Roxas needed some way to get their attention again. Looking towards the bar, a plan began to form in his mind. He lifted himself onto it, green magic flowing to his hands as he did. There was a large accumulation gathered as he stood straight. Knees bent slightly, he brought his hands together in a loud clap. His voice was drowned out by the extreme breeze that threatened to blow him right off the bar and was effective in quieting the tavern.
Now that he had everyone's attention again, he straightened and called out, "The only hope we have of finding Rapunzel is Flynn Rider, which means we need to break him out!"
"And why can't you, Mr. Magic," one of the bandits called out, earning few chuckles and grunts of agreement from others.
Roxas placed his hands on his hips with a sigh. "There's no way I can take down a whole Kingdom, besides, I've only been in this city twice." He gestured to the bandits before him. "You guys know the layout, the ins and outs, and sneaking around are your jobs."
"The little man's right," the bandit with the hook hand called, and Roxas let his posture relax. The bandits cared for Rapunzel so they would do everything in their power to get Flynn out of jail.
Roxas hopped down beside Maximus and shared a relieved look with the horse. He hung back as people began to gather round and plan.
When all was said and done, everyone had a position, including Max, but Roxas. He wasn't really needed to make this plan a success.
A neigh brought Roxas out of his relaxed state. Opening his eyes, he saw Maximus very close to him with a questioning expression. Roxas pressed himself against the bar, trying to put space between him and this palace horse. "You guys seem to have everything covered."
Another neigh, this one angrier than the first. Obviously this horse wanted Roxas' involvement, but really Roxas wasn't needed to help break Flynn out.
Roxas' sigh was cut off as an idea came to mind, and he snapped his fingers, earning most of the bandits and Maximus' attention. "It's not much but I can ensure no one can cross the bridge."
"The bridge?" one of the bandits asked, "What good will that do?"
"Closing off the bridge will stop any guards on horseback from following after Max and Flynn. They'll have to boat across, which will eat up a lot of time, plus they'll be dealing with a sudden wall and all of you so that decreases the chances that they'll even go after Flynn."
"Sounds like a plan," the hook handed bandit said with a hearty laugh and slap on Roxas' back.
Roxas suppressed his wince, listening as the bar erupted into laughter and began prepping for their rescue mission. Eventually, everyone was ready to leave, and as soon as Max and Roxas were out, the horse gestured for Roxas to get on again.
Roxas stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets as he walked by the horse. "Nah, save your strength for later." He gave the horse a pat on its neck and then returned his hand to his pocket. The horse let out a neigh as it followed along. Roxas could hear the bandits behind him, but he focused on the path ahead.
He had two options for the wall; he could make it out of darkness or ice. Roxas wasn't very proficient with his ice magic, but it would be safer than darkness. He didn't think anyone could get affected if they touched the dark wall, but he hadn't exactly tested it either. It was also possible the ice would hurt the bridge, if the magic wasn't directed well enough the ice wall could crack it or maybe even destroy the bridge entirely.
People feared the dark; it was unlikely the guards would even touch the dark wall.
Roxas let out a sigh now that the decision was made, and just in time too, since the bridge and city were in sight. It was still dark enough for the bandits to do their sneaking around.
He bid a goodbye to them and Max, deciding to pass the remaining time by sitting on the highest point of the bridge. The incline would be impossible to pass when he put the wall up.
The sky lightened, and Roxas looked towards the town. People were getting up, walking about, and Roxas waited for the panic of a jailbreak.
Soon he could see alarms and guards rushing about; he could even see Rider flying through the air in the distance. He leapt from his seat and lounged casually against the wall instead.
He could see Rider and Max land on the ground not too far away, and then they were rushing off. Roxas put up his hand in greeting as they hit the bridge, and Rider's eyes widened when he saw Roxas there.
Rider gave him a thankful smile just as they passed, and Roxas stepped out to the middle of the bridge. More guards on horseback were hitting the bridge as well.
Roxas faced the city and took in a breath; his eyes swirled to yellow as he bent down and tapped the center of the bridge with a finger. A dot of darkness formed, and as he straightened, the darkness followed his finger to form a line. He aligned both sets of fingers along the dark line and pulled the line apart to form a wall that overstretched the length of the bridge by just enough where the guards wouldn't be able to get around.
The wall was impossible for anyone but Roxas to see through; so he was able to watch the guards pull to a stop and eventually retreat. Roxas let out a sigh of relief as he placed his hands in his pockets and held himself on one foot while the other tapped behind him.
He didn't need to hold the wall long, just enough for Rider to get a good distance away, or perhaps even get him to his destination depending on where it was.
Roxas wasn't sure how much time passed, but eventually he could hear someone calling from behind him. Spinning, he could see Maximus with Flynn riding back, and as they got closer he could see what looked like Rapunzel as well, though her hair was shorter and a different colour.
He maintained the wall, sending the group a confused look as to why they were back.
"Please let us through," Rapunzel said with a pleading look.
Roxas looked towards Rider for confirmation, but all he got was a nod from the thief.
He shrugged and dropped the wall, walking beside Maximus towards the castle.
Almost immediately they were stopped by guards, and Rider and Rapunzel were quick to get off Maximus. Rider held his hands up as Rapunzel approached them.
"You have to let us through. I'm the lost princess, please," Rapunzel tried to explain, but the guards looked hesitant to believe.
Roxas was a bit hesitant as well, but Max and Rider seemed to support Rapunzel's claims. Looking over towards the mosaic of the royal family, Roxas took in the features of the lost princess. Blonde, green eyes, just like Rapunzel before…whatever happened to her hair.
They needed proof though, something magic could definitely provide.
"Rider," Roxas called, earning the group and guards' attention. "Do you have the crown?" Everyone looked confused, and Roxas held out his hands for it. "The best way to prove Rapunzel is the lost princess is to use a tracking spell on the crown."
"The King and Queen have already tried that, the crown tied itself to no one," a guard explained.
"Oh!" Rapunzel said, a look of realization on her face. "The woman who kidnapped me, she was a witch."
Roxas understood where she was going and was quick to explain further. "It's possible she put up some type of blocking spell. Where is she?"
Rapunzel looked towards Rider with a saddened look, and Rider took one of her hands in his and smiled reassuringly before turning to Roxas. "She's dead."
"Right, well, now that she is the spell is gone, meaning a tracking spell will work," Roxas said to the guards before turning to Rider again. "Now give me the crown."
Rider was quick to comply, and Roxas held the crown carefully in one hand. Most tracking spells involved ingredients or, at least, an incantation, but with a strong enough intent Roxas should be able to make it work. He just had to imbed the crown with the desire to return to its rightful owner. Roxas held his other hand above the crown, and holding it up with magic, he was able to lower the hand that had been holding it. As it floated suspended, Roxas didn't have a choice but to use some darkness to power his spell. Light magic would be ideal, but Roxas couldn't use the stuff. He was just using the darkness to direct his intent into the crown; it shouldn't cause any damage to it or anyone else.
He took in a deep breath before breathing out the word, "Return." The crown had a black glow, and quickly flew away from Roxas and towards Rapunzel. Due to the closeness, the crown hit her a bit harder than desired, but Rider was able to keep her from falling back as the crown hit her midsection.
She grasped the crown, which had faded back to normal in her grasp, and looked towards the surprised guards. "Do you believe me now?"
It wasn't long before the four were ushered into the palace. Rider and Rapunzel went off the meet the King and Queen, and Roxas opted to stay by Max at the stables.
"So," Roxas began, resting against a wall of the stable, "lost princess, huh? That's pretty crazy."
Maximus gave a snort of agreement, and Roxas couldn't help but chuckle. Rider really knew how to pick 'em.
There was a knock on the stable wall, earning Max and Roxas' attention. Rider walked to them with a smile on his face. "Thanks so much for your help guys."
Maximus gave a neigh, and Roxas shrugged. "There's a bunch of bandits that did a lot more than me."
"Oh, right, Do you know where they would have gone?"
Roxas tried to remember if they'd planned a meeting point, but nothing came to mind. "Well, if they weren't locked up, they're probably at the Duckling." Rider nodded, and Roxas pushed himself off the wall. "I should probably get going."
"The Kingdom's throwing a bit of a party, sure you don't wanna stick around?" Rider asked, gesturing to the guards that were already bustling about.
Before Roxas could answer, a voice rang out, "Eugene!" Rider turned just in time to get an armful of Rapunzel, and he spun her around before setting her back on the ground. Rapunzel looked towards Roxas and moved to give him a hug as well. "Thank you so much for your help, Roxas."
Roxas didn't bother wondering how she knew his name; instead, he hesitantly hugged her back. When they separated, Roxas shoved his hands in his pockets. "The bandits and Max over here did a lot more than me."
"But you still did something," Rapunzel reasoned, and Roxas smirked slightly.
Rider nodded from beside her. "Let us pay you back." Everyone looked toward Rider in confusion, especially Roxas. "You must have a dream, right? Maybe we could help." Rapunzel seemed to latch onto the idea and even Max seemed to agree with Rider.
Roxas hummed quietly. The group could actually be a great asset, especially Max. "Alright." He watched the three-four, including the chameleon he'd just spotted on Rapunzel's shoulder, brighten. "I'm looking for someone. His name's…Ventus, he looks just like me."
"Your twin?" Rapunzel asked.
"You could say that," Roxas responded. Twin wasn't the right word, but it seemed to be the best for the situation.
Rider crossed his arms and gave Roxas a determined look. "Got it, we'll keep a look out for him."
Rapunzel tapped a finger to her chin as she asked, "But how do we let you know?"
Roxas took a hand from his pocket and gestured to Maximus. "A friend of mine gets his info from the Twilight Bark." Maximus let out a snort of understanding, but Rapunzel and Rider still looked confused. "Animals use it to stay in touch and pass along information all over. It was created by some friends of mine, Dalmatians, a long while ago."
"That's amazing." Rapunzel took the chameleon onto her hand and gave it an awed look. "Pascal did you know about this?" The chameleon, Pascal, just shook his head.
"So, basically, if we pass any info to Max, he'll be able to get it to your friend?"
Roxas nodded at Rider's question. "The info will travel all the way to Radiant Garden, and since Corona is so close it shouldn't take a lot of time at all."
Rider scratched the back of his neck with an unsure smile. "Sounds a little crazy, but these couple of days seem to have been nothing but crazy."
Rapunzel giggled and wrapped her arms around one of Rider's, leaning her head on her shoulder. "We'll be sure to get in touch."
"Thanks," Roxas said, returning her kind smile with one of his own. He made his way out of the stable and opened a portal right in front of them. He walked through it backwards, sending the group a final wave before he was gone.
"That took a long time for a simple pick up."
Roxas' smile faltered as he spun on his heels and faced Zexion, who was back in his own home drinking tea. He rubbed the back of his neck with an uneasy chuckle, and he looked away from Zexion to Demyx, who was sitting across from Zexion with his sitar in his lap. Looking between the couple, Roxas could see they were confused, and Zexion even seemed to be getting a bit frustrated.
"Well, ya see, it's kind of a long story."
Zexion gave an unimpressed look and kicked out the chair to his right that was in front of Roxas. "Why don't you take a seat and give us a summary."
Writing this chapter was actually a lot of fun; I wanted Roxas to be involved as minimally as possible because the Tangled story is well done all on its own. The end of this did get a little...awkward, or I think it did, anyway. So, let me know what you thought~
Also, no Axel yet, but don't fret. It's almost time!
Thanks for reading, see you next week~~