Rawr.

Hey, everyone! Ok, so this is probably the fastest update I'm ever going to have for this story...I was going to wait until later to put this up, but I finished it rather quickly and decided to have mercy on you guys and publish it. ;-)

Not the best chapter, I'll admit. Maybe you could call this a...uh...semi-filler...thingy? Sure. Ok. But the next few chapters will be a lot better. And I just came up with a little idea for the story for later chapters, but if I go along with it, it looks like this story will end up being rated T. Again, just for some dark themes and violence-No profanity or anything explicit. I'm still not sure yet. Would you guys still read it? If you could let me know, that'd be great.

So here's chapter 12. This chapter song (And I'm going to try and come up with one for every chapter now) is "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne.

I'm probably not going to be able to update again until Monday (at the earliest) so sit tight, enjoy, and please REVIEW! Reviews actually fuel my writing...The more I get, the faster I'll update! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

OH. MY. GOSH. WE BROKE THE RECORD! AND WE BROKE 200! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU *Hugs you all* Thanks to everyone who's already reviewed! Review replies at the end for you guys! Hehehe...Now let's see if we can hit 250...It's always good to have a goal, right? ;-)

(Oh, and by the way, thanks for all the reviews/favorites/hits on "You are my Forever", too. It's nice to know you guys enjoy my work!)

GIMME A T!

GIMME AN A!

GIMME AN N!

GIMME A G!

GIMME AN L!

GIMME AN E!

GIMME A D!

WHAT DOES THAT SPELL? WHO CARES! I DON'T OWN IT! ;-)


Rapunzel whirled around in terror, her shrill scream of fear still echoing in the stormy night. Though she could barely make out the figure that had touched her in the darkness, she still jerked back, her heart pounding at a hundred miles an hour. Her heart pounded even more when a sudden flash of lightning illuminated the area, and she spotted the last person that she had wanted to see…

Robert.

"Princess!" Robert gasped, shocked. "What on earth are you doing out here this late at night? And in such dreadful weather…"

"I had to find—I—I had to—" Suddenly, a flood of tears burst from Rapunzel's big green eyes, and she just couldn't control herself. She felt like a small child in front of Robert…A feeling that she loathed with every fiber of her being, yet she couldn't seem to lose. And here, in the black of night, surrounded by blasts of thunder and a torrential downpour...He looked more threatening than ever.

"Who did this to you?" Robert asked, grabbing the sobbing princess's shoulders and shaking them harshly. "Who—"

"I did it to myself, Robert!" Rapunzel yelled, yanking away from the prince's grip. "I chose to come out here on my own." She glared angrily at the prince through her tears. "The question is, what are you doing here?"

"Why, my princess just disappeared from the castle, completely unexpected!" Robert threw up his hands, as if Rapunzel should have known that. "Do you really think—?"

"I am not your princess, Robert," Rapunzel said through gritted teeth, finding newfound courage in herself. "I can take care of myself, and I don't need you following me around, and trying to control my life!"

Robert's surprised expression suddenly froze in place, and Rapunzel watched, her stomach churning, as it morphed into one of pure anger. Before she could react, Robert shoved her against the wall of the alleyway, pinning her arms to her sides so she couldn't strike him, no matter how much she struggled. All of the courage that Rapunzel had been able to muster immediately disappeared, and she stared up into his icy blue eyes, desperately trying to break free.

"Now, let's get one thing straight, Princess," Robert growled, staring dead into her eyes. "A princess is nothing without a proper prince. You are a princess, and I am your proper prince. You were betrothed to me, just as I was to you. Now, then, I can be the best thing that's ever happened to you, or the worst. I don't want to have to make your life miserable, princess…But I will, if I have to. That all depends on you."

Rapunzel didn't cease her struggling, and she desperately wished she could call out to Eugene. But she didn't want to alert Robert that he was near—who knows what would happen then? And besides, Eugene had run away from her earlier…What makes her think he would come to her aid now?

Even though it went against everything she felt inside, Rapunzel ceased her struggling—It would just be easier that way—and Robert slowly let his arms fall, letting the princess go free with a smile at her obedience.

"Now, then, Princess," he said with a nod, gripping her hand with more force than necessary. "Why don't we get you home? Your parents are worried sick about you!"

For a moment, Rapunzel was about to refuse, and then she realized how pointless it would be. Robert would probably just shove her back into the wall again…Or worse. She was too nervous to find out what his response would be. Besides, for once, the snobby prince was probably right. No doubt her parents were wondering where the heck she was, and why she was out this late in such a ferocious storm. With a sigh, she let him lead her out of the alleyway, where his large black horse was waiting next to Maximus. Even the stallions seemed at war, shooting each other vicious glares.

Rapunzel walked up to Maximus and prepared to mount him, but Robert immediately stopped her and shook his head.

"Come now, Princess," Robert led the reluctant princess away from the agitated white horse. "I'm sure you'll be much more comfortable with me. Besides," he added, "it's very improper for a lady to ride a horse on her own."

No, Rapunzel thought, clenching her fists, what's improper is shoving a lady—not to mention a princess—into a rough brick wall just so you can order her around.

Suddenly, Maximus leaned down and snapped his teeth at Robert, who managed to hop out of the way in the nick of time. However, Maximus did happen to get a mouthful of his cape, and it took everything Rapunzel had to hold in her laughter at the sight of the snobby prince and the irate horse in a heated tug-of-war.

"Let…it…go!" Robert demanded, straining to free his cape from the horse's teeth. "You…infernal vermin!"

Apparently, Maximus wasn't very fond of being called "infernal vermin", because he drew back even harder, ripping Robert's cape in half and sending the slack-jawed prince stumbling backwards.

"I think," Rapunzel smiled as Maximus spat out the other half of the hideous cape, "he wants me to go with him."

The prince had no reply for that, so Rapunzel quickly heaved herself on top of the horse before Robert could come up with one.

But even though Rapunzel had gotten her way with Maximus, Robert still didn't leave her alone. With an angered glare, Robert straightened the crown on his head and mounted his own horse, and then stayed right on Maximus's tail, herding him like cattle. Rapunzel gently stroked the fuming horse's head; she could tell it was taking everything the poor stallion had not to run off.

Rapunzel sighed. It was taking everything she had not to run off as well.

Her plan had failed. Though she had found Eugene, she had lost him once again. And now, to make matters worse, Robert was being more of a jerk than ever. The scratches on the back of her arms from the brick wall just supported that statement.

She decided she would talk to her parents about what Robert did when she got back to the castle…But then she shook her head. She had already told them countless times about Robert's disrespectful acts—and no matter how many times they had gone to debate with the council, those morons never showed any mercy. It was always, "Eugene would do" this or "Eugene would do" that. It was as if her parents weren't even King and Queen anymore…

No. She wouldn't tell them. She would just have to manage on her own. If she could stay on Robert's good side, maybe he would calm down. Or, at least not, you know, shove her into a hard brick wall again.

At first, Rapunzel had just been infuriated at Robert. But now, after that stunt he had pulled earlier, she felt scared. Truly, genuinely scared. And she hated it. Just because Robert intimidated her, he could now control everything she did. And Rapunzel was tired of feeling controlled—She had been controlled practically her whole life. She felt like she shouldn't give him that right, but really, what choice did she have? She was going to marry him, no matter how much of an idiot he might be.

And as Rapunzel noticed the towering castle becoming closer and closer, she stole a glance over her shoulder, and her stomach did a flip-flop at the sight of Robert's smug expression. But still, she could see the fire in his eyes, and only one thought flashed through her mind in that moment.

What have I gotten myself into?

O-O-O-O-O

"Rapunzel!"

The princess let out a gasp as her parents rushed in and embraced her tightly for the second time in the last few days. She returned the embrace, sensing Robert's icy eyes staring right at her, though her back was turned to him. The mere feeling made her feel like she wanted to throw up.

"Honey, are you alright?" Queen Amelia asked when the hug ended, and she began inspecting her daughter for any injuries. "Good grief, Rapunzel, you're soaking wet!" She lifted up Rapunzel's arm, and then her relieved gaze immediately morphed into one of concern at the sight of the scratches that lined the bare skin there. "Dear, what happened here?"

"Nothing," Rapunzel mumbled, quickly pulling her hand away. She didn't really feel like going into detail about what Robert had done…Especially since her parents could do nothing about it. "I'm fine."

"Rapunzel, you scared us to death," her father spoke up. "What on earth provoked you to run out there in the dead of night? Not to mention in a storm like this!" he gestured toward a castle window, where the rains still hammered relentlessly against the glass.

"I—I'm sorry…"

"That's not an answer."

Rapunzel swallowed and looked up at her parents, who were both staring at her, awaiting an answer. Peering anxiously over her shoulder, she spotted Robert, who, arms crossed, was also waiting for Rapunzel's reply. Rapunzel fell silent as she turned back around, staring at her feet. Finally, she spoke up, her voice no more than a mere whisper.

"Eugene."

And, before the concerned parents or the enraged prince could reply, Rapunzel bolted from the room, seeking refuge that she just couldn't seem to find.

…Not without her true love's arms around her.

O-O-O-O-O

"And at last, I see the light…

And it's like the fog has lifted…"

The quiet song was the only noise in the pitch black darkness of the room, aside from the occasional rumbles of thunder and the rain, which was finally beginning to die down.

Rapunzel lay, curled on her bed, watching as Pascal gently hugged her finger. She was thankful for the tiny chameleon's attempts to console her, but right now, it seemed like nothing could make her feel better. Her plan had been unsuccessful, Prince Snobbert was at his worst, and, aside from Pascal, she was all alone. Even her parents had no jurisdiction over the miserable path that her life was following. It seemed like no one could stop this madness…No one but Eugene.

But he was gone.

Rapunzel turned over, staring at the ceiling that she could barely make out in the blackness of the night. She was tired—there was no denying that. Who knew how late it was? She was even too tired to look at the clock. But she couldn't sleep. She just couldn't. There was one thought—one question—that just wouldn't allow her to.

Why had he run?

Why? That just hadn't made any sense. Why had Eugene run from her? She had called out to him…He had heard her voice, so he had to have known it was her, right? And she thought she had seen him look at her—so he had seen her. And that was no doubt Eugene…Not someone else. Even in the rain, when that lightning had flashed, Rapunzel had been able to make him out perfectly.

So why had he run? He knew that it was her…

Was that…why?

The mere thought that Eugene didn't want anything to do with her sent tears springing to her eyes, and she quickly wiped them away. She had told herself countless times through this whole ordeal that she had done enough crying. But she just couldn't help it. He had left her, and now, he didn't even want to talk to her.

And he thought this was going to make her happy?

I can't be happy without him… Rapunzel thought, choking back her unwelcome tears. She didn't know what to do. She didn't want to cry anymore…And she couldn't run anymore…And in no way did she just want to go along with things…

But it seemed like she had no choice.

Suddenly, the gonging of the grandfather clock in her room scared her nearly to death, and she listened as the clock struck four. Four in the morning. She really needed to be getting to sleep.

However, as soon as Rapunzel allowed her eyes to shut, they snapped back open again. What if her slumber was plagued with nightmares once again?

With a sigh, her eyes slowly closed once more. It couldn't be much worse than reality—she was already living a nightmare.

Sleep welcomed her, and as soon as she closed her eyes, she felt herself slowly drifting away into slumber. However, before she let herself be swept away, she breathed out the last verse of her song, wishing with all her heart that Eugene's voice would appear out of the blue and softly soothe her into her sleep.

But she knew that would never happen.

"All at once, everything is different…

Now that I see you…"

O-O-O-O-O

Eugene awoke to the clatter of barrels tumbling every which way, and the screech of a cat as it tried to escape the flurry of wooden barrels.

"Oy!" Eugene quickly stumbled to his feet as he heard the gruff voice of a shopkeeper not far up the alley. "Ya' stupid cat! What in blazes do ya' think yer' doin'?"

The cat's reply was an angry hiss at Eugene, who ducked out of the pile of barrels just in time to avoid the plump, grey-haired shopkeeper, who was wielding a broom.

Thanks for the wake-up-call, Eugene thought, exiting the alleyway without being detected. Phew…That was too close.

For a moment, Eugene had no clue why he had woken up in an alleyway, not to mention behind a pile of barrels. Hadn't he decided he would stay in that doorway the other night? Then it all came back to him.

The storm.

The chase.

Rapunzel's voice.

Eugene groaned as he rubbed groggily at his face. Ugh…What a night. Nothing like a good near-death chase to end the day, huh?

Eugene stretched his aching muscles, memories of the night before flooding his mind. His eyes fell on the satchel slung over his shoulder, and he pulled it close, letting out a sigh.

Well, you're just a bundle of trouble, aren't you? he muttered mentally, flipping it open to double-check on the crown. Pulling back the folded articles of clothing, he spotted the sparkle of the princess's crown, and, uneasily, he shoved it down even more, pulling the clothes back over it to conceal it. Last night's chase had been too close for comfort. Who knows what would happen if one of those guards found this? Pandemonium, that's for sure.

Eugene sighed, closing the satchel and pulling it back over his shoulder, and then blending into the crowd bustling along the kingdom streets. He wasn't really sure where he was headed…His thoughts were too far off for him to focus on anything right then, really.

If he was caught, it wasn't him he was worried about, but Rapunzel. Not only would he have to go back to the castle and explain to her his reasons for leaving, but Robert would turn right back into his snobby self once again, and commence making her life horrible. And what about his punishment? Of course, he was concerned about that, but what about Rapunzel? How would she deal with that?

Gosh…he had no clue.

That's why he wasn't going to get caught. He would just have to do everything he could to keep this hidden. And who knows? Maybe he could find some way to get it back to Rapunzel without having to face her…And then his troubles would be over.

Eugene let out a sigh as the truth practically slapped him in the face. No. No, they wouldn't. His troubles would be far from over. Even if he returned the crown to Rapunzel, he still wouldn't be able to deal with being so far away from her…Just like the day before, he was sure that her face would haunt his every thought…and her voice would never leave him be.

His troubles would never be over.

His heart sinking, Eugene stared at his boots as he walked, not caring how dejected he looked to any of the passersby. He couldn't deny it. He needed Rapunzel.

But he couldn't go back.

He couldn't…

So caught up in his thoughts, Eugene was caught completely off guard as something abruptly slammed against him. Not expecting the sudden collision, Eugene stumbled backwards, unable to regain his balance. Tumbling to the ground, Eugene winced in pain as his head hit the cobblestones, and he rose to a sitting position, painfully rubbing it. Who on earth had he run into?

"I'm sorry—" he said quickly, still tenderly rubbing his head. He winced once again, but quickly shook off the pain and looked up, so he could apologize to the person face-to-face.

Suddenly, he froze.

He now realized why the force that had slammed against him had been so rock-solid; the man whom he had crashed into donned an iron breastplate that matched the rest of his eerily familiar armor. Eugene's heart rose into his throat as he noticed the helmet atop the man's head, and the symbol of Corona on front of the man's breastplate. Oh, gosh…This was just what Eugene had been trying to avoid.

This guy was a guard.

Heart pounding, Eugene scooted backwards, preparing himself to run if need be. He looked up into the guard's eyes, to try to see what the man's reaction might be, but to his surprise, the guard wasn't even looking at him. Confused, Eugene followed the man's shocked gaze, and suddenly, he noticed one of his shirts on the ground. Just to the left of that was a pair of his pants, and next to that was the pair of gloves. But wait…wasn't that all in his—

His satchel.

Realization kicking in, Eugene grabbed at his satchel, practically ripping it open.

It was empty. No clothes, no comb, no…

…No crown.

Eugene swallowed, realizing why the guard's attention wasn't on him. He was almost afraid to look, but he forced himself to slowly turn his head and stare at what the guard's eyes were fixated on.

Sure enough, there it was.

He had tried to hide it…Tried to make sure this never happened…

But yet, it was right in front of him.

There, laying upside-down on the cobblestones, was Rapunzel's missing crown.


DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNN!

I know. I'm an evil cliff-hanger writing monster.

Now, on a happier note, review replies!

fryingpanninja107: Thanks! AND THOSE SOUND LIKE SOME AWESOME MARACAS!

StarShip Ranger: My method of writing the story is actaully a little bit of both...I'll have some scenes that I'll want to include in the story, and then I'll have a main plot outline once I've picked and chosen what should or shouldn't be in the story. Then, if any other ideas for some intersting scenes come up, I'll see if they fit in with the plot and if they do, I'll find a way to add them. In fact, you'll see one of those scenes in about two chapters...(Just a little foreshadowing there...)

TangledGirlForever: Awwww! Thank you! And I love that song...

Harryfan626: Well, you were about half right... ;-)

RadosianStar: I try-I honestly do-but it's so hard not to end these in cliffies sometimes! Ugh. i just don't want it to end at an awkward spot, or at something that should be in the next chapter. My apologies...Because I've read stories with constant cliffhangers and I know how you feel. I'll try not to make them all like that, but frankly, that's just the way I write. ;-)

Silverbellsb: Awww! Thanks SO much! I'm glad I'm one of those special ppl...And your stories do the same for me, cause you ALSO have an excellent gift! Seriously. All you people reading this? Go read her stories. Now. I'm dead serious. Lol!

Kittehkitty2: LOL! Ha...I would NEVER trade a frying pan for mashed potatoes! Seriously...That'd be a really bad idea. But thanks so much for the compliment! And I do want to know what happens with your story! IT'S EPIC! Hey, once again. All you people reading this? Yeah. Go read her story. Now. Along with Silverbellsb's. I'm dead serious. Lol!

Lexi: I'm sorry for disturbing your peaceful sleep! lol

sunnyprincessbird: I'm so going to look up that song now! (And yes...Eugene will ALWAYS be loved)

Liz McCallus: I love Taylor Swift, too! Thanks for all the links. And...wait, what? You have a friend named Wolfeh and an ostrich named Marvin, and they're both eager to eat me? O.o lol

Wickedsong: Thanks! I did try to make it descriptive without going over the top. Phew...I'm glad you thought it was good!

Gleekforever: Thanks a BUNCH! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

Wow. That's a LOT of replies. But for that last chapter, I got a lot of reviews! So THANKS EVERYBODY!

The next chapter should be better. And if not that one, then the one after that. DEFINITELY the one after that. I've got big plans...And things are going to start picking up soon...

The only problem is this is looking like it's going to be much longer than I planned it...Hmmm...Well, as long as that's alright with you guys. I hope so!

More soon! Thanks for everything!