Angel: Another AU, but for once, Rapunzel and Harmony aren't royalty! Kind of like the Beauty and the Beast, but I didn't take everything here from that tale. Like, you won't see Harmony being imprisoned, or her father being an inventor, or cursed people XD For that matter, the two sisters don't have the powers of the sundrop and moonstone here. They're basically living normal lives—as normal as they can given the premise...
Kudos to animechefgirl for this very specific request, I hardly see those in the reviews (I'm not calling people out, I'm just making a compliment). It was fun to write, and I LOVED the story she came up with. This just might be the longest one-shot so far...
Summary: Harmony and Rapunzel investigate a vampire rumor. Warning, this does contain death, so if you don't like, don't read.
In a little village named Old Corona, there lives a pair of two sisters, Rapunzel and Harmony. Rapunzel is older by 4 years at 22, and Harmony is 18. Both of them make their living by owning a painting school in town, with Rapunzel the teacher and Harmony the assistant. Rapunzel is the local 'sunshine' in town, always trying to give new ideas on how to help the village thrive. While Harmony is more rational and does a little inventing in her spare time.
Their village does well enough for people to continue having jobs and to make their own money. However, in recent weeks, animals have mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Nothing essential like horses and sheep, but small ones like bunnies and mice. The only smallest animals still around are Pascal, Rapunzel's pet chameleon, and Daisy, Harmony's pet duckling. Probably because they're always with their owners instead of blindly wandering off.
"What do you think is causing all these animals to disappear?" Rapunzel asks her sister as they're carrying their laundry over to the well to wash.
"I don't know," She tilts her head in thought. Harmony is known as the village's scientist, and is always willing to answer questions such as these. "I mean, we don't get much coyotes or wolves in this particular area."
"Well, I hope that whatever it is, that we can get them to come back..." Rapunzel murmurs, placing her basket down by the well. She nuzzles the top of Pascal's head. "I'd hate for something bad to happen to Pascal."
"Tis the legend...of the wizard vampire!"
They look up at the new voice to see Xavier, the local blacksmith, nearby. He's also known for telling a bunch of legends. They may or may not be true, or believable, but they do make for good stories to tell the local children!
"Wizard vampire?" Rapunzel asks in confusion.
"Do those two words even go together?" Harmony raises a brow at her sister.
"Ah, but many believe in the legend. Considering you two have only been in this part of town for a month, it's not surprising you haven't heard of it!"
The two sisters aren't local to town, as they moved here a month ago for...personal reasons. They had to leave behind their parents, because they didn't want them to be in possible danger that's connected to the reason that they moved away. It took a lot of convincing, but Frederic and Arianna allowed them to go, with the promise that they'd keep in touch, which they abide by. They sent letters to their parents every week.
"What exactly is this legend?" Rapunzel wonders as they go over to him.
"Legend has it that the wizard vampire, Varian, is behind the animals' disappearance. He lives in the castle that you see every morning," Xavier points upwards to his right and they look up to see the grand castle surrounded by scary trees on top of a hill in the distance. No one ever enters it as far as they knew, and up until today, they didn't know who lived in it. "They say that anyone who dare trespasses or attempt to slay him, he sucks their blood, and turns them into a vampire! Some have even said that if you listen hard enough, you will hear the explosions he creates!"
"Have you ever seen this?" Harmony asks him curiously.
"No one dares to even look at his dwelling, let alone see his wicked ways!"
"And this is why no one comes out at night, locking their doors and windows?" Rapunzel questions with a raised brow.
"Of course! He stalks the village every night to feast on human blood!"
Harmony glances up at her sister and then looks over her shoulder at the castle. If a vampire was really living in that castle, and if the legend is supposedly true, this village wouldn't even be standing here right now. Vampires who desire human blood would've broken in their homes to get it, and they can't survive without it. Not to mention, there have been a few documented vampires in books that actually don't like human blood.
"I'm sure he doesn't mean any harm. Harmi and I will go up to that castle tonight and prove the legend wrong. Then the people won't have to be afraid, and they'll see that this Varian guy is actually a nice person. He's probably lonely up there..."
"No!" Xavier pleads with them and their eyes widen. "If you enter the castle, he will surely suck your blood!"
"If that vampire wanted to suck your blood, he would've done it already," Harmony shrugs at him. "And besides, if he really comes to this village at night, I would've seen it."
"Varian is too powerful!"
"We'll be fine," Rapunzel waves it off. "If he is dangerous, I have my trusty frying pan."
Daisy chirps as she flies up to them with the frying pan in hand.
And so, later that night, with the two dressed in black cloaks and holding torches, are heading up the hill. Rapunzel is drawing something in her sketchbook, a present from her mother before they left their home. On the back of the front cover is the words 'Plus est en vous' or 'there is more in you.' Harmony also has one from her mother with the same message.
"What are you drawing?" Harmony looks over her shoulder.
"The vampire based off of Xavier's description," Rapunzel holds up the book to her sister. "Maybe it'll convince him that we're not like the others."
"You know, if he does end up like the legend, we need to be on alert," Harmony states as they continue walking.
"Hence the frying pans. But you could've brought your quiver."
Harmony sighs a bit at the suggestion. She does archery when she's not assisting with painting classes or inventing, something she did in their old village. "I don't wanna have to use my arrows for something that could be drastic..." She was hoping that if he sees that they're barely armed, that he'll end up maybe sparring them...?
The next thing they knew, they're standing in front of Varian's castle. Pascal and Daisy are on their shoulders, feeling a little scared by the tall, brown door with bats on it...
"Here goes nothing," Rapunzel reaches out and knocks on the door, and it opens mysteriously. The two slowly step in as the room is dark, the only source of light their torches. "Hello? Uh, anyone home? We come from Old Corona!"
A shadow jumps over their heads and Harmony looks up to see nothing.
"I mean, it is a little creepy, but nothing to suggest real danger just yet..." Harmony murmurs to herself, a pair of red eyes narrowing at them from the ceiling. The eyes examine the two girls closely, watching their every move.
"I don't see why this place gets such a bad rep. I mean, a little paint here and there, bring in some more lighting, and you've got a cozy home!"
"Vampires don't do well in sunlight, remember?" Harmony informs her.
"Ooh. Well, maybe less lightning, then...I wonder if he's the only one living here?"
Obviously they're looking for him, but they don't seem to be any vampire hunters he's seen before...and they're not armed—unless that frying pan the older brunette has is one. Still, he can't exactly be off his guard just yet. Just because they look harmless doesn't mean he shouldn't be careful.
Suddenly, a pink orb falls at their feet, trapping them in pink goo. "Okay, should've known there would've been traps..." Rapunzel tries to lift up her foot.
"It looks like sticky slime or something similar to it," Harmony looks down at the substance.
"It's my own design."
They gasp at the snarl, looking up to see someone in the shadows. Harmony places her hands on her heart as she's breathing heavily. Rapunzel looks a little scared as well, and he slowly steps out of the shadows. It's definitely the vampire judging by his fangs, but his eyes are red, and he has pale skin. But his hair is black with brown highlights and a blue stripe in his hair. His clothes are covered up by the black cape, and there's a raccoon on his right shoulder.
"You...you must be Varian, then," Rapunzel says after a few seconds, waving a nervous hand.
"Hmm..." He narrows his eyes. A vampire hunter would've tried to kill him already, but these girls...there's something about them. He steps up right to Harmony, looking at her in the eye. She gulps slightly at how close he is, his eyes barring into her. He examines her up and down before stepping back. She almost reminded him of someone.
"Why are you here? Speak."
"Umm..." Harmony glances at her sister. "Well, we're relatively new to Old Corona...and we heard about the legend. We didn't come here to cause any trouble, we just wanted to see if there was any truth to it."
"Exactly," Rapunzel nods in agreement. "We mean no harm."
He scoffs slightly, rolling his eyes. He's heard that so many times...he circles around the two, still wary of them when he sees a piece of paper sticking out from Rapunzel's journal.
"What's that?" He points to it and Rapunzel takes out the drawing.
"Oh! Well, um...I draw, and I teach painting in town, so I...thought I'd draw you! That is, unless that's not okay."
He holds out his hand and she gives it to him. Ruddiger, his raccoon, peeks past his shoulder and they both see that she's drawn him...in a positive light. She drew him as a vampire bat, with the hair, flying through the night with a toothed smile. His eyes widen a little. They couldn't really be vampire hunters...after all, what vampire hunter would draw him this way? And they did say they're from Old Corona...the same village that tends to stay away from here.
He pulls out a salt shaker and bends down, shaking something over their feet. They're free in seconds as the pink goo dissolves and disappears.
"Thank you, Varian," Rapunzel smiles softly at him, waving. "I'm Rapunzel, this is Pascal, that's Daisy, and this is my little sister Harmony."
"This is Ruddiger, my friend," He gestures to the raccoon, who chitters in greeting.
"Um...can I ask you something?" Harmony asks gently and he simply steps past them, closing the door.
"Let's go in the living room. You can ask all the questions for me there."
They sit in front of him, holding tea cups in near the burning fireplace. "What's your question, Harmony?"
"...Do you...really drink human blood?" She bites her lip nervously and he stares at her, watching her anxious stance not out of nervousness because of him, but because she didn't want to make him uncomfortable.
"...No. I haven't sucked human blood for centuries now. Over the years, it hasn't become my taste. Blegh," He sticks his tongue out. Human blood generally grosses him out and he wouldn't drink it unless he absolutely had to.
"Then why does the legend say that you do?" Rapunzel frowns a little.
"Ever since I came to live in this castle, rumors tend to fly around. Especially in Old Corona. It's been around for as long as I have. Which is 118 years."
"Wow," Harmony blinks in shock, she didn't know that Old Corona had been around for that long.
"I drink animal blood nowadays, but not Ruddiger. He's my buddy, and I would never suck his blood even if I'm that hungry," He smiles a bit at the raccoon.
"So...all the animals...that was you?" Rapunzel rubs her chin.
"I'm a vampire. I have to live off of something," Varian rubs his neck awkwardly. "But I don't go for horses or goats, just small animals like rabbits, rats, squirr-"
"Okay, I think we get it," Harmony chuckles uncomfortably as Pascal and Daisy hide.
"I won't suck any of your blood," He tells them, taking another sip of tea.
"And because of that, that means you trust us?" Rapunzel smiles optimistically, earning silence. He slowly puts down his cup.
"Well, it's been 20 minutes and you haven't tried to stab me with a wooden stake...so if you promise not to tell anyone what happened tonight, you can come to the castle anytime."
They glance to each other before looking back at him. "Why can't we tell anyone?" Harmony asks slowly.
"I'm a vampire. If your village finds out that we've talked, they'll chase me out of the castle. And...this is my home," He frowns slightly. "I love it here. Ruddiger's here, no one comes to bother me. They may be afraid of me, but I'd never do anything to Old Corona, and it needs to stay in peace."
The two girls look to each other, nodding in agreement. They certainly didn't want him to possibly get hurt if word comes out that he's actually a nice person. They'll possibly be scared, and then outraged, demanding that he leave town or they might try to kill him.
"We won't tell anyone. We'll just...say you chased us out," Rapunzel smiles a bit and he smiles too, nodding at them.
And so, with the promise to come back the next day, they walk back home to Old Corona. "Varian's actually not so bad."
"Yeah..." Harmony murmurs in agreement, wondering why he looked at her like that.
"Something on your mind, Harmi?"
She glances up at her sister, shaking her head. "Oh, no. Just thinking to myself. I hope the people don't interrogate us about what happened..."
"I don't like lying to them, but he makes a good point that we shouldn't cause a panic. The legend may not be true, but we made an agreement. We leave the legend alone, and we can become his friends!"
"He didn't seem so friendly at first, though I don't blame him," Harmony states in thought. There must've been at least a few who dared to go to him despite the legend, thinking that they could slay him.
Varian watches Harmony's back from the balcony, gripping the edge. She's not who he thinks she is, so he'll suspend the belief that she'd do anything to him...
Besides plague his mind.
The next morning, the girls are preparing to open up their paint class, but Harmony seems to be focused on something else as she's drawing in her journal. Daisy peeks over her shoulder, chirping as it's a picture of Varian. She didn't know why, but...there was something intriguing about him. His eyes...his freckles...his hair.
"Harmi? Harmi? Harmi!"
She blinks once she realizes that it's her sister saying her nickname. "Sorry, what?" She lightly closes her book.
"I've been calling your name like six times so you could hand me the purple paint. Are you okay?" Rapunzel walks over and takes a seat next to the girl.
"Um...well...just...thinking about...stuff?" Harmony smiles widely and Rapunzel sees the tiny splotch of black peeking out from a page.
"What's this?" She takes the journal and opens it up, the girl waving her hands in alarm.
"Wait, no-!"
The older sister gasps sharply and that's when she knows that she's doomed. "It's Varian! ...Do you like him?" The woman has a teasing look on her face.
"No," Harmony denies immediately.
"I think my little sister has a crush~!"
"No I don't," Harmony repeats in annoyance, turning around to grab an easel.
"Okay, if you say so," Rapunzel smirks in amusement.
"Punzie, I hardly know the guy. We just met him. So whatever you have planned, don't," The girl bends down and picks up a box of paints in jars, walking off. Rapunzel directs her smirk to Pascal and Daisy, raising a brow.
"I'll believe that for now."
After teaching their class, and informing Xavier of the fact that they ran off from Varian (untrue), it's nighttime once again. They figured to go and visit when everyone's asleep, so as not to arouse suspicion in town. Rapunzel knocks and the door opens to reveal Ruddiger, who's holding a rope in his mouth that connects to the doorknob. Varian installed it for whenever the raccoon wants to go out when he's asleep in his coffin.
"Oh, hi Ruddiger!" Rapunzel bends down to him with a smile. "Is Varian awake yet?"
Ruddiger nods and scampers off, going through a door. They glance to each other and follow him, where they find a black and red kitchen. Varian looks up from the stove to see them.
"Hello Rapunzel, Harmony."
"Varian, are you cooking?" Rapunzel stares at him and he steps back, revealing a bowl that had batter in it. He's also holding a whisk and wearing an apron.
"Close. Baking, actually. See, I study alchemy, which isn't too far from baking a simple cake. I've measured the perfect amount of ingredients to make the most delicious chocolate cake you've ever seen!" He then laughs like an evil scientist and Harmony laughs at him. This part of his personality is actually kind of fun to witness.
"Is that why there are explosions happening around here?" Harmony asks curiously.
"Okay, so maybe my experiments end in an occasional explosion, but it's all really to help Ruddiger and me around the castle. I'm working on a way to give this place hot running water."
"Oh, that is so great because Harmi here just happens to be an inventor and loves science!" Rapunzel slightly pushes her sister forward, who shushes her.
"Raps, why would you-"
"Wait, really?" Varian perks up at this. "I've...been meaning to have a student if you're interested in a lesson sometime? I'd really appreciate having an actual human to tell this kind of stuff to..."
She blushes slightly, having never seen this...side of him before. It's actually kind of endearing, and it may be one of the few things that makes him seem like everyone else. Well, not just like everyone else, he should definitely never change.
Wait, what?
"I'd...really like that, Varian," She smiles softly, rubbing her arm. "I hope I'm not too much of an idiot when it comes to alchemy."
"With me, you'll be fine," He smiles back, bending down and opening up the oven when it dings.
"I didn't know you baked, Varian," Rapunzel looks over his shoulder to look at the moist-looking delicacy.
"Well, I do try to leave animals alone once in a while, and I do like making food. My favorite is ham sandwiches and apple pie with cream."
"How about blueberry pie with strawberry ice cream, eh?" Rapunzel nudges her sister, who gives her a tiny glare. "Harmi loves strawberry ice cream."
"You do? I love strawberry ice cream," He smiles at her.
"Strawberry ice cream is the-"
"Underrated out of the main trio!" She and Varian say in unison.
"Yes! Exactly!" He holds his head in awe. Harmony grins, and as they talk about their interests, both of them could see themselves changing from acquaintances to friends...
Rapunzel and Harmony wave to their vampire friend as they walk back home. Varian returns the wave, his opinion of them now changed. He feels like he could talk to them about anything, and could open himself up a bit more...especially to Harmony...he's never met anyone who likes most of the same things that he does.
Ruddiger crawls up onto his shoulder as he looks out the balcony. The vampire gives a small sigh, a hand on his cheek as he looks at the younger girl.
"I don't know what it is about her, Ruddiger, Mona is just so...different from anyone else I've met." However, he knew that from the start. After all, she came here just to prove a legend wrong. But now he's actually realizing he should've opened up his eyes to her earlier.
The raccoon chitters, looking up at him and he drops his hand with wide eyes at the nickname. "Mona..." He rubs his chin. "Like Mona Lisa...it actually suits her."
Harmony has a smile on her face as she walks back into town with her sister. He may be a vampire, but she sees an intelligent, endearing, and kind soul. He doesn't brag about his intelligence, and while his inventions do cause the occasional explosion, it does nothing to stop him from doing what he loves.
"Someone looks happy after seeing Varian," Rapunzel teases and Harmony sighs lightly.
"We're just friends, Rapunzel..." Thankfully her older sister hasn't tried to set them up, she tends to meddle in relationships around town.
"If you say so, sis."
The next day, a royal carriage comes barging into the entrance of Old Corona, surprising them all. Rapunzel and Harmony peek out from the windows of their building, a crowd gathering around. The door is opened by the driver, and out steps a prince with blonde hair and a red ensemble of clothing, complete with a cape.
Harmony stiffens as she steps back, panting heavily. The face of a boy she thought she'd never see again...is here...
"Oh my god...that's Prince Trevor the 3rd from Equis!" Rapunzel gasps, covering her mouth. Pascal and Daisy narrow their eyes as she closes the blinds. "How'd he find you?!"
"I don't know, but you gotta make him leave, Rapunzel. I don't want him here."
"Me?" She gestures to herself. "Won't he know that you're in town if he sees me?"
They have no time to dwell on that because the door opens anyway, revealing the prince himself. "Oh, Harmony~!"
"Hello, Trevor," She pinches the bridge of her nose.
"My darling, I've missed you! Come, let me take you away from this wretched town!" He steps forward and wraps an arm around her. "I don't understand why you left our love behind when I'm ready to take care of you for the rest of my life."
"Get real," She pushes him off gently. "You only like me for my looks, and I want someone to love me for me."
"But I love you, my princess. We belong together! Please, say you'll come back home and marry me!"
"Ugh!" This irritates her to the point that she grabs her cloak, puts it on, and storms out the door. Trevor goes after her, only to trip from the steps and land in the mud. Pascal and Daisy both squeak in laughter as Rapunzel hums, trying not to laugh. Harmony puts the hood over herself, heading for the castle. She knew that she and her sister agreed to visit nights only, but she needed someone to talk to—now. Varian just seems like the best option.
Harmony knocks on the door to the castle, and it creaks open. This raises a few concerns, since Ruddiger or Varian usually open the door to greet her. She picks up her skirt and slowly enters inside. "Hello? Vari? Ruddiger?"
She looks to an open door on her right, squinting. There's a light peeking out from the door and out of curiosity, she steps inside the room. Her mouth opens in shock to see a music room, with all types of instruments everywhere. In the center is a big grand piano, like the one in the Snuggly Duckling. She smiles and takes a seat, starting to play. The melody is helping to slowly forget what happened...
Once a lass met a lad
You're a gentle one, said she
Varian steps down the stairs and stops short, hearing the melodious voice. "Mona...?" He looks to the open door.
In my heart, I'd be glad
If you loved me for me
Varian slowly steps to the door and sees her playing, her eyes closed in content. His fanged mouth opens in shock, shocked that she's the one singing. She has such a beautiful voice, and her delicate fingers play wonderfully in harmony with her. Maybe this is why she has the ironic name Harmony.
You say your love is true
And I hope that it will be
Varian, hoping not to startle her, steps up behind the brunette.
I'd be sure, if I knew
Harmony whips around to Varian, shocked to hear him right behind her. She thought she was alone, and she wondered how much he heard.
That you loved me for me
"S-Sorry," She stammers nervously, standing up. "I knocked, but the door opened, and I just went in, and then I saw this room-"
"Mona," He chuckles as he steps forward, causing her to clamp her mouth shut. "It's okay. You're an amazing singer."
"Thank you," She blushes, putting a bang behind her ear. "You're pretty good too. You play everything in here?"
"I'm only good at the piano," He takes a seat in front of it, gesturing for her to join in. She slowly joins his side and he plays a little bit. "I keep these here so that it doesn't feel left out. I didn't know you played too."
"Self-taught. Being a village girl doesn't always mean I do all the normal stuff for my sister," She smiles slightly, playing along with him.
Could I be the one you're seeking?
Will I be the one you choose?
Can you tell my heart is speaking?
My eyes will give you clues
Varian turns to look at her, still playing.
What you see may be deceiving
Truth lies underneath the skin
She smiles a little, Ruddiger peeking in with Rapunzel. They could see the sparks flowing by their playing. She managed to sneak past Trevor and followed her sister here, because she had a gut feeling that she'd go to Varian. The two sisters don't really know the other villagers well enough to talk to them about their personal problems.
Hope will blossom by believing
The heart that lies within
I'll be yours
Varian grins as their shoulders get closer.
Together we shall always be as one
If you love me for me
"Look, Ruddiger! They sing so beautifully together," Rapunzel sighs, placing a hand on her heart.
Who can say where we'll go
(I'll be yours)
Who can promise what will be
(Together we shall always)
Harmony looks down bashfully, because they sing really great, and...the song...she hoped that he felt the same way about her. It's like it spoke to both of them about each other. Clearly, they're both very different to society...
But I'll stay by your side
(Be as one)
If you love me for me
Varian's hand suddenly lands on hers and they finish playing the piano together. Harmony looks up at his eyes and he stares into her own.
If you love me for me
It's dead silence between the two as neither of them knew what to say.
"...T-That was, uh...I mean, you were..." Varian stammers, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Um...it was..." Harmony rubs her arm, both of them feeling awkward.
"You were great," He manages to say, his cheeks flushed.
"Thank you, Vari," She smiles softly, getting onto her feet. "You know...I don't know why people are afraid of you. All I see is you."
He blinks in shock as she turns around and leaves the room, Rapunzel and Ruddiger hiding in a corner. They both have disappointed looks on their faces. They peek inside the room to see Varian bended over the piano, groaning.
"Could I be any lamer...?"
Harmony decides to stick around, letting Rapunzel leave so that she could actually start the painting class. She's letting the three animals help her out today instead of her sister, hoping that something will blossom again for her and Varian.
The two are currently having tea and cookies in the living room near the fireplace.
"So...when we met, you looked at me really weird," Harmony bites her lip nervously. "It was almost as if you saw someone else...who did I remind you of?"
He takes a moment to think about it, and based on how different she is...he could trust her enough to tell her a part of his past. "...Her name was Morgan. She was a village girl like you. It was a long time ago," He rubs his arm nervously. "But...we were...kind of a thing."
Her eyes widen at the revelation, taking in the information. "So...she was your ex-lover..."
"Yeah. I loved her. She was so brash and yet she charmed me of all people. I liked her attitude, and I thought we'd be happy together. But then...I caught her with someone else, and...then it was over," He looks towards the ground, glancing at her. "I don't even remember how long ago it was...It kinda made me wonder if you'd do the same."
"Not all girls are the same," She shakes her head slowly. "You just have to give the right one a chance."
"...I already have," He smiles softly at her and she blushes, clearing her throat.
"...I have an ex too. He's a prince from a neighboring kingdom," She rolls her eyes at the reminder. "I wouldn't say we had much of a relationship, though. He kept underestimating me as a person, doubting my skills and making me do all these things for him. I think he just wanted me for my beauty instead of...well, the real me."
"He's a prince? How'd you two meet?" He asks curiously, as it seems unlikely that a guy like him would date a village girl.
"He came to visit us to see what it was like. He took one look at me and it was like love at first sight to him."
"And you didn't feel the same?"
"Not at first," She reveals, crossing her arms. "But I was also younger back then, so I wasn't exactly making sensible decisions for a 14-year-old. He knew how to charm me, and my dumb self fell for it. I dumped him two weeks later, because he only cared about himself and how 'perfect' we looked together. I moved to Old Corona to get away from him. My sister came with me to look after me...we left behind all our friends and family. My sister had to say goodbye to her husband..."
His eyes soften at this. It must be hard for both of them to be in a town where they're strangers to everyone...
"But...then he came back today to try and get me to come back home," She frowns slightly and he narrows his eyes, feeling like hissing but he doesn't out of respect. "He wants to marry me, but...I just feel like there's something more out there for me than just being eye candy for a prince. I wish I had a better experience for a first love."
"I guess both of us were just looking in the wrong place," Varian smiles bashfully and she smiles back. She looks down at her tea cup, realizing that...she might actually love him...they're interacting so different from when they first met, opening up about their pasts...about their desires.
"I'm sorry that I came in unannounced. I just needed to get away from him..."
"It's okay, Mona. I understand. I'm actually glad you decided to come to me," He rubs his neck.
"I...don't have many people to talk to besides my sister and Daisy. I knew you could help," She murmurs softly.
"Anything for you. And if you ask me, that guy doesn't know what he's missing out on."
Harmony blinks and smiles sweetly at him. "Wait, don't you usually sleep around this time of day?"
"Well...yeah...but I actually don't need to. Sometimes when I'm working on something, I don't tend to rest. And...recently, I've been daydreaming anyway to sleep."
He won't say that he thinks about her, though.
They talk all afternoon, and the next thing they knew, it was nighttime again. Varian walks her out into the open and she turns around to him.
"Goodnight, Vari."
"Goodnight, Mona...can I ask you something?"
"Well, as long as it doesn't take long. I do have a sister at home," She glances behind her to look towards the village.
"...Why did you want to disprove the legend? What made you decide that you and me could ever..." He trails off, trying not to tell her that he doubts her interest in him. She decides not to dwell on it and speaks up after a few seconds.
"Because I just knew...that it wasn't true, and that I wanted to get to know you. Even if you were somewhat hostile, not that I blame you. But...I don't know, I guess I just...had a feeling that you weren't what the legend said. It's like my mother used to tell me, plus est en vous."
"What does that mean?" He asks in confusion.
"It means that there is more in you."
His heart beats at that explanation and he smiles bashfully. She truly was different from anyone he ever met...not even Morgan made him feel this way.
He leans in and kisses her cheek, pulling back to look her in the eye. Her cheeks are flushed as her mouth is in an O shape, but then she clamps it shut. "Thank you, Mona. I'll see you tomorrow night."
"...Bye..." She smiles giddily, waving to him as she takes her leave. Once her back is turned, she squeals to herself.
He smiles and closes the door, a lovestruck look in his eyes. She genuinely likes him for him...
However, neither of them are aware that Trevor the 3rd was watching, having followed after Rapunzel. He waited until they both left, since he had suspicions that they were in there. And now that he knew, a vampire has brainwashed his love! She would never let him kiss her, he must've put her under a spell, saying all these...vile things about a vampire!
He narrows his eyes at Harmony's retreating frame. She's his, and he wasn't going to let some vampire take that away. And the only way to get rid of a vampire...
Is to kill him.
"Your highness, is this really necessary?" His advisor asks, watching the prince pace around. He whips around to the man with craze-filled eyes.
"Yes! Who knows how long my beloved has been suffering?! That vampire must be vanquished! Now prepare the weapons!"
"Y-Yes, your majesty."
Varian places his hand on his cheek, sighing deeply. Ruddiger looks up at him, chittering in slight concern. The vampire looks sick...maybe even lovesick? He jumps onto the vampire's hands, looking up at him. The vampire blinks at him.
"Oh, Ruddiger. Sorry, I was thinking about Mona again. I can't wait to see her again. She's just so smart, and beautiful, and kind. I don't even care that she's a human, she's opened up my heart to love again..."
Ruddiger smiles a bit, happy for his master that he's found love.
"Lady Harmony!" Prince Trevor the Third's voice booms from outside the art school. Harmony peeks out from the window, rolling her eyes and opening the door. She sees him with a bouquet of flowers and groans.
"Trevor...I told you, I'm just not the right girl for you."
"Oh, but you are! I know all about your plight," He gestures to himself dramatically.
"My...plight?" She raises a brow, her sister looking over her shoulder.
"Get away from my sister, you wooer!" The older brunette holds up a frying pan.
"Don't you see? Your feelings for that vampire are just because of a spell!"
The two gasp, glancing to each other. Fear rises within the younger sister. They told only Xavier that they got chased away from Varian, and that was only to keep up the legend. So how did he assume that she still interacts with him? "I...I don't know any-"
"I saw you with him," He snarls out the last word in a degrading way. "The real you would never stoop yourself so low with a vile creature."
"That's not true!" Harmony glares at him. "The only real person that knows me that deeply is Varian! No matter what you do or say, he'll still be better than you!"
The prince growls and stands up, snapping his fingers. "Lock them up."
"What?!" The two exclaim as the guards snatch the girls, dragging them over to the prison carriage. The villagers, having heard the commotion, peek outside their windows. By the looks of the guards, they shouldn't dare interfere. But they couldn't just leave the two girls alone...
"Release them!" Xavier demands, stepping forward. The people stand behind him, glaring at them.
"They did nothing wrong!"
"No longer shall we live in fear!"
The two sisters smile softly at the villagers.
"You men deal with this. I have a vampire to kill," The prince steps past, heading for the castle.
"No! Varian!" Rapunzel exclaims in alarm, and the guards throw them into the carriage. Pascal is riding Daisy as she flies in quickly, attacking one of the guards before they could close the door. A brawl between the guards and the people begin as Rapunzel smacks the other guard unconscious with her frying pan. "Go, I'll hold them off!"
"Okay!" Harmony picks up her skirt, running and dodging as she tries to catch up.
Prince Trevor the 3rd arrives at the castle, and it's eerily quiet. He kicks the door open and steps forward, armed with a gun that has silver bullets in it and a stake. He looks around for any sign of the vampire, but the only light was coming from the room.
"Come out, you coward!" He challenges to the shadows. "I know you live here. Face me like a man!"
A bat flies in and transforms back into Varian. He narrows his eyes at the intruder. "You must be the jerk Mona talked about."
The prince grits his teeth at the nickname. "She was willing to marry me before you came along! She's mine!"
"She isn't a possession," Varian shows his fangs. "She's a person that's capable of making her own decisions, and she definitely deserves better than you. You're a selfish, pompous sleaze and if you want to kill me..."
He takes off his cape and it falls on the floor.
"You'll die trying!"
Trevor the 3rd screams in anger, lunging forward with the stake, but Varian slides back.
Harmony pants as she pushes past all the tree branches, running as fast as she can.
Varian speeds over back to the prince, kicking him in the side. He falls onto the ground, but looks up with rage, tackling the vampire onto the ground.
She almost trips, but regains her footing, determination filled in her eyes.
Trevor points the gun, and Varian kicks it out of his hand. It slides a few feet away on the ground. Varian spins them around, gaining the upper hand as he's holding the stake now, hissing at his opponent.
"Oh god, I hope I'm not too late!" Harmony murmurs as she reaches the end of the forest, worried for Varian.
"Please! Mercy!" The prince pleads, Varian narrowing his eyes. As much as he hates this prick, killing him wouldn't be fair justice. And not to mention he doesn't want Harmony to see him as a killer should he do it. He grips the stake and then finally throws it away, standing up. Trevor the 3rd looks up in surprise, seeing the vampire's red-eyed glare.
"Get out of this castle, and leave Mona alone, until you die," Varian threatens him. He scrambles onto his feet, grabbing the gun.
"Vari!"
His eyes turn back to normal at the soft voice, turning around to see Harmony standing in the doorway. Both of them blink in shock.
"Mona," He murmurs in relief and she runs up to him, jumping up and wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug. He stiffens at the sudden contact, but wraps his arms around her waist.
"Are you okay? You're not hurt?" She murmurs almost quietly.
"No," He whispers gently, glad that she's here...
Trevor the 3rd sees their loving embrace and seethes. He grips the gun handle, aiming it towards Varian's back, aiming for the heart.
Hearing the click, Harmony opens her eyes, her heart clenching as she sees what he's about to do. "NO!" She moves away from Varian as the gun goes off, but it doesn't hit the vampire. Trevor drops the gun in shock and the alchemist vampire slowly turns around...
To see Harmony fall onto the ground, blood surrounding her chest.
"MONA!" He shouts at the top of his lungs, bending down to her. Her breathing gets slower as he holds her, blinking back tears. The blood just won't stop flowing as there's a hole where her heart is. "No...no, no, no, no, no! Mona..." He rests his cheek on her chest, sobbing. "You're...you're gonna be okay...stay with me, Mona. Stay with me..."
"Vari..." She coughs out and he looks up at her to see her wistful look. "Don't cry...I'll be happy...isn't that what you want?"
"Mona..." The tears fall from his face, gripping her shirt. "Don't leave me..."
"Wherever you go, I'll be with you...I...I lo...ve...you..." And with that, she closes her eyes and he openly cries, touching her forehead with his.
She was so kind...so alive...so intelligent...and he loved her just as much. And now she'll never get to hear it from him.
Rapunzel arrives at the castle with Pascal and Daisy, gasping sharply at the scene. "Harmi! No...!" Tears prick her eyes and she sees Trevor still holding the gun. "You..."
"I-I didn't mean to, I was aiming for him!" He gestures to the vampire in shock. She slowly steps up to him, gripping her frying pan. "Rapunzel, I-"
She smacks him and he falls unconscious. She turns around to the door at the Old Coronean guards that arrive just a few seconds after, pointing to Trevor. "I want him arrested immediately. And do not let him out," She narrows her eyes in anger.
They bend down to the prince, handcuffing him and dragging him away. The Captain of the Guards places a comforting hand on Rapunzel's shoulder.
"I'm...so sorry about your loss."
He walks past the grieving vampire, Daisy chirping sadly, and Pascal looks just as sad, turning blue. He looks up at Rapunzel with a small sad chirp, and the older brunette walks up to the two.
"I'm so sorry, Rapunzel...there was nothing I could do to stop it..." Varian whispers in despair, still gripping the shirt.
She stares at his tear-stained face and the way he's clinging to her. They truly love each other, and Harmony definitely didn't deserve to die...she could tell that Varian's feelings are genuine for the girl. She takes a deep breath, bending down and sitting on her feet.
"I...I think you should bite her."
Varian opens up his eyes, looking up at her slowly. The brunette has an uncertain look on her face, but she had meant every word she said.
"What...?"
"If you bite her...you could turn her into a vampire, right? And then she'll be able to live..." Rapunzel murmurs softly.
"But...Rapunzel, what about-"
"I know what you're gonna say," She takes another breath. "But once we get our friends and family here...we can help make sure that you two are safe. And we won't tell anyone what happened...I promise. I can tell that you love her."
He looks back to the girl, caressing her cheek. "Are you...are you sure you can handle that?"
"She's my little sister. Eventually...I have to let her go, to be happy. And I believe that she has that with you," Rapunzel places an assuring hand on his shoulder. "I'll be okay knowing that."
"...I'll...I'll do it. For you, and for Mona," He looks up at her and she gives a weak smile, nodding at him to go on. He slowly reaches out his hand to her neck, staring at the bare space. He gently lifts her up so that her neck is close enough to his fanged mouth. He opens up his mouth, showing his fangs, and bites down. His fangs inject the venom into her body, and then he slowly pulls away, looking at the two small holes in her neck. His teeth have some of her blood in them.
"Did it work?" Rapunzel murmurs as the girl doesn't move. They wait in anticipation before Harmony opens up her eyes, and they're blood red. They all stare in surprise as she sits up and Varian hugs her in relief.
"Mona..."
"Vari...what happened?" She murmurs, holding her head.
"You died to save me," He pulls back to look at her. "So I...turned you into a vampire. Because I love you, and...I didn't want to lose you."
Her eyes widen at him and she smiles softly. "You love me?"
"Yeah..."
Rapunzel looks on happily, clasping her hands. She then squeals as Varian kisses her.
And so, Harmony moved into the castle with Varian, the village unaware of what really happened. Rapunzel had to tell them that Harmony died after being accidentally shot from saving an animal that Trevor was hunting. As promised, her friends and family moved into the village, visiting the two vampires in secret. But Harmony didn't mind about the secrecy.
Because she'd be happy living for all eternity with her vampire.
Angel: If You Love Me for Me is from Barbie's The Princess and the Pauper (wish I discovered that song sooner).