We're Here Folks!
Welcome to my 'Maverick What If:' story. For those of you who don't know, I while back I stated that I was going to do a version of the Maverick story that asks the question, what if the Maverick came to Corona instead of Arendelle, thus this will start a refurbished version of Maverick that will fit into this story. And boy oh boy this was under production for a long long time.
"You mean this morning?" Aiden asked while reading this story.
Yeah. BTW you're not in this story.
"WHAT THE WHAT?! How can you have a Maverick story without the M-Man right here?!" Aiden exclaimed.
"That's easy Prime Time. I'm filling for this role." A new dude that looks like Aiden entered in, who had the same clothes but a darker shades of color and with brown hair instead of platinum white.
"Oh so it's me under a different shade right?" Aiden mused and smirked at the Tangled version of him. "I'm not gonna lie, my skull looks good on brown."
"And you make Jack Frost if came back from the evil clutches of DreamWorks." The Tangled version of Aiden stated.
"I always do, so who's this customize Peter Parker version of me?" Aiden asked the Author.
Orion Forge. AKA the Maverick that came to Corona instead of Arendelle.
"Don't worry, our author will bang his head and bleed until he comes up with a complicated reason for why we'll meet one day in the future KH III story." Orion assured Aiden.
"We'll see." Aiden and Orion shifted into the Mavericks and shook each other's hands.
For those of you that might get confused. I'll just type Aiden's Maverick as A-Maverick while Orion's Maverick is O-Maverick.
"Good luck, break a leg and drop dead other me." A-Maverick fisted bump the other Maverick.
"You too, and I'll see you in hell other me." O-Maverick accepted the fist bump and laughed with him.
Oy, I'm gonna need all the aspirin I can get my hands on. Anyway what I recommended is that everyone AND I DO MEAN EVERYONE! watch the pilot episode of the 'Tangled Series' which is an hour movie titled 'Tangled: Before Ever After'. Because that is when this chapter takes place. If you get lost on what's going on with the characters then it's because you didn't listen and decided to watch it anyway. remember. Watch 'Before Ever After' first!
"I mean if the Kingdom Hearts games can use bits and pieces of a story for some of it's worlds instead replaying an entire movie like a Michael Bay film, then why can't we?" Orion pointed out.
Exactly! But for those of you who have watched the 'Tangled Series' and finished all three seasons, then by all means you're free to dive right into this story. Oh and one more thing, this story will feature almost every main character from Season one of the show... except for Varian.
**GUNS CLICKING!**
WOAH WOAH WOAH! HEAR ME OUT! PLEASE! . I really do like Varian and his songs, In fact he was one of the best characters from the series. But from day one I knew that his character would get in the way of my main OC character's role and it would feel redundant to have two of the same person in the role. Mind you Orion is not an OC Varian, but there were some things Varian did in the show that made me curious to ask, what if some of else of different intentions but with a few similar qualities were in his role instead? I could've probably added him in anyway, but he wouldn't be getting the time and care needed from me because he would take my focus off of the main reason I've made this story.
"But don't worry, he exists in my Universe." Aiden gave the readers a thumbs up.
Right. But in Orion Forge's universe, it feels pointless to include him. The one thing I don't want to do is waste a good Protagonist like Varian, I know he seemed like the bad guy in season one, but I never viewed him as the villain. He was just angry and bitter that his father was taken from him and he was left alone to handle the worse situation he could ever be put in. And I'm working on a different Antagonist for the finale of this story. And it will deliver a differen't impact that will be just as valuable.
"Hopefully." Orion teased.
Shut it Mav number two! Anyway if you folks have any ideas for the story and any villain ideas, I'm all ears.
"Technically while I'm taking over certain roles of Varian the Pharmacist..." Orion said.
Alchemist!
"Bless you. Anyway, he technically does exist in my world...But he has a different role in here...And he's younger...Much younger. A baby to be precise. Don't worry we'll explain that part later." Orion assured. "I mean if another known Tangled/Kingdom Hearts fanfic author can take Cassandra out of his story, why can't we?!...Try saying that three times fast!"
Anyway, I hope you all understand. I loved Varian as a character and I know many of you Tangled fans did too, but he wouldn't have fit in for my future ideas and it would've felt too incoherent. So I'm sorry, but I hope this doesn't take away what's coming up next.
Because remember how Elsa and Aiden had a Mother/Son relationship? Well Rapunzel and Orion will have a very unique sibling relationship. (Since Orion will be fourteen years old in this story. It wouldn't work to have Rapunzel as a mother, unless if he was a toddler. but who want's that?)
Anyway, now that I've clear some things up with honesty and gave my viewers some precautions. And now that we're all here!
LET'S GET DANGEROUS!
The Princess And The Maverick.
Intro…..
"Alright folks! Let's do this one last time." Maverick narrated in the background.
"This. Is the story of how I died." Eugene hijacked the intro.
"Hey you want that to be a true statement? ***k off Errol Flynn! This is my intro!" Maverick snapped and kicked Eugene out of the intro.
"Killjoy." Eugene muttered as he left it up to Maverick.
My name is Orion Forge. And for the last 6 years. I have been the one and only, Maverick. And I'm pretty sure you know the rest. And if not, here's a detailed recap.
My father Alex Forge was one of the richest Engineers of the century back on Modern Earth, and my Mom Katherine Forge was the inspiration. And my older sister Trish who was everything to me. My best friend, and my other half. It was like we were twins except she was at least 12 years older than me. But she was the urge I needed to keep going. Despite that I was fighting leukemia starting at three years old. Thankfully I recovered two years later. But screw it, that part is not important.
My old man ran his business like an inter dimensional Empire, but within the rules of the World Order of course. Meaning he could do business with them. But Dad couldn't just let them know where he was from or that his business was secretly running in other worlds. I mean if Scrooge McDuck can do it, so could Dad.
Some of the worlds thought Dad was a king. And to be honest. He really was a king to me.
I mean I got to live in a really cool mansion in Twilight Town. One of the perfect places to call home. That is…..Until one day in another world….. I was 8 years old when we were traveling to Corona via a 20th century ship. I mean we had to blend in….And no, a storm didn't attack us.
It was a group of advanced war bots called the Dark Mongers that attacked our ship, and they killed everyone on board. Including our parents. My sister and I ran when it happened. But the Dark Mongers were all over the top deck.
So out of an act of greater love. My sister told me how much she loved me…...And ran to draw those monsters' attention. I panicked and ran for the only lifeboat available and watched as my sister was slaughtered by those mechanized bastards.
The lifeboat dropped into the ocean and on a bad timing or bad karma if you want to call it that. It started to rain. And I ended up being washed up on a deserted island.
But when I woke up, I met a pair of really nice red eyes…..On blue skin. Say 'yikes' all you want. But I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't met this girl. Her name is Friday, an alien girl with blue skin, amazing silver hair and pointy ears. Her origin is the part that's complicated. Short version: She's a hybrid of two races called the Kree and the Skrull, and she's also an escaped experiment. Long version, you'll have to wait until later on in the story to hear the specifics.
All you need to know is that I met her on an island and she was accompanied by a talking tree named Groot. Yes you heard me. Don't judge, it's bad for your health.
They both were survivors and apparently. So was I.
They both found me. Washed up on that island. They took me to their tree house and it took a long while for me to wake up. But when I did. I woke up to not only meet Friday's eyes. But she met mine too, and she was amazed to see my eyes glowing and changing colors to blue and green each time I blinked. And as a finishing touch I woke up with a ring on my finger and two keyblades.
Friday and Groot were very familiar with keyblade wielders and Kingdom Heart. In fact I was too. It used to be me and Trish's favorite bedtime stories.
Long story short. I went down a spirit walk in my dreams and found out I was chosen as an independent keyblade wielder called…..Drum roll…..The Maverick!
And with my new found skills and abilities I was given a location toward a secret lair in Corona called the Chamber Of Renewal. But I re-dubbed it as the Mav Club. It's where we set up shop. Until we can get out of this God forsaken world.
I even found an old gummi ship in the lair. But with the limited resources in gummi tech and given that it hasn't been in the air since the last Maverick. Friday and I are doing our best to repair the damn thing. But until then. We live here. Under Old Corona. Running an independent business of ours. A gift shop to be specific.
Thankfully their village leader Quirin doesn't mind us living there. But if he knew what we were. He probably would've kicked us out to the curb.
We spend our days using the lair's computer and technology to not only look out for this world and protect it from danger. But we're also looking for anything this world can offer to help us repair the Gummi Ship. And I'm getting close. I just need the right fuel and power source.
Until then. Friday, Groot and I live here. In Corona.
I don't know what happened to my Dad's company in our absence and we have no way to contact or reach out to other worlds. We can't even hijack the nearest Dish Network out here.
But on the bright side. Corona seems to be going well. In fact they recently had their long lost flower child/princess return to them. I think I've heard her name from an old fairy tale once, wasn't she a villain in Shrek The Third? Ah who cares!
For the past six months things have been quiet. Which gave me and Friday all the time in the world we needed to focus on fixing the ship. And running our business.
We have the means to research in this world but we need money. All we sell are Knick Knacks, snacks and drinks, medicine and gift cards. That's hardly enough to buy a small amount of this century's gasoline. Sure we could take what we need but we have our rules and limits. We don't steal or kill.
I was chosen as the next independent Keyblade warrior for a reason and in spite of everything, I'm going to live up to it.
Because I'm the Maverick. The Guardian of the Multiverse. And I'll be up in the stars soon.
One morning In Corona…
All over town, posters that were announcing the Coronation of Corona's reestablished Princess. Rapunzel. Everyone in the kingdom had come to love her as she has won the hearts of the entire kingdom with her light. All accept the owner of a certain sweet shop owner. And others who are in darkness.
While a paper boy was posting the announcement flyers all over town. A rat snatched one of the rolled up posters without looking and scurried off with it. The rat went all the way down into the sewers and into the hidden lair of a female master criminal that goes by the name of Lady Caine, the leader of a pirate gang and well known in the thieving and crime community. As Eugene back in his thief days. Many criminals came over the years willing to serve her.
When Caine was a child, the princess and heir to the throne of Corona was kidnapped which prompted the King's order to the guards. Having them arrest all the criminals in the kingdom, as he believed that one of them had something to do with his daughter's kidnapping. One of the criminals was a petty thief, Caine's father. Who had nothing to do with her kidnapping. All he cared about was stealing food and money for survival. But his criminal past caused him to be locked up for life. Caine was enraged with her father's arrest as he was separated from her daughter, and spent the rest of his life in prison until he passed away.
Ever since Lady Caine had been biding her time until she could find the opportune moment for revenge. Now it was arriving.
The rat who stole a poster came up to her desk. Sue read the poster and grinned.
"Lady Caine, what is it?" A ruffian named Pocket asked her in the shadows.
"Time to pay our respects to our beloved royals." Lady Caine stated as she burned the poster with a candle.
"Well that is good to hear." The criminal grinned. "When can we-"
*Woosh! Prick!*
Pocket twitched, feeling something sting in his neck and lock his nerves before he fell to the ground, out cold. Causing the rats to scurry away and Lady Caine being alerted. She narrowed her eyes and drew her sword out slowly.
"You won't get that chance." She heard a dark voice say.
"Who's there!" She drew her sword out and pointed it at the tall intimidating figure standing in the shadows.
The intruder stepped out of the shadows to reveal himself. This guy turned out to be quite large and wearing a black and red suit similar to Maverick's suit. Only more bulky and evil looking with a chain belt around his waist. And his helmet had bull horns and his eyes were red and filled with aggression. He looked like a monster.
There's a name for a monster in a suit like this. But we'll just call him 'Lash'.
Lady Caine showed no signs of intimidation as she held her sword up at Lash. "Who are you?! What do you want?!"
Lash gave the female criminal a sinister smirk before he grabbed her sword and snapped it in half much to her shock.
"Don't worry Lady Caine, is it? I'm not here to kill you." Lash smirked. "Unless you make me want to." He chuckled in his dark voice.
"If that's your way to scare me. I'll give it a solid four. What do you want?" Lady Caine rolled her eyes.
"We all want something valuable. You want revenge, I want progress. And it just so happens..." Lash said as he gestured towards his squad of Dark Monger standing down the tunnel. These robotic troops were black and armored up all over with black laser cannons for hands. They also had red eye's like their leader who spoke up. "I have the means for us to have both."
"Well now I'm impressed." Lady Caine smirked as she leaned back in her chair facing Lash. "What do you want in return for your toys?"
"Progress. They're also here to keep someone out of the castle while you go through with your plans. Otherwise he'll end your little crime of the century within a heartbeat."
"Could you be more specific?" Lady Caine snorted.
Lash eyes glowed redder as he stated in one word.
"The Maverick." Lash growled.
The next day over the walls of Corona…..
Somewhere in the middle of a messy road in the forest. The trees whistled and waved as the Maverick flew past them in the sky. Once he had gotten sight of the seismic activity his computer picked up earlier. He began to hover down to get a closer look. Once Maverick got close beyond the thick cloudy fog that covered the area, he found a bridge that had collapsed. Broken down into pieces, as if it was destroyed by artillery of the 21st century.
The Maverick's suit form was not like your generic medieval knight's suit. More like a knight from the future. Or rather from another world. In fact this guy's armor was a mix of both science and magic. This armor seemed to be made of some kind of silver based medal and fine matching metallic fabrics all over. The armor was also painted with a pattern of blue and green. And the head appeared to be a silver based helmet. It's smooth with a black screen in front and projecting two glowing white slits on the screen for eyes. Throughout the armor, the blue and green patterns were glowing into many streams of lights that ran down the suit. Like a stream of flowing water. On the chest and on the waist band was an M Symbol.
Orion can change into this suit every time he uses his magic ring. Whenever this teenage keyblader from another world shifts into the Maverick, he'll look and down like a full grown adult in that suit.
Maverick looked around and found a trail of black spiky rocks that stopped near the far east end of the bridge. Leading up toward the walk way. He landed and held his hand out to scan the rocks with his ring.
"What have you got for me IRIS?" Maverick asked.
'The entire bridge appeared to have collapsed yesterday due to the mysterious dark stones.' IRIS theorized.
"Yeah, great. I never could've figured that out." Maverick sarcastically responded. "What can you tell me about the black rocks?"
'There is no record or origin of these petrological structures in this world. If there were, it could be something or someone has removed any recognition of them on the map or history books.' IRIS stated.
"Sounds like it. Anything else?" Maverick asked as he brushed his metallic hand over one of the rocks feeling how hard it is.
'These rocks are indeed from this universe. But they apparently are indestructible to any known magic in your selection of construct, spells and arsenal. Other than these facts. They appear to have had a metaphysical reaction to a mystical element known as the sun drop.' IRIS said.
"And by sun drop. Are you referring to the secondary mello yello drink or the element that gave Corona's long lost August Rush her long blonde hair?" Maverick asked humorously.
'Most definitely the last part.' IRIS confirmed.
Maverick pondered before he hovered over to where the trail started at the end of a cliff. He looked down at the ledges that hung below and flew down to get a closer look. At the edge Maverick saw a plague that was dedicated to the healing flower that saved Rapunzel and her mother when the latter fell ill during her pregnancy. In fact this was the original spot where it used to grow.
"Hmmmm…." Maverick raised an eyebrow as blue screen eyes looked down on the ground and he scanned to find boot prints. And bare feet prints running down the trail of dark rocks.
Maverick used his flight speed to follow the trail. He could clearly see that it led all the way back to Corona. Right into the city. As Maverick came up with a conclusion of who was here, he hovered up into the sky and flew over the kingdom of Corona, high enough so people couldn't see him.
"IRIS. Give an update of any important events that are happening in Corona." Maverick said while flying.
'Today marks the date of Princess Rapunzel's coronation. She is to be crowned this evening.' IRIS stated.
"That can't be a coincidence." Maverick figured. "Let Friday know I'm going to be back late."
'That won't be necessary. She instructed me to hold all calls while she trains until evening. She said she wants no interruptions.'
"Oy. She's definitely gunning for that new suit." Maverick smirked and resumed focus on flying.
'You also have an early morning appointment with Doctor Dubois at the end of the week.' IRIS stated.
"The end of this week? I thought it was next week." Maverick said while flying.
'She moved up her schedule up since it's her husband's birthday next week.' IRIS clarified.
"Ah. Then I don't mind that my shrink decided to shrink the schedule." Maverick quipped in amusment.
On the subject about what Maverick had just found. He knew there was only one person in this town that had a connection to that historical site of the healing flower and who is always barefoot. If Maverick is right. The princess is already having results of getting in contact with the black rocks.
Down below. A short man with a beard and leather thug attire was leaning up against some beer barrels. Always drunk as he could never get rid of that droopy eyed smile while staring into oblivion. This little weirdo was named Shorty.
Shorty looked up into the sky and saw Maverick fly by after the sky. But unlike most people. He registered it in a different way.
"Oh look. A shooting metal. Make a wish….No you first." Shorty slurred to no one that was there. And then he belched real loud.
A few minutes later down at the Castle garden yard…
Princess Rapunzel didn't know what happened last night. One moment she snuck out with her handmaiden/best friend Cassandra to go and see the black rocks. The next thing she knew after touching them. Her extremely long blonde hair grew back. Only this time it's completely indestructible. Cassandra tried using almost every tool and weapon she had but nothing worked to cut her hair. The only people who know are Cassandra, Pascal her pet chameleon, Maximus the loyal steed, Rapunzel boyfriend Eugene who wandered into her bedroom to see her blonde hair back. The same long blonde hair he cut off to save her from Gothel. Much to his shock and confusion.
But Rapunzel hasn't told him about how and why her hair is back. But he's helping her to keep it a secret.
Which is now more difficult that Rapunzel has to hide it from everyone. Including her parents. Rapunzel took Cassandra's idea to hide her hair in a giant pink wig that looked like a large fluffy tea kettle on top of her head Either that or a perched mutant flamingo given that the jewel in the upper middle looks like a ribbon collar. Which looked pretty weird but no one questioned it.
Not even King Frederic and Queen Ariana, Rapunzel's parents.
They were currently having lunch with their daughter under the gazebo with a small nearby waterfall close to the entrance leading to the garden. Both of them were trying their best not to give Rapunzel strange looks for her hair cut.
"So uh, Rapunzel. Ready for your big day?" Ariana asked with a smile.
"You bet. Already into the princess spirit!" Rapunzel cheerfully stated while keeping her wig balanced and pushing it back up to keep it straight when it was leaning down. "The bigger the wig the better the princess, right?"
Standing on top of the gazebo roof while in camouflage mode was Maverick who was listening in and watching.
"More like 'the bigger red flag waves'. That wig is big enough to sue Xbox 360 for guessing it's weight." Maverick whispered as he looked down. He could see how big the wig was from where he was standing.
"So Dad. Mom said you wanted to talk?" Rapunzel asked.
Frederic cleared his throat. "Yes uh. Rapunzel, last night your mother and I had a discussion." He eyed the queen who was sipping from her cup giving him an indicated look.
'That's a masked expression that always screams 'You better say your lines or read your last will and testimony'. Mom always had that look with Dad.' Maverick thought while he was eavesdropping on their conversation.
The king sighed and stood up with his hands behind his back. Walking with authority over to Rapunzel.
"I know that I'm not always able to separate the man from the king, and separating the father from the king has proven even more difficult." Frederic stated and sighed. "Sweetheart. I know this life is hard to get used to. And I'm sure you wish that sometimes I would get out of your hair-"
Rapunzel on that note about her hair coughed and cleared her throat. Even patting her chest.
"Oh sorry. It's a little dry out here. Anyone else dry?" Rapunzel nervously excused her cough.
"You say that in Phoenix and you'll get massacred." Maverick whispered a quip.
Frederic got down to Rapunzel's height from where she was sitting and held her hand. Which made her look at her father with a tender look.
"Rapunzel, you're going to be queen someday. A great queen with a magnificent kingdom. But you know better than anyone else what a dangerous and evil place the world can be. And the barrier keeping us safe from that is sometimes more fragile than it appears. When that evil rears its ugly head, it is my job. To protect Corona from it. And one day, that will be your responsibility. And I must teach you how to carry it. But that is many, many years away. Until that burden is imposed on you, I'm asking that you trust me that I know how to keep danger as far away from you and this kingdom as is humanly possible." Frederic spoke those words like a caring and realistic father.
Maverick was listening in as well and could feel the care in his voice. But that's not what got his attention. As his head peered over the roof. He could see Rapunzel's face looking at her father. When he got his first glimpse of her face. He heard all about her and what she went through, but from what he could see. Was a woman who has been in a shell, and is yearning to be free. Sure it was nothing compared to what he's going through, but he can't help but see a lot he can relate to with this young woman.
Or was it something more?
'Maverick. I'm receiving reports on-'
"Not out IRIS." Maverick quietly dismissed.
'But the city is-' IRIS tried to insist.
"Not now." Maverick hissed. But it wasn't silent enough.
"What was that?" Ariana asked as they heard it faintly.
As they looked around and saw nothing as Maverick was still invisible. And was cringing that he was almost discovered.
"Maybe it was just the wind." Frederic figured.
"You were saying Dad?" Rapunzel asked him to go on.
"Right. Do you understand? It was until last night that I realized that my methods may have at times seemed strict or unfair or…" Frederic was trying to lead up to an apology of how he was going overboard with protecting her in public.
"Does this mean I can have more time to myself without having half the royal guard over my shoulder?" Rapunzel asked
"Well, this means I'm willing to reconsider those methods. But I make no promises." Frederic replied.
"I can work with that." Rapunzel smiled.
Then she kissed her father on the cheek. Which made a strand of her blond hair slip out of the wig and tickle Frederic's nose. Rapunzel rapidly tucked it back inside the wig. and got up to leave.
"Well, I should go. I have a lot of princess-ing up to do." Rapunzel chuckled nervously as she was struggling to walk with the wig while walking away.
"You're right, Arianna. Teenagers are a whole new frontier." Frederic commented on how awkward that felt.
Maverick, who concluded wasn't going to get answers there, decided to leave the area and fly off without no one seeing him. Once he was out of sight in a high distance away from the castle he communicated with IRIS.
"Okay IRIS I just dodged a bullet while doing stealth work just now. Any reason for that?" Maverick inquired.
'I was trying to tell you. I'm getting reports of multiple arrests all over Corona. While you were listening in on the king's lunch with her daughter, criminals were vandalizing property and pulling off crimes across the city.' IRIS
"Okay so point me to their direction and all go C.S.I Medieval on them." Maverick suggested.
'That's not all. The bizarre twist is that they were all immediately arrested just seconds after pulling a crime. They're all being escorted to the palace dungeons.' IRIS informed him.
Maverick took a quick look as he hovered over the city to see the scenes of the crime being handled by the guards and putting up ropes and signs around the crime scenes. Which was their early version of yellow type.
Then he landed on a rooftop.
"So causing mischief in broad daylight only to surrender without a fight. Why do I smell a vending machine effect?" Maverick pondered.
'A what?' IRIS asked.
"It's something my sister taught me. If you have an end goal without anyone knowing, you need to know what steps to make and what buttons to push." Maverick explained.
'And what coins to insert?' IRIS guessed.
"The one I used back home didn't need coins, but yeah. In this case, you insert the coins into thugs and they'll deliver." Maverick watched as another carriage rode off to the castle dungeon.
Then he heard something mechanical over in a dark alley nearby. Which piqued his interest level and concern. Because it wasn't like anything in this century. And in his line of work, Maverick always knew that meant trouble. Like the Dark Mongers. Because of facts like this he couldn't ignore such a modern industrial sound.
Maverick flew over to follow the sound and could hear it pass the alley. So once he flew past the alley he found that the mechanical sound was coming inside an old warehouse by the eastern docks of the city. With no one and nothing around that area, except for a big warehouse that stood in the middle of the docks.
Maverick figured that the must be inside that warehouse.
So the armored keyblade wielder approached front entrance of the warehouse, but the door was closed and more than likely locked from the inside. So he decided to call out from and open broken glass window
"Hello!? Cookies and bikini magazines for sale!" Maverick yelled out, but no one answered. "Okay they're clearly not human in there. Or just outdated….I'm coming in! No jump scares or surprise attacks please!"
Maverick flew over to the open window to get a quick peek inside the warehouse. But all he could see inside was nothing but broken wooden crates, metal junk and…...five shipyard workers tied up and gagged in the left end corner? Taken hostage, but by who?
Five of them to be exact.
But before Maverick could make a move to help them…...
**ZAP**
"Agh!" Maverick was immediately wrapped in an electric net that came out of nowhere, stunning him as he fell through the broken window, all the way to the ground. He was on his back while jerking around in pain from within the net due to the large electrical currents flowing around his body. The charge conducted on the net was enough to affect the suit.
After a few seconds Maverick jerked and moved on his right side to see seven Dark Monger Droids reveal themselves as they turned off their cloaking tech. and clocked their arm cannons while aiming at Maverick.
The hostages were muffling in fear as they were watching.
But Maverick quickly tore out of the electric net and flung himself back on his feet to stand for a fight. He summoned both of his keyblades and blocked their shots. The dark mongers tried to blast him with their turrets and cannons. But Maverick blocked their attacks by spinning his keyblades, Then he flipped in the air like a ninja to spin slash at two of them, taking those bots out. Then he kicked one into another and head butted another Dark Monger. One Dark Monger tried to smash him with his hands, but Maverick caught the bot's arms with a strong grip and tired them off before he roundhouse kicked the bot down.
The hostages watched as the Maverick tore through Monger after Monger. As he spun his keyblades, taking all seven of them out. Maverick slid in between the last Dark Monger standing and slung his legs like a street dance move before he twirled up and slashed both of his keyblades into the Monger. Sliding it in three halves.
"Should've taken the magazines." Maverick quipped before he ran over to check on the hostages, he used his neon powers to make the ropes and cloth gags dissolve and free them. "Are you all alright?"
"Yes….We're fine. Bu-but the King." The first one stood up and said to Maverick.
"You have to get to the castle fast!" The second worker stressed.
"Slow down. Why? What's going on?" Maverick asked them.
"We came here to wrap up work early when we overheard some criminals that were working with….Whatever those things were. We tried to get away but we were caught." The third one stated.
"Okay. Tell me everything you've heard them say." Maverick told them.
Meanwhile inside the castle…
A fight was going out in the middle of the throne room. Lady Cain had revealed herself after breaking out all of the criminals that purposely got themselves captured. After revealing to Rapunzel who she is and what her intentions were, her crew began to load up the party guests in a prison carriage to have them and the King taken away for revenge.
In spite of her father's orders to stay put. Rapunzel couldn't let those thugs take her father and all those innocent people away.
So Rapunzel dropped the wig and revealed her long golden hair to everyone there, Frederic and Ariana were both shocked to see her blonde hair restored. But they also watched as their daughter and her friends defended them and the guests against Lady Cain and her crew.
Rapunzel used her hair like indestructible ropes and whipped, or like Spider-Man's web if he had a really long mullet for web shooters. Swing around the castle. Grabbing criminals, even acquiring a frying pan. Something Rapunzel always used as a weapon.
Cassandra was busy using a metal candle stand to fight Lady Cain who was using a dagger. Needless to say, Lady Cain was tough. But Cassandra is tougher. Even when Lady Cain tried using sharp folding fans to fight. Cassandra disarmed her and used the top end to trap Lady Cain's arm to the floor.
The fight was about to wrap up since all of the other criminals were dealt with.
"Stay down!" Cassandra warned Lady Cain with a glare.
Rapunzel landed in front of Lady Gain and glared down at her as well. With the evil pirate woman trapped to the floor by the handmaiden, she was out matched. But she had a back up plan.
"You have no idea who you're dealing with." Lady Cain scowled.
"Believe me, I've dealt with much worse." Rapunzel stated in a serious tone.
Then they heard the loud noises coming from outside. The sounds of air blowing like a tornado, it was loud enough to cause the windows to shake as they looked around. Rapunzel and everyone in the room looked worried wondering what that was. And Lady Cain smirked while she was still trapped on the ground. But It didn't matter. The deal she made with Lash is about to pay off.
"Are you sure about that?" Lady Cain asked sinisterly, referring to Rapunzel's statement about 'worse'.
Just then so many different Dark Monger Droids came crashing through the windows, and landing around the ballroom The robots began to scan the room and saw Rapunzel who stood ready to fight.
"Uh….What is the dungeon feeding their prisoners?" Eugene wondered looking worried but ready to fight.
"They're not from the dungeon. They're an understudy." Lady Cain gloated.
"Target acquired." The Dark Monger all stated.
Fifty Dark Monger were in the throne room and five Dark Monger Brutes were their leaders as they were slowly approaching Rapunzel ready to take her. Rapunzel stood ready with her hair while Cassandra drew her sword and Eugene held the frying pan.
"Really?" Cassandra inquired about the frying pan
"Hey if it hurts and causes injuries it's a weapon, okay?!" Eugene seethed with his teeth grit while he was trying to focus on the approaching danger.
*Whistle!*
Suddenly they heard a whistle calling the droid's attention. The Dark Mongers turned to see a beam of neon lights burst through an open window at a burst of flames as the lights scattered through five of the Dark Mongers. Breaking into pieces.
"What in the grand finale are those things?!" Eugene exclaimed seeing the lights circling around the ballroom.
"They're machines?!" Cassandra noticed the metal parts falling out of the broken Dark Mongers.
All of the Dark Mongers in the room aimed their weapons at the light that landed and shifted to reveal that it was none other than the Maverick. Who was casually leaning against a wall next to the torn curtains. Pretending Sip out of an empty teacup.
"What up emo droids!" Maverick greeted holding his cup out to them. " I uh... tidied up a bit outside,I hope you don't mind." he took another sip. "Oh and I left your pals from the ship in a cuddle puddle over there." He pointed at an empty corner.
They looked over to see the rest of Lady Cain's crew were out cold, bound and gagged together in ropes made of neon, with a wooden sign on them that read 'Cuddle Puddle!'.
"No." Lady Cain groaned as those were her escort. And now the Maverick has ruined her plans.
"In case anyone's confused, don't worry because I don't know what's happening either." Eugene stated while they watched in confusion.
Then Maverick takes another big mocking sip out of his empty cup, making airy slurping noises.
"Whew! that's some good stuff! You know what? For a bunch of cold dead machines, you sure picked one helluva place to boogie. And all they got here is cake, caviar and HOT COFFEE!" He yelled, throwing the cup up in the air before running away.
All of the Dark Mongers stupidly shot at the empty cup while Maverick jumped and ran up and around the walls. Shooting at them with blue and green lasers out of his hands while running around the walls, laughing like the Joker.
Rapunzel watched with amazement at the kind of power this guy has. Maverick shot down a bunch of Dark Mongers, before the rest of them came down the roof. thirty more Dark Mongers And three large Dark Monger brutes that were with them.
Maverick jumped off the walls and hovered in the air looking at the Dark Mongers. "Alright Giving Tree! Now would be a good time for you to bust some moves!" He called out for his companion.
One of the brute's looked up, only to be crushed by Maverick's companion. A large talking tree named Groot, who came down from the roof and fell on top of the brute. Then he stood up in a battle stance against the Dark Mongers.
All of the people inside gasped in terror. While Rapunzel was watching in awe and shock, Cassandra stood ready with her sword in case the tree attacked. And Eugene looked unamused. I mean so much weird has happened today from Rapunzel's hair growing back to seeing the Maverick for the first time.
"At this point now, I wouldn't be surprised if the floor started moving and telling it's my mother." Eugene deadpanned.
Maverick of course heard the crowd shrieking or freaking out at the sight of Groot, They couldn't run due to the Dark Mongers blocking the exits, so they could just stand with their knees shaking. The King and Queen didn't show any fear but concerns while Rapunzel was amazed, Eugene was wielded out while Cass was cautious. Wondering if the tree and Maverick were a threat.
"Oh hush! He's not gonna kill you, he's just gonna dance with the intern crowd!" Maverick said to the party guests who were panicking.
Groot grew taller and growled at the Dark Mongers. "I! AM! GROOOOOOOOOT!" his roar echoed throughout the ballroom.
"Good to know." Eugene muttered now looking startled.
"Let's dance." Maverick said while pushing a button on his suit.
Then giant neon speakers appeared on top of the walls. And began to blast some loud music. Not eardrums bursting loud, but loud enough.
( The music playing Sweet - Ballroom Blitz)
Are you ready Steve? Uh-huh
Andy? Yeah
Mick? Okay
Alright fellas, let's go!
Then Maverick summoned his keyblade and he flew down and stood next to Groot.
King Frederic looked in shock to see his keyblade, as if he knew what that was. "It can't be." He muttered.
Then the Dark Mongers charged at them while firing their cannons. Groot began to smash and stomp on the Mongers while swiping his big arms making some of them fly. Maverick started to slice through them with his keyblade. Spinning and flipping and twirling like a professional ninja while cutting up these metal monsters.
"We should help him!" Rapunzel was about to run over but Cassandra held her shoulder to stop her.
"Raps don't! We don't know who he is. He could be dangerous." Cassandra warned her.
"Yeah Dangerous for who exactly?" Eugene pointed out since he was kicking the crap out of the robots.
Oh it's been getting so hard
Living with the things you do to me
My dreams are getting so strange
I'd like to tell you everything I see
Maverick kept dodging and teleporting all of their blasts. Then he teleported up in the air, flipped and dived back on to the ground, performing combo moves. From throwing Slapshot moves to performing Sonic Strikes, taking out so many of the Mongers. Maverick twirled through five of them, slicing them in half, then he spin dodged some of their attacks and used a Thunder spell on six, striking them with lighting and short circuiting them. Then Maverick used a stop spell on several more Dark Mongers, freezing them in time like a pause button. He flew around them several times while shooting at them with fireballs from his keyblade. Then Maverick stood in front of them when the stop spell wore off, and they fell into pieces.
Oh, I see a man at the back as a matter of fact
His eyes are as red as the sun
And the girl in the corner let no one ignore her
Cause she thinks she's the passionate one
Groot picked up a Dark Monger brute and slammed it into the other brutes, breaking them apart. Then Maverick rose up and performed a Rising Sun move on twenty of them, diving and dashing with such speed of flight. Moving with the rhythm of the music.
Oh yeah! It was like lightning
Everybody was fighting
And the music was soothing
And they all started grooving
Then Groot uppercut the last brute up in the air, Maverick held his keyblade up and blasted the brute to pieces with a fire spell.
And the man in the back said everyone attack
And it turned into a ballroom blitz
And the girl in the corner said boy I want to warn you
It'll turn into a ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz, ballroom blitz, ballroom blitz, ballroom blitz
Everyone was taking cover behind tables and other objects while they watched as the Maverick was cleaning the room of all of those machines.
"Where the hell is that music coming from?!" Cassandra winced at how loud the track Maverick was playing.
"You know we never question 'how' whenever we start singing and dancing out of the blue, so why start now?!" Eugene responded while he ducked from an incoming fallen robot leg. "Hey watch your step!"
With the remaining Dark Mongers running up to Maverick. He spins his keyblade, building up a force of neon energy. When they got close, he held his keyblade up and then slammed it back down. Causing an atomic wave of neon to wipe out the remaining Dark Mongers, vaporizing them where they stood. Now they are all ashes.
Once the music stopped and the speakers vanished, Everyone who was still there was staring in shock and awe as Maverick and Groot stood up and did a fist bump.
"I am Groot." Groot quipped about how unsubtle that was with Maverick showing off his powers and playing music in front of a whole crowd.
"I wasn't trying to be subtle." Maverick responded.
Then as Maverick was floating in the air, he looked back at Rapunzel who was smiling at how he saved them. He saved everyone in the room from those things. She was also curious about who he might be? Rapunzel always liked making new friends, especially the ones that are gifted and add new layers to imagination.
While everyone was distracted. Lady Cain got free and made it to the main exit doors. The evil pirate lady began to gloat as she was about to leave with her weapon that was blocking the door.
"You think this is over?! Ha! I promise you, I'll be back- Oof!" Lady Cain was knocked down when Maximus burst open the doors while the guards ran in.
"Damn. She's gonna feel that in her honeymoon." Maverick winced at the sight.
"Oh, Lady Cain." Eugene crossed his arms and smirked. "Tsk tsk tsk. It's impolite to leave in the middle of a party."
"You'd think you'd know that." Cassandra mused while Rapunzel chuckled a little.
Rapunzel, Eugene and Cassandra went to stand with Maximus while the party guests began to cheer for them. Everyone who helps save them from Lady Cain and her men. And they even cheered for the Maverick who destroyed those Dark Mongers. But most of them were there to relish the crowd's approval.
Maximus neighed at the victory while he looked around at the broken robot piles in confusion. He whinnied in concern looking at Rapunzel as her hair was now exposed.
"We're fine Max. We wouldn't have made it if it weren't for…." Rapunzel was about to gesture to Maverick and Groot, but she was surprised to see that they were gone. "Where did they go?"
"They must've taken off." Cassandra figured.
"Thanks for not breaking another window!" Eugene humorously called out. "Weirdo."
"Who was he?" Rapunzel wondered to herself.
After that moment the guards arrested Lady Cain and her men. Locking them in cuffs and escorting them to their cells. While Cassandra and Eugene stayed to check on the guests and make sure those criminals and their boss lady didn't get away.
"Thanks for coming! Nice suit buddy!" Eugene said to the guests as they were leaving. "The other guy's suit was shinier though, but still. Happy Coronation Day folks!"
Queen Ariana ran to hug her daughter. as Rapunzel hugged her back. the Princess was glad she was okay and that her mother was proud of her. But as they were hugging. Rapunzel's smile dropped when she saw her father King Frederic as he was standing there with a serious look on his face, seeing his daughter with her hair back. Rapunzel knew what her father was thinking.
And the Princess sadly knew it wasn't good for her.
That night in the Throne Room…..
Rapunzel stood in front of her father who was sitting on his throne. He listened to her explain why her hair was back and how it all happened. Frederic wasn't angry or upset at her. But he wasn't happy to hear it either. After all of the King's precautionary measures and attempts to keep the Princess safe. He couldn't believe that this happened under his watch and outside of his awareness.
The throne room was a mess after the attack from Lady Cain and the Dark Mongers. But thankfully the castle staff would take care of that soon.
"So, I'm trying to understand this." Frederic spoke after he rubbed the temple on his forehead, while fighting back any irritation he felt. "You snuck last night, went beyond the walls of Corona, where you touched a mysterious rock that somehow caused your hair to return."
"Yes." Rapunzel said while rubbing her forearm.
"And you acted alone?" Frederic asked calmly.
Rapunzel nodded and spoke softly as she approached her father. "Look, I know you're angry. But, can't you see I'm okay? I'm more than okay. And that guy in armor saved us from-"
"Rapunzel!" Frederic cut her off as he stood up from his throne, which made Rapunzel look nervous.
'I'm in for it now.' Rapunzel thought to herself.
Then Frederic's face softened as he began to speak.
"There's something I need to tell you." Frederic approached her. "I love you."
Rapunzel looked sadly at her father as he continued to speak.
"The night you were taken from me, a part of me died. The best part of me. For eighteen long and agonizing years, I swore that if somehow, someway, by some miracle, the fates decided to show mercy and return you to me, I would never let anything happen to you again." Frederic stated with love and determination in his voice as he touched his daughter's cheek. "And now that this has returned." He gestured as he brushed past her hair while remembering the day Rapunzel was taken as a baby. "The very reason you were snatched away from me in the first place. I'm afraid I am left with no choice, Sweetheart."
Rapunzel understood her father's fear and strictness. She had sympathy for what her parents went through, but she didn't like where this was about to go.
Frederic turned around and sighed before placing his crown upon his head and stood with his mind made up.
"As of tonight. I am forced to exercise my martial right as King to forbid you from leaving the walls of Corona without my consent." King Frederic stated.
"Father!" Rapunzel's eyes widened in shock as she reached for him to listen. But he continued.
"And know this." Frederic turned around with a stern look and handed her crown to her. "This is the last we will speak of mystical rocks, or magic of any kind, to anyone. And until we know the intentions of whoever that mysterious armored vigilante was. He is to stay away from you and you are forbidden to speak to him or about him. Is that understood?"
Rapunzel's eyes began to water as she protested. "There is so much more to me than you think."
Then Rapunzel ran off silently crying. She went past her mother who came at the last minute. She looked at her husband sadly as Frederic had a look of regret for how he went through with it. But he was sure he made the right choice for his daughter. Frederic never got to see Rapunzel grow up, Ariana never taught her how to walk and talk and they both missed out on her childhood.
They have their daughter back and Frederic was determined to never lose her again. Even if it hurts.
One of the demolished Dark Mongers in the corner had its one red eye one before it short circuited and turned off. A dark voice speaking though it's uplink was on mute, as the main monster behind them all heard everything.
"Interesting…." Lash spoke darkly.
Back out in the city…
Maverick was perched out in the city. Standing on a roof top as he surveyed the area of anymore Dark Mongers.
While he was searching. Maverick was trying to figure out why the Dark Mongers helped Lady Cain? What could they gain from all of this? And what did they want with the Princess?
While Maverick was scanning the streets, Groot came up to him from behind with a pile of fuel rods that he managed to appropriate from the Dark Mongers they both had destroyed.
"I am Groot?" Groot asked while holding the pile.
Maverick looked back at Groot and smiled.
"Sure Pal. Every little bit helps. Something tells me we have a few more convoluted and fleshed out steps before our final exit from this world is ready. But we have a lot to sleep on." Maverick patted Groot's back as they walked off. "Let's go home. I'm cooking tonight."
"I am Groot?" Groot asked if he can cook, looking excited.
"No Bobby Flay. You'll make a mess." Maverick deadpanned.
"I am Groot!" Groot protested.
"Trust me, you'll find a way." Maverick mused as they both walked away and went back home.
Back up in Rapunzel's bedroom…..
Rapunzel was sitting at her window sill, painting a picture of Frederic looking disappointed in her new journal, while Pascal was on her shoulder watching. The Princess was always a gifted painter and it always helped her mentally. It was something she would do even when she was stuck up in a tower. To paint down her thoughts and contemplate what happened in her life.
Then Rapunzel heard a knock at the door.
"Come in." Rapunzel closed her journal.
Eugene came in acting like a waiter with a towel hung on his forearm while his other arm carried a pink cupcake on a plate.
"I believe someone ordered room service." Eugene said humorously.
Rapunzel sat up and smiled. "Eugene. How did you know?" She coed sweetly.
"Eh, I had a feeling." Eugene mused and sighed. "Look, I just wanted to clear some stuff up."
Pascal crawled off and watched as he knew what Eugene wanted to talk to Rapunzel about.
"I haven't apologized for putting you on the spot with that proposal." Eugene said with conviction.
"Well, looking back. Storming out of that room, probably wasn't the best reaction." Rapunzel said and sighed. "So I'm….I'm sorry."
"No. No, don't apologize. Look I'll admit, I don't quite understand why you said 'no'. but I promise to do everything I can until I do." Eugene placed his hand on hers.
She smiled sadly and held both of his hands. "Thanks Eugene." She softly responded.
"And in the meantime, we'll stay right here and take things slowly." Eugene grinned and brushed her blonde hair. "I miss this."
Rapunzel smiled and dropped it slightly while asking. "Hey, promise me one more thing?"
"Anything." Eugene said.
"That you'll be patient with me." Rapunzel hoped.
"Absolutely." Eugene assured as he touched her face.
After that, they shared a kiss before Eugene bid her good night and got up to walk away. Then a thought came to him.
"Oh and I know what your Dad said earlier. But I get the feeling we haven't seen….Whoever that guy and his talking house plant was." Eugene stated amusingly.
Rapunzel chuckled lightly. "I don't either. But Cass is already looking into it." She assured him.
"Oh twenty says that I can find out more before she does…..That's not a contest it's more of self deceleration, but I digress. Anyway. Goodnight, Blondie." Eugene winked before closing the door.
Rapunzel smiled as he left. But then she felt the magical energy of Fantasia form around her as she felt the music and her heart began to sing through her mouth.
"Back to life after happily ever after~ Stuck inside, once again and I'm gazing out~" Rapunzel sang as she opened the window and looked out.
"True I'm in here with those I hold dear~ Surrounded by their love~" She sang looking at the images of her family painted on her roof. "And for some, that's more than enough, no doubt~"
The wind began to blow as the music began to pick up. The pages of her journey were blown down by the wind until the words behind the front cover were shown. The words Rapunzel's mother taught her. The word was written in Latin. The words were 'Plus Est En Vous'. Which means 'There is more in you'. Something her mother learned in her early days. And a philosophy she passed onto her daughter earlier.
Rapunzel smiled brightly as her heart was speaking based on those words. Then she leapt off her window sill and walked up on her balcony and resumed singing passionately.
"But I got the wind in my hair!~ And a fire within, 'cause there's something beginning!~ I got a mystery to solve and excitement to spaaaaaare!~ That beautiful breeze blowing through!~ I'm ready to follow it who knows where!~" Rapunzel sang at her balcony with her arms out and sang out while birds were flying by. "And I'll get there, I swear!~ WITH THE WIND IN MY HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIR!~"
Rapunzel didn't know what the future holds for her. But she knew she'll get through it. One way or another.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!
And if your wondering what happens next well...Remember when Rapunzel and Cassandra wen't to go and see Varian in fallowing episode. Well instead, you guessed it. They're going to go see the Maverick and they will find the Mav Cub in Old Corona. And it's where they will get some answers of who Orion is and what he's doing there. All the while trying to help Rapunzel with her hairy situation. And we'll also get to meet his partner and girlfriend Friday.
"It's pronounced fara'dei." Friday corrected.
"I nicknamed her after the best day of the week." Orion amusingly whispered.
Friday will be like a dimensional Counterpart for Victoria. Think of it like Rivet and Kit instead of Rachet and Clank (PS. That game was awesome! Buy 'Rift Apart' if you got a PS5!)
Also, I know I've asked this already, but if you want me to post a next chapter sooner, then please please please! I need someone to help co-write this story, So if you're experienced in role playing or otherwise good with writing a story, PM me and let me know if you want to assisted me in co-writing this story and I'll respond as soon as I can if not immediately.
Thank you all for reading, be sure to leave comments and reviews to let me know if you like this story and how it started out!
And as always Disney/Square Enix fans!
FISTBUMP!