(Inspired by the movie The Moonspinners, part 1 of 3)

Rapunzel called out for help until her voice grew hoarse. "Oh where is everyone? Somebody, help!" She tried to wriggle out of the ropes, but they only cut into her wrists and ankles. She moaned. "I guess that's why she didn't bother with a gag, she knew no one could hear me!" She struggled to break free of her bonds, but the ropes refused to give way. After a few minutes of struggling, she let out a scream of frustration. She bowed her head, panting hard. She was panicking, afraid, she had no clue what Gothel would do to her upon her return. Oh, why didn't she listen to Jack? Taking a few breaths, she screamed again to let out her pent-up frustration. She was frustrated that Jack wouldn't tell her the truth, frustrated that she was captured, but more importantly, frustrated that she had been so stupid.

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!" The sentence came out as more of a question though, but Rapunzel laughed as tears of relief fell down her cheeks. She knew that voice, and though she had been frustrated with him earlier, she was glad he was near.

"Jack! Oh thank goodness you're here! Hurry it up and get me out of here!"

"What are you doing in there?"

"Gothel figured out I was helping you and tied me up in here! She said she's coming back, I don't know when. So hurry it up, will you?"

"Hang on, Varian's coming up!"

"What? Why can't the both of you come up?"

"The door's locked! And I'm under doctor's orders not to over-exert myself!"

Rapunzel smiled, those were her orders. But then she blinked. "Wait, what? The door's locked? Why is the door locked?"

Varian jumped through the window with an "oof!" upon landing.

"Are you alright?"

He stood up and grinned. "Just peachy! Nothing like climbing a windmill!"

"Nothing like climbing down it either," mumbled Rapunzel.

Varian chuckled as he set about untying her. "Yeah, nothing quite like it."

"But what I want to know is why would your aunt feel the need to lock the door if I was tied up and she was sure no one would be around to hear me?"

Varian shrugged as he finished untying her feet and went to untying her wrists. "Force of habit I suppose. I am sorry about all this."

"It's not your fault, Varian, your aunt just isn't as trustworthy as you or your father."

Varian smiled sadly. "Thanks, Rapunzel. I wish she was as trustworthy as your aunt."

Rapunzel smiled at him as he helped her stand up. "I do too."

"What's the hold-up?" shouted Jack.

Rapunzel groaned as the two walked to the window. "You can't get up here, so you're just going to have to wait! I'm still mad at you!"

Jack shot her a lop-sided grin. "But are you more mad at Gothel than me?"

"Of course! You didn't tie me up and leave me in this stupid windmill!"

"Then you'd better get down here before she gets back!"

"He's got a point," said Varian.

"I know he does, but I've never exactly gone windmill jumping before."

Varian chuckled. "You're awesome."

"Thanks."

"Now watch me." Varian inched towards the edge of the windowsill and watched the sails of the windmill. As soon as one got close, he jumped and wrapped his arms around the sail . He quickly slid to the ground and jumped off before the sail went back around on the turn. Jack rushed to him and helped him up.

"Nice jump."

Varian grinned. "Thanks. The two glanced at Rapunzel. "Um, do you think I should have waited to help her out?"

"No, she's got this." Jack cupped his hands around his mouth. "Come on Rapunzel!"

"Hang on, I'm getting a little dizzy from watching this!"

"OK, this might be awhile." Jack turned to Varian. "Why don't you keep an eye out for your aunt. Don't need her sneaking up on us right now."

Varian nodded. "Right." He dashed off for the path.

Jack turned to Rapunzel. "Come on, Punz, you'd better hurry it up! You said you didn't know when Gothel was coming back!"

"I know, I know! Give me a second to get my bearings, will you?" Rapunzel squeezed her eyes shut and took a few breaths. She opened her eyes and watched as a sail neared her position. She gritted her teeth and jumped.

"Yes!" said Jack as he watched her shinny down the sail. He was there instantly when she jumped off the sail and helped her up. "There now, feeling better that you're out of that horrid place?"

"Yes, much better." Their eyes locked. There was something about Jack's look that made Rapunzel feel conscious of how she looked, and she noticed he was still holding her hand. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, since I've been through this much trouble for you, I think it's only fair that you tell me exactly what's going on." She thought he would be adamant about not telling her what his problem was, but she was surprised when he slowly nodded his head.

"I do believe you're right. After all of this, you do deserve to know."

"Guys!" The two jumped at the sound of Varian's voice. Rapunzel realized with a start that they had been getting awfully close to each other. They glanced at Varian with a hint of annoyance for having broken the moment, but became worried when they saw his fearful, wide eyes.

"Varian?"

"Sh-she's coming!"

Jack grabbed his shoulder. "Get back to the inn, now."

"I-I'll get the police!"

"No, I don't have enough evidence against her. Don't get the police until I tell you to, alright?"

"Evidence?" whispered Rapunzel.

"B-but . . ." began Varian.

"Just head back to the inn. She knows Rapunzel was helping me, I'd rather she not find out you were too, OK?"

"But what about you two?"

"We'll find a place to hide."

"You can tell Aunt Willow that I'm alright and I'll see if I can get a message to her in the morning."

Varian nodded. "Alright, you two be careful."

Jack smiled. "We will, we have to. You be careful yourself, you hear?"

Varian nodded. "I will." He took off running towards the inn.

Jack turned to Rapunzel. "Now, let's go find a place to hide." Rapunzel nodded and the two made their way around the windmill, hoping to find a great place to hide from someone they were quickly finding out was a nefarious criminal.