Angel: Hello everyone, I decided to do Tangled the Series...because I freakin' love Varian XD Anyway, I will be putting him in most of the episodes (yes, you read that right) of season 1...since, you know, the season finale he got put in prison. He does not, however, appear in this movie, because I have to introduce the OC I'm using to you guys. I'm gonna divide this into two parts, and I'll be treating the other specials this way as well. I know it's an hour long special, but it'd be way too long in words for my taste if I left it that way, not to mention all the songs!
I already know what's happened in season 2, well, most of it, because I didn't watch the specials again. And for season 3, I had a feeling Varian was gonna take over Corona while Rapunzel was away…
And I was freaking right!
So...I'm basically caught up XD
I'm pretty sure that the show's not returning with Cassandra's Revenge until next year (I had seen that it was supposed to be released in November, but that obviously didn't happen). And it took me a while for me to actually upload this because I was still working on my Big Hero 7 series at the time, and I was finishing school at the same time. I figured to just do my finals first before I even considered uploading this. So that's why it kept getting delayed to those who asked on my other stories, anyway, let's get to it!
And lastly...I'm not a songwriter XD So...please don't come after me ^^' If you have any solo songs you think that would be good for Harmony, let me know through pm!
"This is the story of how I died...and went to heaven!" Eugene chuckled at the joke. "Okay, so the Kingdom of Corona, to be exact, but hey, let's not get hung up on semantics. Once upon a time, a single drop of sunlight fell from the heavens, but so did...a drop of moonlight—you know what? I'm just gonna give you the rapid-fire shorthand here. The sundrop created a golden flower with healing powers, and the moondrop created an opal. Creepy, old, Mother Gothel sang a song to said flower to regain her youth. Yada, yada, yada, the queen got sick, flower healed queen, queen gave birth to Rapunzel, who was born with the flower's magical healing powers. Everything was all flying lanterns and cheering subjects, until Gothel stole the princess and kept her locked into a tower for 18 long years. Now for the opal, and I know we're getting off track, but get this. King Edmund of the Dark Kingdom left the opal as a gift for the king and queen's youngest daughter for the celebration of her birth after Rapunzel was gone, but she ended up getting its dark power. So they sent the opal back to the Dark Kingdom, and isolated the princess in the castle for 14 years. Then Rapunzel was rescued by a dashing, steely-eyed, suave, smoldering, devilishly charming rouge. Now, some people might have called him a thief, but I always preferred the term 'misunderstood good guy.' You see, it wasn't always easy for young Eugene. Raised as an orphan on the rough streets of-"
"Hey, Eugene," Rapunzel interrupted the story. "Focus?"
"Huh? Oh, right. Sorry. So, the beautiful young maiden, that's you, and the handsome rogue, that's me, made a deal. We followed some lanterns, I saved you from Gothel, you saved me from death, and then you got arguably the world's most overly dramatic haircut. And then-"
"And then I was reunited with my long-lost family," Rapunzel finished for him. "Well...not all of them. But that is where our new story began. Six months had passed, I was loving life inside the kingdom of Corona, and my coronation to officially become princess had finally come."
"We all had a few surprises that day. Didn't we, sunshine?"
Pascal squeaked at him in laughter. "Laugh it up, frog!"
"Now, I know what you're all thinking. Yes, Eugene and I did get married. But make no mistake, getting to the wedding day and our happily ever after would be the biggest adventure we would ever face...including meeting my little sister."
"Ooh, that's good."
Rapunzel was jumping up and down in excitement as they were waiting in front of the archway of the castle. King Frederic and Queen Arianna were standing behind her, both of them skeptical. They would be happy to see their youngest daughter again, of course, but they didn't know how she would react to Rapunzel being back. She had been away for almost 9 months at another kingdom to help it thrive as it needed her help, and it was the first time that she had been outside of the castle for years. After Rapunzel's captivity...they were worried that the same would happen to their little girl, and they had to send her off with almost half the guards they had. But deep down, they knew that she would be okay...
"I can't wait to meet her!" Rapunzel exclaimed happily. "Do you think that she'll recognize me? I mean...I did lose my hair after all."
"She was so young when we told her what happened to you," King Frederic reminded himself with a sad sigh. Harmony didn't really know much of that night...all she knew was that her sister was taken, and that no one knew when she would return. Since then, she had been buried into her princess duties, to distract herself of the reminder that her sister was gone...
"And she's changed...a lot since then," Queen Arianna gave a small frown.
"She's my sister! What could be so different?" Rapunzel asked and before they could give an answer, a whinny was heard. They looked up ahead and saw the royal carriage arriving in their direction. She gasped at its appearance.
"She's here!"
The carriage came to a full stop and they all stood there as the guards surrounded the ride in a straight line.
"Presenting Princess Harmony of Corona."
The doors opened and a blue flat slowly stepped out. Rapunzel watched as the person descended down the stairs.
Standing in front of her was a teenage girl who looked to be 14. Her skin was fair with light rosy cheeks, her eyes a chocolate brown inherited from her father. Her eyebrows were also brown and there were light freckles on her cheeks. Her silky brown hair which she got from her mother was in an elaborate twist bun tied with a blue bow. Her dress was a dark blue theme with a grey accent. The corset top was dark blue with a grey ribbon, the skirt being blue with grey highlights. There was a white petticoat underneath. The hemline was above her knees as the sleeves at the top were long with ruffles at the wrists, colored with blue and grey. On her right shoulder was a yellow duckling with a daisy near her ear.
She scoped her home that she hadn't seen in almost a year...nothing much had changed. It was still the same old castle, same old home that she was stuck in for 14 years...she was surprised that her parents even relented to let her go at first, but it was her duty to help not just Corona, but other kingdoms thrive...
A squeal interrupted her thoughts and she was suddenly put into a tight hug by a brown-haired woman.
"Harmony...! It's me, Rapunzel, your big sister!" She put the girl down and got a good look at her. "Oh, look at you! I love the hair," She lightly touched the bun in her hand. "I can't wait for us to know everything about each other and-"
Harmony cleared her throat, getting her attention. She simply curtsied to the woman, confusing her. "Yes, it is very pleasant to see you, dear sister. This is Daisy," Harmony gestured to the duckling on her shoulder. "I hope that Corona was to your liking while I was away. I apologize for my absence, another kingdom had my attention. Now if you will excuse me, I must unpack my belongings. I wish to rest after a long journey."
Rapunzel could only stare as she walked past her to reach her parents. "Mother, Father," She curtsied to them as well...and then left.
"But..." The older princess stammered, baffled at what just happened. She didn't even hug either of them...and there was no love in her voice, either...how could she have changed so much throughout the years?
"We...did say she had changed," Frederic sighed a little. "Being in the castle for so long left her to become what you just witnessed. You see, Rapunzel, you recall the Moonstone Opal?"
"The...opal that gave her the power of destruction..." Rapunzel murmured in realization. She had heard stories from Gothel during her years in the tower.
"Ever since your arrival, there were reports that her powers have vanished completely, but...before she left for her journey, Harmony has been reserved, mature, and proper...effectively leaving her with nothing else but those feelings. And the people of Corona...most of them didn't accept her because of her dark powers. It seems that with your presence, they've looked past that, but...give her time," Arianna smiled gently. "After all...she'll be teaching you how to be a princess."
"..." Rapunzel stared at Harmony retreating into the castle. She saw how calm, poised, and graceful she had been during the words she spoke. And she could never understand how troubled she must've been being stuck inside the castle and going nowhere else...it was exactly like her life. But she still maintained her heart of gold...though her sister never had one...because of her abilities.
"Harmony..." She murmured in sympathy for her. While they were sisters...they were completely different.
Just how were they going to make this work?
Outside of Corona, Rapunzel is riding a brown-haired horse with a black, braided mane and tail, with a touch of white above her hooves and the stripe on her face. She wears a brown saddle with the sun symbol of kingdom of Corona on her saddle bag, and has a red saddle blanket with gold and black trim. Maximus catches up to them with Eugene riding him. They're being chased by black horses and a carriage.
"They're gaining on us," The princess glances behind her, the horses speeding up, but she notices that back-up has arrived. "There's more of them!"
"Good. It'll keep things interesting," Eugene smirks as they ride down a dirt path, the threat still following them. "Man, these guys are persistent."
"So am I," Rapunzel smirks towards him. "I'll meet you at the wall!"
"Sounds like a challenge!" He calls out as the brown house goes up further, the carriage following after them.
"Think you can keep up?"
"Oh, it's not me you have to worry about," He gives a smug look up at her. She looks behind her and sees what he was talking about. "Uh oh."
One of Corona's own guards is behind her and the horse.
"They're your problem now!" Maximus runs between a passage, Eugene noticing two more behind them. "Oh great."
The captain of the guards is right on his trail. "Okay Max, follow my lead—oh, log, log, log!" A tree branch is wedged in front of him. Eugene simply leaps above it and lands back on the horse. The two guards jump above the log, but one of them falls into the dirt below. "Ooh, good thing the ground broke his fall."
Rapunzel and her horse are still in the sights of the carriage and the guard. Looking downwards, she sees a bunch of white bunnies in their path eating carrots.
"Whoa!" Rapunzel pulls on the reins and the horse jumps over them. "Bunny crossing! Fidella, watch out, watch out."
Fidella manages to get past the flock and continues on. "Cute little bunnies," She couldn't help but say. The guard chasing them comes crashes right into the bunnies, the carriage turning right past them. Pascal stretches his tongue and grabs a carrot, biting into it.
The Captain reaches his hand out towards the former thief. "You're not getting away this time!"
Rapunzel suddenly jumps in front of them, startling the horse. "Sorry!" She calls out as the carriage is still onto them. "We're almost there!"
A guard and his horse suddenly jumps in front of the carriage. "Oh come on!" Eugene exclaims at this. Rapunzel just grins and so does Eugene. A stream is in the distance, with both horses jumping over it like it was nothing. The princess lets out a holler as Max lands on the log, causing it to fall. Eugene comes to a stop, turning around to see the Captain getting out of the water. "Looking good, Cap!"
The carriage gains speed and the two horses pulling it jump over the obstacle. Eugene's eyes widen and he follows after his girlfriend. She stops as she sees the wall of Corona, evident by the sun and moon symbols. Fidella glances at the young woman, who gestures for her to move. The horse plants her hooves on the wall, allowing Rapunzel to climb on her head and grasp the edge of the stone. She gets to the top and takes a deep breath, looking at the view.
"Pascal..." She chuckles happily at the sunset, mountains, and water. "Look at that view!"
The chameleon sighs in content.
"Ha ha!"
They turn around to see Eugene standing on Max, who stops abruptly. Eugene lands a few feet away from the princess.
"Okay," He adjusts his vest, "Okay, I know what you're thinking. Now, it may have seemed like you won, but you gotta take into account that my hair is actually longer than yours now, so we gotta factor in wind resistance," Eugene lightly touches his hair.
Rapunzel giggles a little, turning back to the outside world. "Wow...Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?"
He takes a hold of her hand. "Yes...yes I have."
They smile, leaning in towards each other.
"The training's over, your highness. The welcoming ceremony is about to begin," The two turn around to see the Captain and other guards. A door from the carriage opens, Harmony stepping onto the grass while holding her skirt.
"You did well, sister, but not quite there yet. We did manage to catch up to you after all," She gestures to the horses, the guards feeding them some apples for their effort.
"Well, while your sister did catch up to us...again," Eugene deadpans at their odds, "I think we showed those guards who's boss. Now, what do you say we go make you an official crown princess?"
"Oh, is that today?" Rapunzel teases, causing him to laugh.
"Ha ha, very funny. Now come on, we better get you back to the castle before Harmony drags us there for more princess training," He jumps off the wall, hanging onto the edge. "Ooo, maybe I can squeeze in a royal massage...before my daily trim, of course."
"You can worry about your appearance when we return to the castle, Mr. Fitzherbert," Harmony calls out from her spot, the guards chuckling at hearing his last name. Eugene turns around and gives her a tiny glare.
"Listen, your highness, I know that you've put up with us in our training, and I thank you for it, I really do, but come on, live a little!" He gestures towards the wall. "You're 14! A teenager is supposed to be having fun at your age. Not reading etiquette books, taking classes, or sitting in boring meetings!"
"A princess has a duty to her studies, not to 'have fun,' as you say, as I have told you time and time again!" Harmony rolls her eyes, getting into the carriage. Eugene sighs at her. He could never get annoyed with her strict and no-fun personality (she's his girlfriend's little sister, after all), but sometimes she could be a real buzzkill...
Rapunzel glances at Pascal, who just squeaks. She turns back to the view, knowing exactly what he's thinking. "I know, Pascal. We'll get out there soon..."
Ever since she's returned, she's had almost the same restrictions Harmony has had for 10 years...she was lucky that they were able to go out for this training exercise at all.
"Ha!" She jumps back onto Fidella. "Race you back to the castle!" The horse takes off swiftly. Maximus follows second, the Captain sighing at this.
"Your highness?" He looks towards Harmony.
"Let them go. They have earned it for their sufficient work today," She's reading one of her books for Rapunzel's lessons.
They reach the town of Corona.
This is life after happily ever after
Everyone is decorating for the coronation ceremony, where Rapunzel would be named Crown Princess, and Harmony would be officially named the second in line to the throne, but being queen would only happen should anything happen to either Rapunzel or Eugene whenever they were king and queen.
And it's all just as sweet as the stories say
A woman puts up a sun/moon lantern by her window. The lantern has the moon symbol on one side, and the sun on the back. By this time, mostly everyone had accepted Harmony as their princess, but there were still some that were...skeptical of having her around. As soon as they would see her, they used to scramble away out of fear of what she'd do—and that was only on rare times she stepped out of the castle. It didn't matter to her anyway...no matter what she did or where she was, there was always someone who was scared of her...
A pale-skinned young woman with dark pink lips, hazel eyes and black bob-cut layered hair with gray highlights is pacing around. She's in a blue and white dress, along with a white headdress. Her eyes widen once she sees the two princesses and Eugene arrive.
I feel wild, free, as light as can be
And ready to explore
Once they're off the horses, Rapunzel and Eugene are about to attempt another kiss when the woman pulls the princesses away, much to Eugene's dismay.
With nothing at all standing in my way
Maximus kisses Eugene's cheek and he wipes it in disgust.
True, there are certain customs I have to follow
Upon seeing the princesses, two women pick up their skirts and lower themselves. Harmony follows their example.
"Curtsy," The princess and woman whisper to the inexperienced girl, who curtsies back.
Several small obligations I can't avoid
A little girl holds out a flower bouquet to Rapunzel, who plucks one and puts it into her hair. The woman, her lady-in-waiting Cassandra, bends down to her as Harmony keeps walking forward.
"Princess, not the time." They drag her away, Rapunzel waving to the girl.
A few rules, too well, more than a few commitments by the score
While walking through the halls of the castle, Harmony stops her sister as they're standing in front of Old Lady Crowley, who points in disdain to the muddy footprints that Rapunzel had caused since she doesn't wear shoes.
She waves sheepishly as her two teachers push her away.
Aside from all that, though, I'm overjoyed
She's then escorted down the hall, getting pampered by two female servants. Two other ones are fixing Harmony's bun.
"This way, Princess," Cass guides her.
And sure there are corsets and buckles and bows
She feels like she's about to suffocate as someone pulls on her corset strings. Glancing next to her, she sees Harmony getting the same treatment, but she's not bothered by it all. The girl has her eyes closed as she continues walking, make-up being put on her face.
Plus all those names to recall
"Jane?" Rapunzel points to the one on her left.
"Ethel," Harmony whispers to her.
"Right!"
Still I can hardly complain, I suppose
Pascal gets hit with powder and Daisy, Harmony's pet duckling, gets the same daisy tucked away, but it's shiner.
This is happily ever after, after all
Cassandra turns around, seeing how uncomfortable Rapunzel looks at being pampered. "That's enough," She shoos all of them away. "I'll take it from here. How you holding up?" She adjusts the back of Rapunzel's dress.
"Busy," She chuckles, brushing away a bang. "But busy is good. I can't believe you go through that every day, Harmony."
"Not every single day," Harmony replies, staring at the portraits of their parents. "Sometimes they even do it at breakfast."
"I'm glad you think so, Raps, 'cause this welcoming ceremony is just the beginning," She holds up Rapunzel's arms. "Tomorrow's the festival, followed by the royal banquet, and that's all before the actual coronation on Sunday. Oh, come on, really?" She looks towards Rapunzel's bare feet.
"Sister, we have talked about this multiple times," Harmony sighs, gesturing towards the ground.
"Look, Rapunzel, I know this princess thing is new to you," Cassandra pulls down the skirt so that at least it won't be noticeable. "But you've gotta at least try to act the part. Have Harmony's princess lessons taught you nothing?"
"Trust me, Cassandra, little sister, I know how important this is to my dad," Rapunzel lightly touches the portrait behind her.
"As you've requested, your majesty," The Captain places down a miniature plastic guard on a model of Corona, "We've doubled security on both the main gates and the south towers."
"Good," King Frederic nods in approval. "We have guests from all over the world. I want to know that they are safe," He rubs his bearded chin, stepping forward. "Everything for my little girls' coronation weekend must be absolutely..." He opens up the doors to Rapunzel's room. Cass was adjusting her yet again, with Harmony nearby. "Perfect."
"Hi Dad," She smiles at him.
"And now that at last you are here in my arms," He sings, Cass stepping aside so they can hug. Harmony curtsies to her father. "I won't permit you to fall." He pulls back to look at her. "I must protect you, from all the world's harm," He brushes back a brown bang, doing the same with Harmony. "We'll live happily ever after, after all. Now, as princesses, you are not only representing yourselves and the family, but all of Corona."
"Don't worry, Dad. I won't let you down," She rubs her arm a bit nervously, putting an arm around Harmony. "And Harmi's been a great teacher and little sister to me. I've definitely learned a lot."
"Harmony," The princess corrects her. Princesses do not have nicknames.
"But...while we're on the whole crown princess, coronation thingy, I mean, all of these royal activities are great, but do you think I might be able to catch a little downtime soon? So that I can get to know my sister, at least?" With all of these preparations ever since she's returned, she hasn't spent enough time with Eugene or with Harmony. She wanted to get to know her sister better, but outside of princess lessons, she doesn't know the girl at all in terms of her personal life. She definitely doesn't talk about it...
"I know this is all new, but you'll adjust," Frederic kisses the top of her head, bowing to Harmony. "After all, your friend seems to be getting on just fine."
Eugene is staring at himself in the mirror, just in green as he's trying on a black top hat. "Ooh-hoo-hoo, Helmut, my man, this hat ties the whole outfit together." Helmut is silently giggling instead of agreeing with him. He looked...well...like a leprechaun.
"Now I know what you're all thinking," He sprays on cologne while talking to Ulf and Shorty. " 'Why is Eugene such in a good mood today?' I mean, what gives?"
He looks at Big Nose, who's getting a spa treatment. "Now that we're living splendorly." He shaves the cream off Attilla's helmet. "Our dreams fulfilled extendedly." He hands Vladimir two tiny porcelain horses. "Why leave things open-endedly for Rapunzel and moi?" He takes a rose and shows it to Shorty. "Tonight I'll hand this rose to her, kneel down and then propose to her," He shows the ring to Big Nose and Ulf. "And give this ring I chose to her!"
"Nice," Big Nose comments in approval, Ulf fainting.
"Life's gonna be like strawberry sherbet," The man starts dancing with Max. "Once she is Mrs. Eugene Fitzherbert," Then he realizes how bad that sounds, "Okay, not great, but how about this?" He jumps to the couch, stomping it down. "Once she is Mrs. Eugene Fitzherbert~ And what better day to propose to a princess than at her coronation?"
This is life happily ever after
Harmony looks out the window, sighing as she looks at Rapunzel's chances of doing this well...it wasn't looking good.
And it's like I'm teaching a dog old tricks
She snaps the book shut, looking towards the forest.
I know that she's been through a lot, and I don't blame her
But it shouldn't be so hard to teach her this
She lightly sighs as she looks at herself in the mirror. It definitely wasn't easy to get to this point...it's like she doesn't remember all that she's taught her.
Sure, it might be hard to take all of it in
Though this is a start of a new begin
She takes the tiara that's similar to Rapunzel's but smaller. The girl puts it onto her head.
This is happily ever after, after all
Rapunzel opens up the window from her room.
"This is life happily ever after," All three of them sing. "And our story has finally reached its end."
Eugene jumps into a chair. "Settling down here."
"Year upon year."
"Month after month."
"Contended and secure," Eugene takes a bite out of his ice cream sundae.
"With dozens of duties we'll have to tend," Rapunzel takes a look at her bed.
"I don't know if we'll do it, but this day has to end," Harmony bites her lip as she opens the door to her room, looking at the portraits.
"And now that we've gotten the dream that we chose. Now that we're in for the haul. Now our adventures can come to a close, living happily ever after, after all~"
Rapunzel looks at the mural she's painted on her wall, depicting her life from the flower up until her return. "Now that I've gotten the dream that I chose..." She lightly touches the part where she's with her family reunited. "Why does my world feel so small? If this is it...and it is..." Her hand wavers in front of the crown. "I suppose...is this happily ever after...after all," She stares at herself in the mirror, slightly worried.
"Okay, no pressure. Just introducing myself to the most important people in the world," She gives herself a pep talk. "Representing my mom, dad, little sister...and the entire kingdom. We got this..."
A coronation poster is being put up by a little boy. A black rat squeaks, snatching one when the boy's back is turned. It goes into the sewers, reaching a room with a painting of the king in front, a mirror, a chair, a candlestick, and a large chair. The poster is brought to a woman.
"Lady Caine," A hooded figure approaches her. "What is it?"
"Time to pay our respects to our beloved royals..." She then sets the poster on fire.
Soon, it's time for the princesses to greet the royals that would be attending their coronation. Rapunzel is in a pink dress and Harmony is in a yellow one. They watch as a carriage comes forward. "We're good at making people feel welcome. This is completely doable...ish," She glances around nervously. Harmony leans in towards her ear.
"Remember what I taught you, sister. We do this every single time. Think of it as ripping off a bandaid."
Rapunzel smiles weakly for the reassurance. She sees Eugene in the crowd, who waves, and she waves back eagerly. Frederic clears his throat and she goes back to her normal position. More carriages arrive in the castle and she takes a deep breath.
"Your highness, I present Dame Elizabeth Van Hoskins of Rochester."
As soon as the woman steps up, Rapunzel engulfs her into a bear hug. She couldn't help it, she loves hugs. Harmony pinches her nose, both Cass and Eugene cringing.
"Get in here! So nice to meet you," Rapunzel fixes the woman's hat, but does nothing to her crumpled dress. Pascal shrugs at her while Daisy shakes her head slowly. Dame Elizabeth looks up at the king and princess, the man smiling sheepishly while Harmony just curtsies. She walks off, the older princess waving to her. Arianna brings her back to them.
"Um, didn't Harmony tell you about bear hugs, sweetheart?" Frederic murmurs to her.
"Oh! Right, no bear hugs. Gotcha. Sorry."
"Perhaps you will be better in conversation," Harmony gestures to the next carriage that comes to a stop in front of them.
"I present Lieutenant Commander General James Rutherford-Carver III."
Rapunzel sighs at the long name. "Phew. That's kind of a mouthful. Is it okay if I call you, Jimmy?"
"I'd prefer you didn't," He walks off and she glances at the others.
"Well, uh, welcome all the same!" She calls out.
"Sister," Harmony walks up to her. "Long name or not, you must remember that these are important people that are visiting our kingdom."
"I know, but...I can't help myself," She smiles sheepishly. "I'll get the next one, just wait."
"I present the Duchess of Quintonia." Standing in front of her is a make-up covered lady with a white powdered wig. Harmony blinks twice at her and could already tell that she's snobby and rude...but for some reason, she doesn't recognize that name at all. Ever since being in the castle for 14 years, she's had time to study all the kingdoms around Corona...was Quintonia even one of them?
"Wow, can I just say I love your hair," Rapunzel compliments, brushing a bang behind her ear. "I used to have really long hair too-"
"This is a handwoven coiffure weft from the finest silk and Vacuna fabrics," The 'Duchess' interrupts, "It designates high social status. You think you'd know that."
"Uh, still. Nice to meet you," Rapunzel giggles sheepishly.
She takes one glance at her. "Sadly, not nice enough to wear shoes, I'm afraid," She giggles at Rapunzel's bare feet. "Really. You'd think your own sister would have taught you better by now...but you're a lost cause."
"Duchess of Quintonia, was it?" Harmony gives her a strained smile. "All of us assume by now that those with high social status leave behind a well-liked kingdom. It seems that you are not one of them. And do not presume to know what we do and do not know, because guess what? Princesses are certainly higher in status and more...refined."
She gasps in shock and huffs, storming off.
Bitch, Harmony narrows her eyes at her. She needed to check out this woman's background...she might not show feelings from time to time, but no one insults her family.
Pascal glares at her and Daisy chirps in amusement, nuzzling Harmony's cheek for that payback speech. Rapunzel looks towards the ground sadly at her blunders, the queen placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Sorry," She whispers to her sister and father, frowning.
Later that night, Rapunzel is sitting alone in a boat, staring at the dark water. Eugene comes up behind her.
"So...I think we learned something very valuable today," He speaks up, "There's a time and place for bear hugs." He chuckles and she does too, but lightly. Eugene hops in the boat, landing next to her. "Hey, are you okay?"
"Yeah, great. Why wouldn't I be?" She smiles weakly, but she wasn't. She couldn't help but feel like...there was something more out there than all of these rules and restrictions...and she could understand why, though it almost felt like she was back with...her. At least back then, she had freedom to do whatever she wanted, but here...
Eugene notices her hesitance and gives a concerned look. Obviously, something was bothering her, and not just because of what happened earlier. She gives a sigh.
"It's just...Eugene, is all this everything you dreamed it would be?"
He smiles, taking a hold of her hand. "Rapunzel, you are my dream. So as long as you're with me, that answer's always going to be yes. Why, don't you feel the same way?"
"No Ye-Yes!" She stammers to him, "I mean, of course I do! I love you with all my heart, Eugene," She places his hand on her cheek, frowning.
"Look, I know this has got to be weird. No one's expecting you to take it all in overnight. But believe me, I've been all around the world and it doesn't get any better than this. This castle, our friends, your family, each other." He takes a hold of both her hands. "What else could you possibly want?"
"...Nothing," She chuckles a bit and they lean in to share a kiss when Cass suddenly leans in.
"Time to go."
This startles Eugene to the point where he falls into the water. He swims back up, coughing up water as he glares at her.
"Heh, how's that water feeling, Fitzherbert?" Cass crosses her arms, looking smug. Harmony gives her a look.
"Cassandra," She warns and by the look of her face, she didn't even want to interrupt them.
"Dark and icy...just like you."
She just chuckles and holds out her hand. "Come on, Rapunzel, it's time to head in. You don't wanna be exhausted for tomorrow."
"Right! My morning off!" Rapunzel exclaims in realization, helping Eugene back onto the boat and kissing his forehead. "Sorry."
Harmony curtsies to him as Rapunzel gets up and walks off. Cass smirks at Eugene and follows after them.
"Man, she scares me," Eugene mutters under his breath. It was no surprise that Cass doesn't like him, at all. And he feels the exact same way about her. She was always interrupting him with Rapunzel like now, and she was always coming up with smart remarks...
Harmony is brushing her hair at her vanity when a knock is heard at her door. "Enter."
Rapunzel opens the door and she glances over her shoulder. "Sister," She stands up, placing down the brush. "Has something happened?"
"I...wanted to talk to you," She rubs her arm, gently taking the brush and using it on Harmony's hair. They look at each other in the eyes through the mirror...and notice just how different they really are. "Um...Harmony, do you get...tired of teaching me this stuff?"
"No," She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. She might've seemed annoyed earlier, but she has to remember that Rapunzel doesn't know any of this stuff. After all, she had been through a lot...both of them had, actually. Just in different circumstances…"You just need to adjust. I may not look approachable to some, but I do have patience. It's only a matter of time before you get the hang of it."
"So you're not mad at me?" The older princess asks hopefully.
"No!" Harmony shakes her head rapidly, opening her eyes. "Sister, I could never be angry with you..."
She smiles softly and hugs her from behind, surprising the girl. "I missed you, Harmi..." Despite the fact that she's only known her sister for a little while, it felt great to have a sibling that she can talk to about these kinds of things. They may be strangers...but they're still family.
The younger princess feels something in her chest, touching her heart as she tries not to smile. It feels...warm...and no one's ever given her a nickname before. It was always Harmony or Princess Harmony of Corona. But for some reason, Rapunzel just had this air around her that Harmony...had never experienced before. It was different...a good different.
"...I missed you just as much," She whispers, hugging Rapunzel's arm.
The next day, a horn sounds off and everyone turns their attention to the two princesses. "The princesses Rapunzel and Harmony will spend their day about town!"
Rapunzel eagerly steps forward, only to be squished between two guards that escort them around. She's not even walking.
She then waves to the townspeople, who either bow or curtsy. The local butcher waves his cleaver, causing a guard to tackle him, thinking that he was going to attack the princesses. The two cringe and Rapunzel leans in towards Harmony.
"Are they always like this?"
"Not as cautious as just then, no," She shakes her head as she's walking next to her. People hold out their hands, only to be slapped away. Rapunzel looks down a bit sad at this. She didn't think that it would be like this today...
They watch someone juggle fire, blowing it in front of their faces. Rapunzel looks in awe until the fire is doused by a guard.
"He was just doing his job," Harmony glares, gesturing to the street performer. "Is that really necessary?"
"Orders by the king: protect both princesses at any cost!"
A little girl in a braid train waves towards Rapunzel, who recognizes them as the little girls who braided her hair on her first visit to the kingdom. She's about to greet them when a guard starts braiding for the princess, much to her dismay. Harmony places a gentle hand on her shoulder in sympathy. If she was ever allowed to leave the castle, she had guards with her too, but they weren't this bombarding...
They watch as more hands are smacked away. When Rapunzel is cooing at a baby, the guard simply moves her away. Then a local woman offers two cupcakes to them and Harmony smiles just a little, a rare sight. She wouldn't admit it, but she loves sweets. A guard stops them from taking the cupcakes and sniffs it. He pokes at it repeatedly, and holds them out when he deems them suitable, but they're both squished...
The princesses and their two pets glance to each other.
Cass puts down a cup of tea, Rapunzel sitting on her chair in dismay. "Let me guess. Big day on the town wasn't all you hoped it'd be?" She asks knowingly and Rapunzel heaves a sigh.
"It was...interesting," She smiles weakly, Pascal blowing a raspberry.
"Uh huh, I bet," Cass places a hand on her hip.
"I just wish Dad would let me get out and see the real world," Rapunzel glances at her sister, who was sitting at her bed. "Don't you want that too?"
"Sister, I barely even step out of the castle enough as it is," Harmony sighs a little, crossing her arms. She really did want to see what was out there...but their father would always persist on either having her stay inside or go out supervised...
"You know, if you really wanted, I could get you in and out of here before anyone even knew that we were gone," Cass pushes open the window. Pascal chirps up in excitement, Daisy flapping her wings with a happy chirp. In all of her years with Harmony, she had stayed a duckling and couldn't exactly fly...
"Uh, you mean sneak me out?" Rapunzel stares at her.
"Exactly. What you do when no one's looking is your business," Cass points to them and the two sisters glance at each other. Though...Harmony still looks skeptical.
"Harmi...I know that you've been stuck here for years," Rapunzel places a hand on her shoulder. "But it doesn't have to be like that. You could be more than this..."
"...I..."
Suddenly, there's a knock at the door, interrupting the princess. "The royal banquet is ready to receive the princesses now!"
"Cheer up, Raps, Harmi," Cass walks past them. "Hey, maybe your dad got someone to chew your food for ya."
They just give her a 'really' look.
The ceilings are decorated with symbols of Corona as six tables are in the room, decorated with gold tablecloths and purple bows. Eugene closes the red box that holds the engagement ring, placing it in his jacket. Suddenly, food remains fall on his cheek and he glances at the little boy. He got stuck at the kids table...
"I'm in charge of the seating charts," Cass walks past him, "One of the perks of the job."
"I don't understand why you're both so upset, sweethearts," Frederic notices the silent daughters. "I said you could do whatever you both wanted. That's exactly what you did."
"Hmm, you didn't say anything about a battalion tagging along," Rapunzel glances at him with a forced smile.
"Why would I need to? You're royalty, making a public appearance," He informs them. "Harmony, you've done this plenty of times. What makes this time so different?"
"Papa," She speaks up, surprising her family that she's being so informal for once. "Sister is right."
"And Dad-"
Eugene clears his throat, getting everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, uh, dukes and duchesses, Barons and Baronesses, Marquis and, you know, the female version of those, may I share a moment of history with you."
"What is he doing?" Harmony whispers to Rapunzel, who shrugs cluelessly. Clearly, this wasn't part of the banquet...
"Princess Rapunzel, would you join me up here?" Eugene holds out his hand and she glances between it and him. Smiling sheepishly, she stands up, knowing that if she didn't, she'd be embarrassing herself...more than she already feels, anyway. Everyone watches as she holds Eugene's hand. "Tonight, we celebrate our love for the princesses."
Rapunzel glances behind him to look at Cass, who shrugs, just as confused as everyone else. "I, for one, can think of no better way to celebrate the love I have for this woman than this." He gets down on one knee, everyone's mouths flying open.
"Eugene! Wait. Did you drop something?" She looks at the floor, confused.
"Oh no...Eugene, you didn't," Harmony whispers next to her mother, pinching her nose. If she had known about this earlier, she definitely would've talked him out of it!
"No," He holds out the box, opening it to reveal the ring. She beams at it, Frederic standing up in surprise. "Rapunzel, from the moment I first met you and you knocked me out with that frying pan, I knew it was love. You're my light, you're my best friend, and I wanna be your partner in all things." She smiles at the heartfelt words. "I can't wait to laugh with you and share with you. I see us raising our children here, and our children's children, or our nieces or nephews-"
Harmony chokes on her steak, coughing it up into a napkin in utter shock. "And celebrating banquets of our own in this very hall for many, many, many, many years to come. I wanna ride our horses to the Corona Wall together each morning until we're both very, very old and gray."
Her smile drops at those last five words. Here in the castle...with the guards watching after her every single day with no freedom? Never knowing what could be out there?
"I love you, Rapunzel, and I want to spend the rest of our lives here together," He finishes and she looks at her sister, who is biting her lip. She has the same hesitation as her older sister...
"Here? In this...castle...forever?" Rapunzel asks slowly.
"I mean, unless you wanna rent, but I hardly see how we're gonna top this."
She wasn't ready...there was so much more out there that she's yet to discover...it's too soon to settle down, especially all that's happened lately.
And I wanna spend the rest of my life with you here...and it doesn't get any better than this...
She stares at his smiling face, glancing at her father, who just stares. Princesses need to be protected at all times.
Looking towards the guards, and then back at her sister...she couldn't do this. "Rapunzel?"
Eugene's voice snaps her out of it. "Rapunzel?"
She sighs, feeling hesitant. "I've...wow! I...love you, Eugene, but...I-I can't. Just not-not now," She backs away a bit, her body feeling tighter and tighter. "Um, I need some air."
To the shock of all the other guests, she runs out of there, Cass glaring at Eugene. Confused, he looks to Harmony, who just stands up and runs after her sister.
"Oh, I feel horrible about Eugene," Rapunzel confesses to Cass and Harmony, pacing around in her room. "I do love him, and I wanna marry him someday, but not like this! Ugh! I need to get out and clear my head without a fleet of guards tailing me."
"Say no more," Cass stands up with a smirk. "You coming, Princess Stickler?"
"I resent that," Harmony crosses her arms. "And no. Father would be angry."
"No one would have to find out," Rapunzel approaches the girl, sitting next to her. "Please, Harmi. You're my little sister, and we share everything together, including this. Princesses by chance, and sisters by choice. I want you to have adventure!"
Harmony sighs slowly, glancing away. It...would be fun to not be reserved and poised for once...and it was tempting...
"Okay...I'll go."
"Yay!" Rapunzel engulfs her into a bear hug.
Cass opens up a closet door and Rapunzel gasps in surprise at all the weapons. "Whoa. Where's the war?"
"Well," Cass takes off her headdress. "When your dad is Captain of the Guards, you tend to collect...stuff," She waves a dagger in her hand. Rapunzel sees a metal ball and takes it, dropping it when it turns into a ball of spikes. Harmony picks out two cloaks for them, the two looking up to see Cass in her warrior outfit.
"I have a feeling this is gonna be fun," Rapunzel grins, putting the hood over her head. "Pascal, I need you and Daisy to stay here and make sure no one knows we're gone."
Pascal salutes while Daisy just chirps. Harmony bends down to her, using one finger to nuzzle the top of her head. The duckling chirps at the contact.
Eugene walks up to Rapunzel's room, where two guards Pete and Stan are standing...well, guard. He looks at the portrait of the king and queen before Pete and Stan hold their axes in an X, blocking him from the door.
"The princess' lady-in-waiting made it expressly clear-"
"Lady-in-wa—wait, you mean Cassandra?" Eugene laughs in disbelief, "First off, calling Cassandra a 'lady' anything is being incredibly generous. Secondly, come on, Stan. It's me, your buddy, Eugene. Eugene the fiend! You know Rapunzel would want to talk to me if you let me in."
"Sorry, Eugene," Stan whispers to him, "Orders are orders."
"Alright, just doing your job, I respect that." He starts to walk away, but comes right back. He had to talk to her about what happened. "You sure there's no way to let me in?"
Stan simply looks down and Eugene darts his eyes to his handkerchief, pointing to it. The guard simply smiles.
Eugene opens the doors, finding a dark room. "Rapunzel?"
Daisy and Pascal immediately go into action at his voice. "Rapunzel?" The chameleon grabs a vase, the duckling spinning the lamp so that it shows only the shadow of the 'princess.' "There you are. Um...look, Rapunzel, I am sorry. I am so sorry, I should have never have put you on the spot like that."
He's actually talking to a flower pot for a head behind the screen. Pascal and Daisy struggle to keep it together. "But I want you to know, I-I meant it. I want to marry you, I love you!"
The two pets couldn't help but smile a little at the words. Suddenly a fly appears and Eugene takes the silence to mean that 'she' didn't want to talk to him. "It's okay, you're still upset, I understand."
Daisy moves the stick arms, trying to swat away the fly. "You're not ready to say it back yet."
Pascal tries to catch the fly and eventually does so. "Totally cool," Eugene leans against the pillow on Rapunzel's bed. "Oh man, that is a good pillow! What is that, goose down? Some kind of down? Horse hair? Alpaca?"
Daisy makes the hands so that they're on the hips.
"Alright...look, I know there's still a ton of details we need to figure out...and I may have jumped the gun a little. It's just that...growing up poor and alone, I got used to having nothing," He crosses his arms, the pets trying not to tear up. "But now with you, I finally have something, you know? We have something. Something that is amazing. And I guess tonight I was just trying to keep it that way. And I thought that's what you wanted too...but I guess I was wrong."
Pascal holds up the head, struggling. "Oh come on, say something," Eugene notices that she's been quiet the whole time. The head suddenly falls off, startling Eugene. He quickly moves away the screen to see Pascal and Daisy, both of them embarrassed. "Fantastic. I just poured my heart out to a frog and an ugly duckling."
Daisy chirps in anger at him. "Okay, where'd she go? Or Harmony for that matter?"
The lizard just shrugs, Daisy turning away. "Pascal, Daisy, you both do realize that if the king finds out they're both gone, we're all going to be in big trouble, right?"
Pascal drops his pink hue in realization, Daisy chirping with a small shameful nod.
Pete is giving Stan a disapproving look. "I'm aware it's not protocol, Pete, I just...happen to think it highlights my mustache."
Eugene suddenly opens the door, smiling nervously and hoping that they won't check on her. "Hey Stan, great look! I mean, it really brings out the stache!" He runs off, the guard giving his friend a dirty look. Pete just sags his shoulders in defeat.
"Alright," A large man stabs a dagger into the table. "You got us all here. What's this plan of yours?"
"Oh, it's not my plan, boys." Pocket approaches them. "It's Lady Caine's plan."
The four all gasp at the name, and murmur in surprise. "Did he say Lady Caine?"
"See, 18 years ago, the oldest princess was taken from Corona, and it was because of her and her sister that the king unfairly cracked down on all those he considered undesirable...us," Pocket gestures to himself. When Rapunzel had been taken from the castle, the king ordered for all criminals to be arrested, not just to incriminate them as possible suspects, but also to protect his youngest daughter from the same fate...
"Yeah...so?"
"Gentlemen, Lady Caine is promising not only to make you all rich, but is offering you the opportunity to exact revenge on the king and his precious little princesses," Pocket throws the apple at the banner behind the four. "So who's in?"
Cass opens up a door, holding a lantern. The princesses follow behind her into the room.
"I can't believe we're doing this," Harmony murmurs, pulling up the cloak further.
"Oh come on, live a little," Cass tells her while pushing a crate. She then moves a banner, revealing a tunnel entrance. Rapunzel gasps sharply as she removes her hood.
"Is that a secret passage?!" She moves the banner away and it lands on Cass.
"It was before you announced it to the whole castle," Removing it, she sees only Harmony. "Rapunzel?"
The princess simply points to the entrance.
"Rapunzel?" Eugene is checking all of the rooms, the two pets on his shoulders. "Harmony?" He opens a door, peeking in. "Girls, are you in there?"
He hears someone clear his throat and sees the king approaching. "Is who in there, Eugene?" He asks thinly, still having some feelings over what happened at the banquet. The former thief quickly closes the door, sliding to a stop in front of the king.
"No one! This is just part of my nightly routine. You know? Yeah, checking the castle for intruders, keeping an eye on Rapunzel and Harmony, like I promised."
"Mhm," The king hums slightly as Eugene checks another room.
"Hey, is anyone in there? No? Good! See?" He closes the door. "The system...works...really well, I think-"
"Eugene," Frederic interrupts him, "Where are my daughters?"
"Uh, ah, in their rooms, of course," Eugene gestures to a door in the hallway in front of Rapunzel's room, where two other guards are standing by.
"Good. I'd like to speak with them," He steps forward and the man panics a little. Stepping around, he stops the king.
"You can't! I mean...you can, obviously," He pats Frederic's arm. "You do whatever you want. You're the king! A very large, intimidating, beardy, yet clearly understanding king. It's just...she-she's still upset and she said she needed time alone. And Harmony said that she still needs time adjusting to her sister being here! I was only trying to respect that...but, like I said, you are the king."
He sees Frederic's slight glare. "The very sweet...and non-hostile king."
"...Well," He looks towards the doors. "Maybe they do need some time to themselves," He remembers what they said to him at the banquet. Bothering them now might not do any good and would only cause them to recluse in their rooms... "But when you see both of them, please tell my daughters that I am looking for them."
"Sir, uh, about the whole proposal earlier," He actually had been meaning to apologize about that, since it was kind of embarrassing for the kingdom to endure... "That didn't go quite as I had hoped."
"We'll discuss that later, son," He glances at Eugene over his shoulder. "Much later..."
"Right..." He looks to the two pets. "We all have bigger fish to fry." He runs off to go look for the two princesses.
At the docks, Rapunzel opens up a vent grate. "That was so fun!" She exclaims in excitement, helping Harmony onto her feet.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that we're supposed to be sneaking out," Cass replies, putting down the cover.
"Cass, I think you'll discover I can be pretty sneaky when I need to," Rapunzel retorts back, Cass grabbing her. Harmony runs after them as they hide around the corner, two guards appearing in the area.
"Nightly patrols," She murmurs in realization, "We can get by them if we time it right."
"Just have to wait for the right opening," Harmony whispers quietly, peeking at them.
"Wait, how did you know they were coming?" Rapunzel asks curiously. She hadn't even heard them approach.
"I have eyes in the sky," Cass holds out her arm and an owl flies up to them, fascinating Rapunzel. The owl lands on Rapunzel's wrist.
"That is amazing! You have your own owl! What's his name?" She looks at him fondly.
"Owl," Cass replies simply, throwing up her arm so Owl can fly away.
"Does Daisy do that for you?" Rapunzel turns towards her sister.
"No, she cannot fly," Harmony shakes her head. "But I have snuck out before, so I took the time to memorize when and where the guards walk around at night, every single one."
"I thought you don't sneak out," Cass raises a brow at her.
"There is a lot others do not know about me, even you," Harmony winks at the woman. Cass blinks in shock, hands on her hips.
"Guess you're not Princess Stickler at all, huh?"
"Never was," Harmony crosses her arms with a huff. "Just a princess."
Cass clicks her teeth, Maximus coming out of hiding. He sniffs the ground as Fidella walks next to him. "Max!" Rapunzel exclaims in surprise. She didn't think that Max would even want to sneak out, since it's not in his nature.
"Yeah, when he heard I was sneaking you out of here, he insisted he come along," Cass smirks and Harmony approaches the horse, patting his snout.
"Good boy," She holds out an apple for him and he eagerly bites into it. Rapunzel and Cass turn to each other in shock as Harmony pets Max. They've never seen Harmony be so...gentle before. She's usually hiding her emotions, but now...it's like they're looking at a whole different princess.
She sees their looks, confused at how they're staring at her. "What?"
"Nothing," They both say in unison.
"And between you and me, I think he's got something for you-know-who," Cass whispers as she walks off with Fidella, Max whinnying in embarrassment.
"It'll be our little secret," Rapunzel assures him, Harmony nodding in agreement. Cass fires an arrow with a rope attached and it goes flying across the water. She pulls the rope forward with them on a boat past the guards on the bridge. "Hey..." She places a hand on Harmony's back, noticing that she has a frown on her face. "You okay?"
"Yes...though, I am...sorry about what Father did during our morning out," She looks up at the brown-haired woman. "I know how much you wished for that freedom..."
"We'll talk to him about that together," Rapunzel hugs the girl. "I'm just glad we're having some sister time together."
"I am glad as well," Harmony smiles up at her.
"Harmi, you don't have to keep talking like that, you know," Cass speaks up. "It's weird. You're 14 years old, not 64."
Rapunzel laughs a little as the princess crosses her arms with a small pout.
Frederic stares at a family portrait of him, his wife, and his two daughters, sighing heavily. Arianna is reading a book behind him.
"Aw honey, stop beating yourself up. The girls just need some space," She smiles a little, putting down the book. "Nobody said dealing with teenagers would be easy."
"Teenager or not, Arianna, our oldest will be queen one day, and our youngest eventually whenever her sister can no longer take that role. I have to prepare them for that."
She stares at him, having a feeling this was more than just preparing them for the future. He can still remember calling for the guards when Rapunzel was taken away from him, there on that very balcony he's looking at...
Guards! Guards! My child! RAPUNZEL!
He closes the doors, locking them. Arianna steps up behind him. "I just want to protect them..."
Rapunzel looks past the fog up in front as she's looking at all the trees. She stands up slowly, hesitant.
R: Seems like I've spent my whole life hoping
She takes one step on the grass.
Dreaming of things I've never tried
She looks up at Max and hugs him.
Tangled in knots just waiting for my time to shine
Together, the five walk through the field, looking around. Harmony grips her hood in slight fear. She's snuck out before, but...never like this. Never with anyone besides herself.
H: I've been so alone my whole life waiting
Rapunzel places a hand on her shoulder, smiling. Harmony returns it.
Now I've got friends the whole way through
Harmony and Rapunzel step forward together, taking a slight breath.
Racked with emotions, it's now our time
Rapunzel grips her sister's hand.
R: What if the doors began to open?
The two princesses remove their hoods.
What if the knots became untied?
Rapunzel glances back at Cass, who's smirking.
What if one day nothing stood in my way, and the world was mine?
The wind blows in their hair as they hold out their arms, feeling the cool breeze.
B: Would it feel this fine?
The two jump onto Max.
R: Cause I've got the wind in my hair
Cass follows after the two, Harmony hugging her sister as her skirt and hair go flying.
And a gleam in my eyes on an endless horizon
Harmony and Rapunzel lift their skirts, walking through a pond.
I got a smile on my face, and I'm walking on air
Harmony points down to the fish in the water, both of them looking in awe.
B: And everything life ought to be
Rapunzel and Harmony start running in unison, following the fish jumping in the water.
It's all gonna happen to us out there
Harmony touches the water next to her while running, flicking some on her sister who laughs.
And we'll find it, we swear
They stand next to a waterfall, the older princess tucking a hair behind her ear.
With the wind in our hair...
Rapunzel touches the waterfall like Harmony did with the pond, both of them smiling.
So many roads I've yet to travel
The three girls appear at two paths, deciding to go right.
So many friends I haven't met
A bunny hops in front of them, but a wolf appears.
So many new adventures just around the bend
Cass pulls out her sword, only to be baffled when Rapunzel starts rubbing the wolf's belly. Harmony giggles at them.
So many things I haven't done
Harmony moves past a wall of leaves, staring at the lake in front of them.
So many thrills I've missed out on
Rapunzel and Cass take one look at the teenager's updo, smirking at each other. Together, they unravel Harmony's braided bun, letting it fall loose around her hips. She moves a stray strand behind her ear in surprise, smiling at them.
So many experiences waiting for me
The three see fireflies up ahead, beaming at each other.
Plenty of mysteries to unravel
Cass moves apart some grass.
Ton of mistakes to not regret
Rapunzel also moves some, the fireflies lighting up the whole pond. Harmony opens her mouth in awe.
So much to see, and to do, and to be
The oldest princess removes a firefly from her hands, following after it.
A whole life to spend
The girls run after the fireflies.
And it doesn't end
They get back on the horses in excitement. Max jumps besides the moon, Harmony hugging Rapunzel in slight fear before she smiles, loving this feeling that she hasn't had in years...
Cause I've got the wind in my hair
The two sisters smile as Max keeps going.
And a song in our hearts
And the fun's only starting
They jump onto the top of the Corona Walls, the fireflies fluttering around them.
We've got a skip in our step and we haven't a care
The fireflies fly around them, causing them to spin around. Rapunzel throws a rope down.
And everything life ought to be
Stepping up slowly, they look over the grass up ahead.
Well, I know that it's waiting for me out there
They glance back at the castle behind them, sure in their decision.
And we'll find it, we swear
Together, they run up to the edge and jump.
With the wind in our haaaaaair!
They slide down the rope, and eventually reach a bridge with cracks in it. "Just remember, no one can ever know I took you both outside the walls of Corona," Cass reminds them.
"Don't worry, no one is gonna find out," Rapunzel assures her.
"I won't tell," Harmony waves it off, "Princess' honor."
"Harmi! You spoke a normal sentence!" Rapunzel hugs her proudly.
"I did?" She rubs the back of her neck sheepishly. "I didn't notice...I guess being around you...changes me," She smiles up at her sister, who returns it fondly. The two sisters go first, but the bridge is slowly falling apart with each step. A crack appears underneath Max and he freaks out.
"Whoa, whoa, Max," Rapunzel calms him down. "Alright, this looks dangerous, can you...can you stay here and watch Fidella for us?"
"We promise we won't be long," Harmony smiles at him a little. She, Cass, and Rapunzel walk on the bridge, leaving behind the horses. With two of them, they would've surely broken the bridge for sure...Fidella, however, makes it clear that she does not want to be watched.
A chunk of the bridge falls, the two horses glancing at each other skeptically. "So, what did you want to show us?" Rapunzel asks excitedly as the three walk along the edge of a cliff. Cass looks around for anyone before she decides the coast is clear.
"Believe me, it's better if you two see it for yourselves," She escorts them forward and the two stop walking once they see...black rocks. It seems to be surrounding something on a pedestal...
"They're...beautiful," Rapunzel murmurs at one. "What are they?"
"Don't know," Cass speaks up, "This just kind of sprouted up here about a year ago."
"I've never gotten reports of black rocks anywhere...why am I only now just learning about this?" Harmony whispers in confusion. And Cass' explanation of the timeline is pretty specific...so close to the time that Rapunzel returned.
"And watch this," Cass pulls out her sword before glancing at the princesses nervously. "Uh, y-you both might wanna stand back for this one."
"Oh," Harmony guides Rapunzel back a bit. Cass swings her sword...and it breaks when it touches the black rocks. The two recoil back a bit.
"Wow..."
"They're unbreakable," Cass puts whatever was left of her sword back into the holster behind her. "And wanna know the weirdest part?" The two princesses step forward. "This is where they found the miracle flower that saved your mom, and the moonstone opal that was a gift for you, Princess Harmony."
Harmony recoils back in slight horror, glancing back at Cass. "What?" She murmurs slowly, turning back to the black rocks in shock. So...the same 'present' to her when she was young...was found here...where there are now black rocks sprouting...
She looks at her left palm...which has a moon symbol in black. It was marked on her when she was born...
"And me," Rapunzel whispers, wiping away some of the dust. Harmony joins her side and the black rocks start to glow. Cass looks at the two as they reach their hands out together. The rocks glow brighter in blue and the two sisters touch one at the same time. This sends a blast, knocking them away as there's a large explosion, disturbing the water even.
The three sit up...and the left side of Rapunzel's bangs start to glow gold while Harmony's glows a bright blue. They look at their hair in shock and Harmony's moon symbol glows blue, sprouting a black rock towards Rapunzel.
Harmony slides back in shock, looking at her left hand. Did she...did she do that?
Another one arrives and the girl gasps in shock. The two turn towards Harmony. "How are you-"
"I-I don't know!" She stammers in horror and a bunch of them appear, heading straight towards them.
"Doesn't matter, let's go!" Cass grabs their hands, pulling them away. They take off into a run, the black rocks following them in a frenzy.
"Harmi, what is-"
"Get to the horses as fast as you can," Cass orders the two, "And don't look back, you two!"
Rapunzel grabs her sister's right hand and slides underneath a black rock, the left palm still glowing. Cass glances behind her, seeing more of them.
"Don't stop, princesses, keep going!" She shouts at them and they run past the trees. Cass kicks a branch, causing rocks to fall as she chases after them. Rapunzel's hair glows brighter as Harmony's gets darker. The older princess' hair gets longer until she jumps over a hill...with her blonde hair returning to full 70 feet length.
Harmony's bangs are now a full on turquoise blue.
"Oh..." Rapunzel starts off.
"No," Harmony finishes in dismay.