"Centuries ago, Corona was engaged in a years-long war with its rival kingdom, Saporia. Corona's then-king Herz Der Sonne, created a complex system of tunnels to move his knights and supplies wherever he needed. He then made a detailed map of these tunnels and their secrets in a secure journal. At the height of the war, Der Sonne's sworn enemy, General Shampanier, launched a full-scale invasion on Corona. Shampanier fought her way through the castle to face King Herz Der Sonne himself. Their battle waged for hours with neither side relenting. That is, until Shampanier discovered that the book's final pages contained Herz's profession of love for her. It was then she realized she held similar feelings for him as well. And soon, the two were married. And a lasting peace was brought to the newly united nations forevermore."
Big Nose is narrating the story as Attila is crying nearby. "Gets me every time."
"Oh! Isn't that the most romantic story you've ever heard?" Rapunzel asks Cass and her sister, neither of them so swayed. Harmony just looks upset, still thinking about the last time she saw Varian...she had never seen him so...surprised. And then it must've developed into hate for her since she hadn't seen him since the incident...she couldn't face him anyway.
She tried so hard to keep that part of her past away, to not hurt him, and she must've done both to him...he means so much to her, and it pains her to not see Varian, but what else could she do? She missed his eyes...his hair...his smile.
"I guess," Cass lightly shrugs. "If you're into romance and that kind of thing."
Rapunzel stares at her in concern, then looking at the younger princess. Both of them did not seem okay.
"And our kingdom commemorates this day...The Day of Hearts, each year by displaying the book, so all those who have found true love may sign its page." Arianna and Frederic are actually there, the king signing the book. He and the queen share a quick kiss, the queen throwing up paper red hearts. One of them lands on Shorty, who holds it out to Cass.
"Happy Day of Hearts, my lady."
She growls and rips it up to pieces. "Can't this kingdom go one day without celebrating something?!" She asks bitterly, storming off.
"I'm...a little worried about Cass," Rapunzel states to Eugene. "She's been acting kind of weird lately."
"Probably just the Day of Hearts. People either love it or loathe it. Cass obviously falls into the latter category," He shrugs at her. "For she hates everything. Nothing we can do."
"Huh...or maybe there is," She rubs her chin. "Hey, maybe you and Varian can help me!" Rapunzel smiles at her sister. "You two could use some time together. It's the Day of Hearts!"
"Rapunzel, I appreciate the concern, but there's nothing going on with me and Varian...and there never will be. Who would want to be with someone who's only going to hurt you...?" She murmurs, playing with her necklace silently. Daisy looks at her solemnly from her hair.
"Harmi..." Rapunzel places a gentle hand on her shoulder. Eugene looks sad for her, as he can clearly see that the two care about each other a lot. "That's not true. I've seen him after you ran off. He misses you."
"I know, and I miss him too, but he saw me, Punzie. He saw me creating a black rock and I can't...I can't risk hurting him when it happens again. It's better this way..."
She walks off and the blonde stares after her sadly.
Cass walks into the garden area, shocked at the sight in front of her. "Ladies lunch!" Rapunzel is sitting in the middle of a picnic. "And I brought cupcakes! Each one is a single serving, because there's nothing wrong with being single, right Friedborg?"
Friedborg eats a cabbage whole in response. "This is great, Raps, but I don't have time right now, okay? You two have fun, though? You two have fun, though. And maybe bring Harmi a cupcake, she could really use one."
She walks off and Friedborg happily eats a cupcake, Rapunzel a little disappointed.
Then when Cass is helping her brush her hair, she finds something tangled up in it. "Oh, what is that?" Rapunzel asks innocently. "Is something caught up in my hair?"
Cass opens up the card. 'You are special!' Rapunzel gasps at it.
"Now how did that get in there?"
The lady-in-waiting gives her a skeptical look.
Rapunzel knocks on the door, hiding something behind her back. Cass opens it to see her friend, who holds out a painting of her.
"Will you just stop, Rapunzel?" She takes the painting and shuts the door.
"Drastic times call for drastic measures..." The woman says to Pascal.
Cass is walking through the halls, turning left. "Cass~!" Rapunzel sings as she reveals herself. "Look what I got for you!"
She sighs to herself as Rapunzel approaches. "I know you are gonna love this!" She holds out Cass' punching dummy with Eugene's face painted onto it. "I painted Eugene's face on your sparring dummy like you always wanted! I mean, I kinda felt horrible doing it, but I'm sure he won't mind. You know, if e don't tell him obviously, please don't tell him."
"Thanks. You're sweet," She mutters, turning around.
"Come on, Cassandra," Rapunzel mimics her boyfriend. "Look at my adorable, well-chiseled face. Don't you just wanna hit it?"
"Look, Raps, I get what you're doing, and I appreciate it, but I'm fine."
"Cass, no," Rapunzel protests as she drops the dummy. "Something is clearly wrong. You never wanna hang out, you keep disappearing...you don't even wanna beat up Eugene!"
Cass moves away the dummy. "I'm dealing with...uh, some stuff. Stuff I'm not ready to share, but when I am ready, you'll be the first person I go to. And I'm sure Harmi feels the exact same way with her situation too," She places a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder, smiling a little. "Trust me."
"Okay, I trust you," Rapunzel places her hand on top of Cass', smiling back.
After her talk with Cass, she decided to try Harmony and Varian next. She knocks on the door of his cottage and a few seconds later, Varian himself opens it. "Varian?"
"Princess!" He exclaims at her. His hair is slightly disheveled, his eyes tired and wide. He looks like he hasn't slept in days... "What brings you here? Need me to help you resolve the mystery of your hair? Which, is still not magic."
"No, thank you," She waves a hand. "I came here to talk about Harmony."
He clamps his mouth shut, gripping the knob sadly. "...She's not here if that's what you're wondering. I haven't seen her in days."
"If you miss her, then why don't you come to the castle?" Rapunzel frowns in concern.
"I want to, but I don't think it'll do any good. It might scare her...so, if I have to, then I'll give her space," He looks away, not wanting to look at her. She reminds him a little bit of Harmony right now, actually...he wished that he could just talk to her...but it might be too much for the girl if he just showed up without warning.
"Look, my sister doesn't mean to react like this. With her powers, she doesn't wanna hurt anyone..."
"I know that, and I accepted it," He whispers, clenching a fist near the door frame. "If I didn't, I wouldn't be trying to impress her...but it doesn't matter. She's not going to want to see me..." He places his forehead onto his fist, closing his eyes.
"Maybe...it's for the best."
He should just give up...she clearly has. As long as he liked her, she was never going to feel the same...
"It's not!"
He opens his eyes, lifting his head to see a determined princess. "Pushing each other away isn't going to solve anything. You two care about each other. And I know you two don't want this for yourselves. I have a plan. I just need you to be at the castle tomorrow night in your best clothes. I'm sure that Harmony will be happy to see you again."
He stays silent, thinking about what she said. He couldn't give up how he felt...it'd eat away at him for who knows how long.
"...You're right, Princess. I can't give up. Thanks."
The book is taken away for the night to be kept in its room, Rapunzel sitting outside with Pascal. "So, we've just gotta let Cass come to us when she's ready to share what's going on...and my sister too. I tried talking to her, but she won't come out of her room, I hope she's okay..."
Pascal jumps onto the railing, looking towards the courtyard. Rapunzel looks in his direction to see Cass herself, who's running towards the archway.
Rapunzel gasps at her, "That's Cass! What is she up to? Maybe we should find out."
Pascal raises a brow. "Not to be nosy! Just to make sure she's okay!" She follows after her friend, the chameleon following after her reluctantly. They move past the lady-in-waiting as she approaches the docks. Rapunzel hides behind a stack of crates, peeking over her shoulder. She then starts to step on a barrel, slipping. Pascal holds it up as best as he can.
Cass turns around and sees nothing. Rapunzel cringes nervously as her friend sees a lantern approaching her with a heart printed on it. She smiles at the sight, taking hold of it. Rapunzel then ducks a little as a man approaches the woman, rose in hand.
"Oh, there you are."
"I couldn't resist the invitation," He smiles, holding up the flower. His hand plants it into her hair and she smiles up at him.
"So that's what's going on!" Rapunzel whispers happily, "Cass is in love!"
Pascal loses his grip on the barrel, sending the crown princess into the water. She coughs as she grips the edge of the platform. Cass and the man help her up, though the lady-in-waiting looks annoyed. "Cass...and friend of Cass," She says awkwardly as Cass does not look happy. "No introduction? Okay, that's fine."
"Oh, I'm sorry," The man approaches her, "I'm Andrew. You must be cold. Please, take my jacket," He plants his jacket over her.
"Thank you. Ooh! Nice and warm."
"I made it myself," He explains to her. "It was shorn from the fleece of poquito Juan Pablo, a blind orphan mountain sheep I rescued from a pack of ravenous wolves. I gave him a home, he gave me warmth. I often ask myself, who rescued whom?"
"Wow! This guy is smooth," Rapunzel comments to Cass, who grips her shoulders.
"Actually, Rapunzel was just leaving," She starts to guide her friend away.
"Oh, right! Yes, of course! It's-It's getting late...I have to rest my muscles after a swim like that, wouldn't wanna cramp up."
"Rapunzel!" Cass hisses to her, reminding herself to yell at her later.
"Right, right, sorry. Goodnight!" Then she falls into the lake again. "Someone left crates all over the dock! Sorry about that!"
"Well, she seemed nice," Andrew shrugs lightly.
"You should meet her sister."
The next morning, Cass is near the stables drying clothes. Rapunzel uses a telescope to watch her. She places a sheet on the clothesline, flattening it. Andrew appears behind it and she senses him, removing the sheet and placing it over him. He then begins to chase her.
"Wow. Cassandra actually found a boyfriend," Eugene comments in shock as he's standing between the two sisters. Harmony lightly has her arms crossed over the balcony, eye bags clearly present on her face. Rapunzel takes the telescope from her boyfriend.
"He is so hand—hands. His, um...They aren't proportional to the rest of his body, gross. Ugh! Not attractive."
"You think he's handsome?" Eugene raises a brow. "His eyebrows are clearly asymmetrical, and you call that facial hair? Come on."
"How great would it be if the six of us became best friends and did couple-y things all the time together?" Rapunzel clasps her hands together.
"Six of us?" Harmony stares at her in confusion.
"Well, you and Varian are a little young, but we can still do things that's enjoyable for you two!"
"Raps, I appreciate that you want that for me, but I'm not allowing myself to have the...incident happen again..." Harmony glances at her left hand.
"It won't," Eugene puts a hand on her shoulder. "That part of you is something that can be controlled, Brownie."
"You say that like it's easy, but it's not," She stands up, clenching a fist. "Powers from the Moonstone Opal don't exactly guarantee normalcy. I'll be in the kitchen..." The girl turns away and walks off, Eugene sighing a little.
"Well, she has a point. Great isn't the first word that comes to mind. Honestly. Stomach-churning. That does."
"The only problems are I think Cass is kinda shy when it comes to admirers, and Harmi won't give it another chance when it comes to dating," Rapunzel murmurs quietly.
"Cassandra may be a lot of things, and I mean ha ha, a lot of things, but shy ain't one of them. You're better off letting the two handle these things how they see best. I really don't think Brownie's up for that kind of thing so soon."
"I agree with you...to a point," She smiles at him.
"And to which point would that be?"
"A triple date?!" Cass asks in horror.
"Yes!" Rapunzel grins widely. "They're six-person fun machines!"
Cass opens up her weapons cabinet. "Rapunzel, I appreciate your enthusiasm, I really, really do, but I-I'm not at a place where I wanna go public. And since I know you're talking about Harmi and Varian as the last two people, I don't think it's a good idea. They're both in bad places right now." She sticks her dagger into her boot.
"Which is why I've come up with an itinerary of private activities for us, and I used one of my sister wishes with Harmony, one for each birthday she missed." She rolls out a LONG list of things that stops at Cass' feet. The princesses have these birthday wishes that, when used, the other person has to do what the belated birthday girl wants, regardless of what it is.
She sighs, turning around. "But we really aren't that serious yet..."
"No problem. We'll keep it short and sweet, then!" Rapunzel rips off a piece, her friend crossing her arms. Another piece is ripped off, and Cass keeps her look, narrowing her eyes. Then Rapunzel shows 'candle-lit dinner'.
That night, candle wax drips as Pascal and Daisy provide music. Rapunzel is in a pink dress and Harmony is in a purple one while the others keep their regular outfits. Eugene looks bored out of his mind while Harmony feels awkward.
"So, Andrew, I couldn't help but notice you're going steady with our Cassandra," He speaks up.
"W-We're not going steady," Cass stammers, glaring at him.
"But you're interested, right? I-I just wanna be clear, because you strike me as a guy who really has his game together. I mean you're smart, attractive, not the most attractive man in the room, clearly-"
"Eugene!" Rapunzel warns him with a stern look.
"What? Cass knows I'm kidding, right?" He leans in towards Andrew. "No, seriously, though, is she blackmailing you? Blink three times if the answer is yes."
Rapunzel pulls him backwards by his ear.
"Why did you ask me to be here tonight?" Harmony whispers to her sister. "I thought it was a triple date. I feel like a fifth wheel!"
"Any minute now..." Rapunzel murmurs, staring at the door patiently.
"Rapunzel, what is going on?" Harmony demands to her.
"Just a little surprise for you~"
"On your obvious double date that I'm here for whatever reason? What could you possibly do-"
The door opens and Varian stumbles through it, wearing a dark blue suit with a white ascot. He's not wearing goggles or his gloves. Harmony blinks at him in shock. Not only because of how he's dressed, but because he's standing here.
"V-Varian...?"
"O-Oh, hello, everyone!" He stammers, waving as he rubs the back of his neck. "Uh...sorry I'm late, my dad's suit needed alternations. Okay, just gonna sit here," He scooches in next to Harmony, who leans in towards him.
"What are you doing here?!"
"We need to talk about what happened," He whispers softly.
"Nothing happened and I never said that it was relevant for you to come here and talk about it!"
"Why are you pushing me away, Mona? What did I ever do to you?" He gestures to himself.
"Nothing!" She mutters, rubbing at her face.
"So then why won't you talk to me?"
The princess stays silent instead of giving him an answer. He takes a deep breath and lets it out. No matter what, he couldn't give up.
Lance suddenly appears, playing the accordion. Pete is playing the mandolin, to the confusion of Harmony and Varian. Stan places a big plate of spaghetti between the two teens.
"Whoa! That's a lot of food," Harmony's eyes widen.
"Um, don't you guys want some?" Varian offers and Andrew is about to take a meatball when Rapunzel stops his hand.
"Nope! Nope, we are good over here. Looks like you two will have to share."
Her sister gives her a look, but the blonde princess just smiles like nothing wrong was happening. Lance starts singing Bella Notte in Italian. Harmony sighs in defeat. Well...at least Lance is a good singer. The girl takes a meatball and eats it, everyone just listening as the two enjoy their meal. Well...Cass is mostly listening as she rolls her eyes.
Rapunzel sighs dreamily, holding Eugene's hand. "This is so romantic."
"With you Blondie, everything's romantic," Eugene smiles at her.
"Aww," She smiles back, giving him a quick peck on the lips.
"Oh please," Cass rolls her eyes. "Did you two forget there are children present?" She gestures to Harmony and Varian.
"Not children," Varian calls out, eating a bite of his food.
"No romance at all in this one," Lance shakes his head at Cass.
"Because Cassandra has no soul," Eugene smirks at her, getting some food right in his face.
As the two start to argue, the teens take another bite of their spaghetti. They were too busy staring at them that they don't notice they're eating the same noodle. As they continue to listen, their faces get closer and closer. By the time they realize what's happening, their lips are already touching. The two turn away, blushing. Unfortunately, everyone else saw and turns their attention on them instead.
"Aww, cute!" Rapunzel squeals at them, glad that something cute happened between them since the...incident.
"Looks like I don't have to worry about one couple having no romance," Eugene teases the blushing teenagers.
"That-that wasn't a real kiss! I-It was the spaghetti we were forced to share!" Harmony gestures to the food in front of her.
"Oh really? And that's why you're stammering and blushing?" Rapunzel asks smugly.
"Punzie!"
"You guys," Varian mutters in embarrassment.
"Maybe that'll become popular someday," Andrew smiles a little.
"Ha, doubt it," Lance laughs lightly.
Even though she's still embarrassed, she wants to finish her food as she's still hungry. She takes a fork to take another bite, Varian pushing a meatball towards her with his nose. Harmony looks up at him and they both smile weakly as they stare into each other's eyes. Even when things are very awkward for them right now...they still managed to have a nice moment.
"So, Andrew, tell us everything. How did you and Cass meet?" Rapunzel smiles, happy at the moment.
"Well, see, I'm somewhat bibliophilic," He starts off.
"Bibliophilic? Oh, I am so sorry, but don't you worry, Andrew. Corona has the best medical professionals in the world."
Varian clears his throat, playing with his fork. "That's, uh...not what that means, Flynn."
Andrew laughs a little. "Actually, uh, a bibliophile is someone who loves books."
"Oh! Bibliophilic, of course! I read about that..."
"I told you this was a bad idea," Cass whispers to them, slamming down the bowl. Pascal and Daisy squeak in fear as the other four look on nervously.
"I just had to see King Herz Der Sonne's book. As an anthropologist, as a historian, and as a mere amateur chirographist, well, it's been my dream. Anyway, I sent the Captain of the Guards many letters, requesting an opportunity to study the book up close," He places his hand on top of Cass', smiling at her.
"But my dad asked me to send a letter rejecting his request, for security reasons. Instead, I invited him to come see the book on the Day of Hearts, when it's available to the public," She smiles back at him.
"And our letters continued and, well...Cassie and I got to know each other...very well," They stare at each other as Daisy throws paper hearts, Pascal continuing to play. The two then share a hug.
"That is so cute!" Rapunzel smiles at the two. "Yeah, our Cassie is quite the catch. She is the most skilled fighter for miles around."
Cass kicks her underneath the table, causing a slight shake. Harmony snickers a little, glad that Rapunzel got that. "Uh, really?" Andrew asks in confusion.
"And on that note, I think we should call it a night! Andrew has to fly home in the morning," Cass pushes him away from the table.
"Fly?!" The four exclaim in unison.
And by fly, Cass means by air balloon. Rapunzel smiles happily as they take off. "Ballooning is one of my passions. What better way to see nature's gifts than from a bird's perspective? Besides, I don't condone modes of transportation that exploit animals."
"Whoo hoo!" Rapunzel shouts at the top of her lungs. "It's like being in a giant lantern! It's magic."
"Science, not magic," Varian calls out from the opposite side.
"It's simple science, actually, but yes, your highness, it can be quite magical."
Varian sighs, shaking his head slowly. He'd correct them again, but he notices Harmony leaning near her sister, hugging herself. He steps up to her and takes off his jacket, placing it over her to her surprise. She glances at him and stays silent, darting her eyes back to the stars. The night sky...just like her powers...
"Mona, I miss you," Varian murmurs as they stare out the sky together. "Whatever it is, you can trust me."
"I can't risk it, Varian. Please, just stop it," She blinks back tears as she looks away. "I don't know what could happen to you..."
"Mona...please," He steps closer, placing a hand on her back. "I'm not giving up on you. And whatever you're scared of...we can face it together."
"...All my life, people have been scared of me. And after what happened to my sister, most of them would just see me...and walk away. They have good reason to. I'm not strong enough to stop myself from creating those rocks. I just don't know what to do anymore...the thought of people getting hurt because of me...makes me sick. And then you appeared...and I thought it was over, but It's not. You're not safe around me, Varian...no one is. And it'll only be a matter of time before you're scared of me too..."
"I could never be scared of you!" He turns her to face him, gripping her shoulders. "I like spending time with you. You're smart, you're funny, you're sweet. You're...unique. You could never hurt me or anyone else. And anyone who would be scared of you is too blind to see the girl in front of them. No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side."
She sniffles a bit. "...Really?"
He smiles at her softly. "Really really."
His arms warm around her into a warm comforting hug and she smiles, hugging him in return. Rapunzel smiles happily at the sight.
"You wanna make your life easier, have Cass here pull those cords for ya," Eugene offers, holding up Cass' arm. "She's got some serious pythons under there."
Cass snatches her arm back and joins the trio. "Okay, this triple date needs to end now! You guys are totally embarrassing me," She says bitterly, darting her eyes to the younger duo. "Well, maybe not all of you."
"Really? I'm sorry, we didn't mean to."
"It's fine, but can you please stop talking about my muscles or my fighting skills? I want Andrew to know a different side of me," She pleads with her friends.
"Oh, yeah! Of course!"
"Cass, I'm sure that Andrew would like all of you," Harmony offers with a small smile.
"Thanks, but as soon as the balloon touches down...I'd like to be alone with him."
"But we haven't gotten to the tandem horseback ride ye-" Rapunzel stops speaking once she notices Cass' glare. "Okay yeah, got it."
"We'll just...be over there," Varian chuckles nervously, pulling Harmony over to the other side.
"Cass wants some alone time," Rapunzel whispers to Eugene.
"Oh thank goodness. If I have to spend one more minute with this guy-"
"Eugene, you wanna take us down?" Andrew suddenly interrupts, earning an excited squeal from the former thief that's so loud, Harmony didn't even think it was humanly possible until today. Varian would help, but he had just made up with the girl. "Gently twist the valve counterclockwise to vent the hot air."
"Thanks ace, I'll take it from here."
Andrew shrugs and walks off, releasing an airbag. A golden lock falls from his shirt. "Wow. That necklace is so beautiful. May we see it?"
She notices Cass narrowing her eyes, but Andrew removes it and she opens it. "It's been in my family for decades, it means...love is true inner wealth."
"Wow," Harmony blinks as she stares at the symbol. Varian peeks over her shoulder. Both of them had remembered seeing this symbol before...but they couldn't place it at the moment since nothing comes to mind.
"You said clockwise, right?" Eugene calls out, turning the valve to the right. This sends them sliding to the other side and the necklace goes flying into a bushel of thorns.
"Don't worry, Harmi, Varian, Eugene, and I will find it. You guys go finish your date," Rapunzel tells them.
"Ooh, it was counterclockwise, wasn't it?" Eugene joins them, rubbing the back of his head. He earns glares in return instead of an answer. "Right."
Once they've dropped the four off, Rapunzel watches them leave. She starts to go through the bushel, only to touch a thorn. "Ouch! I feel terrible about this. Ow! I know I might've come on a bit strong, but I'm really happy for Cass. Ow! I just wish she weren't so guarded. You know, like Harmony used to be."
"You were like Cass?" Varian turns to the girl as they step forward, Harmony lifting up her skirt and jumping over a thorn.
"Well...maybe...sort of...okay, yeah. But I eventually learned that it's okay to share my feelings. Ouch!"
Now if only she could do the same with Varian.
"Ahh! Look, it's not all your fault."
"I know it's not all my fault," Rapunzel rolls her eyes playfully as she starts crawling. "You were the one who turned the valve the wrong way."
"She's right. Who doesn't know that counterclockwise is basically the opposite way of a clock?" Varian laughs a little. "Come on, Flynn."
"It's Eugene! But it's mostly your fault."
"What?" Rapunzel looks up at him accusingly.
"Okay, I'm the last person to defend Cassandra-"
"More like the only person she wouldn't want to defend her," Harmony mutters under her breath as she continues forward, Varian slowly following.
"But not everyone is as open with their feelings as you are, okay? Brownie might've been able to change that part of her life because of you, but Cass plays things closer to her vest. And if you wanna be her friend, which is something I will never, ever, ever, ever, understand...you'll have to accept that and back off of it."
Her eyes widen at his words. He had a point...her sister had been more happier with Rapunzel around, but Cass was more tougher than Harmony was. Suddenly squeaks are heard, turning their attention to Pascal and Daisy. They point to the necklace hanging from a thorn.
"The pendant!"
"We found it!" Harmony smiles at it as Pascal grabs the necklace and lands on Rapunzel's hands. She kisses him on the cheek while Daisy holds up the cover.
"And the other half of the pendant..." Eugene says a bit worriedly as they have no clue how to fix it. Harmony nuzzles Daisy's head with her finger. "You got any gum?"
"Well, I could fix it, but this is from Andrew's family for generations..." Varian rubs his arm nervously. He didn't want to accidentally damage it, Rapunzel had already lost the necklace. "But we all know someone who can!"
"Xavier!" They all exclaim in realization.
The hot air balloon is just approaching a waterfall as Cass smiles at the view. She was so glad that they could finally be alone. "Sorry my friends have been so intrusive. And I'm really sorry about your pendant..."
He drapes his soft and warm jacket over her. "Don't worry about it, Cassie. I'm just glad that we finally get to be alone." He holds her hands and they stare into each other's eyes.
"Me too..."
Fireflies suddenly appear around them and they smile towards one another. It was like nothing could break this moment...they lean in towards each other as the fireflies continue to follow them...and then the balloon crashes onto the ground, breaking the almost-kiss.
Cass adjusts her skirt once she's gotten off. "You know how you've been saying it'd be great to get a private, up close look at the book?" He just smiles at her. "Well..." She saunters up to him. "I thought we might sneak a peek and...I don't know, I saw some other couples signing it together, so...if you wanted to..."
"Cassie..." He takes her hands. "I-I thought you'd never ask...but isn't it after visiting hours?"
"Perks of being a guard's daughter." She spins the keys to the room on her finger.
Back in town, Xavier, the local blacksmith and also keeper of legends, is just finishing up fixing the necklace. He puts it in water after welding the pieces back together.
"Xavier, I can't thank you enough for getting out of bed to do this for us," Rapunzel says in relief.
"It's my pleasure," He smiles while drying it off. Then he looks away. "I'm just surprised you would want to fix something like..." He clears his throat, holding up the necklace. "This."
"Why do you say that?" Harmony raises a brow.
"Yeah, the owner's already told us what it means," Varian shakes his head slowly. Why was it so weird for Xavier to fix something like that?
"It's so sweet!" Rapunzel clasps her hands together. "It means love is true inner wealth."
To their confusion, Xavier chuckles, spinning the necklace into his hand. "Whoever told you that was lying." He shows the symbol to them. "This is the emblem of the separatists of Saporia."
The teens gasp sharply. "Saporia?!"
"The rival kingdom Corona had a war with that's part of the Day of Hearts' history?" Harmony screeches in shock.
"The separatists of Saporia…that's their symbol. That's why it's so familiar!"
"...Uhh, the what now?" Eugene couldn't help but wonder and the two facepalm.
"Centuries ago, after the war brought Saporia to Corona together, there was a small sect of Saporians who felt betrayed, and swore revenge on our kingdom," He rolls out a large scroll that shows pictures of their union. "Some say their descendants are still around, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike back at Corona..." The last picture shows the Corona kingdom on fire.
Cass and Andrew open up the door with the book at the end of the room. "We don't have a lot of time," Cass whispers as she steps inside.
"Oh, don't worry. This won't take long," Andrew smiles wickedly, stepping forward.
"Oh no! Cassie's in trouble!" Varian's eyes widen and they take off into a run.
"Cass is gonna be devastated when she finds out the truth about Andrew!" Rapunzel says as they try to get back as fast as they can.
"Yeah, the only guy who can mess with Cass is me!" Eugene declares, getting looks from Harmony and Varian. They reach the castle courtyard within seconds.
"Okay, we better split up. Harmi and I will check the throne room, you two take the courtyard," Rapunzel tells them.
"Got it!" Varian nods at her, following after Eugene. The girls dash the opposite way, hoping that they can reach the two in time.
Andrew stares at the book, lightly touching the pages. "It's exactly as I imagined...find the perfect space for us," He gives her the feather and steps back, watching as she flips through pages. He takes a sword out of his jacket, looming it over her head. Cass sees his shadow and narrows her eyes, taking out her dagger and disarming him. She kicks Andrew to the ground and catches the sword in her hand, pointing it right at his face.
"Sorry, sweetie, but the book stays here."
"But how did you-"
"I knew you were a fraud from day one. You misspelled 'bibliophile' in your letters, bonehead. I was only playing you long enough to see what your angle was, and from my angle, it looks like you've been shut down, Andrew. If that's even your real name," She glares down at him.
"It's..." He sighs in embarrassment. "It's Hubert." A pair of handcuffs lands on his stomach.
"Put these on and don't say another word."
"Cassandra!" Rapunzel and Harmony suddenly arrive. "Watch out, Andrew is-"
Andrew kicks up the sword, pointing it at the two. "Not who he says he is."
Harmony takes out a bow and arrow from underneath her dress, pointing it and ready to fire at him. "You really think that's gonna stop me?" He chuckles at the mundane weapon, holding up the cuffs. "Now drop the weapon, princess, and cuff yourselves to the podium with your friends."
She growls as the handcuffs land in Cass' hands, dropping the bow and arrow. As much as she didn't want to, she couldn't put them in danger.
The young princess sits between her sister and her friend, all of them handcuffed to the podium, the book gone from its post.
"I'd say see you later, but there's not gonna be a later for Corona," Andrew states, backing towards the door.
"We won't let you get away with this," Harmony snarls at him.
"Oh...I already have," He smirks with a light shrug, leaving them there.
Eugene and Varian run up to the two guards. "Stan! Pete! Have you seen Andrew anywhere?"
"Have I? Let me tell you something, that is one handsome fella," Pete comments about Andrew's looks.
"He sounds like, so worldly. Which makes him handsome on the inside."
"He is not that handsome, okay?" Eugene laughs it off, Varian raising a brow at him.
"Well...he's definitely not ugly, I mean, he's got it going for him-"
"Varian!" He interrupts sharply and he shuts up. "Did you not notice his wonky eyebrows with the-oh, never mind!"
He storms off, followed by the alchemist, who waves to the guards.
Cass sighs after a few minutes. "You know, after the exposition debacle, this was my big chance to prove to my dad I have what it takes to be a guard. But you messed that all up, Rapunzel!"
"Well," She scoffs a bit. "Maybe if you had told me what you were planning, I wouldn't have messed it up!"
"Didn't you also want to make sure she was happy with a back-stabbing jerk?" Harmony stares up at her.
"...Okay, that too, but I didn't know he was a back-stabbing jerk!"
"Because I couldn't count on you letting anything slip!" Cass retorts back, causing Harmony to sigh.
"Hey! I can keep things to myself!" Rapunzel defends with a small frown.
"Oh yeah? Kinda like when you told Eugene about the night we all snuck out?"
"How did you know-"
"Or when you told your dad about those rocks I showed you?" Cass continues and Harmony narrows her eyes.
"Hey, that was a matter concerning me, thank you very much! He had a right to know because I create them, so it's not like it was something of yours to keep to yourself," She huffs, closing her eyes.
"We had to. He was gonna-"
"And how'd your mom find out who ate her last chocolate truffle, hm?" Cass raises a skeptical brow.
"I turned myself in. The guilt was just-"
"Look, guys, you're my best friends," She sighs a little. "But you're a sharer, especially now that Harmi is more open. It's in your natures, and I'm fine with that since I don't want to come between you two and your sister bond. Of course you wouldn't keep secrets from each other. But you'll have to be fine respecting things I wanna keep to myself, Raps."
"Even if those things have life-threatening consequences?" Rapunzel asks in concern, causing her to laugh a bit.
"Okay, in my defense, no one's life was really threatened until you two showed up."
"...Fair point," Harmony says slowly, opening her brown orbs. "And sis, I love you, but you really should've let Varian and I handle our problems ourselves. I'm not mad since we made up, but not everything has to be done on your terms."
"You're right. Tell you what. Let's make a deal. I'll understand keeping some things to yourself and that my sister can handle some things on her own, if you understand that when something's bothering you, the both of you, I'm gonna wanna help. Especially when my little sister was clearly upset. I love you, Harmi, and I just want to see you happy. You've got my back, so let me have yours."
"I suppose I can live with that," Cass grins a little, Harmony smiling softly.
"Ditto," She nuzzles her sister, who returns the sentiment.
"Rapunzel! Harmony!" Eugene shouts as he arrives, seeing them cuffed. "Well, I bet we don't think Andrew's so handsome anymore, now do we, ladies?"
"I wouldn't say un-handsome, right?" Rapunzel glances towards the two.
"Despite what he did, he's still got the looks," Harmony nods in agreement, causing Varian to open his mouth in shock.
"I mean...him being a rebel doesn't really take away from the fact-"
"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me!" Eugene mutters, pulling out a lock pick.
"Oh go after the book, both of you! Don't waste time trying to pick the cuffs, they're double-locking, black steel-"
"Got 'em," Eugene interrupts, putting his pick away as they stare at their hands in surprise.
"Should've known," Harmony murmurs as Varian helps her stand up.
"Huh. Alright, we may just have a chance to catch him if we hurry!" Cass states as they all take off into a run.
"So, you think Andrew's handsome, huh?" Varian pants as he and Harmony run side-by-side.
"Well...yeah, but he's a bad guy, and...I can't really trust him now," She gestures to Cass.
"Y-Yeah, totally, I get it," He stammers, looking away. She notices his sad look and giggles.
"But I really prefer cute over handsome."
She picks up speed, leaving Varian stunned. Did...did she just call him cute? And that she likes it? He shakes his head, snapping out of it and chasing after his friends.
Andrew is just preparing to leave via his hot air balloon. The four arrive just in time to see it lift off the ground. "Ha ha! So long, Corona!"
"I just realized..." Cass jumps over the basket, landing behind him. "I never gave you a good-night kiss," She grins, punching him in the face. He staggers backwards and glares up at her. "Now, hand over that book!"
The others try to catch up to the balloon. "Its pressure is already too high!"
"But we have to get up there to help Cass!" Rapunzel tells Varian as Eugene manages to jump on, gripping the edge. She comes to a stop, eyeing the trees in front of her and forming an idea. "Come on, I have a way to follow after them!"
Andrew swings his sword at Cass, who ducks her head from every attack. Eugene crawls into the basket, sighing in relief. "Oh, that was insanely hard." He notices the fight between them, feeling awkward. "Uhh...guys, who's driving this thing?"
Pascal, Daisy, Rapunzel, Varian, and Harmony climb up a tree all the way up to the top as the hot air balloon passes by them. "Okay guys, hold onto me." They hug her waist and she lets her hair fall loose. She tosses it and manages to snag one of the ropes. Andrew gets pushed back by Cass, who had grabbed his sword. "Hang on!"
She tries to pull it, but ends up falling off the tree with the others and they all scream, swinging. Cass stumbles a bit as the balloon wobbles, falling onto Andrew.
"Sorry!" Varian calls out sheepishly to them. "Well, most of you."
They're left dangling in the air, looking towards the ground below them.
"I knew you cared after all," Andrew says smugly to Cass.
"Well I don't!" Eugene tries to punch him in the face, but he blocks it with the book. "Ahh, bibliophilic!"
"Enough!" Cass grabs hold of the journal. "Give me the book!" She tries to wrestle it out of his hands, and it ends up hitting Eugene in the face, but he catches it into his hands.
"Hey..."
"Get us down from here!" Cass tells him while fighting off her opponent.
"Now that I can do."
"Come on, guys!" Rapunzel urges as they start climbing up her hair. "We're almost there!"
"Now was it clockwise or counterclockwise?" He doesn't get to turn it because the valve breaks right off. "Ooh..."
This releases a bunch of fire at the top, sending them higher up into the air. "Counterclockwise, Flynn!" Varian yells up at him.
"Something tells me he did neither," Harmony deadpans, Eugene rubbing the side of his head. Then he realizes that the book is no longer in his hands.
"The book!"
Andrew steps near it and Cass lunges forward, missing him. He kicks her onto the ground, flinging the sword off the balloon, which heads right near the others.
"Whoa!" Harmony and Varian dodge it and it lands in the bushel of thorns.
"Hey, watch it!" Harmony shouts up to the basket.
"You come up here and trade places then!" Eugene retorts to her. Cass snatches the book back.
"Eugene, grab the book and get us down," She slides it to his foot as he's trying to make the hot air balloon work.
"Working on it!"
"If you turn it counterclockwise, it should vent the air back to normal!" Varian calls out to him.
"Uhh...that's gonna be difficult," Eugene shows the piece that broke off, to their shock. While hitting at the valve, it suddenly lowers, causing his friends to lose their grip on the hair. Varian holds Harmony's waist, gripping the hair tightly enough so that they slide to a stop right above Rapunzel. And they're headed right towards the thorns!
Luckily, none of them seem to touch the three as Rapunzel sees the sword nearby. She swings grabbing the sword from its place, slicing them off. She runs and jumps while cutting, Varian digging into his apron. He drops a pink ball and some of them melt.
"Hey, nice job, Vari!"
"I always keep spares," He pats his apron pocket.
"Ha! You know, I'm starting to enjoy this!" Rapunzel tells the two, yelping as ones she can't avoid are nearing her. Andrew stabs at the valve, sending everyone high up into the air.
"Oh thank goodness," Varian sighs in relief.
"Give me the book, Eugene," He demands to the former thief.
"And have Cassandra mad at me? I think not."
"Oh believe me, you would much rather have Cassandra mad at you than me!"
Cass stands up and he slices at her. She avoids it and he cuts off the rope instead. He cuts another, tilting the basket away right underneath their feet. The three look up as various weapons and sand bags fall around them.
"Geez, bunch of butterfingers up there..." She murmurs as she looks up at them.
"You're telling me!" Harmony wipes sweat off her forehead.
"Eugene, the book!"
"Yup, got it!" Eugene holds up the book in his hand. "And I'm fine too, thank you for asking me!" He slips a bit while hanging onto the basket. Andrew climbs up towards the air, swinging into the blanket. Cass follows after him. Eugene slips, and so does the book. "No! No! No, no, no, no!" He catches it just before it could fall out of his reach, sighing in relief.
As the air gets hotter, Andrew and Cass continue to fight, while also avoiding the flame. "You know, It's too bad, I was almost...starting to like you." He leaps forward towards her.
"Pascal, Daisy," Rapunzel looks towards the two pets. They both nod, hooking a piece of her hair to the sword. She flings it in her hands, glancing towards Harmony and Varian still above her. "Guys, watch out!"
"Don't have to tell us twice!" Harmony squeezes her eyes shut, Varian doing the same. She stabs it right near Eugene's shoulder and he looks up at the duo fighting. Andrew punches Cass across from him and she looks up weakly.
"Oh Cassandra...Saporia will rise again...and will have you to thank for it," He pulls out a dagger menacingly.
"Cassandra!" Eugene throws up the sword and she catches it into her hand. "You're welcome!"
She cuts off a piece of the blanket, falling through it to his confusion. She slices up an opening behind him, smirking. "I wouldn't count on a second date if I were you." She flings back her fist and punches Andrew right in the face.
That morning, the book is back in its rightful place. Harmony and Varian step up to it, smiling happily that it's safe and sound.
"Mona..." Varian starts off, scratching his cheek with a blush.
"Yes?"
"I was wondering if you wanted to sign the book...together." Her eyes widen at the request. "Uh, well, if you want to, that's your decision-"
"I'd love to," She smiles at him. Both of them step up and see a tiny blue mark sticking out from one of the pages. The two glance at each other. It definitely wasn't there before when they had returned it...Varian opens it up to see a spot circled just for them. How do they know?
Because there's a tiny owl symbol near it.
The two smile, knowing exactly who did it. They sign their signatures, turning to each other and holding hands with warm looks.
Cass looks at herself in the mirror as she had been awarded a medal for her honor. "There's Corona's hero!" Rapunzel startles her as she clutches it into her hands. "Everyone is talking about how you saved Herz Der Sonne's book!"
"Eh, I'm just glad to be on my dad's good side," Cass comments and they walk towards her weapons cabinet. She opens it up and plants the medal...right near the flower that Andrew gave her. Rapunzel's eyes widen at it, smiling as she bounces up and down. "What?"
"Nothing," She waves it off. "Nothing at all. I'm proud of you."
Cass chuckles at her. "I'm proud of you too, and Harmi. I'm glad that she and Varian made up. They seem happy." She shrugs at the flower, closing the doors. She also didn't regret saving a spot for her friends to sign the book, either. She knew how much the two value what they have.
Maybe someday she'll try love again, but for now, she's happy right where she is with her friends. Despite Andrew being a fraud...it was nice while it lasted.