Angel: *pinches nose* Somebody had the nerve to copy my Sophia X story and put it on Wattpad after I was alerted to this situation...third time this has happened to me over the past few months. Someone just tell me why this keeps happening? People who copy from others need to get their minds straight and create their own stories. I wouldn't be surprised if I found this story on Wattpad as well at some point. True, Sophia X is my least-favorited fic I've ever done, but plagiarism is still plagiarism.
"Somebody somewhere has to know who took Eugene," Rapunzel holds up a wanted poster from Corona of Eugene. "We'll cover more ground if we split up. Harmony, you got Varian?"
"Mmhm," She nods as Varian is standing next to her in cuffs. They separate in different directions. They ask everyone they can find, asking if they've seen him. However, most are either not willing to talk or don't want to. They're also ignored and ridiculed.
"No one wants to talk!" Hook Foot states once they've met back up. Rapunzel groans, holding her head.
"Look, Raps, we've been at this for hours," Cass speaks up. "Maybe we should go back to Corona and send for the cavalry," Cass shakes dirt out of her boot. "If we leave now, we can be back in two wee-"
Harmony and Varian both wince, looking away as Cass notices the look. "Oh! You're right! I'm so sorry!" Cass cringes, backing away. "Please stop looking at me like that."
Rapunzel is breathing heavily with a glare, Harmony shrinking behind Varian, who looks away while sweating.
"You know, she might have broken her promise to me, but suddenly I find her really intimidating," Varian whispers to the princess.
"What's the matter, Princesses?"
"Huh?" They look to each other at the new voice, glancing upwards.
"Looking for your boyfriend?" The same girl who led Eugene away snickers.
"You!" Rapunzel glares up at her. She runs up the pathway, undoes her hair, and captures a mast with it. She swings around and grabs the girl by the collar. "You know something! What do you know? Tell me now, or so help me!"
"I don't need to tell you nothing!" She growls back at Rapunzel.
"Oh yeah?" Harmony lands behind her, pointing her bow and arrow. Fanfare plays in the distance, getting their attention. Rapunzel drops the girl, trying to deduce where it's coming from. She jumps and runs towards the music. She arrives in an alley, and sees a stage in the distance, surrounded by all of the citizens. Rapunzel steps up slowly as Weasel faces the crowd.
"Alright! Shut your faces and listen up, you scum," He insults them.
"Hey!" Hook Foot, Cass, Harmony, Max, and Varian arrive. "That's the guy that attacked us!"
"Weasel," Both Harmony and Varian narrow their eyes at the sight of him.
"He works for the same person that was after Angry and Red," Harmony whispers to the three.
"The Baron has something he'd like to say," Weasel steps back as the man appears.
"The "Baron" Baron?" Rapunzel looks towards the girls, Cass shrugging.
"Yeah...that'd be him. How many Barons do we know?" Varian whispers to her.
"People of Vardaros, I bring you cause for celebration," Rapunzel manages to weave past the crowd to get to the front. The others step forward behind her. "A glint of joy into your otherwise meaningless and pitiful lives."
Eugene is behind the curtain, listening to the whole thing. "My people will be collecting gifts for the occasion from each of you." He glances to Lance nearby, whose face has green dots on it, his skin turning a light green. He steps up to his wheezing friend.
"Hang in there, buddy. I'm gonna get you outta this," He pats Lance on the shoulder.
"Wow!" Staylan looks at the crowd. "You should see all the people out there!"
"Stalyan, come on. This is stupid," Eugene clenches his fists, standing up.
"I know it is. I told my dad the spider wasn't necessary, but you know bad guys," She smiles in amusement, hands behind her back. "They have such a flair for drama. Kind of like Mo."
"Why thank you," Morgan bows proudly.
"That's not what I meant," Eugene replies in a clenched tone.
"I know what you meant," Stalyan crosses her arms with a knowing smirk.
"Stalyan, I can't do this. I'm in love with someone else," He tells her firmly.
"Yeah. I know. We've all heard the story by now. How the daring, ne'er-do-well thief rescued the lost princess from her tower. And how the princess' sister defeated that boy and took him along with her on your journey. Let me ask you. Do you really think it's fair to ask a girl who spent the first 18 years of her life in prison to give up her freedom for a lifelong relationship with...someone like you? And let's not forget, she's still getting to know her sister, who could destroy someone with the drop of a hat."
"Ugh," Morgan crosses her arms. "She spent 14 years in her castle, and she thinks she has it so bad? Pft," She waves it off.
Eugene stares at them sadly. He thought that was the best decision...but now that he's heard it so much, he's having doubts. He did love Rapunzel...but his friend needed to be saved as well. Plus he doesn't want her to make that kind of commitment yet.
"I am pleased to announce the re-engagement of my oldest daughter, Stalyan," The Baron gestures to the curtain, where the woman steps out to face the crowd.
"Wait. The Baron's daughter?" Rapunzel stares at her.
"Oh! What a daughter," Hook Foot looks at her in awe. Harmony elbows him in the arm.
"And her fiance, Flynn Rider..."
"Huh?" Rapunzel is confused as she hears the name. They're all shocked to see him step out onto the stage.
"What...?" Harmony murmurs in confusion.
Cass stares sadly at her best friend as she approaches the front. "Eugene!"
He hears her voice and sees her in the crowd. "Rapunzel..."
"Eugene, I don't understand. What's going on?" Her heart tries not to break with each sentence. The Baron steps up to deal with her, but Stalyan stops him.
"Rapunzel, I-"
"He's with us now," Staylan interrupts before he could explain.
"This is some kind of joke, right?"
"Nope," Morgan steps up to them.
"Who's she?"
"My little sister Morgan," Stalyan gestures to her.
"How ya doing?" Morgan smirks, wiggling her fingers. A guard whistles and they all turn to the open curtain. No one else but the three of them could see the sick Lance.
"I, uh...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Rapunzel," Eugene says regrettably. He really didn't want to say it, but he had no choice. "But I've made my choice." He walks away from her and she steps up heart-broken.
"Eugene? Eugene!"
They ignore her and leave the stage. Rapunzel hugs Cass and her sister, sobbing into their chests. "Eugene..."
Harmony looks up at Cass sadly, Varian frowning. He wanted to see her feel pain, but...not like this...
Pascal squeaks sadly as Rapunzel continues to cry.
Morgan turns around to give her a raspberry, stopping short when she sees Varian. Her eyes shine at the sight of him. Those blue eyes, that hair, those freckles...she isn't one to fall in love and be mushy like her older sister, but...something about him in those cuffs...
"Dad," She whispers, looking over her shoulder. "I want something from them..."
"Whatever Morgan wants, Morgan gets," He smirks at her. "And what is it that you want?"
"I want..." She looks back to the boy. He's not even looking in her direction, but she already feels a connection.
"Him."
Eugene paces around in the cell. "Your nose," Lance speaks in a lisp voice, poking Shorty's nose. "It looks like a strawberry. You know, speaking of strawberry—I get the berry part. That part makes perfect sense, but what?! Where does the "straw" come in? They should call it noseberry. Cause it looks like your nose. I'm gonna eat your nose." He chomps towards Shorty, who backs away.
"How's he doing, Shorty?" Eugene finally speaks up.
"He's doing great!" The little man smiles, the former thief looking at him skeptically. But he'd get them out of this.
"Lance, buddy, just hang on, alright? I'm gonna get you that antidote. I promise I'll do whatever it takes."
As he's reassuring him, Staylan appears to see him. "It's the right thing, you know. Getting hitched."
"And so is taking that little boy for my taking," Morgan smirks, crossing her arms.
"You? And V-Varian?" Eugene starts laughing and she glares at him. "And what makes you think he'd even want to be stuck with you?"
"That girl has him handcuffed like a slave," She examines her fingers smugly. "He'll choose freedom over her."
"That's because he threatened Corona. Not that I agree with him coming, but he'd rather be cuffed than to be with you!" He spits at Morgan, who clenches her fists. He's still getting used to having Varian around, but...he's seen how happy he makes Harmony outside of his current state. Of course he doesn't trust the boy, but if that's what is going to make someone he respects smile...
Then he's fine with that. And he believes in the girl's promise to help Varian.
"Staylan, you need to call this off, and get me that antidote right now," Eugene steps up to the bars.
"You know what I was thinking about earlier?" She asks instead of listening to him. "Our trip to Pincosta. Remember you said stealing the sultan's jewels was one of the worst ideas I've ever had, but then, I made you go through with it, and well, we made a fortune that day." She clasps her hands together. "My point is, I know what's best for you, Rider. I always have. I know in my heart that this is where you belong, Flynn. And deep down, you know it too."
He looks at her in annoyance before adverting his eyes away.
"And I know what's best for Varian," Morgan swoons at the name. "Trust me, he'll choose me over that princess who's keeping him on a leash."
"Well...it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, and the last thing any of us needs is..." Stalyan glances towards Lance. "Bad luck. Right, Flynn?"
"It's Eugene now," He calls out as he watches the duo leave.
"No it's not. See you out there," She throws the keys in front of the cell, surprising him.
"I don't understand," Rapunzel states once they've returned to the caravan. "Guys, how can Eugene be getting married...?" She lightly touches a drawing of herself and Eugene. "What if that's the last time we ever talked? Why didn't I say...yes?"
If she had answered him earlier, he wouldn't be marrying someone else...
When I let him walk away
She caresses the page, a tear falling onto it.
What if I had spoken stay?
Why did I go on concealing
The confusion I was feeling?
She slowly stands up, putting her journal on her bed.
Now I'll never get to say
All the things I should have said
She opens up the door with a downtrodden look.
Now there's no more love, just echoes of
The life we should have led
She can imagine Eugene bending down on one knee, holding out the ring.
If I could take that moment back
Her feet slowly step up to Eugene, clasping her hands to her heart.
If he were here beside me still
She lightly touches the box with her hand and he stands up.
I'd let him see inside my heart
He touches her cheek and she places a hand on his arm. They lean in for a kiss, but it was all just a dream now...
Now he never will
The image of the two fades away right in front of her eyes.
Maybe if I gave her time
Eugene's still in the prison, looking outside the window.
Maybe if I didn't go
Maybe things somehow would change, but now
He takes the keys, walking up to the window.
I guess we'll never know
He grips the bars with his hands, wishing he could explain to Rapunzel why he had done what he did.
If I could take that moment back
She walks outside past Hook Foot and Cass and down the path. Cass looks up at her.
If I could turn back time, I would
Eugene looks sadly towards the box in his hand.
If we could make a brand new start
How I wish we could
Wish I could take it back
But now it's gone
Rapunzel looks towards the moon forlornly.
For good
Wish I had that moment back
Eugene is looking at the full moon as well, looking towards the ground. He slides towards the floor, deeply regretting what happened with her...he never wanted to hurt her like that, but...Lance is still in danger of being killed...
Harmony is silently cleaning up the tray of empty food that Varian ate. He's not cuffed to the wall, but still handcuffed nevertheless. Both of them are silent as they can still remember Rapunzel's crying...her broken heart...
"...How's she doing?" Varian asks softly. Harmony looks up at him slowly, seeing the sympathy in his eyes. "Be honest."
"...I wish I could be," She murmurs, sighing. "This isn't right. Eugene wouldn't just up and marry someone else!"
"I think so too, but even then...why would he do it?"
She then recalls the event, remembering something. She slowly puts the tray on the table nearby. Varian notices her thinking face.
"What is it?"
"...It's kind of weird that we didn't see Lance or Shorty with him," She points out. "The Baron and Weasel did get to them too, right? Then why weren't they on stage?"
"He could've been holding them in his prison," Varian raises a brow.
"No, Vari," She shakes her head and his heart beats a little at the nickname. "I'm saying this is foul play. They might be forcing Eugene to marry Stalyan against his will...and I think it's got to do with Lance. Shorty's already...well, he's already got enough in his life," She glances away for a second. He is a friend, but Eugene would've had to be convinced to help him in any way. "They must've found out that he's back in town. So much for keeping a low profile."
"That would explain things..." Varian looks away in thought. "But what could've they done so bad to force him to marry Staylan?"
"I don't know...but we should go find out."
"Uh, no offense, but your sister doesn't seem so keen on the idea," He tells her.
"Which is why I have to convince her to go," Harmony stands up, smiling a little. "Vari...I know that you and my sister still have issues, but...thank you for not acting upon it further."
He shuts his eyes. It still hurt thinking about what she said to him...and why she couldn't help his father. "...I wanted her to suffer...I won't lie about that. But what she saw and heard...no one should go through that. Even someone who broke her promise to me."
"I just wish it didn't happen," Harmony murmurs, opening up the door and looking at him. "I'll be back soon."
"Take your time, Mona...you're worth it," He smiles a bit and she blushes bashfully. She closes the door and steps up to the caravan, her hand waving in front of the door. She can still hear Rapunzel's sobbing and she knocks.
"C-Come in."
Harmony opens up the door, seeing her sister sitting on the bed sadly. She takes a seat next to the blonde.
"Rapunzel...I know you're confused...sad...heartbroken...but we know Eugene and we know that he wouldn't do something like this."
"Harmi...I know what I saw. I just wish I understood why," Rapunzel places her head on her sister's shoulder.
"I think I have an idea," Harmony whispers softly. "Stalyan is the Baron's daughter, right? And the Baron doesn't overlook punishment easily from what I heard. Since Eugene's had trouble with him, the Baron must be blackmailing him to marry his oldest daughter. I don't know how...but I do know that Lance must have something to do with it."
"...But what if it's not blackmail? What if he really did decide to marry Staylan?"
"Eugene Fitzherbert," Harmony raises a brow. "You must have him mistaken for someone else. He's a loyal guy. He wouldn't do something like this unless he was forced."
"I wanna believe you, but..." Rapunzel puts a hand to her heart and Harmony sighs, slipping off the bed.
"Okay...time for me to lay down the truth."
It's time you learned a lesson
It's time that you understand
Harmony places a hand on Rapunzel's shoulder with soft eyes.
Don't ever think you can't count on someone else
In this or any other land
She gets onto her feet, gesturing for Rapunzel to follow her.
I once hoped for freedom
To find a place among my kind
The girl looks around the forest, imaging the citizens of Corona turning her away.
And those were the childish wishes
Of someone who was blind
She closes her eyes sadly.
Open up your eyes
See the world from where I stand
Harmony pulled out her bow and arrow, pointing it towards her target.
Us among the mighty
The four stood proudly in front of the crowd at the coronation.
Enemy caged at our command
Open up your eyes
Harmony opens her eyes, running towards the forest with Rapunzel.
Give up your sweet fantasy land
Memories of Rapunzel hugging Varian, smiling at the guests that had come to greet her when she returned to Corona, and her being proposed to appear.
It's time to grow up and get wise
Come now, little one
Harmony leads her to a lake, fireflies flying around them.
Open up your eyes
She can faintly remember Eugene being there for her when the blonde was betrayed...when she was lied to from her father...when he trapped her in her room...this may be a fascinating environment around them, but there were also risks, like Cass said.
Not that Harmony would admit that Cass is right at this point in time.
We all start out the same
With simple naïve trust
Rapunzel's eyes turn soft as they both remember having to fight Varian in front of his home...
Shielded from the many ways
That life's not fair or just
Frederic handed them their tiaras and Rapunzel ran off crying.
He ripped off Harmony's necklace, throwing it into the fire.
But then there comes a moment
With simple truth you must face
Rapunzel shed a tear as she watched her childhood home crumble.
If you depend on others
You'll always find your place
Rapunzel ran up to the caravan, all of them smiling as they were traveling to Vardaros. She hugged her sister when she had returned from one of the seven kingdoms. Varian, Harmony, Rapunzel, and Cass stared at the black rocks, the boy smiling at the older princess as he swore to keep the black rocks a secret.
And as you take that first step
Upon a path that's all your own
The two sisters took a step forward towards the black rocks with smiles on their faces, about to leave Corona.
You see it all so clearly
The best way to survive is not alone
Rapunzel ran up to her friends who were waiting around in front of the newly painted caravan, smiling at them. They smiled back at her, even her sister.
Open up your eyes
Harmony pulls out her journal, showing a picture of Eugene and Rapunzel that she painted. They looked happy...
See the world from where I stand
Us against the mighty
Rapunzel looked back towards Corona as she was heading to Varian's with her father. Cass, Eugene, and the guards rode their horses towards the cottage.
Enemy caged at our command
Open up your eyes
And behold the brightened light
Moonlight forms around the two sisters, Rapunzel gasping. She looks to Harmony, her left hand glowing as the orbs fly around them towards the sky.
It's time to grow up and get wise
Come now, little one
They walk back up to the moon, standing on the small hill.
Open up your eyes
Open up your eyes
"...Thank you, little sister," Rapunzel pulls her sister into a hug. "You're right. I need to remember the truth and that Eugene wouldn't do this unless it was necessary. Something had to have made him do this."
Cass walks up to them. "Uh, Rapunzel? We all know Eugene and I don't always agree on everything."
Harmony rolls her eyes. "But over the last year or so...I've noticed something that makes him...less detestable. In Varian too."
She slowly looks up at her friend, sensing no hatred or anger in her tone. "Eugene loves you, Rapunzel. More than anyone has ever loved anybody."
Pascal chitters in agreement, nodding. "I feel the same way about him..." Rapunzel smiles a little towards Harmony. "I'm just sorry it took all of this to truly realize that..."
"I know what we all saw down there," Cass walks up to them. "But we all know, this isn't something Eugene would ever do."
"I know...my sister helped me realize that," Rapunzel kisses the side of her sister's head.
"And do you know what's something that Rapunzel would never do?" She looks towards Cass for the answer. "Rapunzel would never give up. She'd pick herself up, stop feeling sorry for herself, and she'd fight back with everything she had! So what do you say we get out there..."
"And get Eugene back!" Rapunzel pumps her fists in determination.
"Yeah!" Harmony cheers for her. Pascal smiles, positioning himself to look mighty. Daisy flies around them, punching the air. "But...what about...?"
The two women look to each other, nodding in agreement. "Alright...we'll let him out. As long as he's willing to help us. It's better to work together than against each other."
"Thank you," She smiles gratefully at the two, hugging them. "Thank you...!"
The door to the prison caravan opens and Varian looks up at Rapunzel. "...Princess..."
"Varian..." She replies politely as the air is tense for a few seconds. "You want your freedom, right?"
"More than anything," He answers, looking towards Harmony. "And...while I do still hate you...heartbreak...it's not something we all deserve. So what do I have to do?"
"What you'll do is," Cass steps up, pulling out her swords. He yelps, shrinking away as a shing is heard. He awaits for something to be in pain, but he opens up his eyes to see that he's uncuffed, the chains in half.
"Help us get back Eugene."
He looks towards Rapunzel, who has a pleading look. His eyes dart to the young girl, who nods that this was happening. He wanted to be free from this caravan more than anything...and to be with Harmony again. While he could be bitter towards all of them, they could really use his help.
"Deal."
"But if you try any funny business, it's back to Corona," Cass points the tip of her sword to his neck. "You got that?"
"Ah! Yes, okay! Just...put the sword down," He sweats nervously.
The group arrive at the Baron's castle, noticing guests outside the gate. Rapunzel looks through her telescope, Cass doing the same. She stands up right next to a black rock.
"Careful Raps. Remember what happens when you or Harmi touch one of those," Cass warns her. Harmony looks towards the rock and backs away a bit.
"Right...that would be bad."
"Yeah, good to remember," Harmony murmurs and they go back to checking out the castle.
"Sooo...Varian's helping us?" Hook Foot points to the boy, who rubs the back of his neck.
"It's better than being stuck in that cell..."
"Yes, he is," Harmony looks over her shoulder. "Is that a problem?"
"No, no..." Hook Foot sweats a little underneath her glare. "I'm just...being cautious here. We all wanna help Eugene, after all."
Cass groans at all the people. "I was hoping there would be more people here to make it easier to slip by."
"Vardaros has a miniscule population," Varian whispers to them. "At least half of them are probably already inside."
Rapunzel scoffs a little. "I guess Stalyan doesn't have that many friends. What kinda name is Stalyan, anyway? Who names their kid that? What's her other sister's name? Bronco? And Morgan's not even a horse name," Rapunzel raises a brow.
"Actually, it is," Harmony narrows her eyes. "They're used for clearing and tilling the farms, I saw them in the kingdom I was in before I came back to Corona. But now, they're used for moving caravans in other kingdoms." This is one of the times she wishes she wasn't so smart.
"Rapunzel, focus. We don't have time for jealousy," Cass states to her.
"Jealous? No, I am not jealous. You're jealous," She denies with a small huff, looking through her telescope.
"Yep. Jealous," Varian holds up a finger.
"Be quiet," She gives him a look and he clamps his mouth shut.
They all stare at her and she narrows her eyes, focusing on the entrance. "Now, the benefit to only having a few guests is that we might have a chance fighting our way in."
Rapunzel smiles at the black rock in front of her. "A slim chance, but a chance."
Cass stands up, pulling out her sword, but Rapunzel stops her. "We may not have to fight. I think I have an idea."
"Does this idea require the use of any hooks?" Hook Foot crosses his arms. He was not being used as a simple hook.
"Get over it. It was one time," Harmony whispers to the man in defense.
"No, but we will need the help of Vardaros' second little sweetheart."
"Uh, no offense, but unless you have something worth her while, the plan has a slim chance of success. Like 25 percent," Varian pinches his fingers together.
"Oh, we will."
The girl from before notices them and glares, turning away.
"Then what's the plan?"
"We are gonna crash a wedding," Rapunzel smirks as she stands up.
As guests are being escorted in, the girl rolls up a cart that has flowers on top of it. Rapunzel and Harmony stand behind in her in disguise.
"Remember what we talked about. Act normal, and you'll get the other half when we're done."
"I'm good for being stuck at a wedding," She mutters underneath her breath.
"Yeah. Come to think of it, I've never actually been to a wedding before," Rapunzel looks away in thought.
"I have. It was with Stan and his wife, I think. I was a flower girl. Beautiful ceremony," Harmony places a hand to her heart.
"Hmm," Rapunzel chuckles lightly. "If we didn't have to be in disguise, and it wasn't so dangerous, and my boyfriend wasn't marrying another woman, this might have been fun."
The line moves up and they walk in silence. Pascal and Daisy hide in the cloaks, the two glancing at the guards.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," A guard stops them from moving any further. "Hold up, fellas."
The princesses move their hats down to conceal their faces. "What's this?"
The girl scoffs at him. "The Baron wanted wedding flowers."
He holds up a tiny mace, the girl blinking. He looks between her and the weapon. "A battle bouquet. Brilliant." He hits the table, Hook Foot groaning underneath. "What was that?"
Rapunzel lets out a cough. "What about you?" He stands in front of the two. "Who are you?"
"I'm Cobra! And Desert," She jerks a thumb to Harmony. "Cobra and Desert Mc, uh...McBloodpuncher!"
Harmony pinches her nose at this. "You're not on the list," He eyes the both of them.
"Cobra and Desert McBloodpuncher don't do lists!" She grunts at him.
"Then what do you do?"
A fly appears on his nose. Pascal captures it and he stands up. "Eh?"
"You should see what we do to people," Rapunzel states in a tough voice. The man lets out a laugh, pushing them forward.
"You're alright, McBloodpunchers! Why don't you two go on in there, eh? Have yourselves a good time. Get some cake."
Harmony sighs in relief once they're past him. They slip past without any suspicion. Inside, someone licks off some of the cake with her finger, another stealing food from the table. Rapunzel, Harmony, and the girl walk behind a gate.
"Thank you, Vex. That was really-"
Vex holds out a hand, Harmony sighing at this.
"You're very shrewd, aren't you?" She deadpans as Rapunzel gives her the coin.
"Thanks," Vex walks away, the three coming out of hiding underneath the table. Both Cass and Varian cough once they're out.
"Why was I the one to get stuck in a box with Captain Foot Odor?" Cass waves a hand in front of her face. "You've got enough stink for two feet!"
"For someone who has a hook, that's saying a lot," Varian coughs into his sleeve.
"How dare you, Miss Viking Breath!" He retorts back, to her annoyance. "What? Do you brush your teeth with onions?"
Cass growls at the insult, threatening to pull out her sword. "No!" Harmony warns the two, stepping in between them. Varian recoils back, not wanting to get involved.
"Okay, guys! Guys! Stick to the plan. You two grab our friends...while we cause a distraction." Rapunzel looks up at her sister. She looks around before pointing to herself and the girl nods.
"Okay...the pressure just elevated in this plan..." Harmony murmurs to herself.
Shorty is snoring in the cell, Eugene looking at the keys. He glances towards his friend, who opens his eyes. "Look, Lance, I'm sorry I got you into this," Eugene bends down to him. "No matter what, I just want you to know, I love you."
Lance smiles at him, breathing heavily. "I...I've always wanted a cat named Clovis..."
"C-Clovis?" Eugene chuckles at the ridiculous name. "It does have a fun ring to it. I'm glad we could—glad we could share this moment."
Lance wheezes and he gets onto his feet.
"Wait here, guys. I've gotta do this one thing..." And with that, he opens up the cell door and walks right out the door.
"...He's doing great!" Shorty exclaims, even though Eugene has left.
Everyone who wasn't there earlier has arrived, the band tuning up their instruments. Light classical music starts to play as Weasel is getting the arch ready. Cass and Hook Foot just walk right in, followed by the others.
"Oh, come on!" Rapunzel exclaims, removing her face mask. Varian glances up at the swan statue that she's looking at. "Really? Ugh! I don't usually make fun of other people's tastes, but that's just tacky! I bet Stalyan picked it out."
"Flowers are better."
The girls turn to look at Varian, who sweats a little. "N-Not that I've thought about it! Heh..." He rubs the back of his neck, looking away and whistling.
"Uh huh..." Harmony says slowly, walking away. Varian clears his throat, walking away awkwardly.
"Flora is a great decoration...is what I was trying to say..."
"Rapunzel!" Cass pulls the blonde away. Eugene walks up to the front of the crowd, cringing at his fate. The five see him from the buffet table, the blonde gasping.
"Oh, look! There he is!"
"The Baron must have Shorty and Lance locked away somewhere," Harmony whispers to everyone. The band plays again for Stalyan and her father to walk in. Morgan is in front, having a disgusted look on her face as she's the flower girl.
"Why did I have to be the flower girl? I deserve maid of honor," She mutters under her breath, joining Eugene. He looks up at the woman as her father walks her down the aisle. Morgan steps aside and Eugene glances at the smiling Staylan.
"Let's get on with it, shall we?" The Baron smiles at the two.
"Funny! I was just thinking the same thing!" Rapunzel declares, taking off her hat.
"Blondie!" Eugene cries out in relief.
"Eugene!" She waves to him, the Baron stepping up. His mouth opens wide as the guards pull out their swords.
"Blondie, you shouldn't be here."
"Yeah, move along, Blondie," Staylan replies in distaste. Morgan gasps at the sight of Varian.
"Daddy! That's him! My soulmate..."
"What?!" Harmony and Varian exclaim in unison.
"I don't even know you, but I know that I don't like you!" Varian points at her.
"You can and you will. I saw you earlier in the crowd. The princess just wants to keep you in chains...but with me, you can have all the freedom you want. Don't you want to have everything you could ever wish for?" She steps down the stairs, staring at him. "With me, you can be more."
Harmony opens her mouth, looking towards the silent Varian. It is true that Harmony had him in chains...but she did that for his sake. It wasn't meant to punish him...
It was to help him learn.
"...I..."
"Seize the boy!"
The guards snatch him away and Harmony holds out a hand. "No!"
"Hey, Eugene, just listen, please," Rapunzel begs with him as Varian is taken to Morgan, who smiles happily. "I may not know what my future holds, but I do know that you are meant to be in it. I love you."
The crowd gasps as Eugene sighs happily.
"You can't have Varian! I'm not holding him back...I'm trying to stop him before he does something that he'll regret." She puts her hands to her heart. "When he did all of those things, I didn't want to believe it...but I know in my heart that he can redeem himself for his actions. Because I believe in him...so you can try to take him." She takes out her bow and arrow, positioning herself. She points it right at Morgan.
"But you'll have to go through me to do it! So get away from my boyfriend!"
"Boyfriend?!" Morgan's eyes widen.
"Boyfriend...?" Varian murmurs slowly, his heart beating. When he asked her to be hers...he didn't think he'd ever get an answer back. Ever since that day, he wanted to know how she felt, but...he didn't have the courage to ask. And now she said it to a crowd of people.
"Boyfriend?" The crowd asks in unison and it's only now hitting the girl that she just said that out loud for everyone to hear. Her eyes widen as she slowly lowers her bow and arrow.
"...I just said that out loud, didn't I?" She whispers to Rapunzel.
"Um...yeah, you pretty much established that fact. And now that we've spilled our hearts out to a room full of hostile strangers, feeling a little self-conscious."
"Speak for yourself!" Harmony hides behind her sister, but Varian is smiling at her, which she doesn't see.
"Well, that was lovely," Stalyan shoves the bouquet of roses into Eugene's hands. "Are we done here?"
"Yeah, can you leave?" Morgan asks rudely.
"Not even close," Rapunzel takes off her cloak.
"We're not leaving without them," Harmony narrows her eyes.
"And we're just warming up," They both run up to some black rocks. "Cass! Hook Foot! Brace yourself! It's about to get rough in here!"
The two hide behind the buffet table, Eugene whimpering as he realizes what they're about to do. The blonde touches them...and nothing happens. Everyone stares in confusion and Rapunzel opens her eyes, seeing the situation.
"Uh...uh...rough in here!" She touches it again, Harmony glancing at Varian. He just shrugs cluelessly.
"Impressive," Stalyan replies in a sarcastic voice.
"Come on! Come on, come on, come on!" Rapunzel presses her hair to the rocks, feeling a little embarrassed. "Okay, yeah! That played out differently in my head."
Harmony walks up to her. "Let me try."
She reaches out a hand to the black rock, the symbol from her hand glowing. Black rocks shoot up between Staylan and Morgan, and Eugene and Varian. The Baron gasps as he backs away in shock. The crowd looks on in surprise.
"Get them outta here," Baron points to the intruders. The four pull out their weapons, Harmony refocusing her aim.
"Hey! Leave them alone!" Eugene calls out.
"And let us go!" Varian shouts at them, only for the two to be tied up by Weasel.
"Tick-tick, Rider," Baron glances away as Lance steps up onto the stage.
"Guys! They poisoned Lance!" Eugene yells, the two princesses open-mouthed at Lance's state. He laughs, waving.
"Hi."
"Looks like the works of a Kai spider! And by the looks of Lance, he doesn't have much time!" Harmony explains to the three.
"Okay, Raps, if you have a plan B, now would be a great time to pitch it," Cass looks to her friend.
"We need that antidote," Eugene glares towards the Baron, who grips it between his fingers.
"Never, Rider."
"Time for a new plan," Rapunzel narrows her eyes. "Harmi, that antidote is the only way to cure Lance?"
"Yes." She nods in confirmation. "If he doesn't drink it soon, then Lance could die. So what's the plan?"
Rapunzel simply whistles between her fingers. Max stands bravely, snorting. He runs towards the sound. Rapunzel ducks from a sword using her frying pan, gripping his leg with her hair and tripping him. Harmony traps him to a wall using her arrow.
Max jumps onto the scene, charging towards a guard. He grabs the back of his shirt with his teeth, throwing him away.
"Max! That one was mine!" Hook Foot calls out after him. He runs around Rapunzel, knocking away people. He suddenly gets cornered by two guards, who trap his legs and mouth with rope.
"Max!"
"No one does that to him!" Harmony turns to the horse, but is surrounded before she can help him.
"Sorry, Cass. You were so right about being on the road," Rapunzel states, the girls back-to-back. Rapunzel deflects swings from a sword with her frying pan. "It is not all fun and games!"
"Are you kidding?!" Cass grins widely at her. "This is fun!" She punches a man across the face. Hook foot lands nearby, having been kicked. Cass' sword is knocked out of her hands, and Harmony's weapon is kicked out of her hands.
"You might want to give up now," Weasel threatens the two sisters, holding two swords. Stalyan grins at this. Cass looks away and grins as something glints nearby.
"You're not getting off the hook that easy," She grabs Hook Foot's foot, using that as a weapon.
"I thought I said no hooks!" He shouts, grabbing a sword and battling someone from the ground. The duo smirk at Weasel.
"Now get out of our way."
"Oh, I'm not going anywhere," He replies, Lance's cheek brushing against Eugene's shoulder. He falls onto the floor.
"Oh, Lance!" Eugene kneels to him. "Lance, wake up, buddy! Lance! Say something! Please!"
He looks up at Eugene with a dazed smile on his face. "Clovith. You grew a goatee." He just laughs and his head falls back onto the floor.
"No, no, no, no. Swollen tongue. We're running out of time!"
"We need that anti-venom!" Varian looks up towards the Baron.
"I'm sorry, but...you're actually on our side again?"
"Long shory short, I-"
The two daughters pull them up. "Well, this party stinks. Alright, guys, let's get outta here," Stalyan orders as Morgan smirks towards Varian.
"Yeah, we have a lot of chatting to do."
"I'm not going anywhere with you," Varian narrows his eyes at her.
Rapunzel grabs Eugene with her hair, Harmony pointing her sword at Morgan's neck threateningly.
"His name...is Eugene," She pulls him forward, Stalyan gripping onto the rope.
"His name is Rider, and he belongs with me!" Stalyan continues pulling, but he stands between the two women. Morgan places Varian in front of her, pointing her own sword at the princess.
"How would you know? You had to poison his best friend to get him to marry you!" Rapunzel grits her teeth, pulling Eugene a little bit further.
"That is a good point, Rapunzel."
"In fairness, that was our dad's idea!" Stalyan grunts as she pulls the man backwards.
"Let him go," Harmony glares at the girl.
"Make me!"
"G-Girls, maybe put the dangerous weapons down?" Varian chuckles nervously.
"Ladies! There's probably a better way to work this out," Eugene calls out in a strained voice.
"We'll work this out as soon as we get back to the caravan!" Rapunzel struggles to keep her grip. Pascal crawls onto her hair and stops in front of Stalyan.
"And just what are you gonna do, frog?" She asks in amusement, Daisy flying up to Harmony's hair.
"Heh. Nice ugly duckling," Morgan snorts at her.
Pascal touches Stalyan with his tongue and she yelps, letting go. Daisy flies up to Morgan, swooping in like a plane as she gets into Morgan's hair.
"Ah! Get off me!" She drops her sword and Varian, flailing her hands around to get Daisy off.
"I love you!" Eugene calls out to Rapunzel as he flies past her.
"Thank you!" Varian sighs gratefully to Harmony.
"We need that antidote, Pascal," Rapunzel turns to the chameleon.
"Guys, hurry! He's reaching the final stage of the venom," Harmony urges, Daisy taking hold of Pascal's back. The two princesses see guards approaching them. They smirk towards each other, Rapunzel grabbing hold of a table leg. She flings it, sending the guards on the ground. A chicken leg lands near Shorty, who has somehow been standing there for a while without being seen.
"Hooray! Sky chicken!"
Eugene stands up, smiling at Rapunzel while Cass is still fighting a guard. "Guys, time to roll out that plan C!"
"I don't have a plan C," Rapunzel cringes at her. "I thought these rocks would react like they did back in Corona!"
"They're not reacting because they found the sundrop," They look to Adira, who's eating a slice of cake. "That would be you."
"So the rocks don't react when Rapunzel touches them anymore..." Harmony murmurs, glancing at her sister.
Cass sighs at this. "Great. Weird shadow lady."
"I'm not that weird!" Adira appears next to her, pulling out her sword. She runs up towards Eugene and Varian.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait! We're with the good guys! Well, mostly me, I don't know about Varitas here-"
She slices at their ropes, setting them free to the shock of Weasel. "Wow! Thank you, tall person."
"She tried to talk to Mona and Rapunzel earlier, but she left. Said she wanted to do it alone..." Varian stares after her, wondering just who she is...
Eugene turns around and punches a guard in the face. He places Varian behind him, catching a sword. "Yes!"
Adira sets Max free, who whinnies thankfully. Eugene turns around to the Baron. "You got something I want, Baron."
"Come and get it, Rider," He challenges, pulling out a golden sword. Varian runs up to Harmony, standing next to her.
"So, um, about earlier, uh..."
"Varian?" She asks, both of them ducking from a sword.
"Yeah, you're right, not the best time!"
Eugene and Baron clash weapons, Daisy flying above their heads. She drops Pascal, who reaches out to the venom. Baron notices him, grabs the chameleon, and throws him onto Lance. Daisy chirps at him in alarm, flying over to see if he was okay.
Eugene's sword is knocked out of his hand, baron gripping his collar and pulling him forward. He then drops him onto the ground and steps onto his chest.
"I should've done this from the beginning," He opens up his ring, the Kai spider falling towards the former's thief's face.
"Alright! Floor chicken," Shorty backs up into Baron, the spider spinning around and going up his sleeve.
"Ah! No, no, no!" He gets bitten. "No!" He pulls away his collar, seeing the green spots on his neck. "The anti-venom," He reaches for it, but he can't find it. "Where is the anti-venom?"
Pascal chirps, getting his attention. He's already dropping the anti-venom into Lance's open mouth. He tosses it away and Lance swallows it.
"Clovis," His voice is now back to normal. "You shaved your goatee."
Daisy and Pascal glance to each other in confusion.
"If I'm going down, then I'm taking you with me!" Baron declares, picking his sword back up.
"Hey, Baron!" Rapunzel sends her frying pan flying with her hair, hitting him across the face. He falls onto the ground and she smiles, blowing air onto it.
"Blondie!" Eugene runs up to her and they hug.
"Eugene!"
Varian and Harmony help Cass pull up Lance. The couple see the two daughters helping their father, walking away.
"We'll find the anti-venom, and then I will settle this, Rider," Staylan glares at him.
"And I will wait for you, Varian," Morgan blows a kiss at him.
"The name's Eugene," He corrects, holding Rapunzel's hand.
"And I don't need you," Varian takes a hold of Harmony's hand. "I've got everything I want right here."
She looks up at him, her heart beating fast. The family just walks away, the guards backing up from Max. He has a sword in his mouth, pointing it at them. Weasel escapes from the scene, Adira stabbing her sword in front of a man. He runs off in fear and she notices the fallen, but mostly intact wedding cake. She cuts the top piece off and starts to eat it. Shorty comes out of the cake with a hiccup.
Eugene and Rapunzel look to each other with smiles.
"I wanted to talk about when you asked to marry me," She speaks up with a small smile. "I...didn't quite know what to say..." She looks past him to see the smile of Pascal, who encourages her to go on. She smiles softly at her friend. "But I do now. Eugene...will you-"
"No," He interrupts before she could continue. "That's not necessary."
"What?" She asks in confusion.
"You're finally free and out in the real world! I understand now that making a lifetime commitment is probably the furthest thing from your mind. In other words, now's just not the time."
"Oh," She drops her smile, realizing the same thing. "Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're right, you're right. Now is not the time. That is totally what I was about to say." She glances up at him, smiling widely. "I'm really glad you feel the same..."
"But if the time does come, we need to have a serious talk about the ceremony decorations beforehand. I mean, did you see that swan?"
"I know, right?!" She exclaims at this. "So tacky!"
"Tack...? No, that swan is aw-"
"Eugene. It's tacky," Harmony deadpans at him, Rapunzel nodding in agreement.
"Awesomely tacky. I-I mean, what?! Outrageous." The two smile, holding each other's hands and sharing a kiss.
"This may be the fever talking, but was there a tall, angelic enchantress with a sword here a second ago?" Lance asks everyone else.
"Yeah! Where did Weirdo go?" Cass looks around, but Adira is nowhere to be seen.
"Oh, don't worry. She'll be back," Harmony looks towards the exit. "I just know it."
Varian puts his hands behind his back, nudging Harmony. "Umm...Mona..."
"Oh, look at the time, Max should go check on Fidella. Bye!" She jumps onto Max and rides off, confusing Varian.
"What just happened?"
The next day, Rapunzel slowly touches the black rock, and like last night, nothing happens. She puts a fist to her cheek, wondering where they'll exactly lead...
"Where is it taking us, Pascal? Harmi, do you know?"
"I wish," She snorts at this, hands on her hips.
"It's to fulfill your destinies."
They turn around, standing up to see Adira arriving. "Adira," Rapunzel chuckles lightly. "...Who are you?"
"And why have you been following us?" Harmony asks softly, Adira's eyes widening.
"You're good. I like you. Look, I am a friend. And I am here to make sure you get to the end of this journey you're embarking on," She hands them a paper, and Rapunzel opens it up to see a picture of the black rocks surrounding a tower. "Listen, I don't have all the answers, but now that I've seen all that I have...I have no doubt. These rocks were looking for you both." Rapunzel takes out the piece that she got for Varian, placing it down. "And you must follow them...to the Dark Kingdom."
They stay silent, trying to figure out just what's waiting for them there. "Oh...you have the power to create black rocks, correct?" Adira asks Harmony.
"Yes..."
"Where did you get them from?" She narrows her eyes.
"I got it for my first birthday. It was brought to Corona, the Moonstone Opal. I touched it, and...this was the result," Harmony holds up her left hand.
"I see...I would like you to do something for me."
Harmony tilts her head at Adira. "And what's that?"
"Learn how to utilize it to your advantage. I want to see how they'll develop the next time we meet."
She clamps her mouth shut, hoping that she'll be able to control it better.
We're gonna walk down that path
Eugene places a hand on Rapunzel's shoulder, Varian standing next to Harmony.
V: And over the rise
He smiles towards Adira, who nods and smiles back, leaving them.
Guess we'll discover just where our destiny lies
Rapunzel takes a hold of Eugene's hand.
H: And travel past open skies
She smiles at the boy.
Who cares how dark it'll be
V: Cause I've got you
H and R: You've got me
All: So let's go see where this whole thing's going
Next stop, anywhere
They stand in front of the caravan, seeing the smiling horses attached to it.
Headin' where I'm supposed to be
With you close to me
Cass smiles at all of them, arms crossed. Lance and Hook Foot come up from the top. Rapunzel and Eugene place their hands on Varian's shoulders, smiling gratefully for his help. He smiles back, glad to be free and to be with Harmony again.
Next stop, anywhere
Facin' every jeopardy linked inseparably
Rapunzel jumps onto Max, Eugene getting on behind her. Harmony and Varian run towards the back of the caravan.
Next stop, anywhere
V: We're heading out
And with you, I have no doubts
He helps Harmony get onto the seats in the back.
Next stop, anywhere
Gonna find my destiny
With you here with me
Harmony places her hand on top of Varian's.
Next stop, anywhere
R: Though it may get rough for us
We're enough for us
The caravan starts to move as they head out.
Next stop, anywhere
And the world is waiting
I feel it waiting
With new adventures to share
Everywhere
Everywhere
Everywhere
Adira looks on as she watches the caravan leave with a smile on her face.
"Um..." Varian coughs nervously to get Harmony's attention. "You know, being declared your boyfriend in front of a bunch of people is great and all, but...shouldn't we talk about it too?"
"...Yeah," Harmony sighs slowly, but neither of them say anything. They dart their eyes around, Varian tapping his fingers against the wood.
"Or...we could…" Varian glances at her. He scoots in closer, staring into her eyes. He silently asks for permission.
She giggles and nods at him. He leans in, capturing her lips with his. Harmony smiles into the kiss, the two holding hands as they just enjoy the moment. They didn't want to, but they pull away. "Okay, but seriously, we really need to talk about this."
"Yeah, I know..."
She hugs her knees as he speaks up. "I've just wanted to talk about this for so long that...every time I tried, something else got in the way. Or that I..."
He doesn't finish his sentence, but she understands where he was going with it.
"...Saying stuff like that doesn't make this easier. Sweeter, yes. Easier, no." Harmony looks at her knees. "Vari, we're teenagers, in complicated situations right now. And we're still dealing with the consequences of them. Starting with you and what you did to Corona and me with my black rocks..."
"Yeah, but I'm ready to deal with whatever comes our way with you," He stares at her softly. "I mean, I-I haven't exactly forgiven your sister...but maybe someday I will. And the others do hate me a little less. I think we can handle this."
"We're still taking the risk, and I want to be clear about that," She points a finger at him. "We have to make this decision unanimously, and not get caught in romance all the time. So...if either of us wants to bail out, we can do it now and chalk it up to getting too wrapped up in our destinies. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
However, neither of them decide that, and stay silent for a few seconds. Varian smiles at her. "I'm exactly where I wanna be, Mona..."
"Me too."
"So, I guess you're stuck with me now," He places his hand top of hers.
"Yeah, but where do we go from here?" She wonders, staring out at the path. "I don't know the first thing about love. I've only seen it through Rapunzel and Eugene. I just...I've seen so many people avoid me, and I don't want that."
"Well...speaking from someone who has the same amount of experience, I don't think there's a clear path on our destinies. Like everyone else, we have to make it up as we go along...and do what fits us. But, given everything we've seen, I think the best guideline...is to take it slow."
"We've known each other for a year," She points out.
"Slow being an interpretive term."
They share a small chuckle. "You're right, though," Harmony agrees with him. "There's no reason to rush anything. We've both thought about this for a long time. Let's make the most out of it. Still, we might wanna have some rules. We should keep things professional when it comes to my black rocks and your father."
"That's fair," He nods at her. "Eyes on the prizes."
"We want to stay undistracted while trying to accomplish our goals. We still have things to do."
"Plus, we get to do it together," He smiles a little.
"See? Win-win?"
"So..." He drags out the word.
"So..."
Harmony drums her fingers against the wood now, biting her lip. Varian lets out a deep breath. "Mona, you should know, for the first time, and even with taking all of that into consideration...I'm happy. And I'm gonna make sure that you're happy too. For the first time, I'm thinking about my future. And I will do anything to make that happen for us."
She blushes bashfully, looking away and placing her head on his shoulder. He places his cheek on the top of her hair as they watch the environment in front of them.
"So it's back to being professional at the next city?" Varian asks her softly.
"Well, anything can happen." She closes her eyes.
"At least we're experiencing it together," He holds her hand and she squeezes it. "And...I'm really sorry for what I did back in Old Corona to you, Mona." He stares sadly at his hands. "I...I was just so angry that your rocks didn't work that I took it out on you. I would never..."
"I know. But you were worth it, Vari," She whispers and he smiles weakly.
A squeal is heard behind them and they look up rapidly at the roof to see Rapunzel with her hands to her cheeks in awe.
"Aww, you guys! I'm so happy for you two!"
"Raps, that was a private moment!" Harmony scrunches up her nose at her sister.
"It was supposed to be romantic?" Varian raises a brow.
"It was," Harmony smiles at him.
"Don't stop because of me!" Rapunzel waves for them to continue. "This is cute."
"Good luck getting used to having no privacy at all..." Harmony deadpans to Varian as she goes inside the caravan.
Angel: Open Up Your Eyes belongs to the My Little Pony Movie. And before anyone suggests that Harmony will turn evil again, let me explain XD I know that this is an evil song (didn't see the movie, but that's the gist I got after hearing it), but I changed the lyrics so that Rapunzel would realize to go after Eugene. Natalie Jarrett suggested I use the song, but I didn't like the idea of Harmony singing the original since she's not an evil person. She's still a teenage girl after all. So I had to get a little creative with the lyrics.
Also, Morgan was actually a last-minute addition! I decided to give Harmony a rival like Rapunzel does with Staylan (but trust me, it was hard coming up with a horse name that can be used for Staylan's sister, and I actually had to look up Morgan's name. But it's a real horse name!), and then later down the road, I'm going to even the score with Varian (not until the next season, though). I know Harmony got jealous of Cass back in one episode of season 1, but it doesn't really count. Anyway, see you guys next week!