Angel: *thinks* I don't think I've ever heard of Horrid Henry before...I've heard of Nightmare Ned, but never Horrid Henry. Writing Destinies Collide now~! Let me guys know if you have anything for season 3 you wanna see and I just might take it into consideration! Just suggest it in a polite way, and it has to be something that isn't going to drastically change a future episode, or episodes that have been completed in the past. Basically, have it be logical XD I've had way too many people, pushy people, on here asking me to suddenly add characters into season 1, or trying to get me to have Harmony evil. Please, no more of the latter. Put yourselves in Harmony's shoes, would you want evil powers that have damaged lives and homes XD
And I've had too many people copying my stories in the past year or so, so I need to make sure that it's not all just me here. So that when there is someone plagiarizing, it gives me more incentive to catch an author that's copied not just from me, but from other people implementing ideas. Especially when a story called 'Narssica's Tangled Adventure' is to the point where Harmony's name is present, and it's so painfully obvious in all of the chapters. I just knew this was gonna happen, and I'm still not surprised that it did -_- I don't know whether or not to be angry or shocked that I predicted this earlier...And the author had the nerve to mention me at the end while stating my story's name in the process! Despicable.
I think I've already taken into account Megan Guess' ideas for certain episodes, but I might have to go back just to remember them all. I know I wrote credit for her on a third season episode already.
Don't wait too long to tell me, I write fast! I can already say I have No Time Like the Past and Beginnings covered both on my own and with Megan's help planned out.
And I found out last night that my school is going to be closed for the rest of the semester...not sure if that's really a good thing.
It's a beautiful morning as birds are singing...but something rustles in the bushes, snarling wolves running past black rocks. Rapunzel gasps as everyone is running away from them. She looks over her shoulder.
"They're gaining on us!"
The wolves bark as Cass looks at them. "What are these things?"
"Don't worry, it's just a pack of Slayer Wolves," Eugene holds up a gold coin between his fingers.
"Yeah, as in deadly wolves!" Harmony exclaims nearby. Eugene drops the coin inside a canteen, laughing.
"Come on! This way!" He guides them over...to a dead end.
"Dead end!" Lance exclaims in fear. "We're goners! Aw, please, wolves, don't eat me!" He pleads for his life. "I'm so chewy! Oh, who am I kidding? I'm probably moist and delicious."
The wolves lick their lips. "It's not a dead end, Lance," Eugene grins in amusement. "It's just got good acoustics. Brownie, Goggles, watch and learn."
"Huh?" They look to each other in confusion, and he shakes the canteen, the sound very loud. So loud it causes all the wolves to howl. He steps towards them and they all scatter.
"Of course! Wolves hate loud noises," Varian gestures to where they were.
"Ah ha! That was incredible, Eugene!" Rapunzel hugs her boyfriend.
"Oh, man, Eugene's back and better than ever!" Lance smirks towards him.
"Yeah! You're the king of the wild!" Hook Foot exclaims, Cass just smiling.
"That was some quick thinking," Varian nods towards him.
"Yeah!" Harmony claps for the man, who chuckles.
"Alright, everybody, let's hit the road," He smiles towards Rapunzel. Soon, they're on the road again as they approach a forest. "Eh, anybody who's spent time in the woods knows that Slayer Wolves have extremely sensitive hearing. You two oughta learn a thing or two from me," He points to the teens riding the horses.
"Okay, you got us," Varian rolls his eyes in amusement.
"Everyone has their skills somewhere, Eugene," Harmony looks over her shoulder as she sits on Max's saddle.
"See that teamwork?" Lance asks from the roof. "I distract them by pretending to cry while you chase 'em off." He laughs it off, leaning towards Eugene to whisper, "Thank you!"
"I just did what had to be done. Now come on, I'll show you how to extract drinking water from a tree trunk. Neither of you have any survival skills?"
Harmony and Varian look to each other. "Well, my answer's easy, I grew up in a castle without ever going beyond the walls."
"And I'm always cooped up in my lab rather than learn," Varian states, Ruddiger crawling onto his shoulder. The teens both stop short once they see the sight in front of them.
"Uh..."
Eugene looks in their direction and sees the swamp up ahead. "Okay, so the black rocks have led us to a swamp. But on the bright side...I was hoping someone would finish that sentence for me, this place is terrible."
A crow caws and a frog jumps to eat it. Everyone steps onto the ground to try and find a way past it. Shorty takes some swamp water with the canteen while scatting.
"Uhh, I don't think you wanna drink that, Shorty," Eugene tries to warn him as everyone looks at him weirdly.
"It's highly toxic and should never be consumed," Varian raises a brow.
"Ah, you know what they say: one man's swamp water is another man's I'll drink it!"
"Yeah, no one ever says that," Harmony deadpans, but he takes a sip anyway, to Rapunzel's disgust.
"So, "king of the wild," any suggestions on how to cross this thing?" Cass teases him. Eugene simply shrugs and steps forward. He bends down and breaks off a stick, swirling the water with it. Suddenly, an orange tentacle grabs his arm.
"Eugene!" Rapunzel exclaims in alarm. Pascal and Daisy gasp in horror as Eugene gets his arm back, the tentacle crawling back into the water in fright.
"Looks like it's too deep! Hah! So, I think we're going to have to backtrack to get through this. It'll add a day to our journey, but it's the only way."
Cass rolls her eyes in exasperation.
"That can't be the only way. What if this is the only path the rocks are showing us?" Harmony points to them. "We need to find a way to get past the swamp."
"I knew I liked you, Turquoise. You've got guts. As for the others, I had no idea people from Corona were such...quitters."
They look around upon hearing the new voice, and suddenly a slice is heard. A tree nearby is split in half, falling over the swamp as a perfect path. Harmony blinks at this, Varian opening his mouth in shock.
"You know, I always say..." Adira reveals herself standing on the cut tree. "If you can't go through something, go over it."
"Wow!" Lance gasps at her as Cass jumps, landing on the ground. "I guess chivalry's not dead!"
"I told you I'd be around if trouble came your way," She slides onto the ground, her sword behind her neck as her arms hold it casually. "And, well, here I am. Your new guide."
Eugene crosses his arms, pouting.
"Yeah, you were a real help with those Slayer Wolves back there," Hook Foot grumbles as he crosses his arms.
"You be quiet," Lance hisses at him, going back to beaming. Cass clears her throat to Harmony and Rapunzel, jerking a thumb behind her. They join her in a huddle.
"Girls, we talked about this. I don't trust this woman. She keeps popping up out of nowhere, and I don't like it."
"Yes!" Eugene whispers, coming into the circle. "Yes, yes, I second that, plus, we don't need her. Another person will just slow us down, particularly with all h-"
"Oh, I don't know," Adira appears between Harmony and Rapunzel. Eugene frowns in annoyance. "You're gonna need her. She's the only one who can get you through the deadly Forest of No Return." Up ahead past the swamp is the aforementioned forest. Hook foot jumps into Lance's arms, Shorty jumping onto his head. Varian yelps at the sight, recoiling back a bit. A light, eerie growl is heard from the area. "Few have made it to the other side of the forest alive, and I'm one of them. The first time I crossed, I had nothing but a dagger and a handful of nuts. And I had bronchitis."
Lance gasps as Shorty lands on the ground again. "You're amazing!" He whispers in awe.
"I know," Adira whispers back. Eugene simply rolls his eyes.
"So, lookie here, Adira, I appreciate the bridge assist, but I'm pretty sure I can lead us through a forest-"
"Forest of No-"
"Yes, I'm familiar with its name, thank you," He interrupts, crossing his arms. The growl is heard again, the princesses stepping up to him.
"Wait! Eugene, listen, I know you grew up in the wilderness, and I have complete faith in you, I really do. But can it hurt anything to have another expert along?" Rapunzel asks him, trying to be optimistic.
"She did create a bridge for us," Varian gestures to the big tree.
"Ah, son of Quirin," Adira states, to his confusion. "I see you've been progressing well with Princess Harmony."
"Wait…you know my dad?" He asks in surprise.
"It was a different time."
He tilts his head at her, wondering what she meant.
"And besides, we brought Varian along, and we've been doing just fine," Harmony places her hands on her hips. "It's either let the expert help or we fall behind going the other route."
"Oh, goodie! Another expert!" Cass rolls her eyes.
"Look, I know you don't like her," Harmony storms up to her. "But you think everyone can't be trusted, Cass. What more do you need, a couple of guards around her?"
"Yes," Cass looks to Lance, Hook Foot, and Shorty, who go forward one step.
"No," The girl warns them and they freeze in place. "Not everyone is a bad person, Cass. And we need the extra help. So both you and Eugene suck it up and get over it. Cause guess what, I don't like the idea of going around and being held back a day."
"Fine," Eugene grumbles as Rapunzel smiles. Cass glares at the princess.
"Excellent," Adira smiles at the two princesses. "You've made the only decision there is. The right one."
Eugene reluctantly gets onto the front bench of the caravan. "This doesn't change anything, Eugene," Rapunzel takes her seat next to him, Cass sitting next to her in anger and frustration towards Harmony. "You are still the go-to guy out here."
Eugene smiles, caressing her cheek and a thud is heard above them. The three look up to see Adira sitting on top of the caravan.
"That way!" She smiles, pointing forward. Lance gasps as he pops out of the door, sighing happily towards Adira. Harmony and Varian glance to each other in amusement, hopping back onto the horses. Eugene snaps the reins lightly with an unpleased frown on his face.
"I would've cut these logs so much smoother. Look at that shoddy craftsmanship," Eugene comments as they go past the bridge.
"Jealousy isn't a good look on you, Eugene~!" Harmony sings as she looks over her shoulder.
"Hey, just how well do you think she knows my dad?" Varian turns to the girl, who shrugs.
"Something tells me that she won't say and that we have to just accept the fact that they were friends."
"Exactly!" Adira calls out, startling them a little. The trees behind them move to close the opening.
As they're deep into the forest, leaves fall around them. A spooky tree is in front of them. 'Forest of No Return' is carved onto the front.
"That is one scary tree," Shorty stares at it. "Reminds me of my Uncle Mert. He, too, was a scary tree."
"Relax, Shorty, there's nothing to be afraid of. This swamp is just like any other swamp," Eugene shrugs, Harmony glancing at him skeptically. "Anyone else hear a buzzing noise? I hear a buzzing noise."
Pascal, thinking it was a bug, flings his tongue at it. And it is a bug...
A really big fly...
Pascal falls off Eugene's shoulder. "Pascal!" Rapunzel calls out, Daisy flying after him. Adira fires a blow dart, the two pets landing nearby. He scampers over to a relieved Rapunzel. "Oh! Thank you, Adira." Pascal is shaking in fear.
"Hey, Pascal, look," Varian opens up his hands, revealing a dead bug. Thank goodness his hands are still gloved...The chameleon beams, capturing it with his tongue and eating it. Harmony smiles softly at his gesture as Daisy lands on her hair.
"Alright, we all saw the creepy bug, nothing to write home about," Eugene deadpans, trees moving away suddenly. "Huh? Whoa whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. What's going on?"
"The Forest of No Return is in perpetual motion and changes without warning," Adira explains from the roof. "Luckily, I procured this special map many years ago," The map is basically a pink fortune teller. "It's the key to traversing the woods...safely," She holds it out to Eugene, who has a doubtful look.
"Uhh, thanks, but I happen to be a really good navigator. And uh, I've got all the directions I need, right here," He points to his head.
"Mm," Varian rolls his eyes.
"Suit yourself," She sits back up.
"Very well, Adira. Your passive aggression is noted and respectfully disregarded. Onward, Max!"
Max himself has a blank look on his face, and then winces as they hear eerie noises. He looks back to Eugene, frightened.
"Come on, Max, I'm trying to prove a point here!" Eugene insists to the horse.
"Are you done playing games?" Harmony shakes her head at him. Max hesitantly steps forward.
"Hey Turquoise," Adira calls out. "After this, I'll teach you some sword fighting. I can tell you're not experienced as you always keep it, but you never hold it. I noticed that from our last encounter."
"Cool!" Harmony beams at her.
"What? No, no! I'm supposed to teach you!" Eugene exclaims, gesturing to himself.
"Then why haven't you done it?" She crosses her arms.
"I will! I just...haven't gotten to it yet."
The logs behind them move.
"Although I was surrounded by stunning scenery, I knew not to mistake this beauty for what it truly was...pure evil," Adira explains as they go further. "Uh huh, that's right. The Drexis are the deadliest creatures within the Forest of No Return."
Eugene tries to look past her, pouting when he doesn't have a good view. "Their wingspan stretches over 20. And each of their fangs are the size of a chubby toddler."
"Wow, that is some powerful imagery there, Adira," Eugene replies sarcastically. "Fictional, but powerful. And I was with you, but once you got to the spider-bats, you totally snapped my suspension of disbelief."
"They're called the Drexis, weren't you listening?" Lance retorts to him.
"Who cares what they're called? Anyone? Show your hands? Would you put your hands down, Harmony, Varian, and Lance? Look, my point is, we are almost out of this fore—Oh, no, no, no, no, no." He's freaking out because they're right back to where they started, at the carved tree sign. "That cannot be the same sign."
"Uncle Mert! I saw a tree that looks just like you," Shorty beams at it.
"We just went in a big circle," Rapunzel stares in shock.
"This is a changing forest, guys," Harmony looks over her shoulder. "Meaning you won't get out of it that easy."
"And this forest seems to be pretty spacious," Varian rubs his chin.
"No...wait, it's not—we should be out of this forest."
"Of No-"
"I know what it's called!" Eugene shouts to Adira, who has one foot on top of the horses next to the teens.
"What is your problem?" Harmony mouths to the man.
"Return," Adira whispers to him, eerie howling heard right after she finished.
"I really don't like you," Eugene says quietly.
"Okay, so I haven't technically gotten us anywhere," Eugene scratches his cheek, Rapunzel looking at him in slight concern over his behavior recently. He's pushing himself to lead them out of here when they don't even know how exactly this forest works. "And I know what you're thinking, but it is not my fault."
"Not your fault?" Cass grits her teeth. "You led us in a circle, really good navigator."
"In Eugene's defense, it was a really good circle," Rapunzel gestures to herself.
"Ugh!" She facepalms at this, "We're never getting out of here."
"We will if we use the map, Short Hair," Adira speaks up while sitting on a rock.
"What did you call me?" Cass asks in annoyance.
"I find referring to people by a defining characteristic is more time-efficient than learning their names," She looks at a carving she whittled to represent a building. "Hence, Short Hair." She points to Lance. "Earrings." Then she gestures to Shorty. "Soiled Gnome."
"Seems accurate," He seems to like the name.
"Hook Foot," Adira goes to Hook Foot next.
"Ohh, that's just my actual name..." He complains at the name.
"Turquoise," She looks to Harmony, who lightly touches her bang.
"Oh, so that's why you keep calling me that..."
"And lastly, son of Quirin," She turns to Varian.
"That's not a look, that's just my relationship to someone you know," Varian crosses his arms, slightly huffing. Harmony giggles at his expression.
"It's still a work in progress."
Cass laughs as she couldn't help but ask. "What's Eugene's?"
"Fish Skin."
Cass giggles behind her hand. Harmony and Varian let out a small laugh. "Wait a minute, what? Fish Skin? Fish Skin? Hoo-hoo! Well, I think the daily application of 16 assorted lotions, creams and exfoliants, would beg to differ!"
"Eugene, hmm, maybe you should stop talking about your morning routine and just take Adira's map," Rapunzel suggests to her boyfriend.
"Fine! I will take the precious map," He grumbles, crossing his arms.
"What's up with him?" Varian jerks a thumb to the former thief, the younger princess shrugging.
"Wise choice, Fish Skin," She jumps off the rock. "You must follow its instructions to. The. Letter. Without its guidance, finding the exit to the forest would be like finding fur on a rattlesnake." Eugene mocks her by flapping his fingers together.
"Aw, that would be kind of adorable," Rapunzel states in awe.
"More like disturbing," Harmony murmurs to herself.
"Uh-huh. Yeah, well, maps are pictures of the ground, and that's sometimes useful," Eugene snatches the map as the horses and caravan wagons start sinking! "You know what else is useful? Common sense. And common sense says we need to take this other road! Everyone back in the caravan, and where is the caravan?"
He runs up to the smoke, but Rapunzel holds him back. Adira stands in front of the two. "Both of you, back up! That's a land pit. They're scattered all over the forest. The horses and the campers are likely in another section of the woods now."
"Oh no, Silver..." Harmony frowns in slight worry.
"That's actually a good name for your horse," Adira tells her and she smiles a bit, her worries diminishing for now.
"Thank you, Adira. Oh, I almost forgot! I gotta show you some new tricks I did with my black rocks."
"Alright, alright, listen up, everyone," Eugene calls out before she could even do anything. "There's no reason to be scared. We're gonna find Max, Silver, and Fidella, and get the heck outta this place in no time. Follow my lead."
He starts walking, the other three men a bit skeptical. Eugene starts climbing up a rock, tied to rope. Rapunzel smiles up at him hopefully, Adira giving Harmony over to her side. She hands Harmony an arrow attached to a rope, gesturing for her to fire. She stares in confusion, but takes it anyway.
They point up their bows, firing. They land at the top of the cliff, both ropes merging to turn into a ladder.
"Whoa!" Harmony exclaims in awe, looking at her bow. "Why have I never thought of that before?"
Eugene glares at the two, slightly jealous of them getting along. He watches them climb up next to him. Rapunzel stops and gestures for him to get on, and he scoffs. His hands slip and he falls onto the rock. "Cheater," He gives Adira an accusing look. And she's a little sister stealer too. Yes, it was silly, but...Harmony was always eager to learn from him. He was someone that she looked up to, but now that she's growing up, she's moving onto someone else...he wanted to be that big brother she never had.
Then they have to walk in the rain, Rapunzel squeezing her hair. Eugene grabs a hold of a flower to use as a makeshift umbrella.
"Everyone! Over here!"
They run towards him, Adira staring at them. The flower isn't giving all of them that much cover. She cuts some branches to make a larger umbrella with a huge leaf over her head. The others don't even hesitate to run over to her side, the flower splashing Eugene. Adira smiles a little towards him.
Once the rain has stopped, Eugene and Adira are walking silently. Suddenly, the others get caught up in vines.
"Rapunzel!" Eugene rushes over, Adira's hands behind her back.
"The secret to escaping is to relax. Reacting only tightens their grip." Regardless, Eugene pulls out his sword and starts trying to cut Rapunzel free. Everyone sighs in relaxation, and just like Adira said, the vines willingly let them go.
"Fascinating," Varian murmurs at them. Pascal rolls his eyes at Eugene.
"Alright, gang. Time to fuel up," Adira leads the others away.
"Why! Won't! These! Stupid! Vines! Cut!" Eugene shouts with each strike, Rapunzel watching them leave.
"Uhh, how much longer, Eugene?"
"...Don't think of it as longer, think of it as better," He smiles at her.
"Just relax, Rapunzel," Adira calls out. She starts to, the vines loosening up a bit.
"Would you please avoid relaxing?" Eugene chimes in. "I'm really tryin' to save face here. Stupid Adira and her relaxing vines!"
Rapunzel just sighs, looking away.
They gather around a small fire to take a break. "Just when I thought it wasn't possible to like you more, you go and make this delectable blackberry salad!" Lance compliments Adira.
"Mmm! Mmm," Rapunzel hums in delight. "The roasted trout is fantastic! And Pascal loves his spiced fly medley."
"And Daisy her roasted weeds," Harmony grins, the two pets taking a bite.
"Ruddiger thanks you too for the caramelized apples," Varian pets his raccoon on the head.
"Yeah, well, the cobbler's salty. I'm gonna go extract some drinking water from that tree over there," Eugene walks past Adira and Harmony.
"That's damaging to the tree, Fish Skin," Adira takes a sip of her tea. "Try cutting a notch in one of those water-bearing vines instead."
"Those exist?" Harmony blinks in shock.
"This is the best Gouda I've ever had!" Hook Foot holds up his piece of cheese. "It's-it's a taste explosion!"
"You know, I always say...never leave home without hard cheese." Eugene sits down in dismay, watching Harmony and Adira.
"You must like food a lot, huh?" Harmony wipes her mouth. "You know, right now, I have a craving for-"
"Blueberry pie with cream!" The two say in unison, the girl gasping in awe.
"Oh my gosh! I didn't think we'd have anything in common!" The princess smiles happily, Lance leaning in towards her.
"You think you can use that to help me as a wingwoman for Adira?" He whispers and she shoves him away slightly.
"Oh, oh, oh! Watch this!" Harmony holds out a hand above the fire, creating a ball made of black rocks. "Pretty cool, huh?"
"Very impressive," Adira smiles at her. "Skills like that can only prove to be formidable in battle."
Eugene sighs sadly, getting swallowed up by the mushroom. He screams as it hops around. "Oh, and uh, by the way, watch out for the pup-shrooms," Adira tells him.
"Aww! Are you kidding me?" His voice is muffled. Rapunzel gasps as she stands up, the pup-shroom spitting out Eugene. This leaves him covered in goop.
"Eugene, I think it's time that you give Adira a chance," She tries to get him to understand. "She's done this before. She can lead us out of there. It's not your fault you took the wrong way and lost the camper. Everyone still thinks-"
"We'd be lost without you, Adira!" Lance interrupts her, Eugene glaring at them.
"You're the king of the wild!"
"What aren't you good at? Maybe somebody should take some notes! Eugene! You got a pad on you?"
"Adira, I'd really be honored if you could teach me how to sword fight and survive like you," Harmony smiles, clasping her hands.
It's almost like they're trying to get underneath his skin. But Harmony was the last straw. "Ah...I'll handle this," He slowly steps over to them, snatching Hook Foot's cheese.
"Hey, my Gouda!"
"Break's over, everybody. We've got a forest to conquer, preferably sooner than later," He gives Adira and Harmony a look, confusing the girl. He throws the cheese into the fire, stepping in between the two budding friends.
The three horses are separated from the caravans, Max taking hold of the rope that held them together. A growl is heard, and Max sniffs around to investigate. He stumbles upon a mushroom, which is another pup-shroom. Silver stares at it, Max grumbling a little. The pup-shroom barks up at them before running off. Max just grunts, looking over to the others and walking forward.
Eugene climbs to the top of a tree. "Ohh! Look what I can see from here! It's the edge of the forest!" He can see the black rocks and sunset not too far away from where they are now. "We made it! You know something, it's almost like we didn't need this map, or some random stranger." He slides down the tree in triumph. "Okay, perfect landing. Ten out of ten. Now, I don't wanna brag—scratch that, I want to brag—who led us outta here?" He holds up the map mockingly, Adira glancing away. "Buckle in, because this is a lotta syllables, kids: Eugene Fitzherbert, Esquire, navigator extraordinaire-" He gasps sharply at what's up ahead.
A whole field of geysers rests in their path, shooting up hot air. "Oh boy..."
"I'd love to know what else this forest has someday..." Varian glances around.
"Those are the Silver Geysers. They're lava hot, and emit toxic gases," Adira explains to everyone.
"Looks like I got some competition," Shorty shakes his head in dismay.
"The map is instructing us to run through them," Adira states after taking a look at it. "It's possible, if we time it right."
"Are you kidding me?!" Eugene shouts at the woman. "You want us to run through there? A field of piping hot fire water? Yeah, we're not doing that."
"She technically did not ask," Harmony holds up a finger. "The map did."
"You're taking her side?!" Eugene gestures to Adira.
"This isn't about sides, this is about getting out alive! She's gotten us this far," Varian rolls his eyes at Eugene and him being overdramatic.
"Why are you so bent about-"
The trees behind them rumble, getting their attention. "We could be swallowed by a land pit at any moment," Adira states seriously. "You have a better idea?"
He looks to Hook Foot, eyes widening. The man glances around awkwardly.
"...I gotta be honest, I don't like the way you're lookin' at me right now."
A crossbow is fired at the tree across the geysers.
Hook Foot's hook is latched onto a rope. "Alright, Muscles? Hold onto this. Madame Ice Demon, grab onto him." Adira just crosses her arms in disapproval.
"Let's go with somethin' else," Cass suggests as she steps forward.
"Bearded Raisin, hold onto her. Sunshine! Hop aboard, darlin'. Ms. Luna Aria, get on. And finally, Raccoon Alchemist."
"Why are you calling us by nicknames?" Harmony deadpans at him as the two climb on.
"I can do nicknames too. And it's like you said, if you can't go through something, go over it," Eugene brags, looking over his shoulder. "Right, Adira?"
"You're making a mistake, Fish Skin," She simply tells him.
"Yeah, this isn't going to work," Varian speaks up as he looks at a geyser. "Those geysers could activate again at any moment."
"Maybe we should, uh, listen to her, Eugene?" Lance asks nervously.
"Guys, she's literally asking you to run through blazing hot explosions!" He exclaims at his friend. "Look, I may have underestimated these woods, and made a few mistakes along the way, but those mistakes were really the forest's fault, not mine. So who are you gonna trust? Me, your friend who's gotten you this far, and has always had your back, or hmm?" He gives Adira a look.
"You think that this is any better?!" Harmony gestures to all of them, jumping off to land in front of him. "Eugene, I know it's not easy, but for once, can you just listen to Adira? This isn't about you. Take a look at those geysers and tell me that this is really the best idea."
"It is!" He insists to her. "Trust me, Brownie! Have I ever steered you wrong?"
"No, but you did steal my mother's ring," She smirks in amusement and he glowers at her. "Look, I'm not saying we don't trust you, but hovering over HOT AIR isn't the best way to go."
"I hate to say it, but I think I'm gonna go with Adira and Harmi on this one," Cass says slowly.
Rapunzel sighs regrettably. "Me too..."
"...No! I know best!" He pushes them off, holding onto Lance.
"Guys, no!" Harmony panics as she watches them fly into the air and land on the other side. Shorty rolls down the path.
"Aw, no—oh, come on. I cannot believe this!" Lance slams a fist onto the ground, because in front of them...
Is that dang tree.
"How are we back here?" Rapunzel asks in disbelief.
"Hey, look, it's-"
"Uncle Mert! We know," Cass interrupts in annoyance.
"Who's Uncle Mert?" Shorty looks over his shoulder in confusion.
"But-you just—this shouldn't be possible!" Varian gestures to the tree. Ruddiger plants his face into the ground out of exasperation. "How does every path we've taken get us back to the tree?"
"It gets worse," Hook Foot looks to the right. "The path we came in on. It's not there anymore!"
"Guys!" Harmony hollers to them, cupping her hands to her mouth. "You okay?"
"We're fine!" Varian shouts back to her. "But we're at the same tree again!"
"We're never gonna escape, and it's all your fault, Eugene," Cass gives him an angry look. "You're not the king of the wild. You're a disaster!"
"You should've just given the map back to Adira," Lance accuses him. "You can't read it!"
"Even I can't read it," Varian gestures to himself. "Adira just knows these woods better."
"Who could? It's a joke!" He holds up the map. "This doesn't make any sense! I saw the exit. You saw the exit. There was an exit! Now what do we d—oh!" He suddenly falls through the landpit.
"Ah, landpit!" Rapunzel exclaims in alarm.
Eugene groans as he crawls out of it. "Stupid landpits!" He stands up and realizes that he's all alone. "Wait! Where'd everyone go? Rapunzel! Cass! Lance! Anybody! Huh! Alright, how does Adira read this stupid thing?"
He tries to use the map, and finally rests on something for once. "I think it's pointing me toward a black blobby thing?" He comes to a stop at a black door that looks like flames. "Yep, there it is."
He hesitantly steps up to the door, looking up at it. "No, not a blobby thing. A magical wall of black fire. Ha—that was my next guess..."
The trees behind him start to close in, and he cringes. He looks towards the map and then at the door. He didn't know if he could really trust Adira and this map of hers, but if it was the only way to help him get out of this and find his friends...
"Oh, come on! This can't be right, can it? I have to walk through a wall of magical black fire? This is crazy!" And while he may think that, there were no other ways out of it. "Okay, this map had better be right."
He steps back a bit and runs through the door. "Wowzas!"
Once he gets through the door, he rolls down a small hill, landing in front of a purple mushroom. "...Ow!"
He looks up to see Adira sitting on a rock, Harmony pacing nearby. She looks towards him and gasps, running up to him.
"Eugene!"
"Ah, Brownie," He says in relief, laughing at the woman. "Ah, Adira! Ha ha, this actually worked! Have you seen the others? Wait, why are you with her?"
"Oh, well, by the time I got to the other side, you and everyone else were gone, so Adira decided to lead me here to wait for you," She points at him. "You actually used the map?"
"I did! I really did," He stands up, pulling the girl into a relieved hug. Harmony giggles, hugging him back.
"Not since you jumped across the clearing like a delirious madman," Adira quips at Eugene.
"We've gotta find them before nightfall," He lets go of the teenager, walking towards her.
"Mm-hm," She slides down the rock, hands on her hips. "So what's your plan?"
"My plan...is for you to take the lead," He holds out the map to her, causing Harmony to blink in surprise. She looks between the two of them. "Please help us find our friends."
Adira takes the map into her hands, smiling softly at Eugene. "I know exactly where we are, but I'm not sure about the others. The map can only point its user to the exit," She points to the map, feeling a bit skeptical that they found it.
"Well, maybe they've made it out! Come on!" He waves them forward, but neither of them move.
"I'm not so sure that's what happened, Eugene," Harmony frowns uncertainly. "These woods are pretty vast..."
"I wish I could say they have made it out, but...you need the map or me to get to the exit, and as you can see, both of those things are right here," Adira tells him. Eugene lets out a deep sigh.
"Adira, Brownie, I'm sorry for the mess I've gotten us into. It's just—Before I met Rapunzel, being an adventurous, devil-may-care rogue was the one definite in my life," He takes a seat on a mushroom. "It just felt nice to be in charge like that again. Hey!"
He stands up as the pup-shroom moves away, barking at him.
"Pup-shroom," Adira points at it and the shroom pants, barking.
"Those things are everywhere," Harmony chuckles softly. Eugene takes a stick and throws it. The pup-shroom hops away to chase after it.
"But...I guess I'm not that guy anymore."
Harmony stares at him sympathetically.
"You're right. You're not who you used to be," Adira agrees with him. "As you may be aware, I've been observing you, Turquoise, and your friends. And it's clear that because of the princess...you've become much more than just a swashbuckler," She circles around him, rolling her eyes lightly. "You're also a friend. You bring laughter...and warmth. You're the fish skin that holds this group together."
"Hold up...did you just say-"
"It's the optimum compound for making glue," She interrupts him, going back to stand next to Harmony. "I used it to repair the soles of these boots. Not too bad, huh?"
"Oh! Fish Skin is a compliment?" Eugene smiles widely. The two glance at each other, unsure how to break it to him.
"Uh...sure," She shrugs lightly.
"Eugene, why were you so against me hanging out with Adira?" Harmony asks softly with slightly sad eyes. "I'm just trying to learn how to be like you guys..."
"I-I know, and I'm sorry, but...you two were getting along so well that...that you forgot about me! And it hurt...we've been through a lot, and you're like a little sister to me, kid. You're supposed to look up to me, not Adira. And I'm the one who's supposed to set an example, teach you how to sword fight, and master black rocks-"
"No offense, but neither of us know that much about them like Adira does," She interrupts him, pointing up at the woman.
"True," She places her hands behind her back.
"Of course we don't! But the point is...I just wanted to be the big brother you never had. To comfort you when you cry, to protect you, and to hug you when you're sad. Kind of like when we thought Varian kidnapped you and you trusted me enough to tell me the truth first...I guess I just wanted that back."
"Aww, Eugene," She engulfs him into a hug and he returns it. "All of you guys are like big siblings to me...well, a big family. I wouldn't just forget about you. And I'm still learning, remember? I don't think I'll need Adira that much when I have all of you. But...you'll always be my big brother no matter what."
He smiles at her and she smiles back, Daisy chirping.
"Tell you what: Adira can teach me about the black rocks, and you can teach me everything else," Harmony giggles slightly.
"Like the smolder?!" He smiles widely, pumping his fists.
"Oh my god, if you teach me that, Vari's never gonna look at me the same again," Harmony pinches her nose. Daisy rolls her eyes at him.
"Well, we can't just give up. Come on, girls, I-I don't care if we have to turn this forest inside out, we're gonna find our friends."
"Wait!" Adira suddenly realizes something. "Inside out! That's it!" She starts folding the map. "If I'm correct, the sections of this forest are moving from the inside out."
"L-Like a puzzle!" Harmony looks up at her.
"A-ha! I'm correct! We'll be able to find your friends right...here," Her excitement turns into worry immediately.
"What's wrong? Where are they?" Eugene asks in concern and Harmony flinches.
"Guys...I have a feeling they're in trouble," She frowns up at them.
"You can tell that all the way from here?" Adira stares at her, impressed at her senses.
"Call it a sister's intuition," Harmony sighs in slight fear.
The others are walking through barren sand, trees twisted. "These are the prettiest flowers I've ever seen," Cass looks up at them in awe.
"They're like medicine for my soul," Hook Foot comments in awe as they look around.
"I'd love to study these components..." Varian murmurs as he lightly touches a petal.
"They're beauti—wait." Rapunzel knows that something is wrong with them because a blue substance leaks from them. Varian sticks his tongue out in disgust, recoiling his hand back. "Don't mistake the beauty for what it truly is, pure evil. Guys, I don't think these are flowers!"
She moves back as they start shaking. Lance gasps at the one in front of him, whimpering. A spider's face reveals itself in front of Lance.
"Spiders! Why does it always have to be spiders?!" He runs away from it, but the spider quickly captures him and puts him in a web. "No, no, no, no, no!"
The spiders around them come to life, Cass backing up a bit. "And to think I was gonna pluck one for Mona!" Varian cringes at the thought.
"It's the Drexis!" Rapunzel glares up at them. Hook Foot shouts, trying to move around them, but is grabbed by a Drexi, which flies off.
"Rapunzel! Varian! Run!" Cass runs off, but is grabbed from behind by one of the spiders. Varian and Rapunzel rush over to try and help, a spider appearing behind both of them. Ruddiger jumps on its head, but that just makes it mad. The spider screeches at them, only to be stopped by Adira's sword. It immediately scatters away.
"Mona!" Varian says in relief.
"Vari!" She beams at him, Eugene laughing manically. He runs past spiders, knocking them down with his sword. He leaps into the air, landing in the middle of a group of Drexis. He fights them off with his weapon, Lance shouting as he's stuck to a tree. The spiders crawl up to him, Eugene smirking. He pulls out a dagger and cuts Lance free.
"Adira was right. Their fangs are as big as chubby toddlers!" Lance states as Shorty rolls him away, Cass hopping after them. "Why? Why?"
Cass falls in front of a tree. "I'm not gonna be eaten by some stupid flower-spider-bat-thing!" She grunts while trying to kick it away. Eugene steps in and knocks it away.
"I leave you guys alone for five minutes, and you get spun into a cocoon by giant spider-bats pretending to be flowers. Pfft, typical."
"Not the time," Harmony calls out to him. She creates a black rock which cuts through the web. Rapunzel and Varian drag Hook Foot away as Adira stands in front of the three as protection.
"This isn't looking good," Adira looks over her shoulder. Whinnying is heard, the three horses arriving to tackle the Drexis out of the way, but more appear.
"There's still too many of them! What do we do, Eugene?"
"I think that's a question for Adira!" He calls out while running behind Shorty and Lance with Cass and Harmony.
"Uh, not a great time to discover humility, Fish Skin!"
"Don't worry. That's a compliment," Eugene smirks towards Cass. They join the four, being surrounded by the Drexis. Adira looks towards the map, folding it over three times. She raises a brow at what it gives her, looking around. Up ahead is a landpit that is unguarded.
"The land pits! We've gotta jump in that hole!" She hits a spider in front of her.
"Jump in a hole? The same kinda hole that led us to this clusterjam?" Hook Foot shouts in disbelief.
"Uhh, how is that gonna help us?" Varian calls out.
"Do what she says, guys!" Eugene grabs Hook Foot and throws him over his shoulder.
"Like I have a choice! I'm a moth-man over here!"
"Nothing like compliance," Harmony shrugs lightly with an amused smile. Varian grabs Ruddiger and takes a hold of her hand, running towards the pit. Adira grabs Lance, who looks at her in awe.
"Real men love strong women."
She says nothing and runs for the landpit. The spiders chase after them, and they all jump in. Eugene, however, hesitates and looks at all the spiders.
"What are you waiting for? Jump in the hole!" And yet Hook Foot didn't want to earlier. He runs towards a tree and stabs it. This sends the plant flying as Eugene jumps in just in time. The tree covers the landpit, and Eugene cuts through the exit. They all cheer at seeing the path and the black rocks, and not that tree again.
Rapunzel sighs in relief. "I've never been so glad to see those black rocks."
"I'm so happy I could kiss someone!" Hook Foot holds up Shorty, who puckers his lips. The man drops him, regretting that statement. "Ehhh, never mind."
Varian grabs Harmony's waist and spins her around, both of them laughing.
"Well, this is where I leave you," Adira smiles a little.
"Aww," Harmony pouts at this. "But I didn't get the chance to learn much from you..."
"Well, here's one lesson, Turquoise," Adira smiles down at her. "Your rocks don't control you. You control them."
"Adira, thank you. For ev-"
"Everything?" She interrupts knowingly. "I know, I'm amazing. Once again, I have conquered the Forest of No Return, and singlehandedly pulled you out of a dire strait," She starts walking, Eugene just crossing his arms with a slightly annoyed look on his face. "And I still have bronchitis. Which, I didn't even tell you about, because, let's face it, I'm a champion."
"Oh! Champion of my heart," Lance smiles towards her.
"I don't think Adira's really interested," Varian smirks in amusement.
"Who told you that?!" Lance shouts in his face, and he looks at him wide-eyed.
Harmony whistles towards Adira, who turns around. The girl tosses her a blue bottle. "Varian made it. Said it's supposed to cure bronchitis. You know, since you've had it for the times you've passed the forest. Thought you could use it."
"...Thanks Turquoise," Adira smiles at her, walking away. "You're a good friend."
"Can you-"
"Look, if you wanna get on Adira's good side, you won't get answers from me!" Harmony interrupts Lance sharply, pointing up at him.
"I hate to admit it, but she's growin' on me," Cass states as they watch her leave.
"Well, that's no surprise. Look how long it took me to win you over," Eugene smiles towards her.
"Well..."
"Hey, look! Someone put a tent on wheels!" Shorty calls out, pointing to the caravans down below.
"It's our caravan!" Rapunzel walks up towards it in relief. "The land must have shifted it over here! Shorty! You have excellent vision."
"Because I eat a lot of vitamin butter."
Soon, they start up back on the path again. "You know, for the record, I'm pretty confident I could've gotten us out of there," Eugene clears his throat from up front, "Eventually, but I figured, let Adira have her moment in the sun, you know? Clearly she's got attention issues, and I thought I'd throw her a bone."
"Yeah, sure. That's what happened," Harmony snorts at him.
"That was very nice of you, Eugene. Uh, Eugene? That's the sunset ahead of us?"
"Yeah? And?" Eugene asks cluelessly.
"We're supposed to be heading east."
"Oh, come on!" He exclaims at this.
"Way to go, Fish Skin."
"Heh-heh, that's a compliment!"
"Whatever, let's just turn back around," Harmony rolls her eyes slightly, smiling. "Hey, Eugene, can you finally teach me how to sword fight?"
"Would I?!" He exclaims, giving Cass the reigns. "This is gonna be great, Brownie!"
"Just don't beat him too easily," Cass smirks as she watches Harmony follow Eugene into the caravan.