A butterfly flies past some black rocks as the two caravans are parked near a city. "The hamlet of Pincosta. Known for its warm smiles, hearty handshakes, and world famous Pincostan pecan pie!" Rapunzel announces to everyone, wearing a hot pink cloak over herself. Harmony has a purple one over herself.
"What'd you do? Memorize the travel guide?" Cass stares at her.
"Eh, only through the V's," She shrugs a little. "That's why I wasn't very much help in Zuhlberg."
Lance peeks his head out from the window. "Did someone say pecan pie? What are we waiting for? Can't this thing go any faster? Never mind, I'll meet you there." He rushes out of the caravan, running towards the city...but he forgets about the cliff, falling down. The others cringe at this.
"Probably should have waited until we got to the bottom of the hill," Cass states as he's still falling.
"Food is usually the first thing on his mind," Harmony gestures to Lance. "This just goes to show that he'll go through anything just to get it."
"Do we have to go to the Hamlet of Pincosta?" Eugene steps up to the front. "I mean, what is a hamlet anyway? Sounds like a tiny ham. Am I right? No, thank you." He chuckles nervously from the looks they're giving him. "And you can get a hearty handshake anywhere. Look, I say we take the scenic route. I love scenic routes, you love scenic routes! And you know what? Cause there's scenery."
Harmony, Varian, and Rapunzel smile knowingly. "Eugene...are you wanted here?"
"Yes, I am wanted here. Very, very much so," He answers while still keeping a smile.
"We have to go, Eugene. We need food," Rapunzel grins a bit.
"Which we wouldn't even need if Shorty would stop eating our storage," Varian deadpans, shaking his head. Pascal and Daisy's stomachs growl, and they cover themselves up in embarrassment.
"We've got plenty of food! Look how full this thing is!" He holds up the bag...which indeed has Shorty sleeping inside. "...Shorty's in here, isn't he?"
"Just five more minutes, Mom."
"See what we mean?" Varian gestures to the bag.
"Eugene, I get it, but we're starving. You don't expect us to reach the Dark Kingdom on empty stomachs, do you?" Harmony explains to him, and he grunts in defeat.
"I hate it when you're right."
They walk through town as Eugene attempts to hide himself, a villager walking right past him. "You know...on second thought, maybe I should just hang back with the camper."
"Don't worry, Eugene. These people have probably long forgotten-"
"Look, it's Flynn Rider!" A citizen points at him, and the guards point their swords at him. He holds up his hands in surrender.
"So how's about one of those hearty handshakes I've heard so much about?"
Within minutes, he's thrown into the dungeon, the door closed in front of him. "Five minutes in town and he's already arrested," Cass crosses her arms.
"That's a new record," Lance blinks in shock. The door to the dungeon opens and they look to see a tiny man in red.
"Alright, where is he? Well hello, Flynn Rider. Long time no see."
"Uh, Constable Lumph, is it?" Rapunzel addresses him.
"You're the law of this land," Harmony crosses her arms.
"Wait, wait! Don't ruin my moment!" He holds out a hand to them. He steps up to Eugene, reaching towards the door. They just stare at him as he can't quite reach.
"He's even shorter than the Griffin of Pittsford," Harmony whispers to Cass, who bites back a laugh.
"Lewis..." The man lifts up the constable to the lock, and he locks the door. "Oh yeah! I've been waiting so long to do that. Let me do it again." Rapunzel rolls his eyes at how childish he is, Lance eating some pie. "Oh, yeah!"
"Great. Okay, back to the charges?" Rapunzel speaks up.
"What exactly did he steal?" Varian raises a brow.
"This rapscallion walked away with the town's most sacred treasure: the Eye of Pincosta." Harmony gives Eugene an accusing look and he holds up his hands in defense. "Which is-"
"Which is the biggest diamond in all the land," Rapunzel finishes for him. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I read the travel guide."
"The second biggest, actually," Constable Lumph holds up a finger. "Zuhlberg's is bigger."
"Zuhlberg," Rapunzel grits her teeth, shaking a fist.
"Huh. Looks like we found a second enemy for Rapunzel: the travel guide," Harmony giggles at her sister.
"Okay, yes. I stole the Eye," Eugene sounds closer than he should be and they all turn around to see him right next to Max. "But that was ages ago. I'm a changed man!" He smiles widely, the Constable looking between him in the cell. He grumbles towards the man. "Granted I did just pick your jail cell lock. Habit?" He laughs sheepishly and soon, he's thrown in jail again in a straitjacket.
"I'd have been fine with don't do that."
"If you hadn't stolen it, we wouldn't be here right now trying to get you out," Harmony deadpans to him.
"Under Pincosta law, I sentence Flynn Rider to a lifetime of servitude...in the Copper Mines of Malanay."
The sisters and Varian gasp sharply. "The Copper Mines of Malanay. Miles upon miles of caves where miners are forced to dig day and night without rest, food, or light." Rapunzel gasps again, and notices the looks that everyone except Harmony is giving her. "...It's a very thorough guide."
"Not really if she didn't know about the second biggest diamond," Varian snickers towards Harmony.
"The thing is, I actually am kind of more of a rest, food, and light type of person. So, how do you feel about community service? Because I will pick up your litter like nobody's business," Eugene offers with a big smile.
"Don't worry, Eugene," Lance whispers to him. "We will break you out of here in no time."
The constable clears his throat as he heard every word of that. "Ha ha ha! Lance, funny guy. He is just always the jokester," Eugene smiles nervously towards him.
"Who should really stop talking," Harmony jerks her head towards the constable.
"Oh, right! I'm joking," He laughs it off. "Definitely won't break you out of here. Yes, we will. Just messing with ya! No I'm not."
This gets everyone else thrown in jail, to their dismay. "Sometime, we're going to have to have a frank discussion about whisper volume," Eugene glares towards his friend.
"Thanks a lot, Lance! Now we're in jail!" Varian gestures to the bars.
"Constable, wait!" Rapunzel calls out, Pascal's tongue sticking out. He stops the tiny man from walking further. He stands up and adjusts his hat. "What if my sister and I could find the Eye?"
"Hmm," He rubs his chin. "How?"
"My sister is really smart," She gestures to Harmony. "If we can find it, would you release Eugene?"
"And also everybody else?" Hook Foot calls out, as he didn't want to stay there any longer than he should.
The constable pauses and snaps his fingers, meaning that he accepts the deal. "Blondie, Brownie, do not do this," Eugene warns them as they approach the door.
"We are not letting you go to those mines," She explains to him.
"Or everyone else for that matter," Harmony states as she looks at everyone. "We'll get you out of this, guys."
The door is opened, but only to let the two princesses out. "The carriage to the mines leaves in 2 days. So the jewel better be in my hands in 48 hours," He points to his hand. "Or your friends will toil in the mines forever."
Harmony gives a look of horror to everyone, stepping up to the cell. Varian steps up to her. "Don't worry about me, just get that Eye so we can get out of here."
"I will," She promises and he pecks her lips. She turns to Eugene. "We need something from you, Eugene."
"If we have any chance of tracking the Eye down, you have to tell us everything," Rapunzel grips the bars.
"Uh, well...what's to tell, really?" Eugene cringes in embarrassment. He really didn't want to tell them where it was for some reason. "You know, I stole a thing. A thing was stolen. That's the end of the story."
"And you have no idea where it is?" Rapunzel asks him suspiciously and he clamps his mouth shut.
"...Why are you giving that look?" Harmony narrows her eyes suspiciously.
"Eugene. What is it?" Rapunzel demands to her boyfriend.
"...Okay, see, the thing is, it was a two-man job. So if anyone knows where the Eye is, it would be my partner," He explains to the duo.
"Who? Lance?"
"You worked with him to steal our mom's ring," Harmony glances to Lance, who's still eating pie. "Oh, honestly, would you just put that down?!"
Eugene sucks in his teeth, glancing away. "Not Lance..."
"...Oh no..." Harmony groans in realization. "Eugene, you didn't..."
Rapunzel grimaces as she realizes who they have to go to...
"What? What is it?" Hook Foot looks between the girls and Eugene.
"Now I know why you didn't wanna tell us..." Harmony takes a slight breath as she turns around, facing the door in exasperation. "And now...we've gotta go find them. We've gotta go ask them where it is just to get you out of jail..." She mouths 'wow' in disbelief to herself.
"You okay?" Varian asks her as she walks away.
"Nope, but we have to..." She shakes her head slowly, closing the door behind her.
At the Glass Slipper, a dart is fired at a dartboard. Sitting across from the dartboard are Staylan and Morgan, the older woman sipping from her mug. She smirks once she's done drinking.
"Oh, is it my turn?" She gestures to herself innocently. Morgan spins around in her chair to watch. She holds up a red dart. "Oops." She giggles and then fires, hitting the scoreboard instead. "Aw, nuts! Looks like we have to buy you lunch. Unless...can we play again?"
He rubs his chin. "Sure. But let's make it more interesting. Your ruby necklace for, uh..."
"Your cutlass and diamond-studded dagger?" She points at the dagger at his waist.
"Add in lunch for everyone here and you've got a deal," Morgan smirks in amusement.
"Ooh, good one, Mo," Staylan winks at her. They place down their betting items in front of Morgan. The man goes first...and then Staylan hits the bullseye dead on three times with no hesitation.
"What the-?!" The man stands there, baffled as Staylan takes the objects.
"Thanks for the game...and for the lunch. He's buying, everybody!"
Everyone cheers as the two walk past the grumbling man, angry for the swindle. The two sisters clap and Morgan tries to grab the dagger, the older sister holding it away.
"Wha-hey! If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even have that thing!" She protests to her sibling.
"You know our rule: oldest gets sharpest...and the most beautiful," Staylan waves the dagger, the younger girl pouting. A crash is heard behind them and they don't even have to turn around to know who they are. "Wow. Didn't think Princess Sunshine or Evil Queen could find us in a place as shady as this."
"Well, maybe you're not the judge of character you thought you were," Rapunzel quips back to her.
"So..." Morgan leans against the table casually. "Varian leave you yet?"
"Ha ha," Harmony deadpans towards her. This is exactly why she didn't want to come here... "The only reason why we're even here is because-"
"Let me guess: Rider's in trouble, and you want our help to save him," Staylan interrupts her, taking out a tiny dagger.
"Not just him," Harmony glares, hands on her hips. "Vari's in jail too because of Eugene."
"Yeah. We need to find the Eye of Pincosta. And you two stole it together, with it being Morgan's first time as an accomplice," Rapunzel explains with an indignant look. She really didn't want to talk to them, but she didn't have a choice.
"We stole a lot of things together," Staylan catches the tiny gem from the dagger that she pulled out.
"And once I get Varian, we'll do the same," Morgan replies confidently. Harmony sneers at her, taking a deep breath.
"Yeah, we both know where it is but why would we help you?"
"Because we're charming?" Rapunzel chuckles a bit, the thief sisters giving each other a deadpan look. "It was worth a shot. I think you'll help because you still care about Eugene. And there's good in everybody."
"Plus, you don't wanna see Vari in jail, do you?" Harmony crosses her arms at Morgan.
"Yeah, but I also don't wanna see him with a goody two-shoes like you."
The princess balls up her fists, turning red in anger. "You little-!"
"Ha! And you are both terrible judges of character," Staylan rolls her eyes, sitting across from her sister. "I personally want nothing to do with Rider. And doing the right thing has never been a priority of mine," She takes her mug, smirking and taking a sip.
"We'll pay you," Rapunzel offers, getting their attention. The sisters step in front of the two. The blonde pulls out a key. "This unlocks the trunk back in our caravans. A trunk full of gold. It's all yours."
Staylan simply takes another sip, so they decide to go with another tactic. "Not to mention..." Rapunzel steps up to the dartboard. "The darts you and that guy were playing with."
"How long were you watching us?" Morgan narrows her eyes defensively.
"Oh, long enough," Harmony smirks as they've got them now.
"Gosh, his are a lot heavier than yours for some reason," Rapunzel holds one dart each in her hand. "Huh. It's almost like you cheated."
"As in, you tweaked them to make them lighter," Harmony glances at Morgan, whose eyes widen as she glances around.
"Maybe we should go talk to that guy about this," Rapunzel points to the angry man as he breaks a table with his bare hands. "Ooh. He looks really mad." Stalyan looks just as nervous as her sister does.
The two chuckle nervously, getting onto their feet. "Guess we've got a jewel to find, partners," Staylan places a hand on her shoulder. The table flies past them and hits the wall, breaking into pieces. Rapunzel looks just as awkward as Staylan does about the whole situation.
"Fine! But only because that guy would break my face, and he won't go easy on girls," Morgan grunts in defeat. "But after we're done, Varian's gonna be mine!"
"We'll see," Harmony narrows her eyes.
The four walk out of the Glass Slipper. "If we wanna get the Eye of Pincosta back, we better get a move on," Staylan walks up to the horse mount, about to unhook one.
"Right. I think...wait..." She notices that they're picking locks. "Is this your horse?"
"Of course not," Staylan looks over her shoulder.
"We got caught stealing the last few from a town," Morgan states to them.
"Well then whose is it?"
"My horse!" The same guy Staylan and Morgan dealt with is standing right behind them, panting.
"But it will be ours in a second," Staylan goes back to the lock, the two princesses giving a nervous look towards the man. He grabs part of a fence and rips it off, running towards them. The two step between them and the thug.
"We were only admiring your beautiful horse. Right, Morgan and Staylan?" Rapunzel walks up to the horse, noticing something off. "Hey, has he been kind of out of sorts?"
"He has been a little ornery lately," The thug explains as Harmony holds its cheeks, examining.
"Well, for one..."
"Look, his saddle is too loose," Rapunzel starts off, "Which is chafing his belly. And there's a thorn in his bridle. Ouch! Also, don't hitch him next to Rye grass. It gives horses a tummy ache. Brown-top grass is much better."
The two roll their eyes at the princesses. "Good boy! Isn't that much better?"
The horse neighs after eating some brown-top grass. "Here's a nice shiny apple," Harmony smiles, holding it out to him. He whinnies happily, eating it and nuzzling the young princess. "Aw, you're welcome!"
"Alright. You take care now! Bye!" Rapunzel waves to them as they guide the annoyed duo away.
"Do you really think we're the type of people who would steal horses?" She asks the two up in front as they're walking into the forest.
"I mean...your sister can control black rocks, so anything is possible," Morgan mutters under her breath. Harmony elbows her in the arm.
"Give us a little credit."
"And you said we were bad judges of character," Rapunzel replies in amusement, watching the two take drinks of water from their jugs. "May we have a sip? We are parched."
"..." Morgan takes one look at Harmony and dumps her water out right in front of her. "Oops."
"Plenty of water right over there," Staylan gestures to a river they're passing by.
"Should've expected that," Harmony deadpans as they walk over.
"When you come up for air, maybe you could tell us where the diamond is?" Rapunzel bends down to the river with a frying pan in her hands to gather water.
"Virtuous St. Goodberry," Staylan states as the two slide down to the river.
"Where is that?" Rapunzel looks up at them.
"Not where, who," Staylan leans against the tree nearby. "Eugene lost the Eye to him years ago."
"In a bet, no less," Morgan snorts at the memory. "Amateur."
"If we want the Eye, we have to get it from Goodberry," Staylan finishes, watching Rapunzel and Pascal sip. "You know they make cups for that?"
"Yeah, but with a frying pan, Pascal and I can drink at the same time," Rapunzel holds out some berries to him, which he eats. Harmony takes her turn with the frying pan, getting some water herself. Morgan bends down and fills up her bottle.
"Look, we should probably get moving," Staylan rolls her eyes as Harmony starts sipping. "Goodberry's place is a three-day walk."
The girl does a spit take at the news. "Three days?!" They both screech in shock.
"W-Why didn't you say that before? We have less than two to get that diamond!" Rapunzel exclaims at the both of them.
"Well it would be one if somebody would let us steal horses," Staylan snatches the berries, throwing them over her shoulder.
"But the goody-two-shoes don't have the guts," Morgan crosses her arms.
"I told you. We are not stealing...anything..." Rapunzel looks down the river, Harmony staring at it as she thinks about the distance. Rapunzel stands on the log nearby. "Goodberry's place is due east, right?" She smirks a little, her sister smiling.
"Whatever you're thinking right now is an awful idea," Staylan states plainly.
"There is no way we're surviving with you two around," Morgan drags a hand down her face. Harmony smirks as she holds up her left hand, creating something on the water.
"This river can be crossed in a day with the right speed." She gasps and bends down to the log as Morgan just stares at the water, baffled. In just a few seconds, she creates a log perfect for two people to sit on with hollowed seats.
The older sisters use the log using sticks for paddles while Harmony and Morgan are surfing on a board made out of black rocks.
"I told you this was an awful idea!" Staylan shouts at the top of her lungs as they pass through the rough waters.
"Uh, right. Go right!" Rapunzel tells her.
"No, we want the left!" Staylan forces both makeshift vehicles to go left.
"Hey!" Harmony exclaims at her.
"We needed to go right," Rapunzel glares at her partner.
"Wrong. Your way has rocks," Staylan retorts to her. The younger girls gasp at what's up ahead.
"Yeah, but your way has that!" The blonde points up ahead at a waterfall!
"And when were you going to mention the waterfall?" Stalyan screeches at her.
"I was trying to! But you interrupted me!"
"This is all your fault, Stayl!" Morgan narrows her eyes at her older sister.
"Guys, we need to focus!" Harmony exclaims as they're moving too fast.
"Well this current is too strong."
"Then we're gonna have to go over," Rapunzel explains, to the shock of Morgan.
"Wait, what?!"
"We can do this," Rapunzel smiles in determination.
"How can you stomach her optimism? We're gonna die!" Morgan screeches at the younger princess.
"Because I trust her!"
"Did we mention we hate you?" Staylan shouts as they all scream, the older sisters falling over the edge first. Rapunzel and Staylan land on top of a rock, the log in the middle. Harmony glances to her right, noticing a vine.
"Hang on!" She screams, jumping with Morgan on her back. She soars towards the vine, their hair flying. Harmony catches it, coming to a stop. Morgan shouts in alarm as she looks over the water. The vine swings a bit and it thankfully doesn't break.
"Worst. Day. Ever," The two Baron daughters say in unison.
"We made up a lot of time, didn't we?" Rapunzel smiles a little.
"You're right. This worked out great," Staylan gives a deep frown. "See ya," Her water jug falls down below.
"Yeah, I'm outta here too," Morgan glares, her jug falling as well. They're about to jump when the two princesses notice two things: the log is unstable, and the vine could break at any moment.
"Stop!" Rapunzel holds out a hand and she does so, the log stopping in place. "We have to jump off at the same time. Or we're both going to fall."
"Same here," Harmony gives her partner a look.
"This is a fine situation that you've gotten us into," Staylan mutters underneath her breath.
"Yeah, thanks for the joy rides!" Morgan shouts at both of them.
"On three. Ready? One...two-" Staylan and Morgan jump anyway. "Hey! You were supposed to jump on three!" The two leap and land on the edge of the cliff, looking over their shoulders as the log falls into the water. Rapunzel and Harmony sigh in relief.
"That was a close one."
"Too close! You'd rather let us fall and die than wait?!" Harmony exclaims at the two. They say nothing and grab a rock...but it slips and they fall, hanging onto a tree.
"Hang on!" Rapunzel lets down her hair and grabs the branch above. "Harmi, start climbing."
The girl nods and climbs downwards. She jumps down slowly to reach them, the branch breaking. Rapunzel grabs Staylan's arms as Harmony turns around, lifting up her hand. A tower made of black rocks form underneath Morgan, catching her.
"Gotcha."
Together they reach the bottom, Rapunzel grabbing her frying pan and the jugs. "This is yours," She hands both of them to their owners, not noticing the shocked looks from both of them. Up ahead, they notice a town.
"Goodberry's tents. I-I can't believe it."
"We just reached his place in under a day..." Morgan blinks slowly. She didn't even think that was possible.
"What are we waiting for? Come on!" Rapunzel smiles, running up ahead. The two glance to each other and then look at their partners. The two royal sisters laugh as they run side-by-side.
"Bet I can get there first!" Harmony calls out.
"Loser gives up their dessert for a week?"
"Deal!"
Morgan and Staylan slowly follow behind them. Their partners stare at the duo, almost...impressed by their determination and persistence.
Eugene sets himself free as everyone shivers, shaking. "This cell is a little d-d-d-drafty," Hook Foot stammers while shivering.
"Maybe they made it specifically for you," Varian raises a brow towards Eugene.
"That guy's had it out for me ever since I left town," Eugene glares towards the door.
"Okay, I don't like this anymore than you guys. But if we want to stay warm, we've gotta cuddle," Lance holds out his arms, waving them forward. "Bring it in, bring it in. Come on, bring it in guys."
Cass stands up, gritting her teeth from the cold. "I'll freeze, thank you. And where do you keep getting pie from?"
Lance takes a bite out of the pecan pie. "I'll never tell."
Eugene sighs slowly. "Blondie and Brownie only have a day left."
"Oh Rider!" They look outside the cell to see the constable approaching.
"Great," Varian mutters as he's come here to brag.
"To get your mind off the Eye, I brought one of my paintings. It's the Mines of Malanay. A preview of what the rest of your life will look like," He plants the painting inside for everyone to see. "See you tomorrow." He laughs evilly as he walks away.
"He painted the mines?" Eugene holds up the painting, everyone gasping. "What are they mining? Skulls?"
"He didn't finish painting that guy," Hook Foot points to the bottom right corner.
"Oh yes he did. Over there," Lance whimpers as he points to the other side, Hook Foot gagging in disgust.
"Hmm, he's got talent," Cass points out.
"Nothing compared to Mona, though...but I'm gonna be sick," Varian covers his mouth.
The four girls reach Goodberry's tent, which is guarded. "Ha! I win!" Rapunzel pumps her fists.
"Fine, I guess you did," Harmony rolls her eyes in amusement. Morgan stares at the duo. They seemed to work well together and trust one another…
"Closed. Unless you got tickets or a bribe," The guard holds out his hand to Rapunzel.
"Oh, good evening to you, sir," She shakes his head, not really understanding what a bribe is. "We just need to talk to Mr. Goodberry," She steps forward, only to bump into the man's face. Morgan snickers at her, Harmony elbowing the girl in the arm. He slides her a good distance away.
"No tickets, no bribe, no deal."
"Harmi?" Rapunzel turns to her sister.
"I'm sorry, Punz, but I don't have money on me," Harmony frowns a bit. "Vari took my portion so that I wouldn't have to pay for food today."
"He picked the wrong time to be a gentleman..." Rapunzel grunts slightly, but she did still admire that part of himself.
"We need to talk to Mr. Goodberry. You're in our way. So get out of it," Staylan threatens the guards.
"Or else," Morgan punches her fists. The two pull out their swords, bumping into each other while doing so.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Guys, guys, guys," Rapunzel steps between them. "I don't want to have to pull out my frying pan, but I will."
"Uh, did she say a frying pan?" The Caucasian one looks to his partner, who shrugs cluelessly.
"Yes. Yes she did. And she's not afraid to use it!" Harmony defends her sister, pulling out her bow and arrow.
"Oh yeah," Staylan pulls out her own sword. "You heard her right."
"As ridiculous as it sounds..." Morgan rolls her eyes, taking out a staff.
"Get 'em!"
The guards take them two-on-one, Rapunzel blocking the sword with her frying pan. "Pascal?"
"Daisy?"
The two take action, Pascal's tongue sticking to the guard's forehead. He flies onto the man's face, covering his eyes.
"I can't see! Get this thing off of me!"
Daisy flies into action and distracts him. He yells, flailing his hands around. Rapunzel hits him in the foot with her weapon and then hits him in the back. Harmony fires her bolo arrows, capturing his feet with it. They look to Staylan and Morgan, a man laughing as he watches from his caravan. Morgan and Staylan step back, the older sister using the flag to propel herself forward. Morgan uses her staff to bring herself forward, both of them knocking him onto the ground. Harmony fires another arrow, capturing him in goop.
"Thank you, Vari," She smirks in amusement, looking at her alchemy-equipped arrows. Thankfully she remembered to pack only those today and not her regular ones.
"Do you girls have any promoters?" They point their weapons at the man, who steps out of the caravan. "Look, not every day do you meet fighters who can drop a couple guards like bad habits. Look, name's Goodberry. Virtuous St. Goodberry. That's right. Walk with me." He leads them away. "Now the best fighters in the world travel sea and land to come here. At the grandeur of the Goodberry Games!" He opens up the entrance to the Goodberry Games, which is basically fighting matches. It's almost like the Challenge of the Brave.
The female fighter laughs at the applause, getting thrown over the ring and landing on a bench, breaking it into pieces. Staylan and Morgan roll their eyes, walking away. Rapunzel gasps sharply, Pascal smiling at her.
Harmony clears her throat to silently remind them of why they're here in the first place. Daisy gives them a 'really' look.
"Uh, look, Mr. Goodberry, we are not here to fight. We understand that you have the Eye of Pincosta and we need to return it to its rightful owners. Or a friend of ours is going to be in big trouble."
"A friend of theirs," Staylan adds in, crossing her arms.
"And my boyfriend," Morgan smirks a bit, getting Harmony red-faced in anger.
"Right," Rapunzel gives them a strained smile.
"So, uh, you mean this, huh?" Goodberry holds up the Eye on his finger.
"That's it!" Harmony gasps, pointing to it.
"It's pretty, isn't it? It's big...but you know what it ain't? Yours. Now if you're not here to battle, scram! I've got fighters to tend to. They are the meanest, the toughest, the coolest, the strongest, the never-givin'-upin'-est people you've ever seen in your life!"
"They haven't meet me, then," Morgan smiles in amusement, getting an annoyed look from Harmony.
"Do you ever stop being a braggart?"
"Nope!" Morgan grins at her.
"We quit!"
Goodberry gasps at the four fighters approaching him. "What?! No, no, no, no, no! I won't hear of it. Big fight's tonight!"
"We're not going up against Malice Marauder," One of the males denies. "We've got families."
"Huh. Wonder if she's Wreck's sister or something," Harmony rubs her chin.
"Well doesn't that just put a crimp in my cards? My main event is history! I'm ruined! Kaput! Financial disaster. I'm going to lose my tents, my carts, my chairs, my good name—everything!" Rapunzel looks between the other three and the man, smiling widely. She just thought of a way to solve both of their problems.
"Uh, what if we fight your challenger?"
"What?!" Everyone except Harmony question in unison.
"Yeah, that's right. We'll fight in the main even and if we win, you give us the Eye of Pincosta," Rapunzel offers to him.
"Are you crazy?!" Morgan screeches up at her. "Actually, let me rephrase that: you're crazy!"
"Back off," Harmony slightly pushes her away. "We need that eye."
Morgan looks like she couldn't care less as she clenches her fists. "Malice Marauder versus the Maidens of Mayhem," Goodberry recites, laughing. "You know something? It's a deal," He shakes hands with both Morgan and Staylan.
"Okay, see you tonight," Staylan sends him off.
"Hoo hoo hoo! Gonna be a great show! It'll be the fight of the century..." As soon as he's gone, the two sisters have glares on their faces, turning around to Rapunzel. She notices their looks and smiles sheepishly.
"We have no chance of beating Marauder," Staylan states as they're getting ready in a tent. "Even if we're better fighters, which we're not, Goodberry will rig the game so we lose. You know that, right?"
Rapunzel is holding up masks for Pascal to give approval on.
"Not to mention Marauder is crazy! I don't want that!" Morgan gestures to herself.
"You didn't want to help us either, but here we are," Harmony looks over her shoulder. Morgan just grunts, looking away. Rapunzel holds up a yellow one, Pascal squeaking sadly for a no. She holds up a green one and he squeaks happily, giving a thumbs up.
Harmony hums as she looks at a few choices. Daisy inspects all of them before pointing to the yellow one. She takes it and puts it on, the duckling flapping her wings for a yes. The girl smiles, kissing the duckling on the forehead. Daisy beams at the contact.
"We'll have to take Goodberry at his word," Rapunzel ties the mask around her face.
"It's not like we have a choice anyway," Harmony adds in, tying her own mask.
"Oh, you have so much to learn about the world, princesses," Staylan states as the two finish tying on the masks for the royal sisters.
"Just because I hope for the best from people, doesn't make me naïve."
"And just because I was sheltered doesn't mean I don't know what I'm doing," Harmony rolls her eyes.
"Yeah, about that..." They tie the two sisters to the pole back-to-back.
"Hey! What?"
"What are you doing?" Harmony demands to them. Pascal and Daisy leap forward, only to be caught in a tiny sack.
"Sorry we can't stick around for the fight. I think Goodberry's gonna be sore when he finds this missing," Staylan holds up the Eye in her hand.
"I know I would be," Morgan smirks a bit.
"Your froggy and ugly duckling," Staylan plants the bag down and Rapunzel looks behind her shoulder.
"You're going to free Eugene and try to win him back, aren't you?" She accuses Staylan.
"And to try and steal Vari too," Harmony narrows her eyes angrily.
"A thief belongs with a thief," Stalyan starts off.
"And you don't belong with a criminal," Morgan points at the younger princess.
"We told you that you were both bad judges of character, princesses," Staylan smiles evilly.
"Criminal pasts or not, you can't force that kind of lifestyle on them!" Harmony hisses at the two, clenching her fists. "You love people for who they are, not for what they used to be. They're not going to be with you."
Morgan just chuckles. "Yeah," She replies sarcastically and they leave.
"...Sorry, guys," Rapunzel murmurs sadly. Cheering can be heard from outside.
"It's okay, sis," Harmony speaks up softly, getting her sister's attention. "Besides...it's my fault anyway. I should've known they would do this. And now...I'm gonna lose Vari...to her."
The older princess' eyes turn sad that Harmony seems to be losing hope that Varian will stay with her.
"Malice, Malice! Fight, fight, fight!" The audience chants as candles are lit.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Goodberry announces to the crowd. "Welcome to the Goodberry Games! That's right. Are you ready for a knock-down, lock-down match of the millennium?" They all cheer as their answer. "Well, here we go! They're from far away but eager to join the fray. It's the princesses with the punches, the Maidens of Mayhem!"
He points to Harmony and Rapunzel still in chains. Most of them boo as the two are pushed towards the ring. They look at the crowd in annoyance before they're released from the chains. They try to make a run for it, but get swords pointed at them. Rapunzel tries her right, only to get blocked again. Harmony runs to her left, coming to a stop as a big one with two swords stands in front of her.
"...Well...let's get this over with," Harmony sighs slowly and they step into the ring. They remove their pets and get their weapons tossed in front of them.
"And our champion needs no introduction: she brings the might, she brings the bite, and she'll bring the smite. Give it up for Malice Marauder!"
The entrance fills with smoke as a large shadow steps forward. Harmony gasps, hugging her sister in slight fear.
"Oh boy..." Rapunzel murmurs in horror...but then the shadow gets smaller to reveal a small woman with a large ponytail and a pink jumpsuit. "That's Malice? Alright, this isn't so bad."
"I wouldn't dismiss her so easily," Harmony shakes her head. "Don't you remember Morgan said that she's crazy?"
Malice roars at them and they hug the corner. Malice scampers onto the ground, breaking a bench before jumping into the ring. She grabs Goodberry with one arm, throwing him in the air slightly.
"Hey, hey! Easy! L-Look, lady, put me down! Okay, you want your money, don't you?"
"Umm, I think we're in trouble, guys," Rapunzel states nervously to everyone.
It's late at night as the two thieving sisters look at the Eye. Stalyan smiles, pulling out her drinking jug to take a sip. Instead of water, a note falls into her hands. Morgan gets the same result and they pull them open.
Stalyan,
It's Rapunzel. If you are reading this note, it means you probably betrayed us. But remember, there is good in everybody. Even you. And I hope you will make the right decision in the end. Rapunzel.
Staylan scoffs and crumbles up the note, tossing it away. Morgan reads hers.
Morgan,
It's Harmony. If you're reading this, it means you probably betrayed us too. Bu I just want you to know...that you do have a friend back in Vardaros that misses you. As much as I hated going to you for help, you turned out to be more help than I realized. And I hope that you'll take the time someday to think about your life choices. Harmony.
Morgan's eyes soften as she remembers Vex...she throws away the note and they storm off.
"Let the games begin!" Goodberry hollers, the three preparing. Malice growls at them, leaping forward. The two yell as they charge forward, only to have their weapons taken away. They look to see Malice punching through the frying pan. She also rips the quiver in half, stomping on the arrows to break them.
They both look in shock...and then she actually bites into the frying pan. She uses the pieces in her mouth to hit the floor in front of them. They glare at her for what she just did. Goodberry laughs from his chair.
"Yeah, keep on laughing!" Harmony calls out to him. "I'd check your hands if I were you!"
Malice uses the strings to propel herself into the air. The two sisters smirk, rolling to the opposite side. Malice uses the other side instead.
"Ha! Oh..."
Malice knocks them onto the ground, swinging herself into the air. She lands on top of the sisters and decides to deal with Rapunzel first. She spins the blonde onto her feet, and knocks her onto the floor. "Punz!" Harmony exclaims, Malice knocking her into the air. She then kicks the girl so that she lands in the corner, the girl groaning.
"Harmi!" Rapunzel looks up at her. Malice just eats up the attention, waving to the ground. "Whoo!" The blonde stands up, a bit dizzy. "I've got you right where I want you. Just wait until my second wind kicks in."
Harmony wobbles around from the corner. Pascal and Daisy gesture for them to use their powers, and they nod. Malice growls as Rapunzel undoes her hair. She spins it around as Harmony's hand glows blue. The older sister swings her hair at Malice, who uses it to swing Rapunzel around wildly. Harmony gasps sharply, creating a black rock between Malice and Rapunzel. Malice growls at this, ripping the black rock right out of the ring. She throws it at Harmony, who dives for the floor to duck out of the way.
Daisy and Pascal land on her hair. She grabs them and simply blows them away.
"Miss Brighty-bright, here comes to the nighty-night!" Malice approaches the two and it seems to be all over for them...
"Hey Malice!"
She looks up to the entrance, as does everyone else. Staylan and Morgan are standing there. "Mind if we cut in?"
They jump into the ring, landing in front of the sisters. "Looks like you owe her a frying pan," Staylan holds up the destroyed weapon.
"And some bows and arrows," Morgan holds up a broken arrow.
"Stalyan!" Rapunzel smiles in relief.
"And Morgan!" Harmony looks relieved too, which is a first. They tag the two in. Malice yells at the new opponents, charging in. Rapunzel grabs Staylan while Harmony lifts up Morgan with a black rock platform, knocking her away. The two land safely, smiling at their partners. Malice snaps out of it, sliding off the ring. She runs up to Goodberry's chair.
"Hey, what are you doing? Not my chair!" She pulls him out of it anyway. "Hey! That's my good chair!"
Rapunzel grips the rope that Malice is standing on. "Give me my good chair back!"
The blonde pulls back and lets go. Malice falls and breaks the chair in the process. She growls and grabs the table.
"No, not my table! Hey, come back with my table!"
Malice lands in the ring, table in hand. "What is it with her and furniture?" Rapunzel couldn't help but wonder.
"Probably on account of she's a sore loser," Morgan shrugs a little with an amused smile. Malice throws the table, but Stalyan jumps up and slices it in half. The halves go flying and Morgan smacks them into pieces with her staff. Stalyan jumps over the fighter's head, landing back to the others.
Malice grabs a stray bench and throws it at them. Rapunzel and Stalyan jump, landing on the piece of furniture. Harmony grips the top of her platform that she made, Morgan hugging her neck from behind.
"Brings back memories."
"On three this time," Rapunzel smiles a bit.
"Count it, blondie."
"And this time, we'll listen," Morgan gives a little smile of her own as Harmony starts to swing.
"One, two, jump!" The two sisters count it off, all four of them jumping into the air. Malice hits the table, the two younger sisters kicking her from behind. They watch as she laughs woozily, and the table crashes over her. They cringe a bit and then Rapunzel simply pushes her down. Goodberry rings the bell.
"I don't believe it. You are all witnessing history, everybody! I present the new champions," He holds up their hands in the air. "The gals with gall, the sisters who can twister, the sweeties who bring the heat-ies, give it up for-"
The four step up to him, having had enough. "We'll be keeping the Eye," Stalyan waves it in front of him.
"And your horses," Rapunzel threatens him. "And by keep I mean borrow. If that's okay."
"And some food! I haven't eaten all day!" Harmony points to him.
"I like your style," Morgan holds out her hand, Harmony high-fiving her. They all leave a stunned Goodberry.
They ride the horses in silence on their way back to Pincosta. "...You know, now I get why he went for you," Staylan speaks up.
"And why Varian takes a shine to you. No pun intended," Morgan states, holding up a finger.
"Eugene?" Rapunzel asks Stalyan.
"I looked at him and I saw a thief. And you looked at him and saw a good person, which made him want to be a good person. And it...worked on us too."
"But don't tell anyone we said that," Morgan warns the two. "And I guess...that Varian wouldn't be who he is today without you. You give him hope, encourage him...and you make a mean surfboard too."
Harmony chuckles lightly, Staylan tossing Rapunzel the eye. "Tell Eugene and Varian we said hi. Come on, Mo."
"Wait," Rapunzel stares after them as they go in another direction. "You're not going to come and get your payment?"
They receive no answer and Harmony waves them forward. "Come on, we only have a few more hours!" The horses run as fast as they can.
Their friends are released as Varian hugs Harmony in relief. She smiles and hugs him back, her worries about him washing away. With his embrace, she can tell that he truly loves her and won't just give everything up for Morgan.
"You really lucked out with this one, Rider," Constable Lumph points to Rapunzel.
"Oh, I know," Eugene replies smugly.
"To the vault, men!" He then giggles as they leave. "Watch your grip, Lewis! You know I'm ticklish."
"I'm sorry you had to deal with Stalyan and Morgan," Eugene frowns at the sisters while rubbing his arms.
"They're not that bad. She didn't even take the payment we offered..." Rapunzel looks through her bag. "Wait. Where's my key?"
They open up the storage unit to see all the money is gone. "We've been robbed!" Hook Foot exclaims, Pascal eating a moth. Daisy sticks out her tongue in disgust. The only objects inside of the chest are a frying pan and a brand-new quiver with alchemy-equipped arrows...and even some shiny normal arrows as well.
Notes are attached to both as the sisters smile.
You guys are a really good match, and I'm not gonna say that that's easy for me to deal with. But the gold will help.
You're good for Varian, and that's the only time I'll admit that. Thanks for the gold, and...I think I'll go visit Vardaros while I'm at it.
The two sisters ride off into the sunset with their horses.