Hook Foot is leaning against a tree, snoring as an apple is on his head. Cass is trying to get the arrow onto the bow, but with her recent hand injury, it was getting a little difficult. She blows a bang out of her face and is about to fire when Eugene walks by and takes it.
"Aha. Ah, thank you."
"Huh?" Hook Foot blinks, waking up.
"Hey, that's our last apple," Cass protests to the former thief.
"Then why are you using it for target practice?" He asks in disbelief.
"I use these breaks to stay sharp," She retorts back. Max and Ruddiger stare at the apple from behind the tree.
"Good. Stay sharp with your own apples," He's about to take a bite.
"I'm sorry, but shouldn't the concern here be that someone was about to shoot an apple off my head?!"
Lance snatches the apple away. "Lance, that's our last apple," Eugene frowns a little as the man shines it with his chest.
"Heh, then someone got here just in time," He's about to take it when Max bumps into him from behind, snatching it in his mouth. "Apple usurper!"
Lance jumps onto the horse, who neighs and wrestles with Lance for it. "Oh, come on!"
Ruddiger takes a hold of the apple, trying to have it for himself. "I want my apple back!" Eugene runs towards them, Cass joining in. Hook Foot just looks on at the fight, arms crossed.
"Don't think just because you got horse slobber all over it, I'm not still gonna eat it," Eugene calls out as Max is balancing the apple on his tongue. Cass is pushing him away from the fruit so that he can't get to it. "It's about principle now."
Rapunzel, Harmony, and Varian look up from the berry bushes nearby. "Uh oh, guys. Sounds like another apple brawl," She rolls her eyes. Pascal squeaks in agreement, grabbing a berry. He tries to eat it, but it bursts, landing on a poster nearby.
"I know, Pascal, but I can't blame them. We've experienced some pretty heavy stuff out here."
"Yeah, but there's always going to be more apples," Harmony rolls her eyes. "We can pick some more when they're ripe again. I'm more of a berry person anyway."
"I like apples as much as the next person, but I'm not getting involved in that one," Varian chuckles, pointing to the group. Daisy shakes her head at them all. Pascal holds up something, getting their attention. Rapunzel opens it up so that they can read it. She gasps at what the poster says.
"Oh, Pascal, this is perfect!" She hugs the poster.
"I dunno..." Varian says skeptically at the paper.
"Great news, everybody!" Rapunzel announces to their friends. "We are going to see Hook Hand in concert." She holds up the concert poster Pascal gave to her.
They simply stare, glancing at each other. They are still in their fighting positions. "Not only will seeing some real live entertainment give us a chance to unwind and get our mind off the road..." Max drops Eugene onto the ground. "And each other, it will be a Hook Brothers' reunion!"
"He's the one who wanted to become a piano player, right?" Harmony looks up at her sister, who nods eagerly. Rapunzel had already told her the whole story when the younger princess came home. She steps forward and hugs Hook Foot.
"Wow. Thanks, Princess," He clasps his hands together. "Seeing my big bro perform sounds delightful. Hmm, oh crackers! This concert's tomorrow and it's all the way in West Ipsil, that's at least three days on foot. We'll never make it on time. Oh well. What's for dinner?"
Rapunzel stares after them. It seems like Hook Foot really doesn't want to see his brother.
"Unless there's a river that can get us there in time, you wouldn't make it," Harmony raises a brow, Hook Foot nodding rapidly in agreement.
"She makes a good point. I knew I liked her."
"Don't worry, Foot," She stands in front of them. "I already have it all figured out. We have plenty of time. All we have to do is leave now, not stop to eat or drink, and walk twice as fast as we normally do. Oh, and no sleeping."
Everyone groans at this as she runs off. "Come on, guys. We have a show to catch!"
Hook Hand is just finishing his set as Rapunzel runs through the entrance, a bit exhausted. "There he is."
Firecrackers appear around the man as he turns to the crowd. "It's so good to be back. Good night, everybody!"
The others appear behind her, more exhausted than she is. "Let's go say hi," She runs off to go meet him, the others slowly following. "That was incredible!" The woman exclaims as they arrive at Hook Hand's caravan.
"We-I mean, we only got to hear two notes..."
"And they were incredible," Rapunzel states to her boyfriend, knocking on the door. "Hook Foot, you must be so proud of your brother. Foot, are you okay?" She jumps in front of him, noticing his sad expression.
"Okay? Yeah, I'm better than okay. I'm thrilled," He replies sarcastically. "Just, uh, tired from all the walking. I got, uh...walk lag!"
"Alright, alright! Who's knocking?" Hook Hand asks irritably, seeing the group standing there. "Hey, Rapunzel!"
"Hook Hand!" She exclaims happily.
"I can't believe you guys came all this way just to see my show," He hugs the woman.
"Of course. We couldn't miss it."
"Oh, and this must be the little sister!" Hook Hand nudges her slightly, causing her to giggle.
"It's finally nice to meet you! Your friends back at the Snuggly Duckling and Rapunzel have told me a lot about you," She holds out her hand, but he gives her a bear hug instead.
"Come here! Any sibling of Rapunzel's is a friend in my book!"
"Wait, you know who she is?" Varian chuckles a little.
"Sure I do! I get letters from my buds about her! And I got somethin' for her that she's gonna like!" He holds up a box, putting it into her hands.
"Oh, thank you, you didn't have to get me—oh my gosh, it's blueberry pie!" Harmony beams at the dessert once she's opened it.
"I played for a town that claims they got the best blueberry pie for miles! Figured you might like one, so I saved it for ya if we ever had the chance to meet."
"Aw, that's so sweet!" Rapunzel beams at him.
"Hey, Hooky. I gotta admit, I kinda-sorta missed seeing you around Corona," Eugene greets him.
"Oh yeah? How about a shake?" He holds up his golden hook.
"Oh! I forgot. That's right, you hate me, and you have a really sharp hook hand. So, I'll just wave, from over here," The former thief slowly backs away. Hook Hand was the one who suggested that they turn in Eugene in the first place...
Then Hook Hand sees Hook Foot. "Wait a sec. Razzle Dazzle, is that you?"
"Razzle Dazzle?" Both Eugene and Lance ask in confusion.
"Bring it in, little bro," Hook Hand pulls him into a bear hug like he did with Harmony.
"You know, it still hurts when you use the hook," Hook Foot says in pain.
"You still dazzlin' everybody with that silly dancin'?" Hook Hand lets out a laugh.
"Whoa. Hold on a second," Rapunzel stares at her friend. "Dancing? Hook Foot, you're a dancer?"
"No," He denies, looking away in embarrassment.
"Ha! Yeah, right," Hook Hand noogies the top of his head. "Dancing was this guy's dream. You believe that?"
"Seriously? How did I now know this?" Rapunzel gestures to him in surprise.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Harmony smiles a little.
"Alright. Actually, dancing was my dream," Hook Foot gets out of his brother's hold. "But not anymore."
"Probably for the best, right?" Hook Hand nudges him with his left elbow. "Now, who wants a tour of my new digs?" He leads them inside, but Hook Foot lags behind. There's a reason why he hasn't visited his brother.
"Hook Foot, you coming?" Rapunzel looks over her shoulder.
"Why? So I can listen to the jerk that crushed my dreams, brag about how he's living his?" Hook Hand points towards inside. He storms off. "Sorry, Princess. It's just, when I was a kid, dancing was my everything." He holds a pole, swinging around it. "It was my dream, but not everyone was happy to let me have that dream," Hook Foot lands in a puddle, looking up at the poster of his brother behind him.
Hook Hand laughed after his brother was done dancing. "You kiddin'? Dancin's for losers."
"Then I find out he had a fancy dream of his own. And when I asked him if I could join him, he just laughed in my face."
Hook Hand laughed at the tiny little slip of the two. "Only losers dance, Razzle Dazzle," He ripped it to pieces and left him behind at the Snuggly Duckling, which was where he had been all that time.
"That's when I gave it all up."
"Oh, Hook Foot, that sounds awful," Rapunzel places a hand on his shoulder in sympathy.
"Why is he so against letting you have your dream?" Harmony frowns in disapproval.
"Siblings are supposed to encourage their dreams...like they do," Varian gestures to the two sisters.
"I mean, we've only ever had one fight, and that was back when I sent Varian away," Rapunzel states, wrapping an arm around her sister. The two smile and hug each other. Compared to them, the Hook brothers don't seem that close.
"Eh, it's ancient history, I guess," Hook Foot shrugs a bit. "I'm just glad this little visit is over and the Brothers Hook can go our separate ways yet again."
Hook Hand suddenly opens up the door behind them. "Got some good news for ya. Turns out, we're headed in the same direction. You guys are ridin' with me."
All four humans and pets glare towards him.
"We're headed to a very important event," Hook Hand explains as they're on the road. "It's a glamorous destination wedding for my patron. He's a king, and he makes sure I get everything I need, so everything's gotta be perfect."
Basically everything in his caravan is either gold or has a gold color. Lance and Shorty are in the hot tub while Cass is enjoying a drink.
"It doesn't get more perfect than this," Lance clinks glasses with Shorty and then with Hook Hand.
"My brother...king..." Hook Foot mutters under his breath. He's been like that ever since they left the previous town. Harmony, Rapunzel, and Varian all join his side.
"We know you're upset about the way he treated you, but people change over time," Rapunzel whispers to him. "Haven't you changed since then?"
"I guess. I mean, I do groom myself now," He lightly touches his hair. "And I can read math."
"May I?" Hook Hand holds out Cass' chair for her.
"Uh...okay," She sits down, watching him offer a napkin to Daisy, Ruddiger, and Pascal. All of them are sitting on top of fruit as he wipes their faces for them.
"Everybody deserves a second chance."
"...Maybe you're right," Hook Foot smiles hopefully. "Maybe he has changed."
Hook Hand takes Eugene by the back of his collar and places him on the hook. "That's the spirit," Rapunzel smiles encouragingly, Hook Hand slamming the door.
"I'll give it a shot," He stands up, walking towards his brother.
"You got this, Foot," Varian gives him a thumbs up.
"Like ripping off a bandaid," Harmony snaps her fingers. He looks towards the three, who gesture for him to do it.
"Gotta hand it to ya, big bro, this sure is a class joint ya got here," Hook Foot decides to compliment him first.
"Yup. 'Cause to be the very best, one must have the very best," Hook Hand places the hook on his shoulder, pulling him forward a little. "And the best is what ya get when you're livin' the dream." He shoves the cupcake in Foot's mouth, getting glares from all four of them. "Of course, we ain't all cut out for greatness."
He pulls out an axe from the back of his shirt. "Are we, Razzle Dazzle?" He throws the axe at the accordion player, who starts to play.
He starts playing the piano, shocking the four. Was he really doing this?
I had a dream
My dream came true
Yes, I got what I deserve
Harmony rolls her eyes in disbelief.
And so did you
He gestures to his younger brother, continuing to play. His hook wiggles around to play some notes. Hook Foot glares at him as a curtain is placed in front of him. A puppet of Hook Foot appears from a little stage.
I'm rich and famous and completely respected
Money surrounds him, and then a couch appears behind him.
And I'm livin' the dream
His puppet lays down on the couch.
My digs are snazzy and my agent's connected
And I'm livin' the dream
Puppet Hook Hand signs a contract before going over to a big red piano.
I'm making millions playing national tours
The puppet rolls down a map.
Decked in the latest from my head to my drawers
Puppet Hook Hand steps out of a little shop dressed in a pink cloth with jewels over it.
Guess you could say my life is better than yours
Puppet Hook Hood pulls a puppet Hook Foot onto the stage, who looks sad and pathetic compared to his brother puppet.
Brother, I'm livin' the dream
Varian, Rapunzel, and Harmony glance towards Hook foot, who crosses his arms with an annoyed eye roll. Then the two puppets walk through a door, two puppet ladies arriving.
The ladies love me and the critics adore me
Yeah, I'm livin' the dream
Surprisingly, a puppet Harmony appears as Hook Hand gives her the blueberry pie. The accordion player struggles to hold all of them up.
I hit a pub, they roll the carpet out for me
'Cause I'm livin' the dream
A red carpet rolls down from a pub.
My fans surround me waving autograph books
Puppet Hook Hand signs some tiny books with his name on them, pushing away Puppet Hook Foot.
They ooh and aah about my stylish good looks
Hook Foot just looks on with a very angered look on his face.
While I endorse my line of signature hooks
Tiny little hooks surround them. "Don't touch, those are diamonds for artistes only!" Hook Foot looks at all the hooks his brother has.
Face it, I'm livin' the dream
Your dreams were lame, stupid, poor dreams
But hey, we don't all get to be a talent like me...
Puppet Hook Hand appears on top of a cake, surrounded by piano keys.
Everybody!
Puppet Hook Hand pulls Pascal and Daisy on stage, and they dance in a line.
This former low-life is enjoying the high life
And I'm livin' the dream
Puppet Hook Hand appears at the very top, basking in the glory.
Livin' the dream
Too bad that your life ain't as awesome as my life
You know what I mean?
The tiny little spoon that was acting as Puppet Hook Foot's foot falls off. Pascal runs up to it.
He's livin' the dream
Look what I got from simply paying my dues
Pascal makes the puppet dance along.
The fame, the fortune, the designer tattoos
He flexes his left arm, which has a tattoo of him playing the piano.
I bet you'd love to spend one day in my, uh...shoe
Shames your career's out of steam
He flicks away the Hook Foot puppet, to the pets' shock.
Me though, I'm livin' the dream!
Hook Foot places a hand on his cheek as he stares at the window, more annoyed now than ever. "I can't believe he treats you like that," Rapunzel approaches him from behind. The door holding Eugene suddenly opens, surprising all of them.
"I can," He says thinly, gritting his teeth. Hook Foot helps him down.
"And here he thought he could get on my good side by giving me my favorite," Harmony huffs, picking up the box of the blueberry pie he gave her. She hasn't even touched it. The girl narrows her eyes and tosses the box out the window.
"Wow. You must be really mad to throw out a blueberry pie," Varian blinks at her.
"We need a better strategy."
"Ooh, I got it. Revenge," Eugene smiles widely. He'd love to see Hook Hand be knocked off his high horse after what he did to him. "I'm talking about shock and awe."
"Eugene," Rapunzel warns the former thief.
"Sorry. What are we, barbarians?" Eugene nudges Hook Foot. "But you actually are a barbarian, so-"
"Still no," Harmony deadpans at him. "Besides, that's petty. What's revenge gonna solve?"
"The only thing it would do is make him more mad at you," Varian points to Eugene.
"They're right. No revenge," Rapunzel speaks up. "It's time to be direct. You need to tell Hook Hand how you really feel. I mean, if it was me and Harmi...well, bad example since I would never make her feel bad in any way on purpose. But if it was the two of us, she would definitely tell me."
"...You really think it would work?" Hook Foot turns to the younger princess.
"Communication is key," Harmony smiles a little. "I tell my big sister everything—cautiously, sometimes because she tends to meddle in my life."
"For good reason," Rapunzel defends herself, holding up a finger. She wasn't going to apologize for trying to make sure her sister had a better life than she did in the castle. "Meddling got you and Varian together, didn't it?"
"Yes and no," Harmony points out.
"We're here! Everybody out!" Hook Hand announces to everyone.
"It's now or never," Rapunzel declares to Hook Foot. "What's it gonna be?"
"Go for revenge," Eugene whispers to the man. "Sweet, sweet revenge."
"Shh! Eugene," Rapunzel gives him a look of disapproval.
"We're not doing that," Varian whispers to him.
"Why not? You two could help him easy!"
"We do not use our intelligence for mediocre things like that," Harmony scrunches up her nose, hands on her hips. "That's basically an insult!"
Hook Foot adjusts his belt, to help him feel brave enough to face his older brother. "Hey, big brother. I got a bone to pick with you." Hook Hand seems to be looking at himself rather than paying attention. "I never liked that nickname 'Razzle Dazzle.' And another thing. I don't like the way you made fun of my talents and interests growin' up. And you know what else? I demand an apology."
Hook Hand scoffs, meaning he was paying attention, he just doesn't care. "Apologize, to you? Get over it, Razzle Dazzle. It's ancient history."
"Uh, I..." He stammers, as he wasn't expecting that reaction. He thought Hook Hand would at least listen and be a little more understanding. He opens the door and storms off.
"If he wants to act like a baby, let him," Hook Hand shrugs it off rather carelessly. "I got a show to do and my patron does not like to kept waiting. He can be a real jerk," He puts make-up on his face.
"How big of a jerk do you have to be for Hook Hand to call you a jerk?" Eugene wonders to the others.
"You are three minutes late, you impunctual, lumpy-faced melody pirate!"
The patron is King Trevor himself...
"Ohhh...him," Eugene narrows his eyes in hatred, the others doing the same.
"King Trevor," Varian looks at him in disdain. He's heard about how he can be, but to witness it at firsthand...
"Everything must be perfect for Trevor Jr's destination wedding. EVERYTHING!"
Hook Hand winces at his screaming.
"I have had it with bullies," Rapunzel clenches a fist. Pascal seems to agree.
"Now, look, I know you're upset, Blondie. But this is a workplace dispute between Hook Hand and his employer, and you're already on your way to interfere, that's fantastic," Eugene sags his shoulders as Rapunzel walks up to the man.
"King Trevor, I don't believe we've met," She places her hands on her hips.
"Who do we have here? Let's see. Impossibly long golden locks, a green shoulder slug. Princess Rapunzel, I presume? And you must be Princess Harmony, what with the dirty pirate look and the ugly duckling on your shoulder."
Harmony gasps sharply, Daisy turning red. She flies towards him, but the girl catches her by the wing. "Calm down, girl...if we do anything drastic, he'll drop Hook Hand as his client." She did have the strong feeling to strangle him, though.
"Oh, and your felonious boyfriend and the boy who almost destroyed Corona! You're still wanted in Equis, you know. And he's a dangerous criminal!"
Eugene clicks his tongue as he doesn't regret that prank. Varian glares at him, clenching a fist.
"But I shall spare your necks the noose, for it was your thievery what led Trevor Jr into the flippers of his true love, Lucille," He gestures to the two seals nuzzling each other.
"Those two seals are getting...married?" She notices all of the sea-inspired food, his and hers collars, and some fishes. "This is a seal wedding?" Rapunzel gasps a little. "Most adorable thing ever!" She then steps back to glare at King Trevor. "This is not over. Congrats, you two." She hugs the seals, Harmony shaking her head slowly.
"Listen well, buffoon," King Trevor turns back to Hook Hand. "This is the most important performance of your measly career, do you understand me? When the ceremony has ended, I will gift the happy couple with a dance, representing the glory of their love. For as you know, I'm regarded as a world-class dancer."
He rips off his shoes to reveal golden ones with rubies all over them. "More like a world-class loser," Harmony whispers to Varian and they both snicker. Eugene fist-bumps both of them, trying to hold his laughter.
"Should one foul note find its way into my Trevor Jr's ear flaps," He leans in towards Hook Hand with a glare on his face. "It is back to the Stinky Weasel with you. Is that clear? Not one foul note!"
Hook Foot hears this and looks out the window of his brother's caravan. King Trevor walks past someone pouring fish into buckets. And then he got an idea on how to teach his big brother a lesson once and for all...
"Not one foul note, eh?" He smiles widely at all the fish. He looks at the silver piano that Hook Hand would be playing tonight.
"Revenge," The accordion player waves the Hook Foot puppet, wanting to see Hook Hand get what's coming to him as well.
Hook Hand changes his hook to a bejeweled one. Rapunzel and Harmony approach him from behind. "Recognize this?" She holds up the hook he had when she met him.
"Ha. That old thing? Yeah, it's what I wore when I was a nobody."
"It's your old hook," She narrows her eyes. "And you wore it when all you had was a dream. Of all people, you should know what it feels like to have to hide your dream."
He frowns, looking towards his golden hook. "Why would you do that to somebody else?"
"'Cause dancin' is dumb," Hook Hand declares to her.
"Listen, I don't care who you are, but you do not get to treat your own brother like this! It's not right," Harmony points in his face, gritting her teeth. "Do you realize how much it hurts him for you to dismiss his dreams like this? My sister talked so much about how you changed, but I don't think you really did! How careless do you have to be to do this to someone?"
"His dreams are lame! What's he gonna do, pirouette to stardom?"
Rapunzel grabs him by the collar, pulling him forward. "Wrong ans-" She notices the height difference between them, clearing her throat. "Pascal? Daisy?"
She gestures to a stool. Daisy flies Pascal over and together, they push the stool to her feet. She stands on it to look down on him.
"Wrong answer, bub. Just because you're bigger than someone, it doesn't mean that you can look down on them. You should support your brother. If it weren't for us supporting your dream, you'd still be wearing this," She holds up the old hook, handing it to him. She walks off and Harmony lingers, looking to her sister.
"Can I?"
"...Just a little one," Rapunzel relents to her sister. Harmony runs up to Hook Hand and kicks him in the leg lightly.
"Ow!" He holds his foot, hopping up and down. His hook gets stuck and he falls onto the floor.
"Unlike your brother, I still have a foot to kick your butt with if you don't get your act together!" She points to him, pointing between her eyes and at him, meaning she's watching him. Harmony backs away while still doing this action.
The wedding occurs soon after, lively chattering behind heard. Hook Hand is in front of the crowd, sitting at his piano. Hook Foot places down the last fish in a bucket, peeking behind a tree.
King Trevor is doing a little dance in front of the steps that lead to Hook Hand. "And now," He spins around, both Harmony and Varian rolling their eyes. "I shall favor the couple with my dance. Maestro Hook Hand."
He looks towards the others, everyone except Lance angry with him because he's eating...but he does think about what the two sisters said to him. Harmony and Rapunzel have such a close bond...while him and his brother really don't. They were right; he shouldn't be discouraging Hook Foot's dreams. And if it wasn't for Rapunzel, he wouldn't even be here right now.
"Enough dawdling, fool. Play!" King Trevor orders impatiently.
Hook Hand simply stands up, clearing his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, and seals. I got somethin' to say."
Hook Foot comes out of hiding. "Playing the piano for people like you was always my dream. And I'm living my dream because people that could've laughed at me, didn't. But the truth is, I haven't always been as supportive of other people's dreams as I should have."
Hook Foot frowns a little. He's never heard Hook Hand so sincere in his life...
"Enough of this sentimental hogwash. It is time for my dance," King Trevor announces, the crowd cheering. Lance sniffs the air.
"Uh, does anyone else smell fish?"
"Always thinkin' with your stomach," Cass rolls her eyes.
Hook Foot gasps, seeing the fish tail peeking out from the piano, which his big brother doesn't see. "No...!" He tries to stop him, even pushing away a food table, but it's too late as Hook Hand plays a foul note. "No!"
The fish fly out of the piano, Hook Hand looking in horror. The two seals stop nuzzling, turning to the piano player as the guards gasp. Shorty, however, sticks out his tongue at the fish and holds up silverware.
King Trevor spits out his water upon hearing it, wiping his mouth. He grits his teeth and storms up to Hook Hand. He taps a note, wondering what could've happened.
"You are a failure. And as of this moment, I am revoking my support of your music."
Hook Hand's face drops onto the piano out of sadness. "Guards," King Trevor snaps his fingers. "Remove this leather-clad, silly mustached gremlin from my sight."
"Hold on," Hook Foot stops the guards before they could move further. "Hold on. How dare you talk to my brother that way?"
As much as a jerk his brother was to him, he didn't deserve to get the same treatment. Especially after he apologized when he had dismissed it earlier when demanded to do so. Deep down, he supports his brother's dream.
"He's got more talent in that one hand of his than you got in your entire body."
Hook Hand opens his eyes at his little brother's words.
"Who are you to judge talent, you chipmunk-faced meat hook?" King Trevor looks at him angrily for the insult.
"Who is he?" Rapunzel speaks up, getting everyone's attention. "Uh, he just happens to be the best dancer in Corona. He could dance you under the table any day. Unless you don't think you have what it takes."
"Boom!" Varian points to Rapunzel, and King Trevor just laughs.
"This ruffian is the best in Corona? Ha."
Hook Foot pulls Rapunzel in front of him. "Rapunzel, I don't think this is such a great idea," He rubs his neck. He hasn't danced in years.
"You can do this," Rapunzel encourages him.
"If it's a dance-off he wants, it's a dance off he shall have," King Trevor moves his legs up and down, doing a split. "The stakes? If I lose, I shall double my contributions to this sad sack's piano career," He jumps into the air, jerking a thumb to the saddened Hook Foot. "But if I win he'll never play another note, ever again."
The crowd murmurs in shock as Harmony faces him bravely. "And if we win...you also have to admit that he's the best dancer in Corona, and apologize to Hook Hand for being a jerk to him!" Harmony points to Hook Foot.
"You drive a hard bargain...fine, I shall accept these extra terms...but they're not going to happen!" King Trevor chuckles boastfully at her. Hook Hand gives his brother a thumbs up, having faith in him. "Let the dance-off commence!" King Trevor starts first, dancing with his guards.
"Um, a little problem here," Hook Hand calls out. "My piano is full of fish."
"Problem solved," Shorty throws up the fish bones as he ate all of the fish that was in there. He lets out a burp.
"For once, Shorty's appetite actually helped," Varian blinks at him.
"I could use some accompaniment?" Hook Hand gestures to Rapunzel, who starts playing the guitar. Varian plays the tambourine as Harmony plays the flute. Hook Foot stretches his arms, Cass looking on with her arms crossed. Lance just continues eating.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Eugene asks the trio skeptically. "I mean, betting Hook Hand's entire future on that guy's ability to dance?"
"You can't achieve a dream without first risking failure," Rapunzel pinches his nose, causing him to grin.
"He's got this," Varian jerks a thumb to the man. Hook Foot's pants rip and Hook Hand stops playing.
"...Hopefully," Harmony admits after a few seconds, blinking slowly.
A spotlight falls on King Trevor. "You shall listen as I proclaim the dance-off rules. The first dancer goes, and the second dancer shall match and embellish. After which Lucille shall choose the winner." He moonwalks over to the couple.
"All these people here and you pick the seal to be the judge?" Cass facepalms at this.
"Of course. That is, after all, her official title. She is...the Seal of Approval."
The crowd groans at the joke, Cass shaking her head. King Trevor starts first, of course. "Step, change, pas de bourree." Hook Foot's eyes widen at his dance moves.
"Jete. Jete. Jete. Jete," He throws off his cape and it lands on Hook Foot. He pulls it off in annoyance, stepping up to the stage. He trips in front of the steps, causing the crowd to laugh at him. King Trevor laughs as he jumps onto a chair. "It does look like the best dancer in Corona isn't up to the challenge."
"Oh, you bet he is up for it!" Harmony glares at him.
"Just watch," Varian spits at him. Hook Foot spins around, clapping his hands as he copies the exact same moves, angering King Trevor.
"Your majesty," He challenges the king. He walks past Hook Foot.
The dance-off continues as they do the same moves.
"Woo! Alright! Get down, Hook Foot!" Lance cheers for him. They shuffle their feet around, King Trevor spinning around a pole. Hook Foot does the same and when they lift themselves up, King Trevor has a simple rose and Hook Foot has a bouquet. All of the guards start to cheer as King Trevor does the worm. The seals clap while barking.
Hook Foot does a little Irish jig on stage, King Trevor staring at him in shock. Pascal and Daisy tend to him as he warms up.
King Trevor kicks his feet while kneeling. Hook Foot spins himself around...but when he does a stomp, a clang is heard and he cringes. The whole crowd gasps at the sound. He looks at his hook to see that it's bent.
King Trevor chuckles as he rubs his hands, thinking he has the win. Hook Foot hobbles over to Rapunzel, Harmony, and Varian, sighing.
"That's it for me. I can't do it. Not without my hook. Maybe he's just too good..." He looks to King Trevor having his shoulders massaged.
"We are not losing to this jerk!" Harmony points to the ground.
"Are you just gonna let him have his way?" Varian gestures to the man.
"Hook Foot, I..."
"Guys...let me talk to him," Hook Hand approaches, gesturing to himself. The three step back a bit as he kneels in front of his younger brother. "Come on, Dazzle. I need you to dig down deep, and find them guys and show this chump what real talent looks like."
"But even if I wanted to, my hook..." He looks at his busted hook, looking down sadly.
"Maybe this'll help," Hook Hand holds out his gem-studded golden hook. "It's only for true artistes. Now get in there, and live your dream," He gives the hook to his brother, pushing him away.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Rapunzel gives him a kiss on the cheek.
"But how are you gonna play for him?" Varian gestures to Hook Foot.
"With this," Harmony smiles, holding up the old hook. Hook Hand takes it with a grin. The gems from the gold hook shine as Hook Hand starts to play. The others keep playing their instruments, Hook Foot tapping his right foot to the beat. Cass, Eugene, Lance, Max, and Shorty look on as the horse shakes his tail. Hook Foot snaps his fingers, stepping back. He starts spinning around, Lance nudging Eugene, who had his eyes covered. The former thief smiles at his friend. Hook Foot slides across the room.
The four instrument players all smile along, continuing to play. Hook Foot slides to the side, pieces of floor landing on an annoyed King Trevor. A few baby seals bop their heads to the beat. Hook Foot spins around and jumps into the air, a shine appearing from the hook while he's in the air. He lands safely and King Trevor actually starts crying.
Hook Foot presses his hand against the wall, leaning his head back. He then jumps up to the ceiling, reaching the top. He spins around using the hook, sparkles flying from him. King Trevor opens his mouth in shock, Pascal and Daisy cheering along with the crowd.
The four play to their content as Hook Foot lands safely on the ground, the crowd cheering. "Okay, that's enough," King Trevor stops everything as he approaches the stage. "Lucille shall now choose the winner."
She smiles, jumping up the stairs. Two horns are brought in front of her, one for Hook Foot, and one for Trevor. She looks between the two.
"You know what to do," King Trevor whispers to her. She glances between the two men...and chooses Hook Foot. He cheers, pumping up his fists.
"That's my little brother!" Hook Hand gestures to him. The guards lift up the thug past a shocked King Trevor.
"This challenge is not over. Do you hear me? It's not over!"
"Suck it and pay up, you deadbeat loser!" Harmony points at him, grinning. He growls at the insult, and she doesn't regret saying that at all. Hook Hand hugs the four.
"You enjoy twirling, do you?" King Trevor crawls up to the top. "Well, get a load of this!" He tries the same trick Hook Foot did, but slips and lands in the cake. Everyone laughs at him, Varian chuckling a bit.
"Wow! He did that one all on his own, huh?"
"Oh, what utter humiliation..." King Trevor murmurs, "Smathered in tartar sauce, icing, and mackerel. I don't deserve this!"
Trevor Jr places the cake topping on him, nuzzling his wife.
"A deal's a deal, I suppose…Hook Foot is the best dancer in Corona…and I…humbly apologize for my callous behavior."
The group smiles, and Rapunzel makes a mental note to draw this moment.
"It was so great getting to see you again, Hook Hand," Rapunzel hugs the piano player.
"You too, Princess. And it was great to meet your little sister," He pats the top of Harmony's head with his right hand. She hugs him instead and he returns it, smiling. "Thanks for everything."
"I'm really gonna miss you, big brother," Hook Foot smiles sincerely.
"Well, I ain't gonna miss you," Hook Hand crosses his arms, confusing not just his brother, but everyone else as well. It seems like he's back to his old self again... "I mean, how am I gonna miss you if you're on the road with me?"
He pulls down a rope, revealing the same sign that Hook Foot made before his brother took off.
"Really? You mean it?" He steps up to the sign, he couldn't believe that his brother recreated it... "But...my friends. I'd have to leave them," He rubs the back of his neck.
"Hook Foot, we love having you with us," Rapunzel states with a soft smile. "But this is your chance to follow your own destiny. Go. Live your dream."
"This isn't just a chance to live your dream, but to experience it with your brother again," Harmony smiles, putting a hand to her heart. "If it were me, I'd make the decision to go too."
"Thank you," He hugs the two princesses happily. Hook Hand joins in on the hug. "I don't think I've ever been more happy."
Eugene tries to join the hug too, but Hook Hand growls at him. "Okay..." He backs away slowly. "I thought the moment brought us over this emotional hump. My bad. Misread."
Hook Foot leaves with his brother, everyone waving. "I'm gonna miss that guy," Lance tears up a bit.
"Me too," Cass couldn't help but admit. "...Maybe."
"Yeah, underneath their rough exteriors, the Hook Brothers are really sweet and thoughtful guys," Rapunzel clasps her hands. Varian looks towards the ground, thinking about her words. "...Except for the fact that they left us in the middle of nowhere without transportation."
Everyone groans upon hearing this. "No groaning, people. We've got destinies to discover. Now, move out!"
"...Princess?"
Rapunzel looks to Varian, who bites his lip. "I realize now that...what happened with my father was my mistake. And...I'm really sorry for everything I've done. To all of you. Until I have to return to Corona...I just want to spend it with you all. I don't wanna have to hide my feelings like Hook Foot did."
"Varian..." Rapunzel smiles softly, pulling him into a hug. Harmony looks on happily. "We'll gladly honor that wish."
He returns the hug, finally letting go of his grudges...but he does know that all of Corona won't forgive him for what he's done.
How was he going to pull that off...?