A.N. To all my extremely patient readers and reviewers, this chapter is for you. I am so sorry for the terrible wait. I've been extremely busy with working on a real novel and keeping up with school and just dealing with issues that many of you are probably familiar with. Still, it's no excuse. Someone called me on it and I will stand and accept it. If I was reading a story I was really enjoying, I would hate to have to wait almost a year to get an update. If anything, it's a compliment, so thank you and my apologies again. Hopefully this chapter lives up to expectations.

As always enjoy, and thanks again for waiting.

Chapter Eight:

He needed to breathe.

She had fallen asleep in his arms, ignorant to the horror reflected in his eyes, the terror running throughout his entire body. While she had shifted to fit the contours of his body, he had remained fixated on the line of white marring the sea of brown that topped her head. He wanted to pretend that he had imagined it, but he could not draw his eyes away for long, before they were glancing back to see the line, so defined, so clear. He could not lie to himself.

Certain that she was now lost to the calm of her dreams, he slipped away from her, finding it almost impossible to look away from her. He had to force himself, force his eyes to tear away from the disheartening sight. And then he was running without reprieve, without sense through the long corridors of the palace, down the winding stairs. He passed people he could not put a name too. Most remained faceless, as they remained blurred to his senses.

Reaching the main hall, his focus was rooted on the door that would lead him to the outside world. Fresh air would do him good. Here it was stuffy; here it was draining and stifling. Outside, he would be able to escape for a moment, even a second, just to clear his head, and rearrange his thoughts.

"Rider!"

His name called should have forced him to a stop, but he fought the urge to recognize the person calling his name. Leave me alone, he thought fiercely, wanting only to ignore the painfully familiar voice. For God's sake, let me be!

"Eugene?" It was a softer, feminine voice this time, just as recognizable and equally unwelcome.

"Mr. Fitzherbert!"

He stopped then. Three times a charm. The forceful voice of the king could not be ignored, not without fear of punishment.

Inches from the door, he felt robbed of his freedom. Turning to stare at the three gathered at the top of the stairs, his eyes shone with displeasure and contempt. "What have I done now?"

His tone should not have been accepted, and he could see in Vincent's eyes, a will to teach him respect. A restraining hand on his shoulder held him back.

"Nothing," the king assured him as he descended the marble staircase. Queen Adelaide followed him in time, her dress skimming the surface as she went. "We're only…concerned."

He bit his lip angrily. If he had slowed down, perhaps he could have escaped their notice. So consumed he was with the revelation of her fading hair, he had not chosen his actions as carefully as he normally would. "Everything's fine," he remarked, hoping it would be enough, knowing he would not be so lucky.

The queen spoke next, her voice gentler than her husbands, but still filled with suspicion. "When we couldn't find you this morning, we were worried for the worst. When you ran out, we feared even more."

"Sorry," he obliged without meaning it. "I just…I'm worried about her."

She smiled emphatically. "We all are. But the Doctor assures us she'll be fine. You mustn't worry, Eugene."

He nodded, unable to reveal the truth of her condition. As long as he remained uncertain on the direness of her situation, he would not trouble the king and queen with mere speculation. "I just need to go for a walk, but I swear I'll come back." He attempted to say this in his most earnest voice, those his stomach pitched and rolled anxiously.

"We know you would, but…" the queen turned to her husband for help.

The king cleared his throat. "Since the events of last evening, I have been forced to reconsider the precarious nature of your status within the kingdom." He paused, waiting for Eugene to respond. He remained silent, his face blank, waiting for more. "Until we can properly address the people, we'll have to return to our previous agreement of you avoiding the outside world."

This garnered Eugene's most forceful anger. "You can't keep me locked up here. I have done nothing wrong..." That wasn't quite the truth. "I haven't done anything wrong recently. I've stopped."

"You forget, Mr. Fitzherbert, that they have already been made aware of the truth of your actions. They know you saved Rapunzel, but they still have not taken to you. They still perceive you as a thief, a man who ruined lives. You wrong them, Eugene. They do not appreciate it. It's time you made it right."

"Then tell me what to do!"

The king bestowed him the saddest of smiles. "Patience, my boy. Give it time. We are working on it."

Time was one thing he did not have. If Rapunzel…he hated to even think of it. He had to find Kaylee, had to talk to that woman again to see if she could shed more light. She had known something, but he had cast her aside. He would have to make amends, just in case… "It's urgent that I leave."

"If it's fresh air you need, there is a courtyard for you to use at your convenience. If there is something you must do and, if it is as urgent as you say, then you will have to wait till evening, and you will have to go in disguise, accompanied by Vincent or another guard. Those are the conditions that you must deal with, Mr. Fitzherbert, for your safety and the safety of my daughter."

Eugene frowned angrily. He could not have Vincent running after him, but there was another… "What about Hookhand?"

"I beg your pardon."

Eugene smiled, briefly, though it felt good nonetheless. "He's a thug from the Snuggly Duckling, brave and good and strong. Would he do?"

The king paused, his face lined with consideration. "I don't see why not," he finally consented. "I do not believe you'll find them here, though. They were helping our search, but this morning parted for their tavern in the woods.

That wouldn't do. And then another came to mind. "What about Max?"

The king laughed then. "Are you so intent on not having Vincent as a guide that you would opt for the protection of a horse?"

"Max has done a lot for me lately. We're good friends."

The queen laughed too, and for a second, Eugene could almost pretend that everything would be okay. But then the king took on a solemn tone. "I think, Mr. Fitzherbert, that it would be far more inconspicuous if you were accompanied by another human being. That is my ruling on the matter. And again, I'm only doing this for your own good. I do not do it to spite you, nor to belittle you. Please respect me in this."

"You have my respect," Eugene said honestly, not wanting to give in, but seeing in that moment that no other option would present itself. "Tonight then." He looked to Vincent who was scowling discontentedly. The man might have protected him when the king had called on him to do so, but he could hardly imagine the man after willingly laying down his life for him.

"Tonight." Vincent nodded and it was done.

Tonight.

Rapunzel woke up feeling far more energized than before. Wrapped in her covers, she lay still for a few seconds, thinking. She had not slept so well in a long time.

Glancing to her right, she opened her eyes to see Eugene sitting in a chair, diligently reading a book bound in a hard, red cover. Across the front was written: The Vampyre. She tried to place the word, but it was one she could not recall to mind. He seemed to be enjoying it, in any case. She could tell by the way, his lips fell in between a smile and a frown.

"What's it about?" Having been confined to only a handful of books, she was hardly literally inclined. Though she did love to read and intended to expand her knowledge.

Eugene glanced up, smiling. Warmth crept through her, to see him smile. Love. The word echoed in her head. "Vampires."

"Vampyres?" Her face scrunched up as she pondered the word. It was not one that she could pull from her vocabulary of words. "Thieves?"

Eugene appeared bemused. "Not really, but sort of. They steal your blood, drink it. The undead." He paused then.

"Sounds terrible," Rapunzel exclaimed, genuinely horrified by the idea.

Eugene nodded, but his eyes were suddenly covers, drawn down to hide something from the world, or keep it bottled up.

"What?"

He shook his head. She could not comprehend, and would not draw the conclusion herself, but in that moment, Eugene was thinking about he was almost undead. He had died, but had come back. What did that make him? "It's a little gory. You wouldn't enjoy it."

She had not asked, but she accepted his dismissal as a need to change subject. "How are you feeling?"

"I think I should be the one asking that particular question." Eugene seemed glad to be rid of talk of vampires. "You look better."

"I feel better. Not perfect," she added honestly, "but better." She glanced at him carefully. "You make me feel better."

He looked saddened by her comment. Why that was, she could not understand either? It dawned on her that something might be terrible wrong with her. Perhaps they did not want to tell her how bad it was? Perhaps she was ill, really ill? She didn't want to consider it, so forced her mind to blank on the matter. "Did I say something wrong?"

Again his head waved from side to side. "No. I'm just tired."

"Do they hurt?"

"Not a bit."

She knew better. He was just trying to be brave. For her? Not necessarily. She gazed warily at the purple colouring around his cheek bones and eye. He looked worse than he had before, and still he smiled as if nothing was bothering him. But there was something in his smile, something that suggested he was holding back.

"Rapunzel?" He was staring at her questioningly. He had noticed her watching. "I'm fine here. Are you?"

She nodded, gracing him with a small smile. She wanted to be fine, wanted to be glad just to be with him. But there was something stopping her, something she could not completely describe. So, she sufficed with a lie. "I'm fine. Just thinking."

His face scrunched then, reflecting the concern bright in his eyes. Placing his book aside, he moved out of the chair to kneel beside her bed. As he did, his hand reached for hers, squeezing with as much tender care he could provide. She shivered slightly at the sensation it left her with, finding it hard to ignore the shock rushing up and down her spine. "Rapunzel, I'm going to make you a promise now. And I swear, I will lay my life on the line to hold to it. As long as I'm breathing, I will keep you safe. As long as I'm alive, I won't let anything bad happen to you. I swear."

Her trembling grew with the power of his words as they came over her. The raspy severity of his voice and the weight of his promise made her suddenly very afraid. She did not want him to see the terror she knew was her widening his eyes. She didn't have to work hard to hide it.

He was almost oblivious to everything as he leaned in to claim her lips, his hands cupping her face as if they were afraid that if they slipped away, so would she.

As they embraced, she tried to force the fears out of her mind. Nothing's wrong. He just loves you. He just wants to make sure nothing like this happens again. But she could not convince herself of the truth of it, and as Eugene pulled away, she held back the tears, pretending to be happy. Eugene seemed unaware.

In truth, he was pretending not to notice.

Vincent was waiting for him in the courtyard, dressed in plain clothes. He looked small, almost fragile, without the weight of his armour and uniform. The scowl on his face was still an intimidating one, but still Eugene smiled in wonderment, though it was quick to fade as an image flitted across his mind. It was faint, but he knew what it was. He also knew he did not want it.

He shook it away. A memory he'd been repressing for five years now, he was not going to let it surface now. Gone again, he took a deep breath as he shortened the distance between him and the captain of the guards.

"Took you long enough to get here, Rider."

Eugene shrugged, his hand falling briefly to the dagger concealed beneath his cloak. He would not go back there unarmed. An area too dark and suspicious for his liking, he wouldn't even be going back if it wasn't for Rapunzel. He needed answers though, answers only one person could supply.

In silence, the two men headed out. The moon shone bright and round overhead, a bright being in the velvety darkness of the night sky. Eugene glanced at it as they walked into the streets of Corona, his footsteps slow and careful as he trod softly beside Vincent. The captain's own steps were heavy, as if carrying a larger load. He could see the evident displeasure on the man's face. He did not want to be there. Well, Eugene carried the same sentiment.

"You know, I would have been fine, coming on my own. The streets are practically deserted."

"Practically, but not totally," Vincent commented, his irritation evident even in his voice. "Now is the time when the true ruffians come out. I'm sure you know that, though."

"Low blow," Eugene accused, frowning. How could anyone in their right mind possibly think that putting the two of them together would be a good idea? "Besides, I was always more of a morning person."

There was no response from Vincent, the man falling to a sullen mood as they continued on. Eugene looked again to the night sky. Stars were slowly permeating the black cover, dotting the sky like freckles dot a face. Seeing the stars made him think of Rapunzel and the lanterns and that one blissful moment when everything had seemed so perfect. Nothing had really seemed so perfect since. Even saving her from Gothel had come with a price. If only he could go back to that moment. He would freeze time, keep them forever trapped in that one instant when the world hadn't mattered. She had been everything then: the air he breathed, the song in his head, and the image in his mind. But he could not go back, only forward, and in that second, he swore he would not lose her. She was keeping him tied to the ground. If he lost her, he would lose himself.

"Are we going somewhere specific, Rider? Or did you really just need to go for a stroll?"

The frustrated hint in Vincent's voice brought Eugene back to the present. He glanced warily at the man, unable to ignore the look of impatience pervading his features. "I…no, I actually do have someplace to be." He paused then, trying to remember the way. "Umm…"

"Good lord! Do you enjoy tormenting me?" Vincent swore angrily. A small group of people were passing beside them and jumped slightly at the sudden exclamation. Their heads whipped around to face them and Eugene quickly turned his back. It would not bode well for him if anyone were to see him. But then again…

Vincent was momentarily distracted, his attention focused on the group of people and making sure they did not want to destroy the man they knew to be Flynn Rider. They seemed oblivious, though, to Eugene's once identity and continued on without a word. It was a brief window of opportunity, a second, a breath, and Eugene claimed it.

He sidled slowly down the nearest alley, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible, his feet just grazing the floor beneath. Glancing back, Vincent was still diverted by the small crowd, watching as they left. But then his face was turning, his eyes widening as he realized Eugene was slipping away.

"No you don't."

Eugene took off at a sprint, already a good few feet clear of Vincent. He dashed down the alleyway, already knowing that this was a race he could win. In good form, he knew he had the skill to evade, had been tested many times, and had been chased down these very streets. He had managed to escape then. He would be able to now.

It took him a few turns down various alleys, manoeuvering himself without difficulty. There was one particular street he was looking for, one he was certain would lead him to safety.

A thick brick wall stood at the end of it. He raced towards it without chagrin, his speed increasing, helping him to gain the proper momentum. When he was close enough, he leapt.

Carried on by the speed of his running feet, he gained a few feet in the air, his fingers gripping onto the ledge. Without hesitation, he hoisted himself up and dropped down to the other side. He was free.

Pausing a moment to breathe, he waited to hear footsteps. There were none. He sighed happily, and stepped forward. As he did, a hand fell on his shoulder.

He turned around, and his eyes opened wide in surprise. "Kaylee?"

"I knew you would come back. I've been waiting."

As they entered the degenerate area of Corona, Eugene's hand gripped tighter to the handle of his blade, holding it for reassurance. It was what he needed most in themoment.

Kaylee had refused to talk all the while, her pace faster than he had thought possible, her footsteps silent, nonexistent almost. He was sure she was gliding, but every time he glanced down, he could see her feet touching the ground.

Eyes were watching him. He couldn't see them, but he could feel them, boring into his back. He shivered in the slight chill, suddenly aware of his vulnerability. He slid the blade slightly from its sheath.

"They don't mean you harm, Eugene Fitzherbert. They're a curious lot, but hardly a dangerous one. You walk among friends here. These are the persecuted, like you. They are your kin."

He nodded, easing his grip. His heart was racing, but he bade it to slow down as he followed her into the den of a house she called home. The familiar scent of herbs and potions overpowered him, but with a few deep breaths, he managed to relieve himself of the feeling of nausea.

"Sit," Kaylee ordered then, as she moved around the tiny room he had once woken in, searching desperately for something. "Sit," she repeated as he remained standing.

"I prefer to stand," he countered, his senses on alert as wariness consumed his mind. She had known about Rapunzel somehow. She was a witch. There were answers only she could give, but it did not mean he could trust her. If anything, it made him trust her less.

"And I prefer if you sit," she reiterated with sudden firmness, rounding on him with a certain ferocity. She stared into his eyes, her own electric blue ones full of amusement. "You do not trust me. Still? You are a fool, Eugene Fitzherbert. A poor judge of people. A poor liar. A poor fool. You put your faith in the wrong people. I am here to help you. Now, you must give me your trust. So sit."

He finally consented, taking the small cot. He refused to find comfort in it, preferring to remain defensive, even in this seated position. She chuckled, shaking her head, as she resumed her speech. "So, you know I speak the truth? You've seen what no one else wants to."

"Yes," Eugene replied carefully. "She really is dying, isn't she?"

Kaylee nodded as she turned back to face him. "It is truth. But it is not necessary."

"There's a way to save her, then." Eugene sat forward anxiously, his hands clenched. "Tell me."

"I will. But first, you need to understand why." She stared at him curiously. "But perhaps you already do." Her gaze did not waver, as she waited for his reply, her form seeming to grow as she kept him in her powerful gaze. "Do you, Mr. Fitzherbert?"

He nodded, swallowing hard. He'd been thinking on it ever since discovering the faded hair. "It's my fault. She tried to save my life, and she's dying for it." It hadn't been hard for him to realize. In fact, it had been quite easy to realize.

"Yes." Kaylee's voice was grave as she gave her accordance. "Unwittingly, she doomed herself. A life taken cannot easily be repaid. A life restored must be paid with another. The balance of the world is destroyed. Life and death should not be played with."

"But she didn't mean to."

"Matters not. She brought you back. But a task that strong cannot be so easily undertaken. She has weakened herself. She is fading. You have seen it. She has little over a week left."

Eugene's heart was crashing, breaking into a million little pieces as it fell against the floor of his stomach. He had as good as killed her with his own stupidity. The solution to it…he glanced questioningly at Kaylee, remembering the strange dream she had led him to. Was that what it took? His chest constricted at the thought. "So, to fix it, I have to die?"

Kaylee paused, her features remaining emotionless as she considered his words. "There is another way."

"Another way?" He realized it was not a definitive answer to his question, but it hardly mattered.

She nodded. "There is a fountain, a pool of water, blessed by the same graces that once gifted a flower with the power to heal. A second drop of sunlight fell to the earth, ages before the one that gave Rapunzel her powers. It landed in waters not far from here. Only a few know of it, its powers kept hidden for years to protect it. Rumours have spread—as is only natural, but it has yet to be found."

"The Fountain of Youth," Eugene breathed, remembering the tales that had once been told within the confines of the Orphanage. Stories of a pool that, when drank from, would bestow renewed life onto the drinker, had been favourites of most of the students. He had never taken to them, preferring to see it as hokum. Fairy tales for the insecure, he had preferred to embrace stories of adventure, of living the one life you were given. It was ironic how he had come to claim the benefits of such a tale. Rapunzel had given him a second life, destroying hers in the process.

Kaylee was grinning at Eugene's knowing. "My mother was once the guardian of it, but her love for a wounded sailor made her leave. She died many years ago, burned by those who believed her a witch. Before her death, she told me of its location, making me promise to hold it a secret. For twenty years, I have kept that promise. Tell me, Eugene Fitzherbert: should I break my promise for you?"

"Yes," he answered without hesitation. "Please, I'll give anything."

"There is something I want," Kaylee replied. "So make me a promise. When you have saved the princess, you will return here, and you will do what I ask without pause."

Eugene was reluctant to agree. Staring at the woman, he realized that there was a certain fire burning in her eyes. her mother had been burnt on Rapunzel's father's orders. The truth of it shot through him. Did she want revenge? The glean in her eyes, made him fear as much. "I will not harm…"

"And you will not," she interjected. "If I wanted to hurt the king, I would not be offering to save his daughter. Losing her was pain enough. For eighteen years, he suffered, but I took no delight in it. He did not kill my mother, Mr. Fitzherbert. And I do not seek revenge. What I want, is something greater. And you will find out what it is, when you return."

He should not trust her, but the honesty of her voice was hard to ignore. And for Rapunzel, he would do anything. "I promise, that upon my return, I will do what you ask."

"Then this map is yours." She handed him a sheet of parchment. He had not noticed it yet, but he realized that she must have been holding it the entire time. "The Fountain is more than three days from here. If you wish to save her, you must bring Rapunzel with you. Is that understood?"

Eugene nodded, anxious then to leave the stifling room. "Understood."

"Then we are done. For now."

She fell silent, the tone in her voice a firm sign of finality.

That could not be it. "Is there no other help you can give me?"

Kaylee's eyes were cold as they watched him, unkind to his questioning. "I have already given you more. Take it. Do with it what you will. The Fountain will work, Eugene. You have solemn promise." She paused, reflecting. "If it is my presence you so desire, it is not something I can grant. There are people looking for me, people who seek to persecute me as they once did my mother. I would be unwise to step willingly into their mists." She took his hand then, her skin soft and warm against his. "You will succeed, Mr. Fitzherbert. If you truly love her, everything will be as it should."

As much as he wanted to believe her, there was something in her voice that struck him with sudden doubt. There was more to it than what she was saying. There was something she was holding back. If you truly love her, everything will be as it should. Those words held a weight of gravity, and even her silken voice could not stop him from realizing that his life might, for Rapunzel's sake, need to end for good.

A.N. So, how was it? I think the story's starting to pick up the pace now. From here on out, the story will focus on Eugene trying to save Rapunzel. The question is: will he get her to the Fountain in time? And if he does, will his life be the price to pay? You'll have to stay tuned to find out.

While I can't promise another chapter in the next week, I promise to have the ninth chapter up before too long (maybe a month at most). I have a few assignments due now, and trying to balance life and school on one foot is hard enough. Still, I will do my best.

Please leave a review, a comment, a critique, or praise to let me know what you think and if you're still interested in reading more. I hope you are. The adventure's just beginning, and the ride will be an emotional one—guaranteed.

As always, love and God bless,

Faith