A.N. Okay. This chapter. UGH! This chapter. It didn't quite pan out the way I had hoped but I'm tired of going over it and tired of hating it. I'll leave it to your own critiques as our story winds down.

Thanks to everyone who continues to review. I'm glad you're still enjoying this mess of a story.

And here we go.

Chapter Eighteen:

Rapunzel woke with a feeling of weariness she had not encountered yet on their journey. Her eyes were heavy with fatigue, her body languid in its movements as she tried to rise up from her cushioned bed. She could feel the extent of her tiredness in every inch of her body. It ran through her veins, spreading a lethargic aura that left her wishing for sleep.

A hand fell on her shoulder as she failed to lift herself up from the floor, choosing instead to stay in a restive state, where her limbs could relax and her body fade to sleep.

She recognized the touch and wondered if she was in a dream. He can't be here, she told herself. Perhaps her mind was so wearied that the lines between reality and fantasy where blurring to the point of nonexistence.

"Rapunzel?"

That was his voice, soft and caring as she knew it to be. She smiled as she closed her eyes, wishing that his presence would remain should she fall into dreams.

"Rapunzel?"

Her body rocked as the hand pressed into her back, shaking her with tender force. She frowned. Why was he trying to wake her up? She was coming to him.

"Rapunzel?"

She broke from her hazy reverie and forced herself to sit up. Eugene was towering over her, his eyes wide and concerned. He ran a hand over her face, caressing it.

"You're tired."

"I thought I was dreaming," she whispered, allowing the trueness of his touch to awaken her to the reality. "You shouldn't be here." Her eyes fell on his shoulder where the arrow had pierced only the day before. She could see no sign of injury under his shirt, but knew it had to be there still.

"Don't you want me to be here?" he asked her, his voice containing a slight tease.

She smiled, though the act seemed to take too much energy. "I wanted nothing more." Her hands reached for him and he came forward, his own arms wrapping around her torso, holding her close.

He trembled as her hand pushed against his injured shoulder and pulled away from her, his face in a grimace.

"You're hurt still," she lamented. "Eugene—"

"I won't here it," he interjected before she could argue him away. "I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. You're stuck with me."

In her heart she wondered if she was selfish for wanting him here, even if she knew that his injury was nothing to take lightly. But then she knew the truth to be that she needed him here and he needed to be with her too. They were bonded eternally—however long eternally might be.

"Now let's get you up."

She was going to stand when his arms suddenly snaked around her form and lifted her off the ground.

"Eugene!"

He smiled at her protestation but did not drop her. "You can rest a little longer."

They emerged from the cave where they had taken refuge to find the others already gathered. Vincent's eyes showed displeasure at Eugene's hold on the princess, but as his eyes fell on Rapunzel an understanding filled his gaze.

Rapunzel frowned as she noticed the look of panic in his eye. What was wrong with her then? She could feel her own weariness, but what made them so aware of it? She endeavoured to find out, but was not given a chance to enquire as Vincent began to speak.

"According to Rider's map, the only way to go from here is across that bridge." He pointed with a finger to the small rock structure Rapunzel had noticed the day before. It did not look more solid in the daylight, and looked as if it would not carry more than one person at a time, two at most.

"Is that really the only way?" Devon questioned doubtfully. "Surely these mountains connect at many points."

Vincent's expression darkened. "Reason would seem to support such an idea, but the issue is that any other passages through the mountains might prove too lengthy." His gaze fell for a fleeting second on Rapunzel. "We don't have the time to search. We have to act now."

Eugene's grip on her tightened. She squeezed his hand tightly. Days were running short for her, but it did not mean that other lives should be lost because of it.

"If it's too dangerous we should take the chance," she said boldly.

All eyes fell on her and then quickly away. Her eyebrows knit together pensively.

"Taking the chance is more dangerous than crossing a mountain bridge, I assure you Princess," Vincent addressed her calmly, his voice firm. He would not be questioned on this point. Eugene would not let him be.

"Let's go then," he said. "We're wasting time talking."

There were no arguments from the others. As they conjoined on the edge of the mountain, Rapunzel glanced down over the ridge, this time feeling her stomach rise up in anxious uncertainty. She looked quickly away, her arms snaking unconsciously around Eugene's neck.

"Don't worry," he told her gently. "I'll carry you across."

"And if it's not solid enough?" she argued crossly. "No, I'll cross on my own."

Behind them, Max whinnied. He looked at them expectantly. Vincent turned and shook his head.

"You'll have to stay here Maximus. There's not enough room for you to cross."

The horse stomped his foot angry against the rocky floor, his eyes aglow with determination.

"He's right, Max," Eugene insisted, stepping a little closer to the horse so that Rapunzel could reach out and stroke his nose. "You've done enough."

Rapunzel felt tears well in her eyes as Max reared up, his head shaking fiercely before turning suddenly on his heel and dashing away.

"Max!" She called after him, but he would not stop. His hooves pounding against the ground continued to echo long after he disappeared from sight.

"He'll be fine," Eugene promised her gently, though he could not know for certain. Rapunzel said nothing to reply, but pushed herself out of his arms.

Unable to hold her, Eugene helped her to stand on the ground. Her legs felt wobbly as they stood, trembling slightly under her weight. "I'm going to cross first."

"No. I will." Devon stepped forward, blocking her path. "To make sure it's safe. When it's security is determined, then you may cross."

"How noble of you," Eugene muttered sarcastically.

Devon was unperturbed by his attack. He bowed mockingly, grinning with slight delight and then moved onto the bridge before anyone could hold him back.

With bated breath, Rapunzel watched his progress across. Every time he faltered, she gasped. Panic hung around her heart, waiting to pierce it should the lord waver too much, should gravity claim his body as it wished.

He encountered no real trouble and made it across relatively quickly. The bridge had stood the while, never trembling. It was sturdy.

As Devon turned to face them, Rapunzel could see relief reflected in his eyes. "It's alright. Just take it with care. It should be able to hold more than two." He said this last bit while looking at Eugene who nodded gratefully.

"Then it's our turn." He held out his hand to Rapunzel.

She glanced at it warily. And if two proved too much. Perhaps the risk was worth it. She could feel her legs shaking and it was already taking all of her energy to not collapse to the floor.

Her hand fell into his and she let him lead her out.

He made her go first, his hands ready at her side. The bridge was just big enough to fit her feet side by side with only a bit of extra rock before the fall.

"Go at your pace. Better to get there later than not at all."

"And here I was thinking the opposite," she remarked, amazed by the derision in her voice. She had not meant to say anything the like.

Behind her, she could feel Eugene tense. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice revealing his hurt.

"I didn't…" she started to say softly, but then let it drift off. She was apologizing to the air, not to him.

His hand clasped the air and in his gesture she knew that he needed no apology. He understood even if she did not the extent of her tired heart.

She took the first step and then paused, feeling as if she was teetering. Her body was unbalanced here in the air. She glanced over the edge and felt the blood rush from her head. A sharp dizziness grabbed her mind and she wavered dangerously in place.

Eugene's hand steadied her without delay, keeping her up. She closed her eyes, trying to focus on her breathing.

"Easy Rapunzel. Better not to look down."

She swallowed thickly and opened her eyes. "Good advice."

"Whenever your ready. No rush."

She wished that his words were true, but her heart knew they weren't. They did not have all the time in the world for her to find courage. She knew she had it, she just had to reawaken it. If only she didn't feel so tired.

Her foot slid forward while Pascal stood sentry on her shoulder, his presence a comforting one. She took a few more steps, trying to find a rhythm, a pace that she could go at but soon realized that her energy was draining with every step she took.

Halfway along, she came to a halt. Eugene was still right behind her, ready to catch her should she fall. She was glad that the bridge was sturdy enough to carry both their weights. She doubted she would have made it this far without him.

"You're amazing, you know," Eugene whispered in her ear.

She chanced a quick glance back, a small scowl on her face. "There's no need to patronize me."

"Rapunzel…"

She had done it again, spoken out against him when she knew his intentions to be noble. Was her irritation just a side effect of her fatigue? She hoped it was.

"Never mind," she waved it off and began forward again, an agitation building in her stomach. She just wanted to be across, to be on firm ground without fear of falling. She had enough things to be afraid of at that moment.

Her sudden rush forward took Eugene by surprise. He lagged behind her just a second and then pushed himself forward but was too far back to react when she tripped over her feet, having taken a step too quickly.

She felt herself stumble sideways, felt the ground disappear beneath her feet. It was the strangest sensation, one she clung too with fearful delight as her body fell weightless through the air.

A hand caught her before she could fall to far, stopping her just above the bridge's edge. Strong arms cradled her close; Eugene's body was bent over hers as he knelt on the floor.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered thickly.

She smiled, wanting to say something, but then fell into the demanding darkness of her mind.

chaptereighteen

She had fainted, for the second time, in his arms. Over the bridge, he had felt a sudden panic, worried that she might have hit her head. A quick check had brought some relief in that respect.

He had carried her the rest of the way and then tried to revive her while the others crossed the ravine. She had refused to wake, though, and still did.

Vlad carried her in his arms. She looked like a doll in his mighty grip, so fragile. An hour had passed since their crossing, and she remained lost in a deep sleep. Perhaps it was better that she did not wear herself out walking, but Eugene could not prevent the panicked sense in his gut. What if she did not wake now for the rest of their journey? What then? Every time he glanced at her, he wondered if she was still asleep or…

He shook the thought from his mind. No. She was still alive. They still had a few days to make it to the fountain. And they would. They would make it.

His eyes fell in her direction again. Hook Hand caught his glance and shook his head.

"Better to let her rest Rider. She'll be fine, don't worry."

Eugene said nothing as he continued to trudge along. He was noticing now the growing chill in the air and an icy frost to the wind. They were climbing far up now. To the snow on the caps. He shivered just thinking of it. I should have brought a coat.

In silence the group continued until the ground below their feet became coated in sudden white. It was snowing here where the air was thin and the mountains high. Yup. Should have brought a coat.

Vincent called them to a halt. The Captain looked chilled too, his body trembling slightly.

"We need to get her warm if we intend to continue." The mist of his breath was thick in the cold. "Hook Hand."

The thug nodded and dropped the sack about his back. He opened it up and pulled out a navy blue coat. He passed it to Eugene.

"I hope that's for me."

The trembling weak voice gave Eugene shivers. He turned to see Rapunzel smiling at him. Her hair was almost completely white now, and not because of the falling snow. She trembled as a cool wind blew over them.

Eugene hurried to her side, passing her the coat. She drew it on gratefully.

"You had me worried."

She smiled wearily. "I've been doing that a lot."

He laughed, glad that the laughter was easing the icy chill sweeping through his body. She watched him cautiously, her eyes not fooled by the smile he had forced upon his lips. "Don't you have a coat?"

"I don't need one."

"Eugene."

He released a steady stream of breath that swelled in white fog before his mouth. "It seems I neglected to bring one."

Glancing behind him he saw that the other guards had brought long navy blue coats issued by the Coronan government. Devon's was even thicker still, and scarlet with some insignia across the back that he could not recognize. Big and fancy. Hundreds of good people's dollars wasted on the whims of the rich and entitled.

"Hey! Anything in there for me?"

Vincent glanced up at him. "I brought enough for me and my men."

"And we're down the intended number, so I'm assuming you have extra."

Vincent's expression darkened. "You assume wrong. When we left you behind, we left other unnecessary burdens behind too. We took what we needed and only that. You should have come better prepared, Rider."

Eugene fought the urge to retort, smarting from the unabashed insults of the Captain. Won't this guy give me a break?

"I think I might have something, Eugene."

The voice, not kind but not unfriendly, came surprisingly from the lord. He groaned inwardly. He did not need to be indebted to the man vying for Rapunzel's affections. Maybe he'd be better freeze. Yes, and then there'd be no competition for the troublesome lord. Better in debt than in death.

"Thanks," he muttered as Devon stepped forward holding a poncho.

Eugene took it carefully, the fabric warm in his hands. He would never wear anything the like in regular circumstances, too despising of the horrible maroon color and the threading and the idea of wearing something without sleeves. But the occasion called for him not to be choosy.

Throwing it over his head he was pleased to find some relief in the cloth, though it was quick to dawn on him that even this would prove not nearly enough should the wind continue to pester him as it did.

He did not voice his concern though as they pressed forward, Rapunzel still held in Vlad's arms. The thugs wore no outer protection, but seemed impervious to the chill. Pascal he could not see, though he imagined the chameleon to be burrowed somewhere deep in the warm crevices of Rapunzel's coat.

"You look mighty fine in that, Rider," Hook Hand teased him.

Eugene threw him a withering look.

"I think you look mighty fine in it too."

To Rapunzel he gave a small smile. "Yeah, well, maroon's my color."

She giggled appreciatively, her heart lolling a bit as Vlad continued at a steady gait.

A harsh wind billowed about them, and Eugene suppressed the urge to shiver. He hoped they would be through with this soon before the cold proved too much for his body.

chaptereighteen

Rapunzel soon tired of being carried. Glad to have rested she insisted on being allowed to walk. She was excited by the sight of snow and delighted in the feeling of treading along, her boots sinking into the thick mounds. It was cold, but in her coat she stayed warm. The snow falling too was a sight to behold and she regarded it with innocent wonder. In her heart she was certain that she could have spent hours just watching the flakes descend like pieces of cloud falling from the heavens.

They were treading upon a level mound of rock, the peak of the mountain towering out before them. The path before them was straight and ended with an edge and then more mountain ranges captured in snow. She wondered how they would cross when the time came for it, but she let the thought slip away fro the moment.

She kept pace with Eugene a little behind the rest of the group. He looked cold and though he kept reassuring her that he was fine, she knew better than to believe him.

"Why doesn't it snow in Corona?" she enquired, unable to hold silence in her amazement.

"It's not cold enough," he replied gently. "It's too far south."

She nodded, though she didn't quite understand. It was the easy answer she supposed. "Do you think Max is alright?"

He paused before replying. "You know Max as well as I do. He's upset, but he'll be fine."

"And you?"

His smile lagged. "My answer's not going to change Rapunzel, no matter how many times you insist on asking."

She nodded, her eyes downcast. "I'm sorry about all this."

His hand found hers and squeezed it comfortingly. "Don't. It's not necessary. It's not your fault."

"Then who's fault is it?"

Eugene was pensive. "Maybe no one's. Maybe, sometimes, it's just Fate."

Rapunzel was sceptical of this response. And what right does Fate have to intervene in my life? Gazing at Eugene, though, she realized that Fate had inevitably brought him to her. Take the bad with the good—she was fairly certain someone had said that once, she just couldn't remember who.

"Keep up, Rider!"

Rapunzel whipped her head to look forward as Vincent's commanding tone broke through the quietness of her thoughts. She had not realized the size of the gap between them. She and Eugene were lagging a ways behind the others.

Eugene grumbled slightly. "We go at our own pace, don't worry," he told her.

"Okay," she agreed as his hand gripped at his sore shoulder, massaging it. She bit her lip as a question structured itself in her head, wishing to be heard, wishing to be answered.

"That man…" She stopped herself as Eugene's hazel eyes met hers curiously. "Never mind."

"No, what is it?" He did not yet realize what she intended to ask. She was sure if he did, he would not be encouraging her interest. Reason was demanding that she avoid any mention on the subject, but she needed to know.

"The one you were fighting with. The one who attacked me in the alley."

Eugene's expression darkened and she hesitated. Regret billowed in her gut. She should have held back.

"His name's Hunter."

Surprise flickered across her features. "Oh," she muttered, uncertain what else to say.

"I'd rather not discuss him." His voice was not cold, but rife with emotions she knew to be anger and guilt. "He won't be a problem anymore."

She realized without needing to hear that this Hunter character had been someone important in Eugene's past, a past she did not really know. Yes, she was aware that Eugene had once been Flynn Rider, a thief by trade, that he had done some things less than law-abiding, but she still did not know too well the person he had been. Though at times she wished she did, she was more inclined to want to stay in ignorance of his prior actions, to hold to the person she knew Eugene Fitzherbert to be, the person she loved with deep conviction.

She faltered slightly in her step then as a feeling of dizziness captured her mind. She reached out for Eugene, but did not need to look far as he came to her side, supporting her.

"What is that?" he called out.

She glanced, puzzled, at the group up ahead. They were trembling too, and then she realized that the ground beneath her feet was shaking. The mountain was quaking.

"Run!"

Rapunzel did not know who shouted it and did not care to find out as Eugene suddenly lifted her up from the group and dashed forward at a reckless speed. The others were still ahead of them, their gait forced to a wild pace.

She glanced behind as she clung to Eugene and saw a wall of snow barrelling towards them with vicious intent. She forced her eyes away, her heart drumming madly against her chest. Sensing her panic, Eugene's grip on her tightened, pulling her closer into his body.

Her eyes gazed out into the distance. There was no place for them to hide, no place for them to run from their massive pursuer. Only an edge and then what she assumed to be a sheer drop to nothingness. The sense of hopelessness hung thick in her chest as the group ahead came to the end.

Then there came a shout. "There's a cave!"

Rapunzel's heart lightened. A place to take shelter. They were saved.

Eugene's pace quickened as the others began to descend the edge, disappearing from view. As they came closer, Rapunzel could see the ledge beyond with a small opening just large enough for a human to pass.

A bit of panic returned as Rapunzel wondered where the opening might eventually lead. What if it were just a crevice big enough for a few? What if taking shelter in there would leave them trapped, doomed to suffocate?

Eugene finally reached the edge and dropped her onto the ground. The wave of snow was almost upon them. The others were already scrambling for the cave. There was a bridge connecting the two ranges here, one man made and more sturdier looking than the other thy had crossed earlier. The thugs and Devon were already across it and hurrying into the opening. Vincent was standing below the edge on a ledge not that far down.

Taking her around the waist, Eugene lowered her over the edge into Vincent's waiting arms before letting himself fall beside them just as the wall of snow fell over them.

A shrill cry erupted from Rapunzel's lips as it came. There was no time to cross. They would be caught in its grasp. She looked to Eugene wanting him to be the last thing she ever saw as the snow fell upon them and her vision went white.

A.N. CLIFFIE! How fantastic! Not really…

The last sequence got away from me a bit, but I hope it still proved a bit exciting. I'm sorry if anything feels rushed. That's not how's it supposed to be. I'm still devoted to this story, still intent on finishing it.

Please let me know what you think. At this rate, the story might just be done by the end of August. Maybe. Who knows. We'll see…