Burning the Past

Thank you everyone who has reviewed my story. You all encourage me to go on.

Anyway, Rapunzel has been kidnapped and Flynn has a knife in his leg. Now he has been ordered by the Stabbington's to steal the crown…AGAIN! What will he do?

As the sun disappeared beyond the distant mountains, the Stabbington's had made their escape with the unconscious Rapunzel in hand. Flynn tried to get on his feet and go after them. But the knife went all the way through his leg. Every time her moved her felt the knife move down, slicing his leg open further. The knife had a jagged edge. Once her pulls it, a hellish pain will spread throughout his entire leg. But if he left it in, the wound would become infected and he'd have to have it amputated. And Flynn couldn't save Rapunzel with just one leg. He needed to pull the knife out and he needed to do it fast. He removed his shirt and bit down on the tough fabric. He gripped the knife hilt tightly. For Rapunzel…He hissed to himself. I have to do it for Rapunzel. He breathed heavily, mentally and physically readying himself for the agonizing pain to come. If he pulled fast and straight, it shouldn't hurt as much. "1…2…3 – GYYYYAAAAH!" He howled. His scream echoed throughout the area. Birds flew up and out of the trees. Flynn gripped the bleed ing leg tightly. He took his shirt and wrapped it tightly around the wound. It did little good. The blood was beginning to seep through. He had to get back to the castle. But what would he tell everyone? If he told anyone of what happened, Rapunzel would be dead. But if he didn't come up with some sort of explanation Queen Myra and King Adaro were likely to send out a search party. And avoiding them would only make things worse. NEEEEIIIIGH! "Max?" he darted his head around. SPPPSH! "MAX! OVER HERE!" He called, waving his hand. Max powered through the brush and trotted to the wounded EX-thief. He brought Pascal along. Pascal won his poker game and was bored for the night. He met up with Max hoping for some excitement. Coming to the aid of a bleeding Flynn Eugene Fits Herbert Rider wasn't exactly what he had in mind.

They noticed Flynn's leg. Max fussed over the wound and licked it. "No, No! I'm fine! Listen to me! Rapunzel's been kidnapped!" Max widened his eyes. Pascal furrowed his brow and got in Flynn's face, demanding that he explained. "It was the Stabbington brothers. They're sort of out for Revenge." Max and Pascal cocked a skeptical eye. "Okay, they want revenge." He rumbled. "But that's not the point! Right now, we need to go after her." Max shook his head and pointed his nose to Flynn's leg. Pascal folded his arms and agreed. They needed to treat the wound. "Never mind that, we have to go after her!" Max shook his head again. Pascal flicked his thumbs up, telling Max to put him on. He bit down onto Flynn's pants and flung him onto the saddle. Pascal got onto his head. Flynn, knowing Max, gripped tightly onto the reigns. Max took off back towards the castle. "MAX WAIT! We can't go back to the castle!" Pascal cocked an eye to him, wondering why. "If anyone finds out they'll kill Rapunzel." Max came to a sudden stop. Pascal was flung to the ground and rolled onto his head. He glared at the stallion. Max smiled and shrugged nervously. They both looked up to Flynn, demanding that he explained further. "They want the crown as a starting payment. If I tell anyone or if a search party comes, they'll kill Rapunzel." Pascal and Max exchanged fretful glances. Flynn looked around the darkened path. There was another road that led to a small village. "Let's go this way – NGH!" His leg was throbbing. The blood had finally started to fall down his leg. Pascal ran up and tried to apply pressure to the cloth. His small size made it hard. Flynn smiled at the gesture. He tugged at the Reigns and had Max travel to the village.

(=)*^*(=)

The Stabbington's trudged their way through the woods, avoiding the roads as best as they could. Rapunzel was stuffed into a sack so that they weren't stopped and asked why they're carrying an unconscious 18 year old girl. They needed a place at keep her. A place that they believed no one knew about. As Clyde tried to think, Cleaver tapped his shoulder. "What's up?"

"Why…want…Crown?" He rasped dryly.

"It's not about the crown." He set the sack down. "It's never been about the crown." Cleaver raised a questioning eyebrow. Basically they kidnapped the princess so that they could get a crown that they no longer wanted. He could smell the inside of the jail cell again. He raised his hands and slapped them onto his sides. Saying, if it's not about the crown, then why did we take her? "It's about getting revenge on Rider." Clyde proclaimed, clenching a vengeful fist. "Since this girl lost her hair, she's only worth something to Rider. We're going to keep on working him and make him bring us our pay. Slowly but surely we'll ruin his credibility. And maybe with the money we make, we can save-" He stopped ranting when he saw Cleaver pointing to the ground. "What's wrong?" Clyde looked back. The sack was empty. Rapunzel was gone. Clyde ran over and snatched it up. Growling, he looked around the tree and bushes. "WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?" SNAP-OOF! The two shot their heads to two curving down branches. Rapunzel was on her knees. She noticed that she had been spotted and ran. "AFTER HER!"

Rapunzel ran as fast as her feet would carry her. When she tripped earlier, she bruised her knee. It throbbed with pain, but that wasn't going to stop her from running. Last time she met up with the Stabbington's, Rapunzel was saved by Gothel appearing at the last second. This time she wasn't so fortunate. She was on her own and at the mercy of the wilderness and the fate. And a few prayers that a branch or random falling objects hitting the Stabbington's didn't hurt either. Her dress was torn and ripped by protruding bush branches. She ducked and dodged trees, branches and large rocks. Rapunzel glanced back as she heard Clyde egging his brother on to run faster. They were faint, but Rapunzel could make out their darkened figures. "DAMN!" She shrieked. Desperately she tried to quicken her pace. But the pain in her knee was becoming worse. "I need…a place…to hide!" Her feet felt wet. "What?" She came to a river. The water was littered with four leaf clovers. She recognized those clovers. "I couldn't be." She gasped. She analyzed the ground and looked up the river. A familiar clearing was up ahead. "There she is!" She heard Clyde announce. "UH-OH!" She darted up the river. No time to be picky or nostalgic. Rapunzel needed to head for that clearing. She dove passed the bushes. "It is!" She cheered. A rock formation with vine curtains was displayed before her. Wasting no time she ran to the vines and hid behind them. She came to the cavern and hid behind a boulder.

The Silhouettes of the brothers rose onto the vines canvas. She could see their shoulders bounce as they panted from the run. But in truth, it was their adrenaline and rage building up. It was bad enough they lost Rapunzel the last time because of an old woman. Losing her because they weren't fast enough was unacceptable. "WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?" Clyde roared, slicing his sword through the air. Rapunzel slapped a hand over her mouth, fearing that they will hear her heavy breathing. It was hard to tell how close they were to the vines. If they figured it out, Rapunzel was dead. She wanted to make a break for the tower that lied ahead. But what if she made too much noise while moving? And more than that, what would she do when she reaches the tower? There's nothing there for her to use as a weapon. Or was there? "She was only a few yards ahead of us!" Clyde continued to howl. "And there are no other path ways to take. SO HOW IN THE NAME OF HELL DID SHE VANISH SO SUDDENLY?" Cleaver shrugged. He wiggled his fingers in the air. "Her magic is gone, remember? Her hair was cut." He spit at the grass. "Just when we needed it most too." He grumbled. Rapunzel's ear twitched at his softened tone. What does he mean? She thought. "We must find her!" Clyde snapped, wiping away the sweat on his neck. "You cover over there and I'll look over here." They went in separate directions.

This was Rapunzel's chance. Steadily she rose to her feet. As she tiptoed away, her body jolted with anxiety. She wanted to take off and hide in those familiar halls. But she couldn't risk being found – Even though it might happen soon. She walked out of the cave. There the tower still stood with the waterfall in its background. It was her tower of nightmares, but at least it could act as a safe haven for her.

^\ ^ /^

Flynn, Max, and Pascal made it to the village. It was small and out in the open. The houses were little cottages. The land was somewhat barren. It had little vegetation and an infinitesimal amount of fresh water. This was one of those places where the kingdom's generous hand doesn't reach. If anything, Flynn thought that the King and Queen might not have known about this place. He didn't until now.

As Flynn and the animals meandered through the village, they noticed the people and their physical state. They were unhealthily skinny. They had dark rings of exhaustion under their eyes. Their eyes themselves were blood shot. The cottages weren't built poorly, but they weren't built great either. And with the way the sun was beating down on them, having a properly built home was a necessity.

Flynn felt bad for the people. He always thought his life was bad since he was an orphan forced to steal for a living. But at least stealing kept him alive and healthy – despite being chased by guards and having badly drawn wanted signs made out to him. And to top it off he was engaged to a princess. All in all his life was a breeze.

The people watched as he passed by. They appeared to be glaring at him. Flynn felt self-conscious and checked himself. He went to Max's ear and whispered. "Do I have something in my teeth?" He displayed his teeth. Max and Pascal examined them and shook their heads. "Then why are they staring at us?"

"Wha' the 'ell are you doin 'ere?" He heard someone snap. Max turned around and gave Flynn a view as to who yelled at him. It was a middle aged man. He was bald with a scar on his cheek. He was missing an arm, yet he had a sword. Missing an arm doesn't mean he can't do battle. "We don't want your kind 'ere!" He howled. He drew the sword and pointed it. "Leave now before I chop you into meat for our dogs!"

"Wait!" Flynn pleaded, throwing up his hands. "I mean no harm." He motioned his hand over his leg. "I just need a doctor and I'll be out of your hair," the sun shined off his bald head, "In a matter of speaking." He grinned.

"I don't care if you need a miracle! I want you out of 'ere, palace dog!" Palace? OH! Max wore the symbol of the Gold Kingdom around his neck. That explained why the villagers were staring at him. They must be an anti-monarchy group. "You lot didn't 'elp us! Now we ain't 'elpin you!"

"Horace!" he shot his head back. Flynn looked passed him. Standing with a basket of herbs was a woman. She had long flowing black hair. Her eyes were icy blue and enchanting. She wore a purple dress. It hung off her shoulders and had bell like sleeves. The torso had a type of white corset around it. On her right side it parted at the hip. It revealed her tall whit strap sandals. On her chest was a strange symbol. It was a crescent moon with the sun in its curve. "That is no way to treat our guest!" She scolded.

"But lady Morgana-"

"NO BUTS!" Horace shied away and kicked a rock like a child. The lady known as Morgana walked up to Flynn. "I must apologize for my friends' rude behavior." She said with a bow of her head, "It's just been some time since we've had a visitor. He has forgotten what it means to be courteous." She smiled amiably.

Flynn blushed at her smile and scratched his head nervously. Her smile was hypnotic. "H-hey…no problem," He laughed bashfully. He cleared his throat. "I'm used to people hating me." Morgana put a hand to her mouth and giggled. Flynn laughed halfheartedly with her. "Um…I'm-I'm engaged – I MEAN Eugene! Yes…" he coughed, "My name is Eugene."

"Why hello there Engage, I mean Eugene," She teased. Flynn flushed at his stupidity. "I'm Morgana, the village's physician." She touched a hand to Flynn's leg. She removed the cloth and saw the bruising forming around the stab wound. "My goodness!" She gasped. She grabbed Max's reigns. She pulled him into a medium sized cottage stable. Morgana helped Flynn off of Max and into her home. Pascal jumped onto his shoulder.

"I hope you don't think me too bold," she apologized, "Put you must remove your pants."

Flynn grunted and flexed his shoulders bashfully. "S-sure." He stammered. Morgana giggled and looked away. Flynn, disregarding his throbbing leg, dropped his pants. Marianna laid him down onto a wooden bench. She needed him to be evened out so that the blood wasn't leaking out while she operated. She took a wet wash cloth and cleaned around the wound. It was swelling so the cold cloth made Flynn's leg jerk. Max, sticking his head through the window, watched, along with Pascal as Morgana worked. She kept the cloth around the wounds so that his blood wouldn't get everywhere. Bats come at night and they love the smell of blood.

She grounded some peppermint leaves, raspberries, and tea together. The vapors of the peppermint were able to sooth discomforting sensations. The raspberries had an old healing agent within them that aide's blood in the clotting process. It would help his wound close faster. The tea was to ease the tension in the muscles. She took a two pieces of thread and tied them to sewing needles. She dipped them into the concoction and swished them around. Flynn wasn't looking forward to the part coming. He hated stitches. He's never told anyone – except Rapunzel – that he was terrified of needles. But he was willing to face his fear. He needed to save Rapunzel. "I find that," Morgana spoke up, sensing his discomfort, "It helps to talk about something else while you are being stitched up. Helps take your mind off of the pain." She dipped her finger into the goop. She ran her finger along the two wounds.

The medicine was cool and tingly. It stung for a few seconds. But in all honesty, it felt pretty soothing. Flynn was tempted to take a nap were it not for the needle Morgana was preparing to stick into his leg. He licked his lips nervously and tried to think of something. "So…Morgana…" he trailed off, stalling Morgana so that he could think of a topic, "Who-who are you exactly?"

Morgana sat down and turned his leg. "I was once a citizen of the Golden Kingdom 10 years ago. I served alongside the king and queen. In fact…" She brought the needle close to Flynn's leg, "I was the one who made the elixir that cured the queen." The needle entered. Flynn didn't notice. He was star struck. The woman sitting before him was the same woman who allowed Rapunzel to be born.

(=_^_=)

Rapunzel dug out the bottom entrance to the tower. Gothel already tore away the stones that blocked the entrance once before. Now it was weeds and thick vines. She tugged and pulled at them. One of the vines cut her hand, but she kept going. She had to get inside. There had to be something in there that she could use as a weapon.

She finally broke through. Rapunzel scrambled inside and ran up the stairs. The place had collected a small amount of dust, but all in all it still looked like home. Regardless that it was her prison. Gothel's old room was the same. Untouched and unmoved. Rapunzel ran up to her old room. Her paintings, the candles, the books – everything was still there. And – to her great surprise and delight – the knife Gothel used to stab Flynn and her cut off hair. "YES!" She ran over and analyzed the locks of hair. They were firm and strong. She could use this. She tied the broken ends into knots so that when she used it to battle, the hair wouldn't fall apart. She found a long ribbon and wrapped it around her waist several times. She then tucked the knife into it, equipping her only means for defense. She took the hair back into her hands and started to work.

Down below, outside the Towers area, the Stabbington's were searching every inch of the clearing. There was no sign or hair of Brunette Rapunzel. "GOD DAMMIT!" Clyde roared. He stabbed his sword into a tree and wrenched it out. He took out a chunk of the tree. "That girl is seriously more trouble than she's worth!"

"She…no…help…" Cleaver coughed, "Find…other…help…"

"Then uh," he ran his fingers up and down the blade edge, licking his lips, "What should we do about the girl." He grinned. Cleaver smiled. He took out a dagger and ran it along his neck. Clyde laughed and nudged his brother in the arm affectionately. "But in order for us to do that," he sauntered over to the vined boulders, stroking his chin, "We'd have to find her first. But where could she have gone?" He went to lean on the boulder. "WHOA!" Clyde fell through. Cleaver cocked a surprised eye and ran over. He ran his hand up and down on the vines. He wasn't crazy. Clyde really did fall through a wall. "HEY!" Cleaver jumped back. "Sorry. Come in here." He pulled Cleaver in. The two walked through the cave and came upon the tower. "Now how much you wanna bet that the little princess is hiding out in that tower." Cleaver held up five fingers. "You're on."

Back up in the tower, Rapunzel tightened the hair around a pillar. She stopped tugging when she heard someone laughing. She peeked over the window. She saw the Stabbington's searching for a way to get into the tower. It was only a matter of time before they found they bottom entrance. Rapunzel hid beneath the window, curling into a ball. "Oh my god!" She panicked. "They're coming! NO! I can't be afraid! Eugene isn't here, neither are the guards! I need to be brave. OW!" Her knee and hands were bothering her. She was really missing her hair. She was missing a lot of people. Flynn, Pascal, Max, her parents…she was even missing Gothel. All of them were something she was not – tough. She couldn't fight a butterfly. Sure she could swing a Frying Pain. But who can. Her hair was her main weapon for many years. Without it…she was…just an ordinary girl.

Her body was starting to tighten. Her face was shaking from her resisting the urge to cry. Her breathing quickened. "F-flower…gleam and glow," She started to sing, "Let your power shine. Make the clock reverse; bring back what once was mine." Tears started to fall down her cheek. "Heal what has been hurt, change the fate's design. Save what has been lost, bring back what once was mine, what once was mine." The tear touched her bruised knee. It seeped into her skin. A golden leaf sprouted from her knee. Rapunzel wiped the tears from her eyes and watched with amazement. The leaf traveled up her leg, up her torso and down both of her arms. She looked at her hands. The leaves swirled around the palms. In seconds, the leaves faded away. Rapunzel's hands and knee were healed. "Just like with Eugene." She breathed in amazement. When Flynn was on the verge of dying, Rapunzel cried for him. He tear touched his wound and it healed him, bringing him back to life. "My hair is gone…" she mumbled, "But the magic… is still…in me!" She laughed. "The magic is still in me!" She cheered confidently. "I CAN STILL HEAL THINGS!"

"Wonderful." Rapunzel looked to the door way. There stood the Stabbington's with sick grins, "Because now we don't have to kill you." Clyde slapped his sword in his hand. "However we will hurt you if you don't cooperate."

"GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!" Rapunzel took the dagger and cut her pillar tied hair. The hair whipped around and a hair made net scooped Clyde. Cleaver managed to roll away. He pushed himself up and ran over to Rapunzel.

Rapunzel scrambled out of the way. Cleaver jumped into her path, holding his sword at the ready. Rapunzel's back was against the wall. Cleaver roared and raised his sword. Rapunzel stabbed another rope of hair. Several books and candles fell from the ceiling, nailing Cleaver on the head. They didn't knock Cleaver out, but they did hurt him. Rapunzel ran passed the pained brother. She leaped and jetted down the stairs. When she reached the bottom, she lit a match. "It was fun to revisit," she moved the match to some wax. It trailed up the stairs. "But it's time to burn the past into history!" She touched the match to the wax. It traveled up and went for the Stabbington's. The flames burned the wood and other miscellaneous objects along the way.

As Rapunzel made her back to the forest, she glanced back. She watched as the smoke emanated from the window. Small streams poked out of the cracks. The fire was traveling and it was traveling fast. She could make out Cleaver trying to get Clyde down. Clyde fell onto Cleaver. The two ran for the one way out but were blocked by the flames. They ran back into the room and glanced out the window. They saw Rapunzel staring back at them with a hard gaze. Clyde raised a fist into the air and declared, "DON'T EVEN THINK THAT YOU'RE SAFE PRINCESS! THESE FLAMES WILL NOT STOP US! WE WILL ESCAPE! AND WHEN WE DO, YOUR BLOOD AND TEARS WILL SPILL ONTO MY BLADE!" Rapunzel squeezed her eyes closed. She turned her back and walked away. As she passed into the forest clearing, she could smell the wood and everything she created within that tower turning to ash. That Tower, her 18 year long prison, would now become the Stabbington's tomb and forever lost to the world of man.

TO BE CONTINUED.

This chapter was kind of hard to write because I was going on a whim with everything.

Oh well. THE STABBINGTONS ARE ASH…..-_- Or are they?

Stay tuned until next time.