The Miracle

A/N: In this chapter Eugene is humbled by an outpouring of affection and more…

A/N#2: This story "kind of" follows my other stories, so you might recognize a few of my OCs here that are still awaiting their full development there… I am also providing this spoiler alert. That said; I hope not to spoil things too much.

A/N#3: This is my own tear transference story. I hope you enjoy it. And, oh yes, I do not own Tangled or its primary characters, though I do own mine and the idea…

Chapter Eight: The Miracle Revealed, Part 1

"It is finally time, my lost ones. Come to me..." Cassiopeia said. She happily and quite easily sensed Eugene's successful and victorious battle against the Black Death, the inner turmoil as it reverberated through the Wirkungen, and his coming request. She beckoned for them, with an exaggerated beckoning flourish of her arms as she and her daughter Annabella and her husband Andrew awaited the unplanned visit from their dear Katelyn and Kimberly, and their dearly departed husbands as well.

"Yes it is, mother. I never thought the day would arrive. It is to be the most miraculous affair, is it not?" Annabella; who also felt the great disturbance as Eugene prevailed against the pestilence as well as his inner conflict. She could not, however, sense the coming request; as she replied, her voice betraying some of the doubt she unavoidably felt.

"We shall see, Annie. I do believe it will be most miraculous, however."

"It has been so long, Cassiopeia." Andrew, who did not know what to make of the many disturbances he felt, sighed; a single tear running down his face.

Meanwhile, back in Corona, the two gold tinted tears struck the dirt road outside the now quite palatial and well equipped Royal Coronian Home for Orphaned Boys and Girls. The massively powerful and benign explosion of golden light was to leave all temporarily blinded as it rushed out in all directions at, you guessed it, the speed of light, and leaving all stunned beyond words. The blast of happy radiant light, moving out in an ever widening circle of positive energy, easily healed all that ailed, whether man, animal, or plant on Io. It also effectively destroyed all disease carrying vermin, to include mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, ending forever the threat of any and all forms of communicable diseases anywhere on Sonnen-3.

The massive explosion of light faded almost as quickly as it had arrived, and left even more miracle upon miracle in its wake.

"Oh my GOD! You did it, Eugene! You destroyed the pestilence! We are saved!" The almost hysterically happy and very un-royal Queen Catherine shouted as she came up to quite enthusiastically hug the awestruck Eugene and grateful Becky.

"Yes. I guess I did, didn't I?" Eugene meekly replied, still overwhelmed by the guilt he felt, and completely in the dark concerning the completely improbable impact of his now completed action. Guilt far out of proportion for what he had done in the past as he continued to mistakenly overestimate the severity of his past actions.

Nan, seeing the distraught look on Eugene's face, and knowing its cause and wondering how it could still hold sway over him in light of the past two months and what he had just accomplished, went over to him as well to give him a comforting hug.

"Oh, Nan. I am so sorry." Eugene softly said, more to her though almost everyone heard him.

"For what?" Nan asked; surprised at what Eugene could be talking about given all that he had done in the last eight weeks. She was even more surprised that he could so woefully underestimate the impact of his action in saving all of Io from the scourge of the Black Death.

"I am such a disappointment in your eyes. You did so much to raise me to be righteous and compassionate and I failed you. I am really quite the nobody, aren't I?" Eugene sadly concluded; his averted tear filled eyes totally missing the looks of absolute amazement, overwhelming relief and complete and total adoration on everyone's faces.

"Eugene, it is obvious to me that you are just as stubborn now as you were back then!" The disbelieving Nan sternly stated as she affectionately, yet firmly smacked him in the upper arm.

"Hey; what was that for?! Nan; that hurt, a lot!" Eugene shouted as he rubbed his arm where a bruise was beginning to form.

"I cannot believe you sometimes. Look around you." Nan stated with an exaggerated arm movement. "Do you think these people care about your past? I have news for you; they don't! You, besides bringing home the once Lost Princess and becoming her new dream after the lanterns, have done more to help this kingdom in two months, than anyone else could in ten lifetimes! Do you even know what you just did?"

"Um. I guess not, Nan…" Eugene meekly replied, still looking down at his feet.

"Well, Eugene, let me enlighten you then. You, by yourself, saved us, not only Corona but all of Io for that matter, from the scourge of the Black Death!"

"The Black Death…?! Eugene saved us?! Eugene saved us!" The crowd of onlookers shockingly and loudly whispered to each other; the looks of absolute shock and awe mirrored by all.

"I…, WHAT?!" Eugene blurted out, as totally shocked by it all as the villagers and Catherine.

"Did you not notice and recognize the sores on Becky's arms and legs?"

"Um…" A brightly blushing Eugene stutteringly began; completely drawing a blank look.

"Oh, Eugene. It is so obvious to me that you are indeed definitely no longer Flynn Rider! Those sores were the beginning stages of the plague! Had you not intervened when you did…" Nan exclaimed, to the shock of everyone present, especially Queen Catherine who had not fully understood the threat to her kingdom and even now felt more indebted to Eugene than before.

"…they were?! Are you saying what I think you are?"

"YES! Eugene; you saved all of our lives! Look around you. These people, the citizens of Corona, and others all over the rest of the continent of Io, are going to live because of you and you alone! No one will need suffer and die a horrible death. You destroyed the vectors of this horrible disease and healed the one victim so surely that we will never know how ill she really was or if she had become contagious! I am sure that the news of your deed will soon be all over Io! I am also quite sure that you will become famous! Have you not read the histories of other lands that have suffered the fate of the hand of death?"

Eugene, shaking his head and finally looking up, could see the looks of agreement gracing the features of all present. Even the once much shaken villagers were now grinning quite ecstatically at the absolute wonder of their now revealed salvation as well as the other miracles. Most meaningful to him, however, were the words spoken by the sweet, innocent little Becky.

"Um; Eugene? I would understand if you said no; but, cou…, wou…, would you be my daddy?" Becky asked as she blushed five shades of red and shyly looked down at Eugene's feet, afraid of his reaction. Eugene could only look on and broadly and brightly smile in amazement of how it felt to be wanted by more than just Rapunzel.

Meanwhile, back in Avandell, Cassiopeia's four visitors quickly materialized in her humble home. Katelyn and Kimberly were shocked to see the apparitions of Kevin and Keith, their respective husbands, arriving as well.

"You asked for us; all of us?" Katelyn and Kimberly asked, trying and failing to hide their surprise that Kevin and Keith had been summoned also.

"Yes, my children. It is done. It is, at long last, time; for all of you." Cassiopeia stated; much to the shock of the four.

"It is done? It is time; at long last; for all of us? What is done? Time for what; what do you…?" The two women asked, unsure of what she was saying; a similar look of confusion on the men's faces as well.

"Yes. Eugene's full return to the light has been completed. His full redemption is soon to follow. This is not to say that he will have an easy time of it as it concludes. Thus, it is indeed time, my lost ones; for all of you to finally return home. You see the power of Eugene's true self goes much farther than any of us could have expected. Even I had no idea of his true power. His power transcends possibly everything. He is perhaps the most powerful being in the entire universe."

"Return home…?" Katelyn, Keith, Kimberly, and Kevin interrupted, shocked by this.

"Even more powerful than you? But I thought…?" Lady Annabella interrupted.

"Yes. Annie. Even my own powers pale in comparison to his; I am, in fact, almost rendered to insignificance. His connection to the Wirkungen goes to depths once thought unimaginable, to the point that he is but an offspring of it. It is possible that he IS the Wirkungen; that he is the center of the universe. He has powers that will enable him to serve not only Corona but all of Io, if not Sonnen 3; an ultimate power that he does not believe that he worthy to wield."

"Why?" Lord Andrew asked, surprised by this latest revelation.

"It is quite simple, Andy. You see, this apparently straightforward ability is complicated by the intense grief he still feels from the poor choices he made in his youth. Choices made due to his lack of vision and a guiding hand as he grew older and came to grips with his abilities. Even though he has successfully made good on his poor choices; going so far as to provide more than ample restitution to those he hurt and gain their full forgiveness as his remorse is without question, he still does not feel worthy, despite all the additional acts that he has completed in the past two months. He cannot accept that the populations of all the kingdoms of Io eagerly await the news of his installment as the Coronian Prince Consort. He also cannot accept that he just now saved possibly seventy-five to ninety percent of Io's population of two million from certain and quite painful death at the hand of the Black Death. He is, in few words, in desperate need of all of our assistance."

"What can we do? We are just spec…" Katelyn began, respectfully stopping as Cassiopeia continued.

"As I stated, Eugene's powers are far more powerful than those enjoyed by the young Coronian crown princess, Rapunzel. He will soon summon you. And, yes; Rapunzel too had and will continue to have powers; powers that will soon grow to be on par with Eugene's. In time she will learn to use hers as well."

"What? How can Rapunzel have any powers? Didn't she lose them? And, what will hap…?"

"I ask that you indulge me for a moment for Eugene is now beckoning for all of you to help him. You will see…" Cassiopeia stated, interrupting Katelyn; before all seven present suddenly disappeared in a blinding flash of light; the flash of light that accompanied the impact of two tears into the surface of Io.

Rapunzel, in the meantime, was quickly making her way back to Corona. Accompanying her were the crown princesses of both Constella and Estrella. The two other crown princesses were shocked by her decision to return home early, but happy that they had been given the ok by their parents to accompany her and Pascal as they found that they had so much in common.

"Rapunzel, what is wrong?" Stephanie, the Constella crown princess asked; the concern in her voice evident.

"Yes, Rapunzel, I know we haven't known each other long, but this is the first time that I have seen you so spooked." Chelsea, the Estrella crown princess replied.

"I know. The bright glowing light from the direction of Corona reminds me of something from my past and is a signal of some sort; of that I am most certain. I cannot describe it. It beckons to me and I must answer its call. It is complicated, and…" Rapunzel replied, before being interrupted by a bright flash of light; the flash of light that accompanied the impact of two tears into the surface of Io; that not only left the trio and their escorts temporarily blinded but also caused an unexpected transformation in Rapunzel herself.

"GAH!" Rapunzel screamed as she felt something happening to her…

Back at the orphanage, everyone present was pushing the others to be the next to kiss and hug the quickly humbling Eugene. Although it was something else that humbled him the most, and perhaps was the most instrumental on the road to his full redemption.

"Daddy? Becky, you want me to…?" Eugene asked, dumbfounded, as he gently lifted Becky's chin so he could look in her bright, sparkling blue eyes as he got down on one knee to place himself at her level.

"Um, yes. Eugene; please adopt me." Little Becky replied, smiling brightly as she saw Catherine and Nan smiling back at her and nodding in approval.

"Oh, Becky; you don't know how much this means to me. I would absolutely love to adopt you. You are simply adorable, and such a wonderful little girl! I am honored that you wish for me to care for you as you grow into a prim and proper young lady. I am sure Rapunzel, Max and Pascal will love you as much as I do." The now brightly smiling, yet tearful, Eugene replied as he reached out to gently hug and kiss the ecstatic little girl as she allowed herself to be pulled into Eugene's warm embrace.

"Do not forget me." Catherine stated as she looked at her future grandchild.

"I am sure the paperwork will be a breeze, Eugene." Nan stated as she hugged the pair.

"You know you are a good man; right, Eugene?" Catherine replied as she hugged the pair and giggled in a very un-royal manner.

"I am, aren't I." Eugene replied as he smiled at Catherine.

"Yes, Eugene, you are. You prove it to me every day. I am so very happy to have gotten to know the real you. I am so very proud of you, too. Well Becky, let me be the first to welcome to the family. I guess you can call me nana."

"NANA!" Becky excitedly shouted as she was happily picked up by Catherine. The outburst caused everyone present to crack up.

"Hey! Please don't forget about us. Becky, you can call us Aunt Mandy and Uncle Rupe. OK?" Amanda and Rupert replied as they rode up. They had left the palace shortly after Eugene and Catherine and would have made it quicker except for the blinding flash of light that left them temporarily blinded.

"Um. Ok." An awestruck Becky replied.

"Or me. Becky, you can call me grandpa." William stated as he too rode up, much to the surprise of all present.

"Really?" Becky asked; her voice barely a whisper.

"I see you still have the power of knowing where you need to be even before the need arises." Catherine stated as she brightly smiled at her dream of twenty-two years.

"Well, ordinarily I would just smile and nod my head in agreement to keep the mystique alive. This time, however, it is just that there are some visitors awaiting Eugene's and Amanda's arrival back at the palace. Wow; I never knew he had it in him. Eugene, you are quite the decorator, aren't you?" William stated as he finally took in the sight of the newly remodeled orphanage.

"Visitors? Waiting for us?" Eugene and Amanda asked, neither hearing the comment concerning the immaculate orphanage building.

"Oh, yes. It was quite the surprise. I must say I was quite shocked at first."

Thirty minutes previous…

The bright flash of light temporarily blinded everyone within the capital city of Corona. When the light dissipated, the guards standing at the front gate were amazed to see seven immaculately dressed visitors patiently awaiting their admission into the royal compound. The two guards, still dazed at how the seven could approach so closely without being noticed, quickly called for King William.

"Yes?" William asked as he approached and took in the sight of the seven visitors. The first three he was sure he knew.

"Ah, my brave King William…" An auburn haired and green eyed woman replied as she gracefully bowed before him.

"Lady Annabella…? Can it be? This must mean that you are…"

"Lord Andrew, at your service; it is so good for you to remember me; King William." Lord Andrew replied, as he too gracefully bowed.

"This must also mean that you are Mistress Cassiopeia."

"Very good, King William; as foretold so many years ago, we meet yet again. I am quite sure that you have come to realize the truth of my words to you so many years ago. Even as I told of what was to happen, I could not begin to imagine what truly was to occur. It is, then, most pleasing to me to be able to meet again under these vastly different circumstances. Now, it is my extreme pleasure to introduce you to four amazing individuals, who I believe you might be able to identify, yes?"

"I am sorry but I think I only know the two women. The hazel eyed one must be Eugene's mother, Kimberly; the blue eyed one is obviously Katelyn, Amanda's wonderful mother. But, I do not understand. How am I seeing what I am seeing?"

"In good time, my good king, I will tell all; tell all when I am assured of our absolute privacy. Let me now introduce Kevin, Amanda's father; and Keith, Eugene's father. We have come because he called to us."

"Called to you?"

"Yes, but not here or now…"

"I understand. How may I help you?" William asked, barely maintaining his bearing at the sight; yet fully understanding the danger of the wrong people hearing the story at the wrong time or the wrong order.

"We are well aware of the events that occurred today. We are actually here to see Eugene and Amanda. Have they arrived home, yet?"

"No. Not yet. He left quite early this morning for the orphanage. I was quite shocked to hear of his departure so early this morning, as he normally sleeps until at least noon, when Rapunzel allows it, that is. Rupert and Amanda; having conversed with a concerned Samuel, the Royal Guard Sergeant Major; left only tens of minutes afterwards. They were quite worried about him as he and Amanda were quite close in their orphanage days. According to the palace grapevine, he was quite distraught."

"I can easily imagine his distress, King William. You see, the reality of his dreams has come to pass. The terrible vision he had became what might have been a dreadful tragedy; except for him and his power to stop the threat dead in its tracks. Today, in fact, he has successfully defeated the Black Death threat that faced him with the result that Io in general and Corona in particular is safe from the scourge that once faced it."

"The Black Death?! Here?! On Io?"

"Yes, King William, the Black Death! He quite bravely faced that which would destroy a lesser man. He not only quickly and accurately deduced its source, thus preventing its further spread; but also how to defeat it while saving and ultimately adopting its potential first victim, little Becky. This said, he now faces a larger battle that we are here to help him win; a battle within himself. He does not feel himself worthy of either your good graces or the approval to court and wed his dream, your daughter; although the citizens of not only Corona but also the rest of Io would heartily disagree and impatiently await his installment as the Coronian Prince Consort. Would it be too imposing on you to…?"

"Not at all, Cassiopeia; I would be most honored to do this for you. I have come to love them as surrogate son and daughter, and am quite happy that Eugene does so much to make Rapunzel so very happy after all she went through. Catherine and I are filled with such wonder that they do so much for each other, in fact. I recently decided that I would approve their future union as it is obvious to me that they will love no others. It would, therefore, be my pleasure to go and get them for you; especially for such a joyous occasion as this reunion. I will maintain absolute secrecy. Please give me about one hour."

"Thank you for everything my good king. We will await your return."

"Please make yourself comfortable in the front parlor while I am away."

"Thank you, William."

The present…

"Well, since it seems all is under control here, I guess we can go. What do you think, Amanda?" Eugene asked, still wondering about the visitors; his connection leaving him empty handed as he tried to deduce it.

"Yes, I agree Eugene; although I cannot think of any visitors…" Amanda replied; she too coming up empty handed.

"Neither can I."

So perplexed were Amanda and Eugene that they didn't hear any of the conversation between William and Catherine, or the tears of joy that streamed down the cheeks of both.

The ride back to the palace was very quick despite the urge of everyone they encountered to want to stop to hug and kiss their new savior, Eugene; the news of his actions traveling almost as fast as light itself. To say he was relieved to get home was an understatement. His new found fame troubled him greatly as he had issues reconciling it with his past; a past that all but him were eager to put behind him in light of his recent actions. The still slightly tearful William and Catherine led the way; little Becky being carried by William on his broad shoulders as he lifted her off of the horse she had shared with Eugene; with Eugene, Amanda and Rupert bringing up the rear.

"We are here." William replied, as he set down little Becky and gestured for a maid to summon the tailor to commission some new gowns for her.

"Here?" Amanda and Eugene asked.

"Yes. Please do not keep your visitors waiting…" William stated as he opened the parlor doors and gestured them inside.

Eugene and Amanda slowly and gingerly walked into the room; accompanied by the others and wary about whom or what they were to see. As their eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room, they soon made out their visitors.

"GAH!" The pair screamed out as they both fainted; Amanda into a shaky Rupert's strong arms and Eugene into William and Catherine's.

"Do they always do that?"

"Eugene? Yes, pretty much all the time. Amanda? Cannot really say…"

A/N #4: Who are the visitors?

A/N #5: Please Review…