Finally, here's chapter four.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Danny Phantom or Tangled. I only own this story idea.
Once the group got out of the forest, they made a quick detour to Old Corona to retrieve the cart. They also wanted to give Varian a chance to grab anything he wanted to bring with him. They also wanted to see if he had anything Danny could borrow for the time being. Even if the teens didn't stay at the castle, Rapunzel didn't want to leave them here alone.
While they were doing that, Varian… showed them his dad's condition. Needless to say, they were horrified by the sight of Quirin trapped in a block of amber. Varian had another breakdown during this, so they took a few minutes for him to calm down.
Eugene stayed with the boys inside for when Varian was ready to pack while the girls went back outside. Cass hitched Max back up to the cart while Rapunzel sat on the steps, lost in thought.
So much had happened, and so much had been revealed. The thing the Princess kept coming back to was what her father had done behind her back for months, and not just with Varian. If her father had known about the state of Old Corona, then the lies would have been going on for months. Maybe even going back to her coronation. That idea alone made her angry, becoming tense as she thought about it.
Pascal chirped at her, getting Rapunzel to calm down as she turned to smile at him.
"How ya holding up?" Cass asked suddenly, having walked over to sit with her.
The Princess sighed, staring at her lap. "I don't know. Until a day ago, I never would've thought my father would lie to me. Or that the Captain would…."
She didn't finish her sentence, but Cass knew what she was walking about as she glanced away. "Yeah, I get it."
Cass was going through her own emotions about the last twenty-four hours. She knew her father would do whatever the King told him, but… to torture a child? Especially one that he knew his daughter was friends with? The very notion made her stomach turn.
Regaining her focus, Cassandra turned to her best friend. "So, what's the plan?"
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel turned to her.
"I know you said you were putting Varian under your official protection, but how do you do that? We both know your dad won't go through with it."
"We can talk to my mom. I'm sure she'll know what to do."
"Okay, but what about where Varian's going to stay? He can't stay here, and as much as I hate to agree with Fitzherbert, I don't want the kid anywhere near our fathers."
"Well, I guess we'll talk it over with Varian about where he'll stay," Rapunzel compromised. "I still want him to come to the castle so the royal physician can look him over. I know he said he's fine, but I want to be sure."
"Fair enough." Cass agreed. "What about Danny's situation? I don't exactly understand what kind of technology his parents were using that brought him here, but I can guess that we don't have access to it. We don't how to get him home or if there even is a way for him to get home."
Rapunzel thought about it a moment before answering, "Let's talk to my mom about that, too. I could tell Danny doesn't want to leave Varian's side at the moment, so whatever we decide with Varian, I want to make sure the boys can stay together."
"I think we can make that work." The handmaiden agreed.
The girls turned around when they heard the door open, seeing Eugene and the boys leave the house. Varian had his bag over his shoulder and had donned a black cloak with an odd-looking clasp shaped like a circle with three lines. Judging by how it was practically dragging behind him, they could guess that cloak belonged to his father. Meanwhile, they'd found another cloak in dark brown for Danny to wear and since it reached his knees, they can guess it was Varian's.
"Ready to go?" Rapunzel asked as they got up.
Varian sighed, wrapping his arms around himself. "… No. The last time I was in the city, it was… not good, so I'm… worried."
"Goggles tried to come get your help after the storm, but by then, the rumor mill was in full swing," Eugene explained what Varian had told them inside.
"They threw stones at me, called me a traitor, and threatened to call the Guard."
"Oh, Varian…." Rapunzel hugged him. "You're going to be alright. We'll be right with you the whole time."
"So that explains, Varian," Cass said, glancing at Danny. "What about you?"
"Thought I'd blend in a little better this way," The time-traveler said. "My clothes kinda make me stick out like a sore thumb."
"We'll outfit ya with some Coronan fashion later." Eugene rubbed Danny's head affectionately.
The Princess lead Varian toward the cart while the others followed behind them. They got into the wagon, the girls taking one side while the boys took the other. Ruddiger curled up on Varian's laugh while Owl flew overhead. Once everyone was settled, Maximus started the trek back to the kingdom.
Varian looked behind him one last time at his home before sighing forlornly and turning back around. Eugene put his arm around his shoulder, trying to be comforting.
"So…" Eugene said, trying to start a conversation. "What now? We got the graphtych, we got the kids, and found out enough secrets to make it safe to assume that Corona won't be holding a daddy-daughter dance anytime soon."
The ex-thief chuckled slightly but only got annoyed looks from the girls, with Pascal joining in.
"Sorry," He apologized before getting serious again. "Seriously, what do we do when we get back?"
"Well, first things first, I want to have Danny and Varian looked at by the doctor," Rapunzel said, turning to teens with a soft expression. "I know you both said you're fine, but I just want to be sure."
Varian looked at her before nodding. "Okay."
"Alright." Danny nodded as well.
The Princess smiled appreciatively before turning to her boyfriend. "Eugene, could you stay with them for that? Just in case my dad or the Captain tries anything?"
"You got it, Sunshine." Eugene nodded before frowning in concern. "What are you going to do?"
Rapunzel closed her eyes and took a deep breath, composing herself with a determined look. "I'm going to go confront my father. I'm giving him one last chance to tell me the truth."
"What if your dad tries to lock you up?" Eugene asked. "You know, to 'protect' you?"
"He's got a point, Raps," Cass agreed. "The last time your dad found out you went near the rocks, he confined you to the walls of Corona under martial law. What's the next step beyond that?"
"Then I may have to use a frying pan on my own father," Rapunzel answered, losing none of her fortitude. "I refuse to let anyone lock me away 'for my protection' again!"
"We'll make sure you have one on hand," Eugene assured her with a smile.
Rapunzel smiled back before Max neighed, getting their attention. The horse pulled an extra frying pan out of his saddle bag and tossed it to the Princess.
"Thank you, Max," Rapunzel thanked the horse, who snorted in response. She then turned to Cass. "Cass, once we get back, could you have everyone gather in the castle courtyard? When I'm done with my father, I'm going to address the rumors about Varian."
The Princess turned to the alchemist. "I can't get rid of all the rumors, but I can at least set the record straight about the night of the blizzard."
Varian nodded after a minute. "… Okay."
"Once everything is said and done, we'll talk more about where you two will stay until we rescue Quirin and figure out a way to get Danny home," The Princess sighed before continuing. "The choice is ultimately yours, and I would like to work out a way for you two stay together, but a part of me would feel better if you stayed at the castle."
"I'd personally be find with that, but Varian…" Danny said before trailing off, looking at the hesitant teen beside him.
"I know it's not the best idea to be in the same place as my father, but you'd also be in the same place as me, so I'd know if he tried anything." Rapunzel explained her reasoning.
Thinking it over a little, Varian sighed tiredly. "… I'll think about it."
"Thank you."
"Let's see what the doc says before we decide on that," Eugene suggested.
They didn't have much to say to each other the rest of the way. Everyone became lost in their thoughts, absorbing what had happened over the last twenty-four hours. Varian was steeling himself for his return to the city while Danny watched this world pass by around him. He'd never ridden in a hore-drawn carriage before and he couldn't help the child-like enjoyment he was feeling despite the situation.
Soon, the group crossed a long bridge and entered the Capital of Corona. Danny's eyes widened in awe as rode through a town he'd only ever seen in history books. He saw people wave cheerfully to the Princess, who put on her best face as she waved back. Danny was surprised not a lot of people were focusing on him since he thought people would wonder who the cloaked boy was riding with the Princess.
"Rapunzel's known to hang out with guys who don't really fit with a royal crowd," Eugene explained, seeing the look on his face.
Between them, Danny noticed Varian had pulled his hood up and was clutching it close, ducking his head down as they passed people. The time-traveler rubbed Varian's back, getting him to relax a little.
Soon, they reached the castle. Danny's jaw dropped when he saw how big it actually was up close. It makes a much bigger impact in person than it would in a picture.
Once they arrived, Rapunzel got out first, followed by Cass. Eugene stepped out after her and waited for the boys to do the same.
"We'll see you guys in a few," Eugene said to the girls.
"You too," Rapunzel nodded, giving Eugene a kiss and the teens a hug.
"I'll walk them to the infirmary before rounding up the townspeople." Cassandra offered.
"Thanks, Cass."
With that, Rapunzel marched inside, frying pan firmly in hand. She passed through the halls, ignoring the pleasantries around her.
"Good morning, Princess," A maid curtsied.
"Beautiful day." A guard said.
"Someone's in a hurry." An older gentleman remarked as he walked past her.
"Gesundheit, m' lady." A short old man popped out of a flower pot.
Soon, Rapunzel was outside the throne room's side entrance. Pascal chirped encouragingly from her shoulder, causing her to smile at her oldest friend. Steeling her resolve, Rapunzel opened the doors.
Inside the throne room were her parents, the Captain, and Nigel. Her parents were on their thrones, having a serious conversation, when they looked up upon her entry.
"Rapunzel!" Queen Arianna cried in relief, running over to hug her daughter. "You're alright! Where have you been?! You left yesterday afternoon and were gone all night!"
"Oh, I think Dad can tell you where I've been," The Princess said, glancing at the men behind her mother, venom-laced anger seeping into her words. "I'm sure the Captain has filled him in on everything that happened last night."
"Frederic?" Arianna turned to her husband, confused and concerned.
"Rapunzel, I just heard about what happened in Old Corona," The King tried to defend himself as he stood up. "I–I assure you my intent was only to protect you–"
"From what?!" The Princess interrupted sharply. "Your own men? That you sent after Varian?!"
"What?!" The Queen gasped, looking between her husband and daughter in growing horror.
King Frederic sighed. "Rapunzel–"
"It's time for answers, Dad. I want to know why you lied about Old Corona and why you've been covering up that our kingdom is being destroyed by those black rocks!" Rapunzel demanded, glaring at her father. "I'm sure the Captain painted a detailed picture of how bad it is since you've been so busy sending him and the Royal Guard to keep Varian silent!"
King Frederic cleared his throat. "Captain? Nigel? Would you give us some privacy?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," Nigel said nervously, leaving the throne room.
The Captain bowed at the waist before following the advisor's example.
Once they were gone, King Frederic looked sternly at his daughter. "Is that where you've been since yesterday? With Varian?"
"Yes," Rapunzel said firmly. "And I've placed him under my official protection. If you try anything funny, I will take him, leave this kingdom, and never return! People are in danger, Dad! A lot of danger! And instead of doing anything about it, you'd rather we ignore it like it will disappear! I've got news for you: it's not going away!"
"Rapunzel, I told you to stay away from those rocks." King Frederic frowned.
"Well, that's slowly becoming impossible! The rocks are everywhere, Dad! Old Corona, the fields by the Wall, my old tower, and according to Varian, this is only going to get worse! You can stay in denial if you want, but I'm going to get to the bottom of this! One way or another!"
"Rapunzel, I forbid you to–"
"Don't forget!" She cut him by holding up her frying pan like a sword, daring her father to finish that sentence. "The last time someone tried to forbid me from something, I got out anyway! I may not be able to turn you to dust, but I can knock you out and run away if I have to!"
Deciding this argument had gone on long enough, Rapunzel spun on her heel and walked towards the door. "Now, I'm going to deal with the rumors about Varian! If anyone tries to stop me, they're gonna get panned, and I don't care who they are!"
After leaving the throne room, Rapunzel started back toward the entrance to address the people.
"Rapunzel!" She turned to see her mother run after her.
"Mom–!" Before Rapunzel could do anything, her mother pulled her into a hug that almost felt desperate. Feeling her tension, the Princess hugged the Queen back. "Mom, it's okay. I'm okay. But this is something I have to do."
"I know," Arianna said softly, her voice almost wavering before composing herself. "I know…"
She pulled back and looked at her daughter, seeing the young woman she had become in the nearly two decades she was gone. It had been hard for her to accept that the baby she had lost was now almost an adult. An independent, free-spirited adult that was so much like the sister Arianna rarely ever saw.
"Rapunzel… we don't mean to make you feel trapped. We're just… frightened. By now, you've noticed that you are connected to the rocks, and your father and I are afraid of what they may want with you."
"Honestly, so am I," Rapunzel admitted. "But, I'm willing to find out, especially if it means that my people don't suffer. I'll walk out into the woods and confront the rocks myself if I have to, if it means the ones I love are safe. My people come before me. How can I call myself a good princess if I don't take care of my subjects?"
Arianna and Rapunzel looked at each other for a moment before Rapunzel took her mother's hands in her own. "Mom, I know the ceremony got interrupted, but I remember the last part of the vows talking about when the kingdom is threatened. If the priest was supposed to ask if I'd be prepared to do whatever it took to protect my kingdom, then my answer is yes."
"Then… I believe you need to go address your people." The Queen smiled at her daughter, feeling proud despite her anxiety.
Rapunzel smiled brightly, hugging her mother again before striding confidently toward the entrance.
Arianna watched her daughter with pride. Despite what her husband might think, Rapunzel doesn't need anyone to protect her.
(Meanwhile)
Eugene sat next to Varian in the medical wing, Danny on another bed beside him. The boys had fallen asleep following their examinations, so Eugene was just standing guard as the kids caught up on their sleep. He managed to work off Varian's gloves and goggles so he was more comfortable and draped their cloaks over them like blankets.
According to the doctor, Varian and Danny were right. Any injuries Varian had were healed and Danny was surprisingly intact despite the accident he described. The only thing that showed what happened was the stripe Danny gained in his hair, which he said he didn't have before.
The one thing they had to worry about was that Varian was showing signs of malnutrition and exhaustion, meaning Varian hadn't eaten or slept much recently. The medic had prescribed a nap and making sure he regularly ate for the next few days or so, same with Danny as a precaution.
Given how long it had been since the girls had last seen Varian, much less since Eugene himself last saw the alchemist, he was amazed the kid looked as good as he did. He felt how light he was when they were climbing out of the tower. He was also impressed with Danny since he had discribed the accident as being struck by lighning, so that fact he wasn't burned or significantly injured was a miracle. Not to mention still being able to keep up with them as they were running for their lives.
Eugene still couldn't believe that the Captain had been… the poor kid looked so scared. It wasn't bad enough his dad was trapped, but he had to endure that for… weeks? Ever since the storm? Come to think of it, Rapunzel had been pretty busy with different tasks, even without Sugracha taking advantage of her indecision.
Eugene sighed and leaned back in his chair, glancing toward the door when he heard footsteps in the hall. There was a hard knock on the door, causing Eugene to stand up, becoming alert.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Fitzherbert." Cass answered on the other side.
"Enter, Dragon Lady!" He responded dramatically before sitting down again.
The handmaiden rolled her eyes as she came in, shutting the door behind her. "How are the boys?"
"They've probably been better, but they could be a whole lot worse," Eugene answered, turning back toward the sleeping teens. "From the medical jargon I could understand, we just need to get Varian back in better eating and sleeping habits, and make sure Danny does the same just in case."
"That's good to hear." Cass understood, moving to sit between the boys' beds.
"Where's Blondie?"
"She just finished dismissing the rumors and is talking with the Queen about protection for Varian and what Danny's situation is going to look like."
"How'd the talk go with her dad?"
"Not well, if I had to guess."
They both fell quiet after that. The only sound breaking the silence was Varian's snoring.
Eugene glanced at Cassandra before speaking again. "How ya holding up?"
"What do you mean?" She asked, not taking her eyes off Varian.
"Well, Blondie's not the only one who found that her dad lied to her face and hurt a friend of hers behind her back."
"I really don't wanna talk about it." Cass shot him a side glare.
"Okay, okay, message received," Eugene held up his hands before sighing. "Look, Cass, I know you and I don't get along, and I know you don't like talking about feelings. But I want you to know that I'm here if you want to talk about it… whenever you're ready."
Cass eased up slightly, thinking about his words. As much as she couldn't stand Eugene sometimes, she was thankful that he respected her boundaries.
"Eugene–"
Before she could finish, the door opened again, and Rapunzel walked in. She looked exhausted but relieved at the same time.
"How'd it go, Sunshine?" Eugene got up and hugged his girlfriend.
"Which part?" She answered, but she was smiling a little. "I've cleared up the rumors as best I could, so it should be safe for Varian to go into town now."
"What about protection?" Cassandra asked.
Rapunzel sighed heavily, brushing her hair back. "That's where things get… tricky."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, to grant official royal protection, I'd need the consent of two sitting royals since I'm not Queen yet. That means royals who are still in power, meaning my mom and dad. My mom would be all for it, but my father…."
"Yeah, that's not happening." Eugene got it, getting annoyed, as they sat next to Varian.
"But Mom and I found another way that doesn't involve having to go through the King, and it also provides a temporary solution for Danny," Rapunzel continued, trying to be optimistic. "Since Varian and Danny are still minors, Danny's parents are elswhere, and Varian's father, well… can't take care of him at the moment…."
She giggled nervously before clearing her throat. "What my mom suggested doing was a legal guardianship."
"Guardianship?" Eugene questioned. He had heard words like that when he was in the orphanage but wasn't sure what that meant. "Is that like adoption or something?"
"Sort of," His girlfriend answered. "It's more like… a temporary adoption. Until we get Varian's father out of the amber and find Danny a way back to his homeland, they'll stay with us in the castle."
"Uh, Raps?" Cass spoke up. "I get where you're going with this, but what if when we break Quirin out of the amber, he's…?"
She didn't finish the sentence, but the weight of her statement hung in the air. "Not to mention, like I said earlier, we don't know if there is a way to get Danny home."
The couple looked at each other before looking at the teens worriedly.
Rapunzel sighed heavily. "If it comes to that… then we'll make the adoption permanent."
"Okay, but who's going to be the kids' guardians?" Eugene asked, refocusing the conversation. "You, Sunshine?"
"Actually, Mom offered to be Varian and Danny's guardian. She said something about not wanting to add too much to my plate since it's such a big responsibility."
"Anyway, since the kids' are now castle wards, they'll be appointed guards." Cass pointed out.
"Right," Rapunzel nodded. "Cass, would you be willing to watch one of them? After everything, you're probably the only guard Varian trusts."
"I'm almost offended you had to ask, Blondie," Cass smirked a little, getting a giggle out of the Princess.
"Now, given the circumstances, I don't want any of the guards near Danny either, but I think I know a loophole," Rapunzel continued before turning to her boyfriend. "Eugene, while you're technically not a guard, you're part of the guard because you're an instructor. Could you look after Danny?"
"I'm on it." Eugene saluted playfully.
"Sure you can handle the responsibility, Eugene?" Cass smirked at him.
"For your information, Cass, I can handle anything." Eugene countered confidently.
Suddenly, a frightened gasp snapped their attention back to Varian. The alchemist had woken with a start, panting heavily as he tried to regain his breath.
The noise caused Danny to snap awake too as he sat up. "What, where–?"
Ruddiger woke up soon after, sensing something was wrong with his human.
"Easy, kids, easy," Eugene soothed. "It's okay. You're safe now."
Varian's breathing started to calm, his gaze turning to the older man. "Flynn?"
"Eugene, but yeah, it's me," Eugene corrected, smiling comfortingly. "You okay, buddy? Danny?"
"I think so…" The time-traveler responded, repositioning himself so he was sitting on the edge of the med-bed.
"Y–Yeah," Varian stuttered after a minute, sitting up as well. He ran his hand through his hair when he realized his accessories were gone. "Where are–?"
"Right here." The ex-thief handed them back to him. "Figured you'd sleep better without them."
"Thanks," Varian said, putting his things back on.
"So, what did we miss?" Danny asked.
"Blondie's adopting you two."
Varian nearly choked on air when he said that. "What?!"
"Say, what?!" The other teen gasped.
"Fitzherbert!" Cass snapped at the man as he nearly fell over laughing.
"I'm sorry!" He wheezed. "That was just too good to pass up!"
"Eugene, stop that!" Rapunzel scolded lightly before turning to the boys. "What he means is because of your… situations, since you're both minors, you would need a guardian until we get Quirin back and find a way home for Danny. So, my mom offered to be both of your legal guardians in the meantime."
"Oh," Varian blinked, both relieved and slightly annoyed at Eugene joking around. "Okay, I get it now."
"Makes sense," Danny agreed.
"So, you can stay at the castle, and Mom and I will make sure Dad doesn't try to hurt either of you. And since you're both… Cass, what was the phrase you used?"
"Wards of the castle."
"Right, that. You'll both be given bodyguards," Rapunzel said, quickly explaining the rest when she saw Varian tense up. "And Cass and Eugene immediately volunteered for the position, so they'll be able to make sure the Captain or the other guards don't try anything under my dad's orders."
Varian immediately relaxed after hearing Cassandra would be one of their bodyguards. He didn't see himself getting passed his fear of guards anytime soon.
"Don't worry, kid," Cass assured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We're not gonna let them hurt you again."
"You're safe now, Goggles," Eugene agreed, having gotten over his laughter. "You too, White Stripe."
Danny smiled slightly, relieved he had a place to stay for the time being.
"Yeah, we're safe," Varian got his attention, his words grim. "But Corona's not."
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel asked, remembering him mentioning that back at the tower.
"The rocks are moving towards the Capital. They'll be all over the island by your birthday."
Rapunzel brought a hand to her mouth with a horrified gasp. She knew the problem was bad, but this was worse than they thought.
"So, you're saying by Rapunzel's next birthday, the town's going to look like Old Corona." Danny spelled out, eyes widening.
Varian nodded.
"Ohhh, yeah, that's not good," Eugene said, looking at Cass, who was just as alarmed as Rapunzel. "Especially since that's in less than two weeks."
"We should get everyone out of here," Danny said, getting to his feet. "Isn't there anyway for the people to go? Being on an island, you guys have to have storm bunkers or something to go to. Can't we use those?"
"There's no telling if they haven't been compromised by the rocks. Besides, they're meant to be temporary, not long term," The warrior handmaiden looked at the alchemist. "Are you sure the Sundrop will stop them?"
"I… I don't know," Varian admitted, looking at Ruddiger on his lap. "All we have is a piece of a scroll, and it only tells us so much. Only two people could tell us more. One is dead, and the other will just outright refuse."
"Creepy Mother Gothel and the King," Eugene murmured.
Rapunzel shuddered a little at the mention of both those people. She could never have imagined her father was just as deceitful as the woman who kidnapped her.
"Actually," Cassandra spoke up, getting an idea. "There might be someone else we could talk to…."
"Who?" The boys asked together.
"Are you talking about Xavier?" Rapunzel asked, catching on.
"The blacksmith?" Eugene questioned.
"Xavier knows a lot about history and legends," Cassandra explained. "He knew about the storm and the Demanitus Device. Maybe he'll know something about the rocks."
"Okay," Rapunzel agreed after a minute. "But we're going to have to be sneaky about this. My dad's already sent people after one person for helping me. I don't want that happening to anyone else."
"Right, but before we leave, we need to get another meal in the hairstripe brothers," Eugene reminded them, clapping Varian lightly on the shoulder. "Doctor's orders."
"Oh, right!" Rapunzel almost face-palmed when she realized she had forgotten why they were in the infirmary. "What did the medic say?"
"All we have to do is make sure Varian starts eating and sleeping regularly again. The medic also wants us to do that for Danny as a safety precaution."
"Okay," Rapunzel nodded before checking the clock in the room. "Alright, we'll get a late lunch and then talk to Xavier. That sound like a plan?"
Everyone in the room nodded, the boys sharing a glance and smile. While they were both still reeling to an extent, they were happy that action was being taken.
And that's the last update for this story right now. Wow, two chapters in a day, I'm proud of myself.
The next story I'm moving onto is I was a Teenage Titan. See you soon with the next update.
