Hi, everyone, and a Happy belated Thanksgiving to my American readers!
As some of you noticed from the title, I changed the first chapter again. I originally wasn't going to go this route with my story since I didn't want to look like I was copying one of ZoneRobotnik. However, after thinking about it, I decided I liked this idea, and I was going to do it. Since the stories are different, I figured it was fine.
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Tangled or Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure. I only own my OCs.
Enjoy! First-time readers, you might wanna go back to the beginning so you don't get confused.
The streets were abandoned and dark since the festival was over. The only lights were from the homes of those who hadn't gone to bed yet and lanterns for the workers to see as they cleaned up.
As they got closer to the castle, Rapunzel looked anxious as she slowed down, forcing the three friends to stop.
"Something wrong?" Varian asked.
"No, this is a bad idea," She started mumbling, leaving the teens unsure if she was talking to them or herself. "My mother, she… She's probably so worried… but Eugene, he… He didn't really trade me for the crown, did he?"
"Don't know," Austin shrugged. "But since the guy who told you that also tried to kidnap you, I'd take that information with a grain of salt."
"Grain of salt…?" Rapunzel blinked.
"He means, assume the guy was lying to you," Varian explained.
"Oh," The young woman blushed, embarrassed. "Sorry, Mother doesn't often speak in… expressions?"
"Eh, don't worry. Half the time, I can't understand these two either." Austin pointed to his friends, provoking Kathleen into punching him in the arm. "Ow!"
Varian rolled his eyes good-naturedly before looking at Rapunzel assuringly. "I know the castle looks intimidating, but we have to go in there to save your friend. Your statement might be the only thing that frees him."
Rapunzel looked at him briefly before taking a deep breath and nodding. "Okay…"
"Alright, let's go," Austin said.
"Wait, where's Pascal?" Rapunzel looked around before a chameleon poked out of her hair, causing her to sigh in relief. "Oh, there you are."
Pascal squeaked at her before looking nervously at the owl still perched on Kathleen's arm.
"Sorry, little guy, Artemis isn't a fan of reptiles," Kathleen stroked the snow owl's feathers. "Unless she can eat them."
Artemis eyed the chameleon as she licked her beak, making Pascal smile sheepishly.
"Excuse us for a second," Rapunzel requested. She turned away slightly to talk to Pascal in semi-privacy. "Pascal, I–I don't know what to do. We can trust these people, right?"
Pascal squeaked a response that she understood.
"Yeah, they did save us, but Mother must be so worried by now…"
"Who's 'Mother?'" Varian asked, interrupting them.
"Oh, um…" She paused as she faced them, Pascal going back into hiding as she admitted, "I only know her as Mother. I don't know her name."
"That may make it hard to find her," Austin said, glancing back at the adults as Quirin spoke with a guard out front with his parents and Kirsten off to either side.
"Why isn't your mother with you?" Kathy asked as the guard opened the castle doors.
"Well, uh… It's a long story." Rapunzel sighed.
"Stick to the main details," Austin suggested.
"So, I left the tower I grew up in with Eugene after he snuck in with a crown in his satchel. We made a deal so that he would take me to see the floating lights–which I didn't know were the lanterns–that always appeared on my birthday in exchange for his satchel, which I hid in the tower before Mother found it. She found us last night and told me he was only interested in the crown, but I thought he liked me," She explained, tugging at her hair anxiously. "Do you think he likes me?"
"I don't know. We only saw you two from a distance, and I never got to talk to him." Varian answered.
"Oh. Well, anyway, she said I was delusional, and she gave me the satchel to test him, but when I gave it to him, he didn't seem interested in it anymore. Then, he said he had to do something and left, and that's when those men showed up. He said he traded the crown for the girl with magic hair, and how did they find out about my hair being magical?"
"How exactly is it magical?" Varian asked, glancing at Kathleen.
"I mean, I can sense she has magic, but I've never heard of it coming from a person's hair." She explained.
"'Sense?'" Rapunzel questioned.
"Mm-hm," Kathleen nodded, brushing her bangs aside to show her red eye. "I have magic powers, too, but I keep them a secret. Part of my abilities is I can sense magic in others if they have it."
"Kids!" Kirsten called as the adults headed inside.
"Come on." Kathleen coaxed Rapunzel along as they followed the others.
"Eugene," Rapunzel looked around as they walked down the hall. "I need to see Eugene."
"We know. It's gonna be okay," Varian said gently.
Austin broke away from the group momentarily, getting Quirin's attention before saying in a low voice, "Sir, could we take her to the dungeon to find Eugene while you go on? We're trying to keep her as calm as we can, but she's like five steps away from bolting."
"I would prefer it if I go to the dungeon alone and get him released while the rest of you take her onward." Quirin frowned.
"You just don't want us going near the dungeon, do you?" Austin deadpanned.
"We very much do not," Lucas said, hearing the conversation.
Quirin then walked up to the guard and said something to him quietly. The guard nodded and stepped forward.
"Alright, I leave them in your care." He then walked off, leaving them with the guard.
"Please, follow me." The man said.
Rapunzel became frightened at the sight of the guard. "I… I have to go home!"
"Rapunzel!" Varian took her hand in his, the other still holding the glowing vial. "Rapunzel, look at me. It's okay. My dad wouldn't have left us with him if he thought he was dangerous. Okay?"
Rapunzel sniffled, wiping at her eyes before nodding.
Suddenly, the castle doors burst open as a gust of wind rushed in. The guard stood protectively in front of Kirsten while Mr. Chase held his wife close against the sudden gale. Austin moved in front of Varian and the girls to shield them as Artemis hunkered down on his perch.
A woman stepped into the doorway. She was middle-aged with long black hair in a red dress and a black cloak.
"Here I am, my flower!" She declared, her voice causing the Old Coronans' eyes to widen.
They knew that voice.
"Gothel!" The teens gasped.
"Mother!" Rapunzel looked at her.
"What?!" Austin looked at her, wondering if he had heard that right.
"Miss Gothel?" Lucas looked wide-eyed, along with his wife.
"What's she doing here?" Kirsten questioned.
"You know this woman?" The guard asked.
"She comes through the village every so often."
Confused and horrified, Varian stepped out slightly from behind Austin so Gothel could see him. "Miss Gothel?"
The woman looked to Varian, eyes widening in recognition.
"What's going on?" He questioned a trace of betrayal in his voice and face.
Gothel looked away for a moment, eyes closed with a look almost akin to shame. Then she opened her eyes again, hardening her expression. "I'm sorry, Varian…"
Suddenly, she ran forward.
The instinct to protect his friends snapped Varian out of his stupor. Thinking fast, he took another vial out of his pocket and threw it at her. She stepped back to avoid getting hit as black smoke rose from where the tube landed.
"Rapunzel!" She cried.
"Mother!" Rapunzel ran around Austin to reach her through the smoke.
"Rapunzel, no!" Kathleen cried.
Gothel held Rapunzel close before sending a wave of green energy at them.
Kathleen moved in front of the group, holding up her hands to create an energy shield the same color as her magic. She gritted her teeth as she stood her ground, the spell stronger than anticipated as it battered against her shield. However, the shield held as the wave ended, bursting apart and knocking the young witch back when it couldn't take anymore.
"Kathy!" Kirsten gasped, kneeling next to her sister.
Artemis fluttered down next to the young witch, hooting in concern.
The boys watched as the oldest Davidsen helped the youngest sit up before turning back to the entrance. By then, Gothel and Rapunzel were gone.
"Is she okay?" The guard asked, kneeling next to the sisters.
Kathleen groaned as she slowly sat up, holding her head in her hand. "Just… give me a minute… Where's Rapunzel?"
"Gone," Varian stated, still shaken from the events.
"Miss Gothel… I never would've guessed…" Wilma shook her head, stupified.
"She never mentioned having a daughter," Lucas said.
"I don't think Rapunzel's really her daughter…" Kathleen murmured as she got to her feet.
"What do you mean, Kathy?"
"Have you guys been thinking what I've been thinking?" The young witch turned to her friends.
"If we've been thinking that Rapunzel is the Lost Princess, then yes." Austin nodded.
"What do you mean, young man?" The guard questioned.
"Think about. She shares the same birthday as the Princess; she would be about the same age as the Princess would be now. She has the same long blond hair, and even their names are the same." He counted off.
"Plus, if Gothel's the kidnapper, that would explain a few other things," Kathleen jumped in. "Like why she abandoned her cottage in the woods. She probably thought the place was being watched."
"A cottage? In the woods?" The guard repeated.
"Yes. Children in Old Corona have been going there for years for tests of courage," Kirsten explained before gesturing to the teens. "These three even went there once and became stranded during a storm."
"This cottage… Was it next to a waterfall? With a water wheel?"
"Yeah, that's it!" Austin confirmed before becoming confused. "But how did you know?"
"The night of the kidnapping, the Captain and a few guards pursued the Princess's kidnapper right to that very cottage!" He explained.
"Then that means…!" Kirsten's eyes widened.
"We were right," Varian breathed, breaking his silence. "Rapunzel is the Lost Princess…"
"And Gothel's her kidnapper." Austin finished, eyes narrowed.
"And we let this woman into our village?!" Wilma looked at her husband in horror.
"It doesn't matter now. We need to go after her." Kathleen insisted.
"We need to tell Mr. Quirin," Austin said.
"Follow me!" The guard said, leading the way as they ran to find the village head.
None of them noticed that Varian stayed where he was.
For most of that conversation, the young alchemist was stuck in his head as many different emotions swirled inside him. The voices of his friends and their families sounded a million miles away.
As his feelings sorted themselves out, anger became the most pronounced as Varian clenched his open fist. Glaring towards the door, Varian ran out of the castle with only his glowing vial to light the way.
At the same time, unknown to Varian, a certain snow owl watched him leave before taking flight.
(In the Dungeons)
"Sir Quirin!"
"Quirin!"
The group ran into the dungeon, where Quirin talked with the Captain of the Guard and a young man in a cell.
"What's going on, Lucas?" He asked, never seeing his second-in-command so flustered before.
"Gothel…" Lucas heaved, catching his breath. "She attacked us and took the girl!"
"What?!" The village head's eyes widened.
"She claimed to be Rapunzel's mother," Wilma explained. "But the kids believe that Rapunzel's the long-lost princess."
"They've confirmed that this Gothel woman lived in the cottage we chased the Princess's kidnapper to eighteen years ago, sir!" The guard turned to his captain.
"Let's go!" The Captain declared, looking towards the villagers. "Any idea where she would've taken the Princess?"
"When we talked to her, she mentioned something about a tower," Austin said.
"I what you're talking about!" The criminal Quirin and the Captain had been talking to spoke up. "I found the place while I was running from the guards! It's a single tower hidden in a grove in the woods!"
"We've combed the forest several times. How come we never found it?" The Captain questioned the man.
"Because the grove is surrounded by tall cliffs. The only way in is through a tunnel in the walls, covered by thick vines. I hid in there, and Maximus walked right past me without picking up my scent."
"Can you show us the way?" Quirin asked.
"If it means saving Rapunzel, yes."
"Then, let's hurry." He nodded to the Captain, who unlocked the cell to let him out, though he looked reluctant.
"Hey, isn't that…!" Kathleen whispered to Austin when she recognized the man as Flynn Rider.
"Yeah, I helped Varian get the wanted posters for his collection." The blond confirmed.
When Austin didn't feel any retaliation or hear any kind of response from the alchemist, he turned around to find he wasn't there.
"Where–?"
"Kathleen, Austin, where is Varian?" Quirin asked them.
The friends looked at each other, gasping simultaneously, "We left him upstairs!"
The teens ran out together, followed by the adults. When they reached the hall they last saw him in, Kathleen and Austin gasped again when they saw he was gone.
"Ugh!" Austin smacked his forehead. "Why didn't we notice he wasn't with us?!"
"What's wrong?" Quirin asked when they caught up to them.
"Varian's gone."
"He probably went after Gothel!" Kathleen said, worried for her friend.
"We have to hurry," Kirsten said. "If Gothel was willing to send two known criminals after Rapunzel, who knows what she'll do to Varian if he finds where they live."
"Then let's get going!" The newly freed criminal said.
"Right," Quirin turned to Wilma and Kirsten. "Wilma, Kirsten, wait here with the guards."
"Alright," Wilma nodded.
"Austin, Kathleen, you two do the same–!" He started telling the teens before realizing they were gone.
"Did you really think they would listen if you told them to stay put?" Kirsten questioned, not surprised they ran off.
"I was hoping," Quirin mumbled.
"Let's grab some horses," Lucas said. "We'll catch up with the kids on the way."
"Follow me!" Flynn said, taking the lead.
While the adults were getting rides, Austin and Kathleen had made it to where the wagons were parked. Only three were left since they were the only Old Coronans still in the Capital.
They went to the wagon pulled by the Davidsen's horse, Star. She was a black mare with brown eyes and white spots on her flank.
"Star, we need your help," Kathleen said to the mare as Austin unhitched her from the cart. "Let Austin ride you, okay? I'll fly alongside you two."
Star knickered softly, nodding her head in understanding. She didn't like anyone other than the sisters riding her, so other humans had to ask first or get permission from the girls.
"Okay," Austin said, adjusting a sword on his belt before climbing onto Star. "Rider said the grotto had a waterfall in it. If we follow the river, we'll find the tower."
Flicking the reins lightly, Star and Austin took off down the bridge.
Kathleen surrounded herself with her magic, levitating off the ground before flying after her friend. She pulled alongside them as they turned into the woods, traveling along the river.
"I hope Varian's okay," Kathleen said, worried for their other friend.
"I know. He didn't bring much of his alchemy and doesn't have his bow and arrows." Austin conceded, knowing Varian was technically unarmed and going up against a witch.
"That's not what I mean…"
The blond didn't respond but knew what she was talking about.
Gothel was someone Varian had known for years. She was like an eccentric aunt to him, always bringing him souvenirs from her travels and helping him with his alchemy.
She built Varian up as much as they did. Out of all of them, he had to feel the most betrayed by what they found out.
An owl's call caught their attention when they saw Artemis swoop down alongside them.
"Artemis, there you are!" Kathy cheered, having wondered where her owl had gone off to.
"She must've seen Varian leave and followed him." Austin deduced.
"Good job, girl. Can you show us the way?"
Artemis nodded and glided ahead, leading them deeper into the forest as the sky.
(With Varian)
Logically, Varian knew this was a bad idea.
He had known Gohtel was a witch for years, and contrary to popular opinion, he was not a wizard. He also didn't have his offensive alchemy or archery gear.
However, Varian wasn't thinking logically. He was running on his emotions, primarily hurt and betrayal.
He trusted Gothel. His dad let her into their home after his mother was lost. She encouraged his alchemy, something other adults, including his own father, tried to dissuade him from.
She built him up on a foundation of lies, and he believed every word.
Now, he wanted to know why.
Sticking to the shadows while keeping his glow tube hidden, Varian followed Gothel and Rapunzel through the woods until they reached a ravine. Ironically, he and his friends have gone through there before when exploring or searching for alchemy and potion ingredients.
To think, they were inches away from the Princess that whole time…
He watched as Gothel pushed aside a curtain of vines and led the Princess inside. Varian waited a few minutes before sneaking over to the vines, slipping through as silently as possible.
Behind the wall was a tunnel, and when Varian reached the end, he found a grotto with the tower Rapunzel mentioned. He watched as they circled around to the back of the tower and didn't come back. Varian stayed where he was a few moments longer until a light appeared in the windows.
Knowing it was now or never, Varian scurried to the base of the tower, pressing his back to the bricks as he waited again. When no one came back down, he assumed no one had seen him from the window.
Catching his breath, Varian moved to the back of the tower, where he found an opening in the bricks. Stepping inside the threshold, the young alchemist looked up the stairs and mulled over his options.
"Okay, Varian. I know you're upset, but you need to be smart about this," He murmured. "There's a good chance you could be walking into an ambush if they realized you were following them. As much as you don't want to believe it, Gothel may very well hurt you…"
He swallowed a lump in his throat, trying to keep his emotions in check as he made a plan.
"There are at most three ways to get inside. These stairs, the one window out front that looked different from the others, and possibly a skylight on the roof to let in sunlight during the day. For two of those options, you risk falling to your death. The last option, you risk being seen coming in the front door. However, there's a good chance there are more rooms inside, and they may be elsewhere in the tower. You'll just have to listen closely before opening the hatch."
Taking a deep breath, Varian walked up the winding staircase.
Making sure to step carefully to avoid squeaks, the alchemist came to a trapdoor. Pressing himself as close as he could, he heard no voices on the other side.
Steeling his nerves, he cautiously opened the hatch as slowly as possible. He glanced around what he assumed was the central part of the tower. From the vantage he had, there wasn't anyone in the room.
With the coast clear, Varian inched himself through the trapdoor, closing it silently behind him.
Noticing the staircase, Varian moved to the steps before tensing when he heard voices. He moved into a pantry area beneath the landing as the women talked above him.
"I was so frightened. They seemed so nice, and they saved me. But then they attacked you and wouldn't let me go back to you, and I don't know what was going on–"
"It's alright, my flower. You're home now. You're safe. This is why I said that you should never leave the tower," There was a pause before Gothel started speaking again. "It's going to be alright, Flower."
"But it's not safe!" Rapunzel cried. "They know where I live! They could come after us!"
"And that's why we're going to leave. Now, let's start packing."
He heard drapes fluttering upstairs before the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. Seeing Gothel on the steps, it was time to face her while Rapunzel was up in her room. The Princess didn't need to witness this on top of everything else.
As Gothel hit the last step, Varian said, "So, you're just going to leave without saying goodbye?"
The witch spun around in shock as he stepped out of the shadows. "Varian…"
"Because, ya know, I would at least like to know why the woman who practically helped raise me is suddenly leaving? And with a daughter that I never knew about, much less."
As Varian talked, he moved so that he was in the more open spot of the tower. That way, if and when Gothel did decide to attack, he would have room to move around and try to defend himself.
Gothel sighed tiredly, knowing her web of lies was unraveling as she walked towards the window. "Varian…"
"You lied to me!" Varian said lowly, getting to the point as he followed her movements. "You lied to me for years! My dad let you into our home, and this whole time, you've been harboring the Lost Princess!"
"I am sorry, Varian. I hadn't meant to bring you or your father into this, but you must understand I had no choice." Gothel stressed as she turned back to him.
Varian crossed his arms silently, waiting for her to continue.
"You and the village children called me old… you don't know how much of an understatement that is," The witch sighed again before continuing. "The truth is I've been around for centuries, watching this kingdom grow into what it is now."
The teen's eyes widened when she said that. He knew from Kathleen that magic could mess with one's longevity, but now that fact was sinking in.
"I had been using the magic flower the King sought out eighteen years ago to stay alive. Its magic is more potent than anyone realized, enough that it could reverse the aging process. When the King's guards took it… I knew my time was limited," Gothel explained. "But taking the Princess hadn't been my plan…"
"The lock of hair…" Varian realized.
"I had hoped taking a piece of her hair would've been enough, but it hadn't worked… You know the story from that point."
"You had to take the Princess."
"Yes…" Gothel didn't deny it.
"Why didn't you try to barter with the information or something?" Varian questioned. "You clearly knew enough about the Sundrop to know how to use it. Why didn't you approach the Royal Family and show them how to use the flower without uprooting it? Or allowing them to take it in exchange for being allowed access to the Princess as a nursemaid or lady-in-waiting? You would've been allowed constant access to the magic in her hair."
Gothel scoffed as she turned back to the alchemist. "In this kingdom? Come, Varian, you and I both know you're not that naive. Corona's built on more darkness and bloodshed than you think. I'm surprised the King resorted to magic at all."
Varian became confused as he looked at her. He knew things in Corona weren't as perfect as everyone believed, but it sounded like Gothel was implying things were worse than he imagined.
"I have to leave, Varian," Gothel said with finality. "With Rapunzel."
The alchemist was quiet for a moment before finding his resolve. "I'm sorry, Miss Gothel, but I can't let you do that. The people have waited too long for their princess. I can't let you disappear with her."
"Varian, don't make this harder than it needs to be." The witch said, like a parent scolding a child.
"Despite the truth, Rapunzel still cares about you," Varian tried to reason with the woman. "There could still be another way."
"I'm afraid it's too late, Varian. Far too late," Gothel rejected, her words resolute. "One day, you will understand."
The alchemist was immediately on guard, waiting for whatever tricks Gothel tried to pull.
Before either side could make a move, an owl's call caught their attention. The witch whirled around just in time for Artemis to swoop through the open window. She circled around, diving at the woman with her talons ready, trying to distract her away from Varian. Gothel let out a terrified yelp, shielding her face from the bird-of-prey as best she could before Artemis circled away to hover by Varian.
"Thanks, Artemis." The alchemist thanked the snow owl.
Suddenly, the trapdoor burst open, making them look in that direction as Austin climbed in.
"Now, who said you could start the fun without us?" He smirked, sword in hand.
Seconds later, Kathleen flew in through the window, touching down a few feet from the others.
"I take it being homeless was a lie, too?" The redhead glared at the witch, her hands glowing.
"You led them to me?" Gothel turned to Varian angrily.
"You kidnapped the Lost Princess," Varian glared back. "What kind of person would I be if I didn't help bring her home?"
"It's over, Gothel," Austin added, ready for a fight. "The Guard will be here any minute. This ends tonight."
Gothel hissed something before looking around at the trio. "Not yet…"
Without warning, she summoned a green energy and unleashed a wave in all directions. The teens and owl dodged out of the way, flying up or ducking to the floor.
In the confusion, Gothel darted forward and grabbed Varian by the arm before he could react. She yanked him before pulling out a knife, holding it to his throat threateningly.
"You left me no choice, Varian," She hissed in his ear.
The alchemist swallowed nervously, trying not to show fear as he stood as still as possible.
The witch turned to the blond. "Move."
"Not happening." He replied.
They heard a commotion down below before a voice called up, "Rapunzel!"
"You're not leaving this tower, Gothel," Kathleen added, moving away from the window. "Not without a fight."
"Rapunzel, let down your hair!"
"I'm not going to lose my flower again." The woman said with a cold sneer.
They heard someone climb up the tower before the lone figure of Flynn Rider came in. He stopped short when he saw everyone but Rapunzel.
"Let me guess," He said, looking at Gothel with crossed arms. "You're the mother."
"And you're going to stay away from my daughter." The woman replied.
Varian looked towards the man, his eyes widening when they recognized him. "Flynn Rider…?"
"Look, let the kid go." Flynn Rider said, walking towards her. "His dad and their parents are on the way. So, let the kid go."
She scowled as she held the knife closer. "I want you to leave my daughter alone. I'll let him go once I know that we're—"
"Princess!"
"Varian, are you there?!"
"Dad." Varian breathed as they heard people climbing up the sides and approaching the open trapdoor.
"Our backup's here," Austin commented, glancing down the stairs.
Gothel knew she was surrounded as she backed up to the wall with her knife still at Varian's neck. "If they don't stand down, I will kill him. Before the little redhead fires off a single spell, he'll be in a puddle of blood on the floor!"
"Wanna try me?" Kathleen hissed, the air around them shifting in response to her anger.
"Okay, okay, just calm down," Flynn held up his hands in surrounder, trying to calm the situation before someone got hurt. "I'm not moving, she's not moving, none of us are moving. I'll tell them to stand down."
"I'm the Lost Princess."
Gothel tensed as everyone turned towards the stairs where Rapunzel stood at the top. She had come out of her room, her hair out of its braid and holding a flag that was often sold at the festival.
"I am the Lost Princess, aren't I?" She questioned, looking at Gothel with an expression rapidly turning hurt and angry. "That's why they're all here, isn't it? Why they were taking me to the castle? Because you stole me away!"
"Blondie!" Flynn cried in relief when he saw her.
"Eugene!" Rapunzel replied, feeling the same. "You're okay!"
Gothel held her knife closer to Varian's throat, cutting into his skin a bit. "If you dare betray me–"
"Unhand my son, Gothel."
She whipped her head around. "Quirin!"
Varian looked relieved as his father came up. "Dad!"
Gothel held the alchemist tighter. "I'm not letting him go until you leave me and my daughter alone."
"She's/I'm not your daughter!" Austin and Rapunzel said firmly at the same time.
Gothel's eyes flashed green as she turned on the blond. "You are my daughter! I raised you! You belong to me!"
"No, she doesn't," Kathleen challenged, summoning fire in her hands.
"Whoa!" Flynn (Eugene?) jumped back slightly.
"Don't challenge me, little girl," Gothel said. "You're a thousand years too young."
While she was distracted, Varian reached into his pocket and pulled out one of his alchemy orbs. Dropping it, it smashed on the ground and released a thick cloud of smoke.
Gothel coughed and stumbled back in surprise, inadvertently letting go of Varian. The alchemist ran to Kathleen while Flynn took a chance and ran to the stairs, Rapunzel coming down to meet him.
However, before he could reach her, everyone heard him cry out in pain. The sound was followed by a thump as something fell to the floor. When the smoke cleared, the man was on his side, clutching at an injury.
"Oh, now look what you all made me do," Gothel said, dropping her blood-covered knife.
"No!" Rapunzel cried out, running to Flynn's side with Austin behind her.
"Rapunzel…" He wheezed, looking at the Princess with unfocused eyes.
"It's okay, it's going to be okay." She tried to assure him frantically as she began wrapping her hair around his mid-section, much to the blond boy's confusion.
"Are you okay?" Kathleen checked Varian over.
"I don't know." He answered honestly, still partly shocked by the ordeal as he held a hand to his neck where Gothel had cut him.
Quirin moved forward, clenching his fists. "You're not getting away, Gothel."
Gothel stared down the village leader silently, her hands glowing green.
"Flower, gleam, and glow. Let your power shine," Rapunzel sang, Austin's eyes widening as her hair began to glow. Neither noticed Flynn lift his right hand to grab Rapunzel's hair. "Make the clock–"
Her song was cut off with a startled gasp from both blonds as, with what strength he had left, the dying man cut her hair with the bloody knife Gothel had discarded. The blade fell to the floor with an audible clink, making everyone turn to them with widened eyes.
"Eugene?!" Rapunzel gasped, touching what remained of hair as it turned brown.
"No!" Gothel cried in horror.
The Princess held up her cut locks, she and Austin watching as the blond faded to brown. Gothel scrambled over to the cut hair, gathering it up in some vain attempt to stop its power from fading.
"No!" She gasped, watching helplessly as the once golden hair turned brown. "No!"
She looked at her hand in horror as, at the same time the locks she was holding changed, her hand began to grow paler and older.
"What have you done?! What've you done?!" She cried as the rest of her changed into an old woman. Looking at the floor mirror in the room, she raced over it, hoping that what she knew was happening wasn't true. "No!"
Unfortunately for her, it was as an old hag stared back at her. "No!"
She pulled her hood over her head, clutching at it as she cried out, spinning blindly around the room as she stepped back.
Kathleen clutched at Varian as the two teens watched in horror at what was happening. Austin stuck close to Rapunzel, but he was equally horrified.
Behind Gothel, Pascal, who had been hiding the whole time, saw a chance and took it. He struck out his tongue, stretching from his spot to the mirror like a tripwire. As the aging witch stepped back, her heels hit his tongue, causing her to trip and stumble backward out the window.
Rapunzel and Varian both reached out instinctively as she screamed, falling to the ground below.
On the ground, the Captain, Lucas, and several guards watched in horror as someone fell out the top of the tower. Mr. Chase was especially alarmed as he recognized Gothel's cloak and realized who it was.
About halfway down, the screaming stopped before a lone cloak landed on the ground to the confusion and shock of the rescue party below.
Just the cloak.
Gothel was gone.
Lucas shared a look with Captain Sommer as the other guards looked at each other. Even Max and Star looked at each other with 'what just happened?' expressions before they looked up at the tower.
Back inside, Rapunzel was breathing heavily, practically trembling after seeing the woman she called her mother for eighteen years fall to her demise.
Varian was just as rough, his face pale as he stumbled back into the wall, nearly taking Kathy with him as his shaking legs were unable to keep him steady.
"Whoa, easy, easy," Kathleen said softly, helping him sit down as she kneeled in front of him. "It's alright. Breathe…"
Varian kept heaving as the redhead wrapped her arms around him, the alchemist returning the hug for comfort.
Austin looked at his friend with a heavy heart, knowing he didn't need to witness that. Glancing down, his eyes landed on Flynn before they widened as he remembered what had led to that moment.
Rapunzel also remembered, gasping as she moved Flynn's head into her lap. "No, no, no, no, no, Eugene…"
After a minute, the man coughed slightly, getting paler and weaker by the second.
"Look at me! Look at me! I'm right here!" She begged, turning him to face her.
"Sir Quirin!" Austin yelled as the teen jumped to his feet.
As much as Quirin wanted to go to his son, he knew the other male needed immediate attention. He moved forward and knelt next to the injured man.
"Just keep breathing." He said, unfastening his vest and belt before pulling up his shirt to see the wound.
Quirin hissed out a breath when he recognized it was a fatal wound. The young man wouldn't survive a trip to a doctor, and Quirin hadn't come with a first-aid kit. Hopefully, there might be some bandages somewhere or something they could use as a substitute.
Austin answered that question when he returned with some drapes he pulled off the window. "Maybe these will help."
"Good job, Austin," Quirin praised, taking the curtains before he began to tear them up. "Now, see if you can find a first-aid kit around here."
"Right." Austin nodded before he got up, heading to the places he would think a kit was kept.
"Don't go! Stay with me, Eugene!" Rapunzel cried, taking his hand. She placed it on her head and started singing like she did before. "Flow, gleam, and glow. Let your power shine…"
"Rapunzel…" Flynn croaked out.
"Make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine…" The Princess started to cry as she realized what she was doing before wasn't working now.
"Rapunzel…!" Flynn managed a little louder, getting her attention.
"What?" She turned to him.
Gathering what strength he could, he whispered, "You were my new dream."
She choked on her tears as she replied, "And you were mine."
With those final words, Flynn closed his eyes for the last time as he went limp.
Varian and Kathleen clutched at each other, tears slipping down their cheeks as they watched the sad scene. Austin had returned to the group at that final moment, staying where he was with his lowered in mourning, Quirin doing the same.
Rapunzel stroked his pale face, crying as she began to finish the strange song she had started.
Varian blinked a couple times before looking at her. There was something… familiar about the tune. He remembered hearing it when he was very young, but for some reason, the words didn't sound right to him…
"Heal what has been hurt. Change the Fates' design. Save what has been lost… Bring back what once was mine…" Rapunzel sobbed, bowing her head over his, their foreheads touching as she whispered, "What once was mine…"
As she cried, a single tear fell from her eye onto Flynn's cheek. For a brief second, Varian thought he saw the spot where it landed glow.
Before he could decide if he had imagined it, that same light came out of Flynn's wound, catching everyone's attention. To their awe and amazement, golden tendrils of light floated up and around the room as a glowing image of a flower came out of the wound. As quickly as it began, it all vanished along with Flynn's injury as his complexion was restored.
"Whoa…" Austin whispered, not sure what else could be said after seeing that.
Varian blinked and brought a hand to his neck when he realized it wasn't hurting anymore, catching the redhead's attention. Her eyes widened when she saw the wound, and even the blood on Varian's shirt collar was gone.
The stunned silence was broken by a soft gasp of "… Rapunzel?"
Rapunzel gasped in surprise, making them all realize the dead man was alive again. "Eugene?"
"… Did I ever tell you I've got a thing for brunettes?" He asked jokingly.
"He just came back from the dead, and that's what he asks?" Kathleen muttered, causing Varian to sputter a laugh.
But Rapunzel just laughed joyfully before throwing herself on him in a hug. "Eugene…"
The thief hugged her back as he sat up, Quirin moving back to give them room. Pulling apart, Rapunzel laughed again before pulling Flynn into a kiss, which he wholly returned as the morning sunlight came in through the window.
The teens and Quirin watched with smiles as Varian and Kathleen got up and met the other two where they were. Artemis swooped down from wherever she had perched herself and landed on Kathy's shoulder, nuzzling the young mage happily.
Once the couple had their moment, they got off the floor. Flynn fixed his clothes while Rapunzel turned to her rescuers. "Thank you… All of you. I don't know if I would've been able to fight her myself…"
Quirin simply smiled, placing a friendly hand on her shoulder. "Let's go home, Princess."
"Let's all go home," Kathleen added as everyone headed for the trapdoor.
"Sorry for running off, guys," Varian whispered to his friends.
"It's okay…" Austin replied, wrapping his arm around his shoulders.
(A short time later)
After they left the tower, everyone went back to the Capital. They went to the castle where Rapunzel tearfully reunited with her parents after eighteen long years.
Everyone went inside: the friends, their families, the Princess, and Flynn–whose real name was Eugene–headed to the throne room with the Captain to tell the King and Queen what had happened. After the teens told their parts of the story, Queen Arianna asked one of the servants to take them to a quest room to lie down, seeing how tired they were. (But not before Rapunzel gave them all thank-you hugs for saving her)
When the adults came to get them, they found the kids asleep in the room. Varian and Kathleen were curled up on the beds, the latter using her cloak as a blanket, while Austin had dozed off on the bay window seat.
"Kathy?" Kirsten walked over, gently shaking her awake.
"Hm?" She woke up, stretching as he sat up. "Are you done?"
"Yes, we're done."
"What time is it?" Austin groaned as he got up.
"Don't worry, it's only been an hour." His mom assured him.
"The King and Queen invited us to breakfast before we go," Quirin said. "If you kids are up for it…"
"Sure, Dad," Varian nodded, still a little sleepy. "I just… need a minute."
"And we'll catch up with you," Austin added, sharing a look with Kathleen.
"Alright," The village leader said before the adults started to leave. "We'll see you in the dining room."
"Okay."
After they left, Austin and Kathleen looked at Varian, who was looking at the floor with a drained expression.
They both knew what was going through his head.
"Varian…?" Kathy moved to his bed to sit beside him. "You okay?"
He shook his head, not saying a word.
Austin got up and sat on his other side. "You wanna talk about?"
"I've known Miss Gothel since I was five. She's been… a huge part of my life. She filled the hole my mom left behind. She was always so supportive of me… I had no idea that… she was a kidnapper." He wrapped his arms around himself. "I spent hours with her, alone… we went out into the woods together."
He looked at his friends, turning to them as he continued, "Why did she get so close to my family? Was she… was she planning to kidnap me, too? Were we just her alibi, or did she have some other motive?"
Austin sighed and pulled him into a side hug. "I don't know, bro. I really don't. Whatever her motives were, they… went with her."
Varian leaned into him with a sad sigh. "Is it wrong that I miss her, knowing what I know now?"
"Varian," Kathleen took his hand in hers. "You are the kindest, gentlest soul I will ever know. You take all your relationships very seriously. It's not wrong for you to feel the way you do. What is wrong is that she tricked you and took advantage of your family and trust."
He sniffled and leaned more into Austin, who wrapped his arms around the smaller male. "It hurts, guys… It hurts so much…"
Austin rubbed his hair and held him close while Kathleen latched onto him from the other side, humming soothingly.
Varian sniffled a bit longer, then let out a shuddering breath and a sigh before they all untangled themselves. "Thanks, guys…"
"Anytime," Kathleen smiled.
"You ready to go, or do you need a few more minutes?" Austin asked.
"I think I'm ready…" Varian nodded as they got up.
With that, the three friends left the guest room and went to find their families. A couple hours later, when breakfast was done, the trio had piled into Quirin's wagon as they rode back to Old Corona.
Quirin glanced back at them as they talked and joked in the back. Austin joked around with a teddy bear he had won at the festival, getting a laugh from the other two.
The village leader frowned when he saw how tired his son looked. Not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. None of them could've expected what happened the night before and early this morning.
Not to mention Gothel…
Quirin shook his head, focusing back on the road to take his mind off it.
It was all over now. There would be adjustments to be made and pieces of what was broken to be picked up, but they would pull through.
The Princess was home, and life for them would return to normal.
And that's the second chapter.
I may work on this story a little longer, but I'm not sure if I will post the next chapter right away. I have a new system where I work on three different stories at once. I'm working on the next two chapters for "Adventures of the Sun and Moon" while also chipping away at my Fairy Tail story, "Celestial Bonds."
Once I'm satisfied with this one, I'll move on to "The Owl Family." So, until next time!