Here we are with the first part of Cassandra vs. Eugene. It's mostly going to show the episode in bits and pieces. Everything else is going to be original.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Tangled. I only own this story idea.
It was quiet as Rapunzel gathered some purple paint on her brush. She began adding details to her latest painting when…
"FITZHERBERT!" A sudden shout from Cass startled Rapunzel, causing her to mess up her painting with a gasp.
"Ugh… not again," Rapunzel complained, knowing what that was. Eugene and Cass were fighting.
Again.
Pascal covered his ears, turning red with annoyance. "I don't know what you're so upset about! Oh, wait. 'Know' was the wrong choice of words," Eugene said as Rapunzel stalked out of her room to find them, tossing aside another ruined canvas onto a pile. "I meant, I don't care what you're so upset about!"
Finding them, Rapunzel took a deep breath before giving them a strained smile. "Hey, guys! Everything okay? I couldn't help but overhear–"
"Not only did you take my halberd without asking, you got your disgusting hair all over it!" Cassandra shouted at the former thief, ignoring Rapunzel.
"How DARE you!" Eugene said, crossing his arms over his chest. "First of all, I did not touch your halberd! Second of all, what is a halberd?" Cassandra held up her weapon with a pointed look. "Oh! Oh, a halberd! Okay, fine. You got me. But, check out this shave," He turned his face a bit and rubbed his cheek. "Smooth as a baby's bottom."
"Try a monkey's." She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Okay! Okay," Rapunzel stepped between them. "Everyone, let's take a deep, calming, cleansing breath." She took a deep breath and released it.
"To be fair, I asked several times if I could use that thing," Eugene said, getting right back into it.
"And I said 'no!' Every time!" Cassandra snapped, making Rapunzel cringe.
"Which shouldn't matter because we both know I don't listen to you!" Eugene said casually.
"Guys, come on. This is ridiculous!" Rapunzel pleaded, glancing between the two.
"Eugene, a halberd should only be handled by a skilled warrior." The handmaiden said firmly.
"Hello! Skilled warrior!" Eugene said, placing his hand on his chest and taking the halberd. He dashed to the side and started spinning it around. "You forgot, Flynn Rider has handled plenty of weapons!" He then swung it out and struck a vase on the table, smashing it to pieces.
"Ha!" Cass laughed at him while Rapunzel looked horrified. "Way to go, Eugene!"
"What was that crash?" Varian poked his head in the room, Ruddiger perched on his shoulder.
"Oh, hey, kid," Eugene looked at him, still feeling sheepish from breaking something.
"Let's not panic!" Rapunzel ran up to her boyfriend as he set the weapon on the table, looking at the broken shards on the floor. "I mean, it is… was my dad's favorite, irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind most favorite vase–"
"The one my dad gave the King when they were kids?" Varian questioned as he walked over, crossing his arms and giving Eugene a look.
"Hey, I have an idea, Eugene," Cass joined them, faking friendliness. "Why not just steal him another one? Oh, oh, wait, wait. You can't!" She snapped at him. "This is a one-of-a-kind vahz!"
Eugene chuckled. "Of course, you pronounce it vahz, Cassandra."
"Yeah, yeah, vase, vahz," She shrugged. "Either way, it'll be the first thing the King sees when he sits down for dinner tonight," Cass went on 'innocently,' while the former thief became nervous. "or doesn't see."
"Uh, guys, more important things to worry about?" Varian tried to break them up, but they weren't paying attention.
"You just love making me look like an idiot in front of the King, don't ya?" Eugene gritted his teeth at Cass.
"No. You do a perfect job of that all on your own," Cass crossed her arms at him. The teens looked at each other and sighed.
"Thank you…" He said before realizing what she said. "Wait a minute!"
"As much as I think some time is the stockade might do them some good, let's go find a broom and pick up the vase," Varian suggested.
"I'm with you," Rapunzel agreed as they walked away. "By the way, what brings you here today?"
"Dad needed to talk to the King about something, so I thought I'd come visit," Varian replied, leaving the other two to argue.
(A short time later)
After finding a broom and dustpan, the duo and their pets started cleaning up the mess of vase pieces. By then, Cassandra and Eugene had gone elsewhere, so things were finally quiet.
"I can't take it anymore, guys," Rapunzel swept up the pieces while Varian held the pan. "I mean, why can't Cass and Eugene just get along? They're both caring, supportive, very considerate people… who somehow got us to clean up their mess." She deadpanned at the end.
Pascal shrugged at her. "While I don't mean to make him the scapegoat, part of the problem is Cass's dad. He spent most of his career chasing Eugene during his Flynn Rider days, so Cass grew up hearing less than flattering stories about him. Imagine her delight when the guy walks into the castle with the Lost Princess and doesn't face any time for his crimes." Varian brought up.
"Okay, that explains it," Rapunzel sighed. "Still, Eugene's proven he's changed a few times now, fighting off Lady Caine and catching the art thief…"
"True, but reputations have long lives, especially bad ones. I haven't blown up an invention in years, not counting the boilers, and people still don't trust my alchemy. It's where all the dangerous wizard rumors come from."
"But that's not fair to you or Eugene," The Princess insisted, moving to look Varian in the eye. "I know I'm still new to the real world, but the past shouldn't define what others think of you."
The alchemist smiled appreciatively at her words. "Thank you, Rapunzel, and you're right, it shouldn't," He then rolled his eyes. "Sadly, some people think people like us don't change."
Rapunzel smiled comfortingly, wrapping her arm around the alchemist in a half-hug. "Well, I believe there's good in everyone and that people can change if you take the chance to really know them."
"Thanks, Princess. Corona's good hands when you become queen… when you're ready."
"Thanks, Varian," Rapunzel said as she let go before sighing again. "Now, I wish we could get Cass and Eugene to become friends."
"Or at least be civil with each other," Varian agreed, thinking on it. "Maybe if we could put them in a position where they would have to work together, they could at least come to an understanding."
Suddenly, Rapunzel gasped. "Wait a minute, wait a minute! That's it! That's it! Varian, you're a genius! Come on, Pascal!" She grabbed her chameleon and ran off. Varian shook his head in amusement.
"I don't know if her plan will work, but at the very least, things will be quiet for a while." He commented to his raccoon. "In the meantime," He gathered all the vase pieces. "Let's find a spot to work and get this fix." Ruddiger chittered as the duo walked out of the dining area.
(Meanwhile)
Quirin sighed a bit as he looked out the window. He looked over as King Frederic set down his work when he finished and stood up. "Well, that's everything for now. I can finally make time for social things." He chuckled, walking over to him.
"Rapunzel seems to be doing well," Quirin commented. "I'm glad those eighteen years haven't affected her irreparably."
"Mm." Frederic looked out the window as well. "Though, there are days I worry… especially after the coronation."
"Don't worry about Princess Rapunzel. She spent so long in isolation, kept from going outside. That's not going to go away in six months. If you're too hard on her, you'll only hurt her."
The King's expression turned guilty, remembering how he handled Rapunzel's hair coming back. He then shook his head lightly, changing the subject. "Your son is growing up well, as well."
"Yes, but he has also just become a teenager, so that's… fun." Quirin chuckled awkwardly, then sighed. "Something has… changed between us."
"Changed?"
"Ever since an argument six years ago, things have been different. I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but it seemed as if distance started to grow between us. By the time I realized it…" Quirin sighed again. "I just… wish his mother was here, sometimes."
Frederic nodded. "What about her friend? Has been any–"
"I sent her away and told her to never return."
Frederic was quiet momentarily before asking, "How much does Varian know… about his mother, much less what happened to her?"
It was the village leader's turn to become quiet as he thought of how to answer. "I… admit not much. Talking about her, it's…"
"I understand," The King looked down, sympathetic for his friend. "Losing her was just as hard on us as it was for you, especially Arianna. Ulla was her support after losing Rapunzel."
Quirin usually didn't like talking about his wife, but he didn't stop his friend.
"The reason I ask is because it wasn't difficult to guess Varian's… interests stemmed from wanting to know his mother. I thought perhaps if he learned more about her…" King Frederic trailed off. "It was a suggestion…"
Quirin was silent as he thought over his friend's words. Maybe he was right…
Frederic cleared his throat, changing the subject. "Anyway, I have the feeling that this is more than a social visit. If you just wanted to talk, you could have sent a messenger bird."
Quirin chuckled softly. "You know me too well, my friend." He turned to him. "Yes, there is another matter I wanted to discuss with you. I was wondering if it would be possible to have a room set aside for Varian here at the castle."
"His own room?" He asked, surprised.
"Yes." Quirin nodded. "Given how close our children have become, I know Varian would like to be able to visit more often. Due to the distance between the Capital and Old Corona, I would feel better knowing Varain would have a place to stay instead of walking home in the dark, and I know Varian wouldn't want to impose on Xavier or Monty without advanced notice."
Frederic thought about it before nodding. "I do not see the harm in doing so. I know Rapunzel will be thrilled to have more time to spend with her friend. However, we should discuss this with them and Arianna before making arrangements. Perhaps after dinner?"
"Yes, that would be an appropriate time." Quirin nodded.
"In the meantime, why don't we play a game of chess for now? It's been some time since we last played."
"It has been a while." Quirin agreed, smiling. "I'm black, as always."
"Of course, Dark Knight." Frederic chuckled and went over to a chess set.
(With Varian)
The young alchemist had settled in Rapunzel's room, working on the vase at her desk while Ruddiger sat beside him. He put the final piece into place, a nearly empty container of glue beside the vase.
"There, that should do it," Varian said, wiping his forehead before turning to his animal friend. "Now, all we have to do is wait for the glue to dry, add some shiner, and then it's good as new." Ruddiger chittered with a nod before they turned as Rapunzel opened the door, humming to herself happily as she danced around. "Feeling better, Princess?"
"The plan is in place, so now all we have to do is wait." She said, still elated by her idea. However, Pascal was giving her a skeptical look.
"Something tells me Pascal doesn't agree with the plan," The younger teen pointed out.
"Say what you want, but sticking those two together to work out their differences has its advantages. I mean, do you hear that?" They all glanced around as it was absolutely quiet. "That is the sound of peace and quiet. Ha, I can finally hear myself think…" She made a thinking pose as she decided what to do next. "I think I wanna paint something. Ah, I like the way you think." She talked to herself jokingly.
Varian chuckled before getting up. "Well, while you do that, I'm gonna talk to Xavier about something. The glue should be dry by the time I get back."
"Want me to come with you?" Rapunzel asked.
"That's okay, Rapunzel. It's something private," The alchemist declined. "Besides, you probably never get any quiet with Cass and Eugene fighting all the time. I wouldn't want to take that away from you."
"Well, okay."
"We can do something together when I get back, once I finish fixing the vase."
Ruddiger squeaked at his human, asking a question with his eyes. "If you want to stay and play with Pascal, that's okay, Ruddiger. I shouldn't be long." He then walked out the door. "I'll see you guys soon."
"See you soon, Varian," Rapunzel waved after him.
Pascal squeaked at her, raising a brow. "Relax, I'm sure Eugene and Cass are doing just fine."
Ruddiger chirped in confusion, wondering what they were talking about.
(At the forge)
Varian walked down the street to the blacksmith forge. He looked inside and saw Xavier was in, finishing a sword he was working on. "Hi, Xave," The teen announced his presence, stepping inside.
The blacksmith turned to Varian with a warm smile. "Ah, hello, Varian," He greeted the alchemist, setting aside his work. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I was wondering if I could ask for your advice on something. Do you have a minute?"
"I just finished my last commission," Xavier informed him. "What can I do for you?"
"I wanted to ask you about… well," The teen lightly touched his stripe, causing the older man's eyes to widen in understanding.
"I see," He glanced around to ensure they were alone. "Shall we take this conversation downstairs?"
"Yes, please."
The duo went to the back of the forge, where Xavier moved the fireplace aside, revealing a hidden staircase. Varian went first, and Xavier followed him, closing the fireplace behind them. At the bottom of the stairs was a basement that doubled as a bunker. A fireplace was in the center of the room, with spots to sit around it and a nook for hammocks off to the side.
"Thanks, Xavier," Varian said as they sat by the fire. "I know how busy you are, so I appreciate this."
"It's my pleasure, Varian," The blacksmith nodded. "Now, what can I do for the Phantom today?"
When Varian first discovered his powers, Xavier was the first and only person he told. The older man had been his mentor back when he was a kid since he… didn't do well in public school, so he trusted him the secret.
"Well, you know those rocks I can summon? Recently, I found out some were around the Sundrop Monument. Later, they started appearing just inside the Wall outside of Old Corona. I didn't summon them and can't make them go away either. However, when I touched them, I would start seeing… visions, for lack of a better word."
"Really?" Xavier's eyes widened.
"Yes. I saw a dark castle that I didn't recognize and a blue stone in a cage. One thing that stuck out to me was two drops of light falling from the sky. I think one of those drops became the Sundrop, and the other drop turned into the stone. I was wondering if you know anything about that?"
Xavier nodded. "Yes, I do. The story begins thousands of years ago. Long ago, there was a great clash in the heavens. From that clash, two drops of light fell from the sky: a drop of sunlight and a drop of moonlight. The sun drop formed a magical golden flower with healing powers. The moon drop created a single opal stone with the forces of death and destruction. They became known as the Sundrop Flower and the Moonstone Opal."
"I know about the Sundrop from my research, but what's the Moonstone?" Varian asked.
"The Moonstone Opal is the cosmic counterpart of the Sundrop. It's opposite, if you will."
"Do you think the Moonstone is where my powers came from?"
"Most likely, yes," Xavier nodded. "As for how and why you have them, we can only speculate."
"Do you know the castle I saw? I noticed it was by the ocean, and I saw an image of an explosion destroying part of it."
"I suspect it's the Castle of Lunos or the Dark Kingdom, as it's known to outsiders. The Dark Kingdom is where the Moonstone is located. Like the lost kingdom of the Sundrop, its people guarded and worshipped the Moonstone. However, its destructive powers became too much for them, and the kingdom fell over two decades ago."
"You're probably not going to have the answer, but do you know why I saw this when I touched the rocks?" Varian asked.
Xavier hummed in thought. "It could have something to do with you having some of its powers, but I don't know for sure."
Varian sighed. "Well, it was worth a shot. Though, I did find out I was right about something else…"
"And what would that be?" The blacksmith asked.
"I do have a connection with Rapunzel because of my powers," the alchemist explained. "I can sense where she is, and her hair is made of the same material as my hair stripe."
Xavier hummed in response. "That, I may have an answer for."
"What do you mean?"
"While not much information exists regarding the Sundrop and Moonstone, what is known, or at least theorized, is that the two were once one power. They share a mystical connection of sorts, according to legend."
"And since Rapunzel has the magic of the Sundrop and I have powers from the Moonstone, we also share a connection?"
"Precisely," Xavier nodded. "But, it is only a theory."
"Still, it's a sound one," Varian agreed before getting up. "Thanks for talking to me, Xavier."
"Always a pleasure, Varian," the blacksmith did the same. "I hope this helped in some way."
"It definitely gave me something to think about. Now, I should let you get back to work."
"Come back anytime, Varian. Also, your order came in earlier than expected. It's up in the workshop."
"Thanks, Xaves." The teen smiled as they headed for the stairs.
(Back at the castle)
When Varian got what he needed from Xavier, he warped back to his lab real quick to drop them off and then returned to the city. It took a little longer than he planned, but when Varian returned from the castle, he found the Princess pacing around one of the hallways worriedly.
"Something wrong, Rapunzel?" He asked as Ruddiger climbed back onto his shoulder.
"Oh, hey, Varian," The Princess greeted him as he approached her. "Yeah, I'm just… It's been a while since I set up my plan, and I haven't seen Cass or Eugene since then."
"Maybe they're still fighting," Varian said as she kept pacing. "Plus, it's Cass and Eugene. They can handle themselves."
Rapunzel then saw someone at the end of the hall who looked like Cass in her handmaiden outfit and beamed. "Cass! Oh, you made it!" She ran up to her. "See? I'm so glad you and Eugene found a way to work–"
The person turned around and revealed herself as Friedborg, one of the other castle handmaidens. Rapunzel and Pascal yelped in surprise as her presence freaked people out.
"Whoa, Friedborg. I'm sorry, I thought that you were Cassandra. But not that I-I'm not happy to see you, Friedborg." She and the lizard gave strained smiles as Varian joined them. The older woman didn't say anything right away. "I think you're terrific, by the way."
Friedborg gave a happy smile, showing she was missing a tooth.
"Did you… did you change your hair?"
She gave no response as she kept on that smile, and the others started to feel very awkward now.
"No? Nothing's different? Huh?"
Varian took a small breath. "Well, I'm gonna go finish the vase."
"And I'll help you," Rapunzel said as she followed the boy back to her room, Friedborg smiling again when they were gone.
"Well, that was unsettling," Varian remarked once they were out of earshot.
"Yeah, that's normal for her." The Princess agreed. As they passed some windows, Rapunzel noticed the sun was starting to set. "Wow, it's gotten late. Are you going to be okay getting home tonight?"
"We'll be fine." Varian smiled.
"Rapunzel, Varian, there you are!" They looked up as King Frederic approached them cheerfully.
"Hi, Dad."
"Hello, Your Majesty."
"Rapunzel, Quirin and I have something to discuss with you two and your mother after dinner. Are you free?"
"Of course!" Rapunzel nodded.
"We might have to stay the night after," Varian said thoughtfully.
"Already arranged." King Frederic assured him. "I will see you both at dinner." He hugged Rapunzel and patted Varian on the shoulder before he walked off.
"Well, looks like you're staying for dinner," Rapunzel said happily.
"Looks like it," Varian replied. "We should finish that vase and put it back before our dads see it."
"Good idea," The Princess agreed as they walked along. "When we're done, I can show you my new portrait."
"Sounds like fun." Suddenly, Varian paused in his step when a jolt ran through him. He looked behind him like he was expecting the answer to be there, but the hall was empty. Varian didn't know why, but something suddenly felt off…
"Varian?" He turned back to Rapunzel. "You coming?"
"Uh, yeah, coming," The alchemist replied as he followed her. He glanced back with a furrowed brown but kept walking. "… Why do I have a bad feeling?"
And this chapter is done. I've been getting many messages, so it's been a little overwhelming lately. Anyway, I'll be back soon with the second half of this episode.