Here's my newest Tangled story. I got the idea for this story after getting back into Danny Phantom.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Tangled. I only own this story idea.
Here we go with chapter one.
Once upon a time, millennia ago, a clash in the heavens became known as the Cosmic Event. Two drops of light fell from the sky, forming two celestial artifacts: the Sundrop Flower and the Moonstone Opal.
Both were very powerful, with opposite powers. The Sundrop could heal the sick and injured, while the Moonstone could summon destructive black rocks and drain the lives of those who ventured too close.
When they were discovered, two kingdoms formed around them to worship and protect them. However, their fates were very different.
Not much was known about the Sundrop's protectors, not even their kingdom's name. All that is known is that something went wrong, and they vanished without a trace. The golden flower was left alone in its out-of-the-way spot by the ocean, undisturbed as a new kingdom, Corona, formed not too far away. Its only constant visitor before that was a witch named Gothel. She wanted to keep the flower hidden to use its power to remain young forever. Corona knew nothing of the Sundrop besides legends and had no reason to look for it… until Queen Arianna fell ill.
Everyone knew the Sundrop's story from there. The Moonstone, however, was kept secret and protected for centuries. The Kingdom of Lunos, known to outsiders as the Dark Kingdom, was built around, worshiped and adjusted to the whims of the sentient Moonstone Opal. Every generation, the Moonstone chose special protectors to act as personal bodyguards, who were granted special abilities and blessings. These warriors were called the Brotherhood and served the Moonstone with their lives.
However, the Moonstone had become cruel to the Kingdom in the last few decades. People died of a plague created by its decay magic and were impaled or chased out of their homes by the black rocks the Moonstone made. No one knew what they did wrong or how to stop it.
When the Queen fell ill and passed away, the King decided that he was done with tradition and sought to destroy it. The Moonstone retaliated with a blast that destroyed what was left of the once-proud kingdom, taking many people with it. Seeing no other option, the King sent away what people were left, telling them never to return. The King stayed behind as a last line of defense to ensure the Moonstone's magic never left the Kingdom's borders while the current Brotherhood was sent out to keep people away from the Dark Kingdom.
However, this was not where the story of the Moonstone ends. It would pick up again sixteen years later with the son of the Brotherhood's leader.
His name was Varian.
Varian's father, Quirin, settled down in Corona after the fall of his home kingdom. Between then and the present, he had become the leader of the farming village, Old Corona, and married Varian's mother, an alchemist. By the time Varian was eight, his mother had been gone for four years after disappearing on a trip, leaving Quirin to raise him alone.
During that year, Varian discovered he had special abilities no one knew about. Powers from a piece of the Moonstone passed on to him from Quirin after he was exposed to the Moonstone's energy many years prior. He kept the secret to himself and experimented with his powers, learning more about himself and what he could do. Varian realized that intense emotions triggered them, and they came out of his hands. He could block them as long as he wore his gloves.
By the time he was twelve years old, Varian had a firm grip on his abilities. He could stop himself from glowing when using them but still wore his gloves because he would light up if he got too excited or angry.
At this age, Varian realized he could do much more with his powers than hide them. After saving his village from a potential attack, Varian became Old Corona's silent protector, watching over everyone even if many didn't like him because of his alchemy mishaps. When his powers allowed him to move between the village and the island, that protection extended to the rest of Corona.
That was how the legend of the "Moonlight Phantom" was born.
Who the Moonlight Phantom was depended on who was talking. To the average citizen, he was just a legend, probably not even real. To those who have seen him, he was real and protected Corona's peace.
However, to others, especially the Corona Royal Guard, he was a menace and outlaw who took the law into his own hands. The Phantom had gotten the Guard's bad side for interfering with arrests, often the ones involving orphans or petty thievery. When confronted about his loyalties once, he said, "I'm loyal to the people, not the Crown."
King Frederic, the ruler of Corona, in particular, didn't like the Moonlight Phantom. Corona had never been a welcoming place for magic users, and it had only grown worse since the kidnapping of Princess Rapunzel. Ever since his daughter was taken, Frederic had mistrusted anything magic. The Moonlight Phantom clearly possessed that, summoning moonlight and shadows.
For this reason, Varian kept his double life a secret from everyone, including his father. Quirin and King Frederic had been friends longer than Varian had been alive, so he didn't want to put his dad in an awkward position with the King. Plus, Varian wasn't blind to the dangers despite how his father tried to shield him from them. He knew about people disappearing for something as simple as knowing basic apothecary, so secrecy was a high priority.
So, being the Kingdom's defender became the norm for Varian for the past two years. Now, he was fourteen, discovering new things about his powers all the time, and life was… well, it had its highs and lows. While he felt his alchemy and engineering skills had improved, people still didn't trust his work. However, by this point, he'd come to accept that. He had realized that no matter what he did, no one would trust him if his secret ever got out, so it didn't matter.
Researching his magic, Varian became very interested in the Sundrop Flower and the events surrounding it four years before his birth. He also studied the young princess who was born with long, blonde hair that shone like the sun and had been taken away in the night without a trace.
Varian couldn't explain it, but the young hero was sure that the flower was necessary to find answers to his powers. He didn't know how, but Varian was so sure he couldn't dismiss the feeling.
"They still haven't found her, huh?" He murmured thoughtfully, watching the lanterns fly over his town from the section of the Coronan Wall that ran behind his home. Every year, the King, Queen, and all of Corona sent out paper lanterns, hoping to guide their lost princess home. This year would be the eighteenth time, and there was still no word or sign of the Lost Princess.
Varian decided that it had been long enough. He'd go out to find her himself if he had to, no matter what his father or anyone else said. The next day, however, he got word that Princess Rapunzel had been found (The one night I don't go on patrol, and I miss all the fun, he had thought to himself when he heard).
A celebration was held in her honor. Varian attended it, keeping to the shadows so he wouldn't be noticed.
The vigilante directed his attention to the happy brunette sharing a hug with the King and Queen. Her hair was short, her haircut choppy, and she looked less like a princess and more like… well, she didn't like her mural anymore. At the same time, though, Varian could sense something in her. When he focused on that feeling, he released a soft gasp. Her hair may not be long and golden, but her power was still there.
Varian looked down at her from his spot on the roof and saw her look his way as if she sensed his gaze. He then watched as she turned her attention to a group of redheaded girls and walked over to them.
"I better get home," Varian said, standing up. "I don't want to make Dad worry." He smiled at Rapunzel one last time as she interacted with the subjects who had missed her for so long. He then jumped from roof to roof, cautious not to be seen as he made his way home.
As much as he wanted to talk to her, she would probably feel tired soon. In the span of a day, she went from being alone to being the center of attention, and he didn't want to overwhelm her. He'd have other chances.
Varian returned to Old Corona, and life resumed as usual.
(Timeskip)
It had been six months since Rapunzel was rescued from the tower she'd lived in for eighteen years. Six months of learning all about the life she didn't know she had, getting to know her birth parents, and adjusting to living in a castle. Now her coronation was here, the way everyone in the Seven Kingdoms would officially recognize her as the Princess of Corona.
"Rise and shine, Raps." Her lady-in-waiting and best friend, Cassandra, said as she opened the curtains to let the sunlight in. Rapunzel hid in her blanket, and she walked over to yank them off her. "Come on, you've got a busy day ahead of you."
"I know…" Rapunzel said sheepishly as she climbed out of bed and let Cassandra get her ready. She removed her nightgown and put on her casual dress, not seeing a need to get her formals out right now.
"I had a strange dream last night, Cass," She said as the older woman brushed her hair.
"Yeah?" She asked, distracted by a tangle.
"It was nighttime with a full moon. I was in the woods near my old tower, and there was fog everywhere. A person was running through the fog, and the only reason I could see them was because blue light was coming from them," Rapunzel elaborated.
"Interesting," Cassandra nodded. "As much as I want to hear more, Raps, you have a welcoming ceremony to prepare for."
Rapunzel cringed a bit. "Oh, right… That…" She gulped slightly before taking a deep breath. "Today's gonna be fine. No pressure. I just have to… not embarrass myself in front of everyone."
Cassandra sighed before smiling encouragingly. "Raps, you can do this. Just relax. Your parents will understand a few mistakes. Plus, I'll be there to make sure those mistakes don't happen." She put down her hair brush. "It's going to be fine."
Just as she finished brushing her hair, the door opened, and Rapunzel's boyfriend, Eugene Fitzherbert, came striding in. "Good morning, beautiful!" He announced, walking up to Rapunzel. "I know you've been a little nervous about today, so I thought we could go riding this morning. Relax for a bit and get some fresh air."
"My dad would never allow it." Cassandra reminded them. "Her dad would never allow it."
"Well, that's why we're going to be sneaky." Eugene winked. "What do you say, Sunshine?"
Rapunzel smiled and took his hand. "I'd like that."
"Then, off we go!" He pulled her along, the couple laughing as they ran through the castle together.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Cass mumbled after they disappeared.
(Old Corona)
As Quirin finished his work, he looked at the sun for the time. He and Varian would be attending the Princess's coronation, and they needed to be ready by the time the coach picked them up. Quirin admitted he'd never liked dressing up and attending large social gatherings. His son shared similar feelings.
However, his son was the reason he decided to attend this event. Over the past six months, Quirin had noticed his son acting differently–more differently than he had for the past six years. Varian's sleep patterns were already erratic, but they had gotten worse. There would be days when Varian slept until the early afternoon and stayed up until the early morning. On days when Varian was up in the morning, it made Quirin question how much sleep the teenager had gotten the night before.
There was also Varian's attitude and demeanor. He used to be excitable and energetic, constantly tracking him down to show his latest invention. Now, his son seemed to have mellowed out and become more independent. He would mention his projects when asked, but he wasn't as insistent on helping everyone with his alchemy as before.
Quirin should've been happy with Varian's new maturity, yet all he felt was worry. It was like there was a wall between them now. A glass wall that still let them see each other, but they couldn't connect.
Quirin sighed as he walked toward the manor. Some of the villagers had suggested getting Varian out of the house more, and he was starting to think they were right. Hopefully, Varian would be okay around all those nobles.
The former knight opened the outside door to Varian's lab and called down. "Varian! It's time to get ready!"
There was no reply.
"Varian?" He called again before going inside. When he got to the lab, Quirin found it empty, making him sigh tiredly. "Now, where did he go?"
(At the same time)
"Woohoooo!" Rapunzel cheered, spreading her arms out as she jumped a river on a guard horse named Fidella. She rode on through an open field until she stopped Fidella when they reached a tall wall at Corona's borders called the Wall of Corona.
Rapunzel and Fidella approached the Wall until they stood a few inches away. The mare glanced back at the young woman, who pulled the reins for her to move closer. Fidella reared up and planted her hooves on the Wall before Rapunzel climbed up, the mare using her head to boost the Princess to the ledge. Rapunzel pulled herself onto the Wall, smiling brightly as she looked at the world outside. She took a deep breath, spreading her arms as she took in the beautiful horizon before her.
"Pascal…" She said dreamily. "Look at that view." Her chameleon friend squeaked in agreement, sighing in contentment.
"Ha ha!" Hearing enthusiastic yelling behind them, they turned to see Eugene standing on top of Max, the guard horse, as they approached the Wall. The horse stopped abruptly, launching the man off his back. He flipped through the air before landing gracefully on the Wall beside the Princess.
"Okay, okay," Eugene straightened up, fixing his vest. "I know what you're thinking. Now, it may have seemed like you won, but you gotta take into account that my hair is actually longer than yours now, so we gotta factor in wind resistance." He flipped his hair playfully for emphasis.
Rapunzel giggled a bit before turning back to the outside world. "Wow… Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?"
Turning to his girlfriend, Eugene took her hand with a soft smile. "Yes. Yes, I have." Rapunzel smiled back at him before leaning towards each other for a kiss, Pascal covering his eyes…
"Game's over, Your Highness," The Captain interrupted them. They looked back to see him and the other guards gathered by the Wall. "The welcoming ceremony is about to begin."
"Well, I think we showed those guards who's boss," Eugene joked. "Now, what do you say we go and make you an official princess?"
"Ohhh, is that today?" Rapunzel asked teasingly.
"Ha ha, very funny. Now, come on, we'd better get you back to the castle," Eugene motioned for her to follow as he climbed down the Wall. "Ooh, maybe I can squeeze in a royal massage…" He lowered himself before popping back up. "Before my daily trim, of course."
Rapunzel watched him go before glancing at Pascal when he squeaked at her. She turned back to the view, knowing what he was thinking. "I know, Pascal," She sighed. "We'll get out there soon…." The Princess gave the outside world one last look before jumping back onto Fidella. "Ha! Race you back to the castle!" She and Fidella took off swiftly, with Eugene and Maximus following in seconds. The Captain groaned as they raced off.
(Elsewhere)
Varian was in the woods enjoying a quiet moment as he studied a mushroom he found. Being a scientist, he saw something interesting about everything. Finishing his notes, Varian looked at the sun before getting up. "I better get home before Dad comes looking for me." He dusted himself off, rolling his eyes at the thought.
His dad needed to lighten up sometimes. It's not like he was five years old. He could take care of himself. Varian just hoped there wasn't a lecture about the dangers of being out alone waiting for him when he returned.
As Varian crossed the dirt road, he heard the sound of pounding hooves. The teen barely had a chance to notice the horse coming his way before someone pulled him out of the way. The person turned him around and held him against them so the rider didn't see him. Varian was about to lash out when he realized it was only his father. He must have come looking for him when he realized he wasn't home.
The teen looked past his arm and gasped, seeing a flash of purple and brown. It was the Princess! Varian pulled away from his dad and looked after her. As she went by, a small smile formed on his face. He hadn't seen her in six months, so it felt nice to know she was doing okay. He couldn't explain it, but a part of him felt weirdly protective of the Princess. He wondered if that had something to do with the feeling of their powers being connected…
"Whoa, out of the way!" Someone called behind him. Quirin yanked him back again, and a man on a white horse ran on by. "Careful, kid!"
Varian watched him go, followed by several guards on horses. "Wow. What a crowd."
"That's enough excitement for one day," Quirin remarked. "Why don't we get back to the house and get ready?"
"Yeah, okay." Varian adjusted his satchel before he realized what his father said. "Wait, get ready for what?"
"For the Princess's coronation," His father explained as they walked. "I informed the King that we would be attending."
"Really?!" Varian looked at his dad in surprise but also with excitement. His dad seldom went to events at the castle, much less took him with him.
"Yes," Quirin nodded. "They should be sending the carriage by now, so we need to get changed."
"All right!" The alchemist cheered, getting a new spring in his step. He was going to meet the Princess! Maybe he can finally get some of his questions answered.
"Remember to get dressed in your best." His dad said as they entered the house.
"I will!" Varian promised as he ran up the stairs to get ready.
Quirin stood at the entrance as he watched Varian disappear at the top of the stairs. While his son was excited (which took Quirin by surprise), he felt anxious. This would be Varian's first official gathering with nobility. He had gone to smaller balls before, but this would be bigger and different. The village leader was greatly concerned about how this would go.
I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter. The following two will be up in a minute.
