Now our heroes gain another ally and go to the festival. And we get some moments between the couples.
Also, as a little bonus… I'm including two characters from Tangled: The Series in a cameo appearance.
Enjoy!
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Thank you all so much for that!
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The next morning, the sun shone down in the forest. Everyone was still fast asleep as they laid in the grass.
"But Mom… it's Amelia's turn to do the dishes…" Mickey mumbled in his sleep.
"Potatoland… Potatoland…" Goofy mumbled.
"Yes Taylor Swift I will go out with you…" mumbled Lea.
As Eugene slept soundly with his head against a stock, he felt something drip on his cheek. He opened his eyes and saw that the source was a very angry and soaked Maximus after getting out of the flood.
"Well I hope you're here to apologize." Eugene said smugly as he went to sleep.
The sound of Eugene screaming in terror woke everyone up with a start, Pascal turning red in alarm.
"What the-?!" exclaimed Terra.
"Buttons and bows!" exclaimed Minnie.
"Knights of Columbus!" exclaimed Ven.
"What in the name of Tom Jones is going on?!" cried Ortensia.
"Look!" cried Naminé, pointing.
Everyone looked in her direction and they all saw Maximus dragging Eugene away by using his mouth on his foot. The thief was trying to grab onto something to escape.
"No! No! No! Put me down! Stop it! Help!" Eugene called.
"It's that horse again!" exclaimed Roxas.
"Hey let him go!" shouted Sora.
Sora, Roxas, Xion, and Rapunzel ran over and pulled on Eugene's arms. It was a tug-of-war contest between them. It was over when Eugene's foot was pulled out of his boot, causing him to crash into the other four, sending them all flying into the ground. Maximus stumbled back, Eugene's boot still in his mouth. Unperturbed, he began to charge back at Eugene, but Rapunzel stepped in the way.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy, easy, settle down." she told him, going from severely to more calmly and entreating. Maximus stopped trying to get around Rapunzel. He then noticed Pascal's expression and he motioned his claws as if he was saying, "Cool it dude."
"Now sit." said Rapunzel.
Maximus uneasily squatted his hind legs.
"Sit." She told him again.
And Maximus sat, almost ashamed.
"Wow, she's good." said Kairi, impressed as everyone looked on in disbelief and amusement.
"Now drop the boot." said Rapunzel. "Drop it."
He dropped it.
"Oh, you're such a good boy! Yes you are!" Rapunzel cooed with a smile as she petted the horse's mane as if he was a big dog.
"I guess he's really soft and friendly on the inside." Kairi giggled as she, Sora, Mickey, Minnie, Aqua, Xion and Naminé did the same.
Maximus found himself loving all the attention as he began to wag his tail, which seemed to perplex everyone else.
"Ok, I'm no animal expert, but I'm pretty sure horses don't wag their tails." Myde said in confusion.
"Yeah, that's usually what a dog does." Roxas said in agreement, thinking of Pluto.
"You all tired from chasing the bad man all over the place?" Rapunzel asked sympathetically.
Maximus nodded with a frown.
"Excuse me?" Eugene asked in disbelief.
"Nobody appreciates you do they?" Rapunzel continued.
Maximus shook his head sadly.
"Oh come on. He's a bad horse!" Eugene complained.
Everyone chuckled.
"Oh he's nothing but a sweetheart!" Rapunzel shot back as she hugged the horse, making him neigh with a smile as he lovingly rubbed the side of his face against Rapunzel's.
"Wonder what his name is." said Isa.
"According to this, his name is Maximus." said Sora as he read the name on the white horse's bridle.
"Nice to properly meet you this time Maximus." said Aqua with a smile as she stroked the horse's mane.
"I bet the palace guards call him Max for short." Lea said to Max with a smirk, making the youngest toon chuckle in amusement.
"By the way what is 'Max' short for?" Terra asked him.
"Maximillian." Max replied.
"You've got to be kidding me." Eugene groaned at the sight, earning him a glare from Maximus.
"Easy boy." Mickey said calmly.
"Look, today is the biggest day of my life." Rapunzel told him as she helped Eugene up. "And the thing is, I need you not to get him arrested."
Maximus was taken aback and glared at the teenager.
"Just for 24 hours. And then you can chase each other to your heart's content. OK?" Rapunzel told him.
"Yeah come on Maximus, that's gotta be a reasonable deal." said Riku.
"Do it for Rapunzel." begged Kairi.
"Yeah, this means so much to her." added Ven.
Eugene sighed as he reluctantly held out his hand to shake. Maximus stubbornly turned away.
"Oh for the love of god." grumbled Lea.
"And it's also my birthday. Just to let you know." Rapunzel added with a smile.
"Pulled out the birthday card." smirked Donald.
Maximus let out a horse-sigh defeat in defeat. He looked Eugene in the eyes and shook his hand with his hoof, though it was clear that neither were happy about the arrangement.
"Well, that takes care of that." shrugged Lea.
Rapunzel smiled, satisfied that Eugene and Maximus had put their differences aside. She then spotted something and walked towards it.
Maxmius glanced at the world-travelers.
"Hey buddy, sorry about what happened at the dam." Ven said apologetically.
"Yeah, we know you were just doing your job." added Sora, everyone else nodding in agreement.
"No hard feelings?" asked Goofy, giving a smile.
Maximus, seeing that they didn't seem like a threat, just nodded.
"With that said, we should get a move on." said Mickey.
Everyone nodded as they followed Rapunzel. Once they were all out of sight, Maximus punched Eugene in the gut, making him grunt and fall to the ground in pain, clutching his pain. Maxmius chuckled.
As they were walking, Kairi turned to Sora.
"She used the birthday trick." she said giggle. "Like Eugene, Maximus isn't getting out of this one."
"True that." chuckled Sora. When Kairi wasn't looking, Sora frowned as he remembered something.
'I remember when Gamora did something similar to Quill…" he thought to himself.
Flashback, during the events of Kingdom Hearts: Infinity War:
After talking to Sora, Quill walked over to Gamora, pulling out some grenades for her to examine. "Gamora. Do you know if these grenades are the 'blow off your junk' kind or the gas kind? 'Cause I was thinking I might hang a couple on my belt right here. But I don't want to—"
"I need to ask a favor." interrupted Gamora.
"Yeah, sure." nodded Quill.
"One way or another, the path that we're on leads to Thanos." explained Gamora.
"Which is what the grenades and the possibility of more than one or two Keyblade's from Sora are for." nodded Quill.
Gamora silenced him with a look.
"I'm sorry. What's the favor?" asked Quill.
Gamora sighed. "If things go wrong… If Thanos gets me… I want you to promise me… you'll kill me."
Sora gasped.
Quill was confused. "What?" he asked.
"I know something he doesn't. If he finds out… the entire Universe could be at risk." explained Gamora.
"What do you know?" asked Quill.
"If I tell you, you and Sora would know, too." she replied.
"If it's so important, shouldn't I?" he asked.
"Only if you wanna die." Gamora replied.
"Why does somebody always have to die in this scenario?" muttered Quill.
"Just… trust me. And possibly, kill me." begged Gamora.
"Gamora, we don't trade lives." said Sora.
"He's right." nodded Quill. "I mean, I'd like to. I really would…"
Gamora silenced him by covering his mouth with her hand.
"Swear to me. Swear to me on your mother." she begged him sincerely.
"Ooh, the mother card." Sora said to himself.
Quill nodded. "Okay."
Present:
Sora shook his head, reminding himself that Quill and Gamora were together now and Thanos was dead. He continued to walk alongside his friends.
Soon, they all had arrived at the bridge that led to the city.
"Hey, we're almost there." said Kairi.
"Then what are we waiting for?" asked Daisy. "Let's go!"
As they walked, Eugene saw a Wanted poster nailed to the side of the bridge next to him and quickly ripped it off and crumpled it up. Maximus glared at him, so Eugene shoved the crumpled paper into his mouth. The horse spat it back in his face. The two began to tussle.
They stopped in place when they heard Pascal squeak and saw that he was giving them an "I got my eye on you." look.
Reluctantly, they stopped but still nudged each other.
When they crossed the bridge and entered the town, Rapunzel took in the sights with wide eyes and a huge grin on her face. Everyone was amazed too.
Strewn between the buildings, they could see rows of purple banners all marked with the same sun design they saw on Maximus' bridle. All around, people went about their daily activities.
"Now this looks promising." said Lea, impressed.
"I agree." Isa said in agreement.
"Reminds you of the Dream Festival?" Myde asked the Disney Town residents.
"Sure does Myde." Mickey nodded.
Rapunzel tried to join the crowd, but jumped back in surprise when a cart full of goats flew by as fast as its driver pulled it. She then stumbled backwards into a woman, and dodged to avoid a trio of ducks, though her long hair brushed by them and sent them into a panic. She then bumped into a few more people, apologizing when she did so, and felt her hair get yanked back as she walked, due to someone unknowingly stepping on the hair.
Everyone cringed at that.
"Better get her hair organized." suggested Mickey.
With that, Sora, Riku, Goofy, Max, and Eugene gathered Rapunzel's hair into large clumps.
"We can't carry it forever." said Riku.
"There's gotta be a solution." Max said in agreement.
Eugene looked around and then spotted four red headed girls sitting on the ledge of a fountain in the middle of the square, braiding each other's hair. He whistled to get their attention and held up the hair for them to see. The girls gasped in amazement and excitement and ran over to help.
In a few minutes, Rapunzel's hair was braided into a shaft braid that reached the end of her dress. It was covered with flowers as well.
"You look amazing Rapunzel." complimented Naminé.
"I'd say the look suits you." Kairi said in agreement, everyone else nodding as well.
"Thank you." Rapunzel smiled as she admired her new hairdo and thanked the girls.
Eugene smiled as well and Maximus gave him a teasing grin. The thief shoved his face away. Though Sora, Riku, Terra, and Lea gave him a knowing eyebrow raise while Mickey, Goofy, and Oswald chuckled at the reaction.
The groups continued to explore the city.
"This is a nice city." mused Minnie.
"It may not be modern, but it is still a wonder to explore." Ortensia said in agreement with her half-sister-in-law.
Rapunzel stepped away from the group when something caught her eye. Sora, Riku, Kairi, Roxas, and Naminé noticed this and looked in her direction.
There, stood a mosaic on the wall deception of what looked like the king and queen and their infant daughter. The five world-travelers looked closer at the baby girl who had green eyes and shoulder-length blonde hair. They noticed the uncanny resemblance to Rapunzel.
"That looks exactly like her." said Roxas.
Just then, they overheard some people talking. They turned to their left and saw two people talking near a flower stand.
One was a pale-skinned young woman with dark pink lips, hazel eyes and black bob-cut layered hair with gray highlights. She wore a grayish-brown shirt, black leather gloves, a dark brown belt with a small teal purse and a dagger on it, dark brown-and-red striped leggings and brown boots.
The other was a slender teen with fair skin, shaggy black hair with brown highlights and one teal streak, freckles, two front buck teeth, and light blue eyes. He wore a blue-gray shirt with a teal patch sewn on to it, brown pants, dark maroon apron, black gloves, dark brown shoes, and brown-and-gold goggles.
"So what experiments are you up to this time Varian?" the girl asked.
"Glad you asked Cassandra." said Varian. "Recently, I've been trying to combine some materials to make a stronger kind of metal. Maybe they can use them to upgrade the guards' armor."
"And what's wrong with what they have now?" Cassandra asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh nothing, nothing!" Varian said quickly. He then noticed the five world-travelers. "Oh, we've seemed to have attracted a small group."
Cassandra turned and saw the five. "Oh hey, can we help you?" she asked.
"Maybe." said Riku. "Sorry if we're intruding on your conversation."
"Not at all." Varian said, waving it off. "Name's Varian. I'm an inventor."
"Cassandra." said Cassandra. "My dad's the Captain of the Guard."
While the five were taken aback by the girl saying she was the captain's daughter, they quickly out on friendly expressions.
"Nice to meet you." said Sora. "I'm Sora. This is Riku, Kairi, Roxas, and Naminé." he added as he gestured to his friends.
"Nice to meet ya." Cassandra smirked. "So, you lot new around here?"
"Yeah, we're from outta town." said Roxas.
"In that case, welcome to the Kingdom of Corona." said Cassandra.
"Thanks." smiled Kairi. "May we ask something?"
"Sure, go ahead." Cassandra replied.
"What's the festival for?" asked Roxas.
"You mean you've never heard?" asked Varian.
At the five sharing their heads 'no', Cassandra began to explain. "Eighteen years ago, her majesty Queen Arianna got sick due to complications from her pregnancy. Her husband, King Frederic sent my father and other guards out to find a way to heal her."
"What they found was something even I thought was not possible." said Varian. "It was a magical flower."
"What's so magic about it?" questioned Kairi.
"According to legend, the flower could heal the sick and even restore the youth." Varian replied. "They say that a drop from the sun fell onto it, giving it it's powers."
"That sounds cool." said Sora, amazed.
"Anyways, they harvested that magic plant and took it back to the castle, where it was made into a medicine that healed the Queen and her unborn child." Cassandra continued.
"They had a healthy baby girl." said Varian. "To celebrate her birth, they lit a lantern and released it into the sky."
Varian's face then fell as Cassandra's grew grim.
"But one night, tragedy struck the royal family." Cassandra told the five, getting worried looks from them. "Somehow, someone broke into the castle and kidnapped the baby girl. The king and Queen were helpers in stopping the abductor. The guards chased after that scoundrel, but they and the girl were long gone."
Sora and Co. were shocked and horrified by the story.
"That's so sad." Kairi said in shock.
"Kidnapping a child, that is just low." snarled Riku.
"So every year on her birthday, everyone in the kingdom makes their own lantern, and then release them into the sky." said Varian.
"It's their way of hoping that they will guide her back to her home." added Cassandra. "Well, I'd stay to chat some more, but I promised to feed some of the horses before the kingdom lights the sky."
"Bye." said Naminé as Cassandra walked off. "Nice meeting you."
"I'd better go too." said Varian. "I promised my dad I'd help him with some stuff. Have a great time."
"See ya." said Sora.
Varian nodded as he walked off.
The five then looked back at Rapunzel, considering the resemblance between her and the princess. They began to put the pieces together and that's when they figured it out.
"It's her." Naminé said.
"Definitely." nodded Roxas.
"Yep." nodded Kairi.
"How do we tell her?" asked Riku.
"Not sure." shrugged Sora. "Maybe after the festival. Let her enjoy the fun."
"Good idea." nodded Riku before frowning. "One thing is for sure, is that that women we saw last night is definitely not getting Rapunzel back."
"Agreed." nodded Naminé. "No doubt she's been using Rapunzel's hair for her own selfish benefits."
"Rapunzel needs to know who she is and come to her real home." Sora said firmly.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
They decided to just enjoy the festival and wait for the lantern event. They explored the town, seeing what activities were available. A young boy wearing a backpack filled with purple flags gave each of them a purple handkerchief embroidered with the sun design. When people began painting the streets, Rapunzel colored in the sun emblem in the middle of the cobblestone road and painted an extravagant design around it, while Kairi and Naminé added their own designs nearby.
Elsewhere, they were shown how to make the lanterns that would be released that evening, and they each got to make one of their own. After spending most of the day taking in what the city had to offer, they returned to the main square in the late afternoon.
Bouncing to the rhythm of a group of musicians, Rapunzel pulled various bystanders into a group dance. She got the 20 world-travelers. Eugene, Pascal, and Maximus watched in admiration from the sidelines. Rapunzel invited Eugene to join in. He waved his hand as if to say "I'll pass," but Maximus pushed him into the crowd with his rear. Before Eugene could give him a dirty look, a woman pulled Eugene into a dance. Everyone traded partners several times, and Rapunzel and Flynn tried to reach each other only to be pulled away by other dancers. As the music rose to a crescendo, they tried to pair up, only succeeding just as the song stopped. They looked into each other's eyes, their bodies pressed up against each other and their hands clasped together. The same thing applied to Sora & Kairi, Mickey & Minnie, Donald & Daisy, Oswald & Ortensia, Roxas & Naminé, Ven & Xion, & Aqua & Terra while everyone else finished dancing with other men and women. While the first four groups happily embraced one another, the last three groups could only smile and blush sheepishly. The crowd cheered.
"To the boats!" someone shouted.
The 22 saw that the sun was setting and that everyone was heading for the docks, gathering their lanterns.
"C'mon!" Rapunzel called, excitedly pulling Eugene by the band and following the crowd. Sora and his team gladly followed.
Couples and families climbed into the boats that had elevated decorative points at the bow and stern. Others boarded large barges and some returned to their homes to enjoy the coming event from there.
Rapunzel and Eugene got into one boat with Pascal tagging along.
Sora helped Kairi into another. Mickey, Donald, Oswald, Roxas, Ven, and Terra did the same for Minnie, Daisy, Ortensia, Naminé, Xion, and Aqua.
Goofy, Max, and Myde got into another boat, as did Riku, Lea, and Isa.
As everyone rowed away from the dock, Eugene looked back at Maximus watching them go. The horse couldn't join them since he was, well, a horse.
"Hey Max!" Eugene called, throwing a sack of apples onto the dock in front of the horse. Maximus looked at Eugene with suspicion.
"What? I bought them." Eugene claimed.
Satisfied to know that the fruit were paid for, Maximus began chowing down on them.
"Most of them." Eugene shouted back as he rowed away, smirking.
Maximus looked back, as if he was having a moral crisis.
"I paid for the rest." Riku told Lea and Isa, making the three of them laugh.
"Where are we going?" Rapunzel asked.
"To the best day of your life." Eugene replied.
Night had fallen. The boats containing the 22 were close together with evenly distanced spaces to make sure they stuck together. The entire kingdom was reduced to quietness as everyone looked at the castle.
"Wonder when this is gonna start." said Myde.
"Any minute now I guess." shrugged Goofy.
Eugene noticed Rapunzel looking sad. "You ok?" he asked.
"Terrified." she answered.
"Why?" he asked.
"I've been looking out a window for 18 years dreaming about what it would feel like when those lights rise into the sky." Rapunzel replied. "What if it's not everything I dreamed it would be?"
"It will be." Eugene reassured her.
"And what if it is?" she asked. "What do I do then?"
Eugene smiled at her. "Well that's the good part I guess." he answered. "You get to find a new dream."
Some of the others overheard the conversation.
"She does have a point." said Sora.
"Whaddya mean?" Kairi asked in surprise.
"Well, I'm not really sure what to do after this is all over." Sora replied. "Once Xehanort's and his allies are defeated, where should we go from there?"
Kairi smiled at her boyfriend.
"Wherever we go, we'll figure it out together." she said softly as she stroked Sora's spiky hair. "We'll never stop living our dreams."
Sora smiled as he and Kairi hugged.
Roxas and Naminé watched them fondly.
"Those two are always perfect together." smiled Naminé.
"Couldn't agree more." nodded Roxas.
"You know something Roxas? This is nice." said Naminé.
"What is?" the male blonde asked.
"Being here with you." she replied with a smile. "Before we got our own hearts and bodies, every time Sora and Kairi were together, we were always together too. And… I always felt such a connection with you. You look out for me all the time. Heck, you don't care about any of the trouble I caused during Castle Oblivion."
Roxas smiled fondly at his fellow former Nobody. "That's because I know you are a good girl with a good heart Naminé, during your time as a Nobody or after that. What happened during that time wasn't your fault." he told her. "Even so, you're willing to fight for the good and make up for what you were forced to do because you felt like it was right. And…"
Roxas blushed a little bit.
"And that's why I like you Naminé. You are an amazing friend."
Naminé was taken aback, but smiled fondly at Roxas.
"Thank you Roxas." she smiled. "That's really sweet of you."
Roxas chuckled as the two hugged.
"Aren't they adorable together?" Xion asked Ven as she looked at the two former Nobodies.
"Couldn't agree more." Ven replied with a smile. "Y'know Xion, this is nice. Despite the fact that everyone is here, I like being here with you."
Xion smiled as she faced the blonde. "Same here Ven. I like being here with you too."
"You really mean that?" Ven asked.
The raven-haired girl nodded. "I really do. Remember our conversation back at Scott's house? You know, on the rooftop?"
Ven chuckled. "Of course I do."
"Well, I just wanted to say thank you again for making me feel better, convincing me that I truly am a real person and not just some puppet." Xion said thankfully.
"You may have been born as a replica, but you were never a pawn." Ven told her as he stroked her hair. "You were always a real person to begin with Xion, just like Roxas, Naminé, and Lena."
"Thank you Ven." Xion smiled.
Xion gazed back out to the sky and Ven smiled at her. Another boat with an old man rowing it came by.
"Ask for her number you moron." Stan told Ven as he rowed away.
Ven blinked. "Ok…"
"Ah young love. It's so sweet and romantic." Minnie sighed with a smile.
"I remember when we were like that when we were little mice." Mickey said fondly.
"And look at us now." Minnie said as she held her husband's hands. "Happily married together. Mickey and Minnie Mouse."
"Couldn't have asked for a better girl for me than you Minnie." Mickey smiled.
Minnie giggled. "Me too Mickey. Me too." she said as they kissed.
"They're so happy together." Daisy gushed.
"And once this is all over, that'll be us too Daisy." Donald said as he wrapped an arm around Daisy.
The queen's Lady-In-Waiting smiled. "I can hardly wait Donald. But even until it's official on our wedding day, our love will always continue to thrive."
"You said it toots." smiled Donald as the two kissed.
"Gotta say this is nice." Oswald said fondly. "Just the two of us together on a romantic boat ride."
"It sure is romantic." Ortensia smiled. "Just like our anniversary."
"I remember that day." Oswald chuckled. "We got soaked 'cause the weather people got the weather completely wrong."
The rabbit and cat laughed.
"But no matter what happens to us, nothing will ever stop me from loving you Honey Bunny." Ortensia smiled.
"Thanks Ortensia." Oswald smiled.
Aqua and Terra looked up at the stars.
"This is really nice." Aqua sighed happily. "It reminds me of those days back at the Land of Departure where we would look up at the beautiful night sky."
"I remember those days." Terra said fondly. "You, me, Ven, and the stars."
"I miss those days." Aqua sighed. "Don't get me wrong, I love traveling with everyone else here and protecting the innocent, but sometimes…"
"You miss simpler times?" Terra asked.
Aqua nodded.
"Hey, when this is all over, maybe it can be like that again." he assured her.
Aqua looked at him in surprise.
"You really think so?" the bluehead asked.
Terra smiled. "I know so."
Aqua smiled back. "I'd like that."
Aqua and Terra the gazed back at the stars, the both of them oblivious to the fact that Terra's hand was on top of Aqua's.
Rapunzel was lazily placing flowers into the water and watching them float when she and Eugene saw the first lantern float, no doubt set by the king and queen, from the water!s reflection. She quickly shot to her feet, rocking her the boat as she did so, forcing Eugene to hold on tight so he wouldn't topple into the water. She wrapped herself around the ornament, watching in amazement.
And soon, all across the city lanterns were lit and relaxed into the sky. More rose from the bagged around them and some of the smaller boats scattered around.
The sky was filled with thousands of floating lights as they gave the night sky a soft, warm glow. Everyone stared in wonder and amazement.
"Wow!" Sora exclaimed.
"Would you look at that?" asked Lea.
"It's so beautiful." Kairi said in awe.
"So majestic!" said Daisy.
"No wonder Rapunzel wanted to see these." said Aqua.
"They sure are a sight to take in." said Mickey.
"It feels so… magical…" whispered Naminé.
"Gawrsh, it's really pretty." said Goofy.
Everyone felt so happy and amazed as they gazed at the wonderous sight.
(I See the Light from Tangled plays)
Rapunzel: All those days watching from the windows
All those years outside looking in
All that time never even knowing
Just how blind I've been
Now I'm here, blinking in the starlight
Now I'm here, suddenly I see
Standing here, it's all so clear
I'm where I'm meant to be
And at last I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it's like the sky is new
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once everything looks different
Now that I see you
Rapunzel then turned around and saw Eugene holding two lanterns.
Seeing what Eugene did, Sora, Mickey, Donald, Roxas, Ven, Terra, and Oswald did the same as they got out two lanterns for themselves, Kairi, Minnie, Daisy, Naminé, Xion, Aqua, and Ortensia from their magic garments. The female Keyblade Masters smiled appreciatively at them as they way took a lantern for themselves. Not wanted the others to be left out, Riku, Lea, Isa, Myde, Goofy, and Max reached into their magic garments and pulled out their own lanterns. Donald then used his magic to light up all 22 lanterns.
"I have something to give you, too." Rapunzel said to Eugene. She the took out the satchel with the crown inside. Eugene looked at it expressionlessly. "I know I should've given it to you earlier, but I was just scared, and the thing is, I'm not so scared anymore. You know what I mean?"
Eugene smiled as he pushed the bag down. "I'm starting, too."
Rapunzel took one lantern from Eugene. Together, they both pushed their lanterns into the air as they joined the rest. Sora and Co. did the same as those in each boat lifted their lanterns into the air at the same time. They all watched in awe as they joined the rest.
Eugene: All those days chasing down a daydream
All those years living in a blur
All that time never truly seeing
Things the way they were
Now she's here shining in the starlight
Now she's here, suddenly I know
If she's here it's crystal clear
I'm where I'm meant to go
Rapunzel and Eugene then looked at each other as they held each other's hands.
Both: And at last I see the light
Eugene: And it's like the fog has lifted
Both: And at last I see the light
Rapunzel: And it's like the sky is new
Both: And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once, everything is different
Now that I see you
Now that I see you...
(I See the Light from Tangled ends)
Rapunzel and Eugene looked at each other and took each other's hands. They started to lean closer to one another. Pascal, sitting behind Eugene, turned a shade of purple and covered his eyes, though he quickly let one eye peel through his toes.
Seeing what was going on, Sora and his friends decided to leave them alone as they rowed back to the docks. When they arrived, several Reapers spawned.
"Not tense idiots again!" groaned Roxas.
"Could you guys have possibly picked the worst time!?" Sora groaned.
"I don't think they appreciate the moment Sora." Goofy pointed out.
"Not one bit!" nodded Donald.
"Since when has the organization ever care about stuff like this?" Ven pointed out.
A smirk forms on Sora's face as the Reapers approach and he summoned Kingdom Key.
"It's time for these wet blankets to go!" he told his friends.
Everyone else summons their signature weapons.
"Yeah!" they shouted.
The Keyblade Masters then charged at the Nobodies.
While Sora and his team handled the Reapers, Eugene and Rapunzel were about to kiss when the former spotted two bulky figures in the distance. One of them was holding a spooky green lantern, making them quite visible against the shadows of the trees. When they were sure that Eugene had seen them, they walked back into the woods.
"Is everything ok?" Rapunzel asked, turning in Eugene's direction, only to see the men gone.
"Huh? Oh, yes. Yes, of course. I just…" Eugene began as he glanced at the satchel. He knew what he had to do.
He began to row them back to shore. Once they arrived, he climbed out and grabbed the satchel.
"I'm sorry. Everything is fine. There's something I have to take care of." he told Rapunzel.
Seeing his nervous expression, Rapunzel looked at him uncertainly. "Ok." she said.
"I'll be right back." he told her as he walked off.
Pascal climbed onto Rapunzel's shoulder as they watched Eugene go, both fighting their own doubts.
"It's alright Pascal." Rapunzel assured her best friend.
Eugene approached one of Stabbinton brothers. It was Sideburns, who was sharpening his knife.
"Ah, there you are! I've been searching everywhere for you guys since we got separated. Hey, the sideburns are coming in nice, huh? Gotta be excited about that." said Eugene, trying to ease his way in.
All he got was a glare from Sideburns out of the corner of his eye.
Eugene cleared his throat. "Anyhow, just wanted to say I shouldn't have split. The crown is all yours." he said as he tossed the satchel over to the Stabbington brother, letting the crown fall out.
Sideburns just stared.
"I'll miss you. But I think it's for-" he started to walk away but bumped into Patchy. "-the best…"
"Holding out in us again, eh Rider?" Sideburns asked with a smirk.
"What?" Eugene asked, confused.
"We heard you found something. Something much more valuable than a crown." Sideburns said as he approached Eugene, ignoring the crown. "We want her instead."
Eugene stared in horror. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that." he told them, trying to hide his worry. However, Patchy hit him over the head, knocking him unconscious as he landed on the ground.
Rapunzel was getting worried. Shouldn't Eugene have been back by now? What distracted him earlier. Why was he acting odd?
Then, she saw some approach her. But the fog made it a bit impossible to see. But she thought it was who she thought it was.
"Ah. I was starting to think you ran off with the crown and left me." she admitted with embarrassment.
But the figure wasn't Eugene. It was two people. The Stabbington brothers. They approached her with cruel smirks. Rapunzel looked on in horror.
"He did." said Sideburns before he gestured to the lake. "See for yourself."
Rapunzel saw a sailboat making its way across the water. She saw a familiar figure standing at the steering wheel. It was Eugene alright. But what she didn't know was that the brothers had tied his hands to the wheel with rope while he was unconscious and put the crown in his hands. They were sending him to the castle to get him out of the way.
"Eugene? Eugene!" Rapunzel called.
"Oh dear." came a voice. Rapunzel turned around and saw Marluxia appear in between the Stabbington brothers. "He's run off with the crown and forgotten you."
"No. He wouldn't!" Rapunzel said firmly as she glared at the member from Organization XIII. "Who are you?"
"Forget Flynn Rider." said Marluxia. "You know where you belong, and it's not with him. Now…"
He nodded at the Stabbington brothers. The thieves grinned as they slowly approached Rapunzel. But what they didn't see was Marluxia giving a hand signal behind his back.
"Fair trade, the crown for the girl with magic hair." Sideburns smirked, stroking Rapunzel's hair, much to her shock. "How much do you think someone would pay to stay healthy forever?"
"Maybe we can see if those key kids are interested." suggested Patchy.
"Perhaps." Sideburns smirked as he brought out a large bag.
"No!" Rapunzel shouted as she ran for it. The Stabbington were about to give chase when suddenly, three Reapers were spawned, blocking their path.
"Hey, what gives?!" exclaimed Sideburns as he turned to face Marluxia.
The pinkhead smirked. "Nothing personal Stabbingtons. Just needed you to get Rider out of the way." Marluxia said.
Before either Stabbington could respond, they suddenly felt something whack them across their heads, knocking them unconscious.
Rapunzel ran through the forest, unsure what's to think. Had Eugene really sold her out? But she knew right now wasn't a good time to think about it. She had to get away from the three villains.
But as she ran, she suddenly got her hair caught in a branch stump on a log she jumped over. She tried to pull free before the crooks could catch up to her when she heard the thuds.
"Rapunzel!" came a woman's voice.
Rapunzel paused. "Mother?"
She managed to free herself from the stump and walked back the way she came. She saw the Stabbington brothers laying unconscious and the Nobodies disappearing. And there stood Gothel holding a large branch. Marluxia was nowhere to be seen. When she saw the teenager, she dropped it.
"Oh, my precious girl!" Gothel gasped as she ran towards Rapunzel.
"Mother…" Rapunzel gasped as she ran towards the black-haired woman.
"Are you all right? Are you hurt?" Gothel asked in concern.
"But how did you-?" Rapunzel began.
"I was so worried about you dear. So I followed you. And I saw them attack you and…" Gothel hugger her gain. "Let's go, let's go before they come to."
She began to lead Rapunzel away. The girl stopped and looked back at the boat carrying Eugene away. She wasn't sure what to think anymore. Maybe that crook was right. She didn't know where the rest of her friends were, but they had promised to keep her safe and yet they were nowhere in sight. Maybe they were just as bad as him.
She turned back to Gothel who was now carrying her lantern, which gave off a sickly green glow. She set it down and wordlessly invited her with open arms. Bursting into tears, Rapunzel ran towards her and wrapped her arms around her for comfort.
"You were right, mother. You were right about everything." she sobbed.
"I know darling. I know." Gothel soothed as she stroked Rapunzel's hair. The two then walked off as Gothel lit the way.
As soon as they finished off the Reapers, Sora and his friends dismissed their weapons.
"Well that takes care of that." said Lea, dusting off his hands.
"Think Marluxia's around here?" asked Max.
"Possibly." said Isa.
But before anyone could say anything else, they heard someone shout.
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!"
"That sounded like Eugene!" exclaImed Mickey.
Terra looked out on the lake.
"They're not in the lake. Something's not right." he told them.
Sora then spotted something in the distance. He thought it looked like Rapunzel and Eugene's boat.
"Terra's right, something's wrong." said Sora. "Find Maximus. Donald, Goofy, and I will inspect where they last were." he told them.
"You got it." nodded Aqua. "Good luck."
Sora, Donald, and Goofy ran off one way while the others went to find Maximus.
Soon, Sora, Donald, and Goofy arrived near the spot where Eugene had docked his and Rapunzel's boat.
"There's the boat. But where are they?" asked Donald.
Then, Goofy spotted Rapunzel and Gothel in the distance.
"Hey, there's Rapunzel!" he told the two. "And she's with that woman!"
Sora and Donald looked in Goofy's direction and saw that he was right.
"Rapunz-!" Sora began when suddenly, Marluxia appeared red in front of them.
"Show some decorum." he scolded with a smirk.
"You again?!" Donald exclaimed.
"Marluxia!" exclaimed Sora.
"Where are Felldrake and Shellgoose?" asked Goofy.
"Tending to Leopold at the moment." the Graceful Assassin replied.
"Sounds good." Donald chuckled.
"The girl has found her dear mother. You should let them be." Marluxia stated as he gestured to Rapunzel and Gothel.
Sora growled. He knew that Marluxia was lying.
"Don't give me that shit!" Sora snapped. "I know you're lying!"
"Oh? And what makes you think that, Sora?" Marluxia challenged.
Donald and Goofy looked a bit confused too.
"I learned the truth." Sora said firmly. "18 years ago, the kingdom's princess was stolen from her parents. Every year they hold this festival and send the lanterns into the sky at night hoping that they would guide her home. And today is Rapunzel's 18th birthday! And I saw the moural! She's the lost princess!"
Donald and Goofy were shocked. Rapunzel was a princess?!
Marluxia actually seemed taken aback by what Sora said, but replaced his expression with a smirk.
"So now you know the truth. Well done Master Sora." Marluxia said. "But this is how things should be."
"What the hell are you talking about?!" demanded Goofy.
"Rapunzel is far too important. Atop her tower, she must remain out of sight, and live out her days with Mother Gothel." Marluxia replied.
"She's only using her for her powers!" Sora exclaimed. "Just like what you and Larxene did with Naminé!"
"That rotten old hag is holding Rapunzel prisoner!" exclaimed Donald.
"That is exactly what it's like." saod Marluxia. "Like the Atlantean Crystals, Rapunzel's hair holds the powerful magic of healing. And yes, Mother Gothel wants it for herself. As do others. And since Mother Gothel's actions are protecting Rapunzel, preserving her... she is doing the Organization a favor."
"Gothel's working for you guys, isn't she?!" exclaimed Sora.
"In a way, yes she is." nodded Marluxia. "Let's say she's keeping Rapunzel on the shelf for us. An extra pawn in case you lot cross the line interfering with our plans and Master Xehanort wangs you killed, and we have occasion to call on other hearts of light instead. A New Seven Hearts to fill out the ranks."
"'New Seven Hearts'?" Sora asked in confusion.
"Yes. Seven who inherited the princesses' light after their role was fulfilled. Rapunzel and Kida are among them." Marluxia explained.
"So you don't care about her. You just want Rapunzel for your own selfish purposes!" exclaimed Sora with a glare.
"No wonder you guys wanted Kida too!" said Goofy. "It wasn't just about getting the Crystal to power up you and the others!"
"It was about keeping Kida for yourselves!" added Donald.
"Well, you're done here!" Sora exclaimed as he summoned Kingdom Key. "You're not getting Rapunzel. And you sure as hell aren't getting anyone else to fill out your seven lights!"
"Hmph. I just knew you would go and make a scene." Marluxia frowned before smirking. "Very well, then it's lights out for the three of you."
Marluxia then waved his hand and a gust of wind smacked Sora, Donald, and Goofy in their faces. They suddenly felt drowsy as they began to stumble. They tried hard to stay awake but ended up falling forwards as Sora dropped his Keyblade, which dismissed upon impact with the four female.
"You always were such sound sleepers." was the last thing they heard before the three drifted into unconsciousness and landed on the ground.
To be continued...
Now they've experienced the Lantern Festival. But now they know the truth about Rapunzel. Not only that, Euegene is in trouble and Sora, Donald, and Goofy are unconscious.
Hope you Tangled: The Series fans enjoyed Cassandra and Varian's cameos!
Rate and review and I'll see you next time when we conclude this world!
Stan Lee Cameo - The Avengers (Deleted Scene)