Here we are with the next chapter for Adventures of the Sun and Moon. People have been waiting for Lance to arrive, so I hope I did this well.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to the "Tangled" franchise. I only own the story idea and any minor OCs I create.
(Eight Years Ago…)
It was the dead of winter, and two carriages were pulled through the snow. A deer looked up as they passed, their creaking sounds the only noise in the quiet forest… until a man was spotted lying face down in the snow. The two drivers ran up to help him.
"Oh my!"
Suddenly, an arrow with a rope attached pierced through the tree above them. Two men slid down the makeshift zipline, each landing on a different carriage. The first one made bird calls, getting the two drivers to turn around. The man in the snow sat up with a grin before punching them both unconscious, laughing maliciously. The man who gave the signal pulled out his sword, stabbing it into the roof. The people inside watched as he cut open a hole before sticking his head inside.
"Hands up! This is a hold-up," he looked at the couple before eyeing the cracker in the woman's hand. "Ohh, what's that on the cracker? Caviar?"
Anthony the Weasel unhooked the horses, and they ran away in fear. He jumped onto the last one as the man pulled out a sack full of loot and ate the cracker.
"Come on! Throw it here!"
He threw the sack to him, and Weasel took off.
Meanwhile, Flynn Rider himself opened the door of the second carriage. He saw a woman in a green dress wearing a golden ring with a purple stamp on it. "Oooo," his eyes widened in delight. "May I?" He took her hand and slipped the ring off. "Enchanté."
The woman stood up and hit him in the head with her book, knocking him into the snow. Weasel rode by with the horse and snatched the ring from his fingers.
"Ha! Sorry, fellas, Baron's orders!" he called out as he got away.
"Aw, come on!" Flynn's friend pulled off his mask. "That double-crossing Baron! Nobody takes other people's stuff from us and gets away with it! Nobody!"
"Forget it; we'll get him later," Flynn said, removing his mask. "We've got bigger problems at the moment." He jerked his thumb behind him as a horse whinnied, signaling that the guards had arrived. The guards aimed crossbows at the two and started firing as the men ducked, watching arrows disappear behind them. Looking back at the men, Flynn grabbed his friend, and they ducked behind a snowy rock. The guards rode past them moments later.
"Check to see if the coast is clear," his friend whimpered. Flynn got up and came face to face with one of the guards growling at him. He silently sat back down.
"Yeah, not really.
Dodging around the guard, they took off running. With only one possible escape route, they jumped off the cliff…
(Present Day)
Two little boys jumped into a puddle and played around as Eugene, Hugo, and the royal step-siblings stood beside a covered wagon, gathering sacks of toys and other items.
"Help support Corona's orphans! Because every donation brings a smile to the face of a child in need!" Rapunzel called out to the people. She smiled brightly as a woman brought a rocking horse toy and accepted the donation. "Right, guys?"
"That's right, Blondie," Eugene chirped as he put a sack over his shoulder. "This cause is dear to my heart." He placed the bag on the cart as the two boys ran by. "Many orphans go hungry, while others…" He looked up and paused as his cheerful tone faltered. A tall, hooded, shadowy figure was staring at him. "Resort to a life of crime…"
With a swish of his cloak, Eugene watched as the figure turned and moved to another part of the crowd. Shorty was nosing around the bags and climbed into one unnoticed as Eugene picked up a different sack. "Hmm…" He narrowed his eyes suspiciously as the man reappeared in the crowd, still staring with a barely visible grin.
"Eugene? Is everything okay?" Rapunzel asked. The boys stared in the same direction as Eugene, Hugo moving closer to Varian when he noticed the hooded figure.
"Huh? Yeah…" He looked back and saw that the mysterious stranger had disappeared. "Yeah, sure…"
"It was such a great idea to do this, Vari," Rapunzel smiled softly at her stepbrother.
"Oh, thanks," the prince smiled, shaking off the unnerving feeling of the figure. "I just… wanted to make a change. I had always seen kids like this before and after I came to the castle. Now that I'm taking control of my situation, I thought it was time to focus on helping my people."
"That's noble of you, Hairstripe." Hugo smiled softly as he leaned on the wagon, then turned his concerned eyes to the crowd.
"T-Thanks, Hugh," he blushed at the compliment and then noticed the blonde boy's guarded gaze. "Is something wrong?"
"We're being watched," he whispered, eyes still scanning the crowd.
"By who?" Varian was immediately on guard.
"I don't know, but they keep popping up and disappearing. It's like they're messing with us."
"Okay, we're almost done here. Once we drop off the donations, we'll head straight back to the castle," the prince decided. "You should probably stay with us, too. I don't want this guy to jump you while you're alone."
"Thanks, Goggles," Hugo smiled slightly, warmed by the other boy's concern for him.
(After that)
Once they had gathered all the donations, the four rode to the orphanage to drop everything off. The step-siblings jumped out of the wagon while Eugene and Hugo stepped down from the front, looking around for any followers. If that guy was watching them earlier, he could've followed them…
"Everyone was so generous," Rapunzel smiled happily at the donations. "Look at all these clothes and toys and…" She and Varian were looking through them when he gripped something unusual. "A beard?" she questioned, getting the boys' attention as a hand took it back from her. "Oh!"
"Thank you!" Shorty popped up. "Just what I was looking for."
"You have a knack for stowing away, don't you, Shorty?" Varian deadpanned.
Eugene took him out of the bag as a shadow ran by the alley. "Uh oh…" He cringed as he put the older man down to walk away. "Okay, guys, let's get you back to the castle." He started ushering them away as the same man from the crowd watched them, the princess glancing nervously over her shoulder.
"Oh, wha–who is that?" Rapunzel asked as they walked down a side street.
"And why is he following us?" Varian raised a brow.
"A million and one ideas, none of them are good," Hugo said ominously.
"You know, I don't know why, and something tells me we shouldn't stop to ask."
They stopped short when they saw the guy standing before them, blocking their way. Turning around to go back, the guy somehow stepped out in front of them at that end, too. The couple ran down another path with the mysterious stranger in hot pursuit. Eugene pulled Rapunzel along by the hand. Glancing up, he saw the man running along the roofs beside them, that grin still on his mostly concealed face.
"He's fast…" Hugo muttered before they suddenly stopped short at a wall.
"Ugh, dead end," Rapunzel said.
"Rapunzel, that vase, now!" Eugene told her, pointing to a large vase before putting an arm in front of Varian and Hugo. "Boys, you get behind me." Rapunzel ran for it while her boyfriend raised his fists for a fight.
Seconds later, their pursuer dropped to the ground in front of them and approached slowly. Hugo moved so he was in front of Varian, pulling an alchemy bomb out of his pocket. Eugene gritted his teeth as the other raised his fists… before he started laughing.
"Got 'cha, Rider."
He raised a confused brow as the man threw back his hood, revealing the person he had worked with eight years ago. Tall, stocky, and muscular, he was bald with dark skin and black facial hair.
"Man, you should've seen your–"
He was suddenly hit from behind, falling to the ground. Rapunzel stood behind him, smirking with a vase in her hands. "Bam! Ha ha! Follow that, buddy!" She smiled proudly. "Hmph."
"You know I meant hide in the vase, right?" Eugene asked.
"Never mind that. How do you know this guy, Rider?" Hugo glanced at him.
"And why was he tracking us?" Varian asked curiously.
"Ohh…" The man groaned in pain, causing the group to look at him.
"Princess Rapunzel, Prince Varian, Hugo, meet Lance Strongbow," the former thief gestured to the man.
"How ya doin'?" Lance replied, still in pain.
(Later that night)
After getting him back to the castle, Lance recovered within a few hours and was now regaling them with stories about his criminal adventures.
"So, there I was, guys. Angry warlord to my left, ferocious dire wolves to my right," he told his audience, Cass standing behind him with her arms crossed in disapproval. "Gold coins in my hand, and where's my faithful partner, Flynn Rider?" He gestured to Eugene, who was standing beside Rapunzel's chair while the boys sat on the floor in front of her. Varian was particularly excited to hear more stories about Eugene's past, while Hugo listened with mild interest. "Turns out this warlord had these twin daughters who were–"
Eugene's eyes widened at this part. "Who were on vacation far, far away," he finished for him, embarrassed.
"Oh, come on, Eugene. I may have grown up in a tower, but give a little credit," Rapunzel chuckled in amusement while Pascal gave the former thief a side-eye.
"Yeah, I'm not as innocent as you think, Eugene." Varian looked at him, and Hugo covered his mouth as he shook with laughter. "Nothing phases me anymore."
"Pray tell," Cass said as Lance fiddled with the decorative pieces on the shelf. "How did two fine, upstanding citizens such as yourselves manage to find each other?" She stepped closer to Lance, who swiped the pieces off the fireplace as he backed away.
"Oh, we go way back," Eugene answered, pushing Lance along as he returned the stolen things. "All the way to the orphanage."
"Yeah. We looked out for each other when no one else would," Lance chuckled at his old friend, patting Eugene's chest. "In fact, you could say we're the closest thing either of us ever had to a family." He wrapped his arm around Eugene with a smile, which the other returned with a slightly nervous one.
"Aw, you guys!" Rapunzel said fondly, though the lizard looked skeptical.
"That's sweet," Varian smiled a little.
"As sweet as it can be growing up as orphans," Hugo added, though he agreed with Pascal's skepticism.
"So, Lance Strongbow," Cass said his name subtly, eyeing him just as Eugene noticed something gold in Lance's shirt. "If you guys are so tight, where have you been all these years?" Eugene quickly put the piece back and ducked away from Cassandra as she approached him.
"Cass," Varian warned her.
"Where have I been? More like, where haven't I been?" He chuckled cockily, making Cass roll her eyes.
"You were in prison, weren't you?" Cassandra asked suspiciously.
"Mostly, yes," Lance pointed at her. "But you know, right now, I'm not thinkin' about where I've been." He wrapped an arm around Cassandra as she crossed her arms with a distrustful expression. "I'm thinking about where I'm headed."
"That's one way of looking at it," Hugo commented.
"Ha ha, yes! That's the attitude!" Rapunzel encouraged, Pascal squeaking happily. Ruddiger chirped in agreement.
"And right now, I'm headed to the bathroom," Lance said, walking out the door past Stan and Pete, who had been standing guard the whole time.
"Oh. Still the attitude," Rapunzel smiled after him, but Cass still looked skeptical of the whole thing. She cleared her throat to the guards, and Pete nodded subtly before following him.
"Oh, come on! Lance is my friend!" Eugene protested, hands on his hips.
Cassandra sighed with a smile. "You're right…" She then pointed to Stan. "Stan, go with Pete."
Stan followed after the two. "Hey, hey, Lance might not be the straightest arrow in the quiver, but he's our guest." Eugene crossed his arms over his chest. "He's a good guy, and we don't need to shadow him."
"Yeah. I agree." Rapunzel spoke up. "Lance is Eugene's oldest friend. He wouldn't take advantage of that."
"He doesn't seem like a bad guy to me," Varian shrugged at them.
"So intelligent and yet so gullible," Hugo teased the other boy, making him glare at him in annoyance.
"Well, I don't trust the guy. I don't know what he's up to, but whatever it is, I don't like it," Cassandra said sternly, gritting her teeth slightly.
"Cass, what are you gonna do? Have guards trail him 24/7 while he's here?" Varian gestured to where the three left.
"Well…" The handmaiden considered.
"Don't even think about it!" Varian cut her off before getting up. "Look, I'm not saying you shouldn't be careful, but I think you're doing it for the wrong reasons. Yes, the guy has a shady past, but people can change. I trust Eugene when he says Lance isn't a bad person, so I'm willing to give him a chance."
"Wow… thanks, Hairstripe," Eugene blinked at him in surprise that he was coming to his defense against Cass, his oldest friend.
"Once a thief, always a thief," Cass recited to the prince, much to his annoyance.
"Spoken like someone who has never had to worry about food and shelter in her life," Hugo hissed as he got up, glaring with hostility at the lady-in-waiting.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Cassandra glared back at him.
"You know exactly what I mean!" the blonde boy snapped before storming past her.
"Hugo!" Varian called after him. He was about to follow when Eugene stopped him.
"Hold on, kid, let me talk to him," he offered before leaving, but not before giving Cass his own look. "And for the record, Cassandra, we didn't become thieves because we wanted to be." The warrior watched him go in shock before looking back at the others in the room. Rapunzel glanced between them nervously while Varian looked like he was trying not to cry.
"I'm going to my room," he muttered, not looking at Cass as Ruddiger scampered after his partner. The older woman watched him go before sighing despondently. As much as she believed she was right, a part of her told her she had messed up.
Eugene found Hugo down the hall, looking out the window angrily. He walked over, coming to a stop beside him. "I'll be honest; I thought you were already gone after that."
"The thought crossed my mind," Hugo admitted, not looking at him.
Despite the older man having doubts about the other, he did understand the frustration he was feeling. "Hugo–"
"She doesn't know a thing about me!" Hugo growled under his breath. "Compared to me, she had a silver spoon in her mouth! I didn't steal because I wanted to! I did it to survive!"
"I know, kid, I know…" Eugene reached out an arm and pulled the other into a side hug, the blonde too upset to protest. "Cass grew up seeing right and wrong as black and white. We know that it's never that simple."
"Yeah…"
"And as much as I have my doubts about you and Varian hanging out together, I hope what Cass said didn't mess anything up between you."
"Why would I be mad at him for something she said?" Hugo questioned. "I'm not petty."
"I know you're not, but I know Varian well enough to understand he will worry about this."
The blonde's eyes softened as he thought about the prince. "Well, it didn't, but I'm not sure I want to be in the same place as the lady-in-waiting right now."
"Yeah, I get that," Eugene replied. "I'll tell Varian things are cool, and you'll see him later."
"… Thanks," Hugo said softly before pulling away from the older man. He turned to leave but paused to ask, "Level with me. Do you really think Lance isn't up to something?"
"I know Cassandra would like nothing more than to see one of my old friends embarrass me, and I hate to disappoint her, but my friend Lance is not 'up to' anything."
(A short time after that…)
Lance was suddenly slammed against a wall by his collar. "Okay, Lance, what are you up to?" Eugene hissed, making sure they weren't overheard.
"Up to? Me?" Lance asked innocently as Eugene let go of him. "You think I would call the way down–uh, see–it w–" He stuttered while Eugene stared at him with unimpressed eyes. "… Okay, I need help with a job." He finally admitted, smiling at his friend.
"You want my help with a job?" Eugene hissed in disbelief.
"Well, not a 'job,'" Lance quoted. "A job. It's simple, victimless, like taking candy from a baby~. And as previously established, I just spent a little time in the clink. While there, I shared a cell with this guy. His name was Calvin. Or was it Clarence? Something like that, but I called him Oldie. See, account of–"
"He's old," the former thief interrupted knowingly. "I got it."
"Yeah! So, old Oldie tells me about a job he pulled way back when. He hid the loot in this cave system beneath Corona and was gonna get it back when the heat cooled off. But it never did. So it just sat there, forgotten, for years. Now, Oldie's gonna be in jail for the rest of his natural life. So, he tells me, 'You should get it for yourself.'"
Eugene clapped as Lance held the map Oldie gave him while he was in prison. "Great story. Could've used a bit more conflict, but the use of props added a nice touch," he commented before giving him a doubtful look.
"I'm serious," Lance insisted as he started to walk away. "It's just sitting there! And I need your help to go get it."
"I'm sorry, but you can count me out," Eugene turned back to him, crossing his arms. "My days as a thief are behind me."
"I don't need a thief," Lance placed a hand on his shoulder. "I need a friend. Come on, Flynn!" He playfully punched his arm.
"Eugene," he corrected him.
"'Eugene?'" Lance recoiled back in surprise before laughing. "Talk about your throwback. You got your break, a huge break," he went on, swiping a few more things from the table beside them. "All I'm asking for is a little help getting my own. Please? Come on, buddy."
"Look, Lance, as much as I want to help you, I can't. I'm a member of the Royal Guard now. I'm the personal guard to the Prince, and this assignment came directly from the King," Eugene explained. "I can't mess this up."
"But you won't," Lance persisted. "If anyone asks, we can say I passed along a tip I heard in prison, and you went to check it out. You'd earn more points with the Royal Family if anything in the treasure can be returned."
Eugene took a moment to think about it, letting out a long sigh. "Well, as a guard, I'm obligated to investigate this…"
"Oh, it definitely needs investigating." Lance leaned toward him, smiling with big, blinking eyes.
"… Fine," Eugene gave in. "I'll help you, but you have to give up anything that can be returned. Understand?" he said firmly, Lance nodding with a broad grin. The guard then checked his watch. "Now, I need to help Varian get ready for bed and then get changed. I'll meet you outside when I'm ready to go."
"Guards do that?"
"My cover story is that I'm his equerry. It's like a personal assistant. Besides, he had a fight with Cassandra that upset his friend after you left, so I want to check on him," Eugene said before leaving. "And honestly, put those back."
Lance sagged and unloaded all the valuables he stole on the table (which was more than Eugene knew) before smirking a little at Eugene.
Neither man knew their conversation was overheard by a certain alchemist hiding around the corner. Hugo narrowed his eyes, knowing something was up.
(Meanwhile)
Cass was in Rapunzel's room, making up her bed. "Lance is going to be just down the hall from Eugene, right?" the princess asked as she came in with pillows. "Unless… do you think they should be closer?" She gasped enthusiastically. "Oh, you know what would be perfect? Bunk beds!"
"Yeah, and why don't you make them some milk and cookies?" Cass suggested sarcastically.
"Um, alright. Yeah," Rapunzel helped her with the sheets. "I get it. You're making fun of me for being excited Eugene's friend is here. But a midnight snack is actually a perfect idea, so thank you."
"And you're okay with all of this?" Cass questioned skeptically.
"All of what?" Rapunzel glanced up at her.
"Oh, I don't know…" She chuckled lightly. "You don't think that maybe a lifetime criminal who just got out of prison and happens to show up on our front door could possibly have ulterior motives that involve his long-lost pal and partner in crime?!" she asked pointedly.
"Um… no, I don't think so," Rapunzel replied as Cass took the laundry basket. She watched her leave, starting to become a bit concerned. She knew Eugene had changed, but… had Lance?
"For the record, no, I haven't talked to Varian since the scene in the parlor," Cassandra added as she walked out. "We'll talk in the morning."
Rapunzel sighed forlornly, remembering the disagreement. She didn't know much about Hugo's past, but Cass's comments struck a nerve with the Ingvarrian boy. The princess hoped this didn't damage her brother's friendship with the older woman…
(At the same time…)
Eugene knocked on Varian's door. "Hey, Goggles? Can I come in?"
"Yeah…" he called from inside.
The older man came in and saw Varian sitting at his bay window, silently staring outside. "Just so you know, Hugo's not mad at you."
"Did he leave?"
"Yeah, he figured since there wasn't anyone stalking us, it was safe for him to leave," Eugene sat down across from him. "Plus, he didn't want to be around Cassandra after that."
"I can't blame him…" Varian's eyes narrowed as he remembered her words.
The older man frowned before placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know I've got a past with Hugo that makes me suspect his reasons for sticking around, but in complete fairness… I think he's lucky to have you as a friend. He's got someone willing to stand up for him, and maybe that's just enough for him to change his life."
"You think so?" Varian looked up, hopefully.
"I do," Eugene nodded. "And thank you for standing up for Lance."
"You're welcome," the younger male smiled.
"Now, you ready for bed?"
"I'm gonna stay up a little longer."
"Well, let me get your bed ready for when you're tired." Eugene got up and went to get new sheets and blankets for the night.
"I'll help you." Varian moved to follow him.
As the boys left the room, they didn't notice Lance watching them, having overheard their conversation. He looked down at his map, a hint of guilt in his eyes…
(After that)
After helping Varian, Eugene returned to his room and changed into casual clothes. He got out his old bag, pacing around momentarily before packing it. While he strongly suspected Lance wasn't telling him something about this 'job,' he didn't want him to go by himself.
Rapunzel peeked in. "Hi, Eugene."
He quickly hid his bag. "Oh, hey, Blondie! Hey, hello, what's up?" He placed it on the banister, standing in front of it.
"Uh, nothing. I just thought I'd see what you were up to," Rapunzel smiled.
"Nothing!" He smiled innocently, sitting on his bed. "I am up to nothing!"
"Oh, okay. Well, what's Lance up to?" Rapunzel lightly flicked the bag.
"Lance? Oh, Lance! Nothing. I mean, I'm sure he's doing something, but he did seem tired, didn't he seem tired? In fact, he's probably asleep already. So, in answer to your question about what is Lance up to, I will answer Lance is up to sleeping. Why do you ask?"
"Okay, uh…" Rapunzel glanced away, unsure how to explain. "Ugh. You're gonna think this is funny. I think it's funny, but Cass is concerned that Lance… and you are up to no good. Crazy, right?"
"Whaaaat? You what?" He started laughing, but only to feign innocence. "That—that's crazy talk!"
"I know," Rapunzel sighed a little. "It's just, obviously, I trust you, Eugene, but… I would really hate it if she was right about Lance. Especially after Varian stood up for him." Eugene smiled at his girlfriend.
"I know," he said, tucking a bang behind her ear, and they kissed briefly. She left him be, and he looked away once she was gone.
Lance appeared in the window. "Psst!"
Eugene turned around to see him. "I said psst!"
"I heard your psst!" he retorted in slight annoyance. "Now, let's get on with it." He took his satchel, sighing reluctantly, before leaving with his friend.
(Outside)
After sneaking out, Lance led Eugene into some caverns, lighting the way with a lantern. He saw a spider on a web and screamed in fright. "Are you still afraid of spiders?" Eugene asked knowingly.
"Yes, I have acute arachnophobia."
"Yeah, real cute," Eugene deadpanned as Lance pulled out the map.
"The treasure's this way!"
A few rats squeaked as they passed. They soon stopped in front of the same wall of stone Oldie had hidden his treasure behind, and there was no way to open it.
"Well, looks like the end of the line."
"Nah," Lance said, blowing out the lantern, revealing a soft light coming through a crack in the wall. "You're just getting rusty," he said, pulling out a golden candlestick.
"Hey, I thought I told you to put that back?!" Eugene hissed, pointing at it.
Spinning it around, Lance ignored him as he used it to bust open the wall, causing the other man to flinch back. Once done, he chuckled and handed the busted stick to his friend. "Viola," he said simply before crawling through the opening.
Eugene threw it away before crawling in after him, only to be shocked by what he saw. "What the?!" The room was full of treasure, but it wasn't inside a cave… "This isn't a cave. It's a basement! We broke into someone's house! Lance!" He glared at his friend as he walked over to him. "You lied to me!"
"Now, wait a minute," Lance said while holding a crown. "Lying is a strong word. Accurate but strong." He defended, putting the crown in his bag before moving to a table of goblets. "Besides, the only reason I lied to you is because you wouldn't have agreed to do this otherwise," he started putting cups into his sack. "So, really… we're both to blame." He grinned, cupping his arm and swiping a pile of goblets off the table.
"So, was any of your story true?" Eugene couldn't help but ask.
"Well," he considered as he opened a chest of gold coins. "There was an old inmate named Jesse, and I did can him–"
"Yeah, Oldie, I remember," Eugene interrupted.
"No!" Lance whipped around toward him as he slammed the chest closed. "Mr. Kilpatrick. Oldie?" He tsked before taking the box of coins. "That's just insensitive, Flynn."
"What?!" Eugene screeched, beyond frustrated with his old friend. "You–"
"Look," Lance walked up to him, holding the sack over his shoulder. "We can spend all day trying to figure out who's in the wrong here, but I don't see what the big deal is," he argued as he took another crown Eugene was leaning on. "Lying is what we grew up on! It's what we do." He then moved along for more loot.
"Did, Lance," Eugene elaborated, slightly panicked now. "I don't do that anymore!"
"Well, good for you. Want a medal?" the thief retorted before holding up some. "No, really, want one? There are like twenty-five of these things."
"Let's just get out of here, Arnwaldo," Eugene spat.
"Hey! Don't. Call me. Arnwaldo!" Lance warned him, taking the medals before grabbing a bejeweled egg. "Besides, don't you at least wanna know whose basement this is?" he asked as he walked past him again.
"No! No, I don't!" Eugene whisper-shouted at him.
"It's the Baron's," Lance sang, ignoring his protests.
"The–" His eyes widened when the name registered. "The Baron? The 'Baron' Baron?!"
"You said we'd get him later," Lance pointed out while still stealing.
"That was eight years ago!"
"Exactly," he put a smile on his face. "We waited eight long years for revenge, and I'm not leavin' till I've settled the score," Lance declared as he opened an armoire, unaware it was overrun with spiders. When he finally noticed, he slammed it closed out of fear. "And now the score is settled," he said, picking up the sack and fleeing. "Let's get out of here!"
However, he was forced to stop when they realized people were inspecting the exit with their backs to them. "Wait a minute…" one of them muttered.
The duo quickly hid behind the doorway. "We've gotta find another way out," Eugene said.
The sound of something bursting open, followed by startled cries, made the two look around the corner to see gray and green smoke filling the entrance. As the smoke cleared, they saw Weasel and his partner on the ground, unconscious, with a figure stepping out of the smog. Even as he took off the breathing apparatus around his face, Eugene recognized who it was.
"Time to go," Hugo said simply, looking at them.
Not needing to be told twice, Lance and Eugene ran in his direction, the younger male moving aside to allow them through. He then turned and walked after them, leaving the two men to be found several hours later.
(Back at the castle)
Rapunzel opened the door to Lance's room. Pascal was balancing a glass of milk on his head while she carried a plate of assorted snacks. "Lance? I brought you a snack! I thought you might be hungry." She became confused, however, when she saw that the room was empty.
"Lance? Hm… oh, you know he's probably just catching up with Eugene in his room. Ah, see? I knew the bunk beds would've been a good idea."
While walking to his room, she found Varian had also come looking for him, Ruddiger draped around his shoulder. "Oh, Vari, he's not in?"
"I just got here, so I don't know," Varian looked up at her with a shrug. They opened the door to find Eugene's room just as empty.
"Eugene? Hello?
"Yup, he's not here."
"Okay, so maybe they're catching up somewhere else," Rapunzel suggested as they shut the door and left.
They walked down the hall, Rapunzel giving a concerned frown. They had searched most of the castle by this point and still couldn't find them… "They may have gone out, but where they would go at this time of night, I don't know…" Varian offered half-heartedly.
Cass walked up to them, humming. "What do we have here? A plate of cheese and crackers. I wonder why?" She gave them a smug look that Varian pointedly ignored.
"We're going to have a siblings' slumber party," the prince replied, taking a piece of cheese and eating it.
"Uh, yeah, exactly. Nothing wrong with that," Rapunzel took a bushel of grapes and started to eat them. "So good!"
She stared at them, and the princess sighed. "Okay, fine. Yes. They're not home! But what is to say they're not out having fun?" Rapunzel tried to look optimistic.
"Oh, I never said anything about them not having fun. I'm just suggesting they're most likely stealing stuff while doing it."
"Enough, Cassandra!" Varian snapped at her before storming off, surprising the two women and the nearby guards.
"Cass, seriously, that's enough," Rapunzel moved to stand in front of her friend. "Wasn't what happened earlier enough?"
The lady-in-waiting sighed, knowing she had goofed again, but stood by her conviction. "Raps, all I've been saying is that just because Eugene's changed–and I use that term loosely–"
"Personality doesn't count."
"Yes, it does. My point is just because Eugene decided to stop stealing doesn't mean his friend has. How do we know anything he told us was true?"
Rapunzel looked at her before sighing again. "I don't, but that doesn't mean everything he told us was a lie. Let's go find Eugene and see for ourselves." She took a sip of milk, leaving her with a milk mustache. "Hm?"
"Okay, but when I'm proven right, you're gonna have egg on your face." Cass decided not to tell her about the mustache.
"We'll see when we find Eugene." She handed the plate to Pete before going to get Varian. The milk Pascal was holding fell in front of Cass.
"Princess, you have a milk mustache–"
"I know what I have, Pete! Thank you," Rapunzel called out in annoyance as Cassandra followed her. Not letting it go to waste, Pete started eating the food.
(Back with the boys)
Meanwhile, Lance, Eugene, and Hugo were a few miles from the tunnel. They stopped to catch their breath, knowing how close that had been.
"Thanks for the save," Eugene said, looking at the blonde.
"You owe me big time for this one," he said, peeved about the night.
"What are you doing here, anyway?" Lance asked.
"I overheard you two talking in the hallway. I didn't trust this for one minute," he glared at both men. "What were you both thinking?! The Baron may be an amateur compared to my boss, but he's still dangerous! Not to mention what would've happened if the Captain, the King, or anyone else found out about a guard aiding in a breaking and entering!"
Eugene sighed. "… I'm sorry, kid. Lance asked for my help getting some abandoned treasure, but he lied." He looked at Lance accusingly.
"We used to work for the Baron and said we'd get him back for double-crossing us on a job. I thought now would be the perfect opportunity," Lance said, setting the sack on the ground.
"I should've made you leave that in the vault," Hugo muttered.
"Heeey." The older man looked at the alchemist crossly.
"Speaking of bosses, isn't she wondering where you are?" Eugene looked at the younger boy. "It's been over a month since you came to Corona."
"She knows I'm smart enough not to get caught, and if I need anything, I'll contact her."
"You don't think she's gonna come looking at some point?"
"Who knows?" Hugo shrugged. "I may be her favorite employee, but I'm still an employee. I can be replaced as far as she's concerned."
"Seriously, Lance, what was the point of me even being there?!" Eugene then questioned his old 'friend.' "You didn't even need my help!"
"No…" Lance trailed off, actually looking guilty for a moment.
"Eugene?"
The boys looked up in shock to see Varian and the girls looking for them. "Lance?" the princess called.
Eugene whimpered in fear as he and Hugo shared a look. Thinking fast, the older man snatched Lance's sack, not noticing a ring fall at the other man's feet. Eugene threw the sack of valuables away, cringing when he heard it crash. Keeping a broad smile while Hugo summoned a calm facade, they watched as the others approached them.
"What are you guys doing?"
"And what are you doing here, Hugo?" Varian asked the other teen.
"Uhh…" Eugene glanced around, hands behind his back.
"Treasure hunting," Hugo said suddenly, making the former thief look at him in shock.
"Treasure hunting?" Cassandra repeated.
"Yeah. Lance mentioned a rumor he heard in prison about a hidden treasure in Corona to Eugene. Right, Lance?" The teen glanced at the man, who quickly caught on.
"That's right, little man," he grinned.
Eugene looked dumbfounded as Lance stood up and walked over to him. "Now, you can't believe everything you hear in the rumor mill, but I thought, why not?" He swung his arm around Eugene's shoulders. "One last adventure with my old friend, and if we find it, we find it."
"I ran into them on the way home and tagged along with them," Hugo finished.
"See, Cass?" Rapunzel turned to her friend with a smug grin before asking the boys, "So, did you find any treasure?"
"We did, actually."
"We just wanted to surprise you, so we hid it," Lance explained.
Cass noticed the ring and bent down to pick it up. "Not all of it," she said, holding up what she found.
"Must've fallen out of the bag…"
"May I?" Varian asked, holding out his hand. Cass gave it to him, and he looked it over. "Looks royal… it has the Crest of Corona on it."
"Ohh, maybe our parents know where it came from!" Rapunzel said, coming over to look at it. Varian handed it to her. "It's lovely," she said, holding it out.
Eugene blinked as he stared at it before paling in realization, remembering exactly where the ring came from. During the heist eight years ago, he had snatched the ring from a caravan with the Corona crest on it… which was the same crest on the ring from the queen, who was the one who hit him with a book.
"Oh no…"
"What?" Cassandra looked at him.
Eugene took a deep breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "Eight years ago… Lance and I did a job for a guy called The Baron. We robbed a group of carriages and took all the valuables we could find before The Baron's right-hand man, Weasel, stole the stuff from us on The Baron's orders," he took another breath before getting to the point. "That ring belonged to the Queen. Weasel snatched it right out of my fingers after she hit me with her book."
"You kinda deserved that," Cass remarked as Hugo snickered.
"I guess… the right thing to do now would be to give it back to her and come clean about it," Eugene said, holding out his hand. "Blondie, if you'll let me have it?"
"Are you sure?" she asked, concerned.
"Honestly, no, I'm terrified about how this will go, but… I have to face the consequences of my actions, no matter what they are."
Rapunzel looked thoughtfully, nodded, and handed it over. "Okay," she smiled. "I support you, Eugene." Eugene smiled softly.
Hugo approached Lance. "This should go without saying, Lance," he whispered. "But no one can know the truth about tonight."
"Got it." He nodded.
"Good," the younger said before addressing the rest of the group. "Okay, let's grab the treasure, get back to the castle, and not tell anyone, especially fathers, about sneaking out to hunt treasure."
"Agreed." Rapunzel, Varian, and Cassandra nodded.
"Then, let's get going," Eugene said, slipping the ring into his pocket. "Now, where's the sack?"
"I got it," Hugo smiled as he went to grab it.
"Let's go," Cassandra said as she and the siblings walked away. "We'll give the treasure to my dad in the morning and see what can be returned."
"Man, that kid's good," Lance whispered to Eugene as the blonde returned with their treasure.
"Yes, he is, but don't tell him I said that," Eugene responded before they left the woods.
(The following day)
As they headed to work, the group handed the treasure sack to the Captain and began sorting its contents to identify what could be returned. They decided that Lance could keep any remaining items, which delighted him and amused his old friend. When Eugene had the opportunity, he went to the throne room and returned the ring to the queen, admitting to his actions from eight years prior. Arianna examined the ring before gazing at the contrite former thief.
"I appreciate your apology and your honesty. Though the robbery was many years ago, Eugene, it was frankly traumatic, and… I'm not sure I can forgive you. When I arrived home later than planned, my son was very concerned and worried for me… and that caused his powers to appear."
Eugene's eyes widened at the revelation. "His emotions fuel the powers that Quirin is still concerned about… for him and the Kingdom. He was destroying everything in his room, lashing out at the staff… eventually, we managed to calm him down, even though it affected us greatly. After that, Varian was so traumatized by what had happened that he isolated himself in his room for nearly a month. It was then that we realized what was happening, and we needed to do something to help him… or risk losing him."
"I understand," Eugene looked at the floor. "I do. And… I'm really sorry about what happened to Varian. I guess now I just hope the King won't banish me from Corona when he finds out about this…"
"Well, yes. We shall see what the King decides."
(Later)
Once they were done sorting, Rapunzel went outside by the fountain, smiling lightly as Pascal rowed himself along the water on a lily pad.
"So… he stole your stepmother's ring eight years ago…" Hugo summarized as he and Varian sat nearby.
"Yeah… and because of that, she had to delay her return. I didn't know about that until last night," he closed his eyes. "I was terrified that something had happened to her… I was still feeling the loss of my mother and adjusting to a life with people I knew barely tolerated my presence. I already had a reputation with my alchemy, so imagine their delight when I came to the castle. My dad left earlier to deal with some business the morning it happened, and no one told me. When I couldn't find him, I lost it. The servants didn't know what to do, and I lashed out at anyone who came near me. When they returned, I was so stuck in my head that I didn't recognize them."
He opened his eyes, taking a deep breath. "So I… I attacked them…"
Hugo's eyes widened as he listened to the rest of the story. "I didn't snap out of it until Dad sang a lullaby he used to sing to me as a kid, and Mom helped me calm down. When I came out of it, I was horrified, and… that was when I started locking myself in the castle."
"… I'm sorry that happened," Hugo whispered, placing a hand on his back.
"It's funny…" He sat up slightly, smiling at him. "I haven't talked about that with anyone. Thank you."
He smiled back, blushing. "Are you… mad at Flynn for all that?"
"Honestly…" He took a deep breath as Ruddiger rejoined them. "No. He didn't even know me at the time. I'm not going to blame him for something he didn't know about."
"Everything okay with you and Cassandra?"
"We're okay. She apologized for being hard on Lance, and I thanked her for being cautious," Varian said. "Thanks for covering for the guys." After they got back, Hugo told him the truth about what happened.
"I figured if they got caught being stupid, Cass would be on your back for the rest of your life," Hugo smirked. "Besides, I don't want to do job hunting again." The prince laughed, knowing the other genuinely cared.
"Hey, Blondie," Eugene said, causing all five to look in his direction. "So… it's done." He said simply before sitting beside Rapunzel. "How did it go?"
"Some of the treasure had… what was it Cass said again?" Rapunzel struggled with the words.
"Identifying markers," Varian answered.
"Yes, those. They had markers on them that could help us return them to their owners. Everything else was gold coins or things we couldn't identify, so Lance was allowed to keep it."
"Oh, I bet that made him happy," Eugene rolled his eyes fondly, causing Rapunzel to giggle. "Speaking of, where is he?"
"I'm not sure. I had some things to do, same with Cass and Varian."
"He'll turn up at some point. He always does."
Rapunzel smiled before kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you."
"For what?" he asked, confused.
"For doing the right thing."
The couple hugged as Varian and Hugo smiled a few feet away, not knowing Arianna was watching them from the window. As she watched them, Quirin walked up behind her and noticed a familiar ring on his hand.
"Is that–?" he chuckled in amazement. "I thought that ring was long gone."
"Yes. Can you believe it?" Arianna responded, looking at her ring again. "Eugene found it this morning…" She walked away, deciding Eugene had been forgiven. Quirin looked at her, then at his kids and Eugene out the window before leaving the room.
"By the way, do you happen to know a 'Mr. Schnitz?'" Rapunzel asked Eugene.
"Arnwaldo Schnitz?" Eugene asked with surprise. "Yeah, that's Lance… uh…" He paused to collect his thoughts. "Yes, why?"
She chuckled a little. "Well, Mr. Schnitz just made a generous donation to the orphanage charity."
"Really?"
Lance proudly marched to the orphanage, a bag clanking over his shoulder. "How much?"
He happily dropped the bag of loot in front of the sign. "Oh… about a stolen treasure's worth."
Lance walked away, not regretting his decision at all. A goblet fell out of his vest, and he quickly picked it up before continuing. So, he hadn't changed much, but it was a good start…
A golden coin fell out of the bag, followed by Shorty. "Okay…" He stroked his beard. "Where did I put that beard?"
"Well…" The adults stood up as Rapunzel looked at the boys. "Let's get something to eat. We worked most of the morning."
"Sounds like a good time," Hugo shrugged.
As the siblings walked ahead, Eugene placed a hand on the blonde boy's shoulder. "Hey… Thanks for coming to get us. I'm proud of you."
"For what? I just did it to get Cass off Varian's back." He looked at the older man, confused.
"Yeah… but you did it for someone else instead of yourself," Eugene smiled, patting him on the back. "There's hope for you yet."
Hugo remained stunned, watching the man leave, acknowledging the truth of his words. He had never considered how his actions affected others. In his world, that was how a job failed… Observing those ahead, he pondered whether there might still be a place in the sun for him.
And that's the end of this chapter. I'll be back soon with the next chapter. I may have to increase the rating later for some of my ideas for this story.