Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Tangled. I only own this story idea.
"How did these get here?" Varian murmured as he gazed at the black rocks that had materialized near town.
Most of Old Corona had emptied out to attend the Goodwill Festival, allowing Varian to practice in relative privacy without worrying about being seen. He was surprised to discover a cluster of rocks on the hills where he had recently explored with Rapunzel and Cass.
Varian wasn't sure how they ended up here, but he knew he needed to remove them before anyone noticed. Taking off a glove, he reached out his hand to touch the rocks, closing his eyes as he did so. His streak began to glow, spreading to the rest of his hair as his brow furrowed. In his mind's eye, visions started to appear. He saw the moon, the ocean, and a dark castle in a desolate wasteland. He saw a glowing blue stone encased in a cage in a dimly lit place. He saw a red-haired woman humming as she rocked a baby with a teal stripe in his hair to sleep.
"Face your destiny."
Varian gasped, opening his eyes as he stumbled back.
"What… what was that?" Shaking his head, Varian turned back to the black rocks, focusing intently, trying to make them lower. To his surprise, they didn't sink back into the ground. "I can't… control these." He blinked in shock as his hair and eyes stopped glowing.
Stepping back, Varian ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. He would tackle it later. He was just wasting energy trying to manipulate these. Besides, he wanted to train before people started returning from the festival.
He walked into the woods and changed into his phantom outfit, minus the cloak. However, he didn't get far before he heard his father calling his name. "Varian!" Quirin called, scanning for his son. "Varian, are you out here?!"
Hiding behind a tree, Varian quickly changed back before retrieving his satchel from a rock. He stepped out from behind the tree as if nothing was wrong. "Over here, Dad!" he called, catching the older man's attention. "I was just, uh, collecting alchemy ingredients, you know. Enjoying the lack of people around."
"I see," Quirin raised an eyebrow before clearing his throat. "Actually, Varian, I was wondering if you would like to attend the Goodwill Festival this year?"
Varian blinked in surprise. "Uh, well, I wasn't planning to…" He hoped to use the day to train and visit the wolf pack on the west side of the forest. His dad had never suggested anything like this out of the blue, so something felt… off.
"I understand, but I was thinking this would be Rapunzel's first Goodwill Festival," Quirin explained, resting a hand on Varian's shoulder. "And, as her friend, she would appreciate your attendance."
Varian had to admit his father was right. It would be a good idea to go, especially if something went wrong, like at the coronation. The teen alchemist considered it for a moment before nodding. "Well, when you put it that way, I can set my work aside for today. Just let me drop my things off in my lab first."
"Excellent," Quirin smiled, pleased that his son agreed as they returned to the manor. "I already made a quick lunch before coming to get you. I'll set up the cart while you eat."
"Are you coming, too?"
"I still have some things to take care of in town, but please give my regards to the Princess and your friends."
"Sure, Dad." Varian smiled back at him. He still doubted his dad's motives, but at least he would see Rapunzel and the others again.
(The Goodwill Festival)
When Varian reached the capital, the festival was in full swing. The Gopher Grab would begin in a few hours. After finding a spot to park the cart, Varian searched for the others. Following his connection to Rapunzel (he didn't even need to take off his gloves for that anymore), he made his way to the tents near the Gopher Grab arena. He arrived just in time to see Rapunzel walking toward one of the tents, looking exhausted and upset. Sensing something was wrong, Varian trailed her just as she face-planted into a chaise pillow with a groan. Eugene sat by the tent flap, eating berries while Cass brushed Gregorio the Goodwill Gopher.
"He hates me…" the princess muttered into the pillow.
"Okay, come on, Raps, give it up," Cass glanced at her before turning her attention back to brushing the gopher. "Clearly, this jerk's got serious problems."
"What jerk?" Varian asked, startling everyone.
"Holy quiet shoes, kid!" Eugene gasped, barely managing to keep his snack intact. "Make some noise when you move!"
"Oh, Varian!" Rapunzel chuckled, catching her breath with a light laugh as she sat up. "You startled us!"
"Sorry," Varian said, blushing slightly before clearing his throat. "So, what's going on?"
"Blondie's dealing with someone who doesn't like her for the first time," Eugene explained.
Varian glanced at him and then at Rapunzel, who was staring sadly at her lap. "I take it it's not going well."
"Nope," Cass replied.
"I just don't understand why," Rapunzel lamented. "If I could just get Monty to see that I–"
"Wait, wait, wait," Varian interrupted her in surprise, waving his hands. "Monty? As in Monty's Sweet Shoppe, Monty?"
Cass turned around in shock. "Monty's the guy who hates you?!"
"Ugh, let me guess?" Rapunzel groaned. "You two love him."
Eugene waved his hands, warning them not to say it. The last thing Rapunzel needed was for someone else to love him.
"No, me?" Cas gestured to herself, chuckling nervously. "Love him? No, I hate that guy."
Varian stared at them for a moment before rubbing his temples. "I'm sorry, but my rational brain is trying to figure out how Corona's two most beloved people don't get along."
"I don't know!" Rapunzel replied. "I don't even understand why he hates me in the first place!"
"Okay, let's backtrack for a moment," Varian said, needing all the details. "How did you find out that Monty didn't like you?"
"Well, at my dad's speech this morning, someone booed at me while everyone else cheered for the new Goodwill Seal I designed. I didn't even know what being booed meant! Anyway, I was sitting at the cafe to clear my head when the same person passed by in a carriage and booed at me again."
"Whoa, hold on!" Varian interrupted again. "Monty booed you? Publicly?"
"Twice."
"That… doesn't make any sense." The alchemist shook his head, still confused.
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel asked, struggling to understand what Varian was seeing.
"I've known Monty my entire life. He's a strong supporter of the Royal Family. This just seems so out of character for him."
"Look, Raps," Cass knelt beside the chaise, placing a hand on the princess's back. "You'll just have to accept that Uncle Mont–Monty doesn't like you, and there's nothing you can do to change that."
"You're right… there is nothing I can do," Rapunzel smirked as a new idea crossed her mind.
"Why do I feel worried?" Varian murmured to Eugene and Cass. They both shrugged, and Varian decided to take his leave. "Okay, I'm going to look around the festival a bit more. I'll see you guys at the Gopher Grab."
"See ya, kid." Eugene waved, still munching on berries.
As he left the tent, Varian knew exactly where to go next. He didn't understand what the feud was about, but someone needed to get to the bottom of it before things escalated. Soon enough, Varian found himself in front of the Sweet Shoppe. He smiled fondly at the place, glancing at Monty's displays in the window. He opened the door, taking in all the candy and decorations.
Monty was adjusting one of the sun decorations when he turned to Varian. "Varian, my boy! It's so great to see you! I'll be right with you, so feel free to help yourself to anything you'd like!"
"Thanks, Uncle Monty," Varian smiled as he moved toward the lollipop section. He was thinking his usual and maybe some chocolate. "Do you still have any chocolate gophers?"
"You bet! I'll go grab some more from the back!"
The shop bell jingled as a young woman in an orange dress with brown hair tied in a bun and glasses opened the door. Even in disguise, Varian could sense the Sundrop's magic.
"Oh, boy," he murmured, trying to avoid meeting her gaze.
"Can I help you, young lady?" Monty asked her.
"Good afternoon, sir," she said, adjusting her glasses. As she entered, she tripped over a chocolate sculpture of Monty's head. "Whoa!"
Acting quickly, Varian caught her. "Gotcha!"
"Oh, thank you, young man," Rapunzel said, remaining in character as he helped her.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Monty apologized when he joined them. "Are you alright?"
"Oh, don't worry about a thing! I'm fine!" Rapunzel assured him, dusting herself off.
"What is this, anyway?" Varian asked as the three stared at the sculpture.
"I got that thing as a gift, and I'm trying to find some use for it," Monty explained. "Gotta tell ya, it's not even useful as a doorstop."
"Yeah, dumb and totally useless thing…." Rapunzel agreed, rolling her eyes. Monty looked up at her before she scoffed lightly, Varian biting his lip as he glanced away. "I sure hope the foolish, though clearly well-intentioned person who made it regrets it," she continued, lightly kicking it away. "Even though it probably took her—or him, who knows—hours to get it just right."
Varian had to restrain himself from running his hand down his face. Clearly, she had gotten a little desperate at one point.
"Yes… right, well," Monty said, finding the woman odd but letting the matter drop. "What can I get for you, Miss… um…."
"Um… Miss Missy–Misty! Miss Misty!" Rapunzel said after struggling to find a fake name before placing her order. "And I will have some jelly beans… every kind but green because I–I hate green."
"Ha ha!" Monty placed an arm around her. "A girl after my own heart. I'll tell you what: I've got a personal stash where I've already picked out all the green ones. Let me get them~."
Rapunzel smiled as she watched him leave. Once he was gone, Varian glanced at her with a deadpan expression. "Princess, what are you doing?"
"If he warms up to me, I'll find out why he doesn't like me!" Rapunzel whispered to him.
While Varian knew he could argue, he decided against it. Besides, he wanted to know what this was about, too.
(A few minutes later)
Once Monty returned with the jelly beans and Varian received his treats, the trio hung out in the sweet shop while snacking. Rapunzel munched on jelly beans while Varian focused on his lollipop. At one point, Monty began sharing stories about his family and the Gopher Grab.
"And I'm tellin' ya, my great-granddad would've won the Gopher Grab that year… but he was running the wrong way!" Monty chuckled, and the others joined in.
"That grab means a lot to you, huh?" Rapunzel asked, popping another jelly bean into her mouth.
"You know, Misty, Varian, I've never told this to anyone, but I feel like I can trust you," Monty said, tapping his fingers together before picking up a chocolate gopher. "I come from a long line of Gopher Grab champions. Oh, they used to say that our family had the gift for Grab, and it was my dream to carry on our family tradition…." Monty's smile faded as he glanced at the medals on the wall. "But no matter how hard I tried, that little rascal always managed to slip through my fingers. And while I've never admitted this out loud before, sometimes… deep down… I can't help but feel ashamed." He set the chocolate gopher back on the counter, and Rapunzel placed her hand on his, making him smile at her. She returned the smile while Varian beamed at them from his spot on the counter.
"Ah, that's enough of the weepies," Monty said after a moment before getting an idea. "Hey, I know! I've got just the thing to cheer us up."
Rapunzel smiled, curious about what it could be.
(A short time later)
As it turns out, Monty's idea involved throwing tomatoes at a statue of Rapunzel. "Yes! Right in the royal kisser!" Monty laughed as Varian and Rapunzel just stared at him.
The candy maker launched another tomato, and Rapunzel chuckled, a little uncomfortable. "Wow. You really don't like the Princess."
"Well, I wouldn't say I don't like her, but I would say I can't stand her!" Monty replied before tossing another tomato.
"Why?" Rapunzel asked, a hint of pain in her voice before correcting herself. "I mean, why?"
"Monty…" Varian interjected. Monty turned to Varian, seeing a look in his eyes that he had never seen before in the teen. It made him resemble his father: sincere, honest, serious, and assertive. "I don't know the whole story, but have you considered that maybe you're being a bit hard on the Princess?"
"What do you mean, Varian?"
Rapunzel watched silently as Varian spoke to Monty. "Monty, Rapunzel spent the last eighteen years of her life locked in a tower, almost entirely isolated. She's still trying to learn how to function in the real world, let alone how to be a princess. What seems obvious to us may not be clear to her."
Monty gazed at the bucket of tomatoes, reflecting on Varian's words. "I spent time with her during her coronation weekend, and I can assure you she's not as okay as she looks. She's struggling to cope with the pressure of being royalty, and I'm sure there are moments when she would've rather gone back to the tower than deal with this life."
Rapunzel bit her lip at Varian's words, attempting to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. He was right. Sometimes, she truly felt that way.
"Now, I'm not sure what Rapunzel did or what you feel she did to upset you, but it's not fair to be angry at her for something she doesn't know about. She's never had someone dislike her, so she doesn't know how to deal with… this." Varian pointed to the tomato-splattered statue.
"I never thought of it that way before…." Monty said, realizing Varian had a point.
"What she needs is for people to be patient with her. She hasn't yet figured out that her actions affect others, either directly or indirectly, or that sometimes people might not like some of the things she does or says, and we're going to have to be okay with that. If not, accept it."
Monty was quiet for a moment, glancing at the statue before nodding. "You know what? You're right, Varian. I was too hard on her," he admitted, letting out a sigh. "I should probably apologize when I see her again."
Rapunzel gave Varian a small smile, silently thanking him for defending her.
Suddenly, a bell rang, capturing their attention. "It's Gopher Grab time!" Monty cheered. "Come on, Misty, Varian, let's go!" He dashed off, with Rapunzel and Varian following behind.
"You know, we could watch the Gopher Grab, but it's also not too late to sign up," Rapunzel suggested as they paused.
"Wait, you mean… you want me to compete?"
"Ah, trust me, Monty," she waved it off. "Sometimes you just gotta say, the heck with it!"
"Maybe… but I couldn't. No, I mean, I—I don't even have a partner."
"Well, guess what?" She placed a hand on his shoulder. "You do now!"
He smiled happily, and Varian looked on with a small smile before the candymaker turned to him and asked, "What about you, Varian?"
"No thanks," Varian shook his head. "This is just for you. I don't want to get in your way, but I'll be there to cheer you on." Rapunzel and Monty smiled in appreciation before heading to the arena.
(Gopher Grab Arena)
Everyone was gathered for the Gopher Grab. Each team had their legs tied together like in a three-legged race. The goal was to work together to catch the gopher. Rapunzel and Monty joined the other competitors while Varian sat in the stands, waiting for the show to start.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer proclaimed. "It's nearly time for this year's Gopher Grab!"
Suddenly, to everyone's confusion, Eugene climbed on top of a crate in front of the crowd. "Attention, ladies and gentlemen!"
"What is he doing?" Varian whispered, starting to feel uneasy.
"I know we're all anxious to see Gregorio the Gopher do his thing. I know I am," he chuckled before continuing. "But before we get started, I'd like to say a few words about the true meaning of goodwill." The crowd began to murmur, causing him to glance around and spot Varian looking at him oddly.
After that, Eugene started rambling about "goodwill." It seemed like Eugene had no idea what he was talking about, and the more he spoke, the stronger Varian's uneasy feeling became.
"I mean, you gotta ask yourself, am I spreading goodwill? Or am I spreading good-won't?"
The arena doors opened, and Eugene saw Cass enter with the gopher. At that moment, Varian's ominous feeling skyrocketed.
"So, in conclusion, spread goodwill! Thank you for your time, bye!" Eugene said quickly before walking away. Rapunzel and Monty smiled widely while the alchemist watched warily from his front-row seat. Cass walked to the center of the arena, holding up the cage as the crowd and competitors cheered. She then set it down, and a song began playing from the case. Monty and Rapunzel grinned eagerly as stairs extended from the carrier, and Cass walked over to stand next to Eugene. The cage door opened, and a castle servant blew a whistle, prompting the handmaiden to cringe at the noise. However, nothing happened, leaving everyone confused.
Cass cringed before rushing to the cage. She knelt down to look inside. "What the–"
The next thing Varian saw was Cass being knocked over by Gregorio as he bolted out, her headdress tumbling off as she yelled in surprise.
"Cass!" Varian shouted, jumping out of his seat and running toward her. He reached the field and knelt beside the handmaiden as she stood up. "Are you okay?!" They looked up as the gopher bared his teeth with a roar, his eyes swirling. It sprinted past the contestants as they attempted to encircle him. He moved with an unprecedented speed, astonishing the crowd. Gregorio dodged a pair of contestants as they tried to dive on him before two more attempted the same. He raced over to Rapunzel and Monty, who caught him in their hands. However, the gopher broke free, nearly knocking Rapunzel's wig off. She quickly adjusted it, giggling sheepishly when Monty glanced at her.
The crowd cheered with excitement, stomping their feet and clapping their hands. Some even hugged the person next to them to symbolize catching the gopher. "Grab that gopher! Grab that gopher!" Gregorio's speed was so incredible that he could run along the wall of the arena while still dodging competitors.
Eugene just laughed as he munched on a bowl of berries while Varian and Cass stared in shock and disappointment. "Oh, boy."
"Whoa!" Varian's eyes widened in alarm as they all ducked just in time.
"You guys really undersold this whole Gopher Grab thing," Eugene said, thoroughly entertained.
"He's not supposed to do that, right?" Varian asked the handmaiden.
"I just don't understand it. Why would Gregorio react to bimberries like this?" Cass murmured as they watched the chaos unfold.
"You mean dimberries," Eugene corrected, tossing another berry into his mouth.
"Dim what?" Cass looked at him. "No! Bimberries."
"Dimberries. No–"
"I thought you said bimberries–"
"You mean–"
"Wait, you've been talking about–"
"What do you mean?"
The three ducked again, and Varian took over the conversation. "Eugene, did you give him dimberries? Yes or no?"
"Yes."
"These were supposed to be bimberries!" Cass growled at him.
"You know, for someone who is careless enough to leave–" Eugene started a comeback, but he was cut off again when they had to duck.
"Don't you know dimberries cause hyperactivity in rodents?!" Cass asked him in disbelief.
"Uh, yeah, who doesn't?" Eugene replied with a grin, even though he didn't.
"Looks are all you've got going for you, aren't they, Flynn?" Varian deadpanned.
"Hey!" Eugene shot him a glare.
"Is there anything we can do to stop him?" Cass asked Varian.
"He'll wear himself out eventually. Until then, we need to keep him contained.
Gregorio slipped past more contestants as they reached for him. "Good boy, good boy," Rapunzel attempted to calm him down before he lunged at them, knocking the pair over. They held on tightly as he dragged them along the ground until they finally lost their grip. "Yup, not so fun..."
Growling, the gopher ran toward the wall and began digging underneath it. He surprised Stan and Pete when he popped up on the other side before sprinting off. The guards exchanged confused glances before Monty threw open the doors, knocking them over. "Come on, Misty! Let's show these youngsters how a gopher's really caught!"
Rapunzel ran off with Monty, catching Varian's attention. Glancing at Eugene, he signaled for him to keep Cass here while he pursued them. Eugene popped another berry into his mouth, giving a subtle nod to show he understood. Varian slipped out of the stadium and sprinted into the woods after the duo. Though he had lost sight of them, he was now alone to don his phantom disguise. The sun was beginning to set, and he needed to find them before night fell. Varian focused on his connection to Rapunzel, picking up the trail. Following the link, he sprinted toward the river.
Upon reaching the riverbank, Varian's eyes widened as he saw Rapunzel leap off a crumbling bridge near a waterfall. Not seeing Monty anywhere, he quickly deduced why the princess had made that leap. Varian sprinted toward the bridge to help, but when he arrived, he saw Rapunzel's hair latch around the bridge. She swung back up with Monty, landing safely on the grass together. Varian sighed in relief before moving to watch them from the shadows.
Monty peeked out through the golden hair. "Princess Rapunzel?"
Rapunzel chuckled nervously. "Surprise...!"
They got off the ground, the older man moving to sit on a rock with a deep frown. "Your Majesty, you went through all this just to win my favor?"
"I know, I know, it's a little crazy," Rapunzel agreed as she finished retying her braid before removing her disguise. "But… I just had to know why you booed me."
The older man sighed. "You really wanna know why I booed?"
Rapunzel knelt in front of him. "Uh-huh. Uh-huh."
"The seal," he said simply.
"Wait… The Goodwill Seal?" she asked, confused.
Varian frowned. That's what this was about?
"Look, Princess," Monty continued. "When you reach my age, you stop welcoming change, especially if you don't see a reason for it."
"So… you're saying you don't like the new seal?" Rapunzel figured out.
"No, I do not," he admitted patiently.
"I–I'm sorry?" Rapunzel stammered.
"No, Princess, you don't need to apologize," Monty assured her, raising his hand. "Varian was right. I was overreacting about the matter."
"Okay…"
The man stood up as he continued. "Believe me, Princess. I'm thrilled you're home at last, but ever since you returned, everything's changed. I mean, come on, a royal in bare feet? Pub thugs in the castle? The list goes on! When I was your age, most of that list was unheard of or considered inappropriate! I understand you're free-spirited, but I've never liked the idea of change just for the sake of change."
Varian decided this was his cue to add his two cents, stepping out from the tree line. "Not all change is bad."
"Phantom!" Rapunzel exclaimed, looking at him. "I didn't see you there!"
"Stealth is essential for me, Princess." He nodded in greeting before turning to the candy maker, who seemed stunned to see the face of one of Corona's wanted posters standing barely four feet away. "I don't see change as a bad thing, sir. After all, not too long ago, we had daily executions. I doubt anyone protested that change. Yes, there are pub thugs in the castle. Are they causing trouble?"
"No." Monty shook his head.
"So, what's the big deal? They saved our princess, so I say they've earned the right to be welcomed in the castle. As for her desire to be barefoot, that's just how she was raised. It's what she knows and what makes her comfortable. Ultimately, it's her choice; we'll just have to accept that. And if we can't, we need to learn to accept it."
Monty's eyes widened for a moment. That sentence sounded familiar…
"My point is, yes, things have changed, but they've changed for the better. I know the pub thugs don't fit what Corona has always viewed as "normal," but they can be just as much a part of society as anyone else. All they needed was for someone to give them a chance. The redesigned seal is just one more change people have to adjust to. If you gave it a chance, maybe you'd see it's not as bad as you thought."
The older man was quiet for a moment before nodding with a smile. "Well said, young man."
Varian smiled beneath his mask before gesturing toward the Princess. "Now, I believe the Princess is owed an apology."
The man nodded, then looked at Rapunzel. "I'm sorry, Rapunzel. I didn't see it that way before. But he's right. Things change. I just preferred the old design and took it out on you in the name of 'tradition.'"
"It's alright, Monty," Rapunzel replied gently. "I'm sorry, too. I didn't intend to replace the old design. I was so excited about the Gopher Grab that I felt inspired to paint my own seal. When my father saw it, he thought we could use my design to mark the occasion since it would be the 500th anniversary and my first Goodwill Festival at home."
"It's okay, Rapunzel, I understand. Besides, I've started to realize that that free spirit, the heck with it attitude, isn't so bad after all."
"Really?" Rapunzel asked, a smile beginning to form on her lips.
"Well, you did inspire me to achieve my life's dream..." He opened his apron pocket, revealing Gregorio back to normal, just as Varian had predicted.
Phantom chuckled, surprised yet not at the same time. "'The gift for Grab.'"
Rapunzel giggled as well before turning to Monty again. "So, does this mean… we're friends?"
"Well…" Monty thought it over. "I don't know about friends. I'm a bit upset about this charade you put on. But I can promise to be civil with you and more patient."
"I can work with that." She smiled before extending her hand. Monty shook it to seal their agreement.
"Thank you, Phantom—" she cut herself off when she realized he was gone. "How does he do that?"
"I have no idea," Monty replied, equally bewildered. "Well, we better start heading back, Your Highness. It'll be getting dark soon."
"Right." The Gopher Grab partners then made their way back, the Moonlight Phantom watching them leave with a smile in his eyes before disappearing into the woods.
(Back at the arena)
Once Varian dropped his phantom disguise, he slipped into the crowd and acted like he had always been there. At one point, Rapunzel spotted him and invited him to stand on stage alongside her and the others. Everyone gathered around the stage for the winner's announcement, with Varian standing next to the princess, her boyfriend on the other side.
"Alright, alright, as you know, the Gopher Grab is a sacred tradition..." Frederic began to announce.
"So, Blondie," Eugene turned to her while the king continued speaking. "Feeling okay about how you left things with Monty?"
"Yeah," Rapunzel replied, sharing a grateful smile with Varian. "I am."
"Just remember, Princess, not everyone is going to like you for various reasons," Varian reminded her. "Sometimes, you just have to agree to disagree."
"As long as we can come to the same agreement, I can live with that."
"And the winner of this year's Gopher Grab," the king read from a scroll, "is good old Uncle Monty." The crowd cheered for him as he smiled and shook hands with the butcher before walking on stage to receive his medal. Rapunzel smiled as she clapped for the man, who returned her smile when their eyes met. Varian did the same, giving the man a thumbs-up.
(After the festival)
Monty framed his medal, smiling as he hung his prize on the wall next to the rest of his family's medals. His reflection stared back at him in the glass as he looked at the flower framed in the bottom corner. A moment later, Varian entered his shop. "Ah, Varian. You're still in town?"
"I just came to grab a snack for the road," Varian smiled.
"Sure thing," Monty nodded.
Varian noticed the medal and the flower, offering a small smile. "So, what do you think of the Princess now?"
"Well, she's definitely not as bad as I thought," Monty conceded. "You were right… Mr. Phantom."
Varian stumbled over his feet when Monty said that. He looked at the candy maker in shock, who winked back at him with a grin. "How did you–?"
"Just some things the Phantom said, like your 'gift for Grab' comment. Only two people knew about that, and one was standing right before me."
Varian chuckled bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess you got me..."
"Well, I am smarter than the average candy maker," Monty joked before turning serious. "But Varian, I gotta ask, how did this happen?"
Understanding he was inquiring about his powers, Varian sighed. He had known Monty since he was a boy, and he couldn't keep secrets from him. "It's a long story... but just know that I'm not doing this to spite the King or anything like that. I'm doing this to help people. Things in Corona aren't as perfect as the King would like everyone to believe, and people are getting hurt. I'm standing up for them since no one else will."
Monty looked at him momentarily before nodding and giving the teen an understanding smile. "I understand. Tell you what, how about you stay at my place tonight, and you can head home in the morning? While I'm sure you can manage on your own, I know your dad would prefer that you don't travel after dark."
"Yeah, you're right," Varian agreed. "How about I help you close up as a thank you?"
"You've got a deal, my boy." Monty nodded as they began moving around the shop. "And you can try my newest lollipop flavor in the morning."
"You bet!"
(At the castle)
Rapunzel walked down the hall, humming as she went to her room. Despite some of the events, she felt good about the day. Rapunzel was pleased to see Varian again, and he and Phantom helped her repair the rift between her and Monty. Additionally, it was refreshing to have someone not sing his praises when he was mentioned and then awkwardly backstep when she said he didn't like her.
"Hey, Sunshine," Eugene said, joining her. "You have fun at the festival today?"
"Uh-huh!" She opened her bedroom door and walked in, casually moving the painting of Monty aside to start on a new one.
Eugene walked over as she began to paint something new, starting a portrait of Varian. "Painting the kid, huh?"
"Mmhm. He was a big help today. He helped Monty and me patch things up," she said happily, continuing to paint.
Eugene moved to sit on her bed and watch her work. "He's a good kid, isn't he?"
"He's a sweetheart," Rapunzel agreed, though she frowned slightly. "I don't understand why people say those things about him."
"What things?"
"Just things like he's dangerous and unstable." Rapunzel turned to him, setting down her painting supplies. "He's a good kid who's smart and passionate about science. There's nothing to worry about. Besides, he was the only person who didn't try to convince me to just put up with Monty being mean to me."
Eugene winced slightly, rubbing the back of his neck as he recalled what he had said earlier. "I'm sorry, Blondie."
"It's okay, Eugene," she smiled. "I know you were just trying to teach me something."
Eugene smiled back as she resumed her art. "Sounds like he's looking out for you."
"Not just him. The Moonlight Phantom appeared and stood up for me, too."
"Really? When did he show up?"
"While Monty and I were looking for Gregorio, he even defended the ducklings."
"The ducklings?"
"The guys from the Snuggly Duckling."
"Hah, yeah. You really like ducklings," Eugene said fondly.
Rapunzel giggled, gazing at her painting with affection. "They're a lot alike, aren't they…"
She didn't notice Eugene tense up when she said that. "Wha–What do you mean, Blondie?"
"Varian and the Moonlight Phantom. They're similar. They're both kind people who help others, but everyone is afraid of them," Rapunzel said, her gaze turning sad. "I just wish people would give them a chance and get to know them. Maybe they would see they're not as bad as they think."
Eugene smiled sadly, understanding how she felt. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to say they believe in you for someone to turn their life around. He and the pub thugs were proof of that. Eugene rose and kissed her head gently. "I know, Sunshine. Life isn't always fair, even when it's supposed to be. But hey, at least the kid has a supporter in you. Phantom, too. I'd say things are already looking up for them."
"Thanks, Eugene." She smiled up at him. "Hey, do you know what Monty's favorite color is?"
"I think it's blue. Why?"
"I was going to make Monty an apology gift later for stalking him all day."
"I'll leave you to that then, Sunshine. Good night."
"Good night, Eugene."
He smiled fondly and left her to her painting, heading out of the room as Rapunzel carefully used her brush to paint the young alchemist she had become friends with.
(With Eugene)
As Eugene walked through the castle halls, he realized that Varian might be just as much a miracle worker as Rapunzel—maybe even more so. He managed to get Uncle Monty to apologize and ease off of Rapunzel. Perhaps they won't be friends, but at least he's not going to boo her in public anymore. As for Eugene, he's glad Rapunzel isn't mad at him for not standing up for her. He was only trying to show her one of the more complicated sides of the real world.
Varian has come to the rescue twice when Rapunzel needed it most. While Eugene was happy that Rapunzel had someone in her corner like that, he couldn't shake the feeling of worry. After leaving Varian's place when they last saw him, Rapunzel spoke privately with Eugene about what had happened to her hair. He was aware of her sneaking out with Cass and Varian. Although he didn't really care for Cass, he was beginning to care about the kid and didn't want him to get into trouble. If the king was willing to confine Rapunzel within the walls of Corona for getting near those rocks, what would he do to Varian if he learned he could summon them?
Eugene sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as he gazed out the window. "Please be okay…."
"What's wrong? You're not your usual annoying self."
He turned to see Cassandra walking toward him. "Nothing. It's just been a long day. Rapunzel patched things up with Monty, by the way. Varian helped." He fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Mind if I ask you something?"
"You just did, but fine," Cass raised an eyebrow.
"The Moonlight Phantom. What do you think of him?"
Cassandra's eyes widened, surprised to hear this from Eugene. Sighing, she considered her response before speaking. "Well… I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt since he helped us at the coronation. Still, my dad and the King want him caught, so that's what's going to happen if they have their way."
"Mm…," Eugene hummed, deep in thought. "Why does the King want him caught so badly anyway? It doesn't seem like he's committed any crimes."
"Well, not on the scale of what you've done before, but he has been known to interfere with arrests," Cassandra explained. "The biggest thing against him is that he led a prison breakout a couple of months before you found Rapunzel."
"Really?" Eugene's eyes widened.
"I think the King's worried about potential anarchy and maintaining order."
"What about his magic?"
"That's probably a reason, too," she conceded before walking to Rapunzel's room.
"Cass?!" he called after her. She looked back at him over her shoulder.
Eugene was about to speak again but then stopped. While he would never admit it out loud, Cass was smart. If he probed too much, she would become suspicious. Even though Eugene once thrived on taking risks, he needed to play it safe this time. The consequences wouldn't just fall on him if he didn't. "Nothing! Never mind!" He backtracked, waving off his unasked question. "'Night, Cass!"
"… Whatever, Eugene," she responded, shaking her head as she walked away.
Eugene sighed in relief once she was gone. He looked back out the window, wondering if the kid was out tonight, keeping watch over the city. If Varian ever needed help, Eugene would be more than willing to offer it.
"Okay, kid. You do what you need to do. I've got your back."
And with that, we're done with this story for a while. The next update will be "Outcasts of Old Corona."
See you all soon!
Note: Okay, in one of my last updates, I said I would add another chapter to this story. However, after the deep-dive editing I did for this story, I decided to leave the changes as the update and move on.
I will edit a different story and see if I can update "Hunter Noceda" before New Year's. After the calendar turns, I'm gonna reset the list to something else. So, I'll see you all soon.