After hearing from some readers, I'm going to leave the pairings as they are in the story. Besides, Seven Kingdoms is mentioned in the story, and I'm a Varigo shipper. I will probably not make a Seven Kingdoms continuation of this story, but maybe I'll add something in the epilogue.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Tangled. I only own this story idea.
The next day, after breakfast, Rapunzel and Varian met their parents again in the king's study to discuss the details for Varian's room.
"So, what do we need to do for Varian's room?" Rapunzel asked.
"Well, he'll need spare clothes for when he stays, so we'll need to go to the tailor to get his measurements and let him pick out the style he prefers," King Frederic explained. "He'll also need other essentials, and he can bring anything else he wants from Old Corona, such as books or supplies."
"Speaking of supplies, how are we going to set up a lab?" she asked.
"We'll start looking for a good space once we get his room worked out," Queen Arianna said. "Besides, Varian would know what's needed better than we would."
"Does that sound like a plan, Varian?" Rapunzel asked, looking at him.
"Sounds good." Varian nodded.
"Great! Now, I would like to stay and help, but Eugene and I made plans to help out the local orphanage today," Rapunzel said as she stood up.
"That's alright. I have to head back to make the goo bombs for the Royal Guard. I can pack a bag to stay the night, and we can start setting up my spot tomorrow," Varian said, standing up as well. "That is if Dad's ready to go home?"
"Yes, I believe we've accomplished what we intended here," Quirin said as he stood up. "Your Majesties, Princess, we will see you again soon."
"Very soon," Rapunzel assured Varian with a smile. He nodded back with his own smile, and they all headed for the door, with the king and queen also rising.
"Feel free to stop by if you need any advice or just want to hang out," Varian said as he walked alongside Rapunzel.
She nodded. "Good luck making all those goo bombs. I bet it'll be a lot of work."
"Not really; it's actually very simple," Varian replied, then explained how the compound worked, how long it took to make it, and how many bombs he could produce with one batch. Rapunzel listened to him speak with a soft smile while their parents exchanged pleased glances at how well they got along.
(Outside)
"Maybe when you come back with the bombs, we can pick out which room you want?" Rapunzel suggested as she led them to the cart.
"Sounds good!" Varian grinned.
"Blondie!" Eugene called as he approached them. "Leaving so soon, Hairstripe?"
"Just for a bit. I have to go home and make goo bombs for the Royal Guard," Varian chirped.
"Got it. Rapunzel, you ready to go?" Eugene asked her.
"Mmhm." She nodded. "Let's go help those orphans!"
She waved to Varian as they walked away, and Eugene took her other hand in his. "So, Varian told me about the talk last night. It's going to be nice having the kid around more."
"Definitely!" She smiled. "There are a lot of things we need to do for it, though."
"True." Eugene nodded. "But in the meantime, let's go help those orphans!"
(Sometime later in town)
Two little boys jumped into a puddle and played while Eugene and Rapunzel stood beside a covered wagon gathering donations.
"Help support Corona's orphans!" Rapunzel called. "Because every donation brings a smile to the face of a child in need!" She smiled brightly as a woman approached with a toy horse. "Right, Eugene?" She looked at her boyfriend as she accepted the toy.
"That's right, Blondie," Eugene replied, putting a sack over his shoulder. "This cause is dear to my heart." He placed the bag on the cart as the two boys dashed by. "Many orphans go hungry, while others…" He looked up and paused, his cheerful tone fading. A tall, hooded, shadowy figure in the crowd was staring at him. "… resort to a life of crime."
Eugene watched as the figure turned and moved to another part of the crowd with a swish of his cloak. Shorty was sniffing around the bags and climbed into one unnoticed while Eugene picked up a different one. "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, catching his attention.
"Huh?" He turned to her. "Yeah…" He looked back and noticed that the mysterious stranger had vanished. "Yeah. Sure…"
(After that)
After gathering all the donations, the couple rode to the orphanage to drop everything off. The princess jumped out of the wagon while Eugene stepped down from the front, looking around for any followers. If that guy was watching them earlier, he might have followed them…
"Everyone was so generous," Rapunzel smiled happily at the donations. "Look at all these clothes and toys and…" She was sifting through them when she grasped something unusual. "A beard?" she asked, catching Eugene's attention as a hand retrieved it. "Oh!"
"Thank you!" Shorty exclaimed, popping up. "Just what I was looking for."
Eugene pulled him out of the bag just as a shadow darted by the alley. "Uh-oh…" he winced, setting the older man down to move away. "Okay, Princess, let's get you back to the castle." He began steering her away as the same man from the crowd watched them, with Rapunzel nervously glancing over her shoulder, now aware of the stranger.
"Oh, wha–who is that?" Rapunzel asked as they walked down a side street.
"You know, I don't know, and something tells me we shouldn't stop to ask."
They abruptly halted when they noticed the man standing in front of them, blocking their path. As they tried to turn back, the man somehow reappeared before them at that end. The couple sprinted down another path with the mysterious stranger on their heels. Eugene pulled Rapunzel along by the hand. Looking up, he caught sight of the man racing along the roofs beside them, his grin still mostly concealed. He redirected his focus to the front, only for them to stop suddenly at a wall.
"Ugh, dead end," Rapunzel said.
"Rapunzel, that vase, now!" Eugene urged her, pointing to a large vase. She dashed toward it while Eugene raised his fists, ready to fight.
Seconds later, their pursuer dropped to the ground in front of him and approached slowly. Eugene gritted his teeth as the other raised his fists… before bursting into laughter.
"Got 'cha, Rider."
He raised a puzzled brow as the man pulled back his hood, revealing a dark-skinned man with no hair and black facial hair. "Man, you should've seen your–"
He was cut off when he was hit from behind, falling to the ground to reveal a smirking Rapunzel behind him, holding a vase. "Bam! Ha ha! Follow that, buddy!" Rapunzel smiled proudly. "Hmph."
"You know I meant hide in the vase, right?" Eugene asked.
"Ohh…" the man groaned in pain, causing the couple to look at him.
"Princess Rapunzel, meet Lance Strongbow," the former thief gestured to the man.
"How ya doin'?" Lance replied, still in pain.
(Later that night)
After bringing him back to the castle, Lance recovered within a few hours and was now regaling them with tales of his criminal adventures.
"So, there I was, Princess. Angry warlord to my left, ferocious dire wolves to my right," he told his audience, with Cass standing behind him, arms crossed in disapproval. "Gold coins in my hand, and where's my faithful partner, Flynn Rider?" He gestured to Eugene, standing beside Rapunzel's chair. "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, feeling embarrassed.
"Oh, come on, Eugene. I may have grown up in a tower, but give me a little credit." Rapunzel chuckled in amusement while Pascal shot the former thief a side-eye.
"Pray tell," Cass said as Lance fiddled with the decorative items 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 replied, nudging Lance 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, giving his old friend a friendly pat on the 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 and smiled, to which Eugene returned with a slightly nervous grin.
"Aw, you guys!" Rapunzel said affectionately, though the lizard looked doubtful.
"So, Lance Strongbow," Cass said his name with a hint of subtlety, eyeing him just as Eugene spotted 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.
"Where have I been? More like, where haven't I been?" He chuckled smugly, causing Cass to 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 skeptical expression. "I'm thinkin' about where I'm headed."
"Ha ha, yes! That's the attitude!" Rapunzel encouraged, with Pascal squeaking happily.
"And right now, I'm headed to the bathroom," Lance said as he walked out the door past Stan and Pete, who had been standing guard the whole time.
"Oh. Still the attitude," Rapunzel smiled after him, but Cassandra still looked dubious about 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 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 chimed in. "Lance is Eugene's oldest friend. He wouldn't take advantage of that."
"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 replied, gritting her teeth slightly.
"Are you two fighting again?"
They all turned to see Varian at the door, looking annoyed while holding some books under his arm and a bag by his feet.
"Back so soon, kid?" Eugene asked.
"We came to bring the first shipment of goo bombs," Varian shrugged. "Figured the sooner, the better."
"Varian, you should be asleep," Rapunzel said as she got up and approached him. "Who came with you?"
"Dad. He's delivering the bombs." He yawned slightly. "Oh, sorry."
She giggled. "You don't need to overwork yourself."
"Have you eaten dinner?" Cassandra asked as she joined them.
"Yeah, Dad made sure of that. Though, I wouldn't mind dessert before bed," Varian grinned hopefully.
"Of course, we'll get you something sweet," Rapunzel assured him, then noticed his luggage. "What are those books for?"
"Oh, they're some old kids' books I outgrew and some beginner science books," Varian said, holding them out to her. "I figured the kids at the orphanage might like them."
"Oh, Varian, that's so sweet," Rapunzel said with a smile as she accepted the donations. "We'll drop them off in the morning."
"Let's go find a guest room for you and your dad to spend the night," Cass said, leading the way while Varian picked up his bag.
Eugene smiled as they left, secretly grateful for the distraction. With the others busy, he decided to check on his old friend.
(A short time later)
Lance was abruptly slammed against a wall by his collar. "Okay, Lance, what are you up to?" Eugene hissed, ensuring they weren't overheard.
"Up to? Me?" Lance asked innocently as Eugene released him. "You think I would call the way down–uh, see–it w–" He stuttered as 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 in surprise before laughing. "Talk about your throwback. You got your break, a huge break," he continued, 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."
Eugene took a moment to think, letting out a long sigh. "Well, I guess it is a victimless crime…"
"It don't come less victimful," Lance leaned in towards him, smiling widely with big, blinking eyes.
"... Fine," Eugene relented. "I'll help you, but you have to promise not a word to anyone, especially Cassandra!" he said firmly, with Lance nodding and grinning broadly before his former partner left. "And honestly, put those back."
Lance slumped and unloaded all the valuables he had taken on the table (which was more than Eugene knew) before smirking slightly at Eugene.
Neither man knew their conversation was overheard by a certain alchemist hiding around the corner. Varian nervously pursed his lips, his instincts telling him something was off.
(With the girls)
Cass was in Rapunzel's room, making her bed. "Lance is going to be just down the hall from Eugene, right?" the princess asked as she entered with pillows. "Unless… do you think they should be closer?" She gasped excitedly. "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 said as she 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?"
"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 involves 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.
"Hey, girls?" Varian popped into the doorway, trying to hide his concerns about what he had just heard.
"What's up, kid?" Cass asked, sensing that something was wrong.
"Is everything okay, Varian?" Rapunzel walked over to him.
"Oh, yeah," Varian nodded. "Everything's fine. I was just walking by and… overheard a pointed discussion."
"Oh, that," the princess realized he was referring to them. "We're fine. We're just… disagreeing about Eugene's old friend showing up."
"Is that the guy I saw earlier talking with Eugene?"
"Muscled guy with no hair, dark skin, and an earring?" Cass asked, to which Varian nodded. "That's him. Lance Strongbow, Eugene's old friend and literal partner in crime."
"Cass thinks he and Eugene are up to no good," Rapunzel explained. "Crazy, right?"
"I can't speak for Lance since I haven't even met the guy formally, but Cass, I would think Eugene has earned some level of trust around here," Varian said to the lady-in-waiting as she walked by.
"Some, but not total," she replied without stopping.
They watched her leave, but Rapunzel felt a bit concerned. Varian noticed her expression and suggested, "If you're worried, you could check on him."
"Good idea, Varian," she said absently before leaving, most likely to Eugene's room.
With the information Varian had just received, he was now confident that something wasn't right. He didn't know Lance's intentions, but he wouldn't let him get Eugene into trouble.
Looking both ways to make sure no one was watching him, Varian quickly approached the exit. Once outside, he transformed into his Moonlight Phantom disguise. He sank into the ground through his rocks and reappeared in the woods. Positioning himself in the shadows, the Phantom closed his eyes and focused, the moon's rays illuminating everything they touched as he observed the castle.
It was unclear how much time had passed, but soon, he opened his eyes and stood up. Lance and Eugene had just left the castle, sneaking out for Lance's 'job.' Following their trail under the moonlight, the young hero ran into the woods.
(With Lance and Eugene)
After sneaking out, Lance guided Eugene into some caverns, illuminating the path with a lantern. He spotted a spider on its web and screamed in fright. "Are you still afraid of spiders?" Eugene asked knowingly.
"Yes, I have acute arachnophobia."
"Yeah, real cute," Eugene replied dryly as Lance pulled out the map.
"The treasure's this way!"
A few rats squeaked as they passed by. They soon stopped in front of the same stone wall behind which Oldie had hidden his treasure, with no visible way to open it.
"Well, looks like the end of the line."
"Nah," Lance extinguished the lantern, revealing a soft light coming through a crack in the wall. "You're just getting rusty," he said as he pulled 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 and used it to break open the wall, causing the other man to flinch back. Once finished, he chuckled and handed the broken 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 in 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, 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 full 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 to face him as he slammed the chest closed. "Mr. Kilpatrick. Oldie?" He tsked before grabbing the box of coins. "That's just insensitive, Flynn."
"What?!" Eugene screeched, exasperated 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 that Eugene was leaning on. "Lying is what we grew up on! It's what we do." He then moved on in search of more loot.
"Did, Lance," Eugene elaborated, a bit 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, snatching 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 was a ruthless crime lord Eugene had once worked for along with Lance. Eight years ago, they had pulled a job for the Baron and robbed some nobles, but the man had double-crossed them and stolen what they had taken. He also wouldn't take kindly to anyone stealing from them, like Lance was doing now.
"The Baron? The 'Baron' Baron?!" Eugene repeated, hoping he had misheard.
"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 shut in panic. "And now the score is settled," he said, picking up the sack and running for it. "Let's get out of here!"
But he had to stop when they noticed people inspecting the exit with their backs turned 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.
"Agh!"
"Ngah!"
Surprised by the sounds of what they believed to be pain, they peered around the corner at a familiar vigilante standing in the now slightly larger hole. His hands glowed as he stood over the two men on the ground, groaning in agony.
"Time to go," he said simply, glancing down the corridor where the others were.
Without needing to be told twice, Lance and Eugene rushed in his direction, the younger man stepping aside to let them pass. Phantom glanced back at the men as they began to rise. He raised his hand and conjured a green ball from the rocks that made up his outfit (something he had recently discovered). The hero threw it at the men, causing it to smash and release a green gas into the space. The thugs coughed several times before collapsing again, this time unconscious. He turned and walked out of the hole, slightly surprised to find the other two waiting.
"Let's go. I'll meet you in the woods once I seal off the entrance," Moonlight instructed.
"Right," Eugene said. He led Lance away from the hole, so Moonlight could seal it without him seeing.
Once they were gone, Phantom turned to the hole and slowly raised his hands, watching as black rocks grew out of the ground, walls, and even the ceiling, ensuring nothing could get through that hole.
Meanwhile, Eugene and Lance moved a few miles away from the tunnel. They stopped and waited for the Moonlight Phantom to join them. Both remained silent, Eugene feeling apprehensive and Lance confused, until they jumped slightly in surprise as the vigilante emerged from the ground. His rocks receded before he addressed one of the men.
"You must be Lance."
"And you are…?" Lance asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Never gave myself a name," the Phantom replied. "But the public calls me the Moonlight Phantom."
"Oh. Ohhh, wait, you're that guy! Some guys in prison talked about a kid wizard, but I didn't think they meant an actual kid!" Lance said, trying to guess his age. "You're, what, ten?"
"Fourteen, thank you!" the Moonlight snapped defensively.
"What are you doing here? I mean, thanks for the save, but how did you know we were out here?" Eugene asked.
"I overheard you two talking in the hallway, and I had a bad feeling. And I was right." He glared at Lance. "This 'job' put both of you in danger. The only good thing that came out of this is that I'm now aware of The Baron in my neighborhood."
Eugene sighed. "… I'm sorry, kid. Lance asked for my help getting some abandoned treasure, but he lied." He shot an accusing look at Lance.
"We used to work for The Baron and promised to get him back for double-crossing us on a job. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity." Lance said, setting the sack on the ground.
"I should've made you leave that in the vault," Phantom muttered.
"Heeey." The older man glared at the teen hero.
"Seriously, Lance, what was the point of me even being there?!" Eugene questioned his old 'friend.' "You didn't even need my help!"
"No... but I wanted you there," Lance said simply.
Eugene was about to say something else to him, but he was interrupted when someone called his name. "Eugene?"
He and the Phantom looked up in shock to see Rapunzel and Cassandra searching for them. "Lance?" the princess called. "Varian?"
Eugene whimpered in fear as he exchanged a glance with Phantom. Thinking quickly, the older man grabbed the sack from Lance, not noticing a ring fall at Lance's feet. The vigilante transformed back into Varian, causing Lance to look at him in surprise. Eugene hurled the sack of valuables aside, cringing when he heard it crash. Keeping a broad smile while Varian summoned a calm facade, they watched as the girls approached them.
"What are you guys doing?"
"Uhh…" Eugene looked around, hands behind his back.
"Treasure hunting," Varian said suddenly, making the former thief look at him in disbelief.
"Treasure hunting?" Cassandra echoed.
"Yeah. Lance told Eugene a rumor he heard about a hidden treasure in Corona while in prison. 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 saw them sneaking out and tagging along with them," Varian said.
"See, Cass?" Rapunzel turned to her friend with a smug grin before asking the boys, "So, did you find any treasure?"
"We did, actually," Varian confirmed.
"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 had found.
"Must've fallen out of the bag..."
"May I?" Varian asked, extending his hand. Cass handed it to him, and he examined it. "Looks royal… it has the Crest of Corona on it."
"Oh, maybe my parents know where it came from!" Rapunzel said, walking over to look at it, and Varian handed it to her. "It's very beautiful." She extended her hand.
Eugene blinked as he stared at it, paling in realization. "Oh no…"
"What?" Cassandra asked, looking 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 loot 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 hands after she hit me with her book."
"You kinda deserved that," Cass remarked.
"I guess… the right thing to do now would be to give it back to her and come clean about it," Eugene said, extending 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 thoughtful, then nodded and handed it over. "Okay," she smiled. "I support you, Eugene." Eugene smiled softly.
Varian walked over to Lance. "This should go without saying, Lance," he whispered. "But no one can know about what you just saw me do."
"Got it." He nodded. "So, how did you do that?"
"We'll explain later," Varian said before addressing the rest of the group. "Okay, let's grab the treasure, get back to the castle, and not tell any of our dads about me sneaking out to go treasure hunting."
"Agreed." Rapunzel and Cassandra nodded.
"Then let's get going," Eugene said, slipping the ring into his pocket. "Now, where's the sack?"
"I've got it," Varian smiled as he went to grab it.
"Let's go," Cassandra said as Rapunzel 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 boy returned with their treasure.
"He's had a lot of experience," Eugene replied before the boys followed the girls out of the woods.
(Back at the castle)
Once they returned, the girls separated from the guys, and Cass took the loot sack to her room for safekeeping. Varian needed to get back to his dad, which left just the two old friends. Knowing they needed to talk, Eugene took Lance back to his room and explained the 'Moonlight Phantom is Varian' situation to him.
"Dang, I gotta give the kid props," Lance said as he lounged on the bed. "He's a lot braver than we were at fourteen."
"I'll say," Eugene agreed, leaning against the wall. "Bottom line, Lance, no one can know about this. The kid would get into serious trouble, and his dad's friendship with the King wouldn't be enough to protect him."
"What about the Princess?"
Eugene looked away, feeling a hint of guilt. "She… doesn't know about this. Varian doesn't want to put her in the middle…" He sighed before continuing. "And, as much as I love her, I'm not sure if she'd be able to stand up to her father to protect Varian."
"What do you mean?"
"Just… things I've started noticing now. Things that… remind me of us when we were under The Baron's thumb."
Lance fell silent, understanding what he meant. "… Scared to stand up to him?"
"The moment he raises his voice or gives her a look, she shuts down."
"Sounds like the tower did more damage to her than people realize."
"And I feel like my hands are tied because the man responsible could easily turn around and have me thrown in jail on my old charges, and then I'd never see her again!" Eugene explained, becoming more distressed with each word. He turned away with a sigh, unaware of Lance's concerned expression. Moments later, he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to his old friend.
"Looks like the Princess isn't the only one who changed you," Lance smiled softly.
"Yeah," Eugene agreed, glancing to the side.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about this," he promised. "Let it be known, Lance Strongbow can keep a secret."
"… Thanks, buddy."
"We can keep the treasure, right?" Lance asked, ruining the moment.
"Lance," Eugene rolled his eyes, but there was a fondness in them.
(The following day)
Getting to work, the group turned the treasure sack into the Captain and began sorting through it to determine what could be returned. They agreed that Lance could keep whatever was left over, which made him very happy, much to the amusement of his old friend. The first opportunity Eugene had, he went to the throne room and returned the ring to the queen, confessing to her what he had done eight years ago. Arianna examined the ring before looking at the ashamed 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."
"I understand," Eugene said, looking at the floor. "I do. 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 finished sorting, Rapunzel stepped outside by the fountain, smiling softly as Pascal floated along the water on a lily pad.
"Hey, Blondie," Eugene said, prompting the duo to turn towards him. "So… it's done." He stated simply before taking a seat next to Rapunzel. "How did it go?"
"Some of the treasure had… what was it Cass said again?" Rapunzel struggled to find the words.
"Identifying markers?" Eugene replied.
"Yes, those. They had markers that could help us return them to their owners. Everything else was gold coins or items we couldn't identify, so Lance got to keep it."
"Oh, I bet that made him happy," Eugene rolled his eyes fondly, causing Rapunzel to giggle. "Speaking of which, where is he?"
"I'm not sure. I had some things to take care of, Cass did too, and Varian needed to talk to his father."
"He'll turn up eventually. 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, unaware that Arianna was watching them from the window. As she observed, Frederic approached her. He intended to kiss his wife's hand when he noticed a familiar ring on his finger.
"What?" he chuckled in amazement. "I thought that ring was long gone."
"Yes. Can you believe it?" Arianna replied, glancing at her ring again. "Eugene found it this morning…" She turned away, deciding that Eugene had been forgiven. Frederic looked at her, then at his daughter 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 responded with surprise. "Yeah, that's Lance… uh…" He paused to collect his thoughts. "Yes, why?"
She chuckled softly. "Well, Mr. Schnitz just made a generous donation to the orphanage charity."
"Really? How much?"
"Oh… about a stolen treasure's worth."
"Like I said, he is a good guy. He just needs the right push every once in a while."
"Eugene."
He turned to see Varian walking past them. He nodded toward the gates, and Eugene understood the meaning before getting up. "Okay, then. See you later, Blondie."
"Bye!" She waved cheerfully as they walked off together.
"I'm never going to be able to thank you enough for your help, kid," Eugene said as they headed to the docks.
"One way is not to do it again, but you're welcome," Varian replied as they sat on the pier together. "So, Lance told me he planned to stick around. I told him if he was going to stay in Corona, he needed to give up stealing and get clean. I wasn't going to cover for him again."
"He might just get the message from you," Eugene remarked. "Anyway, he agreed to keep your secret; he even sounded impressed by what you do."
"I'm flattered," Varian smirked, amused, before frowning. "I'm just worried, I guess. The best way to keep a secret is not to tell anyone. Two people now know my secret, and that's two people too many!"
"Hey, don't worry, Varian." Eugene placed an arm around his shoulders. "That may be true, but no one can take on the world's problems alone. You've got a team in your corner, or at least the start of one. I've got your back, and Lance might just surprise you."
Varian was quiet for a minute before nodding. "If you think so…"
"I know so," Eugene replied as the boys leaned into each other, enjoying a moment to themselves. "You're not alone in this fight anymore."
"… Thanks, Eugene."
And we are done with this chapter. I'll be back soon with the next chapter.