Tangled AU Chapter 59

Instructions

Hey guys, any last predictions before we get into the drama? :eyes: Chapter 59 It doesn’t take long for Eugene and Varian to slip away from Edmund, to meet their friends (who have just found a way in) and make quick amends before they all move to make their way further into the castle and closer to their goal. The problem is, upon advancing into room after room, they quickly run into several obstacles. Edmund, first and foremost. He stands calmly in the middle of the circular room, surrounded by huge statues of rulers that have come before him … calmly, that is, until Cass draws her sword. “Don’t make this difficult,” he advises her as he draws his own. “My family’s ancient efforts will not be wasted.” The second obstacle? Probably the ghosts of monarchs past that ascend from each statue and bear down on them with fiery vengeance. The fight is inevitable. The chances aren’t in their favor, either, as their opponents are mostly undead souls who can’t be touched by the strike of a blade. This is why Eugene finds himself facing Edmund instead. “Son - what are you doing?” Edmund asks, baffled, gesturing to the kerfuffle behind them. “Our destiny -“ “/Your/ destiny might be protecting that rock,” Eugene says firmly, “but mine is not. I have faith in my friends, and I will do what it takes to give them the chance to chase their /own/ destinies, on their own terms.” Edmund sighs. “I believe you have good intentions,” he says simply, truthfully. “Hey guys!” Lance calls excitedly. “The statues! The statues!” Lance has just discovered that damaging the statue will make the corresponding ghost disappear - he cackles in delight at this find. The gang rushes to help, enthused by this sliver of hope. One ghost left now … Edmund, like a dark bird of prey, swoops in. He lands on the statue’s shoulder with a thud … and slices its head clean off. “Our family,” he says gravely to Eugene, “is just awful.” The ghost disappears with a screech. It leaves a silence and a moment to be grateful before they all subconsciously turn towards the next doorway. It glows a patient blue. “The moonstone chamber,” Edmund confirms, hopping down. “Forgive me, but - I won’t be following you in there.” Eugene turns towards him swiftly and puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You’ve done plenty,” Eugene informs him gratefully. “Thank you.” “I’ll be here,” Edmund says quietly. “Go look after your friends.” Eugene nods. Lance bravely volunteers to stay behind with Adira, Shorty and Edmund to help lift the giant statue corpse that is blocking the door. “You’ll be fine,” he assures them, nudging Cassandra’s arm. He smiles, trying to lift the mood. “You’re treating us to a celebratory dinner after this is over, right, Princess?” Cass snorts. “You wish,” she jokes. “Varian,” Eugene whispers, leaning towards the young scientist. “Do you want to stay here -“ “No,” Varian replies firmly, eyes sharp with steely determination. “I need to see.” “Let’s go, then. Raps?” Cass says quietly, reaching out a hand. Rapunzel takes it quickly, gripping it perhaps a little harder than necessary as she gulps apprehensively. “Let’s go claim that rock,” she nods. Once inside the room, everyone gasps. A chasm, and just across, a small island of black rock, housing an intricate, circular cage of the same material to protect something precious. A small gem, pale blue, floats in its center, its electric glow consuming the whole room. Electricity seems to surround them as the moonstone senses the presence of its other half. Rapunzel steps forward in awe. She hardly notices she’s stepped off the edge, for a liquid bridge rises promptly to support each bare footstep, forming a solid rock path. She giggles and turns to look at Cass and Eugene, grinning. Cassandra swiftly moves up by her side, nodding to her to continue. The four subconsciously find themselves holding hands for reassurance as they inch forward. They all pause as they stand around the orb, taking in its light and the feel of one another’s hands. Rapunzel takes a deep breath. “Are you sure about this?” Eugene whispers to Cass, barely audible. “Let me, I’d be glad to -“ “No,” Cass mutters back. “I promised I would look after her, and that’s what I’m going to do.” Eugene knew she would say that. He stands at the ready, not knowing what will happen … but knowing that he’s ready to help in any way he can. Cassandra takes a deep breath, dropping Eugene’s hand on one side but holding onto Rapunzel’s for a moment longer. She turns to Raps and smiles faintly, kissing her on the cheek and slowly letting go. “Just for a sec,” she jokes confidently, ignoring the flash of fear in Rapunzel’s eyes and her intake of breath as she tries to hold on. Cassandra steps forward. She has to do this. She has to protect Rapunzel. Varian feels Eugene’s hand tighten around his own, and he needs to know if this is worth it. He’s a Dark Knight, right? (+)