Post by Rapunzel on Aug 8, 2012 6:17:14 GMT -6
U-uh, Excuse me, kupo? What's your name, kupo?
Rapunzel gave a high pitched squeal at the sudden sound of the Moogle. The frying pan was held high above her golden hair and she gave a quick spin around. Upon actually laying eyes on the Moogle, however, she slowly let down her trademark weapon. She stared at the small creature, eyes giving away the emotions of surprise at first, and then gradually transitioning to fascination. Since leaving her tower, Rapunzel had seen a lot of things, but this thing was by far the cutest. She found it hard to feel scared of something with an orb attached to its head like that.
"Aren't you adorable?" she said, her voice jumping a few octaves higher. "Oh, my name's Rapunzel."
Is that what everyone calls you, kupo?
"Yes, of course. What else would they call me?" Rapunzel gave a small laugh, but her thoughts trailed off. If by everyone, the creature meant the only two people that Rapunzel really knew, then in actuality, no. Come to think of it, she was rarely called by her actual name. "Ah, well, actually my mother calls me Flower most of the time. Unless I'm in trouble. And then Eugene...." Rapunzel's voice trailed off for a moment, thinking about the man formerly known as Flynn Rider. Her hands tightened around her frying pan, but she put on a smile nonetheless. "I’m also called Blondie or Goldie."
That's a great name for a girl, kupo! You... are a girl, aren't you, kupo?
Rapunzel's shoulders went back and her hands went to her hips, though her right hand was still toting the frying pan. She gave the Moogle an annoyed look before adjusting her stance. She flicked some hair back past her shoulder and adjusted her dress. She was trying her best to retain her "air of maturity."
"I'll have you know that I'm not; I'm a young lady. Much too mature to be a girl." she said, putting on her best bravado.
O-of course! I was just... messing around, kupo! Ahem. Anyway, kupo. Uh. How old are you, kupo?
"I just turned eighteen, if you must know." she stated, still keeping up the "maturity." However, her mind once again trailed off to how she spent her birthday and a goofy grin came to her face. She gave a small giggle and closed her eyes, thinking of all the people, the music, and the lights. "Best. Birthday. Ever!" she said excitedly.
Really? Everyone lately seems to be strange, kupo... so... no offense...but what species are you, kupo?
Rapunzel opened her eyes and looked back to the Moogle, giving it a very odd look. What species was she? What did it think she was, a chameleon? A horse? Well, with the way her mother went on, you'd swear she were an actual flower. Rapunzel gave an awkward giggle, thinking that maybe the creature was joking.
"I don't get out much, but I'm fairly certain I still rank under human."
I knew that... It's just this light in here, kupo... my eyes can't focus... what do you look like, kupo?
The light? Rapunzel had to admit that it was a bit dim, but even without her singing, her hair was partly luminescent. It seemed to give off a light at all times, just brighter during some. However, if the small creature couldn't see, it couldn't see, though Rapunzel thought that maybe opening its eyes might help in that matter.
"Well, I don't think I look particularly special aside from this seventy feet of blonde behind me. Not to mention, I could do without these freckles. But I made my dress myself! I'm pretty proud!" Rapunzel said, giving a twirl on her always bare feet. However, she didn't factor in her enchanted tresses and accidentally wrapped herself up in a blonde cocoon. She gave another squeal before falling over.
I-interesting...Which world is your home, kupo?
Squirming out of the tangled mess, Rapunzel looked back up to the Moogle. World? What an odd way of putting it. Did a tower count as a world? She had been locked up inside of it, away from everything else, so it might as well have been. Though that didn't really seem to be what the creature was really asking.
"Well, I don't really come from a place with a name. But Mother once told me that we were a few days away from a kingdom called Corona, I think."
I see... That's an interesting looking weapon, kupo. What do you call it, kupo?
"Uhm, haha, a frying pan. Duh."
Cool! Do you know any attacks, kupo?
"Well, not exactly. But I have knocked a man or two unconscious with my trusty frying pan." Rapunzel held up said weapon, and almost gave it a quick spin, but thought better of it. Spinning hadn't exactly worked out for her too well last time. [Cooldown: 1 post]
Aside from the possible ability to grant concussions to unsuspecting people, she wasn't much of a combatant at all. In fact, in most conflicts that she, Eugene, and Pascal had entered, there was a lot more running. Or rather, there was a lot more acrobatics. Having long hair for the majority of her life had definitely helped in the regard of swinging from place to place when the situation called for it. Having her hair specifically had also helped greatly. However, the tiny creature didn't need to know that Rapunzel had magic hair that glowed when she sang a special incantation. Or that it healed almost anything. [Usable Once Per Thread]
That's not bad, kupo..! Can you tell me anything about your past, kupo?
"There's not much to my past when almost all eighteen years of it was spent in a tower with Mother. I spent it doing a specific routine, like, everyday. It started with the chores, sweeping, polishing, waxing, mopping..." As Rapunzel recounted her every day line-up, it became clear that she had no idea who she really was. Rapunzel had no idea that Gothel was not her real mother, and that her true parents were the King and Queen of the neighboring kingdom she had mentioned previously. As such, she had no idea that she was, in fact, the lost Princess. She had been stolen away by Gothel, who selfishly sought to use the girl's enchanted hair to keep herself young forever.
As Rapunzel knows it, people once tried to cut her hair for the qualities it possessed, but discovered that when cut, her hair turns brown and loses the magical qualities. That was why Gothel secluded both herself and Rapunzel, justifying it as protecting Rapunzel from the harshness and evils of the world. Rapunzel was never allowed to leave for any reason whatsoever and overall she didn't complain. There was just one thing, one solitary event that happened every year on her birthday. Floating lights would fill the sky, illuminating it. Growing up, Rapunzel had only ever wanted to just see the floating lights.
"... and it ends with a lot of brushing. Seriously. A lot of brushing. And that's it for the past eighteen years. Unless you count the last few days." Rapunzel said, tucking the frying pan under her left arm. "In fact, more has happened in the last few days than ever did in all my time in the tower. It's been exciting and great! I admit it's been a little scary at times, too, sure. I was almost scared to death when this strange man suddenly climbs through my window. Though I do kinda feel bad about it now, the man had my frying pan coming. I knocked him unconscious and stuffed him in my closet. In hindsight, I wasn't gentle or nice about it, but person in the closet was the only thing I could think of to do!"
Rapunzel cringed at the memory of stuffing the, at the time, stranger into her closet, and even more so when she thought of the argument with her mother that followed. However, it was that argument that had led Rapunzel down the road she had decided to take. For the first time ever, Rapunzel took her life into her own hands. She tricked her mother into going away and struck a deal with the person in her closet, who was going by the name of Flynn Rider.
”I don’t know why he wanted that satchel so badly. It had something really shiny in it, and I suppose it might have been valuable. But whatever the reason, it was enough to get him to agree to take me to see the floating lights. He actually agreed to take me!! When we left, I had no doubts in my mind at all. I was one hundred percent steady on my course.” she said, folding her arms across her chest and smiling brightly. The smile dropped though as she remembered the breakdown she had been having at the start of the whole journey. ”Well, I might have been at odds with myself once or twice…. But that’s all. Ooh! Then we went to the Snuggly Duckling. Not as cute as it might sound. But the men there were a lot sweeter than they looked… or smelled. We bonded over a musical tune or two.”
Not to mention, Rapunzel and Flynn had bonded a tiny bit afterwards in the escape tunnel that the thugs had provided. Flynn’s past was catching up to them, namely, the law. Hence the need for an escape tunnel.
”Frankly, I’m too scared to ask about the frog.”
”Chameleon.”
”Nuance.”
”We had short lived peace before anybody and everybody who was chasing him showed up. And I found out that he wasn’t a very popular guy. There was a lot of sword fighting going on, which may or may not have involved this very frying pan and a horse. And there may or may not be a damaged dam somewhere because of us.” Rapunzel also remembered being trapped inside a cave with rising water and no way out. That was when Flynn Rider came clean about his real name: Eugene Fitzherbert. Rapunzel had returned the favor by bluntly explaining what her hair did, which actually turned out to be their escape route.
After that, Rapunzel fully explained that her hair didn’t just glow. Flynn had injured his hand in the cave, so Rapunzel wrapped her hair around his hand, sang the incantation, and proceeded to heal the injury. She further explained to the wanted thief that that was the exact reason she never left her tower. After explaining so much of herself, she soon asked about Eugene Fitzherbert. Finding out that he had been an orphan who just wanted to be more than he really was, Rapunzel let her guide know that she sincerely preferred Eugene to Flynn. That was also when Rapunzel started to get the feeling that maybe, just maybe, there might be something there for her and Eugene.
”I came across Mother, actually, shortly after the dam fiasco and after Eugene had gone to get some firewood. We argued, again, about going back to the tower. And we argued about Eugene. This time, I just flatly told her no…. Something I’ve never really done before….” Rapunzel fiddled with her hair, thinking over her mother’s retaliation at being denied. It hadn’t been pretty. Her mother also told her to test Eugene and see how he really felt when he actually had his satchel. Rapunzel thought she had hidden it so well, but there it was, going from her mother’s hand to her own. The golden haired girl had confidently said that she would give it back to Eugene, but when her mother had disappeared into the forest, she immediately had her doubts. When Eugene came back with firewood, Rapunzel had hidden the satchel, unable to return it and afraid to know if her mother had been right.
The next day, her actual birthday, had started with negotiating with the palace horse, Maximus, to let Eugene go for at least twenty-four hours. Rude awakening, yes, but it was long forgotten when they actually came upon the kingdom. People and music everywhere, decorations, the kingdom’s insignia on all sorts of things, a downright festival was going on. Rapunzel had felt like the whole kingdom was celebrating in her birthday with her. It was an amazing day.
”Oooooh, I saw so much! I got my hair braided for the first time ever and I danced with so many amazing people! Eugene took me anywhere I wanted to go. I had some amazing food and saw all sorts things. I painted giant murals on the streets and we even went to a small library! I got to read more books than my usual three.” Rapunzel hugged herself, giggling and squealing. She looked back to the Moogle, a tiny bit aware of how ridiculous she might be seeming, but also not really caring. When you had been as happy as she had been, she felt that you had a right to seem a little silly. She apologized to the small creature in front of her and tucked some hair behind her ear. She took in a deep breath and calmed herself down, ready to go on to the next part of her memory.
”Sundown came, so Eugene, Pascal and I went to the boats. We left Maximus behind, and I could feel my heart racing. I had no idea what Eugene had planned; all he would tell me was that since it was the biggest day of my life, I deserved a decent seat. We were out in the middle of the water, and I realized just how… just how frightened I was in that very moment. I was about to be face to face with my dream of eighteen years. I had no idea how I would feel, or what I would even do after it was over. Eighteen years of dreaming was about to be fully realized, so what happens when the dream is over? Eugene reassured me, and then, all we had to do was wait….
“I saw the first lantern appear in the sky. I almost flipped the boat, I was so excited. I watched it float into the night sky, and then I saw all of them start to ascend. All of my precious, floating lights, were right there. And even more were let loose from the boats around our tiny vessel. It was the most beautiful, wonderful thing I had ever witnessed. My memory of watching the lanterns from my window in the tower didn’t do it justice. My words aren’t doing it justice. It’s just, I dunno, indescribable. But the world was a new place for me after that. Everything had changed, and for the better.
“Everything was perfect in those short moments. I knew I had made the right decision, I had come to the right place, and I was with the right man. I knew, in that moment, that my heart had not led me wrong and it would never do so. When I turned back to Eugene, he had two lanterns for the both of us. That was when I decided to return his satchel, like I should have done long before that. I wasn’t afraid anymore. That was when things got even better. Hard to believe, right? He moved the satchel out of the way, and shortly after, he took my hand. Like I said, everything was perfect….” Rapunzel’s voice trailed off, and her eyes became dreamy and distant again. With them being on the water, the reflections of the lanterns made it seem like they were completely enveloped in a romantic glow. All around was light, and Rapunzel wasn’t sure if it had just been the lanterns. The young maiden touched the back of her neck lightly, remembering his hand being placed there. She hadn’t been sure as to what was going to happen. She had instinctually closed her eyes, and she did this now as well. Something so natural, so right, had been about to happen.
Then perfection was done. Eugene had frozen, Rapunzel had noticed, and something else shifted in the world. When she had opened her eyes, Eugene was looking towards the shore, an odd look on his face. When asked if something was wrong, he replied no. But there had been something unsettled in his voice, I just know it, she thought. Rapunzel opened her green eyes, but she now had a look of deep thought. She began mumbling, a habit her mother had despised. She wasn’t even really talking to the Moogle anymore.
”We floated to shore, after all the lights had gone…. He was telling me everything was alright. He had the satchel, and said he had some unfinished business…. I believed him, but I’d be lying if I said Mother’s words weren’t in my head…. No, I still believe him. I still believe he was going to come back. My heart keeps telling me that he was. But… things got… weird after that….” Rapunzel narrowed her eyes in concentration. She remembered stepping out of the boat, but noticing that something was off. Something had not been right, so she had looked around, trying to find what was wrong with the picture. She looked and looked and looked, but she found nothing.
When she walked back to the boat, she had been enveloped in a sudden and violent wind. She could feel her braid coming undone, the flowers being blown right out of her hair, and she could feel Pascal hold onto her for dear life. She had raised her hands to her face, yelling out, and yelling for Eugene. She had closed her eyes, trying to shield them from whatever was happening at that moment. The force acting as a wind became stronger and stronger, to the point where the sheltered maiden was literally blown off of her feet. She had tumbled in nothingness for what seemed like forever before she seemed to have been dropped by whatever wind had mysteriously picked her up.
Upon opening her eyes, she knew immediately that she was no longer in the same place. She had also known immediately that something was very wrong. All that she recognized was Pascal, still clinging to her dress, her frying pan beside her, and the small Corona flag Eugene had bought her. She frantically called for Eugene, yelling his name until she could barely speak. She had looked for anything recognizable, until she had fallen to her knees. That was where she cried, and cried, and cried. Alone, scared, and in a completely foreign place to her. The present Rapunzel shivered, and ran her hands up and down her arms. That loneliness had been the most miserable thing she had ever felt in her life.
But out of that darkness, Rapunzel had found her light and determination. She promised to whatever forces were watching, to any who may have heard her, to the world, really, that she would find Eugene. She would return home. So, she regained her composure, placed Pascal on her small shoulders, pocketed the flag, and gripped her frying pan firmly. That had marked the true beginning of Rapunzel’s new adventure; only this time, she was aiming to go home, not leave it.
”In all honesty, I can’t explain a lot about my most recent past,” she said, looking to the Moogle again, ” ‘cause it’s pretty much one wild, mysterious blur. All I know is I’m here now. At this point, I think that that’s the only thing that matters. And that I keep going forward.”
Hmm... well, could you tell me what kind of person you are, kupo?
"What kind of person am I? I don't know...." Rapunzel put her finger up to her lip and pondered on the question. She had never been asked anything like that before. What kind of person did she think she was? She knew that her mother felt that she was clueless, naive, and to some degree, she might be. That's the consequence of tower plus eighteen years minus outside world. However, she was capable, despite what her mother thought, and Eugene helped her to see that.
She had seemed to make friends with the pub thugs pretty well, so she was a little friendly, definitely. And overall she was pretty intelligent in specific cases. Naive and inexperienced, yes, but not everyone could chart stars the way she did. She was also very adaptable. Still, she shrugged, feeling that none of that was a good enough description. Not in her opinion.
"I'd like to say that I'm so many things now, after all I’ve been through, but I'm still learning. I'm still learning just what kind of person I really am."
...Oh, kupo... Then... what side do you fight for, kupo?[/color][/b]
"Fight? Side? Is there something going on that I should know about?" Rapunzel held the frying pan closer to her. She had seen odd things since winding up alone. She might be a little in over her head, but nothing was going to stop her from finding Eugene and making sure he was okay. Her hair seemed to become a little brighter with light and her determination.
"I'm not looking to fight. I'm just trying to find someone who's very important to me."
I don't mean to seem like I'm prying, but what dreams and aspirations do you have, kupo?
"My... dreams?" Rapunzel's eyes got a distant and dreamy look about them. She had a dream for eighteen years, and thanks to one person it had finally come true.
"Well, that's the good part I guess. You get to go find a new dream."
"I will find my new dream. I'll find him." she said quietly, mostly to herself. A big smile was on her face.
Ah, that makes sense, kupo... sorta... well, what do you like, kupo?
Coming out of her daydream, Rapunzel looked back to the Moogle. What did she like, huh? There were all sorts of things that she liked. She loved animals, for sure, as Pascal and Maximus were proof of. She loved to learn new things, and see new places. It sent her on a rush every time. Baking and sewing, paper machete, all sorts of other things were all on her list of favorite things. And even one thief…. Rapunzel blushed and cleared her throat before looking back to the Moogle.
"There are too many things to list. I suppose though, above all else, painting is my absolute favorite thing to do. But like I said, I just like too many things to list off."
Me too! Then, what do you dislike, kupo?
"I hate being bored for sure. That's why I have so many hobbies. And I don't like people saying I can't do something." She said immediately. The last part had been a new dislike. Having actually gone out and done so many new things, she now found it really hard to accept that she couldn't do anything.
"Shoes are pretty overrated, too." she added, looking down and wiggling her toes.
I'll remember that... what's your weakness, kupo?
Still wiggling her toes, Rapunzel thought on it. This was quite the conversation she was having. She had never thought about her own self so much before in her life, and she had had only herself, Pascal, and her mother for most of eighteen years. You'd think she would already have had put some thought into some of these questions.
"I don't like to admit it, but I'm very inexperienced with the outside world. I'm going to change that though!" she said, looking up and swinging the frying pan on her finger confidently.
N-not that I'd ever attempt to use that against you or anything, kupo...! Er... next question! W-what is your strength, kupo?
"Once I have my heart on something, I won't be discouraged. I know that now. And I never, ever break my promises." she said confidently. She was very loyal and she would do everything in her power to help those closest to her. Physically, she may not be as strong as others, but her determination was second to none. She could only get stronger from this point on, right?
I never would have guessed, kupo! So, tell me, kupo.. What's the secret password, kupo?
"P-password? Oooh, wait, wait, wait!" Rapunzel began searching for a piece of paper that had something written on it. She had run across some writing earlier and found it really odd, but it looked important. So she had written it down; she just didn't know where the paper was. After a while, Pascal emerged with the parchment.
"Thank you, Pascal," she said, petting him affectionately. ”Let’s see here. Is the password...ADMIN BLOCKED That sounds funny.” She said this as she scratched her head with the handle of the frying pan.
Ah, well I am afraid I must go, kupo. One last question before I do, kupo. How did you find your way here, kupo?
"Oh, do you? Well, alright. As to how I found this place? Well, you see, there was this really tall guy with dark, spiky hair and a scar on his face." Rapunzel raised her arm and went on her tippy toes to show that he was very tall. Though she was still too short to fully get to his height. "He was super sweet, and said to come here before I do anything else. I can't remember his full name, though. Something Fair.... Mack? No... Tack? Jack? Ah, something like that. But like I said, he was super sweet. Even asked me out on a date."
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Cbox/User Name: Rapunzel
Current Characters Accepted: N/A
Rapunzel gave a high pitched squeal at the sudden sound of the Moogle. The frying pan was held high above her golden hair and she gave a quick spin around. Upon actually laying eyes on the Moogle, however, she slowly let down her trademark weapon. She stared at the small creature, eyes giving away the emotions of surprise at first, and then gradually transitioning to fascination. Since leaving her tower, Rapunzel had seen a lot of things, but this thing was by far the cutest. She found it hard to feel scared of something with an orb attached to its head like that.
"Aren't you adorable?" she said, her voice jumping a few octaves higher. "Oh, my name's Rapunzel."
Is that what everyone calls you, kupo?
"Yes, of course. What else would they call me?" Rapunzel gave a small laugh, but her thoughts trailed off. If by everyone, the creature meant the only two people that Rapunzel really knew, then in actuality, no. Come to think of it, she was rarely called by her actual name. "Ah, well, actually my mother calls me Flower most of the time. Unless I'm in trouble. And then Eugene...." Rapunzel's voice trailed off for a moment, thinking about the man formerly known as Flynn Rider. Her hands tightened around her frying pan, but she put on a smile nonetheless. "I’m also called Blondie or Goldie."
That's a great name for a girl, kupo! You... are a girl, aren't you, kupo?
Rapunzel's shoulders went back and her hands went to her hips, though her right hand was still toting the frying pan. She gave the Moogle an annoyed look before adjusting her stance. She flicked some hair back past her shoulder and adjusted her dress. She was trying her best to retain her "air of maturity."
"I'll have you know that I'm not; I'm a young lady. Much too mature to be a girl." she said, putting on her best bravado.
O-of course! I was just... messing around, kupo! Ahem. Anyway, kupo. Uh. How old are you, kupo?
"I just turned eighteen, if you must know." she stated, still keeping up the "maturity." However, her mind once again trailed off to how she spent her birthday and a goofy grin came to her face. She gave a small giggle and closed her eyes, thinking of all the people, the music, and the lights. "Best. Birthday. Ever!" she said excitedly.
Really? Everyone lately seems to be strange, kupo... so... no offense...but what species are you, kupo?
Rapunzel opened her eyes and looked back to the Moogle, giving it a very odd look. What species was she? What did it think she was, a chameleon? A horse? Well, with the way her mother went on, you'd swear she were an actual flower. Rapunzel gave an awkward giggle, thinking that maybe the creature was joking.
"I don't get out much, but I'm fairly certain I still rank under human."
I knew that... It's just this light in here, kupo... my eyes can't focus... what do you look like, kupo?
The light? Rapunzel had to admit that it was a bit dim, but even without her singing, her hair was partly luminescent. It seemed to give off a light at all times, just brighter during some. However, if the small creature couldn't see, it couldn't see, though Rapunzel thought that maybe opening its eyes might help in that matter.
"Well, I don't think I look particularly special aside from this seventy feet of blonde behind me. Not to mention, I could do without these freckles. But I made my dress myself! I'm pretty proud!" Rapunzel said, giving a twirl on her always bare feet. However, she didn't factor in her enchanted tresses and accidentally wrapped herself up in a blonde cocoon. She gave another squeal before falling over.
I-interesting...Which world is your home, kupo?
Squirming out of the tangled mess, Rapunzel looked back up to the Moogle. World? What an odd way of putting it. Did a tower count as a world? She had been locked up inside of it, away from everything else, so it might as well have been. Though that didn't really seem to be what the creature was really asking.
"Well, I don't really come from a place with a name. But Mother once told me that we were a few days away from a kingdom called Corona, I think."
I see... That's an interesting looking weapon, kupo. What do you call it, kupo?
"Uhm, haha, a frying pan. Duh."
Cool! Do you know any attacks, kupo?
"Well, not exactly. But I have knocked a man or two unconscious with my trusty frying pan." Rapunzel held up said weapon, and almost gave it a quick spin, but thought better of it. Spinning hadn't exactly worked out for her too well last time. [Cooldown: 1 post]
Aside from the possible ability to grant concussions to unsuspecting people, she wasn't much of a combatant at all. In fact, in most conflicts that she, Eugene, and Pascal had entered, there was a lot more running. Or rather, there was a lot more acrobatics. Having long hair for the majority of her life had definitely helped in the regard of swinging from place to place when the situation called for it. Having her hair specifically had also helped greatly. However, the tiny creature didn't need to know that Rapunzel had magic hair that glowed when she sang a special incantation. Or that it healed almost anything. [Usable Once Per Thread]
That's not bad, kupo..! Can you tell me anything about your past, kupo?
"There's not much to my past when almost all eighteen years of it was spent in a tower with Mother. I spent it doing a specific routine, like, everyday. It started with the chores, sweeping, polishing, waxing, mopping..." As Rapunzel recounted her every day line-up, it became clear that she had no idea who she really was. Rapunzel had no idea that Gothel was not her real mother, and that her true parents were the King and Queen of the neighboring kingdom she had mentioned previously. As such, she had no idea that she was, in fact, the lost Princess. She had been stolen away by Gothel, who selfishly sought to use the girl's enchanted hair to keep herself young forever.
As Rapunzel knows it, people once tried to cut her hair for the qualities it possessed, but discovered that when cut, her hair turns brown and loses the magical qualities. That was why Gothel secluded both herself and Rapunzel, justifying it as protecting Rapunzel from the harshness and evils of the world. Rapunzel was never allowed to leave for any reason whatsoever and overall she didn't complain. There was just one thing, one solitary event that happened every year on her birthday. Floating lights would fill the sky, illuminating it. Growing up, Rapunzel had only ever wanted to just see the floating lights.
"... and it ends with a lot of brushing. Seriously. A lot of brushing. And that's it for the past eighteen years. Unless you count the last few days." Rapunzel said, tucking the frying pan under her left arm. "In fact, more has happened in the last few days than ever did in all my time in the tower. It's been exciting and great! I admit it's been a little scary at times, too, sure. I was almost scared to death when this strange man suddenly climbs through my window. Though I do kinda feel bad about it now, the man had my frying pan coming. I knocked him unconscious and stuffed him in my closet. In hindsight, I wasn't gentle or nice about it, but person in the closet was the only thing I could think of to do!"
Rapunzel cringed at the memory of stuffing the, at the time, stranger into her closet, and even more so when she thought of the argument with her mother that followed. However, it was that argument that had led Rapunzel down the road she had decided to take. For the first time ever, Rapunzel took her life into her own hands. She tricked her mother into going away and struck a deal with the person in her closet, who was going by the name of Flynn Rider.
”I don’t know why he wanted that satchel so badly. It had something really shiny in it, and I suppose it might have been valuable. But whatever the reason, it was enough to get him to agree to take me to see the floating lights. He actually agreed to take me!! When we left, I had no doubts in my mind at all. I was one hundred percent steady on my course.” she said, folding her arms across her chest and smiling brightly. The smile dropped though as she remembered the breakdown she had been having at the start of the whole journey. ”Well, I might have been at odds with myself once or twice…. But that’s all. Ooh! Then we went to the Snuggly Duckling. Not as cute as it might sound. But the men there were a lot sweeter than they looked… or smelled. We bonded over a musical tune or two.”
Not to mention, Rapunzel and Flynn had bonded a tiny bit afterwards in the escape tunnel that the thugs had provided. Flynn’s past was catching up to them, namely, the law. Hence the need for an escape tunnel.
”Frankly, I’m too scared to ask about the frog.”
”Chameleon.”
”Nuance.”
”We had short lived peace before anybody and everybody who was chasing him showed up. And I found out that he wasn’t a very popular guy. There was a lot of sword fighting going on, which may or may not have involved this very frying pan and a horse. And there may or may not be a damaged dam somewhere because of us.” Rapunzel also remembered being trapped inside a cave with rising water and no way out. That was when Flynn Rider came clean about his real name: Eugene Fitzherbert. Rapunzel had returned the favor by bluntly explaining what her hair did, which actually turned out to be their escape route.
After that, Rapunzel fully explained that her hair didn’t just glow. Flynn had injured his hand in the cave, so Rapunzel wrapped her hair around his hand, sang the incantation, and proceeded to heal the injury. She further explained to the wanted thief that that was the exact reason she never left her tower. After explaining so much of herself, she soon asked about Eugene Fitzherbert. Finding out that he had been an orphan who just wanted to be more than he really was, Rapunzel let her guide know that she sincerely preferred Eugene to Flynn. That was also when Rapunzel started to get the feeling that maybe, just maybe, there might be something there for her and Eugene.
”I came across Mother, actually, shortly after the dam fiasco and after Eugene had gone to get some firewood. We argued, again, about going back to the tower. And we argued about Eugene. This time, I just flatly told her no…. Something I’ve never really done before….” Rapunzel fiddled with her hair, thinking over her mother’s retaliation at being denied. It hadn’t been pretty. Her mother also told her to test Eugene and see how he really felt when he actually had his satchel. Rapunzel thought she had hidden it so well, but there it was, going from her mother’s hand to her own. The golden haired girl had confidently said that she would give it back to Eugene, but when her mother had disappeared into the forest, she immediately had her doubts. When Eugene came back with firewood, Rapunzel had hidden the satchel, unable to return it and afraid to know if her mother had been right.
The next day, her actual birthday, had started with negotiating with the palace horse, Maximus, to let Eugene go for at least twenty-four hours. Rude awakening, yes, but it was long forgotten when they actually came upon the kingdom. People and music everywhere, decorations, the kingdom’s insignia on all sorts of things, a downright festival was going on. Rapunzel had felt like the whole kingdom was celebrating in her birthday with her. It was an amazing day.
”Oooooh, I saw so much! I got my hair braided for the first time ever and I danced with so many amazing people! Eugene took me anywhere I wanted to go. I had some amazing food and saw all sorts things. I painted giant murals on the streets and we even went to a small library! I got to read more books than my usual three.” Rapunzel hugged herself, giggling and squealing. She looked back to the Moogle, a tiny bit aware of how ridiculous she might be seeming, but also not really caring. When you had been as happy as she had been, she felt that you had a right to seem a little silly. She apologized to the small creature in front of her and tucked some hair behind her ear. She took in a deep breath and calmed herself down, ready to go on to the next part of her memory.
”Sundown came, so Eugene, Pascal and I went to the boats. We left Maximus behind, and I could feel my heart racing. I had no idea what Eugene had planned; all he would tell me was that since it was the biggest day of my life, I deserved a decent seat. We were out in the middle of the water, and I realized just how… just how frightened I was in that very moment. I was about to be face to face with my dream of eighteen years. I had no idea how I would feel, or what I would even do after it was over. Eighteen years of dreaming was about to be fully realized, so what happens when the dream is over? Eugene reassured me, and then, all we had to do was wait….
“I saw the first lantern appear in the sky. I almost flipped the boat, I was so excited. I watched it float into the night sky, and then I saw all of them start to ascend. All of my precious, floating lights, were right there. And even more were let loose from the boats around our tiny vessel. It was the most beautiful, wonderful thing I had ever witnessed. My memory of watching the lanterns from my window in the tower didn’t do it justice. My words aren’t doing it justice. It’s just, I dunno, indescribable. But the world was a new place for me after that. Everything had changed, and for the better.
“Everything was perfect in those short moments. I knew I had made the right decision, I had come to the right place, and I was with the right man. I knew, in that moment, that my heart had not led me wrong and it would never do so. When I turned back to Eugene, he had two lanterns for the both of us. That was when I decided to return his satchel, like I should have done long before that. I wasn’t afraid anymore. That was when things got even better. Hard to believe, right? He moved the satchel out of the way, and shortly after, he took my hand. Like I said, everything was perfect….” Rapunzel’s voice trailed off, and her eyes became dreamy and distant again. With them being on the water, the reflections of the lanterns made it seem like they were completely enveloped in a romantic glow. All around was light, and Rapunzel wasn’t sure if it had just been the lanterns. The young maiden touched the back of her neck lightly, remembering his hand being placed there. She hadn’t been sure as to what was going to happen. She had instinctually closed her eyes, and she did this now as well. Something so natural, so right, had been about to happen.
Then perfection was done. Eugene had frozen, Rapunzel had noticed, and something else shifted in the world. When she had opened her eyes, Eugene was looking towards the shore, an odd look on his face. When asked if something was wrong, he replied no. But there had been something unsettled in his voice, I just know it, she thought. Rapunzel opened her green eyes, but she now had a look of deep thought. She began mumbling, a habit her mother had despised. She wasn’t even really talking to the Moogle anymore.
”We floated to shore, after all the lights had gone…. He was telling me everything was alright. He had the satchel, and said he had some unfinished business…. I believed him, but I’d be lying if I said Mother’s words weren’t in my head…. No, I still believe him. I still believe he was going to come back. My heart keeps telling me that he was. But… things got… weird after that….” Rapunzel narrowed her eyes in concentration. She remembered stepping out of the boat, but noticing that something was off. Something had not been right, so she had looked around, trying to find what was wrong with the picture. She looked and looked and looked, but she found nothing.
When she walked back to the boat, she had been enveloped in a sudden and violent wind. She could feel her braid coming undone, the flowers being blown right out of her hair, and she could feel Pascal hold onto her for dear life. She had raised her hands to her face, yelling out, and yelling for Eugene. She had closed her eyes, trying to shield them from whatever was happening at that moment. The force acting as a wind became stronger and stronger, to the point where the sheltered maiden was literally blown off of her feet. She had tumbled in nothingness for what seemed like forever before she seemed to have been dropped by whatever wind had mysteriously picked her up.
Upon opening her eyes, she knew immediately that she was no longer in the same place. She had also known immediately that something was very wrong. All that she recognized was Pascal, still clinging to her dress, her frying pan beside her, and the small Corona flag Eugene had bought her. She frantically called for Eugene, yelling his name until she could barely speak. She had looked for anything recognizable, until she had fallen to her knees. That was where she cried, and cried, and cried. Alone, scared, and in a completely foreign place to her. The present Rapunzel shivered, and ran her hands up and down her arms. That loneliness had been the most miserable thing she had ever felt in her life.
But out of that darkness, Rapunzel had found her light and determination. She promised to whatever forces were watching, to any who may have heard her, to the world, really, that she would find Eugene. She would return home. So, she regained her composure, placed Pascal on her small shoulders, pocketed the flag, and gripped her frying pan firmly. That had marked the true beginning of Rapunzel’s new adventure; only this time, she was aiming to go home, not leave it.
”In all honesty, I can’t explain a lot about my most recent past,” she said, looking to the Moogle again, ” ‘cause it’s pretty much one wild, mysterious blur. All I know is I’m here now. At this point, I think that that’s the only thing that matters. And that I keep going forward.”
Hmm... well, could you tell me what kind of person you are, kupo?
"What kind of person am I? I don't know...." Rapunzel put her finger up to her lip and pondered on the question. She had never been asked anything like that before. What kind of person did she think she was? She knew that her mother felt that she was clueless, naive, and to some degree, she might be. That's the consequence of tower plus eighteen years minus outside world. However, she was capable, despite what her mother thought, and Eugene helped her to see that.
She had seemed to make friends with the pub thugs pretty well, so she was a little friendly, definitely. And overall she was pretty intelligent in specific cases. Naive and inexperienced, yes, but not everyone could chart stars the way she did. She was also very adaptable. Still, she shrugged, feeling that none of that was a good enough description. Not in her opinion.
"I'd like to say that I'm so many things now, after all I’ve been through, but I'm still learning. I'm still learning just what kind of person I really am."
...Oh, kupo... Then... what side do you fight for, kupo?[/color][/b]
"Fight? Side? Is there something going on that I should know about?" Rapunzel held the frying pan closer to her. She had seen odd things since winding up alone. She might be a little in over her head, but nothing was going to stop her from finding Eugene and making sure he was okay. Her hair seemed to become a little brighter with light and her determination.
"I'm not looking to fight. I'm just trying to find someone who's very important to me."
I don't mean to seem like I'm prying, but what dreams and aspirations do you have, kupo?
"My... dreams?" Rapunzel's eyes got a distant and dreamy look about them. She had a dream for eighteen years, and thanks to one person it had finally come true.
"Well, that's the good part I guess. You get to go find a new dream."
"I will find my new dream. I'll find him." she said quietly, mostly to herself. A big smile was on her face.
Ah, that makes sense, kupo... sorta... well, what do you like, kupo?
Coming out of her daydream, Rapunzel looked back to the Moogle. What did she like, huh? There were all sorts of things that she liked. She loved animals, for sure, as Pascal and Maximus were proof of. She loved to learn new things, and see new places. It sent her on a rush every time. Baking and sewing, paper machete, all sorts of other things were all on her list of favorite things. And even one thief…. Rapunzel blushed and cleared her throat before looking back to the Moogle.
"There are too many things to list. I suppose though, above all else, painting is my absolute favorite thing to do. But like I said, I just like too many things to list off."
Me too! Then, what do you dislike, kupo?
"I hate being bored for sure. That's why I have so many hobbies. And I don't like people saying I can't do something." She said immediately. The last part had been a new dislike. Having actually gone out and done so many new things, she now found it really hard to accept that she couldn't do anything.
"Shoes are pretty overrated, too." she added, looking down and wiggling her toes.
I'll remember that... what's your weakness, kupo?
Still wiggling her toes, Rapunzel thought on it. This was quite the conversation she was having. She had never thought about her own self so much before in her life, and she had had only herself, Pascal, and her mother for most of eighteen years. You'd think she would already have had put some thought into some of these questions.
"I don't like to admit it, but I'm very inexperienced with the outside world. I'm going to change that though!" she said, looking up and swinging the frying pan on her finger confidently.
N-not that I'd ever attempt to use that against you or anything, kupo...! Er... next question! W-what is your strength, kupo?
"Once I have my heart on something, I won't be discouraged. I know that now. And I never, ever break my promises." she said confidently. She was very loyal and she would do everything in her power to help those closest to her. Physically, she may not be as strong as others, but her determination was second to none. She could only get stronger from this point on, right?
I never would have guessed, kupo! So, tell me, kupo.. What's the secret password, kupo?
"P-password? Oooh, wait, wait, wait!" Rapunzel began searching for a piece of paper that had something written on it. She had run across some writing earlier and found it really odd, but it looked important. So she had written it down; she just didn't know where the paper was. After a while, Pascal emerged with the parchment.
"Thank you, Pascal," she said, petting him affectionately. ”Let’s see here. Is the password...ADMIN BLOCKED That sounds funny.” She said this as she scratched her head with the handle of the frying pan.
Ah, well I am afraid I must go, kupo. One last question before I do, kupo. How did you find your way here, kupo?
"Oh, do you? Well, alright. As to how I found this place? Well, you see, there was this really tall guy with dark, spiky hair and a scar on his face." Rapunzel raised her arm and went on her tippy toes to show that he was very tall. Though she was still too short to fully get to his height. "He was super sweet, and said to come here before I do anything else. I can't remember his full name, though. Something Fair.... Mack? No... Tack? Jack? Ah, something like that. But like I said, he was super sweet. Even asked me out on a date."
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Cbox/User Name: Rapunzel
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