Tangled!

Morning arrived gently, with the golden light of dawn slipping through the trees. Dew clung to the leaves, shimmering like tiny jewels as the first warm breeze rustled through the forest. Birds had begun their morning songs, their cheerful melodies filling the quiet stillness of the woods.

Rapunzel stirred, stretching as the sun kissed her skin. She blinked sleepily, adjusting to the soft light filtering through the canopy. Pascal, who had nestled into the crook of her arm, let out a tiny yawn before curling up again.

She turned to find Eugene still sitting against the trunk, arms crossed over his chest. His head tilted slightly downward, his chest rising and falling in the slow rhythm of sleep.

Rapunzel couldn't help but smile. Even in sleep, he looked like he was trying to act cool.

Careful not to wake him, she reached for her satchel and pulled out a lock of her hair, running her fingers through its golden strands.

Her magic had always been a part of her. A secret. A gift, and sometimes, a curse. But out here, in the world beyond the tower, it was hers to understand.

She glanced back at Eugene.

The night before had felt… different. He had let her see something real, assomething raw. She had never thought about people wearing masks before, but now, she understood.

Eugene Fitzherbert wore Flynn Rider like a shield.

But last night, just for a moment, he had let it slip.

And Rapunzel liked that version of him best.

She set her satchel down and turned to the view beyond the trees. In the distance, she could just make out the faint low of the rising sun reflecting off something, a river, perhaps. A small path wound through the forest below, leading toward it.

Excitement sparked in her chest.

They were getting closer.

The floating lights weren't just a dream anymore.

They were real. And she was going to see them.

A soft groan pulled her from her thoughts.

Eugene shifted, rubbing his face before cracking one eye open. "You're awake early."

Rapunzel grinned. "I've never seen a sunrise like this before."

He stretched, his joints popping as he sat up straighter. "Yeah, well, they happen every day."

She smirked. "Not from my tower."

Eugene paused, running a hand through his hair. "Fair point."

Rapunzel's eyes sparkled. "Come on. We should get moving!"

Eugene groaned dramatically. "Do we have to? Can't we just sit here, enjoy the morning, maybe have a nice breakfast that isn't berries?"

She giggled. "The sooner we go, the sooner we get to the lights."

Eugene sighed but couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, alright. Lead the way, Blondie."

They carefully climbed down from their sleeping perch, Pascal clinging to Rapunzel's shoulder. The forest smelled fresh, like damp earth and wildflowers. The morning light stretched through the branches, painting golden streaks across the ground.

As they walked, Eugene fell into step beside her.

"So," he said, kicking a small rock along the path. "What's the plan once you see these lights?"

Rapunzel hesitated.

She had thought about that, hadn't she?

"…I don't know," she admitted. "I guess I always thought once I saw them, I'd understand why they call to me."

Eugene gave her a sideways glance. "And if you don't?"

She chewed her lip. "I… I don't know. But I have to see them first. Then I'll figure it out."

He smirked. "So, we're just making things up as we go?"

She grinned. "Pretty much."

He chuckled. "Well, that's my kind of plan."

They walked for a while in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the occasional chirp of birds or the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Then, suddenly—

SNAP.

Eugene stopped instantly, his body going tense.

Rapunzel froze. "What was that?"

Eugene held up a hand, motioning for her to stay quiet. His sharp eyes scanned the forest.

Another snap. A rustling in the bushes.

Then, movement!

Eugene grabbed Rapunzel's wrist and pulled her behind him. "Stay close," he murmured.

The bushes parted, and three figures stepped into view.

Tall. Armed. Smirking.

The Stabbington Brothers.

Rapunzel gasped softly. Eugene's grip on her wrist tightened.

"Well, well," one of the brothers drawled. "Look who it is."

Eugene forced a grin. "Gentlemen! Fancy meeting you here."

The other brother crossed his arms. "We have unfinished business, Flynn."

Rapunzel glanced between them, her heart pounding. These men knew Eugene. And judging by the way his jaw clenched, this wasn't a happy reunion.

Eugene kept his voice light. "Now, now, let's not get caught up in the past."