The Chase And The New Ally 1

The village had been nothing short of magical, but as Eugene and Rapunzel left its lively streets behind, a lingering warmth settled in Eugene's chest, a warmth he couldn't quite shake.

He rowed the boat across the lake, stealing glances at Rapunzel as she sat at the bow, her hair catching the last golden rays of the setting sun. She was beaming, lost in anticipation for the lanterns, and something about that joy made his heart stutter in a way he wasn't ready to admit.

Pascal, nestled on Rapunzel's shoulder, tilted his head at Eugene. The tiny chameleon narrowed his eyes in scrutiny before smirking knowingly. Eugene caught the look and frowned.

"Don't even think about it," he muttered under his breath.

Pascal's smirk widened. He scurried down Rapunzel's arm and perched on the edge of the boat, staring Eugene down with a mischievous glint. Then, with an exaggerated nod toward Rapunzel, he wagged his tiny chameleon tail.

Eugene groaned. "I don't know what you think you know, but you've got it all wrong."

Pascal folded his arms, if chameleons could fold arms, and gave Eugene a pointed look. The message was clear: You're in love with her.

Eugene rolled his eyes, gripping the oars tighter. "Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous."

Before he could entertain the thought any longer, a distant shout rang out from the trees lining the riverbank. The echo of armor clanking followed.

The royal guards.

Rapunzel whipped around, her eyes wide with alarm. "Eugene—"

"I hear 'em!" Eugene cut in, already redirecting the boat toward the nearest shore. "Looks like we're gonna have to put the lanterns on hold for just a bit."

As they neared the shallows, Eugene jumped out and helped Rapunzel onto dry land before pulling the boat up to conceal it among the reeds. Pascal leaped onto Rapunzel's shoulder, tense and alert.

"Stay close," Eugene said, scanning the dense forest ahead. "We need to lose them in the trees."

They bolted into the underbrush, ducking under branches and leaping over fallen logs as the guards pursued them, their torches lighting up the darkening woods.

Then, from the side, a powerful presence stormed into view—a white warhorse, charging through the forest with single-minded determination. Maximus.

Eugene groaned. "Oh, great. It's you."

Maximus neighed furiously, his eyes locking onto Eugene with an undeniable grudge. The guards weren't the only ones hunting him down.

"Rapunzel, keep going!" Eugene urged as he dodged a lunging Maximus, narrowly avoiding a powerful kick aimed at his stomach.

Rapunzel, however, hesitated. Something about the horse's intensity intrigued her. While Eugene and Maximus engaged in their chaotic scuffle, she stepped closer, hands raised.

"Whoa, whoa, easy there!" she soothed.

Maximus paused mid-lunge, ears flicking in her direction. He huffed but didn't attack.

Rapunzel smiled, stepping even closer. "You're just doing your job, aren't you?"

The horse blinked, as if surprised by the gentleness in her voice. Pascal gave an approving nod.

Eugene, panting as he clutched his side, shot her an incredulous look. "You cannot be serious."

Rapunzel reached out carefully, brushing her fingers against Maximus's nose. The horse didn't flinch. In fact, his stiff posture relaxed just slightly.

"See? He's not so bad," she said brightly.

Maximus snorted, then shot Eugene a glare that clearly translated to except for him.

Eugene threw up his hands. "Oh, fantastic. Now I'm on both your bad sides."

Before more could be said, the shouts of the guards drew nearer. Maximus's ears twitched, and he turned toward the sound, his instincts torn between duty and… something else.

Rapunzel noticed his hesitation and placed a gentle hand on his neck. "We need to get away from here. Will you help us?"

Maximus eyed her, then Eugene, then Pascal, who gave him a hopeful thumbs-up. With a decisive snort, Maximus lowered himself just enough for Rapunzel to climb onto his back.

She beamed. "Eugene, come on!"

Eugene sighed dramatically. "This is humiliating."

Ignoring his protests, Rapunzel reached down, grabbing his arm and yanking him up behind her with surprising strength. Eugene barely had time to adjust before Maximus took off, leaping over tree roots and darting through the forest with incredible speed.

The guards' shouts faded behind them as Maximus expertly navigated the terrain, his movements swift and sure. Eugene, however, was less than thrilled, gripping Rapunzel's waist tightly.

"I hate this!" he shouted over the wind.

Rapunzel laughed. "I love this!"

Pascal, holding onto Rapunzel's shoulder for dear life, gave a triumphant cheer.

Eventually, they broke free from the woods and emerged onto a hill overlooking the distant kingdom. The sky was dark now, the stars just beginning to blink into existence. They had escaped.

Eugene groaned as he slid off Maximus. "I think I prefer running."

Maximus flicked his tail in amusement.

Rapunzel hopped down, patting the horse gratefully. "Thank you, Maximus. You really saved us."

Maximus puffed up proudly, then turned to Eugene, his smug expression clear.

Eugene crossed his arms. "We're not friends."

Maximus simply neighed, his meaning clear: We'll see about that.

Rapunzel giggled and looked at the three of them, Pascal, Eugene, and now Maximus. Her team was growing, and for the first time, she felt like she had a real adventure, a real family forming around her.

"Alright," Eugene exhaled. "Next stop: lanterns. No more distractions."

But even as they set off again, Pascal gave Eugene one last pointed look, that knowing smirk still in place.

Eugene scowled. "Drop it."

Pascal just chuckled