#generation 7a

Cassandra teleported onto the balcony and looked through the window. Nothing much changed in the house. All the people still looked the same. They all sat at the table in the room that was Lance's bedroom. Eugene must have returned from work not long ago because he was wearing his police uniform.

Cassandra quickly murmured a spell to be able to hear their conversation better, hoping that it would be something of significance.

'That's crazy that Adira came in the middle of the night and I never heard anything.' Lance sighed.

'Well, I suppose you do sleep in the other room a lot now...' Eugene shrugged. 'But more importantly, what are we going to do now? This battle will be much more difficult.'

'Isn't Elsa just a ghost?' Lance frowned. 'Like, what can she do? Jump scare us?'

'Oh, Lance, you weren't with us when we were fighting my mother all those years ago.' Rapunzel shook her head. 'It took a whole crew from the Windenburg Inn and a few vampires to beat her. And a couple of sages, too.'

'And I died!' Eugene made a dramatic gesture and chuckled.

'What?!' Lance sat up straight on his chair, his eyes darting between Eugene's and Rapunzel's faces. He was not sure what question to ask first. 'What do you mean you died?!'

'It's a long story, man.' Eugene shook his head. 'But what's important is that that woman is no joke. We need to be ready for this battle or it will end really badly this time. How's your magical training going, dear?'

'Well, everyone's saying that I'm doing well. But is it enough? I will obviously continue to practise as much as possible. And I suppose I could visit the market in the Realm and possibly prepare the potions. Just in case.'

'Better safe than sorry. That potion helped immensely the last time.' Eugene nodded.

'Is there anything you need from me?' Lance asked. 'Anything I can help with?'

'Just stay brave, Lance.' Rapunzel smiled lightly. 'And be prepared to make some difficult choices if need be. We don't know what to expect from Elsa. What sort of powers she has now. And how Cassandra is mixed into the whole thing.'

'We don't know what sort of sacrifices we'll need to make.' Eugene added.

Cassandra took in a deep breath. What she'd just overheard shook her to her core, but she knew she couldn't let fear get to her.

The next morning, Rapunzel, Cassandra and Lance sat down at the table. They have just finished their breakfast. Eugene was already at work.

‘So are you two ready?’ Rapunzel asked, trying to cheer them up.

‘For some action? Always!’ Lance laughed.

‘We know what we’re looking for. It’s not difficult.’ Cassandra shrugged. ‘I just hope we won’t come across anyone. Especially not Varian.’

‘I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just don’t stay there for too long.’ Rapunzel took in a deep breath. ‘Grab the most important stuff and get out of there. But make sure you’re not being followed.’

Despite her loss, Elsa got up. She was fuming with rage. Her eyes began glimmering, her face began cracking. It was as if she was possessed by her own magic and that magic was killing her from the inside.

Rapunzel moved back unsure what will happen next. But Eugene’s calm face expression and a light smile made her relax.

‘Wow, Rapunzel, I-’ he suddenly stopped mid-sentence. Eugene felt his heart drop when he noticed Sebastian Stabbington standing nearby and clearly staring at the two. ‘I, uh…’

‘Was it really so breath-taking that you’re in a loss for words now?’ Rapunzel asked, jokingly and smirked.

‘Uh, yes.’ the man replied still looking at his enemy who turned around and walked away slowly. ‘It was amazing, Rapunzel, really, but I must go now.’

‘Love is knocking on the door of my heart. I just must open it.’ Eugene grabbed Rapunzel’s hands and kissed them. ‘And it’s you.’ he said, smiling. ‘It’s you, Rapunzel. You are the one that I love. And your love is knocking...’

Rapunzel smiled warmly without saying anything. But her loving gaze was self-explanatory.

‘Boy, that’s the cheesiest thing I’ve ever said...’ the man mumbled, suddenly feeling shy and awkward.

‘Oh, Eugene...’ Rapunzel chuckled. ‘I love you too.’