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mediacinemtographyartetc · 2 years

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The pros and Cons of little mermaid.

Before we start- if I had a problem with the cast of the new little mermaid that would make me a huge hypocrite. As I a kid and adult I find myself rewatching these movies for the nostaglia and because of how good they are. And to remind others kindly that Haile is not the first princess of colour.

Meet Rapunzel from Once upon a time, a show that was showing accurate portrayels of Merida/Mulan and yet Rapunzel here is not like her disney counterpart. And no one cared.

And Brandy Norwood did it first...

So my pros and cons of little mermaid and overall critic is more along the lines of Sonic the hedgehog the before and after of his looks- although I wouldn't change the cast of ariel I do have some issues.

If this movie came out hmm about 2015 ish or before I would have no problem.

The Writing is what I have an issue with.

How they handled pinochio, cruella, beauty and the beast is whats making me cringe and know this movie will be painful to watch. Even marvels phase four isn't looking too great as if all the writers dove ship.

So the Pros of Little mermaid-

we need more mermaid movies, the lack of mermaid movies as a whole and what you can do with them. The closest we've had was potc, so it's refreshing to see what they can do, the movement. Underwater etc.

The colour pallete.

Finally her clothes are going to match her, when it comes to Ariel she's the first where her 'commoner' clothes looks better than her dress up outfit. Something they fixed in the sequel by making her dress purple but giving Melody the pink outfit.

Ariel with her red hair and pink dress was a bit of a yikes, to the point where disney marketing tried to fix it- not because of the clashing colour combination but ALSO so ariel wouldn't compete with aurora another princess whose outfit changed between pink and blue- and the blue clashed with cinderlla. So decided that cinderella was blue. Aurora was Pink left Ariel with changing her outfit.

to green.

Now because of skin tone all of a sudden Ariels outfits minus that one pink disaster can FINALLY match ALL the outfits the colour combonation will finally be in harmony. [When it comes to disney I do find myself obsessed with the dresses ^^;]

Thanks to LadySharllin she drew Haile in all the iconic ariel outfits just to get a feel for what it'll look like for the big screen. [Artist]

Now overall she FINALLY suits the pink dress, and most of her other outfits look better too.

But here's the cons that I have of the little mermaid -_-

My critic goes to the producer, the one who is in change of scenary and the overall movement of a shot.

Just having ariel...sitting there singing? Is boring.

compared to its animated counterpart that has MOVEMENT of different shots

When behind the scenes the amount of effort to treat it like theatre, to use movement as a part of acting, the reason why little mermaid was so iconic WAS because of these shots,

God knows I don't WANT the little mermaid to be shot for shot the same, but to have it being similair or trying it's own unique apporach of making it theatrical- I can't help but think that the director was being lazy, that making Haile sit down and sing and no move even though she should be outreaching doesn't reflect well on the movie. It shows that such a well beloved scene of part of your world was treat like a "eh, who cares just sit there and look pretty," Makes you wonder what ELSE have they treat callously?

Pinochio itself has also chopped/ editied the movie to be a husk of what it once was- removing the message the awarness of the dangers of kids not going to school drinking beer/ smoking cigerettes was removed if they did something like that to pinochio what have the done to the little mermaid?

Is this movie going to be empty? Because they'll rely on the actors to lift it?

Next is the colour. It's so desaturated when we know it could look brighter. The most startling colour is the tail so our eyes are drawn down to that instead of her face, her hair should be brighter than that.

Others have issues with the water effects- I don't see the problem with that.

Personally If I could make changes?

I would remove the music all together, with Brandys cinderlla they had original songs if they had different music there wouldn't be a compariosn. My problem with beauty and the beast was when I watched the film the songs would get stuck in my head.

But it was the animated version in my mind, not the actual movie itself.

__________________________________________________________

Now thanks to TWITTER, not the movie itself. But twitter, is a bunch of hypocrites and with the crap they are saying comes across as deeply homophobic.

Little mermaid animation was made by howard ashman. Who died before Beauty and the beast was released, he tragically passed from aids.

Little mermaid itself is ALSO written as a metaphor of a man loving another man, trading away the tail could be seen as trans rep.

Given that the Little Mermaid is ACTUALLY a canon queer story. Means that ariel being a man/trans would be more accurate.

Given that it's twitter that draws lines in the sand on keeping rep seperate from one another. [My problem is with twitter being hypcocrtical- if it was the other way round and we had a movie with LGBT but it was meant as a poc story I would be upset too I do believe in equality if its YES for one group but NO for another thats hypocritcal and its bullshit]

Most believe if it was LGBT it would be more accepted.

But thats a lie. LGBT in disney has LESS rep than POC.

For example,

And thats just Disney, not incluidng episode series like Cory in the white house, thats so raven etc. Or even dreamworks shows like home, prince of egyt movies like think like a man act like a women, name any movie with whoopi goldbirg, chris tucker and eddie murhpy.

BUT compare that to the question I will ask "How many Disney movies are there, where the main character is LGBTQ+"

... Zero.

There is none, so this narrative that LGBT are more accepted that people of colour- thats INLCUIDNG poc-LGBTQ+ is a lie.

Especially with movies where the characters where changed like Annie, the Craft, Charmed, all forgotten.

Even worse when theres an entire MONTH to changing canon characters to poc, because of a lack of representation which fair enough. No problem with that.

But when LGBT project onto characters like Luca and Encanto something that isnt new, we called elsa/merida/ and vanellope queer so we hadn't changed.

But when it comes to projecting onto fictional characters for lack of real rep you would think we would be in the same boat.

But nope, called racist and 'stealing' rep and how whenever black or POC media comes out "tHe LGBT HaS to mAke iT quEer!"

But seeing the reverse that a queer story is made POC, and even told that if it was the other way around we would get that rep?

Clearly not!

Its bordering on delusional that LGBT is told we're above POC that we get more rep when thats clearly not the case.

After Love,simon have we had ANY more movies like that? no.

Having a black little mermaid isn't a problem, hell I wish it luck and given that BRandy did it first and that hamilton and six the musical have a diverse cast- and loving these shows/movies is something I honestly don't have a problem with.

Just don't use LGBT as a weapon only when it suits you. To defend something that in twitters words is taking rep from another community. You guys said it not me HELL this wasn't even my thought process UNTIL I saw Twitter start saying

"Well little mermaid is about a queer man-"

Then in twitters words, thats stealing rep. And hypocritical.

This wasn't my thoughts, I just hate how hypocritical twitter is.

So if anyone gets mad at this, then next time lgbt project don't say they're stealing rep when in your words, little mermaid is stealing lgbt rep.

My point is, defend little mermaid, go watch it. Show support and if it does well then good. But DoN't use LGBT to defend this movie when there is no lgbt in it currently, unless disney will surprise us with making Eric a women and calling her erica then by all means.

I plan on making a whole Cruella analysis on why that movie sucks ALONG with Beauty and the beast, once ariel comes out I'll give a critic.

Lack of LGBT isn't on my radar, as only twiter made that a problem. All in all- with more pros' her tail is lovely and from bits I've seen her movements in water don't look too jank, if I made another post review of it, I won't include the LGBT comment as thats a problem I have with twitter [including ALL of twitter not just speicic groups]

So yeah I wish it well, and I hope to god that haile doll when it comes out doesn't look like a monstrosity like emma watsons did.

I don't think I can take it >.<

#ariel #little mermaid #movie critic

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tangledbea · 3 years

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Top favorite Rapunzel dress and do you prefer her with her blonde hair or brown hair?

I prefer her with brown, hands down. Short and brown, I might add. I know that people lost their minds over her with long, brown hair, but I wasn't impressed with that moment.

As for her favorite dress of mine, it's actually concept art dresses:

Green dress my beloved.

#Tangled #Tangled the Series #Rapunzel #TTS #The Green Dress #Production Art #Claire Keane #claireonacloud #Glen Keane #Answered

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hiccanna-tidbits · 3 years

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SURPRISE BITCH I BET YOU THOUGHT YOU SAW THE LAST OF SAPPHIC JACKUNZEL

ABSOLUTELY NOT

FEM!JACK AND LESBIAN RAPUNZEL MY BELOVED

Anyways I was absolutely obligated by law to make a sequel to this at some point! I was wondering what kind of ballgown fem!Jack would wear to a fancy party or some other special event, and then this happened. Rapunzel wears lavendar/lilac when she dresses up nicely, of course!

***

“Come on, Jaina! You can come out now.”

“No!” An annoyed voice drifted out from behind the floral-painted changing board. “I just look so...so glitzy. I can’t deal with this.”

Rapunzel sighed deeply, leaning against the wall and running her fingers through the lavender chiffron of her skirt. “This whole thing was your idea. Don’t back out on me now.”

Jaina must have thought Rapunzel was blind if she didn’t think Rapunzel noticed the way the white-haired girl had always paused at the door to the closet, staring longingly at Rapunzel’s collection of dresses. They weren’t anything particularly special--mostly just casual wear, with a few nicer gowns that she had gotten as past birthday gifts. Nonetheless, Jaina looked at the bright, rippling waves of pink, green, purple, and blue like they were an especially tantalizing chocolate cake.

Rapunzel supposed it made sense that Jaina was drawn to them, since her normal look was not exactly the most colorful. Every time Rapunzel saw her, she had on the same plain brown dress, wrapped around the middle and the bottom of the skirt with dark red bands. She had a cape that she wore with it--one that she never failed to wave wildly about when she was being excessively dramatic, but was nonetheless equally brown. The most color she ever added to it was a dark blue sweatshirt she wore over her dress from time to time, although even that was fairly modest.

Still, it had come as a surprise when they’d been lying on Rapunzel’s bed, deciding on a lunch recipe, and Jaina had made her suggestion apropros to nothing.

“We should play dress-up with your nice clothes sometime. You know, just for the hell of it. It’s not like you’ll actually be needing any of that stuff for castle balls, so we might as well.”

And here Jaina was now, inexplicably nervous about Rapunzel seeing her in the fancy outfit she had requested to wear.

“Come on, Jai,” Rapunzel said, her voice softening. “I’m sure you look wonderful.”

“No, I’m--it’s weird! I don’t know!” Jaina’s voice cracked slightly, showing the first trace of fear. “I’m not supposed to look glamorous. I’m a little shit.”

Rapunzel shook her head. “You are not a little shit. No matter how much you try to be.”

“Hey! Take that back!”

Rapunzel giggled. “Well, the Jaina Frost I know would never be so much of a coward that she can’t handle her best friend seeing her in a different outfit.”

“Okay, okay! I’m coming out.”

As soon as Jaina stepped into the light, Rapunzel had to remember how to breathe.

Her skirt, billowing around her like the stream of a fountain, was a deep blue--like the very last glimmer of twilight before giving way to inky black. Silver-white glitter was dusted across the dark folds, glinting like stars. It trailed up to wrap the bodice completely, making Jaina look like she’d been dipped in moonlight.

Her hair was no surprise--Rapunzel had helped her to do it earlier. Rapunzel had weaved the braid crown now trailing over the tops of Jaina’s ears, and curled it into a rippling bun hanging from the back of her head. The braids were secured in place by a delicate line of silvery ice leaves--a little adornment Jaina had added for flare.

Nevertheless, seeing it together with the dress...

Jaina was gleaming, brighter than any of the lanterns Rapunzel had ever seen on her birthday. Brighter than the moon itself.

For a long moment, Rapunzel couldn’t speak.

“Do I look that stupid?” Rapunzel snapped out of her stupor at the sound of Jaina’s mumble. Her friend was looking anywhere but at her, cheeks slowly deepening to a bright pink.

“No, no!” Rapunzel shook her head rapidly, lifting her hands to try and reassure her friend. “You look--I just--I wasn’t ready for it. You look really beautiful, Jaina.”

“You think so?” Jaina’s voice slipped into uncharacteristic timidness--a timidness Rapunzel hasn’t heard since she kissed Jaina for the first time.

They had exchanged a few kisses since. They'd both been certain they liked it, and they hadn’t seen any reason not to try again. Every time, Rapunzel’s stomach felt like it was zipping around at great speeds, and she often wondered if she’d find herself floating up into the air like Jaina could.

Still, they had never talked about what it actually meant. Jaina had never brought up the topic, and Rapunzel had never asked.

She supposed some part of her was terrified to find out. Some part of her was terrified delving too deep into this would drive a stake into the only (human) friendship she’d ever had.

Rapunzel’s smile widened. “I know so.”

“It’s just...” Jaina bit her lip. “When I rose out of the ice, I wasn’t wearing--well, I wasn’t wearing anything like this. I don’t really know who I was before I was Jaina Frost--or if I was ever even technically human--but if I was, I sure as hell don’t think I was one of the fancy, well-off ones. I guess it just feels...wrong to wear stuff like this. Like I don’t belong in it.”

“I can’t see how,” Rapunzel argued. “You pull it off spectacularly. If anyone was made for that dress, it’s you.”

“I don’t know.” Jaina’s eyes darted around uncertainly. “It just feels like I don’t deserve to wear something this nice. Like I’m breaking some unspoken elegant clothing rule.”

“Well, you’ve never been above a little mischief.” Rapunzel smirked. “Seems like that would be right up your alley.”

“Yeah. Actually.” Jaina broke into a smirk of her own. “Maybe you’re right.”

She whooped and spun around, skirt fanning out like waves of night sky. Rapunzel felt her chest start to rise up like a drifting bubble.

Jaina really was far cuter than she had any right to be, and it frustrated Rapunzel to no end. It set all manner of emotions loose in her, many of them unbearably confusing.

“Yeah!” Jaina crowed, pumping her fist in the air. “The world is not ready for how fancy I am!”

Rapunzel couldn’t help but laugh. “No, no they aren’t!”

“For the record, though...” Jaina turned back to her, smile growing a little more shy. “I still think you look better.”

Rapunzel’s hand strayed to her hair, sprigs of wildflowers Jaina had picked sticking out of the loose braid. “Thank you. Although credit where credit is due--the flowers were your idea.”

Jaina giggled. Evening sunlight streamed in through the open window, washing the little circular room in extravagant gold. Lit from the back, Jaina’s hair glowed softly, making her look like some kind of ethereal princess.

Struck with a sudden idea, Rapunzel smiled and strode forward, extending a hand.

“Excuse me, beautiful lady. May I have this dance?”

Jaina spluttered, suddenly unable to form a complete sentence. Her cheeks turned a shade of pink to rival some of Rapunzel’s best dresses. “Huh, wh--wha--”

“Wait, wait! I know how to make it even better!”

Without waiting for Jaina to collect herself, Rapunzel rushed over to her dresser. She grabbed the enormous flower vase in the center (Mother had picked her an especially extravagant collection and brought them as a gift the other day) and quickly sifted through it, grabbing out several and gathering them into a bunch.

She sauntered over to Jaina, holding out the bundle. Petals drifted to the floor behind her, snowy white and deep blue rimmed with cyan.

“For you, fair maiden.”

Jaina blinked. “You matched my dress,” she said stupidly. “And my hair.”

Rapunzel smiled. “Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to match mine. Mother didn’t bring me as many daffodils as she usually does.”

Jaina stared at the flowers, expression unreadable. Something inside Rapunzel wilted.

“Do you--do you not want them? I mean, you don’t have to--”

Without warning, Jaina snatched the bouquet away, glowering at her. Apparently, she had been very concerned Rapunzel was about to change her mind.

Jaina leaned down, slowly inhaling and taking a long whiff of the faint floral scent. Suddenly she flung her arms into the air, sending the flowers careening up the the ceiling and floating down in a lazy, drifting rain.

Rapunzel glanced up at the scattering bouquet, and then back at Jaina. “What--”

“I was just setting the mood.” Jaina smirked. “Of course I’ll dance with you, idiot.”

Beaming, Rapunzel held out a hand again. Jaina slid her own on top of it, and they sauntered to the top of the stairwell with petals fluttering down all around them.

As they reached the small landing, Rapunzel felt her eyes dart to Jaina’s. Her friend’s eyes had slipped shut, lips curled up in a soft, tranquil smile.

Another idea seizing her, Rapunzel let her hand drift off of Jaina’s. She reached down, slipping one hand onto Jaina’s thigh and the other onto her lower back and scooping her up like a bride.

“Wh--RAE!” Jaina spluttered, legs dangling helplessly over Rapunzel’s arm and cheeks turning redder than some of Mother’s best gowns. “What are you doing?”

“I’m sweeping you off your feet!” Rapunzel beamed proudly. “You know, like the knights do in the stories?”

“Put me down!” Jaina huffed. “I’m not a damsel in distress!”

“Very well, if you don’t want to get a free ride down the stairs.”

As Rapunzel started to lower Jaina to the ground, she felt a hand swat her stomach.

“No, don’t actually! I’m just not used to being pampered. I usually have to take care of myself.”

Rapunzel looked down at the girl resting in her arms, and her heart suddenly broke.

Maybe this was the first time someone had been this soft with Jaina in over a century. Or three.

“I could take card of you, you know,” Rapunzel said softly. “If you let me.”

In response, Jaina rested her head against Rapunzel’s side and laid a timid hand on Rapunzel’s chest. “How are you even able to do this, anyways?” she grumbled.

Rapunzel giggled. “Pulling your mother up the side of an 80-foot tower every day for over 10 years doesn’t exactly leave you with weak arms.”

Jaina smiled weakly up at her. “Good point.”

“Can I--can I carry you down the stairwell?” It was almost embarrassing, how much eagerness Rapunzel felt creeping into her voice. “Like I see the princes do with the princesses in the pictures in my books?”

“Ew!” Jaina snorted. “Like I’d want some snobby king-to-be anywhere near me.”

“I know, but I don’t think you have to be a prince to do it,” Rapunzel retorted, voice rising into a slight whine. “Come on! They always look so happy in the pictures. I thought maybe we could be happy like that, too.”

Jaina pressed the back of a hand to her forehead and let out a dramatic sigh. “Very well. If you must.”

Jaina Frost wasn’t heavy--she was as light as winter wind, even with Rapunzel having to balance her way down the stairs. From the way she was nestled into Rapunzel’s chest when they reached the bottom, the blonde concluded that Jaina couldn’t have minded too much to be carried like a delicate princess--even if Jaina’s cheeks were now more scarlet-tinted than Rapunzel had ever seen them.

“Now, I know it’s tempting, but don’t fall asleep here,” Rapunzel teased. “We still need to dance.”

Jaina grinned. “Oh, I wouldn’t miss it for anything. As much as I am enjoying these big, strong arms of yours.”

“Don’t worry, you haven’t seen the last of them.”

“Wait, hold on, Rae. Let me add a finishing touch.”

Jaina lifted a hand and a blue-white beam shot out, zipping toward the tower roof. It hit the ceiling with a small crack, and a gleaming white chandelier sprung from the boards. Rapunzel watched in wonder as thin rings of ice grew down in concentric circles, rimmed in dangling white bulbs and curved icicles.

“Wow,” she breathed. “It’s…it’s beautiful.”

Jaina beamed proudly. “No castle ball’s complete without an over-the-top ceiling light, right? Now we’re ready to go.”

Rapunzel started to lower her arms, and Jaina leaped out of them like a spring hare. Her dress swirled around her as she turned to face Rapunzel, this time being the one to extend her hand.

“May I have this dance, Princess Rapunzel?”

Rapunzel laughed, and took Jaina Frost’s hand. “You flatter me too much. But yes.”

They took the floor, and they moved like liquid. Jaina took the lead, surprisingly confident for someone who had been blushing up a storm mere minutes ago. For anyone watching, it would have been impossible to tell that for countless decades, Jaina’s only dance partner had undoubtedly been herself. She spun and twirled and twisted and leaped, and at first Rapunzel felt herself breathing hard as she tried to keep up. At one point, Jaina even grabbed a rose from a vase on the windowsill, frosting it over before tossing it up to hold in her teeth. (Rapunzel seriously doubted the move was meant for anything other than showing off, but she didn’t mind.) It didn’t last long--during one particularly long twirl a few minutes later, Jaina snatched the rose from her mouth and flung it out the window in only the most overdramatic sweep of her arm.

It didn’t take long for Rapunzel to get the hang of the movements, though. In barely any time she was spinning around as fast as Jaina, weaving about the room with similar grace. They joined hands and let go again, pulling together and apart only in rhythm to a soft tune Rapunzel hummed. From time to time, Jaina stopped to twirl Rapunzel under her arm. Rapunzel, in a few moments of daring, dipped Jaina steeply toward the ground before pulling her up again at the last second.

For a long while, the dance was bouncy and energetic, rippling across the floor lit by nothing but the gleam of dying sunlight off of Jaina’s chandelier and the soft glow of summer fireflies drifting through the window. It could only be so long before the girls’ feet grew tired, though, and the tempo slowed down until they were just holding each other and gradually swaying from side to side.

There was moonlight in Jaina’s smile, and her eyes were softer than Rapunzel had ever seen them. When she spoke, Rapunzel was entirely unprepared for it.

“I’m in love with you.”

Rapunzel didn’t stop dancing. She couldn’t, too caught up in the rhythm of their movements. Still, she was sure her eyes flew open wide enough to rival those of her bulging-eyed chameleon companion.

It was a strange thing to suddenly (and dramatically) declare. Rapunzel wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“Well, of course we love each other,” Rapunzel said. “We’re friends.”

“No, I mean...” Jaina sighed. “I’m in love with you like the fairy tales. Like the princes who carry the princesses down the stairs. Like the big, elaborate royal weddings with 16-layer cakes. I’m in love with you like...I’d marry you, if I could. If you wanted to.”

The words enveloped Rapunzel like a snowstorm.

She was silent for several moments, trying to sort out her racing thoughts. Jaina loved her. Jaina loved her.

So that’s what all the kisses meant.

“Mother says girls don’t marry girls,” was all Rapunzel managed to get out. “I asked her about it when I was 10.”

“I know they don’t.” Jaina’s voice hardened. “I don’t care.”

“But will it--” Rapunzel’s voice broke, sudden anxiety gripping her. “Will things have to change? Will we not be able to be friends like we used to be?”

Jaina smiled, seeming to relax a little. “Nothing’s going to change, except that I’m giving you the opportunity to kiss me more frequently, if you’re interested. And we don’t have to be weird about it when we do.”

Rapunzel looked over Jaina. The snowy hair. The crystalline dress. The sparkling, mischievous eyes. The skip in her step and the lightness of her laugh. The energy that followed her when she zipped around Rapunzel’s room and painted tapestries of snowflakes in her wake. The way she stumbled through Rapunzel’s bedroom window with her arms overloaded with books, all on Rapunzel’s favorite topics. The way she’d practically shout “You’ll never be bored again!” while chucking the entire pile at Rapunzel.

The way she made Rapunzel feel like she had everything she could possibly want without even setting one foot out of her tower.

Rapunzel smiled, because now that she thought of it, there was no other possible way she could have imagined this going. It was clear as the stars on Jaina’s skirt, and everything clicked into place at once.

“I’m in love with you too,” she murmured.

Rapunzel pulled Jaina in, and kissed her slowly in the blinking shimmer of fireflies.

***

They sat on the windowsill well into the night--legs brushing, hands interlaced, Rapunzel’s head coming to rest on Jaina’s shoulder. The fireflies, still flitting about the summer evening, were backlit only by the faint light of a rising moon. Rapunzel gazed off into the dark treetops, sighing.

“They’re so beautiful,” she murmured. “I wish I could see them closer up. The fireflies, the trees, the lanterns...everything.”

“You know I’d take you if you wanted,” Jaina reminded her. “I’m always up for a little jaunt. And honestly, the whole world’s out there waiting for you. Seems like kind of a waste to hide from it in here, especially when I’m sure you’d love it.”

“I know. But Mother--”

“--doesn’t have to know,” Jaina finished. “Didn’t she go to some neighboring kingdom for that one special kind of perfume, anyways? You told me she won’t be back for a couple days.”

“Right. But...” Rapunzel bit her lip. “It’s dangerous outside.”

“Anyone gives you trouble, I can just fly us away. Remember?”

Jaina pulled away, leaving Rapunzel looking after her with a pout. She stood up, delicately stepping off of the windowsill and into the open air. Smirking, she turned and offered Rapunzel a hand.

“Ruffians and thus are very unlikely to have means of following us into the sky, you know. Care for an adventure?”

Rapunzel looked away. “I don’t know. I love so many things here. I mean, this is my home, I can’t just--”

Jaina snorted. “Come on, you don’t seriously think we can roam around in these fancy clothes forever, do you? We’re going to have to come back at some point to change. I’m not kidnapping you.”

Rapunzel stood up, eyeing Jaina’s outstretched fingers. “I guess not.”

She had to admit, she was tempted.

“Home will still be there when you want to come back to it,” Jaina said. “But there’s a whole world out there to see, too. And I want to show you everything.”

Rapunzel smiled, and finally took Jaina’s hand. “You have me back by noon tomorrow, or I’m never letting you wear my dresses again.”

“Deal.”

They were lost to the night, and the tower was left empty.

***

Since Jack/Jaina was clearly on the poorer side as a human, I HC Jaina (and by extension Jack too lol) as being a bit (initially) uncomfortable with putting on formalwear, if only because her subconscious is kinda going “Is this allowed??? IS THIS ALLOWED???”

It was actually kinda hard thinking of a fancy dress with icy/winterey vibes that hasn’t already been claimed by Elsa’s outfit lineup D: GOD DAMN IT ELSA YOU DON’T GET A COPYRIGHT ON ICE DRESSES

Rapunzel and any iteration of Jack Frost bonding over how much they love to dance is just something that can be so personal ;____; I mean, Jack spent the intro to his movie spinning and leaping all over the place, and Rapunzel started a huge-ass dance in a town square, so like...am I wrong??? THESE FUCKERS LIKE DANCING

I feel like since Rapunzel grew up so sheltered, she’d be pretty naive when it came to differentiating between different types of love. Like someone tells her they love her romantically and she’s like “well of course we love each other!! We’re friends!!!” and...it takes a bit for her to realize that romantic love is a whole different Vibe sometimes XD The fact that girls romantically loving other girls is most likely not commonplace in 18wheneverthefuckTangledtakesplace definitely doES NOT HELP lol

Pic credits available upon request!

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varianthealchemist122894 · 4 years

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Twist of Fate: Chapter Two 14 Years Later

Disclaimer: I don’t own Tangled the Series or the movie I wished I did though

In the forest a boy of 14 was walking around with his own satchel on him picking plants for his new project. The boy has black hair with a single blue streak going through it and he was wearing black gloves and an apron and a blue shirt and a pair of goggles and brown pants he had freckles on his face and some brown boots and he had some buck teeth, his name is Varian the son of Quirin whom was the leader of Old Corona and the boy was also an alchemist whom tried so hard to use his experiments to help better his village but in the end his experiments always blow up in his face sometimes literally.

He was actually kinda surprised that he hadn't gotten injured yet from all of his experiments or have ended up dead nor kill anyone from them which always leads to his father feeling disappointed in him which of course breaks Varian's heart since all he ever wanted was for his father to be proud of him and the person he was which was why he hoped this experiment he was working on will work this time.

But of course what he didn't know was that soon everything was going to change for him. The teen alchemist kept walking around when he then comes across some vines as he squints at them as Ruddiger his beloved raccoon companion hops on his shoulders as they looked at it with suspicion and Varian ends up moving it aside a bit and his eyes widen when he sees that it's actually a cave. "Hmm what do you think buddy? Do you want to see what this leads us to?" He asked his raccoon getting some happy chitters making Varian chuckle and walk inside as they then comes across a tower in the middle of nowhere.

Varian looks around and then back at the tower. To him it felt like it has been abandoned for years he then nods his head and makes a decision and begins to climb up the vines of said tower. He then enters inside and looks around. "Strange this place...it looks like someone is living here...but who?" He asked himself but then he spoke no more when he felt something hitting him in back of the head causing Ruddiger to jump down and scamper underneath a table to hide while Varian falls to the floor losing consciousness.

After knocking him out Rapunzel runs over to hide behind a mannequin as she looks at the boy whom was the same age as her as she approaches him cautiously. She then looks at Pascal whom points to a drawing of a man with sharp teeth on the ground that her mother made as she brings the frying pan close to the boy's face and shows his teeth to her as she saw that his teeth were normal although his front teeth were a bit bigger but they weren't pointy or sharp.

She then looks at him very carefully she saw that he has freckles on his face making him look cute and his hair was black but it had a single blue streak in his hair and on his body he was wearing an apron and black gloves. Why though was he a baker? But then why was he wearing goggles?

Varian then opens his eyes as he was knocked unconscious once more by Rapunzel. The blond haired Princess then grabs him him and drags him over to the closet finding that he was very light as she stuffs him inside it along with his satchel. After that she puts the chair in front of the door as she backs away from it. "Okay I have a person in my closet...I have a person in my closet." She says at first sounding nervous but then she says a bit more excitedly. "Heh well mother, don't think I can handle myself now?" She asked out loud as she spins the pan a bit and hits herself in the head.

"Ow." She says to herself but then she turns to the window when she hears her mother calling up to her. Rapunzel automatically runs towards the window and uses her hair to help her up after that she begins to ask Mother Gothel if she could go outside and she was about to show her Varian but Gothel yelling at her silenced her automatically as Rapunzel then tells her about the paints that was made form the sea shells which would be three day trip. After she left Rapunzel got to work right away and ties Varian up with her hair to the chair as she was now trying to wake him up when the teen alchemist finally woke up he found himself tied to a chair as he begins to struggle.

"Struggling...struggling is pointless." He heard as he looks around and sees a girl the same age as him as he blushes. She had green eyes and freckles on her face like him her skin tone was like his as well as she was wearing a pretty purple dress and was wearing no shoes but the most interesting thing about her was the fact that she had 70 feet of golden blond hair which flows around her like a golden sea of some kind the same kind of hair that had him tied to a chair as he couldn't stop staring. "Umm hey there I'm Varian it's nice to meet you milady." He greets her as he was smiling at her warmly. Rapunzel tilts her head as she approaches him cautiously while having her frying pan at the ready.

"Okay Varian...how did you find me? And why are you here? Did you come for my hair? Were you planning to sell it? Cut it?" She asked him making Varian confused. Even though yes he would think it would be interesting to experiment on her hair and to see why it was so long he figured saying that out loud might not help his current situation. "I swear I don't want your hair to be honest I came across this place by accident and when I saw the tower I thought it was abandoned so I climbed up it curious with what was inside I swear I didn't know that someone was living up here." He tells her with pure honesty. Rapunzel looks at him carefully as she saw that he was being sincere so she takes him over to her new painting. "Okay Varian can you tell me what these are?" She asked as Varian looks at the painting carefully. "Those are the lanterns they do every year for the lost princess." He tells her as he saw no harm in telling her. Rapunzel grins at that she always knew that they weren't stars. "Okay well do you think you can take me to see them?" She asked curiously. Varian then raises an eyebrow at the odd request. "Wait if you want to see them so bad why don't you go by yourself?" He asked her curiously. Rapunzel bites her bottom lip a bit. "it's complicated." She tells him as Varian could tell she didn't want to talk about it.

Varian then thought about it carefully he knew his father was gone for a few days so it's not like he'll ever know that he went on some crazy adventure right? Plus he was just taking a cute...umm I mean girl to see the lanterns then back home, how hard could it be? "Alright I'll take you." He tells her making Rapunzel break into the biggest grins Varian had ever seen as she unties him and the alchemist sees a chameleon on her shoulder as Ruddiger hops onto his shoulders. "Oh my name is Rapunzel by the way and this is Pascal." She says introducing her lizard friend to him as she brings out her hand to shake his. Varian smiles and shakes her hand as well. "Nice to meet you Rapunzel oh also this is my buddy Ruddiger." He says introducing the racoon to her whom warmly chitters at her.

Rapunzel immediately pets the fluffy racoon as she and Varian climbs down the tower when they then heard rustling and footsteps as a man comes out of the cave and Rapunzel screams and hits him with the frying pan knocking him out cold. Varian winces at that as his eyes widen when he automatically recolonizes him as Flynn Ryder as he had to hold back a squeal of excitement as Rapunzel found a crown laying down on the ground the same one that fell out of Flynn Ryder's satchel as she looks at it with curiosity as Varian was checking to see if Flynn didn't have concussion. Poor Mr.Ryder he had no idea that he wad about to become a unwilling part of these two little adventure.

A/N Just to let you know that I had made Rapunzel and Varian the same age meaning that Rapunzel and Varian are both 14 in this universe since I thought it would worked better this way

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chrysanthemums-au · 4 years

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Season of Chrysanthemums

SUMMARY: Within the outer limits of Corona, Cassandra meets Varian, who seems to be as insubstantial and ethereal as the black rocks. The two lost…forgotten…overlooked (?) souls decide to wander the streets at nightfall in search of ghosts.

Though, as Varian has long since had a connection to the spirits of the departed, how can Cassandra be sure if the alchemist is who he says himself to be?

CHAPTER 1-Miles to Go Before I Sleep

AO3 LINK

Cassandra kept her gaze lowered as she trekked along the normally bustling corridor. The otherwise bright and colorful interior of the castle only served as a grotesque facsimile to the unease that had washed over the kingdom.

Once lively, the other handmaidens had resorted to speak through hushed whispers and behind closed doors.

Usually Cassandra loves the quiet. She should be happy of the peace that had enveloped the kingdom…right?

And yet, she cannot help but worry.

The tranquility that had set over the kingdom was but a mere respite. It was a warning of something more to come. She could just tell from the hushed whispers, Rapunzel’s unease…she’d do anything for the princess, but—

‘Anything’ would not be ‘good’ enough.

Cassandra had not been the one to save Rapunzel during that blizzard. Rapunzel, no, she had saved herself.

What good could she be as Rapunzel’s best friend if she couldn’t protect her?

Sighing, Cassandra turns a corner. The clack of shoes on marble breaks the litany of anxious voices.

Ever since that accursed blizzard had hit Corona and nearly cost them their king and queen, there were…rumors.

Cassandra hears her before she sees the familiar figure donning the exact same sky blue handmaiden’s dress.

The brunette is not one for frivolous rumors and small talk. She knows this, but she cannot help but take note of the words that spill forth from Friedborg. The queen’s handmaiden was always quite the chatterbox, and loathe as Cassandra is to admit it, Friedborg can be an invaluable source of information.

As she very well knows, word travels fast in such a well-knit community such as the castle’s workers. Between tasks there is not much to do in the way of entertainment, so it is with great reluctance that Cassandra quickly darts away before Friedborg or anyone else can see her. Swiftly, Cassandra hides behind a pillar adorned with the princess’s creative [infuriating] paintings.

These paintings…they cannot stay on the pillar for long, but Cassandra knows this is a problem for another day.

Laying a hand upon the pillar, Cassandra slightly leans towards the direction of Friedborg’s voice.

Due to sheer distance, she cannot discern exactly what Friedborg is saying, but she does make out the words of various passersby as they walk past her hiding place from behind the pillar.

“Have you heard about what happened to Old Corona?”, a diminutive voice conspiratorially asks.

Cassandra’s eyes widen. She has never visited Old Corona, but she does know of how much of the castle’s staff have family that reside there.

“Oh yes, what a terrible tragedy it was,” another voice states, seemingly not terribly concerned or frightened at all.

“Right, they said that town was completely wiped out overnight.”

Overnight…could they be talking about the blizzard? Old Corona had not even crossed her mind during that harrowing experience, but yes—they would have been affected.

“If the princess hadn’t saved us, who knows what could have happened…”

“Nothing good, I’d imagine,” another voice interjects.

“It’s always the princess, isn’t it?” Cassandra mutters to herself.

“But, there’s more to the story.”

“No one remains in the wreckage of that desecrated town, except for—”

“The last ghost of Old Corona.”

“According to rumor, in life, he was a terrifying wizard.”

“They say his name was Varian.”

“Varian…why does that name sound familiar?” Cassandra wonders.

“Even though he had died in Old Corona, it has been said that he can be seen wandering the streets of Corona’s Capital at night.”

“No one knows the reason for this, but…”

“To find him, you must follow the trail of chrysanthemums.”

---

“Why did you leave him?” Tired, unseeing blue eyes stare up towards the shadowy visage of what could be considered a humanoid figure.

Within the dim light of Corona’s empty streets, they almost appeared to be glowing.

“No, why did you leave us?” the figure(s) mockingly question. Their voices are warped and faint, as if they were speaking through water.

“We were destroyed because of you, and now…Old Corona is no more.”

“Silly alchemist…did you think you could save us?”

Varian’s breath hitches, but he remains utterly silent. His gaze is directed somewhere far away, past the wispy, silhouette.

A bright crimson petal gently falls to the cold cobblestone ground.

“He couldn’t even save his dad,” they say. Cheerfully.

“If you did, then he wouldn’t be encased in amber while you get to roam about freely.”

Varian’s gaze sharply turns towards the spectre.

“If it wasn’t for you, your dad would still be alive.”

“No, you’re wrong,” Varian says as his vision grows darker. “Dad is…he’ll be fine.”

“He has to be……”

Varian falters as he hears a sigh and the crunch of leaves. He turns his head slightly to see a person slowly descend from the shadows. There is a slight blue halo surrounding her, but the sight is far from soothing.

He can almost hear high-pitched, childish laughter, but no, he must be imagining things. Varian blinks and the halo is gone.

The newcomer narrows her eyes upon taking in the sight of vivid blood-red flowers.

The stranger, Varian realizes with a start, has one hand hovering over a sword holster.

“Kid, hey, you okay?” the dark-haired woman asks, her tone laced with concern and suspicion. She has directed her sharp gaze towards Varian, her hand still un-wavering from its position atop the holster.

Varian knows this woman does not trust him. It’s never really bothered him, what with his village never giving him the time of day. He found a friend in Ruddiger—while his beloved raccoon was a great listener, he obviously could not hold a long conversation.

Afterall, raccoons could not talk…yet.

And…he did have his dad—

No…Varian reminds himself. His dad did not leave; he can’t leave. He’s still in Old Corona, right where he left him.

Though, as the swordswoman continues to glare at him wearingly, he cannot help but feel a sharp pang jolt through his chest. Perhaps it is loneliness that he feels. Varian was used to conspiratorial whispers every time an invention went wrong, disapproving glances from his father, but—

It had been so long since a living, breathing person had noticed him.

Despite her apparent distrust of him, he would be happy. Even if she somehow wound up hating him, Varian would be content.

He’d rather be acknowledged.

Hatred was better than merely being fading away into the background, as forgotten and weathered as the letters his father had kept from him. At one point in time, Varian had not cared for acknowledgement, but to be seen is to validate his very existence.

If she could see him, that would mean—he wasn’t dead.

As long as he had a living, beating heart, he could save his dad. Even if it felt like he was dying every second, he could not afford to falter from the path he had set for himself.

He would make his dad proud, even if it was the last thing he’d ever do.

“Hey, I said, are you okay?” the woman repeats, disdain and irritation painted across her face. She merely throws him a quick glance before lowering her gloved hand from the holster.

Though, Varian knows that she could quickly have that sword pointed at his throat in a heart beat.

He attempts to answer the swordswoman, but his voice hitches in his throat. It’s been so long since he had last needed to speak that his voice had grown weak from disuse.

Varian tries to speak again, but his voice is as faint as the gust of wind that billows throughout the plethora of crimson red flowers that adorn the street.

“I, what—” Varian stutters. He averts his gaze from her dark green eyes.

The swordswoman brings her hand back to her face and bites back a dry remark. “You know what, never mind. This is clearly not going anywhere.”

She pauses, waiting for Varian to speak.

Another pause.

Silence.

This is going to be a long night, Cassandra thinks to herself with a grimace. “Are you going to say anything before day break? Or are we just going to stand here all night?”

“Varian.” His voice is muffled and cracked from disuse, but it is the most he has spoken since the blizzard.

“What? I didn’t catch that,” the swordswoman says. “You need to speak up, kid.”

“You do have a name, right?”, she flippantly remarks.

It takes a moment for Varian to gather himself before finding his voice. “My name’s Varian.”

Eyes widening in surprise, Cassandra’s hand reaches for her sword as she points it directly at the alchemist. Varian is un-phased as the sword lightly grazes at his throat.

He knows he should feel scared. He wishes he could, but he feels…nothing.

“Varian…so you’re the wizard of Old Corona. I find it hard to believe someone like you could be a threat to the kingdom, but I’ve heard the rumors…” Cassandra says carefully, stern gaze never wavering.

Varian merely shoots her a disapproving look as he blandly mutters, “That’s why they’re called rumors.”

Cassandra shifts the sword slightly forward as her glare darkens at the dry remark.

His gaze falters. “I do not work with magic,” Varian says. “I am an alchemist, not a wizard.”

“But you are right about one thing,” he relents. “I’m from Old Corona.”

Just as quickly as he had found his voice, Varian falters. He adjusts his antique goggles as he attempts to look somewhere. Anywhere, except for the disapproving glare of the swordswoman.

He knows what she wants to ask. It is a question he had asked himself all too often, and one that he is reluctant to answer.

---

Cassandra wants to leave. All she wants is to head back to the castle and forget she has ever met this self-proclaimed wizard, but…she cannot.

It’s troubling. She hates it, but she can see the haunted, vacant look in his eyes…which is a look no one, much less a mere child, should have. And as discrete as he thinks himself to be, she notices how his gaze directs itself everywhere and nowhere—as if he were used to solitude. Though, Cassandra very much knows this to be the case.

Try as he might to hide it, she can see how uneasy the alchemist is as he fiddles with the old, bronze goggles on his head. But what’s more worrying is how his worn shirt is hanging off of his frame or how he winces every time he moves his hands ever so slightly.

He’s so weak and pitiful that even a gust of wind could knock him down.

Cassandra really, truly, wants to leave…but—she cannot leave him to fend for himself.

She had left the castle on the coattails of a rumor. While she hadn’t truly believed in a ghost haunting the populated capital of Corona, she had found him.

This boy was not a ghost, but with how he carried himself—

He might as well have been dead.

She knows she’ll regret this, but Cassandra knows her conscience will hate her for leaving.

For what may be the hundredth time that very evening, Cassandra places her sword back in its sheathe. She softens her voice in what she hopes to be a placating tone as she relays her next question.

“Why are you here? In Corona?”

The silence is as endless as the fields of bright red flowers that adorn the kingdom.

“Alright then….” Cassandra slowly speaks as she attempts to dissuade the awkward silence that had descended upon them. “Shouldn’t you go home? Your parents are probably going to kill you for staying out this late.”

A deep inhale of breath. The alchemist’s shoulders are stiff as he raises his head towards Cassandra. “They won’t be.”

He quickly diverts his gaze, and it is this that Cassandra becomes conscious of exactly what had caught the boy’s attention. She realizes that he was not avoiding her gaze—rather, he was staring past her…at what, Cassandra did not know.

Chills ran down her spine as she recounted the hushed, conspiratorial voices she had heard throughout the day. But, she resisted the urge to turn around. It may have been silly and childish and juvenile—all of which are words that would describe Fitzherbert perfectly, but she knew that if she let the ‘alchemist’ stray from her sight for but a mere moment, he would disappear into the night.

The alchemist may not be Corona’s number one criminal, but if the rumors were to be believed, he is more than capable. She is loathe to admit this, even to herself, but this problem…it is more than she can handle on her own.

Cassandra is not one for ‘talking about feelings’, but she’s not completely heartless. Rapunzel, on the other hand, could help him with whatever it is that he needs.

Maybe then, he’ll look a little less broken and more…human.

Her train of thoughts are broken as the alchemist steps closer. His eyes…are still dead, hollow, glassy, but there is an indescribable emotion in his voice.

“How are you not tired?”

Cassandra is startled to see that yes, he looks more ‘present’. Still broken, but ‘alive’. She is not used to this…to going out of her way to speak with someone else. Usually, it is the other way around.

Though, with a lovely, kind, smart, surprisingly self-centered but well meaning friend such as Rapunzel, she was never wont for loneliness.

And so, Cassandra will do what she does best when confronted with those beyond her control or understanding. She cannot fathom what the alchemist could possibly mean, so she…ignores him.

“I’m not even going to answer that,” Cassandra curtly says. Turning sharply on her heels, she beckons for the [not] ghost to follow her. “Whatever it is you’re doing here, don’t. Follow me or not, I don’t care, but I’m heading back to the castle.”

Her steps falter slightly as she waits for the alchemist’s answer. Anything could work—a confirmation, words…

A moment passes.

Another second, and then—

Timid, light footsteps.

Cassandra had left on a whim…in search of what? Ghosts? Wizards? Adventure?

She does not know. There is much she is uncertain of.

---

Varian is lost. For the first time in forever, he…does not know what it is that he sees. The swordswoman, who introduced herself as Cassandra, is…strange, to phrase it mildly.

She is perfectly alright, albeit a bit cold, if Varian were to be honest. But no, she seemed normal, which is what brought him to his current state of confusion. There is nothing outright ‘otherworldly’ about Cassandra—

But, this is why he is so uncertain about the dark-haired woman.

He is uneasy, but she seems to chalk up his discomfort towards something else. Ever since he had seen her surrounded by an eerie blue glow, Varian just knew there was something off about her.

The reason was beyond him.

He is an alchemist. He does not like magic, but he cannot ignore its signs.

Still, he tried his best to think of an alternative reason for the glow. It was not until Cassandra offered to take him to the princess that he heard a high-pitched childish laugh.

With a jolt, Varian sees that Cassandra was not alone.

A tiny, hazy blue girl was hovering by the swordswoman. If not for her state of transparency, she would have simply looked like a nobleman’s daughter. Though, with the wide, toothy grin she was shooting at him, Varian knew that whatever it was that had attached itself to Cassandra…was far from good.

Satisfied at catching his attention, the regally dressed specter floated gracefully towards Varian.

“What are you?” Varian asks, paying no heed to how off-kilter he may sound to Cassandra.

“Don’t you mean ‘who’ am I?” the blue girl lightly chides.

Her face-splitting grin grows wider at the alchemist’s inquiries. “Oh, don’t look so glum, Varian.”

“How…do you know my name?” Varian asks in a hushed voice.

“Let’s just say I’m a friend, or at least, I’d like to be.”

Taking Varian’s silence as a confirmation to go on, the enchanted girl lightly chuckles. “Don’t worry; I won’t lie to you.”

“You’d better catch up with Cassandra,” she airily advises. “Until we meet again, little moondrop.”

Varian watches as the apparition slowly fades from view. He cannot see her, but he knows she is somewhere nearby. He wishes he could bring himself to care, but why should the ghost of another matter to him?

Perhaps in a different time or place, he would have cared. But now, even more than alchemy or answers, he wants his father back.

And so, with a heavy heart, Varian follows Cassandra. He does not know where this path will lead him, but he promises to make his father proud.

No matter what becomes of him, he knows that this is a promise he cannot afford to break.

#Tangled the Series #Tangled #Varian #Varian Tangled #Varian the Alchemist #Cassandra #Cassandra Tangled #Fanfic

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queen-of-hearts92 · 6 years

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Revue Starlight 8: Flower, gleam and glow. Let your power shine!

Make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine.

For the previous episode go here!

To go to the start of these posts, go to the Prelude!

Wow holyyyyyy shit, that was an amazing duel! A great episode, we learned lots of new things oh yes we did. Hikari was fucking amazing this episode! I’m glad we got to learn more about her! Ok, head on down and let’s go through this!

The title and caption this time is from the Disney movie Tangled, the song is called Heal Incantation. It’s the one Rapunzel sings to activate her hair’s magic. I thought the lyrics fit Hikari’s situation and had light and flowers involved! Hikari also lost her starlight and wants to get it back. So ta dah! \o3o/

>How Hikari got her groove back.

The episode opens with baby Karen and Hikari watching the Starlight play, this episode is from Hikari’s point of view btw. Hikari talks about how the play inspired her and Karen to one day go on stage together. We then go to the opening.

After the opening we see teen Hikari waking up in the morning, she’s at her london school. Hikari’s room is extremely messy. Then we see Hikari’s morning routine; waking up, taking a shower, weighing herself, brushing teeth, getting dressed and eating breakfast. While she’s doing that, we hear via voice over a letter Karen wrote to Hikari. Thank to this letter we now know it’s March of 2018, we know it’s March due to Karen talking about doing the first Starlight play and how much of a success it was. Hikari finishes getting ready for the day, almost leaving without her hair pin. She smiles at the photo of herself and Karen and then goes on her way.

While going to school Hikari voice overs a letter back to Karen saying she will become a star. As she goes through her classes, Hikari then describes her school much like how Karen described hers in episode one. We see a dress rehearsal for the play they are doing, the lead girl appears to be this blond girl who we learn is named Judy Knightly via the play’s poster. Hikari finishes her mental letter to Karen and keeps practicing in the dance practice room. We then jump to a flashback again.

Damn bitch you live like this?

Baby Hikari and Karen are playing at the playground we saw in episode four by the Tokyo Tower, baby Karen is crying because she was told that Hikari is moving to London. Baby Hikari scolds baby Karen for crying and baby Karen is like “but I can’t do Starlight by myself!!”, baby Hikari thinks for a moment and then declares she’s decided to not come back until she’s become a star. That doesn’t make baby Karen feel any better, she cries more and climbs up the stairs to the slide while asking why. Baby Hikari says if she stayed here then she’ll just keep spoiling her. Baby Karen tearfully asks if they can talk via phone, Hikari says no. Baby Karen asks if she could send letters to her, Hikari didn’t have to write back if she didn’t want to. Baby Hikari agrees to that, baby Karen cries tears of joy. Baby Hikari smiles and helps baby Karen up to the top of the slide. They hold hands like they did in episode four and they promise to meet again on the stage, baby Hikari declares that it’s destiny for them to meet again. The two go inside the tower and buy each others hair pins, Hikari picked the crown for Karen and Karen picked the sparkles for Hikari. Teen Hikari says via voiceover she has a passion for the stage thanks to Karen and she knows they will meet again in the spotlight and become stars together. Back with teen Hikari, we see the poster for the play her school is doing and then cut to Hikari practicing. Then, her phone goes off with a very familiar ringtone. Mr.Giraffe is here and calling, turns out Karen’s school wasn’t the first he has visited. Oh shit.

Gdi the pink light is here too! LEAVE THE BABIES ALONE EVIL STAGE!

Hikari is now at the underground stage, the color scheme at this one is blues and greens and the stage has London’s bridge over it instead of the Tokyo Tower. Hikari is wondering where the fuck she is when Giraffe speaks up, in english. Hikari is shocked a fucking talking giraffe is here and reacts the same way Karen did to Giraffe in episode one. Giraffe switches back to Japanese upon hearing Hikari speak it. Giraffe describes what a Revue is and what the auditions are, he tells her about the fated stage as a reward if she wins and asks if she’ll join the auditions. Hikari accepts, we see her on stage with a longer knife and a red cape. She blasts through the audition duels, climbing up the ranks. But then, she loses her last duel to Judy. Judy wins Top Star and Hikari is only in second place. Giraffe annonces the auditions are over and the screen goes dark.

Hikari lost cause she didn’t have a cool hat like Judy has.

The next morning, Hikari starts her morning routine again. But, something is odd. When weighing herself, we see Hikari has lost ⅓ of a pound (about 130 grams. My math might be wrong tho lol). Hikari is confused. We then go to class, Judy is at the top of her game and the other girls comment on it. Hikari is deep in thought wondering what the fuck were the auditions anyways. She looks at her hand, she’s feeling a bit off today. Later, the night of the school’s play performance, Hikari wonders what the fuck the auditions did to her. Ever since the audition duels, she’s felt nothing on stage or while doing theater. No nervousness, no passion, no fear, no excitement or joy, nothing. As the play hits its climax, we see a huge prop hand hovering over her as Hikari comes to a terrible realization.

All of her passion, her starlight, for the theater is gone.

This realization hits Hikari hard. She sits there stunned, unable to continue playing her role, stopping the entire play.

AAAAHHHHAAAAAHHHHHH! \OAO/

We go to later in the evening, Hikari wanders in a daze listing things that weight the same as the amount of starlight taken from her. She ends up at a natural history museum, she keeps wondering what exactly the auditions did to her to cause this to happen. Hikari sits on a bench and finds she can’t recall why she even had the passion for the theater in the first place. But, then she remembers the promise she made to Karen. Hikari cries as she notices that her ability to remember her promise is slipping. She wonders again what the fuck is happening to her when, Giraffe comes to mind. She now fully realizes what losing the auditions did to her. It’s reveal that the bench Hikari is sitting on is right in front of a giraffe skeleton. Hikari quickly calls Giraffe but he doesn’t pick up, Hikari declares she’ll never forgive him. Then Giraffe sends her a text. To the underground stage!

Jesus christ I’ll never look at giraffe skeletons the same way ever again.

Hikari confronts Giraffe on the bridge, she says his speech he makes about the auditions but she adds what Giraffe leaves out. That when you lose, you lose your starlight and that destroys your passion. Hikari says he tricked her. Unfazed Giraffe says that to fuel the wish of the Top Star, they need the starlight of those who lose. Basically one girl wins and the rest get screwed over to grant the Top Star’s wish.

Fucking christ.

Giraffe says he is surprised that Hikari managed to hold onto any of her starlight, so he offers her another chance at the auditions. The next one will be in Japan, Hikari can do it again if she wants to. Hikari is surprised he is giving her another chance and asks him why. Giraffe basically says he is curious to see what would happen if a Stage Girl who has lost everything manages to win and he thinks that will create amazing revues and really would like to see them. Hikari accepts joining the next auditions. Giraffe is like “ok.” and starts descending downwards via the bridge. Hikari asks where in Japan will the auditions be and he simply wonders aloud that Hikari joined “even if one day you have to face her in battle.” Hikari shouts after him, Giraffe doesn’t answer and a green curtain falls on her.

Giraffe standing like that looks like the Tokyo Tower....FUCK!

We then go to the present, it’s time for Nana and Hikari to face off! The title of their fight is the Revue of Solitude (or isolation). Hikari announces her presence as she raises up to the stage. Nana, doesn’t do this at all. The set rises up, the audition duel begins. They start to fight.

Nana comments that Hikari’s weapon is pitiful, she says “you’ve been through a lot of pain, but it’s gonna be ok. I got you now. : )” and then she knocks Hikari to the ground. Nana points her katana at Hikari’s face and says, “It’s alright, you’re one of us now! : )” meaning that Nana plans to incorporate Hikari into her time loops when she wins Top Star again. Hikari blocks Nana’s sword strike and the scenery changes. Now everything is on fucking fire. Nana continues to fail at being reassuring saying “I’ll protect you from all the pain that comes with being a stage girl, I’ll do it for everyone!”

We quickly cut to see Claudine and Karen are dueling each other at the same time as Nana and Hikari’s duel is happening. Claudine asks how Karen became driven enough to join the auditions, Karen says it’s for her promise with Hikari.

Meanwhile, everything is on fucking fire. Hikari has her back to the wall, Nana slowly approaches her. We see a fucking giant clawed hand has risen out of the the stage, it looms over Hikari, seemingly poised to grab her. Nana asks why Hikari was taking part in the auditions, Hikari gives the same answer Karen gave earlier. It’s for her destiny to be on the stage with her beloved. Hikari shakily points her blade at Nana and describes the day she and Karen made that promise as the day she was reborn as a Stage Girl and it’s their promise that let her have this second chance. She steadys her hand and declares that she’ll never lose again!

JESUS CHRIST HOW HORRIFYING.

Hikari keeps fighting with Nana as she says internally that since Karen joined the auditions she has to beat everyone to protect Karen’s radiance/starlight. Hikari struggles with Nana but she eventually pushes Nana back. And then, she changes the stage. The lights become blue and Hikari holds up her knife, catching the light. The knife glows and shimmers brightly, Hikari’s weapon then transforms and blooms like a flower. Suddenly the entire Tokyo Tower drops down from the sky and crashes straight into the water creating a big ass tidal wave! Giraffe is like, “Wow cool.” and the second half of this fight begins.

Never thought I’d see the Tokyo Tower weaponized but here we are!

Hikari and Nana clash as a wave surrounds them in a water vortex. They fight, Hikari has gained the upper hand. Pink sparkles flash before Hikari cuts through the entire wave, causing it to disperse. Hikari knocks Nana across the stage, Nana has to slow herself down using her katana and her smaller katana gets lost in the process. After Nana stops herself, Hikari throws her weapon into a wall and uses it as a grappling hook to swing herself around the stage. She circles around, pulling her knife out of the wall in midair and charges down at Nana. Nana prepares to strike back. They clash and a cloud of mist shoots out of the ground, when it clears Nana’s cape falls. Hikari won! At the same time, Claudine’s cape falls much to her shock. Karen has won! Hikari throws her knife onto position zero and announces her name. The curtain falls on Nana and a spotlight goes out, the duel is over.

This part was very Utena and also FUCKING COOL!

Two spotlights turn back on Nana and Hikari, Nana tells Hikari that the Starlight play is a tragedy and therefore Karen will be seperated from her at the end of it all. Nana asks if Hikari will be able to accept that and will she accept she has to fight Karen one day. Hikari begins saying that even so, and then she’s cut off by the credits. WELP.

We get a post credits scene, Giraffe sits by the rankings board while it shuffles for its newest results. Maya and Claudine are still at first and second respectively, Hikari is in third and Nana and Karen are tied for fourth. Giraffe is like “wow, those two have risen quickly”, we get a close up of Hikari and Karen’s hair clips as Giraffe muses about them being the fated two. He understands. Giraffe says “I see” at the end card and the episode ends.

Hope the stage is insured for flood damages.

>What the water gave me.

(Why yes I like Florence and the Machine! 8D)

-Well, we certainly learned a lot from this episode! And the audition was fucking amazing holy shitttt! God, this show is so fucking top notch I’m gonna explode.

-Hikari’s song was lovely and wow Hikari’s weapon went from being the crappest to being really cool! It’s a fucking grappling hook!!

-Also heres more water again! Dat rebirthing metaphor is everywhere man.

-During Hikari’s duels in london only eight slots were shown and not nine like at the current auditions. I’m thinking it changes depending on where the stage is. HM SPEAKING OF WHICH.

-This episode showed us that the stage doesn’t stay in one place, it travels. It goes from place to place, school to school, taking starlight from unsuspecting theater kids it lures into taking part in its auditions. It’s likely alive, feeding off of one school then it moves on to the next. It’s probably been doing this for a very long time. I really do think the stage is a living thing at this point, I’ll elaborate on this in the speculation section but I think we can say for sure it can move around in whatever dimension it occupies.

-Related to the stage being alive, LIKE YO THOSE HANDS. First we had this cardboard looking scary hand, like every other hanging prop in the series we can clearly see strings holding it up. Then there’s the second scary hand, it’s a massive stone looking thing coming out of the stage. It’s unlike any set or prop we’ve seen in the show so far, also it just kinda. Appeared, it wasn’t shown how this fucking hand got there! No gears moving, and no strings holding it up. That’s also very unusual, hence. I’m thinking the second hand is literally a hand from the stage itself. I’ll talk about it more in speculation but jesus it was creepy.

Also! The hands are a pun, it’s a stagehand! Stagehands are people who do behind the scenes stuff on the stage, hence a hand coming out of a stage is a stagehand. HA!

-Surprise surprise, Giraffe doesn’t fully reveal the cost of winning Top Star/losing the auditions to the Stage Girls! So it looks like just like Madoka Magica and Utena, everyone who enters the auditions makes this Faustian deal without even noticing. Jesus. I knew we couldn’t trust that giraffe! I fucking knew it! Now the real question is what the fuck he is even. If he is indeed a Kirin then the hell happened to this one to turn it bad? Is he a giraffe at all? Or, is he just a talking giraffe that loves theater so when the stage is like “hey wanna judge revues for us?” he went “well fuck me sideways yes I do”. Come on Giraffe! You can’t hide who you are forever!

-The truth about Top Star is all the other girl’s starlight is stolen and it’s given to the girl who wins Top Star. The power is then used to grant her wish. Hikari losing starlight, it took a literal chunk from her. The girl who wins Top Star basically throws everyone else under the bus just so they can be successful, success off the backs of the suffering of others. Christ man. This is gonna be a rough reveal cause I do think the others will find out. God.

-Losing your starlight legit takes away all passion and feeling from doing theater. So you feel nothing but apathy for something you know you love but you just can’t feel anything about it anymore and you question why the fuck you even became passionate in the first place. Basically it gives you severe depression, it has similar symptoms. I have depression myself, so I can tell ya for sure that losing starlight very much resembles having severe depression. Symptoms of both depression and the effect of losing starlight are; feeling nothing or only apathy, no longer finding happiness or pleasure in what you normally enjoy, feeling worthless, feeling helpless, feeling hopeless, self hatred, crying spells, having faulty or poor memory, feeling fatigue, weight loss, having anxiety/anxiety attacks, and feeling empty.

Because losing starlight is so much like having severe depression, well that brings up a massively horrible possibility of what happens to the losing Stage Girls after its over. Depression very often leads to suicide, this easily could’ve happened to past victims. How many Stage Girls have killed themselves? How many have suffered this terrible fate? Losing your passion like this sounds horrific, a fate worse than death. Living is hard, especially when you have something like depression. Living is better than dying ofc but suffering is still suffering like, god. Learning this truth makes me very nervous for our Stage Girls, I don’t want to see any of them suffer this fate. I can see why Hikari was so freaked out/scared in previous episodes, that’s scary shit.

Knowing all this about losing starlight it begs the question, what happens to girls who’s entire lives have been the stage when their starlight is taken? Like Maya, Kaoruko, and to some extent Kuro. Do you forget everything? Do you become an aimless empty shell? Are you like dead? Hikari was gradually sinking into a dark place until she remembered Karen’s promise. Like jesus christ, Maya, Kuro, and Kaoruko are fucked if they lose!

-Welp, we know why Hikari has been getting her ass kicked so much during the auditions. She was still lacking her starlight, seems like in this episode she got it back or at least some of it. Enough to beat Nana like wow, get it Hikari!

-Hikari losing her starlight also explains why Maya reacted the way she did in episode one. The reactions I’m talking about are here and here in case ya forgot. Eyes show emotion (windows to the soul and all), especially if someone is passionate about something. So when Maya was able to see Hikari’s up close she was surprised and confused because she saw nothing. No passion, no fear, nothing. She was probably thinking about it the rest of the day because how can someone with this much talent feel nothing? Why even be here then? And then later when Kuro asked Maya if Hikari was rival material and Maya made the heart comment, what she was saying was because Hikari didn’t have passion or feel anything while performing she isn’t gonna even come close to competing with them.

-So this duel was the Revue of Solitude/Isolation. Hikari vs Nana, a girl who has lost everything vs a girl who fears losing everything. It’s quite a match up for sure, the two of them do both feel isolated and alone. Hikari being burdened by knowing the horrible truth and Nana feeling like she has to time travel to keep being loved. Excellent contrast, I like.

-Hikari’s opening flashback take place after the Starlight play has been performed in March. So that means the audition duels at Hikari’s school take place in March. If the time loop is wide spread, that means Hikari has been doing and losing these auditions for quite sometime or this is her first one.

-They picked out each others hair clips! That is so cute aaa!

-Nana sounds very different this episode, like her voice sounded lower and quite serious. She hasn’t lost being intimidating since episode seven and that’s good to see! I don’t think she knows the truth about the Top Star wish, Nana turns back time everytime she wins so she’s never seen what happens to those who lose and turning back time means everyone has their starlight again. However this also means that Nana, still keeping what she gains from previous time loops, has all eight of the other Stage Girl’s starlight. So it’s not surprising that Nana is overpowered due to having 60 years of starlight to draw off of, she was already talented before then so the time looping just made her more so. That makes Hikari’s win against her even more impressive.

-It looks to me Hikari’s gem symbol represents the morning star, which is the planet Venus. I say this because in artwork the morning star is portrayed like that, usually in paintings regarding the greek god Phosphorus the god of the morning star. Stars in general can look like that too in art. And yes I know Lucifer is the other name for the morning star, he has had that label wayyy before christianity took over. The morning star here resembles the greek/roman version of him not the christian one.

The knife also resembles an open flower, in the daisy family if I had to guess what kind of flower. Hikari’s knife blooming the way it did ties into its name, Caliculus Bright (yes the weapons have names). Caliculus is a way to spell calyx, a calyx is a cup shaped leaf that protects a growing flower. Hence her knife resembles one. This also connects to Karen who wants to play Flora (which means flower) in the Starlight play and Hikari wants to protect her, Claire can mean bright so it ties into Hikari as well. It’s also a bonus Utena shoutout because Utena’s name means calyx!

Flowers are traditionally representative of women because vaginas. Things that resemble vaginas are known as a yonic symbol. It’s not the first time we’ve seen flowers as a theme, flower petals are all over the show’s opening. We have Flora as a character present and now we have Hikari’s knife. Hell yeah, I love flower symbolism keep bringing it Rev Star!

-Hikari is the only one with this long tassel on the back of her stage outfit and it looks like a giraffe tail! I thought the tassel was from her previous red cape but it’s been there since the start so idk, maybe Hikari is a furry. ; p

-When Giraffe says that Hikari will have to fight “that girl” one day, is he talking about Nana? Or Karen? On one hand, he could be talking about Nana since he is disrupting her time loop and he hasn’t met Karen before. On the other hand, he could be talking about Karen either because he knows about her via the stage’s brain picking magic or he knows there is a girl Hikari loves and is at the next school but he doesn’t know what the girl looks like or anything like that. I dunno, Giraffe please.

-The play that the theater kids in London were doing looked like it was Macbeth, Hikari was wearing a crown and Judy was dressed in armor saying she was here to overthrow the false king. In the play, Macbeth kills the king and takes the throne while Macduff later comes and kills him to avenge his fallen family and king. That makes Hikari Macbeth and Judy Macduff. It is a bit weird that Judy is front and center then since Macbeth is the main character. The play can also be Julius Caesar, Brutus (likely Judy’s role) is the main character in that one and was friends with Caesar (likely Hikari’s role). Or I’m thinking the play could be Titus Andronicus, would fit the graphic poster they have. But Titus would be an awfully graphic play for high schoolers to do so I’m thinking it’s a no lol. Or this is a totally made up play and only based off of Shakespeare.

Either way I’m getting the feeling it’s a Shakespeare style tragedy, the poster has a crowned heart getting stabbed and there’s fire and shit everywhere. Comedies don’t normally have that kind of thing last I checked. Then both plays being performed at the schools that the audition duels have been at are tragedies. Is the stage drawn to tragedies because more drama equals more starlight? Maybe, I do think it’s an interesting similarity though.

-The locations in London are based off of real places! Here’s a nice twitter thread with all of the places.

-So, during the revue I wonder, who’s stage is that? I at first thought it was the school and therefore Nana’s stage but how it looked didn’t match up. Nor does match up with anything in London as far as I can tell. So??? I don’t know? I mean the set burns the fuck down pretty early on but, weird.

-During the duel Nana says “you’re one of us now”. I believe that means she’s gonna work Hikari into her time loops from this point on. Nana I don’t think you’re very good at convincing Hikari here lol.

-Someone recalling a moment they were reborn as a stage girl happened again! Hikari says she’s reborn as a stage girl the day she and Karen saw Starlight together. We have had Hikari, Junna, and Nana talk about that now. Very interesting.

-Hey guys remember in episode five when Hikari says, “Steal isn’t a word to use lightly”. Suddenly that line became a lot more depressing and darker...gdi.

-So back to that poster. That knife looks like Hikari’s, and the crown on the heart looks like Karen’s hair clip. And the literal stage hand is here. Is this foreshadowing? Jesus, this bodes badly for Karen then. ono

-Hey Nana and Karen are tied for 4th, you know what that means. FIGHT FIGHT!

-For a moment when Hikari’s knife is glowing, it looks like an eye! Idk if that means something I just thought it was cool!

-Here’s something HUGE. Now that we know what it costs to be Top Star there's a big old question here, what is Karen gonna do when she finds out? She’ll have to make a choice, grab Top Star anyways throwing all her friends under the bus. Not participate anymore but it's too late for that really. Refuse the Top Star wish, which we don’t know if she’ll be allowed to do that. Make a wish that involves keeping her friend’s starlight but ya need starlight to grant the wish so wouldn’t that cause a paradox? Or, fuck this shit up! Destroy the stage, destroy the giraffe! Set this bitch on fire! But the stage isn’t gonna go down without a fight I don’t think. I’m very curious to see how this goes. Well, let’s see how Karen reacts first and go from there.

>I speculate that the stage is alive with the sounds of suffering music.

-Here I am again with “The stage is alive” theory! So, the stage. It’s this thing that lives in a dreamlike plane of reality and travels around for starlight/radiance. That’s what it feeds off of, and it’s never full. It consumes, discards, and moves on. And its negative effect is felt for a long time afterwards, hence it’s hand appears on the London stage in prop form. The hand we saw during Nana and Hikari’s duel is the real deal. Every prop, set piece, and large set piece has been shown how they work. Strings on the hanging props, gears seen underneath moving the really big ones, we can see set backgrounds are propped up and made out of wood, etc. But this hand? We got nothing, it just appears. This huge stone thing. I think that’s literally the hand of the stage, reaching out and looming over Hikari. It wants her starlight, it wants her revues. It wants, it hungers. I think we see this hand here cause Nana can summon the hand after being so in-tuned with the stage after 60 years. It’s hard to say if Nana noticed she did that or not but she summoned it all the same. I wonder if we will see it again next time she fights? Or maybe later down the line?

-There's a theory that’s been floating around my mind since it was brought up in the Rev Star discord I’m in a while ago, it’s that Flora is Giraffe. The color red, her color, is everywhere regarding the Starlight play, it explains why there's plant life in the underground cause goddess of plants, and in the opening there is two hidden red giraffes here and here. I know it’s kinda shaky but it would explain why the stage seems to be so deeply intertwined with the Starlight play. The tower that holds the star is in the stage in London and here and it’s in the Starlight play itself. Wild speculation I know but thought I’d drop it in here anyways.

-It’s likely that Maya will find out about the time loops, I mean it’s just too good of a character opportunity to miss! The time loops are against everything she stands for and values and for Nana to trap them in one would piss her off a lot. I imagine she could find out via Giraffe, much like Kyubey he doesn’t tell ya stuff until asked and Giraffe has no reason to keep this information away so. After that she’ll probably want to hear from Nana herself and pull her aside to confirm it. Nana I don’t think will take the confrontation well, she wants positive attention and one of her friends being angry at her is the last thing she’d want. Maybe the rest of the girl’s will overhear this whole thing and that’s how they’ll find out? That would be a neat thing to happen cause I’d like to see how everyone deals with that.

>CALLED IT CALLED IT

I CALLED SOMETHINGS! HERES A LIST!

-From my previous write up: “Hikari maybe has fought before has already had something taken from her, that’s why she hasn’t been super successful during her duels. I dunno, throwing it out there cause at this point I’m very ??? a lot about Hikari.” At myself, nice.

-Starlight stealing theory is a go! Not 100% as I described it but hell yeah! I knew that’s what the stage wanted from them! I still wonder who exactly is the Starlight Gatherer. Oh yeah! And starlight does indeed equal radiance! Yeehaw! Also! Looks like I’ve been calling this for quite awhile. Observe! :3c

--From my episode four write up: “The penalty of losing too much in the auditions is that something important to Stage Girls is lost. I strongly think what they lose is their radiance aka starlight. Basically all their abilities they can use to perform.” FUCK YEAH I WAS RIGHT!

--From my episode three write up: “Or two, my theory about the girls being targeted for their radiance/starlight is fucking right. They are gathering girls to create starlight or the girls themselves are gathering this starlight without knowing it, like waiting for a flower to bloom. Whoever blooms first wins, and is picked and therefore screwed. Oh shit man.” HELL YEAH.

--From my episode two write up: “I’m thinking, because this place is so eerie and ominous, it might be powered by a resource only young aspiring theater girls can give. I think it’s either radiance/energy (hence why Karen was so out of it this episode) or it uses the crushed dreams of other girls to create their Top Star. In the stage’s line of thinking, only one girl can make it to the top and the rest of the girls are simply stepping stones for the Top Star. Yikes right?” I’m cackling omg. I feel so accomplished! \owo/

>I don’t trust that fucking giraffe.

Ok kids, we are now armed with both Nana and Hikari knowledge and all that jazz. The flashback episodes are done for the time being. So, the next step is to see what the future holds. I’m pretty giddy to see what’s ahead! We have four episodes left, so that’s like the length of a two hour movie. Nice, we got lots of time still. I’m, so jazzed. Fuck, I love this anime.

See you on the stage for episode 9!

#revue starlight #shoujo kageki revue starlight #moo watches revue starlight #woot woot! we trucking along here and I love it

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mrevaunit42 · 6 years

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Butterfly, Star Butterfly (Kingsman Au part 1)

hello everyone, Mr.E here after a seriously long time of not writing full stories. Sorry, life has been pretty chaotic for me and draining. I’m fine but it’s been hard to sit down and actually write a story but here I am with my newest story and letting you know despite the fact Halloween is over, I am still going to write a few stories for starcoween (a totally silly event I made up forever ago) After that i might do a part 2 to this, might give out some birthday gifts I owe. Not really sure yet but we shall see.

Story Prompt: Star Butterfly is a young woman that works for Disney, a humble yet successful shop located in her hometown of Mewni that sells various merchandise based on their popular retellings of classic fairy tales. At least that’s what they want you to think. In truth, they are an agency operating at the highest levels of discretion, protecting the world from any and all threats but this time Mewni’s the target and the secret organization is going to need some help.

I absolutely love the film Kingsman. For those who don’t know it is a British spy film that’s kind of a mix of my fair lady, James Bond and some playful satire of genre. and I couldn’t resist making an au of it. that being said, it is a rated R film so don’t watch it if you’re not supposed to! Seriously just read this story and wait. Oh btw there is some cussing in this story but that’s it really I didn’t follow the plot of the movie one to one and it’s more on a personal level than it was in the film. and Yes I totally poked fun at the codenames and Disney.

so that’s it for me. Have an amazing week! I will try to finish either Monster Hunter Marco or the corpse bride au this week along with the next two nova chapters. I was also thinking of putting up some au ideas I came up in case somebody needed some ideas or inspiration for drawing or writing and the spiderman homecoming au notes that me and my good friend @hains-mae came up with if anyone is curious. Not sure yet. oh btw she’s taking commissions if anyone is interested. I hope you enjoy the story and have a good one!

notification squad: @nerdymetalhead @hipster-rapunzel @artgirllullaby @ladyxgilex @thefandombytes @minthia-ren @burstingamerworld @isolated-frequencies

“and in other news, Lucitor electronics is proud to present….”

Click. Silence filled the void left behind the radio.

Star Butterfly stared longingly outside the cab window, the soft pitter patter of the rain echoed dully against metal was a soft, relaxing music to the 25 year old.

When was the last time she simply drove for the sake of driving? When did she last roam the streets of her beloved Mewni without the constraint of staring at minutes tick away? When was the last time she wore something she chose of her own free will rather than an obligated, yet admittedly stylish, uniform.

She was wearing her usual outfit for work: black blazer jacket with a white long sleeved collared shirt underneath, an elegant pink tie alongside practical black work pants and matching brogues loafers.

“Miss?” her cabbie driver called to her softly “Miss, you have phone call from your mother.”

“Oh!” Star slipped out her self imposed dazed and reach into her jacket pocket “Thank you John, I’ll take it….”

Star blinked quizzically upon realizing she was staring at her own reflection who held an equally surprised face: Her driver had already rose the divider between them so she could take the call in private.

“What a considerate bloke” Star murmured to herself, unfolding the thick black rimmed square glasses and slipping them over her eyes “I suppose I should give him a raise.”

“Give who a raise dear? The driver?” A familiar yet controlled voice called out to her as a ghostly image appeared in the center of the spacious vehicle.

Even the cartoonish greenish blue tint of her mother’s image did nothing to dampen the woman’s rather imposing stature: Full black coat, collared shirt, vest and tie. A long business skirt given her old fashion tendencies and unnecessarily high heels. Her periwinkle blue hair wrapped in a practical braid.

“I assure you Agent Rapunzel he is well paid for his services” Moon blinked in confusion, her eyes narrowing at Star’s surroundings “You’re not at the shop?”

“Well mum…” Star began only to falter when Moon rose a stern finger.

“Names Agent. You never know who could be listening.”

Star rolled her eyes, earning her a scowl from her mother.

“Headmistress Aurora, we’re on highly secure channels. I highly doubt anyone is currently listening.”

Moon shook her head disappointingly “Spoken like a true agent. When you get to be in my position and age, you’ll find some caution is wise.”

“Yes Mu….Headmistress. I apologize. I’m running late to shop on the count that I took a bit of a nap. Just came in from America you know. Lovely town by the name of Echo Cre…”

“I’m aware where you have been Agent Rapunzel” Moon cut in “I’ve read your mission report. Excellent work.”

“Thank you”

“Try not to be late from now on. Grumpy is a bit on edge lately.”

“Lately?” Star rose an eyebrow.

Moon pursued her lips “More than usually. Do not antagonize the poor woman love.”

“Swear on my honor she won’t hear a word out of me gov.”

Moon frowned, torn between chastising her daughter once more or simply leaving it at that.

With a flick, her mother’s image vanished from view and Star was left with her once again empty cabbie. Star remained silent, rubbing her eyes tiredly as the rain filled the void with its melody once more.

Star wasn’t too surprised the shop was still fairly busy despite the less than ideal weather conditions. Everyone near and far wanted to buy something from the humble yet widely successful Disney store.

Not that Star could blame them: Stunning outfits, well crafted toys and high quality items based on their fairy tale inspired line of merchandise. It brought in a pretty penny and was a convenient cover for the memory of a single person to blur among the countless people that could be found within on any given day.

Star patted the tired cashier reassuringly on the shoulder as she made her way past into the break room which was empty save a lone, still steaming mug of coffee sitting on the table.

“We need to really cut back the hours” Star muttered to herself, sliding the cup off to the side and gently pressing the underside of the table “Poor dearies are running themselves ragged.” A small compartment hidden within frame flipped into existence and began to boot up its programming.

“Please remain still” a smooth, calming robotic voice asked politely while a soft green hue softly basked Star in its glow. Star complied with the machine’s request, sitting as unmoving as stone as the sensor began scanning the room with a near invisible beam.

“Identity confirmed” The voice spoke cheerily “Agent Rapunzel, please stand by”

Star rolled her eyes as the entire room slowly descended into further into the earth, the flimsy painted walls of the break room becoming smoothly elegant granite sides.

“This is so bloody unnecessary” Star muttered to herself, waiting patiently for the elevator “Whose bright idea was to turn an entire room into an elevator? A closet would’ve suffice. Typical spies.”

“I know right? It’s almost like they were overcompensating for something” a familiar voice jokingly teased “Spies, right?”

“Spies” Star nodded agreement, rising to her feet and enveloping her fellow, similarly dressed agent in a firm hug “How are you Jackie?”

Jackie clicked her tongue “Agent Rapunzel, did you just break protocol?”

“Only if you sell me out Agent Ariel” Star replied with a grin.

Jackie gave a good nature smirk “Like I would Agent Rapunzel. How are you?”

“I’m alright” Star lied “And yourself? How was Japan?”

Jackie gave a noncommittal shrug “You know how it is: No time to see the sights and there on business only.”

Star felt the twinge of longing and for a moment, the mask fell.

“Star?” Jackie asked quizzically “Are you okay?”

“Jackie….” Star began slowly “Do…you miss it?”

“It?” Jackie was confused what Star was getting at “I’m not sure I’m following….”

Star let out a defeated sigh “Don’t worry about. Just a rouge thought. Shall we pop in and see what’s bothering Grumpy?”

Star brushed past Jackie, ignoring her friend’s concerned gaze.

Grumpy was not grumpy at Star’s tardiness: She was furious about it.

Margaret Skullnick, codename Grumpy, was an older, trollish woman who never smiled in a day of her life. Unlike the more traditional Headmistress, Grumpy was far more lax with her appearance: overly bright red hair, two golden hoops on her ears, built like a muscular tank and had unnaturally pointed teeth.

“You are late Rapunzel” she glared deeply with growl.

Star rose her hands defensively “Ariel was here, you could’ve started without me.”

Jackie shook her head “Don’t drag me into this, I just work here.”

“Sit. NOW” Skullnick snarled, barring her teeth viciously.

Star and Jackie practically dropped into their seats.

“We have a problem” Skullnick began, making her way over to the monitor hung over the fireplace.

“Don’t we always?” Star jested

Skullnick ignored her “The criminal underworld is murmuring. Loudly I might add.”

Jackie and Star shared a worried glance. While both knew what the code-phase meant, neither had ever expected to ever actually hear the word spoken outloud. The two women straightened up in their seats at once

“Murmuring?” Jackie leaned closer “What could possibly cause that?”

“We don’t know” Skullnick answered truthfully “But the fact remains that every single mole, sleeper agent and informant has been relying the same information to us is troubling. Someone is preparing for something big and for the first time in recorded history, we haven’t the foggiest idea what it could be.”

Skullnick tapped at away at the tablet in her hands. Mewni, in all its splendid glory, appeared before them.

“What we do know is many of the murmurs repeat Mewni over and over again. It is more than possible this is the target.”

“Home?” Star rose to her feet “We need every available agent on the case! If the underground murmurs, I cannot imagine what horrible plan someone has set in motion.”

“That’s just it Agent Rapunzel” Skullnick stared directly at Star “I’m looking at all available agents.”

Jackie and Star looked at one another.

“No matter how serious the situation is” Skullnick explained “The fact remains we still have other operations that must be done. Threats to national and international security do not just come one at a time you know and all we have are rumors. Until solid proof is obtained, we cannot simply pull agents from actual credible threats.”

The girls nodded grimly.

“Go to the ground” Skullnick told them “Use every resource we have available. The informants are scouring the city for clues but so far no luck. If this threat is real, then someone is going to an awfully lot of trouble to ensure no one has all the details. And once you have a lead, no matter how small, contact me. I rather be safe than wrong. Understood?”

“Yes Grumpy” The two spoke in unison

“Dismissed.”

“Mewni under attack?” Star muttered to herself in a daze “That’s a lot more terrifying than I’d like to admit.”

“Agreed” Jackie nodded “Do you think the threat is real?”

Star pursed her lips “I don’t know. I want to believe mother is simply overreacting but I’ve never been through such a short briefing before. We don’t even have leads”

“Admittedly that is highly concerning” Jackie scratched her chin “We better work quickly. The sooner we discover or debunk this, the sooner we can have a strategy ready.”

“Alright, I’ll head over to the informant’s house” Star began as stepped towards the exit “A fresh pair of eyes may be needed in case they missed anything…umm do you remember where they live? I swear they keep changing addresses every other month. It’s so….”

Star turned back to her fellow agent only to find Jackie fidgeting uneasily, guilt dancing in her eyes.

“You know” Jackie spoke softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear “Maybe I should go to the informant? I mean I haven’t seen them in such a long time and it’s pretty rude of me….”

“Jackie….”

Jackie bit her lip as she rubbed her sleeve anxiously.

“I…might know a guy who could help us” she murmured uneasily.

“That’s great!” Star felt a wave of relief wash over her “when can you meet up with him darling?”

Jackie remained quiet, her eyes downcast and forlorn.

“Jackie?” Star placed a comforting hand on her shoulder “What is it love? What’s the matter?”

Jackie took a deep, calming breath “He’s my ex. A bloke by the name Marco Diaz….”

“Oh….” Star muttered dumbly before the familiarity of the name hit her full force “….oh…”

Star remembered now where she heard the name before: Marco was Jackie’s boyfriend back from a few years ago when the two of them were aspiring Disney trainees. He ran with some troublemakers and did some odd jobs for unsavory people but on the whole meant well and was trying to leave his checkered past behind him. As far as she could tell, Jackie was rather happy with him. If everything had gone according to plan, Jackie might’ve married him one day…..

But fate had other plans in store. Being a Disney agent came with a heavy cost and that cost was a personal life. Marco grew increasingly suspicious of Jackie’s absences and trips but telling him the truth was out of the question so Jackie was left with no choice but to break up with him, claiming college was just too overwhelming for her to handle both it and a steady boyfriend.

Jackie used to lament how painful it was to watch his hurt face twist into a stony indifference and while she finally moved on from him, she couldn’t shake the guilt she felt about breaking his heart. He hadn’t deserved it but Jackie was left with no other choice.

“I can’t see him Star” Jackie admitted, tears lightly forming in her eyes “I’ve done far too much to him already, asked too much of him….I can’t put him through anymore…..”

“It’s alright. I’ll speak to him, alright? Do you know where I can find him?”

Star frowned at the locationn before her, eying the half cracked windows and the faded brick exterior warily

“Drunkard’s Haven” Star read the sign distastefully “I should’ve hazard a guess it would be a dive. I reckon I’ll run into an unruly lot. Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Star held a firm grip on her umbrella as she took a deep breath in and pushed open the door.

The interior of the bar was dim while a light hazy smoke wafted through the air. The illuminations of various signs promoting drinks, teams and other goods. Empty mugs and half slumped, dazed drunks filled the tables. While certainly not the best pub Star has ever been in, she had seen far worse.

Star strolled up to the counter confidently, ignoring the shuffling of drunken zombies who were slowly taking notice of her disturbance.

“Hello!” Star gave a cheery wave.

The bartender awkwardly returned the greetings.

“I don’t usually get your lot around here” the bartender spoke bluntly.

“What, pretty ladies?”

“No, posh folks.” he gruffly replied.

“Ah….” Star gracelessly replied “Well your lovely pub is tucked away in some off beaten street, bit hard to come by.”

“What will you have miss?”

“Information actually. I’m looking for someone.”

It was amazing how a simple sentence could alter one’s environment: What was once a relaxed stupor became tense and suspicious as the drunks slowly shook themselves awake.

The bartender’s eyes narrowed distrustfully “And why would a pretty thing such as yourself be looking for someone?”

Star beamed “An old friend of mine. Heard he was wondering around these parts. Figured he might fancy a bit of stroll for old times sake.”

“And who…” the bartender rose an eyebrow “are you looking for specifically?”

“A bloke named Marco Diaz.”

Star fought the instinct to simply strike at the now fully awaken drunks, their eyes wide with anger and greed as they mindlessly shuffled to their feet.

“It seems I’ve said the magic words” Star mused, glancing over the other occupants of the building carefully “Bit in trouble is he?”

“You could say that.” The bartender murmured with a glare “The local patron is not happy with the quality of his services. Mr. Diaz owes him a bit of scratch which is not including the product he was told to deliver. The fact that Mr. Diaz hasn’t been returning our boss’s phone calls is a bit concerning. They had a previous agreement that your friend has not been honoring.”

“Ah” Star gave a strained smile “I can see how that could certainly paint him in such a negative view. Well I rather guess I should be off no? I didn’t mean to so rudely awaken all your customers.”

“Actually” the bartender spoke with a menacing edge as the others closed in “Do you mind if we have a bit of a chat about your friend Marco?”

Star sighed dramatically as the dull thud of the door’s lock being clicked into place echoed through the now quiet pub.

“I rather not” Star grin charmingly

“You don’t have a choice love.”

Star shook her head disappointingly “Not respecting a lady’s decision? Rather brutish of you.”

“Sorry darling. We’re not much on manners here.”

Star clicked her tongue “Manners maketh man. Ever heard that before?”

Silence was their answer.

“Well then” Star cracked her fingers “Let me show you how to be proper gentlemen.”

It was satisfying to watch the bartender’s face slip from cocky smugness to full blown panic as Star lashed out, gripping the back of his head tightly and smashing it against the counter. Bartender staggered backwards, a river of blood dribbling down his face and staining his clothes as he weakly clutched at his now broken nose.

“Rule the first” Star began, pivoting on the balls of her feet and driving her fist into the nearest unsuspecting throat “Always respect people. It’ll get you further in life than if you’re an arsehole”

One of the drunks lunged at her but the seasoned agent hooked the handle of her umbrella over his wrist and dragged his fist into another of his comrades and sent them both reeling to the floor.

“Oi what’s the matter with you bitch?!” the nearest drunk rambled at her before pulling back his fist.

“A true gentleman never curses at a lady” Star replied with a cocky grin while she dug her knee as far as she could into his stomach “in fact a true gentleman never would need to curse. Much more colorful ways to express your anger and frustration darlings.”

Star stepped back, narrowly avoiding the knife that swung into view as she twirled her umbrella upright like a sword.

Her foe stumbled uneasily, brandishing his deadly weapon in a rather unimpressive fashion.

“A true gentleman” Star went on, effortlessly dodging an unfocused stab sent her way

“also carries himself with grace and respect not only for himself but for others as well”

The drunkard’s attack were wide and too far to actually threaten the secret agent who playfully batted the blade away with her pseudo-sword. Her opponent growled furiously but Star’s laidback defense proved too much for the inebriated man.

Star rolled her eyes before delivering a solid whack to his skull and rendered him unconscious.

“Well then loves” Star said with a smug satisfaction “I best be off. Nothing here but a waste of time and effort.”

Star’s ear twitched as the dull sound of metal scraping wood filled the air and for the first time since the battle began, her instincts took hold.

Star flung her umbrella wide open, clutching the hilt as tightly as she could while making herself as small of a target as possible. The video feed sprung to life in a strange muted tint. She noticed the bartender lifting something to eye level but Star had little time to hazard a guess when she heard a deep click and a deafening bang.

Star was nearly knocked off her feet as her shield violently shuddered, the image blurred and static for a moment before resuming its live feed of what was occurring in front of the weaponized rain deterrent

The muggy feed showed the bartender giving a condescending smirk her way, pumping the shotgun in his hand for another shot.

Star held on as the metal joints of the umbrella groaned under the next volley, the smooth clothed surface becoming tattered and worn as an empty cartridge hollowly clattered against the floor.

“You” Another shot, the umbrella began to bend inward “Bitch” half the feed froze “You think you could come in here” Star could hear the fabric being ripped to shreds “and just knock us around silly? Well you got another thing….”

Star was saved by the most unlikely of sounds: The gentle rapping of a fist against the bolted pub door.

The bartender jumped, spontaneously aiming toward and pulled the trigger without remembering he hadn’t loaded the next shell into the gun. A satisfying hollow click was the most beautiful noise Star could ever imagine.

Star wasted no time: She flung her near useless gadget to the side and made a mad dash directly towards the fumbling bartender, his hands nervously attempting to load more ammo into his useless weapon.

His eyes went wide with fear as Star approached and in a last ditch attempt to protect himself, he held the barrel tightly and howled in agony as he recoiled from the still burning hot metal.

Star tried not to enjoy herself too much as she clobbered him with a solid hook, sending the dazed bartender sprawling into the wall of alcoholic drinks. He, along with his products, tumbled to the floor and remained still.

“That” Star murmured softly, wiping the nonexistent dirt from her suit “concludes today’s lesson.”

Star blew a strain out of her hair, picking up her discarded umbrella as she strolled towards the door, body tense for whatever lay on the other side.

She undid the bolt slowly and calmly opened the door

“Oi Ralphy, about time you open the door mate, was near freezing my arse out…you’re not Ralphy.”

Star’s heart leapt a little without warning as she found herself face to face with her target.

The police photos did not do the young man before her justice: In his mug shot he wearing plain clothes, his brown hair disheveled as his brown eyes glared angrily at the person photographing him. In person, his brown hair was a little longer and tucked under his black beanie. He wore a white undershirt which was covered by a red hoodie which was further covered by a simple black jacket. Laid back jeans and poorly choice sneakers for the current weather rounded out his attire and while Star was certainly unsure if this was the very same Marco Diaz from the photo, her glasses compared the two images and confirmed a match.

Marco shifted nervously under Star’s silent gaze “Umm…sorry luv, I was confusing you for another bloke.” he scratched his neck sheepishly “A-are you lost? Because I’ve never seen any woman willingly come in here before. The environment is a bit toxic and stale of piss ale, misogyny and outdated ideals.”

The soft pattering of rain was the only response Marco received

“Listen darling” Marco whispered with a hint of concern in his voice “These aren’t exactly good people. I reckon it’s best if you move along and pretend you didn’t see nuthing.”

“Mr. Diaz I assume?” Star asked with a preppy edge.

Marco’s jaw twitched anxiously “….maybe….depends on whose looking.”

“I would like to have a bit of sit and chat with you. If that’s alright.”

Marco shook his head, unable to keep the displeasure from his face while he chuckled “Yeah, see about that…Umm I’m a bit unfamiliar with you and you are pretty but you’re a bit too posh for my taste. Look, I just need to pop in for a sec and talk to Ralphy about an extension.”

“Don’t worry Mr. Diaz” Star replied with a matter of fact tone “You have your extension.”

Star noticed Marco’s frame tense, his jaw locked as Star gently pulled open the door all the way through, gesturing inward in a playful manner.

“Oh that’s not fucking good.” Marco stared dumbfounded at the bodies that littered the floor, the low pained moans that wailed from within.

Marco locked eyes with Star, completely unnerved by her cheerful smile and relaxed posture.

“Well Marco?” Star gave him a flirty smile “Fancy a bit of a date?”

Marco bit his lip, queasily swaying from side to side before breaking into a run.

“I’m pretty sure what you did qualified as assault.”

Star clicked her tongue disappointingly, her eyes rascally as Marco squirmed uncomfortably in his chair.

“I am hurt you didn’t want to take me out Marco” Star’s tone was conversational yet amused

“Well you’re a bit 6’s and 7's” Marco replied in a tense tone, rubbing his sore arm as his eyes darted around for anyone who could help but the cafe’s patrons were preoccupied with staying warm and what delicious meal did they want to try next than noticing the hostage situation before them .

“Hi!” Marco nearly jumped out of his skin as the waiter greeted them “What will we be having today?”

“Usual for me” Star grinned happily “and you honey, what would you like?”

Marco looked at Star, glanced at the waiting waiter then back to Star once again.

Was this a trap? A joke? Was the waiter in on whatever this was? Was everyone else? What the hell did he get himself caught up in? Was Ralphy going to blame him for crazy face’s actions? How the hell was he supposed to pay off his debt now? He was in some serious sh…

“Sir?” The waiter politely interrupted his train of thoughts “Your order?”

Marco stared blankly at the waiter “The usual….I mean her usual, I don’t usually come in to places like this. No offense.”

“None taken” The waiter rolled his eyes before disappearing into the kitchen.

“So whose on your payroll?” Marco asked breathlessly, hands clutching the edges of the table tightly “These your people? Gonna bloody kill me without a second thought? I don’t what you think I’m caught up in but I didn’t mess with no one.”

“Really?” Star seemed unmoved by Marco’s claims “Because according to your file, you’ve been arrested several times for assault, trespassing, breaking and entering and disorderly conduct.”

Marco pursed his lips “Yous with the bobbies or something? Look, I haven’t done anything. Whatever you think I did, I didn’t. After the last time, I got the message loud and clear: Stay on the straight and narrow or go to jail and I ain’t doing hard time because some crazy got me mixed up for someone else.”

Star leaned back into her seat “What did you need extension for?”

Marco’s mouth tightened “That’s a bit of personal business I’m afraid luv. And if you ain’t a cop, I’m not saying a bloody word.”

“Marco, I’m trying to help you.”

“Help me? By getting a confession out of me?” Marco snarled quietly “I ain’t going to jail just because you mixing up crooks and me.”

“Marco” Star whispered gently

“….” Marco remained silent, torn between fact and lies.

“Look” Star brushed her hair behind her ear “I’m not a cop. I need help with something but if I can help you out too, I don’t mind.”

Marco shifted anxiously, his voice low and subdued “Alright. So there’s a local….sponsor who likes to trade money for favors…..take this here, drop that there, move this across town, just….stuff.”

“Mhm” Star nodded but said nothing.

“As you can no doubt tell by my outstanding record” Marco went on “I’m having a bit of trouble coming up with the scratch I need for college. So I figured one…tiny little…delivery wouldn’t hurt….”

“Except it never made it, did it Marco?”

Marco gulped fearfully “I tried. I swear I tried but I was running out options. You high and mighty types judge us effortlessly without a care why we do what we do. I just wanted a clean life but evidently it was too much to ask for and now I’m up shit creek without a boat. I owe money I don’t have to a person you don’t want to be owing to and I got no way to pay it back. And college?”

Marco scoffed dismissively

“That’s more of a far off dream than seeing Jackie again.”

“Jackie?” Star asked curiously.

Marco’s face flushed red “Don’t you worry about that. Look, I don’t know what you were expecting looking for me but I ain’t got anything for you and I doubt you got anything for me.”

Star felt a surge of panic as Marco began to rise from his chair, his defeated weary face tugging at Star’s heartstrings and before she could help herself, the words came tumbling out of her mouth.

“I can get you the money!”

Star mentally smacked herself for blurting it out but it had done the trick: Marco stood there, a mixture of disbelief yet intrigue etched onto his face.

“You? You don’t even know how much I need bruv.” Marco scoffed yet remained still

“Take a seat and find out.”

Marco bit his cheek, unable to choose between the sweet temptation of the door and the alluring of the pretty stranger.

“Alright” Marco relented as he slowly returned to his seat “let’s say I do buy into this whole your my way out of this shitstorm I’m in cuz. If you ain’t a cop and you ain’t a crook, just what are you?”

“A Disney agent” Star replied with the smuggest of grins.

“A what now?” Marco shook his head out of its stupor “Hang on, you taking a piss? You ’re telling me you work at that glorified fairy tale shop what sells those cutesy little knick knacks and thingamajigs to fawning tourists?”

“Yes.” Star straightened in her chair “We belong to a secret organization that operates at the highest levels of discretion. Our mission is to ensure the safety and safeguard the well being of international security and stability of our planet.”

“You….are…mental” Marco rubbed his eyes tiredly “A'ight I’m done. I don’t know what sales pitching you trying to sell or if you’re having a bit fun with me but I’m done. I got far bigger problems than a mental polish girl and her make believe…”

“Here Mr. Diaz” Star gently removed her glasses and slid them over to him “Take the red pill. It’s a real eye opener”

Marco raised an eyebrow “Really? Outdated jokes luv? You’re lucky yous cute or else you wouldn’t be getting fa….”

Marco’s jaw slackened, his eyes wide as he gazed at the world through Star’s lens but he didn’t see the beautiful 25 year old woman sitting across from him, knowing smirk and gaze but rather a series of complex codes, phrases, jargon that made no sense to him. In the upper left hand corner was a live video feed of someone narrowly avoiding gunfire and next to that the glasses focused on Star’s face, zooming and enhancing as they began to run a facial recognition scan.

“Agent Rapunzel?” Marco murmured dumbfounded before blindly groping the air as Star snatched back her glasses.

“Proof enough Mr. Diaz?”

Marco stared blankly at the secret agent, unable to wrap his mind around what just occurred.

“……why do you need me?” Marco asked bluntly “If you these James Bond types, why you gotta go looking through the gutter for help?”

“Simply put” Star sighed anxiously “Something big is going to happen here on Mewni. Soon but aside the fact we’re getting reports indicating Mewni is the intended target, we have nothing else.”

“So you need crooks who’ve got their ear to the ground to help you” Marco nodded in understanding “Why me though? I ain’t exactly the most thuggish and my record isn’t the worst compared to some other blokes.”

Star pursed her lips, conflicted between telling a lie or revealing Jackie had sent her his way.

“Never mind”

Star blinked, unsure what just happened.

“It doesn’t matter” Marco told her “Either you did your homework, someone just told you I was the biggest loser in town or you just lucked out…..so what do you need from me?”

“Well Marco, heard any big scores coming in?”

“Big scores?” Marco rolled his eyes “You spies are really out of touch with reality. No one calls them that. You might as well be running down the streets screaming how you got your life savings in your pocket! See how long that’ll last you.”

“Ooookay” Star frowned “Have you heard anything big coming in?”

“Nah uh princess, that’s not how this works.”

Star frowned “Then how does this work Mr. Diaz?”

“…I want out.”

Star stared at Marco, unsure what exactly he meant by that.

“Mean…” Marco coughed hesitantly “I don’t want…this…” he gestured to himself pathetically “…Anymore. I….I don’t want none of this. I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder in case some thugs happen to stumble on me. I miss visiting my parents. You know how hard it is not to drive their street and check up on them outta fear some nasty blokes are casing place, waiting for you to show up?”

Star thought of her mother and how often she was tucked away in some sort of secret location that only she and Miss Skullnick knew. She thought of the last time she actually saw her mother, hugged her, talked to her more beyond the scope of business.

Star gave a short but understanding nod.

“The money I’ll figure out” Marco told her gently “This ain’t the first time I’ve had to make up some scratch I ain’t got but college….they’re ain’t going to let me in, not without some recommendation and if you being them cloak and dagger companies.”

“Wait a minute” Star cut in immediately “You can’t just…”

“Whoa, chill princess” Marco waved his hand “I didn’t mean make me one of them types or nothing. Shit, I doubt I’d be kept alive two seconds during your job. But you gotta have some pull right? Ways to make them posh academic types look the other way?”

Star shifted anxiously in her seat: She did in fact have a way to grant Marco’s request. However, it wasn’t as simple as calling the school of his choice and waving her I’m a secret agent privilege but rather…

“Do we have a deal?”

Star bit her lip. This was the closest lead she was going to get and while she would normally play for the country card, she had a sneaking suspicion Marco wouldn’t care if something happened to Mewni. Too many bad memories….

“Well do we have a deal?”

Star took a deep breath “Deal: You help stop whatever is going to happen and I’ll help you get a better life.”

“I felt like we’ve done this before” Marco muttered under his breath before offering his hand to Star.

Star stared at the gesture, unsure what exactly Marco wanted from her.

“Handsake? Ever heard of one miss posh?”

“Oh….oh” Star nodded in understanding “Of course I have Mr. Diaz, I was just confused why…”

“I don’t want you double crossing me” Marco interrupted hastily with a nervous tinge to his words “Promise me.”

“…Marco…”

“Promise me.”

Star felt guilt shift uneasily in the pit of her stomach at his plead, the vulnerability in his voice. He was at the end of his rope and he was literally taken a leap of faith on a complete stranger.

The wrong stranger.

“Okay Marco…” Star whispered softly “I promise.”

Marco’s eyes were no less guarded but his body visibly relaxed upon Star shaking his outstretched hand.

Marco took a deep calming breath “Okay. Rumor is Lucitor Electronics is looking for extra workers.”

Star raised a puzzled eyebrow “I’m sorry? I don’t quite follow…”

Marco shifted uncomfortably under Star’s gaze “Of course not, that’s the point. You see luv Lucitor Electronics have been known to….push certain products into the town. If they’re looking for extra workers then that’s street speak for we need something moved and we’ll pay great money for you to keep your moth shut.”

“Do you mean…?”

Marco gave a short nod “They’re asking for 2 dozen workers. That’s the largest amount of ‘help’ they’ve asked for in years. Only means one thing.”

“Whatever they’re moving” Star concluded “It’s big and probably dangerous.”

“Exactly. Next shipment comes in two weeks. Give me your number and I’ll contact you when it comes in.”

Star frowned at that idea but quickly scrawled her number on a napkin and gingerly handed it to Marco.

Marco seemed pretty unsure of himself. He rose to his feet quickly, his mouth opening and closing a few times before giving a curt nod and disappearing into the water veil that blanketed Star’s beloved Mewni.

Star carefully placed her glasses back onto her face, trying to ignore the sinking of her heart as Grumpy whispered quietly “She’s not going to be okay with this you know?”

“I know…..”

#star vs au #my story

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helthehatter · 7 years

Text

All Hearts Day

Fandom: Tangled

Pairing: Rapunzel, Eugene Fitzherbert

Rating: K

WC: 1,754

Summary: The two celebrate the Corona holiday of love.

All Hearts Day was a beloved Corona holiday. A time to express your affection to freinds, family, and lovers. And it was a time for people, no matter the social class, to fill the ball room of the Corona castle.

Queen Arianna sat in her throne, contently watching the sea of reds, pinks, and oranges spin and tip to the music. All the while pretending she didn't notice the crumbs in her husband's beard. King Frederic had always preferred the assortment of sweets that came with All Hearts Day over the dancing.

Arianna's eyes moved across teh crowd to spot a dot of purple in the red silks and fabrics. Despite being told of the custom color of All Hearts Day Rapunzel insisted on her favorite purple gown. Her mother imagined she had chosen the dress for comfort, this was her daughter's first All Hearts Day and she was nervous.

Rapunzel would be less nervous if she had Eugene at her side but the former thief had yet to appear. So instead she listend to the ladies gosspi and put up with the men flirting.

Eugene was currenlty in his room trying to look presentable for the celebration.

The only problem was that Maximus and Pascal wouldn't let him leave the room until they were satisified.

"My hair is combed," he told Pascal with blunt annoyance. The chameleon stayed rooted on his shoulder, comb in mouth.

Eugene blew air from hsi lips and took the comb, running the teeth through his hair once again. Meanwhile Maximus was in his walk in closet, sniffing around for what Eugene had no idea.

Until the horse clopped ot hsi side with a violet vest between his snow white teeth.

"We're suppose to wear red." Eugene already had on a burgundy vest that matched well with his white shirt and black pants.

But Maximus glowered and stepped closer, pushing the vest into the man's face. Eugene swiped the vest away. "Look I wanna make a good impression. You know, prove to Rapunzel's parents I'd be a good match for their daughter."

The two animals gave him a droll look and he scowled. "I know they like me but I want to show I can help Rapunzel rule! That I'll be a part of meetings adn social events adn whatever else royalty does. And part of htat is dressing right." He turned on his heel to walk out the door.

Maximus quickly blocked it before Eugene could take more than three steps. "Oh, come on really?"

"Where's that dashing man who always follows you around?" one of the bacherlettes of the party asked Rapunzel.

The princess smiled at Lady Drizella but inside she squirmed. The debutante was known for her shameless flirting and her obvious interest in Eugene. "He should be here soon."

"What's taking him?" Lady Miranda asked with concern. As the eldest of the bacherlettes she tended to take all the others under her wing.

"Probably finding the right clothes." Rapunzel had already sent Pascal and Maximus to fetch him and they were taking longer than expected. She quickly curtised and excused herself.

Walking toward her parents she glanced up at the second floor, hoping to spot Eugene coming down. She really wanted to celebrate All Hearts Day with him, spending their time dancing and kissing...

"Hello, Rapunzel," her mother greeted witha warm smile. "Enjoying the party?"

"It's nice," she said but with little heart. "I just..."

Arianna nodded knowingly. "You're waiting for your Prince Charming to come down and dance with you."

Rapunzel let out a soft sigh, but before she could reply her father spoke up: "You won't have to wait for long."

She followed the king's gaze to see Eugene being roughly pushed down the stairs by Maximus.

Smile lighting up her face Rapunzel picked up her skirts and rushed toward him, ignoring the few confused stares they both were recieving.

"You're wearing purple too?" was Eugenen's greeting. His own vest made her heart swell.

Rapunzel shrugged, "I thought it was more me." She spun in a circle so he could get a good look at it.

His trademark smirk sent butterflies fluttering. "It does suit you. And here I thought Max just wanted me to suffer." He sent the horse a look that clearly said a part of him still believed that. But Maximus only whinnied merrily and trotted up the stairs, a grinning and festively red Pascal riding bareback.

Rapunzel grabbed Eugene's hands and pulled him onto the dance floor, other dancers politely stepping back so they could have the middle of the room. "Happy All Hearts Day," she grinned up at him, cheeks rosy.

He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer, their temples kissing. "Happy All Hearts Day."

The music was a sweeping and graceful melody that beckoned the dancers to follow it. Eugene and Rapunzel intwined their hands, one on her hip and one on his shoulder as their feet moved across the golden marble.

While other couples gazed silenty at each other Eugene was whispering to Rapunzel, telling her the story of how Maximus had violently taken off his orginial vest.

"He wanted us to match," Rapunzel breathed with a smile.

"If only he could talk like the animals in fairy tales," Eugene said wistfully. "That whole scene would've gone much smoother." His eyes appraised her and Rapunzel couldn't help but be mildly surprised that he thought she was pretty. "But speaking of why are we wearing purple when everyone else are in reds and pinks?"

Her fingers lightly dug into the white cloth on his shoulder, "Purple's my lucky color. And since this is my first holiday as princess I thought I could use all the luck I could get."

"Hey, you have me," he winked. "I'm your number one lucky charm."

She giggled, "Yes, you are."

"Not that you need it," he added. "Everyone loves you. Almost as much as I do."

Her smile was bright as he dipped her, her vision full of shining chandeliers before he pulled her back to her feet. "By the way all the debutantes were wondering where you were."

"Really?" His eyes didn't stray from her. "How do you think they'd react if I told them I got mauled by a horse?"

She laughed again, "Go tell them. I'd love to see their faces."

They switched from topic to topic through three more songs. The tradition for the unmarried was to switch from partner to partner in the hopes of finding one that would click.

But Rapunzel and Eugene had no need to do that. The princess and the fromer thief were more than content in each other's arms and almost didn't notice when Frederic stood up to call for everyone's attention.

"It's time for the All Hearts Day meal!" his voice carried as a jubilant boom, blue eyes glittering in anticipation.

The meal was ninety-five percent cakes and pie, chocolates adn sugared fruit.

Rapunzel and Eugene sat at the head of one of the many long tables placed in the courtyard. The king and queen beside them.

While trying a sample of all the fancy dishes Rapunzel's eyes moved to teh starry sky above. It might have jsut been the festive cheer but she could've sworn there were even more stars out tonight, flashing like millions of diamonds.

Eugene suddenly leaned against her shoulder and whispered into her ear, "Don't look now but Max found the caramel apples."

Rapunzel followed his eyes to seethe large white horse at the other end of the table. He was pratically drooling on one poor duke's shoulder, eyes on a large plate of caramel apples.

"Remind me to save a few for him," Rapunzel whispered back, eyes searching for Pascal. She found the chamelon beign fond over by a group of ladies who offered him chocolate-covered strawberries.

Rapunzel looked to Eugene who was trying to eat with finesse. She let out an unexpected giggle, her mother turned to them and quickly joined in the chuckling.

He blinked at them. "What? Is there something on my face?"

"Actually yes." Rapunzel ran her thumb across hsi chin, dislogding crumbs.

"I'm afraid your father might be a bad influence on him," Arianna admitted. She looked at her husband with exasperated love in her green eyes. Frederic already had a beard full of blueberry pie.

"Give me a few days," Eugene insisted to Rapunzel. "I'll get teh knack of eating like royalty."

She smiled at him but her brow was furrowed, "Eat however you like."

The grin he gave her was especially afffectionate but he didn't say anything. Instead covered plates were placed before them, along with all the other guests.

"Oh I love this part of All Hearts Day," Arianna cooed, clapping her hands together. "Everyone is given a covered plate that could contain anything. Flowers, trinkets-"

"Sweets," Frederic added. His wife smacked his arm.

"Oh, Rapunzel's eyes alit with interest.

Eugene gave the silver domes a more criticial look, "Where do the gifts come from?"

"People all over the town," the queen answered. "And whoever recieves the gift is completely random. Though sometimes a couple will exchange the gifts they recieved." She gave the two a significant look, making Rapunzel blush.

With a wave of Frederic's hadn they and the guests removed the domes before them.

There was a chorus of collectives cooes adn giggles. Frederic had recieved a gold chain with a small sapphire decorated on it, and he wasted no time in placing it over his wife's head. Arianna handed him a small music boc in return.

On Rapunzel's plate was a single red flower that was shaped like a heart. "That's called the Lover's Rose," her mother whispered. "It's one of the rarest flowers in Corona."

Rapunzel could think of one other flower that was even more rare.

But before she could turn to Eugene he suddenly broke into laughter. His gift was a bejeweled comb. "This holiday has my king of humor," he stated. He offered her the comb with a flourish.

But instead of taking it Rapunzel leaned forward and placed the Lover's Rose behind his ear. "It brings our your eyes."

He took her hand and ran his thumb across her knuckles. "Well," he smiled. "I am the prettiest princess in all the land."

She smiled softly, she and Eugene were praticially nose to nose now. "Then what am I?"

"The girl who settled," his eyes shone with love.

"Never." Rapunzel leaned forward and kissed him.

#tangled #disney #valentine's day #rapunzel #eugene fitzherbert #love #fanfiction

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