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Chapter 36-
Rapunzel's Enemy
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The emblem is tossed back and forth in your hands. That didn't bother you, but the conversation you had with Varian had bothered you.

“How do you know that lullaby?” Varian asked from below.

You lay on the top bunk, “I've heard it before, but I don't know where. I think…...I heard it every night.”

Varian hums, “That's my mom's lullaby.”

You slightly jump when Varian's head pops up, “Do you think you were here before? I mean, you and I are close to the same age.”

You turn on your side to face him, “Possibly.”

He smiles, “Well I do hope we did somehow meet when we were younger. That would be amazing.”

You laugh quietly, “Yeah, that would be amazing.”

You're sitting in your room at the castle now after you helped Old Corona fix Quirin’s home, the King had requested you come back for a festival today.

“We have much to celebrate for this year's Good Will Gopher Grab!” King Frederick spoke then looks to you with a smile.

You're holding a rope and smile, still nervous of the crowd, “Not only is this the 500th Anniversary, but we commemorate this Princess Rapunzel’s first festival!”

Everyone cheers and Frederick winks at Rapunzel who grins happily at him before he continues, “To mark this joyous event, our Princess has redesigned the Gopher Grab seal of Good Will!”

You pull up the tarp to reveal the new seal, even though you like the new design, you knew a certain jolly candy man would disagree.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of Corona, Princess Rapunzel!”

Rapunzel waves and smiles in thanks, “Thank you so much. You're all too kind.”

Everyone cheers and wave to Rapunzel. You smile and you're glad everyone likes her, well maybe Lady Crowley just a little.

“BOO!”

Your eyes widen at the familiar yell and King Frederick narrows his eyes in confusion.

“And a BOO to you too, Sir!” Rapunzel says cheerfully.

You look at her in confusion then you realize, the way she spoke meant she didn't know what a boo is.

Quickly, the crowd is dismissed and do whatever they want until the Gopher Grab starts. You quickly run down and pass the crowds to head to Monty's.

You can see he's busy as you step into the shop and squeeze by to go behind the counter. “Hi, Monty.” You say and sit on the extra stool he had.

“(____)! It's so nice to see you again! Hopefully you haven't been getting into trouble.” He happily helps a customer, but still has his attention to you.

You smile and help too, then think back to the incident in Old Corona, “Uh well….no.” You chuckle sheepishly.

“I sense hesitance.” Monty leans on the counter and turns to you, “I know kids your age get into trouble. I won't stop you, but all I ask is to be careful.” He smiles warmly before helping another customer.

You giggle, “Alright.”

The crowd slightly dies down, so Monty turns to the framed ribbons and sighs. “So what brings you here?” He smiles at you.

“It's a quick question is all.”

“Shot.”

You grin sheepishly, “Did you mean to boo, Rapunzel?”

“Yes.” Monty said quickly and truthfully, “I mean, the Princess changed the seal. How could I not? Her free spirit has a total disregard for tradition!” He stops and smiles apologetically, “I mean, no offense to the others who have free spirits.”

You giggle, “I'm sure there's none taken.” You hum, “Though, the Princess doesn't know what a Boo means.”

Monty blinks then laughs, “You've got to be kidding me! I'm still going to say boo.”

You glance toward the time and pout, “Well I should go see if Gregorio is doing okay.”

“Thanks for not judging me while I vent, (____).” Monty says and hugs you, “Make sure that Gopher is being well taken care of.”

You smile and hug back, “I will. See you later, I still need candy.”

The tent near the small arena for the Gopher Grab held Gregorio’s home and necessities. You walk in just as Eugene and Rapunzel come behind you.

“What does boo mean?” Rapunzel asks.

Cass is done setting up Gregorio’s things and answers without a care, “It means someone hates you.”

You see Rapunzel’s eyes widen.

Eugene sits on a chair, holding an apple and gives Cass an are you serious look, “Way to candy-coat it, Cassandra.”

“Why wouldn't someone like me? What could I have done to this person?”

“Rapunzel, who cares? Not everyone has to like you. That's part of life.” Eugene says.

“Eugene's right. Someone could not like you for any number of reasons.” Cass picks up Gregorio and smirks, “For instance, maybe you have a stupid goatee that makes you look ridiculous and someone might not like you for that.”

You couldn't help to laugh and Eugene scoffs, “You know, Cassandra, it's hard to take your insults seriously when you're holding that thing.”

Gregorio grunts as Cass brushes him and you cross your arms, “This thing is important, especially to Cass.”

“See, Gregorio the Good Will Gopher represents half a millennium of honor and tradition throughout this kingdom.” You wave to the paintings on the wall. “That's what I learned anyway.”

“So the rat-”

“Gopher!” Cassandra corrected Eugene while glaring.

“Yeah, whatever, so I don't see what the big deal is with the ‘Gopher’.”

You facepalm, “Eugene, for your information, Gregorio and the Gopher Grab is a Corona institution.”

Cass nods, “Which is why I was entrusted with the mascot’s caretaker because it is a mark of HALLOWED esteem.” She smiles proudly.

Eugene doesn't seem impressed and you hear Gregorio grunt like he- yes, he did and right on Cass. “Uh….Cass?”

“Yeah, that's special. He just pooped on you.” Eugene states and walks to Rapunzel.

You roll your eyes at him and take the gopher, “Here.” Gregorio chitters happily and nuzzles close go you ,which you chuckle.

Cass quickly cleans her shirt, “Thanks.” She takes him back and continues brushing.

“Yeah, she's not going to let it go.” Eugene sighs when Rapunzel leaves quickly.

You didn't hear the conversation, but you knew Rapunzel isn't going to let go of Monty booing her.

“Nope, not letting it go.”

You felt bad, but Rapunzel did need to learn that not everyone will like you. “It's kind of weird that Uncle Monty hates Rapunzel, especially how sweet he is.”

Cassandra and Eugene turn to you with surprised expressions and speak at the same time, “Wait, Uncle Monty?”

You blink and grin a bit, “It's scary that you two spoke at the same time.”

“Are you sure it was Uncle Monty?” They said unsure.

“If you talked to him and knew Monty like I do, then you'd understand his reasons why he doesn't like her.” You shrug like it's no big deal.

“I should check on Blondie now.” Eugene chuckles then runs out.

“Since we're alone, what's up with the gloves?” Cass takes out a toothbrush.

You sit on the chair and sigh, “Cassandra. I hate keeping things from you, but please trust me on this. It's something I have to figure out on my own.”

She groans, “More secrets, but okay. Remember you have friends who will help you if you need it.”

“I know.”

After awhile, Cass growls in annoyance while brushing Gregorio's teeth, “Ugh! These berry stains are impossible.”

Eugene comes in, “I just don't get it. Why can't Rapunzel let it go?” He paces around and you watch him. “Okay, so one person doesn't like her. Who cares?”

“I know, I mean, only one person does like you and you're okay with that.” Cass stops and takes Gregorio in her arms, while smirking.

“Exac- wait a minute. I see what you did there.” Eugene grins, catching himself and you snicker.

“I gotta go get lotion for his paws, can you watch him for a few minutes?” She hands Gregorio to Eugene.

He holds him away a bit disgusted, “Oh, are you sure I could be trusted with this hallowed Corona institution?”

“I was talking to the Gopher and (____).” Cass walks out.

You laughed and Eugene huffs then goes to the table. He spots the bimberries and picks a handful, “Hm….” He eats it and you take away the bowl before he got more.

“Whoa! No, Eugene. Down boy, these aren't for you.” You put the bowl under Gregorio's bed.

“Wha- I am NOT a dog.” Eugene said, seeming offended.

“Then why did Cass tell Gregorio and I to watch you?”

Eugene growls lowly, “Fine. I'll just go find dimberries of my own.” He hands you Gregorio and walks out.

You blink then roll your eyes, “BIM-berries, Eugene!”

“There's no difference!” He yells back.

You scoff, “No wonder why he's going for DIM-berries. He's so DIM witted sometimes.”

“I've got the lotion.” Cass comes in and raises a brow. “Where's Fitzherbert?”

“Off on a long Journey of Dim-Wittedness.” You sarcastically say and Cass laughs.

“Fitting.”

You grin, “I have to get going and see if Uncle Monty needs help before I come back again.” You head to the tent opening and nearly run into Eugene.

“Hey!” Eugene complains, dropping half of his berries, “Look where you're going next time.”

You stick your tongue out at him and he does the same to mock you. You laugh and head out.

“Kids.” Eugene says then eyes the bowl of bimberries. Stealthily, he takes the bowl and switches the berries, so he could eat the ones for Gregorio.

“It's not like there's a difference.” Eugene grins and gets comfortable in a lounge chair.