Strangled

Part 1

Rapunzel is merely five years old playing with her dolls on the floor. Her father, the king, played with her. He would take a short break from working for his kingdom. He decided to spend time with his daughter and wife. The queen brushes Rapunzels hair back, humming softly. All is calm. All is happy.

Then a guard bursts into the room. "Your Majesty, the palace is on fire! I must escort you to safety immediately!" He shouts.

The queen reaches for Rapunzel so she can carry her. Rapunzel starts weeping, she buries her face into her mothers shoulder for comfort. The king, queen, Rapunzel, and the guard hurry through the halls. The guard turns the corner, and is out of view when he lets out an ear shattering scream. Then, a masked figure darts around the corner and runs a sword through the king, piercing through his heart. Hes dead before he can make a sound. A corpse, before he even hits the ground. The queens eyes widen as she watches her husband bleed onto the marble floor of their palace. Her resounding sob is heartbreaking. Rapunzel clutches onto her mother. The queen has to pry Rapunzels small hand off her.

"Rapunzel, you have to go and run!" The queen shouts, her voice filled with pure desperation. Rapunzel is about to protest and refuse to take one step without her beloved mother. Although the queen falls to her knees with a choked scream. The masked figure returns, throwing a torch onto the queen's gown. The masked figure was burning Rapunzels mother alive in front of her very eyes.

"GO!" the queen screams. Her last words, before she collapses onto the ground, and the flames consume her. Rapunzel screams but the killers dark eyes look down at Rapunzel. She turns her back on her mother and does as she's told. Pure terror is all that drives Rapunzel as she runs for her life. The murderer of her parents follows.

Rapunzels palace, her home, comes undone before her. Bright brilliant orange flames devoured the structure of her home. Her walls crumbled, collapsed, and caved in on themselves. Screams resounded from all over the palace. It was not a singular fire, but multiple burning together to bring down the palace. These flames were an intentional attack on the palace and the person who planned it all was no doubt the pair of feet that chased Rapunzal through the chaos of the castle. The destruction surrounding Rapunzel blurred together as she wept, desperately trying to find a way out. Black smoke threatened to choke Rapunzel if she didnt hurry. If the flames didn't kill her, then it would be the fumes. If it wasnt the fumes, it would be the dark shadow that loomed behind her.

Finally, Rapunzel evades the flames and escapes the palace. The smell of smoke and ash clings to her. Although she keeps running as her castle falls. Rapunzel runs until exhaustion forces her to stop. She collapses onto the floor of a forest, alternating between sobs and coughs. Lurking in the darkness, the killer of her parents watches her, before she makes an appearance.

"Little girl? What has happened to you? Are you quite alright?" The killer calls in an innocent voice. Rapunzel is unsuspecting as she looks up.

"My home was on fire, my parents- my parents are dead." Rapunzel croaks.

"Fear not little one. Come with me, for I will provide you shelter." The killer promises. "What is your name?"

"Rapunzel. What is yours?" Rapunzel asks. The killer smiles.

"You may call me Mother Gothel."

Years later

I crouch in the concealment of the underbrush in the forest. My every focus is centered on a deer at the edge of my perception. I shift as silently as possible so the deer is in front of me. "I'm sorry deer, but your loss is my gain." I pull the bow up and pull the string back with an arrow. I narrow my eyes at the deer and aim. Im ready to let the arrow fly, but the deer falls before I shoot. I stand abruptly to get a better view. The deers blood spills from a gaping wound in its head. An arrow had struck its head, but I wasnt the one to execute it.

"I'm sorry if I stole your dinner." a voice from behind me announces. I whirl around. "But your loss is my gain, am I right?" I'm face to face with a man. Hes awfully close, so I step back slightly. I can tell hes taller than me, but his shoulders are slightly arched, so I know hes slouching. His hair is a light brown, but I can guess it only looks lighter because the sun is broadly lit above him. His nose looks like its been badly broken once, but while it seems to be healed now it looks slightly askew. When I fail to respond, he continues.

"Seems like you have excellent aim, but in future I would shoot a little quicker. You never know when a handsome stranger is going to sweep in and shoot first." He advises, referring to my hunting skills.

"I didn't ask for your advice." I snap.

"Of course, I apologize for assuming you would want my expert advice. Excuse my mistake." he replies. I'd run into very few people in the woods before, but this man was by far the most infuriating.

"Lucky shot." I hiss back. He gasps dramatically and puts a hand on his chest.

"You aren't- no you wouldnt, judge my hunting skills?" He fakes an exaggerated cry. "That really takes a hit to my self esteem. I just really value your opinion. This is truly heartbreaking." He sneered.

"My sincerest apologies. I truly meant no offense." I say laying it in thick, my voice bittersweet.

"Apology accepted." He says laughing. I roll my eyes.

"What's your name?"

"Why don't you tell me yours first?" I inquire. He frowns slightly, for the first time losing his confidence.

"Flynn Rider." He offers. His smile returns. "Now your turn."

"I'll pass, thank you. I should actually be on my way." I responded.

"So soon? We've only just met." He or Flynn Rider criticizes.

"Yes unfortunately, I met you." I remark. Flynn Rider laughs.

"Fine I'll be on my way as well then." He starts to walk off.

"Wait! I called back." Flynn Rider stops with a smile.

"Miss me already?" He questions.

"Absolutely not. I only- you forgot the deer you shot due to your excellent hunting skills." I remind him.

"Keep it." I prefer elk anyway. Flynn Rider informs me with a shrug.

"Then why shoot it?" I press.

"To one up you, of course". He gives me a wink as he strides away before I can respond. How can someone manage to be so arrogant? It would be a waste to leave the deer here, but it feels almost embarrassing to take it. Pride doesnt provide a full belly, I think with a sigh.