Flynn Rider - A Thief's Tale: Part 2 Of 2

In this thrilling conclusion to Flynn and Rapunzel's journey, secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested. As the pair grows closer, Flynn grapples with his growing feelings and the weight of his past. Rapunzel's magical abilities come to light, adding a new layer of complexity to their adventure.

This is Part 2 and the end of their story.

Transcript

Welcome back. The continuation of this sleep story is based on Disney's Tangled, The story of Rapunzel, But continuing to be told from the view of Flynn Rider. This will conclude the story. Please find a comfortable place to sit or lie down as we continue visiting this magical land. Water was rising fast in the cave. Rapunzel and I searched frantically for a way out, Our hands scraping against rough stones. It's no use, I gasped, Coming up for air. I can't see anything. Then something unexpected happened. Rapunzel took a deep breath and started to sing. Flower gleam and glow, Let your power shine. To my amazement, Her hair began to glow, Illuminating the cave with a soft golden light. I was so shocked I nearly swallowed a mouthful of water. Her hair glows. Her hair actually glows. Why does her hair glow? Eugene, Rapunzel called out, Ignoring my bewilderment, What? It doesn't just glow. Before I could process that cryptic statement, I noticed her hair was being pulled towards a pile of rocks. We swam over and started digging. Just as the water reached the cave ceiling, We broke through, Tumbling out into the riverbank in a cascade of water and gasping breaths. As we caught our breath on the shore, I couldn't help but stare at Rapunzel. So you're being strangely cryptic as you wrap your magic hair around my injured hand. She winced. Please don't freak out. I watched, Stunned, As she sang that song again. Her hair glowed once more and I felt a warm tingling in my hand. When she unwrapped it, The cut was gone, Completely healed. I'm not freaking out, I said, My voice unnaturally high. Are you freaking out? No, I'm just interested in your hair and the magical qualities it possesses. How long has it been doing that, Exactly? Rapunzel sighed. Forever, I guess. My mother says when I was a baby, People tried to cut it. They wanted to take it for themselves, But once it's cut, It turns brown and loses its power. She pulled back her hair to reveal a short brown lock, A gift that it has to be protected. That's why I never left and. . . She trailed off and I felt a ping in my chest. All her life she'd been hidden away, Told the world was too dangerous. And here she was, Out in the world, Trusting me, A thief, With her secret. You never left that tower? I finished softly. She nodded, Looking vulnerable in a way that made me want to protect her. Which was ridiculous, Flynnrider doesn't protect people, He looked out for himself. But maybe, Just maybe, Eugene Fitzherbert did. I cleared my throat. You're still not going to tell my nose why you're so cryptic, Are you? She laughed, The tension breaking. So Eugene Fitzherbert, Huh? I groaned. Ah, Yeah, I'll spare you the sob story of a poor orphan Eugene Fitzherbert. It's a little bit of a downer. But to my surprise, Rapunzel scooted closer. Her eyes wide with interest. So I found myself telling her about the orphanage, About the book that inspired me to become Flynnrider. As I spoke, I realized I'd never shared this with anyone before. I'm sorry, Rapunzel said softly when I finished. That must have been hard. I shrugged, Trying to play it cool. Eh, You can't miss what you never had, Right? She placed her hand on mine and I felt a warmth that had nothing to do with her magical hair. I think you missed out on a lot, Eugene. But you know what? So did I. Maybe, Maybe we can make up for the lost time together. I looked into her eyes, Seeing a mix of hope, Determination, And something else I couldn't quite name. In that moment, I realized I was in dangerous territory. Flynnrider didn't do feelings. Flynnrider didn't care about lost princesses with magic hair. But Eugene Fitzherbert, He was starting to care. A lot. I should, Um, I should get some more firewood, I said, Standing up abruptly. As I walked into the woods, I tried to shake off these unfamiliar feelings. I had a plan, Get the crown, Get rich, Live my dream. But now, Looking back at Rapunzel sitting by the fire, Her hair glowing softly in the twilight, I wasn't so sure what my dream was anymore. I hadn't gone far into the woods when I heard a voice in the distance. Well, I thought he'd never leave. I peered around a tree and saw an older woman speaking to Rapunzel. I could hear her gasp, Mother? This must have been the evil woman who had kept her up in that tower. I sat quietly and listened. I watched as Rapunzel tried to explain, To justify her adventure, But the old woman wasn't having it. She produced the satchel, My satchel, The one with the crown inside. I could hear her say, This is why he's here, Give it to him, Watch, You'll see. I felt my heart sink, The crown, My ticket to wealth and freedom. But as I looked at Rapunzel's confused face, I realized it didn't matter anymore, None of it did. I heard Rapunzel say she would give it to me, Surprising both me and the woman. I'll give him the crown and prove you wrong. The old woman's face darkened. If he's lying, Don't come crying to me, She hissed before disappearing into the shadows. I made my way back to the campfire, My mind racing. Rapunzel looked at me, Her eyes full of conflicting emotions. So, I said, Trying to keep my voice light, What's the plan for tomorrow? Rapunzel hesitated. I think it's time to see those lanterns. We settled in for the night, But sleep eluded me. I kept thinking about the crown, About Rapunzel's trust in me, About the way my heart raced when she smiled. I was in deep, And I knew it. The next morning we set off for the kingdom. As we approached the bridge leading into the city, Rapunzel froze. Hey, I said gently, You okay? She took a deep breath. I've been looking out a window for eighteen years, Dreaming of what I might find when those lights rise in the sky. What if it's not everything I dreamt it would be? I looked at her, This girl who had turned my world upside down in just a couple of days. It will be, I assured her. And what if it is? What do I do then? I smiled. Well, That's the good part, I guess. You get to go find a new dream. As we walked into the bustling city, I watched Rapunzel's face light up with wonder. Every sight, Every sound was new to her. We danced in the town square, Sampled treats from the market, And even got to help some local kids create a massive chalk mural. As the day wore on, I found myself forgetting about the crown, About my plans for wealth and solitude. All that mattered was Rapunzel's joy, Her excitement at experiencing the world for the first time. Finally, As the sun began to set, I led her to a small boat. Best day of your life? I asked as we pushed off from the shore. I figured you should have a decent seat. Rapunzel's eyes shimmered with anticipation. This is it, She whispered. And then it began. The first lantern rose from the castle, Followed by thousands more. The sky filled with floating lights, Just like in Rapunzel's dreams. As we sat in the boat, Surrounded by the glowing lanterns, Rapunzel turned to me. I have something for you, She said softly, Producing the satchel with the crown. I looked at the crown, Then back to her. In that moment, I knew, The crown, My old dream, It all paired in comparison to what I felt for Rapunzel. I should have given it to you before, But I was just scared, She admitted. And the thing is, I'm not scared anymore. You know what I mean? I pushed the satchel aside. I'm starting to, I said, Taking her hands in mine. As we leaned in, Our faces inches apart, I felt a peace I'd never known before. This was it. This was what I'd been searching for all along. But our moment was interrupted by a sight on the shore. The Stabbington brothers, My former partners in crime. They held up a green lantern, Our signal. Is everything okay? Rapunzel asked, Noticing my distraction. I looked at her, Then back at the shore. I had to protect her. I'm sorry, I said. Everything is fine, There's just something I have to take care of. I rode the boat to the shore, My mind racing. I had to deal with the Stabbington brothers, To keep Rapunzel safe. I'll be right back, I promised, Grabbing the satchel with the crown. Rapunzel looked worried, But she nodded. Okay. I made my way to where I'd seen the brothers, The weight of the crown heavy in my hands. Ah, There you are, I called out, Trying to sound casual. I've been searching everywhere for you guys since we got separated. Hey, The sideburns are coming in nice, Huh? Gotta be excited about that. They didn't respond, Just glowered at me, Menacingly. I sighed. Anyhow, I just wanted to say, I shouldn't have split. The crown is all yours. I tossed the satchel to them. I'll miss you, But I think it's for the best. As I turned to leave, One of them spoke. Holding out on us again, Eh, Ryder? I froze. What? We've heard you've found something, Something more valuable than the crown. The other brother sneered. We want her instead. My blood ran cold. They knew about Rapunzel's hair. I opened my mouth to protest, To negotiate, Anything, But before I could speak, Something hard hit the back of my head, And everything went black. When I came to, I was tied to a boat, The crown fastened to my hand. I could hear guards approaching. Rapunzel, I muttered, Struggling against the ropes, But it was too late. The guards were upon me. Look, The crown, One of them shouted. As they dragged me away, My mind was filled with only one thought, Rapunzel. I had to get back to her, To warn her, To protect her. Meanwhile, Rapunzel waited anxiously on the shore. Eugene? She called out, Her voice trembling. Suddenly, She saw two hulking figures approaching through the mist. Relief flooded her, Until she realized it wasn't me. He's gone, One of the Stabbington brothers growled. What? Rapunzel's voice was barely a whisper. He took the crown and left. He played you, Blondie. Rapunzel's world shattered. She ran, Tears streaming down her face, Calling my name, But I wasn't there to answer. Just when all seemed lost, A familiar voice called out. Rapunzel? Mother? Rapunzel sobbed, Collapsing into her mother's arms. Oh, My precious girl, Stroking Rapunzel's hair. I tried to warn you. The world is dark and selfish and cruel. If it finds even the slightest ray of sunshine, It destroys it. As her mother led a heartbroken Rapunzel back to the tower, I was being thrown into a prison cell. Let me out, I shouted, Rattling the bars. You don't understand, She's in trouble. But my pleas fell on deaf ears. As the reality of my situation sank in, I slumped against the wall. I had failed her. After everything we'd been through, After finally understanding what truly mattered, I had let Rapunzel down. Little did I know, The truth was far more sinister than either of us realized. Back in the tower, As Rapunzel sat despondently on her bed, She noticed something. The kingdom's sun symbol, Hidden in her paintings. As she looked closer, More and more of them appeared, Triggering a flood of long-buried memories. I'm a long-lost princess, She gasped, The realization hitting her like a thunderbolt. Her mother tried to dismiss her claim, But Rapunzel stood her ground. It was you, She accused. You took me from my real family. As the full extent of her mother's betrayal became clear, Rapunzel's world turned upside down once again. She wasn't just a girl with magical hair, She was the lost princess of Corona, Stolen as a baby by a woman who only wanted her for her power. Meanwhile, In my cell, I was visited by an unlikely group of allies, The thugs from the snuggly duckling. We've come to break you out, Hookhand whispered. As they helped me escape, My mind was focused on one thing, Getting back to Rapunzel. I had to make things right, To tell her the truth, To save her from whatever danger she was in. I raced through the forest on the back of Maximus, The horse who had once been my pursuer and was now my unlikely ally. The wind whipped through my hair as we galloped towards Rapunzel's tower, My heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. I had to reach her, I had to explain, Had to make sure she was safe. As the tower came into view, I leapt off of Maximus and ran to the base. Rapunzel, I shouted, My voice echoing in the quiet clearing. Rapunzel, Let down your hair. There was no response, Panic rising in my chest as I began to climb the tower, My fingers scraping against the rough stone. Just as I reached the window, A cascade of golden hair tumbled down. Relief flooded through me as I grabbed onto it and pulled myself up. Rapunzel, I thought I'd never see you again. I gasped as I climbed through the window, But the sight that greeted me turned my blood to ice. Rapunzel was chained and gagged, Her eyes wide in terror. Before I could react, A soaring pain shot through my side. I looked down to see a dagger protruding from my abdomen, Her mother's hand on the hilt. Now, Look what you've done, Rapunzel, She said coldly. Oh, Don't worry, Dear, Our secret will die with him. As I collapsed to the floor, Rapunzel struggled against her chains. Oh, She cried, Her voice muffled by the gag. Her mother turned to drag Rapunzel away, But she resisted. If you let me save him, I'll go with you, Rapunzel pleaded, Having managed to remove her gag. I'll never run, I'll never try to escape, Just let me heal him and you and I will be together, Forever, Just like you want, Everything will be the way it was, I promise, Just like you want, Just let me heal him. I wanted to tell her no, To refuse her sacrifice, But the pain was overwhelming. Her mother considered for a moment, Then nodded. She unchained Rapunzel, But kept me shackled to the floor. Eugene, Rapunzel cried, Rushing to my side, Oh, I'm sorry, Everything is going to be okay though. No, Rapunzel, I managed to gasp out, I promise, You have to trust me, She said, Her eyes filling with tears. No, I repeated, My voice stronger, I couldn't let her do this, Couldn't let her sacrifice her freedom for me. With the last of my strength, I reached up and grabbed a shard of broken mirror nearby. I can't let you do this, And before she could stop me, I sliced through her hair, Cutting away the magic that had kept her captive for so long. Eugene, What? Rapunzel gasped, Watching in horror as her hair turned brown, The magic fading away. No, Her mother screamed, Frantically gathering the cut hair, But it was too late, The magic was gone, And with it, Her youth. She staggered backwards, Aging rapidly, And fell out of the tower window, Disappearing into dust before she even hit the ground. No, No, No, Rapunzel sobbed, Cradling my face in her hands. Eugene, Why did you do that? I smiled weakly. You were my new dream, I whispered, And you were mine, She replied, Tears streaming down her face. As my eyes began to close, I heard Rapunzel's voice, Soft and desperate, Singing the healing incantation one last time. Flowers gleam and glow, Let your power shine. I felt a warmth spreading through me, Different from before, But somehow familiar. When I opened my eyes, Rapunzel was looking down at me, Her now short brown hair framing her tear-stained face. Rapunzel? I murmured, Reaching up to touch her cheek. Eugene, She cried, Throwing her arms around me. As we embraced, I realized that this was it, This was the dream I'd been searching for all along. Not wealth, Not adventure, But love, Pure, Selfless love. We made our way down from the tower, Ready to face whatever came next, Together. Rapunzel was nervous about meeting her real parents, About taking on her role as the princess, But I assured her that we'd figure it out together. And so, That's how Flynn Rider died, And Eugene Fitzherbert got the girl. Or rather, How the lost princess found a thief, And they both found their true selves. It wasn't the ending I expected when I first climbed that tower, But it was better than any ending I could have imagined. As we rode towards the kingdom, Rapunzel's arms wrapped around my waist, And the wind in our hair, I knew that our greatest adventure was just beginning, And I couldn't wait to see where it would take us.