As she watched him leave through the window, Rapunzel let out a soft sigh, clasping her hands together as she tried to soothe her racing heart. Lately, every encounter with Orion made her pulse throb uncontrollably, and even the slightest bit of closeness sparked a storm of emotions within her.
"So, if necessary, you'll steal me away..." she whispered, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "I truly hope you do."
The thought of traveling by Orion's side and their bond growing even deeper made her dream of a future full of possibilities. However, as she realized where her thoughts were heading, a deep blush burned her cheeks. She quickly flopped onto the bed, burying her head under the pillow.
"Rapunzel, what are you thinking?" she scolded herself in a muffled voice.
The next morning, after finishing his morning workout, Orion stepped out of his cave. This time, instead of heading straight for Rapunzel's tower, he crossed the cavern protecting her area and hid by the entrance, staying alert.
He knew that ever since arriving in this world and forging such a special bond with Rapunzel, he couldn't let things play out like they did in the original story. Besides, he couldn't deny that, like any normal man, he had begun to catch feelings for her. What man wouldn't, after spending nearly a year with such a beautiful girl? Even if it sounded a bit possessive, he wasn't going to let anyone else take her away. Firm in his resolve, he kept a sharp eye out for any potential threats.
Time passed without incident until a sudden shout shattered the silence, putting Orion on high alert. He looked toward the sound and saw a young man plummeting from the sky. Fortunately, his fall was broken by several branches and leaves that cushioned the impact.
The newcomer looked to be between twenty-four and twenty-six years old, of average height, with fair skin, short dark brown hair, and a scruffy goatee. His light brown eyes widened with relief when he saw that the bag he was carrying was still intact.
"That must be Flynn," Orion thought, watching the young man desperately check his bag before sighing in relief.
But before he could fully relax, another sound echoed through the air: the neighing of a horse. Orion spotted a majestic white horse, clearly hunting for Flynn, approaching with a steady gait. Desperate, Flynn ducked into the cave, waiting for his pursuer to move on. Finally, sensing the threat had passed, Flynn exhaled and ventured back out.
His eyes went wide as he spotted a strange tower nearby. A quick thought struck him: that place would be the perfect hideout.
With resolve, he headed toward the tower, intent on using it as a refuge, unaware that he was about to change both Rapunzel's destiny and his own.
"Bingo," Flynn whispered, excitement in his voice. However, just as he approached the tower, a heavy blow to the back of his head knocked him out instantly. Flynn slumped to the ground, and behind him stood Orion, holding a club and looking calmly at his victim.
"Should I send him to meet his maker?" Orion wondered for a moment, but he quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought. "If I do, I'll leave bloodstains on the ground, and that might alarm Rapunzel's so-called mother. Better to move him away from here and let him fend for himself."
With a plan in mind, Orion hoisted Flynn's unconscious body and carried him away from the tower. Although Flynn hung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, Orion's speed didn't falter in the slightest. After traveling a good distance, he reached a small cave near a stream—the ideal place to leave him.
"Alright, you're on your own from here," he thought, dropping Flynn without much ceremony. Orion then turned his attention to the bag Flynn had been protecting so fiercely. Upon opening it, he found a magnificent crown, clearly of immense value.
"This must be Rapunzel's crown," he murmured, admiring the delicate craftsmanship. "Her parents made it for her when she was born."
With a satisfied smile, he tucked the crown away into his storage space. "This will serve as a gift for Rapunzel, and at the same time, I'll be returning it to its rightful owner," he told himself, ready to head back.
While Orion was busy getting rid of Flynn, another visitor arrived at the tower. It was Gothel, Rapunzel's self-proclaimed mother, carrying a basket of fresh turnips.
"Hi! Good morning, Mother!" Rapunzel said enthusiastically, helping Gothel up along with her basket.
"Oh, Rapunzel, darling, I don't know how you do this without complaining. This must be so hard on you," Gothel commented, stroking Rapunzel's cheek with a seemingly affectionate smile.
….
(Dialogue between mother and daughter, as seen in the movie)
….
"Listen to me, the outside world is cruel," Gothel said, her gaze filled with mock concern as she gently stroked Rapunzel's golden hair. "There is always something that could go wrong: filthy ruffians, poisonous ivy... dangerous men with sharpened fangs who only want to scare and torment you. But you mustn't worry, my child. Mother will always be here to protect you."
Her tone was sweet, almost comforting, but there was an underlying hardness in her words that didn't go unnoticed. She leaned in a little closer, her voice taking on a soft but firm edge.
"Rapunzel, don't ever ask to leave this tower again."
"Yes, Mother," Rapunzel replied, though her voice lacked any enthusiasm.
She cast her green eyes toward the floor. Unintentionally, Orion's image flashed in her mind, and a spark of joy ignited in her heart. She thought of his smile, his warmth, and how he always seemed to defy the darkness of her confinement.
He's not scary... and he doesn't have giant fangs, she thought to herself, recalling Orion's promise: "Even if she doesn't let you, I'll come to steal you away." A small, shy smile played on her lips, but she quickly hid it, fearing Gothel might notice.
Gothel, however, was too busy ensuring her lesson had sunk in. Seeing Rapunzel nod meekly, she smiled with satisfaction, her expression once again maternal and protective. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to the girl's forehead.
"I love you very much, my child," she said, her words dripping with a calculated affection.
"I love you too, Mother," Rapunzel replied, trying her best to sound convincing.
With her mission accomplished, Gothel prepared to leave. As usual, Rapunzel let her long hair fall from the window, and her "mother" used it to descend with ease. Gothel walked away from the tower with her characteristic confident stride, slowly disappearing among the trees of the forest.
Rapunzel watched Gothel's figure fade into the distance, and only then did she allow her shoulders to relax. A sigh escaped her lips as her eyes turned toward the horizon. She yearned for something more—something beyond those walls, something that only Orion seemed able to offer.
But before she could get lost in her thoughts, a familiar and vibrant voice cut through the air beside her:
"Looks like I'll have to steal you away after all."
Rapunzel jumped, quickly whipping her head toward the tower's ceiling. There, with a knowing smirk on his face, was Orion, crouched and ready for adventure. His eyes gleamed with excitement, and the wind toyed with his hair.
"Orion!" Rapunzel whispered, her voice a mix of relief and surprise.
He gave her a knowing look as he hopped nimbly down to the floor. Without wasting a moment, he handed her a pair of suitcases he had brought along, making the young woman's eyes widen in wonder.
"Pack whatever you want to take," Orion told her, his voice full of excitement. "We're leaving soon."