Winter Moon (Jelsa)

Chapter 5: Rapunzel

"Is Berk, like, cold?" Rapunzel asked.

"Is that even a question?" Elsa countered.

"Maybe you should take a jacket," Rapunzel decided.

"I've told you already! The cold doesn't really bother me."

"Okay fine! What about this one?"

"Gods above, Punzie! I'm going on a weekend trip to Berk. Not a party."

Rapunzel chucked the sparkly sequined shirt across the room. "Why is it so hard to pack for a two day thing?"

"I don't really know what to expect," Elsa sighed.

Rapunzel eyed the canvas pack. There was a hoodie, a few t-shirts, a pair of jeans, leggings, and some clean socks and underwear. Elsa had also included a traditional Arendellian dress and cloak, just in case. They had somehow stuffed a few books and Elsa's homework in there as well.

"I wish I could go with you," Rapunzel complained, wondering when she would get the chance to do something exciting.

Elsa gave her a sad smile and didn't reply.

~ ~ ~

Rapunzel strode blithely down the corridor, her hair swinging in its heavy braid. After dinner and packing, Elsa, Jack, Astrid, and Hiccup had departed, looking for an independent skyship that didn't report its passengers to the Elites. 

Merida and Eugene had bid her goodnight after Rapunzel announced she was going to take a walk.

She emerged on to the empty skybridge between the two dormitories. It was relatively empty, save a few meandering older students. 

Despite everything, Skyara felt safe. It was the only place Rapunzel had ever known, and it was the only place she could call home. If it even was that.

But Rapunzel didn't want to feel safe. She wanted to feel free. Not locked up in a cage. She glanced at the Celestial Tower, glimmering like a beacon in the distance. That was the jewel of Skyara, the pride of the Elites.

"Hey, you're Rapunzel, right?"

Rapunzel turned and spotted Moana. "Yup, that's me. You're Moana, correct."

"Yes! Hey, uh, would you mind showing me the nearest restroom? I'm still getting lost," Moana asked rather bluntly. 

"Of course!" Rapunzel smiled at Moana. Despite the chill, Moana was wearing a cropped t-shirt and jean shorts along with sandals. It was a pretty bold choice for autumn weather.

Rapunzel herself had her favorite, over-sized purple sweater and a pair of sweatpants on, so she couldn't exactly judge. 

Fashion was always drastically different in every country. Arendelle was still in the floor-length gowns phase, while Corona, Moors, Cinder, Rose, and the First Kingdom had people wearing jeans and t-shirts. The Viking countries wore some pretty cool outfits.

The Second Continent was a different story. Moana probably came from around there.

"So, uh, which way?"

"Oh, yes," Rapunzel realized that she had spaced out. "Follow me."

Rapunzel showed Moana the location of the public restroom in the girl's dorms. "Here it is. It's probably empty around this time, but the staff never lock the door. It's available 24/7."

"Ah," Moana nodded in a very strange way. "Perfect."

"Well, bye," Rapunzel turned to vanish before the situation could get awkward.

Suddenly, she felt something yank hard on her hair. Rapunzel flew backward, limbs flailing for balance as a hand clapped over her mouth to keep her from screaming.

Moana, Rapunzel thought frantically.

Moana dragged Rapunzel into the restroom, shutting and locking the door. A look of pure hatred was burning in her eyes. 

Rapunzel thrust her head forward, hitting Moana in the chin. She bit back a moan of pain. Headbutting hurt! Moana staggered back, a hand to her jaw, and Rapunzel lunged for the door.

Recovering quickly, the other student grabbed Rapunzel's braid and pulled. Hard.

Rapunzel went cartwheeling backward, slamming into the linoleum tiles of the restrooms floor. Struggling to breathe, Rapunzel tried to sit up, roll to the side. Anything. 

Moana had something in her hand. It connected with Rapunzel's skull sending pain shooting through her head. 

The world blurred into darkness as Rapunzel lost consciousness.