Tangled in a Knot

16. Every Journey Comes to a Conclusion

Eugene and Cassandra huffed and puffed with their hands on their knees. 

"How much farther?" Eugene asked. 

Cassandra pulled out the map of Pittsford. "We are right here," she pointed to the exact point to where they were at the moment. "which happens to be six miles from Pittsford." 

"So, it's not that far away!" Rapunzel said. "Come on! Let's get going!" 

"Rapunzel, we need to rest," Cassandra said. "We aren't like you --- able to run endlessly and go on without rest for an infinite amount of time. Please understand this." 

"But-- but it's only 8:45 P.M.! It's not even that late yet! We don't even have to go to bed if we don't want to!" Rapunzel said. "Look, the sun is still in the process of setting! That means we get to enjoy the beautiful pinkish sky for the next 15 minutes or so." 

"When did you get so good at astronomy?" Cassandra said. "Don't tell me. You picked something up from hanging out with Nuru earlier today." 

"No," Rapunzel replied. "In fact, I have always charted the stars while I was in the tower. At least I wasn't restricted of looking out the window. She wasn't that mean." 

Cassandra chuckled. "Really now? The bitch who abused both of us wasn't that mean?" 

"I was being sarcastic," Rapunzel said. "You should learn it sometime." 

"I'm the Queen of Sarcasm, Rapunzel," Cassandra said. "If you haven't noticed already." 

Rapunzel crossed her arms and wore a smug smile upon her face. "Then where's your crown?" 

Cassandra grabbed Rapunzel by the waist and pulled her to the ground. 

"Wow! You're quick!" Rapunzel said, blushing. 

"Perks of being a sword-fighter and part of the Royal Guard," Cassandra said, pulling Rapunzel up, but closer to her face. "You're feeling hot, Raps? Is something the matter?" 

"N-n-no! N-n-nothing a-a-at a-a-all!" Rapunzel stammered, her face now blushed completely red like a tomato. 

"Good," Cassandra said, kissing  Rapunzel passionately. 

Cassandra then pulled Rapunzel away, both young women assuming their original positions. 

Before they knew it, they were in the Industry Kingdom, Pittsford. Hopefully they didn't run into people such as Donella and Cyrus. 

"Whoa! Look at this place! It's incredible!" Rapunzel said, looking around. "We should get looking around!" 

"Wait up, Raps. From what Hugo said, this place is crawling with unknown dangers," Cassandra said. "I can't allow you to go off by yourself. You must have me and Eugene by your side at all times --- no questions asked. Do you understand?" 

"Oh come on, Cassandra! There's no way they still inhabit this place!" Rapunzel said. 

"You can't be so sure, Blondie," Eugene said. 

"Have any of you ever heard of thinking positive?" Rapunzel said. "You should try it sometime." 

They did not utter a word or even argue. In fact, they just stayed quiet right after Rapunzel said that. 

* * *

After exploring Pittsford, it was time to get home. So Cassandra whipped out the map back to Corona.  And home they all headed so it did not get too late.