Guardians Of The Universe

The Near Mirrored Version

Rapunzel made her way back into the woods. She shivered; it was colder in her nightgown among the trees. She remembered how Flynn had gathered firewood for a campfire to keep them warm and safe when they first walked together. Determined to fend for herself, she went about collecting sticks and kindling, her hands trembling slightly as the chill settled into her bones.

As the fire began to ignite, casting warm light against the encroaching darkness, she saw something unexpected in the flickering flames—a reflection of herself alongside two other girls. One was a perfect replica of Rapunzel, the golden hair and flowing gown unmistakable. The other was her, but with deep brown hair and striking blue eyes that sparkled with wisdom.

"Hello, Rapunzel," the brunette version greeted her, a serene smile gracing her lips.

"How are you looking like me?" the saddened princess inquired, her brow furrowed with confusion.

"I'm you, just a calmer, less rushed version. Someone who didn't choose to jump to conclusions throughout her journey," the brown-haired Rapunzel explained, her voice soothing. "I, however, had secondary guides instead of just Flynn Rider. His rushing about has rubbed off on you and taken its toll. I am 'the You' You want to be, Rapunzel. I'm always a part of you, even if our stories split two different ways. I chose to forgive my enemies and my parents for not understanding and holding me back. I didn't just forgive my villain; I saved her, leading her straight to the one who could fix what my father's soldiers had broken. Don't suppress this side of you, Rapunzel. It is the most reasonable, joyful side of you."

"You're right; I didn't jump to conclusions back then, not even with Flynn or all those ruffians. You're not just the mirror of me but who I always wanted to be. I took my family—my parents and my husband—for granted. I broke their trust as if I had a cold heart made of glass." Rapunzel's voice trembled with emotion. "You're the Rapunzel my conscience wants me to be. What must I do?"

"Follow me, Blondie," the other Rapunzel said, her tone shifting to one of encouragement. "It is time for the Valley of Renegotiation. A test on a subconscious level to check the balance of everything negative that challenges you to accept it. You are a child of the sun, whether you wanted it or not; it has happened. You will fight every darkness in you that opposes such light. For example, remember you too were once a lonely lantern trapped in the dark. Rebalance your loneliness, and your feelings of rejection and neglect. This is your first trial, and it will be very emotional. You need to recheck your haughtiness too and stop rushing to jump to conclusions."

Rapunzel hesitated, a mix of anxiety and determination flooding her senses. The brunette version of herself led her deeper into the forest, the trees closing in around them like sentinels observing her journey. As they stepped into the Valley of Renegotiation, the atmosphere shifted. The ground beneath them glimmered with a strange light, as if the earth itself pulsed with raw emotions.

Before her, an expanse of shimmering mist unfurled, spiraling in and out like tendrils of forgotten memories. Voices echoed from the fog. "You're not enough," one whisper taunted. "They'll never love you like they should," another hissed. The words clawed at her heart, and Rapunzel instinctively took a step back.

"Do not be afraid, Rapunzel," the brown-haired version reassured her, stepping forward. "These are but shadows of your past fears. To overcome them, you need to face them directly."

As she braved the mist, figures began to materialize within it—images from her past wound like ribbons through the swirling fog. She saw her childhood, the isolation of the tower, the longing for connection. Then, flashes of her parents' concern, her inability to understand their actions, and the pain of being misunderstood rushed forward, weighing down on her spirit like heavy stones.

"You have to confront your loneliness, Rapunzel," her inner conscience urged, her voice firm yet gentle. "Remember how it felt to be trapped, but also remember your strength. You have the power to change the narrative."

With a deep breath, Rapunzel stepped further into the mist, summoning every ounce of courage she possessed. The echoing voices rose to a crescendo, but she stood resolute, absorbing the warmth from the flickering campfire behind her. In that moment, she closed her eyes and recalled the moments of joy—the warmth of Flynn's embrace, the laughter shared with Pascal, the unity with the people of Corona. Each memory started to illuminate the surrounding shadows, pushing back the negativity.

"I am not just my loneliness. I am hope, forgiveness, and love. I am more than my fears!" she declared, her voice echoing with newfound strength.

The mist recoiled, revealing the shimmering path before her, glistening like the sun breaking through clouds after a storm. In that moment, Rapunzel realized that her heart, once thought to be made of glass, was, in fact, a vessel of light—a source of warmth that could guide others and herself through the darkest of times.

"Now, you are ready," the brunette Rapunzel said, pride shining in her eyes. "You have acknowledged your past and are now ready to embrace who you truly are. Together, we will face this journey and all its trials."

And so, hand in hand, the two versions of Rapunzel stepped back into the world, the flickering flames behind them a distant memory, now overshadowed by the blazing light of hope that would guide their way forward.

SaraKennedy082
This is who Rapunzel sees appear to her out of the dark,
Stella, Fairy of the Shining Sun in a Tangled themed dress herself.

Her near mirrored version of Brunette Rapunzel below.