Secrets of an Alchemist

The Eye of Pincosta: Part 5

(We're back in Varian's POV! But I can't wait to get through this chapter because you know what's next?
The Great Tree. And BOY do I have a fun(?) time planned for you all.)

(Chapter warnings: violence in accordance with the show. And my fight scene writing (it's not good guys, it's NOT good lmao))

"Mind if we cut in?" Stalyan asked with a smirk on her face, entering the tent with Varian beside her. She glanced at him and nodded, and in response he withdrew multiple orbs from his pockets. Varian's eyes darted to the ring... and Rapunzel looked rough, hair splayed in every direction as she lay winded on the ground.

He and Stalyan swiftly jumped into the ring, her landing with a frying pan in hand - one that looked just as beaten up as Rapunzel did.

"Looks like you owe her a frying pan!" Varian and Stalyan said in unison. They both gave each other a momentary surprised look before snapping back to reality. Stalyan smiled back at Rapunzel.

"Stalyan! Varian!" Rapunzel exclaimed, high-fiving her. Varian shot Stalyan a knowing smile.

I told you she'd forgive you.

Varian swiftly took Rapunzel's other hand, yanking her to her feet. She beamed and gave him a quick side hug before turning back to Malice.

Malice roared, charging at Stalyan, but Rapunzel tossed a loop of hair around her and swung her upwards, smacking Malice hard. Stalyan landed in a crouch as Malice flew backwards, landing on her face in a pose that could not be comfortable. However, the small woman shoved herself back up and shook her head aggressively. Then she whirled around, charging forward and sliding underneath the bungee ropes on one side of the arena.

Malice sprinted over and tipped Goodberry off his chair, much to his chagrin and protest. She then jumped on top of the bungees, holding the chair above her head. Rapunzel, however, anticipating her next move, lassoed the bungee below Malice with her hair, yanking it forward before releasing it. This sent Malice and the chair crashing to the ground, the chair shattering over her head.

Malice leapt back up and instead snatched the table, causing Goodberry's items to drop into his hands (at his further protests).

"Not my table!" Goodberry moaned as Malice stood, positioned to throw said table at the trio.

"What is it with her and furniture?" Rapunzel wondered. As Malice threw the table, Stalyan leapt forward in an arc, slicing it in half. Varian whipped out a dark orange orb and chucked it at one half of the table, which went up in a quick burst of flames, falling to the ground as ash. However, before he could do the same to the other half, Malice snagged it from the air with a roar. She performed a quick spin and sent the table flying at the trio.

The three of them simultaneously jumped, and ended up landing in the same spots as they had on the log not too long ago. However this time, they were prepared.

"Brings back memories," Stalyan murmured with a smile, looking back at Rapunzel and Varian who balanced precariously.

"On three, this time," Rapunzel instructed, smiling as well.

"Count it, Goggles," Stalyan said, nudging Varian's shoulder -gently, as to not knock the table over. He turned his head slightly, smiling back at her.

"One-" The three of them bent their knees. "-two-" Malice roared and charged. "-jump!" The three of them pushed off in sync, flying off the table and causing Malice to slam into it at top speed. Headfirst.

Malice withdrew her face from the wood and stumbled around drunkenly, mumbling something. Varian swiftly withdrew a raccoon trap and tossed it at her feet, rooting her in place as she still spoke incoherently.