The Darkness Within

Chapter Seven

Rapunzel ran and ran. She ran until she couldn't run anymore. No one was following her. That was good. She stopped at a fallen tree to rest. Her petite body easily fell onto the tree. She truly was tired. She had no idea how far she had run. But it seemed as though it were far enough. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she withdrew a huge breath, restoring her breathing rate.

"Oh, poor child. Feared by your new friends because of your horrific powers." A voice behind her said. The princess froze. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Pitch Black.

"What do you want, Pitch?" She rose from her spot, facing the King of Nightmares with a frown.

"I've come to help you, of course. You poor soul. All alone without anyone to care for you. It's funny really. You fear being feared."

"Interesting way to help me."

"I guess I should cut the chit-chat. I have come to relieve your pain. That is... If you accept my offer."

"Forget it Pitch. I would never accept anything from you." She turned her back and started walking away. His expression turned into a look of disappointment. But he had a Plan B, of course.

"What a pity. Maybe I'll have to try and persuade you." He created a black figure of sand that looked like Jack. "Maybe Jackson can finally rest in peace."

Rapunzel froze. "J-Jackson?" She slowly turned around. "H-how?"

"I know your little secret, princess. How you came to be like this." He spat. "Princess Rapunzel of Corona. She had everything. Except one thing." He scoffed. "Jackson Overland. You fell in love with your best friend. But you never thought to look in front of you when he fell into that pond that tragic day."

"What are you talking about?" She frowned, take a step back.

"Jack Frost is Jackson Overland!" An evil grin spread across his lips.

"No... N-no... It can't be... He-he's dead. Jackson is dead!" She stumbled backward, falling against a tree as the realization struck her.

"Jackson may have died, but Jack Frost was born that same night."

Rapunzel thought she was going to have a heart attack. He was right in front of her the entire time. But she didn't even realize it. Pitch weaved his way through the shadows, appearing next to her.

"And unless you succumb to the darkness and become my slave, you will be forced to watch him die again. Do you understand?"

"Y-yes..." She sighed. "Yes. I understand."

"Good girl. But there's something missing..." He pretended to ponder about the thought. "Ah, yes... A touch of fear." Black sand flew from his fingertips, soaking into Rapunzel's eyes until they were completely pitch black. After a moment or two, her eyes became gold. "Just for reassurance, my dear. Nothing personal. Now... Go tell the Guardians that we're ready."

Rapunzel slid a malicious grin onto her lips. "Yes, my king. Anything for you." Pitch created a Nightmare horse to give her a ride. And just like that, she was gone.

He looked up at the moon. "Oh, you should've known this would've happened to her. The Sun's chosen one, a complete disappointment. She can't stop me so long as I have her under my control. With her by my side, the Guardians will finally fall. And there won't be anyone who can stop me."

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Author's Note:

Short as fudge chapter. I know! At least it's something, right? Next chapter coming soon to a Wattpad near you!