That Girl Over There

Chapter 16. Far Far Away.

[Jack]

Before I passed out of exhaustion, I told Hiccup to drive, as far away as possible. So when I woke up we were literally in the town, Far Far Away. 

"What the f*ck is this place?" I laughed as I sat up in my car seat. Rapunzel was still asleep on the back seat, her rosy cheeks barely had colour in them. 

"Honestly, I don't know, I kept driving and hoped we wouldn't fall off a cliff." Hiccup chuckled. 

"We should find a hotel, it's no longer safe for us to go back home." I informed. Hiccup nodded and pulled into a street to look for a hotel. Eventually, we found a pub called The Poisoned Apple Pub. There were a couple of beds spare in a room that would have to be shared, but it was better than home and Hans. "You should also call Merida, its not safe for her at home." I grunted as I lifted Rapunzel's sleeping frame up. 

Inside at the bar, there was a large...woman...who handed us the key to our room before a man with a hooked hand lead us up a flight of stairs. 

"Is she dead?" The man gruffed, he gestured to Rapunzel who was still sleeping in my arms. 

"Umm no..."I mumbled awkwardly. His eyes narrowed as he glanced at me then at Punz. 

"OK." He replied simply. Quickly, he pointed to our room before wandering off. Hiccup and I exchanged a confused expression as he unlocked the door. 

Inside wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. There was one double bed and two singles, two armchairs, a crappy little TV and a semi nice bathroom. Carefully, I laid Rapunzel on the double bed to give her space. After I'd taken a leak, I plopped down in front of the TV but didn't turn it on, the noise from the pub downstairs would drown out whatever came on. Before long, I was asleep again.

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[Rapunzel]

When I woke up, my eyes were greeted with the sight of Hiccup and Jack snoozing on two armchairs. The room I was in was slightly dingy but I guess it was alright, I couldn't be bothered to work out why Jack had bought me here. Suddenly, I noticed the thumping music that seemed to be coming from downstairs. After hopping off the bed, I made my way down a wooden staircase into a busy pub that was brimming with life. There was a small stage with an old piano on where a man with a hooked hand and pirates hat was playing an upbeat tune. 

As I sat at the bar, my foot tapped along with the rhythm onto the bar stool. 

"What will it be?" A burly looking woman asked, she hunched over her side so she was face to face with me. 

"Oh um, just a glass of water." I smiled sweetly. "Please." The woman sauntered off, her maroon dress swaying from side to side. 

"Next time," A man with silver hair spoke up from beside me, "You should try the apple cider." He wheezed. I nodded at him in response, this place was really strange. It had that medieval theme to it, even the bar maid was wearing a dress to match. Just as my water arrived, the guy who was playing the piano plonked himself down on a stool next to me. He took a long swig of his drink before turning to me. 

"I've seen you before, that white haired boy was carrying you. I thought you were dead." He slurred, clearly he was drunk but he seemed quite happy. 

"Haha yeah, he's my boyfriend. I liked what you were playing on the piano." I grinned. 

"Why thanks lass, do you play?" He questioned, his hook dug into the wood of the bar. 

"Uh yeah I do actually." I whispered shyly. 

"Splendid!" He cheered loudly. "C'mon then! Show everyone what you've got!" He cried. Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me through all the people until we were up on the stage. Oh no. Nononono. I can't play in front of all these people! 

"What? I can't play in front of these people!" I hissed to the man. 

"Nonsense!" He chuckled. "This girl...uh.." He trailed off as if he was trying to recall my name. 

"Rapunzel..." I whispered nervously. 

"Rapunzel! She's going to play the piano for us!" He shouted gleefully to the crowd that was gathering in front of the stage. 

I guess I had no choice. 

The hooked hand man directed me to the bench that was placed in front of the piano, the keys seemed in pristine condition. Slowly, my fingers found their way to the keys and in not time they began to play an upbeat tune. 

(Music above)

My feet tapped along to the beat, this piece was one of the first I'd written. I heard whistles from the crowd and every now and then out of the corner of my eye I would catch some people clapping along. 

It was so strange, I felt so free! I'd never performed in front of anyone apart from Jack and Mr Smith. I was loving the atmosphere, the energy that the crowd was emitting. Before I knew it a huge grin had plastered itself over my face. 

Once I had finished, I stood up and curtsied before everyone, there were cheers and claps which just overwhelmed me with euphoria. This was my dream, to perform for others and create emotions. 

The hooked hand man helped me off the stage where I was greeted by a familiar and very energetic red head. 

"Tha' was fantastic Punzie!" She squealed. Merida engulfed me in a huge hug which I gladly returned. 

"I'm so glad you're here!" I cried excitedly. Once we pulled apart, I asked Merida the question which had been burning a hole in the back of my mind since I'd woken up. "Where are we?" 

Merida sighed, her emotions weren't very readable. "According the the town sign, Far Far Away."