bildungsromans | for watcheslanterns

[ Dick collapses on the floor underneath him, crossing his arms underneath his head as he stares at ceiling. ]

We're friends now, that's for sure.

[ He doesn't stay that relaxed for long, tilting his head to look at her. ]

Unless you need time to think about it. I mean, I am a complete stranger.

But maybe I could change that if I showed you the circus? Introduced you to my friends and family?

[ Rapunzel is all but ready to fling herself out the window when she hears Gothel's screaming cry for her. Years of faithfulness and conditioning halts her just as she's balanced herself on the window ledge. Her hair is gathered in her arms, pieces of it whipping around her from the wind outside.

She turns and faces Gothel as if they are the only two there anymore. Their eyes meet and anger meets anger in them. Despite a small part of her wanting to pretend nothing had ever happened and that this was still her mother standing before her, Rapunzel steels herself. She remembers Eugene's lifeless body on the floor, and that part of her is gone. ]

I'm keeping my promise. And if you try to find me, I'll keep fighting. Always.

[ She glances briefly at Dick, with no explanation. ]

I'm ready.

[ And with that....she jumps. ]

[ Rapunzel considers Dick, and after a moment flops down on to the floor as well. The ceiling is a familiar sight for Rapunzel. She hasn't gotten all the way up there yet, but she imagines one day she will so she can paint more. As it is now there's a smattering of paintings on the walls and on some of the rafters. ]

I've never had a friend other than Pascal.

[ Pascal curls up in some of Rapunzel's hair, confident in his place.

Rapunzel turns her head and looks sadly at Dick. ]

I don't...no. I couldn't do that. I'd like to, but...

[ Her voice trails off into a tiny puff of a sigh. ]

[ Dick's not gonna touch whatever just happened here with a 10-foot pole.

Not until he has to, but... it's obvious this girl can take care of herself, standing her ground against a scary lady like that. Dick nods at Rapunzel affirmatively once she's ready. ]

I'm right behind you.

[ Rapunzel should land in the cockpit safely. Because Gothel still wants to give chase, Dick tosses a flashbang batarang in her way to temporarily blind her. He backflips into the pilot seat, cape perfectly draping over the head of his seat. He steers the plane - the Batwing - away from the League's clutches, piloting it in the direction of some distant clouds. ]

Since we finally have room to breathe, allow me to introduce myself.

I'm Batman.

[ One would think introductions were unnecessary, given that he's Batman. But maybe this girl's been living under a rock?

He readies a GPS route on the dashboard console, though he hesitates in lieu of a crucial detail. ]

I can take you home. All I need is a general location.

And I'm not asking you to do this now, but before you leave, I'll need you to tell me everything you know about that woman.

If she's associated with the organization that held you captive in any capacity, she's clearly bad news herself.

[ Dick gives Rapunzel a look of concern, somewhat mystified at what could possibly be stopping her. ]

But what?

[ Before she can answer, though-- ]

Hey, wait. Before you tell me, if you wanna tell me...

My only real friend before you and Pascal is an elephant. Her name's Sitka, and she's amazing!

[ It's hard for a lot of the other circus members to count as 'friends' (the way kids ought to think of friends) when they're more like Dick's 'extended family.'

There's also nobody in his age group at Haly's Circus, which doesn't help matters. ]

[ Once safely settled in the jet, Rapunzel pulls her knees to her chest and wraps her arms around them. Her two-toned hair spills around her haphazardly, but she makes no move to neaten it. The adrenaline of her escape is still pumping through her body, but she makes an effort to contain all that energy. She's not out of the woods yet, so to speak. Her gaze is glassy as she looks in front of her, almost in a world of her own. ]

I don't...I don't have a home.

[ It's the one piece of the puzzle she never worked out. Who was she before Gothel took her? She never convinced Gothel to tell her, and she couldn't begin to remember.

Rapunzel's breathing becomes short and shallow as panic begins to take over. Now that she had escaped, what was she supposed to do? Where was she supposed to go? She needed to stop, to center herself. She couldn't lose control. She forced herself to take a deeper, longer breath. She moved one hand to touch the cool interior of the jet.

And then something Dick said cycles in her mind. She looks over at him finally. ]

...Batman? Really?

[ Rapunzel's eyes go wide. She flips on to her side, in Dick's direction. Pascal also peeks up with curiosity. ]

An elephant? Really? She must be wonderful! I've only ever read about them. What is she like?

[ Her expression glows with delight. All thoughts of answer his initial question have temporarily floated away. ]

[ Dick smirks at Rapunzel’s recollection, though he’s too busy setting coordinates for Gotham to look back at her. ]

I know I don’t have to clarify that it’s only an alias.

[ He pulls down his cowl behind his head, revealing his true face underneath the mask. ]

There.

[ He inputs several commands on the console, after which he’s at enough ease to give Rapunzel his full attention. ]

I’ve set a course for Gotham City, where I’m based. Until we sort out this entire mess, you’ll be safe there.

[ Because Ra’s already knows who Dick is, Dick figures there’s no risk revealing his face to Rapunzel. If Gothel’s allying with Ra’s, she’s bound to know enough about Bruce and his associates - and Rapunzel would have likely picked up on it sooner or later, had she stayed in the League’s clutches. ]

If you were to spend any more time with Ra’s, you would’ve learned this anyway.

My name is Dick Grayson.

I know this situation is far from ideal, and I myself didn’t quite expect this, but I’m here to help.

My allies and I can provide all the resources you’ll ever need to set things right.

If there’s anything you need to work through or process... there’ll be time for that too.

Gigantic.

I love doing back-flips on her, and doing handstands on the tip of her trunk. She also likes flinging me onto handles and platforms.

And believe it or not, but she's not a fan of peanuts, and she isn't afraid of mice.

[ He glances at Rapunzel's other friend, wearing a teasing smirk. ]

Don't know how she'd feel about Pascal, though.

[ Likewise, Dick's not sure how to feel about the wonderment in Rapunzel's eyes. His uncertainty isn't negative by any means, he's just-- there's butterflies in his stomach he's never felt before, and he's unsure what to make of that. He's never even been one for performance anxiety! ]

I think you'd love it. Haly's Circus, I mean.

You sure you can't come see it? Even for a little bit? After the leg thing, the least I can do is get you a free ticket to the next show.

[ Rapunzel studies his face after the cowl comes off, not bothering to be shy. Her natural curiosity and artistic eye follows the sharp curve of his jaw and the color of his eyes. She sees an edge to him that resonates with the sharpness inside her chest. She wonders what has brought him to this - what hardships he has endured.

She doesn't ask, of course. It isn't her place, and she knew how hard it would be if he asked her the right, or rather, wrong questions. ]

I'm Rapunzel. Thank you...for your help.

[ It had been a surprise, but goodness knows a jet is a much better way to escape than running on her own bare feet. ]

I wouldn't...I don't want to trouble anyone.

[ Rapunzel can just picture the elephant in her head. She can almost hear the crowd applauding their tricks and stunts. Yearning tugs at her heart as she imagines a world she's never even seen. ]

It sounds wonderful.

[ She sighs then. ]

My mother wouldn't like it. She doesn't want me leaving the tower.

Well, my folks don't want me leaving camp for long, yet here I am.

I mean, [ He chuckles lightly, ] I was only supposed to get firewood.

[ He looks around for a second, wondering if Rapunzel's mother is bound to show up at any moment. Maybe she's as nice as her daughter, but just really protective? ]

Aw, that's okay. I understand if, like, she wants to be there to keep an eye on you.

Which is why she can come, too!

[ Little does he know, of course... ]

[ With his eyes ahead, he relies on his peripherals to catch Rapunzel studying him. He's fine, he's used to others glancing at him for various reasons - be it death glares from would-be opponents and longing stares from would-be lovers. Dick's not exactly concerned about where Rapunzel falls on that spectrum - it currently wouldn't make sense for him to be.

He nods at Rapunzel's gratitude. ]

Any time, Rapunzel.

Just know that you don't owe me anything for this. It's my job to help people.

But you can make my job easier if you tell me what all of that was about, back there.

[ Dick puts the Batwing on autopilot, and shortly reclines into his seat - perhaps to gain some well-needed relaxation. ]

Start from the beginning.

[ She's quite for a moment, her mind tracing over everything that has happened to her since her eighteenth birthday. Some things she didn't linger on, but she figures that Dick deserves some sort of explanation, especially if he's doing something about those people. Maybe he could bring Gothel to justice for what she had done. Rapunzel loathes the woman she once called mother, but she can't bring herself to inflict her own personal justice. She just wants to see her put away.

She could tell the story without the most painful parts. ]

Gothel...she kidnapped me when I was a baby. I didn't know that until recently though. She raised me to believe she was my mother.

[ Dick can't decide which was worse - living like Rapunzel did for almost a decade or losing his parents when he was a kid. ]

I'm sorry, Rapunzel. That's an ordeal no one deserves to go through.

[ He looks on at her in concern, trying not to seem too rigid or unapproachable. The last thing Rapunzel needs is further isolation or detachment, though Dick is considerate enough to give her space. He could be asking questions rapid-fire, callously proceeding with his interrogation... but that would be asking too much of Rapunzel, especially after what they'd just escaped. ]

She'll pay for what she's done. You have my word on that.

[ He sighs, mostly at the prospect of a question that might bring on more pain. ]

I want to know what the League wanted from you and your mother, but you don't have to tell me now.

[ He'd also like to know what the deal is with Rapunzel's hair, but that can also wait. ]

Gather your thoughts, first. Rest, and we'll talk once we reach home.

[ Now, he shoots Rapunzel a wry grin. ]

...The Batcave.

[ Her power. It's always been a shadow that haunts her, even before she knew it. Not for the first time since Gothel taken her away from the tower, Rapunzel considers cutting every last strand of hair on her head. She wants to be rid of the thing that caused all the terrible things that have happened to her.

But still... ]

The Batcave?

[ She moves on to this, less heartbreaking thought. She gives Dick a funny look, smirking at him. Maybe the man isn't as personable as Eugene had been, but she feels comfortable enough to tease a bit. ]

You're really running with that theme, aren't you?

[ Rapunzel's eyes widen, her expression stricken. She could never picture her mother taking her out on any excursion, let alone one where crowds of people would be - possibly ruffians! Or thugs! ]

No. She wouldn't do that.

[ She shakes her head solemnly. ]

It's my hair. She doesn't want anyone to hurt or take me for it's magic.

Not my idea.

[ He smirks back at her, wondering what it is he should divulge about the history of Batman... until he figures that the pragmatic choice is the best choice. ]

Let’s just say I’m not the first Batman.

And not only that— I’m not the first Batman to kick Ra’s Al Ghul’s ass.

[ It definitely takes a while to reach Gotham, but the speed of the Batwing is not to be underestimated. As the conversation gradually transitions from serious matters to more small talk, time seems to pass a little more quickly until suddenly... Dick flies the Batwing through a waterfall, and into the mouth of a cave.

The cave itself is expansive enough to fit an entire headquarters laden with state-of-the-art technology. And for the Batwing, there’s a hangar it soon lands on. The cockpit opens, and Dick leaps out of it to glide onto the hangar. For Rapunzel’s convenience, though, a staircase emerges from the ship. ]

This, Rapunzel, is the Batcave.

Make yourself at home.

[ Dick heads in the direction of the Batcomputer, which rests at the very center of the Batcave. ]

But follow me, first.

Hmm...

[ Dick takes a moment to come up with some crafty plan. He’s had no outlet for such things, but he bets that had he the right mentor, he’d totally be a master strategist! ]

Well, nobody at Haly’s needs to know you’ve got magic hair.

Maybe braiding it will bring less attention to it? Because I can help with that!

[ Dick seems very determined about this. And who can blame him? Rapunzel’s the first friend he’s ever met that’s his age! ]

See, even if we’ve gotta sneak you out or something, I think the circus would be fun. Your mom doesn’t have to know!

[ Rapunzel bundles up her hair and descends the staircase out of the jet. Her eyes grow wide as she takes in the scenery. Everything has a dim look to it, despite plenty of light for them to see by. The atmosphere stays true to the name, even with all of the unfamiliar technology.

She follows along, her head never resting in one direction for very long. There's too much to see for her to focus on any one thing.

The word "home" gives her pause. She thought she had a home once, but know the once comforting memories are tainted with the bitter truth. She doesn't know if she'll ever have a home again. Not truly. ]

What are you going to do with that?

[ She knows, in theory what a computer can do, but she's never actually had a chance to interact with one. Gothel had kept anything like that away from her tower, telling her that strangers could find them, even with a computer. Now Rapunzel wishes she had fought harder for one. Maybe it would have saved her some trouble. ]

[ Rapunzel sits up and tucks her knees close to her chest. She sucks at her bottom lip as she considers the possibilities. She knows that her mother won't be home for a few more days. And it didn't sound like the circus is very far away. Could she really go against her mother's wishes this one time?

If Dick is right, it really wouldn't be any danger at all. The siren call of the sights and sounds of the circus are tempting, especially to a curious child like Rapunzel.

She glances at Pascal, silently imploring him for his opinion. The chameleon, for his part, has no doubt in his mind. He firmly nods his head. They should go.

Then she looks back to Dick, concern still in her eyes. ]

Are you sure it would be safe? Really, really sure?

Very sure. So sure I can swear it on Zitka's soul!

[ Dick's grin now looks a bit more anxious than mischievous, though. ]

We're not setting up the Big Top till tomorrow evening, so you can come then.

Everyone from Corona's gonna be there. Even the King and Queen!

[ He eyes the window, wondering how worried his parents must be at this point. An energetic kid like himself has a way of losing track of time. ]

Just think about it, Rapunzel. I gotta head back, but it was nice meeting you.

[ He finally sits up and gets back on his feet. He waits before he decides to look out the window for any reason. ]

Mind if I use your hair to get down?

I have an entire criminal database at my disposal, pooled from every law enforcement organization on the globe.

[ Dick could very easily just walk around the large computer chair to take a seat, but he opts to vault over the top instead - like some kind of acrobat, as Rapunzel might gather. He only showed off his martial arts prowess back at the League's headquarters, after all.

The Batcomputer instantly boots up, and Dick opens a highly advanced search program. The Batcomputer itself is a colossal operating system, comprised of dozens of screens. ]

Gothel, right? That's how it's spelled?

[ He had just finished inputting the keyword before awaiting results. ]

Unless she's been living off the grid this whole time, there must be some record of her. Some history.

[ Never mind the possibility that Gothel, like Ra's, has been alive for centuries. ]

I think there's more you can tell me about her. Did the reason for her kidnapping you have something to do with your hair?

[ Dick can't keep pretending to ignore Rapunzel's absurdly long hair, after all. ]

[ Saying very little, Rapunzel nods, first at the spelling, and then at the more difficult inquiry about her hair. Her eyes remain focused on the computer screen as it runs through the database, searching for a name that may or may not even be there. Given her hair, and the story of the flower before her, Rapunzel doesn't actually know how old Gothel is.

Still not looking at Dick, she speaks. ]

My hair...is magic. I can use it to heal. To restore youth. She took me so that she could stay young and strong.

[ Though it's happened before, the Batcomputer's results are astounding:

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing on Gothel.

In a way, that makes her all too similar to Ra's Al Ghul, the way he was once so mystifying at the beginning of his rivalry with Bruce. Dick isn't exactly frustrated, though, despite the visible disappointment on his face.

He foregoes the defeated frown once he turns to Rapunzel. ]

Looks like Gothel's gonna remain a mystery. At least, anything about Gothel's life that goes beyond the scope of your experience.

[ Dick wonders if the occasional patches of brown on Rapunzel's otherwise blonde hair are anything significant. Hopefully Rapunzel's had enough time without extreme stress that another question can't hurt. ]

Your hair, though. A lot of it's long, and golden... but I'm guessing the brown isn't supposed to be a fashion statement.

Is it okay if I ask what happened? Gothel wasn't hurting you, was she?

[ Through his many years of crimefighting, Dick's had to comfort plenty of kidnapping and abuse victims after rescuing them. Besides the hair, Rapunzel doesn't seem to have anything else to show for it, so... he has to ask. ]

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