Tangled the Series: Go The Distance (Varian x Reader) Book 1

Chapter 40

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Chapter 40 -
Challenge of the Brave
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Tents littered all around the fighting arena with dangerous competitors wandering around and waiting for the Challenge to start. Some had been knocked out since there were fights outside and before the event started.

You walked around with popcorn in your hand and not seeming to be bothered by anything. This actually felt normal. The smells, the rough housing, it was like the Snuggly Duckling but more bigger.

“(____).”

You stop and turn around to smile, “Hi, Queen Arianna. What brings you here?”

The Queen walks up to you with two guards then pulls you inside an unoccupied tent. “I heard from your Ruffian friends that you will be competing.”

You groan, “I swear they're worse than girls when they chatter.”

Arianna sighs, “(____). What's wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong.” You cross your arms, but switch it the other way.

“Are you trying to prove something?”

You sigh, “Yes.” Your hand rubs your sore neck, “It's just Varian said I wasn't strong like Cassandra and Eugene. I see the way he looks up to them and-” You didn't want to finish.

Arianna smiles warmly and places a hand on your cheek to have you look at her, “Sweetie. You have nothing to prove and believe me, that boy does look up to you more than you know.”

She sighs, still smiling softly, “I know no one can stop you from competing, trust me, I've done the same thing to prove to my sister that I am stronger than her.”

You stare at her in surprise, “Really?”

She laughs, “Yes, I did. Unfortunately, I lost, but it was because she was in danger and I had to protect her.”

You glance away, “I'm still going and I am going to prove to everyone that I am stronger than I look.”

Arianna frowns then holds your hands, “(____), just…...just don't lose who you really are.”

“How can I lose who I am when I don't know WHO I AM?” You say in frustration.

She hugs you close, “(____). My point is we're not always defined by the things we do, but rather by the people we are and by those we love.” Arianna chuckles softly, “Show them all what it really means to be a true warrior.”

You watch her go out and rub your arm in thought, then you realize something. “Where did my popcorn go?”

“Hi! Hello! How are you? OH!” Rapunzel's voice passes by.

You walk out and see Rapunzel examining Razor Blade McDoom’s metal teeth. “Wow! Your teeth are so sharp!” She gasps, “Hook Foot!”

“Why so mad? Just do a dance and give that smile a second chance.” She giggle and hugs Hook Foot as he smiles.

“Probably not the best place for hugs, Raps.” Cassandra pulls Rapunzel away.

Your eyes light up once you see the popcorn cart go by, “One please!” You get one and eat it happily.

“(____)! Hi! Where have you been?” Rapunzel asks and Cass raises a brow.

“Yeah, what are you two doing down here anyway? This is for competitors only.”