Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 3

'Mommy,' Rapunzel thought somberly, as she searched through the pantry looking for anything that hadn't gone bad. It had been exactly three weeks since she'd last seen her. A part of her felt she would never comeback. Pascal watched her sadly from her shoulder, when she began to get frustrated.

Rapunzel paused for a moment, when a loaf of bread came into view. Excited, she moved a few pots out of the way, only to discover that half of the bread was covered in mold.

Pascal nudged his head against her neck, as she held it in her hand and shook sadly. A few tears began to fall, but she couldn't cry. 'Only the weak cry.'

Rapunzel dropped the bread and wiped her face. "I'm sorry you had to see me cry Pascal..."

He tilted his head confused, and poked her heck, shaking his head in disagreement. Rapunzel smiled and rubbed his head. "I know, but Mommy doesn't like it..."

Pascal frowned. He didn't care for the women, especially after she attempted to throw him out of the tower.

Rapunzel walked slowly out of the pantry in deep thought. She tilted her head towards her friend. "Do you think something happened?"

Pascal shrugged. It was possible, but the women always managed to comeback. He looked over how small his friend had gotten, and hoped she would return soon.

Rapunzel grabbed a large pillow, and moved it towards the entrance in the floor her mother always used. She laid onto it and sighed despondently. She felt so tired, and weak. She looked up at Pascal as he poked her to keep her awake. "I'm sorry Pascal, but I can't..." She whispered, before drifting off.

It was so quiet and peaceful. Rapunzel wasn't sure where she was, but she didn't feel weak anymore. She tried to move forward, but there was nowhere to go. Until a light shined in the distance. Curiously, she attempted to move towards it. 'Flower.'
Rapunzel paused as a feminine voice entered her mind. 'Mommy?' The voice was more frantic this time. She was pulled forward into a warm body, her eye's shooting open. "Flower!"

Rapunzel hugged her Mother back weakly, as she rubbed her back. "I thought you -I..." Gothel moved away slightly, and pulled a peach from her basket. Rapunzel hungrily took the fruit, sighing with each bite. She could feel her Mother stroking her hair worriedly. "This will never happen again, I swear it!"

Rapunzel paused between a bite confused. "What's a swear?"

She watched her mother roll her eyes, as she unclipped her cloak. A warmth passed through her when wrapped it around her. "That doesn't matter now."

Rapunzel nodded. She watched her mother limp over to the fire place. Her eyes scanned down her torn clothing, and widen at the large shreds in her dress. "Mommy you're bleeding!"

Gothel paused. Her hand slipping down as she rubbed her wound in a daze. "Yes – I'd almost forgotten..."

Rapunzel watched her somberly. Her features were so empty. She hugged her mother's cloak tighter, before moving over to her. Lovingly, she laid her small hand onto hers. Gothel snapped out of her trance, and looked down at her surprised. "It's ok Mommy, you're safe now..."

Rapunzel grabbed some of her hair and wrapped it around her mother's leg. She sang quietly, faintly lighting the room. When the song was finished, Gothel sighed peacefully and pulled her daughter into her lap.

Rapunzel snuggled into her bosom, enjoying the feel of her finger's stroking her hair. "Was it wolfs?"

Gothel frowned and held her closer. "No. There are many dangers in these woods. – That's why I keep you here, where it's saf-

"But you're not safe!" Rapunzel yelled. She sprang from her mother's lap.

"Rapunzel -"

"No. I should be there, I'm not a baby, I can protect you!"

Gothel stared at her in disbelief before chuckling. "Protect me? Darling don't be ridiculous! Look at you? You're scrawny and weak. You couldn't protect yourself, let alone me."

Rapunzels shook. Her words burning into her memory. She bit her bottom lip before slouching over. "T-Then I'll become strong! No one will ever-"

Gothel rolled her eyes and waved a hand in annoyance. "Enough of this nonsense, not another word."

Rapunzels knew that tone too well. She rubbed her eyes, hanging her head and turned away. Before her emotions could crashed down on her, Gothel walked over and turned her around. Soft fingers traced under Rapunzel's chin, calming her.

She looked up into icy blue eyes. "You must know that everything I do is to protect you."

Rapunzel grinned sadly, "I know."

Gothel blinked slowly, before leaning down and kissing her softly. They had done this a few times, at first it felt gross and slimy. But now it didn't bother her so much.

When her mother pulled back, she scanned over her, and the baskets left on the floor. "I'm going to bathe. Once you're full, come lay with me."

Rapunzel shook her head as she rubbed her stomach. She watched her walk away seductively, feeling a familiar tingle between her legs.

When Gothel was out of sight, she knelt down and pascal ran out onto her hand. He looked at her sadly, but she shook her head. "It's ok, mommy's just very honest. She would never hurt me..."

Pascal shook his head with a scowl, then stood up flexing his muscles. Rapunzel giggled and rubbed him on the head. "I know. - But she's right. I'm not strong. Not yet."

A/N: Sorry for taking so long. I lost all motivation to write for a while, but saw this on my flash drive, and decided to post. I should have more free time soon, so hopefully my motivation comes back. I Hope it's not too bad.