Title: Up in Flames

Rating: T

Warnings: Disaster, injury, and minor character deaths

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by the Disney. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended

Author Notes: *ducks any flying tomatoes* Yes I did leave the last chapter as a bit of a cliff-hanger. Yes I am mean. And yes I had actually planned for this to happen from the start. Please don't be too mad at me. I will say that, despite the horrible things that go on in this chapter, it was exciting to write.

To my Reviewers: Frostystuffs (Because sometimes an author has to be evil like that), Reviewer1 (Glad to be of help), TangledFrozenLuv43 (Guess you'll find out in this chapter), silviatangled (Glad you liked it), Stalburkslovers (Thank you!), Penguincrazy (So happy you like it)

For one moment, as Eugene and Maximus disappeared over the bridge into the city, no one in the little cart moved. No one made a sound. For that one moment, it seemed like the world had stopped as the implication of what that dark column of smoke meant slowly hit. Jessica looked from her brother and the Princess to two oldest of the orphans. She could see the dawning horror in their eyes. The younger ones looked confused and she heard one of them whimper. That was enough to break her brother out of his paralysis.

"Everyone hold on." Jason suddenly ordered as he snapped the reins sharply. "HYAH!"

The cart lurched into motion again as the mules broke into an unsteady canter. The wheels clattered on the cobblestones as they headed across the bridge in the wake of Eugene and Max. Just as they reached the gates, alarm bells began to ring from the Guard towers. The Guards stationed there didn't even bother to stop them. In fact they were too busy, in Jessica's opinion when she had the time to think about it later, gawking in the direction that Eugene and Maximus must have taken.

Once in the city, they were forced to slow down just due to the crowds of people clogging the streets. Many of them were headed in the direction of the heavy smoke. Something like a fire always drew an audience. And no matter how Jason shouted at people to get out of the way, they weren't listening. Finally Jessica had an idea. She turned to the Princess.

"Stand up, m'lady." She told the older girl.

Rapunzel looked at her. "Why?" she asked as she did so.

Jessica steadied her without answering and shouted, "OUT OF THE WAY! THE PRINCESS IS COMING THROUGH!"

That worked. People would turn and, upon seeing Princess Rapunzel standing on the back of the cart and clearly wanting through, they were draw back to either side, leaving space on the street for Jason to maneuver the cart. Her brother shot a grateful look back at her for the idea.

After what seemed like forever, they reached the area by the orphanage. It was like a scene out of a nightmare. Not only was the orphanage engulfed, but at least three of the neighbouring buildings were as well. Thick smoke chocked the air and even from nearly half a block away, the heat was easily felt. With a sinking feeling, Jessica had to wonder if the sisters and the eight orphans that had stayed behind that day had gotten out safely.

Jason brought the mules to a stop, dropped the reins and jumped out of the cart. "Mark, Johnny. Come on." He ordered and the three ran towards the burning buildings.

"Jason? JASON!" Jessica shouted after them. At first she had thought her brother had gone mad. She breathed a sigh of relief to see that they were joining the bucket lines to try to throw water on the fire in an attempt to put it out, or, failing that, on the buildings that were in danger of catching fire also.

Beside her she could practically feel the Princess trembling. "I - I don't see him." She whispered, staring at the flames. It took a moment for Jessica to realize that indeed Eugene Fitzherbert was nowhere in sight even with the milling crowd that was building around them.

The handmaiden stood up beside her mistress to scan the crowd. "There!" she pointed as she spotted Maximus, his white coat dyed orange from the reflected light of the flames. Rapunzel instantly jumped out of the cart and ran for the horse. Jessica followed, shouting back over her shoulder for the remaining five children stay where they were.

"Max!" Rapunzel cried as the pair reached him. The horse swung around at the sound of his name. Jessica wasn't sure, but she thought he had a very worried expression on his face as he danced in place. Next to him was someone far too short to be Eugene. As the person turned, Jessica could see it was one of the orphans that had stayed behind that afternoon, thirteen year old Mae and she wasn't alone. She held one of the babies in her arms and clinging to her soot-stained skirts was the little boy Luke, bare-foot and clad in only a night-shirt.

"Princess!" the girl answered in relief as the two older girls reached them. Rapunzel didn't hesitate in putting her arms around both children, despite the fact that Luke was one of the sick kids. Jessica took off her winter coat and wrapped it around the shivering pair.

"Thank goodness, you're okay." Rapunzel said. "Where's Eugene?"

Fearful tears welled up in the girl's eyes. "He… He went back in." she stammered. "He came and got me and Tris and Vicky and Luke out. And then he and Tris went back for the others." Her voice started to spiral up into hysterics.

Jessica could see the blood drain from Rapunzel's face. The Princess looked from Mae to the burning building and then to Maximus as if she could believe that's what had happened. Maximus laid his ears back and slowly bobbed his head. She looked quickly back at the fire and started to slowly shake her head, green eyes wide. Jessica grabbed onto one of Rapunzel's arms. She just knew that the older girl was moments away from doing something dangerous. She could only imagine what could happen if the Princess went running into the fire after her love.

Before any such thing could happen though, there was an incredibly loud bang as the windows of the burning buildings began to shatter. Everyone from Guards to spectators ducked instinctively from the threat of flying shards of hot, possibly melting, glass. The baby in Mae's arms wailed in fright, adding a counter point to the roar of the inferno. But then, two shapes came staggering out of the burning orphanage.

"Eugene!" Rapunzel yelled. She made as if to run forward, but Jessica tightened her grip on the Princess's arm to keep her in place.

Instead, Maximus galloped the short distance between them and the emerging group. A pair of Guards followed after the horse. One of the figures, who Jessica now saw was the older teen Tris (and he was holding another infant), didn't stop. He just came as fast as he could towards where the Princess, Jessica, and Mae were standing, one of the Guards escorting him. The other, who had to be Eugene, had his arm around one of the other sick children. Maximus and the second Guard reached them. Eugene shoved the child, a girl by the long hair, at the Guard who immediately turned to bring her away from the fire.

Both Jessica and Rapunzel breathed a sigh of relief. Jessica even closed her eyes for one second. Just then Tris reached them with first Guard who was asking the boy if there was anyone else inside. Tris nodded. "The… the sisters." He managed though his coughing. "And two more kids…" Rapunzel stepped forward and took the baby from Tris. That's when Jessica noticed the way the boy's sleeve and upper arm were badly burned. And there were singe marks on the baby's blanket.

Just then there was an equine scream. Everyone looked towards Maximus who had turned back to the burning building. The Guard that was with the other orphan suddenly lunged for the horse's reins, snatching them up and shoving them into the child's hands. He turned her and gave an order, pointing in the direction of where the rest of them were standing before pelting into the blaze.

That was when it became apparent that Eugene was no longer visible.

And just when Jessica thought it couldn't be any worse, there were several loud cracks and an ominous groan as the orphanage shifted as its burning timbers started to break apart.

"GET EVERYONE BACK!" One of the other Guards fighting the blaze ordered. "DAMN THING'S LIABLE TO GO DOWN!"

The Guard standing with them grabbed the Princess by the arm, spun her around, and started pushing her back to the cart. Rapunzel did not wish to go quietly. "But… but…" she protested.

"I'm sorry, Princess." the Guard was saying, "You must get out of here."

Jessica picked up the boy Luke, thankful that he was small enough for her to carry, and quickly followed with Tris and Mae behind her. The handmaiden looked over her should to see that Jenna (the girl that had also just escaped the fire) was right behind them with Maximus, who was none too pleased to be lead away from the inferno and likely for the same reason as Rapunzel. The only reason he was following was because he was too polite to pull free from Jenna.

They had all just reached the cart when there was a resounding crash. When Jessica looked to see several timbers had broken loose and had fallen across the doorway. She heard Rapunzel give a strangled cry and, when she looked at the Princess, the other girl had dropped to her knees. The Princess clutched the infant (who joined the first in wailing) tightly in her arms, slowly shaking her head. Tris looked away from the fire, leaning against the cart and holding his burned arm. Mae was trying to soothe the baby she was holding as tears started to slide down her cheeks. Jenna reached them with Maximus. The horse stepped over to Rapunzel and touched her shoulder with his nose. In the cart, the five children that had gone out with them earlier that day all had identical horror-stricken faces.

The Guard with them turned to Jessica and that's when she saw it was Jeffers. "Get them in that cart and get them out of here." He ordered, turning back to re-join the others in fighting the fire. Jessica stared after him, unable to move. Yes he had given her an order that she needed to obey, both because it was from a Guard and because it was technically part of her duties to see the Princess's safety. But there was also her duty to follow her mistress's wishes. She knew Rapunzel would refuse to move until she knew her beloved was safe as well.

There was another crash and the flames flared from the doorway and every window. Everyone seemed to pause for a moment to see if the building would collapse. It swayed like a drunkard but remained up.

Finally, finally, the shape of two people appeared in the doorway, one leaning quite heavily on the other. It was Eugene and the Guard who had gone in after him. There was a scattering of cheers from the watching crowd as the pair made it out of the burning building. Rapunzel jumped to her feet and, shifting the baby she held to one arm, ran forward. Maximus followed, having pulled his reins out of what must have been the loose grip Jenna had on them. The Guard was practically dragging the former thief over to the cart when horse and Princess joined them. Maximus joined the Guard in supporting Eugene, the man's arm draped across his broad back. Slowly they made their way over to the others.

The Guard that had gone in after Eugene turned out to be Captain Hektor. And he was giving the man a good piece of his mind. "…that stunt, I have half a mind to throw you back. What in all Hell were you thinking, Rider?!"

"I wasn't…" Eugene managed before going into a coughing fit. It lasted for a full minute. "…obviously. But Capt., I'm disappointed…" More coughing. "I thought you said… You wouldn't even piss on me if I was on fire…" He coughed again as he tried to grin. "You do care."

Captain Hektor twisted his lips and gave Eugene a very sour look. He opened his mouth to say something, glanced at the orphans, and then obviously changed what he was about to say. "Screw off, Rider. Now get out of here. All of you." He gave Eugene another glare before stomping off.

Rapunzel took the Captain's place as she and Maximus got Eugene over to the cart. Those not yet in the cart climbed in, Jessica handing Luke up to one of the others before going around to the front to get into the driver's seat herself. As she picked up the mules' reins, she looked around for her brother who she hadn't seen since he and the other two older boys went to join the bucket lines. It took a moment of scanning the lines before she spotted him.

In that way that only another set of twins could truly understand, Jason sensed her and looked up from passing a bucket to meet Jessica's eyes. The two didn't even have to speak or do anything. He just gave a brief nod and turned to take the next bucket of water coming down the line. Jessica breathed a sigh of relief. Jason understood that she was taking the others up to the palace and that he should bring Mark and Johnny with him once the fire was out. With a click of her tongue, she got the mules, which seemed grateful to be getting away from the fire and smoke, moving and the cart turned to make the long climb up the hill to the palace. She barely even noticed that Maximus had stayed behind as well.

Once they got free of the crowds, the ride back went smoothly. And silently for the most part. The motion of the cart had managed to put the two babies to sleep despite the frightful events they had just endured. The other orphans were quiet as well, though when Jessica had looked over her shoulder, she saw that many of them had tear streaks on their smudged faces. Rapunzel sat near the end of the cart with Luke huddled against her on one side and a baby still in her arms. Eugene was stretched out with his head on Rapunzel's lap. It looked like he may have passed out and Jessica hoped it was only due to the smoke he had inhaled while trying to rescue people.

There was one other sound besides the dull clop of the mules' hooves. The Princess was humming softly. Jessica didn't recognize the tune, but whatever it was, it sounded a little haunting.

Finally they reached the palace gates. The Guards that were still at their posts there challenged her, but all it took to gain entry was Jessica identifying that the Princess was part of the group in the cart. Only once they were inside did the Guards throw fits over the orphans being there as well.

"Well, where else are they supposed to go?" Jessica argued, not even bothering to hide her annoyance at the Guard's obtuseness. "Their home just burned down!"

"They cannot stay here…" the Gate-Guard started to stay when he was interrupted.

"Yes they can." boomed the King as he and Queen Rosalie came down the stairs to the Great Balcony. The Queen was several steps ahead of her husband as they came over to the cart.

The Princess's voice was thick with tears as she cried, "Ma! Da!"

"Rapunzel!" The Queen rushed around the end of the cart to where her daughter was sitting. She reached up to cup Rapunzel's cheek. "What happened, dear? We could see the fire from here, but…" Quickly, Jessica and Rapunzel both explained what had happened down in the city from the moment they had left the forest and saw the smoke. Queen Rosalie and King Franklin listened attentively.

Finally, once they were finished the Queen gave the orphans a kindly smile. "Well, let's get you all inside and settled for the night. Frankie, help Rapunzel with Eugene." She said to her husband as she took the baby from Rapunzel's arms.

Just as the King touched the man's arm to lift him up, Eugene opened his eyes. "I'm awake, I'm awake." He wheezed.

"Eugene!" Rapunzel cried. Then her tone turned scolding. "You gave me such a fright!"

"Sorry 'bout that, Blondie." He replied as he sat up on his own and coughed. "I'm fine now. No worries."

King Franklin gave Eugene a mock severe look. "Judging by the sound of that cough, I would beg to differ. Come on then. We'll get you inside so the doctor can have a look at you." He took Eugene's arm and draped it across his shoulders so the man could lean on him if need be. Eugene looked like he was about to protest but thought the better of it after getting a rather stubborn look from Rapunzel.

"Tris too, your Majesty." Jessica spoke up suddenly, remembering the teen's burned arm. Tris lifted his head and looked startled at the suggestion. The King merely looked at her and nodded.

"Of course." He looked at his wife. "Rosalie you'll see to that, won't you?"

Queen Rosalie nodded, shifting the baby to her hip. "I think that the doctors should have a look at all of you. Come on, all of you." She motioned for everyone to get out of the cart. Rapunzel was the first and the Queen touched her arm gently. "Go with your father, dear. You're the only one Eugene really listens to and I would bet that he'll try to give Doctor Morrison trouble." Rapunzel nodded and joined the King in helping Eugene to walk into the palace.

A set of stable hands came for the mules and cart as Jessica and the orphans climbed out. A part of her wanted to go with her mistress, but a larger part realized that, at the moment, she was the only other person present that the other knew. And she felt that she couldn't just abandon them among strangers. Most of the younger ones looked scared enough as it was. Queen Rosalie beckoned to them as she turned and headed back into the palace.

Very soon the little group was settled in a set of suites just down the hall from where Eugene's rooms were. One of the other palace doctors came by to check everyone over. The five children that had gone out for a day in the snow were fine other than a couple of light bruises, the kind any child picks up during play. The two baby girls were fine other than having breathed in some of the smoke. Tris had suffered second degree burns on his arm and Luke, it turned out, had one as well on one leg. The end of Jenna's hair had been singed a little, but nothing more serious. Mae managed to avoid any injury.

The Queen had a meal of hearty stew sent up from the kitchens and left orders for the orphans to tuck in and then get some sleep. Jessica's own mother came to take the babies with her to look after. Theresa Harrow had plenty of experience with babies after all. Besides her own two children, she was a sort of extended mother/aunt/grandmother to many of the other children of the palace servants. Once everyone was settled (the girls in one suite of rooms and the boys in another across the hall), Jessica left them.

But instead of going to her own room, for she was very tired, Jessica decided that she would wait up for her brother and the other two orphans to return. She found another coat, since hers was still with Mae, and went out to stand on one of the walls overlooking the road leading to the palace. That way she would be able to see the others coming.

It was a long wait. Jessica huddled in her coat and blew on her hands to warm them as the moon rose higher and higher in the sky. Finally at nearly midnight, the sounds of approaching hoof beats and boots could be heard. Jessica leaned over the edge of the wall to see that indeed it was the Guards on fire-detail returning. And Jason, Mark, and Johnny were with them.

She flew down the stairs from the wall and ran to meet her brother. She threw her arms around Jason in a brief hug, not even caring about the smell of smoke coming from his clothing, before doing the same to the other two boys. Once that was done she looked between the three and opened her mouth to ask if Sisters Ester, Marion, and Agatha (not to mention the last two orphans) had made it out okay.

Before she could speak though, Jason caught her eyes. His were shadowed and he gave the briefest of headshakes as he glanced away. Jessica brought a hand up to her lips in horror. That could only mean one thing.

The fire had taken them.

She looked at Mark and Johnny sadly. "I'm so sorry." She whispered.

Both teens didn't really respond. They just glanced at her with similar strained expressions.

"Come on." Jessica said after a moment of silence between the four of them. "Jason can show you where the baths are and then you should get some sleep."

Jason gave her a weak smile and motioned to the others. "She's right. Come on." Slowly the three headed into the palace, Jessica trailing behind them.

All Jessica could think about at that moment was what was going to happen to these orphans now.