Disclaimer: I own nothing. It all belongs to Disney, like half the world does.

"Flower, gleam and glow,
Let your power shine.
Make the clock reverse,
Bring back what once was mine,
What once was mine..."

Rapunzel's soft, sweet voice reached her mother's ears and Gothel sighed silently. The golden strands that she held between her fingers started to glow and she felt their magic coursing through her very bones, the tingling that heralded the return of her youth. Gone would be any gray hairs that had dared to mar her raven locks; vanished were the lines that had previously creased her skin; farewell to the aches and pains of old age. She was young again, beautiful, and all thanks to the child seated before her.

The locks of gold ceased to glow, rousing Gothel from her thoughts and back to the moment at hand. Rapunzel remained seated on the stool before her, compliantly allowing the woman she knew as her mother to continue brushing her hair. Her head had turned slightly, however, and she peered up at Gothel with her large green eyes.

"What is it, Rapunzel?" She inquired upon noticing the child's gaze, still running the brush gently over the silky locks. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, Mommy," Rapunzel responded, starting to shake her head but then thinking better of it.

"Then what is it?"

The child lowered her gaze, responding quietly in a slight lisp, "You always look so pretty."

A tiny smile tugged at the corners of Gothel's mouth. "Thank you, flower," she said, pausing in the brushing to press a kiss to the top of Rapunzel's head, nuzzling her hair a little with her cheek as she did so. "It's a wonderful favor you do for Mother. Keeping her healthy, alive, and fit as a fiddle. I would so hate to leave you all alone in this cruel world."

"If I keep on doing it, will you stay with me forever, Mommy?" Was Rapunzel's innocent request, looking back up at her mother again.

"Of course, pet," Gothel replied smoothly, running her hand along the child's golden waves. "Mother will always be here. Always."